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...
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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"
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"
Friday, September 11, 2009
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"
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"
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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"
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"
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