Idyl Time: On the Okkervil River Fence

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

On the Okkervil River Fence

My live-show wife, Shasta, invited me to this show next Saturday (6/18) at Seattle's Neptune Theater and as long as Fremont's Naked Soltice Parade and the post-parade tye-dye party that follows isn't TOO much of a distraction... I will be there. I've been fiddling around with their stuff for a couple weeks and still find myself in limbo. Haven't heard anything that I inherently love but I definitely feel more drawn to their earlier work:

After reading about the extensive work and creative process involved in developing they're latest album "I Am Very Far", I really wanted to love it. I'm just not sold yet. I am, however, intrigued by the genius that is said to be Will Sheff. He is highly acclaimed for his lyrical talents and instrumental collaborations. For example, in this collective work alone they incorporated 7 guitarists, 2 pianists, 2 drummers, and 2 bassists AND still had the energy and forethought to throw in creative elements such as the fastforwarding and rewinding of and old boombox, the tearing of paper (as heard in Piratess), etc. Yes, I'm intrigued to say the least. But the overall sound has definitely deterred from their more folk-ier work and that disappoints me. Not to say it isn't good... just not particularly my sound. (yet)

Take a listen. You be the judge. I'm still on the fence.

3 comments:

Shasta Ivey said...: Live show wife?!?! LOVE IT! HA!
Speaking of, it's been too long. The Kills show was over a month ago! So I do hope you go on Saturday. What bands are going to be in the NW Music fest??? I'm thinking Okkervil's live performance will push you over that fence :)
P.S. Have you checked out the album "Black Sheep Boy?"; June 15, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Jonna said...: You didn't know we were wed? lol. I know! I gotta whip out my concert calendar and lock down some dates. I'll do that tomorrow. As for NWfest, check out the site... I'm most pumped about Sunday's headliner Band of Horses. They're an all time fave. Jeff might have the hookup too. Do I smell roadtrip?? As for Sat... not looking likely. I hate balconies. (Not in general, just for shows) And yes, I do like that album. It's mostly the newest I'm torn on. Oh, we definitely have to hang out soon. Just thought of a funny story to tell you! (is this what comments are for? long, drawn out email-esque replies?... YES. When they're on your blog I spose...) Anyway, can you come to soltice naked people parade saturday morning?; June 15, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Shasta Ivey said...: Lame!!! I didn't know you responded to my comment! What time will you be at the Solstice thing? I have softball practice @ 1pm, dinner around 5 pm, then the show...; June 17, 2011 at 9:56 AM

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Remember to Remember...

This blog is just a personal exploration of music and represents my preference and perspective (for whatever, if anything, that's worth). The site is dubbed "Idyl Time" because I soon realized that a large majority of my "idle" time is spent on music and who doesn't love a good play on words? I stumbled on the definition of "idyl" in a book I was reading and thought it worked as a title for this endeavor because each piece of music I'm examining here is a composition (be it not necessarily pastoral). But, when you discover a connection with a song, an album, an artist or a show it can truly border on an inconsequential affair; in that... it tugs on the very strings of your heart and can pinch you ever so lightly (or painfully) in the most secret of places. Music can transport you in an instant to a person, place or memory that still holds a dear (or dark) place in your heart. It's something so private and so personal and so inherently unique to each listener. It's a relationship that obviously has no tangible relevance on your day to day existence but at the same time can represent a "romantic affair" or attachment of some sort. I've personally always attempted to operate with a hap-hazard, caution-to-the-wind, attitude towards life and all it's offerings for experience. Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all (which beyond relationships, can refer to all the windows and doors that life affords you). I guess my point is, you may have tried, you may have failed, you may have loved, you may have lost, but you took a chance. And you still have your memories and the music they're dressed in. For whatever that's worth.