Maybe the sequel will be even lower
― StanM, Wednesday, 9 January 2008 20:52 (sixteen years ago) link
Low & Lowerer, with new bass player Jim Carrey
― StanM, Wednesday, 9 January 2008 20:53 (sixteen years ago) link
ultimately characterless and forgettable
lol. Heard Drums and Guns?
― Daniel, Esq., Wednesday, 9 January 2008 22:20 (sixteen years ago) link
it hadn't been released back then
― electricsound, Wednesday, 9 January 2008 22:27 (sixteen years ago) link
i have "low in europe" and only got halfway through it. hmm. and as you all know, i adore them.
vvv tickled to see the original post -- it was alex who got me into low, some ... fucking hell, 12 years ago now. christ.
― grimly fiendish, Wednesday, 9 January 2008 22:30 (sixteen years ago) link
which album do I listen to right now if I've never heard any of them before? quick!
― Preview of the Matrix 12, Sunday, 27 January 2008 23:44 (sixteen years ago) link
I think The Great Destroyer is very accessible, so that may be a good entry point. But I guess Things We Lost In The Fire might be a more representative disc.
A handful of songs on the new disc (called Drums and Guns) are also an excellent introduction to the band. Try, for example, this killer (no pun intended) version of Murderer, from a live, in-studio performance last year.
― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 27 January 2008 23:48 (sixteen years ago) link
Things We Lost in the Fire is a great introduction. I'd also recommend Secret Name, which was my intro, also very good.
― stephen, Monday, 28 January 2008 20:19 (sixteen years ago) link
Things We Lost in the Fire, definitely. Worked for me at least, from the first chord change.
― Z S, Monday, 28 January 2008 20:26 (sixteen years ago) link
Anyone see that film about Low that's now showing on Pitchfork.tv? It's called You Might Need A Murderer. I didn't know how troubled Alan Spearhawk was. Semi-boring film, but a totally compelling band.
― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:34 (fifteen years ago) link
Oh it's on Pitchfork.tv? Sweet, I saw it in the local record store today and passed on it ($20 brand new) but i'll totally watch it for free. One of my all time favorite bands, love these guys.
― stephen, Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:58 (fifteen years ago) link
npr interview with the sparhawks a while ago that touched on his issues
― mookieproof, Sunday, 22 June 2008 02:00 (fifteen years ago) link
Catch it now, Stephen. It's the "One Week Only" feature on Pitchfork.tv.
― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 22 June 2008 02:14 (fifteen years ago) link
That NPR interview is fascinating. Sparhawk dances around his problems some, but this is the first time I've heard he was suicidal.
― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 22 June 2008 02:41 (fifteen years ago) link
Thanks Daniel, I'll be sure to check it out Sunday morning when i get up :D
― stephen, Sunday, 22 June 2008 03:53 (fifteen years ago) link
Retribution Gospel Choir (Alan's new, catchier, LOUD, rock band) played a sparsely attended show in Montreal on Friday that was fucking amazing. PLayed their hearts out for we seated folk, left my ears so happily ringing. Was sad to see him loading up the van alone in the street afterward (last time I saw Low it was at ATP with another 1000 people). If Retribution Gospel Choir come to chez toi, go go go. terrific.
― sean gramophone, Sunday, 22 June 2008 16:52 (fifteen years ago) link
Low have subtley crept, over the course of about ten years, into the position of being my favorite existing band.
― Pillbox, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:28 (fifteen years ago) link
"subtly"
Some good discussion on this thread, methinks.
― Pillbox, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:41 (fifteen years ago) link
Retribution Gospel Choir (Alan's new, catchier, LOUD, rock band) played a sparsely attended show in Montreal on Friday that was fucking amazing.
ARGH I was on the list for this but couldn't go, damn you, job.
― Simon H., Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:44 (fifteen years ago) link
I've seen them 7-8 times since 1997 and have observed as the venue/audience size has grown in tandem with the expanse of the band's dynamic (louder choruses, distortion pedals and such). The songs from their last few records are perfectly suited to the mid-size theatres they play these days. But my favorite gigs were one in the mid-to-late 90's, when they would come through the Ann Arbor/Detroit area quite regularly and play at little hole-in-the-wall spots: The (small) audience would generally sit on the floor and remain dead silent until the band finished playing (save for the occasional applause). There was a communal reverence, churchlike almost, unlike anything else I've experienced at rock gigs (even a "seated" Yo La Tengo show from their And Then Nothing.. tour, in which the band/venue provided the audience with folding chairs, didn't come close). It was a beautiful thing to be a part of, really.
― Pillbox, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:12 (fifteen years ago) link
I totally get that. I'm sure you'd agree, though, that they deserve all the additional attention -- and higher audience attendance at shows -- that they now get. I'm with you: Low has become one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite, band of the moment.
― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:34 (fifteen years ago) link
I'll third that. Best band going today.
― stephen, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:37 (fifteen years ago) link
i saw RGC a few years back with Kozelek and they were alright but the drummer was really stiff; if it's the same guy I'm sure they've loosened up a bit. I'm assuming Kozelek isn't on this tour.
― akm, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:06 (fifteen years ago) link
the best thing they played though was a crazy ass cover of "the carpet crawlers"
I'm sure you'd agree, though, that they deserve all the additional attention -- and higher audience attendance at shows
Yeah, it has actually been very rewarding to watch a humble little band like Low build and expand their aesthetic over the years, and at the same time gain popularity because of the sheer quality of their art. Even thought I have those fond memories of tiny quiet shows, I have no problem sharing Low with The World.
Strictly in terms of popularity, though, I know Low is bigger in Europe than The States, at least circa early-2000s. Was it that way in the mid-to-late 90's too? I'd been used to Low concerts being generally as described above. But then, in 2000, I moved to Dublin for college and twice saw Low in sold-out concerts at The Olympia, a fairly large theatre (fantastic shows both, one with cello!).
― Pillbox, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:13 (fifteen years ago) link
"thought" = though
― Pillbox, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:15 (fifteen years ago) link
stop all the clocks, quieten all the whisperings about low's republican tendencies:
low are playing an obama benefit somewhere.
they're also doing christmas shows in the uk, in november.
― schlump, Thursday, 17 July 2008 11:32 (fifteen years ago) link
I had only heard about teh one show. Is it definitely shows plural?
― aldo, Thursday, 17 July 2008 11:48 (fifteen years ago) link
yeh, manchester ('uni' i think, which i guess is hop & grape/academy three?) and oran mor glasgow. there's a churchy bit to oran mor, although i guess it's more likely they'll be downstairs.
― schlump, Thursday, 17 July 2008 11:58 (fifteen years ago) link
I'm going to the London one - it's at Koko.
― Colonel Poo, Thursday, 17 July 2008 12:12 (fifteen years ago) link
So I've just heard something bizarre about how Alan S. threw a guitar at his audience at a Saturday show in the UK?
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:07 (fifteen years ago) link
Drowned in Sound thread with details:
http://drownedinsound.com/articles/4020122
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:10 (fifteen years ago) link
^^ shit's wack
and yeah, classic. particularly the very early stuff, which stylistically i prefer a whole lot to the recent stuff, which tends to be a little too comfortable and prosaic for my liking
― Charlie Howard, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:23 (fifteen years ago) link
Buncha fuckin Helen Lovejoys on that DiS thread non-shocker
― The Slash My Father Wrote (DJ Mencap), Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:31 (fifteen years ago) link
this is all very sad. that's not the first thing i've read about onstage trouble in the last few months, either.
― toby, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:35 (fifteen years ago) link
weird. I know alan was talking publicly about going on medication a couple of years ago so my assumption would be that it has something to do with that.
― akm, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 13:28 (fifteen years ago) link
but it is a bit funny to think you'd get HURT at a low show
it was a seriously dangerous and fucking stupid thing to do. also, that festival was awash with kids. sparhawk is very lucky that he isn't facing manslaughter charges, and i am not being remotely hysterical here.
― Smuckles Brothers (stevie), Wednesday, 17 September 2008 14:01 (fifteen years ago) link
i mean, i was there, and the whole thing was *horrific, actually properly upsetting. sorry that the DiS readers aren't chuckling it off with sub-Chunklet ironic machismo, dude.
― Smuckles Brothers (stevie), Wednesday, 17 September 2008 14:02 (fifteen years ago) link
I primarily meant the hectoring pseudo-concern for the mental problems of someone they've never met, and directives of what he should and shouldn't do with his life. I know people care about the band (as do I) and the guy's problems sound horrible, but it rubbed me up the wrong way is all
― The Slash My Father Wrote (DJ Mencap), Wednesday, 17 September 2008 14:30 (fifteen years ago) link
no worries dude, i was totally over-vociferous up there. apols.
― Smuckles Brothers (stevie), Wednesday, 17 September 2008 14:36 (fifteen years ago) link
Would anyone out there be willing to ysi me a copy of "Prisoner"? It's on the Lifetime of Temporary Relief box set (also originally appeared in the limited Finally... EP). I'm desperate to find it but the songs from the box set aren't available on emusic, amazon, or itunes. I'd be very grateful...
― scott pgwp (pgwp), Monday, 6 April 2009 05:19 (fourteen years ago) link
unless someone beats me to it i'll up it later on today for you
― balls by titleist (electricsound), Monday, 6 April 2009 05:46 (fourteen years ago) link
Someone beat you to it - got an email with the link. Thanks though! I'm writing about Low all week starting tomorrow (here) and really wanted to include mention of this song. I only have it on cassette, of all things.
― scott pgwp (pgwp), Monday, 6 April 2009 05:49 (fourteen years ago) link
LOW played a unique (one time only) 2 and a half hour, 25 song concert in Eindhoven, the Netherlands (Catharina church) on January 22nd of 2009. (Crosslinx festival)
It was a collaboration with David Dramm and these were the players: (I just copy/pasted/translated this from concertzender.nl )
Low: Alan Sparhawk, voice, guitar. Mimi Parker: voice, percussion. Steve Garrington: bass guitar.VocalLab: Bauwien van der Meer, Elsbeth Gerritsen, Fanny Alofs, Christian Damsgaard, Job HubatkaMargarita Kourtparadisou, Marcel Andriessen: percussion.Dominik Blum (Steamboat Switzerland) : church organ, Hammond B3, piano, Korg.David Dramm: arrangements.
recorded at the Catharinakerk Eindhoven, 22-1-2009.recording technician: Kees van de Wiel
The whole concert was broadcast in two parts on the Dutch (online?) radio station Concertzender on May 18th and yesterday and the streams are still available on demand.All in 128 kbps, unfortunately, but still, not to be missed. (I don't know how long the station's on demand content remains online, by the way, don't think they delete anything, but I'm not sure at all)
PART ONE:
http://audio.omroep.nl/cz/cz/thema/20090518-20.mp3 (LOW = first 78 minutes of the 2-hour mp3)
David Dramm.1. The wheel of Catherina.
Low.2. Amazing Grace.3. Sunflower.4. In metal.5. Candy Girl.6. Dinosaur act.7. Kind of girl.8. Point of disgust.9. Whitetail.10. Canada.11. Belarus.12. Breaker.13. Silver Rider.14. Shots and ladders.
PART TWO:
http://audio.omroep.nl/cz/cz/thema/20090615-20.mp3 (LOW = first 77 minutes of the 2-hour mp3)
Low.1. July.2. Pretty People.3. Take your Time.4. Monkey.5. Evertbody's Song.6. The Lamb / Blood of the Lamb.7. Violent Past.8. Laser Beam.9. In Silence.10. Always Fade.11. Dragonfly.12. Murderer.13. &20 (My Love (is for Free))14. Sandinista.15. When I go Deaf. (with David Dramm joining in on electric guitar)
― StanM, Tuesday, 16 June 2009 19:07 (fourteen years ago) link
Thanks!
― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 16 June 2009 19:23 (fourteen years ago) link
Tons of Things We Lost in the Fire material in that set. Seems kinda random but ok!
― scott pgwp (pgwp), Tuesday, 16 June 2009 20:03 (fourteen years ago) link
This is great, thanks.
― that's not my post, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 06:09 (fourteen years ago) link
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU will dl when I get home.
Amazing setlist.
Sandinista live is always *amazing*. Do they ever do "Embrace"? I'd love to hear a live version.
― Turangalila, Wednesday, 17 June 2009 07:07 (fourteen years ago) link
'i could live in hope' came out 30 years ago today
― mookieproof, Sunday, 18 February 2024 23:51 (one month ago) link
Really great "it's Friday I'm in low" last week. Cyrus on bass
― H.P, Monday, 19 February 2024 00:08 (one month ago) link
Well, "Lullaby" still makes me cry, so there's that.
― butt dumb tight my boners got boners (the table is the table), Monday, 19 February 2024 00:47 (one month ago) link
Got tix to see Sparhawk play in Chicago.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 7 March 2024 22:12 (three weeks ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7i-wjCZhXw
professional footage of some of alan's new songs
― ufo, Wednesday, 20 March 2024 08:31 (one week ago) link
Wow, his son looks so much like him.
There's a local band here called L0veblaster that is doing the exact classic Low instrumentation and approach. It's pretty good actually, but begs for comparison in a way I find distracting.
― Jordan s/t (Jordan), Thursday, 21 March 2024 17:37 (one week ago) link
don't love that band name
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 March 2024 17:38 (one week ago) link
i'm friends with them (the local band)! they're so good. what's hilarious is that they don't even listen to low and were kind of unaware of them, last time i played with them, lol! but i think people mention it to them all the time
― z_tbd, Thursday, 21 March 2024 17:42 (one week ago) link
really great to see alan playing shows again - i'll have to give that video a deeper listen later today
Oh huh, I read an interview with them where they said Low was one of their two favorite bands and that they wanted to try out the format. It's a nice record though.
(lol I agree about the name though)
― Jordan s/t (Jordan), Thursday, 21 March 2024 18:02 (one week ago) link
haha, whoa! yeah i just found that interview! okeydokey then, no comment :) anyway they definitely fall into the non-musical low tradition of being incredibly sweet and supportive people in addition to talented musicians.
― z_tbd, Thursday, 21 March 2024 18:25 (one week ago) link
denying your most obvious influence is a grand rock tradition
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 March 2024 18:27 (one week ago) link
Is it strange that I don’t really care about Alan’s music without Mimi?
― butt dumb tight my boners got boners (the table is the table), Thursday, 21 March 2024 19:32 (one week ago) link
what DO you do in his place? I fully support his decision to continue making music (and involving Cyrus) but Low is over, he said so himself, and finding another style that pleases the former fans isn't going to be easy any time - (I shudder to think of the alternatives: continuing Low with another female singer? Hologram Mimi?)
― StanM, Thursday, 21 March 2024 19:59 (one week ago) link
dude looks like thom yorke now & the band sounds like radiohead
― he/him hoo-hah (map), Thursday, 21 March 2024 20:32 (one week ago) link
I don't think it's weird, it was always the two of them. I mostly care out of goodwill for Alan, and out of curiosity about the music that comes out of this.
― Jordan s/t (Jordan), Thursday, 21 March 2024 20:39 (one week ago) link
There is a lot of goodwill and I hope he can make it work for his family. I was however always much more into Mimi's voice.
― kraudive, Thursday, 21 March 2024 20:56 (one week ago) link
I'm definitely curious to hear what he does next. if only because Retribution Gospel Choir was a fantastic and criminally underappreciate band and that was without Mimi.
― Maxmillion D. Boosted (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Thursday, 21 March 2024 20:58 (one week ago) link
I feel the world for him— I mean, my life has been utterly altered by cancer and death and pain in my family. So, I extend my love and support to him— I just don’t really want to listen to the music he makes, it simply makes me want to listen to Low
― butt dumb tight my boners got boners (the table is the table), Thursday, 21 March 2024 21:43 (one week ago) link
Yeah, cosign. There's more than enough beauty and pain in Low to keep me enthralled, I don't need to hear anything new from him.
― lord of the rongs (anagram), Thursday, 21 March 2024 22:18 (one week ago) link
I get it. I just consider it a testament to Low being one of the truly great, truly special bands of our times. I can't be duplicated or bettered. but I'll still keep up with him.
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 March 2024 22:42 (one week ago) link
I think he’s had enough of a track record of making music outside of Low, and it has been varied, that I’m eager to hear whatever he releases next. And I don’t have any expectation that he’s going to make something that is supposed to be a, uh, new low.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Friday, 22 March 2024 02:07 (one week ago) link
I’m very at peace that Low’s catalogue is now complete. It’s a beautiful discography to behold.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Friday, 22 March 2024 02:08 (one week ago) link
Let's see... Their last few albums are some of the best reviewed and experimental of their career, and his side projects span a wide range of styles and sounds. Yeah, I can't see why anyone would be interested in what comes next. Ho hum.
― Hideous Lump, Friday, 22 March 2024 05:04 (one week ago) link
idk why anyone would not want to hear what alan might put out at this point. absolutely no way he isn't capable of putting out his own "tonight's the night"
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 22 March 2024 06:43 (one week ago) link
My wife came in and asked why I was listening to Pearl Jam. It’s not for me, but some bits sounded good.
― Chewshabadoo, Friday, 22 March 2024 14:20 (one week ago) link
Hideous Lump and Western, I am speaking only for myself, and also: I have not found much of his solo work that interesting, and also differ greatly from the ILX hivemind on the last few albums. I liked them, but Curtain, Things We Lost, and Secret Name will always be my favorites. About half of “Double Negative” is worth skipping afaic.
― butt dumb tight my boners got boners (the table is the table), Friday, 22 March 2024 15:25 (one week ago) link
I do like HEY WHAT a lot better than DN, tho
― butt dumb tight my boners got boners (the table is the table), Friday, 22 March 2024 15:26 (one week ago) link