Video: Dr. Dog, ‘The Rabbit, the Bat & the Reindeer’

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Rare is the younger band in these times of truncated attention spans who dares release a live album. Dr. Dog is one of those rare bands — the Philadelphia sextet have managed to capture the raw vitality of their rousing concerts on the new live album, “Live at a Flamingo Hotel.” It’s their eighth full-length album and first live release. Their previous seven albums have solidified their place as one of the best indie-rock bands of the past 15 years, but their live performances are where they turn fans into true believers. The new album’s 19 live tracks were cut during a 20-show stretch last year and feature a barrage of crowd favorites, including “The Rabbit, The Bat & The Reindeer” from the band’s 2008 album, “Fate.” The song is a bouncy, wild romp with immaculate vocal harmonies, dancy guitars and a rowdy jam session. The accompanying video is a tour diary of sorts, but focuses mostly on the live performance they are famously known for. Their reputation definitely precedes them, but for those who have been kicking themselves for slacking on seeing Dr. Dog live (shame on you), this might just satisfy the onslaught of Dr. Dog cravings … or leave you jonesing for another fix.

— Jessica Shalvoy

||| Live: Dr. Dog plays Feb. 13 at the Wiltern and Feb. 15 at the Glass House in Pomona, with Hanni El Khatib supporting each show.

DrDog-NickyDevine

Photo by Nicky Devine