Next month on September 20th the Polaris Prize holds their annual gala, announcing the winner of this years prize. The Polaris prize has been given out each year since 2006 to the best Canadian album based solely on artistic merit released in the last year. While it started out slowly, it has quickly become a big deal, possibly even outpacing the Junos for the most prestigious music prize in Canada.
Last year I correctly predicted the winner, Fucked Up, as soon as they had announced the 40 album long list. This year I am taking that one step further, ranking and giving odds to each album. There is nothing scientific about this, but I feel my instinct should be good enough. After all I rack up 40K plays/year on last.fm alone from 2000+ artists, and finally I have 262 hours of music from last year and 189 already this year (on pace for 300).
TSOL by Shad
Clearly the favorite, everything about this album shouts that it will win....and that was before I saw the video for "Rose Garden". Shad has released the best hip-hop album that no one has heard. A google search last month showed only a handful of reviews, all from Canada. This is second shortlist in 4 years and still no respect from the rest of the world. His wordplay is so precise and his flow is perfect on each song. The "Rose Garden" video makes him almost a lock. The video plays backwards showing things he references in the lyric, then halfway through it runs forward now referencing different lyrics with the same action. The video is an artistic achievement in its own right. "Yaa I Get It" see Shad as his best with wordplay, puns abound but they never seem heavy, always witty.
Sainthood by Tegan and Sara
This album is basically tied for second in my mind, but has the slightest edge because a female act has not won the award yet. It could be held back by the judges not having heard all the bonus tracks, which are some of the best on the album (especially the "hurry, hurry, hurry" of "Wrists"). The duo is almost constantly nominated for a Juno, but has yet to win. The songs, written separately by each sister, then combined into the album, play off each beautifully. I tend to like Sara's song better, but that is a case of personality not musicianship. This album sounds like the most esoteric concept album about relationships I have ever heard, if that is the case. Whatever the case, its a strong contender with its indie pop bonafides.
Nice, Nice, Very Nice by Dan Mangan
Dan Mangan has become a Canadian indie sensation, basically because of a single song "Robots" (and to a lesser degree, it's 80s gang showdown video). Something about the way he howls "robots need love too, they want to loved by you", cuts to the quick. The handclap party about ready to fall apart in "Sold" is too fun to ignore, and the meter of rhyme is impressive for someone not backed with beats. The album shows the difficult of life on the road ("Road Regrets" and "Tina's Glorious Comeback"), counterbalanced with introspection ("Pine For Cedars" and "Indie Queens Are Waiting"). His music is great guy with a guitar stuff, but there is so much of that out there. For him to win would make him king of singer-songwriters.
Belmundo Regal by Radio Radio
While not having the technical finesse of Shad, or the longevity of Broken Social Scene or The Sadies, Radio Radio have made a album so enjoyable you forget it's done in three languages. That could make them the dark horse, though Acadian isn't really spoken outside Quebec. (Acadian is Canada's version of Cajun) "Enfant Spécial" is the standout, with "Tomtom" and "Ej Savais Pas Mieux" shortly behind. The album has some weakspots, so it has longer odds.
Forgiveness Rock Record by Broken Social Scene
Had the Polaris Prize been around in 2002 when they released You Forgot It In People, they would have been easy winners, but this album just simply isn't on that same level. Judges are supposed to look at just the album at hand, but the shadow of that release, one of the best Canadian albums of all time, could hold them back. And they also can't win for being Canadian music icons. "Texico Bitches", "Forced to Love" and "Sentimental Xs" are great, but some songs get bogged down by length and complexity "World Sick", I'm looking at you.
Above, any album has a good chance of winning; Below, we have a serious drop off in odds, and I would be truly shocked to any of these win. Not that any of these are "bad", just that that appeal to smaller niches or have some baggage.
Heartland by Owen Pallett
Owen won in the inaugural Polaris Prize, under the moniker Final Fantasy. That is his baggage with this album, it simply doesn't stand out enough to become the first two timer winner in the 5 year history of the prize. It also sounds too similar to that previous album. Think if Andrew Bird were asked to record the soundtrack for the original Zelda game. Strings and Electronica are concoction that works wonderfully, but is not meant for beginners. The songs with Lewis in the title stand out, and had this been a concept album about him he could win, but as such it seems a little too cluttered and disconnected.
Swim by Caribou
Another previous winner, this time in 2008. The biggest problem with the album is that it sounds like something anyone with enough free time and a computer could do. Only the opening track "Odessa" is anywhere near mindblowing, and slide begins from their. The appeal of his brand of electronic psychedelia isn't broad enough for him to win, but as a former winner, I'm not counting out his appeal to certain judges from two years ago.
The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night by The Besnard Lakes
While I have certain love of shoegaze, especially live, there's nothing here that stands out vividly in their sea of 6 and 7 minute long songs. The album is certainly good, indeed better than some above on this list, it just doesn't strike me as the artistic achievement of the caliber needed to win. "Albatross" encapsulates the album in a song for those interested in shoegaze.
Darker Circles by The Sadies
Think Canadian version of The Avett Brothers, even the voice sounds similiar. Like the Avetts, The Sadies are also brothers, this time named Good. Solid alt-country, with a dash of bluegrass, late 60s Beatles, and unexpected mandolin solos. The dueling guitars one this album is fun, one recklessly sauntering along, the other plucked with precision. Again I just don't think this fits the "artistic merit" part enough, especially in a 70 year old genre. If they do win, it will likely be because of "Tell Her What I Said"
Les Chemins de Verre by Karkwa
Simply put I do not think a Quebecois album has enough appeal in the rest of Canada to win, but I would certainly enjoy being surprised.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Top Ten Albums 01.25.10
Honorable Mention: "City Route 85 EP" by John K. Samson
It's no secret that Samson writes some of the most beautiful music on the planet. I don't think he has written a single song since the first Weakerthans album I don't love. This is the first in a series of EPs about roads in Manitoba. "Heart of the Continent" sounds a lot like "One Great City!" from Reconstruction Site, which I dig.
1. "Odd Blood" by Yeasayer
The more I listening to this album the more I realize this isn't a contender for Best Album of 2010. It may very well be among best in the decade. After a dozen or so listens, I can't find anything wrong with it. Beyond this it holds up to shuffle, the mark of a truly great album. Most played: "ONE", "Mondegreen", and "Madder Red"
2. "Questamation" by Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker
This might be the first time the top two stayed. Not as big on it this week, but still great, the weak spots are starting to show. I got more shades of Beck than Kurt Cobain in the vocals this week. Most played: "Laces Out", "Neurochemical Warfare Gas Masquerade", and "3 Purple Butterflies"
3. "This Addiction" by Alkaline Trio
I've been waiting for this since I first heard they were recording last May. Lived up to my expectations. Not a return to their Goddammit days like they promised, I hear more shades of Good Mourning. "Dine, Dine My Darling" turned out to be my favorite track (like I predicted), it reminds me a lot of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes' cover of "Goodbye Earl". The album as a whole is a lot darker than their recent work, but not in a sad way. You might call it "Poe Rock", music with with a brooding melancholy and crows. Most played: "Dine Dine My Darling", "Off The Map", and "Eating Me Alive" (which sound like it might have been stolen from Skiba's side project, Heavens.
4. "My Dinosaur Life" by Motion City Soundtrack
This album makes an appearance in large part due to the bonus tracks. Something about Justin's voice with an acoustic guitar is like crack to my ears. I also enjoy how they added a little synth to the mix, it makes them just about the perfect sing-a-long songs. I just can't understand how "So Long Farewell" was left off the album, it's by far the best song Most played: "So Long Farewell", "Disappear (alt. version)", "A Lifeless Ordinary (acoustic)", and "Delirium"
5. "The 59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem
Haven't listened to them in a bit, so I threw it into the mix. Over a year after I first heard it still evokes the same level of emotion. And it makes me impatient for their new album, which got a title and release date ("American Slang", June 15th) Most played: "The '59 Sound", "Great Expectations", and "Miles Davis and the Cool"
6. "IRM" by Charlottle Gainsbourg
The lead single "Heaven Can Wait" evokes shades of Revolver-era Beatles and the rest of the album keeps up. It sounds as though the Beach Boys and Beatles took a bunch of songs and said "We can't use these, they need a to be sung by a woman". This is much a compliment to Beck's production as to Charlotte's writing. She is anomaly among French singers, she is at her best when singing in English. Most played: "Heaven Can Wait", "Dandelion", and "IRM"
7. "Lever L'Ancre" by Alfa Racoco
I took the time to listen to the lyrics here and they are beautiful. My french is a bit off, so it takes a while, but I can catch most of it. The title track is wonderfully dichotomous Most played: "Lever L'Ancre", "Peau De Chagrin", and "La Laboratoire"
8. "A Little Place In The Wilderness" by Memphis
I started listening to "Heart" by Stars, Torquil's other band, but just wanted to hear his voice. First I went to his other project, Dead Child Stars, before setting on this album. A tough to find album, but a gem worth the effort. Almost jazzy and lounge like. I'd love to hear "Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey" in a bar sometime. Most played: "Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey", " Swallows and Amazons", and "A Ghost Story" (which sounds like a solo version of Stars' "Personal")
9. "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" by Bright Eyes
A flashback to one of my favorite albums, after hearing news of his album nearing completion and a re-recording of an EP. Most played: "Easy/Luck/Free", "Light Pollution", and "I Believe in Symmetry"
10. "Everybody Make Some Noise" by The A.K.A.'s (Are Everywhere)
It's been a year since I went to DC for Obama's Inauguration and the corresponding "Punk Rock Inaugural Ball". The A.K.A.'s (and Mike Ski) put on a killer show. Blew everyone away. This album is just a fun dancehall album (or as the band calls themself "dancehall fight music"). Thrashing guitars and keyboards set to organ music with 4 members singing and sing-a-long choruses, what's not to love? Most played: "Dead Flowers Forever", "Knives on 45s", and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mouth"
I also did end up getting around to listening to Vampire Weekend's "Contra" and Ok Go's "Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky" it's just neither really was in my wheelhouse, a lot of the stuff seemed generic. Though, gun to my head, I would say Ok Go had the better album. A number of things didn't make the list, due to being too late in the week, but I assure you the list will change next week. I went on a dance-punk binge, with a dash of atheist hip-hop (such a thing does exist), acoustic, and rockabilly.
It's no secret that Samson writes some of the most beautiful music on the planet. I don't think he has written a single song since the first Weakerthans album I don't love. This is the first in a series of EPs about roads in Manitoba. "Heart of the Continent" sounds a lot like "One Great City!" from Reconstruction Site, which I dig.
1. "Odd Blood" by Yeasayer
The more I listening to this album the more I realize this isn't a contender for Best Album of 2010. It may very well be among best in the decade. After a dozen or so listens, I can't find anything wrong with it. Beyond this it holds up to shuffle, the mark of a truly great album. Most played: "ONE", "Mondegreen", and "Madder Red"
2. "Questamation" by Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker
This might be the first time the top two stayed. Not as big on it this week, but still great, the weak spots are starting to show. I got more shades of Beck than Kurt Cobain in the vocals this week. Most played: "Laces Out", "Neurochemical Warfare Gas Masquerade", and "3 Purple Butterflies"
3. "This Addiction" by Alkaline Trio
I've been waiting for this since I first heard they were recording last May. Lived up to my expectations. Not a return to their Goddammit days like they promised, I hear more shades of Good Mourning. "Dine, Dine My Darling" turned out to be my favorite track (like I predicted), it reminds me a lot of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes' cover of "Goodbye Earl". The album as a whole is a lot darker than their recent work, but not in a sad way. You might call it "Poe Rock", music with with a brooding melancholy and crows. Most played: "Dine Dine My Darling", "Off The Map", and "Eating Me Alive" (which sound like it might have been stolen from Skiba's side project, Heavens.
4. "My Dinosaur Life" by Motion City Soundtrack
This album makes an appearance in large part due to the bonus tracks. Something about Justin's voice with an acoustic guitar is like crack to my ears. I also enjoy how they added a little synth to the mix, it makes them just about the perfect sing-a-long songs. I just can't understand how "So Long Farewell" was left off the album, it's by far the best song Most played: "So Long Farewell", "Disappear (alt. version)", "A Lifeless Ordinary (acoustic)", and "Delirium"
5. "The 59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem
Haven't listened to them in a bit, so I threw it into the mix. Over a year after I first heard it still evokes the same level of emotion. And it makes me impatient for their new album, which got a title and release date ("American Slang", June 15th) Most played: "The '59 Sound", "Great Expectations", and "Miles Davis and the Cool"
6. "IRM" by Charlottle Gainsbourg
The lead single "Heaven Can Wait" evokes shades of Revolver-era Beatles and the rest of the album keeps up. It sounds as though the Beach Boys and Beatles took a bunch of songs and said "We can't use these, they need a to be sung by a woman". This is much a compliment to Beck's production as to Charlotte's writing. She is anomaly among French singers, she is at her best when singing in English. Most played: "Heaven Can Wait", "Dandelion", and "IRM"
7. "Lever L'Ancre" by Alfa Racoco
I took the time to listen to the lyrics here and they are beautiful. My french is a bit off, so it takes a while, but I can catch most of it. The title track is wonderfully dichotomous Most played: "Lever L'Ancre", "Peau De Chagrin", and "La Laboratoire"
8. "A Little Place In The Wilderness" by Memphis
I started listening to "Heart" by Stars, Torquil's other band, but just wanted to hear his voice. First I went to his other project, Dead Child Stars, before setting on this album. A tough to find album, but a gem worth the effort. Almost jazzy and lounge like. I'd love to hear "Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey" in a bar sometime. Most played: "Incredibly Drunk on Whiskey", " Swallows and Amazons", and "A Ghost Story" (which sounds like a solo version of Stars' "Personal")
9. "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn" by Bright Eyes
A flashback to one of my favorite albums, after hearing news of his album nearing completion and a re-recording of an EP. Most played: "Easy/Luck/Free", "Light Pollution", and "I Believe in Symmetry"
10. "Everybody Make Some Noise" by The A.K.A.'s (Are Everywhere)
It's been a year since I went to DC for Obama's Inauguration and the corresponding "Punk Rock Inaugural Ball". The A.K.A.'s (and Mike Ski) put on a killer show. Blew everyone away. This album is just a fun dancehall album (or as the band calls themself "dancehall fight music"). Thrashing guitars and keyboards set to organ music with 4 members singing and sing-a-long choruses, what's not to love? Most played: "Dead Flowers Forever", "Knives on 45s", and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mouth"
I also did end up getting around to listening to Vampire Weekend's "Contra" and Ok Go's "Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky" it's just neither really was in my wheelhouse, a lot of the stuff seemed generic. Though, gun to my head, I would say Ok Go had the better album. A number of things didn't make the list, due to being too late in the week, but I assure you the list will change next week. I went on a dance-punk binge, with a dash of atheist hip-hop (such a thing does exist), acoustic, and rockabilly.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Music News 18.01.10
Every once in a while I come across various stories and news. Sometimes it's during research for an interview or album review, but most of the time it's part of my quest for the newest stuff. In my endeavour to keep this place up to date with my columns, I'll post this stuff from time to time.
Despite iPods and Walkmen, Rates of Hearing Loss Dropping
A super cool story about how hearing loss is decreasing not because of quieter music, but better health and quieter city streets and safer workplaces. I totally approve, but I wonder if it applies to those like me who see around 30 concerts a year and frequent bars with live music as well. I wear earplugs, just in case though.
Moshcam
An Australian website that streams high-definition concerts in full from a bunch of bands. Gaslight Anthem, The Faint, Stars, Tegan and Sara, Propagandhi, and Thrice all show up, along with some 350 others. Lately I've taken to streaming concerts when I have been to one in a while or want to see if a band puts on a good live show.
Filles Sourires
I have a thing for chicks singing in French. Here's where I find some of that stuff.
Why the Cassette Never Died
I agree that it the most personal of formats, but few people have the means to play or compile them. I love giving people music, but a burned CD or internet playlist is so much easier. Plus CD-Rs have way more space to doodle with a sharpie.
You don't turn down Paul McCartney
Dave Grohl turned Sir Paul when he asked to play bass in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures. Led Zeppelin was famous for lead guitar, not bass. Oh well, their album sucked. For that matter I've never liked anything with Grohl except "Colour and Shape" from Foo Fighters.
In Album news:
Gaslight Anthem titled their new album "American Slang." Brian said like "The '59 Sound" was Gaslight-does-Springsteen, the new album is more influenced by The Who and personal like his short lived solo project. June 15th.
Stars also titled their new album, "The Black House, The Blue Sky". Torq also stated that mixing is almost complete. My guess based on what I know about Arts&Crafts release schedule would be an August or release. Also expect lots of Youtube videos of new songs when they play at the Cultural Olympiad.
Monsters of Folk/Bright Eyes/She and Him
--Bright Eyes is re-issuing the Neva Dinova split, with 4 brand new tracks. My source was right about Conor being in studio, turns out we get more from a great EP (though I'd have preferred more from the Son, Ambulance split). He is also recording the last Bright Eyes album. Again with a mid-summer release in mind.
--Monsters Of Folk was subject of a twitter prank about them recording a second album.
--She and Him confirmed a March 23 release date for "Volume Two"
Despite iPods and Walkmen, Rates of Hearing Loss Dropping
A super cool story about how hearing loss is decreasing not because of quieter music, but better health and quieter city streets and safer workplaces. I totally approve, but I wonder if it applies to those like me who see around 30 concerts a year and frequent bars with live music as well. I wear earplugs, just in case though.
Moshcam
An Australian website that streams high-definition concerts in full from a bunch of bands. Gaslight Anthem, The Faint, Stars, Tegan and Sara, Propagandhi, and Thrice all show up, along with some 350 others. Lately I've taken to streaming concerts when I have been to one in a while or want to see if a band puts on a good live show.
Filles Sourires
I have a thing for chicks singing in French. Here's where I find some of that stuff.
Why the Cassette Never Died
I agree that it the most personal of formats, but few people have the means to play or compile them. I love giving people music, but a burned CD or internet playlist is so much easier. Plus CD-Rs have way more space to doodle with a sharpie.
You don't turn down Paul McCartney
Dave Grohl turned Sir Paul when he asked to play bass in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures. Led Zeppelin was famous for lead guitar, not bass. Oh well, their album sucked. For that matter I've never liked anything with Grohl except "Colour and Shape" from Foo Fighters.
In Album news:
Gaslight Anthem titled their new album "American Slang." Brian said like "The '59 Sound" was Gaslight-does-Springsteen, the new album is more influenced by The Who and personal like his short lived solo project. June 15th.
Stars also titled their new album, "The Black House, The Blue Sky". Torq also stated that mixing is almost complete. My guess based on what I know about Arts&Crafts release schedule would be an August or release. Also expect lots of Youtube videos of new songs when they play at the Cultural Olympiad.
Monsters of Folk/Bright Eyes/She and Him
--Bright Eyes is re-issuing the Neva Dinova split, with 4 brand new tracks. My source was right about Conor being in studio, turns out we get more from a great EP (though I'd have preferred more from the Son, Ambulance split). He is also recording the last Bright Eyes album. Again with a mid-summer release in mind.
--Monsters Of Folk was subject of a twitter prank about them recording a second album.
--She and Him confirmed a March 23 release date for "Volume Two"
First Top Ten of 2010
After about a month away first due to lists, then an unfortunate mishap, I'm back. It's not often I feel kicked in the teeth by greatness, and this week it happened a bunch.
1. "Odd Blood" by Yeasayer
I've never big a big fan, I put them in the same category as Radiohead and TV on the Radio, lots of hype. I was sadly mistaken. This album is damn near flawless and even has me rethinking certain aspects of electronic music. Ground shaking. "Ambling Alp" may have a weird video with naked people being chased by a guy with a mirror face and sparkly goo people being born, but it is undeniably catchy. This is good enough to buy the vinyl, and I get sent this stuff for free. That's saying something. Most played: "Ambling Alp", "Madder Red", and "ONE"
2. "Questamation" by Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker
I wanted this to be tops, but has some weak spots, unlike Odd Blood. Then again this is a debut... "Neurochemical Warfare Gas Masquerade" is definitely on my "pump me up" list. I resist the urge to dance even writing this, plus "When my laundry is through I will tumble" is a wonderful line. Think dance/house music sung by a 90s alt/grunge act. Or Sense Field meets The Faint. Most played: "Neurochemical Warfare Gas Masquerade", "Cloudboy", and "Visionary Science Patrol"
3. "My Dinosaur Life" by Motion City Soundtrack
My personal bias for them notwithstanding, this album moves. I'm not really big on the lack of synth breakdowns, but album flows better without. Justin staccato vocals are just so damn fun, I forget that he's even swearing. "Disappear" was my song of 2009, and this album lives up to lead single. Even the slow songs seem fast. Most Played: "Disappear", "Delirium", and "A Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help)"
4. "Lever L'ancre" by Alfa Rococo
I recently got a whole bunch of French music from Quebec. Totally worth the 2 weeks it took to get here. Beautiful walking music, ideally in a city with snow, but either is fine. Sometimes is verges toward cafe music, but steers clear of those pitfalls. They let the lyrics grow and then trim them back with an instrumental. It's been a long time since I heard such perfect use of a bridge. And like many male-female singers there clearly a fit, in this case when Justine takes the lead and David backs her. Most played: "Les Jours De Pluie", "Je Pense À Toi", and "Horribles Gens"
5. "The Fame Monster" by Lady Gaga
I want to dislike this, but she definitely has talent. She may be a bit insane (I blame the coke) but she can make good pop music. The lead single "Bad Romance" even has a verse in French. In a lot of ways it sounds like mid-70s ABBA was transported to 2009. A marked change from songs like "Boys Boys Boys" and a disco stick. There is palpable emotion here, even if it is hidden behind layers of production and a vocoder. I hope she sticks with this new turn. Most played: "Monster", "Bad Romance", and "So Happy I Could Die"
6. "No Really, I'm Fine" by The Spill Canvas
I sometimes forget this is an emo album from an emo band. It feels more forlorn than sad, though there is a tinge of anger in the vocals. And "Connect the Dots" is among my favorite love songs ever. Most played: "Battles", "Connect the Dots", and "Reckless Abandonment"
7. "The Bachelor" by Patrick Wolf
The most recent offering from the English wunderkid. Sounds like Morrissey singing over a symphony that brought in daft punk for some parts. Most Played: "Oblivion" (album in 3:23), "Damaris", and "The Messenger"
8. "Third Eye Blind" by Third Eye Blind
Never noticed how good the non-singles are here. Most played: "The Background", "Burning Man", and "Jumper" (any mention of this album must include this song, I'm pretty sure it's a law.)
I rarely write about album failure, but sometimes it's needed. So these two round out the list
9. "Heligoland" by Massive Attack
It's not a good sign when a reviewer gets bored, and more so when they get upset at you for wasting their time. This album is an example of this effect.
10. "Heartland" by Owen Pallett
Owen Pallett changed his name from Final Fantasy and went from someone who "Poos Clouds" (his debut) to someone who just takes a shit all over a disc and calls it music. The former even won the inaugural Polaris Music for artistic achievement in Canadian. THAT album is brilliant. Then again, it was 5 years and some people are one hit wonders. THIS album is forgettable in about every, I had to remind myself who I was listening to.
Honorable Mention: "This Addiction" by Alkaline Trio
I got a couple tracks from their new album, not enough for a proper place, but it's good. The title track "This Addiction" uses heroin addiction as a metaphor for love, something so brilliant I wonder why no one did it sooner. "The American Scream" reminds me of "Warbrain" from the Rock Against Bush comp. "Off The Map" has a definite Good Mourning feel to it, but I was really hoping for "Dine, Dine My Darling". When I saw them live in May that was my favorite.
Next week look for new stuff from Vampire Weekend and Ok Go among others.
1. "Odd Blood" by Yeasayer
I've never big a big fan, I put them in the same category as Radiohead and TV on the Radio, lots of hype. I was sadly mistaken. This album is damn near flawless and even has me rethinking certain aspects of electronic music. Ground shaking. "Ambling Alp" may have a weird video with naked people being chased by a guy with a mirror face and sparkly goo people being born, but it is undeniably catchy. This is good enough to buy the vinyl, and I get sent this stuff for free. That's saying something. Most played: "Ambling Alp", "Madder Red", and "ONE"
2. "Questamation" by Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker
I wanted this to be tops, but has some weak spots, unlike Odd Blood. Then again this is a debut... "Neurochemical Warfare Gas Masquerade" is definitely on my "pump me up" list. I resist the urge to dance even writing this, plus "When my laundry is through I will tumble" is a wonderful line. Think dance/house music sung by a 90s alt/grunge act. Or Sense Field meets The Faint. Most played: "Neurochemical Warfare Gas Masquerade", "Cloudboy", and "Visionary Science Patrol"
3. "My Dinosaur Life" by Motion City Soundtrack
My personal bias for them notwithstanding, this album moves. I'm not really big on the lack of synth breakdowns, but album flows better without. Justin staccato vocals are just so damn fun, I forget that he's even swearing. "Disappear" was my song of 2009, and this album lives up to lead single. Even the slow songs seem fast. Most Played: "Disappear", "Delirium", and "A Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help)"
4. "Lever L'ancre" by Alfa Rococo
I recently got a whole bunch of French music from Quebec. Totally worth the 2 weeks it took to get here. Beautiful walking music, ideally in a city with snow, but either is fine. Sometimes is verges toward cafe music, but steers clear of those pitfalls. They let the lyrics grow and then trim them back with an instrumental. It's been a long time since I heard such perfect use of a bridge. And like many male-female singers there clearly a fit, in this case when Justine takes the lead and David backs her. Most played: "Les Jours De Pluie", "Je Pense À Toi", and "Horribles Gens"
5. "The Fame Monster" by Lady Gaga
I want to dislike this, but she definitely has talent. She may be a bit insane (I blame the coke) but she can make good pop music. The lead single "Bad Romance" even has a verse in French. In a lot of ways it sounds like mid-70s ABBA was transported to 2009. A marked change from songs like "Boys Boys Boys" and a disco stick. There is palpable emotion here, even if it is hidden behind layers of production and a vocoder. I hope she sticks with this new turn. Most played: "Monster", "Bad Romance", and "So Happy I Could Die"
6. "No Really, I'm Fine" by The Spill Canvas
I sometimes forget this is an emo album from an emo band. It feels more forlorn than sad, though there is a tinge of anger in the vocals. And "Connect the Dots" is among my favorite love songs ever. Most played: "Battles", "Connect the Dots", and "Reckless Abandonment"
7. "The Bachelor" by Patrick Wolf
The most recent offering from the English wunderkid. Sounds like Morrissey singing over a symphony that brought in daft punk for some parts. Most Played: "Oblivion" (album in 3:23), "Damaris", and "The Messenger"
8. "Third Eye Blind" by Third Eye Blind
Never noticed how good the non-singles are here. Most played: "The Background", "Burning Man", and "Jumper" (any mention of this album must include this song, I'm pretty sure it's a law.)
I rarely write about album failure, but sometimes it's needed. So these two round out the list
9. "Heligoland" by Massive Attack
It's not a good sign when a reviewer gets bored, and more so when they get upset at you for wasting their time. This album is an example of this effect.
10. "Heartland" by Owen Pallett
Owen Pallett changed his name from Final Fantasy and went from someone who "Poos Clouds" (his debut) to someone who just takes a shit all over a disc and calls it music. The former even won the inaugural Polaris Music for artistic achievement in Canadian. THAT album is brilliant. Then again, it was 5 years and some people are one hit wonders. THIS album is forgettable in about every, I had to remind myself who I was listening to.
Honorable Mention: "This Addiction" by Alkaline Trio
I got a couple tracks from their new album, not enough for a proper place, but it's good. The title track "This Addiction" uses heroin addiction as a metaphor for love, something so brilliant I wonder why no one did it sooner. "The American Scream" reminds me of "Warbrain" from the Rock Against Bush comp. "Off The Map" has a definite Good Mourning feel to it, but I was really hoping for "Dine, Dine My Darling". When I saw them live in May that was my favorite.
Next week look for new stuff from Vampire Weekend and Ok Go among others.
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