Atlas Sound, via sfweekly.com

Not a huge fan of Deerhunter, but from the moment I first heard Atlas Sound, solo project of Deerhunter’s frontman Bradford Cox, it’s been in constant rotation on my “Dekan” playlist (naked backwards so no visitors who want to play DJ on my macbook think I’m a pervert). Take a listen; trust me, it’s good for that stuff. Anyhow, I caught him and three other bands I’ve never heard of at the Great American last Friday. Of the three opening bands, I’ve become a new fan of only one – San Francisco, indie rock band, Geographer. Though Atlas Sound headlined, I’d have to say that Geographer stole the show. Some of the first songs they played sounded a little Postal Service-ish, which worried me. They reeled me back in midway through their set with a more organic, but still electronic sound – with heavy cello/drums, heavy bass, light keys and dark synth. I suppose you can do some dancing to Geographer, but I’d say it’s more of a hard heel tap. Good for dekan time too. As for Atlas Sound, I was expecting a backup band of sorts, but it was Cox, his guitar, and his harmonica, and to be honest, I’m glad. I’m really happy to have caught him in such an intimate venue. He sounds just as good live.

No story from me would be complete without a twist, so here it is. As I’m enjoying the sights and sounds, I spot an Atlas Sound fan, which I quickly identify as someone I’ve dated. Standing less than 15 feet in front of me and off to the side, he spots me then whispers to a friend. After 10 minutes of glancing my way, he walks toward me, right past me, to the bar. Good thing I had a friend with me to tell horrible things about him to. Then shortly after, he walks right past me again toward the exit, at which point I decide to tap him on the shoulder and say hello. He says, “Oh…I have to go. See ya.” Whatever happened to saying, “Hello”? A note to all: whether you run into someone you loathe, loved, or you’re just acquainted with, have the courtesy to greet that someone properly. Manners, are they just a lost art? Thank you for reading this post and please read my next (see, how hard was that?).

FR