Telefon Tel Aviv's Charlie Cooper dies

Charlie Cooper, one half of Telefon Tel Aviv, has died.

This is absolutely awful news for the world of electronic music. I had rightly hyped their new album Immolate Yourself as potentially one of the best LPs of the year in my 2009 preview.  The sense of anticipation has only heightened the shock of Cooper's death for anonymous music fans like me.

Here is the statement in full, from his band mate Joshua Eustis, which celebrates Cooper's love of hip hop, wine and, wonderfully, shoes:

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