Description
Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca – Blue and Red Color in Clear Vinyl Records
Vinyl Me, Please exclusive pressing.
VMP Exclusive Vinyl Edition
– Genre-Defining Classic Album from 2009
– 2LPs – Blue + Red Color-in-Clear Vinyl
– Expanded Edition Heavyweight Case-Wrapped Jacket w/Spot Gloss
VMP Essentials
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Bitte Orca is the critically acclaimed sixth studio album by the American indie rock band Dirty Projectors, released on June 9, 2009, through Domino Records. Fronted by David Longstreth, the band is known for its experimental approach to songwriting, merging elements of indie rock, art pop, R&B, and baroque pop. “Bitte Orca” represents a creative peak for Dirty Projectors, blending intricate guitar work, lush vocal harmonies, and unpredictable song structures, making it one of the most innovative and celebrated albums of the 2000s indie scene.
The album explores themes of love, identity, and creativity, and its eclectic sound helped establish Dirty Projectors as one of the leading forces in avant-garde indie music.
By the time Bitte Orca was released, Dirty Projectors had already built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of indie rock with their previous releases, such as “The Getty Address” (2005) and “Rise Above” (2007), the latter of which was a reimagining of Black Flag’s 1981 album Damaged. With “Bitte Orca,” Longstreth further refined his experimental approach, focusing on a more accessible, though still highly inventive, sound.
The title Bitte Orca doesn’t have a specific meaning, reflecting Longstreth’s fascination with abstract language and evocative imagery. The album was recorded with band members Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian, and Brian McOmber, all of whom contributed to the album’s distinct sound, particularly in their intricate vocal arrangements.
Bitte Orca is filled with a mix of catchy, accessible tracks and more abstract, experimental compositions. The album’s intricate arrangements, combined with Longstreth’s unconventional song structures, make it a distinctive entry in the indie rock canon.
“Cannibal Resource” – The opening track sets the tone for the album with its off-kilter rhythms, intricate guitar lines, and dynamic vocal harmonies. The song is upbeat, yet layered with complex arrangements, highlighting the band’s ability to merge catchy melodies with experimental elements.
“Temecula Sunrise” – One of the standout tracks on the album, “Temecula Sunrise” showcases Longstreth’s distinctive guitar work, shifting from angular, jagged riffs to more melodic passages. The song’s structure is unconventional, moving through different sections in an almost suite-like fashion, while the lyrics paint vivid, abstract images.
“The Bride” – A more delicate, ballad-like track, “The Bride” contrasts with some of the album’s more complex compositions. The song’s sparse arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and Longstreth’s introspective vocals, creates an intimate and contemplative atmosphere.
“Stillness Is the Move” – One of the album’s most accessible and popular tracks, “Stillness Is the Move” features Amber Coffman on lead vocals, and the song blends elements of indie rock with R&B and pop. Its smooth, syncopated rhythm and catchy chorus made it a breakout hit, and Coffman’s vocal performance adds a soulful dimension to the album.
“Two Doves” – Sung by Angel Deradoorian, “Two Doves” is a tender, string-laden ballad that stands out for its emotional depth and simplicity. The orchestral arrangement gives the song a baroque pop feel, and its lyrical focus on love and longing provides a moment of quiet introspection in contrast to the album’s more complex tracks.
“Useful Chamber” – A multi-part epic, “Useful Chamber” exemplifies Dirty Projectors’ experimental approach to songwriting. The song moves through various sections, alternating between sparse, atmospheric moments and more intense, chaotic bursts of energy. The track’s middle section, where Longstreth repeatedly sings “Bitte Orca,” gives the album its title and adds a surreal, abstract quality to the song.
“No Intention” – This track combines syncopated rhythms with intricate guitar work and catchy vocal melodies. The song’s playful arrangement and dynamic shifts in tone reflect the band’s ability to blend accessibility with experimentation.
“Remade Horizon” – “Remade Horizon” features sharp, staccato rhythms and complex vocal harmonies. The song’s intricate arrangement showcases the band’s tight musicianship, with overlapping vocal lines and jagged guitar riffs driving the song forward.
“Fluorescent Half Dome” – The album closes with this gentle, meditative track. “Fluorescent Half Dome” has a dreamy, reflective quality, with its lush instrumentation and soothing vocals providing a peaceful conclusion to the album.
Bitte Orca is characterized by its eclectic mix of musical styles, including indie rock, R&B, baroque pop, and experimental music. Longstreth’s songwriting often combines unpredictable shifts in rhythm, structure, and melody, creating a sound that is both challenging and engaging. The album’s intricate guitar work, layered vocal harmonies, and dynamic arrangements make it a standout in the indie rock landscape.
Thematically, the album explores love, creativity, and identity, often using abstract imagery and fragmented narratives. Longstreth’s lyrics are typically more concerned with evoking moods and impressions than telling straightforward stories, which gives the album a sense of mystery and depth.
The vocal harmonies of Amber Coffman and Angel Deradoorian play a crucial role in the album’s sound, adding richness and texture to the arrangements. Songs like “Stillness Is the Move” and “Two Doves” offer a more direct emotional appeal, while tracks like “Useful Chamber” and “Cannibal Resource” showcase the band’s experimental edge.
Bitte Orca received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its blend of accessibility and experimentation. The album was lauded for its genre-blurring sound, intricate compositions, and the unique chemistry between the band members. It was named one of the best albums of 2009 by several major publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian.
“Stillness Is the Move” became a breakout hit for the band, with its R&B-inspired sound appealing to a broader audience. The song was praised for its innovative fusion of genres and was covered by artists like Solange.
Bitte Orca is widely regarded as one of the most important indie rock albums of the 2000s. Its experimental approach, combined with its pop sensibility, has influenced a generation of indie and alternative artists. The album helped solidify Dirty Projectors’ reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and creative bands of their time.
For fans of experimental indie rock and those interested in genre-defying music, Bitte Orca is an essential listen. Its blend of complex arrangements, catchy melodies, and emotional depth make it a standout in Dirty Projectors’ discography and a landmark release in modern indie music.
Track Listing
Cannibal Resource
Temecula Sunrise
The Bride
Stillness Is The Move
Two Doves
Useful Chamber
No Intention
Remade Horizon
Fluorescent Half Dome
Ascending Melody
Emblem Of The World
As I Went Out One Morning
Fluorescent Half Dome (Live)
Temecula Sunrise (Live)
Two Doves (Live)
Cannibal Resource (Live)
No Intention (Live)
