Ok, let's try this again. With the inevitable leak of Dodos' third album Time To Die a full three months before its September release date--not to mention a lukewarm reaction which clearly scared the crap of Frenchkiss who's probably banking a lot of money on this--drastic measures were taken to ensure the leak damage is minimized and the band stays in the hype spotlight for longer than the two minutes it'll take you to begin thinking the new album isn't worth your time--- *oh snap!!*...
Nah I'm just poking fun at Dodos die-hards. I'll admit Time To Die is better than I first thought, and it's about as good as it can be considering the limitations the band has confined themselves to. Is this one of the best of the year? Pretty surely, no. Is it worthy of an honorable mention? Without a doubt.
Here's the MP3 freebie for "Fables," an impeccably produced single-worthy track with more hooks than a pirate convention:
[MP3] Dodos - Fables
I might be coming across a bit harsh in my thoughts thus far on Dodos' new album. It's not that I dislike it, Dodos are a talented band who have proven their ability in creating infectious indie pop, and for the record I don't think the new album is just a poor repeat of album numero dos. I am, however, excited to see how this one will be received--by fans, by the mainstream press, by Pitchfork especially. I can't imagine someone who has a problem with Coldplay, for instance, championing Dodos. Not because they sound anything alike, but because both bands produce utterly likable, infinitely inoffensive, marginally "indie-sounding" pop music with little real experimentation and diversity.
If you love music that doesn't interfere with your thoughts or actions, the sonic equivalent of a tepid summer breeze, I highly suggest checking out the full album stream of Time To Die.
Drastic measures: Along with the free MP3 above, the album will be available digitally on July 28th, while the physical release date stands at September 15th.
How many people think I'm way off with this one? Anyone agree?
Official Site | MySpace | More MP3s | Preorder Time To Die
8 comments:
Ha. I like how you keep apologizing for being harsh and yet continue being very harsh. I always thought the Dodos were fairly experimental in terms of drumming patterns and fingering picking on their first two albums, but it's true there seems to be something about this third album. It's like a clear coat has been washed over it and it just can't keep my attention.
lol, well I actually didn't apologize, i just pointed out that I might have been harsh.
also, I think "experimental" is all relative. sure maybe dodos are experimental compared to daughtry or something but what about animal collective, dirty projectors, beach house, yeasayer, etc etc? not so much then
this is dull shit
I agree its less experimental than Visiter, but I never really thought of them as an experimental band. All those animal collective comparisons were kind of lost on me. None the less, I loved Visiter and I'm really digging this new album. Good stuff :)
i really need to say that i have a problem with coldplay but i'm definitely digging the dodos :D
I don't really see how they are like a "tepid summer breeze", and I don't agree with the Coldplay reference at all. They have enough similarities that a watered down Animal Collective comparison is not completely unwarranted ("Two Medicines" off the new album is by far the biggest rip-off). However, I think the heart of what they do is quite different.
"Visiter" is a pretty good album. Some of the tracks on "Beware of the Maniacs" are even better.
While their sonic repertoire is certainly limited, I actually think this was a strength on the first two albums as it forced them to develop some interesting rhythms and raw energy. To me, it's the unorthodox drumming and energy that drives their live shows and makes their performances so compelling.
With that being said, the new album is boring. The only track that grabs me in any way is "Troll Nacht". Other than that, it sounds over-produced and too clean. Takes the gusto out of their attack, and leaves the whole album sounding uninspired. There's no sign of the urgency, rawness, or power that made The Dodos interesting to begin with.
I can see why Frenchkiss is nervous... Probably should have just locked them in an old high school band room loaded instruments and a 4-track, and see what they could come up with. Would probably be better than the sanitized and utterly mediocre album that is "Time to Die"
Time To Die is gonna have to grow on me...
but I disagree completely with your analysis of the band,or at least their previous music. I heard Visiter last year w/o even knowing who the Dodos were and only recently came to find out it was just two people. They certainly don't seem to play as if they have limits - that album drove itself right into my head with the drums, the melodies, and the breakdowns in each song - I don't get the coldplay reference personally. That crowd wouldn't pick this stuff up. It took me some listens to see why it was so good and then it became one of my top 5 of 2008.
Of course you have the right to your own opinion, and you probably know much more about the inner-working of the bands (I don't get the Frenchkiss reference), but at face value, The Dodos had something with Visiter, even if Time To Die isn't matching up.
yawn... this new single is so boring. I miss the raw passion of Visitor
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