In honor of Deerhunter‘s new release Halycon Digest (swoon) and Bradford Cox’s selfless contribution to my music collection​​​​, I’m serving up a heaping plate of food for thought. Deerhunter or Atlas Sound? Although both awesome, only one has what it takes to be prom queen. For me, Deerhunter owns the crown and here are three key reasons why.

1. Time

I think it’s pretty badass that Cox puts this Atlas Sound stuff together in mere hours, but the fact that the songs are less meticulously tweaked can, at times, become apparent. Lax production can often sound cool and punky, but sometimes it runs the risk of seeming lazy. This isn’t necessarily the case with Atlas Sound, but in comparison to Deerhunter, well, it seems a bit noobish. “Rivercard” is a really well put together tune for an Atlas Sound track, but if Cox took the time to record it with Deerhunter, I’m certain it would be much better. Like Back to the Future.

Back to the Future II sucked.

2. Collaboration

Atlas Sound highlights the importance of collaboration in order to obtain success. Cox’s songs are great on their own, but his skeletal songwriting approach can only be completely effective with the creative influences of his peers. “Earthquake” is the product of multiple talented musicians huddling together in a studio and joining forces to create something truly above themselves. Atlas Sound alone does not achieve such song writing.

3. Lasting Power

​The main reason I am of the opinion that Deerhunter > Atlas Sound is longevity potential. Like peanut butter and jelly, Microcastle and Halycon Digest are records that I will perpetually be down with. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I don’t feel that way about Let the Blind See… or Logos. I really like a lot of the tracks on said records, but I foresee them gathering up a lot of dust in the future. Nothing put out under the moniker of Atlas Sound has ever sounded as cool as ”Agoraphobia” or ”Desire Lines.”

——————————————————————-

Atlas Sound may be fun to punk to, but in the end, I’ll remember Deerhunter. like I’ll remember Bill Murray. Hugely important stuff.