Plants and Animals have been labeled as indie, prog-rock, classic rock, even a jam band. That’s part of the beauty of Plants and Animals. They defy labels and slapping a genre on them is an exercise in futility. Their albums are a series of quests within one epic journey. Nothing is straight-forward and most tunes have the feel of a suite as opposed a rock tune.
Like their previous efforts, the vocals on La La Land are understated and take a back seat to the accompanying music. Downplaying vocals is almost a requirement with such ambitious arrangements. If the vocals were too aggressive, they would clutter the music and lessen the effect of Plants and Animals’ dizzying instrumental prowess.
There are several highlights on La La Land, including American Idol, Kon Tiki, and The Mama Papa. But the track that continues to dig into me is Undone Melody. It’s a sprawling tune that never fully reveals itself, but there’s s some very cool and subtle shit going on. Like most of their songs, there are all sorts of nuances to discover, but this one continues to keep my head spinning.
Plants and Animals are a real treat. With all the twists and turns on the album, you are sure to keep coming back to it time and time again. Parc Avenue and With/Avec are still mainstays in my rotation and La La Land is a healthy addition. The boys will be in Chicago at Lincoln Hall on May 15th.
Plants and Animals’ sophomore album, La La Land, will be released April 20th on Secret City Records. “The Mama Papa” is the first single released the video was just polished and released.
Video: Plants and Animals – The Mama Papa
The band’s SxSW appearances are below:
Wed. 3/17 – 6:20 PM @ Brush Square (Across from Hilton) – Canadian Blast BBQ
Thu. 3/18 – 1:50 PM @ Lovejoy (604 Neches at 7th St.) – Pop Montreal Party w/ Diamond Rings, Basia Bulat
Thu. 3/18 – 4:30 PM @ Emo’s Annex (603 Red River) – Soundcheck Magazine party w/ The Besnard Lakes
Fri. 3/19 – 9:00 PM @ Antone’s (213 West 5th Street) – Official Billions Showcase w/ Shearwater, Liars
Sat. 3/20 – 2:25 PM @ Emo’s Annex (603 Red River) – Under The Radar Party w/ Vivian Girls, The Veils and more
Sat. 3/20 – 3:45 PM @ Galaxy Room (506 E. 6th St.) – Brooklyn Vegan/M for Montreal Party w/ Local Natives, Andrew WK, Roky Erikson & Okkervil River and more
HearYa and Internet Explorer were in a pissing match for most of the day yesterday. For those readers that use that glorious browser, you may have had some trouble reading yesterday’s post. We corrected the bug – my apologies.
We’re back at it and almost done with our best albums of 2008. At the very end, I’ll post the complete list in its entirety along with all of the mp3′s.‚ It’s been kind of quiet out there. How we doing so far? Feel free to let us know if our collective head is up our collective ass.
At times wonderfully complex, at others beautiful in its simplicity.
Video: Plants and Animals – Feedback In The Field
12. The Felice Brothers – Self Titled (our review)
This is great American music the way it was meant to be played – slicked back, brash, and soaked in scotch. How can you not love the lyrics: “I left my blue-eyed lady and went with Tony Mercedes to the gambling ring. I lost my diamond watch, but in the parking lot I took it back again.”
They churn out great tunes like a machine. “Lord I’m Discouraged” is one of the best tracks of the year.
15. O’Death – Broken Limbs, Hymns and Skin (our review)
Fiddle-led chaos. Imagine listening to The Foggy Bottom Boys lit on fire after drinking half a bottle of grain alcohol. Is it for everybody? No. But give it a chance.
16. The Moondoggies – Don’t Be A Stranger (our review)
The Moondoggies are The Band, the Dead, and Little Feet rolled into one. “Changing” is one of my favorite songs of the year and this Seattle band shows huge promise.
Dead Confederate have a great shot for mainstream‚ success. They have an emotional delivery that will have you thinking of Nirvana or early Radiohead – think “Creep.” Their sound deserves to be heard in an arena.
