Animal Collective’s Geologist Lands ‘Government Job’ With Latest Single

Animal Collective’s Geologist shared a new single entitled “Government Job.” The track previews Brian Weitz’s forthcoming debut solo album, Can I Get A Pack Of Camel Lights?, which arrives January 30 through Drag City.

Weitz built the foundation for Can I Get A Pack Of Camel Lights? recording with a hurdy gurdy at home. He took those tracks to Drop Of Sun Studio in Asheville, North Carolina for sessions with Adam McDaniel. The 10-track album includes contributions from drummers Emma Garau, Alianna Kalaba and Ryan Oslance, as well as Shane McCord on clarinets, Mikey Powers on cello and Adam Lion on vibraphone.

Animal Collective’s Dave “Avey Tare” Portner played bass on a few songs. “Government Job” features acoustic guitar played by Weitz’s son Merrick Weitz.

Brian Weitz detailed the inspiration behind “Government Job,” stating:

“20 years ago, I left a government job to do Animal Collective full time. That might sound like a no-brainer trade, but there are days I don’t know about that. I liked the job and think there is honor in many government jobs – especially living in DC now as I watch so many crucial ones being eliminated with little reason beyond cruelty and greed.

“I got to be part of many beautiful things in music, but if I still had the job I’d ideally be part of a solid foundation that lets others experience and do beautiful things themselves. So for the song ‘Government Job’ I stripped away all the hurdy gurdy parts from my live set and gave the electronic foundation to Adam, Emma, and Merrick to express themselves on top.”

“Government Job” landed with a music video directed by Michael R. Bernstein, watch it below: