Dear God, I Hate Myself

Released in 2010, Dear God, I Hate Myself represents a pivotal shift for Xiu Xiu, moving away from the organic, avant-folk leanings of previous works toward a starker, chiptune-influenced sound. This transition was largely facilitated by the use of the KORG DS-10 software on the Nintendo DS, which provided the album's signature brittle, 8-bit percussion and synth lines. It also marked the debut of Angela Seo, whose influence on the band's visual and sonic identity became foundational. Produced by Jamie Stewart and Greg Saunier of Deerhoof, the record balances pop accessibility with experimental noise. Lyrically, Stewart moves deeper into confessional territory, referencing specific cultural touchstones like South Park's Butters Stotch while tackling heavy themes of eating disorders and racial identity. It remains one of the most polarizing yet essential entries in their catalog, defining the 'post-Caralee' era of the band.