Blitzen Trapper released a new MP3 of “Heaven and Earth” off their forthcoming June release, Destroyer of the Void on Sub Pop.

MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Heaven & Earth”

By Jon Stone (@jwstone)

Late into Blitzen Trapper’s set on Friday night in Urbana, a member of the packed Canopy Club audience began to crowd surf. His ride lasted only a few seconds, but from the grins on the faces of the band, it was clear something special had just happened. After the song, guitarist Erik Menteer advised us that we had just witnessed the very first crowd surf ever at a Blitzen Trapper show. He felt it was significant, also, that the surf occurred during “Furr,” the title track off their most recent LP and, arguably, the song that after four albums and nine years, launched their career. We’d now have something to tell our grandchildren, he said.

Blitzen Trapper is an eclectic band; but while there are many bands who fain eclecticism as an attempt to be interesting, every leaf on lead-singer/songwriter Eric Early’s many-branched tree is a brilliant and unique autumn color. Still, the Tom Petty/Bob Dylan comparison is inevitable. But the Heartbreakers never had three-part vocal harmonies like this, and, well, it’s been a long time since Dylan played the piano—both of which Blitzen Trapper did brilliantly.

Blitzen Trapper comes at their set from every direction. One song would have three keyboards going and the next song could swing into guitar-god, prog territory. And while I like this band best in their quieter, folky moments, the diversity on display was breathtaking. Near the end of the show, the band covered Neil Young’s “Harvest” and couples from the audience crawled on stage to slow dance. Again, the grins on stage made it apparent that this was a show that the band wouldn’t soon forget. When a band is having fun on stage, it’s nearly a sure bet that the audience is enjoying themselves as well. We were.

We’ve had quite a music year in Champaign-Urbana. I don’t know if the specifics of this show will make it into that projected “when I was your age” conversation with my grandchildren, but surely the year as a whole—a year that included shows from Jeff Tweedy, The National, Iron and Wine, The Books, My Brightest Diamond, Sufjan Stevens (and soon the Avett Brothers and Neko Case)—is a contender.

Buy: Blitzen Trapper – Furr
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Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”

Let’s try this again. The last time I posted this video it wasn’t quite ready for release. Now we’ve got the thumbs up to share it with you for real. “Black River Killer” comes via Blitzen Trapper’s Furr – our favorite album of last year. Milwaukee friends can catch them in a couple weeks at the Pabst (7/20). I’ll be traveling the state of Montana later this month and Blitzen Trapper just happen to be playing The Filling Station/VFW in Bozeman while I’ll be there. I think I’m gonna have to check out out.

Related: Review: Blitzen Trapper – Empty Bottle, Chicago
Related: Photos: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks / Blitzen Trapper
Related: We Like: Blitzen Trapper :: Furr

Buy: Blitzen Trapper – Furr
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Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”

Made the trek to Chicago last night with some friends to catch Blitzen Trapper’s early show at the Empty Bottle. It was my second time seeing the band and my first time at the venue. How great are early shows? Seriously. My adoration for Blitzen Trapper on record is evident in naming of Furr as our favorite album of 2008. My only other live interaction with the band was burned out by the bright lights of the Fleet Foxes first play in Madison and therefore rendered whatever high points Blitzen Trapper offered that night completely unforgettable. I regrettably missed their set at Madison’s High Noon Saloon opening for Stephen Malkmus late last year, which, by my friends accounts was one hell of a performance.

I can’t say that last night’s performance cements the band as one of the great live acts touring the states these days. They’re tight and they keep things pretty much note for note. Their set was obviously heavy on Furr material, which was just fine by me. The closing selection of “Wild Mountain Nation” was both predictable but a necessary send off as it’s definitely one of their best numbers. For me, it doesn’t get much better than “Black River Killer,” one of the best songs from last year and certainly a galloping burner in a live setting. The scream at the beginning of “Love U” was just as great as I’d hoped/expected and “Saturday Night” was probably my second favorite tune of the evening.

I learned a valuable lesson about shows at the Empty Bottle last night. You definitely want to be as far away from the bar itself. That area tends to accommodate the scenesters out for a conversation over a couple brews. The sound was much better and less obstructed by the chatter in the room by the soundboard. Once we planted ourselves there the band sounded great. Overall, I thought the band played a great selection, but didn’t really leave me with anything other than a good performance. I snagged a copy of Furr on vinyl (finally) on the way outside of the show.

Discuss: Did you make either of the shows last night? If so, which one and what did you think? What did you think of opener Alela Diane? Please leave your thoughts/reviews in the comments.

Buy: Blitzen Trapper – Furr
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Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”

“I’m a rattlesnake, babe, I’m like fuel on fire.” Blitzen Trapper released my favorite record of 2008. It still earns a daily spin round these parts, and the above video is a perfect companion piece to the greatness that is the title track, “Furr.”

Buy: Amazon

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Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”

The High Noon Saloon hosted an amazing bill of Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks + Blitzen Trapper last night. By all accounts it cemented the high praise Blitzen Trapper has earned recently and Malkmus continues to be sure bet. MoB photographer Daniel Brielmaier was on hand to capture some pics for you below. Thoughts on the show? What did you think of Blitzen Trapper, were they better than last time? Please leave your thoughts + reviews in the comments.

Blitzen Trapper

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks

Photos: Daniel Brielmaier
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Myspace: Stephen Malkmus
Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
MP3: Stephen Malkmus – “Baltimore”
MP3: Stephen Malkmus – “Cold Son”
MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”

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