suites Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I really like this band and last record (Lost in a Dream) was awesome. The songs that have come out for the new one all sound really great. Check out the article and how they want to be Wilco (like) at the end of the article. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/09/arts/music/war-on-drugs-a-deeper-understanding-interview.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
winterland121072 Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Saw them live at small venue (Majestic) in Madison...amazing show... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Passenger Sid Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 The songs that have come out for the new one all sound really great. Agree 100%! Really amazing stuff. Search the Kimmel performance from last night's show...they sang "Pain". "Holding On", "Thinking Of A Place" and "Strangest Thing", along with "Pain", make it seem like the new record will be a classic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blureu Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 Here are the clips from Kimmel last night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmhT2EqGmbY&sns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbNIpd9q6k4&sns Quote Link to post Share on other sites
suites Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share Posted August 18, 2017 How bout this very Wilco related. http://www.stereogum.com/1958113/premature-evaluation-the-war-on-drugs-a-deeper-understanding/franchises/premature-evaluation/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bcdoc Posted August 19, 2017 Share Posted August 19, 2017 Thanks for posting the analysis. It took me two cups of coffee to finish it (though it seems like he drank two pots of coffee while writing it.) I have not been this fired up for an album release in some time, and I am lucky that I have a long drive later that day. I look forward to cranking it up and having an uninterrupted listen. I just wish that they did not switch the Chicago show from the Riv to the Aragon. Oh, well - more get to see what will be a great show. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
calvino Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Thanks for posting the analysis. It took me two cups of coffee to finish it (though it seems like he drank two pots of coffee while writing it.) I have not been this fired up for an album release in some time, and I am lucky that I have a long drive later that day. I look forward to cranking it up and having an uninterrupted listen. I just wish that they did not switch the Chicago show from the Riv to the Aragon. Oh, well - more get to see what will be a great show. I agree - probably will pass on seeing them due to the venue. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bcdoc Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 The album is currently streaming for the next 24 hours at TheWarOnDrugs.net (posted on 8/23) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Passenger Sid Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 A blurb from Pitchfork's review. Pretty spot-on to me: "A Deeper Understanding is also a fascinating study in influence; it’s hard to think of a band with more obvious touchstones that also sounds so original. Over his last two records, Granduciel has chosen a very particular slice of music history—mid-’80s rock made by baby boomers with synthesizers—repossessed it, and built a new world within it. Like the music from that era, A Deeper Understanding is all about contrast, the push and pull of rock grittiness and authenticity, while the layers of keyboards and studio sheen give the music a dreamier quality, suggesting the kind of imaginary spaces dreamed up by future-obsessed ravers." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
winterland121072 Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 first listen to deeper understanding...excellent... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blureu Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 KCRW session from yesterday:https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/morning-becomes-eclectic/the-war-on-drugs-2017-08-24 There are recent sessions from KFOG and KCSN on YouTube too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shug Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Pain is an immediate standout to me and I think Up All Night will be a killer show opener live. Also digging on Thinking Of A Place and Clean Living after one full-on listening session last night hearing all the songs for the first time. The arrangements sound tighter and more composition-oriented to me than Lost In The Dream but there is also more aggressive guitar jamming, too. The high level recording craft is now joined by a new level of ensemble performance craft that is clearly the result of extensive touring for the previous album. Granduciel's artistic intensions are clearly on display again. I was doubtful that they could pull off a second brilliant album in a row, but it sounds like they've come really close on first listen. I'm stoked for it and for the up coming tour! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Passenger Sid Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Pain is an immediate standout to me and I think Up All Night will be a killer show opener live. Also digging on Thinking Of A Place and Clean Living after one full-on listening session last night hearing all the songs for the first time Agree. Nearly all the songs on the record are standouts. Knocked Down & You Don't Have To Go, in particular for me, took a few listens to reveal their subtle greatness. It's the different sounds and builds throughout. To me, a really amazing record. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shug Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Zevon's Accidentally Like A Martyr was awesome and a thrilling surprise in the KCRW show, thanks!!!!! Fantastic and a favorite song, perfect choice for this band! Dylan covered it live too and took the name of Time Out Of Mind from its lyrics furthering the WOD - Dylan connection via Zevon, so great! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chez Posted August 29, 2017 Share Posted August 29, 2017 I guess you can't please everyone. Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune and NPR's "Sound Opinions" gave it only 2.5 stars.http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/sc-ent-music-war-on-drugs-20170825-story.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
calvino Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Rather long piece from Stereogum - even starts off with a Wilco reference (I haven't read through the whole piece, yet). I enjoy the latest one, thus far, after two listens. http://www.stereogum.com/1958113/premature-evaluation-the-war-on-drugs-a-deeper-understanding/franchises/premature-evaluation/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chuckrh Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I liked the last one plenty but the new one is a giant leap forward to my ears. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lukestar Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Saw them on the first of their two nights at Massey Hall this past weekend. Epic show (not an exaggeration). They are taking their music to very big heights and expanding the songs in a really genuine way. Encore was one song...Like A Hurricane (that's right). I recommend that if you have the opportunity, go see them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shug Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 I agree, we just saw Seattle and Portland and feel the live show is even better than the Lost In The Dream tour (we saw that one three times). More organic, more tight but loose ensemble interaction, slightly rootsier with more Dylanesque Pettyesque and Neilesque moments. Like A Hurricane fits that beautifully especially at Massey Hall. Lucky you! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
calvino Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Thanks for posting the analysis. It took me two cups of coffee to finish it (though it seems like he drank two pots of coffee while writing it.) I have not been this fired up for an album release in some time, and I am lucky that I have a long drive later that day. I look forward to cranking it up and having an uninterrupted listen. I just wish that they did not switch the Chicago show from the Riv to the Aragon. Oh, well - more get to see what will be a great show. Did you make it to the Aragon - if so, wouldn't mind hearing about how the show sounded. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shug Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 I put very little importance on the Grammys but I was still glad for the recognition that The War On Drugs got in winning Rock Album of the Year last night. They deserve the acknowledgement and I hope it helps keep the train rolling for this great band. Still chomping at the bit for what I hope are fill in dates around the two weekends at Coachella this April or any other tour dates in cool cities, they are my highest concert-attending priority in 2018 while they are peaking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boss_Tweedy Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I put very little importance on the Grammys but I was still glad for the recognition that The War On Drugs got in winning Rock Album of the Year last night. They deserve the acknowledgement and I hope it helps keep the train rolling for this great band. Still chomping at the bit for what I hope are fill in dates around the two weekends at Coachella this April or any other tour dates in cool cities, they are my highest concert-attending priority in 2018 while they are peaking. Absolutely. Still not sure why they weren't nominated for best alternative album, but I'm happy their work was recognized. Hope you have a chance to see them live. You won't be disappointed! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tinnitus photography Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 their best song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWmQNeGQb7w Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shug Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Absolutely. Still not sure why they weren't nominated for best alternative album, but I'm happy their work was recognized. Hope you have a chance to see them live. You won't be disappointed! I know how good they are live, I've seen 'em a half dozen times already on the past two tours! I can't get enough, this tour is even better than the last one. Its so great to get in on a band when they are in their peak. I usually am late for most bands, so I am going to take advantage of seeing The War On Drugs as much as I can now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
suites Posted January 30, 2018 Author Share Posted January 30, 2018 I worry that they will never make it down to South FLA again.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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