Deerhoof’s 12th album, 2014’s La Isla Bonita , was self-recorded live in guitarist Ed Rodriguez’s basement during a “weeklong sleepover arguing over whether to try and sound like Joan Jett or Janet Jackson “. The recordings were meant as demos to be rerecorded with former music journalist and Mr. Dream drummer Nick Sylvester , but the band liked the raw DIY versions so much it just kept them and recorded the vocals with Sylvester. The lyrics were heavily influenced by Columbia professor Jonathan Crary ‘s book 24/7 . The album art is by Sara Cwynar . The video for “Exit Only” featured Michael Shannon playing two roles, with a cameo by Rodriguez. The Guardian, on its exclusive preview stream of La Isla Bonita , collected testimonials about Deerhoof from various notable musicians and artists, including Radiohead ‘s Jonny Greenwood , Henry Rollins , Blur ‘s Graham Coxon , Adam Green , the Yeah Yeah Yeahs ‘ Brian Chase , and David Shrigley . The album received high praise from NPR, A.V. Club, Alternative Press, and The Wire, and was reviewed by Tune-Yards ‘ Merril Garbus for Talkhouse.
La Isla Bonita
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