Grizzly Bear offers a worthy follow-up to its critically-acclaimed 2008 effort

Fellow Clacker Ivey West forever exudes his never-ending love for Delta Rae. Carla Day is a’hibbin’ and a’hoppin’ to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” Tara Shrodes is grounded in Eva Cassidy of late.

Me? I have “Shields” in continuous rotation, the latest release from Grizzly Bear.

Six years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to this band. I found their brand of music oddly ethereal, yet attractive. Fast forward 13 months from that introduction to March 1st, 2008, where I found myself inside one of my all-time favorite venues, the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Grizzly Bear — unbelievably to me despite the fact I was seated, ready and waiting — was performing with the L.A. Philharmonic. This indie band with barely a notch on the bedpost was about to commingle with the premiere west coast orchestra in its very own home.

The show was just as ear-bending as Grizzly Bear’s music … more so with the addition of the Philharmonic complimenting the band’s very different strains. I was already on board with their music from the get go, but with the orchestra backing them … well … what a treat.

Grizzly Bear is that rare band which is virtually uncategorizable. Track to track, their music jumps from what might seem comfortable to something else entirely. The songs force your ears to reconsider what you’re listening to. That’s some of the beauty of their music, coupled with the unexpected twists. Add their vocal harmonies to the mix and you have a very interesting package.

But to those unfamiliar with the group, it might be a better introduction if one gives “Veckatimest” a spin first. It’s a more mainstream sound, filled with polished details which might make for an easier listen before launching into the gritty “Shields.” It’s as much the band’s signature sound as the previous album, but it will give the listener a little auditory history and make one more comfortable with the interesting arrangements Grizzly Bear is known for. “Shields” plows the same field “Veckatimest” did before it with sonic twinges that will make you think you’ve got a beat on them … until they switch gears and hand you something challenging. But it’s never so challenging you won’t become acclimated to it with a couple listens beneath your belt.

2008’s “Veckatimest” not only debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Billboard Indie chart in 2009, but landed on made many Top Album lists for 2009 as well: #1 Wall Street Journal, No. 6 Pitchfork, No. 6 New York Times, No. 8 Time. It ranked #1 on the NPR Listener’s Poll and Top 10 on year-end lists in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Pitchfork, SPIN, The Village Voice’s Pazz & Jop Poll and more. And in March 2012, Jim Fusilli of The Wall Street Journal even declared the effort “one of the best rock discs of this century so far.” After releasing “Veckatimest,” the band scored Blue Valentine, the highly nominated and award-winning Ryan Gosling/Michelle Williams romantic drama.

Grizzly Bear — Daniel Rossen, Christopher Bear, Ed Droste, Chris Taylor — are currently enmeshed in a world tour which sees them not only traipsing coast to coast here in the states but venturing the international circuit as well: The UK, Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. I’ll be catching them at The Hollywood Bowl the 10th of October.

I regret not being able to offer a selection from that Philharmonic gig, but I have the next best thing: The video below shows how receptive their music can be when musicians like Ric Elsworth feel the need to slip other instruments into the mix. Enjoy.

While “Sleeping Ute” is rather refined, “Two Weeks” from their previous album is even more refined, very exacting. If you’ve never heard this song, may I suggest you do the following (it will be a whole new experience listening to the song for you): Close your eyes and listen to the video. Do not watch it the first go around. Once you’ve listened to it, then watch it. You’ll hear the song in an entirely different manner. I promise.

You’ve gotten a taste of Grizzly Bear. Now … go get their music.