Animal Collective member Brian Weitz, better known to most of the world as Geologist, has done plenty of work outside the confines of his main band. Last year, for instance, Geologist's psychedelic instrumental group Motherfuckers JMB & Co. released the very good debut LP Music Excitement Action Beauty. As of right now, however, Geologist is the only Animal Collective member who has never released a full-on solo album. That's about to change.
Later this month, Geologist will unveil his excellently titled LP Can I Get A Pack Of Camel Lights? Geologist recorded it in Asheville with producer Adam McDaniel, and it's built around what he can do with a hurdy gurdy. Geologist's Animal Collective bandmate Avey Tare plays bass, and his son Merrick Weitz plays acoustic guitar on the new single "Government Job." Remember when people used that title phrase to connote security, before this current wave of privatizing psychos swept into power? The song itself is a loose instrumental groove that feels comfortably off-kilter. Here's what Geologist says about the track:
20 years ago, I left a government job to do Animal Collective full time. That might sound like a no-brainer trade, but there are days I don’t know about that. I liked the job, and think there is honor in many government jobs — especially living in DC now, as I watch so many crucial ones being eliminated with little reason beyond cruelty and greed. I got to be part of many beautiful things in music, but if I still had the job I’d ideally be part of a solid foundation that lets others experience and do beautiful things themselves. So for the song "Government Job," I stripped away all the hurdy gurdy parts from my live set and gave the electronic foundation to Adam [McDaniel], Emma [Garau], and Merrick to express themselves on top.
Check it out below.
We already posted "Tonic," the lead single from Can I Get A Pack Of Camel Lights?, but that appears to be one of the posts that disappeared in the Stereogum redesign, so here's that song again.
Can I Get A Pack Of Camel Lights? is out 1/30 on Drag City.
