The Days of Lore

Like apples and … Barrys

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 | musiX, pdX | 3 Comments

Even back in Conan O’Brien’s lower-budget early days he was bringing in better musical guests than Jay Leno. Not much has changed. Last night Conan had Portland’s own Blitzen Trapper; Leno had Barry Manilow.

Blitzen Trapper performed “Furr” from their latest album of the same name. ‘Twas great. The band will return home Dec. 4 for a show at the Wonder Ballroom with fellow Portlanders Starfucker and L.A.’s The Parson Red Heads. ‘Twill be great.

Tags: Barry Manilow, Blitzen Trapper, Conan O'Brien, Furr, Jay Leno

The Eagles have landed

Monday, October 20th, 2008 | musiX | No Comments

The anticipation for Department of Eagles‘ new album has been simmering since early 2007 when Stereogum and Gorilla vs Bear were doting over the demo version of “No One Does It Like You.” In Ear Park was finally released earlier this month, right after the group’s (according to some) so-so performance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

The Brooklyn two-piece is comprised of Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen, who met at New York University in 2000. They recorded songs in their dorm room and released their debut The Cold Nose in 2003. Rossen, of course, went on to join Grizzly Bear in 2004, and over the last four years the two pieced ideas together for what would become In Ear Park—11 songs steeped in nostalgic tales (the album is dedicated to Rossen’s late father) with lush production. Simmering, now steeped … that concludes my use of cooking references.

Anyway, there are plenty of reasons to dote over this song. Listen to it. Then listen again. Again. Peel back each layer. If this isn’t enough, Daytrotter released today its session with Department of Eagles, including “Balmy Night” from In Ear Park, and the unpolished, unreleased “What Is Your Deal.” Deeelish.

“No One Does It Like You” - Department of Eagles

Tags: 4AD, Conan O’Brien, Department of Eagles, Grizzly Bear, In Ear Park, The Cold Nose