For the last two weeks I have
been listening to the new Califone record, Roots & Crowns, off and
on. For some reason I could not just sit down and listen to the whole
thing but finally the other day I gave it a chance and I am happy that I did
because the disc has a lot to offer. I have to be honest and admit
that I had never heard of Califone until they popped up in my inbox and one
of the reasons I think I had a hard time getting into the album was that
they have been around since the late 90s and they have a huge discography.
Now that I have had the album on repeat I am wondering how I managed to miss
everything that his band has ever done for the last eight years or so.
I could understand if I had missed one full length but eight full lengths
makes me think that this band is underappreciated and deserves to talked
about more. Oddly enough Pitchfork feels the same way and they
actually gave Roots & Crowns an 8.7. 8.7!? Not that the
band didn't deserve it but Pitchfork doesn't just hand out scores like that,
especially for bands they haven't been raving about for months, so for this
one time I will agree with a score they have given, but only for the sake of
spreading the good word about Califone.
:Califone - Spider's House:
Why this song isn't plastered all over the place is unknown to me. It
has an innate sweetness about it that I think stems from the lightly done
music that features a small brass section. Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan
called Spider's House "one of the year's best songs" and of all
of the things that I have heard this year I think that I would have to
agree. Tim Rutili's vocals are what really do it for me and more then
anything it is what keeps drawing me into the songs from Roots & Crowns
over and over again. Everything in this song is perfect so download it
and let it amaze you.
:Califone
- Orchids (Psychic TV Cover):
The original version of this song supposedly inspired the band to make
their new album and the love they pour into their take of it inspires me to
make an album. I have no actual talent when it comes to making music
(that's why I am a blogger) so I will just take a moment to rave about how
much I love this song. This thing is beautiful and and I find it so
odd how it somehow manages to have an atmospheric sound but still showcases
a lot of intimate traits which are highlighted by Tim's amazing vocals.
The band had the original on repeat, I have their version on repeat, and you
will too if you give this a listen.
Califone's Roots & Crowns dropped yesterday on
Thrill Jockey Records and in a one time only extravaganza
Pitchfork and I highly recommend
that you pick it up. Myspace friendship awaits you
here.
-
John Laird -
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