via Welikeit.indie
Yes, I still remember when the Walkmen performed at the Bait Shop on The O.C.. But, I don’t hold that against them. Regardless of how bad that show was (and how I watched two seasons of it anyway), it is undeniable that The O.C. featured some pretty good music, including Sufjan Stevens, Stars, and Of Montreal. The Walkmen have come a long way since their sophomore effort, Bows + Arrows, which I frankly didn’t love. You & Me was an album that I didn't expect to like, but I was hooked after a couple listens through the entire thing. Every time I listen to a track off this album, I immediate long to have been young during a different decade (possibly the 50's). Although the album was released online in July, I didn't start listening to it until late August/early September. Thanks for turning me onto the Walkmen again, David Chang.
The Walkmen play the Brooklyn Masonic Temple tomorrow night with the Dodos. The only show I’d attended at this venue was TV on the Radio, and the sound system/acoustics were awful. Seems like I'm not the only one to complain about the place.
Listen to my favorite tracks off You & Me here.
Canadian Girl - The Walkmen
The Blue Route - The Walkmen
Other Top of 2008 Albums:
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
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 15, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: You & Me
September 4, 2008
The Walkmen - "On the Water" & "Donde Esta La Playa"
via only angels have wings
I'd never really caught onto the Walkmen hype back in 2004 when they released Bows + Arrows, off which "Little House of Savages" is probably the most well-known track (Thank you, The O.C.). As a bright-eyed freshman in college, I had no idea who the Walkmen were or why I should be excited about their being the main act for our fall concert. Was it because one of the members was an alum? Possibly. Given that I lived on the 13th floor and my room faced the quad, where the stage was located, I didn't even have the desire to leave my room. I watched part of the concert from my room, and I was unimpressed. I'm sure the terrible acoustics were mainly the reason why the sound was unpleasant, but my friends who were actually physically at the stage also did not think much of the Walkmen.
Besides a few songs here and there, the Walkmen had pretty much left my mind. But, a couple weeks ago, I was compelled to download their new album, You & Me. Their favorable review by P4K made me curious, so I went ahead and gave the album a listen. I've been overwhelmed by a lot of new releases lately, so I didn't really pay attention, but I thought a few tracks were pretty good.
It wasn't until I had dinner at Momofuku Ko did I give the Walkmen another thought. Chef David Chang is not only known for his inventive dishes, but he also has some good taste in music. The atmosphere that he creates at Ko with his music almost mirrors that of Babbo, where I experienced eating 3-star (NYTimes) food to the tunes of Guns 'n Roses. David Chang will even be a guest curator for Merge Records' 20th anniversary compilations. So, during the nearly 3-hour dinner, I was attentively listening to the music, which included not one, but TWO songs by the Walkmen. "Little House of Savages" was not a surprising choice, nor was "Louisiana." With so much of the Walkmen in my head, I went home and gave You & Me another go.
For me, "On the Water" and "Donde Esta La Playa" are the standout tracks off You & Me. There is a dreamy, flashback quality to these songs. If I could use "vintage" to describe music, that's exactly the word I would use for these songs. They seem to be of a different era, but there is a very familiar quality to the music.
The Walkmen were recently featured on Pitchfork.tv, with live performances and interviews. "In the New Year" is incredible to watch, and I've posted it below. I feel like the lead singer was overexerting himself to the point of losing consciousness in the video. No NYC show dates yet, but let's keep our fingers crossed. Enjoy!
Note: I'm in the process of finding out what file services are compatible with Hype Machine
On the Water - The Walkmen | Alternative Link
Donde Esta La Playa - The Walkmen | Alternative Link
Louisiana - The Walkmen
