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.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
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.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
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).
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).
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