rip: charlie of telefon tel aviv

This is just now coming across the wires, but Charlie Cooper, one of the two members of Telefon Tel Aviv, died on January 22nd. No cause of death has been given. Here’s what bandmate Joshua Eustis had to say in a statement:

Hello, Everyone.

It breaks my heart to inform you all that Charlie Cooper, my better half in Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on January 22nd.

We have been friends since high school, and began making records together a decade ago. We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another’s expense.

Aside from Charlie’s singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere. His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world – his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved. In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.

He is survived by a sister, a neice, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter. As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.

Yours in Music,

Joshua Eustis

On a personal level, I’ve gone on several times about how great their new album, Immolate Yourself, is. One of my favorites of 2009, easily. We should be posting it later this week. And on another note, a couple friends of mine were tight with the Telefon Tel Aviv dudes, and they have only had amazing things to say. Such a sad story.