So contrary to what I've posted lately, I actually still do listen to music. I haven't gone and become Amish or anything (mennonite? zen buddhist?). I just haven't been sharing. So here's what's currently in my Rhapsody playlist. Oh how I love the All-You-Can-Eat music model:
Dr. Dog (Fate)
Big fan of this release. It's fun, catchy, poppy, slightly 60's retro. It's got that great AM radio sound like M. Ward, etc, but much more playful than the brooding genius. Favorite track is "Uncovering the Old", which was in the background during dinner the other day and got the whole family spontaneously dancing in our seats.
Assorted (Ping of Pong)
This is a great mix brought to you by BRR (and friends I believe)...great eclectic upbeat fun mix.
TV on the Radio (Dear Science)
Bluesy, hip-hoppy, electronica. Very smooth and danceable grooves. Catchy enough to be labeled 'Pop', smart enough to never be played on the actual radio.
Land of Talk (Some are Lakes)
Still trying this one out. It's an boy-girl indie-pop outfit (no surprise there)..they have a bit of an edge to themselves (the girl sounds a bit like the lead singer of Evanescence) but so far they prove to have a way with melody and instrumentation and wordplay.
Blind Pilot (3 Rounds and a Sound)
Great Portland band -- a 3-piece I believe that creates beautiful hushed melodies set to strumming guitars. Kind of like if Johnny Marr played with Iron and Wine ... well not as hushed as Iron and Wine but...
Brian Eno and David Byrne (Everything that Happens will Happen Today)
Just loaded this up and love every track that's popped up on random so far. These guys were just absolutely made for each other musically. Neither of them have sounded so strong in years. It's just what you'd expect: atmospheric, literate, both fresh and familiar, with a strong world-influenced rhythm section.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
What's in my Playlist Now
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Battle of 2007
So there's this little discussion sparked by a comment somebody very smart made on Big Red Robot about the best albums so far of 2007. I'm reposting the comment I made here, not like it's going to broaden the audience any (my unique readers outside of the BRR audience numbers in the low single digits) but I like the argument posted and it's a follow up to an earlier post, so I'm claiming it for my own. For those of you who already read it, there are some small enhancements, so READ ON...
Let me unleash a little TRUTH on ya:
Before I get to my list, it was interesting as I wrote it discoverings a few undercurrent battles going on:
The battle of Sweden: PBJ, Jens, Shout Out Louds
The battle of the alt country wunderkinds: Wilco, Son Volt, Ryan Adams
The battle of the Bruce's: Arcade Fire, Killers, Bruce Springsteen
And now for the list.
The top 5 albums (so far) of 2007:
1. Andrew Bird: Armchair Apocrypha - too rich and textured to ignore. Sounds like it was recorded in a huge dark cathedral. Every intstrument, every tone, every voice is perfectly placed. And Bird gets extra points for being the only person on this list that literally (mostly) came out of nowhere for this.
2. The New Pornographers: Challengers - Obviously comparing this to Revolver (which is what caused this whole discussion in the first place) is hyperbole meant to incite discussion (or riots, or both...). When I say Revolver I mean this band is at it's peak but has also begun going down a road it can't return from. The voices (musically and lyrically) have never been so strong individually yet depended on one another so much for balance. And Neko as always is a revelation. I'm open to a re-ordering of the list come December, but as of now these guys are very close to the top.
3. Arcade Fire: Neon Bible - was recorded in a huge dark cathedral - and it's the best Bruce Springsteen album since Born to Run.
4. Josh Ritter: Historical Conquests - Carrying the torch for all the singer-songwriters (Bright Eyes, Iron & Wine, even Ryan Adams)
5. Spoon: Gagagagaga - Barely holding on to this spot, really. This album should have been an EP. Then it would have been #4.
Very close honorable mentions
Stage Names (a little mopey and whiney after a while -- are these guys really Rusted Root?), Our Ill Wills (the Cure and Jam references come through shamelessly, but also shamelessly listenable and definitely wins for best of Sweden), The Search (wins my battle of the Alt Country wunderkinds - Son Volt, Wilco, and Ryan Adams), Boxer (I just keep discovering more great tracks from this album as I'm listening to 2007 music on shuffle), Icky Thump (not a weak track on there), Cassadega (Bright Eyes finally converted me), Magic (yes, THAT Magic...but mostly because it makes me think of Neon Bible and Born to Run)
Needless to say, the music of 2007 wouldn't be nearly as awesome as it has been so far without any of the above albums. Looks like I have to look up at least a couple more that made your lists but I haven't even heard yet - Time to go grabem all and throw them on the Sansa. Viva la Rhapsody! Viva la Musica!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Josh Ritter goes Indie
I've referred to this a couple of times in comments, but I think Josh deserves a full post for his latest, "The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter." This is the new album of the year I had no idea was coming out, and it may well be my favorite record of the year so far.
Yeah that was said slightly for effect...what with a year that included new discs from White Stripes and New Pornographers and Wilco and Ryan Adams and Interpol (which I STILL haven't listened to "properly" yet) and a ton of others, how can Idaho boy Josh Ritter's disc end up on top?
This is Ritter's 5th album, so by no means is he a newbie to the art of putting together a fantastic album...but it may be his best yet. Not as introspective or moving as "The Animal Years" -- which was a fantastic album in its own right -- this one's more upbeat, more engaging, and more...indie. Josh has always been known for channelling his inner Bob Dylan (best showcased on the excellent, folk-operatic "Thin Blue Flame" from Animal Years) but in this one he also throws in dashes of Death Cab, Spoon, Wilco, and others. The key is that his references are just that...references that remind you of another artist but never come off as pastiche. No, this is not another "Rock N Roll", Ryan Adams' fun but synthetic love letter to all his musical inspirations. This is a portrait of an artist who has been able to take sound references, phrasings, styles that are strongly associated with other bands and make them his own. I think it's the earnestness with which he sings and plays that makes it sound authentic and not a rip-off.
So what we're left with is a fun, varied soundscape that keeps you interested and keeps you wondering what comes next. Highlights include the rolicking opener, "To the Dogs or Whatever," the Spoon-ish "Mind's Eye", the indie-folk (think M. Ward) of Open Doors (although its much more propulsive than I've ever heard M. Ward being), to the beautifully laid-back piano-sprinkled "Wait for Love." The sole track that comes off as a disaster is the 3rd track, something of a Eagles/Elton John/America mashup titled "Right Moves." Yes it is every bit as cheesy as the title sounds. For better or for worse it sticks out like a cowlick just waiting to be chopped off or gelled into submission.
So, give it a shot. The best part about this review is that I can actually give you the album just for reading this post. Well, Josh is helping me out by streaming the album on his site (don't you love the internets?) but I get a little credit, don't I?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Second Impressions
So at first I was underwhelmed by the New Pornographers' latest album, "Challengers." And lots of critics agreed...this album just wasn't what we were expecting, in fact it seemed to be missing something.
Last weekend I gave it another shot and absolutely fell in love with it. It's less immediate, less hook-filled, less in-your-face catchy, but dare I say it's actually more captivating and more rewarding than any of their releases to date? My first impression was that their manic creative energy seemed a bit played out, that maybe they weren't all interested in playing with this toy anymore since their personal side projects have all grown to fruition themselves. But on second inspection, I find more depth and richness and meaning than seemed to be there before. More measured brilliance rather than spontaneous brilliance. More Roxy Music than The Jam. More Smiths than Oasis (the early, good Oasis anyway).
I think the reason I missed it the first time is I tried it on a perfectly sunny day...this album needs a little bit of cloud cover and a bit of a cool, autumn breeze with some color in the leaves to bring out its full aroma. This album needs some atmosphere. It's the first perfect album of the fall. And will be sure to keep us warm all winter.
Friday, September 7, 2007
And Another
Mostly just to say I'm still alive. Listened to the new Ben Harper this week. Really enjoyable music. More the mellow/soulful Ben. Like the music Lenny Kravitz tried to play when he was channeling Curtis Mayfield...but not like a pastiche but the real thing. Also heard the New Pornographer's latest. I was really excited to give it a listen, especially after hearing new releases from Neko Case, AC Newman, and Dan Bejar since the last New Pornographers release. To be fair I was only able to listen to "Challengers" once, and not REALLY listen to it, but it wasn't as immediately catchy and fun and hooky as I thought it would be. That could either be a really good thing (sometimes the best albums take a few listens to start to sink in and TNP may have possibly leapt to that level with this release) or it could mean it's just a mediocre record. Only time will tell...
In other musical news, my main man BGT has releases his first ever mixtape . It's full of happy, energetic, fantastic music. The kind of music that gets you going. Nothing sloppy or cliche about it. As I told him, "if any radio station played this straight up like you've put it together here, it would be the best_station_ever. A balanced mix of folky, rootsy, indie, and jam, it's a great feel-good in the early sunny fall days mix. You can check it out HERE.
With that, I say Happy Weekend.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Bravo Boys!
For their first shot at national attention, on the Late Night stage, I'd say Okkervil River did themselves quite proud. You can tell these guys have been playing together for a while and recently came off a 18+ month tour (which was the fodder for their new album The Stage Names - a concept album of sorts about life as a rock'n'roller). It's always a true test of a band to see if they can actually sound good in these 1-set talk show venues. I say these guys pulled it off. And I'd say Conan agrees with me.
So what are we thinking about all these "indie" bands all over the place these days? A topic for another day. For now, I'll just be happy that there's great music out there to compete with the spears's and timberlakes and all the other junk out there.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Brilliant!
Take Bart Simpson on guitars, add Jack and Meg White, one of the best songs of 2005, and a little Michael Gondry influence and I give you: BRILLIANCE!
Monday, August 13, 2007
DarkMatter
2 weeks later and I still say Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha is the disc to beat. Though the new(ly found) Camera Obscura is really really good too. But for now, raise the dark matter. You can't listen to that track without picturing the coolest laser light show ever. And he even whistles at the end (of course, but...)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
More Creativity in his Pinky...
So ryan adams was in a seattle radio station last friday doing a promo for his new album. they were talking about how Adams was pretty much a spoiled jerk the last time he was in-studio (about 10 yrs ago in his enfant-terrible Whiskeytown days) and how Adams has finally gotten sober. Also talked about the songwriting process and how for Adams "it kinda just falls out". Adams said," I guess I owe you one...how about if I write a song right now," so they got all the equipment set up, he grabbed a guitar, and on the spot put together a full-length song (lyrics, music, verses, chorus, rhyme schemes...and plenty of explitives) right there on the spot. Not exactly top of the pops quality, but definitely not a "Whose Line is it Anyway" Franken-song either. The station recorded it and now it's the #1 single every morning in the "battle of the new singles" contest they have at 8am. It's actually on YouTube now:
Admittedly not one of his finest, but definitely not bad for 5 minutes notice. Let's hope this doesn't end up on a future album...
But man this guy can put a song together.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Giving M Ward a Run for his Money
Introducing Andrew Bird. How can I not have known about this guy until recently? And how can I have reacted slowly when I first heard his music? Every track on his latest, "Armchair Apocrypha" is a beautiful, textured, interesting, deep, moving, emotional wonderland. Love it. He's coming to Seattle on Sep 2....SUNDAY! WHY!
Here he is on Letterman, which is the only time we'll be seeing him for the forseeable (maybe he'll be on ACL this season...)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
But Not On Me (plus new album of the week)
The last post was pretty messy and long-winded, just trying to convey the general angst with the news/sports media. The good news is, MUSIC is having one of its greatest years I can remember, with more creativity and quality coming from more places since the golden age. Not a week goes by that I don't hear a brand new album that "will change your life". Awesome stuff out there. And thankfully, for whatever reason, whether they're too busy touring and in the studio, or live hermetic lives, or are not attractive or sexy enough...for the most part musicians don't get themselves splattered across every tabloid and infotainment program out there (besides your occaisional James Blunt or Chris Martin) so they mystery of who THEY are is retained and the MUSIC is allowed to stand on its own.
If you haven't yet, try Camera Obscura's 2006 release "Let's Get Out of This Country." Fellow Scots in both name and style to Belle & Sebastien, CO puts together a very cohesive "chamber-pop" record that's equal parts intricate layerings of honey-touched melodies, sun-drenched playfulness, and enough depth to keep you from tossing them off as another "twee-pop" act. Fits in very nicely with B&S, Of Montreal, The Shins, Tegan & Sara, New Pornographers, but also have a sound decidedly their own.
Viva la musica!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Guaranteed to Make You Smile (2)
My very first post was a YouTube post of "everything that's right with music today" M. Ward and Co. jamming on Conan. If you enjoyed THIS, you'll definitely want to see the video below. Such a sweet little ditty. A pretty straightforward interpretation of the lyrics and the tone of the song...perfectly captures the innocence and depth and beauty of it. And that propulsive percussion section just keeps you movin' on. Quickly moving up the ranks of my all-time favorites.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Top Five of 2007 Update
A couple of new discs have landed that have quickly changed the order of the Top 5 discs of the year. Here's the new updated list:
5. Still being fought out between Boxer by The National and Sky Blue Sky by Wilco
The National is a new group to my ears, but I really like their take on the NYC Joy Division revival. Sky Blue Sky is "the best Eagles album never recorded". Both need more time to figure out which comes out on top.
4. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon
Britt Daniel and Co. have done it again, taking their always-enthralling mix of 60's pop, transistor radio sound effects, sparse yet layered arrangements, and grooviness and serve up another very pleasing helping of Spoon. "Cherry Bomb" has to be one of the catchiest tunes in years. My only dis on them is for some reason they feel a little thin in the emotion department. There's a certain depth missing in the music. Lack of soul. Maybe further listens will reveal, and maybe it's because they're on this list between the neo goths in The National and the bleeding heart Ryan Adams...
3. Easy Tiger - Ryan Adams
Excellent amalgam of all 3 styles Adams explored in 2005. So far 2007 has only given us 1 Ryan Adams record...and this is all we need.
2. Icky Thump - White Stripes
Brilliance. Instant classic. Just as relevant 30(!) years ago as it is today. Rock hard enough to make Jack Black happy, yet filled with clever wit to make you smile.
1. Armchair Apocrypha - Andrew Bird
Yes, Dylan, this did come out in 2007. March. I just didn't give it a listen until now. Awesome album. Rootsy, sometimes bluesy, deep, bright and murky. And dude whistles (really really beautifully). Impeccable songwriting and drum-tight production.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
New Artist of the Week: Brett Dennen
Call him this year's Ray LaMontagne for me...soulful white guy making really beautiful/if-slightly-funky music mostly on an acoustic guitar. The kind of music you can safely have on in the background during dinner or when friends are over, and yet is still interesting enough to be rewarding when listening to it on its own. Also like Ray, this guy's been around for a few years, but has some great tracks on his latest disc that have the chance of placing him on the map. Either way, it's a very mellow, satisfying listen. Brett's voice is every bit as interesting as his fingerpicking: for a 20 year-old white guy (sources say he may be more like 26 or 27 but dude looks younger than a 19 yr old with a dork dot), his impeccable phrasing and smokiness in his voice recalls a much older, wiser soul (a lot like Joss Stone or Corinne Bailey Rae without the "next superstar of soul" packaging). He's like the love child of Neil Young ("heart of gold" Neil) and Billie Holiday.
So he's the new artist of this week, because somebody had to be first, and he's still relatively "new" to me. When you're in the mood for some pleasant, interesting, singer-songwriter type music, give "So Much More" a spin. There's enough range on the record that you won't feel like you're listening to the same song over and over again (which is the chief plague of singer-songwriters, David Gray...) and it's textured enough to be interesting but earthy enough not to sound like John Mayer (loved his early records though...but I digress). Standout tracks include the world-weary "Ain't No Reason", the (Paul) Simon-esque "Darlin' Do Not Fear" and the borderline bubble-bum guitar pop of "She's Mine". And you can't miss the Dylan references in "I Asked When", which does an admirable job of reviving the early 60's slow-burn protest song.
Perhaps the best track is "One Who Loves You the Most"...a great peppy love song with some nice slack guitar and a tinkling organ in the background offsetting that blue-eyed soul and Lady Day worthy phrasing. Starts almost a capella and adds instruments slowly until building to a steady jam.
Already listened to "So Much More"? What do you think? Haven't yet? Give it a shot and let me know what you think...
