No One Does it Like You :: Department of Eagles (BONUS POST)

I know this week's post is supposed to be for a whole album - I will post that yet this week, I promise! But this is a supplemental post I meant to put up a few weeks ago - it was almost done, so I couldn't help but post it. And besides, I've been a slacker and haven't posted in a couple weeks, so I owe ya'll a post or three. Stay tuned for another post - it will be in keeping with the developing theme of high school albums of choice...and it will be doozy, I promise.

Moving on...I'm in love with Department of Eagles. I haven't felt this strong a reaction to a band in a long time. I've found my winter romance.

Department of Eagles is a Brooklyn-based duo, Dan Rossen of Grizzly Bear fame and Fred Nicolaus. According the band's website, the two were freshman year roommates at NYU, and started making music and collecting sound snippets. In 2003, they released their debut album The Cold Nose. Dan went on to join the band Grizzly Bear, and Fred got a job. But the two continued making music together, and just released In Ear Park in October.

THis song rocks. The whole album rocks. Reminiscent of Grizzly Bear (for obvious reasons), with some Dr. Dog moments and some very poppy Beatles moments as well. And a lot of something all their own. Love it, love it!

I meant to post this a few weeks ago, and I've been playing the album constantly since then. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. My favorite new find of the year, bar none. Thanks to my friend Chris for introducing me.

Click HERE to link to their media page on their website, and check out this tune and others!


Want more? Check out...
*the always satisfying Blogotheque (http://www.blogotheque.net/article.php3?id_article=3604)
*their sweet session on Daytrotter (FREE DOWNLOADS, FRIENDS!!!! http://www.daytrotter.com/article/1459/department-of-eagles).
*their myspace ( http://www.myspace.com/deptofeagles )
*their website (http://www.departmentofeagles.com/)

XOXO
Kim

Knife :: Grizzly Bear

Keeping on the "bear" theme I started last week with Panda Bear, I have selected a Grizzly Bear tune for today: "Knife". Roar!

The twist?

Today we have one song, four ways: one original, one upbeat electropop cover, one experimentally ambient cover, and one hip hop infused remix.

I love finding/seeing/hearing/experiencing reinterpretations of things I dig. Appropriation, darling! We all do it, and when done cleverly, it can be fun and exciting. It can also be horrifying. But these reinterpretations all made me really pleased.

Let's start at the beginning. Grizzly Bear is a band out of Brooklyn. Although they've been around for years, I was just formally introduced to them a few months ago. This song is off their album Yellow House (2006), passed to me by my dear friend Amy. I already knew "Knife"; it is kind of an ubiquitous track. But listening to it on the album, it struck me differently and has become one of my current favorites. Then, I came across the cover by CSS. Turns out that this cover is featured on Grizzly Bear's EP Friend (2007), along with another one by Atlas Sound. Two solid, band approved covers? Holy buckets. Then, I came across a remix by Girl Talk. Oh, Girl Talk! Girl Talk rocks me...and so does this remix.

Okay, without further adieu, let the journey begin! Though I'm tempted to indulge myself, I'm going to save you a lengthy analysis of each one. Explore the similarities, intersections, and digressions for yourself, and enjoy the trip.

Lyrics:
i want you to know
when i look in your eyes
with every blow
comes another lie

you think its alright
you think its alright
you think its alright
you think its alright

can't you feel the knife?
can't you feel the knife?
can't you feel the knife?
can't you feel the knife?

The original by Grizzly Bear:

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The cover by CSS:

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The cover by Atlas Sound (I can't really get enough of this one):

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The kickin' Girl Talk remix (love it! brilliant!):

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How much fun was that?

Sunshine, ponies, and lollipops,
Kim