Bishop Allen just shot over the video for “Dimmer” off of their Dead Oceans release, Grrr.
Previously posted mp3′s:
Bishop Allen – The Ancient Commonsense of Things
Video: Bishop Allen – Dimmer
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bishop allen
There are many nights when a dance party emerges in my kitchen after chicken nuggets and peas. My two year old twins and my 4.5 year old have been known to get down to the Joos, The White Stripes and very recently we had a stunning performance to Crooked Rain.
One disc that always seemed to find its way into mix was Bishop Allen’s The Broken String. Listening to that album just always seems to put a smile on my face. The indie pop displayed on The Broken String was so refreshing that I just never grew tired of it like so many of their contemporaries. Well Bishop Allen’s latest release Grrr… is all that and a bag a chips. Songwriters Justin Rice & Christian Rudder have once again crafted a delightful collection of 13 tunes full of clever lyrics, unique arrangements and top notch production. Chances are taken throughout the disc and Bishop Allen steps up to meet the challenge at every turn.
Tough to pick a favorite on Grrr… as it seems to change on every listen. At first it was “Oklahoma,” an upbeat ditty that makes me want to bounce around the house. Next up is “The Ancient Commonsense of Things” that combines the best lyrics on the disc as well some stunning xylophone work . Currently “The Lion & The Teacup” is the leader in the clubhouse. It has the same Latin flavor that “Castanets” had on The Broken String.
Some people go head over heels for bands that are genre-bending and defining new types of music. But give me a band that consistently writes near-perfect pop tunes any day of the week. Bishop Allen are writing some of the best tunes out there today. Songs that stay with you. Songs that become a part of you.
Website | MySpace | Dead Oceans
Bishop Allen – The Ancient Commonsense of Things
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Bishop Allen just tossed out a couple new tracks from their upcoming album entitled Grrr. Look for the album on March 10th via Dead Oceans.
If you’re wondering why there’s a general lack of creativity out of me this week, it’s because I’m still recovering from Drinking Buddy’s bachelor party in Tahoe. The cobwebs should clear in a couple days so, until then, bear with me and enjoy some indie-pop tunes below.
Bishop Allen – The Ancient Commonsense of Things
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After a long frigid weekend, I ventured downtown to Schubas to catch quite a trifecta of acts. While the other lineups at Schuba’s Tomorrow Never Knows series didn’t inspire me, it was quite convenient for them to line up the three bands I wanted to see on the same night – Tulsa, The Donkeys and Bishop Allen
First up was Tulsa led by Carter Tanton. Their last EP, I Was Submerged, has been in steady rotation for quite some time. They have been busy recording the debut LP in Chicago and I was hoping to hear some new tunes sprinkled with some of old favorites. Other than “Breathe Thin,” the rest of the set was all new stuff and it did nothing to defuse my anticipation for the upcoming release. Unfortunately it isn’t coming out until August, but we’re working on getting the band in for a session sometime soon.
Next up were San Diego’s The Donkeys. I picked up their Dead Oceans debut last year and that album has become quite the creeper. At first I thought it to be a good listen; solid but unspectacular. I’ve since found myself consistently reaching for it and it’ll be the perfect album for my trip to Cabo this week. In spite of having a drummer that sings (its an unfair prejudice, but I am up front about it), it was good set.
Finally, it was Bishop Allen who made barely made it after a 12 hour trek from Toronto. Due to the late arrival, the transition was a bit delayed and led to me leaving before the end of the set. I’m old. It was a school night. Before I split, they banged out “Castanets,” “Click and Monitor”and several new tunes that immediately shot their new LP high up on my ’09 anticipated releases.
The Donkeys – Walk Through a Cloud
Bishop Allen – Click Click Click
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