Record label Kill Rocks Stars is going to be reissuing all of Elliott Smith's albums with the exception of xo and Figure 8. The best part is that there is a new unreleased Elliott Smith song, "Cecilia/Amanda". It is really good, too. For more on this astounding information, go to Pitchfork.
http://pitchfork.com/news/37398-hear-an-unreleased-elliott-smith-song/
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Free Music!
Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown/Wolf Parade/Swan Lake) has a new project called Moonface. He has released an EP for free on his website. Can't beat free music from a great artist.
http://pitchfork.com/news/37408-hear-spencer-krugs-moonface-ep/
http://pitchfork.com/news/37408-hear-spencer-krugs-moonface-ep/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Honorable Mentions for 2009
Here are several good albums released this year that almost made my Best of 2009 list. In no particular order:
Bitte Orca, Dirty Projectors. Listen to Dirty Projectors’ debut, The Getty Address, then Bitte Orca, and you would hardly tell that this is the same band. Trust me, it is good thing. The Getty Address was too avant garde for its own good. Bitte Orca still has some eccentricities but it is more of a straightforward indie rock record. Whether paving regular indie territory with songs like “Cannibal Resource” or creating melting ballads like “Two Doves”, Dirty Projectors prove they can drop the overly artsy guise to produce something entirely enjoyable and listenable.
The Crying Light, Antony & the Johnsons. Antony Hegarty has an achingly beautiful voice that is almost operatic in quality. Some people might say it is too pretty, but fuck them this dude has golden pipes. On his third album, Antony expands on the chamber pop sound he created on 2005’s I Am Bird Now. Wearing his emotions on his sleeve on every song, he doesn’t need lyrics to invoke what he wants you to feel. The theatrics wear a little towards the end, making you immediately reach for the happiest album you can grab.
Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, Franz Ferdinand. Franz Ferdinand’s third album has the standard disco-y beats, slick guitar hooks, and polished, sexy sound. It is also the make-out album of the year. The songs tread the same ground as the last two albums (Franz Ferdinand and You Could Have It So Much Better), but doesn’t go anywhere. These songs could be interchanged from any other Franz Ferdinand album. Example: my favorite track, “Bite Hard” echoes the slow build and explosion of “Jacqueline”, from their debut. However, with an album of carbon-copied Franz Ferdinand songs, you know what you are getting.
Tight Knit, Vetiver. Unfairly lumped into the “freak folk” movement started by Devendra Banhart, Vetiver has so much more to offer. Tight Knit has the perfect album name. The songs are great, laid back, psychedelic folk songs. Good for sitting on the front porch, drinking a cold one, and chillaxin’. The album does leave you wishing they could pick up the pace, but songs this “tight knit” (yep, I went there) it’s hard to be too picky.
Middle Cyclone, Neko Case. I love Neko Case. I LOVE her. So, I was more than pumped for Middle Cyclone. The opening track, “This Tornado Loves You” didn’t disappoint me at all, but the album never really took off for me from there. The rest of the album is standard Neko Case fare, showing off that beautiful voice, and excellent songwriting skills. However, “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth” is hands down one of her worst songs… ever. What makes it stand out more is the song is sandwiched between two infinitely better ones (“Vengence Is Sleeping” and “Middle Cyclone”). Take that out and you have a solid album from start to finish, which is more than you could ask for these days.
Actor, St. Vincent. Sufjan Stevens and Polyphonic Spree collaborator, Annie Clark, really impressed me with her debut, Marry Me and continues here with Actor. Much like the Thermals’ new album (Now We Can See, see below), Actor is a consistent album and enjoyable to listen to. It flows in a very dream-like state; the kind of dream that involves walking down the street, eating donuts with your high school art teacher. Like Dirty Projectors, St. Vincent has some arty eccentricities that begin to wear on you (“Actor Out of Work”), but it is nice seeing a very talented artist taking these leaps to find their sound.
Now We Can See, The Thermals. Alright, this album is good; probably the best out of the Honorable Mentions. I guess I was expecting awesomeness on the level of The Body The Blood The Machine. I should have lowered my expectations a little; how often can a band release an album of that magnitude. I agree with the great Jason Adams, saying: “…it is the best album written from a dead man’s perspective.” Here is the ultimate problem I had with this album: I listened to it from start to finish (as anyone would normally do) and thought: “That was good.” No track really stuck out and blew me away. Like Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone, it was consistent, but consistently middle ground. If you are looking for a good post-punk album, give it a shot, I encourage you. It just won’t change your life.
Bitte Orca, Dirty Projectors. Listen to Dirty Projectors’ debut, The Getty Address, then Bitte Orca, and you would hardly tell that this is the same band. Trust me, it is good thing. The Getty Address was too avant garde for its own good. Bitte Orca still has some eccentricities but it is more of a straightforward indie rock record. Whether paving regular indie territory with songs like “Cannibal Resource” or creating melting ballads like “Two Doves”, Dirty Projectors prove they can drop the overly artsy guise to produce something entirely enjoyable and listenable.
The Crying Light, Antony & the Johnsons. Antony Hegarty has an achingly beautiful voice that is almost operatic in quality. Some people might say it is too pretty, but fuck them this dude has golden pipes. On his third album, Antony expands on the chamber pop sound he created on 2005’s I Am Bird Now. Wearing his emotions on his sleeve on every song, he doesn’t need lyrics to invoke what he wants you to feel. The theatrics wear a little towards the end, making you immediately reach for the happiest album you can grab.
Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, Franz Ferdinand. Franz Ferdinand’s third album has the standard disco-y beats, slick guitar hooks, and polished, sexy sound. It is also the make-out album of the year. The songs tread the same ground as the last two albums (Franz Ferdinand and You Could Have It So Much Better), but doesn’t go anywhere. These songs could be interchanged from any other Franz Ferdinand album. Example: my favorite track, “Bite Hard” echoes the slow build and explosion of “Jacqueline”, from their debut. However, with an album of carbon-copied Franz Ferdinand songs, you know what you are getting.
Tight Knit, Vetiver. Unfairly lumped into the “freak folk” movement started by Devendra Banhart, Vetiver has so much more to offer. Tight Knit has the perfect album name. The songs are great, laid back, psychedelic folk songs. Good for sitting on the front porch, drinking a cold one, and chillaxin’. The album does leave you wishing they could pick up the pace, but songs this “tight knit” (yep, I went there) it’s hard to be too picky.
Middle Cyclone, Neko Case. I love Neko Case. I LOVE her. So, I was more than pumped for Middle Cyclone. The opening track, “This Tornado Loves You” didn’t disappoint me at all, but the album never really took off for me from there. The rest of the album is standard Neko Case fare, showing off that beautiful voice, and excellent songwriting skills. However, “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth” is hands down one of her worst songs… ever. What makes it stand out more is the song is sandwiched between two infinitely better ones (“Vengence Is Sleeping” and “Middle Cyclone”). Take that out and you have a solid album from start to finish, which is more than you could ask for these days.
Actor, St. Vincent. Sufjan Stevens and Polyphonic Spree collaborator, Annie Clark, really impressed me with her debut, Marry Me and continues here with Actor. Much like the Thermals’ new album (Now We Can See, see below), Actor is a consistent album and enjoyable to listen to. It flows in a very dream-like state; the kind of dream that involves walking down the street, eating donuts with your high school art teacher. Like Dirty Projectors, St. Vincent has some arty eccentricities that begin to wear on you (“Actor Out of Work”), but it is nice seeing a very talented artist taking these leaps to find their sound.
Now We Can See, The Thermals. Alright, this album is good; probably the best out of the Honorable Mentions. I guess I was expecting awesomeness on the level of The Body The Blood The Machine. I should have lowered my expectations a little; how often can a band release an album of that magnitude. I agree with the great Jason Adams, saying: “…it is the best album written from a dead man’s perspective.” Here is the ultimate problem I had with this album: I listened to it from start to finish (as anyone would normally do) and thought: “That was good.” No track really stuck out and blew me away. Like Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone, it was consistent, but consistently middle ground. If you are looking for a good post-punk album, give it a shot, I encourage you. It just won’t change your life.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
WTF?!
Apparently, Billy Corgan and Jessica Simpson are an item?! This has to be one of the craziest pairings since Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett. One for the ages.
http://www.cokemachineglow.com/dailyops/4988/elsewhere-holyshitcorgan
http://www.cokemachineglow.com/dailyops/4988/elsewhere-holyshitcorgan
Courtney Love Loses Custody of Daughter
From a Pitchfork article... Apparently Courtney Love has unsurprisingly lost Francis Bean to Kurt Cobain's mother and sister. She is a complete mess. I feel bad for Francis, what a life.
http://pitchfork.com/news/37392-courtney-love-loses-guardianship-of-daughter-to-kurt-cobains-mom-sister/
http://pitchfork.com/news/37392-courtney-love-loses-guardianship-of-daughter-to-kurt-cobains-mom-sister/
Best of 2009
Okay, peoples. It is the time of the year for “best of” lists and I am going to add another one to the mix. For your reading and potential listening pleasure is my Best Music of 2009 list. These albums have been hand-picked from the crap-load of new music I have listened to this year. I hope you enjoy.
1.) Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Elvis Perkins in Dearland. My Album of the Year, folks. Singer-songwriter Elvis Perkins has not had a happy life. His father, Anthony Perkins of Psycho fame, died of AIDS when he was a teenager and his mother, photographer Berry Berenson, was on the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 11. Needless to say, both his debut (Ash Wednesday) and his phenomenal follow-up, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, are not happy albums. Perkins’ folk-rock style is remarkable, and displayed magnificently in tracks such as “1,2,3-Goodbye”, and “Shampoo”. However, the stand-out track is “Doomsday”. With its steady bounce and drinking song rhythm, the end of the world never seems so welcoming.
2.) These Four Walls, We Were Promised Jetpacks. The absolutely horrible band name should not distract you from this album, this Scottish quartet really knows how to craft great songs. On their debut, they hone the sound of Scottish greats Big Country and make soaring songs about mundane things, like walking home drunk from a bar. Seriously, that is what the opening track, “It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning”, is about… and it’s brilliant.
3.) Post-Nothing, Japandroids. On the other side of the band name spectrum, the awesomely named Japandroids released their debut to much hype and fanfare. Post-Nothing does not disappoint. The Vancouver two-piece rocks out from beginning to end with distortion-heavy songs, my favorite of which is all about trying to "French-kiss some French girls"(on “Wet Hair”). Hey, at least they have aspirations.
4.) There Is No Enemy, Built to Spill. There is No Enemy is Built to Spill’s tightest and most consistent release since the epic Keep It Like a Secret. I could elaborate, but it is a Built to Spill album; which means it has the Built to Spill sound, pseudo-jams, and soaring guitars we have grown to love. And that is a good thing to hear.
5.) Travels with Myself and Another, Future of the Left. Future of the Left's sophomore debut, Travels with Myself and Another, is the sound of Future of the Left coming into their own. The songs are still angry, political, and heavily sarcastic, but the difference is they have found their sound. Steve Albini produced this record and helped Future of the Left tighten things up and let them thrash around. Only more greatness can come from this band.
6) The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I almost did not listen to this album purely based on their name. Terrible. It would even be a mediocre album name, but what can you do. Anyway, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s debut is fantastic. The Brooklyn band has crafted PERFECT pop songs. Think Belle and Sebastian with distortion and a little less sadness. This is a beautiful summer album.
7.) Why There Are Mountains, Cymbals Eat Guitars. Call 2009 the “Year of Awful Band Names”. The oddly named Cymbals Eat Guitars’ debut album packs in soaring guitars and arena rock sound into 9 finely crafted songs. While they wear their influences on their sleeves (mostly Pavement), Cymbals Eat Guitars use the inspiration of those bands well. Liam thinks they rock. You should listen to him, the kid has an ear for rock.
8.) Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle, Bill Callahan. Like Matt Berninger of the National, Bill Callahan sings with a very distinctive baritone voice. His voice really lends to the wonderful despair in most of his songs, like in “Eid Maw Clak Shaw”: “Love is the King of the Beasts/And when its hungry it must kill to eat.” Yep. Pretty much.
9.) Noble Beast, Andrew Bird. Andrew Bird has been getting better with every album and Noble Beast is no exception. The album’s almost ethereal quality fits beautifully with Bird’s simple but powerful arrangements. And as most Andrew Bird fans know, it’s all about the whistle, man.
10.) Dragonslayer, Sunset Rubdown. Frontman Spencer Krug is the man. He is also a busy man being in four other bands: Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, and Fifths of Seven (all Canadian). Out of all of them, Sunset Rubdown is his band, and he has molded it into something beautiful. With Krug’s warbling vocals, great songwriting, lush synths, and tight rhythm section, Dragonslayer is capable of making hairpin melodic turns mid-song, with the greatest of ease. It also gets my vote for Best Album Name.
11.) Life of the World to Come, The Mountain Goats. I like the Mountain Goats. Phil introduced me to them and two things immediately stood out: John Darnielle’s nasally vocals and the biting lyrics. This guy is really bitter; so it came as to some surprise that all of Life of the World to Come is based on the Bible. The songs are all about loss, redemption, and things you can never take back. In his own words: “12 hard lessons the Bible taught me, kind of.”
12.) The Atlantic Ocean, Richard Swift. Richard Swift’s first true LP since 2005’s Dressed Up for the Letdown, displays everything wonderful about the singer-songwriter. The Nilsson/Beatles-esque melodies and harmonies are spot on, while his cutting lyrics indicate the four years between albums have not been very pleasant. Swift’s misery is our gain.
13.) Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective. I first listened to Animal Collective’s albums Sung Tongs (2004) and Feels (2005) and was underwhelmed from all of the hype I had heard about them. As a result, I ignored 2007’s Strawberry Jam and was mum on hearing about their new album. I’ll admit it, I was strong-armed into listening to this album by the constant showering of attention given to them by indie music. So, I decided to give Merriweather Post Pavilion a try. To quote a friend: “It’s turbo diesel sweet.” The tinkling piano, synth beats, and great harmonies really make this busy album a treat. Stand-out “My Girls” would be bumpin’ at a Club Yates Pajama-Jammy-Jam.
14.) The Sound the Speed the Light, Mission of Burma. Mission of Burma has now released more albums since their reunion, than they did their first go-round in the early 80s. It is an amazing feat, considering what most reunions sound like. Unlike their last two albums, the Sound the Speed the Light, explores more atmospheres albums and finds them tuning it down, just a little. However, songs like “1,2,3 Partyy!” shows what makes Mission of Burma such an amazing band and comeback story.
15.) Earthly Delights, Lightning Bolt. Lightning Bolt is not your typical two-piece. The Providence noise rock duo consists of bassist Brian Gibson and drummer Brain Chippendale. The heavily distorted bass and insane drums make listening to Lightning Bolt an experience you will not forget. Listening to Earthly Delights is like listening to a chainsaw trying to cut through a steel plate, put distortion on it, and crank up the noise to 11. It is simultaneously loud, pounding, aggressive, and awesome. Perfect for beating the crap out of people and driving.
16.) Forget the Night Ahead, The Twilight Sad. Forget the Night Ahead is the Scottish band’s (and FatCat label-mates to fellow Scottish bands We Were Promised Jetpacks and Frightened Rabbit) fuzzy (meaning it sounds like there is a general fuzz over the entire album) second studio release. Like its predecessor, Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters (2007), it seems evident that frontman, James Graham did not have a good childhood. Whether he is writing songs about houses burning down, children being locked in closets, and growing up in unhappy households, this band is not something you listen to, to pick up your spirits. It is depressing music, in a good way.
17.) The Hazards of Love, The Decemberists. Writing a concept album/rock opera about a pregnant woman who is running away from a queen trying to steal her baby, and a man who wants to kill her is a difficult task. However, it works and this is probably the most Decemberists-like album the Decemberists have produced. The Hazards of Love is all things weird, beautiful, and at times horrifying. It would be interesting to see this performed onstage as a play.
1.) Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Elvis Perkins in Dearland. My Album of the Year, folks. Singer-songwriter Elvis Perkins has not had a happy life. His father, Anthony Perkins of Psycho fame, died of AIDS when he was a teenager and his mother, photographer Berry Berenson, was on the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 11. Needless to say, both his debut (Ash Wednesday) and his phenomenal follow-up, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, are not happy albums. Perkins’ folk-rock style is remarkable, and displayed magnificently in tracks such as “1,2,3-Goodbye”, and “Shampoo”. However, the stand-out track is “Doomsday”. With its steady bounce and drinking song rhythm, the end of the world never seems so welcoming.
2.) These Four Walls, We Were Promised Jetpacks. The absolutely horrible band name should not distract you from this album, this Scottish quartet really knows how to craft great songs. On their debut, they hone the sound of Scottish greats Big Country and make soaring songs about mundane things, like walking home drunk from a bar. Seriously, that is what the opening track, “It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning”, is about… and it’s brilliant.
3.) Post-Nothing, Japandroids. On the other side of the band name spectrum, the awesomely named Japandroids released their debut to much hype and fanfare. Post-Nothing does not disappoint. The Vancouver two-piece rocks out from beginning to end with distortion-heavy songs, my favorite of which is all about trying to "French-kiss some French girls"(on “Wet Hair”). Hey, at least they have aspirations.
4.) There Is No Enemy, Built to Spill. There is No Enemy is Built to Spill’s tightest and most consistent release since the epic Keep It Like a Secret. I could elaborate, but it is a Built to Spill album; which means it has the Built to Spill sound, pseudo-jams, and soaring guitars we have grown to love. And that is a good thing to hear.
5.) Travels with Myself and Another, Future of the Left. Future of the Left's sophomore debut, Travels with Myself and Another, is the sound of Future of the Left coming into their own. The songs are still angry, political, and heavily sarcastic, but the difference is they have found their sound. Steve Albini produced this record and helped Future of the Left tighten things up and let them thrash around. Only more greatness can come from this band.
6) The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I almost did not listen to this album purely based on their name. Terrible. It would even be a mediocre album name, but what can you do. Anyway, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s debut is fantastic. The Brooklyn band has crafted PERFECT pop songs. Think Belle and Sebastian with distortion and a little less sadness. This is a beautiful summer album.
7.) Why There Are Mountains, Cymbals Eat Guitars. Call 2009 the “Year of Awful Band Names”. The oddly named Cymbals Eat Guitars’ debut album packs in soaring guitars and arena rock sound into 9 finely crafted songs. While they wear their influences on their sleeves (mostly Pavement), Cymbals Eat Guitars use the inspiration of those bands well. Liam thinks they rock. You should listen to him, the kid has an ear for rock.
8.) Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle, Bill Callahan. Like Matt Berninger of the National, Bill Callahan sings with a very distinctive baritone voice. His voice really lends to the wonderful despair in most of his songs, like in “Eid Maw Clak Shaw”: “Love is the King of the Beasts/And when its hungry it must kill to eat.” Yep. Pretty much.
9.) Noble Beast, Andrew Bird. Andrew Bird has been getting better with every album and Noble Beast is no exception. The album’s almost ethereal quality fits beautifully with Bird’s simple but powerful arrangements. And as most Andrew Bird fans know, it’s all about the whistle, man.
10.) Dragonslayer, Sunset Rubdown. Frontman Spencer Krug is the man. He is also a busy man being in four other bands: Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, and Fifths of Seven (all Canadian). Out of all of them, Sunset Rubdown is his band, and he has molded it into something beautiful. With Krug’s warbling vocals, great songwriting, lush synths, and tight rhythm section, Dragonslayer is capable of making hairpin melodic turns mid-song, with the greatest of ease. It also gets my vote for Best Album Name.
11.) Life of the World to Come, The Mountain Goats. I like the Mountain Goats. Phil introduced me to them and two things immediately stood out: John Darnielle’s nasally vocals and the biting lyrics. This guy is really bitter; so it came as to some surprise that all of Life of the World to Come is based on the Bible. The songs are all about loss, redemption, and things you can never take back. In his own words: “12 hard lessons the Bible taught me, kind of.”
12.) The Atlantic Ocean, Richard Swift. Richard Swift’s first true LP since 2005’s Dressed Up for the Letdown, displays everything wonderful about the singer-songwriter. The Nilsson/Beatles-esque melodies and harmonies are spot on, while his cutting lyrics indicate the four years between albums have not been very pleasant. Swift’s misery is our gain.
13.) Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective. I first listened to Animal Collective’s albums Sung Tongs (2004) and Feels (2005) and was underwhelmed from all of the hype I had heard about them. As a result, I ignored 2007’s Strawberry Jam and was mum on hearing about their new album. I’ll admit it, I was strong-armed into listening to this album by the constant showering of attention given to them by indie music. So, I decided to give Merriweather Post Pavilion a try. To quote a friend: “It’s turbo diesel sweet.” The tinkling piano, synth beats, and great harmonies really make this busy album a treat. Stand-out “My Girls” would be bumpin’ at a Club Yates Pajama-Jammy-Jam.
14.) The Sound the Speed the Light, Mission of Burma. Mission of Burma has now released more albums since their reunion, than they did their first go-round in the early 80s. It is an amazing feat, considering what most reunions sound like. Unlike their last two albums, the Sound the Speed the Light, explores more atmospheres albums and finds them tuning it down, just a little. However, songs like “1,2,3 Partyy!” shows what makes Mission of Burma such an amazing band and comeback story.
15.) Earthly Delights, Lightning Bolt. Lightning Bolt is not your typical two-piece. The Providence noise rock duo consists of bassist Brian Gibson and drummer Brain Chippendale. The heavily distorted bass and insane drums make listening to Lightning Bolt an experience you will not forget. Listening to Earthly Delights is like listening to a chainsaw trying to cut through a steel plate, put distortion on it, and crank up the noise to 11. It is simultaneously loud, pounding, aggressive, and awesome. Perfect for beating the crap out of people and driving.
16.) Forget the Night Ahead, The Twilight Sad. Forget the Night Ahead is the Scottish band’s (and FatCat label-mates to fellow Scottish bands We Were Promised Jetpacks and Frightened Rabbit) fuzzy (meaning it sounds like there is a general fuzz over the entire album) second studio release. Like its predecessor, Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters (2007), it seems evident that frontman, James Graham did not have a good childhood. Whether he is writing songs about houses burning down, children being locked in closets, and growing up in unhappy households, this band is not something you listen to, to pick up your spirits. It is depressing music, in a good way.
17.) The Hazards of Love, The Decemberists. Writing a concept album/rock opera about a pregnant woman who is running away from a queen trying to steal her baby, and a man who wants to kill her is a difficult task. However, it works and this is probably the most Decemberists-like album the Decemberists have produced. The Hazards of Love is all things weird, beautiful, and at times horrifying. It would be interesting to see this performed onstage as a play.
20 Albums that Changed My Life
1. Pinkerton - Weezer
Say what you will about their music now (it fucking blows), Pinkerton made Weezer my favorite band. Following up their great debut (see that below), this album was more raw, better written, and just fucking rocked. I also helped that it came out right after I got dumped, which helped with my bitterness. Sounds cheesy but I felt this was MY album. I could relate to everything he was saying. I still listen to this album on a regular basis, and in my opinion, this is the final Weezer album. Matt Sharp needs to kick River's ass and then get the original line-up back together.
2. OK Computer - Radiohead
Since Weezer went belly-up, Radiohead is now my favorite band. I heard "Paranoid Android" once and immediately bought this album, The Bends and (regrettably) Pablo Honey. "Flawless" is the word I would use to describe this album. There is not a single bad song on here. I am going to listen to this right now.
3. Keep It Like a Secret - Built to Spill
This was a staple at parties I went to my junior/senior year. At some point a bunch of us would be drunk and rocking out to this album. "Carry the Zero" is still one of the best songs I have ever heard, and is even better live. Listening to this album makes me relaxed and reminiscent about simpler times. If you do not own it, stop reading this and buy it now.
4. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel
Jeff Magnum is a genius. Unfortunately, he is now a hermit. This is the last thing he has done, and it blew my mind when I heard it. Buy/download/steal this and listen to the first track ("King of Carrot Flowers, Part 1"), and you will hear simple but immediately catchy acoustic guitar and Jeff's nasally I-don't-need-a-damn-microphone-because-I-sing-really-loud voice. If you are not hooked after the first song, you are dead to me.
5. Bossanova - The Pixies
While many people I know like Doolittle better, this album was my introduction and is still my favorite. "Hang Wire" kicks my ass every time I hear it. Joey Santiago has to be one of the best guitarists in rock history.
6. Entertainment! - Gang of Four
The first (and best) album by a great post-punk band. Politically charged and somewhat relevant today, this album is best listened to when you are in a foul mood, and just want to rock out. I do have to say that the fall in line with my opinion about punk bands. I like punk, but if you are going to get some of the classic, gorundbreaking albums, you have to look at the line-up. As long as you have the original line-up, the album is probably going to be good. This is not always the case, but it is my opinion so fuck you.
7. Weezer (Blue Album) - Weezer
Great album. That is all I can say. Reminds me of the good times in high school. Probably the third album that had a profound effect on me in my life.
8. Flood - They Might Be Giants
When I was a kid, I do not think I listened to any album more than this. Flood is still great and TMBG are still one of my favorites.
9. Life's Rich Pageant - R.E.M.
Still my favorite R.E.M. album. "Begin the Begin", "Cuyahoga", "Swan Swan H". What is not to love about this.
10. Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys
This was a staple of McKinney Hall. I think owning this album was a requirement, actually. It is pathetic, but I think I quote this album in everyday conversation more than an other. That and (for those who know him) hearing Brian Talley sing along to this album always puts a smile on my face.
11. xo - Elliott Smith
One of the many musicians/bands I can thank my brother for introducing me to. It makes me sad every time I listen to one of his albums that there will be no more Elliott Smith music. That is all I am going to write, because I am getting depressed.
12. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain - Pavement
Pavement is awesome. This album is fantastic. I would like "Gold Soundz" to be my theme song. Buy all of their albums. !Viva el Pavemento!
13. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco
Still one of the best bands to see live, this album really got me hooked on Wilco. This album is viral in a good way. It gets into your system and makes you feel awesomeness. The opposite can be said about the Eagles.
14. Navy Blues - Sloan
Again, thank you Phil for introducing me to these guys. I have been a loyal Sloan fan ever since I heard this album. Sloan creates almost perfect pop and this album is the prime example of what they can do when they are on it. I secretly wish I was Chris Murphy.
15. Orange - The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I found this album at Lincoln Library when I worked in the AV section. I liked the name of the band and the simple yet flashy cover. I thought what the hell, I'll give it a try. "Bell Bottoms" ricked my socks off and "Ditch" is an ass kicker. I wish I could see these guys live some time. You might be confused or find yourself saying "What the fuck?!" a lot while listening to them, but never in a bad way.
16. Complete Discography - Minor Threat
This album has everything Minor Threat has ever done. Get it immediately, listen to it while you work, drink, read about politics, or any time you need to releave some stress. Ian MacKaye is a god.
17. Raw Power - Iggy & the Stooges
This album is best served with whiskey and a beating.
18. Alligator - The National
This band is getting better with time. Their most recent release, The Boxer, is great, but pales in comparison with Alligator. One of a few bands witha baritone lead singer, it goes great with the sarcastic lyrics and melancholy tone. And it is great hearing him yell "I won't fuck us over," over and over again during "Mr. November".
19. It's a Shame About Ray - The Lemonheads
Great/sad album about drug use. Evan Dando is killer on this album and I had a huge crush on Julianna Hatfield after listening to this.
20. Blood and Chocolate - Elvis Costello & the Attractions
In my opinion, it is still his best album, has his best lyrics, and is him at his most bitter. The album's title track and "Tokyo Storm Warning" still floor me with their brilliance every time
Say what you will about their music now (it fucking blows), Pinkerton made Weezer my favorite band. Following up their great debut (see that below), this album was more raw, better written, and just fucking rocked. I also helped that it came out right after I got dumped, which helped with my bitterness. Sounds cheesy but I felt this was MY album. I could relate to everything he was saying. I still listen to this album on a regular basis, and in my opinion, this is the final Weezer album. Matt Sharp needs to kick River's ass and then get the original line-up back together.
2. OK Computer - Radiohead
Since Weezer went belly-up, Radiohead is now my favorite band. I heard "Paranoid Android" once and immediately bought this album, The Bends and (regrettably) Pablo Honey. "Flawless" is the word I would use to describe this album. There is not a single bad song on here. I am going to listen to this right now.
3. Keep It Like a Secret - Built to Spill
This was a staple at parties I went to my junior/senior year. At some point a bunch of us would be drunk and rocking out to this album. "Carry the Zero" is still one of the best songs I have ever heard, and is even better live. Listening to this album makes me relaxed and reminiscent about simpler times. If you do not own it, stop reading this and buy it now.
4. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel
Jeff Magnum is a genius. Unfortunately, he is now a hermit. This is the last thing he has done, and it blew my mind when I heard it. Buy/download/steal this and listen to the first track ("King of Carrot Flowers, Part 1"), and you will hear simple but immediately catchy acoustic guitar and Jeff's nasally I-don't-need-a-damn-microphone-because-I-sing-really-loud voice. If you are not hooked after the first song, you are dead to me.
5. Bossanova - The Pixies
While many people I know like Doolittle better, this album was my introduction and is still my favorite. "Hang Wire" kicks my ass every time I hear it. Joey Santiago has to be one of the best guitarists in rock history.
6. Entertainment! - Gang of Four
The first (and best) album by a great post-punk band. Politically charged and somewhat relevant today, this album is best listened to when you are in a foul mood, and just want to rock out. I do have to say that the fall in line with my opinion about punk bands. I like punk, but if you are going to get some of the classic, gorundbreaking albums, you have to look at the line-up. As long as you have the original line-up, the album is probably going to be good. This is not always the case, but it is my opinion so fuck you.
7. Weezer (Blue Album) - Weezer
Great album. That is all I can say. Reminds me of the good times in high school. Probably the third album that had a profound effect on me in my life.
8. Flood - They Might Be Giants
When I was a kid, I do not think I listened to any album more than this. Flood is still great and TMBG are still one of my favorites.
9. Life's Rich Pageant - R.E.M.
Still my favorite R.E.M. album. "Begin the Begin", "Cuyahoga", "Swan Swan H". What is not to love about this.
10. Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys
This was a staple of McKinney Hall. I think owning this album was a requirement, actually. It is pathetic, but I think I quote this album in everyday conversation more than an other. That and (for those who know him) hearing Brian Talley sing along to this album always puts a smile on my face.
11. xo - Elliott Smith
One of the many musicians/bands I can thank my brother for introducing me to. It makes me sad every time I listen to one of his albums that there will be no more Elliott Smith music. That is all I am going to write, because I am getting depressed.
12. Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain - Pavement
Pavement is awesome. This album is fantastic. I would like "Gold Soundz" to be my theme song. Buy all of their albums. !Viva el Pavemento!
13. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco
Still one of the best bands to see live, this album really got me hooked on Wilco. This album is viral in a good way. It gets into your system and makes you feel awesomeness. The opposite can be said about the Eagles.
14. Navy Blues - Sloan
Again, thank you Phil for introducing me to these guys. I have been a loyal Sloan fan ever since I heard this album. Sloan creates almost perfect pop and this album is the prime example of what they can do when they are on it. I secretly wish I was Chris Murphy.
15. Orange - The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I found this album at Lincoln Library when I worked in the AV section. I liked the name of the band and the simple yet flashy cover. I thought what the hell, I'll give it a try. "Bell Bottoms" ricked my socks off and "Ditch" is an ass kicker. I wish I could see these guys live some time. You might be confused or find yourself saying "What the fuck?!" a lot while listening to them, but never in a bad way.
16. Complete Discography - Minor Threat
This album has everything Minor Threat has ever done. Get it immediately, listen to it while you work, drink, read about politics, or any time you need to releave some stress. Ian MacKaye is a god.
17. Raw Power - Iggy & the Stooges
This album is best served with whiskey and a beating.
18. Alligator - The National
This band is getting better with time. Their most recent release, The Boxer, is great, but pales in comparison with Alligator. One of a few bands witha baritone lead singer, it goes great with the sarcastic lyrics and melancholy tone. And it is great hearing him yell "I won't fuck us over," over and over again during "Mr. November".
19. It's a Shame About Ray - The Lemonheads
Great/sad album about drug use. Evan Dando is killer on this album and I had a huge crush on Julianna Hatfield after listening to this.
20. Blood and Chocolate - Elvis Costello & the Attractions
In my opinion, it is still his best album, has his best lyrics, and is him at his most bitter. The album's title track and "Tokyo Storm Warning" still floor me with their brilliance every time
Woo!
This is the first official post for my new music blog. I will try to update this on a regular basis with musis news, album reviews, and anything else music oriented. I hope you enjoy it, if not... well you know what to do.
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