Here We Go Magic
Department of Eagles
It's really astounding that the two bands that I saw tonight have performed only a handful of live shows together with their respective members. When Department of Eagles, a favorite of mine since I saw them at their album release show, announced another New York show, I decided to go without a second thought. Then, about two weeks ago, I found out that one of my newest obsessions, Here We Go Magic, was opening for DOE. Needless to say, I freaked out a little at my desk at work when I learned of this news.
Although Luke Temple is a regular performer and even played a solo set at Le Poisson Rouge last Friday, this Bowery Ballroom show was only the third show that Here We Go Magic had ever played together. Even if that were the case, I couldn't tell by the polish of their set. I'd been wondering how Here We Go Magic's sound would translate onto the stage, especially since there are some electronic-ish instrumental tracks on the forthcoming debut album. Basically, Here We Go Magic skipped the instrumental tracks and played songs that were more like "Fangela" and "Tunnelvision" (Listen to the songs here). I thought they would do some strange experimental stuff onstage, but they were more like a band that plays real instruments. And, they sounded absolutely amazing. With the support of a full band, the live Here We Go Magic sounded much warmer and richer. Now, when I listen to the recorded album, I feel like I'm missing quite a bit of depth. If you have a chance, GO SEE THIS BAND. And, if you're curious, they do have more songs that are not on their upcoming self-titled, and they performed them at the Bowery.
After Here We Go Magic, Department of Eagles took the stage for what was something like their fifth show ever. Daniel Rossen kicked off the set on the banjo with "Balmy Night," a song that makes me want to buy the instrument and learn to play. As Fred and the rest of the band joined Daniel, I noticed that Chris Taylor was once again missing. Someone named Matt or Max (I think) filled in on the bass. Does anyone know what his name was? I almost want to assume that he must be involved in a Grizzly Bear-related project since the last bassist, Nat Baldwin, was once a member of the Dirty Projectors. Anyway, DOE played two new songs, one of which was only two weeks old. Each piece involved the looping of Daniel's voice, and it was an experience to hear and watch him build his own harmonies. But, my favorite moment of the night was when Daniel and Fred performed a beautiful guitar-only version of "Sailing by Night" (Listen here). I have a particular weak spot for that song, and I can't help but swoon every time I hear it performed live. No JoJo's "Too Little, Too Late" or "Deep Blue Sea," which is now a Grizzly Bear song, but I was still happy to have seen this talented band again.
And, yes, Ed Droste was in the audience.
Here We Go Magic
Department of Eagles
1997 (Daytrotter Session) - Department of Eagles | Alternative Link
Ahab - Here We Go Magic | Alternative Link
January 20, 2009
Here We Go Magic, Department of Eagles - Bowery Ballroom 01.19.09
December 21, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: In Ear Park
via Department of Eagles
Department of Eagles' In Ear Park is the year's best album to accompany a session of reminiscing, for better or for worse. It was appropriately released in the fall since I very much associate the album with that particular season. Besides the fact that I listened to it a lot in the last couple months, something about In Ear Park invokes images (and memories) of autumn foliage. Or, maybe it's that album cover.
Supposedly the band's only pop song, "No One Does It Like You" is one of my favorite songs of the year. It never fails to make me smile, at least a little bit. Another favorite, "Waves of Rye" reminds me of the electric version of Grizzly Bear's "Little Brother," another great song. Sometimes I almost expect "Waves of Rye" to transition into "Little Brother," mid-song. Can't wait for the upcoming GB album.
If you missed DOE's shows this past year, go see them at Bowery Ballroom on January 19. Details here. Maybe Daniel Rossen will bust out "Deep Blue Sea" at that one. I can only hope...
Past post on Department of Eagles's record release show here.
No One Does It Like You - Department of Eagles
Waves of Rye - Department of Eagles
Other Top Albums of 2008:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
October 6, 2008
Department of Eagles - The Bell House 10.06.08
via iamtheeric
Beautiful. I had a stupid grin on my face the entire time. Department of Eagles had their record release show tonight at The Bell House, and I was lucky to get a ticket at the last minute (Thanks, Jason!). As you may know, DOE is another project of Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen. Along with Dan is his NYU roommate, Fred Nicolaus. Chris Bear and Chris Taylor, both from Grizzly Bear, also contributed to the new DOE album, In Ear Park. Despite all the Grizzly presence, DOE is not Grizzly Bear, minus Ed Droste, plus Fred Nicolaus. Well, musically speaking, anyway. To me, DOE's music has a very romantic, nostalgic quality. While listening to their music, I usually picture an old reel of my childhood. My idealized childhood, that is.
The night opened with Nat Baldwin, an experimental double bass artist from Maine. After his bit, he came back on with DOE as the bassist (Where was Chris Taylor? I didn't see him at all). As expected, Department of Eagles played plenty of material from In Ear Park, including "No One Does It Like You," which they said was their only "pop song." My personal favorite was "Sailing by Night," the first Department of Eagles song I had ever heard. While this was a release show for the new album, DOE whipped out a few pleasant surprises. They played the non-album "1997," which debuted on Stereogum last week. There were two new untitled songs, one of which was dedicated to Ed Droste. Still, the best dedicated song was Dan Rossen's cover of "Too Little, Too Late (JoJo)," the song that he recorded for Ed's birthday last year. It's too bad Dan didn't play "Deep Blue Sea," even though it was requested by the audience. Apparently, it's not something he does, despite that he had done it on a Takeaway Show, as someone pointed out.
By the way, I can't believe Dan Rossen is originally from LA? Says Wikipedia. He certainly has an accent, and I would have guessed Canadian or something. He's certainly not Southern, although the members of Grizzly Bear call him "Jimmy John" whenever he plays his banjo or does anything else that's remotely Southern. Reminds me of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches back home.
In Ear Park is now available for purchase. Department of Eagles will perform again tomorrow for the Revenge of the Bookeaters Benefit.
No One Does It Like You - Department of Eagles
Floating on the Lehigh - Department of Eagles
Sailing by Night - Department of Eagles
