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The only reason Halcyon Digest doesn't get a perfect four stars is that absolute classic isn't Deerhunter's style. It's been, what, only 43 years since the Beatles occupied the artistic high ground with Sgt. Pepper, and ever since, psych bands have been trying to out-razzle-dazzle one another, everyone from ELP to Olivia Tremor Control taking a shot. Deerhunter don't necessarily move toward the reactionary depths by doing the Blue Cheer/Count 5 napalm-mouthwash thing, but they do travel the nice-price middle road laid out by bands like Tommy James & the Shondells and the Troggs by delivering yet another disposable, occasionally brilliant LP full of would-be (if radio were viable) singles and interesting filler. With no weighty concepts, and no sticky hubris to delay immediate muzikal gratification, Halcyon Digest is the perfect LP to spin twice, love unrepentantly, and walk away from. This refreshing tonic (poured from the cash bar of overrated newer bands) is straight from the heart of Mr. Bradford Cox, poet and purveyor of Deerhunter's zen pop psych. Why zen? Well, anyone who's waiting for the psychotically psychosis-inducing psych to begin is sure to be the one left with the fondue pot. I can hear you now: "This backwards Buddy Holly babbling of 'Basement Stairs' isn't way out?!?!" The rest of us will be sitting up on the roof, laughing about bad fashion choices and grooving out to the LED tri-color stomp of "Desire Lines." We've heard those same three chords played over and over again a zillion times — but not like this.
