Okkervil River's The Stand Ins is fantastic after about 4 listens. If you like Okkervil and liked The Stage Names, you will definitely dig The Stand Ins. If you have no clue who Okkervil is or what their music is like, there's no time like the present to get on board. This opening paragraph to the very positive review by Pitchfork is enlightening...
Life was a crummy movie on Okkervil River's breakthrough album, The Stage Names. On The Stand Ins,
it's a lousy rock show. As the interchangeable titles and puzzle-piece
album covers imply, this new record is an extension of its predecessor,
a further untangling of themes and ideas about music, art, celebrity,
love, and the folly of it all. The Stand Ins doesn't quite match the gusto and brainy emotionalism of The Stage Names but it exceeds its bleakness. Pop songs lie, tortured
singer-songwriters are wealthy narcissists, groupies have regrets,
music scenes wither, nothing changes. Rock promises redemption but
delivers only destruction, or at best, cultish relative obscurity.
Or for a more direct introduction to their music watch this video for "For Real" from their album Black Sheep Boy...
Now, if you don't know the Fleet Foxes by now, this is one of the best introductions that can be made. This isn't a wordy song, but a demonstration of their beautiful wintery harmonies...
Okkervil will be in Buffalo in about a month. The plan is to be there.
Posted by: Richard A. Bailey | 09/08/2008 at 05:00 PM
I saw Okkervil Saturday night in Omaha, and they were brilliant. They played a varied set list from Black Sheep Boy, Stage Names and Stand Ins, as well as a few from way back. If at all possible, catch them on this tour.
Posted by: Lane | 09/15/2008 at 09:24 AM