Well, Deerhunter are swiftly becoming this generation’s Pixies. Bradford Cox may not be the demented wordsmith that Frank Black once was, but there are definitely parallels. It’s not just the lyrical fixation on Biblical violence, the use of dynamics, or the theremin in “Famous Last Words.” It’s the compressed songwriting.
Pop and its investers have always been fond of brevity, especially with radio hits from the 1960s (an era to which Deerhunter owes a great debt). But in the case of the group’s career trajectory, the Rainwater Cassette Exchange EP marks a welcome foray into concision. If Microcastle, which tidied the ambiance of Cryptograms, hinted at discretion, then this release embraces it. There are no interludes, suites or reprises here, just naked songs.
It’s not just shorter song lengths, though. Like Pixies, Deerhunter’s strength isn’t virtuosity, it’s knowing what parts to play, and when. Moses Archuleta’s drumming has never sounded so punchy, so immediate, especially on the EP’s highlight, “Circulation.” The same goes for Josh Fauver and his wonderful melodic bass lines. No song is lost inside effects pedals (though they’re all sticky with delay), and these songs are cleaner because of it. The band, and Cox especially, has discovered that simple can be weird too.
Before I get started today, I gotta give some backstory. One of our lovely readers, @jonodom, challenged anybody and everybody to listen to their entire music library from A-Z. I took up the challenge, as some peeps who follow me on twitter, @codybrom (shameless plug), might already know. Anyways, I was hoping that maybe I’d be able to find a track just based on what I’d heard so far, which amounts to 386 songs totaling just over 24 hours.
And I emerge triumphant with an amazing mashup by Aggro1.
First up, I must admit, I’m not a huge fan of either Kelly Clarkson or The Eagles. But for some reason I’m tempted to go buy entire back catalogs of both artists after this mashup. Clarkson’s vocals are crisp, clear, and unmistakably great. The Eagles smooth guitar work finds a great match with Clarkson’s vocals, and even when the tempo picks up the song holds. I love this song, and would definitely listen in on more.
Everything about this weeks video is downright bizarre. Don’t take that to mean bad, just wanted to forewarn you:
He certainly has an interesting sound (the label referres to it as “Folktronica”) and I am curious to hear what the rest of the album sounds like. Currently he only has an EP out (which features 2 songs and then several remixes of “No Pins Allowed), but he has a new album out on May 26th entitled “Turning Down Water for Air.”
Waxploitation records has just released the second installment of their ongoing benefit series for Darfur. 100% of all profits made on this stellar compilation will go to Doctors Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam America. Each of these three organizations are doing incredible things to help those suffering from the crises taking place in Darfur.
Several of the best indie artists in the business have donated rare and exclusive songs for this great cause. So I encourage you to go to iTunes or Amazon and download these tracks. It is a great way to get some new music and love your neighbor at the same time. You should also check out Causes 1, which is also loaded with great artists, such as Bright Eyes, The Shins, Spoon and Death Cab. And if you go to the Causes store, you can buy both albums for just $17.
Tracklist for Causes 2
Black Moth Super Rainbow – Happy Melted City
The Decemberists – After The Bombs (Live Version)
Devendra Banhart – White Reggae Troll
Diplo – Wassup Wassup (Exclusive Samim Remix)
Federico Aubele – Luna y Sol
Gnarls Barkley – Mystery Man
LCD Soundsystem – Starry Eyes Original (Causes Exclusive)
My Morning Jacket – Highly Suspicious (VHS or Beta DJs Remix)
Matthew Dear – When She Don’t Need Me (Causes Exclusive)
Mum – Asleep In A Hiding Place
Neon Neon – I Lust U Feat. Cate le Bon (DJ Eli Escobar Remix)
Richard Swift – Wastin’ M’Time
RJD2 – Wherever
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – It Hurts To Be Alone
Tim & Eric – Petite Feet (Exclusive Devlin & Ghostdad Remix Feat. Sylvia Gordon)
Well, Deerhunter are swiftly becoming this generation’s Pixies. Bradford Cox may not be the demented wordsmith that Frank Black once was, but there are definitely parallels. It’s not just the lyrical fixation on Biblical violence, the use of dynamics, or the theremin in “Famous Last Words.” It’s the compressed songwriting.
