Well done. I am so happy that The Walkmen are finally getting the respect they deserve. Also, my band had the privilege of opening for The Natural History, The French Kicks, and a band called The Pleased in Sacramento in 2002. They were so tight and professional…it blew us away. A memory I will forever cherish. I still have a copy of their demo of that aforementioned EP. Deep cut!!!
I love how you break down the 5 factors that set these guys apart from their peers. That's what i love about this channel, there's a lot of thought (theorising, even) behind what you bring to your videos. I like your point about the organ being used more towards ambience and dissonance, can certainly hear that. And nice point on the drums - "Like they're coming from another time". And then the 'objective Best' vs 'personal fave' calls🤩 I remember hearing their name around 2007 or so, so never would've equated them with the early 00s NY guys. But honestly couldn't pick a song of theirs out of a lineup (The Rat sounded vaguely familiar). I think they might've toured here mid-bill on an indie festival, so people much cooler than i could hope to be were clearly onboard here! I'll be picking up one of their albums next I find one around. As for the Natural History - when you have a contemporary band covering your song, that speaks just about more than anything. Very cool of Spoon doing that. Thanks for this, Jon, enjoyed a whole bunch.
I hope you come across some CDs of theirs. I think they would be a bit much to do a deep dive on, but checking out one or two albums (Bows + Arrows and Lisbon) might be rewarding. It’s funny how all those bands back in the early 2000s were lumped together just because they were from New York. But The Strokes and !!! couldn’t sound more different. The same for Interpol and The Walkmen. Thanks as always Dean for paying attention to the details. I miss your bits of gold on TH-cam. Maybe one day you’ll treat all of us again. ✌🏻
Jealous! I saw them 5 or 6 times. I’ve heard they’re killing it on these reunion shows, though. Too bad they aren’t playing The Ryman. They would be excellent in that venue. Still… Enjoy it! ✌🏻
This was so professionally done and edited Jon, extremely enjoyable and a great retrospective of a group that I have never heard of. Whenever I get around to buying a better computer and decide to not be a lazy ass I would love to do videos exactly like this. Maybe I’ll just have you do it so I can remain lazy. The Natural History also sounded great, right up my alley Well done Jon
Thanks for the kind words, Steve. I’m honestly lazy. I cut some corners here and could’ve done even more with the editing on the titles. I could do more production on all my videos. I just choose not to. I definitely think you’d like that first Natural History record. I don’t think it’s easy to find though. Cheers! ✌🏻
Wow...if I wasn't already interested in diving into the Walkmen again, I certainly am now. That was really great. I never really got into them much. I loved the last record and couldn't get into the other records when I tried. Now it was streaming and it was probably more of a cursory listen, but still. I knew I'd like them more. Certainly liked what you played and "The Rat" always sounds good. "Song For Leigh" off the last one really did it for me at the time. It was a real treat to see that. Wasn't familiar with The Natural History, but they sounded good too. Thank you!
Over the last few years, Fat Possum has been reissuing some of their albums with bonus material. So I’ve been revisiting these albums as they’ve come out. I think when they were still putting out records, I kind of took them for granted. It took this 10 year period of inactivity for me to realize how singular their sound was. I normally don’t break down a band’s sound like this, but they make it so easy. Thanks for hanging out, Todd. Go listen to Lisbon. I think you’ll enjoy it. 😎
Very well done. Loved the Walkmen and followed along with Mr. Leithauser's solo works. Never heard The Natural History and will be giving those guys a deeper dive. As always, appreciate your stuff. Still can't get that opening to your last video from Elia Kazan's 'A Face In The Crowd' out of my mind.
Thanks for the kind words. I bought Leithauser’s first solo record. I wasn’t saying his last name correctly, was I? I haven’t even streamed any of the collaborations with Rostam Batmanglij. I should rectify that. Hope everything is going well. Cheers! ✌🏻
Great video Jon. I know The Walkmen a bit! About 15 years ago I had a downloaded copy of their first record burnt to a CD-R. I can't remember how or why I discovered it but I remember liking it quite a bit. Will have to delve back now. Good info on TNH too.
Hey James! I would think you know a little something about The Walkmen. I’m surprised at how many people aren’t familiar with them. But then again, I have to remind myself how little music from the 2000s is talked about around these parts of TH-cam. 😄
Great work here all the way around. I especially enjoyed the swearing and the smoking. As usual. You inspired me to verify that CD Baby still exists. I’m not sure why I thought it wouldn’t. I look forward to your next installment. Cheers!
Thanks, Sam. I thought you’d enjoy seeing a fully used ashtray. I can’t help the swearing. Especially around my kids. You can follow me @fatolddad on CD Baby. Cheers! ✌🏻
Hey Ash! Thanks for hanging through this one. I think there are some things about The Walkmen that you’d really enjoy. Good to hear from you. Hope all is well. ✌🏻
Great profile on both bands! I’ll be catching the Walkman on their upcoming tour in September. I remember the Natural History as well and owned the first record on vinyl when it came out. Hadn’t thought of them for years and just now realized I don’t have that album any more. Not sure how or when that vanished, I typically didn’t sell off stuff from my collection back then. I need to give them another listen. Thanks for jogging my memory! A NC band from that same era that you should check out - if you’re unfamiliar - is Kingsbury Manx. Excellent pastoral psych-tinged rock. They put out six albums between 1999-2013. They’re all fantastic and are honestly one of the most underrated bands in my music library. A top band for myself. I saw they played their first gig in over ten years earlier this year in Carrboro. Some members play in a group called Open Field these days, their self- tilted album sounds very Manxy.
I hear they are killing it on these shows. I’m not going to be able to catch them on this run, unfortunately. I didn’t do that first Natural History album justice. 11 songs. Not even 30 minutes long. Just guitar, bass and drums not laying any second to waste. So, my buddy Dom @seekingathread has also mentioned Kingsbury Manx! For some reason they got past me, but I plan on diving in at some point. I did stream a few of their songs, but not a full album. Whenever I can find the time to get it edited, I will be posting a video on Megafaun. So, that will be the next NC band I talk about. Thanks for watching and commenting. Greatly appreciated. Cheers! ✌🏻
Thanks for the reminder about the Natural History. On a quick road trip to the redwoods this weekend. I came across a $10 NM/NM used copy of Beat Beat Heartbeat this morning at People’s Records in Arcata, CA.
Glad to see this feature. I mostly agree with all of your assessments on Walkmen and you correctly have it about their yes unique sound. The keyboard element and that eerie twinkling piano, especially on the earliest eps and records, are what really stood out to me. My favorite now may be Heaven which to me is them at their most confident and asserted. Great songs. I had the first pressing of You And Me but sold it cause it was worth more than made sense but did like it. Currently I have the first EP, Bows and Arrows (great), Lisbon (need to revisit) and Heaven. I also own more on CD and would like to get a copy of Everyone on 12". The other notable factor is Leithausers voice evolving over time. It was way more erratic and less refined on the earlier records ( which I was into) and over time became more streamlined and confident. A great band and yeah The Rat is a cooker. Especially when his vox hits the high register of "calling out your name." Natural History? I just remember them but will have to do some homework. Cheers!
Thanks, Dom. So, I always felt Heaven was just a more polished Lisbon. You should revisit Lisbon, but I agree - some great songs on Heaven. I think back in the 2000s, I just didn’t appreciate them enough. I mean, I always really enjoyed them. I saw them 5 or 6 times? Can’t remember for sure. Great live band. As I mentioned here, I have truly grown to appreciate them more now that they’re not putting out new albums. I had a 2010 pressing of You and Me but I traded it in once they released this newest reissue. Beat Beat Heartbeat by The Natural History is worth checking out. 11 songs. 28 minutes. Lean indie rock. Also made me think of another Startime International band - French Kicks. I only had their debut album, but nothing after. They were okay, but not great. Might stream that one again soon. Thanks for watching and providing thoughtful commentary. Hey, somebody below mentioned The Kingsbury Manx! Cheers ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone Kingsbury Manx, that's my spiel. Listened yet??!! Agree on French Kicks, they were decent / pretty good. Yes Lisbon is gonna get some spins this week. Ironically never saw Walkmen. Just Hamilton solo which was great. If you don't know I Have A Dream...check that LP. A family favorite
Never heard them, thank you for the lesson! BUT, I think I have heard of The Natural History (maybe being an ex-New Yorker and knowing that scene/sound).
I'm surprised you've never heard The Walkmen, Kris. Being an ex-New Yorker, though, you might've just been jaded about that whole early-2000s scene. Maybe not... The lead singer of The Natural History now basically does music workshops for kids.
Jon, I have to be that guy. I thought you were going to talk about a Sony Walkman. Lol. I actually know the Walkmen. I got a cd of the first album back in the day. Guess I didn’t appreciate them. I’ll have to go back and listen. Peace ☮️ Namaste 🙏 the Zonkman .
I was going to make a Sony Walkman joke as my intro, but thought fireworks with an audio sample would be better. I almost stopped after the first CD, Steve. But when I heard “The Rat” off Bows + Arrows, I got sucked back in. Hope all is well up your way, Zonkman. Cheers! ✌🏻
I just sent out " Bows And Arrows" as a vclt today.. To Steve Herold, good channel ,if you ever have a chance to check his channel out.. He prefers Cd's to his vinyl collection. I should pick up some Walkmen on vinyl, nice that you are representing with them !
Ah, yes, I remember The Walkmen. They were one of the bands I was introduced to via music blogs I followed in the early 2000s. I know I had a few tracks on some compilations I burned from mp3s I downloaded from those blogs. Lovely hifi 128kps played through a crappy car stereo. The thing was, this coincided with my increased interest in alt country and Americana, so these sort of indie bands didn't stand a chance.
So, we actually inverted our paths. I was so heavy into the alt-country (whatever that is) sound in the 1990s, but when the 21st century ushered in I jumped on the indie rock train. I went from Robbie Fulks obsessive to Modest Mouse and The Shins. I miss those Geocities music blogs, but I don’t miss the 128k mp3s. 😂 Hope you’re doing well, Hedley. Cheers! ✌🏻
i think I saw them open for modest mouse 20 years ago. these guys kind of got lost in the mix for me with some of those other bands you mentioned. wolf parade from that era also used keys to great effect.
Love that first Wolf Parade album. The other albums could never live up to that first one imo. Sunset Rubdown would be a good candidate for this type of video. Or Spencer Krug in general. I don’t have any of his Moonface stuff, though. Thanks, Alex. ✌🏻
That missing CD was under the seat of that car you traded in. I tossed it out driving the car from NC dealer to LA dealer. Maybe I should have tried it.
Natural History ruled. They may be my favorite of that oughts NYC scene. Walkmen? Meh ... Everyone and Bows and Arrows were cool but they lost me after that. If you're gonna do NC stuff do Ash Bowie and Polvo. Libraness is amazing.
Well done. I am so happy that The Walkmen are finally getting the respect they deserve.
Also, my band had the privilege of opening for The Natural History, The French Kicks, and a band called The Pleased in Sacramento in 2002. They were so tight and professional…it blew us away. A memory I will forever cherish. I still have a copy of their demo of that aforementioned EP. Deep cut!!!
I've never heard of The Walkmen. Great video. Will have a listen to their music. Enjoyed watching.
I hope you find something rewarding! Thanks so much for watching. ✌🏻
I love how you break down the 5 factors that set these guys apart from their peers. That's what i love about this channel, there's a lot of thought (theorising, even) behind what you bring to your videos. I like your point about the organ being used more towards ambience and dissonance, can certainly hear that. And nice point on the drums - "Like they're coming from another time". And then the 'objective Best' vs 'personal fave' calls🤩
I remember hearing their name around 2007 or so, so never would've equated them with the early 00s NY guys. But honestly couldn't pick a song of theirs out of a lineup (The Rat sounded vaguely familiar). I think they might've toured here mid-bill on an indie festival, so people much cooler than i could hope to be were clearly onboard here! I'll be picking up one of their albums next I find one around. As for the Natural History - when you have a contemporary band covering your song, that speaks just about more than anything. Very cool of Spoon doing that. Thanks for this, Jon, enjoyed a whole bunch.
I hope you come across some CDs of theirs. I think they would be a bit much to do a deep dive on, but checking out one or two albums (Bows + Arrows and Lisbon) might be rewarding. It’s funny how all those bands back in the early 2000s were lumped together just because they were from New York. But The Strokes and !!! couldn’t sound more different. The same for Interpol and The Walkmen.
Thanks as always Dean for paying attention to the details. I miss your bits of gold on TH-cam. Maybe one day you’ll treat all of us again. ✌🏻
Unique sound and they dress better than most bands ✌🏻
They were sharp dressers long before The National. 😎
@@TheDigitalGramophone I actually have three or four of their records. Go figure
@@mazzysmusic I was wondering… surely you picked up some of their stuff in the CD era.
Good morning ☕️👋🏻...how great to see this as I get my day started.....
The day can only get better from here! 😂
@@TheDigitalGramophone you are one wild and crazy guy!
Great retrospective on The Walkmen. Headed to see them in Nashville in mid September!
Jealous! I saw them 5 or 6 times. I’ve heard they’re killing it on these reunion shows, though. Too bad they aren’t playing The Ryman. They would be excellent in that venue. Still… Enjoy it! ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone I agree! The Ryman would be a lot better venue! Keep up the great content!
This was so professionally done and edited Jon, extremely enjoyable and a great retrospective of a group that I have never heard of. Whenever I get around to buying a better computer and decide to not be a lazy ass I would love to do videos exactly like this. Maybe I’ll just have you do it so I can remain lazy. The Natural History also sounded great, right up my alley Well done Jon
Thanks for the kind words, Steve. I’m honestly lazy. I cut some corners here and could’ve done even more with the editing on the titles. I could do more production on all my videos. I just choose not to. I definitely think you’d like that first Natural History record. I don’t think it’s easy to find though. Cheers! ✌🏻
Jon is a professional. Educated too ✌🏼🥸
Wow...if I wasn't already interested in diving into the Walkmen again, I certainly am now. That was really great. I never really got into them much. I loved the last record and couldn't get into the other records when I tried. Now it was streaming and it was probably more of a cursory listen, but still. I knew I'd like them more. Certainly liked what you played and "The Rat" always sounds good. "Song For Leigh" off the last one really did it for me at the time. It was a real treat to see that. Wasn't familiar with The Natural History, but they sounded good too. Thank you!
Over the last few years, Fat Possum has been reissuing some of their albums with bonus material. So I’ve been revisiting these albums as they’ve come out. I think when they were still putting out records, I kind of took them for granted. It took this 10 year period of inactivity for me to realize how singular their sound was. I normally don’t break down a band’s sound like this, but they make it so easy. Thanks for hanging out, Todd. Go listen to Lisbon. I think you’ll enjoy it. 😎
Very well done. Loved the Walkmen and followed along with Mr. Leithauser's solo works. Never heard The Natural History and will be giving those guys a deeper dive. As always, appreciate your stuff. Still can't get that opening to your last video from Elia Kazan's 'A Face In The Crowd' out of my mind.
Thanks for the kind words. I bought Leithauser’s first solo record. I wasn’t saying his last name correctly, was I? I haven’t even streamed any of the collaborations with Rostam Batmanglij. I should rectify that. Hope everything is going well. Cheers! ✌🏻
Great video Jon. I know The Walkmen a bit! About 15 years ago I had a downloaded copy of their first record burnt to a CD-R. I can't remember how or why I discovered it but I remember liking it quite a bit. Will have to delve back now. Good info on TNH too.
Hey James! I would think you know a little something about The Walkmen. I’m surprised at how many people aren’t familiar with them. But then again, I have to remind myself how little music from the 2000s is talked about around these parts of TH-cam. 😄
Great work here all the way around. I especially enjoyed the swearing and the smoking. As usual. You inspired me to verify that CD Baby still exists. I’m not sure why I thought it wouldn’t. I look forward to your next installment. Cheers!
Thanks, Sam. I thought you’d enjoy seeing a fully used ashtray. I can’t help the swearing. Especially around my kids. You can follow me @fatolddad on CD Baby. Cheers! ✌🏻
Another band that escaped me. But I do remember the song called "Heaven". Thanks Jon~
Hey Rob! It’s impossible to hear everything, right? “Heaven” is a good tune. Thanks for hanging out with me on this one. Cheers! ✌🏻
Thanks for the exposure to two bands, I haven’t yet given any time to. I will have to change that! Cheers!
Hey Ash! Thanks for hanging through this one. I think there are some things about The Walkmen that you’d really enjoy. Good to hear from you. Hope all is well. ✌🏻
Great profile on both bands! I’ll be catching the Walkman on their upcoming tour in September. I remember the Natural History as well and owned the first record on vinyl when it came out. Hadn’t thought of them for years and just now realized I don’t have that album any more. Not sure how or when that vanished, I typically didn’t sell off stuff from my collection back then. I need to give them another listen. Thanks for jogging my memory!
A NC band from that same era that you should check out - if you’re unfamiliar - is Kingsbury Manx. Excellent pastoral psych-tinged rock. They put out six albums between 1999-2013. They’re all fantastic and are honestly one of the most underrated bands in my music library. A top band for myself. I saw they played their first gig in over ten years earlier this year in Carrboro. Some members play in a group called Open Field these days, their self- tilted album sounds very Manxy.
I hear they are killing it on these shows. I’m not going to be able to catch them on this run, unfortunately. I didn’t do that first Natural History album justice. 11 songs. Not even 30 minutes long. Just guitar, bass and drums not laying any second to waste.
So, my buddy Dom @seekingathread has also mentioned Kingsbury Manx! For some reason they got past me, but I plan on diving in at some point. I did stream a few of their songs, but not a full album. Whenever I can find the time to get it edited, I will be posting a video on Megafaun. So, that will be the next NC band I talk about.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Greatly appreciated. Cheers! ✌🏻
Thanks for the reminder about the Natural History. On a quick road trip to the redwoods this weekend. I came across a $10 NM/NM used copy of Beat Beat Heartbeat this morning at People’s Records in Arcata, CA.
@@jamesdunseth2869 Very cool!
Glad to see this feature. I mostly agree with all of your assessments on Walkmen and you correctly have it about their yes unique sound. The keyboard element and that eerie twinkling piano, especially on the earliest eps and records, are what really stood out to me. My favorite now may be Heaven which to me is them at their most confident and asserted. Great songs. I had the first pressing of You And Me but sold it cause it was worth more than made sense but did like it. Currently I have the first EP, Bows and Arrows (great), Lisbon (need to revisit) and Heaven. I also own more on CD and would like to get a copy of Everyone on 12". The other notable factor is Leithausers voice evolving over time. It was way more erratic and less refined on the earlier records ( which I was into) and over time became more streamlined and confident. A great band and yeah The Rat is a cooker. Especially when his vox hits the high register of "calling out your name." Natural History? I just remember them but will have to do some homework. Cheers!
Thanks, Dom. So, I always felt Heaven was just a more polished Lisbon. You should revisit Lisbon, but I agree - some great songs on Heaven. I think back in the 2000s, I just didn’t appreciate them enough. I mean, I always really enjoyed them. I saw them 5 or 6 times? Can’t remember for sure. Great live band. As I mentioned here, I have truly grown to appreciate them more now that they’re not putting out new albums. I had a 2010 pressing of You and Me but I traded it in once they released this newest reissue.
Beat Beat Heartbeat by The Natural History is worth checking out. 11 songs. 28 minutes. Lean indie rock.
Also made me think of another Startime International band - French Kicks. I only had their debut album, but nothing after. They were okay, but not great. Might stream that one again soon.
Thanks for watching and providing thoughtful commentary. Hey, somebody below mentioned The Kingsbury Manx!
Cheers ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone Kingsbury Manx, that's my spiel. Listened yet??!! Agree on French Kicks, they were decent / pretty good. Yes Lisbon is gonna get some spins this week. Ironically never saw Walkmen. Just Hamilton solo which was great. If you don't know I Have A Dream...check that LP. A family favorite
Never heard them, thank you for the lesson! BUT, I think I have heard of The Natural History (maybe being an ex-New Yorker and knowing that scene/sound).
I'm surprised you've never heard The Walkmen, Kris. Being an ex-New Yorker, though, you might've just been jaded about that whole early-2000s scene. Maybe not... The lead singer of The Natural History now basically does music workshops for kids.
Jon, I have to be that guy. I thought you were going to talk about a Sony Walkman. Lol. I actually know the Walkmen. I got a cd of the first album back in the day. Guess I didn’t appreciate them. I’ll have to go back and listen. Peace ☮️ Namaste 🙏 the Zonkman .
I was going to make a Sony Walkman joke as my intro, but thought fireworks with an audio sample would be better. I almost stopped after the first CD, Steve. But when I heard “The Rat” off Bows + Arrows, I got sucked back in. Hope all is well up your way, Zonkman. Cheers! ✌🏻
I just sent out " Bows And Arrows" as a vclt today.. To Steve Herold, good channel ,if you ever have a chance to check his channel out.. He prefers Cd's to his vinyl collection. I should pick up some Walkmen on vinyl, nice that you are representing with them !
Ah, yes, I remember The Walkmen. They were one of the bands I was introduced to via music blogs I followed in the early 2000s. I know I had a few tracks on some compilations I burned from mp3s I downloaded from those blogs. Lovely hifi 128kps played through a crappy car stereo.
The thing was, this coincided with my increased interest in alt country and Americana, so these sort of indie bands didn't stand a chance.
So, we actually inverted our paths. I was so heavy into the alt-country (whatever that is) sound in the 1990s, but when the 21st century ushered in I jumped on the indie rock train. I went from Robbie Fulks obsessive to Modest Mouse and The Shins.
I miss those Geocities music blogs, but I don’t miss the 128k mp3s. 😂
Hope you’re doing well, Hedley. Cheers! ✌🏻
I do not know the Walkmen.... but learning is cool👏🏻🤘🏻✌🏻
Learning is cool! Or so my kids tell me. Thanks for watching, sis. I’m looking forward to watching your summer vibes later. ✌🏻
I will see in Portugal
They named their album after Lisbon apparently because of how well they were received by the city. I bet it’s gonna be a fantastic show! ✌🏻
New York Cares 🗽 💡
🍎
i think I saw them open for modest mouse 20 years ago. these guys kind of got lost in the mix for me with some of those other bands you mentioned. wolf parade from that era also used keys to great effect.
Love that first Wolf Parade album. The other albums could never live up to that first one imo. Sunset Rubdown would be a good candidate for this type of video. Or Spencer Krug in general. I don’t have any of his Moonface stuff, though. Thanks, Alex. ✌🏻
@@TheDigitalGramophone yeah the other WP albums are pretty bad
That missing CD was under the seat of that car you traded in. I tossed it out driving the car from NC dealer to LA dealer. Maybe I should have tried it.
😂 Seriously, though, I’m missing a lot of my W-Z CDs. I found Zappa.
just started to watch but do they pronounce the 'L' in walkmen?
It’s just how I say the word. I’m also probably saying Leithauser wrong. I think it’s “Light”hauser. I’m just a dumb hick, Alex.
Natural History ruled. They may be my favorite of that oughts NYC scene. Walkmen? Meh ... Everyone and Bows and Arrows were cool but they lost me after that. If you're gonna do NC stuff do Ash Bowie and Polvo. Libraness is amazing.
Polvo could show up one day. I have a few of their albums.
I've heard of The Walkmen but wouldn't be able to name a song. Thx 4 the heads-up, I do need to check them out.
I hope you find something you enjoy. Thanks for hanging out! ✌🏻