Of Montreal

Just over a year ago I posted about my close childhood friend, Davey Wrathgeber (nee' Rathgeber), who performs under the moniker Visitations. He moved to my town in 6th grade (1984 for those of you keeping track) and we became fast friends. As we moved through high school Dave formed the creative nucleus of our group of friends as we attempted to make music, movies, etc in Suburban DC. In the fall of 1990, he headed off to Athens, GA to attend college and hasn't returned. Dave's freshman roommate at UGA was Andrew Reiger of Elf Power (how creative was that dorm room?).

Over the course of the last 16 years, Dave has formed both creative and personal relationships with a number of the Elephant 6 crew - Olivia Tremor Control, Neutral Milk Hotel, Elf Power, Of Montreal and the like. While each band has its own distinct sound, I can't help but think that all of them were big fans of 1967-era Beatles, and early 70's-era Bowie. Finely crafted pop songs with a psychedelic edge.

As much of the hype over the Elephant 6 crew has waned in recent years (despite Robert Schneider of The Apples in Stereo singing on the Colbert Report a few weeks ago), Of Montreal has continued on - moving to Polyvinyl and continuing to put out beautiful pop music. January 23rd will see the release of Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? In keeping with tradition, the songs have absolutely absurd titles. Check out the first single from their new album, "Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse".

Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse (mp3)
Disconnect the Dots (mp3) from Satanic Panic in the Attic
A Question For Emily Foreman (mp3) from Aldhils Arboretum