5.) Wavves. Wavves' self-titled debut is a quirky and interesting record that mashes surf rock with punk and noise-pop for a truly fun listen, particularly when I need a pick-me-up. But a quirky and interesting record does not a legend make, and 2009 was one big shitshow after another for Wavves' 22-year-old front man, Nathan Williams -- who used his newly-founded fame to spin out-of-control again and again, famously breaking down on stage in Barcelona -- then blaming it all on ecstasy, valium and Xanax (like that makes it much better!) If it was all a publicity stunt, then it worked -- the band garnered tons of hype, not to mention a spot on a couple notable "Best of" lists. But -- as local Phreq reporter Trey Shields put it -- "Creating an album in the confines of your bedroom with your trusted 4-track is an admirable thing; however, having to suddenly travel the world to play these tunes night after night may make these existing charms become glaring flaws." Wavves' live show is one giant disaster, which makes me suspicious of any copious praise.
Wavves. (On the brink of destruction?)4.) The Antlers. I hate using the word "boring" (it just sounds so uncultured), but I've given Hospice, the band's debut, several listens...and every time I forget that it's on. Pitchfork compares Hospice to the Arcade Fire's Funeral -- besides the ringing vocals, I don't really see it. Funeral is soaring, thumping and theatrical; Hospice is mopey, sad, and ultimately, non-engaging. And yes, I understand it's really a deeply-emotive and personal concept album about some kid dying in a hospital...but I don't know this kid and I don't care. This does nothing for me.
The Antlers, looking appropriately pensive.3.) The xx. I actually like The xx record. It's one of those that grows on you, and (for now at least) I even have one xx track on my "Best of 2009" mix. ("Basic space" -- the best on the record, in my opinion.) And yet: there is no way (sorry Pitchfork) that this could be considered one of the best albums of the year. It's just...not. Clappy? Yes. Minimalist? Very. But extraordinary? I think not. And what's with this band playing Making Time and everyone freaking out? How do you even dance to this shit?
2.) The Dirty Projectors. Yikes. Here's a band I can appreciate for their artistic merit. Yes, these guys make very artful, very creative, well-constructed albums full of discordant bleeps and angular phrases, that appeal to the elitist in all of us. The thing is: there are very few times when I actually feel like listening to this. Practically never, in fact. And I wonder: do other people actually ENJOY listening to the Dirty Projectors, or do they just pretend they do, because they think it's cool? Maybe I'm just too much of a mainstreamist. I don't deny it.
The Dirty Projectors are good at making artsy records, and taking artsy photographs (photo by Sara Cass)
1.) Grizzly Bear. Oh Grizzly Bear. The big question for me (and my boyfriend Matt, with whom I have pondered this many a time) is: how does a band as abstract as Grizzly Bear -- with its dense instrumentation and atmospheric swirls-- manage to win over the entire music blogosphere, in addition to just about every knowledgeable listener I know? What makes these guys so special? Please tell me. (Actually: don't...many have tried, and I still don't understand.) Earlier this year, I actually procured free tickets to a Grizzly Bear show...and then just didn't go because I didn't feel like it. It's not that I think these guys are BAD, or that I don't like their album (I'm actually quite fond of that "2 weeks" song)...to me, it just seems like nothing particularly special. Feel free to prove me wrong. (I'm not quite sure how you'll do this.)
The few, the grizzled, the...gay? So there you have it. 5 bands I just don't get...and another reason for you to disagree with me. Bring it on, lovers of these bands! I'm ready to go to battle.
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3 comments:
Ok, so I disagree about The xx, as I think it is actually a great record, and one that I have been listening to incessantly. There is nothing particularly flashy or "special" about it, but it is just really good.
As for Dirty Projectors, I actually truly enjoy listening to it, especially through speakers instead of headphones--it's much brighter.
Totally with you on Grizzly Bear. Love about 4 of their songs, the others are just okay.
Also great call on Freelance Whales--I just downloading it and I love it.
Thanks for the support on G.B., Ted. As for the xx...I don't know. i like it, I just don't LOVE it. I think I want my music to have more substance to it...this seems to have so much empty space. (I know, I know...that's kinda the point, but still.)
I'll have to give Dirty Projectors a proper listen (I think I've ONLY listened to this through headphones.) listening to Dirty Projectors, for me, is kinda like listening to Dan Deacon -- it's so much WORK! I can't listen to this and double-task at all, which turns me off a little.
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