Grizzly Bear - Yellow House

Grizzly Bear, "Lullabye"

Grizzly Bear, "Plans"

Grizzly Bear's Yellow House is one of the most talked about albums of the last few months, which has gotten nearly univeral acclaim from critics and bloggers. I've had it for a bit now, but I've just recently given it some listens. My ears have just not been with any of the new stuff coming out of indieland, to be honest. I guess it's a sign that this is the real deal that it has worked it way into my playlist alongside booty music, The Cure, Dylan and The Smiths and the billion dance remixes that I love.

Unfortunately, I don't have any prior Grizzly Bear experience, as I never got a chance to hear their first demo/album nor their remixes before hearing this one. So, I would recommend this review by Mark Richardson at Pitchfork, who loved this album and can clearly discuss the development of their music. To me, it sorta fits in with the whole freak folk movement with a far greater emphasis on the folk aspect. Think Animal Collective, Sunburned Hand of Man, that whole scene, but with the acoustic guitars and finger-picking up front and a minimum of noise.

The above songs should give a good idea of what to expect with the music, as the group writes great songs and specializes in dividing their songs into little movements. It's quite hypnotic at times, as this kind of acoustic guitar stuff can be at its finest. But, it doesn't have that driving pulse that the music I love exhibits, which makes it all the more surprising that this was released on Warp Records. I would recommend the album for everyone, but I definitely don't have it ranked as highly as most. I will wait to see if this one holds up for the next few months or if this is just another indie album that disappears with the hype. Buy it here and let us know what you think.

-Listen to another of Brooklyn's finest tonight (now, really), as Finger On The Pulse Radio goes from 7-9 on Little Radio

-FiftyOne:FiftyOne as always have a comprehensive guide for a great Philly weekend

-Finally, I just want to remind everyone to check out the website for Neighbors Allied for the Best Waterfront and to join up with them on myspace. I was at a planning meeting last night and am really psyched about doing what I can to help the good folks involved in NABR. You will be hearing much more about this in the next week or two, as the first fundraiser jump-off happens.