Now, each year I write one of these. Each year it gets more and more developed.
This past year, I was concerned about 'missing' an essential album, and in November wrote up a list of all 80 records I had on my hard drive that came out in 2008, and posted lists here on lj, on fb, on theburbs, on last.fm, on myspace even to get input from people on what I was missing. Cause last year I had a "why isn't this on your list" "cause i've never heard of that band" "good reason!" conversation a few too many times.
Eventually with all the recommendations (some of which, I thought were pretty euurgh) I ended up with 139 records. Some of which only got listened to once. I think I need to have this list happen monthly, to stay in beat with the music scene, cause really my list is mostly stuff I had already. There are a couple records that were recommended that made it into my lower end of my list, but it basically would have been impossible to crack my top 15, I think.
Personal Rules for listings. Live albums don't count. I also do not take into account compilations/b-side records. Just a personal preference thing. ALSO, I don't count EPs, why bother when there are so many LPs?
I've also, not at all included Way to Normal (the
Ben Folds record) as it's going to be reissued with *hopefully* better production levels which it'll probably appear on my 09 list. Though, who knows, I may not count it then, cause it's a re-issue. I dunno, we'll cross that path in 12 months. But for now, it's not on the list at all. I know where it would fit, but if I include it today, by my own rules, I can't include it next year, and I'm hoping the Stems and Seeds version is much better.
Honorable Mentions (In no particular order, but I'd need to spend more time with these records before really ranking them)
The Welcome Wagon - Welcome to the Welcome Wagon
-> This record only came out in December. It sounds pretty great, I can hear all the Sufjan all over it (he produced it) but there simply wasn't enough time to harvest enough of a love for it.
Noah and the Whale - Painless....
Born Ruffians - Red Yellow & Blue
Mason Jennings - In the Ever
The Guggenheim Grotto - Happy the Man
Portishead - Third
The Black Keys - Attack & Release
The Dodos - Visiter
Mason Proper - Olly Oxen Free
Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
-> Especially those last five, made me consider making it a top 35 list, with 5 honorable mentions, but, I like the 0 at the end of the list. :P
30. Tapes 'n Tapes - Walk it Off
This is the sophomore album by Tapes 'n Tapes. It's a decent follow up to The Loon, they're trying a few more things here and there, getting a little more advanced in the world of production and recording. However, the album does not really fit together as well as The Loon does. However, it's a bit cleaner - but not quite to the cleanliness that you can see yourself in it (which is a good thing, not over produced). The album is good, but not quite the classic that their debut was. The combination of Hang them All into Headshock is pretty great though.
29. She & Him - Volume One
Zooey and M. Ward make a good combination. However, if you know how I feel about music, you know I always have a bit of a weird spot about covers, and there are a few on this record. Definitely too many to rank to terribly high on a year end list. This record feels a bit top heavy, the first three tracks are pretty outstanding, as the originals, of the record, start to fall apart. The cover of 'I Should Have Known Better' is pretty great. But it's a cover. I feel the record's also a bit long. Definitely not the best of the year, like Paste Magazine hailed it. But a decent record.
28. Chris Walla - Field Manual
Chris Walla breaks away from Death Cab for Cutie, finally, to put out a solo record. This guy sits behind the wonderful Ben Gibbard who is the main songwriter of DCFC (amongst his own solo stuff, and The Postal Service), and he's really a great lyricist of his own... he is the writer of a few Death Cab songs, but people sometimes don't know that. This record is a bit top heavy as well, but it's a great debut solo record from Mr Walla, and it was about time. Solo recordings floated around the interents for a while, but it's nice to hear a studio album. 'Sing Again', despite being the cliche'd single off the album, is pretty easily the best track off the record. It's got that great pop sensibility, and is probably a bit too happy to be included on any new release by Death Cab. The only downfall of this record is that I wish when I saw Death Cab in October they would have done a few!
27. Grand Archives - The Grand Archives
The man who fronts this band is a former guitarist from Band of Horses. He also used to be the front man of Carissa's Weird. Anyway, this put them on my radar. Not to mention, look at that lovely (right up my alley!) album artwork! The opening track of 'Torn Blue Foam Couch' enticies the listener to sit and take notice. And continuing to listen to the record pays off. It especially pays off on the highlight of the album 'Sleepdriving.' The vocals and the building, plus the beginning simplistic drums builds into this purely beautiful song, not to mention the great bridge with the strings and super simple complementary use of the piano. Then the guitar riff at the end of it? Beautiful track. Beautiful vocals. There's no wonder why Pitchfork included this song in their broadcasty thing, that helped to put this record on some people's radar (as if the Band of Horses connection wouldn't be enough). Great record.
26. Dr. Dog - Fate
This is a record/band I've had the intention of introducing myself to for a long time, but always forgot about it/never got around to it. It was one of the few records that made it onto this list that was a recommendation from someone off my list in November. I've had a hard time placing this record on my list, cause each time I listen to it, I feel like it gets better, but I've only listened to it a few times, I think that had I had this record from the release it could well have cracked my top 15. Easily. The record opens with a track called 'The Breeze' which calls the listener in with it's simple start and eventual build, not to mention the fact that The Beatles are written all over this. You can hear the influences everywhere, which is not at all a bad thing. My mom just walked in the room and was like.... but that's not John and Paul?? WEIRD TIMING (seeing as I'm currently re-writing this, as I lost my first draft about an hour ago). Now, track three, 'The Old Days' is my favorite track off the record, it's pretty much perfect, it starts out with a great little piano ditty, adds some drums and then the vocals and then gets to the chorus and blows it up with the addition with the guitar. Great. Just great. If you keep listening to the record and make it to track '100 Years' you will not be disappointed at all. As a whole this record is fantastic, and writing about it, again, makes me want to push it up into my top 20 records. Ugh, why didn't someone force this on me earlier?!
25. Jennifer O'Connor - Here With Me
This is another artist that I wish I had listened to when I first heard the name mentioned. Hotel Lights (Darren Jessee) and her toured together in 2007, but I skipped out on her set cause I had to drive 200 miles back home after Darren was done. I SHOULD HAVE STAYED. This record is written out of the ashes of the fact that her two sisters have both recently died, and the lyrics are those great super-vague-but-just-as-specific awesomeness. (A new category I just invented). Speaking of Darren, he makes an appearance on this record, he's the barely audible back up vocals on the opening (and perhaps best) track 'The Church and River.' His vocals make this song, despite the fact that the first time you listen you may not even hear them. They're mixed in perfectly. Just audible enough it's one of those things once you hear him (on the chorus) you can't not hear him, and once you catch them you start paying attention. What a great attention grabber to start out the record. Speaking of those lyrics, and the deaths, the lyrics of the opening track, which could easily be taken as just a lover lost kind of song... think about what's between a Church and a River. Generally a cemetery, no? See! Super-vague-but-just-as-specific, I told you! Other highlights on the album are the title track 'Here with Me,' 'Always on Your Mind,' 'Days Become Months' and 'Xmas Party.'
24. M83 - Saturdays = Youth
I feel like I owe this band an apology. This record is great, but I never seem to remember to listen to it. But everytime I do, I'm struck at how good it is. It's a great addition to the electro-pop world. I was introduced to this band through the song 'Kim & Jessie' byLeft of Center. That song, however, is not really a great introduction to the record, it kind of sticks out on the poppier side of this band. Most of this record has kind of a dark feel to it, as well as a female vocalist that shows up on quite a few numbers. The stand out track is Up! which has all of those features, it's dark, kind of confusing, and has the female as the lead. The other highlight on the record is 'Graveyard Girl,' which has a terribly depressing overlay of spoken word. With the kind of poppy electronic feel over top of it, well done.
23. William Fitzsimmons - The Sparrow and the Crow
I feel bad for this guy too. Totally overshadowed by the Bon Iver craze, both by the media, and me. WFitz was a last.fm recommended, the AmandaRobbins coined term, 'folksy fucker' (which is kind of hard to say out loud), to me. I wish I had taken them up on it sooner. This is another record I gathered late in the year, and wish I had spent more time with. He has those haunting vocals + acoustic guitar + utterly depressing lyrics combination that just slay me. I have been listening to the corresponding record as I've been writing this list out - and at one point when hitting alt + tab (to get to switch to itunes without using the mouse, I'm typing from my lap, and not over the desk- anyway) i must have just hit tab and lost most of this post, except from where i had posted this as at one point private on my lj to make my IE post, anyway, this is the record I had been writing about, and I had to start back at She & Him when I started re-writing, and I've been stuck on this record most of the time since. It keeps getting better. This album seems to mostly be about a major break up as well, and with those whispery vocals. Mmm, and shivers. If you like Bon Iver, Hotel Lights, Iron & Wine, Elliott Smith, or Sufjan Stevens (or all five, which I do) you should download this entire record. And if you sign up for the mailing list you get a free bonus track, I just found that out. This record doesn't really have that much of a stand out track, the whole album is just stellar. Plus! LOOK at that beard! How could the music NOT be good?! I had a hard time picking just one song for this blog.
22. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Now, Death Cab continuously produces great records. However, not much is every going to top the works of Transatlanticism and We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes. I don't feel like I should say much about Death Cab for Cutie. They're a band you know if you like them or if you don't. And if for some reason you've not made up your mind/haven't ever listened to them. Rectify this issue. They're basically way too big of a band for you not to have heard of them/or one of their songs. I'm not a fan of how big they are. I think Ben Gibbard is a great songwriter, but I dunno, sometimes I get a bit elitist/indie-fuck-face about DCFC. The lyrics on the record are just exactly what I would exect from them, and I suppose they didn't do anything to impress me as something new for them, hence so low down (below the 20 mark). However, 'Grapevine Fires' is totally outstanding. And 'Your New Twin Sized Bed' is mindbogglingly depressing. And I hope that doesn't happen to me. :(
21. The Weepies - Hideaway
Another lead female! Hum. Surprising. Perhaps I'm breaking down my barrier on girls. I've got a few more coming up yet too. This band was introduced to me through this record, and I was sold from the opening track. It's a good combination of twee and folk, which equals pure gold.The two voices (one male and one female) mix together very well while remaining very unique sounding, there are several highlights on the record. 'Can't Go Back Now' 'Old Coyote' and 'Takes So Long' are all stellar.
20. Ohtis - If This Country Had a Heart, Then That's Where I was Born
This band came to me through a super lame way. It came across indie_exchange and I downloaded it for this one reason; the band is from Normal, IL. (Normal is now forever associated with Ben Folds). I told you it was lame! Well. I was NOT disappointed. This band has near everything I could ever ask for. The vocals are distinct, yet not abrasive, the music is on the alt-country-ish side, which I've been currently super digging (think Wilco), and the lyrics are both smart, and totally laced with religious things. AND they kind of super bash on the American Christian outlook currently. Which is OF COURSE right up my alley. In fact, they line up a song 'American Christian' next to 'American Christians' it's kind of confusing, cause I'm never certain which song I'm in love with at the moment (Though, both are fantasitc). ALSO, it kinda bashes on the music scene, Dylan is mentioned TWICE on the record. Satan also makes an appearance on the track '666'. Really. Get this album. Today, unless you don't like music that name drops Jesus, though it's for certainly not -come-to-jesus music.
19. Guillemots - Red
This band has what seemingly is a decent sized following over in their native land of England. Here in the States? No one knows who the hell this band is. Great band though. Red, however, is a gigantic leap away from Through the Windowpane, and it took me a long time to actually like this record. Though according to my Guillemots source of Smelly!Alex it's what you would have expected from this band pre-TtW. If you say so, Mr Hale. Too bad I fell in love with TtW (really, check it out). This record, I feel, has some absolutely great moments, and then some really bad moments. I won't get into it much, but I'm not a huge fan of all the yelly stuffs. And there is very little space in my heart for 'Big Dog.' 'Get Over It,' 'Words' and 'Don't Look Down,' however? Loves! But that's the reason it rates so low. It also has it's own share of compression issues.
18. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Pershing
This record was great the first couple times I listened to it, then I went off of it (and back to Broom if I needed a SSLYBY fix) and then it totally struck me like it did in the beginning when I listened to it again in December. It's exactly the kind of record you'd expect from Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. The album continually delivers, track after track, 'Oceanographer' 'Glue Girls' 'Think I Wanna Die' and 'Dead Right' are all just classic SSLYBY. Great sophomore album, from a great band. Great little indie rock, the 'Glue Girls' music video featured the lovely ladies of Eisley. It's pretty great. They're playing with Ohtis in .... of all places.... Normal, IL in a few weeks. I really hope to make it.
17. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
This record has been hailed in a lot of people's top 10s, if not top 5. I like it, but it has a few tracks that do nothing for me. Like 'Red Dress' does nothing for me, at all. Weird. 'DLZ' 'Dancing Choose' and 'Golden Age' however FULLY redeem TV on the Radio. God. DLZ? Probably one of my top 10 tracks of 2008, were I to attempt to write up a list like that. Actually, I'm certain of it's awesome-ness. Despite the fact I don't really know what's going on/what they're saying. Hahaha. Nor do I know what DLZ stands for. Sounds like I should maybe read a wikipedia page or two. This record was also, unfortunately a victim to the Loudness Wars. :'( End the wars in the middle east, and end the wars in Garage Band! :P (okay, that is actually very serious.)
16. Land of Talk - Some are Lakes
This band is fantastic. Another find through Left of Center. And no wonder I loved them after first listen, Justin Vernon (the guy of Bon Iver) recorded this all for the band. And track 10 was even recorded in Eau Claire at the Vernon home. Oi! Justin Vernon will take over my life. :P This is another female fronted band, with that inevitable love of that folksy overtones. God. "I'll love you like I'll love you, then I'll die". (from 'Some are Lakes') Is true for this record. This record has the dynamic pull upward and then closes on such a quiet sentimental song. The vocals are unique yet smooth, making it an easy record to listen through, and compels you to come back to. 'Troubled' also wins major points by having both English and French lyrics. (and great pronunciation). Recommended if you like Bon Iver, Broken Social Scene, and Camera Obscura.
15. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
This is a good follow up to Wild Mountain Nation, but I feel like it was a bit rushed. The record is 13 tracks long, but I think it probably could have been worked out a bit more to be on the same level as Wild Mountain Nation, which is an absolutely stellar record. You can hear the great abilities of Blitzen Trapper in tracks like 'Sleepytime in the Western World,' 'Furr,' 'God & Suicide' and 'Black River Killer'. This album is something that is definately top heavy. After 'Black River Killer' I get bored. :( Which is terribly sad. WMN was one of my favorite records last year. (Made my honorable mentions list, oddly. I thought it would have ranked higher... there was some awesome stuff out last year too, hard to compete with a Andrew Bird, Animal Collective and Wilco record - as 2009 will find out)
14. Santogold - Santogold
Okay, this is another record that has been everywhere (we're gonna see more of these as we go on), but it's rightly deserved. This record came on the scene with 'L.E.S. Artistes' as a free single of the week through iTunes monnnnths ago. Then I picked up the whole record, and it's really great. There are a few tracks that aren't as great as some of the other ones on the record, but as a whole this record is a great get up and move record. I drive to this cd a lot. It just has that driving record feel about it for me. I like to drive to peppier music (wouldn't want to fall asleep while driving = dangerous!!) Highlights include 'Say Aha,' 'Lights Out' and 'L.E.S. Artistes.' Off of a record that has lots of highlights. Pretty standard CD for the year 2008. Not exactly stuck in any one genre, nor unreachable for most people's tastes.
13. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Another very hyped-standard record from the past year (though, technically it was digitally released in 2007, but who the fuck knew about that then?). Good reason too. The record is completely solid. Completely great. There's a reason for the hype. I just worry about them, because what next? I'm sure they're selling gigs out like no one's business because they (along with Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver) were kind of one of the bands of the year. It's hard to pick a track that's better (or worse) than the others on the album. Of course there's the tracks of 'Kids', 'Electric Feel' and 'Time to Pretend' that have gotten a considerable amount of airplay. Hell, I heard 'Time to Pretend' on FM 102.1's top 10 one day driving home from somewhere. I nearly shat my pants, this was early in the summer, before they'd gotten even bigger than they are now. I'm sure MGMT is in regular rotation over there at the "indie" alternative station in town.
12. Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts
It kind of hurts me to put a Cloud Cult record below 10. But, the top 10 is unfortunately better than last year's number 1's record. Cloud Cult's record Feel Good Ghosts, however, is not to be ignored. It's still absolutely great. Not quite phenomenal, like The Meaning of 8 or Advice from the the Happy Hippopotamus. The major difference, I think, between FGG and previous Cloud Cult output, is the fact that this record has very little to do with the death of Craig and Connie's son. The record has everything to do with the earth and being green, which has always been a part of Cloud Cult. The record as a whole is a bit happier. Not that I want them to be sad, but it's a sure change in the lyricism of a band that I loved for what it was. Though, if I need depressing CC I definitely have enough. :) This record also goes to a certain level by including the word 'poop' in a song. Craig says the band did not want him to do it (the word 'shit' would have fit just as well) but it stayed, and the song 'Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide' is great for it.There is also more religious analogies in the lyrics of this song, but they're great ones 'Story of the Grandson of Jesus' is probably one of my all time top 10 Cloud Cult songs. Easily. This record could be the end of Cloud Cult, however. That would make me terribly depressed. One of my top 10 bands, hands down.
11. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Okay, this was a change, I had something else here, but I had to push it into my top 10. Anyway. This is another standard record from the year. It's got that haunting vocals (which are reproduced very well live.) Easily falls in the 'folksy fucker' category that seems to be almost a theme for 2008. Good thing I love that shit! Fleet Foxes, whilst in comparison to Bon Iver (at least on record) is comprised of many participants instead of one lone guy. The Sun Giant EP accompanies this record very well, and actually includes a favorite Fleet Foxes track. This album is great track after great track, which is why, up until about 3:35 PM today it had been in my top 10 (It's 3:42 currently, but I'm about to leave, and have to come back and write out the top 10).
10. The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
John Darnielle is a fantastic songwriter. There has never been any doubt about this in my mind since introduced to this wonderful band. Sometimes the lyrics get to me a ridiculous amount because he pretty commonly makes mention as to the fact that he was abused by his step-father (See 'Dance Music' off of Sunset Tree). Which of course I can relate to, unfortunately. This record is a bit of a grower - it didn't stick it's thumb out at me like previous records did. However, the record is in no doubt solid. And is in no doubt just as fantastic as the other records, it just took me longer to get there with it. The record delivers everything The Mountain Goats promise when they put out a record. Poignant lyrics. Dark and happy sounds. And just a certain air about the way they cut back to basically just vocals. Dunno what it is about John's voice, but whatever it is, the delivery is spot on. And when he gets into his 'yelly' bits in songs like 'In the Craters on the Moon' I just fall in love with the band all over again. This album also makes great use of string accompaniment, especially true in the track 'San Bernardino.' There are a lot of superb tracks on this record, turning itself into one of the top ten records of 2008. (Most records 10-4 are pretty interchangeable.)
9. Eef Barzelay - Lose Big
Perhaps it's a bit cliched to select a record from an artist who opened for Ben Folds (most people who know me, and perhaps don't know the music would eyeroll at this). However, Eef Barzely has enough indie cred of his own, being the former frontman of indie rock outfit Clem Snide (who's reuniting for their last records' release!!). Lose Big is quite possibly a million times better than his solo-debut record, which is a bit difficult cause Bitter Honey is also ridiculously amazing. However, Lose Big is a solid record through and through, even the bonus tracks are just as amazing as the album track (though, including a bonus track of the Clem Snide song 'I Love the Unknown is a bit lame). I just want to upload the whole record. Eef's lyrics are some of the finest in the entire genre. Of which he doesn't really fit in one. In one song he sounds like an earnest folkster, then turns silly like a pop song, and can have the irony laced indy rock, not to mention the sadness of alt-country. Really? A songwriter of this caliber is not common. (And I do believe this record was written/produced high, if I remember the article correctly). Also, Eef always has some appeal to my religious-cynic side with some sort of crack at it. In 'Apocalyptic Friend' he sings the lines "When rapture comes, I understand your car will likely be unmanned, but what about those sitting in the back? Strapped into the baby seats, sweet milk sticking to their feet, is this the joy felt waking up your heart?" Runs through my head every time I see that bumpersticker. Then from that folky song to the rockier 'Could Be Worse.' 'Could Be Worse' is definitely of the ironic indie rock scene. "Show me the bright side, and I'll look til my eyes catch fire, and please forgive me if I leave you feeling uninspired. My only pleasure is to make that bubble burst, I can't find comfort in the fact that it could be worse" is a brilliant way to open your record. And sometimes my theme song, especially on bad/cynical days. Heh. "Could be I think too much, or maybe I'm just cursed." Then, the title track of 'Lose Big,' lyrically, is absolutely wonderful. The story line, the music. The everything. It is possibly the best song on the record, but as you can see, I can write forever on this man. The entire record is fantastic."Do you really love me?" Yes Mr Barzelay, I do.
8. Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us
Number one downfall of this record; too short. Half an hour of this wonderful poppy husband-wife act is not enough (good thing there are several other records, despite the fact that this is their best work to date). Another female led band, and even in the top 10! The way their voices blend and the general feel of the happiness behind the vocals is just superb. Once again I find myself loving every track on the record, and despite the fact I have a bit of a thing against picking track one (or the single) from the record on these preview downloads on here (though I've done it several times) I am utterly compelled to do both here. The opening track of 'Get Better' is supreme, and just lets you know exactly what you're getting yourself into when you listen to this record. The vocals are really what sell this record. Can't say I've much even noticed anything supreme in the music, except that it compliments the vocals very successfully. The harmonies (with themselves) are very well done, as well as the echo/reverby effect on 'Help Help'. Actually the music seems to be mostly drums (with an occasional overlay of a small piano ditty). The layering on this record is very well done. If this band has babies, they'd damn well better come out with their own band, with parents with such wonderful voices. It's all I'm saying.
7. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Follow up to 2007's The Stage Names, Okkervil River once again produces (though, I do find I love The Stage Names more.) The follow up record is, as Will recently put it, is essentially Act II of which The Stage Names is Act I. Makes sense, when there are many similarities and common themes between the two records. The Stand Ins is definitely the sadder counter-part to The Stage Names. Which isn't bad, but, I really love the songs when Okkervil River starts rocking it out. Not that the mellower side is at all bad, it's definitely quite good. Actually songs like 'Calling and Not Calling My Ex' or 'Pop Lie' which is a blend of both the rockier and mellower Okkervil River are where this band shines. Funny, looking back at last years' list, I can tell I had barely listened to The Stage Names, really ranks far too low down the list, should be a top five record from last year. But, I really came into my Okkervil River love during the past 365 days. I wonder which records that will happen to from this year's list. Anyway, this is also a record that seen live (as I'm sure is true for most every record) holds so much more energy, and adds so much more to the record. Now, 'Lost Coastlines' is the track that LoC started playing the hell out of. Well deserved. Firstly, it's a great track to begin the transition from The Stage Names into The Stand Ins, especially if you listen to the records back to back (highly suggested) it's the last song with the guest vocalist of now Shearwater, Jonathan Meiburg. The track can be read as just a track about some guy not being able to read his maps.... but once you start to think of it as a farewell to Jonathan Meiburg, the analogies with Will has always been a great creator of, start to take on whole new meanings. The entire record has a bit of a loss feel to it (seemingly a huge theme this year. .... oryaknow just a theme in music). The entire record is golden.
6. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
What is not to love about Sigur Ros? Despite the fact that the record is mostly in Icelandic and I have no idea what in the world they're saying. HOWEVER. This causes no issues in my love for this record. Strange. That. 'Gobbledigook' is one of the best opening tracks a band could hope for (despite not understanding a word of it). The record, you would think, would play in the background and be ignored by the listener, being not in English, WRONG. As you go throughout the album you find different moods. 'Gobbledigook' is fun and peppy. Then you hit the combination of 'Ara Batur' and 'Illgresi'. And you get slayed. (Oar Boat/Boat of Years and Weeds are the title translations) both are along the lines of stripped-down-barely there songs with simplistic musical backings, and as Mel once said, she was inclined to believe that Ara Batur is the song they play while you wait in line to get into heaven. I think she's spot on (too bad she'll never find out if they do... OH HHHHH. too harsh?) These songs make me a bit happy I don't know what they are singing about, because if it's depressing lyrics I could easily be enticed to cry listening to such beautiful music. I'm also predisposed to think that they probably are sad lyrically, just the mood of the songs. Especially when the orchestra and choir kick in (about two minutes from the end) of Ara Batur?? That's where the heaven mood comes out and it's got to be something important in the story line. I wonder if there are English translations floating about the web, I'm sure there are. Not many people speak Icelandic.
5. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
This record helped cement my love for My Morning Jacket. I'd long had Z but that was the extent of my love for the band 'Off the Record' ? Stellar, fucking, track. Anyway, I believe MMJ outdid themselves with Evil Urges. The album is a bit long, I could do with one less track out of the middle, like 'Librarian.' Feels a bit b-side-y to me, but listening to this record you can tell that My Morning Jacket has really hit their stride as a band (which took Jim James right off stage in Iowa City) and they're having a great time writing and making music together. With songs like 'Highly Suspicious' and 'Touch Me I'm Going to Scream pt 2' and the title track 'Evil Urges' and even 'I'm Amazed,' 'Two Halves' and 'Thank You Too!' it'd be hard not to hear. The break down in 'Evil Urges'? How could you not have fun playing that?! And 'Highly Suspicious'? Is just a supreme track. Some people absolutely despise it, which I don't understand at all. I love it so much it's my ringtone for when any of my closest people call me. Definitely one of the top 5 songs of the year. The giggling? God. Unbelievable track. Excuse me for a second while I give it a spin. I always find myself turning up the volume to 11 on this song, or this record as a whole. I don't feel like I can say anything more about this record except it's sheer perfection.
4. of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
Now, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? is a mindblowing album that is the epitome of this band. Skeletal Lamping does of Montreal and Kevin Barnes' music abilities more than justice however. That and this record is far more of a Georgie Fruit album (Kevin Barnes' bi-sexual alternate personality/stage personality). Where as Hissing Fauna is actually a divorce album (and they're back together now. hehaha.) This record is full of sexual themes, which took a bit to adjust too, I mean, even more than Hissing Fauna. Any man who wants to attempt to make anyone "cum 200 times a day" ('Gallery Piece') is welcome to be my guest to try. Seems impossible, sir! Anywaaaaayyy, the record is solid. It's a longer record, but that doesn't hurt anything, there's not a track I would ditch anywhere on the record. This band is definitely not for everyone, but if you're willing to try something a bit out there, on the psychedelic side, take a listen to this record. It's a gold mine. The first 'single' off the record 'Id Engager,' which is the last track on the album is totally worth waiting for as you listen through the record, it is a perfect track to summarize the entire experience that is Skeletal Lamping.
3. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Alright, another record that teeeeccchnnniiiccaaallllyyy was released in 2007 - it was self released, but so few people knew about it then. Then it was release on an indie label in February. Left of Center played the hell (still does) out of 'Skinny Love' and I fell in love on first listen. This record is a complete work of beauty. Justin Vernon is a God among men and other music writers. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing this band live in August. MINDBLOWING. You think the album's good?? PHHHH, pale in comparison to the live experience. Sure helps that he's a home-state guy. Justin apparently suffered a massive break-up (with a girl, and his band) so moved back home to Eau Claire, WI (leaving Raleigh, NC) shut himself in a cabin for a few months and out came For Emma, Forever Ago. Despite the fact that this Emma girl clearly broke his heart..... beauuuuutttiiiiffuuuulllll stuff came out of it, so in a way I'm very greatful heartbreak came upon Mr Vernon. (Sorry man!) This record is one of those records that just beckons you to listen again and again. I'm so glad the Blood Bank EP has leaked because it gives me a few more tracks to listen to. The iTunes exclusive track 'Wisconsin' is also heartwrenching. The special way Justin Vernon sings, his falsetto plus auto-tune, is sheer genius. Normally I hate on the auto-tune, but Justin Vernon's found the right combination. And out comes an album that will likely stand the test of time.
2. Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer?
Previous to the release of this album in September, Amanda was saying pretty big statements about this record. That it was "biblical." Now, I have had faith in Amanda Palmer's writing abilities for at least a year and a half by this point, but "biblical"... "biblical" is on par with The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner and Abbey Road. I expected WKAP to be good, especially with Ben Folds as the producer, have you heard Has Been? (that's another very close to biblical record). Then, then songs began appearing bi-weekly on her myspace. And me of little faith, became a believer. 'Astronaut' was the first one to appear, and good, fucking, god, the arrangement on that song is unbelievable. Amanda Palmer + Ben Folds = Musical Wonder. The only, ONLY downfall of the entire record is the track 'What's the Use of Wond'rin?' it's a cover from Carousel the musical. I know it means something to Amanda. BUT, here's the problem with it. Amanda's not the lead vocalist. Annie Clark (St. Vincent) is. I think it completely does not fit the record. 'Straight' would have been a better fit. Or 'Boyfriend with a Coma' or something else that she and Ben eventually rejected. (He seems to have a thing about having covers on albums he produces - too bad 'Common People' was sheer genius, and this one was not.) I'd definitely agree that the album is "biblical" the amount of Amanda Palmer's heart and soul that is in this record is unbelievable. I'd heard 'Astronaut,' 'Ampersand,' 'Point of it All,' and 'Blake Says' long before the record listing was even announced, but how they ended up on album? Mindblowing. Then new tracks like 'Runs in the Family,' 'Leeds United,' 'Oasis' are just as wonderful. Amanda, solo, is able to release a few songs that would have been impossible under The Dresden Dolls. Really, 'Oasis' could never have been a Dolls track. Ever. It's a Beach Boys'-esque poppy song about date-rape, in only a way Amanda Palmer could ever pull off. Much like Messner the opening track and closing track of WKAP relate to one another, through a vague, but also obvious way. The opening track 'Astronaut: A Short History of Nearly Nothing' and the closing track 'Another Year: A Short History of Nearly Something' both deal with failing/failed relationships, but from two totally different perspectives. 'Astronaut' pumps you up and makes you ready to go for the rest of the record, full of drums and strings and piano mashing. 'Another Year' is very much quiet in comparison. Not much accompaniment, just Amanda and the piano, leaving a somber, wanting more feeling in the listener's mouth ears.
1. Hotel Lights - Firecracker People
Anyone who knows me, knows I may or may not have a music-super-crush on Darren Jessee. I think the man is a super lyricist, has one of the smoothest folky-alt-country voice in the world. And not to mention he's super sweet in real life. (Which has little to do with the music, but is super true fact, Darren Jessee for person of the year, screw Barack Obama, he didn't get me into the Ben Folds Five reunion. bastard.) The day I, finally, (the pre-ordered album never shipped) got this record - I avoided the leak super hardcore, despite having it on my desktop. I get anal like that. I listened to this album probably five times in a row. Hotel Lights got 168 listens that week apparently, according to last.fm. And I try to avoid older albums before a new one comes out to avoid comparisons' sake. Though, this sophomore release from Jessee Co. is a more developed - musically - album than the selftitled 2005 debut. It's a wonder this guy played drums behind Ben Folds for song long and only ever wrote 'Magic' and the chorus to 'Brick' (help on 'Kate,' 'Song for the Dumped,' 'Where's Summer B.?' and a few others). How could such a songwriter sit behind Ben that long? No wonder Ben Folds Five broke up. Genius had to be released. Boston Globe recently named this record the best record of 2008 that was overlooked. It's an unfortunate truth about Hotel Lights. Very few people know they exist. They don't even get coverage on the blogs. Firecracker People even less than Hotel Lights. At least off the debut record Left of Center played 'AM Slow Golden Hit' I'd love to hear 'Blue Always Finds Me' or 'Norina' or 'Amelia Bright' on the radio. Some of the major indie blogs - like My Old Kentucky Blog and Stereogum reviewed Hotel Lights no mention at all of Firecracker People. Which is easily the better record. Despite Hotel Lights being incredibly solid. If you like good music you will like this. If you like the folksier side of things, you will love this. I love every single song on this record. Every single song. I do have one track that I least-prefer, but I still absolutely love the song. Super Ben Folds Five fans (ones that bother with bootlegs) will recognize 'Amelia Bright' as a Ben Folds Five - would have been - song. 'Norina' also made an appearance on an ancient solo-Darren Jessee bootleg. However, that live version has absolutely NOTHING on what Darren turned it into. NOTHING I tell you. The record and the songwriting is phenomenal. Darren Jessee is a hero.
PHEW. This took all. day. granted I lost it once, and left to go to a party for several hours. AND I'm a queen of procrastination.
Hotel LightsFirecracker PeopleAmanda Palmer Who Killed Amanda Palmer Bon Iver of Montreal My Morning Jacket Okkervil River Sigur Ros Mates of State Eef Barzelay The Mountain Goats Fleet Foxes Cloud Cult MGMTSantogold Blitzen Trapper Land of Talk TV on the Radio Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Guillemots Ohtis The Weepies Death Cab for Cutie William Fitzsimmons M83Jennifer O'Connor Dr. Dog Grand Archives Chris Walla She & Him Tapes 'n Tapes For Emma, Forever Ago Skeletal Lamping Evil Urges The Stand Ins Lose Big Re-Arrange Us Heretic Pride Feel Good Ghosts Oracular Spectacular Santogold Furr Some Are Lakes Dear Science Pershing Red If This Country Had A Heart, Then That is Where I was Born Hideaway Narrow Stairs The Sparrow and the Crow Saturdays = Youth Here With Me Fate The Grand Archives Field Manual Volume One Walk It Off
Chris Walla
Killing Sheep