Kevin Barnes' seventh Of Montreal album continues in his traditional vein of toying and teasing our memories of '60s pop, fed through whichever other fad or fashion most appeals to him at the time. In this instance, it's "21st century ADD electro-cinematic avant disco," which is a deliciously protracted way of saying quirky rhythms, lush harmonics, and a warm spot on the same side of the bed that the Polyphonic Spree occasionally share. The most deceptive angle to the album probably has to do with the titles -- it's unlikely whether the most obtuse mind could ever imagine tapping its toes to something called "Wraith Pinned to the Mist (And Other Games)," while "Forecast Fascist Future" simply shouldn't sound like a British Beach Boys, pebble-dashed with Ray Davies' finest harmonic daydreams, and then piped into a nursery where the infant Frank Zappa lays sleeping. Elsewhere, "Our Spring Is Sweet, Not Fleeting" may be little more than a minute long, but you live through great swathes of Rosemary's Baby while it's playing. To harp on about the "obvious" precedents that aging ears can pick out of Of Montreal's sonic stew, however, is to overlook all that is so savagely entertaining about their music (plus, it makes them sound like a High Llamas tribute band, which is unfair as well). Rather, Sunlandic Twins is an album to leave playing while you're going about your daily business. Then see how quickly you discover its 13 tracks burrowing so deeply into your skull that it's as though you'd lived with its jerking, burbling, and never less than transcendental swirlings for ever.
now, this is of course subjective, and if you like one of these bands, more power to ya, but kamille and i were talking today, and we noticed another one of those weird music trends.there are basically no good bands named after specific geographic locations.for instance, *boston*. or *chicago*. or *kansas*. or *berlin*. or *alabama*. or *america*. or *texas* (who, bizarrely, are from scot...
More >
I had my back turned on my computer and it started what I thought to be an early Beatles track I'd never heard. I turned to find out why I didn't recognize the song and it turned out to be Of Montreal with "The Actor's Oppobrium"? What?What does this mean? I got pwned by my own music collection!
More >
Well, I made it to Oregon alive; however, I'd have to say I found the real challenge to be making it back in one piece. But I am in fact back. I'm a bit worn out, but believe that is a true sign of a kick ass trip: when your very body reaches the point when it can't handle all that you're taking in, well, that's how you know you've got yourself a winner.Vacation, from Latin vacātiō, vacātiōn
More >
I had my back turned on my computer and it started what I thought to be an early Beatles track I'd never heard. I turned to find out why I didn't recognize the song and it turned out to be Of Montreal with "The Actor's Oppobrium"? What?What does this mean? I got pwned by my own music collection!
More >
now, this is of course subjective, and if you like one of these bands, more power to ya, but kamille and i were talking today, and we noticed another one of those weird music trends.there are basically no good bands named after specific geographic locations.for instance, *boston*. or *chicago*. or *kansas*. or *berlin*. or *alabama*. or *america*. or *texas* (who, bizarrely, are from scot...
More >
Well, I'll be leaving for a two week VACAY in Amsterdam in about five days. First time out the country. I'm very excited. Can't wait for all the legal weed. The red light district. And of course the Euro-babes.And yet, all I can research is which bands are going to be touring in Europe while I'm over there.Luckily for me. Grizzly Bear, Bloc Party, AND Of Montreal are doing a leg of their ...
More >
Extension of my last post - Another Of Montreal tune for your enjoyment...
More >
If there is one band I got to know a little too late in the game, Of Montreal would be it, regrettably I learned of them only in late 2004/early 2005. I have only had these past two years to bask in their harmonious electro-rock-pop glory. Love them so much I handed our wedding DJ a disc with all their tracks on it and made sure he put that on heavy rotation during the reception. I absolute...
More >
So hey, this seems pretty cool. I like blogging; I like music. What's that, you say? The heretofore static boundary between the two has been irrevocably blurred by savvy folk keen enough to notice that the same hand that presses the play button on an iPod could tap on a keyboard? Genius. So I joined. I like music a lot. Maybe too much. I used to argue all the time with my ex-boyfriend a...
More >
Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "The Sunlandic Twins")
