For our special pre-release of the fantastic new Walkmen album, we spoke to bassist Peter Bauer about the recording process, their feelings on music criticism, and why they chose Sloan-Kettering for the charity proceeds. Read it all after the fold, and find one of the best blogs we've seen this year!

Not so much. It's a little terrifying and I find that you only end up frustrated.

We spent an incredible amount of time on the last few bits of this record, especially the track order. I did not think it was possible for five people to talk about any one subject for that long. But, we were all pretty happy with it in the end. I don't think it has a concept overall like say "this is about 'fishing' or 'birthdays'" but yeah, we spent the last two years really wanting to make a record that had a certain tone to it and cut a lot of things that didn't quite fit.

Probably the song On The Water . I don't think I realized that it was going to be that way until it was recorded, so maybe it's just the surprise of it that made me really love it the most.

I am actually in Maine at one of the Recoy's weddings right now.

Some friends of mine, Greg and Manal Vassallo, whose son Luca was diagnosed with AML leukemia, have spent a lot of time there and constantly sing its praises. The money will be donated both toward the research centers at the hospital and to the Joy fund which helps provide patients who are spending a lot of time in the pediatric center with all sorts of different activities, entertainment and help. Luca, Greg and Manal are all extremely strong, resilient, and loving people and I immediately thought of them when this whole thing was brought up. They suggested that we contact Sloan-Kettering.

To find out more about Luca Vassallo, please visit loveforluca.com, a website with donation information and an amazing blog with pictures and video of Luca.

Featured Tracks:
In The New Year
Red Moon

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