O'death Where Are Thou?

Essential 1906 2006:

O'death - Adelita (mp3)

O'Death is my newest favorite, and my sixth essential album of 2006, all thanks to the hearty recommendation of Heartonastick -who has a more mp3s that you need to download. Hell, just buy the album.

They are the Appalachian answer to Man Man and have an uncanny ability to write tune after tune that you've feel is as familiar as the doorknob in the house where you grew up. Yet, it's exhilaratingly distinct. I'd write more, but J already did such an eloquent job:

"The sound is ancient but immediate, mythic, Gothic, American. Acoustic and explosive, percussive but melodic. Morbidly obsessed, bursting with life. By adding that almost too-cute apostrophe to the title of the traditional song, their name serves as both a plea and a possessive. Great music is never just one thing, and these guys scramble to embrace every dichotomy within reach while plummeting towards the inevitable singularity. End of Times, all the time. History as perpetual conclusion. The CD should come in a knotted pine box."

They played Pete's Candy Store last night, as they will every Wednesday this month before going on a national tour. Go see them. You'll be going back for more. The lead singer, yes, looks like Alec Ounsworth with a beard. These pictures dont capture their energy because I had to sneak quickly to snap them before retreating to the crowded back. Believe me you... they are bursting with it.