Review: Eels, End Times

Eels 

End Times 

B+

Eels describes their eighth studio album, End Times as the sound of an artist growing older in uncertain times. The album was intended to capture a man teetering on self-destruction in a dying world; End Times refers not to the predictions of impending apocalyptic doom in 2012, but the end of common decency in our desperate times. Recorded in a basement on an old four track tape machine, End Times gives a voice to the bleak outlook and worries of a defeated man. End Times is a respectable showcase of the indisputable depth and talent of Eels, however in these uncertain times eels are lamenting, I’m not sure how many people are going to be willing to subject themselves to frontman Mark Everett’s bemoaning everything from suicide bombers to the LA neighborhoods that really piss him off (“Mansions of Los Feliz”). Songs like “High and Lonesome”, which is one minute of pouring rain and the dialing of a telephone definitely leave something to be desired, that something is music. Of course the album is redeemed by the Everett’s unquestionable musical abilities and poignant lyrics, but the extreme bleakness of the album makes it difficult to enjoy in full.

Best Tracks: Little Bird (# 13) Mansions of Los Feliz (# 4)

-- Tiare Dunlap
Host, "Girl, Please!" Fridays 4-6 pm on WGTB

Review: Jon and Roy "Another Noon," "Sittin' Back"

Jon and Roy

"Another Noon" (2008) B-

"Sittin' Back" (2005) C -

You have to respect an artist unafraid to make a principled stand. It's hard not to side with Michael Stipe and Trent Reznor, who last year spoke out against the use of their songs during bouts of torture at Guantánamo Bay. Sirs Paul McCartney and Elton John have similarly lambasted British government proposals to disconnect music thieves from the Internet, and more power to them. So, let me be the first to officially rally behind Canadian duo Jon and Roy, whose neo-reggae-folk tracks, from "First Thing in the Mornin'" to "Drinkin' and Thinkin'," seem to lobby for the elimination of the letter G from the English language.

Modern Mixtape: 10 Songs to Welcome the Blizzard to the District

D.C. is supposed to get somewhere around two feet of snow in the next 48 hours-- yikes. Luckily, nothing suits these calm gray skies and downy flakes better than some soft, wintery tunes, perfect for cozying up inside (or, if you're brave and bundled up, venturing out into the snow itself). Below, ten songs to help you ring in the Blizzardocaplyse of 2010, from the soothing acoustic harmonies of Bon Iver and Phosphorescent, to brand-new winter-ready songs from Vampire Weekend and Animal Collective. The last track is especially gorgeous-- a new Fleet Foxes cover by up-and-coming Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit.

WWYC of the Week

Welcome to World's Worst YouTube Cover of the Week. In this column, I scour the Internet and peek into all the darkest, most neglected corners of YouTube to bring you those videos which I deem the world's worst. The criteria are flexible. Sometimes it's the singing, sometimes it's a horribly out of tune guitar, and sometimes it's just too much eye contact. Whatever it is, it will make you cringe. It will make you think, "Boy, I sure am glad that I don't post videos of myself covering 'Hey Jude' on a melodica." Unless you do. Then you should send me the link. Consider it to be like those contestants on American Idol, the difference being that these people don't have the imaginary audience they so desire. Perhaps I bring it to them. Perhaps I am the hero after all. Remember just one thing- Whatever pain it brings you to watch this, I went through more to find it.

This inaugural week we have a cover of an old college favorite, "Let Her Cry," by Hootie and the Blowfish. It's an interesting dynamic here: a meta-cover. That is, it's in some senses a cover of a cover because the performer is covering the song in the style of a man. I can only infer upon watching that the man whom she is trying to imitate was either mute or Robert Goulet. What I like least about this cover is that its seems to be teetering on that line between the pathetic Youtube cover and a joke. This is not to suggest that the fact that our performer had comedic intent in any way absolves her of any blame. In fact, I would say that her lack of solemnity only amplifies her blame. If you are going to cover Darius Rucker's ballad, do it in a dark room, de-tune your guitar, and look straight into the camera. We all know you connect with this song, don't try to pretend like you think its funny.



Next up for this girl: Pretending she thinks its funny when a horse dies during a battle scene.

In-Studio: GIVERS visit the WGTB studio!

Jared with Givers

The Lafayette, Louisiana band Givers were in snowy DC last night, playing on the intimate Backstage at the Black Cat. The stage was barely big enough for all five members of the band and all of their equipment, yet they still managed to jump around with joyful energy throughout the show. They played all four songs from their debut EP, including a jammed-out version of Ceiling of Plankton as an encore. They also unveiled several new songs, which will be on their debut album due out sometime this summer. Highlights included a beautiful acoustic song featuring only female lead singer Teddy Lamson and her ukelele, and a Dirty Projectors sounding song called “Noche Nada.”

With influences ranging from the Dirty Projectors and Animal Collective, to jazz, to afro-beat, the Givers sound is a unique and dynamic amalgam of these styles that is catchy upon first listen and layered enough to remain interesting after many. Although the music itself is enough reason to love the Givers, they are also great people with a whole lot of love and joy to, well, give.

Before the show, the band stopped by WGTB studios to chat with DJ Jared Iversen of "Jive Talkin" about music, the Superbowl, and their tour with the Dirty Projectors. Check out the full interview and pics from the concert after the jump!

Interview with Givers by WGTB Blog

Review, interview and all photos by Jared Iversen, host, "Jive Talkin" on WGTB.

Concert Pick of the Week: Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields w/ Laura Barrett

Lisner Auditorium @ George Washington University

Thursday, Feb. 4

8 p.m.

$35

The Magnetic Fields come to the District on the heels of their latest album release, Realism, out Jan. 26 on Nonesuch Records. Folksy, cheerful rhythms and strummy guitars accompany Stephen Merritt's earnest vocals alongside a chorus of harmonizing bandmates. Recommended if you like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, The Swell Season, Yo La Tengo, or The Low Anthem.

Don't Miss: Tuesday's interview with GIVERS

Tune in Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. to hear Jared Iversen (host of Jive Talkin') interview the band GIVERS before their show in D.C. at the Black Cat, where they'll be gracing the Backstage Tuesday night! Check out the show, it's only $10, and be sure to tune in for the interview at www.georgetownradio.com.