 | Tracklist:
1. Southern Point
2. Two Weeks
3. All We Ask
4. Fine for Now
5. Cheerleader
6. Dory
7. Ready, Able
8. About Face
9. Hold Still
10. While You Wait for the Others
11. I Live With You
12. Foreground
| Ranking: #148 for 2009 | |
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On 147 Lists
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| Summary: Veckatimest works like a cash-back bonus, the more you give in to it, the grander the return. |
Three years ago, Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear opened a window to their harmony-laced folk prowess with their sophomore release. Yellow House combined a heart-warming, cozy album with an eerie undertone to form an immaculate record. Since then, there have been only a few hints as to the composition of Veckatimest, other than the Friend EP and their shining track on the Dark Was The Night compilation. Let's just say that any expectations have been met.
Grizzly Bear cater to more than just the indie rock faithful; their sound is meant for admirers of music -- those who appreciate the ability to transform folk music into an elegantly bounded book. Take “Southern Point,” which opens Veckatimest with the brilliance of Yellow House’s “On A Neck, On A Spit,” albeit a step craftier, bolder, and mesmerizing. Chugging like a steam engine, “Southern Point” whisks listeners with intricate guitar work and some of their heaviest segments to date. Grizzly Bear have always been noted for their lush harmonies and polarizing musical sections, and the folk-pop ballad “Two Weeks” delivers a perfect compliment to their style. Piano chords drive “Two Weeks” as the track effortlessly floats behind blissful hymns. Two tracks in and it’s clear that Veckatimest is extraordinary.
While the album may occasionally appear to drag, it was never meant to be uptempo; rather, Grizzly Bear intended to maintain a steady, balanced pace. “Fine For Now” slowly builds with alternating breaks among harmonies and instruments until the finale encapulsates everything into a big bang. This moment is where Grizzly Bear seize their niche of being simple and complex in the same breath. Take any track from “Ready, Able” to “I Live With You” and you will be able to identify one specific, unique characteristic that makes Veckatimest the noble gem that it is. ‘While you wait for the others/ to make it all worthwhile/ all your useless pretentions/ are weighing on my time’ begins “While You Wait For The Others,” in a rather inspiring cynical anthem of just not giving a fuck anymore. The lyrics mirror the genius of “While You Wait For The Others” by not creating an overwrought message or theme that would otherwise hinder the message. Finally, there is “Foreground,” a track most likely sent from the heavens that plays off Veckatimest as if it were a divine and soothing experience.
Veckatimest works like a cash-back bonus, the more you give in to it, the grander the return. This album envelops Grizzly Bear’s focus and their specific ideation. Realize that Veckatimest will not be a wild ride, but simply a remarkable listen that exceeds all expectations. More than just a personal hurdle, this album will surely rival the other top albums of 2009, which speaks volumes considering the other quality releases this year. Have patience with Veckatimest, for there is time, so much time.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 3.5
I have a feeling this will be coming in rather high in my year-end list.
Digging: Love American - Disquiet | | | Album Rating: 3.5
gave this a first listen yesterday and was thoroughly impressed
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can't wait to hear this, completely forgot this was coming out
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album's so good, might even pass mpp as my #1
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Got this after the strength of their song on 'Later' with Jools Holland. I've heard people say this album is a "challenging" listen. I've not found this at all and found it enjoyable and immersing right from the start.
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good review but i dont really like the songs ive heard by them tbh
Digging: Beach House - Bloom
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I do like this record, though I have to say it does drag occasionally. Two Weeks is immaculate though, and Cheerleader is awesome. I dig this.
Digging: Mount Eerie - Clear Moon | | |
I felt this was satisfying on the first listen also... "All We Ask" is amazing.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
haha, wow. this leaked so long ago i had forgotten it hadn't actually come out yet.
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Didn't fully appreciate yellow house until recently, so i might be listening to this on and off up till '09 year end lists
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should i try yellow house first? or this? or perhaps horn of plenty
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
^ Yellow House -- it's a perfect balance of 'Horn Of Plenty's meandering yet beautiful post-pop and 'Veckatimest's lighter, chamber pop undertones.
By the way, this review is ace Mr. Flats and the album fucking rules.
Digging: Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music | | | Album Rating: 4.5
your conclusion is boss too...
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
So. Amazingly. Good.
Digging: The Flaming Lips - The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends | | |
this is amazing
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
This is certainly my favourite album this year so far, and if it keeps growing on me it may even make my top 10 of the decade.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
acquiring now. I can't wait to listen to this, I've heard nothing but rave reviews so yay.
Digging: Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself Digging: Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself | | |
album's golden
| | | Album Rating: 4
Great review, album is so good. Will definitely be up there come end of year.
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don't really know how you can not like this...
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