Bitte Orca

Bitte Orca is very likely to appear in the top albums of 2009. I agree.The album presents many musical concepts that are innovative, creative, and catchy. For instance, guitar riffs are very rarely trite or predictable. Melodies are very rarely structured so that the listener is able to hum them after only a listen or two. Meter is unpredictable and yet extremely interesting with all of its syncopation and surprises. Familiar harmonic structure is sparse and creates a very disconnected feel in almost every track. These components together challenge many ingrained concepts of music, and it makes it extremely interesting to truly listen to. Because of these challenges that it presents I do believe it is making strides to creating new styles, encouraging creativity, etc., and deserves to be recognized as one of the best albums of 2009.However, because the album presents so many complex ideas and so many changes in meter and structure so rapidly it is not likely to become one of the most coherent albums of all time. Like Radiohead, Dirty Projectors present so many new concepts and challenges to what is expected that often the coherency of the ideas, melodies, and lyrics are difficult to perceive (not impossible, just difficult). I believe that like Radiohead, many bands will benefit from taking examples from Dirty Projectors and will most likely become more successful than their predecessors when the original ideas are watered down for mainstream music.

I've heard Bitte Orca called "unlistenable". And at first listen, it might sound that way because of the odd time signatures and overall sloppy feel to some of the songs. But after taking the time to listen a few times, the brilliance starts to shine. And Bitte Orca is now on constant repeat-loop-addicted mode.It's one of the most original and innovative albums to come out in a long time, despite this musical explosion we've heard in 2009. Stillness is the Move is an obviously great choice as a very catchy single. Which sounds at odds with some of the Led Zep-ish slide guitar riffs heard on other tracks like Useful Chamber. But Dirty Projectors manages to make it blend beautifully.I will say that Bitte Orca verges on "unlistenable" in terms of the singer taking it over the top a few times, and the lyrics on Temecula Sunrise are completely ridiculous. But a better word for this album is "challenging", but if you're up to the challenge, you'll be happily rewarded!

There is some justice that this album is now selling for bargain-basement prices: Pitchfork will never give another DL production >7.5, I wager. Live by the fickle muse, etc. Time to start writing grad-school applications.The band has the strong whiff of a cult--internally. They have to believe in their genius. But what's with the f**ing title? And if anybody who thinks he's the second coming of Captain Beefheart, I would say, keep waiting.That said, a lot of this album is original and listenable; 3/4 of the tunes stick with me. It is well worth three bucks. But, gentle reader, I imagine you are looking at Grimes's albums instead, or perhaps I'm a few months late on that.

Well, these people do know how to create an excellently sticky hook. Bits from the album stick in my mind for days after I have listened to it. The guitarist is quite technically accomplished. He has lifted various riffs with great exactness from various types of African music, but he plays them rather like one of the dudes you find down at Guitar Center - all the speed and flash with none of the feeling. They revel in the "Alterna-crap" silliness, by this I mean they risk no emotion themselves, but merely make an endless ironic commentary on those brave enough to admit to suffering from this unfortunate disease. Protestations of love would not be believed by anyone with a heart, for example "Flourescent Halfdome." This may be their appeal. The male vocalist utterly murders something halfway to a ballad on that song, which may be his intent, it would suit the alterna aversion to risking any sort of emotion or attachment.

I don't think that I would usually be into a band like the Dirty Projectors, but for some reason I found myself really liking this album. There are certainly sounds on this CD that you don't usually hear in other music, but there's enough here that you'd find in more "traditional" music that you can enjoy the songs without needing any extra meaning behind them. The songs still make you feel like you're adding new sound to your collection. I'm sure for some people they'll still find extra meaning in what they hear, but I didn't need to, and I'm still into it.

This is my first Dirty Projectors album. It is unique but very listenable. The rhythms and harmonies are complex. Even though it is artsy music, my kids still enjoy listening to it in the car which I think means Bitte Orca can work for many ears. I recommend giving it a try.

Dave Longstreth may be a musical genius. This is unique music, and may be an acquired taste. Beautiful harmonies mixed with often disjointed rhythms. After listening to it a few times, you appreciate its complexity and beauty.

After several listens to this CD, all I can say is it's amazing piece of work. Everything works together so well, the instrumentalization, the lyrics, the changes in timing - it's beautiful chaos unlike anything I've heard since Destroyer's Rubies.I don't know that I would give too many CDs 5 stars, but this is truley deserving.And without doubt this will be among the top cds of 2009.

i avoided some of the bands from this area/movement, my typical reaction (and a wrong reaction) to too much hype. had heard some earlier tracks and thought they were ok. Then i picked up stillnes is the move from a site and thought blimey charlie. It really is an awesome track - the vocals are really great. probably the most mainstream thing on here but that isn't a (and shouldn't be) a bad thing. really shows how you can make meldoic mucis using modern sounds/beats/styles without entering cheeseville of trying too hard. and that is the great thing about this album. i support the previous reviews - while it is angular and experimental, stealing from lots of genres and history, it takes it forward and holds it together with melody and invention. Some of the volume/tempo changes seem a little bit forced at times but it is a minor gripe as they bring a dynamism to the tracks and the album overall. It's not a long album (9 tracks) but again, i like that - it doesn't outstay it's welcome.if you like melodies and song structure with and edge then this is a good album for you

...the sudden twists and turns in the melodies, the interplay of male and female vocal harmonies; the jangly, consummately played electric guitar all keep the listener hooked and engrossed. Although the arrangements are seemingly chaotic, the songwriting is excellent (try the ballad Two Doves). Kudos to the strident string quartet which adds a further flavour to a few songs - they play with the same bright punchy style as the band.It's pretty easy to know who to recommend this to... probably nobody, unless they're musically adventurous and a little arty, just like this CD. (Try before you buy.)

yes

One of the biggest success stories from 2009 came from the album Bitte Orca, though the Dirty Projectors had released about 5 albums prior, this was their introduction into the mainstream "acclaimed" music scene. The Projectors use indie rock roots and mix in just enouph experimentation to creat a truly unique and colourfull sound. David Longstreth is a very talented guitarist, and the vocal power between him and the girls can often be deadly. The songs "Cannible Resource" and "Temecula Sunrise" open up the album with a bang, showcasing their sporadic experimental style. The songs "Stillness Is the Move" and "Two Doves" are two absolutly beautifull peaces voiced by the girls only. The use of weird sound effects and soaring vocal harmonies on the track "Usefull Chamber" make it an out of this world experience. Overall Bitte Orca is a refined experience with a truly unique twist!

Lo compré como un regalo y llegó pandeado. Al ponerlo la persona no lo pudo escuchar de manera óptima en su tornamesa. Al final me lo quedé yo. En la mía funciona sin problemas. El tiene una Crosley y yo una Denon.