Death to Anders has been recording and playing music in Los Angeles for as long as Radio Free Silver Lake has been around to cover them. The band was part of the Central Second Collective, a group of eastside bands that came together to promote independent music, so it's only natural that RFSL is presenting the second night of the band's residency at Casey's this Saturday. To get you in the mood, we asked founding member and frontman Rob Danson to write about some of the songs that have influenced him most.
By Rob Danson
This Saturday, February 11th, my band Death to Anders will host our second residency night at Casey's in Downtown LA. Our entire residency is filled with bands whose music has had a tremendous impact on us. This week, Manhattan Murder Mystery and Health Club will share the bill. For our final show (February 25th), we will perform the PIXIES album "Surfer Rosa" in sequence and in its entirety...an album which has shaped Death to Anders songs, emotions, and overall craft. Here is a list of five songs which is currently inspiring my musical life:
Pixies - "Where is My Mind"
We want to make the final show of our February residency something special, something that we will remember, and something that evokes true inspiration for Death to Anders. We tossed around a bunch of ideas, and at the end, we decided to cover the Pixies album "Surfer Rosa." We've been learning this album every week since the beginning of January. We'd start by learning 2-3 songs each week. Yesterday, we rehearsed the entire album for the first time. Learning these songs has been an incredible, heartwarming and challenging journey. I feel like we've really bonded as a band and have learned so much. The Pixies are one of the bands that will forever impact our musical hearts. We are so excited to play this album on February 25th!
During the day, I'm a music supervisor clearing songs for commercials and films. My inbox is inundated with thousands of songs, new and old. About six months ago, I received an album from a late 70's / early 80's small band from Ohio. They put out a few albums, had some 7 inches off of Rough Trade and then broke up. Hardly anyone knows of this band. This is a crime. Their album "Who's Landing in My Hanger" has won my heart. Their music is an obsession of mine. I cannot get it out of my car stereo. Their song "Maybe Its Stupid" is one of my favorite songs I've heard this decade. Everyone should check this out!
Listen on Spotify
Matthew Teardrop (from Manhattan Murder Mystery) "Bury me in the Salton Sea."
Being an obsessed Manhattan Murder Mystery fan, I know that Matthew Teardrop has unlimited capabilities when it comes to songwriting. He recently released six acoustic songs, which showcase his incredible talent in a whole new light. I put this song on, alone in my apartment and I become teary eyed. It's so beautiful!
LA FONT - "Lipsmack"
The greatest thing about being involved in a local scene like this one is discovering a new act that blows you the fuck away. The first time I saw LA Font was at The Satellite on New Years Eve. They were the first band on the bill and by far, my favorite of the whole night. I recently saw them again at the Bootleg Theatre was was stunned by their performance. They've been getting a lot of good press lately, and its all well deserved. They're by far, one of my favorite newly discovered local acts!
Fort King - "Black Palms"
A few months back, I was over at Judson McKinney's house. We were having a BBQ in his back yard with a few of his friends whom I had never met. Around 11:00 at night, amongst Bud Lights and cigarettes, we sat in a circle and took turns playing our songs on Judson's acoustic guitar. There was this guy named Ryan Fuller. He had a southern twang and long hair. When it was his turn, he picked up Judson's guitar and played his song "Black Palms." I nearly cried.
rob danson is the man, son
Posted by: taylor | February 09, 2012 at 02:17 PM