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Best Albums of 2009: May

Best Albums of 2009

Rather than compiling a huge list at the end of the year, not having enough time to do a good job, and simply throwing something together really fast, I'm going to start compiling my thoughts on albums over the whole year - month by month. Some of these may have actually been released earlier in the year, but are in this months set because this is when I got my hands on them.

May Edition

1.
Phoenix:
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix



Phoenix has been on my shortlist of bands that I have been meaning to try out for quite some time. Boy am I glad that I finally did. First, I saw that they were playing on SNL, so I gave the performances a look and was just blown away. Check them out here and here. This album is so full of energy and is a great blend of electronica without getting overbearing in attempts to be experimental (as it seems SOOOO MUCH of the electronica genre does). This is well crafted indie-pop that is fresh and original while seeming very familiar at the same time. There were no tracks that I had to go back and relisten to because I didn't quite get it. Yet, I didn't find myself getting bored with any of the tracks either. An all around awesome, very fun, high engery album. Officially my favorite French band now. Top tracks include all, but certainly check out the 2 singles that have been put out so far: Lisztomania [download mp3] and 1901.






2.
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band:
Outer South


I first heard Oberst's "solo" debut last summer while on a long solo road trip in Montana. I downloaded it while sitting in the Montana State University Archives and since I only had my laptop with me, could not load it onto my iPod to listen to while driving - so I stuck an audio cable from my laptop to the aux port in my car. Awkward, but satisfying. I found that album refreshing. Distinct from Bright Eyes, but recognizably Oberst (not just the vox, but lyrics and style as well). Coming off of that, Outer South is a little disappointing. I don't care for any of the songs sung by other band members, and it is clear which songs were not written by Oberst. There are clear deliniations of quality in song-writing throughout the album. I think those songs should have been excised. The album seems a bit bloated and the fat which could be trimmed easy to identify. The songs that are good, however, are very good. Top tracks include Slowly (Oh so Slowly) [download mp3], Ten Women, Nikorette and Roosevelt Room.



Also consider Conor's previous venture, Bright Eyes



3.
Iron & Wine:
Around the Well


It is hard to believe that an Iron & Wine double-disc (triple vinyl LP) isn't at the top of this months list! For Iron & Wine fans, it is definitely worth picking up! However, if you are extremely OCD like me and have to collect every single last rarity track of the bands you like, you probably already had most of the songs from Around the Well. With the exception of God Make the Automobile, I had already dug these up. So, if you haven't dug them up and especially if you like the more lo-fi end of Iron & Wine's discography, this is a must buy. And, don't worry, there are plenty of more hi-fi tracks as well. My favorites (which have been played quite a bit on my iPod for the last couple years) are Dearest Forsaken, Communion Cups and Someone's Coat [download mp3], Sinning Hands and The Trapeze Swinger.




4.
Jeremy Enigk:
OK Bear


First - I would like a pair of the sweet kicks that the kid is wearing on the albums cover. Nice! As Enigk himself has explained, this LP is a bit more similar to Sunny Day Real Estate than his previous solo efforts. That is both good and bad. I like hearing Enigk with a little bit of edge. The Fire Theft was very satisfying in that way. However, I (and my wife) became very attached to the lush strings and acoustics of World Waits, The Missing Link and the United States of Leland soundtrack. I like OK Bear, but if I had my pick, I would plunge Enigk deep back into his most latest styles - rich with strings, piano, acoustic guitars and quite harmonies. Top tracks include Just a State of Mind [download mp3], Same Side Imaginary and Vale Oso.



5.
Joshua James:
Sing Songs [EP]

Joshua James is quickly rising on my list of bands that I sincerely hope break it huge! His songs are intimate, passionate and sincere. His voice took a little getting used to, but now it has really grown on me. This new little 5 song EP is great and combined with Crash This Train/The Garden mini EP from last year spells good things for his upcoming 2nd full length LP. I hate to try and make comparisons, but something like a mix of Elliott Smith, J. Tillman, Bright Eyes, etc . . . You get the general idea. Go buy everything this guy has put out. Support local musicians! Here's a sample: Baby Boy [download mp3].




6.
John Vanderslice:
Romanian Names

Oh Mr. Vanderslice. I really liked Pixel Revolt. I liked it a lot. I also enjoyed Emerald City, but not quite as much. Romanian Names disappoints me. First, I am fluent in Romanian, so I had high hopes for this LP. I'm not sure why that would make the album inherently better, but I thought, "Holy Crap! Someone other than me mentioned Romania! Awesome!" The album seemed inconsistent. It didn't hold together well. Some of the better tracks were Fetal Horses [download mp3], D.I.A.L.O. and Carina Constellation.



7.
Grizzly Bear
Veckatimest



After much prodding from friends, I reluctantly gave Grizzly Bear another try. I had given some of their previous work a few listens and really didn't like what I heard. Veckatimest is better, but not by much. I don't know what you call this style of vox - but it seems to be spreading like wildfire. Indie band after indie band has singers sounding like this, and I'm not a fan. This said, its not absolutely horrible. There are a few tracks that I enjoyed, but the majority of the album simply bored me. If I was on a road trip and a friend put this in, I wouldn't be gritting my teeth the whole time, but I probably wouldn't ask for a repeat spin. Top tracks include Two Weeks [download mp3], Ready, Able and While you were Waiting for Others.





Running LP List

1. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (May)
   
2. J. Tillman - Vacilando Territory Blues (January)
   
3. Shark Speed - Sea Sick Music (April)
4. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (March)
   
5. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast (January)
6. Say Hi - Oohs & Aahs (February)
7. Art for Starters - Drugs Made / Drugs Ruined (April)
   
8. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South (May)
   
9. Iron & Wine - Around the Well (May)
10. Jeremy Enigk - OK Bear (May)
11. The Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels (March)
12. Dent May and his Magnificent Ukuele - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May (March)
13. Coconut Records - Davy (January)
14. Jimmy Eat World - Clarity Live (April)
    
15. Iain Archer - To the Pine Roots (April)
    
16. The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha (February)
17. John Vanderslice - Romanian Names (May)
    
18. Peter, Bjorn and John - Living Thing (March)
19. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (May)
    
20. Lateef the Truth Speaker - Truth is Love Mixtape (April)
    
21. Vetiver - Tight Knit (March)
22. General Elektriks - Good City for Dreamers (February)
23. Dark was the Night compilation (April)
    
24. Ben Kweller - Changing Horses (January)

Running EP List

1. Common Market - The Winter's End (March)
2. Death Cab for Cutie - Open Door (March)
3. Joshua James - Sing Songs (May)
   
4. The Mountain Goats and John Vanderslice - Moon Colony Blood Bath (April)

fun. Album details

From Fun's myspace page, I quote:

Aim & Ignite: album release info (finally!)

Hello!

You've been asking for ages for details of the new album, and we are very pleased to be able to FINALLY offer some up! fun.'s debut, Aim & Ignite will be released on August 25th.
The record was made with great friends new and old, and we're psyched to show off the incredible album cover by the very talented Jacob Weinstein.

Aim & Ignite
8.25.09


Track Listing:
1. Be Calm
2. Benson Hedges
3. All The Pretty Girls
4. I Wanna Be The One
5. At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)
6. Light A Roman Candle With Me
7. Walking The Dog
8. Barlights
9. The Gambler
10. Take Your Time (Coming Home)

New Fruit Bats in August

Fruit Bats will be releasing a new album on Sub Pop - on August 4, 2009 - entitled The Ruminant Bird

Track Listing

1. Primitive Man
2. The Ruminant Band
3. Tegucigalpa
4. Beautiful Morning Light
5. The Hobo Girl
6. Being on Our Own
7. My Unusual Friend
8. Singing Joy to the World
9. The Blessed Breeze
10. Feather Bed
11. Flamingo

New Grand Archives in September

I don't know how long this has been out, but I just heard about it. Grand Archives is releasing their 2nd full length LP on September 15, 2009 on Sub Pop. The LP is titled Keep in Mind Frankenstein.

Track Listing:

1. Topsy’s Revenge
2. Witchy Park/Tomorrow Will (Take Care of Itself)
3. Silver Among the Gold
4. Oslo Novelist
5. Lazy Bones
6. Siren Echo Valley (Part 1)
7. Left for All the Strays
8. Dig That Crazy Grave
9. Siren Echo Valley (Part 2)
10. Willoughby

Needless to say, I am incredibly excited!

I'm still waiting for that Southern Glass Home EP you guys promised me!

Can't get "fun." out of my head!

I was crushed when The Format broke up. Very sad indeed. Thankfully, Nate has started a new band named fun. Here are the 2 demos they have released. Download them, love them, get them stuck in your head.

At Least I'm Not as Sad (as I used to be) [download mp3]

Benson Hedges [download mp3]

Iron & Wine does Jimmy Fallon

Iron & Wine singing Godless Brother in Love - a brand new song

Celebrity Jeopardy

Drew Danburry does a Brown Couch Session

Drew Danburry. Go see this guy on his next 1 million-stop tour. Seriously, he's a road warrior!

Buy some Drew!

Best of 2009: April

Best Albums of 2009

Rather than compiling a huge list at the end of the year, not having enough time to do a good job, and simply throwing something together really fast, I'm going to start compiling my thoughts on albums over the whole year - month by month. Some of these may have actually been released earlier in the year, but are in this months set because this is when I got my hands on them.

April Edition

1.
Shark Speed -
Sea Sick Music


Local bands are a dime a dozen. We have all been to so many small local shows that go something like this: 1. Music starts. 2. We think to ourselves, "Yeah - these few opening chords and riffs sound great . . . these guys have a great sound . . . " 3. Then, invariably, the singer opens his mouth and ruins the whole thing. SO many local bands with great musicians are ruined by horrible vox. Well, when I came across Shark Speed - a band from Provo, UT (go Cougs!), a place I spent a few years, I was excited. Here's how I happened upon them: 1. Former Before Braille guitarist Hans Ringger pops up on the "people you may know" feature on Facebook. 2. I send him a note to see if he is still playing music. 3. He replies, Yes, and directs me to Shark Speed. 4. I listen, am impressed and then find the added bonus that they recorded their debut album, Seasick Music with none other than Bob Hoag of the Flying Blanket Studio in Mesa, AZ.

Long story short, when I hit play on the album, I was blown away. They had a great sound - somewhere between Minus the Bear and the Long Winters - and the singer could sing! YES! The Long Winters comparison is apt not only because of overall tone, instrumentaion and style, but the guy's lead vocals are VERY reminiscent of The Long Winters. If you had given me the album and said, "Here's the new Long Winters album," I would have believed you. Hooray for freaking awesome local music! Top tracks are And You're In the Band, Cast off Dance Off [download mp3] and Deep South Detox.




2.
Art for Starters -
Drugs Made my Favorite Bands/Drugs Ruined my Favorite People


Coincidentally, this album comes from my same penchant for local bands and again, Bob Hoag's Flying Blanket Studio. After the demise of Before Braille a few years back, lead singer Dave Jensen started doing some songs on his own and in some crazy late-night sessions with Bob, recorded them. Then he went to Korea. Eventually he made his way back to AZ and finally released his new material as a 2-CD set. Dave was kind enough to send me quite a few of these songs a couple years back in their demo mixes, and it is great to hear the fully polished versions. The 1st disc - Drugs Made My Favorite Bands is largely electric and the 2ns disc - Drugs Ruined my Favorite People is mostly acoustic. It is similar to his previous Before Braille work, but distinct. The math-rock and heavy guitar noodling of Rajiv Patel and others is gone. More pronounced are thick layering of Jensen's vocals. Complex harmonies with various vocal tracks and lines interweaving pervade the songs. As a music snob, its good to have the fully polished discs in my collection. Self-released on his own record label - Sunset Alliance. Top tracks include I Hope Ants Crawl Under Your Eyelids (On a Saturday Night) [download mp3], You Deserve a Disease, Pinprick by Prick [download mp3] and Diction.

3.
Jimmy Eat World -
Clarity Live

Clarity (1999) still ranks high on my favorite albums of all time. To celebrate the 10th year anniversay, Jimmy Eat World did a short tour where they played the album straight through, plus an encore. This is a live CD of the last show on the tour at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, AZ. As good as it ever was! Top tracks include . . . well, just take your favorite from the originals and listen to its live version.




4.
The Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice -
Moon Colony Bloodbath EP

Yet another Mountain Goats EP. I really like John Darnielle. I really like John Vanderslice as well, but am increasingly thinking that his music is a somewhat hit and miss for me. This is a good solid EP that deserves a listen for fans of both artists. My top tracks are Darnielle's Satori in Denver [download mp3] and Surrounded.





5.
Iain Archer - To the Pine Roots


Iain Archer has been way off my radar for quite sometime, and it was a somewhat random coincidence that I even stumbled across this album. I'm glad I did. His stripped down indie sounds are straightforward and presented with a marked degree of earnestness. I know that sounds like really schticky reviewer nonsense - "earnestness" - but it really is fitting. Top Tracks are Black Mountain Quarry, Everest and Frozen Lake [download mp3].





6.
Lateef the Truth Speaker - Truth is Love mixtape
Oh Quannum! Lateef, why do you keep on teasing me with mixtapes?! I want a full length, full production album of new material! I want Lateef & the Cheif's follow-up to Maroons: Ambush - I want Ashe! Well, this will have to suffice for now. There are some great tracks and bumps that I had yet to collect from disparate sources, some new takes on things I already had and a few brand new tracks all together. Some great collaborations with Headnotic, General Elektriks / Herve Salters and Fat Boy Slim. The mix blends together well - better than many mixtapes do. Top



7.
Dark was the Night Compilation

I'm sure we've all heard more than enough about this indie compilation to end all compilations - ad naseum almost. I think it fine and all. A good number of the artists are ones that I don't care for. And, even with some of the artists I do like - (The National, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon) - I wasn't impressed with their contributions. I did like the Andrew Bird track The Giant of Illinois, but already had it from his Daytrotter session. Conor Oberst's reinterpretation of Lua was interesting, but not needed. Iron and Wine's Stolen Houses (Die) was phenomonal - but only 1:07 long.

Running LP List

1. J. Tillman - Vacilando Territory Blues (January)
   
2. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (March)
   
3. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast (January)
4. Dent May and his Magnificent Ukuele - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May (March)
5. Shark Speed - Sea Sick Music (April)
6. Art for Starters - Drugs Made / Drugs Ruined (April)
   
7. The Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels (March)
8. Say Hi - Oohs & Aahs (February)
   
9. Coconut Records - Davy (January)
10. Jimmy Eat World - Clarity Live (April)
    
11. Iain Archer - To the Pine Roots (April)
    
12. The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha (February)
13. Peter, Bjorn and John - Living Thing (March)
14. Lateef the Truth Speaker - Truth is Love Mixtape (April)
    
15. Vetiver - Tight Knit (March)
16. General Elektriks - Good City for Dreamers (February)
17. Dark was the Night compilation (April)
    
18. Ben Kweller - Changing Horses (January)

Running EP List

1. Common Market - The Winter's End (March)
2. Death Cab for Cutie - Open Door (March)
3. The Mountain Goats and John Vanderslice - Moon Colony Blood Bath (April)
   

Jazzercise

Now THIS is bebop jazz!

Attn: All Arizonans

Be a pal. Support local music.

Full General Elektriks Concert Video live in Paris

I dare you to find a more awesome keyboard-ist!

Go to the Grand Crew website to watch the entire concert.

New Mighty Underdogs Video - Science Fiction

You NEED this stuff on your iPods!


The Mighty Underdogs




Blackalicious




Gift of Gab Solo




Lateef & the Chief



Lateef the Truth Speaker

Best of 2009: March

Best Albums of 2009

Rather than compiling a huge list at the end of the year, not having enough time to do a good job, and simply throwing something together really fast, I'm going to start compiling my thoughts on albums over the whole year - month by month.

March Edition

1.
The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

This album had a lot to live up to. The Decemberists have long waxed towards the epic - consider some of their Loooooong songs. So, when I heard that The Hazards of Love was one big long epic story of love, deception, treachery, suffering etc . . . my curiosity and anticipation was piqued. Lyrically, I was not disappointed. It is Decemberists to the core. Soncially, I liked a lot of what I heard. However, there were some serious disappointments. 1. A few songs feature female lead vocals. I have nothing against female vocals per se, but its just not the Decemberists to me. If that was the entire album, I probably wouldn't buy it. My palatte for the Decemberists is very much oriented towards Colin Meloy's vox. 2. Since the album is one long story, there are quite a few melodies and refrains that are recycled throughout the album. While holding the album together sonically, there are a few sections that got a bit stale. "Didn't I just listen to this a few minutes ago?" Top tracks include The Hazards of Love 1, A Bower Scene, Annan Water [download mp3] and The Hazards of Love 4.






2.
Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May


This album came out in February, but I didn't find it until now. Holy out of left field Batman! Dent May sounds something like a combination of a Time-Life best-of collection of "Your Favorite 1950's Jukebox Ballads" with lots of Ukulele. I can't get it out of my head. Check out the following videos for a glimpse at his uber-dorky fashion styling: "Howard" video, "Oh, Paris!" video, "Meet me in the Garden" video. Top tracks include Howard, God Loves you Michael Chang [download mp3], and You Can't Force a Dance Party.



3.
Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

I took my Ph.D. comprehensive exams with a lot of Great Lake Swimmers playing softly in the background on my iPod. This new release is a bit more up beat and rawkus, if you could ever consider the Great Lake Swimmers "rawkus." Good indie-acoustic-folky goodness. Top tracks include Palmistry [download mp3], Pulling on a Line, and Unison Falling into Harmony.



4.
Common Market - The Winter's End [EP]

According to their press releases, this album signals things looking up for Common Market. Last year's LP Tobacco Road was dark, brooding and raw in its accounts of poverty, domestic abuse, etc . . . The cold dark winter though has come to an end for RA Scion. There are some great horns on this 5 song EP and well worth checking out. Check out all 5 tracks, including Slow Down Moses [download mp3]



5.
Death Cab for Cutie - Open Door [EP]


What a treat! 4 more songs from the sutdio sessions that brought us last year's Narrow Stairs. One of the tracks, Little Bribes, has been kicking around for a while on solo Ben Gibbard under the monicer "Big Casino." The tracks are all great, but try out A Diamond and a Tether [download mp3]



6.
Vetiver - Tight Knit


I'm not totally sold on this band yet. It is promising though - some good folky acoustic indie-rock. We'll see if it grows on me. Top tracks include Everyday and Through the Front Door.


7.
Peter, Bjorn and John - Living Thing


I really liked Writer's Block (2006). I didn't like Seaside Rock. The Swedish bands lastest is ok and worth a couple listens to see if it sticks for you. The jury is still out for me. Top tracks are . . . well . . . I'm not sure. Try I Want You! Also - Nothing to Worry about has one of the best videos ever made!




Running LP List

1. J. Tillman - Vacilando Territory Blues (January)
   
2. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (March)
   
3. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast (January)
4. Dent May and his Magnificent Ukuele - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May (March)
5. The Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels (March)
6. Say Hi - Oohs & Aahs (February)
   
7. Coconut Records - Davy (January)
8. The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha (February)
9. Peter, Bjorn and John - Living Thing (March)
10. Vetiver - Tight Knit (March)
11. General Elektriks - Good City for Dreamers (February)
12. Ben Kweller - Changing Horses (January)

Running EP List

1. Common Market - The Winter's End (March)
2. Death Cab for Cutie - Open Door (March)

Napoleon Dynamite + Flight of the Conchords = Gentleman Broncos

Dr. Ronald Chevalier from Gentleman Broncos

New Common Market Video - Escaping Arkham

From the aforementioned "The Winter's End EP"

Zia Mohajerjasbi strikes again. This time equipped with just 4 hours, 2 tapes, 1 MC/DJ duo, 0 crew and New York City as a backdrop. For the track “Escaping Arkham” (free download here) off the new Common Market digital EP “The Winter’s End.“

from Prometheus Brown

Add them to your collection!




Also, consider their associated act Blue Scholars (same DJ, different MC)

New Great Lake Swimmers Video

Pulling on a Line

New Common Market EP

Common Market

Winter's End EP

But it on iTunes

These guys have yet to make a serious misstep in my book. They continually impress me and keep me excited about the new places their music is exploring. 206, Represent!

Add them to your collection!




Also, consider their associated act Blue Scholars (same DJ, different MC)

An Open letter to "Alternative Rock" radio

Dear so-called "Alternative Rock" radio stations,

Its not 1996 anymore. For that matter, its not 2001 anymore either. Nobody wants to turn on the radio to hear the Offspring, Hoobastank, Creed, Limp Bizkit, etc . . . Arguably, nobody wanted to hear it back then either, but I digress. I understand that this music came out during your "musical prime," and holds a great deal of nostalgic value for you. But come on!

Over 10 years have gone by and you're still stuck in the late 90's?! And, if you actually are playing something current, it is still some horrible post-grunge alternative rock . . . or even worse rock/rap band whose sound is equally stuck in a late 1990s genre that stunk even when it was fresh.

Because really, "The best alternative rock of the 1980s, '90s and present," which you purport to play, is actually "the worst alternative rock of the 1980s, '90s and present. Mr. DJ, would you please accept the fact that you're in your 30s or 40s now. Just deal with it. That doesn't mean that you can't still be into music. As a matter of fact, I am begging you to be into music - but please, update your music. The rest of us have moved on, and the independent music scene has as well. There's a lot of good new (and old) music out there. Would you please play some of it?

Hugs and Kisses
-Music Snobs Anonymous

ps - enough with the shock-jock overly distorted and reverb-ed announcer voice for your station and/or radioshow promos. Ugh!

pss - college radio and real independent radio stations (KEXP) are exempted from my ire