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Why I Decree it to Be So:I'll tell you a little something, you foxy foxes, Lower Dens really knows how to put the charm in Charm City. Twin-Hand Movement is a masterpiece, pure and simple. And as a side note, it also makes for some pretty fine mood music. I suppose that's neither here nor there, but believe you me, 'tis true. To me, Lower Dens made one of 2010's most beautiful, most atmospheric, and most incandescent records. There's stuff going on here that is incomprehensible in its loveliness. The seductive, hazy lo-fi tones of "Tea Lights," for example, or the heart-stopping, slow-motion trap that is the impeccable "I Get Nervous." Perhaps you'll be snagged by "Rosie," which begins ever so slowly and gently, whispering coyly in your ear before, a minute or so later, it expands and rushes into a jumble of lushness. It's nigh on impossible not to hear "Truss Me," a song scented with the perfume of a velvet midnight in the pulsating, sweet height of summer, and not want to kiss someone. Even now, oh so many listens in, this album knocks me out. If you don't own this record yet, don't let yourself go another day without it. It really is that good. mp3: Blue & Silver (Lower Dens from Twin-Hand Movement)
So remember how I said I sometimes forget about Baltimore venues? Well, I'm occasionally guilty of overlooking Baltimore bands, too. Sorry, Charm City. I've got me a serious case of Chocolate City blinders. Which is really too bad, because there's a whole lotta glorious, mighty fine noise being made an hour up the road.
Today's example: Lower Dens. I'm currently head over heels with their song "Blue & Silver", off this summer's Twin-Hand Movement record. There's more than a subtle nod to the era when interestingly-coiffed skinny Brits ruled the airwaves and MTV, with a spare, stark quality to the recording and a hearty dose of shimmy, joined by breathy, daydreaming vocals. Basically, it's a gorgeous song and I can't stop listening to it.
It's got me in the mood to see this Baltimoreans in the flesh, and thankfully, the band is gearing up for a New Year's hangover tour (starting 1/3 at the Kennedy Center. Swanky!). Dates below the song. I'm sure I'll see some of you at one or both of those DC dates.
mp3: Blue & Silver (Lower Dens from Twin-Hand Movement)
01/03 - Washington DC - The Kennedy Center
01/12 - Carrboro NC - Cat's Cradle $
01/13 - Atlanta GA - Variety Playhouse $
01/14 - Asheville NC - Grey Eagle Tavern $
01/15 - Nashville TN - Exit In $
03/11 - Washington DC - Black Cat !
03/12 - Chapel Hill NC - Local 506 !
03/13 - Atlanta GA - The EARL !
03/15 - Norman OK - The Opolis !
$ = w/ The Walkmen
! = w/ Wye Oak
Why I Decree it to Be So:
