Music Banter - View Single Post - Brad Stengel's Magical Musical Orgy of Sound

Brad Stengel · 05-21-2009, 09:40 AM

Deerhunter
"Rainwater Cassette Exchange (2009)"

Deerhunter has a lot to live up to after the success of their three previous releases, 'Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.', the 'Fluorescent Grey' EP, and 'Cryptograms', this not even taking into account how great all of the music Bradford Cox's solo project Atlas Sound has released for free on Deerhunter's blog. Thankfully, 'Rainwater Cassette Exchange' adds to Deerhunter's extremely solid discography.

The tracks on 'Rainwater Cassette Exchange' all debuted (save 'Game of Diamonds') as live versions posted online in an entire Deerhunter set. It should be noted that these versions are all much different than the actual studio release. A friend of mine and equally obsessive Deerhunter fan mentioned hearing these live versions and being disappointed by the straightforward 'Strokes-y' sound. Deerhunter however are notorious for making music that is orgasmic to listen to with headphones, and they truly deliver adding theremin, bongos, and sound collages to the Microcastle-esque pop songs contained within.

The albums highlight is by far 'Famous Last Words'. Reported by the blogs as being perhaps the poppiest Deerhunter song as of yet when the live version emerged, Deerhunter still prevent any mainstream access by adding off-kilter guitar leads, theremin(!), and lyrics about a boy being run over by a truck while skateboarding to the mix, giving it that signature 'catchy but fucked up' Deerhunter sound.

The only thing about this EP I'm not head-over-heels in love with is the version of 'Game of Diamonds' presented. Don't get me wrong- the version on this is great, it's just that the version posted as a demo on the Deerhunter blog was another thing entirely. With one of the loudest guitar tracks I've ever heard, the original 'My Bloody Valentine as a 60's pop group' version is superior.

Overall, an excellent new member of the Deerhunter discography will satisfy any fan of the band, although now I'm going to be anxious for a new album until 2010. At least Atlas Sounds' 'Logos' is slated for release this year.
84/100

05-21-2009, 09:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
Brad Stengel This Space for Rent Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 815	Deerhunter "Rainwater Cassette Exchange (2009)" Deerhunter has a lot to live up to after the success of their three previous releases, 'Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.', the 'Fluorescent Grey' EP, and 'Cryptograms', this not even taking into account how great all of the music Bradford Cox's solo project Atlas Sound has released for free on Deerhunter's blog. Thankfully, 'Rainwater Cassette Exchange' adds to Deerhunter's extremely solid discography. The tracks on 'Rainwater Cassette Exchange' all debuted (save 'Game of Diamonds') as live versions posted online in an entire Deerhunter set. It should be noted that these versions are all much different than the actual studio release. A friend of mine and equally obsessive Deerhunter fan mentioned hearing these live versions and being disappointed by the straightforward 'Strokes-y' sound. Deerhunter however are notorious for making music that is orgasmic to listen to with headphones, and they truly deliver adding theremin, bongos, and sound collages to the Microcastle-esque pop songs contained within. The albums highlight is by far 'Famous Last Words'. Reported by the blogs as being perhaps the poppiest Deerhunter song as of yet when the live version emerged, Deerhunter still prevent any mainstream access by adding off-kilter guitar leads, theremin(!), and lyrics about a boy being run over by a truck while skateboarding to the mix, giving it that signature 'catchy but fucked up' Deerhunter sound. The only thing about this EP I'm not head-over-heels in love with is the version of 'Game of Diamonds' presented. Don't get me wrong- the version on this is great, it's just that the version posted as a demo on the Deerhunter blog was another thing entirely. With one of the loudest guitar tracks I've ever heard, the original 'My Bloody Valentine as a 60's pop group' version is superior. Overall, an excellent new member of the Deerhunter discography will satisfy any fan of the band, although now I'm going to be anxious for a new album until 2010. At least Atlas Sounds' 'Logos' is slated for release this year. 84/100 __________________ These is the musics I own: http://rateyourmusic.com/collection/BradStengel/oo Last edited by Brad Stengel; 05-21-2009 at 10:28 AM.