A Top Ten to be Thankful For (2009 Edition)

So lots of time on the road last week, which means a bonus list for you all...not to mention a long day in the studio makes me want to write about someone else's music, before focusing on mine again tomorrow. After that expect those " best ofs", first 2009, then the decade.

Honorable Mention: Symphony of Science
A first in my lists, but this is most definitely worth it. Lectures and Discussions by world famous physicists auto-tuned and set to some really great ambient electronic music. Mostly Carl Sagan's "Cosmos", but it makes you ponder your place in the universe...and want to sing along. Too bad he only has three songs as of yet, but they are all free!
1. "Six Demon Bag" by Man Man
First of all it takes a lot to "out crazy" Gogol Bordello. And these guys have succeeded in spades. The album starts with a piano tune that builds and leads into "Engrish Bwudd" where they turn the crazy up to 11 and break into their characteristic group falsetto. Kind of muppets style. Every song sounds like it could be (and might be) sung by a bar full of drunks. In a good way. I dare you avoid singing along. Most played: "Van Helsing Boombox", "Engrish Bwudd", and of course "Black Mission Goggles" (best sing-a-long)
2. "July Flame" by Laura Veirs
My first proper album review of 2010. Haunting in a beautiful kind of way (almost ghostly), like Rae Spoon. Considering how similar their vocal style is, though Rae Spoon's "Come on Forest Fire, Burn The Disco Down" is among my favorite songs EVER. I can't believe I haven't been listening to her all along. She sounds like Colorado/Portland's answer to Christine Fellows lyrically. Most played: "July Flame" (most Rae Spoon-like), "Life Is Good Blues", and "When You Give Your Heart"
3. "Let's Build Something To Break" by After Midnight Project
Blame Kirsten for this one. Love the guitars and vocals, very Rise Against indeed. Only change out the socially conscious lyrics for ones about loathing Los Angeles. Weak at a couple points, but a really strong debut album. Then again it was produced by one of my favorite producers, John Feldmann of Goldfinger. You know I'm a music junkie when I have favorite producers. Most played: "The Becoming" and its beautiful spoken word interlude, "Backlit Medley", and "Hollywood"
4. "For Emma, Forever Ago" by Bon Iver
The perfect soundtrack to a long nighttime drive on a clear winter night (on Thanksgiving Day). Then again, it was written/recorded in a cabin in the woods during the winter. Too bad "Blood Bank" (his best song) wasn't on it, even though it was recorded with it. Most played: "Blood Bank" (it counts to me), "Flume", "Blindsided", and of course "Skinny Love"
5. "Third Eye Blind" by Third Eye Blind
I had a flashback to the first good music I heard on the radio in my early teen years, and never realized how solid this album was. Not too-grunge like much of the early 90s, and not to alternative like the later part. A good balance to stand the test of time. Most played: "Jumper", "Semi-Charmed Life", and "How's It Gonna Be?"
6. "Say Anything" by Say Anything
Same shit, different songs. Still genius lyrics "There are babies with guns, beheading their friends...yet somehow the Kings of Leon, still find time to write songs about girls". Most played: "Mara and Me" (lyrics), "Ahh...Men" (mainly the part after the 2 minute build up), and "Eloise"
7. "Swoon" by Silversun Pickups
The warm buzz of the distorted guitars on this album is a crackling fireplace in a winter cabin. I could listen to the guitars here all day, especially after skiing. People keep comparing them to Smashing Pumpkins, but I don't see it--they have no rage, just forlorn reflection.
8. "Our Darkest Days" by Ignite
If Rise Against were fronted by a Hungarian they would like this, echoes of System Of A Down here. You can't avoid it, a political band with an Eastern European singer. It's weird to hear them talk about the terrors of communism along with the usual stuff. Most played: "Fear Is Our Tradition", "Let It Burn", and "Bleeding"
9. "Playmate of the Year" by Zebrahead
While not up to the artistic level as the rest, as you might from a band that calls itself "rapcore", but I was feeling retrospective. They may not be Muse, but they are still fun. I can't help but have high school radio flashbacks. Most played: "Playmate of the Year", "Now or Never", and "Subtract You"
10. "Aim and Ignite" by fun.
Another driving album, this time the drive over (with rain). I feel kind of bad to call an album this good filler, but I just needed something to pass the time. Most played: "The Gambler", "Barlights", "At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)

Top Ten Albums 11-19-09

I had to finish writing chapter 6 before winter break and do some analysis of a couple international elections. So I slacked on these lists a bit, but they are back. Next weeks will be even better, I promise.

1. "Say Anything" by Say Anything
Not really fair since Max Bemis is a genius. While the album is a bit sappy, since he just got married, its still great. And the Say Anything crew added strings and such. Big win for them. "Do Better" is amongst their catchiest work and combining strings and drum machines has never been done with such finesse. Beyond the additional layers, Bemis returns to his snarky sing/talk fusion. Not rapping, talking. Also, it is a bit strange that the album teeters from angst to pure adoration and back again. Most played: "Death For My Birthday", "Do Better", "Less Cute", and "I Love You More Than I Hate My Period"
2. "Kaleidoscope" by DJ Tiesto
While a house DJ isn't my usual bag, he partnered up with a bunch of indie rock superstars. Sigur Ros, Tilly and the Wall, Bloc Party, Tegan and Sara, and Metric all show up here. Yeah, I KNOW RIGHT? Great electronic music being sung by some of the best in the game instead of just dull beats. Most Played: "You Are My Diamond" (feat Kianna of Tilly), "Feel It In My Bones" (feat. Tegan and Sara), "It's Not The Things You Say" (feat Keke Okereke of Bloc Party)
3. "The Midnight Organ Fight" by Frightened Rabbit
A flashback to my finding this wonderful break-up album while in the throes of one myself last winter break. While not in the same mood, this is by proxy for a couple friends. Beyond that, it is simply a great, if not a little haunting. Sadly "Keep Yourself Warm" and its great line "it takes more than fucking someone you don't know to keep warm" did not top my list this week. Most played: "Old, Old Fashioned", "Poke", and "The Modern Leper"
4. "Sainthood" by Tegan and Sara
While not the tops this week, still up there. Got a couple more bonus tracks, and can't understand why they were left off the album. Most played: "Sentimental Tune", "Sheets", and "Wrists"
5. "For Blood and Empire" by Anti-Flag
Feeling like some good old fashioned punk rock, and there is none better than that from Anti-Flag during the Bush era. This one was originally conceived as a joke (the song "War Sucks, Let's Party especially), but even so it is as biting as the times required. They even manage to eviscerate Monsanto and ADM and their genetically modified, pesticide required crops for good measure. Most Played: "Press Corpse", "Depleted Uranium Is A War Crime", "1 Trillion Dollar$" and "The WTO Kills Farmers"
6. "This Gigantic Robot Kills" by MC Lars
Maybe my favorite "rapper", I put it in quotes since he has an English degree from Stanford. Every album features a rap about a famous literary work. This time it's Macbeth (previously Moby Dick and The Raven), and features the line "Laertes is too pugnacious" Besides that there is a song about Naomi Klein and a level of sardonic humor not found quite anywhere else. Most Played: "Hey There, Ophelia", "It's Not Easy (Being Green)", and "No Logo"
7. "Raditude" by Weezer
More than anything else they've done in a long time this album reminds me of Pinkerton. Even with "Can't Stop Partyin'". I think it has something to do with the personal nature and expansiveness in style, like Pinkerton. It also takes a while to grow on you, this may explain similarly slow sales. When I say this keep in mind some of the most Pinkerton songs are bonus tracks, so if you can find them. Most played: "I Don't Want To Let You Go", "The Girl Got Hot", and "The Prettiest Girl in Whole Wide World"
8. "Intimacy" by Bloc Party
I'm tired of effusing about this album, so get it and save me the trouble. One of the best electronic albums in a decade, maybe a generation. The album is so good you don't even realize it's about a break-up unless you are told. Most Played: "Your Visits Are Getting Shorter", "Trojan House", and the purely epic "Zephyrus" chanting and all.
9. "Alter the Ending (Deluxe)" by Dashboard Confessional
I know you are probably sick of seeing "deluxe" or "bonus" in the album titles, but in this case it is important. The second disc is entirely acoustic and even though the concept was done first (and better) by The New Amsterdams on "Killed Or Cured", it's still worth your time. Most Played: "Belle Of The Boulevard", "Water and Bridges", and "Everybody Learns From Disaster" (I left which are acoustic versions, fyi)
10. "African Elephants" by Dead to Me
Another album that hits that melodic hardcore sweet-spot in my brain. The guitars sound like Rise Against, but singing is pure Strike Anywhere. Most played: "Modern Muse" (by a big margin), "California Sun", and "Fell Right In"

Top Ten Albums 10-25-09

1. "Sainthood" by Tegan and Sara
Easily the top of my list, another gem from the Canadian twin sisters. After getting it, I could barely listen to anything else. Seems like a fusion of "The Con" and "So Jealous". Grabs your attention immediately with a distorted keyboard rhythm on "Arrow" and keeps it until the chant back reflective "Someday".  After a couple listens I also noticed that I like Sara's songs more and with a quick check at wikipedia I saw that I like her songs more on every album. How did I miss that? But Tegan is no slouch, just not in my same headspace musically. Most played: "Arrow", "Someday", and "Sentimental Tune"
2. "Cassadaga" by Bright Eyes
Feeling a bit more mellow, so I reached for a work staggering genius (lyrically). Conor earned those comparisons to Dylan here (and on his self-titled). Depression-era folk, Guthrie style abounds with that dash of classical Americana. He's grown up here, not angry or near tears like previous Bright Eyes, but still oozing emotion. Most played: "If The Brakeman Turns My Way", "Four Winds", "Classic Cars, and "I Must Belong Somewhere"
3. "Take This To Your Grave" by Fall Out Boy
Bet you didn't expect to see pop-punk here did you? It's how I earned my music loving stripes and still carries good memories, in this case a show in Des Moines in November 2003 with 30 people. A pretty good album at that, lacking production and the instrumental skill that recent years have brought, but making up for it with heart. "Saturday" shows the bands hardcore/metal roots and displays Patrick's amazing voice and feels at home following a near acoustic song. I forgot how timeless this sounds too, if you remember high school that is. Maybe that explains their rise, 3000 at a concert in Sept. 2004 and stadiums by spring of 2005. Most played: "Saturday", "The Patron Saints of Liars and Fakes", and "Chicago is So Two Years Ago" (my first experience with them).
4. "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" by Phoenix
Damn this is a catchy disc. I also realized that Phoenix is basically France's version of Bloc Party, and decided more countries should have bands like Bloc Party. A couple songs sound a bit too similar, but I write that off to have their style down so well. Though "Lasso" is kind of an extension of "1901"...I'd have placed them next to each other. Also I kind of forget they are French, they could easily have been pulled from the Brooklyn scene. Most Played: "1901", "Listzomania", and "Armistice"
5. "Cycles" by Cartel
A reminder of why I loved them in the first place, their 2004 EP has returned sonically.They moved out of the Dr. Pepper bubble/publicity stunt. That album was so over-produced it nearly drowned. The first song "Let's Go" reminds me a lot of "Honestly". Just some really great pop-punk, left raw like it should be. Kind of reminds me of certain Blink 182 stuff. Plus a "we did it live" O'Reilly shot in the lyrics of "Faster Lyrics". Most Played: "The Perfect Mistake", "Let's Go", and "27 Steps"
6. "Red of Tooth And Claw" by Murder By Death
If Johnny Cash made western horror story concept albums it would sound like this. Actually it would sound less good because they have a cellist. Lead singer Adam Turla famous described it as a "Homer's Odyssey of revenge, only without the honorable character at the center." My favorite/most played was used in the trailer for "Inglorious Basterds" as well. Oh and they are amazing live, with black and white westerns projected on the stage behind them. They play New Years Eve shows in Iowa City most years lasting until after 3am Most played: "Coming Home", "'52 Ford", and "Rum Brave"
7. "In Defense of The Genre" by Say Anything
Last week I mentioned his critique of a genre on "Admit It!", well here he does an about face. This was written after 3 mental breakdowns and eventually recovery. To my ear this is among the greatest double discs ever made, in part because its a concept album. It takes a certain skill to put almost 90 minutes of music on 27 songs. More to make it have indie, rock, emo, rap, spoken word, electronic, dance, and industrial songs. There are screams and whispers and even a couple jokes "Sorry Dudes, My Bad" and "Died a Jew" come to mind. The former talks about his breakdowns, the later about race relations:

you say you hate the shade of my face
for my father's sharecrops
my people were slaves, before yours invented hip hop
apologize, but i'm in on the joke
another brother to scoff at the dancing patterns of white folk

The amazing thing that as different as the two discs are, they aren't that great alone. Most played: "No Soul", "Died A Jew", "Have At Thee!", "We Killed It" and "The Church Channel"
8. "Sleep Is For the Week" by Frank Turner
What have I not said about this album already? Most played: "A Decent Cup Of Tea", "Romantic Fatigue", and "Once We Were Anarchists"
9. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack" by Various Artists
Everything about me tells me not to like Twilight, but the author is a music junkie like myself. A really great soundtrack, and I might just see this movie to see where these songs end up going. All songs were written specifically for this, except the Muse song (which is a special remix, so it's a toss up). A collection of indie all-stars and a feat that in an album with Bon Iver, Muse, Grizzly Bear, and Death Cab For Cutie my favorite song is my someone I've never heard before (Anya Marina). Most played: "Satellite Heart" (by Anya Marina), "Roslyn" (by Bon Iver and St. Vincent), "Meet Me On The Equinox" (by Death Cab), and "A White Demon Love Song" (by The Killers).
10. "Sing The Sorrow" by AFI
There is something pure about this album. Maybe it is just what I feel about that point in my life. Here AFi shook off most of their hardcore punk roots and traded it in for a more alt-rock feel. The first time I ever heard synthesizers and rock music and dammit if I wasn't hooked. One of the deepest albums I've ever heard, just listen to it with headphones in a quiet, maybe dark place. Still 6 years out I hear new things, especially on the last epic-poem style track. Most played: "Bleed Black", "The Great Disappointment", and "...But Home Is Nowhere" (that epic last track, all 15 minutes of it)

Top Ten Albums 10-12-09

1. "The '59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem
I came across this review and seems like the best way of describing them, since I actually didn't like them at first.

To go about explaining the appeal of this band seems to me like having to tell someone sex is an enjoyable act. It should be common knowledge. As was the case of several people I've discussed the band with, the attraction wasn't instant. Like when you meet someone but think they're ok, possibly a bit boring but become friends after you've had a long talk over tea or a memorable experience together. That's how me and Gaslight were introduced.

Most played: "The '59 Sound", "Old White Lincoln", and "Mile Davis and The Cool"
2. "Superioryouareinferior" by Rae Spoon
Based solely on "Come On Forest Fire Burn The Disco Down" being the best song I've heard in at least 6 months (I get some 200 albums a year, so that's as far back as I am willing to go with risking hyperbole). It's the kind of song you hear and think "oh yeah, THAT is what music should sound like. It's the type of album that defies genre. It has bits of country, folk, and indie that leap out. It also has that "Bon Iver vibe", only instead of sounding like a cabin it sounds like the rolling plains. The lyrics are so damn good that you get lost in them only to realize the wavering of his voice is stunningly beautiful as well. Oh yeah, when you listen you'll no doubt hear a female voice, that's because Rae is transgendered, born female. Most played: "Come On Forest Fire Burn The Disco Down", "My Heart Is a Piece of Garbage (Fight, Seagulls, Fight!)", and "If You Lose Your Horses" (sounds like it was stolen from Woody Guthrie himself)
3. "By The Throat" by Eyedea and Abilities
Maybe the best fusion of rock and rap in a decade. Many rappers dabble in rock, because there is a common love of power chords and something archetypal of electric guitar. But Eyedea, being among the best in the business having won Scribble Jam, shows here he understand that you can't just replace beats with guitar. Again he shows raw emotion and oozes peronsal stories in his music. Most played: "Burn Fetish" (with it's great "empathy is the poor man's cocaine" line), "Spin Cycle" (channeling Led Zeppelin), and "Junk"
4. "Terror State" by Anti-Flag
A return to my roots. This was in my CD player regularly for a year. Absolutely essential during those Bush years. Enough said, right? Most played: "You Can Kill The Protester, You Can't Kill The Protest", "Mind the G.A.T.T.", "Operation Iraqi Liberation (O.I.L.)" and "Wake Up!"
5. "The First Three Years" by Frank Turner
When you are Frank Turner you can put out a retrospective of new and old stuff after 3 years. Because putting out an album and an EP a year that makes you prolific enough to get away with it. This is a collection of stardards and songs that missed the cut due to being covers or too angsty. And when you can cover "Dancing Queen" with only an acoustic guitar and make it sound like you wrote it, you get the point. Most played: "Thatcher Fucked The Kids", "Heartless Bastard Motherfucker", "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" (Postal Service cover), and "Dancing Queen" (ABBA cover)
6. "Monsters of Folk" by Monsters Of Folk
I tried not to like it, but it is undeniably good. It's "Conor Oberst" (album) with different singers, and a dash of "Outer South". Most Played: "Temazcal", "Man Named Truth", and  "Whole Lotta Losin", and "The Sandman, The Brakeman, and Me"
7. "...Is A Real Boy" by Say Anything
A staggering work of genius if I've ever heard one. A harsh indictment of an entire genre of music and maybe of the way music is made in general. "Admit It!" shouts down hipsters on their perch and "Alive With The Glory Of Love" tells of a ghetto love story during WWII, add a song about cats fighting, one about rough sex and you'd think the album would implode. But like it's maker's disease, the bipolar nature here just fits. You wouldn't want it any other way. Most played: "Admit It!", "Belt", and "Chia Like I Shall Grow"
8. "The Sufferer and The Witness" by Rise Against
One of my favorite albums, by one of the all-time great progressive bands. Check out their music videos and see they are music's Alan Grayson. Sort of. Anyway, on this album they manage to make a spoken word track a standout on a hard-rock album. A must have for a progressive too. Most played: "The Approaching Curve" (that spoken word song), "The Good Left Undone", and "Behind Closed Door"
9. "Crash Love" by AFI
Through not as great as "Sing the Sorrow", it's in that same vein. And it shed that whole glam-rock bullshit of "DecemberUnderground". They are better when they stick to their East-Bay (SF) Hardcore punk roots. But with better production. Here they include old-school sing songs and clap along, which are one of my many musical weaknesses. Most played: "Beautiful Thieves", "Too Shy To Scream", and "Veronica Sawyer Smokes" (which could have been pulled any of their Nitro releases).
10. "Repo! The Genetic Opera Sountrack"
Who'd have thought that a soundtrack to movie with both Paris Hilton and the girl from Spy Kids singing would make my list? Then again it also has real musicians, like Sarah Brightman, the best selling soprano of all time. And it was produce by the singer of X Japan and has some other industrial accents. Plus, it touches on just about every genre of music. Most played: "Zydrate Anatomy", "Chase The Morning", and "Things You See In A Graveyard"

Dear Conor Oberst

WHAT. THE. FUCK?!

So Bright Eyes is officially dead in 2010, I kinda figured that. But thanks for clearing it up once and for all. I'm glad we get one more album. It better not suck.

Now I hear that the Mystic Valley Band is also dead. I thought you were this weird Mexican/southern troubadour now. You not like it? Or was it the whole letting other people sing and write thing. I can see how that would get to you.

So you are in Monsters of Folk now, but that can't last. M. has three albums to work on for She & Him with Zooey. Jim will be going back to My Morning Jacket next year. But you are working on Bright Eyes then any way. So that works out fine, except that his band is exploding and a tour for their follow-up would last until the end of 2011. So that's out too.

You and I both know you can't go a year without releasing an album. And it's good to see you working with Mogis again. He is the Paul to your John.

So you better buck up buster. You were once at the top of my song-writers list, but now not so much. Rolling Stone may have praised you, but not me. Brian Fallon (and his Gaslight Anthem) has taken your place. Frank Turner is fast approaching. And we both know that John K. Samson from the Weakerthans has always been your equal.

With age these three just seem to be more focused and cohesive, you more distracted and disparate.

So step it up, you've been at this for 16 years now...

Top Ten Albums 09-17-09

If I could, this list would just be all three Frank Turner albums. But I figured I should at least try to listen to other stuff. As such this list includes a bunch of new releases or pre-leases. Let's call this one "Acoustic British Super Fun Time"

1. "Sleep is for the Week" by Frank Turner
This week it's Sleep's turn at the top, the most raw his music, also the easiest to play at home, another reason for its place here.  Then again I have a certain weakness for retrospective acoustic music. Most every song could make my list of favorites, and when you scrobble 300 plays on last.fm in week (of my usual 1200-1500), you know they are good. Most played: "The Real Damage", "The Ballad of Me and My Friends", "Romantic Fatigue", "Once we Were Anarchists", "Fathers Day" and "A Decent Cup of Tea.
2. "New Leaves" by Owen
Another introspective singer-songwriter, this time from Chicago instead of London. He puts on a terrific live show as well. This is more orchestrated than his previous works, but still good. Though the first time I heard "Good Friends, Bad Habits" I accidentially opened a second window after 20 seconds, the background was AMAZING like that. Most played: "Good Friends, Bad Habits" and "A Trenchant Critique"
3. "La Roux" by La Roux
Hits that synthesizer spot right in the brain, you know the one, right above the base of the skull, the reptilian music center if you will. Another case of English showing us how it's done. The whole thing is catchy as hell. Most Played: "Bulletproof", "In For the Kill", "Tigerlilly", and "Colourless Colour"
4. "Three" by Joel Plaskett
Not really a fair fight, since this is three albums of 9 songs each. But the OCD involved in repeating titles and three throughout the album make this my new odds-on favorite for the Polaris Prize (since "artistic merit" the basis for the award) Think of it as electronic-country from Canada. A gift of sorts. Most played: "Pine, Pine, Pine", "Every Time You Leave", and "Deny, Deny, Deny"
5. "The Resistance" by Muse
Muse was once described as "your favorite band's favorite band" and with the thumping cadence and bopping lyrics you can see why. With this album they shed most all the slow stuff, and expanding the atmospheric spacey stuff. Genius. They even pull off a Queen impersonation and an explanation of psychological warfare during Veitnam. Most played: "Uprising", "United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)", "MK Ultra"
6. "Dead FM" by Strike Anywhere
Another one of the political melodic hardcore bands I listen, those these guys are tad more radical than Rise Against. After all the band's symbol is the anti-fascist circle and their most recent album references the Nazi resistance Iron Front. Most played: "Sedition", "Two Thousand Voices", and "How To Pray"
7."Masters of the Burial" by Amy Millian
Really wished she would have worked on a new Stars album, but this will do for now...along with Torq solo stuff. Strangely enough the best song is a cover of a Death Cab song, just something about the combination of her voice and Ben's words. Most Played: "I Will Follow You Into The Dark", "Bruised Ghosts", and "Towers"
8. "Straylight Run" by Straylight Run
John Nolan is coming to town on my B-Day and then they are here in a few weeks, so I figured I'd brush off an old favorite Most Played: "Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs", "Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway), and "Existentialism on Prom Night"
9. "xx" by The XX
If Metric had a male/female singing duo like Stars it would sound like this. Good, but leaving a dry taste in your mouth. They just don't quite have the lyrical chops of either those bands. Most played: "Heart Skipped a Beat", "Crystallized", and "Shelter"
10. "Daisy" by Brand New
Same reasons as last week. Most played: "In A Jar", "Noro", and "Sink"

Top Ten Albums 09-11-09

1. "Poetry of the Deed" by Frank Turner
Maybe my album of the year, buy it and thank me later. Frank Turner is Morrisey as sung by the Flogging Molly, with the folky infusion of Against Me! In short he rocks, and on his third album he adds organ to an acoustic song like it's no big deal. And for him it isn't. Okay I take that back, maybe not Against Me! maybe The Pogues...or Billy Bragg "Try This At Home" just makes you want to pick a guitar and write, now THAT'S talent. After all, if he was hand-picked to open by Gaslight Anthen, who was just handpicked by Springsteen to open for him at Glastonbury, he's gotta be good, right? Most played: "Live Fast, Die Old", "The Poetry Of The Deed", and "Try This At Home"

2. "Daisy" by Brand New
They're baaacck...At first they were emo, then post-hardcore, then indie, now I'm not really sure but it sure sounds amazing. This deifinitely pulls together the best pieces of "Deja Entendu" and "God and the Devil Are Raging Inside of Me", with just enough new style to make this epic. After all how many bands can pull off a opera/screaming intro track and end with a 6 minute plus track with groans in the background and doppler effect like buzzing and have it be their most compelling work? Jesse Lacey may be an egotistical ass, but he has earned a renewal on that here. Most Played: "Noro" (that 6.5-minute opus), "Bed", and "Vices" (the intro).

3. "Yes!" by K-os
This is what hip-hop would sound like if rappers listened to jazz and lounge music instead of drum and bass. A couple songs keep it bumpin' but mostly the album just flows like a hip-hop jam session in a coffee place. And k-os' lyrics sound more like that of a beat poet than anyone you could mistake for being gangsta. Once again proving the Toronto, Canada scene is miles ahead of what everyone else in the genre is doing. Most played: "Eye Know Something", "Burning Bridges", and "Uptown Girl"

4. "The Blueprint 3" by Jay-Z
This has three songs so good, I've barely listened to the rest of the album none which is a current single. And none features superstars like Kanye and Rihanna like some of the other tracks. All of which will most likely be top 10 singles, if not number ones.  They. Are. That. Good. So which songs are these? Most played: "A Star Is Born (feat. J Cole)", "Reminder", and "Young Forever (feat. Mr Hudson)"

5. "The Sufferer and the Witness" by Rise Against
Maybe the deepest, most personal album for the best melodic hardcore band around. (For you old timers, that means they rock hard and actually sing well) And it's political too, the first single "Ready To Fall" has the band in a clearcut forest with scenes of ocean pollution and the second "Prayer Of The Refugee" is set in a big box store telling stories of the exploited workers. So give them a try, or at least look up some lyrics ("Hero of War" is a good start). An essiential band for progressives. Most Played: "Survive", "The Good Left Undone", and "Drones" (with it's excellent line; "If strength is borne from heartbreak, then mountains I could move")

6. "I Told You I Was Freaky" by Flight of the Conchords
The second album from the New Zeland musical comedy duo. But here instead of racist dragons they talk about sad rappers and time travel. "Rambing" is a love song with a bunch of put downs to the imagery (she looked like Parisian river "What? Dirty?"). Most played: "Hurt Feelings", "Rambling Through The Avenues of Time", and "Petrov, Yelyena, and Me" (a song about being cannibalised and poisoning your captors)

7. "(Breach)" by The Wallflowers
The masterwork from Jakob Dylan, son to Bob Dylan. Might not have gotten the airplay of their debut "Bringing Down The Horse" but it should have. Most played: "Hand Me Down" (about being Bob's son), "Some Flowers Bloom Dead", and "I've Been Delived"

8. "The Works" by Jonatha Brooke
Ani Difranco style lady covers love songs written by Woody Guthrie. Most played: "My Sweet and Bitter Bowl", "All You Gotta Do is Touch Me", "The Sweetest Angel"

9. "Sirens and Condolences" by Bayside
It rained a bunch last week and for whatever reason this album is my favorite thing to listen to in the rain. Most played: "Alcohol and Alter Boys", "Poison in My Veins", and "Masterpiece"

10. "More Betterness!!!" by No Use For A Name
A flashback to my more punk rock years, but still enough depth for another listen. Most played: "Let It Slide", "Chasing Rainbows", "The Fairytale of New York"

Top Ten Albums 09-01-09: More Mellow Stuff

1. "Aim and Ignite" by fun.
The new band from Nate Reuss of The Format. Imagine that band with orchestration, sexy right? You're damn skippy it is. It has some great syncopated rhymes, especially in "The Gambler" Most Played: "The Gambler" (violins!), "Walking the Dog", and "Take You're Time (Coming Home)"
2. "Manners" by Passion Pit
My new synthesizer band of the now. But deeper than most of the other ones. Not just bubble gummy fun, but good for you too. One of them went to Emerson and the other Harvard. Organic bubble gum maybe. Most Played: "Little Secrets" (give it a listen, thank me later), "Eyes As Candles", and "Folds in Your Hands"
3. "Lungs (Disc 1)" by Florence + the Machine
The only thing that bested this album in the UK for it's first five weeks was a single Michael Jackson. And it's nominated for the Mercury Prize. It came out in July, and is that good. Laura Marling style (that's female crooner style). Most played: "Kiss With a Fist", "Drumming", and Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)
4. "Always a Bridesmaid" by The Decemberists
Technically three EP, but I'll let it slide. New Decemberists, whats not to like? And they put in political commentary like "16 Military Wives", only this time commenting on the Valerie Plame/CIA scandal Most played: "Valerie Plame" and "I'm Sticking With You"
5. "The Process of Belief" by Bad Religion
I finished reading The God Delusion by Dawkins, so I felt like rocking the BR. Classic rationalist/secular humanist punk rock. Most played: "Materialist", "Destined For Nothing", and "Sorrow"
6. "The War on Errorism" by NOFX
Can't have a political punk rock flashback without them, and the 18-minute super song "The Decline" wasn't cutting it. Most played: "Franco Un-American", "Idiots Are Taking Over", and "Regaining Un-consciousness"
7. "Reunion Tour" by The Weakerthans
After all that punk rock I needed some more chill stuff. Most played: "Utilities", "Reunion Tour" and "Big Foot"
8. "No Really, I'm Fine by The Spill Canvas
Do I even need a reason? Fine, I was feeling some angsty love songs. Plus his voice is cool. Most played: "Reckless Abandonment" (duh!), "Connect the Dots", and "Lullaby"
9. "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" by Oasis
One of the quintessential albums of all time, even though Liam is an asshole and kicked Noel out...again last week. Most played: "She's Electric", "Don't Look Back In Anger", and "Wonderwall" Dammit I tried to avoid including the last (and Champagne Supernova) but they are just too enticing.
10. "Troubadour" by K'Naan
Even though he's been promoted by MTV, he still rules. He's on the shortlist for the Polaris Prize, so it's gotta be good. Most played: "Bang Bang (feat. Adam Levine)", "Take A Minute", and "Wavin' Flag"

Top Ten Albums 08-24-09: British Synthesizer Babies Dance

1. "Hot Mess" by Cobra Starship
Still my guilty pleasure band. Just plain fun, and outrageous. Songs about dancing and girls and dancing with girls, and songs as jokes, whats not to like? Some of the best synthesizer music around, even if Gabe does stretch his vocal range a bit too far (just like when he was in Midtown). And "Living in the Sky With Diamonds" may be the catchiest dancepop song this year. Most played: "Living in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Move Like You're Gonna Die", though the album has about 20 plays this week.
2. "Hello Fascination" by Breathe Carolina
Friends of mine from Boulder. I almost went on tour with them last winter. And they kick out the electronic/dance/hardcore beats. The whole thing drips of happiness. My trio of most played just make you want to close your door and dance like a maniac in your room. And really what more can you ask for in life? Most played: "Dressed up to Undress", "Welcome To Savannah" (great sing-a-long chorus), and "Take Me To Infinity"
3. "Hideaway" by The Weepies
A late edition. Have that great 60s/70s pop sound with the fold attitude. Plus they were the music in some of those awesome Barack Obama ads. If the president like them should you? From poignant love songs to simple reflections on the past this rocks. Most played: "Can't Go Back Now", "Hideaway", and "Wish I Could Forget"
4. "Salvation is a Deep Dark Well" by The Builders and the Butchers
Imagine if Decemberists' singer Colin Meloy sang to the tunes of Murder By Death, with maybe a tinge of recent Brand New. It would sound like this. Amazing that is. Simple americana/folk music. Lyrics are great too "Nothing last forever in a god-forsaken town, the pocket books are empty 'cause the priest is back in town" Most played: "Down in This Hole" (lyrics above), "Vampire Lake", and "Devil Town" (most MBD like)
5. "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" by Phoenix
French alt-pop group, signed to Arts & Crafts (same label as Stars and anything related to the Broken Social Scene, which is about everything awesome in Canada). That alone should be enough for you listen to this. Butif you need more convincing, they make chill electropop, with a catchy bass line and soothing, staccato vocals. Definitely picking their previous albums soon. Most played: "Lisztomania", "Lasso", and "1901" (which has a very cool music video)
6.  "Fantastic Playroom" by New Young Pony Club
A great running album as I learned this week, especially "The Get Go". I can run about 2 miles longer with this. Listening to it makes you want to bob your head and tap your feet. Sounds like the 80s all grown up. Most played: "The Get Go", "Tight Fit", and "The Bomb"
7. "Ocean Eyes" by Owl City
I feel lucky to call this guy a friend, in large part to me hearing his first album when he only had 3,000 views on myspace. He has over 9.5 MILLION now. This is his major label debut, for fans of the Postal Service. Most played: "Dental Care", "The Bird and The Worm", "Vanilla Twiight", and "Umbrella Beach"
8. "Myths of The Near Future" by Klaxons
I heard about their label denying their new record for being too experimental and psychedelic, so I traveled back to their first album. After some re-listening I can only imagine how insane that must have been. The quintessential New Rave album (think New Wave 2.0, with more indie/guitar parts). "Golden Skans" is still among the catchiest songs EVER (and based on a book, extra cool points). Most played: "Golden Skans", "Atlantis to the Interzone", and "Magick"
9. "Common Reaction" by Uh Huh Her
If Metric had the lesbian angle of Tegan and Sara, it would sound like this. Female fronted electropop, though sadly not from Canada, from Los Angeles (in the vein of Bird and the Bee). Most played: "Not A Love Song", "Common Reaction", "Explode" (most Metric sounding)
10. "LP" by Discovery
That really is the name of their LP about Japan basically. They only get a pass because it's so damn catchy. A supergroup of members from Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, playing mainly on synthesizers. Most played: "Osaka Loop Line", "Orange Shirt", and "Swing Tree"

Top Ten Album 08-10-09

1. "Digital Ash in A Digital Urn" by Bright Eyes
After the news of a final (tear) Bright Eyes album, I've listened to the electronic piece of his magnum opus a fair bit. Plus I'm making the best albums of the decade list, it made it FWIW. Most played tracks: "Light Pollution", "Easy/Lucky/Free", and (of course) "I Believe in Symmetry"
2. "The '59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem
Haven't listened to them in a while, once again feeling it though. Did I mention this was the best album of last year? Most played tracks: THE WHOLE FUCKING THING!!!
3. "Red of Tooth and Claw" by Murder By Death
Seeing them with Gaslight next month. Most played tracks: "52 Ford", "Coming Home", and "Rumbrave"
4. "I Get Wet" by Andrew WK
I was feeling a little down, and this is my pick me up album. With all that talk of party how can I be anything but totally pumped? Most played tracks: "Party Hard", "I Get Wet", and "Ready to Die"
5. "Fasciinatiion" by The Faint
Remember that whole faint phase I was talking about? Well I'm still in it. Their most recent, most produced album this time. Another classic dance-punk album, then again when you create a genre I guess everything you do is classic. Most played: "The Geeks Were Right" (duh), "A Battle Hymn For Children", and "Fulcrum and Lever"
6. "X Marks Destination" by The Whip
Easily the best dance-punk album this year, on par with anything the faint has done. "Trash" may also just be the best song ever. SERIOUSLY DOWNLOAD IT!!! And this one makes a great "mood walking" disc to pump you up. Most played: "TRASH", "TRASH", "TRASH!!!!", "Muzzle #1", and "Divebomb"
7. "Money Money 2020" by The Network (aka Green Day)
The masters to this got stolen and they made "American Idiot" instead, but released this anyway. It's not great, due to a lack of production in their solo effort, they are far better musicians than producers. But you can hear glimpses of their sound/structure on American Idiot and more recently "21st Century Breakdown" Most playedtracks: "Love and Money", "Hammer of the Gods", and "Hungry Hungry Models" (just because I like the old synths and Billy Joe saying "walking like a tiger") All these are actually worthy of the Green Day name (along with a couple others)
8. "Open Your Eyes" by Goldfinger
This album seriously changed my life. It's great without knowing that too. A great pop-punk/punk rock album with lots of hooks. The lyric work is amazing, especially on "Spokesman":

What happened to integrity?
I don't see it on MTV
All I see is choreography
And I'll never be a dancer
What happened to puberty?
Bad skin and insecurity?
And who the fuck is Felicity?
Cuz I got problems of my own

Most played tracks: "Spokesman", "Radio", and "FTN (Fuck Ted Nugent)"
9. ""Walk This Way" by The White Tie Affair
Pop/Electronic/New Wave type album. The lyrics are full of puns and innuendo, which I also love. Most played tracks: "Take It Home", "Allow Me To Introduce Myself...Mr. Right", and "Candle (Sick and Tired)"
10. "3" by Nouvelle Vague
French bassa nova/reggae fusion band covering 80s punk rock and new wave. Interested? I thought so. Most played tracks: "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" (originally Soft Cell), "God Save the Queen" (Sex Pistols), and "Master and Servant" (Depeche Mode)

Top Ten Albums 08-03-09

1. "Far" by Reigna Spektor
Been waiting for this a while, and glad she stuck with the sound from "Begin to Hope". Just brillant. Most played: "Folding Chair", "Dance Anthem of the 80s", and "The Calculation"
2. "Swoon" by Silversun Pickups
Still great, like last week. Most played:"The Royal We", "Growing Old is Getting Old", and "Catch and Release"
3. "Appeal to Reason" by Rise Against
Come on, we all know they would show up here sooner rather than later. Plus I learned to play most of a previous album of theirs. Most played: "Historia Calamatatum", "Savior", and "From Heads Unworthy"
4. "Coeur de Pirate" by Coeur de Pirate
So I love French-Canadian chick singers, what of it? Most played: "Commes des enfants" and "Fondu au noir"
5. "Bayside" by Bayside
A great album from another favorite band. Dark but not too dark, with a snarly angst I love. Most played: "Half a Life" and "Blame it on Bad Luck"
6. "The Gleam" by The Avett Brothers
Same reasons as last time, same songs as last time.
7. "No More Stories/Are Told Today/I'm Sorry/They Washed Away//No More Stories/The World Is Grey/I'm Tired/Let's Wash Away" by Mew
Goofy, brilliant, dream pop. Some of the songs take a bit to build though (as most their older stuff). Also doesn't come out for a couple weeks, but super great. Beaches sounds like vacation. Most played: "Beaches", "Cartoons and Macrame Wounds", and "Silas the Magic Car"
8. "The '59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem
Duh? In part because I'm still working on a couple songs on the Silence Destroyer Most played: "Once Upon a Time" (bonus track), "Here's Looking At You, Kid", and "The Patient Ferris Wheel"
9. "Nothing Personal" by All Time Low
I feel ashamed to admit I love powerpop, but I can't deny my love of the synthesizer. Most played: "Weightless" and "Lost in Stereo"
10. "No One's First and You're Next" by Modest Mouse
Again not officially out, and had it a while, finally got a chance to listen to it. Some unreleased songs from their last two studio albums. Most played: "Satellite Skin" (maybe their best song ever), "King Rat", and "I've Got It All (Most)" (a spoof on another song...)

Top Ten Albums 07-28-09: The Return

It's back! And from now on only new albums from week to week will get a description, though I may change the best songs.

1. "Swoon" by Silversun Pickups
The soundtrack to the San Diego portion of my vacation, a revisit thanks to lots of time in Danielle's car. I thought it sounded like Kill Hannah, and thought  Silversun was a more folky band. A new favorite of mine for sure, with just the right amount of angst. But why do they have to play in Des Moines the same day Bon Iver plays in Omaha? Best Songs: "Panic Switch" and "The Royal We"
2. "Masterpiece Theatre" by Marianas Trench
The soundtrack to the Los Angeles portion of my vacation, I really love the staccato and rhythm of their singer. Plus they are Canadian and we know I love that. Best Songs: "Celebrity Status" and "Perfect"
3. "The Gleam" by The Avett Brothers
The soundtrack to the Colorado portion of my vacation, due in large part to the harmonica...and their being in Iowa City in Ocotober. Plus, I just love their respective voices. This would be a near perfect album if "Sanguine" was replaced by "Murder in the City" from The Second Gleam. Best Songs: "When I Drink", "Yardsale", and "Backwards With Time"
4. "Killed or Cured"by The New Amsterdams
The best album from the frontman of The Get Up Kids. Even though I have the reworked "Cured" disc, it is still among my favorites and dare I say rivals the work of Mr. Oberst even if it sometimes sounds more forced like a Dashboard Confessional bit (I blame them both being on Vagrant Records) Best Songs: "Wears So Thin" and "Watch the World Cave In"
5. "Here, Here, and Here" by Meg and Dia
This makes the list because of the wedding I think. A dark, melodic indie pop album. No sophomore slump here, even the choice of the singer from Plain White T's on "Bored of Your Love" works. Best Songs: "Bored of Your Love", "Hug Me", and "Black Wedding"
6. "Kiss/Kick" by Broken Spindles
Did I mention this is an amazing album from a dude in the Faint? That alone should make you listen to it. It features all the droning and melodrama of some of those faint songs on which joel sings. Best Songs: "Introvert" and "I've Never Been This Afraid"
7. "Take It To The Floor" by Cash Cash
Something about summer just makes me want to listen to electronica and power pop. And this is a powerpop band with mad synth skills. Need I say more? OKay, they are damn catchy too. Best Songs: "Radio" is heads and shoulders above anything else, among the best I've heard all year.
8. "Fantasies" by Metric
Yada Yada, they are super great. And so is this album. I love it. Best Songs: "Sick Muse", "Gold Guns Girls", and of course "Help, I'm Alive"
9. "Under A Killer Blue Sky" by Jupiter Sunrise
Another one I've been listening to all summer. A revisit that had a lot of break up pain associated with it that only recently has gone. And like the Jealous Sound they need to release a second album!!!! WTF? Best Songs: "Josie's House" and "Kaye"
10. "Heart" by Stars
Been moving "backwards with time" through their albums as to which is my favorite. This is the current leader. Like all of Stars LPs every song is a winner. Best of the best songs: "Elevator Love Letter", "Time Can Never Kill the True Heart", and "Don't Be Afraid To Sing"
Dishonorable Mention: "Smarmymob" by Neonhunk
Awful, Awful, AWFUL!!!! I got this on a whim at a thrift store in California for 2 dollars and sounds like everything you would expect from that. Most of the noise rock songs have cat references and is even dedicated to cats, as cats must be the only creatures that even tolerate this non-tonal shit. Only one song is even tolerable "My Unicorn: My Ride"

Polaris Prize Update/Other Music Stuff

The shortlist was released last week and with all the vacation/moving stuff I haven't reflected on such events. I guessed 7 of the 10 correctly, and did not hear the other 3. As stated previously I think this year should mark diversity in genre (so Fucked Up's hardcore and K'Naan's hip-hop have the edge). So some quick thoughts on each:

    * Elliott Brood Mountain Meadows Haven't heard
    * Fucked Up The Chemistry of Common Life  A little too hardcore for my tastes, but still my odds on favorite to win, and maybe get an album of the year Grammy. It is amazingly raw and edgy, plus these guys are in a league of their own in entertainment. They performed on MTV Canada in the men's restroom, and DESTROYED IT!
    * Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels Good, but some of the songs are a little weak, though "Pulling on a Line" is magnificent.
    * Hey Rosetta! Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood) A really solid album, but like GLS above, just not strong enough in "artistic merit" the main criteria.
    * K'naan Troubadour Maybe the best hip-hop album this decade, even if it is a tad over produced and falls back on some major guest spots.
    * Malajube Labyrinthes A solid album, though a bit too in the electronic vein to win, plus I can only stand hearing "Quand tu regardes" so many times. Though its critique of Catholicism in Quebec is an interesting subject for a concept album.
    * Metric Fantasies Call this my dark horse. It has been getting lots of good press all of the world, and I gave it a listen again. This one definitely grows on you, and may benefit from the drawn out process. "Help, I'm Alive" "Sick Muse" and "Gold Guns Girls" alone put in it competition (though the rhyme structure of "Stadium Love" overshadows its power). It may be to radio-friendly/mainstream to win however. If "Waves" wasn't a B-side this would easily win.
    * Joel Plaskett Three Haven't heard
    * Chad VanGaalen Soft Airplane Haven't heard
    * Patrick Watson Wooden Arms Good, but not great. Not better than "Close to Paradise" which won him the prize in 2007. He set his own personal bar quite high. Plus I don't think an award in its fourth is ready for a repeat, even if they did just shortlist artists for the second time this year (6 of them too)

In other news, I have been spending a lot of time with the Silence Destroyer, my 6-string devil, I'll post my list of songs I learned.  I'll also get around to captioning those 80/35 pics and writing a note about it...probably during airport downtime. And maybe putting some of the 150 videos from other concerts this year on my youtube. I passed 300K views recently!

New Music List 03-16-09

Ariane Moffatt's "Tous Les Sens"
Imagine a French-Canadian Imogen heap, with a splash of Regina Spektor (during the piano parts). Both her electronic tinge and her singing in Quebecois, with a lilt are heavenly. I never noticed how the natural pitch of it lends it self to this, much like K'Naan's rapping in Somali. "Tous Les Sens" is my favorite, but "Éternel Instant Présent" and "Tes Invectives" are pretty great as well.  My album of last week.

Riverboat Gambler's "Underneath the Owl"
Since I will be seeing them with Rancid, and more importantly Rise Against at an outdoor show in June, I figured I should give them a listen. And what a treat this was. Dashes of Bouncing Souls, The AKAs, and the more hard Gaslight Anthem vibe, basically an epitome of Philly Street Punk, with perfect sing-a-longs. "Alexandria" is the tops here, followed by "Dissdissdisskisskisskiss" and "A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology".  Oh and if you have a chance to see Rise Against outdoors, DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! They are great indoors, but they are meant for open air shows. It's like ecstasy for your ears, and Tim spends half the time in the crowd.

Fischerspooner's "Entertainment"
These dudes are weird, but I like bands with double last names (see JamisonParker), and New York fucking owns electroclash. If you don't know what that means, I pity you. The downside here is that the album is clearly front loaded, with the first three tracks being the best."Danse en France" should have been last instead of penultimate, its too weird to transition back to normality.

Chuck Ragan's "Feast Or Famine"
After picking up the acoustic solo album from Tom Gabel of Against Me! I thought I should look into the same from the lead singer of Hot Water Music, another Gainesville proto-punk band. This one was less lyrically, but more musically. "Geraldine" and "California Burritos" tie for best in show, the latter of which features lots of accordion. This album is more soulful than I would have expected, with many echos of Johnny Cash, and that makes it all the better.  Like Gabel's solo effort, Ragan outshines his compadres.

Boy In Static's "Candy Cigarettes"
I got this just because of the title, which is only sometimes a good idea. This is a sometimes. Mellow, ambient shoegaze lies within. Oh and he is has been playing viola since he was 8, got your attention now don't I? Give "Toy Baby Grand", "Young San Fransisco", and "LA Runaways" a listen.

Tiger Lillies's "The Gorey End (feat. Kronos Quartet)"
Wow I love Tiger Lillies. A more insane, more dark version of Dresden Dolls. And this is a concept album based on Edward Gorey (The Gashlycrumb Tinies). Everything this sung with falsetto and backed by accordion. "ABC" is so morbidly funny too:
K is for Kris with a blade that is wavy,
One wonders why somebody smeared it with gravy.
L’s for a letter that lay in a trunk,
Its contents explain how the dinghy was sunk.
M is for madhouse where is confined
A lady whose friends say she’s out of her mind.

Röyksopp's "Junior"
I've only gotten one listen so I'll hold off a proper write up for next week, but Norwegian electronica is pretty awesome. Why about cold weather makes all Scandinavians and Canadians awesome with a synth???

New Music 03-08-09

This week we have:
K'Naan's "Troubadour" 14 tracks
Not exactly new, but I finally got around to taking notes on it.  This is now my frontrunner for album of the year (besting "Home" from Gavin Castleton, which still has the best liner notes I have ever seen).  When I took notes I made mention of 10 out of the 14 tracks. Yeah its that good.  I even like the song featuring Adam Levine from Maroon 5 and the one with the dude from Metallica.  That  is a fucking achievement. Also he raps in Somali, which is just beautiful. Sometime a language lends itself to a style of music and they are perfect together.

MGMT's "Time to Pretend EP" 6 tracks
This one is actually OLD, 2005. But I found it at Record Collector (along with Carla Bruni). Do these people just buy CDs to rip them, then sell them? It feautres two of my favs from Oracular: Kids and Time to Pretend, the former when mashed up with Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" is my favorite song right now.  "Love Always Remains" has echos of Postal Service, and the chant chorus at the end is genius. "Indie Rokkers" is great, but with "Destrokk" they have severe over used Ks. Boogie Down is not great at all, but the others make up for it.  Personally I can't wait for Congratulations to drop around late August

Tom Gabel's "Heart Burns EP" 7(9?) tracks
How did I miss this last summer? In fairness I was still "Powerpop Adam" so it might have been lost on me. As stated in a recent status, I regard this more highly than any Against Me!, except maybe New Wave (not the Ben Lee cover version). More personal and emotive than AM! but keeping that production from New Wave.  "Harsh Realms" and "Conceptual Paths" are good, but the stand outs are both Bonus Tracks. Sure the regular version of "Random Hearts" is good, but the acoustic version is miles above. Style matters dude, and a song that drenched in meaning needs an acoustic guitar. I don't make the rules I just enforce them. "I Can't See You, But I Know You're There" is also acoustic and the line "I got my new favorite record today, My favorites change every single day, except you" rivals anything Max Bemis can pen, being both self referential and romantic. But he gets props for having an EP clock in over 25 minutes and 9 tracks. Ballsy.

Superbus' "Lova Lova" 13 tracks
Just got this today, and it is on the 4th listen. As great as Metric is (see below), being French Canadian, they are bested by actual French singing in French.  Sounds like a better version of Paramore (as I told Kirsten, classier since they are French) or old No Doubt., but with more synths. What do you expect, they ARE European.  I am pretty sure there are laws about that (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, maybe?) "Keyhole" reminds me of the sex appeal of the Faint or Blaqk Audio, but "Call Girl" is a little too europop for my tastes. The standouts here are the English-sung "Just like the Old Days" and its mention of the 1980s groove and "Gogo Dance Show" and its spell-chanting of G-O-G-O-. They really shine with the French sung "Addictions" (see posted link), "A La Verticale", "Lova Lova", and"Apprendre Moi" the latter two being the best on the album.

Cursive's "Mama, I'm Swollen 10(15?) tracks
Classic Cursive, and nothing much more.  Something about his style rarely leads to stand outs, but "From the Hips" is amazing especially the opening lines of the verses (which are ruined when typed). I have gotten to listen to the bonus tracks, which promise something special-- alternate lyrics for 3 songs, with one having an extra verse. "Going to Hell" is also pretty good by itself.

The Decemberist's "Hazards of Love" 17 tracks
You read that right, 17 songs. Total time is just under an hour, bravo Colin Meloy! I love the cross fade outros in the first half. I just kind of wish the 4 parts of "Hazards Of Love" were in succession, something feels lost as is.  "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid" blew my mind. I resumed my listen with it and it is so different form their usual style I thought I had my player on shuffle. I don't want to ruin this since I bet most all of you will get it in a couple weeks, so all I'll say for individual songs is that "Hazards of Love 1" is my favorite. Also it is nice to be able to write about this...finally.

Metric's "Fantasies" 10(13?) tracks
Not really as great as the pre-order bundle lead me to believe, but still good and new stuff from Emily Haines' angel voice is always appreciated (speaking of which I should grab some Soft Skeleton soon). "Gimme Sympathy" is "Fant"astic, though I kind of prefer the acoustic version (I can't help my acoustical mood). "Help, I'm Alive" might be their best single since "Combat Baby", maybe I'm just hoping for a return to Static Anonymity sound... "Stadium Love" has the most going in the background and is the most fun, easily the best to hear live, even if it sounds like she is saying "Steel Love". Oh and how did "Waves" not make the album? That is just silliness...And who decided to limit that version to 500 copies???? FOR SHAME!!!

"Nick and Norah" vs. "Once" vs. "I'm Not There"

I recently re-watched all these and in doing so I noticed that each has a certain "je ne sais quoi" about them. For a brief moment I even "Once" consider that to be my favorite of the three.

Nick and Norah's Infiinite Playlist
This movie is the favorite, in large part because it has arguable the best of the soundtracks. We all know I love indie rock and this movie may have the best soundtrack I have ever heard. Plus the story is very funny and at times ridiculous. While a movie about people swriling around each other ending in romance it never really gets sappy at all. And the gum bit is grossly hilarious if you follow it.

I'm Not There
The Bob Dylan biopic. Featuring about a dozen people playing him at various points, possibly gets second because of how passable Cate Blanchett is as a man. I love Bob Dylan's work, not as much as Woody Guthrie. Guthrie basically invented anything considered "folk" or "Americana" and solely defines a generation and era of the great depression, plus his guitar "kills fascists" which is pretty damn impressive. So the story is so captivating. The soundtrack is somewhat lackluster, and contains far too much Calexico for my taste since a little goes a long way. Iit does have some serious heavy hitters and is a two disc affair.

Once
I love me some Irish music. Glen Hansard is kind of a genius and Marketa aint bad either. The soundtrack is pretty fucking awesome, especially "Falling Slowly" (he won an Oscar for it) and "Broken Hearted Hoover Sucker Fixer Guy", which reminds me of the songs from "Death To Smoochy". Mellow Irish/Czech fusion indie with just a touch of longing in the heart, brilliant. But, to be perfectly honest the movie isn't that inspiring. It is kind of a huge downer, and neither is a particularly good actor. I would have much preferred them use really actors and then fake the songs.


Last in listening to music for Friday's show (Sam Lowry this time, man is a broody genius), I was thinking about how there is no real Americana movie. Walk the Line, only kind of counts since Johnny Cash had strong gospel and country inclinations. Sure he was dark enough, but that is just not enough for a man like me. Someone should fix this. Also, I think I might just watch "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" tomorrow....

The Long Awaited Return

Wow I totally forgot I had this blog for a bit. I kept up with regular updates elsewhere, but slacked here. Nevermore. Okay maybe once in a while, but I'll be good for a while.

Today is apparently listen to Singles and Remixes day for me.

Metric - Help, I'm Alive
I got both the short radio edit version and the full album version while searching for the acoustic version. This is the first single from their to be released Fantasies, and if the whole thing sounds like this good. This song is a return to their sound from Static Anonymity EP, which is my favorite release of theirs. I love how the line "beating like a hammer" comes in with some reverb.

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Yes, THAT Green Day. Granted this is only a demo version, but since I'm a lyrics guy mainly, I am cool with that. Sounds different than their past work, a sprinkling of American Idiot some older stuff, and as Greg from Bad Religion would say "oohs and aahs". Maybe the final edit will be better but it just sounds dated and trite as this point.

Metronomy - Gold Mine Gutted (Bright Eyes Remix)
I have to say that this is first Bright Eyes remix I have heard, which is kind of sad. That said, Digital Ash definitely lends itself to mixing and I would really enjoy a full album remix. After listening to this I had to compare it with the original, and I have to say the original wins, but just barely. Mogis knows what he is doing and the Metronomy version has the vocals a little too soft to really enjoy the song. The song tells a very powerful story and as such the vocals deserve to be loud. The Metronomy version does have the better beats, since it inspires more of the cartoon/Alice in Wonderland feel I that I sense in the song.

Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch - Lua
This one is from a compilation album benefiting AIDS, the type of stuff I am happy to part with my cash for. Besides this is worth it with exclusives from Conor Oberst, Bon Iver (two of 'em), Ben Gibbard, Decemberists, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Stuart Murdoch (Belle/Sebastian), Cat Power, Arcade Fire, and Andrew Bird...to name a few. Back to the song at hand, this is amazingly good. First of all it is one of my favorite Bright Eyes songs, second it has one of his best lines (second only to one from "Going for The Gold"): "I know you have a heavy heart, I can feel it when we kiss, so many men stronger than me, have thrown their backs out trying to lift" This line now in duet form is both haunting and epic.

Cursive - From The Hips
Classic Tim sound and lyricism. His cadence and rhyme here I would put against Robert Frost any day. In addition this is the most grandiose Cursive song I have heard thus far, brass abounds. Plus a genius opener: "I'm at my best when I'm at my worst/ I'm at my worst when it's not rehearsed" For the part about the cadence, listen to the second verse, which is the reverse of the opener....sort of.

Also I should note that I heard the new Black Eyed Peas single "Boom Boom Pow" and while the title was promising, the song it self is nothing special. Why does everything will.i.am works so hard towards have to be ruined by Fergie?

25 Albums that Changed My Life

Think of 25 albums that had such a profound effect on you they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world. When you finish, tag others, including me. Tag, you're it!

Note: I should note that most are not my favorite albums by these bands, instead many are the first I heard of them.  I limited myself to one album per band (those who know me well know that 5 or so bands have 3+ albums I could not live without). Also, I did the list in a rough chronological order, since each influenced the next. And I left off all compilations (they were my true introduction to most of this, but too confusing for here)

1. Bad Religion - Process of Belief This was the first album I liked every single song on. It opened up my world, I did not know that was possible before this.
2. Good Riddance - A Comprehensive Guide to modern Rebellion I probably listened to this every day in 2D and 3D art, as well as through the halls sophomore year. This epitomizes my journey in raising a social conscious.
3. Dashboard Confessional - Places You Have Come to fear the most My first "emo" album, it opened a whole new genre to me.
4. Rise Against - Revolutions Per Minute I listened to this for basically an entire summer, their follow up was the first album I remember waiting to come out, and I followed every development for nearly a year. They only recently lost "favorite band status" but held it nearly 5 years
5. Anti-Flag - Mobilize This explains my politics better than words.  To listen is to understand me.
6. Alkaline Trio - From Here To Infirmary Angst ridden, defines my "black period" of high school.
7. The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving Quite easily my favorite album of all time.
8. NOFX - War on Errorism Again explains my poltics, and my love of Chomsky and Zinn.
9. Propagandhi - Today's Empires Tomorrows Ashes Introduced me to a bunch of great books (through liner notes) and thinkers.
10. Justin Sane - Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Justice Got me through a lot, especially after I became the black sheep of my family. "We Found A Place" and "Thanks For the Letter" probably saved my life.
11. The Format - Interventions and Lullabies This help heal the wounds in my family, it was the first CD I could play in the car on trips and not worry about swearing.
12.Goldfinger - Open Your Eyes Only later did I realize how big an impact this had on me, along with a couple other things this led to my veganism.
13. Brand New - Deja Entendu When I went vegan, this was my soundtrack. I had health issues (palpitations, obesity) before and those first couple weeks I felt on top of the world.  Even now, more than 5 years later I feel invincible. That feeling is why I never went back to meat or dairy.
14. The Rocket Summer - Calendar Days This became "our" album, by "our" band, with "our" song. He even agreed to sing a concert for us. As great as this one is (second best love album ever to Melee's Devils and Angels), I still can't listen to it without a pain in my heart, maybe that will pass one day.
15. Say Anything - ...Is a real boy I live my life by "Admit It!"
16. The Faint - Danse Macabre My introduction to dance punk. And dancing in general, thanks Ty.
17. Bright Eyes - Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground My introduction to the "boy wonder" and what truly great lyricism and orchestration can do.
18. Sage Francis - Sick of Waging War This showed me that hip-hop and rap are not interchangeable. Hip-hop still knew its roots.
19. Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism Blame this one for getting me into more mellow Indie Rock, with smooth voices.
20. Bayside - The Walking Wounded I tried to make another mix of love songs and later realized that most of them were about her mental illness. Only after our breakup did this make sense to me, I was not happy and my subconscious was telling me. If only I had paid attention in February.
21. Silverstein - Arrivals and Departures I had a difficult go in the "after" period. Brand New's Your Favorite Weapon ain't got nothing on this as a break up album.
22. Motion City Soundtrack - Even If It Kills Me This album felt like it was written for me. Especially "Conversation".
23. Bloc Party - Intimacy My favorite electronic album. The only knock I have with this is the tracklist, it is THAT good.
24. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound Amazingly I did not like this the first time, but after relisten (and 50 or so more), I have come to realize that this is among my all time favorites. Plus its just so damn nostalgic and beautiful.
25. Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War While I had heard this earlier it and loved it, it made the list due to my repeated listens while at the Inauguration. From now on when I think or hear about President Obama, this will be playing in my head.

Random Thoughts

I have spent a good deal of time sifting through my old collection, some comments:
1. I listen to lots of folk (or acoustic rock), lately. I mean more than usual.
2. Same for canadian music, female vocalists, and UK musicians, but not the Irish.
2a. I like every Broken Social Scene "side project" I have heard thus far, but not BSS themselves...although last I gave them a try was a couple years ago.
3. I might have grown out of that whole powerpop thing
4. Canada/Minnesota has the best hip-hop scene around. k-os, P.o.s., Shad, Atmosphere, Eyedea Wow!
5. By the end of the semester it is my goal to have heard every thing ever put out by BSS members and Saddle Creek Records.
6. I once again listen to weird french music. (Canada again) Malajube is quite good.
7. I vow to not listen to more than 8 new albums in a week, despite what work might tell me.

This Is My Most Favorite Time of the Year

Hands down. Why you ask? Because the compiling of my year end lists is over. Now comes the fun, reading through everyone else's list (serious, you got one, I'll read it) and finding stuff that seems interesting. Then I think to myself "How did I not hear this earlier?". Lots of good stuff on the horizon, I can feel it in me bones.

That said musically, break was unproductive, I did diddly for writing. But I did listen to some where around 50 new albums. And Whoa, like whoa! Of late my face has been rocked off by:
Gavin Castleton's "Home
Frightened Rabbit's "The Midnight Organ Fight"
Marnie Stern's "This is It And We Are It...."
Max Tundra's "Parallax Error Beheads You"

Maybe a review or two sometime soonish...Oh and in a non-musical note I made pancakes today. I had been wanting to for at least a month and finally went through with it. That blueberry syrup stuff was also involved. They are gone, but put up a valiant fight with their warm pancakeyness.

I Tried to Write Today

For whatever reason I just could not manage to make any progress on my song ideas, and could only write bad poems. Tomorrow has resume building and job applying in store, so maybe Tuesday will be more productive.

Best Albums of 2008

It took me a while to compile, since I have 237 albums from 2008 according to the Zune software. As usual feel free to add your own favorites (I promise to listen if I don't have them) or tell me I'm wrong.

1. Forgive Durden "Razia's Shadow" - This is an album you have to LISTEN to, there are layers here and with the added affect of Aaron of mewithoutYou's narrations ad the end of a song, you have to pay attention, but when you do you are well rewarded. Turn the lights off and use headphone if need be. With a guest list that rivals "In Defense of the Genre" Mr. Dutton pulled down the stars for this. Like I said earlier...if this does not end up on a stage it is a travesty.
2. Bloc Party "Intimacy" (Bonus, physical) The tracklist prevented this from winning. Seriously. "Zephyrus" with the epic beat and choir should start and "Ion Square" should always end. "Ares" and "Mercury" replaced with the bonus tracks and you have a gem. Even what is on the digital release show brilliance, but "Your Visits Are Getting Shorter" and "Idea For a Story" make it a CD worth buying.
3. The Gaslight Anthem "The '59 Sound" - Every time I listen to this it climbs, but not enough time. Americana threw up an album. If Conor is the Dylan of our generation, then Brian Fallon is the Springsteen (both from Jersey, weird). It took seeing them live for me to get the point, they are better live. "Old White Lincoln" is my favorite, followed by "59 Sound" and "High Lonesome".
4. Pete and The Pirates "Little Death" - So Belle and Sebastian might not release anything new after their movie, we got this dude waiting in the wings. Listen to "She Doesn't Belong to Me" and try to not hear Stuart's voice. "Mr Understanding" makes my foot tap endlessly and "Come On Feet" picks me up.
5. Right Away, Great Captain "The Eventually Home" - I did not know that this was part two of a trilogy. Follows the story of a sailor that comes back to find his love cheating on him, but it more regretful than mad. "Down to Your Soul" "What a Pity" "Cutting off the Blood To Ten" and "I am A Cage" have the best part of the story, but they all seem a little short, while the weaker songs (which aren't that weak) are longer.
6. Rise Against "Appeal To Reason" (Bonus) - So they are my favorite band? They are such for a reason, from start to finish this reeks of emotion and no one has a better grasp of imagery than Tim. NO ONE. PERIOD. Rhyme choke with home? Sure. The only flaw is that the best song "Historia Calamitatum" is a bonus track, its a song based of a 13th century history book. Again only they can pull it off. Also worth a listen are "Entertainment", "Savior", and "Audience of One" the latter of which contain the best line of the album "I brought down the sky for you but all you did was shrug". A great choice for the second single
7. British Sea Power "Do You Like Rock Music?" Everything here sounds familiar while not be similar at all. The answer to the question in the title is irrelevant, because you will "Like This Album". The listful songs "Waving Flags" and "Lights Out For Darker Skies" show their more thoughful side, while "No Lucifer" and "Down on the Ground" are more angst-ridden.
8. Bayside "Shudder" - Arguably the most melancholic (see emo) album on the list, but so starkly beautiful and optimistic. The whole thing is a letter of hope to a drug addict, trying to keep them on the wagon. And Anthony can croon the phonebook and it would wonderful. "What and What Not", "A Call To Arms", "Howard" (Hughes), and "Moceanu" are the best here, with the last being sung/spelled something I had never heard before.
9. Conor Oberst "Conor Oberst" - The Boy Wonder so low? What the hell? And in a year that Rolling Stone said he earned those Dylan comparisions. Recorded in an open field in Mexico (part of the reason for no Bon Iver), it is most mature to date. "Danny Callahan", "I Don't Wanna Die", "Moab", and Milk Thistle" will stand the test of time. Mark my works this a folk classic, and when it get re-released they better add "Synesthete" to it.
10. The Last Shadow Puppets "The Age Of The Understatement" - In case you are wondering what the old west would sound like, this would be it. The first song sounds like riding a horse, and that carries through the album. I, for one, think that Alex should abandon the Arctic Monkeys and sick with this. I haven't figured concept behind, but I feel it. At least download the song "The Age of the Understatement", alright?
11. Titus Andronicus "The Airing of Grievances" - This is what Bright Eyes would sound like if they didn't talk about girls as much and had a wicked guitar player. And he will be in Iowa City in February...lucky me. A really good sounding album, if you can handle somewhat abrasive vocal style, it will be worth it. Amazingly all the songs blend perfectly, even on shuffle. "No Future Part Two: The Day After No Future" is EPIC!
12. Okkervil River "The Stand Ins" This makes the list as the latter half of a double concept album (Max you are such a trendsetter), and like Say Anything's the combined work is much better. "Long Coastlines" and "Starry Stairs" symbolize an album full of deep orchestration and heavy lyricism. "Singer Songwriter" is quiet a lament of a jaded artist, as well as critique "You've got taste, you've got taste,what a waste that that's all that you have."
13. Dan Le Sac "Angles" - Simply the best rapper/MC around. And he is British and beardly to boot! Literary, Film, and Musical reference abound. "Beat That My Heart Skipped", "Angles", "Waiting for the Beat to Kick In", "Rappers Battle", and of course "Thou Shalt Always Kill" all beg a listen.
14. Laura Marling "Alas I Cannot Swim" "Ghosts" and "My Manic and I" are stellar, but what strikes me the most is how the sound of Ani DiFranco has not only passed on to England but to a new generation. I cannot help but wonder how a 17 year old can write with maturity. And sometimes the most shy (she gets panic attacks) are the most powerful.
15. Nada Surf "Lucky" Been listening to these guys since "Popular" and they have almost perfected the pop album. Opens with some great lyrics "Everyone's right and no one is sorry/That's the start and the end of this story" almost comes too close to "You Legs Grow". A generally good chilling album. "See These Bones", "Are You Lightning?", and "I Like What You Say" are best here.
16. Santogold "Santogold" - Urban Philly's answer to MIA, with a twist of Tegan and Sara. "LES Artists" and "Lights Out" seem ripped out of The Con. "Unstoppable" and "Creator Vs. Switch & Freq Nasty" fit right into Kala. "You'll Find A Way" brings to mind Bob Marley. Oh and she hates R&B, and cites Devo and the Pixies as her favorite bands ever.
17. Akon "Freedom" - Yeah I know, the "I wanna **** you" guy. Surprised me too. It should probable be higher, but it is just too produced not in the good way. He has clearly grown up, and this album proves it on "Freedom" and "Sunny Day". He has such a great voice proven on "Birthmark" and "Be With You". He can become so much more if he just makes more socially conscious music like Common.
18. Black Kids "Partie Traumatic" Opens a bit like an 80s action tv show, but I'm cool with that. The whole thing will have you tapping your foot, or shaking your head, if that is more your thing. The title track is the star, but "I've Underestimated My Charm (Again)" includes great imagery (the part about the drunk lady satisfying the statue), while "I Wanna be Your Limousine" is one of the strangest love songs I can remeber.
19. The Killers "Day & Age" "Spaceman" is one of my favorite songs of the year and "This Is Your Life" reminds me of Lion King. Every song tells a very different story, and they have left their egos at the door. Even a smattering of Belle and Sebastian here ("I Can't Stay"), and we all know you can't go wrong with them.
20. Headlights "Some Racing, Some Stopping" Yet another example of how the opening track sets the tone and "Get Your Head Around It" does a job of this, especially the chorus which fades brilliantly. Erin has come into her own on this, and plays off Tristan beautifully "If you could hold, hold, hold your heart in your hand /Would no one demand/To know how you're feeling "
21. Weezer "The Red Album" Often ridiculed for "Pork and Beans" (a song written after the label told them to write a single, they wrote one about nothing, best F-U to a label), it is actually a great album. "Heart Songs" is THE BEST WEEZER SONG EVER, nothing else is close. "Greatest Man" is pure fun to boot. The downside is that some of the non-Rivers songs sound like other bands.
22. The Cool Kids "The Bake Sale EP" Reminds me of that first Gym Class Heroes album, that one with "Taxi Driver", before all those 13 year olds and meat heads got in on them. "Black Mags" is a song about a pimped out bike, "A Little Cooler" talks about the stupid things people do to be cool, but "88" and "What Up Man" are the most fun to little to. Impressive for an EP, they aim to put out 30 songs a year. Oh and a review I read mentioned how they might be able to restore hip-hop to its former glory (aka the late 80s). I agree.
23. Danger Radio "Used and Abused" This album proves that when a band and the producer are in sync, great things just happen. This is swing music for a new generation, and oozes fun."Slow Dance With a Stranger" "Speak To Me" and "Kiss N' Tell" shine here.
24. Faster Than Fashion "Crazy is the New Cool" Remember how great that first Panic! record was? All over the place but bound together by a love of carnie music, then they went all weird. That is what this is like, only replace carnies with synths and some angst. "Scene Queen Guillotine" "Head of the Classless" "Next Year You'll Be So Last Year" and "Killer Cool vs. Living Lame" stand out here.
25. Owl City "Maybe I'm Dreaming" Listening to this just puts you in a good mood, everyday is sunny. Imagery here is strange "If you cut me I suppose I would bleed the colors of the evening stars.", it would be depressing sung any other way. Too bad nothing really stands out like on his EP (Designer Skyline).