Friday, February 18, 2011

So King of Limbs Is Already Out?

A day early! Anyone got it yet? Honestly, I'm torn. I know I'm going to want to buy the CD later and I don't want to pay twice. But I also want to hear it... legally if possible. Streaming site?

Here's the video in case you haven't seen it:

9 comments:

drischord said...

Okay, just read that this album was recorded near Oxford. So this is not the stuff they were recording in LA about a year ago. Could there be another record in the works?

Eric said...

Because I'm weird in the same way, I have the same dillemma. If the only two options are the "Newspaper" deluxe thing and a digital download, I'll pay for the digital download. But they're releasing it on regular CD in March, which I'll inevitably buy. It's annoying that they won't give the option to preorder the regular CD and get an immediate download. At the risk of attracting the stern reprobation of the Web Sheriff (does he still exist??), I may have to look into other options.

Quinapalus said...

Sometimes I think the way you guys feel about CDs is silly--I'm personally happy for the convenience of not needing to keep piling ever more heavy CDs onto a shelf when I get new music. But I guess I actually feel the same way about books that you guys do about CDs. The idea of the publishing industry someday going paperless depresses me for reasons that probably aren't entirely rational...but I just love holing a book in my hands.

Also, I've listened to King of Limbs a number of times now, and it's a real grower, but so far I'm impressed. I won't say more until I know you've all had a chance to listen.

drischord said...

Well, so far I've heard only a couple tracks, and I more or less like them... but then when I listen to earlier stuff-- particularly from their 2 previous albums-- I find the King of Limbs stuff far less impressive by comparison. But it's not fair for me to weigh in officially at this point, so I'll hold off further comment for the time being.

Eric said...

Just download it, web sheriff be damned! You'll buy the CD later anyway. I think it definitely needs to be heard as an album, because no one song sticks out really. I think it's pretty awesome. Oddly, the Radiohead album it reminds me of the most is Amnesiac. I think because of all the twitchy rhythms.

I kind of like it better than HTTT, but only because of its concision. D, I believe we debated the merits of HTTT at Michaud Farms (or some other site on the Allagash), and my opinion of it remains unchanged. I find it a chore to sit through, even as I think that several of the songs, if they appeared on some of their other albums, would not only fit, but would be highlights. It might be the sequencing. Maybe I'll give it another go sometime.

Quinapalus said...

Now that you mention it, I guess I do get kind of an Amnesiac vibe from the new album. There's something about all the rhythmic experimentation that recalls more that era than anything else.

texplush said...

I think it's also worth noting the similarities btw this album and my #1 of 2010 - Flying Lotus' Cosmogramma. Thom Yorke even sings on it. If you haven't picked that one up yet, I think you owe it to yourself.

Eric said...

That Flying Lotus album is high on my list- will let you know when I get it.
I'm sympathetic to the vinyl argument, but a) it's more expensive, b) it's less versatile (ie, can't bring it with me in a car, can't rip it to my ipod, etc), and c) it doesn't sound as good on my set up. (I'd have to invest in a way better turntable, pre-amp, etc to make my records sound as good as CDs. I know that's contrary to the conventional wisdom about analogue "warmth," but left out of that conventional wisdom is the fact that you need a good system to actually make it work.). Most importantly, if I really became a true vinyl convert, it would be all over. I already pick up the occasional record that I see at a stoop sale, but if I really started replacing my CDs with records, it would just be a bad scene. Have to set a limit somewhere.

Also, you have to get up and flip them over!

texplush said...

Where to begin? hate to do this, but:

a. vinyl really not that more expensive overall, and certainly not in regards to the quality of the product you're getting. gatefold vs. cheap plastic that cracks and cds that scratch easily...

b. 90% of new release vinyl comes with a download code these days for easy ipod use.

c. you should really get a better stereo. it's DEFINITELY WORTH IT.

d. who says you have to replace everything you have with the new format? buying records don't make your cds stop working.

I'm sorry to harp on this, but buying cds feels more an more like pitching money straight into the garbage.