Woo, we're spent. The four of us at Speakers are taking a brief vacation from music blogging, but we'll return on our 1st birthday, January 4th. Happy Holidays + Happy New Year!
Katie, Jason, Matt + Darren
PS - To tide you over, check out our Best Songs and Best Albums of 2010.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Best Local Music Moments of 2010
Our last feature in our Best of 2010 series is a tribute to Saint Louis local music, photographers, venues, festivals, and everything in between. Who better to celebrate the fantastic local talent our city boasts than the musicians themselves? That's why we asked Sleepy Kitty, Andy Berkhout, US English, Cassie Morgan & The Lonely Pine, So Much Closer, Geoff Koch, and The Blind Eyes to talk to us about their favorite (mostly) musical moments of the year.
Evan Sult and Paige Brubeck of Sleepy Kitty
This has been a rich, and strange, year of music. Sleepy Kitty's favorite release of 2010 might actually be one that was recorded in 2002: Fantasy Four's Getting Fantastic with... on Pancake Productions. We're only sorry we missed those harmonies and tight, funny songs when they were available to be seen live. The other big news for us is Daniel Blunt's "Only You," released this month, just barely in time to qualify. The songs' contents may or may not apply to you, but the melodies, and producer Gabe Doiron's ace arrangements, will get so stuck in your head if you give the album half a chance. Both of those are great albums that happen to come from Saint Louis, though we'll stack 'em against all comers.
Paige's out-of-town favorites include The Strange Boys' Be Brave, The Like's Release Me, Karen Elson's The Ghost Who Walks, and The Lake's recent EP compendium, the name of which escapes me. For me, I got great musical pleasure out of the book Life, less for the dish on Mick Jagger and more for his writing voice and his overall piratical love of music and trouble-making.
Also, it's impossible not to mention the time-traveling pleasures of the Pavement reunion tour; we got to see them once in Chicago and once in Atlanta, and they did their songs proud. And, those are some of the best songs we've ever heard. This was also LouFest's inaugural year, and we had a very good time that whole weekend. For shows, I feel I can say with confidence that The Blind Eyes' rendition of Fleetwood Mac at The Firebird's An Undercover Weekend was unforgettable. But quite possibly the most amazing show of the year was performed by a teen werewolf, Dracula, and the bride of Frankenstein; that would be Wormwood Scrubs' legendary Halloween show at El Leñador. In fact, Stag Nite at El Leñador became the big surprise venue of the year. Thank you, Johnny Vegas. As for national musical moments, all those Kanyes and Taylors will frankly have to take a number behind the auto-tuned Double Rainbow song. And finally, the biggest and best trend in the Saint Louis music scene, in our opinion, was the wave of clubs that went non-smoking this year. A year from now, no one will be sorry. Onward to 2011!
Andy Berkhout
I'll be the first to admit that I find "Best of" lists to be a bit intimidating. I can probably trace my first experience with one back to when my first grade class held a contest to see which student was "the best" at tying shoes and could complete the seemingly impossible task in the shortest amount of time. There was so much pressure. What was I going to do? What would my classmates think of me? Would I ever make it to the second grade? I was too nervous to even say anything.
One by one, each student took his or her turn until all eyes were on me. I tried to smile and looked down at my feet. The gazes of everyone else followed. I was wearing velcro shoes.
I learned an important lesson about "Best of" lists that day. They can never completely account for all of the experiences or items that they're trying to sum up. This lesson is still true as I try to think of my favorite music from 2010. I am only one person with my own musical tastes and experiences. I don't claim to be able to provide you with any kind of definitive list. But I can tell you about a few albums that stand out in my mind as honest representations of musicians putting their best selves forward to create something truly special. Without further ado, here is that list: three albums from 2010 that mean something.
1 Cassie Morgan and the Lonely Pine - Weathered Hands, Weary Eyes
Cassie Morgan and bandmate Beth Bombara create a beautiful landscape of acoustic melodies and hushed harmonies. Sit back, relax, and embrace the warmth that only analog tape can bring.
Tracks to Spend Some Extra Time On: "No More Tears," "Peasant Song"
2 Conrad Plymouth - Conrad Plymouth
Conrad Plymouth call their sound "Midwestercana," and I can think of no better way to describe it. This four-song EP showcases an array of reverb-laden guitars, ethereal keys and percussion, and some incredible storyelling. It ends just as you start to settle in and will leave you waiting for a full-length.
Tracks to Spend Some Extra Time On: "Captain Video," "Fergus Falls"
3 Beth Bombara - Wish I Were You
From the opening chimes of a steel guitar to a trombone part that takes me to a street corner in the French Quarter, this album demonstrates Bombara's unique ability to craft little pieces of indie rock bliss. Your head will nod and your foot will tap; don't fight it.
Tracks to Spend Some Extra Time On: "Rainbow," "Abandon Ship"
James McAnally of US English
2010 felt transitional, both in local and national music. I am expecting an exciting year in 2011 because so many new platforms are opening up as musicians learn to move forward in the post-torrent environment. Live music fared particularly well in Saint Louis with venues and event planners making things happen. In Saint Louis, events like Black Friday and Financial Aid put on by friends of ours who run Lane 4 (Ryan Powell, Kaveh Razani, Stan Chisolm) set the stage for more innovative live experiences bringing more diverse elements together. The Secret Sound Festival on Cherokee had a similar impact, laying the groundwork for what should be an influential yearly event. I'm also really excited by the underground music emerging locally, as well in venues like Floating Laboratories, which feels ready to be brought to a national audience.
Obviously, we are really excited to be a part of Post Literate, a new art and music label loosely based in St. Louis. It is releasing art and music side-by-side, emphasizing projects that are not easily classified.
On a broader level, I'm excited to see the influence of artists such as James Blake and Gold Panda, who seem to be making electronic music more emotional after a period of party/beach/lo-fi anthems. Hopefully, we fit in that realm somewhere, trying to use digital elements to make something relevant and human. Maybe we are just excited about 2011 because we are wrapping up our next EP, Used Future, which will come out in February. Consider this an early toast.
Cassie Morgan of Cassie Morgan & The Lonely Pine
In terms of favorite shows or music events in Saint Louis in the past year (there were a lot of great ones), these are just few that really stuck with me. Saint Louis concert goers were already sold on the Deer Tick show experience, but the band truly won my heart when they came through in August and donated a portion of the proceeds from the sold-out show to a memorial fund for Dave Hagerty, a well-loved Saint Louis musician who had recently passed away. It was a generous gesture, and one that showed extraordinary respect. Plus, Deer Tick gave the crowd yet another blast of a show.
The excitement surrounding events like An Undercover Weekend and the RFT Music Showcase was exhilarating. Saint Louis musicians really delivered at both events, and it made me proud to be a part of this music community. Other stand-out show experiences from 2010 include seeing Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs at The Firebird, being completely enchanted by Jonsi at The Pageant, and singing along with the sweaty Mumford and Sons crowd after the distinct honor of opening for them at Off Broadway. Time and again, I stood in awe at the quality of musicianship from both local and national acts. 2010 was, indeed, a good year for music.
All that being said, I had the exciting honor of headlining the Duck Room in January, which turned out to be the first show of the decade there. I had more shows with versions of full bands, and I had some out of town shows. In the spring, I played with Gregory Alan Isakov (Colorado) at The Old Rock House and Joshua James (Utah) at The Duck Room. [They are] absolutely tremendous songwriters who I've listened to over and over since then. I discovered and have become addicted to Gregory Alan Isakov's 2009 album, This Empty Northern Hemisphere. If you're only going to listen to two songs for the rest of your life, listen to "Evelyn" and "Master & A Hound: from that record - simply stunning.
1 BDR Records show releasing Test Patterns and the Welders 7" I'm not from Saint Louis originally (or old or cool enough for that matter), so the Welders and all of the bands on the Test Patterns comp are completely new to me. Bunnygrunt and Medical Tourists played this show. Both were great. The best part of the night, though, was the solidly middle age, but still foxy, members of the Welders in attendance grinning ear to ear and hopping onstage with Bunnygrunt for a performance of their would-be hit, "P-E-R-V-E-R-T."
2. Old Lights I made a "Best of Saint Louis 2009" CD that featured an Old Lights song, but right around the time I became aware of their existence, I learned that they had packed up and moved to Oregon. Fortunately for those of us in Saint Louis, they returned with a new line-up and started playing out again. I saw them a few different times and am really looking forward to their forthcoming record.
3 An Undercover Weekend It is probably cheating to include this, as The Blind Eyes were a part of it, but this event was so much fun that I couldn't resist. We [The Blind Eyes] were extremely fortunate to collaborate with Beth Bombara, Cassie Morgan, Paige Brubeck (Sleepy Kitty), Sunyatta Marshall, and Brad Springmeyer on our Fleetwood Mac set. There were too many great performances on those three shows to mention them all, but John Joern joining Via Dove for "Hunger Strike," Cassie Morgan uncharacteristically rocking an electric guitar as one of The Breeders, and the lush, organic treatment of the Postal Service catalog by Union Tree Review all stand out in my mind.
4 "Gimme Tonight" by Tight Pants Syndrome The newest TPS record is a ton of fun and notable for its tight harmony singing. For whatever reason, "Gimme Tonight" is a song that I listened to over and over again when I got the record. Also, they deserve mention for the cover of Blue Oyster Cult's "Burnin' for You" they performed at their CD release show.
5 The Livers perform "Enter Sandman" on 9/02/10 Booze, roller skating, and '90s rock? Yes, please. This whole show was great, although it turns out I'm not much of a skater. The Livers set featured a modified version of the classic "I'm not a chicken, you're a turkey" public service announcement and an "Enter Sandman" video starring Ryan Zimmerman of The Humanoids eating a sandwich (maybe crackers or cookies, can't remember for sure) which was somehow one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
6 TILTS' "Hot for Pizza" Song title of the year and further proof I should probably give up the guitar.
7 Cassie Morgan & the Lonely Pine's Battleship table Apparently the only thing that can effectively prop up the Jaymar piano so essential to CM&tLP's sound is the board game, Battleship. I had assumed it was just an empty box, but I've been told that the game still resides inside. Besides that, Weathered Hands, Weary Eyes is a wonderful, dark record.
8 Jason Hutto I knew this dude was fully committed to rock 'n' roll when at this year's RFT Music Showcase, he wore cowboy boots and a leather jacket for the entirety of a 95 degree day. His playing with Warm Jets USA and Bunnygrunt as well as his production work on a fine record by Popular Mechanics and the upcoming Sleepy Kitty record (at least one song of which has made its way to KDHX) are all worthy of praise.
9 Kentucky Knife Fight They released the excellent We're All Nameless Here, which they recorded over just a couple of days at Firebrand Recording and hey, look at that! They're playing with us at Off Broadway on New Year's Eve at what would certainly be an event on this list, if only I could go back to the future to write it. Hope to see you there! Cheers.
This has been a rich, and strange, year of music. Sleepy Kitty's favorite release of 2010 might actually be one that was recorded in 2002: Fantasy Four's Getting Fantastic with... on Pancake Productions. We're only sorry we missed those harmonies and tight, funny songs when they were available to be seen live. The other big news for us is Daniel Blunt's "Only You," released this month, just barely in time to qualify. The songs' contents may or may not apply to you, but the melodies, and producer Gabe Doiron's ace arrangements, will get so stuck in your head if you give the album half a chance. Both of those are great albums that happen to come from Saint Louis, though we'll stack 'em against all comers.
Paige's out-of-town favorites include The Strange Boys' Be Brave, The Like's Release Me, Karen Elson's The Ghost Who Walks, and The Lake's recent EP compendium, the name of which escapes me. For me, I got great musical pleasure out of the book Life, less for the dish on Mick Jagger and more for his writing voice and his overall piratical love of music and trouble-making.
Also, it's impossible not to mention the time-traveling pleasures of the Pavement reunion tour; we got to see them once in Chicago and once in Atlanta, and they did their songs proud. And, those are some of the best songs we've ever heard. This was also LouFest's inaugural year, and we had a very good time that whole weekend. For shows, I feel I can say with confidence that The Blind Eyes' rendition of Fleetwood Mac at The Firebird's An Undercover Weekend was unforgettable. But quite possibly the most amazing show of the year was performed by a teen werewolf, Dracula, and the bride of Frankenstein; that would be Wormwood Scrubs' legendary Halloween show at El Leñador. In fact, Stag Nite at El Leñador became the big surprise venue of the year. Thank you, Johnny Vegas. As for national musical moments, all those Kanyes and Taylors will frankly have to take a number behind the auto-tuned Double Rainbow song. And finally, the biggest and best trend in the Saint Louis music scene, in our opinion, was the wave of clubs that went non-smoking this year. A year from now, no one will be sorry. Onward to 2011!
 |
| Photo credit: Robbie Wiedie |
I'll be the first to admit that I find "Best of" lists to be a bit intimidating. I can probably trace my first experience with one back to when my first grade class held a contest to see which student was "the best" at tying shoes and could complete the seemingly impossible task in the shortest amount of time. There was so much pressure. What was I going to do? What would my classmates think of me? Would I ever make it to the second grade? I was too nervous to even say anything.
One by one, each student took his or her turn until all eyes were on me. I tried to smile and looked down at my feet. The gazes of everyone else followed. I was wearing velcro shoes.
I learned an important lesson about "Best of" lists that day. They can never completely account for all of the experiences or items that they're trying to sum up. This lesson is still true as I try to think of my favorite music from 2010. I am only one person with my own musical tastes and experiences. I don't claim to be able to provide you with any kind of definitive list. But I can tell you about a few albums that stand out in my mind as honest representations of musicians putting their best selves forward to create something truly special. Without further ado, here is that list: three albums from 2010 that mean something.
1 Cassie Morgan and the Lonely Pine - Weathered Hands, Weary Eyes
Cassie Morgan and bandmate Beth Bombara create a beautiful landscape of acoustic melodies and hushed harmonies. Sit back, relax, and embrace the warmth that only analog tape can bring.
Tracks to Spend Some Extra Time On: "No More Tears," "Peasant Song"
2 Conrad Plymouth - Conrad Plymouth
Conrad Plymouth call their sound "Midwestercana," and I can think of no better way to describe it. This four-song EP showcases an array of reverb-laden guitars, ethereal keys and percussion, and some incredible storyelling. It ends just as you start to settle in and will leave you waiting for a full-length.
Tracks to Spend Some Extra Time On: "Captain Video," "Fergus Falls"
3 Beth Bombara - Wish I Were You
From the opening chimes of a steel guitar to a trombone part that takes me to a street corner in the French Quarter, this album demonstrates Bombara's unique ability to craft little pieces of indie rock bliss. Your head will nod and your foot will tap; don't fight it.
Tracks to Spend Some Extra Time On: "Rainbow," "Abandon Ship"
2010 felt transitional, both in local and national music. I am expecting an exciting year in 2011 because so many new platforms are opening up as musicians learn to move forward in the post-torrent environment. Live music fared particularly well in Saint Louis with venues and event planners making things happen. In Saint Louis, events like Black Friday and Financial Aid put on by friends of ours who run Lane 4 (Ryan Powell, Kaveh Razani, Stan Chisolm) set the stage for more innovative live experiences bringing more diverse elements together. The Secret Sound Festival on Cherokee had a similar impact, laying the groundwork for what should be an influential yearly event. I'm also really excited by the underground music emerging locally, as well in venues like Floating Laboratories, which feels ready to be brought to a national audience.
Obviously, we are really excited to be a part of Post Literate, a new art and music label loosely based in St. Louis. It is releasing art and music side-by-side, emphasizing projects that are not easily classified.
On a broader level, I'm excited to see the influence of artists such as James Blake and Gold Panda, who seem to be making electronic music more emotional after a period of party/beach/lo-fi anthems. Hopefully, we fit in that realm somewhere, trying to use digital elements to make something relevant and human. Maybe we are just excited about 2011 because we are wrapping up our next EP, Used Future, which will come out in February. Consider this an early toast.
In terms of favorite shows or music events in Saint Louis in the past year (there were a lot of great ones), these are just few that really stuck with me. Saint Louis concert goers were already sold on the Deer Tick show experience, but the band truly won my heart when they came through in August and donated a portion of the proceeds from the sold-out show to a memorial fund for Dave Hagerty, a well-loved Saint Louis musician who had recently passed away. It was a generous gesture, and one that showed extraordinary respect. Plus, Deer Tick gave the crowd yet another blast of a show.
The excitement surrounding events like An Undercover Weekend and the RFT Music Showcase was exhilarating. Saint Louis musicians really delivered at both events, and it made me proud to be a part of this music community. Other stand-out show experiences from 2010 include seeing Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs at The Firebird, being completely enchanted by Jonsi at The Pageant, and singing along with the sweaty Mumford and Sons crowd after the distinct honor of opening for them at Off Broadway. Time and again, I stood in awe at the quality of musicianship from both local and national acts. 2010 was, indeed, a good year for music.
So Much Closer
2010 has been an amazing year for So Much Closer. It was our first full year as a band, and the Saint Louis music scene blew up. Here is a quick recap of some of our favorite things from the past year. Collectively we thought PLAY:stl was the coolest local event, but the Secret Sound Festival also received high marks, as did Live on the Levee.
As for our favorite venue, we had to go with The Old Rock House. We kicked off our spring tour there and had our CD release party there. Playing a venue with amazing sound, great stage, and an awesome staff makes us feel like rockstars! We were also able to agree that Corey Woodruff is doing great things for the local scene, making all of us look fantastic with his photography. For our favorite recording studio, we went with the Echo Lab in Denton, TX. It is an amazing space (a converted barn) with great engineers and producers, plus two of the owners have roots in Saint Louis. They transplanted there after attending the University of North Texas. Locally, we had to give it up to R&R Music Labs. They are doing great things for our scene with the STL LOUD project.
Our first split came with radio station, half of the band is on the KDHX fan bus, and the other half ardently support Lindenwood’s station, The Wood, 89.1. When we got to album of the year, there was complete dissention. Logan was too drunk at this point to really contribute. He kept mumbling something about Rhum Boogie, but their album is not out yet, so we are unclear as to his intent. Swan chose Sufjan Stevens’ Age of Adz, Enright voted for Patterns in Movement, and Ketzer gave the nod to Spoon’s Transference. There were also some great music put out by local bands this year. It was impossible to pick a favorite local LP because they were all so good, but we had to give props to the May Day Orchestra because they did something that no one else did. They wrote a fuckin’ folk opera. Ota Benga must be respected.
Social media as a whole was amazing in 2010. Twitter, Facebook, and blogs changed everything about how bands interact with fans, so feel free to follow us on Twitter or fan us on Facebook. Hope you all had an amazing 2010.
Geoff Koch
Most of my personal highlights in 2010 happened off-stage, as I continue to develop the next songs and record. It can be a tremendous exercise in patience and faith that what you're doing is right as a musician. It's a hard test to step out of the lights for awhile. You wonder if people will be there when you come back. The only thing I know I can control is how good my next songs are. To a lesser extent I can control how they'll sound with a full band on a record, and even after that there is no certainty anyone will like what I've come up with. So, I think what I valued the most this year was feeling the reassurance from myself that I am an artist, and I cannot stop myself from the compulsion to create, and not being seen or heard of much this year doesn't make me less of an artist. 2010 has been an exciting challenge full of lessons to learn when you're not being loved every night in the bright stage lights.
All that being said, I had the exciting honor of headlining the Duck Room in January, which turned out to be the first show of the decade there. I had more shows with versions of full bands, and I had some out of town shows. In the spring, I played with Gregory Alan Isakov (Colorado) at The Old Rock House and Joshua James (Utah) at The Duck Room. [They are] absolutely tremendous songwriters who I've listened to over and over since then. I discovered and have become addicted to Gregory Alan Isakov's 2009 album, This Empty Northern Hemisphere. If you're only going to listen to two songs for the rest of your life, listen to "Evelyn" and "Master & A Hound: from that record - simply stunning.
 |
| Photo credit: Douglas Garfield |
Seth Porter of The Blind Eyes
As 2009 turned over to 2010, I resolved that I would dramatically increase the number of local shows I attended. This proved to be a very easy resolution to keep. Partially because hanging out in (mostly) bars and listening to music is a lot easier to do than exercising or learning Chinese or whatever people interested in actual self-improvement chose as a New Year's resolution. More importantly though, there was so much good local music being performed that I was able to go see shows out of genuine interest as opposed to some kind of obligation to "support the scene." All of the shows get a little blurry by this point in the year, so in lieu of trying to remember the exact lineups and dates, I'll just try to recount some memorable moments in local music this past year.
In no particular order:
In no particular order:
1 BDR Records show releasing Test Patterns and the Welders 7" I'm not from Saint Louis originally (or old or cool enough for that matter), so the Welders and all of the bands on the Test Patterns comp are completely new to me. Bunnygrunt and Medical Tourists played this show. Both were great. The best part of the night, though, was the solidly middle age, but still foxy, members of the Welders in attendance grinning ear to ear and hopping onstage with Bunnygrunt for a performance of their would-be hit, "P-E-R-V-E-R-T."
2. Old Lights I made a "Best of Saint Louis 2009" CD that featured an Old Lights song, but right around the time I became aware of their existence, I learned that they had packed up and moved to Oregon. Fortunately for those of us in Saint Louis, they returned with a new line-up and started playing out again. I saw them a few different times and am really looking forward to their forthcoming record.
3 An Undercover Weekend It is probably cheating to include this, as The Blind Eyes were a part of it, but this event was so much fun that I couldn't resist. We [The Blind Eyes] were extremely fortunate to collaborate with Beth Bombara, Cassie Morgan, Paige Brubeck (Sleepy Kitty), Sunyatta Marshall, and Brad Springmeyer on our Fleetwood Mac set. There were too many great performances on those three shows to mention them all, but John Joern joining Via Dove for "Hunger Strike," Cassie Morgan uncharacteristically rocking an electric guitar as one of The Breeders, and the lush, organic treatment of the Postal Service catalog by Union Tree Review all stand out in my mind.
4 "Gimme Tonight" by Tight Pants Syndrome The newest TPS record is a ton of fun and notable for its tight harmony singing. For whatever reason, "Gimme Tonight" is a song that I listened to over and over again when I got the record. Also, they deserve mention for the cover of Blue Oyster Cult's "Burnin' for You" they performed at their CD release show.
5 The Livers perform "Enter Sandman" on 9/02/10 Booze, roller skating, and '90s rock? Yes, please. This whole show was great, although it turns out I'm not much of a skater. The Livers set featured a modified version of the classic "I'm not a chicken, you're a turkey" public service announcement and an "Enter Sandman" video starring Ryan Zimmerman of The Humanoids eating a sandwich (maybe crackers or cookies, can't remember for sure) which was somehow one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
6 TILTS' "Hot for Pizza" Song title of the year and further proof I should probably give up the guitar.
7 Cassie Morgan & the Lonely Pine's Battleship table Apparently the only thing that can effectively prop up the Jaymar piano so essential to CM&tLP's sound is the board game, Battleship. I had assumed it was just an empty box, but I've been told that the game still resides inside. Besides that, Weathered Hands, Weary Eyes is a wonderful, dark record.
8 Jason Hutto I knew this dude was fully committed to rock 'n' roll when at this year's RFT Music Showcase, he wore cowboy boots and a leather jacket for the entirety of a 95 degree day. His playing with Warm Jets USA and Bunnygrunt as well as his production work on a fine record by Popular Mechanics and the upcoming Sleepy Kitty record (at least one song of which has made its way to KDHX) are all worthy of praise.
9 Kentucky Knife Fight They released the excellent We're All Nameless Here, which they recorded over just a couple of days at Firebrand Recording and hey, look at that! They're playing with us at Off Broadway on New Year's Eve at what would certainly be an event on this list, if only I could go back to the future to write it. Hope to see you there! Cheers.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Best 20 Covers of 2010
So, we've gone through all of our favorite original songs of 2010 already. Now, it's time to pay attention to the non-originals: the covers we enjoyed most this year. Dagnabbit, cover songs are squirrely; they are very hard to do well. Even we four at Speakers in Code know that, and all we can do is karaoke to Meatloaf and play the treble clef notes of "The Entertainer" on the piano. So, we appreciate an innovative rework of a great song as much as anyone.
Here are the top 20 that blew us away.
If we missed something, leave us a comment and let us know.
The Bird and The Bee - Rich Girl (Hall and Oates)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - God Only Knows (The Beach Boys)
Jonsi - Time to Pretend (MGMT)
Mumford and Sons - Wagon Wheel (Old Crow Medicine Show)
Mumford and Sons - Cousins (Vampire Weekend)
Hurricane Bells - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Hit 'Em Up Style (Blu Cantrell)
Ryan Bingham - That's How Strong My Love Is (O.V. Wright)
Clare Burson - We Used To Wait (Arcade Fire)
Ted Leo - So it Goes (Nick Lowe)
Cowboy Junkies - Supernatural (Vic Chesnutt)
Laura Marling - The Needle and the Damage Done (Neil Young)
Brooke Fraser - The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
Local Natives - Warning Sign (Talking Heads)
Apache Relay - State Trooper (Bruce Springsteen)
Jill Andrews & Josh Oliver - Electric Sky (Eleanor Murray)
Beck's Record Club - Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)
Neon Indian - Children of the Revolution (T.Rex)
The Tallest Man on Earth - Graceland (Paul Simon)
Lissie - Bad Romance (Lady Gaga)
Here are the top 20 that blew us away.
If we missed something, leave us a comment and let us know.
The Bird and The Bee - Rich Girl (Hall and Oates)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - God Only Knows (The Beach Boys)
Jonsi - Time to Pretend (MGMT)
Mumford and Sons - Wagon Wheel (Old Crow Medicine Show)
Mumford and Sons - Cousins (Vampire Weekend)
Hurricane Bells - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Hit 'Em Up Style (Blu Cantrell)
Ryan Bingham - That's How Strong My Love Is (O.V. Wright)
Clare Burson - We Used To Wait (Arcade Fire)
Ted Leo - So it Goes (Nick Lowe)
Cowboy Junkies - Supernatural (Vic Chesnutt)
Laura Marling - The Needle and the Damage Done (Neil Young)
Brooke Fraser - The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
Local Natives - Warning Sign (Talking Heads)
Apache Relay - State Trooper (Bruce Springsteen)
Jill Andrews & Josh Oliver - Electric Sky (Eleanor Murray)
Beck's Record Club - Never Tear Us Apart (INXS)
Neon Indian - Children of the Revolution (T.Rex)
The Tallest Man on Earth - Graceland (Paul Simon)
Lissie - Bad Romance (Lady Gaga)
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Best Albums of 2010 | Part Four
Well, this wraps it up, folks. If you want to see the entire list of Best Albums of 2010 (all fifty of 'em), click thisaway. Thanks very much for playing.
Dom | Sun Bronzed Greek Gods (Burning Mill) [buy]
Dom’s Sun Bronzed Greek Gods is built like a rock-solid soundtrack for a fun loving summer. This Massachusetts group’s debut record only has seven tracks, but it is quality over quantity for Dom. Sun Bronzed Greek Gods kicks off with “Living in America” a gleaming groove with a tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek hook: "It's so sexxxyyy, living in America." The record then rolls effortlessly into the scintillating “Burn Bridges,” a dreamlike number with another memorable chorus: “Burn bridges / make yourself an island / just forgive ‘em / and forget ‘em.” “Jesus,” a silky little ditty comes next and is chased by the catchy surf-rocker “Bochicha,” which is named after the cat that graces the record’s cover art. Sun Bronzed Greek Gods closes out this incredible start with three more on the money tracks, “Rude as Jude,” “Hunny,” and “I Wonder” (each toe tappers and head bobbers in their own right). Dom’s seven songs don’t last very long with one spin of the record, but they will embed themselves in your brain and have you spinning this disc over and over and over. Sun Bronzed Greek Gods simply never gets old.
Josh Ritter | So Runs the World Away (Pytheas) [buy]
Josh Ritter suffered from a lengthy case of writer’s block between his last album and So Runs the World Away. Luckily, the magic returned for the singer-songwriter from Idaho, as he churned out another impressive batch of songs. Sure, Ritter’s best album might always be Animal Years, but songs like “Change of Time,” “Lantern,” and “Remnant” give his current piece of work a beautiful edge. “I am assured that peace will come to me,” Ritter sings on “Lark,” which might be the best song Paul Simon never wrote. So Runs the World Away finds Ritter as confident as ever, and we’re pretty sure he’ll keep finding his way on our “Best Of” lists for many years to come.
The Drums | The Drums (Downtown) [buy]
The Drums hail from Brooklyn, but if you told a friend they were a lost Brit group from the early '80s, you’d have an easy time convincing that friend. All you would have to do is play The Drums’ eponymous debut record. The record’s lead track, “Best Friend” could be a buried b-side from The Cure (perhaps when Robert Smith had a happy couple of days in a row). Next comes “Me and the Moon,” a full blown jam that encapsulates all of the new-wavey and post-punky elements that makes this band so mesmerizingly great. And then you have the sugary sweet, “Let’s Go Surfing,” and one can’t help think that The Drums may be taking a shot across the bow of the current surf-rock trend…or not. Maybe they really do “care about nothing” and just “wanna go surfing.” Either way, we don’t care, because the track is top notch. In the face of the sonic pigeon holing that often comes with these post-punk channeling groups, The Drums are by no means one dimensional. “Down by the Water” exhibits The Drums’ softer side with what may be the best Pajammy Jam of the entire year.
Twin Shadow | Forget (Red General Catalog) [buy]
Brooklyn's Twin Shadow, AKA George Lewis Jr., is a throwback genius. His debut LP, Forget, calls on, nay commands, us to remember (and desperately long for) the late '70s/early '80s heydays of the new wave and post-punk genres. Twin Shadow channels these periods (as well as Morrissey's voice) expertly to craft something unique, something nostalgic, but somehow still modern and fresh at the same time. The record abounds with new-wavey jams. "Slow" showcases Twin Shadow’s sound in distilled form. This offering is a danceable one, accentuated by synth notes, but paced and pushed forward by the steady drums and racing guitar. During the chorus and the final run of the track, George's unique vocals shed any links to that fella from The Smiths and take on a life of their own. He sings softly, then howls, "I don't wanna, believe, but be, in love / I don't wanna, be, believing, in love." Forget is a time machine, and the ride is a pleasant one.
Brooke Fraser | Flags (Wood and Bone) [buy]
In her native home of New Zealand, Brooke Fraser is already a superstar, and with good reason. One listen to Flags reveals an artist who excels in pop, rock, and confessional balladry. Her songs bring us hope (“Coachella,” “Flags,” “Orphans Kingdoms”), swagger (“Something in the Water,” “Betty,” “Jack Kerouac”), and maybe also a few tears (“Who Are We Fooling”). Oh, and we also love her because she’s one of the most polite artists we’ve ever interviewed (that has to count for something, right?). Whatever you like most about Brooke Fraser – and Flags gives you many choices – we’re certain that you’ll fall for her pretty hard, just like those New Zealanders who are already obsessed.
The National | High Violet (4AD) [buy]
Jesus, where do we begin? Emotionally, this is an album that moves us to no end. We’ve already declared “Bloodbuzz Ohio” our song of the year, and we’ll gladly stand by that claim. However, as a whole, High Violet is a puzzle of greatness. This is an album that deserves to be played loud, so loud that the pictures on your walls should rattle when Matt Berninger screams, “It takes an ocean not to break!” during “Terrible Love,” or when “Afraid of Everyone” hits its crescendo. High Violet’s ten songs say the things we’ve been trying to form in our brains for years to describe the moments that reveal the struggle, the passion, the rollercoaster…the freaking war that is life. Yeah, High Violet is a hell of a war, one that will always be coursing through our veins, in good times and in bad.
Kanye West | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Roc-A-Fella) [buy]
Kanye West certainly knows how to drum up excitement. Scandal, controversy, and paparazzi seem to follow him everywhere his Louis Vuitton footwear takes him. Matt Lauer, George Bush, and Taylor Swift aside (and did you hear the new rumor that he impregnated Kim Kardashian?), the best way Mr. West cultivates buzz is with his consistently groundbreaking brand of hip hop/rap/R&B music. In the lead up to the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye inundated his fanbase with free music as part of his G.O.O.D. Fridays series (with memorable tracks like “Monster,” “So Appalled,” and “Devil In a New Dress” ending up on MBDTF). Anticipation was at a fever pitch, and MBDTF was received with much critical acclaim. “Runaway” is the unquestioned centerpiece and highlight of the record, but to be honest, it took us a while to come around on this one. Maybe the VMA and SNL performances distracted us (so many ballerinas and gold chains). With each listen, however, the genius of this inward-looking, self-critical ode to escapism becomes more apparent. Kayne’s skills as a writer, producer, and performer have never been more sharp and refined as they are with “Runaway.” In the end, Kanye’s larger than life persona and senseless antics challenge fans and listeners to look past the drama and find the astonishing music. The same can be said for some of the extended intros/outros (Chris Rock? Really?) of MBDTF. When you look past the distractions and get to the true kernels of the tracks - the beats and the rhymes - Kanye wins again. This is a record that grows on us with each spin, and is taking up more and more time in the headphones. Let’s have a toast…
Sam Quinn | The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships (Ramseur) [buy]
“I never needed anyone except myself,” Sam Quinn sings on “Fanboy,” a six-minute gem on his debut solo album. The ex-everbodyfields member proves that he’s doing just fine without Jill Andrews’ harmonies (although we’d welcome them back any day of the week). The Fake That Sunk a Thousand Ships was recorded in a barn, and its overall sound is the most organic of any album we’ve heard this year. Quinn sounds like his heart has been broken about a thousand times on songs like “Hello,” “Help Me,” and “Goodnight,” and there really aren’t any happy moments to be found here. But, we can’t deny that the whole album is beautifully sad, so much that we’re ready for the next rainy day where we’ll happily blast it for hours. Thank you, Mr. Quinn.
First Aid Kit | Big Black & the Blue (Wichita) [buy]
Sweden has long been bringing its A-game when it comes to musical exports. And now, First Aid Kit, the sisterly duo of Klara and Johanna Soderberg are the next shining example of Nordic talent. The two play wise-beyond-their-years, country-tinged, folk-pop. They happen to not look a day older than a newborn babe in the woods, but my oh my, they sound like world weary women. Their lyrics point an indicting finger at unfaithful lovers, Bible thumpers, and disbanded dreams amidst a sea of continuous water imagery (see what we did there)? Despite the absurdity of our stupid little lives, all hope is not lost. First Aid Kit intelligently crafts lyrics about the happiness we can find, if we look hard enough, in a otherwise senseless world.
Futurebirds | Hampton's Lullaby (Autumn Tone) [buy]
It's easy to simply classify Futurebirds as an alt-country outfit and leave it at that. But, in fact, the Athens band is so much more. Equal parts southern barnburners and shoegaze-on-acid trippers, Futurebirds' songs stand at the crossroads of genres. "Yur Not Dead" is borderline arena rock, with its anthemic flare, and "Johnny Utah" begins with Asian-inspired guitar plucking (yeah, we said it) that sturdies the pedal steel guitar and falsetto harmonies through the rest of the track. When it comes to the band's debut LP, Hampton's Lullaby, we quickly learned to expect the unexpected. In this day and age, what could be better than that?
Admiral Radley | I Heart California (The Ship) [buy]
Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch of Grandaddy joined forces with Earlimart's Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray to create the indie-pop band, Admiral Radley. The long-time friends toured together and collaborated musically over the years, and those songs finally saw the light of day on this year's release, I Heart California. Jocular in tone and quirky by nature (just look at song titles "I'm All Fucked On Beer" and "I Left U Cuz I Luft U"), the album screams with irresistable summer jams, particulary the titular track, an ode to 90210 living, and "Sunburn Kids," which employs sound effects that Police Academy's Michael Winslow would absolutely adore. So, if you are one of many still mourning the demise of Grandaddy and the California indie-rock that sank with it, now you know where to turn.
Local Natives | Gorilla Manor (Frenchkiss) [buy]
Coming in to 2010, few bands had as much buzz surrounding them as Local Natives. Generated by stellar reviews from 2009's SXSW, Local Natives impressed enough of the right people to qualify as a "band to watch" driving out of town. Few albums ever live up to the hype in this situation. Luckily for us however, Gorilla Manor does. It instantly reminds us of our favorite bands. Though not as rustic as Band of Horses, or as melodic as Fleet Foxes, Gorilla Manor can't be contained by classifying them as knockoffs of either influence. The songs simultaneously bristle with a twinge of paranoia and bask in sunshine, as they resist the urge to monkey around too much with formulas etched before them. Three-part harmonies proudly replace the need for a conventional frontman. But, the band’s also perfectly capable of delivering big anthems. Strong on memorable hooks, "Shape Shifter" and album opener/standout, "Wide Eyes," are sure to hang around playlists for years. And while, yeah, this accessibility can be attributed to the groundbreaking work of their influences, Local Natives’ flawless execution of these looming ideas while integrating their own thoughts and soul, gives them the right to be hearlded for this fantastic collection of songs.
Salem | King Night (IAMSOUND) [buy]
King Night is an album that contains no classically structured songs. In fact, the songs seem to lack a path, rather, choosing to roll by, riding on a rumbling clap of thunder. The songs contain typical elements: guitars, synths and drum machines. They contain vocals, but they are usually horribly obscured, or altered beyond recognition. Words just tend to drift along in the background as multiple elements also fade in and out, blowing through each track. It's been classified as "witch house" a new, darker version of shoegaze, and the rays of that influence crack through the clouds at times, whether it's through the eerie moans of "Release Da Boar" or the ethereal chants of "Frost." Only the lumbering haze of drunken distortion and the thudding drum machines, which often feel as if they're antagonizing the tracks rather than coaxing them, are allowed to escape. But don't go thinking it's all done to be contemporary or trendy. In fact, King Night is so good that a trend will develop around it most likely. At this point though, it stands completely by itself.
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| Artwork credit: Alyssa Shapkoff |
Well, this wraps it up, folks. If you want to see the entire list of Best Albums of 2010 (all fifty of 'em), click thisaway. Thanks very much for playing.
Dom | Sun Bronzed Greek Gods (Burning Mill) [buy]
Dom’s Sun Bronzed Greek Gods is built like a rock-solid soundtrack for a fun loving summer. This Massachusetts group’s debut record only has seven tracks, but it is quality over quantity for Dom. Sun Bronzed Greek Gods kicks off with “Living in America” a gleaming groove with a tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek hook: "It's so sexxxyyy, living in America." The record then rolls effortlessly into the scintillating “Burn Bridges,” a dreamlike number with another memorable chorus: “Burn bridges / make yourself an island / just forgive ‘em / and forget ‘em.” “Jesus,” a silky little ditty comes next and is chased by the catchy surf-rocker “Bochicha,” which is named after the cat that graces the record’s cover art. Sun Bronzed Greek Gods closes out this incredible start with three more on the money tracks, “Rude as Jude,” “Hunny,” and “I Wonder” (each toe tappers and head bobbers in their own right). Dom’s seven songs don’t last very long with one spin of the record, but they will embed themselves in your brain and have you spinning this disc over and over and over. Sun Bronzed Greek Gods simply never gets old.
Josh Ritter | So Runs the World Away (Pytheas) [buy]
Josh Ritter suffered from a lengthy case of writer’s block between his last album and So Runs the World Away. Luckily, the magic returned for the singer-songwriter from Idaho, as he churned out another impressive batch of songs. Sure, Ritter’s best album might always be Animal Years, but songs like “Change of Time,” “Lantern,” and “Remnant” give his current piece of work a beautiful edge. “I am assured that peace will come to me,” Ritter sings on “Lark,” which might be the best song Paul Simon never wrote. So Runs the World Away finds Ritter as confident as ever, and we’re pretty sure he’ll keep finding his way on our “Best Of” lists for many years to come.
The Drums | The Drums (Downtown) [buy]
The Drums hail from Brooklyn, but if you told a friend they were a lost Brit group from the early '80s, you’d have an easy time convincing that friend. All you would have to do is play The Drums’ eponymous debut record. The record’s lead track, “Best Friend” could be a buried b-side from The Cure (perhaps when Robert Smith had a happy couple of days in a row). Next comes “Me and the Moon,” a full blown jam that encapsulates all of the new-wavey and post-punky elements that makes this band so mesmerizingly great. And then you have the sugary sweet, “Let’s Go Surfing,” and one can’t help think that The Drums may be taking a shot across the bow of the current surf-rock trend…or not. Maybe they really do “care about nothing” and just “wanna go surfing.” Either way, we don’t care, because the track is top notch. In the face of the sonic pigeon holing that often comes with these post-punk channeling groups, The Drums are by no means one dimensional. “Down by the Water” exhibits The Drums’ softer side with what may be the best Pajammy Jam of the entire year.
Twin Shadow | Forget (Red General Catalog) [buy]
Brooklyn's Twin Shadow, AKA George Lewis Jr., is a throwback genius. His debut LP, Forget, calls on, nay commands, us to remember (and desperately long for) the late '70s/early '80s heydays of the new wave and post-punk genres. Twin Shadow channels these periods (as well as Morrissey's voice) expertly to craft something unique, something nostalgic, but somehow still modern and fresh at the same time. The record abounds with new-wavey jams. "Slow" showcases Twin Shadow’s sound in distilled form. This offering is a danceable one, accentuated by synth notes, but paced and pushed forward by the steady drums and racing guitar. During the chorus and the final run of the track, George's unique vocals shed any links to that fella from The Smiths and take on a life of their own. He sings softly, then howls, "I don't wanna, believe, but be, in love / I don't wanna, be, believing, in love." Forget is a time machine, and the ride is a pleasant one.
Brooke Fraser | Flags (Wood and Bone) [buy]
In her native home of New Zealand, Brooke Fraser is already a superstar, and with good reason. One listen to Flags reveals an artist who excels in pop, rock, and confessional balladry. Her songs bring us hope (“Coachella,” “Flags,” “Orphans Kingdoms”), swagger (“Something in the Water,” “Betty,” “Jack Kerouac”), and maybe also a few tears (“Who Are We Fooling”). Oh, and we also love her because she’s one of the most polite artists we’ve ever interviewed (that has to count for something, right?). Whatever you like most about Brooke Fraser – and Flags gives you many choices – we’re certain that you’ll fall for her pretty hard, just like those New Zealanders who are already obsessed.
The National | High Violet (4AD) [buy]
Jesus, where do we begin? Emotionally, this is an album that moves us to no end. We’ve already declared “Bloodbuzz Ohio” our song of the year, and we’ll gladly stand by that claim. However, as a whole, High Violet is a puzzle of greatness. This is an album that deserves to be played loud, so loud that the pictures on your walls should rattle when Matt Berninger screams, “It takes an ocean not to break!” during “Terrible Love,” or when “Afraid of Everyone” hits its crescendo. High Violet’s ten songs say the things we’ve been trying to form in our brains for years to describe the moments that reveal the struggle, the passion, the rollercoaster…the freaking war that is life. Yeah, High Violet is a hell of a war, one that will always be coursing through our veins, in good times and in bad.
Kanye West | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Roc-A-Fella) [buy]
Kanye West certainly knows how to drum up excitement. Scandal, controversy, and paparazzi seem to follow him everywhere his Louis Vuitton footwear takes him. Matt Lauer, George Bush, and Taylor Swift aside (and did you hear the new rumor that he impregnated Kim Kardashian?), the best way Mr. West cultivates buzz is with his consistently groundbreaking brand of hip hop/rap/R&B music. In the lead up to the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye inundated his fanbase with free music as part of his G.O.O.D. Fridays series (with memorable tracks like “Monster,” “So Appalled,” and “Devil In a New Dress” ending up on MBDTF). Anticipation was at a fever pitch, and MBDTF was received with much critical acclaim. “Runaway” is the unquestioned centerpiece and highlight of the record, but to be honest, it took us a while to come around on this one. Maybe the VMA and SNL performances distracted us (so many ballerinas and gold chains). With each listen, however, the genius of this inward-looking, self-critical ode to escapism becomes more apparent. Kayne’s skills as a writer, producer, and performer have never been more sharp and refined as they are with “Runaway.” In the end, Kanye’s larger than life persona and senseless antics challenge fans and listeners to look past the drama and find the astonishing music. The same can be said for some of the extended intros/outros (Chris Rock? Really?) of MBDTF. When you look past the distractions and get to the true kernels of the tracks - the beats and the rhymes - Kanye wins again. This is a record that grows on us with each spin, and is taking up more and more time in the headphones. Let’s have a toast…
Sam Quinn | The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships (Ramseur) [buy]
“I never needed anyone except myself,” Sam Quinn sings on “Fanboy,” a six-minute gem on his debut solo album. The ex-everbodyfields member proves that he’s doing just fine without Jill Andrews’ harmonies (although we’d welcome them back any day of the week). The Fake That Sunk a Thousand Ships was recorded in a barn, and its overall sound is the most organic of any album we’ve heard this year. Quinn sounds like his heart has been broken about a thousand times on songs like “Hello,” “Help Me,” and “Goodnight,” and there really aren’t any happy moments to be found here. But, we can’t deny that the whole album is beautifully sad, so much that we’re ready for the next rainy day where we’ll happily blast it for hours. Thank you, Mr. Quinn.
First Aid Kit | Big Black & the Blue (Wichita) [buy]
Sweden has long been bringing its A-game when it comes to musical exports. And now, First Aid Kit, the sisterly duo of Klara and Johanna Soderberg are the next shining example of Nordic talent. The two play wise-beyond-their-years, country-tinged, folk-pop. They happen to not look a day older than a newborn babe in the woods, but my oh my, they sound like world weary women. Their lyrics point an indicting finger at unfaithful lovers, Bible thumpers, and disbanded dreams amidst a sea of continuous water imagery (see what we did there)? Despite the absurdity of our stupid little lives, all hope is not lost. First Aid Kit intelligently crafts lyrics about the happiness we can find, if we look hard enough, in a otherwise senseless world.
Futurebirds | Hampton's Lullaby (Autumn Tone) [buy]
It's easy to simply classify Futurebirds as an alt-country outfit and leave it at that. But, in fact, the Athens band is so much more. Equal parts southern barnburners and shoegaze-on-acid trippers, Futurebirds' songs stand at the crossroads of genres. "Yur Not Dead" is borderline arena rock, with its anthemic flare, and "Johnny Utah" begins with Asian-inspired guitar plucking (yeah, we said it) that sturdies the pedal steel guitar and falsetto harmonies through the rest of the track. When it comes to the band's debut LP, Hampton's Lullaby, we quickly learned to expect the unexpected. In this day and age, what could be better than that?
Admiral Radley | I Heart California (The Ship) [buy]
Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch of Grandaddy joined forces with Earlimart's Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray to create the indie-pop band, Admiral Radley. The long-time friends toured together and collaborated musically over the years, and those songs finally saw the light of day on this year's release, I Heart California. Jocular in tone and quirky by nature (just look at song titles "I'm All Fucked On Beer" and "I Left U Cuz I Luft U"), the album screams with irresistable summer jams, particulary the titular track, an ode to 90210 living, and "Sunburn Kids," which employs sound effects that Police Academy's Michael Winslow would absolutely adore. So, if you are one of many still mourning the demise of Grandaddy and the California indie-rock that sank with it, now you know where to turn.
Local Natives | Gorilla Manor (Frenchkiss) [buy]
Coming in to 2010, few bands had as much buzz surrounding them as Local Natives. Generated by stellar reviews from 2009's SXSW, Local Natives impressed enough of the right people to qualify as a "band to watch" driving out of town. Few albums ever live up to the hype in this situation. Luckily for us however, Gorilla Manor does. It instantly reminds us of our favorite bands. Though not as rustic as Band of Horses, or as melodic as Fleet Foxes, Gorilla Manor can't be contained by classifying them as knockoffs of either influence. The songs simultaneously bristle with a twinge of paranoia and bask in sunshine, as they resist the urge to monkey around too much with formulas etched before them. Three-part harmonies proudly replace the need for a conventional frontman. But, the band’s also perfectly capable of delivering big anthems. Strong on memorable hooks, "Shape Shifter" and album opener/standout, "Wide Eyes," are sure to hang around playlists for years. And while, yeah, this accessibility can be attributed to the groundbreaking work of their influences, Local Natives’ flawless execution of these looming ideas while integrating their own thoughts and soul, gives them the right to be hearlded for this fantastic collection of songs.
Salem | King Night (IAMSOUND) [buy]
King Night is an album that contains no classically structured songs. In fact, the songs seem to lack a path, rather, choosing to roll by, riding on a rumbling clap of thunder. The songs contain typical elements: guitars, synths and drum machines. They contain vocals, but they are usually horribly obscured, or altered beyond recognition. Words just tend to drift along in the background as multiple elements also fade in and out, blowing through each track. It's been classified as "witch house" a new, darker version of shoegaze, and the rays of that influence crack through the clouds at times, whether it's through the eerie moans of "Release Da Boar" or the ethereal chants of "Frost." Only the lumbering haze of drunken distortion and the thudding drum machines, which often feel as if they're antagonizing the tracks rather than coaxing them, are allowed to escape. But don't go thinking it's all done to be contemporary or trendy. In fact, King Night is so good that a trend will develop around it most likely. At this point though, it stands completely by itself.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Best Albums of 2010 | Part Three
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| Artwork credit: Alyssa Shapkoff |
Want more? Check out the entire list of albums here. (And don't forget about best songs here).
Delorean | Subiza (True Panther Sounds) [buy]
The Spanish electro-synth quartet Delorean has come a long way from its early punk rock roots. 2009 brought about this punk-to-dance transformation with the Aryton Senna EP. 2010’s LP Subiza has taken this transformation to a whole new level. The synth-fueled tracks that make up Subiza swirl, race, grow, and build layer upon layer of sound to create bright and complex aural tapestries that would be at home in a club or on a beach. “Stay Close” and “Real Love” lead the record off with two absolute gems, but the peak of Subiza comes in the form of “Grow,” a true dance catalyst that has vocalist Ekhi Lopetegi asking: “Will you ever understand this decision I’ve made? And will you ever make yourself this decision I’ve made?” If the decision was Delorean’s shift to the electro-synth world, we understand, and we approve.
Laura Marling | I Speak Because I Can (Astralwerks) [buy]
To our ears, Laura Marling already sounds like a songwriting veteran. Her songs on I Speak Because I Can echo the writings of Joni Mitchell and Lucinda Williams, mostly because they resonate as a full album, not as individual pieces. That’s pretty rare these days, especially when it’s so easy to pick and choose what you want to hear, when you want to hear it. Trust us, though: you’re better off letting these songs tell their stories, track one through track ten. We’re pretty sure Ms. Marling would want it that way, too.
LCD Soundsystem | This Is Happening (DFA/Virgin) [buy]
Dear James Murphy,
We heard you said that This Is Happening may be the last LCD Soundsystem record. Please take it back.
Sincerely, Speakers in Code
Murphy & Co.’s 2010 LP, This Is Happening, is a masterpiece. This record is absolutely teeming with inimitable beats and primo sonic compositions. From “Dance Yrself Clean” (the huge, crazed leadoff), to “All I Want” (a dance ballad if there ever was one), to “You Wanted a Hit” (a slick and groovy climax), there are only highlights and no letdowns. This Is Happening closes with “Home,” an epic anchor that starts gently and gradually builds to an adroitly crafted and intricate dance stimulus package. If This Is Happening truly is, in fact, the final LCD Soundsystem record, we have been left with the best. For that, we are thankful.
Arcade Fire | The Suburbs (Merge) [buy]
Critically acclaimed, award-nominated, and award-winning following two awe-inspiring records (Funeral and Neon Bible), the Canadian rock collective, Arcade Fire, was on everyone’s radar leading up to the release of 2010’s The Suburbs. Expectations were set at seemingly astronomical levels, and Arcade Fire did not disappoint. The Suburbs plays out as a musical critique of a bleak suburban landscape (inspired by the Butler brothers’ childhood in Houston, TX). Though Win Butler told NME that the record was not an “indictment” of suburban life, it is truly difficult to find happiness in The Suburbs. Despite this, the record is rewarding and satiating. Perhaps greater than any other contemporary band, Arcade Fire is able to create visual imagery in the listener’s mind with words and instruments. “Ready to Start,” “We Used to Wait,” and “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” are all jaw-droppingly impressive in that enormous, multi-faceted, Arcade Fire sort of way. In "Sprawl II,” Regine Chassagne and her distinguishable howl shine forth and deliver what just may be the lyrics of the year to signal the end of one of the best records of 2010: “Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small / That we can never get away from the sprawl / Living in the sprawl / Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains / And there's no end in sight / I need the darkness someone please cut the lights.”
Neil Young | Le Noise (Reprise) [buy]
Perhaps you already need to be a Neil Young fan to really enjoy this album. We get that. But let’s face it, it’s been a while since Uncle Neil has been this focused and this passionate. We’ll gladly credit producer Daniel Lanois for pushing his creative limits and giving Le Noise a sonic makeover – songs like “Peaceful Valley Boulevard” and “Sign of Love” wouldn’t be the same without the added texture. But let’s remind ourselves that this album is largely the work of one man and his guitar. For most artists, that’s probably a recipe for a bland record. For Neil Young, it’s just another reason why he’s one of the best ever to write a song.
Beach House | Teen Dream (Sub Pop) [buy]
We saw Beach House at Pitchfork over the summer and were absolutely floored by the tragic beauty of Victoria Legrand's live vocals. And that voice - full of smoke and velvet and longing - is what really puts the cherry on top of Beach House's hypnotic and ethereal dream pop sundae. The ten-track, noticeably reverb-less, Teen Dream, was one of our earliest contenders for this 2010 year-end list. (Almost) twelve months later, "Norway" still puts us in a sublime trance, and "Walk in the Park" still breaks our pitiful, little hearts. This record, both timeless and yet, forward-thinking, has us anxiously waiting Beach House's next move.
Frightened Rabbit | The Winter of Mixed Drinks (Fat Cat) [buy]
“I’m not miserable,” Scott Hutchison screams near the end of Frightened Rabbit’s third album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks. While this isn’t exactly a happy batch of tunes (Hutichson later asks on "Yes I Would," “What if this tear in my side just pours and pours and pours?”), it’s brighter than the band's previous release, The Midnight Organ Fight. The songs on Mixed Drinks are powerful (“Things,” “Nothing Like You”) and reflective (“Foot Shooter”). Hutchison’s songwriting again shines, proving he’s more than capable of crafting songs that play with our emotions while ultimately finding a permanent place in our brains. Still, we’re not frightened by these rabbits; we love 'em to death.
Freelance Whales | Weathervanes (Frenchkiss/Mom & Pop) [buy]
You already know the deal: Freelance Whales sounds like The Postal Service and Sufjan Stevens had a baby. Despite this overused comparison (hey, we're guilty, too!), we often find ourselves fixated on, haunted almost, by the the band's fresh take on powerful organic elements tangled with synthesized beats. Frontman Judah Dadone's lead vocals make a big impact on Weathervanes: his syrupy-sweet vocals drape "Hannah" with childlike nostalgia but ground high-concept songs like "Location" and "Starring." Doris Cellar, the sole female of the group, is shiny and bold, comfortably caught up in harmonies and percussion. But, it's when the five members of Freelance Whales come together on songs like the ethereal "We Could Be Friends" that a symphony of eclecticism is happily created.
The Mynabirds | What We Lost in the Fire, We Gained in the Flood (Saddle Creek) [buy]
Almost a year ago, Laura Burhenn, one half of the now-defunct Georgie James, traversed the country, set up shop in Oregon, and recorded the debut album of her new band, The Mynabirds. Burhenn was on a mission to make a record "that sounded like Neil Young doing Motown." Interestingly enough, the band gets its name from the fabled R&B group formed in 1964, The Mynah Birds, which at one time featured Neil Young himself. The entirety of What We Lost is sleepy and soulful and southern, and Burhenn's vocals can be dichotomously described as at times, sultry, and other times, desperate. "Numbers Don't Lie" boasts a teasing playfulness not often captured in love songs, while "Let the Record Go" is a frenzied carousel number ending with an ex-lover booted from the ride. We can tell you this: unlike that dude, we won't be leaving The Mynabirds' amusement park anytime soon.
Sleigh Bells | Treats (Mom & Pop) [buy]
Ultimately, the things that make Treats so wonderful are very simple when singled out one by one. But, what makes this album truly special is the tightrope act Sleigh Bells nails when melded together. It's both immediately accessible and challenging at the same time. It's recognizable yet sounds completely unlike anything we've ever heard. It's beautiful but messy. Pretty but almost too loud. It’s these incredible contrasting elements that assemble each song on the record. “Crown on the Ground” is a brazen jam, calling listeners to forget tapping that Chuck clad-toe and start pumping that fist as guitars detonate in a swell of static. “Rill Rill," arguably the highlight of the album, trades the amplifiers for a lazy guitar and cutesy lyrics, and "Infinity Guitars" takes us on a journey to what sounds like a futuristic step-show. It's an album that makes us want to crank up the volume, even though the knob is already set to 11.
Sufjan Stevens | Age of Adz (Asthmatic Kitty) [buy]
It took Sufjan Stevens five long years to follow up the critically acclaimed, Illinoise. And at best, Age of Adz fills the conceptual trench that began to signify his previous work leading in to his hiatus. But, Age of Adz is also a schizophrenic album, with its sprawling range of topics, arrangements, and styles. As it unfolds, we can actually hear his songwriting focus change as he grows and pushes the boundaries that existed during his last outing. Opener “Futile Devices” gently starts the listener upon this trek, with the familiar sounds of wistfully plucked guitars and heavenly vocals. We're almost transported to the days of yore in 2005. But that nostalgic set-up is short lived and quickly demolished by the epic “Too Much” and its massive bursts of synth. The flux capacitor switch is then flipped, and the date dial reads 2010. Sparks fly, and Age of Adz shows it's true soul: Stevens' most diverse, immense, and accomplished work to date.
Deerhunter | Halcyon Digest (4AD) [buy]
Whenever Deerhunter is discussed, pretty much the only name thrown around is Bradford Cox. On the fourth album, however, we should all be talking about guitarist Lockett Pundt. For example, "Desire Lines" is built around the tension between a guitar line that falls as the riff below it rises, before unwinding into a mighty chanting chorus. It's a gloriously entrancing piece of psychedelia anyone listening to a Deerhunter record would hope for. Cox's contributions are, of course, still the driving force behind it all. Classic sounding songs like "Revival" is vintage garage pop, elevated nicely by inventive percussion behind the fuzz. Deerhunter isn't just channeling past works, though. On album closer, "He Would Have Laughed," the combination of melody, harmony, and instrumentation results in a song that manages to look forward and backward simultaneously. Like the entire album does, really. Halcyon Digest has a soul that asks us not to stray from what we've always loved about music.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Best Albums of 2010 | Part Two
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| Artwork credit: Alyssa Shapkoff |
Today, we continue on with paragraphical odes to our favorite albums of 2010. To see the entire list so far, go here!
Best Coast | Crazy For You (Mexican Summer) [buy]
Surf. Garage. Indie. Motown. '50s pop. Grunge. Lo-fi. Fuzz. Doo-wop. Roll up all of these genres together in equal portions, and you have Best Coast, a charming trio from Los Angeles, California, composed of Bethany Cosentino, Bobb Bruno, and Ali Koehler. Their exceptional debut LP, Crazy For You, is replete, from start to finish, with the commonly linked themes of love, longing, pining, wanting, missing, and desiring to just start over. Sprinkle in several references to smoking grass and Cosentino's cat (Snacks), and you've pretty much nailed the thematic elements to Crazy For You. The record is book-ended with a dead-on starter and closer that flaunt Best Coast's sound and lyrical themes. "Boyfriend" lays down straight forward riffs and harmonizing backing vocals as a pedestal for Cosentino's lament that a certain someone is seeing someone else: "The other girl is not like me/ she's prettier and skinnier/ she has a college degree/ I dropped out when I was seventeen." "When I'm With You," the concluding track of the record, is just aces. Grungy rhythm guitar, a surf rock solo, and Cosentino wailing: "I hate sleeping alone." After the success of Crazy For You, we bet that she may have a few more bed buddies from which to choose (aside from Snacks, of course).
Suckers | Wild Smile (Frenchkiss) [buy]
Brooklyn's Suckers, a quartet from Brooklyn, have a touch of weirdness to them... But what interesting and unique rock band from Brooklyn doesn't? Somewhat reminiscent of Yeasayer (but darker and more brooding), Suckers has crafted one of the year's best records, start to finish, in Wild Smile (incidentally their self-titled EP was produced by Yeasayer's Anand Wilder). At the record's center, there lies in wait one of the best one-two punches of rock tracks on any record this year. "A Mind I Knew" starts out with a steady pace and builds into a frenetic epic that gets down in it: "Your heart is like a crippled demon / semen on your clothes / kill everything I built around me / nervous I suppose." "Roman Candles" lightens the mood a bit ("Roman candles / and empty liquor handles / and a way with words has pulled you through") but continues to rock nonetheless as, again, the offering builds to a cacophonous end. Wild Smile's penultimate track, "2 Eyes 2 C" is also noteworthy. Hell, all of the songs on Wild Smile are pretty darn solid, hence the appearance on this list. We anxiously await to see what 2011 has in store for Suckers.
Sharon Van Etten | Epic (Ba Da Bing) [buy]
“You were high while I was doomed,” Sharon Van Etten sings on the magnificent “Love More,” which closes out Epic. Somewhere along the way, some dude really messed with her. Note to future dudes who want to screw with Van Etten: she’ll write songs about you, and the subject matter won’t be pretty. It only takes six songs for Epic to convince us that Van Etten knows how to tug at the dark corners of our hearts. Sure, there’s a lot of regret in these songs; but here’s to also finding the lurking hope that exists. Van Etten is a rising star.
The Black Keys | Brothers (Nonesuch) [buy]
For all intents and purposes, Brothers is the record we've always hoped The Black Keys would make. It's a soulful and tough-as-nails example of how contemporary blues still has a place, not only in the modern music world, but in pop culture itself. It's a record that speaks to the duo's faithfulness to those who have come before them but also gives major nods to those who have helped them move far beyond their previous works with a renewed fire and focus. "Next Girl" and "Everlasting Light" are brilliant examples of their blues-twinged songwriting skills, while "Tighten Up" illustrates just how important their previous work with Danger Mouse at the production helm has been. This LP points The Black Keys in a new direction, and if they keep things real one more time, the sky is the damn limit. This is for sure.
Clare Burson | Silver & Ash (Rounder) [buy]
Silver and Ash is Clare Burson’s album about the life of her grandmother, Helga Rabinowitsch, who fled from Germany before the Holocaust. Even though the underlying subject matter is dark, we’d argue this album shines because of the warmth and optimism it brings us, similar to Bruce Springsteen’s post-9/11 The Rising. This album is beautiful because of its depth and because Burson eliminates any idea of a comfort zone. “Remember for me,” she sings on “I Will/With You.” If you listen to Silver and Ash, you’ll never forget Clare Burson.
Yeasayer | Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian) [buy]
It's no secret that MGMT's 2010 album proved to be majorly divisive, earning just as many critics as avid fans. And if you were anything like us, mostly looking elsewhere for hot jams that implored us to get our asses on the dance floor, you turned to Yeasayer's Odd Blood. Mixing synth, catchy melodies, and oft-times, world beats, this year, the mighty Brooklyn group swooped in to save the dancehall day. From not-so-subtle '80s nods to prog-rock aberrations, Yeasayer fills our empty art-pop tanks and leaves us wanting more.
Cowboy Junkies | Renmin Park (Razor & Tie) [buy]
Forget what you already know about Cowboy Junkies, Renmin Park showed that even a band with 25 years under their belt can break new ground. Michael Timmins once again proves he’s one of the best Canadian songwriters not named Neil Young, penning songs that were inspired by a lengthy family trip to China. A few of the songs are even structured around field recordings Timmins captured on his trip, such as two men playing badminton in Renmin Park, which opens “Sir Francis Bacon at the Net.” Of course, Timmins’ sister, Margo, is still a star behind the microphone. Yeah, it’s true, she can still sing a little. But it’s her brother, Michael, who ultimately steals the show with his ability to create something out of nothing. Renmin Park shows that the Junkies can still blaze a few trails and are kicking with fervor.
Mumford and Sons | Sigh No More (Glass Note) [buy]
We can't lie - we've been listening to Mumford and Sons, a leader in the recent Brit-folk invasion, for a long time. Well before the London four-piece made its 2010 stateside debut with Sigh No More, we were knocked backward by its haunting harmonies, manic foot-stompin', and feverish desire. But, this album is just too perfect to not include on our year-end list of favorites. Mumford and Sons' brand of across-the-pond-Americana is an explosion of unbridled emotion. On "White Blank Page," lead singer, Marcus Mumford, requests, "Lead me to the truth, and I will follow you with my whole life..." Well, consider us disciples because we're never letting this band out of our sight.
Common Prayer | There Is A Mountain (Big Potato) [buy]
There Is A Mountain crept into our inbox over the summer and had its way with us. Common Prayer, the project of Jason Russo (of Hopewell) and Alexandra Marva (with John Anderson and Karen Codd joining live), gave us perhaps the biggest surprise of 2010. This music sounds earthy and feels free, stomping barefoot through frolicking guitar, organic percussion, and sing-around-the-campfire lyrics. "Sara G" quirkily skips back and forth among its various layers: random laughs, a female chorus, a cabasa that keeps the beat. On the gospel-driven "Everything & More," the duo poignantly harmonizes, "We may never pass this way again/ this could be the last time, my friend..." If ever there were music about living in the right here and now, this is it.
Lissie | Catching a Tiger (Fat Possum) [buy]
I'm tired of saying that I won't get lost ever again/ Who knows? Maybe I will..." These are the first two lines from "Record Collector," track one off Lissie's debut album, Catching a Tiger. We think there's a massive amount to be said about her opening statement, her cool confidence that immediately deflates the idea that one must have her head about her at all times. While heartland songs like "Bully" feel like recognizable extensions of Lissie's debut EP, Why You Runnin', our favorite Midwestern lass also tries the likes of unrestrained pop, '60s girl group bliss, and gritty soul on for size. After all, she's already told us she's comfortable meandering off the straight and narrow path.
Like Pioneers | Piecemeal (Abandoned Love) [buy]
Last winter, members of Chin Up Chin Up, Bound Stems, The Narrator, and Vacations got together over two weekends in Chicago to record some songs. The resulting LP, Piecemeal, was something you only get when a ton of like-minded musicians collaborate on a project that is impulsive and free in spirit. Piecemeal is something truly magical, an album that hit us completely by surprise. "English Garden" is the clear standout from a repeat listen standpoint, but other tracks like "Some People" and "Gift from a Holiday" are better than 90% of the songs we heard this year.
How To Dress Well | Love Remains (Lefse) [buy]
Love Remains is an album we would file in the "academic section" of our LP library. Not because the words are literary, or because the music is classical or grandiose, but because you actually have to do some homework in order to fully get it. You have to sit down with some notecards and study it before it finally clicks. But when it does - good lawd, it does. “You Won’t Need Me Where I’m Goin’” and “My Body” offer up some glorious pop moments while “Walking This Dumb” and “Mr. By & By” offer beats suitable for da club. But Tom Krell, the sole member of the group, is an R&B tailor at best, somehow weaving ghostly chants into quiet, rain-ready slow jams. Just give it five spins and a few hours. It's well worth your time.
Big Boi | Sir Lucious Left Foot... The Son of Chico Dusty (Def Jam) [buy]
You probably know that Big Boi (AKA General Patton AKA Sir Lucious Left Foot AKA Daddy Fat Sax AKA Sgt. Slaughter AKA Antwan Andre Patton) is one half of a little hip hop duo hailing from Atlanta known as Outkast. What you may not know is that with his debut solo LP, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (we don't count Speakerboxxx released with Andre 3000's The Love Below), Big Boi establishes himself as a rap juggernaut standing on his own, completely independent from Andre 3000. "Shine Blockas" and "Shutterbugg" may just be the two best rap songs of the year (sorry, Kanye). Both tracks highlight slick beats, Big Boi's signature southern drawl lyrical delivery, and quality rhymes ranging from the inspirational on "Shine Blockas": ("But we shall overcome and succeed, indeed/ But with success comes a great responsibility/ We chose to lead not follow/ It's a hard pill to swallow/ Better get prescriptions filled/ 'Cause there might not be tomorrow" to the gangsta on "Shutterbugg": "Not to flex but to protect my neck like the Wu-Tang / Self-preservation is the rule when you do aim/ Or get in something more sinister/ You gotta be the finisher / To make it sure the doctors, they can't replenish him." These are just a couple of the many superb highlights in a complete record that varies in pacing, mixes up the beats, and dabbles in all sorts of subject matter. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, simply put, is jam after jam after jam.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Best Albums of 2010 | Part One
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| Artwork credit: Alyssa Shapkoff |
Over the next four days, we'll be bringing you our favorite albums of 2010, in no particular order. These are the records that turned round and round throughout our year, and they'll continue spinning long into 2011.
Robyn | Body Talk, Part One (Cherrytree/Interscope) [buy]
Robyn, Swedish songstress and dance-pop goddess, exemplifies all that is good about quality pop music and Body Talk, Part One is Exhibit A to that fact. The songs on this record are catchy and danceable, but have concept and depth that is missing in most commercially viable pop. While most of the tracks are sonically upbeat, the lyrics often lean to the darker side of emotion and experience. "Cry When You Get Older" brings a cynic's eye to matters of the heart: "Love hurts when you do it right." "Dancing On My Own" is pure pop candy, but chronicles a jilted lover who intentionally exposes herself to her companion's infidelity while clubbing her pain away on a dimly-lit dance floor. These songs evoke real emotional response, something that all great pop should do. Body Talk, Part One should be used as the new gold standard for making pop records. If this were the case, the world would be a better place.
The Tallest Man on Earth | The Wild Hunt (DEAD OCEANS) [buy]
Kristian Matsson, AKA The Tallest Man on Earth, showcases his ingenious lyrics, trademark grisly growl, and expert acoustic picking and strumming on his second full length LP, The Wild Hunt. The record is delightfully balanced with highs and lows. "King of Spain" is an infectiously upbeat jaunt. "Love is All" is an exquisite ballad written from the perspective of someone with a hardened heart: "Love is all from what I'm told/ but my hearts learned to kill." Matsson guides us seamlessly through these peaks and valleys, and the result is an experience that is full and a record that hits from start to finish.
Surfer Blood | Astro Coast (Kanine) [buy]
Surfer Blood falls into a long line of '50s beach movie-loving bands that have broken out over the past few years. Best Coast, Beach House, Beach Fossils, and Wavves have all released LPs that have churned up some major buzz, but Astro Coast stands alone as an album that sounds truly unique while touching on some very familiar concepts. As the album plays out, it becomes quite clear that it’s impossible to pin Surfer Blood’s sound down to any one distinct style or direction, with the band switching things up on the African rhythms of "Take It Easy," to channeling the finest melodies The Shins never thought of on "Swim." It's a truly exceptional first album for a young band.
Tift Merritt | See You On The Moon (Fantasy) [buy]
There are times when we listen to See You On The Moon, and we are sure that Tift Merritt’s essential talent is her songwriting. Sure, the artist from North Carolina is often applauded for her voice, and rightly so. But Merritt’s writing on See You On The Moon is striking; it feels personal. And it’s beautiful. This is a record that grooves (“Mixtape”), inspires (“Engine To Turn”), and challenges the listener to think (“Things That Everybody Does,” “Feel of the World”). It represents an artist in her prime, an artist concerned with the future, not the past. It’s Merritt’s best work to date.
Tokyo Police Club | Champ (Mom & Pop) [buy]
When you name your album Champ, you better come out fighting. Tokyo Police Club doesn’t disappoint in that regard; the songs on its relentless sophomore effort throw plenty of jabs, rocking the listener with a heavy dose of ragged, electric glory. While we’d like to declare “Favourite Colour” our favorite song on Champ, there are days when we’ve got “Bambi,” “Wait Up (Boots of Danger),” or “Breakneck Speed” on repeat. It’s safe to say that they’re one of our favorite Canadian bands we’ve heard this year.
Sarah Jaffe | Suburban Nature (Kirtland) [buy]
“My heart pretends not to know how it ends,” sings Sarah Jaffe on Suburban Nature’s opening song, “Before You Go.” It’s sort of unfair how the almost 25-year-old from Denton, Texas can sound so confident on her debut album, but we can’t deny the convincing tone from her voice on every song. Whether it’s on “Clementine,” “Vulnerable,” or the album-closing “Perfect Plan,” Jaffe, a lot like Kathleen Edwards, doesn’t waste time playing games - she knows exactly what she wants. We’re happy to have found her music in 2010.
Dr. Dog | Shame, Shame (ANTI-) [buy]
All the press we read leading up to the release of Dr. Dog's 2010 release, Shame, Shame, claimed that the effort was darker, grittier than previous offerings. Lyrically speaking, maybe, just maybe. But, we gotta say, the Philadelphia quintet's fifth LP glimmers with '70s AM Gold and sunshine-y baroque pop, making use of lilting harmonies and shared lead vocals by bassist Toby Leaman and guitarist Scott McMicken. Somehow, even the most literal of tracks, like "Jackie Wants a Black Eye" shake with loosey-goosey verve, so those supposed tenebrific poetics quickly lose the shadows of gloom and doom. All eleven tracks flat out beg for backroad car rides with windows down and restorative springtime air. Shame, Shame makes us happy.
Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings | I Learned the Hard Way (Daptone) [buy]
As the lead singer of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, Jones carefully straddles the line between an estrogen-infused bad ass and a vulnerable damsel in distress. In either role, Miss Jones has swagger that can't be denied. I Learned the Hard Way, the band's fourth studio album, is modern day soul, completely authentic to the genre's heyday in the 1960s. "Better Things" is the sequel to Jean Knight's "Mr. Big Stuff" with a confident, "don't need no man" attitude, and the title track booms with the renewed tenacity of a woman who's learned her lesson. Jones' lyrics quite often are marked with messages of female empowerment, and for this, we love our high-heeled, and at times menacing, soul songstress.
Future Islands | In Evening Air (Thrill Jockey) [buy]
For the band's second album, Future Islands apparently made a completely conscience effort to move its sound greatly forward, while keeping the vital elements of the debut, Wave Like Home, intact and upfront. Built behind Samuel T. Herring's unreal contribution on vocals, Future Islands formulates a rich and robust sound by mixing in J. Gerrit Welmers' synthesizer and William Cashion's thumping bass lines. The songs created are some of the true standouts of 2010. The steel drum-riddled "Tin Man" is as infectious as songs get, giving off an incredible energy when it reaches its peak, while the calmer and quieter “Swept Inside” features a subdued Herring singing over a gently-pulsing melody.
Jonsi | Go (XL) [buy]
Jonsi is the nickname of Jon Thor Birgisson, the enigmatic and just plain brilliant singer of Iceland's Sigur Ros. His music to date has been sprawling and complex. Mysterious and ethereal. Described by more than one person as "sleep inducing." So when Go dropped earlier this year, it shocked us all as it unfolded as an upbeat, melodic, and orchestral album that oozed happiness from start to finish. From the quirky and immediately singable "Boy Lilikoi" to the danceable "Go Do" the album immediately silenced those of us who are always skeptical when a band leader steps out on his own.
Spoon | Transference (Merge) [buy]
Spoon continues its impressive run of consistently awesome albums with its seventh, Transference, which is narrower than its predecessors but just as scruffy. By leaving the horns at home this time around, the band hasn’t sounded this raw in more than a decade. Britt Daniel switches it up on each song, simply tearing up his vocal chords on the down and dirty “Written in Reverse” but then lacing “Trouble Comes Running” with his classic woos and oohs. He even sings in that R&B-ish falsetto he's tinkered with sporadically on “Who Makes Your Money?” as he repeats the titles line over and over again. It's a new, but classic Spoon album, once again. And it still sounds good to us.
Cotton Jones | Tall Hours in the Glowstream (Suicide Squeeze) [buy]
Michael Nau's vocals ooze with a bonafide Southern drawl, and if we close our eyes, we see him holding a toothpick in his mouth and kickin' up dust in his sky blue Ford pick-up, on the way to the Glowstream. Coupled with the Whitney McGraw's gorgeous, lo-fi harmonies, the influence of Georgia, the location of most of the Tall Hours recordings, rises from this album, wafting like smoke carried on a docile wind. The follow up to the band's debut, Tall Hours in the Glowstream is filled with dreams and mornings, gleaming folk tunes, and unapologetic hope.
Monday, December 13, 2010
We Come Bearing Gifts | The 2010 Holiday Song Round Up
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| The Apache Relay |
We must take a quick pause from our Best of the 2010 reindeer games to round up a collection of new holiday songs. We posted the link to download the awesome Target Christmas album a few weeks ago, but here we offer a random assortment of thingamabobs, whatchamacallits, and widgets to boost your holiday spirit. So, hang your stockings, say your prayers, spike the eggnog, and download like Santa's comin' early this year.
The Apache Relay - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
To gear up for the new album coming up in spring of 2001, the band is offering an exclusive download of "State Trooper," a Bruce Springsteen cover, at The Apache Relay's Facebook page!
Common Prayer - Winter Wonderland
Common Prayer had one of our favorite songs of 2010 with "Us Vs. Them."
Deer Tick - Christmas All Summer Long
This track is available for purchase on iTunes, but you can also get it for free with any purchase of a Deer Tick item from Partisan Records.
The Hush Now - On Holiday
Grab the band's most recent EP, Shiver Me Starships, for free at The Hush Now's website.
Puppini Sisters - Last Christmas
The London-based trio's Christmas With The Puppini Sisters is out now on Verve Records.
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Best Songs of 2010 | 25 - 1
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| Artwork credit: Alyssa Shapkoff |
Click here to see the entire list, from 100 - 1.
25 Sufjan Stevens - From the Mouth of Gabriel
The most classic Sufjan song of the 2010 onslaught of Sufjan songs, "From the Mouth of Gabriel" is haunting and just plain beautiful. Flutes and clarinets, plucking guitars and lyrics that could be either deeply religious or just on the cusp. Either way - thank God we got to hear this.
[buy the album] [more from Sufjan Stevens on Speakers]
24 Josh Ritter - Change of Time
"Your shoulder blade, your spine/ Were shorelines in the moon light." This Josh Ritter guy can sure write a song.
[buy the album] [more from Josh Ritter on Speakers]
23 Frightened Rabbit - Yes, I Would [listen]
This isn't a band sleeping through life; this is a band that creates music and acknowledges the darkness that surrounds us all but is smart enough to realize that it's not all a dead end.
[buy the album] [more from Frightened Rabbit on Speakers]
22 Vampire Weekend - Horchata
Literally the perfect summer song,"Horchata" is the indie rock equivalent of "Margaritaville," but also completely different in that it's not ungodly horrible. Picture yourself on white sand somewhere with your Ray Bans on.
[buy the album] [more from Vampire Weekend on Speakers]
21 LCD Soundsystem - Home
James Murphy & LCD Soundsystem's 2010 record This is Happening may be their last, but it also may be their best. "Home," an 8 minute epic anchor to the LP, starts gently and gradually builds to an expertly layered and complex dance instigator.
[buy the album] [more from LCD Soundsystem on Speakers]
20 The Black Keys - Everlasting Light
"Everlasting Light" dips, drives, and plunges, a series of pelvic thrusts under a fuzzy falsetto.
[buy the album] [more from The Black Keys on Speakers]
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