Progress Report: Grizzly Bear
Twice a week, Jessica Suarez's Progress Report updates you on what your favorite bands have been doing. Or not doing.
NAME: Grizzly Bear
PROGRESS REPORT: Mixing It's called Veckatimest.)
Grizzly Bear's 2006 LP Yellow House is both huge and intricate: an album so pretty it can overwhelm you, especially if you start thinking about all the little details and layers that it contains. It's hard to believe most of it was recorded in just one month. This album around Grizzly Bear is taking their time. Ed Droste says they began working on the record last July, hitting three major locations for months at a time, recording at a more relaxed pace. Recording's in the "11th hour." "We are trying to be extra thorough with this recording/release process by not rushing anything and allowing ourselves as much time as needed to make sure everything is exactly as we want it," says Droste. "With past releases there have been small regrets of how we would have preferred things and I think this time we are just covering all the bases and making sure every member of the band has exhausted all the ideas and concepts they've wanted to explore." They're been working on bringing vocals and drums to the front, balancing how they sound live with their studio sound. Droste promises something fuller and more vibrant that Yellow House. The results could be overwhelming once again.
Droste says recording is complete, and even the artwork is done, but that Chris Taylor has been "mixing his brains out" since last December. Recording started in July at Glen Tonche in upstate New York, where the band began writing songs together and rehearsing for their 2008 tour with Radiohead. "I of course was optimistic and utterly wrong that we could essentially finish the album there," Droste says. Tour and the Department of Eagles album moved recording back a bit further, until the band continued to record at Droste's family's home in Cape Cod. The band returned to NYC for the rest of fall and winter, working with a girl's choir and a string quartet. They also did some recording in a church. "The natural reverb is incredible. [The] only downside is it's quite cold in the winter."
While Yellow House was a mostly Dan Rossen and Ed Droste affair, this time every member traded songwriting duties, collaborating on songs with each other or bringing in their own. "Essentially every permutation and combination of songwriting happened this time through and it was really a fun, different approach to the whole process," says Droste. "I think everyone was just a lot more open minded and excited about collaborating. We've grown up a lot since we recorded Yellow House in the summer of 2005, so I think everyone feels a lot more at ease in their skin and with their talents." Composer Nico Muhly came in to help with string quartet arrangements, which Droste called "gorgeous" but "used sparingly" on the new record. If you've got tickets to their February 28th show with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, you can expect to hear most of the material both with the orchestra and in a 45-minute set from just the band.
Droste say Beach House's Victoria Legrand does make a guest appearance on "Two Weeks." As far as how "Two Weeks" and "While You Wait For Others" have changed since their big live debuts, Droste says they've gotten "Fuller! Livelier! Clearer!" But you'll still love them.
Here are the new tunes we've heard so far. (Boston bootleg via One For The Good Days.)
Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks" (Live On Letterman) (MP3)
Grizzly Bear - "While You Wait For The Others" (Live At Morning Becomes Eclectic) (MP3)
Grizzly Bear - "Cheerleader" (FKA "2 Hud") (Live In Boston 8/14/08) (MP3)
Grizzly Bear - "Fine For Now" (Live In Boston 8/14/08) (MP3)
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If there's a band you want Progress Report to drag out of the studio, or bed, for an update, shout out in the comments or e-mail tips@stereogum.com.
Posted at 1:50 PM by Jessica in MP3, Progress Report
Tags: Beach House | Grizzly Bear | Nico Muhly
thank you, jessica
Score = 7
This album cannot come soon enough.
Score = 5
ditto. i am biting my nails in anticipation - can't wait to hear the final output!
Score = -1
Nice piece, look forward to anything these guys do.
Score = 5
Love the new songs
Score = 0
Well I guess I'm an average Stereogum board poster because I couldn't be more excited about this album. I'm gonna say something fairly unpopular around these parts (the internet) but I think this will be better then MPP. Yeah, I said it.
Score = 7
Progress reports on Panda Bear, Broadcast, James Mercer, Sufjan Stevens, Broken Social Scene, Yo La Tengo, Belle & Sebastian's "God Save The Girl" movie, BtS and Modest Mouse would be sweet.
As for Grizzly Bear, I hope they finally release a record that lives up to the extremely lofty reviews they are always getting. Their two records are merely good, not extravagant, in my opinion. I find it a bit ridiculous to expect album of the year from these guys based on their former releases.
Score = -26
Shut up pablo.
Score = 2
I would imagine the most relevant Yo La Tengo update would be the Condo Fucks album they are putting out in a few weeks.
Score = 0
I'll pee in your butt.
Score = 6
Can't wait for this.
Score = 0
argh... no "Fuller! Livelier! Clearer!" pleasey :( why can't they just keep the songs basic? another good example where they killed a song: Deep Blue Sea.
Score = -11
Deep blue sea is the shit.
Besides which it was produced by the Dessners, so you should probably take it up with them
Score = -2
actually, yes it is the shit. but no it wasn't produced by the dessners. it was produced by chris taylor, like all grizzly bear tracks. the dessners just requested the band to submit two tracks for the comp. and i think they're gorgeous.
Score = 1
Wait a darn second? Do you mean to tell me that you have been withholding live mp3s of "Fine for Now" and "2 Hud" for this long?
Nevermind. This stuff is just so damn good. *drools*
Score = 2
Release date?
Score = -1
Art Brut progress report! Now!
Score = -9
Yeah, I was at that Grizzly Bear show in Boston when those tracks were recorded... no big deal. Grizzly Bear only puts the best live shows I've ever seen. Not too many bands have all mastered their instruments as well as Grizzly Bear. I'd say Sunset Rubdown is the only other band that puts on a flawless performance every time. I'm ecstatic that both bands are putting out a new album in 09'. We're all lucky to be living in the musical renaissance that's taking place right now. More and more bands keep coming out with perfected unique sounds, we live in a great time.
Score = 15
I was at the very same Boston show. Anybody know if there is a boot out there? I would think if Stereogum has two mp3s from it that a boot would be out there somewhere...
Score = -1
Dude, fuck yes.
Score = 0
i would love to see them again, this summer they opened for radiohead at blossom in ohio and it was sick, but few people really took them seriously because theyre out of touch.... hey roofcano where did you see sunset rubdown?
Score = 0
At the Middle East twice. Once the week before Random Spirit Lover and once again on their more recent tour. They debuted 4 new songs the last time I saw them, all of which were mind blowing. I'm really excited for the new record.
Score = 0
OK, I love everything I've heard from this album so far, and I believe it deserves hyperbole way more than that stupid dance pop album Animal Collective released this year.
But "Droste's family's home in Cape Cod?' God damnit. I want to like you. I really do. Please help me by not talking about your family's home in cape fucking cod.
Score = -20
Some people have summer homes on Cape Cod.
Score = 6
Yeah, those people are also the bourgeoisie shouldn't make art.
Score = 4
if you knew your art history you'd know that art was traditionally practiced by the well-to-do, since they didn't need to worry about things like, um, working a real job. the idea of "starving, tortured, hard-knock artist" didn't emerge until the late 20th century
Score = 7
Yeah, some people also are working class families living on Cape Cod. Don't judge shit you know nothing about. The people who summer on the Cape are not the same as Cape Codders.
Score = 4
my apologies, non-douchbaggy cape codders.
Score = 2
Is it douchebaggy to use a family home ? Is it douchy because it's on Cape Cod and that reminds you of wealth? I'm confused. Why does anyone care? If the albums good the album is good.
Score = 6
Totally lame. It's a family home. You want them to run to some "cheap" place just because it'll make you think they're more legitimate? What's more legitimate then?
Score = 6
to be clear, it doesn't make music less legitimate/more legitimate to be wealthy. Being wealthy just makes it harder for me to like you as a person. As a general rule.
Also- Chill out, because i'm also mostly being facetious and self-aware of my own ridiculous class issues. It's like they don't teach humor in private schools or something, sheesh.
Score = -2
Stupid dance pop album? Take your head out of your ass sman.
Score = -1
I am so fucking excited for this/an average stereogum poster (is that a bad thing? no).
I would personally call Horn of Plenty one of my favourite albums ever, and have been giving Yellow House non-stop rounds this week as well. I also gave little gasps while reading this progress report on this record. Gasps of elation.
Come again all over me, Grizzly Bear.
Score = 3
2009 is going to be epic.
Score = 5
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
This guy has the right idea going on with his current avatar: the Wavves album is an early candidate for album of the year.
Score = 3
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH GRIZZLY BEAR GRIZZLY BEAR THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!
Score = 3
I can't believe we still don't have a fucking album title or tracklist. WTF
Score = 0
i second the notion that i think this will be better than mpp, while i still love mpp. fine for now is mindshattering live.
Can't wait to hear the Bam set. Apparently nyctaper is going to be there so we can look forward to some kickass mp3's of grizzly bear + orchestra.
Score = 1
yeah, this will be better than MPP. because music is one big pissing contest. because that's how that works. also, uhh no.
Score = 8
Thank you. It's about time someone slapped some sense into these yahoos. I'll get the tape measure.
Score = 1
Can someone please, please tell me where the Boston MFA boots are coming from? I want them! I was there! It was incredible!
Score = 2
http://youaintnopicasso.com/mp3/grizzlybear/Grizzly%20Bear%20-%20Live%20@%20Boston%20MFA%2008.14.08.zip
Score = 4
also,
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=ff049f729d814d4791b20cc0d07ba4d2a89b24c834286301
Score = 4
I hope you realize that you have singlehandedly kept me awake over an hour longer than intended because of this.
SO GOD DAMN GOOD AUGH
The only version of "Fine For Now" I heard before this was a less-than-mediocre quality version from their Lollapalooza set on youtube. The studio version of this is undoubtedly going to be epic.
Speaking of epic, ONLY 3 1/2 WEEKS UNTIL BAM PERFORMANCE YAAAAAAAAAY.
Score = 0
I love you!
Score = 1
CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. THIS.
Actually I can, but you know, must provide accurate character representation of excitement.
Score = 2
so when abouts does this come out?
Score = 1
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Score = 3
they said in Under the Radar magazine that the album is predicted for May 26 I think it was? that might have changed now. either way, I'm so glad these full live versions have finally come about. especially the 2Hud track, all I've heard is little snippets on youtube... the anxiety is killing me!
Score = 3
THIS JUST IN
From Droste's twitter account...
"New album title begins with the letter V. Close enough to Y for Yellow House. Only W and X getting in the way, and keeping Y and V apart"
Any guesses? Vespertine II.
Score = 1
Vanquished by Sound
Score = 0
can someone please tell ed droste to get off my dick? yeah, thanks.
Score = -7
ARCADE FIRE.
Score = -2
HOORAH! SO SOON!
I can tell you now that I've heard the album and it's fucking incredible. Everything Ed describes is true. Fuller, more dynamic. It's an incredible leap forward for them, though still totally uniquely Grizzly Bear. I'm beyond excited for people to hear it! And the packaging is gonna be really nice too ;)
Score = 3
release in May? !!!YIPPEE! HURRAY!!! i was born in May. this album will be one of my favorite gifts. long lives Grizzly Bear!
Score = 1
ed is not very good at being conspicuous .........
Score = 1
I´m really psyched for this album, too. It´s shaping up to be a good year for music. How about a progress report on LCD Soundsystem?
Score = 1
how about an Autolux update?
Score = -5
beyond excited to hear the polished product. i expect impeccable things.
Score = 0
2 Hud is actually called Cheerleader now, according to Ed.
Score = 5
they really are all so absurdly talented. It is rare that a band can have that much individual talent and such a cohesive sound, much less one so inventive and original.
cheers to grizzly bear.
Score = 3
Grizzly Bear is on the cover of the new Under the Radar! .
http://www.undertheradarmag.com/
Score = 2
I'm glad everyone here is obsessed with this band. I have no problem with it. Whatever makes you happy.
That being said, I don't quite get it. I like them perfectly fine, and I've seen them live, but I don't quite understand the obsession. Oh well. To each's own.
Score = 2
anyone see the newest under the radar magazine? About four pages on the grizzly bear..
Score = 0
o shit. just read the quote that beat me to the punch. damn.
Score = 2
obsession? Have you ever been obsessed with anything? Don't you have a passion for anything? What killed your drive?
Score = 1
via Ed's twitter: Album done!!! Wow it's late. We celebrated. Thanks for all the nice notes. Yes it does have a release date. Late May. :) xo To all europeans, yes we will be coming back and doing an extensive tour. It's been too long. When? Not sure, but definitely this year
Score = 2
definitely a vinyl album. very paul simon/beirut warmth
Score = 1
can't wait to hear that
Score = 0
I demand a progress report from Joanna Newsom.
Score = 3
SECONDED. Do this now, Stereogum, please.
Score = -1
Thirded. also that guy has a cool name
Score = 0
14'thd
Score = 0
Maybe you should do a "Quit Your Day Job" about Grizzly Bear and see what happens...
I think it's totally fine to do a record in your parents family home (see: Bon Iver). It just requires everyone to stop pretending that we live in a "post-punk" world where everyone used to be a member of Pavement.
Live and let live. Let's just not pretend that the best music comes from a bunch of guys delivering pizza and occasionally playing their old AKAI.
Score = 0