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July 27, 2006

New Dr. Dog - "Ain't It Strange"

You guys had a lot to say about Dr. Dog last November. Especially about the band's name, which is such a silly reason not to like them! Anyway, the psychedelic, Philly five-piece has some news. Check it:

Dr. Dog is gonna release the new LP in February 2007 it does not have a title, or a cover, but it does have some songs so a track listing should be available in the next ... i dunno, 8 weeks or so.

We will release an EP on September 12, 2006. It does have a title and that title is, TAKERS AND LEAVERS named after the Dr Dog EP. It also has a cover and I'm sure we can figure out some way to post it up here somewhere.

TAKERS AND LEAVERS will contain 4 EP tracks and two songs – “Ain’t It Strange” & “Goner” - from the upcoming LP. So, you can kind of see where this is going right? By including two LP songs you can kind of hear a little of the LP and sort of hear what it sounds like and also there are these other 4 songs we really like. It's going to be cool.

Diss 'em as derivative, but Beatlesque harmonies never hurt no one. And if you liked the last few Flaming Lips LPs, "Ain't It Strange" is up your alley. A Stereogum.com premiere:

Dr. Dog - "Ain't It Strange" (MP3)

Dr. Dog plays McCarren Pool 8/27 with The Walkmen, Human Television, and Stereogum Artist To Watch Elvis Perkins. It's free. Bring sunscreen and a swimsuit.

Post-pool, the band hits the road with Stereogum Band To Watch Cold War Kids. Then they'll be the main support for the Raconteurs.

Needless to say, we expect to see a lot of 'em in the next few months.

Here's a photo I took at of 'em Bonnaroo last year:

Tell us what you think of the new track, the band, or ... should dogs be allowed to be doctors?

Posted at 9:35 AM in
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46 Comments

i have had the misfortune of seeing them a few times, being from philly and all.

the pitchfork review of their first album is spot on. they aren't beatlesesque harmonies, they're entire rip offs.

i would liken their songs to "look what you've done" by jet (which had the same fucking words as "sexy sadie" and a most recognizable instrumental part).

every dr. dog song i have ever heard live makes me go, "oh, that sounds just like *insert beatles song here*". they might as well just be a fucking beatles cover band, it'd be a lot more legit than trying to pass this stuff off as original.

Posted by: tobias funke at 07/27/06 10:50 AM  | Reply
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Tobias do you work for Pitchfork?
I can't say I'm a Dr Dog fan but I've never seen them and I don't own easy beat, so maybe i will be someday. this new song is great, better than the other stuff i've heard from them , which i liked ok. i just don't understand what about this song sounds like the beatles?

Posted by: monster at 07/27/06 11:09 AM  | Reply
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I have to say that this new song is the best Dr. Dog song I have yet to hear! Please post some more! I get the Beatles references, but jesus, who the fuck isn't a Beatles influenced artist these days. These guys write great songs. I WANT THE EP NOW.

Posted by: Red Curry at 07/27/06 11:24 AM  | Reply
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DD makes great records and makes even better live music. This song is pretty awesome, but I still like the others better... so far. It will probably take a few listens until I like it just as much as the material on Easybeat. It's the kinda music that grows on you. It would be easy to dismiss it as a "ripoff" after listnening to it for 30 seconds. Dude's not really hearing it.

Posted by: poisontester at 07/27/06 11:28 AM  | Reply
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who let some stick-in-the-ass philly dude probably known for sucking his own dick be the first to comment on this great new tune? i'm so happy to have been pointed to this preview, i wondered if the Dog would be able to follow Easy Beat up with anything half is good, and now i know this band will continue to be the real deal. i've heard tons of their songs and seen them live a half dozen times. songs exactly like the Beatles? i grew up on the Beatles and i can't think of a single song that sounds "exactly" the same, but i sure appreciate that the influences on their sleeves are beatles, neil young, the band, etc.. let's face it, bands are going to be derivitive most of the time, thankfully some pull it off amazingly as the timeless Dog does. Aint it Strange is amazing.

Posted by: nomad at 07/27/06 11:30 AM  | Reply
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whew.

can i not like a band? i definately never dismissed them after the first 30 seconds of anything. i've seen them play full live sets, listened to their album, etc...

this track scott posted is pretty good, but fuck, do you think you're overrating it a bit?

and i couldn't have more hatred for pitchfork the majority of the time. i just agreed with that particular review. christ.

Posted by: tobias funke at 07/27/06 11:35 AM  | Reply
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Pretty cool and definitely inspired by late-period Beatles and like-minded bands sporting gatefold albums with shots of lightly bearded artists recording surrounded by plaster walls and hardwood floors. Like everything I've heard by this band, it goes on 40% longer than necessary. It's all foreplay, isn't it? The singer's voice reminds me of someone NOT in The Beatles, maybe Gilbert O'Sullivan?

Posted by: frankenslade at 07/27/06 11:36 AM  | Reply
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tobias did you just go from tearing these dudes apart in your first post to calling the track "pretty good". some people just like to hear themselves talk i guess... rough night last night?

Posted by: nomad at 07/27/06 11:39 AM  | Reply
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I went to highschool with the guitar player. Nice guy. I've never heard a note of Dr Dog though.

Posted by: Josh at 07/27/06 11:50 AM  | Reply
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i have had the misfortune of reading tobias funke's comments a few times, being at stereogum and all.

i would liken the comments to those of a bitter little douche that should lighten the fuck up.

http://homepage.mac.com/sonofsheepdog/Easy%20Beat.mp3

Posted by: Hot Rockin' Ronny at 07/27/06 11:55 AM  | Reply
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dr dog, so-called "nice guys" by high school peers, are one of the best bands around, and they do it all without that fucking disco beat that everyone loves so much.

Posted by: zawinul at 07/27/06 11:55 AM  | Reply
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first off i have to give these dogs some serious high fives for making some good music without neckties and/or boo hoo lyrics. also, i am happy that this isn't tapes n tapes or clap your hands say yeah. it's about time someone really brought it back! not in a band of bees or apples in stereo sort of way either. these guys really brought it back. the music that these guys make puts me in a hot pick-up and makes me feel 10 years old, my dad would probably love them. i miss my dad. i think i am in love with dr. dog.

Posted by: GayMarcie at 07/27/06 11:58 AM  | Reply
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dr. dog are a great live band if yr willing to smile and dance and sing along at a show. for anyone else, it's gonna be a rough go of it. certainly, they wear their influences on their collective sleeve but not too long ago we were rejoicing in a little ol thang called elephant 6 and there weren't too many complaints then about said same thing. i never could get enough beatles harmonies myself and when they sound like they were recorded live in a basement by lou barlow, it's hard to complain.

Posted by: kosimar at 07/27/06 12:00 PM  | Reply
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Having heard this song for the first time at a show and the recorded version many times there after, I'd have to say it really does keep getting better. When I first got Easybeat I wasn't sure of what to make of the band. After a few listens I was hooked. The cd was on constant rotation in my car for a month, and a year later I still listen to it regularly and I'm not sick of the songs. I'm a huge Beatles fan, and I've been known from time to time to accuse other artists of ripping them off. They certainly remind me of The Beatles(and other bands), but I never got the feeling they were ripping them off. DD has a very refreshing and original sound all their own. I'm certainly looking forward to getting both the EP and LP when they come out. And if there is anyone out there scratching their heads after a time or two through their songs, just keep listening...

Posted by: ehota at 07/27/06 12:01 PM  | Reply
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wow. see, if this was sufjan or death cab or somebody else that scott posts, there'd be a plethora of elitist snobs commenting on how shitty they were, and nobody would be ripping into them like their comments are completely irrelevant, because hating established, successful indie acts is the hip thing to do.

i fucking don't like their first album. that song is pretty good. i didn't contradict myself whatsoever.

wow, i can't believe i'm arguing with nomad. i mean, he started the crossfire with "some stick-in-the-ass philly dude probably known for sucking his own dick". how wonderfully creative, eloquent, and relevant. eat me.

Posted by: tobias funke at 07/27/06 12:06 PM  | Reply
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Dr. Dog fucking rules, if you haven't heard "I've Just Got To Tell You" then you're a gay boy baby.

Posted by: creep cheepy at 07/27/06 12:09 PM  | Reply
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I just listened to this track again, and good lord it is sweet. Good work Stereogum!

"there's no use in saying, what you've been spraying"

Posted by: Red Curry at 07/27/06 12:13 PM  | Reply
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Dude, tobias -- that's just it, Dr. Dog AREN'T super huge and succesful to the levels that Death Cab and Sufjan are on, fuck -- love 'em and let 'em grow -- don't hate for haters sake!

Posted by: seew at 07/27/06 12:14 PM  | Reply
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man, what a good band...I saw them in NYC earlier this year and could not stop saying thru the whole show..."this band is so good".....and I love the new song..can't wait to buy the EP....yep, it's all strange......

Posted by: Sheepdog at 07/27/06 12:18 PM  | Reply
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No one should be able to use the word "dude" as a pronoun.

Posted by: Max Imam at 07/27/06 12:26 PM  | Reply
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i love dr.dog. i always look forward to a show and have a great time. i'd rather hear them live than recorded, but if the new album sounds like this song i will be more than pleased. i think that their harmonies are the best part of them. why are people hating harmonies?

Posted by: dogcalledscooby at 07/27/06 12:27 PM  | Reply
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People hate harmonies because everyone knows that the best singers these days only shout and try to impersonate Mick Jagger or use a (already noted above) disco beat on top of a junior high school bass line with a slightly muted cowbell. Don't forget the incredibly pretentious "I Know Art" cover work, that's always a clincher.

Ain't It Strange rules, I can't wait for this EP!

Posted by: JV at 07/27/06 12:34 PM  | Reply
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see, the problem with slapping a 'beatlesesque' tag on dr dog is that you run into having to slap tags on almost everything. death cab you say? nothing like the beatles! totally original! suftan? yup! never heard anything like him... what a pioneer

but sure, you're allowed to have an opinion and yea, dr dog can be beatlesesque at times... and it's a good thing! 'ain't it strange' is a great song by a great band. it's complex, catchy, and memorable. i can't wait for the new EP. see you at mccarren pool!

Posted by: early noykins at 07/27/06 12:36 PM  | Reply
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wow. never knew what staunch Dr. Dog supporters there are out there. Somebody check these IP addresses and make sure it's not the same person writing over and over again!
just kidding.

I think they are pretty good. Would like to see them live.
Wonder why they receive so much shit , doesn't seem like a band that would merit really strong negative reactions--i mean with all the crap that gets hyped, why choose this band to fling shit at?

doesn't make sense to me.

Posted by: hmm at 07/27/06 12:48 PM  | Reply
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Elvis Perkins in Dearland are also going on the road with the dog and cold war kids

Posted by: Klaus Voorman at 07/27/06 12:50 PM  | Reply
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Wow, what a really nice, fun, feel-good song. The harmonies are just gorgeous. Beatles references are pretty strong, but, as mentioned, so many amazing artists are guilty of those. The song writing's strong and I really dig this guy's voice, so it works for me. Wouldn't mind hearing another track if possible.

Posted by: Lacey W. at 07/27/06 1:38 PM  | Reply
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i saw dr. dog for the first time live about 2 years ago (they were opening for of montreal), and they instantly became one of my favorites. they're a constant reminder of what a few inspired people can do with a 4-track and some good songs. they deserve everything that's coming to them.

if you haven't seen them live yet, i STRONGLY suggest you do because it made me a believer.

Posted by: Bennett at 07/27/06 2:55 PM  | Reply
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i have seen dr. dog as many times as i have seen fishbone, and thats about a million. they always jam whether in new york or texas or where ever. I think i might be a gay boy baby because i am not sure if i have heard that song. I will be at the pool show, you can fight or hug me there, i will be rocking out to the max! I like dr. dog more than paul mccartney beatle songs, they (dr. dog) would be bummed to hear that i bet, but i do. did you see pauls concert on pbs what was that, who knows lets just enjoy summer and good music, live the dream.

Posted by: joshua wildman at 07/27/06 3:07 PM  | Reply
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dr. dog are punk rock

Posted by: governmentissue at 07/27/06 3:36 PM  | Reply
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Those that slag off the Dog are big spastic mentalists. If the States don't want them, we'll have them in europe all the time and then I'll be happy and so will 1000s of others.

You americans have got some amazingly bad taste in music and sound like you wouldn't know a great band if they slapped you in the face with a wet fish and said - we're a great band!!!

Posted by: Berry Street at 07/27/06 3:38 PM  | Reply
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hate hate hate. so much hate in this interweb world. you know what? you have to go out of your way to hate dr. dog. why not pick an easier target. say... the mooney suzooks? black eyed preas? yea! they suck too! i'm saying. what's the point? we're all know-it-alls all the time! just enjoy that shit [dr dog]!

i don't believe that there's actaully a person named 'joshua wildman' in this world, but if there was i'd hug him at mccarren pool.

Posted by: earl oiykins at 07/27/06 3:42 PM  | Reply
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Oh SHIT!

I think I'm a gay boy baby, too! What does this all mean? Was I born this way or was it a choice?

I'm so confused...

Posted by: Hot Rockin' Ronny at 07/27/06 3:42 PM  | Reply
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I am proud to say I'm a gay baby boy! I can't wait to not be one though!

Posted by: Red Curry at 07/27/06 3:54 PM  | Reply
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i made the mistake of listening to this the first couple of times on my laptop with crappy speakers and didn't really hear the bassline. that makes the song! so happy this is up here today.

and, Tobias, to raise the stakes in the crossfire i decided to create a jpg of Calvin pissing on you and then another one of David Hasselhoff and Gary Coleman standing in front of kit that calls you a "homo". I thought that might show my creativity and wit and make people think more about me instead of this great music, but my haircut isn't cool enough to be that good of a blogger yet...

Posted by: nomad at 07/27/06 5:57 PM  | Reply
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"Dr. Dog is the best fucking band in the world!" - Jim James

Posted by: ehd at 07/27/06 6:51 PM  | Reply
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does anybody remember laughter? dr dog make me smile and boogie........the beatles? everything sounds like the beatles, I inhale, it's sounds like the bit on "Girl" .....shake yo asses people.

Posted by: bt at 07/28/06 12:45 AM  | Reply
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"DR. DOG is PUNK ROCK."

I couldn't agree more. you see folks, let this fine example of blog commenting show you the light. This statement employs subtlety and irony... yet just as ballsy as "dick in mouth" or "it just sucks" or "fuckin' fuckit fuckfuck dr dog is fuckin' fuck fuck go guckin mcfuck fuck with the fuckeroooo"

It is also a literate statement. It shows an understanding of the ethos of rebellion which punk rawk's image based definition lacks.

It is also a concise post, unlike mine.

Kudos to whomever wrote that.

Posted by: Dr. Dog is PUNK ROCK at 07/28/06 1:09 AM  | Reply
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in such moments of selflessness, I have to wonder why someone would take it upon themselves to allow him-or-her to be upset. these folks just gave us free music, you download it, you listen. why be upset with that? My conclusion? Dr. Dog seem like the best new music I've heard in a good deal of time.

Posted by: CatMaster at 07/28/06 2:00 AM  | Reply
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IT'S AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE FINALLY GETTING WIND OF DR. DOG, CAUSE THEY ARE F*%KING AMAZING. I WENT TO SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST JUST TO SEE THEM. AND I DID. SIX F*CKING TIMES. NEW SONG IS AWESOME. FACE IT, THIS BAND IS GREAT.

-COACH

Posted by: coach at 07/29/06 1:43 AM  | Reply
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IT'S AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE FINALLY GETTING WIND OF DR. DOG, CAUSE THEY ARE F*%KING AMAZING. I WENT TO SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST JUST TO SEE THEM. AND I DID. SIX F*CKING TIMES. NEW SONG IS AWESOME. FACE IT, THIS BAND IS GREAT.

-COACH

Posted by: coach at 07/29/06 1:44 AM  | Reply
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wow thanks

this song is awesome, this band is f****n awesome.

Posted by: mdog at 07/30/06 12:22 PM  | Reply
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i'm digging dr. dog. and yes, i hear the beatles in there, i also think (when i listen to easy beat) of allman bros., neil young, etc. they're not 'ripping' anyone off- they're great songwriters that make a great band that are influenced by other great songwriters/bands. i can't think of a band that i care about that isn't. super stoked about the ep but can't wait for the full length. word!

Posted by: realnameispeter at 07/31/06 10:43 AM  | Reply
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One of the best bands playing out now. Such a treat to put on their records. Saw them a couple months ago and it was great too. Cheers to the Dog.

Posted by: oh yeah at 08/03/06 8:52 PM  | Reply
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I dig dr. dog. It's one of the few things still possible to like about the USA. Through Dr.Dog it is still possible to consider a future whith a healthy USA. It is even possible to forgive americans for being dumb. ABC's is genious. The new song sounds promising. Viva el doctor. Fcuk pitchfork. Pitchfork is the Dick Cheney of utter assholismic media. Tobias sound like a swede. Fuck em as well. Viva the dog. Embrace their love and care, amen. :)

Posted by: Big Scrotum at 08/09/06 4:42 PM  | Reply
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i have seen dr.dog play a handful of times and i have had an amazing experience each time. all of you who just think they sound like the beatles should take a moment and sit down with either dog album and just listen. hopefully you will begin to understand what a magical band they are, each contributing their own part to make a comlpetely original and harmonious sound. They are clever, have a great sense of humor and know how to have fun. what else could you ask for in a band?

Posted by: sg at 08/18/06 11:42 AM  | Reply
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i have seen dr.dog play a handful of times and i have had an amazing experience each time. all of you who just think they sound like the beatles should take a moment and sit down with either dog album and just listen. hopefully you will begin to understand what a magical band they are, each contributing their own part to make a comlpetely original and harmonious sound. They are clever, have a great sense of humor and know how to have fun. what else could you ask for in a band?

Posted by: sg at 08/18/06 11:43 AM  | Reply
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