SOUNDTRACK: THE ANTLERS-Live at the Black Cat, Washington DC, May 11, 2009 (2009).
I mentioned that I was uncertain about my appreciation of this band. And I wondered how they would hold up to a longer show. The answer is surprisingly well. The sound quality of this set isn’t great–the levels seem way too loud (not sure if that’s the band or the recording) and I really can’t understand the words, but the music is very moody and evocative and I like it quite a lot.
This set comes from the album Hospice, which is a concept album about a person dying of bone cancer (with lyrics like “they told me that there was no saving you” and song titles like “Kettering”). Earlier descriptions made me think the album was a major drag to listen to– I mean the subject alone is exhausting–but musically it’s a different story. There’s lush strings and interesting guitars. And, at least live, the band can make a holy racket.
I’m a little surprised by the number of keyboard errors in “Atrophy.” I mean an occasional bum note is fine, but there’s a bunch in that track. It’s very weird. But that is made up for by the vocals which are angsty and impassioned, especially on the final song “Cold War.” The NPR site has three tracks available for viewing and I must say that watching the band is more exciting than just listening to them. But I have really gained an appreciation for The Antlers.
Check out the show here.
[READ: December 16, 2012] McSweeney’s #11
This crazy title for this Issue/Post comes because the cover and spine of the book are all text. Indeed, the book is gorgeously bound in black leather(ish) with shiny gold print. Each author gets a summary of his or her work and a note that he or she is free (see each story below).
I did not read Issue #10 yet because it came out as a thrilling paperback, and I’ve been putting it off for a reason even I can’t quite fathom. I anticipate reading that one last. Again, no idea why. In some ways, Issue #11 picks up where Issue #9 left off. There’s lots of text on the cover, there’s letters and everything else that makes it look like McSweeney’s. But as I said this one seems more somehow. It’s the hardcover. And, it’s also the DVD that accompanies the book. I have a hard time believing I’ve owned this book for almost ten years and never watched the DVD but I finally got around to it. More on that soon.
This issue contains letters, fiction, non-fiction and a play that picks up from Issue #9 (more…)
I Just Read About That... 