Comments on: The Dodos – Time To Die, Album Review & CD + Vinyl Giveaway

By: ssstique

ssstique — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:09:06 +0000

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.

By: DinoPenguin

DinoPenguin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:39:22 +0000

I liked the album, but for some reason it didn’t really stand out to me. I think Visitor was much better

By: Carl S.

Carl S. — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:46:21 +0000

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.

By: John Furness

John Furness — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:01:34 +0000

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.

By: Ryan Garner

Ryan Garner — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:33:38 +0000

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.

By: J.Hales

J.Hales — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:19:08 +0000

I fell in love to The Dodos @ The Cake Shop in NY.
But then she dumped me.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:14:52 +0000

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.

By: isaac

isaac — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:45:07 +0000

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.

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:09:52 +0000

They more simple, more exciting and cool. That’s the way!

By: soulrush

soulrush — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:15:20 +0000

that’s a great album.
balanced, exciting, and simple at the same time.

By: Randy Bruder

Randy Bruder — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:29:15 +0000

even better than the last album…thanks for the contest

By: Cody Shelton

Cody Shelton — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:46:29 +0000

Great stuff. Amazing what can happen when a great band and an awesome producer get together.

By: Mick

Mick — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:26:07 +0000

Their last album was great but I think this one is even better. It’s a fine piece of music beautifully crafted to perfection.

By: Benny K

Benny K — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:45:12 +0000

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!

By: RaRaRadiation

RaRaRadiation — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:12:16 +0000

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.

By: Luke

Luke — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:25:34 +0000

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.

By: David

David — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:19:41 +0000

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!

By: Scott Melendez

Scott Melendez — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:31:32 +0000

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.

By: Michael Bilyk

Michael Bilyk — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:05:18 +0000

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.