The Great Destroyer...and then some

Man do I ever want to blog about Challengers some more. I've been listening to it almost every day since I got it. While it's probably the least rambunctious New Pornographers album (and likely the weakest in some eyes), it's a very good album. It isn't as upbeat as any of their other albums, even Twin Cinema, but I'm still impressed. I do have one criticism: the Bejar songs (Dan Bejar contributes a few songs to each album) don't blend with the others as well on this album as they do on Twin Cinema or even Electric Version. His songs are good, and the Newman songs are excellent as well, but they are a little too different in sound to transition together cleanly. I suppose this is more a result of these two men having continued to grow as musicians since the NPs initially set out as a side project of sorts. I really like this album, though, and can't find a song that I dislike. Of course I like the Neko songs, but a lot of the others are wonderful as well.

No, no, today's Music That Is Making Jason Buy Concert Tickets is The Great Destroyer, by Low. This is far from the first Low album, but it's the first one I got my hands on, by way of the DSM public library. I heard their song 'Monkey' on BetterPropaganda and was rewarded for my curiosity. Low is a group of three people from (I think) Minneapolis who started making music in the early/mid 90's. Their sound is very reserved and minimalist, 'downtempo' or 'slowcore' for those of you who need to label your music. Whereas the New Pornographers are known for having all sorts of catchy pop hooks in songs, Low is almost exactly the opposite: ominous, foreboding promise that never explodes. Note: I really need to get some of the early Low albums. I've heard much praise for Things We Lost In The Fire, and apparently Low has a very good Christmas album.

Anyhow, The Great Destroyer is something of a departure from the traditional Low albums. It's more upbeat and louder, to be certain, though it retains the darker tone of their earlier work. For longtime fans, I suspect it came as something of a letdown, but I liked it almost immediately. My favorite song on the album is easily 'Silver Rider', which probably comes closest to emulating the slow, brooding sound that is more traditional Low. This album overall is enjoyable, even if it isn't 'fun'; it's great for holding a grudge or just being in a sour mood all day. It's also good for rainy days or just settling down.

In other news:

I need sleep. Apparently I can't just sleep four hours a night and ignore it forever.