It really came down to this album versus either Animal Collective or Grizzly Bear. While all three albums are great, I gave the edge to Bitte Orca because I found it the most innovative. Animal Collective also have a unique sound but Dirty Projectors are doing things I've never heard any band do before.
Some background: The band has been around since 2002 (but they are new to me) and has had several band configurations over the years, with Dave Longstreth the only permanent member. Longstreth is a Yale musical-composition graduate and an absolute genius. Wait a minute - I've already talked about this. Here, including a couple of samples.
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
This is an album that improved with every listen. When I wrote about it after having had it for about a month (in June) I knew I liked it but it kept getting better throughout the year. It's hard to explain what makes the album so great - it sounds like pretty typical indie rock and probably won't immediately grab you, but keep at it and hopefully you'll get it.
Love this video (Two Weeks):
Interesting live-version of one of my favorite songs on the album (All We Ask):
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
This came out right at the beginning of the year and while it was my first Animal Collective album, I was familiar with the solo work of one of the founding members: Panda Bear. (Not a joke.) His Comfy In Nautica from 2007 was an uneven, but sometimes brilliant, record. So, when I heard that Merriweather was getting a lot of buzz I jumped right on it.
This is also an album that rewards repeated listening, and will not give you everything the first or second time around. For example, the best song on the album (My Girls) doesn't do much until 1:40 into the song:
Not sure what else to say, other than show you another song (Summertime Clothes):
Ok, that's all for today. Antlers, Neko Case and Heartless Bastards to follow...
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