5
This slapped.
D is the fourth full-length studio album by the Texan band White Denim, released by Downtown Records on May 24, 2011 to wide critical acclaim. Upon its release, D received critical acclaim from music critics. Aggregating website AnyDecentMusic? reports a score of 7.7 based on 22 professional reviews. AllMusic calls this "laboriously constructed" album "a masterpiece". The new production value (and occasional flute solo or dreamy string arrangement) did "nothing to water down the band's muscular interplay," according to Jason Lymangrover. A reviewer calls bassist Steve Terebecki and drummer Josh Block "one of the most badass rhythm sections this side of Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding", and praises guitarists Jenkins and James Petralli for playing off one another perfectly, "intertwining jazzy guitar noodling, prog scales, and rock riffs." "Everything is tightly structured, and melodies are of the highest importance, especially in the album's explosive single 'Drug,' which blends a raw groove and Southern Americana slack along with Summer of Love lyrics," the critic writes. According to Rolling Stone, White Denim are "...like a jam band that refuses to be boring", mixing sublimely "psychedelia, hardblues, boogie, prog rock and fusion riffs like inspired kids weaned on 64GB iPods and 64-ounce Slurpees" in a way that "often recalls late-Sixties Grateful Dead, when their songs still had garage-rock drive but were exploding every which way." "The freakouts are mathematically calibrated, come with joyous hooks, and can coalesce into something conventionally heroic," notes Uncut magazine. The album has been described as "White Denim's most thrillingly off-kilter record to date" and "another joyous rampage through rock's dusty attic" by Mojo and Q critics, respectively. Uncut placed the album at number 4 on its list of "Top 50 albums of 2011", while Mojo, NME, and Rolling Stone ranked it 6, 37, and 46, respectively. The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
This slapped.
I think I’ve found another gem of an artist. This album was pretty good and I kept listening to their music after the album ended and this shit is my jam. It’s like blues and rock and a little psychedelic and there’s a lot going on but doesn’t get irritating. I’d probably put it at a high 4 but I want it on my summary just so I remember this band from time to time. Is and is and is is by far my fav but street joy is pretty good too.
This album is a psychedelic inspired quasi jam band style record. I say quasi jam band because everything on this album is very intentionally placed. Elements of hard blues, 2000s mainstream rock, Latin rock, and many other genres can be heard throughout giving this album a sense of wandering though it is under 40 minutes. The breadth and cohesion of this album is impressive but it does seem to lack a bit of depth. While the album very skillfully weaves its way through rock history, it doesn’t push anything forward.
I really liked this album. I was surprised how much actually because I think I had incorrectly prejudged White Denim in the past, assuming they were more of a hipster type band based on their name. The music is dynamic and interesting, they actually remind me a lot of the Montreal band Plants and Animals. Also, had hints of Radiohead at times but also some folk/country-ish vibes to it. Solid album and will definitely look into more of their catalog. Standout Tracks: It's Him!, Back at the Farm, Street Joy, Anvil Everything, River to Consider, Keys
A 37-minute journey into some American indie garage rock psychedelia. Was folky at some points and quite tropical at others. A nice varied album that was just a lot of fun throughout. I'd never heard of this band before now but I must say I'm certainly a fan. Favourite: River to Consider
Boom Never heard of these guys before but this is right up my street Constantly surprising but filled with hooks Loved it
Give it up for White Denim! IYKYK Great album
I SUPER enjoyed this album! Great songwriting, great music, great variety, great vibes! I liked the psych-rock feel of some of the tracks and there wasn't a single miss in any of the songs. This will definitely be an album I will be returning to!
A complete new discography that absolutely blew me away. Struggling to compare this with… anything else? Had to listen twice in a row and will be going back again.
I'm always gonna love this garage psych sound, but something about it didn't strike me as particularly special. It was carried by a great vibe, but the songs and ideas underneath didn't cut the mustard compared to artists similar to the style.
Holy shit what a great album, I listened to this four times in a row!
Retro, but really great. Would listen again
A deeply offensive record that basically promotes the use of retarded children as catwalk models. It's not good for their self esteem and makes me feel physically sick. Models should be rake thin, gaunt and lacking in nutrients, not hot disabled teens drooling into their wheelchairs. For Christ's sake, sort it out.
Never heard of this band but loved this album. Great combination of so many different genres coupled with great guitar, bass, drums, and flute(!). The rhythm section, especially the drums are a huge standout to me. Really struggled to pick one for the playlist because I liked it all so much!
A great find! Loved it
Impressive album
Truly wonderful album. I try and save the 5stats but this is deserving. No skips, all iterating concepts and a revelation of indietween
I really enjoyed this one. Is and is and is was probably my favorite song.
Actually liked this one more than I thought I would
NEW FAVORITE BAND
What a great fun album. It's Him grabs you from the very beginning. Back at the Farm is my absolute favourite. Street Joy seems to be popular and I can see why. Looking forward to hearing this again.
Very unique album with lots of character and fun songs. Indie with strong guitar and interesting instrument solos
Awesome
PREFS : It's Him!, At the Farm, Anvil Everything, River to Consider, Drug, Bess St., Is and Is and Is MOINS PREF : Street Joy
This was a good indie rock album. Felt tropical/psychedelic at times and folk-y at times. Experimental enough without going overboard. Standouts are "Street Joy" "It's Him!" and "Drug" which exemplifies the band's instrumental talent.
These guys were pretty popular in Austin and Texas for a while. As boring as it sounds, the rhythm section is so hypnotic: bass guitar and drums really set the music apart without distracting from the dreamy guitar and vocals. Surprisingly enjoyed this a lot.
A rich and spicy blend, with some notes of prog and considerable jam band feels.
Dit album had ik echt totaal niet verwacht in deze lijst! Altijd gedacht dat het een totaal obscure band was, die toevallig eens op mijn pad was gekomen. Desalniettemin: een heerlijk kort en puntig plaatje!
Got a bit of everything. Every dynamic accounted for.
4.5/5. So fun to listen to while high.
I was very pleased with this one, Good songs: Street Joy
The best description I've seen for this band is "a jam band that refuse to be boring." Really fun record. Best track: Back at the Farm
I have never heard of White Denim before and all of the music on D was new to me. I liked all of the tracks on this album. I'm not sure how to even classify this album. I heard some tracks that were leaning towards country (if only slightly) and others that seemed to point towards Progressive Rock (e.g., "Bess St."). It was easy to settle in and listen to the whole album, which was assisted by the way in which some tracks feed right in to the track that follows. "At the Farm was the track that I rated highest. I could easily listen to this album again.
It's so satisfying to press play on a completely unfamiliar album and have zero expectations, only to be genuinely impressed by the music. If only more late '00s and early '10s indie albums were like this. D still has the trademarks of the indie music of its era, but it sounds infinitely more interesting thanks to its variety and character. You can bet that I'll be returning to this record sometime, especially to the songs that have words. Really cool stuff! Standouts are Back at the Farm, Street Joy, Bess St., and Is and Is and Is.
This was a very cool surprise! Great concept of revitalizing the late 60s rock sound, short and to the point.
I was shocked to learn this was a 2011 album. I thought this was straight out of the psychedelic rock era. Great songs and under 40 minutes makes for a great album.
Pretty good. Pretty, pretty good.
Cat: I’ll definitely be listening to this one through again! Love it! So creative and fun and great sound. Big fan of changing time signatures and prog synth. Radiohead meets Yes. AJ: I don’t know what kind of attention these kids have gotten but they deserve more of it. They’re getting more of mine I CAN TELL YOU THAT MUCH. What a good rock band. Weird one too. Need a t-shirt.
4.5
Surprising good. Never heard of them. I like their progressive rock elements.
4/5. A rocking psychedelic country trip. The guitar work is fantastic and the rhythm section goes hard. Groovy and jazzy at times, this is a good musical experience front to back. The last two songs don’t hit as hard which keeps it from a 5 but a high 4 for sure.
Very cool start to a nice album, 4/5
Really liked this. I'd heard White Denim before but never did a deep dive on them. The voice is soothing, and there's some really killer guitar riffs and solos here.
White denim? Check their hard drives.
my great white hope, now nothing but memories and what could have been. the Ravel Morrison of alt rock bands. back in the downloading of music days i used to have a load of pre album recordings of white denim and they were terrifyingly good. a distorted, raucous, fast, exciting and messy 3 piece led by drums and bass powering along making pretty technical and difficult playing unnoticeable as it sounded so right. they never bottled that madness on an album and they've got progressively less interesting. still technically gifted but that appears to be the point of them now, a demonstration on technical playing, no discernable 'sound' and no hooklines or songs to remember. basically they've become a university music student band where the ability is through the roof but everything is by the book. despite all my crying and the fixed memory that this album was disappointing, the passing of time and the fading of my initial mourning has shown me that this album is actually pretty good. so what do i know about music? absolutely nothing.
ZU KURZ! Erinnert bisschen an die Veckatimest von Grizzly Bear. Welch‘ Perle nach einer langen Durststrecke.
Some pretty good music here that I liked pretty well. It did feel jam-bandy but fortunately these recordings didn't go on and on too long. Entertaining!
Wow. There is an awful lot happening here and some of it is fantastic! Layers of rhythms and styles. Just so much going on. Sometimes it feels completely comfortable and sometimes nicely unexpected. I don't have time for multiple listens today but I know I like it and want some more time with this one.
This is a totally new one for me. It was quite listenable and reminded of the sound of some other band/artist, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I wouldn't mind listening again, although I kind of doubt that I will every think to do so.
After a few powerhouse albums, this one slipped a bit into the background, sounding a bit like the late morning show on public radio. However, a second listen got me to really appreciate their somewhat retro but always interesting sound. I liked this a lot.
This is actually a right amount of weirdness for a normal rock for me! Very interesting instrumentation, some great bass lines and crazy melodies, with a lot of instrumental parts. It's actually for the better, because in general I wasn't a big fan of the vocal, maybe that's why it was so sporadic on the album. Very fun record, happy to look into their discography now!
Hard album to rate, largely instrumental jam-albums need multiple listens imo. This is a jam album with a mix of Jethro Tull, King Gizzard and Funk. Really enjoyed it but feel i need more time with it to see if it holds up during multiple listenens.
Groovy and peppy. Vocals remind me of the Black Keys (heh) a little bit!
A band I discovered via this very album. It took a while to really appreciate the brilliance of this record, and it wasn't until I caught them live that it truly clicked. For people new to them, Back at the Farm, is for me, the best example of the power of this band, the musicianship is incredible and when they lock into the jam in the second half of this track you get whisked away in a psychedelic whirlwind. There is a lot going on with the arrangements, and initially I found it to be too much, is it jazz-rock is it prog, is it psychedelic, no its all of those things. The time signatures aren't standard and songs go off in directions that you don't expect. But that's what makes this a record unique, and one that should be heard.
I heard of White Denim several years ago, because my sister-in-law's best friend is really into them (or maybe a guy she was dating was), but this was my first time listening to them. This album was a really great surprise. I didn't really know what to expect from this album, but the flow and pacing of the first four tracks really sucked me in. I loved that the songs were all varied in sound, but the album still felt really cohesive. There sounds were complex and layered, but they all had really great rhythm sections as well. The vocals here were really great as well; at times they reminded me of Foals. Overall, this was a really good album, and it caught me by surprise. Also, it's always nice to see another Texas band make the list.
It's alright for the most part. It's kinda like music that would be made in the 70s or 80s but without the pitfalls of the time and with modern production. A light 4/5
Cohesive, slick production and a huge blend of genres such as Americana, Blues, Funk and Psychedelia. This album unveils its complexities slowly and leaves you with some thrilling moments. Comparisons to Cream are valid for musical style but also musicianship. White Denim are so tight as a band and its clear they crafted this album meticulously. Though it flows really well and there are some great songs, it does at times lack a little originality in its sound which stops it getting an even higher mark.
In spite of listening to tons of stuff in this realm, I've somehow escaped ever listening to White Denim. I really dig it though. Indie rock with a lot of psychedelic influences with some gorgeous production. I'd honestly say that the instrumental parts are my favorite, but the vocals aren't bad either.
I dug this album. It would have definitely contrasted from most other "stuff" that was coming out at the time. While listening, I thought, "This sounds like if Simon and Garfunkel had kept making records into the 2010s." But - it's also really jam-bandy, which I dig. Not quite like Phish or Widespread Panic, but there is definitely some "we actually know what we're doing" musicianship in there. I like all the odd time signatures they threw in. It might just be because I was surprisingly impressed, but I'll give it a 4.
This is complex stuff. Halfway through the third listening my brain managed to comb out the different strands of sound and meaning in this album. I can hear Jethro Tull in the music, some Thom Yorke in the vocals, and it does sound of its time too - I really enjoyed the overall effect. I think I'll listen to this a lot when I'm at work, it's quite light on lyrics and vocals and I find the driving forward sound a good tempo for writing and thinking! Surprised I hadn't heard of them before.
The style is interesting: 2010s alternative but with whole segments inspired by classic prog or just 70s rock. There weren't really any tracks that stood out, though. Will probably return to this album.
solid album!
Une belle surprise, n'en déplaise à eltrapeze, qui a quant à lui été une très mauvaise surprise pour ses parents le jour de sa naissance.
Wasn't really sure what this would be going in, pleasantly surprised. Driving beats is always good
Day 2: Quite enjoyed, lots going on but was fun and funky. Not many stand out songs but lots of nice guitar sections, nice vocals, nice vibe. Solid
"Hey, uhhh...give it up for White Denim! Holy moly what a bunch of... freakishly good musicians" - Kevin Parker aka Tame Impala did you guys know Tame Impala is only one guy????? Really digging this a few songs in. That was a great listen. I was busy at work but really enjoyed all of it and plan to come back.
That album was great. I liked how the songs had different tempos in order to keep things fresh. The guitar part at the end of Back at the Farm, and the yazz flute in River to Consider were my highlights. I really liked the guitar and drum work in this album.
First couple of songs remind me of Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Back at the Farm is a jam. I was already starting to hear shades of King Giz, then the flute came out in "River to Consider". I could see this band slowly making it into my rotation.
I liked this album a good bit. Never listened to the band but definitely like the sound. I'm going to check out more of these guys music. Street Joy was my favorite song of the album
I've heard of White Denim before, but have never listened. Out of the gate, sounds like we are in for some new-age psych / garage rock revival. Lo-fi production lead by fuzzy vocals and aggressive snares. The guitar leans toward the back for the most part, but carries through some light at times. Back at the Farm has that fuzzy bass jam that almost feels like the Working Man jam from Rush's self-titled album. Digging the overt jamminess. You could tell me that River to Consider was cut from a 1970s era live set of the Grateful Dead and I would fully believe you (until the vocals come in). Once again, I appreciate the jammy vibe. I will say that I have yet to hear anything I would consider "novel" on this album. It is solid, but it is more in respectable service to a history than it is charting its own territory. soft 4/5
Ok this is indie rock but with a bit of talent. Has a psychedelic feel, but structured in a prog rock way. I'm half asleep and really digging it. Fits the mood perfectly. 4/5.
Surprised: A modern album from a band I've never ever heard of and yk what it was quite enjoyable. Strong guitar presence which I always love with lyrics which honestly sounded really nice and pleasant. No stand out tracks I remember as per usual but I have to say I may have to give it another listen sometime soon.
bom que só
very good album, enjoyed it a lot! Very eclectic rock sound.
She likes them
Felt like a more creative Black Keys album. 7/10
Surprised I hadn’t heard this one yet
Nice Discovery to me. I'm hearing loads of inspiration for later KGATLW music which is a good thing.
-okayyyyy this seems really cool! -the album cover is also really tight -i like burnished a lot -the voice with the guitar and the instruments……REALLY WORKS -back at the farm being only instrumental was really really cool -i liked how it fits in with the rest of the album -LOVE street joy -the whole vibe and then THAT VOICE!!!! -bess st is a very cute song -is and is and is. so magical and cute -idk guys i think this is a four star album……
никогда про них не слышала, но точно надо ещё расследовать. не знаю что поставить, т. к. пока не поняла почти ничего, но поняла что это интересно. авансируем!
Intricate and complex rock music. This simultaneously feels deliberate and well crafted but also like a jam in places. It is instantly enjoyable, but I'm sure there is a lot of depth, particularly to the musically literate ear (which isn't me). My preference was for the slower, more meandering tracks, such as Street Joy, which I could listen to all day. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Street Joy Date listened: 04/08/23
Accessible prog.
Beautiful ambience, knows to not take itself too seriously. A great album.
Funky. I liked it a lot
shoot i wasnt paying attention, sounded good though, i’ll just listen to the most popular song and call it. shoot i stopped paying attention again. Well no bangers but still the best of everything so far besides the last one. British rock too op please nerf. Also note that the playlists before the last one had an inflated rating, and this one is a solid 4 stars.
Never heard of these guys outside of this project - I guess they got popular after my media bubble solidified. Yeah, enjoyed it! The sound like The Shins got a little bit heavier, maybe, or Animal Collective dabbled with garage rock. Fave track - Hmnmm, "Anvil Everything", or "Drug", or "Is and Is and Is". I like the fact those tracks all sound like they coulda come from different bands...
Rock progresivo. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Kinetic and dynamic (especially the drumming). Somehow one missed this band (presumably from the distractions of first days of parenthood) but quite likes the heady, spicy brew here. Quite well balanced but a bit too jam-band-y at times, and one feels suspicious of some of the virtuosity here, as if they might be show-offy, and not especially motivated to hear more (as if one's initial impression migth be threatened). Still, surprisingly better than one expected from a band one'd never heard of and has barely seen register.
Dig it. Seen them live before. Never listened to this album. Little proggy , little indy rock-ish. Unique sound. 8/10
Pretty easy listening and enjoyable. I would consider checking this one out again.
****4 What a great band. Categorize this one as trippy, psychedelic summer fun. Wide ranging influences, excellent, technical, joyful guitars. This one hits my sweet spot. The vocals are good, if a little dated "indie"esque. It flows nicely as an album, revealing more diverse influences as it goes along. Rocking to experimental to pastoral. First time listening, will definitely give this one many more spins. The band name had put me off, it being pretty bad, but man, as bad as their name is their music is good.
Take the modern blues rock of Jack White or Black Keys, make it super fast and jammy, and add an acid rock twist to it. Almost like King Gizzard, except feels more improvised and chaotic with the instruments doing their own thing. Yet it's so dense, there's too much going on in each track, that it's insane only one track goes more than 4 minutes, and it's over in just over a half hour. "Street Joy" is obviously the hit single because it's one of the only songs people could track of. The ending of "Is and Is and Is" reminds me he sounds like Dan Reynolds in a lot of places, but good. But really, I'm not sensing a bad track. They all stand out, and it's pretty consistent. And obviously, no way you could get bored of this, just overwhelmed, but that goes by with repeated listens.
Eclectic rock. Started off more punky/surf rock-ey, ended more electronic/poppy. Pretty fun
I’d never heard of this artist before, but I really like their sound. Definitely going to check out more by them in the future.
4.0
Not a 5 but close. Really, really enjoyed it and will come back to this band.
I only knew White Denim by name before listening to this. The most exposure I've ever had to the band was when Tame Impala gave them a shout out at a live show like ten years ago. So I was intrigued to see what they had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of most of these tracks. These songs are short and to the point, but do a lot with what they have to offer. This album is filled with twiddling jazz-esque guitar licks, and even some blues influence. Sometimes when you are listening to a song, you can tell the band was having fun recording it. I get that kind of energy from this album. It just feels like a good time. Burnished transitions so quickly into Back at the Farm, and the latter track carries a really exciting flow for its run time. Street Joy is a nice pace change that allows the singer to show off his vocals a little more than usual. Anvil Everything feels the most prog of any song on here, and River to Consider is built on a very catchy flute section. The closing track Keys is just full on blues rock, and I thought they pulled it off really well. Nothing about this is ground breaking. I don't think it was meant to be. This is pretty much what I come to expect from modern psych rock from the year 2010 and onward. And I can even hear where a band like Temples may have been influenced for their debut Sun Structures.
Skilled stuff.
This album was great. I’ve always wondered why more current bands don’t play in the style of classic rock, even though there’s clearly an appetite for it. This band does exactly that on this album and is able to sound all their own. I’m glad to to have stumbled upon this band. They scratched an itch I’ve had for a while.
This is an album I will want to revisit in the future. It had a lot of elements that I really enjoy. I am happy to be dealt an album that I was completely unfamiliar with but was still very listenable.