The Dodos
Time To Die
Frenchkiss
out September 15th
80/100
[Rating Scale]
[rating:80/100]
Producer Phil Ek seemed to find the right mix of notes for The Shins, Band of Horses, and the Fleet Foxes — it was only fitting that his production prowess and folk-rock-psychedelic style translate over to The Dodos third album effort, Time to Die. Sometimes producers tend to find and hone their talents into a base recipe, adjusting their ingredients to the ones brought into the kitchen by the artists themselves. Seemingly, it looks like the studio antics of Ek and The Dodos churned out a very well executed 9 course album that leaves your auditory senses more than pleased.
Still containing the band-defining acoustic and percussive flavor, the trio’s latest effort emphasizes and defines the typically overused modifier known as maturity. When you listen to this album, ignore the lyrics on your first go-round — or if you are a lyricophile, just try and focus on the marriage displayed between the guitar and the percussion and whole-heartedly feel free to insert any positive adjective here [____]. Now, add in the lyrics with the perfectly tuned vocals and again, add another level of cliche monikers and insert here [___].
To me, the separation between a good and a great album occurs, amongst other things, when, simply, the listener can just listen to the album itself — you can tune in, tune out, zone in, or zone out and still appreciate the music for the music. Time to Die is the perfect example of such an experience where you truly appreciate the emotions evoked by the tunes, whether your brain actually cares or not.
Picking a favorite? Near impossible — all 9 tracks are favorites — effortlessly making each song better as you move forward with each progressive track. If I was forced to choose? “Fables“. Without a doubt (and not very far behind, every other song on the album), is framed nicely by “Longform” and “The Strums”, but my love for this song lies in its Beatles-esque percussion and vocal off-beat progression. I am a sucker for lyrics falling off-beat from the drums and I can’t help but echo its core lyrics — I don’t wanna go in the fire… I just wanna stay in my home…
The Dodos – Longform | mp3
The Dodos – The Strums | mp3
So yes, with their latest effort, this trio is far from extinction and hopefully far from anywhere near a Time to Die because we will all very much be looking forward to their next San Francisco treat.
To enter to win a copy of The Dodos’ Time To Die on vinyl or CD formats (a total of two winners)., leave a comment with your thoughts on the tracks you’ve just sampled, The Dodos, or (if you’ve listened to it) the album. Make sure you leave your name/email address in the provided fields! Entries will be accepted until September 13th
Richard Yoon is contributor here at Pretty Much Amazing. While he’s not runnin’ around the hospital or listening to music, he is blogging over at Music is My Hot Hot Sex.
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I saw a second Dodos gig a few days ago. It rocked and at times it was also contemplative (they may sound strange to those who have not yet heard the new album).
Being a loyal Dodos aficionado I am forcing myself not to be disappointed because of the new sound on the new album: the crazy energetic flow has been severely contained, to say the least, and this was exactly what made me fall in love with their sound. I noticed that the crowd was also nostalgic for the initial Dodos sound, and at one point Logan said to Meric: “Give them what they want.”.
I am patiently letting the album grow on me, and I think it will succeed, maybe partly. I appreciate the Beatlesque sound though it is not something I’d expect from them. Also, the xylophone now plays an important role, especially on stage. It made me doze off… Yet again, I didn’t expect to have my mind wander off in meditation during a Dodos gig!
This being said, I briefly met Meric and Logan, and I must say that these guys are nice indeed.
My conclusion: Dodos are still impressive (just like Meric’s finger nails). They became known thanks to their own sound. They deserve loyalty through this change because it would be unwise to let them pass you by just because they evolve.
I had the impression that the Dodos played for themselves, and an audience could take this as an offense. On the contrary, I think that this shows their maturity: Dodos clearly do what they like, and that’s how I like it.
I liked the album, but for some reason it didn’t really stand out to me. I think Visitor was much better
Visitor was probably one of my three favorite albums from 2008, mostly because of the energy the songs had. Time to Die has slowed it down so much, which is worse for them. They are both so good at their instruments, and it’s especially visible when they play fast and heavy. I have a feeling I’ll get into it, but it might take me a bit longer than it did with Visitor.
Not quite as stoked about this first time through like I was with visitor. I think it lacks a stand-out track (i.e. Fools or Walking), but will probably end up a grower.
It’s been so long since I’ve had sustained chills while listening to acoustic driven music.. Without sounding too cliché, I really felt inspired do greater things and be a better version of myself while listening to the tracks you put up. “Longform” is the first song I’ve heard from the Dodo’s and I’m very pleased to say my ears and I will be happily devouring any jams these guys put out.
I fell in love to The Dodos @ The Cake Shop in NY.
But then she dumped me.
This album definitely sounds more full, like a “band”. I loved the more stripped-down sound of the previous two albums as well as the chaotic distorted freak-outs (which need to be heard and seen live to be fully appreciated), but Time To Die finds a more produced, less noisy but also less bare aesthetic. Things that make The Dodos The Dodos are absolutely still here; the sparse yet satisfying horn arrangements, echo-laden shouts prominent in Beware of the Maniacs (see the “Go!” in “Longform”). One major difference is that Logan’s percussion stands out much less, which I think takes too much attention away from his rhythmic complexities.
Some of my favorite moments of the album include the chorus of “Fables,” the chime hits starting at the 51 second mark of “This is a Business”, the following lyric from “A Time to Die”: “I hear a voice- am I following in your footsteps? I clear the noise with the following of your footsteps” and the subsequent delivery of “Oh I recall all the promises that you emptied” which more than deserves its four repetitions.
Give this album a few listens before you take your stance on it. While quite different, it is still the Dodos we love.
Last year I was at the UNT campus and while sitting on a bench one evening, I heard two dread locked guys singing a song that struck me to the heart. Something about the song beckoned me and I had to approach the guys to ask the name of the song. They told me it was the Dodos and the song was called “Men”. Since then I’ve been hooked and see that day like an epiphany. I am listening to this album with a lot of hope.
They more simple, more exciting and cool. That’s the way!
that’s a great album.
balanced, exciting, and simple at the same time.
even better than the last album…thanks for the contest
Great stuff. Amazing what can happen when a great band and an awesome producer get together.
Their last album was great but I think this one is even better. It’s a fine piece of music beautifully crafted to perfection.
The Dodos on paper should sound predictable, average, and wholly overfamiliar, but manage to push the popularity pocket a little further – catchy, in the same way people catch colds in Winter. I haven’t listened to the new album but I’m sure it will be more opaque and well-rounded than their initial release, possibly less fluid, more stop-start than the first…but I’m going to wait until it is released!
I loved Visiter and I love all the new tracks I’ve heard so far. Reminds me that I need to pick up their first album and should probably go see them at the Getty in August.
Like i said in the ‘Fables’ post this album is nowhere near as good as Visiter in my opinion. All the songs are good, sure but no songs are great. None of them seem to have the explosive energy I love from Visiter. Songs like Jodi are missing and its disappointing (at least what ive heard of the album). Im definitely gonna get this album just cause The Dodos are king, but im disappointed with it so far. Maybe if i listen to it more it’ll grow on me.
Ps. Go see these bad boys live. they rock the house. i never thought an acoustic guitar could be so chaotic.
Awesome that they put the whole thing online for streaming to tide us over before the actual release date. Thanks, internet.
I can’t really pick a favorite track, I’m just pumped to get new music from these guys!
I’ve always been a big fan of the Dodos since their Beware of Maniacs albums, and although I think Visiter is my favorite album, having heard Time to Die, I like that they are trying something new. Longform is my favorite song right now.
Dodos are really cool. I some of their songs and they are really good. Overall though, I don’t find myself coming back to them. Which isn’t bad, it just means that they aren’t addicting. However, if a song by them comes on my itunes, i never skip it, ever.