05 September 2007

Caribou visits a European tax shelter


I have always been fascinated by the one-man-band. On one hand, it seems that it would be easier to make music that way, because there are no bandmates' schedules to work around, no arguments within the band, and the purity of the original creative vision never has to be compromised in order to accommodate anyone else's tastes or playing style. On the other hand, it's all up to one guy to have every idea, to play every part, to put in the hours of composition, rehearsal, and recording time. A perfect example of this type of intense dedication is Dan Snaith and his project, Caribou. Upon first listen, it sounds like Andorra is a total departure from the more electronica influenced earlier Caribou albums, a psychedelic romp through 60's folk-pop nostalgia. But a few more listens reveal complex layers, analog synths that mimic fluttering flutes, and other interesting things going on underneath it all. Most importantly, Andorra, Caribou's first album for Merge Records, is full of the kind of songs you want to listen to again and again - a nearly perfect gem of an album.

Check out the last track, the dark, shimmering "Niobe," then grab a copy of the CD for $13.99 or the vinyl for $17.99.


Also, check out the making of...


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