Stereogum X Amazon MP3 Friendly Deals #9: Torche's Meanderthal
Every week, Amazon.com lets us select one recent release from its MP3 store to go on super sale (up to 75% off normal prices). Hopefully you'll be able to add these must-own LPs to your library without breaking your budget.
While they landed album of the year at Decibel and were more often relegated to the lower ends of lists in indie publications (Pitchfork gave them an Honorable Mention), Torche's second full length Meanderthal was one of the best albums of 2008 in any genre. It's just that people need to lighten up about metal -- even the poppier stuff -- because like country (or, in books, romance and sci-fi), it's often pushed into its own separate genre-relegated realm. Anyhow, Torche: We mentioned being blown away by the heavy stoner goodness of the band a couple CMJ's ago and then the Steve Brooks-fronted Miami/Atlanta crew released the superb, Kurt Ballou-produced Meanderthal, a mix of math angles, Melvins-esque sludge, and full-on turbo-powered pop hookery. Call us blown away doubly.
Brooks has always known his way around a hook, but the things reached a zenith with these 13 dud-free tracks. The album works so well together as a whole -- and that's how we've come to know it -- so it's difficult singling out a song, but take a listen to "Healer" and its windswept, Superchunk/Foo propulsion to get an idea of what we're talking about.
Torche - "Healer" (MP3)
If you want more straight-up pop adrenaline, look no further than "Grenades," "Across The Shields," etc. For the hearty souls out there fearing too much bubblegum softness, you'll find slightly heavier, sludgier fare via "Sandstorm" and the grubby title track, etc. And it's difficult denying the knotty angularity of opener "Triumph Of Venus."
Still unsure? Today we're making Meanderthal available at Amazon MP3 for the low price of $2.99. Not much risk there. Speaking of 2's and 9's, 2009 really ought to be the year Steve quits his day job. Do your part.
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Help us make great albums available at low prices by suggesting future Friendly Deal selections in the comments.
Posted at 1:52 PM in Friendly Deals, MP3
Tags: Torche
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its waaay better than animal collective
Score = -1
I cannot recommend this album enough. Not only the best metal album of the year (in a year where metal was perhaps the most consistently excellent genre), but also the best pop album of the year.
Score = 1
This is definitely something I've been meaning to listen to. Although this is great price, I think everyone in the blog world is capable of Googling "meanderthal" rapidshare. Just saying.
Score = -12
put down that damn wifi latte and invest in quality. This album kicks my ass to Saturn every time I listen to it. I've never heard a metal band that truly qualifies as having an indie ethos, but these guys own that ground and defend it with sherman tanks. The wah solo in Grenades hits like a Rottweiler off the chain!
Score = 2
actually just heard of these guys this weekend and was hoping to pick it up soon. nice timing!
Score = 1
good for what it is...but waaay better than ac? it's all subjective, but i say no way....thanks
Score = 0
What happened to this? It's been more than 2 weeks and no new deal.
Score = 0
I second Jamie's concerns. Has this program run it's course? While I missed the "classic" indie albums I was still buying them.
Score = 0
We're just on hiatus -- it will be back. Amazon is just figuring some stuff out on their end.
Score = 0