Since we are a music-oriented blog, I figured we might as well post some music already, but it’s a shame we have to do so on such a sad note. I found out today that Charles “Charlie” Cooper, half of the group Telefon Tel Aviv died last week. Charlie Cooper will be missed, as his music has been inspiring to many the world over.
Back in 2001 at University of Alabama, I was a radio DJ and the RPM (electronic music) director for UA’s college radio station WVUA FM 90.7. One day when digging through the usual mail to RPM, I remember getting a CD called Fahrenheit Fair Enough by Telefon Tel Aviv. This band blew me away instantly, for not only being quite savvy at getting glitchy, but also having an extremely well versed sense of songwriting and melody, which is often missing from most experimental/IDM glitch-outs. Fahrenheit Fair Enough became a favorite of mine for this genre for years to come, going up there with the US release of Squarepusher’s Big Loada and Aphex Twin’s Richard D. James Album.
Fahrenheit Fair Enough
After Fahrenheit Fair Enough, the guys put out a remix EP as part of a compilation for Hefty Records that included this awesome original, “Sound In A Dark Room.” It isn’t just sexy, it IS sex. Download it, live it, make love to your ol’ lady by it.
Sound In A Dark Room
In 2004 the band released “Map Of What Is Effortless,” which while staying true to their glitchier sound, also had more R&B-tinged moments, which caught more than a few fans off guard. The theme of this record, according to the band, was about breaking up with a significant other. I have to admit that at first I was thrown by a few of these tracks, but I grew to really love the entire record. The record really has moments where it becomes larger than life.
At the Edge of the World You Will Still Float
Just last week, Telefon Tel Aviv released the long-awaited “Immolate Yourself,” their first record in five years. It’s a significant departure from the glitch-heavy sound for the band. This release reminds me of a modern, darker take on Depeche Mode’s glory days in the time I’ve spent with it so far. It feels more organic than previous work, but at the same time it is unmistakably Telefon Tel Aviv. It’s heartbreaking to me to think that this is the final release we will ever get from these guys.
The Birds
Helen Of Troy
We will miss you Charlie Cooper. Telefon Tel Aviv has been a tremendous influence on our music.
-Gigantor
