I've lived in L.A. for four or five years now but I just can't remember ever experiencing June Gloom as gloomy as this. It has been positively depressing outside. Plus, I've been battling a cold for a few days now. And the rest of my family is gathered for a week of fun in Yellowstone, where apparently it is snowing. Are you sure it's summer right now? Because I'm certain it's winter.
Just to drive the feeling all the way home, I suddenly had the desire to listen to the Walkmen, who may well be the most wintry band in my collection. The music doesn't exactly evoke feelings of some kind of Winter Wonderland scenario the way, say, the Beach Boys do for summertime, but something about their music perfectly captures the experience of being stuck in a gritty city, a piercing wind on your face, ice on the sidewalks, visible breath. Honestly, I was sitting in my office at work listening to "In the New Year" and could've sworn I saw my breath leave my mouth, the feeling was so vivid.
That vividness is a good indication of why I don't actually listen to the Walkmen too regularly, though I feel I must reiterate that You & Me was one of the best records of last year. It was the latest-breaking addition to my end-of-year list—I think I only had it for a week before making that post. But it was clearly awesome. Shortly after the New Year I was already ready to put it away, but not due to its lack of quality. You & Me (and the Walkmen in general) stirs me up, agitates me, makes me feel like something is missing from my life (when in fact all that's missing is low end from the Walkmen's sound). Maybe there's some seasonal connection, too. Winter is the season that bites you. I live in L.A. at least in part because I don't like being bitten. Where's the beach?
- The Walkmen: Donde Esta la Playa
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