As I was researching a review for the stirring new album Immolate Yourself by Telefon Tel Aviv, I came upon the very sad recent news of the death of Charles Wesley Cooper III, half of the electronic duo. At the age of 31, he died on January 22. This was a mere two days after the release of the fantastic new LP, only Telefon Tel Aviv’s third in a decade long career from a partnership that always valued quality over quantity. In keeping, Cooper created a unique and beautiful musical legacy in his short life. Telefon Tel Aviv’s other half, Joshua Eustis, expressed fond memories of his friend via MySpace:

“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.”