Quick Hits

Another long expanse of time has passed. One of these day's I'll be more diligent, but until then I'll keep coming back with more and more music that is currently of interest to me.

The Boy Least Likely To - The Law of the Playground
One of my favorite quirky bands from the U.K. If you missed their first album The Best Party Ever (2005) it's not to late. They return after a few delays to deliver their follow-up filled with the same childish glee, humor, and kiddie instrumentation to the delight of all. I think one of their best traits is being childish and "adult" at the same time.

When Life Gives Me Lemons I Make Lemonade


...And You'll Know Us By the Trail of Dead - The Century of Self
For anyone that knows me, you may be surprised to find out that I really, really like Trail of Dead. Don't let the name scare you away from one of the few bands to have recorded an album that has received a perfect 10/10 from Pitchfork (Source Tags & Codes) in 2002. This is their first album since ST&C to see them free of a click track (and overlord label Interscope); returning to their ambling, free-flowing epic rock roots. You can feel the freedom, even if it's missing the element of nuance. Nevertheless, it's great to be listening to a solid album from the group once again.

Halcyon Days


Mavis Staples - Live: Hope At The Hideout
Mavis Staples is admittedly "before my time" but this live album captures a timeless performer that has lost little, if anything. I'm also a big fan of R&B when it's heavy on juicy blues licks, and that is exactly what Mavis delivers here. Her powerful voice gives me chills at one point in pretty much every song. The backing band featuring guitarist Rick Holmstrom, drummer Stephen Hodges and bassist Jeff Turmes along with a trio of backing vocalists also proceed to kill it.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken


The Dodos - Visiter
Already named one of the best albums of 2008 I somehow missed the boat on this. But, I like to think it's never too late to enjoy great music. Their first official release sees The Dodos harnessing all of their eclectic influences (and there a lot on the album) into an album that is both liberated and joyful to the point you can't help but be swept off your feet.

Walking

Theresa and Neko

The creative juices haven't been on the fritz so much as the impetus to actually write. My B yo, my b. You may be curious as to what has been keeping me musically or culturally occupied. The Oscars happened and thankfully finished a shade before Midnight. My personal opinion is that if they want more ratings and want to make the show shorter they need to cut the show down to the "premium" awards; 10 awards tops. That way every award is interesting or the audience actually cares and doesn't lean over to someone and say, "what's the difference between sound mixing and sound editing?" As for music, the montage/medley of the 3 nominated songs was pretty shoddy. You can kinda see why Peter Gabriel told the producers to suck it. As for the winner (Jai Ho) it was definitely the catchiest tune of the three. In addition, if the producers/ABC were looking for ratings it sucked not to have Bruce Springsteen there with the song from The Wrestler that he won a Golden Globe for a few weeks prior. I won't get into the awards because at this point it's "old news." I will say, however, Dustin Lance Black gave the best speech of the evening after winning Best Original Screenplay.

In other news, I've been listening to Theresa Andersson's newest album Hummingbird, Go! mainly because I saw her one recent night on Conan before he started his move to L.A. She's literally a one-woman band. Performing barefoot on a carpet with loop pedals, violin, tambourine, multiple vocal tracks, guitar, keyboard, etc. It was really cool to see on TV. She has one of those voices that comes from a previous time period that makes you think the music is older or vintage but it's not. I was forced to classify her music to a person riding in my car the other day and I said, "Indie-Folk." That's about as good as I could do. On her MySpace it says Indie/Soul. So, I can also see that fitting in as well. The album as a whole is really a joy to listen to, and at 40 minutes you'll be pressing repeat before you know it. While this isn't her debut album, it certainly should bring her a bit closer to the edge of an Indie spotlight. She's been featured as the Song of the Day on NPR (high praise among the white-upper-middle class dorks such as myself), and various other noteworthy places that I won't note here. Interestingly, the album was recorded in Andersson's kitchen utilizing some familiar objects as instruments along the way. While her voice isn't powerful she fills in the gaps with great ease.

Japanese Art

How much do I love Neko Case? Now, this is a girl with a voice that fills a room. Her upcoming album is her studio follow-up to 2006's Fox Confessor Bring the Flood and is called Middle Cyclone. The cover art is probably one of the best of the year so far, featuring Case perched on the hood of a Mercury Cougar in a short dress wielding a sword. Talk about Woman Power. The album is incredibly enjoyable especially the few tracks with a self-described "piano orchestra." This idea came about when Case bought a piece of property in Vermont with an abandoned barn, and decided the barn would be a great place to record. She and her band then set out to find as many free pianos on Craigslist as possible. They ended up with eight usable pianos. And if you know anything about pianos, they're not all the same. Depending on age, type of wood, size, etc. they have unique sounds and timbres. When you can get eight different ones in a huge room (barn) it must sound pretty awesome. Showcased on the track below. The sounds exactly as you have come to expect and adore. It has ballads mixed with mid-tempo tunes and a few that are a bit more alt-country rockin' to match the cover art.

Don't Forget Me

Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You

I've been enamored with Lily Allen for a few years now. I've seen her live numerous times. I've seen her perform really well. I've seen her perform really really poorly. Along the way she has gained a serious following while also gaining a reputation with the paparazzi in her native UK for being a bit of a party animal. A recent feature in the NY Times attempts to put that image of her in the past. I'm even tempted to believe that she has reformed and loves a quiet evening alone in her flat. I suppose she had to prove she could live in a way worthy to her saucy, in-your-face lyrics. She is still really the only pop star that manages to put intelligent/interesting/funny spins on relationships in the female point of view. And when you get down to it her songs are ridiculously catchy and danceable. She basically became a genre onto herself. She sold 2.5 million copies of her debut Alright, Still and all of a sudden there was a deluge of female pop singers that tried to be sassy and creative in the Lily Allen mold. Essentially, Katy Perry should be giving 1/3rd of her royalties to Lily Allen.

Where her first album was heavy on the horns and driving, rocking tunes her new album shows a slightly different approach. This new tone and approach is largely attributed to producer Greg Kurstin (the Bird and the Bee). It's Not Me, It's You is listenable from front to back and quite enjoyable. Any fan of Allen's will be happy to know this album sounds fresh and not like a bunch of regurgitated songs. Kurstin has definitely opened up her ears musically. The influences on the album are quite eclectic, ranging from bubble-gum electro to Eurodisco, and, in a surprising twist, to a spaghetti-Westernized synth pop ditty called "Not Fair." It's an unexpected change from an artist that has made a living crafting a certain type of song. Yet, most songs keep their dance floor sensibility. Overall, the album doesn't have quite the bite as her debut, but that is probably because I have been numbed to the point where I expect her lyrics to be provocative about love, sex, and all the nitty details. When she sings, "Oh, I lie here in a wet patch/In the middle of the bed/I'm feeling pretty damn hard done by/I spent ages giving head" I'm not taken aback. I have a slight smirk and nod my head, because I would be disappointed if she wasn't singing lyrics like that.

Not Fair

What You've Missed

Jeeeeeeeesus it's been a while. For all those waiting anxiously to hear from me, I apologize once again. I'm going to try and stuff a lot of thoughts and music into this post so that I can feel like I've "caught up," which will hopefully keep the torches and pitchforks at bay a little bit longer.

There has been quite a bit of great music released already in the year 2009 which will probably show up on people's Best of 2009 lists. Am I jumping to conclusions? Yes. But I've done so with the help of THIS. I promise that at least 50% of the music I mention below will be praised and praised and praised again 10-11 months from now.

Andrew Bird - Noble Beast

Andrew Bird returns with his follow up to Armchair Apocrypha (2007) with another album that showcases his multi-instrumental talents as well as all the pizzicato your heart desires. It is a splendid album that I think is more dynamic than his previous effort. It also proves further that his hyper-literate nature is profitable so long as its reigned in and comes with a great melody. He is sure to only gain more and more exposure with tracks like "Oh No" and "Fitz and the Dizzyspells".

Effigy

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

I've been listening to Animal Collective since I was introduced to their albums Sung Tongs (2004) and Feels (2005) a few years ago. At the time they were way out of the scope of my normal listening rotation and never delved into their catalogue except in passing. They have a distinct sound that truly is unique. I don't throw around that term very often, but when you listen to Animal Collective you're left with no other suitable adjective to describe their sound. Because of this fact it's hard to get "into" the band if you're the least bit put off by 9+ minute songs that consist of layered vocals, synths, pulse, meeps, skeeps, and occasional creeps. On their eighth studio album they hit it out of the park. It is by far their most accessible album, and most cohesive. It is never dull and has to be listened to beginning to end in order to gain full appreciation for its mastery.

Brother Sport

Antony & The Johnsons - The Crying Light

Antony & The Johnsons came to my knowledge with their seminal album I Am a Bird Now (2005). Being a vocalist for a number of years I appreciate a great voice when I hear one. The ultimate evaluation for me is The Goosebump Test. This is exactly what it sounds like. As corny as it is a great vocalist brings goosebumps to my arms and has such a timbre and tone that is unmistakable. Antony Hegarty has one of those voices. It's like no one else but also possesses an emotional resonance that is usually only found in opera singers if they're lucky. The first single may bring tears to your eyes, and I have no doubt you will hear it in a depressing/sad movie sometime in the next 18 months.

Another World

***These Next Couple Albums Have Yet To Be Officially Released***

M. Ward - Hold Time

Fresh off his gig with Zooey Deschanel, M. Ward returns with his follow-up to Post-War (2006). This new album shows influences from his time with Deschanel which is not necessarily a bad thing. The melodies and rhythms are familiar and catchy. The songs are relatively short and compact. There is still M. Ward's great guitar work as well as pulsing pianos, multi-tracked vocals, timpani and string flourishes. If there is something different it's M. Ward's mood. There are bursts of a sunnier disposition that is in contrast to his usual melancholy loneliness. Hold Time is another step forward for an artist that is inching closer and closer to the limelight.

Never Had Nobody Like You

Beirut - March of the Zapotec / Realpeople Holland

This double EP was leaked early and was later added to iTunes for a digital release back in January, but it's physical release will come on February 17th. It's two totally disparate works that show the range of Zach Condon. He gets backing help on March of the Zapotec from The Jimenez Band, a 19-piece band. This EP is inspired by his trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. The Realpeople Holland EP is remarkably different since it's electronic and has virtually no live instrumentation. Listening to these EPs next to each other is pretty great and can really hear the talent and artistry of a musician with a lot of influences and ideas. I liken this to when Bright Eyes released I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn on the same day back in 2005. Two totally different albums that stand up nicely by themselves. Personally, I think Realpeople Holland is more interesting because it's more of a departure for Beirut as an artist and what we're used to hearing from him.

My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille

Best of 2008 Countdown, Part 6

This mornin' I'm gonna be droppin' some knowledge. The following two artists/albums fall into the underground/indie Hip-Hop genre. Meaning, you'll probably never here them on a mainstream radio station. You'll probably never hear them unless you go searching for this type of music or read into small music rags. But you know what? I can feel the underground scene rising. The ease of production and dissemination nowadays is making the creme rise to the top. Anyone with a little technology can make beats if they're willing to learn or teach themselves. No longer do you have to be in someones crew or be discovered in random fashion. Peep a couple of the best from 2008

Common Market - Tobacco Road (Mass Line)

Consisting of RA Scion and Sabzi the duo came together in the burgeoning Hip-Hop scene in the Pacific Northwest. If Sabzi sounds familiar that's because he's also half of the group Blue Scholars. RA Scion's flow sounds similar to Talib Kweli and thus may make you listen closer, or confuse the two. This album was supposed to come out last year and ran into various complications. The flow, lyrical content, and production are really superb. If there is a knock against the duo it would be that RA Scion's lyrics are dense. So dense that you'd probably have to read the liner notes to catch all their meaning. I enjoy the quality because you can listen to the album over and over and catch something new each time. Hopefully this is the album that gains them respect nationwide outside their niche of the Pacific Northwest.

"Trouble Is"

Black Milk - Tronic (Fat Beats)

Known to the IRS as Curtis Cross but the rest of the music community as Black Milk, he's back with his newest solo release. He comes from Detroit, MI and is most often compared to the late, great J Dilla. Quite young (at age 25), and tapped by many magazines to being the next great producer/MC, Black Milk has been gaining quite a following. This album is all on him. Produced and MC'd with help from some great guests including: Sean Price, Dwele, Royce Da 5’9", and Pharoahe Monch. He's most respected for some seriously hard beats that "make you need a neck brace". Again, the whole album is pretty damn great and should easily get him the major label placement he's looking for.

"Losing Out" (feat. Royce da 5'9'')

Best of 2008 Countdown, Part 4

It's time to shake things up in this ongoing countdown I've got going. Today's grouping falls into what I've deemed the "Eclectic" category. It wouldn't be tough to pigeon-hole the following artists/albums but I think it's more interesting to have them next to each other in my own little version of Morning Becomes Eclectic (KCRW reference for those not in L.A.). Again, these are some of the best albums front to back of 2008.

Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (XL)

I wouldn't have known about Sigur Rós if not for a friend from high school that first insisted I listen to their album ( ) when it came out in 2002. At the time I kinda shook it off as nothing special and kinda weird. It has since become probably my favorite album in their catalog. What I consider Sigur Rós' best attribute is their stunning ability to build and shape songs to musical and emotional climaxes. They build crescendos and heighten emotion throughout the course of songs like a classical composer (building tension upon tension to have a huge resolution and release through dissonance or unresolved chords). Sigur Rós employs lead singer's (Jónsi Birgisson) falsetto voice and large arrangements to achieve the same effect. This newest album translates to mean "With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly" and is a departure for the band in terms of songwriting and overall feel. This album has a more "traditional" feel, whatever that means. It's still Sigur Rós which means it's pretty beautiful.

"Heima" (Japan, iTunes Bonus Track)

Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours (Modular)

This album hasn't yet peaked onto any Best of 2008 lists that I've seen which is surprising and quite an oversight. It'll most likely make Pitchfork's year-end recap considering it was given an 8.8/10 which is one of the highest scores they've given out all year. It took me a while to warm up to this dancepunk/electropop/new wave/post-punk effort from Melbourne, Australia's Cut Copy but once I did I realized it's a great album that is fresh and danceable and fun to listen to. One of my favorite tracks is below which is more of the "pop" variety than the "dance" ones on most of the record.

"Unforgettable Season"

Girl Talk - Feed the Animals (Illegal Art)

Mash-ups found their niche a few years ago and probably "jumped the shark" (I know the term has probably jumped the shark as well, which is just strange to consider) when Jay-Z teamed up with Linkin Park. Pretty soon everyone thought it would be cool to see what crazy shit they could put on top of each other. Unscathed (relatively) has been Gregg Gillis a.k.a Girl Talk. His breakthrough album (an exercise in the fair usage law) was Night Ripper (2006) which sampled and spliced and mixed 150-200+ songs over the course of ~45 minutes. He created the album as one long track and then cut it into separate tracks, all the while never received permission to use any of the music. He came back this year with a brand new album in the same fashion as Night Ripper that is equal to and better than what came up with two years ago. The track below features samples from: Jay-Z, Radiohead, Mary J. Blige, The Guess Who, Aerosmith, Young Gunz, DJ Kool, Fine Young Cannibals, and even Dexys Midnight Runners ("Come On Eileen") to name a few.

"Set It Off"

Best of 2008 Countdown, Part 3

Monday. Everyone dislikes Monday, which is why I'm here to make it a little less crappy. I've finally figured out how I'll continue breaking down some of 2008's best albums which is terribly exciting (basically by genre) for me. Today's couple artists/albums I'm going to lump into a Folk/Blues category. One is becoming a standby while the other I just discovered in the last number of months.

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain (RCA)

This album has grown on me since my first few listens. It shows a natural progression for an artist in their third album. He's an established artist that is beloved by fans and has excellent commercial and licensing appeal. Yet, he still maintains an allure because he isn't a very public figure and doesn't really do a lot of press or interviews. It's a classic case of playing hard-to-get and having it pay off. If you haven't heard this album yet it's mostly unlike his previous two. This album has a little bit of everything from blues tunes, folk, hushed ballads, and country. Listen to the bluesy number below and feel the glorious pain.

"Let It Be Me"

The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

Finally an album/group I haven't already written about in this space. There really is no good reason for this fact. And frankly it's better late than never with The Low Anthem. A trio of multi-instrumentalists from Providence, RI the band formed only a couple years ago. Their album has quite a diverse range of tunes, but each one is infectious. I would have to post half the album to really give a sense of the diversity of the album. Below is one of the harder rockers on the album.

"The Horizon Is A Beltway"