Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Klaatu- Perpetual Motion Machine















Still.

I'm nonplussed by the new Animal Collective album. Its deliberate obtuseness strikes me as a mash up of folk weirdos the Incredible String Band, the arty pretentiousness of a Rick Wakeman solo album and the melodic sense of Klaatu. The latter band, famously, were not the Beatles. Nor were they Electric Light Orchestra or the Moody Blues. Klaatu's body of work, however, is charming precisely because it's more modestly unassuming. "Perpetual Motion Machine," from 1978's Sir Army Suit, is typical. If, by chance, you're not hip to Klaatu, the obvious place to start is "Calling Occupants (Of Interplanetary Craft)," the first track of their first album. Here's a fan video.

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I rarely reveal specific details about my previous life. I'm compelled to mention, however, that as both a former vendor and former employee of a Florida-based concern, I saddened by this news.

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I just can't understand why Kansas City hip hop artist Mon. E.G. didn't include me in his new video. What's Rick Ross have that I don't?

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Kansas City Click: The Good Foot perform at Davey's tonight.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also find Animal Collective boring, but then I feel that way about most of the popular indie-rock bands.

Happy In Bag said...

One of my New Year's resolutions, Muruch, is to find a handful of Pitchfork-approved indie rock bands I can champion. I want to be a lemming, too.

Happy In Bag said...

Obviously, Muruch, you're not a lemming. But they're certainly not hard to find.

brucedene said...

Fleet Foxes, Hercules & Love Affair, Fiery Furnaces. Just off the top of my head.

Happy In Bag said...

I appreciate the tips, BD. But I'm not entirely down with either FF group. I'll investigate Hercules.

There are actually plenty of ostensibly "cool" new rock bands I like- Be Your Own Pet, Los Campesinos!, Kings of Leon, Cold War Kids, Boris Yeltsin, etc.

And, of course, I love all the new traditionalists- Hold Steady, Gaslight Anthem, Dr. Dog, Black Keys, Delta Spirit, etc.

For the past couple years, though, I've been most excited by hip hop, jazz, metal and R&B.

Go figure.

brucedene said...

Note that these are tips on "lemming bands" to avoid. As for ones to pay attention to, I agree re Los Campesinos, who seem to be having a very good time being a band. Also maybe Of Montreal, being as I too have a short attention span.

Happy In Bag said...

Sorry, BD. I'm a dolt.

Of Montreal surprise me often, which is one of the highest compliments a band can be paid.