HAD's Top Records Of 2009

You didn't think we'd forgotten, did you? Granted, it's New Year's Eve and we're not much for best-of lists. Still, we couldn't help but think that you, dear readers, might just like to know what we had picked as our creme de la creme for the year. So, without further ado, we give you the HAD Best Records of 2009! Happy New Year!

1. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix:
If this entry surprises you, then one of two things is true: either you don't read HAD regularly, or you're just plain not paying attention. We've been drooling over Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix since before it's release, and frankly never stopped. There's no question that 2009 has been Phoenix's year, and we had the pleasure to catch them on the way up. Given that it was three years since their last record, our only disappointment is that we may have to wait just as long for the next one.

2. Kurt Vile – God Is Saying This To You...
Kurt Vile has had a ridiculously prolific year: two full length records and an EP, to be exact. Still, it's this record - the first we heard from Vile - that really stuck with us when push came to shove. God Is Saying This To You... takes hold of all of Vile's strengths, combining them simultaneously into a whole that is greater than its parts. There's atmospheric ambience, pop songwriting, and killer instrumentation. In short, it's a masterpiece that he has yet to best, although we have little doubt that he will.

3. BLK JKS – Mystery EP/After Robots
BLK JKS exploded on our musical consciousness seemingly out of nowhere, offering up a killer blend of sonic influences that is simply unparalleled in the US music scene. Hailing from South Africa, the band has a sound that is unmistakably unique, and moreover, completely exciting. The compositions are loaded with layers of melodies and rhythms, many of which only reveal themselves after repeated listens. We're often searching for sounds that are unfamiliar or unique, and in BLK JKS we found them without question. With the band just having released their first video, we frankly can't wait to see what comes next. (And if you have any question in your mind about what high quality vinyl pressings sound like, pick up the band's Mystery EP. The pressing is a marvel of analog science.)

4. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
It goes without saying that Dave Longstreth has been writing some of the most exciting compositions out there for the better part of a decade. Still, 2009 was the year when he took his game to town, and delivered it to the masses. Assembling a ridiculously tight band for both the studio and the road, Longstreth managed to create a body of compositions that somehow fulfill a ridiculous duality. Not only are they some of the most groundbreaking works of the year, but also somehow unfathomably accessible. Listening to the effortless intricacy makes you realize that there are simply some bands that were meant to push the envelope, and that Dirty Projectors are one of them.

5. Japandroids – Post Nothing
Post Nothing fell upon us like an unexpected breath of fresh air. The record is, quite simply, a balls to the wall, blood on the tracks, heart on the sleeve, rock and roll record. Never mind that it's only two dudes making all that noise, or that they employ an amazingly honest DIY work ethic. The fact of the matter is that this record has some of the most heartfelt lyrical content we've heard in a long time, and that friends, is called soul. "Will be find our way back home? I don't know..." Neither do we, but you can bet we'll be glad to have a Japandroids record for the journey.

6. White Rabbits – It’s Frightening
Talking about this record without mentioning its producer is painfully difficult, especially given how much we love the guy. But it's absolutely necessary, because White Rabbits deserve their moment in the spotlight. Not only did the band create this amazing record, but they backed it up with a painfully bulletproof live show that demonstrated their musical prowess without compromise. It's Frightening is the sort of record that will be stuck in your head for days after you've heard it, and that's definitely a good thing.

7. Julian Casablancas – Phrazes For The Young
No, it's not a Strokes record, but we're okay with that. The fact of the matter is that Julian Casablancas the solo artist manages to create a world that he controls completely, and that means that you're seeing his vision to perfection. The end result is an album that is many things at once: controlled but chaotic, dancey but rock-y, angry but laughable, earnest but sly. In short, Casablancas has managed to take his persona and elevate it to another level, with an album to match. Phrazes takes quite a few listens to truly "get", but once you do, it's every bit as rewarding as any offering from Jules so far.

8. Vetiver – Tight Knit
After releasing a covers record, we were kind of secretly wondering if Vetiver had it in them to follow up the stellar To Find Me Gone. Tight Knit answered that question with a resounding yes: the record is packed to the seams with amazing instrumentation, fantastic songwriting, and killer arrangements. What's more, for a band whose strong suit is subtlety, they manage to deliver a rock solid, upbeat live show. In short, Vetiver has clarified that not only are they here to stay, but they're delivering some of the best sounding records around.

9. Fuck Buttons – Tarot Sport
We were sort of lukewarm on Street Horrsing, so we were pretty surprised when Fuck Buttons delivered a record of this caliber. Quite simply, Tarot Sport manages to take electronica to a new place, and it's one that we're quite happy to be. The pair manage to employ a range of synths and samples to create a sound that is immediately accessible and at the same time totally holds its own against some of the best electronic experimentalists today. It's been a long time since we've been completely won over by a record driven by DJ's, but we're happy to say that Tarot Sport delivers.

10. The Takeover UK – Running With The Wasters
What can we say? We're suckers for amazing pop records, and this one is exactly that. Yes, it's an amalgam of influences, but the fact of the matter is that Running With The Wasters is a record of pure garage rock perfection, with a shiny veneer on top of it all. Sure, we know it's not cool to love a record this clean, but that doesn't change the fact that every time we listen to it the melodies are stuck in our head for days afterward. What's more, the band is a sight to see live, and has the chops to deliver exactly what the record promises. Throw it on, sit back, and relax - this record's about as fun as they get.

Well kids, there you have it - our best of 2009! Now we're off to enjoy a snowy New Year's Even in New York, and we hope you're doing the same, wherever you are. See you next year!

Dirty Projectors To Play Tibet House Benefit?

Dirty Projectors at The Independent, from the HAD Archive

While we don't have official confirmation yet, we do have a rumor from a fairly reliable source that this year's it-kids of art rock, Dirty Projectors, will be playing this year's Tibet House concert at Carnegie Hall.

The concert, which has been occurring yearly since 1989, is usually host to a wide range of musical talents, and can sometimes even result in collaborations amongst them. In our opinion, it's the sort of environment that's perfect for the band's unique cross-genre sound. Not to mention the fact that it'll be in one of the city's finest venues.

We don't have an on-sale date yet, but when it occurs it will be through the Carnegie Hall box office. Consider yourself warned.

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors On Letterman: Video

We know, we know: The hype has reached a fever pitch, and even mentioning Dirty Projectors at this point feels like taking a dip in the pool of indie cliche. The catch is that the band really _is_ that good, and their record really _is_ that fantastic. Which is why we were more than a little psyched to catch them in fine form on Letterman last night.

The girls were all dolled up, the arrangement of "Cannibal Resource" was slightly tweaked, and Dave Longstreth was continuing his gradual transformation into David Byrne circa 1981. But most importantly, the song sounded absolutely killer, and the band nailed the live delivery (as they're wont to do) in every way. All the more reason for you to get out and see them this fall.

Check it out above.

Dirty Projectors Fall 2009 US Dates
Oct 20 Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland
Oct 21 Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 22 Black Cat Washington, DC
Oct 24 Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 25 Nitetown Lafayette, Louisiana
Oct 26 Antones Austin, Texas
Oct 28 Rhythm Room Phoenix, Arizona
Oct 30 North Park Theatre San Diego, California
Nov 1 Bimbo’s San Francisco, California
Nov 3 Aladdin Portland, Oregon
Nov 4 Neumo’s Seattle, Washington
Nov 7 In the Venue Salt Lake City, Utah
Nov 8 Bluebird Denver, Colorado
Nov 9 Granada Lawrence, Kansas
Nov 11 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nov 13 Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois
Nov 14 Opera House Toronto, Ontario
Nov 15 National Montreal, Quebec
Nov 17 Paradise Boston, Massachusetts
Nov 18 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Nov 19 Music Hall of Williamsburg New York, New York
Nov 21 Music Hall of Williamsburg New York, New York
Nov 22 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York

Dirty Projectors: New EP, New York Dates In November

Dirty Projectors @ The Independent, from the HAD Archive

We (and everyone else in the known world, it seems) have been digging on Dirty Projectors' latest Bitte Orca ever since it dropped earlier this year. That being what it is, we were psyched to hear today's news that not only is the band releasing an EP to back the record in Europe, but also that they'll be swinging back through New York for two dates in November.

The EP contains an already-released A-Side of "Temecula Sunrise" and "Cannibal Resource", backed by an unreleased B-Side consisting of "Ascending Melody" and "Emblem Of The World". Given that we've been digging on just about everything from Bitte Orca, including the B-Sides, we're thinking we'll be picking this up as well.

As for the New York dates, they'll be taking place in November after the band swings through Europe for a string of shows. The New York gigs will consist of two appearances, one in Manhattan at the Bowery Ballroom, and one in Brooklyn at Music Hall Of Williamsburg. The shows take place on November 18th and 19th, respectively. Should make for a nice little pre-Thanksgiving treat.

Dirty Projectors Fall 2009 Dates
Sep 09 Maroquinerie Paris, France
Sep 11 End Of The Road Festival Dorset, United Kingdom
Sep 12 Bestival Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom
Sep 13 Scala London, United Kingdom
Sep 16 Whelans Dublin, Ireland
Sep 19 Botanique Brussels, Belgium
Sep 20 Melkweg Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sep 21 Festsaal Kreuzberg Berlin, Germany
Sep 25 Le Printemps de Septembre Festival Toulouse, France
Nov 18 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Nov 19 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Temecula Sunrise

New Dirty Projectors Video: "Stillness Is The Move"

We've made no secret of the fact that we (and, okay, let's be honest, everyone else) are smitten with Dirty Projectors' new record Bitte Orca, so we were psyched to see that the band has dropped a video for the record's lead single, "Stillness Is The Move".

The video (above) was filmed in Vermont, and features a variety of visual oddities, including a llama, semi-medieval costumes, siberian huskies, and Dave Longstreth rotating on a lazy susan. In short, it's loaded with enough eccentricities to be an unquestionable visual compliments to the Projectors' already quirky record. We dig.

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca

For the past seven years, Dave Longstreth has been releasing amazing, difficult, challenging, and inventive records under the moniker of Dirty Projectors. They have run the gamut of musical styles and influences, with arrangements that have varied from complex to simplistic, and recording techniques that have gone from tape deck to crystal clarity. As Longstreth has experimented, his band's sound and identity have slowly taken shape, and seem to have emerged in earnest with 2007's Rise Above.

If Rise Above was the sound of Longstreth emerging from the woods with a band that suited his vision, then the ensuing tour was the result of that band hitting their stride and becoming comfortable as a tightly knit unit. The kudos for their live set have justifiably grown and grown, and so have expectations of the band's next full length. The record is the first real in-studio test of this newly hewn musical unit, and what's more it had the potential to be the realization of Longstreth's toils, both in the studio and on the road, to find his own sound.

Thankfully, the wait is over, and the band's latest fulfills all of this promise, and more. Bitte Orca manages to combine all of Longstreth's quirky melodic and arragement tendencies and wrap them in an oddly accessible package that borders on being avant garde dance music. After hearing this record it should really come as no surprise that the band worked with David Byrne on the Dark Was The Night compilation. While Longstreth in no way apes Byrne's sound, he does do the same thing that Byrne managed with the Talking Heads all through the 80's. Specifically, he takes difficult and edgy musical instincts and pushes them forward in such a way that they're inviting and accessible.

The number of elements that have come together to yield Bitte Orca is remarkable. Longstreth's guitar has taken on new and interesting character and tones, and is a highlight of many of the tracks. The band members, specifically Amber Coffman, have come forth from backing roles to take time in the spotlight. This works marvelously, as they provide a bullet proof contrast to Longstreth's own lilting and often eccentric vocal style. However, more than that, it's also clear that the band has become ridiculously well acquainted musically. The arrangements are (unbelievably) even tighter than those on Rise Above, and manage to take dischord and unify it into intricate instrumental interplay.

All of this being said, it's still worth noting that Bitte Orca is not a simplification of the band's sound. To the contrary: even though it is masterfully deployed and considerably more accessible, it also represents the band's ability to refine their sound and clarify their vision. All of the elements that had previously been present in Dirty Projectors records are present and accounted for. The melodies are as original as any Longstreth has written, and the arrangements make for a record that is as unique as it is brilliant.

So, if you haven't gotten the picture yet, we really love this record. In a world where even the most amazing musicians seem to tip their hats to their predecessors, Dirty Projectors couldn't be more original. They've simply created a sound that is opens up new possibilities, and makes you glad that there's still more music to be made. There's no doubt that this record will encourage its share of copycats, and also bring the band even further into the spotlight. But all that aside, the repercussions of Dirty Projectors' work isn't really what's on our mind. We're far more excited about the new plateau they've found themselves on, and hearing where they go next.

Bitte Orca is out tomorrow, Dirty Projectors are at The Independent July 7th

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors Playing Independent In July, Tickets On Sale Thursday

Picture from the HAD Archive

If you couldn't manage to get yourself a ticket to this weekend's TV On The Radio/Dirty Projectors show at the Fox Theater, or if you just love the Projectors as much as we do, then you'll be psyched to know that the band is planning a headlining tour after they get off the road with TVOTR.

While we haven't been able to discern all of the dates yet, we have gotten word that the San Francisco show will be at The Independent on July 7th. Combine that with the awesomeness of Bitte Orca being released on June 9th, and well, you've got a recipe for a summer of Dirty Projectors goodness.

Tickets go on sale Thursday at 10 AM. Psyched.

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

New Dirty Projectors: "Stillness Is The Move"

Picture from the HAD Archive

The last two times we saw Dirty Projectors, we have to admit, we wouldn't have pegged them for being on the cusp of super stardom. Which is not to say we didn't love them: we did. Their live show is a totally immaculate exploration of crazy rhythms, guitar interplay, and amazing layered vocals. The thing is, we wouldn't have expected that the public's taste would expand drastically enough to embrace such a funky, inventive sound. Apparently that's all about to change.

Already riding the wave of a totally genius collaboration with David Byrne on the Dark Was The Night compilation, the band have now released (via their label, Domino) the first track from their much anticipated new record, Bitte Orca. In true Longstreth fashion, the track is totally divergent from anything on Rise Above, and in fact doesn't feature the frontman on vocals at all. Instead, band member Amber Coffman sings a track that, despite having characteristic Longstreth chords and harmonies, is really something of a mainstream dance track.

On the track, sporadic percussion jumps over a drum machine, while a synth line drones away behind Coffman's sailing vocals. It's really something to hear, and it speaks greatly to Longstreth's continued abilities to innovate and put a new twist on sound. It's very seldom that you hear true innovation, and it's even more seldom that you hear such repeated and pronounced innovation from a single source. Color us pleasantly surprised.

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors @ The Independent

Last Friday night, Dirty Projectors stopped in at The Independent, and H.A.D. was there to catch the show. The band played a relatively short set, that was mainly focused on last year's Rise Above. They did, however, play some other material, and even ventured to put one new song out for consumption.

While the setlist-wise the show shared many characteristics with last fall's outing, the overall feel was quite different. Where last Fall's set felt like a tightly rehearsed band bringing their craft on the road, this show felt much more like a band actually playing together.

The band seemed just as tightly rehearsed (if not moreso), but the songs' instrumental breakdowns had greater depth, and the band members seemed to simply be having a better time. There was more laughter, and less stoic focus on getting parts of the performance to be just so. While the show wasn't sold out, it played extremely well to a devout crowd, and when Dave Longstreth returned (after quite a bit of cheering) for an encore he called out "Yeah? Alright!!!". It was quite clear that he was just as excited for the awesomeness of the evening as the audience was.

More photos at the H.A.D. flickr feed.

Dirty Projectors Cover Bjork On Stereogum Comp

Stereogum has announced the third in their album covers ("Stereogum Presents") series. After the first disc asked artists to cover Radiohead's OK Computer, and the second REM's Automatic For The People, this one will shift gears to another 90's classic, Bjork's Post. Titled Enjoyed, the tribute launches next Monday, and features tracks by Liars, Evangelicals, and Atlas Sound, among others. The disc also includes Dirty Projectors covering our favorite track from the original disc, "Hyperballad". This version has been offered up by Stereogum as a preview of the project, and is available now for download right here. Enjoy.

Dirty Projectors Returning To San Francisco In April

After the high turnout for the awesomeness of their show last year at the Bottom Of The Hill, it's no surprise that Dirty Projectors are returning to San Francisco in '08. We're especially pleased they've chosen the awesomeness of The Independent for their return. Catch it all live on April 10th!

Last Night: Dirty Projectors @ Bottom Of The Hill

Three surprises for me at tonight's Dirty Projectors show:

1) The band rocks live. Yes, there's enthusiasm on the record, but the live experience surpasses it tenfold.

2) The vocals on the record are not overdubs. Seriously. I was shocked - the band nails complex three part harmonies consistently over the course of the entire set.

3) Dave Longstreth != Dirty Projectors. (that's "not equal" for all you non-nerds) From the reviews you would think that his introverted genius fueled a group of session musicians - not so. The rest of the band contributed endless amounts of inspiration to create the full effect.

At tonight's show I felt like I was watching the emergence of a genre, or the discovery of something as of yet undefined. There were times when the crowd didn't quite seem to "get it", yet undeniably loved it. The Dirty Projectors performance was a mix of all things that are good about live performance: technical proficiency, random creativity, and unbridled charisma.

The comparison I would most immediately make for Dave Longstreth is an early-days David Byrne. I don't know if he was purposefully aping Byrne's moves, but the vibe was there. He managed to rock out in a frenetic and vibrant way that at once created chaos, and at the same time imbued his guitar with a mathematical abruptness and sterility.

Perhaps the most compelling part about the set was how unlike the album it was. Despite being an amazing performance, it departed from the records on so many levels that it almost begged for a return examination of the source material. I know that over the next few days I'll be listening with the hope of a piece of what I heard tonight.

The band closed with an amazing version of "Police Story", and despite my previous post, it was anything but a comical delivery. The band nailed it, and sent everyone home wanting more.

More photos (and higher res) at the H.A.D. flickr feed.

Dirty Projectors @ Bottom Of The Hill This Wednesday

If you keep an eye on the 'fork, then you may have noticed their glowing review last week of the new Dirty Projectors album Rise Above. The disc is (apparently) a track by track re-imagining of the seminal Black Flag album Damaged. The disc an extreme reworking, and the songs are almost unrecognizable. For the most part it works, but at points the earnest acoustic-driven delivery (see "Police Story") robs the lyrics of their intensity, and borders on laughable. While the review name-checks Deerhoof in trying to explain the Projectors' stylistic fluidity, to my ears a more accurate comparison would be a blend of Animal Collective and XTC. In either case, the crux of the issue is that Dirty Projectors are creating some pretty interesting sonic experiments, and are starting to get some recognition for it. Or, maybe they've just started hanging with the right crowd - Grizzly Bear members guest on the new disc. To my ears, though, the new stuff warrants a listen: it's unique, diverse, and off-beat - not to mention that band leader Dave Longstreth has a great voice that's just a blast to listen to.

Now, at that, this would be just a mention of a noteworthy new album. However, for you, lucky San Francisco reader, there is more! Dirty Projectors are on tour, and will be appearing at Bottom Of The Hill this Wednesday. Tickets are still available on-line, so get 'em while you can. The show is a big bill - four bands - and features Portland-ites Yacht and White Rainbow, as well as local trio Sholi. Should be a great show, if not a bit of a late night for a Wednesday.

mp3: Dirty Projectors - Rise Above