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Kid B
02/22/09, 06:35 PM
Great, great, phenominal band. American Water is one of my favorite albums. If you haven't checked them out, do it. Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement) was previously a member (he was a founding member, and was present during the band's hayday), and showases a lot of his best guitar work in this band. Sometimes I think I might even like this band more than I like Pavement. In comparison with Pavement they are really, really underrated.

They just came out with a new record recently entitled Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. I haven't listened to it yet for some reason but feel free to discuss.

FeynmanWannabe
02/22/09, 08:06 PM
They have a great discography and will be sorely missed. Have such great memories associated with this band.

IWasaCamera
02/22/09, 08:12 PM
haha

kearn1tm
02/22/09, 08:16 PM
I'm going to finally commit to listening this band once Vinh publishes that article on American Water, and I'll let the music be the soundtrack to my reading experience. Hear that, Vinh? You're delaying my listening!

EDIT - This is code for "my record shop didn't have a copy and I can't find a good torrent so I'll blame Vinh."

FeynmanWannabe
02/22/09, 08:17 PM
haha
:eyebrow:

IWasaCamera
02/22/09, 08:28 PM
I'm going to finally commit to listening this band once Vinh publishes that article on American Water, and I'll let the music be the soundtrack to my reading experience. Hear that, Vinh? You're delaying my listening!

EDIT - This is code for "my record shop didn't have a copy and I can't find a good torrent so I'll blame Vinh."
It may be a week or so.

kearn1tm
02/22/09, 08:44 PM
It may be a week or so.

Can't wait (I'll get the album before then, I'm sure, but if not, uh, we'll call it your fault).

IWasaCamera
02/22/09, 09:01 PM
Let me know if you have trouble getting your hands on a copy. About 300 words into the article thus far. It's essentially a piece regarding the recurring imagery of roads/highways/etc. in art and how American Water is the consummate road trip album.

kearn1tm
02/22/09, 09:10 PM
Let me know if you have trouble getting your hands on a copy. About 300 words into the article thus far. It's essentially a piece regarding the recurring imagery of roads/highways/etc. in art and how American Water is the consummate road trip album.

I like a "hook" to an article. I'm going to head to Lansing Tuesday. They have a wonderful local record store that should have some copies on CD. Locally, I've got nothing and all the torrents don't seem to work. If I can't find one, I'll give you a shout. Thanks, Vinh.

IWasaCamera
02/22/09, 10:18 PM
I like a "hook" to an article. I'm going to head to Lansing Tuesday. They have a wonderful local record store that should have some copies on CD. Locally, I've got nothing and all the torrents don't seem to work. If I can't find one, I'll give you a shout. Thanks, Vinh.
I'm always stating that it's the ideal road trip album so this provides me with a voice to air the rationale behind said claim. Not sure if it will pan out but here's hoping. Torrents, blah.

Danny Schme
02/22/09, 10:21 PM
My roommate was not happy about this break up. I'll listen to them tomorrow and check it out.

IWasaCamera
02/27/09, 02:11 PM
I'm going to finally commit to listening this band once Vinh publishes that article on American Water, and I'll let the music be the soundtrack to my reading experience. Hear that, Vinh? You're delaying my listening!

EDIT - This is code for "my record shop didn't have a copy and I can't find a good torrent so I'll blame Vinh."
Here (http://sunonthesand.net/?p=2634) you go, sir.

kearn1tm
02/27/09, 03:16 PM
Here (http://sunonthesand.net/?p=2634) you go, sir.

Great read, Vinh. More comments will follow when I get home from work tonight.

IWasaCamera
02/27/09, 10:49 PM
Got the Tennessee EP playing.

jbaseball44
05/21/09, 02:52 PM
Been listening to American Water a lot lately.

xAnti-Violentx
05/21/09, 03:03 PM
'Random Rules' is basically one of my favorite songs ever. Perfect vocals, lyrics, everything.
American Water really is a great album. However, to be honest I haven't really paid attention to any other albums or EPs, but I'm sure I'll check them out soon.

IWasaCamera
05/21/09, 03:05 PM
Nice.

Be sure to check out The Natural Bridge, Bright Flight, and the Tennessee EP.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 01:18 PM
Repair is the dream of the broken thing
Like a message broadcast on an overpass
All my favorite singers couldn't sing
My ski vest has buttons like convenience store mirrors and they help me see
That everything in this room right now is a part of me

Bump for a wonderful band.

Kid B
06/10/09, 04:25 PM
David Berman really is brilliant. I want to buy Actual Air, haven't gotten around to it yet though.

chipdip18
06/10/09, 05:17 PM
Todd mentioned this a great summer album, i gave it a try, and he's absolutely right.

jbertclassic
06/10/09, 06:22 PM
So you wanna build an altar on a summer night?
You wanna smoke the gel off a fentanyl patch?

Love that song.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 08:00 PM
I revisit Actual Air about once a year and it's delightful every time.

Jacob, my American Water/road trip article should have convinced you first. This saddens me. Deeply. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching the world and the world isn't watching me backkkk.

FeynmanWannabe
06/10/09, 08:44 PM
Nice.

Be sure to check out The Natural Bridge, Bright Flight, and the Tennessee EP. Good call on the Tennessee EP - a favorite of mine, for sure.

Todd mentioned this a great summer album, i gave it a try, and he's absolutely right. God, one of the definitive summer albums for me for the past 5 years or so. Wonderful.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 08:57 PM
Good call on the Tennessee EP - a favorite of mine, for sure.
Mmhmm, wish those tracks (other than Tennessee which obviously did) had made Bright Flight in the place of Time Will Break The World and Horseleg Swastikas.

FeynmanWannabe
06/10/09, 08:59 PM
Mmhmm, wish those tracks (other than Tennessee which obviously did) had made Bright Flight in the place of Time Will Break The World and Horseleg Swastikas.
"I'm Gonna Love the Hell Out of You" always brings a smile to my face.

chipdip18
06/10/09, 09:01 PM
I can't find those album online, so if anyone has a link it'd be great to drop me a line. I have American Water.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 09:05 PM
"I'm Gonna Love the Hell Out of You" always brings a smile to my face.
Title alone does it for me.


Jacob, I'll do a quick search and point you in the right direction on the SOTS forum.

chipdip18
06/10/09, 09:06 PM
Alright, thanks Vinh. American Water has been a staple for me this past month or so.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 09:14 PM
They've been posted.

Pay special attention to the lyrics when you're listening to this band. Berman writes massive circles around nearly everyone.

FeynmanWannabe
06/10/09, 09:18 PM
I actually have demos of the full Tanglewood Numbers album which I've been meaning to for a long time. Any other stuff like this for SJ?

chipdip18
06/10/09, 09:27 PM
They've been posted.

Pay special attention to the lyrics when you're listening to this band. Berman writes massive circles around nearly everyone.

That's part of the reason why i love the song Random Rules so much.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 09:46 PM
I actually have demos of the full Tanglewood Numbers album which I've been meaning to for a long time. Any other stuff like this for SJ?
Are they significantly different from the final versions? Didn't care much for the final two Jews albums.
That's part of the reason why i love the song Random Rules so much.
Among my favorite openers.

chipdip18
06/10/09, 09:49 PM
So i'm not too far into Bright Flight, but it sounds like American Water didn't stop.

FeynmanWannabe
06/10/09, 09:51 PM
Are they significantly different from the final versions? Didn't care much for the final two Jews albums.

Among my favorite openers.
Like I said, I have to listen to 'em. I keep forgetting abut them and remembering when I'm not in the mood. As for those albums, they have their moments. I have to go back and revisit Lookout because, honestly, I didn't listen to it much.

IWasaCamera
06/10/09, 10:03 PM
Like I said, I have to listen to 'em. I keep forgetting abut them and remembering when I'm not in the mood. As for those albums, they have their moments. I have to go back and revisit Lookout because, honestly, I didn't listen to it much.
Oh misread your post, my bad. As for Lookout, found it really bland. Berman was nowhere near top form lyrically and nothing stood out where the arrangements are concerned.
So i'm not too far into Bright Flight, but it sounds like American Water didn't stop.
Really? Malkmus' absence is pretty darn obvious.

chipdip18
06/10/09, 10:07 PM
Really? Malkmus' absence is pretty darn obvious.

I'm starting to hear a difference now by the song Tennessee. The instrumentation is different. The piano really stands out against everything.

IWasaCamera
06/11/09, 11:32 AM
I'm starting to hear a difference now by the song Tennessee. The instrumentation is different. The piano really stands out against everything.
Yep, it's much cozier than American Water.

chipdip18
06/11/09, 11:59 AM
Yep, it's much cozier than American Water.

Cozy is how i would describe his vocals in general, but i would agree, it is cozier than American Water.

IWasaCamera
06/11/09, 12:08 PM
I'm a big fan of voices most deem monotone. Berman, Callahan, Cohen, etc.

Malkmus should have quit Pavement after Wowee Zowee and recorded with the Jews full time. Not like Brighten The Corners and Terror Twilight were particularly good anyway.

chipdip18
06/11/09, 12:10 PM
I don't see exactly how you deem that monotone, i mean sure they aren't making melodies like Jeff Buckley but they're still passionate and moving.

Do you think we'd be talking about another album other than American Water all the time?

IWasaCamera
06/11/09, 12:15 PM
Possibly. The sonic chemistry between Malkmus and Berman is phenomenal.

chipdip18
06/11/09, 12:17 PM
Yeah, i think that does become relevant in Bright Flight, but i didn't start noticing it until a few songs in. Berman's vocals and songwriting is strong on it's own in that album, just better with Malkmus.

IWasaCamera
06/11/09, 01:09 PM
Oh yeah, Berman is nearly always stellar lyrically. It's how he pairs this skill with musical content that determines how rewarding his work is. Malkmus' guitar work and vocal presence add an air of playfulness and melody to the group's core.

DejaNew
06/28/09, 03:52 PM
I just found these guys. Better late than never though. Love them, but I was wondering if there is a specific listen order you guys would rec. Vinh, Jacob?

chipdip18
06/28/09, 05:57 PM
Definitely American Water, that album definitely got me as hard as In the Aeroplane Over the Sea did, so yeah.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 05:58 PM
Oh yeah, Berman is nearly always stellar lyrically. It's how he pairs this skill with musical content that determines how rewarding his work is. Malkmus' guitar work and vocal presence add an air of playfulness and melody to the group's core.

Well put. I keep going back to American Water lately, it is a great summer album for sure.

jbaseball44
06/28/09, 09:00 PM
American Water is fantastic.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 09:10 PM
I just found these guys. Better late than never though. Love them, but I was wondering if there is a specific listen order you guys would rec. Vinh, Jacob?
Go chronological.
Definitely American Water, that album definitely got me as hard as In the Aeroplane Over the Sea did, so yeah.
Berman >>>> Mangum.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 09:14 PM
Go chronological.

Berman >>>> Mangum.


Oh snap. You might get people doing double takes with controversy like that Vinh. It's hard to compare since Mangum only has two NMH albums under his belt, versus Silver Jews' more extensive discography. What's your reasoning anyway?

jbaseball44
06/28/09, 09:14 PM
I'd agree that Berman is better than Magnum.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 09:28 PM
Oh snap. You might get people doing double takes with controversy like that Vinh. It's hard to compare since Mangum only has two NMH albums under his belt, versus Silver Jews' more extensive discography. What's your reasoning anyway?
Berman rarely slips into the needlessly nebulous yet the images he spins are just as striking as Mangum's if not more so. Where songwriting is concerned, I also give Dave the edge because he's capable of penning memorable arrangements in spite of a less than lively voice whereas Jeff has this singular timbre that can make or break tunes.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 09:46 PM
Berman rarely slips into the needlessly nebulous yet the images he spins are just as striking as Mangum's if not more so. Where songwriting is concerned, I also give Dave the edge because he's capable of penning memorable arrangements in spite of a less than lively voice whereas Jeff has this singular timbre that can make or break tunes.

I'd say they're about even when it comes to songwriting. While Berman's are more complicated, i think that Mangum has great instrumention as well with the accordians, clarients and horns keeping the flow of the songs more interesting. They're both really fitting to what each artist aspires to write and sing about.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 09:52 PM
I'm incredibly tired of the whole freak-folk deal, that probably plays a part in my assessment.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 09:54 PM
That definitely would, but they're two artists that seem good to pin up against each other. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea vs. American Water.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 09:58 PM
Why? They're not all that similar.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:01 PM
I think in terms of both of the albums being as good as they are, and Berman and Mangum being noted for their lyrics, i think you could compare them in terms of good they are, and their role in the decade. Or maybe it's just because i really love both of their best records.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 10:13 PM
To examine their worth as lyricists, sure. Musically, their respective output doesn't invite more valid comparisons than any other two highly regarded records in the genre. I'd be more inclined to stack NMH up with Elf Power or something.

Not sure what's meant by "role in the decade".

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:18 PM
To examine their worth as lyricists, sure. Musically, their respective output doesn't invite more valid comparisons than any other two highly regarded records in the genre. I'd be more inclined to stack NMH up with Elf Power or something.

Not sure what's meant by "role in the decade".

Yeah, musically we might not get nearly as good of a discussion going.

I guess role in the decade would just mean is one was more important in the other in terms of defining how they shaped genres they were involved in, influence for later, how the albums imprinted themselves in the decade to be remembered.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 10:22 PM
Ah, no contest that NMH takes it there. American Water wouldn't cut most best-of-the-90s lists while Aeroplane would sit near the top of several.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:24 PM
Which is a shame, a big shame. American Water is a glorious representation of the 90s in my opinion. It's a humble version of the indie rock sound.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 10:34 PM
Listening now. So fucking good.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:34 PM
Random Rules gets me in a trance faster than just about any other record.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 10:43 PM
Such an awesome opening line.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:44 PM
Lyrics from that song get the obligatory facebook status spot on my facebook.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 10:46 PM
If I ever used my account, they likely would for me as well.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:48 PM
Did we already talk about discussing his lyrics like we did with Boxer? Which we need to continue anyway.

IWasaCamera
06/28/09, 10:55 PM
Yeah, I nominated Berman a while back. We should probably finish up Boxer first though.

chipdip18
06/28/09, 10:58 PM
Probably, but it's been a while and i don't know if we're even halfway through that album.

new_arbiter
06/29/09, 01:47 PM
I've been listening to The Natural Bridge and American Water after having them both rec'd to me in the controversial opinions thread. Enjoying both, but American Water is just fantastic. It's been awhile since I've taken to an album on the first listen.

Kid B
06/29/09, 03:47 PM
I would love to discuss Berman's lyrics

chipdip18
06/29/09, 03:56 PM
I think we should too.

kearn1tm
06/29/09, 05:05 PM
Berman rarely slips into the needlessly nebulous yet the images he spins are just as striking as Mangum's if not more so. Where songwriting is concerned, I also give Dave the edge because he's capable of penning memorable arrangements in spite of a less than lively voice whereas Jeff has this singular timbre that can make or break tunes.

Yes. Mangum's lyrics are fantastic, but at times, become needlessly cryptic and bogged down in it's own mysticism. Berman conveys the same intellectual sense of profoundness and commentary on the world and people with elliptical, streamlined lyrics and never falters.

They're both wonderful songwriters, but Berman is a poet exterior to music, and it shows in his lyrics.

IWasaCamera
06/30/09, 11:13 AM
It's quite enjoyable seeing all this Silver Jews love.

imahoodlum
08/12/09, 09:36 PM
I've been listening to American Water like crazy these days.

jbaseball44
08/13/09, 08:18 AM
Listened to the album a lot on my vacation, mostly while i was driving

chipdip18
08/13/09, 11:23 AM
Probably because it straight up owns, huh?

jbaseball44
10/08/09, 07:42 AM
Been listening to Bright Flight more lately

new_arbiter
10/08/09, 10:18 AM
Been listening to Bright Flight more lately

I should do the same.

IWasaCamera
10/10/09, 11:25 AM
Eh, Bright Flight is good but weighed down by a few tracks. Should have swapped them with a few from the Tennessee EP.

rerelease_
10/10/09, 11:56 AM
haven't heard anything but "american water," but i love that record.

IWasaCamera
10/11/09, 06:38 PM
Look into Berman's first two records Starlite Walker and The Natural Bridge. Perhaps not as consistent but there are some real gems there.

IWasaCamera
10/30/09, 01:52 PM
Been spinning Starlite Walker. Thought you'd like to know.

jbaseball44
10/30/09, 01:56 PM
good album

IWasaCamera
10/30/09, 02:01 PM
There's beasts
And there's men
And there's something on this Earth
That comes back again

IWasaCamera
02/03/10, 10:46 AM
It's been a Berman day thus far.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/SJ%20-%20Starlite%20Walker.jpghttp://images.q4music.com/content/mojo/DOTD/SilverJews200.jpghttp://www.hasharat.co.il/images/mag_9_dt71_americanwater.jpg

jbaseball44
02/03/10, 02:43 PM
Been trying to get my roommate into them, he listened to American Water and liked it quite a bit so that's a start.

IWasaCamera
02/05/10, 11:27 AM
How'd you turn a billion steers into buildings made of mirrors?

kearn1tm
02/05/10, 11:53 AM
Look into Berman's first two records Starlite Walker and The Natural Bridge. Perhaps not as consistent but there are some real gems there.

Starlite Walker is great.

IWasaCamera
02/06/10, 08:38 AM
Indeed it is. As a whole album, probably the second best Silver Jews effort.

IWasaCamera
03/11/10, 07:43 PM
Up the hill past 694, at the stone wall make a left
I will see you soon my friend if these old directions still direct
Is the problem that we can't see or is it that the problem is beautiful to me?
The birds of Virginia are flying within you
Like background singers they all come in threes
Won't soul music change
Now that our souls have turned strange?
Once a day, twice a day
And when on and off collide
We'll set our souls aside and walk away
We've been raised on replicas of fake and winding roads
And day after day up on this beautiful stage
We've been playing tambourine for minimum wage
But we are real, I know we are real


Listened to this all afternoon.

Kid B
03/11/10, 07:55 PM
I could listen to that album forever. Berman is truly incredible. I exaggerate a lot about artists I love but I mean it here. He is god.

IWasaCamera
03/11/10, 08:00 PM
Eh, his last three full-lengths were decent to good but also rather spotty.

jbaseball44
03/11/10, 08:04 PM
Haven't listened to them in a little while, maybe some late night American Water is in order.

FeynmanWannabe
03/11/10, 08:46 PM
Up the hill past 694, at the stone wall make a left
I will see you soon my friend if these old directions still direct
Is the problem that we can't see or is it that the problem is beautiful to me?
The birds of Virginia are flying within you
Like background singers they all come in threes
Won't soul music change
Now that our souls have turned strange?
Once a day, twice a day
And when on and off collide
We'll set our souls aside and walk away
We've been raised on replicas of fake and winding roads
And day after day up on this beautiful stage
We've been playing tambourine for minimum wage
But we are real, I know we are real


Listened to this all afternoon.
We must be thinking alike. Listened to it twice yesterday along with Bright Flight and Starlite Walker, and then American Water once again today.

new_arbiter
03/11/10, 08:51 PM
American Water is most pleasing after a long week and a few drinks.

IWasaCamera
03/11/10, 08:52 PM
We must be thinking alike. Listened to it twice yesterday along with Bright Flight and Starlite Walker, and then American Water once again today.
Nice. I felt like The Natural Bridge earlier tonight (if only for Dallas), but fell asleep on the couch and woke up to American Idol.

How'd you turn a billion steers
Into buildings made of mirrors?

Love that line.

jbaseball44
03/11/10, 09:46 PM
American Water is treating me well right now

IntoTheSun
04/21/10, 03:53 PM
Up the hill past 694, at the stone wall make a left
I will see you soon my friend if these old directions still direct
Is the problem that we can't see or is it that the problem is beautiful to me?
The birds of Virginia are flying within you
Like background singers they all come in threes
Won't soul music change
Now that our souls have turned strange?
Once a day, twice a day
And when on and off collide
We'll set our souls aside and walk away
We've been raised on replicas of fake and winding roads
And day after day up on this beautiful stage
We've been playing tambourine for minimum wage
But we are real, I know we are real


Listened to this all afternoon.

Yes. Some of my favorite lyrics off the album so far. Can't stop listening to American Water.

IntoTheSun
04/21/10, 04:02 PM
Also love these lines from People:

You can't change the feeling
but you can change your feelings about the feeling in a second or two
People always come around.

People ask people to watch their scotch
People send people up to the moon
When they return, well there isn't much
People be careful not to crest too soon

Takk...Ros
04/21/10, 04:22 PM
All this Silver Jews love warms my heart. It seems they are ALWAYS overlooked.
Up the hill past 694, at the stone wall make a left
I will see you soon my friend if these old directions still direct
Is the problem that we can't see or is it that the problem is beautiful to me?
The birds of Virginia are flying within you
Like background singers they all come in threes
Won't soul music change
Now that our souls have turned strange?
Once a day, twice a day
And when on and off collide
We'll set our souls aside and walk away
We've been raised on replicas of fake and winding roads
And day after day up on this beautiful stage
We've been playing tambourine for minimum wage
But we are real, I know we are real


Listened to this all afternoon.
One of my favorites. I listened to this just the other day and will now probably listen to it again.

IWasaCamera
04/22/10, 09:05 AM
I love everyone in this thread. Really. Here (http://sunonthesand.com/2009/moment-in-the-sun-american-water-1998/)'s an incredibly lengthy article expounding on why American Water is the quintessential road trip album.

new_arbiter
04/22/10, 09:33 AM
Also love these lines from People:
People ask people to watch their scotch
People send people up to the moon
When they return, well there isn't much
People be careful not to crest too soon

Yes, probably my favorite lyrics of the album.

IntoTheSun
04/22/10, 01:59 PM
I love everyone in this thread. Really. Here (http://sunonthesand.com/2009/moment-in-the-sun-american-water-1998/)'s an incredibly lengthy article expounding on why American Water is the quintessential road trip album.

Sweet. This was exactly what I was looking for, Vinh. I tried to search up any articles or reviews the other day detailing the significance of the album, but Google gave me nothing good haha. Will be reading now!

ohmessylife
04/23/10, 09:57 AM
I love everyone in this thread. Really. Here (http://sunonthesand.com/2009/moment-in-the-sun-american-water-1998/)'s an incredibly lengthy article expounding on why American Water is the quintessential road trip album.

Must have listened to this record 10 times on my trip from Boston to San Francisco last summer. There's just something so soothing about it.

IWasaCamera
04/25/10, 01:55 PM
Hoping I can take a few long drives over the summer with windows down and Berman singing of older waves from older caves.

IntoTheSun
04/26/10, 06:48 PM
My hold on Actual Air finally arrived from the library! I am excited to read it.

ohmessylife
04/26/10, 06:52 PM
My hold on Actual Air finally arrived from the library! I am excited to read it.


You are in for a treat, 'tis a wonderful read.

IntoTheSun
04/26/10, 06:57 PM
You are in for a treat, 'tis a wonderful read.

Yeah, I like Berman's lyrics more and more with every listen.

ohmessylife
04/26/10, 07:03 PM
Yeah, I like Berman's lyrics more and more with every listen.

In most cases i'm not much of a poetry fan, but Berman has a way with words.

IntoTheSun
04/27/10, 06:53 PM
A yearbook's endpages, filled with promises
to stay in touch, stand as proof of the uselessness
of a teenager's promise. Not like I'm dying
for a letter from the class stoner
ten years on but...

Do you remember the way the girls
would call out "love you!"
conveniently leaving out the "I"
as if they didn't want to commit
to their own declarations.

I agree that the "I" is a pretty heavy concept
and hope you won't get uncomfortable
if I should go into some deeper stuff here.

I laughed so much at this, because it's so true.

It's just that our advances are irrepressible.
Nowadays little kids can't even set up lemonade stands.
It makes people too self-conscious about the past,
though try explaining that to a kid.

I'm not saying it should be this way.

And this stanza makes me sad for whatever reason.

IntoTheSun
05/09/10, 10:32 PM
I absolutely love the lyrics on Like Like The The The Death.

IWasaCamera
05/10/10, 02:54 PM
grass rabbits grass rabbits grass rabbits grass rabbits grass

IntoTheSun
05/10/10, 03:00 PM
Some reviewer said they were nonsensical, but the mean something interesting to me :shrug:

I'm thinking of getting The Natural Bridge next.

new_arbiter
05/11/10, 09:26 AM
Some reviewer said they were nonsensical, but the mean something interesting to me :shrug:

I'm thinking of getting The Natural Bridge next.

What other SJ albums have you listened to? I actually listened to The Natural Bridge before American Water. I feel like it helped to ease me into Berman's vocals and allowed AW to hit me much harder than it would have if I had started with it. A good choice, though.

IWasaCamera
05/11/10, 09:59 AM
I'd say go for Starlite Walker but that's just me. The Natural Bridge is certainly solid in its own right.

Kid B
05/11/10, 10:16 PM
As summer approaches, I've been listening to American Water almost daily. Still sounds just as good as the first time I heard it.

IntoTheSun
05/11/10, 11:28 PM
I ended up getting The Natural Bridge yesterday...so I sorta missed your suggestion, Vinh :-(

In any case, I will be giving it a proper listen tomorrow.

IWasaCamera
05/14/10, 10:16 AM
That's alright, The Natural Bridge has Dallas which is brilliant.

jbaseball44
05/14/10, 10:23 AM
I'd say go for Starlite Walker but that's just me. The Natural Bridge is certainly solid in its own right.
Starlite Walker is great, 'New Orleans' is a great jam

IWasaCamera
05/14/10, 10:28 AM
Most of it is stellar. Second best Joos album in my estimation.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 04:46 PM
'Random Rules' has recently become one of my favourite songs. I'm excited to discover this band more.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 06:37 PM
I asked a painter why the roads are coloured black, he said 'Steve it's because people leavin' no highway will bring them back

It's simply incredible that I felt exactly what this song was about before I paid attention to the lyrics. So perfectly precise.

IntoTheSun
05/27/10, 06:58 PM
'Random Rules' has recently become one of my favourite songs. I'm excited to discover this band more.

yay!
I asked a painter why the roads are coloured black, he said 'Steve it's because people leavin' no highway will bring them back

It's simply incredible that I felt exactly what this song was about before I paid attention to the lyrics. So perfectly precise.
yay!

haha, that is one of my favorite lines from the album as well.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 07:03 PM
Seriously, I don't remember the last time I listened to a song more than ten times in a row. Well done, Berman.

IntoTheSun
05/27/10, 07:24 PM
Any other songs from the album you enjoy?

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 07:29 PM
None that I enjoy nearly as much as the opener, but 'We are Real' is a standout for me right now.

IntoTheSun
05/27/10, 07:34 PM
Is the problem that we can't see or is it that the problem is beautiful to me?

That song has some of the best lyrics on the album.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 07:40 PM
I like them so much more when Berman's vocals are on the forefront. Songs like 'Federal Dust' and 'Blue Arrangments' aren't doing much for me right now.

IWasaCamera
05/27/10, 08:17 PM
Blue Arrangements is great. Berman and Malkmus work off each other wonderfully.

Regardless, nice to see you digging Berman's work, Rick.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 08:25 PM
I have a feeling it will grow on me, though I've never been a fan of Pavement. As a side note, I'm really digging 'Honk If You're Lonely', 'Send in the Clouds', and 'The Wild Kindness' now too.

IWasaCamera
05/27/10, 08:36 PM
Honk If You're Lonely totally thrives on context, as that dash of wide-eyed hope amidst a sea of less pleasant meditations. It's cute by Berman standards. Delightful to sing along to as well, get Volcano collar into this shit.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 08:37 PM
Honk If You're Lonely totally thrives on context, as that dash of wide-eyed hope amidst a sea of less pleasant meditations. It's cute by Berman standards. Delightful to sing along to as well, get Volcano collar into this shit.
Yeah, it's definitely the context that makes me like it a lot. And seriously, that is still the best nickname I've ever heard.

IWasaCamera
05/27/10, 08:44 PM
It is one to remember for sure.

Are you still into lo-fi junk, Rick? The Joos' first full-length Starlite Walker might be up your alley if it's the case. Sidenote: seeing "alley" always makes me think of "the alleys are the footnotes of the avenues". Anyway, point is, lots of solid Joos material to dig into.

oddwithoutend
05/27/10, 08:49 PM
It is one to remember for sure.

Are you still into lo-fi junk, Rick? The Joos' first full-length Starlite Walker might be up your alley if it's the case. Sidenote: seeing "alley" always makes me think of "the alleys are the footnotes of the avenues". Anyway, point is, lots of solid Joos material to dig into.
ha Yeah, I'm still a sucker for lo-fi, despite the amount of trendy bands using the technique poorly in the last year or two. Thanks for the rec, Vinh, I'll definitely check that one out next.

showmethefever
05/28/10, 04:58 PM
I really enjoy the song Punks in the Beerlight. I've only listened to Tanglewood Numbers so far. I'll probably download more tonight.

IntoTheSun
07/02/10, 04:56 AM
American Water has taken over my life recently. The incredibility of Berman's lyricism is really starting to sink in.

Some power that hardly looked like power
said I'm only perfect in an empty room

Also, the opening track is still perfect. I'm obsessed.

blebbio
07/02/10, 05:55 AM
I love Pavement but I've never listened to this band. I should change that.

IntoTheSun
07/27/10, 12:35 AM
I love Pavement but I've never listened to this band. I should change that.

And?

showmethefever
07/27/10, 12:37 AM
I enjoy this band.

ohmessylife
07/27/10, 07:30 AM
When I moved last month I listened to American Water no less than 5 times on the drive.

Broner
07/27/10, 07:32 AM
lovin da jews

new_arbiter
07/27/10, 09:06 AM
Found this while surfing youtube the other day. I didn't realize there was a video for this song:

eNBc3J3GEzk

IntoTheSun
07/27/10, 01:11 PM
When I moved last month I listened to American Water no less than 5 times on the drive.

Sounds lovely. For some reason, I've always felt Pavement was more of my go-to driving music though. I've barely listened to them outside of a car, aha.

ohmessylife
07/27/10, 01:46 PM
Sounds lovely. For some reason, I've always felt Pavement was more of my go-to driving music though. I've barely listened to them outside of a car, aha.

Can't fault you there, haha.

mynameiseo
07/28/10, 08:43 AM
In 1984 I was hospitalized for approachin' perfection

It's sad they aren't together anymore. Steven Malkmus was great on that album

neelyohara
07/28/10, 09:10 AM
^ That's my favourite opening line to anything, ever.

jdr2187
09/10/10, 09:04 AM
Today is an American Water kind of day. Been listening all morning.

IntoTheSun
11/09/10, 02:27 PM
http://gyazo.com/0af4f39fc44645cdc288e6233145c03c.pn g
Tanline on your ring finger.

ohmessylife
11/09/10, 02:31 PM
I love that picture. It might be a Starlite Walker kind of evening.

Nuns On A Bus
01/22/11, 04:19 PM
American Water just clicked for me the other day. For some reason I could never really get into it until now, but now I'm certainly realizing why so many people love it!

chipdip18
02/09/12, 01:56 PM
I'm glad it clicked for you. I love that album. Bright Light and the Tennesse EP are worth looking into too.