Band To Watch: Annuals
Ace Fu has a major buzz band on its hands with North Carolina's Annuals. Our friends at PFork describe them as "a fantasy hybird of Animal Collective, the Arcade Fire, and Broken Social Scene." That's one way of saying these teenage guys (and gal) can effortlessly take on hushed folk, fuzzy pop, and, in the case of elbo.ws smash "Brother," twee lullaby to hard rock freakout in under four minutes. Plus "The Bull And The Goat" is so damn jammy we know the Bonnaroo-bound will just eat it up. "Sway" is a stunning closer, and all these songs demand repeated listens.
Given the sextet's kitchen-sink soundsapes and familial song titles, the Arcade Fire comparisons were inevitable. But they're not unwarranted. Just know that Annuals are so much more fun.
The hype machine has long been in motion for this band, so we feel sorta silly calling them a Band To Watch (we know, we know ... you blogged about them first.) But hey, we're busy looking at photos of Suri Cruise -- sometimes a great CD sits at the bottom of the pile for too long.
One might question Ace Fu's logic behind giving away three of the best songs on an album that's not out 'til mid-October...
Annuals - "Brother" (MP3)
Annuals - "Bleary Eyed" (MP3)
Annuals - "Dry Clothes" (MP3)
...but hey, we're not complaining! In fact, they're letting us "premiere" (for the non-pirates) a fourth song from Be He Me. Right click and save, as this lilting piano-led waltz really does sound like a fantasy hybird of Animal Collective, Arcade Fire, and BSS.
Annuals - "Complete Or Completing" (MP3 link removed)
You can stream a fifth song from the album at myspace.com/annuals.
We hear they're killer live, and lead singer Adam Baker sometimes sports a costume. We like costumes.
Sep 12 2006 9:00P Khyber Philadelphia, PA
Sep 14 2006 8:00P Sin-E playing with Friction/ KEXP New York, NY
Sep 15 2006 8:00P NorthSix Brooklyn, NY
Sep 16 2006 9:00P The Middle East Boston, MA
Sep 18 2006 9:00P Grog Shop w/ MAN MAN Cleveland , OH
Sep 19 2006 8:00P Subterranean Chicago, IL
Oct 19 2006 8:00P Irving Plaza with Art Brut New York, NY
Oct 20 2006 8:00P the Starlight Ballroom with Art Brut Philadelphia, PA
Oct 22 2006 8:00P Bottletree with tapes 'n tapes Birmingham, AL
Oct 24 2006 8:00P Club Down Under with tapes 'n tapes Tallahasee, FL
Oct 25 2006 8:00P Common Grounds with tapes 'n tapes Gainesville
Oct 26 2006 8:00P The Social with tapes 'n tapes Orlando, FL
Oct 27 2006 8:00P Cafe 11 playing with tapes 'n tapes St. Augustine, FL
Oct 28 2006 8:00P Tasty World with tapes 'n tapes Athens, GA
Oct 29 2006 8:00P The Loft with tapes 'n tapes Atlanta, GA
Oct 30 2006 8:00P the Local 506 with tapes n' tapes Chapel Hill, NC
Oct 31 2006 8:00P Black Cat with tapes 'n tapes Washington, DC
Finally, Annuals are releasing a silkscreened limited-edition 7" of "Brother" b/w "Ease My Mind." Limited to 500 copies, and availble via Junketboy to some of the indie Coalition stores and Newbury Comics.
And in case you were wondering if they're playing CMJ -- our sources say: Duh! See you Friday 11/3 at Bowery Ballroom!
UPDATE: They decided to print 1,000 of those 7"s. And give ten of them to Stereogum to give to YOU for free. If you want one, just leave a comment saying why you like Annuals. Use your real e-mail address so we can contact you if you win (you're not signing up for anything and you won't get spam; people who say that are liars!) We'll pick ten winners randomly on Thursday, 9/21 at 6 PM EST, so make your plea by then.
Posted at 3:26 PM in Band To Watch, Contest, MP3
Tags: Annuals
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DUH
just kidding. but seriously, it's about time. i want one of those vinyl singles... any info on where to pick one up if you're nowhere near Newbury St? Annuals rock!
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yeah, these guys are pretty damn awesome. one of the best debut albums of the year!
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Last time I was this excited about a band was when I first heard The Most Serene Republic. So yeah, very excited...
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I can dig it!
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yo check it,
i am at work and i played Bleary Eyed over the main computer and my boss asks who this is. After a glance that was waaaay to quick , i said the "anals". after a couple awkward seconds of silence she says " oh, i think i like it.. anals."
DH - just said anal to my boss
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that kid adam baker is a genius!
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The Annuals provide some much needed ass-kicking to my home state of North Carolina that has otherwise declinded towards musical mediocrity with recent musical contributions such as Petey Pablo, Fantasia Barrino and, worst of all, Clay Aiken.
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Whiskeytown/Ryan Adams are from Raleigh too.. they rather kick ass. and what about Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five?
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yeah, i guess you're right.. the last few years have been rather lame for good old NC
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I will take one of the 7 inches.
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I like the annuals cos they sound like all of my favorite bands in one.
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i like the annuals because they mix static noise, acoustic guitar, and heavier music into one special listenable melody.
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i not only like them because they come from a great state, but i also enjoy them for the tunes they make. may i have a 7 inch?
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i have all these guys demos, because my best friend grew up with annuals in north carolina. even some stuff with their old band. (sedona.)
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i have all these guys demos, because my best friend grew up with annuals in north carolina. even some stuff with their old band. (sedona.)
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The annuals are rad and i love vinyl
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I can't believe I didn't know about the limited edition 7''. I would definitely be into getting my hands on one of those.
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I like Annuals because they play music better than I can.
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i like annuals. and vinyl.
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I have never been very good at putting into words why I like particular bands, I expect Stereogum to do that for me. All I know is that I really like this band and I really like free stuff.
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can we steer the ship from PR MACHINE back to blog please.
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I like the Annuals because they give me a boner.
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I like Annuals because they give away free vinyls. Also, their music is quite awesome.
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i like boners and free vinyl, cant say i like the annuals.
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guys guys guys! it's ANNUALS not THE annuals
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I love this band. "Brother" is amazing. Please give me a free 7 inch.
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The Annuals make it sound like this summer hasn't ended, even though school has already started and I am not getting enough sleep. I can still put on their songs and ride my bike down to the beach and feel like I still have some measure of freedom and joy left in my life.
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Why do I love the Annuals? Because a band like this only comes around once a year.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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i have the original version of dry clothes and other songs on an old annuals demo and its even sweeter. my best friend knows all the guys in the band. if you like annuals you will also like sedona.
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I like the Annuals because their music isn't nearly as redundant as pat's comments.
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reminds me of circulatory system which is a good thing
for the most part good
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I like the annuals because they are mature.
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I like the annuals because they helped my 80 year old grandmother cross a busy street. And they can also write a good tune.
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Truly, the annuals are so great that they are not afraid of Yo La Tengo and will beat their collective ass.
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Annuals remind me of sizzling bacon on a summer morning. I like my orange juice with annuals and pancakes. Furthermore, I played the song Bleary Eyed over the phone for my mom and she said, "OK, ALLRIGHT, ANNUALS, OH YEAH." I don't know if that's good or bad. (that's a true story) Stop posting Pat.
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Annuals are awesome. Can't wait to see them in Boston.
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STOKED. ON. THIS. BAND.
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Because it's a better name than "yearbooks"
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methinks there's just a little Beulah in the mix - which is just fine by me! this stuffs is sweetness indeed.
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When you hear animal collective, broken social scene, and arcade fire, you'd be crazy not to be a little excited
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I like annuals because you get to re-plant them every spring.
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I haven't liked a band this much since the Beatles. I'm also cooler than you so send me the single ASAP.
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that song ('brother') is amazing,
send me the vinyl and i'll spread the good word all over the tiny scottish village where i live.
there's no way in hell my local record shop will ever stock it, cos there's no local record shop....
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I like 'em cuz I knew about them before my friends did and probably before your friends did too. god, we are cooler than our friends - we should totally hang out.
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Annuals are way better than perannuals.
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I like Annuals because I like North Caroliney, the Old Home State. And because I like the changing of the seasons.
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I like Annuals because they don't waste my time with "the", they just get right down to it.
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i'm posting this comment while listening to "brother" in another tab, trying to think of why i deserve to win.... does almost peeing myself when this song really kicks in count? i mean, i had to pee in the first place, but these guys make me want to do it right now.
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I like Annuals because I dislike Perennials.
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Fresh!
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they sound like a civilized animal collective.
"brothers" reminds me of "do you see the words"
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they sound like a civilized animal collective.
"brothers" reminds me of "did you see the words"
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i'd have to agree with peabody on that one.
animal collective "did you see the words"
+
broken social scene "it's all gonna break"
+
the arcade fire "neighborhood #3 (power out)"
=
annuals "brother"
im not saying its a bad thing. those are all great songs.
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They sound like Annuals to me. I think everyone is a bit too wrapped up in current bands to compare them to- the band has gone on record stating their direct influences with no mention of any of the above. The influences they've cited to me make a lot more sense than any of the aforementioned pitchfork-royalty.
I deserve a 7 " because I know this band is going to do big things IF they can keep up a good workrate- meaning I deserve to be able to sell the 7" on ebay for a couple hundred in a few years : D
annuals = mike patton and brian wilson playing with modest mouse while listening to radiohead, square pusher, and whatever type of country music they obviously listen to frequently.
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They sound like Annuals to me. I think everyone is a bit too wrapped up in current bands to compare them to- the band has gone on record stating their direct influences with no mention of any of the above. The influences they've cited to me make a lot more sense than any of the aforementioned pitchfork-royalty.
I deserve a 7 " because I know this band is going to do big things IF they can keep up a good workrate- meaning I deserve to be able to sell the 7" on ebay for a couple hundred in a few years : D
annuals = mike patton and brian wilson playing with modest mouse while listening to radiohead, square pusher, and whatever type of country music they obviously listen to frequently.
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i have listened to these 4 songs obsessively, bought tix to see them this friday at north six, and visited the lovely home of ace fu several times. all that's missing is the vinyl. can i have it please?
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I love this band because they 're down for playing at our small space here in Greenville even though they're the hot shit right now.
-Jeff
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These guys (and gal) are clearly on the move!
Their fast success reminds me of that little band from Athens, GA - what was their name?
Ah, yes, The "B-52s." In 1979 they launched Rock Lobster.
In 2006, The "Annuals" launch "Dry Clothes" and put Raleigh, NC on the Map of "Cities Where Rock Lives On."
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I'm writing this from Ireland...and only heard of this amazig band through the good old inter-web...annuals are a great band!!love the sound...would really apppreciate a vinyl..cheers
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I'm writing this from Ireland...and only heard of this amazig band through the good old inter-web...annuals are a great band!!love the sound...would really apppreciate a vinyl..cheers
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annaulas annuals how pretty are your faces!1
and heaven sings for korgs!
and heaven sings for guitars!
oh come all ye flowers and sad perrineals to me!
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I would like one please.....
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Annuals are a band i discovered through discussion with my English teacher. I am glad i picked "Brother" as my first song to preview by them and it was excellent, instantly remeniscent of Animal Collective. I have tons of records and now that ive moved to New Jersey from Maine, i have no access to newbury comics! I also have very limited access to record stores in general (just vintage vinyl and princeton basically). So, help a record collector with a good ear for music and provide me with the 7" for this excellent single so that it can become part of my collection and be ensured to be remembered as a great moment in songwriting.
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Keep doing what your doing I love the songs and hope to be at the Chapel Hill show!
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their music makes me happy
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I think it is strange how this band is compared to two Canadian bands, yet is from America. I don't know if there is a "national", "regional", or even a "cultural" sound that is present, but it is somewhat interesting to think about. Oh yes. It's good, too.
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I never thought I'd be walking the streets of Chula Vista, chanting "Dry clothes, dry clothes". Thank you, Annuals.
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I love the Annuals so much that I've gotten over them. I'm so cool and aloof about them as an object- fact that I'm awaiting their b-sides. Even more, I've begun using them as short-hand to decribe the next big thing that I'll naturally fawn over. (But seriously, I'm crying -- I love them)
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Ever since I first downloaded "Brother" I've been keeping my ears open for this band. The other three songs on this website do not dissappoint.
Since I'm not a usual poster for this website, I know I don't have a chance at the 7". I would just like to say thank you for posting the songs here (especially the extra song).
However, if I do get the album I can announce it to all of my students and maybe create a few new fans.
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BECAUSE THEY ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN PERENNIALS!!
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BECAUSE THEY ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN PERENNIALS!!
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I love Annuals and this bunch seems ready to bloom all bright and sunny. The first time I heard "Dry Clothes" I was wearing headphones and I swore they were chanting "dry humping" instead. Oh well.
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The Annuals are hells of boss.
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I like the Annuals because their music is super.. but they should EAT SOMETHING, THEY'RE SKIN AND BONES.
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the Annuals inspired me to go outside and open up my curtains. the doctors said that i shouldn't expose myself to so much sun so quickly, but the Annuals just moved me so deeply. i spent the next three days in the hospital for sever burns. i still thank my friend everyday for giving me the songs he had of the Annuals.
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Bring it on, fuckers! We live and die and live again! How can you fuck with that?
-John, lead singer of PERENNIALS!
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