barsuk records

Death Cab For Cutie | Transatlanticism at 20 Years

Andy Fenstermaker
January 28, 2023May 6, 2023

It’s 2023 and Death Cab For Cutie’s Transatlanticism turns 20 this year. In many ways that blows my mind! So today, I’m going to revisit the album, starting with taking a look at the vinyl versions released in it’s first 20 years, then unboxing my copy, which is the 10th Anniversary Pressing from 2013, and finally diving into the music itself and talking a little about some of the songs.

Revisiting Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie

Andy Fenstermaker
January 2, 2021May 6, 2023

Once again, FensePost has become dormant. I get it in my head that posts need to be long and detailed… Read More »Revisiting Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie

Menomena: Mines [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
August 20, 2010August 19, 2010

It’s hard to think of Menomena topping Friend And Foe. After all, that album made #3 on my Retrospective Top Albums of 2007. But they make a fair attempt with Mines. There’s plenty of solidity here, from opener “Queen Black Acid” to the final track, “Intil”. I guess only time will tell. Read More »Menomena: Mines [Album Review]

Rocky Votolato: Red River [mp3]

Ron Trembath
April 7, 2010April 5, 2010

Rocky Votolato has that voice; the voice that can haunt your dreams, but at the same time bring so much joy to your heart that it runs risk of imploding. He has been known to bring his original southern spirit and intermingle it with the Elliot Smith-like aura of the Northwest indie folk scene. Read More »Rocky Votolato: Red River [mp3]

The Long Winters: Putting The Days To Bed [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
January 14, 2010

I first saw The Long Winters live at the Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle at the end of July, 2004. Along with IQU, they stood out as the event’s best performers. The second time was in Pullman this past spring [2006] for the university’s annual Spring Fest. And again, they left the other performers behind to become the main attraction of the day. Standing at what appears to be well over six feet tall, front-man John Roderick has a stage presence that is outstanding. I recall hearing â€œPushoverâ€ and the quick, punchy chords of â€œFire Island, AKâ€. I remember â€œSky Is Openâ€ being a favorite, and possibly even â€œRich Wifeâ€ and â€œUltimatumâ€. Read More »The Long Winters: Putting The Days To Bed [Album Review]

Phantogram: Phantogram EP [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
November 20, 2009April 13, 2023

Erich said, You gotta check out this band; you gotta review their EP. End paraphrase. Having recently noted the band’s signing to Barsuk, it seemed the logical next step. In anticipation of that future record, slated for an early 2010 release, it just made sense. Besides, there’s substantial overlap between the self-titled EP and the pending full-length, Eyelid Movies. Of the five tracks on the Phantogram EP, four find their way onto that album of eleven total songs. I’m here to say that the EP is still totally worth it.

Andy Fenstermaker
October 14, 2009October 18, 2009

New York’s Phantogram — that’s Saratoga Springs, NY, not NYC — has signed to Barsuk Records and will release Eyelid Movies in February of 2010. Phantogram’s music is filled with synth lines fit for shoegaze, electronic beats that hint of a hip hop influence, and lovable pop vocals. Read More »Phantogram Signs To Barsuk Records