Weekly Top 10: Title Tracks

This week's idea for the playlist comes courtesy of Matt, so he should receive all credit for any popularity the idea may end up having. Many times, artists name an album after an overwhelming idea presented forth, a lyric that had substantial meaning, or in other cases, a certain track on the album. Though it shouldn't inflate standards that the song shares a name with the album, it can at times-- if a track is important enough to have the same name as the record, then some feel it should be the one most indicative, or just best, in general. For the tracks below, we felt that each of the ones we chose fell into one, or both of those two categories. Maybe you agree. In any case, check it out below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Songs Without Choruses]

Tuesday's Releases (8/25): Now Streaming

For those who've been wondering where we've been lately, see a lethal combination of vacation, work and tying up some loose ends. Now, though, we're behind all of that-- sort of. Please bear with us as we ease back into our normal schedule over the next week or so. To kick off that re-adjustment is this week's releases, streaming across the interwebs (but mostly on Spinner) for your enjoyment before buying. As always, credit for the original idea goes out to LargeHeartedBoy.

• Aim and Ignite, fun.
• No More Stories..., Mew
• Black River Killer EP, Blitzen Trapper (via Lala.com)
• Ellipse, Imogen Heap
• Youth, Matisyahu

Blitzen Trapper on Daytrotter

Two Daytrotter posts in a day? A first, to say the least. However, since Blitzen Trapper is top-of-mind at the moment, after releasing their highly-involved video for "Black River Killer," it's appropriate. The band visits the Daytrotter folks for a chat about stuff, and you end up with the pay-off, in the form of three free songs-- "Sleepytime In the Western World," "Black River Killer" and "Echo" all from 2008's Furr. The album, as you may recall, grabbed itself a ranking inside the Top 10 for last year's Best Of list, here on the site. Also, word on the street is that they're working on the follow-up, so stay tuned for that. Check out the session here.

New Blitzen Trapper Video, "Black River Killer"

I guess it still makes sense for Blitzen Trapper to make a video for "Black River Killer". Furr came out last year, and as long as their next effort's not out yet, I'm not necessarily opposed to them putting this out. Just feel like it comes off as a bit of an afterthought. However, I can still appreciate what's going on here, as it obviously took a ton of time to make. Cool cinematography, tons of extras, a lot of real acting- all a recipe for a lengthy visual representation. I actually approve. Maybe you will too if you check it out.

Blitzen Trapper's "Furr"

I'm honestly surprised this one took so long to happen, but regardless, I'm pleased to see it did.  For those who read our Best Albums of 2008 series, you're probably familiar with the Portland, Oregon natives, Blitzen Trapper, and their newest release, Furr.  According to this blog, the title-track, "Furr", was the best song on the record, so I figured this would be appropriate to post up here.  Enjoy.

(Video via Pitchfork.TV)

Best of 2008: #10, Blitzen Trapper

Rank: #10

Album: Furr

Artist: Blitzen Trapper

Label: Sub Pop

Welcome to the top 10 of our countdown here at Animal Noises.  Today, we'll be weighing in on #10, Blitzen Trapper's Furr.  For those who are unaware, this indie rock outfit is from Portland, Oregon, and boy, does it sound like it.  I find that that's what makes this record endearing though.  The band doesn't abandon their roots in any way, rather, they embrace the fact that they are from the Pacific Northwest, and play songs that may paint a picture of being in the woods somewhere in Oregon or Washington.  Even with that theme firmly intact though, Blitzen Trapper shows a need to produce a separate sound with each track, similar to what they've done with past albums.  The practice may be maddening to some commentators (you can read more about that across the web), but I find it to make them more interesting, as it keeps you guessing on the record.  

The journey out west begins with "Sleepytime in the Western World," a great mood-setter, grabbing your interest with some folksy riffs and a slightly country twang.  Joining up on this "jamboree" are some classic rock and roll and blues sounds, as well as a few bits of electronic experimentation.  Blitzen Trapper does a great job here of being able to melt those electronic elements seamlessly into the high-tempo folk feel, since they're not forcing it, nearly adding when deemed necessary.  By the time you're at the third track, title song "Furr," you're fully engrossed.  It presents an intriguing tale of a young man who seems to go to the wild, only to come back, and be confused looking at the world he has reentered.  The song is a great example of storytelling, and is made all the better with its mix of howling effects and harmonica.  For the remainder of the record, the western, woodland themes continue, and never slow too much, keeping you involved throughout.  For comparisons, see Wilco, Okkervil River and Department of Eagles.

Best Track: "Furr"