BEARS EAT PEOPLE!

JRAW's 2008 Albums

2008-12-07T18:12:00.003-05:00

As a good friend of Brandon Krutzky, I've learned the importance of lists. Especially those of the year-end sort. Not to mention the fact that if I had not spent the time to make this list, he may have decided I was no longer worthy of his friendship! Now, it is not exactly the most detailed thing in the world, nor am I going to take the time to post one album at a time. No fuckin' around, surprising posts, no anticipation...So, without further ado... here it is folks.

JRAW's 2008 Albums

31. Emmylou Harris- All I Intended to Be
30. The Killers - Day and Age

29. Kaki King - Dreaming Of Revenge
28. Portugal.The Man- Censored Colors
27. Keane-Perfect Symmetry
26.Kate Nash - Made Of Bricks
25. Anberlin- New Surrender

24. Gregory & The Hawk - Moenie And Kitchi
23. Max Richter- 24 Postcards in Full Colour
22. James Yorkston- When the Harr Rolls In
21. Anberlin- New Surrender
20. Horse Feathers- House With No Home
19.Death Cab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs
18. Ra Ra Riot- The Rhumb Line

17. Conor Oberst- Self Titled

16. She and Him- Volume One
15.Portishead- Third

14. Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard- The Dark Knight Soundtrack
13. Beck- Modern Guilt
12.The Notwist- The Devil, You + Me
11. Coldplay- Viva La Vida
10. Peter Broderick- Float
9. Ben Folds- Way to Normal
8. Rachael Yamagata- Elephants… Teeth Sinking Into Heart
7. Josh Radin- Simple Times
6. Ray LaMontagne- Gossip In the Grain
5. Thrice- The Alchemy Index’s
4. Copeland- You are my Sunshine
3. Radiohead- In Rainbows
2. Jenny Lewis- Acid Tongue
1. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals- Cardinology

Maybe I'll take the time to go into more detail on my favorite albums and tracks later when I'm not feeling so lazy. But for now, I'm hungry and have finals to study for, so you should go listen to Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, and maybe consider seeing them live like I just did!

Quick Question.

2008-01-20T02:46:00.000-05:00

I dont have any readers really, but justin and whoever else may look at this..how do you feel about the idea of moving this blog over to this site.... http://bearseatpeople.wordpress.com/
i like the features a whole lot more and its kinda prettier. and look at the bear picture i made for the top!

opinions please.

From My Ears To Your Eyes

2008-01-18T19:25:00.001-05:00

Oh boy, it's the second installment! That must mean I'm dedicated to doing this every week!
Let's get right to it, shall we?

Once Nothing - 'First Came The Law'
Solid State Records
Released Jan 15, 2008

Ah, good ol' Solid State, you never really disappoint me. This label really only does one thing (...metalcore, dummy) and they tend to do it pretty well. The unfortunate thing is that as a genre, things have pretty much hit a brick wall. Nothing is original anymore, everything sounds like something else so as with a few of those cds last week, it's just a matter of finding bands who do the same old thing better than their peers. If you're down with the whole southern rock infused/breakdown metal thing, this cd is for you. It sounds like the Showdown lots of the time, it sounds like Norma Jean sometimes, it sounds like August Burns Red sometimes, it sounds like He Is Legend sometimes, it sounds like Every Time I Die sometimes, it sounds like As I Lay Dying sometimes..sooo that's what you're getting into here. Personally, I think it's a good cd, there aren't really any stupid singy parts (aside from an oddly placed and thusly questionable acoustic song in the middle of the cd), the guitar work is pretty cool and there are some really radtastic breakdowns. I've only had a few days to listen to this, but it's become a cd I've actually made a point to go find on my ipod when I wanted metal, so take that for what you will. Cool cover art too. I think at least. SOO it's definitely something I'd suggest checking out, obviously they don't reinvent the wheel, but they do help add a little more air to the tires.
Does that line make any sense? Ha.

Year End List Potential: 3.2/5

Jon Foreman - 'Fall & Winter' Credential Records Released Jan 15, 2008

Hooray for acoustic singer/songwriter music! Here's the deal, these are the first two themed EPs in a series of four that are released to coincide with each season of the year. The fall one was originally just released online, but when the dude released the winter cd this week in stores, he packaged the fall one with it sooo that's that. You may not know who this Jon Foreman guy is, but I have a feeling you know of the band he sings for...Switchfoot! Ok so maybe that don't impress you much (yes, I'm singing Shania now too) and it doesn't really do much for me either because I only really like 2 or 3 of their songs, and those are the radio singles that I'm supposed to like. But here's what's up. This is a really great collection of songs. As I mentioned a minute ago, the songs are technically themed to go with the season they are supposed to represent and with him being the singer of Switchfoot, there's the obvious religious influence on the lyrics, which I do tend to enjoy from time to time. That aside though, the songwriting is pretty darn impressive, and really everything else about this cd is as well. I don't think you can go wrong with acoustic guitars and cellos (and when harmonicas and other strings are thrown in the mix too, pfft fuhgetaboutit). I've listened to this cd so many times in the past week, and it makes me happy. Can't ask for more than that.

Year End List Potential: 4.5/5

The Mars Volta - 'The Bedlam In Goliath' Universal Released Jan 29, 2008

I haven't even listened to this stupid cd the whole way through yet, but I've listened enough to formulate an early opinion. That opinion is as follows:
What the fuck is this stupid shit? You pretentious bastards, I don't care how long you can make your songs or how fast you can play your little guitar or how many cRaZy effects you can add to your vocals. There was a time when a new release from this band was exciting, because you knew it meant something pretty cool was coming. Those times though, I'm afraid, are long gone for me. Now it's just 'man do I even wanna bother listening to this? I know i'm just gonna get annoyed 3 songs in'. Annnnnnd surprise surprise, the trend continues. The cd is way more upbeat and more *funky* than anything I can recall this band doing, but that doesn't really equal out to more interesting for me. Some of this stuff is so far out there and so far away from anything that resembles music you can actually LISTEN to..maybe I just don't get it. Everything they do now seems like they just stuck a mic in the middle of a room they were jamming in and they just play and play and play and do whatever and then chop that up into smaller sections, add some vocals, and boom it's done. They seem to try so hard to avoid structure and it's gotten pretty obnoxious. There are a few songs I dig a little bit (the song 'Goliath' comes to mind), but in all it just kinda gives me a headache. If you don't bother, you aren't really missing out on much.

Year End List Potential: .7/5

Jonny Greenwood- 'There Will Be Blood/Original Score'
Atlantic/Nonesuch
Released Dec 18, 2007

Alright, so this wasn't released in 2008, so it somewhat defeats the purpose, but this is good and I wanted to share it. Obviously, this is the score to the movie film There Will Be Blood which, by all accounts, is apparently a really good movie..but what you may not be aware of is that the guitarist of Radiohead composed this stuff. And he does a damn fine job. Comprised mostly of strings and pianos, I can only assume the film is as dramatic as the music seems to be. Honestly, this cd really sounds a lot more important than it actually is..it sounds like something you'd hear on NPR when they were doing classical music blocks and the dj comes back on and talks in his best theater voice about how that was so and so's third movement from his fifth symphony that was recorded in 1924 with the doobliedoo philharmonic orchestra. Check it out, it's solid..brah.

Great Song, Sub-Par Video

2008-01-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

Thrice - Digital Sea

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This is the video for Digital Sea from Thrice's latest Alchemy cd. I love love love the song but while this video is somewhat interesting and cool, its no where near as cool as the song is. Basically what I'm trying to say is that I could have made a better video for this song. It involves the sea, and while yes, the video does have a oceanic type vibe in the chorus's of the song, it doesn't seem to capture what the artist may have felt while writing/playing the song.

Band Of Horses - 'Cease To Exist'

2008-01-16T20:10:00.001-05:00

Band of Horses - 'Cease To Exist'
Sub Pop Records
Released October 9, 2007

This is why I started making a reinterpretation of my previous year's favorite albums list last year. I've always been a very casual fan of Band of Horses, but I'll admit I never really cared all that much about them. Recently though, this record has gotten a ton of play at my place of employment, Urban Outfitters (where all the hippest kids work), and I have taken a ridiculous liking to it. This record is awesome in the same way last year's Shins record was. It's catchy, sometimes-bouncy indie-pop that I really just want to listen to over and over again. In the middle of winter, this is exactly the kind of music I want to listen to sometimes. For example..tonight, it snowed here in Atlanta for the first time in ages it seems and this is what I was in the mood to listen to. So let me recreate the moment for you guys..ok get this..I spread open my blinds, exposing a beautiful view of the city through amazing twelve foot windows. I proceeded to make some hot chocolate, complete with giant marshmallows and a friendly helping of whipped cream and I turned this record on. The moments folliwed were some of the most relaxing in recent memory. I simply sat and watched the city as it bathed in those wonderful white flakes falling from the heavens. Okay so the city really didn't bathe in anything and none of the snow really stuck on the ground, but you get the idea.

Standout Songs: 'Is There A Ghost' and 'Detlef Schrempf'

From My Ears To Your Eyes

2008-01-12T11:31:00.000-05:00

I apologize, this place has been a bit of a ghost town since the list posting extravaganza a few weeks ago, but that is all about to change. I'm gonna try something a little different this year on here and we'll see how it goes. I listen to so many new things every week and most of them just go unnoticed and are then forgotten by myself, but I decided I should share with you guys what stuff I'm liking or at least giving a shot each week and maybe you'll find something you like amongst them. Sooo let's get it poppin.

Here I Come Falling - 'Oh Grave, Where Is Thy Victory' Rise Records
Released Jan 8, 2008

First off, we've got Here I Come Falling, and before I say one word, I bet you know exactly what this band sounds like. Metal? Check. Breakdowns? Check. Christian? Check. Stupid singy times? Check. And to follow suit with bands like labelmates The Devil Wears Prada, random electronic noises? Check. I've heard this before, you've heard this before, but "for what it is", it's pretty decent I suppose. I don't think it's gonna be something I give half a shit about in a month or 2, but in a really slow time of the year for music, it's good for a random listen or three. Add it to your ipod, and let it blend in with everything else on some rockin playlist and be done with it.

Year End List Potential: 1.8/5

For The Fallen Dreams - 'Changes'
Also on Rise Records
Also Released Jan 8, 2008

Yeah this is even more generic and more boring. The vocals suck, I've heard the riffs 379 times before, the breakdowns that do show up sporadically suck, and gang vocals are stupid.
Don't waste your time like I did with mine, this is awful.

Year End List Potential: 0/5

Nada Surf - 'Lucky'
Barsuk Records
Released Feb 5, 2008

Every single time I listen to these guys, I wonder how they're the same band that released that 'Popular' song back in the day. Their past couple albums ('The Weight Is A Gift' and 'Let Go') have been really good and this seems to be more of the same goodness. Lots of little indie pop songs about love that will keep you interested and your head bobbin to and fro. The band has spent a few records developing themselves into somewhat of an indie darling and I don't see that changing much here. Sometimes it's best when bands stick to what works (ie: Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab, etc etc) and Nada Surf is really no exception. This is a really nice little album with really nice little songs that I can totally see myself falling in love with as the year goes on.

Year End List Potential: 4/5

That wolf guy's top 5 of '07!!

2008-01-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

1//
Messengers
by August Burns Red
Solid State
June 19, 2007

In 2005 August Burns Red released their first major label debut "Thrill Seeker", and while I was late to jump on their bandwagon, I can safely say that it was my favorite cd of the year. In 2007 they brought a new singer into the mix, which was better, but it altogether didn't change much. But as with most hardcore/metal bands, it's never usually about the singer, but about the music and the breakdowns. If its breakdowns you want, this disc delivers. Actually, it over delivers. After the first several listens, this thing was like, way over the top, too much crash cymbal, all the breakdowns sound the same kinda stuff. But the more and more I listened to it, this shit just got off the fucking chain. This cd is brutally heavy. All the breakdowns sound nearly identical the first couple listens, but if you start picking them apart, they get better and better. My favorite metal moment of 07 is in my favorite song of 07, "The Balance" brings the metal with my favorite metal verse and my favorite breakdown of the year.

I admit, this cd doesn't do too much for variety or originality, I just like it for its heaviness. It's metalcore as metalcore gets if you ask me, and I'm sure if you ask someone like the owner of this blog, he'd say, "Yeah, its probably about one of the heaviest cd's out there." All you blog readers need to get this on your Ipod and blare it in your car, its great.

4.5//5
Listen to 'The Balance' and 'An American Dream'

2//
When I Am God
by Oh, Sleeper
Solid State
October 23, 2007

This is a rockin cd full of great tunes by yet another Christian band off of Solid State records. This label sure does know how to find some quality bands. I talked about this band in detail on Brandon's "One List To Rule Them All" list. ANYways, what I think that makes this cd so badass is the singer. He's great, he's got an original voice, his hair is really cool, and he's got lyrics that I like, and they're Christian, which is unusual. Musically it's a pretty solid listen, a few bongdongular moments that really split the pants, and whats best, cool lyrics to accompany them. Pick this puppy up, you'd have fun with it.

4//5
Listen to 'Vices Like Vipers', 'To Flagship', and 'The End of a Dark Campaign'

3//
Deliver Us
by Darkest Hour
Victory
July 9, 2007

Now, if you're a fan of my music of the year lists, you know by now that every other year Darkest Hour releases a badass cd that tops my list. This year its a little different. Just so you know, DH is probably my favorite band, them and The Album Leaf and Circle Takes the Square, but Deliver Us is different from their recent records. 2003's "Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation' is probably the most thrash-metal cd of the new millennium. 2005 saw Darkest Hour get the hang of writing a catch in a song and they released "Undoing Ruin", which is a great great cd. Now its 2007 and this band is still progressing. You haven't heard a solo until you've heard the multiple solo's in Tunguska. These Mike Schleibaum and Kris Norris guitar players aren't human, they are metal gods. With this new record, Darkest Hour grows just like how they do every cd, they are better musicians, John Henry is a better lyricist and his voice is better and he can hit more notes. On drums, Ryan Parrish is still the blast beat bomb.

The reason this cd doesn't top my list is because I know DH is capable of writing a better cd. Not saying this a bad cd, its just not as good as these guys can write. They're better than they've ever been, but they need to bring the heaviness that we saw in "Hidden Hands" back to the forefront.

3.5//5
Listen to 'Tunguska', 'Full Imperial Collapse' and 'Deliver Us'

4//
Silent Treatment
by The Bled
Vagrant Records
September 25, 2007

This band really couldn't release a sub-par record if they had to. They're one of those bands that found their formula early on in their career and stuck with it. Every cd is great beyond mentioning. Good lyrics combined with great music equals a 2xgreat band! "Breathing Room Barricades" is my second favorite song of the year, the end is just pure awesomeness. Listen to it. I really need to see these guys in concert, I had to work and missed them the one chance I had, sucked. Anyways, there's not much to say about The Bled's newest effort, another solid, great cd. I'm looking forward to their next offering already.

4//5
Listen to 'Breathing Room Barricades' and 'Shadetree Mechanics'

5//
The Big Dirty
by Every Time I Die
Ferret Records
September 4, 2007

Bk hit it on the nose with his review of this cd in his yearly list. Him and I share the same views on this band-hit or miss, end up liking it kind of thing. We both hated their last cd, but loved Hot Damn! and Last Night In Town marks a time in our lives when we started listening to the music we listen to now. Keith Buckley on vocals is the current best lyricist in the biz, besides the CTTS gang of course. This dude is very innovative, very provocative and funny. The music that backs up his angry wailing is quite heavy. The pinnacle of the record lies in my third favorite song of the year "INRIhab". With lyrics like "I tied the devil to the tracks, and I tied the tracks in a lover's knot around the finger of a beautiful girl. I'll keep hell if hell will have me.", you can't not love this band at times. Every Time I Die scores with this cd, but who knows where the next outing will take them. Give it a listen.

3//5
Listen to 'INRIhab' and 'Buffalo Gals'

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T19:20:00.000-05:00

hello all.
i hope the new year finds you well.
i also hope to do a better job of making this site interesting as time goes by.
for now though, this song makes me smile.
the frames - star star.
thanks for reading.

2007 YEAR END LIST!!!

2007-12-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

I'm such a sucker for lists. I don't really need any rhymes or reasons for making them at all, and when I start one, I have trouble putting limitations on it. Many moons ago, I began creating top 20 lists for my favorite cds of the year..it began as a one day event with minimal fanfare, and just look how it's grown. Two-ish years ago, I had the crazy idea of making my list a 30 cd affair, with a new review posted each day in December, and that was kinda cool but this year I wanted more. In 2007, I listened to a crap-ton of records, just about 200 to be more specific, and I found that the idea of limiting my list to 30 or 31 cds just wasn't gonna allow me to give proverbial props to all the records I feel deserve them. So I now present to you my favorite 50 records of this past year; the second half of the list will be posted in 5 and 4-a-day spurts with mini-reviews and the top 25 will each get their very own day, all leading to the unveiling of this year's number 1 cd on December 31.
So if anyone reads this, I hope you enjoy it..and heeere we go.

#50
Dave Gahan - 'Hourglass'
Virgin/Mute Records
Released October 23, 2007

No new Depeche Mode record this year, but this is really the next best thing. Nearly everything about this record sounds like a DM cd to me. There are a bunch of cool, synth-infused tunes, a few slower songs, and even some decent (but fairly simple) songwriting. His DM bandmate Martin Gore has written just about anything and everything that's ever shown up on a Mode cd, so that might say something about how his writing talents are viewed, but it's really not a big detractor for me on 'Hourglass'. It's a really solid cd that's perfect for anyone in the mood for some darkish sounding electronic music.
Standout Songs: 'Saw Something' and 'Kingdom'

#49
Charlotte Gainsbourg - '5:55'
Vice Records
Released April 24, 2007

I wrote a full review of this cd a few months back in the very early days of this blog and I said a lot of nice things about it. This Frenchy girl starred in Science Of Sleep (great movie), and that's kinda where I found out about her. She has a beautiful, light, breathy voice and this cd finds her singing over music created by fellow Frenchers, Air, great artists in their own right. Once again, lyrically it's pretty eh whatever, but the focus is strictly on her voice and the nice little string and piano melodies. It's great chillout music or just something quiet to listen to in the background. I dig it like whoazers.
Standout Songs: 'Tel Que Tu Es' and 'Morning Song'

#48
Explosions In The Sky - 'All of a Sudden, I Miss Everyone'
Temporary Residence
Released February 20, 2007

If there's one thing I can say with 100% assurance regarding this band, it's that they are good at what they do. They also apparently happen to be very comfortable with what they do because to be honest they haven't changed a single thing about their sound in all the time I've been a fan of them. With the disappearance of Godspeed You Black Emperor, these guys have become the most well known torch carriers for the post rock genre and while this is another great record, I kinda wish they would take a few more chances sonically. But for serious, everything you've loved about ETIS is here, huge buildups, sweeping crescendos, the whole nine yards (there is a slight feeling of unimportance and lack of emotion here though, and that was a slight bummer). All in all, this is a really solid record and still the best post rock cd I heard all year, I just hope they spread their wings a little bit someday. I think they have it in them.
Standout Songs: 'The Birth and The Death Of The Day' and 'So Long, Lonesome'

#47
Great Lake Swimmers - 'Ongiara'
Nettwerk Records
Released May 8, 2007

Boy do I love, love, love me some mellow folk music. GLS is a beautiful combination of good singer-songwriter type stuff and mellow mostly acoustic music with traces of bluegrassy banjos and stand up bass things etc thrown in for good measure. Perhaps, though, the thing I like most about this disc is the lyrical prowess. Fooor example, how can you not love stuff like " Your soft fingers between my claws/Like purity against resolve/I could tell then there that we were formed from the clay/And came from the rocks for earth to display"? It's simple but brilliant. Amazing cd and I'll probably regret putting it so low one day.
Standout Songs: 'Your Rocky Spine' and Changing Colours'

#46
Angels & Airwaves 'I-Empire'
Geffen Records
Released November 6, 2007

What? Seriously? A cd by a former member of Blink 182 on a list that Brandon is creating? No way. Way. If there is such a thing as a guilty pleasure when it comes to someone's musical taste, this would surely classify as one of mine. Yes, I know the songs all sound the same thanks to the use of the SAME guitar effects in every single song. Yes, I know Tom DeLonge has a relatively stupid voice and a ridiculously pretentious/self important attitude regarding this band to boot. Yes, I know this is a band aimed at making 15 year olds think they're listening to experimental prog rock music. I know all those things, but dammit I love listening to them. It's great music to just...listen to. Driving, walking, whatever..they're simply enjoyable tunes. Except for the song Rite Of Spring, cause the lyrics there are laughably bad. BUT! Aside from that, cool stuff.
Standout Songs: 'Call To Arms' and 'True Love'

#45
Feist - 'The Reminder'
Cherry Tree
Released May 1, 2007

Oneee twoooo threeee foourrr dododododundundo. Before being turned into one of the most obnoxious, overplayed songs on the television, that song was actually one of my favorites on this disc annnd this cd was probably a top 20 cd for me. Maybe it's not right to let one song ruin a listening experience, but it happens. That said, this record really made me care about Leslie Feist. Sure I like her work in Broken Social Scene, but I didn't like her first cd/ep whateva thing a few years ago but this cd has a great combination of folky ballads and upbeat jazzy pop songs. She has a really great voice that ranges from being all breathy and sezy to a strong 'I am woman' sorta power. It's just a good cd..after all, cds dont usually crossover from being indie darlings to having strong mainsteam appeal without a reason. Check it out.
Standout Songs: 'How My Heart Behaves' and 'The Water'

#44
Cary Brothers - 'Who You Are'
bluhammock/Procrastination Music
Released May 29, 2007

Nashville native and singer/songwriter Cary Brothers is living proof that having Zach Braff as a fan can get you places. He first became known thanks in part to the inclusion of his wonderful song 'Blue Eyes' on the Garden State soundtrack, a handful of years, a little help from shows like Gray's Anatomy and Scrubs, and a few EPs later, Brothers finally got to release a full length LP. This dude has written some really, really good songs over the course of his career and for the most part, they're all included right here on this cd and while that's cool for new audiences, for longtime fans it's kind of a bummer to hear the same songs for the second or third time. So in a way, this is kind of a list spot in recognition of the entirety of his short career. Great old songs, quality new songs, a very solid cd.
Standout songs: 'Honestly' and 'The Glass Parade'

#43
Keren Ann - 'Keren Ann'
Blue Note Records
Released May 8, 2007

I got a copy of this cd a few months back in the mail from my buddy Jess with a little post it note telling me to listen to track #7, a song called 'Liberty'. Naturally, the first song I listened to when I got around to listening was the aforementioned number 7, and I was instantly hooked. This is one of those kinds of cds I'd listen to at Borders or something because it was one of their featured albums and the description used phrases like 'delicate vocals', 'lush melodies', and 'beautifulyl crafted' annnd I'd listen to two songs and be totally sold. There's an instant likability here and an allure vocal-wise that absolutely cannot be denied. And by the way, that Liberty song, well let's just say if I make a favorite songs list this year, it'll be in the top 10.
Standout Songs: 'Liberty' and 'Lay Your Head Down'

#42
Last Days - 'These Places Are Now Ruins'
N5md
Released October 9, 2007

This year, I have developed a huge fascination with ambient music. There's just something about white noise layered with blips and bloops and subtle electronics, pianos, and strings that I've grown to find so comforting. Last Days (who is a dude name Graham Richardson), describes this record as a "loosely chronological album documenting thoughts and emotions experienced when returning home after having moved away." I was kinda intrigued by that concept, and to be honest, when listening, I can hear that. There is an innate beauty about the songs, a beauty that conveys a level of peace and contentment but is often shadowed by another darker level, as if to represent a change in mood or emotion that looms on the horizon. 'These Places Are Now Ruins' is an amazing piece of art that really does manage to strike a nerve with the listener and tap into emotions that a lot of music is unable to. Minimalistic yet magnificent, this is definitely a cd that I would recommend whole heartedly to anyone and everyone, and another that I will probably regret putting this low at some point.
Standout Songs: 'Points Bridge' and 'Station Pt. 2'

#41
The Dear Hunter - 'Act II: The Meaning of, and all Things Regarding Ms. Leading'
Triple Crown Records
Released May 22, 2007

I remember picking up this band's first cd in the $5 bin at a local used record store after reading a bunch of positive reviews. What I heard when I put the thing in my cd player was a really interesting mix of musical styles that seemed to know no bounds but oddly worked very well. This time around nothing has really changed, if anything, they've gone even farther out on the progressive ledge. While this album has it's roots in indie rock/emo whatever, they manage to add in traces of latin, jazzy stuff, swing music, hell, even ragtime. Ragtime, wtf? yeah. All the songs are really catchy, there's outstanding use of melody, no two songs sound the same, and the lyrics are cool & tell a story. What more could you ask for? Personally, I'm all about this experimental thing becoming the next fad in rock music..until it starts to get monotonous at least.
Standout Songs: 'The Oracles On The Delphi Express' and 'The Procession'

#40
Stateless - 'Stateless'
K7
Released June 19, 2007

Here's another record I mentioned on this blog a long, long time ago. Stateless have got a really cool sound going on here, lots of piano and electronics and samples and heavy drums/beats with Aqualung meets Coldplay style vocals. It's got a strong trip-hop vibe, which really gives it an underground club sound..or at least sounds I associate with dark, dirty in a good way, cold clubs despite having never really been to one that fits said description. The entire first half of the cd is absolute gold. The songs are super strong and I've found myself enjoying them as much today as I did months ago when I first heard them. The cd does, as I mentioned in my initial review, start to get slightly redundant towards the end, but the opening 5 or 6 songs are enough to carry it the rest of the way to greatness.
Standout Songs: 'The Language' and 'Bloodstream'

#39
Marilyn Manson - 'Eat Me, Drink Me'
Interscope Records
Released June 5, 2007

If you talked to 10 people who at one point called themselves fan of Manson's work, I'd be willing to be that at least 5 or 6 of them lost interest after Antichrist Superstar and a few more on top of that will say that they became fans once they heard something from Mechanical Animals. I fall somewhere in between I guess, I like Superstar, but Animals, in all it's faux-Bowie glory, to me is one of the highlights of the entire genre of "nu-metal". For years, I've been waiting for him to release a cd that was somewhat comparable to that soundwise, and for years have been disappointed when he seemed to be trending back towards the heavier sounds of his past. Then along came this album. When I first heard the lead single 'If I Was Your Vampire', I was thrilled and really stoked to hear the rest of the cd. It turned out this album was better than I could have expected. The songs are almost poppy in their most basic form, hooks are in full effect, there are chunky riffs and rock & roll solos (!!!), and he doesn't seem to be making attempts at being controversial for the sake of being controversial right now, which is nice.
Standout Songs: 'Putting Holes In Happiness' and 'If I Was Your Vampire'

#38
The Frames - 'The Cost'
Anti
Released February 20, 2007

I was turned on to The Frames a few years back when Amazon suggested that I might enjoy their 'Burn The Maps' cd. Turns out, they were right. This year, when this record came out, I downloaded it, but wasn't immediately sold on it and kinda put it on my musical backburner. Theeeen came the movie Once, which starred Glen Hansard, the singer of The Frames, and I was forced to re-listen and re-evaluate this disc. Turns out that not only were there were a few songs that appeared acoustically in the movie that show up here with full band treatment, but there were some other really wonderful new songs here too. I'll get more into Once later, but boy it's a good thing I gave this another go. The Frames are a really good band, huge in their native Ireland I hear, and just like fellow Irishmen U2, this band's backbone, for me, is the power of the vocalist. Hansard has a knack for drawing me in with quiet, melancholic, heartfelt lyrics only to knock my socks off when he really starts to belt things out. There just feels like there is SO much emotion behind some of these songs and he really wears it on his sleeve. Combine that with fine musicianship and the inclusion of lots of orchestration and an overall healthy dose of ballads aaaaaand you've got a really top notch cd. It also helps that I saw these guys/Swell Season a few weeks ago, and they were really wonderful live. Good Times.
Standout Songs: 'Rise' and 'People Get Ready'

#37
Interpol - 'Our Love To Admire'
Capitol Records
Released July 10, 2007

How are things on the west coast? Interpol has now released their third record that sounds relatively the same and you'd think that it would be boring by now buuut for some reason, it's not. They have a knack for re-inventing themselves not at all but adding in enough new elements here and there to keep things interesting. For some reason, with Interpol cds, I never realize how much I've listened and how well I know the songs until I hear the songs somewhere else..in a store, radio, on my ipod..and I somehow know them. It's weird and it's happened to me with each Interpol cd. This time, I don't think it was my doing though, cause this record got played to deeeeeeeath at my work so even though I wasn't always out on the floor to listen to it, the songs managed to creep into my head. I dunno, I like this cd a good bit, but I don't think it's as good as 'Antics' throughout..although, there are a few moments of brilliance here, specifically the album ending epic 'The Lighthouse'. Slow and surprisingly ambient, it shows that there might be more layers to the band than I'd thought..but we'll have to wait and see.
Standout Songs: 'The Lighthouse' and 'Rest My Chemistry'

#36
The Receiving End Of Sirens - 'The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi'
Triple Crown Records
Released August 7, 2007

Much like with A&A, this is another band I never thought I'd be given any kind of recognition. Their first cd was pretty eh, it had a few good songs, but it was nothing really worth listening to for me. Then they lost their singer, interestingly enough due to him starting The Dear Hunter, but found a sense of direction. Mostly gone is the slightly generic screaming aspect of their sound and in its place comes a much more mature, full sounding band..a band following the 'hey, let's get experimental!' trend. Electronics, some spaciness, and just songs I enjoy listening to. TREOS aren't reinventing the wheel by any means, but I really like the guitar work and the way the songs flow. It's a cd I love putting on when I'm just driving around and listening to all the way through.
Standout Songs: 'Swallow People Whole' and 'The Crop and The Pest'

#35
The Arcade Fire - 'Neon Bible'
Merge Records
Released March 6, 2007

So it turns out I didn't care much about this cd until I started really liking Bruce Springsteen. The Arcade Fire have been one of the prerequisite bands hipster kids have to like for a bunch of years now, as apparently people really thought highly of their breakout cd, 'Funeral'. Not so much for the B-Man, I liked it in doses, but as a whole, it didn't do all that much for me. Even so, I can acknowledge that they did set themselves apart from the indie rock pack and create a little niche of their own. I mentioned The Boss a second ago because it sounds like they're channeling him on a good portion of their songs this time around.. '(Antichrist Televeision Blues)' might as well be on The River..and I dig it. Much like their last record, the instrumentation is top notch, the production is swell and honestly it sounds like they made a point to craft a good record and that's something so simple that I don't think many bands really try their best at doing.
Standout Songs: '(Antichrist Television Blues)' and 'Keep The Car Running'

#34
Aereogramme - 'My Heart Has A Wish That You Would Not Go'
Sonic Unyon
Released February 6, 2007

Just to give my team-o-writers props, here's a full on review Jess wrote about this bad boy months ago...

talk about ten quality tracks, at least 7 of them are playlist-worthy. i've had my hands on this shit for quite a while, but i just now started to get into it.

i read in an article about these guys that they are able to blend two distinct sounds, both loud and bitter quiet- without sounding out of sync, and i couldn't agree more. it is in essence genre-straddling. as a never before Aereogramme fan, i find the most value in the lyrics. the song barriers speaks to me most- not only is it the most defining track on the album, but it has a violin solo!

I found love in the loneliest places

Places I shouldn't have found

I found love in the home of a sinner

Wrapped in some bitter sweet song

Let me tell the truth

Let me come alive

Let me build bridges into your life

I'm sick of being torn again and again

I don't need permission to let you in

the melodies strike me as complete and detailed, beautiful...not some shit just thrown all together and produced, it's crystal clear. the album just screams heartfelt. maybe it speaks to me because it feels like i can relate, like the lyrics of the song are what i understand of how i feel right now. the album is dedicated to finding a way out of bad habits, seeking escape, shining a light-a little light of hope into your life, love and letting love go.

suggested tracks:

#1 conscious life

#2 barriers

#4 a life worth living

#7 trenches

#33
She Wants Revenge - 'This Is Forever'
Flawless/Geffen
Released October 9, 2007

As I kinda mentioned with Interpol, sometimes when bands find their little place in the musical world, they have a tendency to stick with the horse that brought em to the rodeo. Sometimes this is a bad idea, as it gets uber-boring and repetative. Sometimes though, the sound that the band has found is really all they need and expansion is wholly unnecessary. Both sides are arguable ones when it comes to She Wants Revenge. The monotone vocals and monotonous but hypnotic beats that ran amuck on their first release both return here, and with the exception of.. ok there's no exceptions, this is pretty much a direct continuation of their debut. There are even direct ripoffs of their own previous material (listen to 'These Things' from the first cd and 'She Will Always Be A Broken Girl' on this one and tell me they aren't the same effing song). All that said, as with the other one, I find myself oddly addicted to this cd. This, for me, is like audio crack..each listen has me inexplicably craving more. Maybe it's just full subliminal messages tell me to listen to it or Fred Durst will come eat me. Cause nobody wants that.
Standout Songs: 'Written In Blood' and yes, 'She Will Always Be A Broken Girl'

#32
From Autumn To Ashes - 'Holding A Wolf By The Ears' Vagrant Records
Released April 9, 2007

'Too Bad You're Beautiful' was the absolute bomb. 'The Fiction We Live' was pretty good..some signs of lameness were shown, but it was tolerable. Then evvvverything went way downhill. 'Abandon Your Friends' was the absolutely atrocious, and it was both proceeded and followed by inner band drama that eventually lead to the departure of that middle-aged looking fat man that did the screaming for the band. Then comes word that the drummer, who had a penchant for being the band's resident whiny singy guy, was gonna be the full-time singer. Uh-oh! But somehow, amazingly, this cd didn't suck. In fact, it was shockingly good. The band seemed to have totally 'found' themselves again. Honestly, it's kinda like listening to a new band who are just releasing their first album. The music is pretty heavy, there are eeeven some breakdowns! ..sorta, the vocals are really solid and un-obnoxious. They don't necessarily stand out sound wise anymore these days, but they've stayed relatively true to their older-selves and this is still better than a whole ton of the screamy junk I listened to this year.
Standout Songs: 'Death Kult Social Club' and 'Daylight Slaving'

#31
Portugal. The Man - 'Church Mouth'
Fearless Records
Released July 24, 2007

Portugal. The Man was a surprise hit of 2k6 para me coming out of virtually nooowhere (aka Alaska) to find a nice spot near the top of my listy. They had a really cool sound, lots of cool avant-garde sorta stuff and lots of similarities to bands like At The Drive In and the ilk. Lots of keyboardage/electronic..age and kooky time changes back then. NO MORE! Now they've decided to go the classic rock route with their sound. Organic, rootsy, funky, psychadelic, soul-filled, rockin' good times. I really shouldn't like this, it sounds like a musical quiche of lots of bands I don't like at all, but yet I love it. This is what I wanna listen to when I first leave my house, and I'm headed down the road to a revival. Although, what I'm listening to as my car gets closer to the revival is gonna be revealed a few days from now...TEASE TEASE TEASE! Anyway, while 'Church Mouth' is not as cool as their debut cd, it's still a great listen andI dig it the most.
Standout Songs: 'Children' and 'Sugar Cinnamon'

#30
Blaqk Audio - 'Cex Cells'
Interscope Records
Released August 14, 2007

When I have old reviews on this blog, I kinda like to rehash them in way, to see my intial reactions and mix them in with how I've grown to feel about a cd. Back in the day, I wrote that every once in a while, music shows up that might as well have been created just for me. Blaqk Audio is the side project of two dudes from AFI, the singer annnd um, one of the other ones. This record sorta came out of nowhere, not that I keep up with what's happening in the AFI camp or anything, but these guys were on the cover of the last AP mag and then boom, the record was released. That's what I get for not listening to the radio. I was interested in hearing it, but I never expected to dig it as much as I do. It's like a combination of music I'm all about..older Depeche Mode and stuff like VNV Nation.. and I listened to this like a madman when it first came out..I'll be honest though, my interest has slightly faded. That's not to say that it's not a cool cd though. It almost feels like a beginner's guide to ebm or electro-popwhatever for the Hot Topic masses so a few elitists wearing Skinny Puppy shirts might not approve publicly but I bet they'll be rockin' this record when they're all by themselves in their little goth-lairs at night. Silly musical elitists. Some of the songs sound similar, but there's still lots of hook, lots of coolness, lots of blaqkness. I enjoy listening to it mucho.
Standout Songs: 'Stiff Kittens' and 'Semiotic Love'

#29
The Rosebuds - 'Night Of The Furies'
Merge Records
Released April 10, 2007

The first time I ever heard this band was a few years back when I downloaded the song 'Blue Bird' after seeing it recommended somewhere. Pretty good straight up indie rock stuff, but the whole record it came from, 'Birds Make Good Neighbors', didn't really stick on me very much. When I saw they had a new one coming out back in the spring, I went to their Myspace to check out what the new material sounded like. Unexpectedly, I found that they'd evolved into an 80s-ish New Order sounding synthpop/disco band with, gasp, dancey songs. My interest was heightened, and I checked out the whole record. Wise move on my part, as this cd is catchy to the max and packed with really good songs with sort of a dark tint to them. They have a dual vocalist situation goin on, a chick and a dude, who are husband and wife I believe. Heck, they might be the only two people in the band for all I know..a little research would solve this issue, but nobody really cares.
Standout Songs: 'I Better Run' and 'Silence By The Lakeside'

#28
Apparat - 'Walls'
Shitkatapult (heh)
Released June 5, 2007

The ambient lovin' continues with numba twenty a-tizzle. Ok ok, so maybe it's not strictly an ambient cd because there's a decent amount of electronica here in the shape of techno beats and vocals and variousness but there's a whole lotta ambientin goin' on. I think there are more red-underlined grammar and spelling errors in those first sentences then I've had in the first 22 reviews combined. This is a little more upbeat than your typical ambient release..hang on hang on, I just realized what this sounds like..it's totally a combination of Dntel and M83. If you know who I'm talking about, you get a brownie point. Ok sorry, I needed to get that out. ANYway, more upbeat, an expected amount of glitchiness, a few really stupid singy songs, but in the end, the nice collection of soundscapes prevail here, making this album well worth my time, and yours.
Standout Songs: 'Useless Information' and 'Fractales Pt. 1'

#27
Ryan Adams - 'Easy Tiger' and 'Follow The Lights'
Lost Highway
Released June 26/October 23, 2007

I know that I might be sending shockwaves through the list-making community by placing two records at one number but it's a risk I'm willing to take. One thing you can always count on Ryan Adams for is releasing an ungodly amount of music to his fans. Earlier this year, 'Easy Tiger' dropped and while it has some really great songs such as 'Two Hearts', 'Goodnight Rose', 'Everybody Knows' and 'Two', it also had a few stinkers...(um, wtf
is with Halloweenhead?). This record provided more of the upbeatish, polished country Adams sound, and to me, that was a slight disappointment because I think he's at his best when he's doing quieter, acoustic stuff like on 'Love Is Hell'. Then along came the 'Follow The Lights' ep. Honestly, this is the only reason Adams is placing so high on this list. FTL is a wonderful cd. The two totally new songs on here, 'Follow The Lights' and 'My Love For You Is Real', are outstanding acoustic pieces that I immediately fell in love with and made it to my ever-exclusive Elite playlist on my ipod. Also included on here are some new versions of a few older Adams songs and a couple covers, one of which being Alice In Chains' 'Down In A Hole' which is really cool and works well with his voice. Yet another good year for Ryan Adams, I'm curious to see how many cds he'll pop out next year...
Standout Songs: 'Follow The Lights' and 'Two'

#26
Darkest Hour - 'Deliver Us'
Victory Records
Released July 9, 2007

Well, I'm forced to eat a slight bit of crow here, because when this cd first came out, I trashed it. I wasn't really out of line in doing so, and everything I said about it being too clean, having too many simplified song structures, being slightly boring still ring somewhat true in my mind. However, I also mentioned that I knew I would enjoy this record a whoooole lot more over time and that has also proven itself to be the case. Darkest Hour stands alone as being my favorite current metal band (despite having some competition from one particular band, more on that later this month..TEASE!), and for the most part, they can kinda do no wrong. This cd is still classic DH, it'sheavy as balls, it's thrashy, it's loud, it's catchy, and it has some rad solos. A few tunes have clean vocal choruses I don't approve of, but they didn't ask me my opinion before recording them, so whatever. This can't hold a candle to the pinnacle of recent metal (their own 'Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation'), but songs like 'Stand and Receive Your Judgment' with it's bombass riffage and 'Doomsayer' rank right up there in the upper echelon of DH tunes for me and actually, I think Doomsayer is my favorite metal song of the year. One major thing is missing for me with this cd though, that's the live experience. I haven't see them play any of these songs, and that would almost certainly bump this up a few notches on this list. Ah well. Hey DH dudes, if being 26 bums you out a little bit, how bout this..if I made a list of favorite album covers of the year, you'd be number one. Go you!
Standout Songs: 'Doomsayer (The Beginning Of The End)' and 'Deliver Us'

#25
The Shins - 'Wincing The Night Away'
Sub Pop
Released January 23, 2007

I, personally, really dig this cd. I could write a lovely little review of it too. BUT. I'm busy playing Madden and watching Sleepless In Seattle, and really, my friend Linda wrote a review for this earlier this year that might be the best review written for this site, sooo here it is....

Tongue in cheek, some have been known to say that the Shins are my favorite band. I beg to differ. The Shins, to me, are the following similes and metaphors.
The Shins are that new friend that you make after high school. You're still getting to know them, but you know that they are far more interesting than all of your old pals. It might not even be so much that they're interesting; they just have exciting stories to share that you've never heard before. They've been places you don't know about and have done things that make you squirm with jealousy. Eventually, you might get to know these friends and learn that they are just as old and boring as everyone else in the God forsaken universe...but for now...it's new and exciting and that's all that fucking matters.
As far as their sound goes, literally, I love it. I never grow tired of stray high pitched noises and sweet melodies. Their cute British accents make them even easier to love. Their lyrics are lolli-pops and rides on merry-go-rounds. Even when words are harsh and cruel, it's enough to make you think you're eating cotton candy on a cloud of butterflies.
I learned from a dear friend that the fewer chords and pitches used in a song, the better it is. I agree. You see; I am a simple girl. I live for solid colours and simple patterns. If this music could paint a picture, it would be just that. They put me at ease and bring me to peace. That is why I love them. Some may call it girlie. I call it ... I don't know what I call it.
So. I'm still getting to know the Shins. I'm sure one day we'll drift apart and forget to call each other on the weekends when we don't have homework to do. I'm sure we'll make newer, more interesting friends.
But for now...they are my new pair of shoes, my good hair day, that romantic first kiss, and most importantly, a new friend that I can stay up talking to until 9 in the morning.
Standout Songs: 'Australia' and 'Sleeping Lessons'

#24
Thrice - 'The Alchemy Index: Vols I & II Fire & Water'
Vagrant Records
Released October 16, 2007

Ambition is the name of the game when it comes to this cd and really, this band. Over their past few releases, Thrice, who are what I suppose could be described as a post-punk band or something, have shown that they're not opposed to opening up their sound, expanding to new horizons. With each album there's been a strong showing of growth, both as songwriters and a band and this might be the biggest leap yet. 'The idea is that The Alchemy Index' is a four part record, with each part representing an element of the earth. This record is the fire and water half, and earth and air are set to follow in the spring of 08. Musically, they do a swell job at representing said elements..the fire half of this record is relatively heavy, all the songs have something to do with the concept of fire while the water half is very serene and, well, watery. I have to be honest and say that I dig the water half of this album the most..if this whole thing sounded like those songs, I'd have a hard time not putting this cd in the top 10. Yes, the water songs are that good. That's not to say that the heavier songs suck, because they're definitely great in their own right..they do some stuff on that disc that initially made me look at my cd player and say 'wait, THIS is thrice? wow cool'..but I have a tendency to really love calm music, and the water disc really REALLY strikes a happy nerve with me. 'The Whaler', 'Digital Sea', and 'Open Water' are all amazing songs..actually that whole cd made my aforementioned elite list because it's amazing. Sooo listen to it.
Standout Songs: 'Open Water' and 'The Flame Deluge'

#23
The National Lights - 'The Dead Will Walk, Dear'
Bloodshake Records
Released February 27, 2007

The first few times I listened to this cd, I really just thought it was nice, happy acoustic folk music in the vein of, say, Iron & Wine and the like. I can't really be blamed either, because that's exactly the impression that the exterior gives. But then I started paying closer attention to the lyrics, and man, it made me see this cd in a whole new way. It turns out that 'The Dead Will Walk, Dear' is more or less a rather grisly collection of tunes about murder and death and eating flesh and griding up bones and other upbeat topics like them. It's kinda crazy though, because musically, there is absolutely zero indication of the lyrical content..just a constant supply of quiet guitar/banjo arrangements and calmly delivered lyrics. No rise in emotion, no percussion, it's kinda neat..and I think it makes the cd stand out from the pack. While I do think they maybe should expand things a little bit musically at some point to avoid things getting a tad stale, for now, I give this cd and this songwriting duo my full support. I've heard they have a new cd coming out this coming February called 'Who The Sea Will Keep', so I'm pretty curious to hear what they have up their sleeves this time around. I have a feeling it just might make an appearance on this list in a year's time. We shall see.
Standout Songs: 'Better For It, Kid' and 'Killing Swallows'

#22
Every Time I Die - 'The Big Dirty'
Ferret Records
Released September 4, 2007

There are only a handful of sure things in this world. The sun rising and setting seems to be a pretty constant thing, as does dying and the continued extinction of the t-rex. One of the few sure things in my world is that when ETID releases a new cd I will hate it and bash it for at least 3 weeks after it's release (or leak since we are living in the age of the internet). In my defense, my bashing and dislike for their last cd, 'Gutter Phenomenon', can and generally does continue to this day cause it's dumb. But 'Last Night In Town', 'Hot Damn!', and now this have all followed the same trend. My opinions usually follow this pattern: "This is terrible, wtf, ew, bleh, bah, eh, hmm, ok, it's not that bad i guess, ok that was cool, pretty rad, quality, rockin" Errtime continues the path they sorta went down on "Gutter.." but it's got the coolness and heaviness of 'Hot Damn!!!!' with a little bit more southern rock, and the vocals aren't totally obnoxious. Plus, with ETID, you're sure to get some of the coolest/most creative lyrics you'll find anywhere in rock music today. One of the biggest probs I had with 'Gutter' was that all the songs started running together after three or four tunes and there was nothing setting one thing apart from another. This time, they do a better job at giving each song a little more identity, and it pays off to my ears. Even the songs I initially hated and found to be super bland, like 'INRIhab', I now think are pretty rad (mainly for the breakdown, but who's counting?). So, cool. I'm looking forward to their next cd, not just to see if it follows the ETID-BCK trend, but because I'm curious to see where they take their sound next. With these guys, it's always an adventure..and I kinda like that. Sometimes.
Standout Songs: 'Rendez-Voodoo' and 'Buffalo Gals'

#21
Dustin Kensrue - 'Please Come Home'
Equal Vision Records
Released January 23, 2007

Side projects are cool. So is Jessica. She likes Dustin Kensrue and nooow she will proceed to tell you why....

Jessica Here...Woah, who knew Dustin Kensrue of Thrice could belt out such heavenly vocals, such a shocker. . .And boy oh boy, what solid tracks. Every track flows with such ease to the next, allowing me to get through the entire cd without skipping a track...which is very unusual. These perfect little folky-acoustic melodies are simple, yet very soothing. Kensrue could records these sweet little ballads without even having music to back his vocals up and it would still be mind blowing. Though the use of acoustics, and easy drums creates a perfect combination to support his heaven-sent voice. And the use of harmonica in the intro & chorus to "Pistol" is just badass.

Anyway, in case I hadn't already mentioned it- his voice is nothing short of an angels. To top it off, the lyrics send such a heavy, heartfelt message. Each word is spoken so passionately, as though they were inspired by intensely personal moments of his. Granted, I am a total girl-type romantic, so the lyrics that speak most to me “You're the girl of my dreams/ And a pistol it seems, but you shoot me straight and true/Time to lay down my bets/ Oh, I put all my money on you.” - “Pistol” This album really just makes me feel like I had an intimate conversation with Dustin Kensrue himself; he really pours every ounce of himself into each word. Overall, it was a pleasant surprise, especially considering I wasn’t huge on "Vheissu.”, this is a must have. Glad to see this at #21 Brandon, but you can bet your buns it’ll be much closer to the 1s, 2s and 3s on my list.

Anyway, I think my only complaint is that there are not near enough tracks and I just can't wait to get my hands on more... But then again, I’d trade 8 quality tracks for 12 half-assed pieces of shit any day.

(Brandon's) Standout Songs: 'Blood & Wine' and 'I Knew You Before'

#20
The National - 'Boxer'
Beggar's Banquet
Released May 22, 2007

What do you get when you combine a band from Brooklyn, a plethora of top 10 appearances in year end lists for '07, and Sufjan Stevens? This! If you're unfamiliar,'Boxer' sounds like what Interpol would sound like if they performed spoken word to warmer music. The dark, baritone talky-vocals of singer Matt Berninger will lend themselves to comparisons of said band, but that's really where the comparisons end . The National, who from what I gather used to be a more Wilco-esque band on previous releases keep things pretty slow..lots of piano and honestly, lots of music you'd expect to find on a folk or singer songwriter's album (especially in songs like 'Start A War' or 'Racing Like A Pro')..and with all the songs about relationships and girlz and things it might as well be one. I can see why one would be turned off by the combination of things here, but it strikes just the right chord for me. Boy that was a bad pun. Not to be confused with Big Pun, because he wasn't a player, he, uh, just crushed a lot. Overall, this is a very good album, mellow and blatantly moody almost all the way through and is widely considered to be a masterpiece by the indie rock/too cool for school hipster folks...sooooo if you put stock in the opinion of those guys, you'd better get your ass to the store or your local bit torrent client and gives this a listen.
Sufjan plays piano on 2 songs. That's why I name dropped him earlier.
K Bye.
Standout Songs: 'Fake Empire' and 'Ada'

#19
Poison The Well- 'Versions'
Ferret Records
Released April 3, 2007

"What a great kick in the ass for a genre that's basically become a mockery of itself. PTW is a band that has been evolving for years..long ago ditching the breakdowns and overall XhardcoreX approach they helped pioneer and probably losing a bunch of fans in the process. It's hard to describe what this record sounds like..country mixed with metal/hard rock maybe? kinda. Any way you slice it, it's a fusion of sounds that I know I've never really heard before but I really REALLY dig. I hope all their peers are paying attention..because the bar has officially been raised." That's what I said about this bad boy back in July, and it rings just as true today. Ok, so obviously posting that was a bit of a cop out, but give me a break, I'm tired and had a crappy night of bowling. This cd freakin rocks. It kicks you right in the ass from the start with the fast paced 'Letter Thing' and it's neat little slide guitar sorta-solo that breaks into something that could maybe somehow be construed as something resembling a breakdown i guess..whatever, it's rad. The sludgy 'Nagaina' and it's cool 'I am a snake, I let my children go to fend for themselves' lyric is one of my favorite tunes of the year..and it just keeps on keepin on from there on. And 'Riverside'? A Ballad? man. woo. This is a rad cd, it's really different than anything you'd expect, the styles meshed here work surprisingly well together and as I said, consider the bar raised. Oh and one of the b-sides that you can find out there, a song called 'Oceanbreast', is really good too.
Standout Songs: 'Nagaina' and 'Naive Monarch'

#18
The Snake The Cross The Crown - 'Cotton Teeth'
Equal Vision Records
Released March 6, 2007

Pack into the family truckster guys, we're headed to the revival! Ya know, I'm not even totally sure what goes on at one of those things but this sure seems like a lovely soundtrack for getting there. I honestly thought this band broke up a few years ago, because I distinctly remember being bummed out about it..not too sure where I got my info or if they did break up and reform or what the real deal is, but the important thing is they are back and better than ever. These guys have always been about fusing head-waggin folk music with rock and while their last album was great, this one might be even stronger. Songs like 'Behold The River', 'Hey Jim', 'Cotton Teeth' are perfect examples of everything this band is trying to achieve..inspired folk infused rock with undeniable melodies and music that just feels good to listen to. When I first listened to this record all the way through, I came to a pretty surprising realization..this is an entire record full of last songs. Ya know how very often, the last song on the cd sounds like the band made an effort to make it 'special'? Well the whole cd sounds that way to me and I think it's pretty wonderful. Oh and if you ever get the opportunity to see these guys live, check them out, I don't think it's something that you would regret doing because they have an incredible presence on stage and the sound is perfect. Boo yah.
Standout Songs: 'Hey Jim' and 'Cotton Teeth'

#17
Radiohead - 'In Rainbows'
Released On Internet October 10, 2007
To Be Released In Stores Jan. 1, 2008

I suppose technically, I could have waited to do anything with this cd until next year. It would have had over a year to fully digest within my ears and I think it would be quite a few notches higher up on the '08 version of this very list. That didn't feel right however, and I feel like I have a solid enough grasp on 'In Rainbows' to throw it into this year's fray. I have reached the point of the list where, for the most part, the numbers are kind of arbitrary. Lots of stuff sorta gels together in delicious blend of music, and saying this is better or worse to me than what's at 13 or 16 or 11 is kinda hard to do. But I will do it nonetheless, it's why I get paid the big bucks for this list. ANYWAY. I'm sure there's no need to even mention it, but everyone knows all about the big waves Radiohead caused in the industry by releasing their new record, a follow up to 'Hail To The Thief', solely on the internet in mp3 format (initially at least, as a box set came out a few weeks ago and the actual cd shows up in stores at the start of the new year)..and time will tell as to how this effects anything, but if one thing's for certain, the band has come through big time on the music front. This might be the second best record they have released, behind the amazing 'OK Computer', and it's the cd I've been hoping they'd release since Computer came out. This record seems to take all the great points from 'Ok' and combines them with the sounds the band have been experimenting with over the past few records and the result is a huge success of a record in my eyes. As a whole, it's pretty subdued musically, a good deal of orchestration and ambience create a lovely backdrop for the band and help them create some of the most emotional, accessible, and gentle songs I can recall hearing from them. Radiohead doesn't sound like a band trying to bash you over then head with their own self-indulgence anymore, they sound like they've found some kind of peace, be it musically, or with their careers, or whatever..and I'm sure that comes as a bit of a relief to people who grew to dislike the seeming pretentiousness Radiohead's been viewed as having for a good chunk of years. I know that I am going to really, really love this cd as the days and months go by and I think you might too.
Standout Songs: 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' and 'Nude'

#16
Oh, Sleeper - 'When I Am God'
Solid State Records
Released October 23, 2007

Guest review time! While I personally think that this is one of the better metal cds to come out in a while, let's see what my peers have to say about it. Justin Wilson, what say you?

Solid State Records sure does know how to find some great bands. Throughout the years they’ve provided us metal listeners with bands like Norma Jean, Beloved, Underoath, He Is Legend, and August Burns Red. In October of 2007 they dropped another bomb on us with Oh, Sleeper’s ‘When I Am God’. A couple months back Brandon communicated to me through text, ‘You should give Oh, Sleeper a listen, you may like.’ This occurs several times throughout the year and the results usually vary. Sometimes I like, sometimes I don’t. (Brandon's note: everything I suggest kicks ass, thank you very much). I headed out to the malls and cd stores looking for Oh, Sleeper. What I got was last years ‘The Armored March’ EP. It comprised of five very solid songs that made their way onto their first full-length. Without luck in finding “When I Am God”, I downloaded it of course, and loved it. Now I’m not a church going or God driven fellow at all, but these guys seem a bit passionate about their beliefs, more so than most Christian bands. This singer dude’s lyrics, when I catch what he’s saying here and there, seem better and cooler than most. “When I am God this church is unsound.”, “Great counselor, take my lust, the pornos and the sluts, take what’s left of me.’, “Medic, I’ve been hit…But then with your grip gloved by mercy I was wrenched back to the storm.”, “Through swells we will reign free as sons of the First King, as sons of the Flagship.” The cd is littered with staple, ever present metal riffs, several banging breakdowns, and several powerfully emotional lyrical moments. These guys don’t do anything new by metal-core standards, they just do a good job at what they’re trying to do, make metal music.
Standout Songs: 'I Will Welcome The Reaping' and 'We Are The Archers'

#15
Port-Royal - 'Afraid To Dance'
Resonant Records
Released May 15, 2007

In the 17th century, Port Royal was apparently the shipping hub of Jamaica and it was often referred to as the 'richest and wickedest city in the world'. In 1692 though, a huge earthquake destroyed the city and caused more than half of it to sink into the Caribbean where it's now covered by like 25 feet of water..or so Wikipedia tells me. In 2007, Port-Royal is an amazing Italian (I think) band who make what I can really only describe as beautiful electronic post rock. All of the normal musical features of the post rock genre are here, the crescendos, the mellow but soaring guitar work, the emotion, the almost classical arrangement of the music in that individual songs generally feel like they're going more places if that makes sense..they just use a whole lot more synthy things, ambiance, and beats than you might be used to. Nowwww, when I say beats, don't get it in your head that they've got obnoxious, heavy techno bass kicks or something happening because that's not the case at all. While some songs have more pronounced beats than others, for the most part they're comprised of a series of glitchy, earthly organic sounds that provide a surprisingly strong backbone to the songs. For example, the I do believe the song I'm listening to now uses a sample of someone shaking a spray paint can as part of the beat..soooo, yeah. In a time where the landscape of instrumental post rock is changing and a band with the guitar driven sound has become a dime a dozen, it's nice to hear someone doing things a bit differently..it really stands out.
Standout Songs: 'Leitmotiv|Glasnot' and 'Bahnhof Zoo'

#14
A Fine Frenzy - 'One Cell In The Sea'
Virgin Records
Released July 17, 2007

So I guess this is new artwork for the cd..? I liked the other more, I don't know how I feel about the color contrast going on. Ah well. A few years ago, there was a cd by Mae that started out towards the bottom of my list and every time it came to the day where I was supposed to post the review of it, I couldn't bear to put it that low on the list..this cd has been that cd this year. Initially, it was down in the mid 30s, but the more I listened to it, the harder time I had justifying that position. This is a really, really good cd. I don't know or care about the popularity this girl has on radio or vh1 these days..if she has any, it's well deserved because she has some serious songwriting skills. This album, with all it's ridiculous hooks, solid lyrics, and big ol' piano driven melodies sounds like the work of somebody who has been at this for years..this in no way sounds like the work of a girl just releasing her first record. I absolutely love everything about this cd. I'm drawn to her voice, I'm hooked to the lyrics, there are 14 tracks on this bad boy and none of them feel like filler to me..it's just a winner all around. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and call Alison Sudol the best female vocalist I've heard in a LONG time; her voice has so much power and sincerity and I really believe that there is more emotion in this collection of quasi-pop songs than there is an just about any other cd I can think of year. You may agree, you may not, but I think this cd is wonderful.
Standout Songs: 'Rangers' and 'Ashes and Wine'

#13
VNV Nation - 'Judgement'
Metropolis Records
Released April 10, 2007

There was a time not so long ago when my musical tastes were ridiculously seasonal. Everything had it's specific place in the year where it got dusted off and brought into the cd booklet in my car or got more play on the ipod or whatever the case might be. The season that always had the most specific playlist was the fall..it's when I brought out the Type O Negative and the industrial music and such things that made me think of Halloween and cooler weather. This year though, things changed a little bit and this cd is one of the things that helped that out. I remember the night I bought this cd like it was yesterday..not really because of the trek I made to Hot Topic or the crummy dinner at Roadhouse whatever place I ate, but because of the fun my lady and I had listening to this album. I was worried at first because I really didn't care much for the direction they went with their previous record 'Matter and Form', but all turned out well due to this one's awesomeness. Picture this if you will..two somewhat grown people driving down the road while doing copious amounts of robot dancing while making up stories about the robots we were acting as to go along with the pulsing beats and upbeat but dark synth noises. It was a hoot. I love synthpop, ebm, trancepop, whatever you want to call it..it's just fun music to my ears, especially when driving at night with the windows down..and for me, this band is the pinnacle of the genre. Both lyrically and musically, it dominates the competition. I know not many of you will enjoy this, but I think it would be cool if you gave it a chance because I really love it.
Standout Songs: 'The Farthest Star' and 'Carry You'

#12
Sigur Ros - 'Hvarf/Heim'
XL Recordings
Released November 6, 2007

A day late, but that's ok right?
This cd being so low, in relative terms, on my list is kind of a surprise, even to me. A Sigur Ros cd is generally a shoe in for a top 5 spot at least because they're just that good. So why the drop? Well if you give me a second I'll tell you. Geez. This release consists of two cds, one being a collection of unreleased/b-sides or whatever songs and the other being older SR songs recorded live and acoustically. When I first heard this release was on it's way, I was really excited. Acoustic Sigur Ros? C'mon, that idea can only be met with a 'wow'. Well I'll be honest, it was a little more exciting in theory than it actually turned out to be. Sure the songs sound great, and songs like 'Staralfur' are even better here than on the original recording but really, the songs aren't that much different without the use of actual synth things or other noisemakers and it's more of an unplugged and organic thing than an acoustic thing. The songs on the other disc however are the moneymakers, specifically 'Hljomalind'. It's probably the closest thing they've ever made to a 'pop' song and it's absolutely stunning. If this is what future releases from the band have in store, I really can't wait for them to unleash said releases upon the world. Also, this cd was released as a companion to a live dvd/movie the band made back in Iceland that while I haven't seen it yet, appears to be ridiculously awesome. So check that out too, eh?
Standout Songs: 'Hljomalind' and ''Staralfur'

#11
Anberlin - 'Cities'
Tooth & Nail Records
Released February 20, 2007

I've always been a casual fan of Anberlin but it wasn't until this record that I really appreciated them. This record hit me right from the start with the energetic and catchy 'Godspeed' and really never let me go. Let's be honest, the genre that this band is a part of is full of clones and it's really hard for things to stand out to my ears. Sure, lots of records have a few good songs, but at some point things all start running together. That never seemed to happen with this cd for me, every song stood out on it's own feet and to me it sounds like the band has really matured from their previous releases. They added a lot more keyboard action to the fold and have really found 'their sound'. The one thing that really does it for me in regards to this cd though is the closing song, '*fin'. It's a beautiful song that I think has it's base in a reference to St. Jude (as he's the patron saint of lost causes) and I think has a meaning that's more in line with the religious aspect of things, but on the surface, it appears to have a more literal meaning dealing with alcoholism, and various other vices people have so I guess it could go either way. It's a powerful and booteeful songs that's become one of my absolute favs of the year and is, in my opinion, reason enough to give this cd a listen. It even has a children's choir! All in all, this better than much if not all of the similar emo-ish fare out there right now and a really great cd.
Standout Songs: '*fin' and 'Alexithyma'

#10
Eluvium - 'Copia'
Temporary Residence
Released February 20, 2007

Years ago, it was the Album Leaf. Last year it was Helios. This year, Eluvium takes the crown as being the coolest band/dude making awesome calm, instrumental, ambient music. Anyone that knows me knows that I adore anything that has pianos and keyboards and synths and strings, and this definately has all those things and more. If I remember correctly, this cd leaked back in late December or really really early January so I've had more time to listen to this than absolutely anything else and boy have I listened to it. It's such a beautiful, peaceful collection of songs that works super well for fun events like...sleeping. Or thinking. Or anything else that might require great mellow mood music. When I listen to this, I want to close my eyes and get lost in the soundscapes; I want to imagine a lone leaf floating gently upon a babbling brook or something having to do with trees. Trees, I've found, make any imagery better. At least in my head. As I'm listening right now, I can't help thinking about how beautiful an instrument the piano is. Honestly, can you go wrong with it? It makes even the worst songs kind of tolerable - usually. ANYWAY, Justin Wilson, this has your name all over it..I think you might really like it and for that reason I think you should investigate further. I find it amazing.
Standout Songs: 'Prelude For The Time Feelers' and 'Reciting The Airships'

#9
The Bled - 'Silent Treatment'
Vagrant Records
Released September 25, 2007

When I first picked up 'Pass The Flask' at Best Buy a handful of years ago, I had no idea really what I was getting into. I had heard a song or two and knew they were relatively rockin' and had pretty bombass breakdown action, but I was half expecting it to be rather generic. What I ended up discovering over the course of the next few years was that this band wasn't following the pack of metalcore nonsense, they were leading it. Attacking from all angles with cool lyrics and metallic assault that is as brutal as being punched in the face by someone wearing some sort of hand device that had spikes all over it, The Bled have come through once again with an awesomely awesome cd. To me, this sounds as if might be the heaviest thing the band has done to this point, but they keep and expand upon lots of the clean vocal stuff that was featured on 'Found In The Flood' which makes me quite the happy camper. Songs like 'Shadetree Mechanics' and 'You Should Be Ashamed Of Myself' rock my face off, and the breakdown at the end of 'Breathing Room Barricades' is, in this man's opinion, bongdongular. I think this is the highest ranking metal cd in a while, sooo that's cool too.
Rockin!
Standout Songs: 'Breathing Room Barricades' and 'Asleep On The Frontlines'

Nine Inch Nails - 'Year Zero'

Nothing Records

Released April 17, 2007

So I really hated NIN's last release, 'With Teeth'. Overall, it was kinda boring and I definitely just had a general feeling of "ehhh" towards it. Back in early winter of this year though, I caught wind of rumors of a new Nails record and while I was skeptical, I remained quite interested in hearing it. Then came the promotional machine. Perhaps the most brilliant and elaborate marketing scheme for a record ever, Trent really pulled out all the stops with an incredibly thorough viral effort that brought with it a ton of hidden websites, song leaks, and most importantly -- hype. Internet addys alluded to by way of bolded letters on European tour tshrts, flash drives with new songs "found" in random restrooms of venues they played, even a phone number to call that did nothing but expand upon the story. What story you ask? Well the story of year zero of course. This is a concept record, based 15 years in the future, that paints a very disturbing picture of the world we live in. Things have turned into a perpetual police state, with the songs from this record examining the opinions people from different walks of life have about their world. Most being notttt so good. I could go on for hours, but IIII won't. This record is full of really, really good songs..some heavy, some calm, some surprisingly poppy, but all classic NIN. This is a very beat heavy record, looots of drums, lots of noise, lots and lots of distortion (maybe even reminecent of acts like Squarepusher or Aphex Twin at times) and I can see why people who've become fans of 'The Fragile' sound don't like it all that much, but to me, this record is de bomb. The remix record of this cd that came out this year is very solid as well, and the 2nd part of this cd apparently comes out in '08, and I'm pretty stoked about it. But yeah dooder, this is probably my 2nd fav NIN record now, behind only 'The Fragile', so if I like if that much, so should you.

Standout Songs: 'Me, I'm Not' and 'In This Twilight'

#7
Iron & Wine - 'The Shepherd's Dog'
Sub Pop Records
Released September 25, 2007

Ya know how when Christmas rolls around, tv networks and radio stations and the like tend to retread some of their 'greatest hits' or special moments that happened over the course of the year because they want to give people the holiday off? Well, in the spirit of that, I give you the following review of this cd from months past here on the BEP blog. Have a super Christmas!
Sam Beam has an incredible beard. I could probably end the review right there, because really, what else is there to know or care about? But just for you, I'll bravely continue on. The first thing that stood out to me about this cd when the listening began was that it seemed to progress nicely from his last real released work, the Woman King EP. Thaaaat cd saw him expand his trademark acoustic, folky sound into more of a full band sound, while still keeping his...trademark acoustic, folky sound. I can hear your protests now..'NO! I will not accept iron&wine as being anything more than one guy with a guitar whispering into a microphone about being naked as we came and whatnot!!' To those protests I say this..it's 2007 buddy, get with the program! This is classic Iron & Wine stuff here guys, maybe a little more haunting, maybe a little more psychadelic, and there's even a song with a little reggae beat, but everything else is the same. The songwriting quality is still here, the quiet melodies are still here, and the overall awesomeness is still here. Beam has an innate ability to not just create a collection of good songs every time out, but to also create an atmosphere around his music that is lacking in so much stuff that gets released these days. When you put an I&W cd in your little cd player, you know damn well you're listening to an I&W cd. Beam is in a league of his own dudes, and when September rolls around I think you'd do well to pick this thing up. It's great music for watching the autumn leaves fall..or any other time really.
Standout Songs: 'Boy With A Coin' and 'Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car'

#6
Blonde Redhead - '23'
4ad/Ada
Released April 10, 2007

A few years back, my brother gave me a cd to listen to that he thought I might enjoy..and keep in mind, this is something that really NEVER happens. Our musical tastes generally don't cross one another very often but I was willing to give it a go. The cd he gave me was Blonde Redhead's 'Misery Is A Butterfly' and I was instantly hooked. The vocals, the female ones at least, were light and airy and the music was at a very likable level of melancholy. Fast forward a few years and we now have '23' as the latest release from the band. Luckily for me, not only have they basically kept the same formula that I was so drawn to years ago..and honestly, I think they've improved it quite a bit. The vocals are just as I remember, if not whispier/whispyer/?? and the music has evolved to fit that and as a result a good portion of the songs have a very dreamlike quality to them. Also, in a surprising turn of events, the songs on which the dude in the band sings aren't immediate unchecks from the itunes playlist, in fact, they're actually quite good. I love listening to this band when it's raining and cold outside, something about their music just really plays well with that setting. All in all, this is a fantastic release that I hold in very high regard, so much so that it contended for the number 1 spot with the next 5 cds on this list up until last week or so. It's that good.
Standout Songs: '23' and 'The Dress'

#5
Once Soundtrack
Columbia Records
Released May 22, 2007

I could easily spend this entire review going on and on and onnn about how wonderful this movie is and the ridiculously high regard I have quickly come to hold this film in and so on and so on but I'm cold and watching a show about the moon so I'll just talk about the music. Did you know that there is a place in Canada where the tides rise and drop 50 ft every day? That's crazy! Anyway..number five! I've finally reached the top 5, and as I mentioned with number 6, all of the cds that you will read about over the next few days were number 1 at some point in the past 3 months, so there's nothing but high quality here. This cd is absolutely fantastic. Featuring all the songs you see in the movie performed by it's stars, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, this feels more like an actual artist's record than a movie soundtrack and that's something I think helps make this so special. All the emotion of the songs is accentuated for that very reason..you see the songs performed in the film and it helps make you more appreciative of the songs and their background..if that makes sense. The obvious standout track here is the amazing 'Falling Slowly'..I mean come on, using a line like 'take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time' in a love song is a surefire way to get me swooning. If you're into great songs about the trials and tribulations of love and loss annnnd you generally like things with an acoustic twinge to them, this might just be the cd for you. The music stands alone wonderfully, but as a companion for the movie, it becomes a masterpiece.
Standout Songs: 'When Your Mind's Made Up' and 'Say It To Me Now'

#4
Aqualung - 'Memory Man'
Sony
Released March 13, 2007

A few years back when Aqualung's 'Strange And Beautiful' showed up on my top cds list at number 8, my review basically consisted of the sentence 'Aqualung is Matt Hales and Matt Hales is amazing'. It was Christmas and I think I was tired, so nothing more really needed to be said. But with this being number 3, I'd be hard pressed to keep things so short and sweet this time around. I've gotta say SOMEthing, ya know? Ok well here's the deal with Aqualung. It is basically just one guy who makes lovely British piano pop/ singer-songwriter type music with help from his wife and brother. Sidenote: Never start writing something and then go do other things and come back a good 6 hours later thinking you'll be able to continue on the same train of thought..it's just not haddenin. This record really fires on all cylinders..it starts off with a song ('Cinderella') that I don't really wanna call rockin at all, but when compared to what I've been used to hearing from Aqualung, that's really the only way to classify it. It's a really back and forth record, it's got a nice sampling of both really nice ballad songs and some more uptempo ones that all share the same quality goodness. BUTTTT the real gold on this record comes towards the end..'The Lake', 'Garden Of Love' and 'Broken Bones' are effing wonderful songs, especially Garden. It's probably my second favorite song of the entire year, and it features guest vocals by..someone?..at the end that just make it amazing. This record was a real grower for me this year, it took me a little while to really get into it, but once I did, it was on like donkey kong. Maybe you'll like it too. Two cds left!! OMG!
Standout Songs: 'Garden Of Love' and 'The Lake'

#3 (aka #1-C)
Lights Out Asia - 'Tanks And Recognizers'
N5md
Released July 17, 2007

Who? Yeah. This cd came out of nowhere for me as well. Here's how it all went down. Saw em mentioned somewhere as being cool, but the dl link for their cd had since expired sooo I went to Myspace and listened to a song, liked it, and then did something I virtually NEVER do anymore..after hearing nothing more than 1 song, I went and ordered it from the label's website. A shot in the dark, yes, but I'd say everything turned out pretty well. It's sorta hard to say who I'd compare these guys to. Mogwai might be kinda the closest, but that doesn't really work some of the time. It's part indie-sounding rock with music that at times reminds me a bit of The Appleseed Cast with lots of really calming electronic stuff going on at the same time. And yes, there are vocals sometimes, but they definitely don't get in the way. I have to be honest with you for just a second - I'd really like to put this cd at number 1, but I felt somewhat constrained by the niche-yness of the music. It's amazing to listen to when driving during a sunrise and sunset and if you're looking for sleep music you can't go wrong here either because it's soso great for that as well, but it's not really a daytime cd in any fashion and I'll admit that has impacted my decision. But don't let it impact yours as far as listening to this goes, because it is absolutely amazing and I really believe you need to hear this more than any other cd on this list..pleeease check it out.
Standout Songs: 'Roy' and 'Spiti Elefas'

#2 (#1-b)
Tom McRae - 'King Of Cards'
V2 International
Released April 30, 2007

Surprise, surprise right? Another Tom McRae release, another year end top of the list appearance. Nothing this year has more plays on my itunes (some of these songs are in the 90s!) and when it all comes down to it, I guess one could argue that this is my favorite cd of the year. BUTTT things are so close this year, nothing really stood out all that much and ranking the top 10 was a really tough order of bizness. I've never had a 1a/1b situation..or a year when I felt bad when I felt bad making something number 2 due to my immense enjoyment of it. As my friend Justin suggested..this is like in college football. McRae is number 1 in the coaches poll, while the cd you'll see tomorrow will be number 1 in the AP poll...so maybe think of them as co-national champs. ANYWAY.
This guy can really do no wrong in my eyes and is, for me, the premier singer-songwriter out there today. This is his fourth record and I think it's his most complete and solid release to date. Ya see, McRae has always been the king of melancholy, hmph kinda songs and there are pleeenty of those on this cd, BUUUUT there's enough upbeat tunes and warm production to almost make you forget who you're listening to at times. I remember first listening to 'Bright Lights' and 'Sound Of The City' when he streamed this album on his website last winter and almost not believing that this was actually him. Hearing him sing over songs with fast tempos just feels weird to me, but I can't knock it because it works and those songs have ended up being favorites on this record.
One thing I've always loved about Tom (as I suppose should be the case with any singer-songwriter) is his lyrical ability. There's just something about sad and/or hopeful songs that really do it for me and 'Got A Suitcase, Got Regrets' might be my favorite song McRae has ever released for that very reason. I am in love with the lyrics to that silly song. 'But all I know is/I'm not ready yet/for the lights to dim/got a suitcase, got regrets/but I'm hopeful yet'. Those are such simple lyrics but they're just so great and I can't get enough. I'll never understand why this guy isn't more popular or even more known for that matter. I don't understand how his records underperform and he gets dropped from labels. This is so much better than so much of the drivel that is out there these days - but I guess that's par for the course with the music industry. It's sad to read some of the blogs this guy writes because he seems to be getting so fed up by the way things tend to go..I just hope he keeps releasing music because nobody can hold a candle to what this guy comes up with..it's all solid gold baby.
Standout Songs: "Lord, How Long?' and 'Got A Suitcase, Got Regrets'

#1
As Cities Burn - 'Come Now Sleep'
Tooth & Nail
Released August 14, 2007

Now THIS is out of left field. If you'd told me when I first heard this cd that it would be in my top 50, much less share a spot as number 1 I would have looked at you like you were out of your mind. I straight up did not like this record for a while..so this is kind of like my own little worst to first Cinderella story. Wee! The As Cities Burn I was used to was all about the Christian hardcore whatever thing..lots of screaming and hints of breakdowns and the whole nine yards. This is not the same band. A little over a year ago I guess it was, the band announced that they were breaking up. The singer was getting married I think and they were just gonna go 'pursue other musical interests'. Thennn after an overwhelming fan response, they decided to go on a farewell tour, thennnn eventually decided to go on as a band altogether. The singer did leave, but taking his spot was a dude already in the band, a dude who just so happened to be his brother. Fancy how that worked out. So fast forward to this summer and me buying and putting this cd into my car and ya know how you give your radio a weird wtf look when you put something in and it doesn't sound like you expect it to? Ok so maybe you don't do that. But I do, and when I put this cd in and heard the opening song 'Contact', I was a bit perplexed. Slow and with a LOT more religious overtones than I remembered them having, I was kinda turned off. So I skipped to the next song expecting the rock to begin and it sorrrta did I guess, but not how I expected. Lots of clean vocals and a chorus of 'Glory, Glorious' and I was feeling very 'ugh'. I'm a churchgoing fellow and I appreciate God stuff as much as the next guy, but I hate when music feels too preachy, and for a while that's how I felt about this whole disc. Then I realized..lots of the bands I really like have lyrics like this..included previous ACB, but they were being screamed, so they seemed more tolerable I guess..long story short, lots of those initial opinions have changed.
I think this band has gained a LOT from cutting out the screaming element of the songs. They've still got the same awesome musicianship they displayed on the last record and now it sounds more in place and gels with the vocals really well to make beautiful music. I know I just knocked the lyrics a minute ago, but subsequent listens made me think of them in a whole new light. They are not stupid and preachy..they areeeeee absolutely amazing. So often in music, specifically this genre, these bands give you the same old same old views and answers and praise of God in their music..it's cookie cutter and it's kinda boring. ACB takes a different route here, a path that feels much more real and believable and something that I can relate to very well. This band is not afraid to question their faith, not afraid to ask why things happen..lots of these songs have the idea that it's totally ok to not undertand life and the bumps that are found in the road but to still trust and believe and to me, that's really refreshing and it makes me feel happy to listen to it.
Everything about this cd is awesome and I really can't say a bad thing about it. I guess with it being at number 1, that should be a given though..but I really do find myself appreciating it more and more EVERY single time I listen to it. This has become my go-to cd in my car in the same way Sleeping At Last did last year and in a way not many other cds do these days. I don't take it out when it's over, I just listen to it again. And again. And again. Oh oh and on an interesting note, at the beginning of the song 'Clouds', there is a smattering of random people talking about their opinions on who or what or where God is, and according to the cd booklet, that was apparently recorded here in Atlanta in the Little Five Points section of town..and that's only like 2 seconds away from where I live so I think that's pretty neat.
As bad as I feel about making my boy Tom McRae play second fiddle in a sense to this record, I think he would understand. Cds like this don't come around very often. Cds that are so great in every aspect of their existence, cds that you can relate to and listen to at any time of day and that manage to pick up your spirits if you're feeling blue. That's what this cd has evolved into for me, and I see it continuing to do so as the months go by. IIII would be surprised if it wasn't still number one in my revised '07 list that'll show up next November..I'm pretty comfortable with that thought. 'Come Now Sleep' might not be for everybody, but for me, it's exactly what I needed this year from music in general. SO, SO wonderful.
Standout Songs: 'Clouds' and 'Empire' and every other song

Sylvian Chauveau - 'Nuage'

2007-11-27T23:09:00.000-05:00

I figure some folks might be interested in this, it's pretty good stuff in the vein of Max Richter with strings, pianos and the like. I found it over here and thought id share with, well, justin. Apparently this guy also makes use of electronics in other works, but it's not really prevalent here.
Lots of really short songs, but it's a good listen nonetheless.

click me!

pw is: fl3xibl3

2007-11-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

I need to be a music video director. How can such a cool, bombastic song be ruined by such a horrible visual experience? Watch this video and you'll find out how.

Check out this video: Parkway Drive - Boneyards

Add to My Profile | More Videos

I mean, the shark thing at the breakdown was kiiiinda cool, but not really. The dudes look like douche bags, and who sings without a mic, especially in a video? This video needed some violence, some bombs dropping, some camera shaky fx thingy. The band shoulda been dressed up like glowing bonemen or somethin.

Bottom line, I coulda made a waaay better video than this.

2006 Redux : Part 1 (1-10)

2007-11-23T15:33:00.000-05:00

And now the moment at least one of you has been waiting for, here is the final installment of my re-list of fav 2006 cds. Here on top is my original list and just below it is the new 30 with the final 10 added on.

1. Sleeping At Last - 'Keep No Score'
2. Steve Reynolds - 'Exile'
3. Tool - '10,000 Days'
4. mewithoutYou - 'Brother, Sister'
5. Josh Ritter - 'The Animal Years'
6. Thursday - 'A City By The Light Divided'
7. Max Richter - 'Songs From Before'
8. Portugal The Man - 'Waiter: You Vultures!'
9. Damien Rice - '9'
10. Helios - 'Eingya'
11. Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - 'Rabbit Fur Coat'
12. Neko Case - 'Fox Confessor Brings The Flood'
13. The Decemberists - 'The Crane Wife'
14. Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'
15. Deftones - 'Saturday Night Wrist'
16. BT - ' This Binary Universe'
17. Rocky Votolato - 'Makers'
18. M Ward - 'Post War'
19. The Album Leaf - 'Into The Blue Again'
20. MuteMath - 'MuteMath'
21. Clint Mansell - 'The Fountain'
22. Umbrellas - 'Illuminaire'
23. Camera Obscura - 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'
24. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
25. Trespassers William - 'Having'
26. Mono - 'You Are There'
27. Snow Patrol - 'Eyes Open'
28. Underoath - 'Define The Great Line'
29. Scott Walker - 'The Drift'
30. The Elected - 'Sun, Sun, Sun'
31. William Orbit - 'Hello Waveforms'

1. Sleeping At Last - 'Keep No Score'
2. Clint Mansell - 'The Fountain OST'
3. Ray LaMontagne - 'Til The Sun Turns Black'
4. Steve Reynolds - Exile
5. mewithoutYou - 'Brother, Sister'
6. Thursday - 'A City By The Light Divided'
7. The Swell Season - 'The Swell Season'
8. Tool - '10,000 Days'
9. Josh Ritter - 'The Animal Years'
10. Helios - 'Eingya
11. Max Richter - 'Songs From Before'
12. Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'
13. Neko Case - 'Fox Confessor Brings The Flood'
14. Damien Rice - '9'
15. He Is Legend - 'Suck Out The Poison'
16. She Wants Revenge - 'She Wants Revenge'
17. Deftones - 'Saturday Night Wrist'
18. The Decemberists - 'The Crane Wife'
19. Peter Bradley Adams - 'Gather Up'
20. BT - 'Emotional Technology'
21. Portugal. The Man - 'Waiter: You Vultures!'
22. M. Ward - 'Post War'
23. Rocky Votolato - 'Makers'
24. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
25. Sufjan Stevens - 'The Avalanche'
26. Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - 'Rabbit Fur Coat'
27. Damien Jurado - 'And Now That I'm In Your Shadow'
28. Camera Obscura - 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'
29. MuteMath - 'MuteMath'
30. Scott Walker - 'The Drift'
31. Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton - 'Knives Don't Have Your Back'

2006 Redux : Part 2 (11-19)

2007-11-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

Today brings with it part 2 of my 3 part cd listing series, focusing this time on cds holding down the spots 19 through 10. I was kind of debating between posting seperate parts or just adding on to my first post in the series, so I compromised with myself and shall kinda do both.
Here are cds 11-31 from my list last winter....

11. Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - 'Rabbit Fur Coat'
12. Neko Case - 'Fox Confessor Brings The Flood'
13. The Decemberists - 'The Crane Wife'
14. Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'
15. Deftones - 'Saturday Night Wrist'
16. BT - ' This Binary Universe'
17. Rocky Votolato - 'Makers'
18. M Ward - 'Post War'
19. The Album Leaf - 'Into The Blue Again'
20. MuteMath - 'MuteMath'
21. Clint Mansell - 'The Fountain'
22. Umbrellas - 'Illuminaire'
23. Camera Obscura - 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'
24. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
25. Trespassers William - 'Having'
26. Mono - 'You Are There'
27. Snow Patrol - 'Eyes Open'
28. Underoath - 'Define The Great Line'
29. Scott Walker - 'The Drift'
30. The Elected - 'Sun, Sun, Sun'
31. William Orbit - 'Hello Waveforms'

and here is the new version, complete with cds 10-19. cds completely new to the list in italics and grey

11. Max Richter - 'Songs From Before'
12. Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'
13. Neko Case - 'Fox Confessor Brings The Flood'
14. Damien Rice - '9'
15. He Is Legend - 'Suck Out The Poison'
16. She Wants Revenge - 'She Wants Revenge'
17. Deftones - 'Saturday Night Wrist'
18. The Decemberists - 'The Crane Wife'
19. Peter Bradley Adams - 'Gather Up'
20. BT - 'Emotional Technology'
21. Portugal. The Man - 'Waiter: You Vultures!'
22. M. Ward - 'Post War'
23. Rocky Votolato - 'Makers'
24. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
25. Sufjan Stevens - 'The Avalanche'
26. Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - 'Rabbit Fur Coat'
27. Damien Jurado - 'And Now That I'm In Your Shadow'
28. Camera Obscura - 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'
29. MuteMath - 'MuteMath'
30. Scott Walker - 'The Drift'
31. Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton - 'Knives Don't Have Your Back'

2006 Redux : Part 1 (31-20)

2007-11-20T18:56:00.000-05:00

Every year I make a top whatev cd list to showcase my favorite records over the past 12 months to, well, whoever? I'm confident about the last as I'm posting it, but sometimes over the course of the following year, things change. I grow out of liking some things, I find new stuff..whatever the case my be. Sooo, in an effort to remedy that (and because Justin asked me to) I shall henceforth be creating a follow-up list each November. Over the next couple days, I'm gonna recraft my top 31 list from 2006 and we'll see how much things change.
Heeere is how the bottom half of my list shaped up last December
and in bold are my choices for the Redux version of cds 20-31

31. William Orbit - 'Hello Waveforms'
30. The Elected - 'Sun, Sun, Sun'
29. Scott Walker - 'The Drift'
28. Underoath - 'Define The Great Line'
27. Snow Patrol - 'Eyes Open'
26. Mono - 'You Are There'
25. Trespassers William - 'Having'
24. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
23. Camera Obscura - 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'
22. Umbrellas - 'Illuminaire'
21. Clint Mansell - 'The Fountain'
20. MuteMath - 'MuteMath'

31. Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton - 'Knives Don't Have Your Back'
30. Scott Walker - 'The Drift'
29. MuteMath - 'MuteMath'
28. Camera Obscura - 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'
27. Damien Jurado - 'And Now That I'm In Your Shadow'
26. Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - 'Rabbit Fur Coat'
25. Sufjan Stevens - 'The Avalanche'
24. My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'
23. Rocky Votolato - 'Makers'
22. M. Ward - 'Post War'
21. Portugal. The Man - 'Waiter: You Vultures!'
20. BT - 'Emotional Technology'

2007-11-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

Well, since BK is whining, I'll post something, something about music. Like Brandon, I'm waiting to post my musical favorites for 2007 and I think it's been a pretty good year for music. Theres been a good deal of likable metal released in 2007, theres also been a fair share of letdowns. Some favorites returned this year like: Darkest Hour, August Burns Red, The Bled, and Interpol. With Brandon's help I've heard some great new bands like Oh, Sleeper and Parkway Drive. I can't really recall listening to much else outside of the metal genre than say the new Interpol, and I still have yet to get the new Sigur Ros, but I will for sure. This years list won't include the new Circle Takes the Square cd because it DIDN'T COME OUT! Damnit. I'll let it slide, because the longer those dudes and dudette take to make their new record, the better it will be, if ya ask me.

As soon as BK Broiler posts his revised 06 list, I'll do the same. Even though I didn't make a list for last year, I'll post what my fav's currently are.

Also, come January all of you Music Bloggers should check out my list of 2007's best fantasy books! I know you all will. :]

hi

2007-11-14T16:20:00.001-05:00

it's good to see that while i've been without the internet for a little while, my team of writers has taken control and really kept this blog afloat.
anyway, i'll be back next week with the previously suggested 2006 list revision idea and probably maybe something else.
someone post someeeeeethingggggg

It's November!

2007-11-04T01:25:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's November already. If there is anyone out there who pays any attention to this blog, which I really kinda doubt, you'll notice that I've changed the template thing for it. I'm not really all that sure how I feel about it, but without knowing any html, I'm stuck choosing from what others have already created and this was the best of the bunch thus far.
In thirty or so days, I'll begin counting down my favorite cds released this year, and I'm pretty stoked about it. In the past, I've counted down the top 20, top 25, and more recently top 30 or 31 records but this year, I'm getting crazy and going for 50. Yes, there are at least 50 cds released in the 07 I feel are worth hearing. I think I've figured out a a review format that will allow me to fit it all into 30 days, but we'll see.
Thirdly, I'm bored with this just being about music. I figure heck, nobody reads this anyway so what's stopping me from writing about whatever I want? Nothing really. So for the few people that post here, post about anything you'd like. Or keep being lazy and not posting at all, that works too.
Lastly, the movie Reign Over Me was really good. Check it out even if you, like me, generally strongly dislike Adam Sandler.

Happy Halloweeeeeeen!!!

2007-10-29T15:30:00.001-04:00

2007-10-26T00:23:00.000-04:00

watching, waiting

2007-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

the cold winds of change draw near.

nothing will ever be the same.

Bat For Lashes - 'What's A Girl To Do?'

2007-10-24T23:28:00.000-04:00

in keeping with the current halloween spirit of my blog, here's a pretty neat video.
doesn't the beginning of the song make you think of zelda? yeah, me too.

Type O Negative - October Rust

2007-10-23T00:33:00.000-04:00

Type O Negative - 'October Rust'
Released August 20, 1996
Roadrunner Records

So it's Halloween time here in the land of the bear, and what better way to celebrate that than to list off some of my favorite cds of the season. Honestly, this and anything else I might come up with for these posts are good year round, but these fall months are really their time to shine for me. Every September, I switch out a whole bunch of cds in my car from 'summer' stuff to 'fall' stuff..it's a pretty big deal in my little world. And this, this is a staple each and every year. I can totally understand why someone would hate this band..the vocals, the lyrics, the ridiculously downtuned guitars, the pace of the music, it all takes some getting used to..to say the least. Hell, I think I hated them the first time I listened. It's tough to take seriously..I don't even think the band takes themselves seriously. But duuuuuude there was just something about a really menacing guy singing about death and autumn and death and girls and death in a stupid deep voice to slow, pseudogothic music with pianos and such that I fell in love with. This is, in my humble opinion, the absolute perfect cd for October night driving with the windows down and the hood of yer hoodie up on yo head. Songs like 'Love You To Death', 'Red Water (Christmas Morning)', and 'Be My Druidess' just fuckin..do it for me man. As far as Halloween mood music goes, this bad boy is tops on my list. ANYWAY im so tired, sleep beckons.
MORE LATAZ.

B//OUT

Thrice - 'The Alchemy Index: Vol. 1 & 2'

2007-10-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

guys, just for the record..this cd (especially disc 2/water) is wonderful.

Radiohead - 'In Rainbows'

2007-10-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

So in a really strange turn of events, apparently radiohead has a new cd ('in rainbows') coming out..next week. buttt it's only gonna be available online to dl from their website..and you have to pay for it. BUT you get to choose what you pay. hmm.
they also are taking preorders for some big $80 box set with the cd and vinyl and bonus things and whatever that comes out in december..and the then actual cd may or may not be in stores or on their website at the start of next year (depending on what they decide to do about a label).

but yea man, this is a really interesting thing they're tryin to do here, it could turn the music industry upside down. i'm kinda stoked.

The Deep Dark Woods

2007-09-30T01:10:00.000-04:00

the deep dark woods - hang me oh hang me
released sometime in 2007
black hen records

nothing to really say, i downloaded this tonight and found it enjoyable. it's got a nice folksy, rootsy feel to it and i figured that maybe one of the three people that reads this blog might be wise to check this out. soo get to it.

The Appleseed Cast

2007-09-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

The Appleseed Cast - Two Conversations
Released July 22, 2003
Tiger Style Records

It's a beautiful Sunday morning here in the ATL, football isn't on for an hour or so, and I was really sick of coming to this blog and seeing the ugly HIM album looking at me, so I figured I'd do something I haven't really done much of on here, and that's talk about an older cd.
Sometimes you hear a cd and are just instantly drawn in by it. There doesn't necessarily have to be a reason for that, the vocals might be kinda eh whatever and the music might be kinda eh whatever, but when those two eh whatevers meet up in the middle, it somehow creates something that is incredibly appealing. While calling anything about this cd eh whatever might be a bit out of line (I love the lyrics and I think everything meshes together beautifully), to be honest, nothing here is really that special to the naked ear. The music is nice but not groundbreaking, the vocals are drowned in the mix half the time and just blend in with everything else, but the stars manage to align here and oh my goodness this is an amazing record. Based on the lyrical concept of, well, two conversations, about love and life and heartache and pain, this is essentially an emo record without the petty annoyance of sounding anything like an emo record.
I find it really tough sometimes to describe in words why I love certain music. I suppose it's one of those things where I just feel like it needs to be heard to be understood and appreciated, not just read about. I can tell someone a cd is amazing, but without them taking the time to listen to it, read the lyrics, notice the intricacies(sp?) of the melodies, etc, how can I expect them to 'get it'? This is one of those cases because I simply can't find the words to give this record it's due. I know how it makes me feel, I know the thoughts it evokes in my head, I know the memories it brings with it, and that's why I love this and so many of the things I love. Long story short, I've been absolutely addicted to this record for a long time now, but the past few weeks in particular. Use that information in any way you please.

Check out 'Fight Song' and 'How Life Can Turn'

H.I.M. - Venus Doom

2007-09-07T00:08:00.000-04:00

H.I.M. Venus Doom
Released September 14, 2007
Sire Records

My initial feelings for this album can generally be summed up by the art on the front of this cd. Only I'd add some chunky projectile vomit spewing from his mouth. wtf is this crap?
Of course in a week I'll probably like it. But for now, ew.
k bye.

Parkway Drive - 'Horizons'

2007-09-05T21:04:00.000-04:00

Parkway Drive - Horizons
Released October 9, 2007
Epitaph Records

If i was a skilled artist, I'd just create/photoshop a picture of kangaroos dressed as scene kids and doing little hardcore dances instead of writing anything. I'm not that talented though, so you'll havta settle for whatever image that conjured up in your head. So these guys are Australian, they get their shiz produced by KsE guitar virtuoso Adam D, and they're breakdown machines. What more do you really need to know? On their first (or previous, who knows what else they have out there) cd Killing With A Smile, promise was shown, but literally EVERY song had some variation of the same riff in it and it got obnoxious after 4 songs or so (hello AILD)..they did have a song on there that started with Captain Jack Sparrow sample, sooo props for that I guess. Anyway this time around they've learned a couple more riffs and while they're still not really doing anything amazing, they manage to at least do a pretty good job getting the most out of what they're bringing to the table. It's like on New Year's when your Aunt Ruth comes over but only brings french onion dip..you start to feel a bit jilted, buuut come to realize it's pretty darn tasty french onion dip so you just let it slide. Horizons is good for what it is, it's an enjoyable mindless metal rock-out/air guitar session with enough buildups and breakdowns to satisfy even the most demanding xcorex kids.

Check out 'The Siren's Song' and 'Boneyards'

A Fine Frenzy - 'One Cell In The Sea'

2007-09-03T09:41:00.000-04:00

A Fine Frenzy One Cell In The Sea
Released July 17, 2007
Virgin Records

VH1 does some good things every once in a while. A few years ago it was playing that Anna Nalick song 'Breathe' a zillion times so I could hear it and subsequently love it. I loved it so much I went and bought the cd, and was left with a kind of ehhh feeling. Bummer, right? Well fast forward to a few weeks ago when a random Tivoing of a VH1 music show looking for new mellow artists brought me the video for A Fine Frenzy's 'Almost Lover'. A beautiful, haunting song, highlighted by a pretty simple piano melody and this girl's (Allison Sudol) vocal skills and lyrics. Actually, this is probably my favorite song of right now. Anyway, I gave the entire cd a listen and I was really pleasantly surprised to find other songs that were actually good..the girl can write herself a hook. I love me some hooks. A great cd for the upcoming fall season, packed with a nice mix of ballad-y and slightly more up-tempo songs..I might actually go buy this one! Honestly, I'm not much in the mood to write any reviews right now, but I just really think people should listen to the Almost Lover song, it's sosoo good. This even has potential of showing up here again innn about 3 months. OoOo
PS. This thing has 32 reviews on Amazon and a still a 5-star average. That's gotta mean something, right?

Check out: 'Almost Lover', 'Rangers', 'Ashes & Wine'

Richard Hawley - 'Lady's Bridge'

2007-08-26T10:16:00.000-04:00

Richard Hawley - Lady's Bridge
Released Oct 9, 2007
Mute Records

If I had grown up back in say, the 1950s, this guy would be my favorite modern day singer in the wholeee wide world. A Richard Hawley record is a total walk down nostalgia avenue and from time to time, that's kinda neat.

Anyway, I like this new cd a lot, but I thought I'd try something different and get an outsider's opinion on it. SOOO I asked famous scientist Micah Shondstrum if I could come down to the labs and play it for him; naturally, he said 'sure brandon, I'm always game for an experiment of musical proportions!'. Micah does some very important work, he studies things and mixes chemicals for the CDC or Nabisco or something, so he's very busy. Actually he was also an extra in the Disney film 'Angles In The Endzone' playing Fan # 6, a feat he is very proud of. So yeah, I was quite glad he was willing to take some time out of his terribly busy day to listen to the new Hawley record. As soon as I popped in the disc, he seemed intrigued. Micah is a young guy, but he was blown away by how much this guy's work sounds like it came straight from the fifties; 'a simpler time' as Micah likes to call all eras other than the one he currently lives in. The first couple songs on here are straight up lovey ballads, and it made me chortle when Micah reached under his desk and pulled out a bottle of bubbles and started blowing them around the labs. The other scientists gave him glares, but he told them he was just paying homage to the Lawrence Welk show and we all shared some good lols! Micah is a barrel of laughs! The disc played on and Micah seemed to really enjoy that it had some uptempo tracks too, including a few with a country twang. He was born out on the range in Oklahoma, so he has a soft spot in his heart for all things that have a twang. His daddy was a country singer and very widely known in the midwest back in the 60s, Ol Roy Shondstrum. He had a few hits, including a duet with Kenny Rogers' brother-in-law Max called 'The Tumbleweed Trot', a song that spawn a dance craze that swept juke joint dance floors in Tulsa like the plague in 1968. I could see he was pretty busy, so I decided to let him get back to his stuff, but before I left, I asked if I could get his final impressions on this cd. He didn't say a word, he just handed me a camera and posed for a picture right there in the middle of the labratory, all decked out in his science garb. Micah was usually a fan of some pretty rad music (he's one of those 80s guys who feel like the works of Devo and Oingo Boingo go vastly underappreciated..he even organized a Wang Chung Friday at the labs a few years back, but was really disappointed when nobody but him dressed as their favorite WC member), but I wasn't sure how he'd take to the classic sound of Richard Hawley. As it turns out though, I think he enjoyed it. The picture I took pretty much says it all...Thanks Micah!

As I Lay Dying - 'An Ocean Between Us'

2007-08-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

As I Lay Dying - 'An Ocean Between Us'
Released August 21, 2007
Metal Blade Records

When this band first hit the national scene a few years back with Frail Words Collapse, dude, I was blown away. That record was the absolute bomb, it was heavy, the breakdowns were brutal, their name is cool, all in all it was a release that stuck AILD right hear the top of the pack as far as current metal bands went. Fast forward a year or some from that point and along came the live experience. Wowzers. Everything cool that was on that cd was twice as awesome live. At one of their shows, they played a new tune from the follow up record to Frail Words, and that too, was awesome. Why wouldn't it be? When that next record came out, I was so stoked..until I listened to it. There were a few cool songs, but all the songs sorta felt like they ran together and were basically all the same. The breakdowns were cookie cutter double bass things and everything was so disappointing. They added lots of clean singing too. Fuck that. Anyway, fast forward once again to last week, when this new new record leaked to the net. Once again I was excited, this time hoping for a turn around and return to form. What I got was a lot more of the same, boring music. Sure, this time it's kinda more thrash, so that's cool I guess, but it just sounds like they came up with 5 riffs and tried to find a way to create 10-11 whatever songs out of them. It's such a shame when good bands turn to crap.
This cd sucks, don't waste your time with it.

2007-08-17T15:04:00.000-04:00

happy birthday b.k.

we love you.

Nine Inch Nails

2007-08-16T21:44:00.001-04:00

Ohhh snap!
year zero remixed! this fall!

Randomocity

2007-08-15T16:59:00.000-04:00

since it's so cleverly included in the subtitle heading whatever of this blog, i think it's time for a music musing or two.

yesterday, i tivo-ed and proceeded to watch an episode of the vh1 music program 'fresh'. a few things. first, fergie might be one of the least attractive people on the planet.

second, w t f happened to silverchair? daniel johns has a creepy brandon flowers (singer of the killers) look goin on with a stupid mustache
and their music these days...ummm
see for yourself.

what in the hell happened? there is noting good about that song. the hook is horrible and he's flailing about like he thinks he's mick jagger,bono, and timberlake all at once.

while that might bring the suck, this following tune does not. it's kayne (who apparently now goes by mr. (that pretentious piece of shit))west with a new song and a collab/sample w/ underappreciated electrobots daft punk
it's called 'stronger' and it's pretty rad. or conkin'. mainly for the dp beat, but whatever.

nice shades, douche.
and really, why use a sample that doesn't appear to have anything in common with your own song? ah well, that's one of those questions that shall never be answered.
good tune anyway.
speaking of rap, i heard a song on the radio the other day with a girl goin about wantin dudes to be pullin her weave out during sexual relations. classy stuff.

and great news, r kelly has come back with 10 or so new chapters of the most inane nonsensical crap to ever EVER grace the world, trapped in the closet.
but i'll give him this..the little video review of what's happened so far in this series is gold.
oh shit!
oh shit!

and i'm gone

Mae- Singularity

2007-08-14T17:05:00.000-04:00

Mae- Singularity

Released Today (8-14)

on Capitol

Where was I when Mae's sound did a complete 180? The sound was so much better when they were on Tooth and Nail...what the fuck happened?

'Singularity' offers the idea that it might be something original... but these lame and boring tracks are sincerely lacking any actually Mae-esque zing! I'm getting this nasty New Found Glory aftertaste and I'm really hoping that this is some kind of joke.

Pardon my negativity... but I am just really not feeling the guitar on this album. It's been said in multiple reviews that there is no way to compare the first two records to this, and I couldn't agree more. I really hate the fact that the piano has almost completely disappeared from this album, and been replaced with all types of synthy shit.

"Just Let Go" is my favorite track and definitely the only track that bares any resemblance to Destination: Beautiful or The Everglow. The melody meets my Mae expectations, and the vocals are actually up to par for Elkins abilities. However, please avoid "On Top", it's a joke of a track and the vocals belong in the toilet.

Somehow always Mae manages to craft these lovely melodies, which I can never get enough of, but they few and far between on this album. All in all, I'm very disappointed in the change of sound.

...Since when was Mae afraid to think outside the box?

The Rocket Summer- Do You Feel

2007-08-14T16:41:00.000-04:00

The Rocket Summer
Do You Feel
July 17
Island Records

We all have to write a review of something we're not entirely sure we're fond of every now and then...

Dear Bryce Avery, I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to accomplish. You and your one man band are kinda gay. Now, I'm not gonna lie, there were a few quality tracks on Calendar Days (What We Hate We Make)...but I'm just not sure I can ever really take you seriously.

If the piano & guitar on all this dudes tracks weren't so catchy, I wouldn't even bother. But as soon as I saw a new album was out, I needed to give it a chance (granted, I didn't pay for it). I have some serious mixed feelings about this guy.

"You've got so much love in youuuuu!"(Track 2), I have a love/hate relationship with his lame boy band lyrics, and his voice honestly drives me up the wall. These melodies are so damn catchy though! Tune into the catchy melodies on Colors, Waiting and a nice little piano chime on Run To You.

Not much else to say about this album, it's not really one to remember. But might get stuck in my head from time to time.

Essie Jain- We Made This Ourselves

2007-08-13T17:36:00.000-04:00

Essie Jain- We Made This Ourselves
Feb. 13, 2007 on Ba Da Bing

I'm completely relaxed, sipping my tea and it's clear that nothing could be more suitable for my mood than this little British singer, Ms. Essie Jain. Not only is she the cutest thing ever, but she put together quite the debut album...which I will share my thoughts about with you now.

Everything about this album seems so simple and minimal. The piano, violin and guitar are almost silent. The songs even have one word titles which give each track unmeasurable definition. The melodies are beautiful, but they gracefully dance around Jain's voice, giving the listener an opportunity to really tune into her soul.

The album feels so pure and personal because the vocals are so clean and clear. It's a pretty rare gift when an artist can leave you with so much, in so little words. Much like track 7, "Give", in just two small verses Jain sends such a beautiful message: "I forgot to tell you that despite it all, I'm hear to continue/ That despite it all, I know what you've gone through/ And I give, and you give me/ And you give me all your time/ All your time. V2- If you ask me, I've no reason left to doubt that it's worth it/ That despite it all, it maybe was perfect/ And you give me/ And you give me all your time, All your time."

You can choose to listen to this album while you're relaxing or trying to concentrate on something else, but it's also one that can be very heartfelt when the lyrics are paid attention to. I feel as though all the tracks are very listenable and worthwhile. The album flows from track to track with ease that allows it to be appreciated fully.

I give this album 2 thumbs up for such pretty sounding vocals, and it's unbelievable ability to move me with it's simplicity. Definitely hope to hear more from this artist.

Blaqk Audio - 'Cex Cells'

2007-08-12T17:27:00.000-04:00

Blaqk Audio - Cex Cells
released august 14, 2007
interscope records

Every once in a while, music shows up that might as well have been created just for me. Blaqk Audio is the side project of two dudes from AFI, the singer annnd um, one of the other ones. This record sorta came out of nowhere, not that I keep up with what's happening in the AFI camp or anything, but these guys were on the cover of the last AP mag and then boom, all of a sudden this appears online and it turns out it's being released this coming week already. I was interested in hearing it, but I never expected to dig it as much as I do. It's like a perfect combination of older Depeche Mode and stuff like VNV Nation and I've literally listened to it at least 10 times since getting my hands on it last week. It almost feels like a beginner's guide to ebm or electro-popwhatever for the Hot Topic masses so a few elitists wearing Skinny Puppy shirts might not approve publicly but I bet they'll be rockin' this record when they're all by themselves in their little goth-lairs at night. The great thing is, this is only gonna get cooler when the weather gets more autumny! yay!
Check out 'Stiff Kittens' and 'Bitter For Sweet'

Iron & Wine - 'The Shepherd's Dog'

2007-08-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

Iron & Wine The Shepherd's Dog
Released September 25, 2007
Sub Pop Records

Sam Beam has an incredible beard. I could probably end the review right there, because really, what else is there to know or care about? But just for you, I'll bravely continue on. The first thing that stood out to me about this cd when the listening began was that it seemed to progress nicely from his last real released work, the Woman King EP. Thaaaat cd saw him expand his trademark acoustic, folky sound into more of a full band sound, while still keeping his...trademark acoustic, folky sound. I can hear your protests now..'NO! I will not accept iron&wine as being anything more than one guy with a guitar whispering into a microphone about being naked as we came and whatnot!!' To those protests I say this..it's 2007 buddy, get with the program! This is classic Iron & Wine stuff here guys, maybe a little more haunting, maybe a little more psychadelic, and there's even a song with a little reggae beat, but everything else is the same. The songwriting quality is still here, the quiet melodies are still here, and the overall awesomeness is still here. Beam has an innate ability to not just create a collection of good songs every time out, but to also create an atmosphere around his music that is lacking in so much stuff that gets released these days. When you put an I&W cd in your little cd player, you know damn well you're listening to an I&W cd. Beam is in a league of his own dudes, and when September rolls around I think you'd do well to pick this thing up. It's great music for watching the autumn leaves fall..or any other time really.
Check out 'Pagan Angel and A Borrowed Car' and 'Lovesong of the Buzzard'

Pelle Carlberg - In A Nutshell

2007-08-09T22:26:00.000-04:00

Pelle Carlberg In A Nutshell
released july 7, 2007 (americanly speaking)
twentyseven records

Well, well. Look who has finally gotten around to posting something again!! (...me) In my attempt to single handedly carry this blog on my e-shoulders, I return to you with a few words about an album I stumbled upon a few months ago but have only recently (as in tonight) made an effort to listen to. I'll be straight up honest with ya, I'm totally not blown away by this. BUT, and the capital letters emphasize the importance of that word, it's not too shabby of a listen for what it is. This dude and his music totally remind me of Belle and Sebastian and that's a sorta-ok thing most of the time; plus, I really dig the album cover. sooo.
So guys, there's something I really must admit before I go much further. I'm a very serious dude most of the time, and I generally like my music to take itself as seriously as I take it. I don't necessarily need nu-metal songs about hating parents or pretentious pitchfork bands all the time, but I like to feel that the people making the music have put some thought into all aspects of their music. All too often, these indie-whatever folks come out with their polished, swanky tunes and lyrics that are referred to using words like wry, witty and ironic as opposed to the term that I personally prefer..stupid. For example, the song that just got done playing on my itunes opened with the lyric "once i had a job a job, a real job..it was sorta fun for a while, for a while..yada yada". Like, totally omg, how can someone sit down and write things like this? I know lots of people dig it, so whatever. Maybe if I were a Euro this would all make more sense to me and I'd be laughing at the silly Americans and all their angst while gleefully dancing to pop music in my fashionable scarf and beret. But I digress. The guy does have a nice voice, the music behind him is quality, and he's probably pretty popular over in Europe as I alluded to moments ago. Despite the dopey lyrics, some of these songs actually are fun and enjoyable to listen to when I allow myself to lighten up a little bit, so if you're into that whole indie-folk-pop thing, give 'er a go.
Check out 'Pamplona' and 'Showercream and Onions'

More About 'Once'

2007-08-06T21:02:00.000-04:00

seeing as how I just saw this movie again the other night, I feel the need to post something else about it..buuuut everything that's needed to be said was said in a post months ago soooo...this comes instead.
it makes me smile.

Recent & Recommended

2007-07-29T22:25:00.000-04:00

Every single day, without fail, I spend time searching around through various websites and blogs looking for new music (or old music that's simply new to me) that pleases my ears. This past week while I was digging through the muck, my shovel clanked upon these cds, and I now share them with you.

Lights Out Asia - 'Tanks and Recognizers'

This just came out a week or so ago apparently, and I only downloaded it because the little review I read for it over on mellowmusic.org or wherever it was I found it sparked a flame of interest in me. LOA is an electronica/postrockish/shoegazey/ambient mishmash sorta band that is definitely in the vein of a few other releases I've mentioned on here recently, Apparat and Port-Royal. Now I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely adore music like this (vocals and all)..it's soo chill and such good background or driving to work in the morning music. Organic and soothing, this record makes me think happy, peaceful thoughts. I dare say this cd is the audio-equivalent of a babbling brook. Give this a go, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Fionn Regan - 'The End of History'

Ohhh me and my acoustic tendencies. From what I can gather, this record came out overseas last year or sumtin, but it was just released here by way of Lost Highway on July 10, soooo..it's probably list eligible. This 26 year old dude might look like he belongs in a crappy emo-core band but don't be fooled, the guy has some serious chops. He's getting all kinds of comparisons to folks like Nick Drake, Donovan, and Elliott Smith and an unknowing listen to his cd might make you ask if you're listening to Damien Rice. Ya know, honestly, at times I hear slight traces of a Decemberist sound too ..but that's just me. Most of the songs on this disc are pretttty simple, consisting of nothing more than an acoustic guitar, a piano, and vocals but definately don't suffer from the minimalism. This has grown on me with each listen..at first it kinda bored me, but I've come to really, really like it. Perfect music for the nighttime or a chilly winter day.

Halftime Show Part Deux

2007-07-18T22:11:00.000-04:00

You thought my threats were idle didn't you? Cmon, you can admit it. You didn't think my lazy ass would get around to writing more mini whatever reviews like i said i would. WELL BUSTER you are sorely mistaken. i have two..yes..TWO more tonight. WOW! OMGLOLZ

VNV Nation - Judgement

I am a total, total sucker for EBM/trance-pop/synth-pop/industrial/whatever you'd like to call it music. VNV has been my fav of the genre for a long time now and while this album isn't exactly a stretch musically for the band, it definately does not disappoint. It's not often you find a cd that's enjoyable to listen to annnd that you can make up dances to at the same time. Dances and robot stories. About the machine revolution. And stuff.
It's definately not for everyone but maybe you should give it a go anyway. Great record.
Check out 'Illusion' and 'Testament'

Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero

Mannnn, after that crapfest of a cd that was With Teeth, who knew Trent still had stuff like this in him. This is easily his second best record to date (behind only The Fragile) and it's kinda a return to form as many of the songs have a heavier, industrial, beat driven sound that has been absent for years. The marketing leading up to the release of this record was ridiculously awesome, I don't think there is a weak track on the entire record aside from MAYBE the lead single 'Survivalism', and that's only cause I don't think it should have been the lead single..but what do I know?
Check out 'The Good Soldier' and 'Me, I'm Not'

my heart has a wish that you would not go

2007-07-17T17:33:00.000-04:00

aereogramme-my heart has a wish that you would not go

talk about ten quality tracks, at least 7 of them are playlist-worthy. i've had my hands on this shit for quite a while, but i just now started to get into it.

i read in an article about these guys that they are able to blend two distinct sounds, both loud and bitter quiet- without sounding out of sync, and i couldn't agree more. it is in essence genre-straddling. as a never before aereogramme fan, i find the most value in the lyrics. the song barriers speaks to me most- not only is it the most defining track on the album, but it has a violin solo!

I found love in the loneliest places

Places I shouldn't have found

I found love in the home of a sinner

Wrapped in some bitter sweet song

Let me tell the truth

Let me come alive

Let me build bridges into your life

I'm sick of being torn again and again

I don't need permission to let you in

suggested tracks:

#1 conscious life

#2 barriers

#4 a life worth living

#7 trenches

She Wants Revenge - 'Tear You Apart'

2007-07-16T22:04:00.000-04:00

I really like this band, i really like this video..soo....

The Halftime Show

2007-07-15T01:37:00.000-04:00

It's pretty alarming to look at your own blog and realize you rarely do what the entire thing was created for. 2007's midpoint has come and gone, and I hardly have any reviews or even mentions on this page of records that I really enjoy. The time has come to remedy this issue.

Tom McRae - King Of Cards

We begin with the latest offering by my personal favorite singing-songwriting artist Tom McRae, King Of Cards. Generally speaking, this guy can really do no wrong in my eyes. Sure, he has his ups and downs, high-points and low-points, but when push comes to shove, everything he releases is pretttty much awesome. This time around he plays around with some new sounds and a slightly more upbeat and optimistic approach and it works out surprisingly well. Definately a record that will be slugging it out for a high spot in my list this winter.
Check out 'Bright Lights' and 'Got A Suitcase, Got Regrets'

Poison The Well - Versions
What a great kick in the ass for a genre that's basically become a mockery of itself. PTW is a band that has been evolving for years..long ago ditching the breakdowns and overall XhardcoreX approach they helped pioneer and probably losing a bunch of fans in the process. It's hard to describe what this record sounds like..country mixed with metal/hard rock maybe? kinda. Any way you slice it, it's a fusion of sounds that I know I've never really heard before but I really REALLY dig. I hope all their peers are paying attention..because the bar has officially been raised.
Check Out 'Nagaina' and 'Letter Thing'

Apparat - Walls
My genre bending ways continue. I don't know a damn thing about this band..or even if it's a band. Maybe it's just one dude. It doesn't matter all that much. What matters is that between this and Port Royal, there have been two really high quality electronic releases this year. This is a little more structured and fluid than the PR disc (which has a bunch of ambient stuff on it).. the songs are more song-like, more distinguishable I guess..most even with vocals that thankfully don't take much away from the music. If you're into mellower sometimes glitchy electronica stuff at all, I'd recommend giving Apparat a listen.
Check out 'You Don't Know Me' and 'Headup'

Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me
Man if you had told me six months ago that I would think Marilyn Manson's new cd was the absolute bomb, I would probably have laughed at you. After all, how often does an artist reach a creative peak more than once in his career? Mechanical Animals was a great cd but the records that followed it were laughably bad and I was left wondering if Manson would ever release anything worth caring about again. But since I'm mentioning this record, obviously he has. While not quite as glammy as MA was, this is pretty darn close..gothglam maybe? Whatever. It has solos! The hooks are solid, the music is sexy in a weird dirty-type way..it's just a really impressive record.
Check Out 'If I Was Your Vampire' and 'Just A Car Crash Away'

alll right..thats all for now. i'm tired. maaybe i'll post a second installment later this week or sumtin.

Chromeo - 'Fancy Footwork'

2007-07-12T22:48:00.000-04:00

who knew working at urban outfitters would have so many exciting benefits? of course i'm speaking of hearing all kinds of cRaZy music i wouldn't care about otherwise. the item on the current playlist that has struck my fancy is this cd by chromeo. i don't think i'd listened to these guys at any point before now and really, chances are if i had, i'd have hated it. this stuff is funkdafied, goodtime woooo! dance like a white person music and while it can make you want to shoot yourself in the face, it also has it's time of being cool. if you're having a dance party this weekend and want something to make the ladies get naked, put in some limp bizkit. BUT if you're having a dance party and want to listen to some random 70/80s inspired electrowhatever, peep this, foo.

Oran 'Juice' Jones - 'The Rain'

2007-07-07T12:42:00.001-04:00

oh the laughs.

Smashing Pumpkins - 'Zeitgeist'

2007-07-04T23:56:00.001-04:00

one word:
yuck.

that is all.

daddy, the cReepy chuRch man touched me

2007-07-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

not really music related necessarily but....
i'm a church goin' fella myself so more power to this dude for quitting koRn all those years ago to do the jesus thing annnd this book is probably a fairly interesting read...but this rasputin wearing eyeliner who just lost his puppy look he's rockin has deranged cult leader written alllll over it.
sRsly, wtf?
:(

on the bright side, he bailed out of the koRn kopter just before it really started it's nosedive to complete cultural and musical irrelevance so maybe he knew what he was doing.

And again; Bright Eyes.

2007-07-01T20:01:00.000-04:00

when learning to critique properly, one is advised not to use certain adjectives and verbs. great, good, love, awesome, and cool are amongst the many restricted words. this is only to suggest that a deeper, incontrovertible meaning might be communicated with a more intelligible, attentive approach.

five hours of storms, penetrating sun, showers, and perfect weather accompanied me on my journey home today.

amongst the weather, in content reflection, i wondered what music might not interfere with this untainted mood. iPod shuff brought me bright eyes. it was perfect. so i went in for a closer look.

and this is what i saw.

i am familiar with fevers and mirrors. it is, however, a great friend that i hadn't seen for a very long time. i forgot just how amazing it really is.

if i were to propose a list of songs that make me appreciate life as much as i appreciate the magnitude of the ocean, the calendar hung itself would inhabit the top twenty, at least. one can't help but quiver along with oberst's unsteady vocals and shake at the mere thought of feeling what he feels as he belts out "you are my sunshine". this track is obsessive, angry, and mournful. i do strongly believe that most people who have ever loved can also appreciate this pain; it is far too familiar and hard to let go of.

i've always defined true happiness as progressive thought. whenever i have felt the most depressed or uncertain, i would lean on the past in hopes of finding comfort. i dwell on the times in me life when i was happiest, and begin scheming on how to recreate bliss. whenever i am truly, unquestionably happy, the past stays in the past. history doesn't need to repeat itself because i'm too busy anticipating the future. lately i have felt anticipation and don't even find the time to dwell.

bright eyes encourages sorrow from the approach of a forward thinker.
you have a past. you have been hurt. your life will go on. look forward to it.
oberst's music plays that same role. each word builds from the next, remembering pain and agony, but looking ahead for for a new love that will promise to hurt again.

Once upon a time

2007-06-23T00:30:00.000-04:00

i know, i know, i know. this is a music blog meant for music musings and more.
but one little movie muse won't hurt...right?

right. now let's get started.

the only way i can describe this movie is this: it's that feeling you get when you're doing the one thing you care about the most. it's singing until you are physically incapable of holding back a few tears. it's loving for the first time. it's losing that love and realizing how much stronger and more beautiful you are because of it. it's seeing your favorite band live. it's a long talk with your best friend.

it's one of the most emotionally inspiring films i've seen in a long time.

unfortunately, the storyline was a little Music&Lyrics, un-americanized. but it was twice the movie. it was everything M&L wished it could be and then some. the film is not naive. it is not that perfect fairy tale that everyone seeks. it is just raw and real. i won't give any more away about that.

most importantly, it's good music. glen hansard's vocals have an important role in making this movie everything that it is. his vocals are powerful when coerced, soft when broken, and always so so emotionally driven. he sings with what he feels and it is so incredibly compelling to watch take place. i can compare the sound of his voice to sunny day real estate's jeremy enigk. the powerful emotive nature can be compared the the likes of conor oberst or aaron weiss.
miss marketa irglova is equally as admirable of a singer. her vocals are clean and perfectly clear with a pleasing tone. for some reason, irglova and most women seem to have a hard time really 'giving it all they've got' and letting their feelings take over when they're singing. aside from the lack of emotion (except for her solo piano scene) she is definitely a new favorite amongst female musicians.
all of the songs written for this film are extremely gratifying. a few of them almost sound "churchy", but it's okay. it's some of the best singer-songwriter i've heard in a long time.

this is a film for everyone to see.

EDIT EDIT BRANDON ALERT BRANDON ALERT

i hope linda doesn't mind me butting in here, but i have some things to say that deserve more than just being in the comments section and it's my blog so whatever.

annyway i totally second her feelings, the movie was absolutely wonderful. quite literally one of the BEST films i have seen in a long, long time. if anyone is reading this other than me and cares i'll throw in some more info.

the glen dude from this movie is singer for the irish band the frames, who are pretty good in their own right, but i'm a total sucker for singer-songwriter stuff, so this trumps his actual band.
in my research (aka reading amazon) i have found that hansard released a solo cd last year called the swell season on which this irglova lady also sings a bunch on. as a matter of fact, a few of the songs from that cd are featured in this movie including what i presume is the film's "featured" song, 'falling slowly'. my advice to you..DOWNLOAD THIS SONG. it's breathtakingly fantastic and has beautiful lyrics to boot. the line "take this sinking boat and point it home" makes me feel so happy inside it's hard to describe, and honestly it's rare a song has such an immediate impact on me..it just feels so honest, so real and seeing the way it's performed in the film just adds to it's wonder.

GO SEE THIS MOVIE. PLEASE.

I, Too, Did It All For The Nookie

2007-06-21T19:30:00.000-04:00

I've really never been completely sure how Freddy D and his merry band of Limp Bizkitians managed to be so universally hated at the very same time as they were the biggest band this side of Neptune. I mean let's be honest..this band brought the rock into the lives of misguided and misunderstood teenagers everywhere, where's the harm in that? This is Limp at the very height of their Limpdom..just after Faith blew up on the Carson Daly show and just before they were rollin...rollin rollin rollin. This video was so awesome. And it has lots of LAAADIEZZZ!!!#@$#~ (one of which i remember also having the hots for (in addition to my Papa Roach girlfriend) so that's cool, right?) If you can't appreciate this, well you can take that cookie and stick it up your yeah!

Bon Jovi - 'Lost Highway'

2007-06-20T12:25:00.001-04:00

Bon Jovi - "Lost Highway"
Released June 19
Mercury Nashville

I'll admit that sometimes I post on here just to break the monotony of things orrr to give me something else to look at when I first load the page. This is one of those posts.

Ok so here's the thing, I first saw the new Bon Jovi video the other night for the song "(You Want To) Make A Memory", I'll admit that while I was kinda taken aback by the lack of Bon Joviness happenin, I really liked it. It's basically a slow country ballad and that's cool by me cause you know how I love my country. After all, I like Keith Urban's slow songs, so that qualifies me as a country fan..right? right? ...guys? This record is sort of a Nashville reinterpretation of the band's sound and while they've dabbled with a country sound before, they're goin balls to the walls now. Realistically speaking, Bon Jovi hasn't been relevant in 10-15 years (give or take a few singles here and there), and while I don't really know if this record will make all that many people care, it's really not a bad effort. There are a few songs that REALLY suck..the song "We Got It Goin On" featuring those WaCkY Big & Rich guys is absolutely horrible and musically sounds too much like "It's My Life" and "I Love This Town" reminds me of that stupid Mellancamp song from the car commercials, but honestly, there's a whole lot more good goin on with this cd than not. The "Make A Memory" tune is top notch, "Seat Next To You" is great, and "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" w/ Leann Rimes will reach #1 on various Billboard charts if/when it's released as a single. So I'm a sucker for love songs & ballads..whatever. A bit of bad news though, while there ISSS a song called "One Step Closer", it's not a cover of the Linkin Park classic from a few years ago. :(

The thing about Bon Jovi is that there really is no need to buy any actual records aside from Slippery When Wet, cause well, that's a classic. But generally everything good on any given record will be released as a single and milked like whoa. I'd imagine this cd won't any different commercially, so don't spend money on it or anything. BUT it does have lots of catchy stuff, the ballads are relatively nice, and hell, it's Bon Jovi.

August Burns Red - Messengers

2007-06-14T19:35:00.001-04:00

August Burns Red - 'Messengers'
Released 6/19
Solid State Records

There were two metal cds that my friends and I have been kinda excited about and anticipating for months..one being the new Darkest Hour, the other being new Metallica. But I'm sure this is a close third for all parties inovled. A few years ago, Solid State artist August Burns Red kinda came outta nowhere with Thrill Seeker. They weren't breaking new ground by any means, buuut they were doing the metalcore thing better (read: in a more metal way) than most of their peers, and that was kinda refreshing. Once again Killswitch Engage guitarist extraordinaire Adam D helms up production and does a really solid job as usual; this cd is full of the brutal, technical guitar work that was so prevalent on their debut and drums that'll rip yo face..(insert Nick Cage hand gesture from the movie)..off. ALTHOUGH as long as I'm talking about drums, lots of these songs have some cymbal crash deal going on during quasi-breakdowns that sounds like someone forgot to adjust their tone in the production process..or maybe it's a little tribute to St. Anger..or maybe that's just in the version I downloaded. Anyway, it's not a big detractor so it doesn't matter all that much. Basically everything is the same this time around..maybe a few more breakdowns, more gang vocals..but all in all, I feel very comfortable saying that if you were a fan of the last cd, you're gonna like this one. It's nothing specialat all, it's nothing original at all, but it is fairly rockalicious in one song long doses.

Keane - 'Little Broken Words'

2007-06-12T18:14:00.001-04:00

Keane - 'Little Broken Words'
Released...????
Label...???

When you've got a boatload of people banging away at your roof with hammers and staple guns and such, things get pretty noisy. Naturally, my first instinct to combat the annoyance of these noises was to write a new blog. Lucky you. So DUDE..I had no clue this record was coming out (actually I still have no idea if it is even an official release..I really kinda doubt it cause I can't find a damn thing about it on Amazon or the Keane website, but I might not be looking very hard) but I'm stoked nonetheless. Keane's last record, Under The Iron Sea, kinda sucked a bunch in relation to their Hopes & Fears cd so one might assume they'd continue down the trail to Sucktown with any or all future releases. BUTTTTTT all ye doubters harness your fears because this is a covers and b-sides record and is pretty darn good. It's got a decent sample of songs I've heard before ('Allemonde', 'Walnut Tree', and a personal Keane favorite..'Snowed Under'), some really good ones that I haven't before ('To The End Of The Earth' and 'Fly To Me' stand out) as well as some really high quality covers like The Walker Brothers' wonderful 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)' and Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. There really doesn't seem to be a crappy tune in the bunch..well I take that back, I don't like 'Rubbernecking' or 'More Matey' much. But all in all, if this isn't a real release, it probably should be. Lots of the songs that have gotten stuck as b-sides are really good songs and worthy of a life that exists outside of a stupid cd single/ep for whatever song just got released to radio. I've gotta say, whomever has put this thing together has done a damn fine job. Soooo young jedi, google the record, find a tracklisting, and then get to downloading. Lots of these songs need to be heard.

oh and btw. their cover of 'with or without you' shhhhoooouuuld have been on this cd. jerks.

Shake your rattle snake skin.

2007-06-11T00:36:00.000-04:00

this album is a perfectly bad example of a band playing hard to get.

track numero uno kicks things off with a whiny circus show of what might as well be latin sing-spoken words and obnoxious organs. it'll make you feel like you're on a merry-go-round set for never-ending torturous destruction. seriously. it's bad.

but you say to yourself 'i bought this album on a whim because i saw it in paste magazine and that guy at urban outfitters seemed pretty stoked about it...let's give it a few more cuts before i can officially feel like a jackass for giving in to such stereotypical impulses.'

tracks two and three might as well be twins. the wining persists. but wtf is this? you're starting to like it. or maybe that denial coaxed by the never-ending trendy merry-go-round is just tricking you into finding something appealing about the sound.

either way, as the album continues it becomes much much more appetizing.

track number ten comes out of left field and hits you right between the eyes. this is my song. when i want to listen to cyhsy, i automatically skip to track ten on the self-titled album, no exceptions. this is the song you drive to during the summer on a cool night right at sunset.

so for that, i'll accept cyhsy's apologies. you've made one excellent song. one that i will never grow tired of. now take notes and keep doing that in the future. because, while i can tolerate the ew gross ow my ears hurt sound, 98% of everybody else in the world can't.

but then again, i guess that's just being indie.

Darkest Hour - 'Deliver Us'

2007-06-09T17:32:00.001-04:00

Darkest Hour - 'Deliver Us'
Will Be Released July 10, 2007
Victory Records

When it comes to metal cds, there is one fatal error that I tend to commit all too often..I don't turn the volume up. When you get to be an old man like me, you kinda don't want to listen to music that loudly anymore, especially in a car (where arguably most listening takes place). After my first three-ish listens to this record, I was severely disappointed. DH has been a favorite metal band of mine for a long, long time and their recent direction has had me slightly disappointed. Their previous record, 'Undoing Ruin', was the start down a new path for the band; a path where all rough edges were now smoothed out, a path where a feeling of raw liveness was replaced by pro-toolsed process..ed..ness. Granted, Ruin had some really great tunes and I ultimately enjoyed it and still do, but it didn't really live up to the hype that I had built up for the band in my head.
'Deliver Us' finds the band continuing down the aforementioned path, but again, something just doesn't feel right. The production is so pristine, the transitions all flow so perfectly that it almost becomes a hindrance to the listening experience if. Darkest Hour is, above all other things, a live band. Their live show is incredible and second to none as far as the genre goes, and I tend to feel like their records should be an extension of that..forgive me I'm asking too much. I'm ALL for good production but there comes a point when it moves into the realm of over production and the music starts sounding so glossed over it's almost lifeless. But I digress, cleanness aside, once the volume is turned up, this is a pretty solid record. There are a few too many songs with crappy clean vocal choruses and the band seems to have dumbed down it's song structures a little bit but let's face it, there really isn't much better out there in metal land than a Darkest Hour record right now. The riffs are still heavy (albeit slightly less thrashy than I'd like), the solos are better than ever, and 'Stand And Receive Your Judgment' and 'Full Imperial Collapse' rock just as much, if not harder, than anything DH has done in their career. The only song I can legitimately say I dislike is the..single?..'Demon(s)' due to it's absolutely abysmal chorus thing.
I've only had the record for 24 hours or so now, so who knows how my feelings will evolve as time goes on. Actually, I know. I'll end up liking it a whole lot more. Pluuuussss, seeing some of these songs live will increase my interest level as well. So basically here's the rundown. It's no 'Hidden Hands..', it's too clean, it gets sorta boring at times, but when the volume is turned all the way up, it's the best straight up metal record I've heard so far this year.

First Listen: Portugal. The Man. - 'Church Mouth'

2007-06-08T10:39:00.000-04:00

portugal. the man.
'church mouth'
released july 24, 2007/fearless records

it's always exciting when a record leaks that i really want to hear. portugal. the man was a surprise hit of 2006 for me, coming out of virtually nowhere (er, alaska) to land at number 8 on my year end list with their 'waiter: you vultures!' disc. that cd was one of the most creative records i'd heard in quite some time..it was refreshing really. they didn't really sound like anything else that's out there right now (save the at the drive in/mars volta/blood brothers comparisons i think i made) and while they have a sound i admittedly generally would get annoyed by, iiiii for some reason don't. ANYWAY so this is their new cd, 'church mouth' and it's due out july 24 on fearless records, as mentioned up above thurr..and this is me listening for the very first time EVER!!!!! actually i pressed play before i even started writing this and have listened to a couple songs twice, but i doubt you really want to get into a petty spat about semantics, right? good, cause i don't either. ok. so. the first thing i notice right off the bat is the absence of the keyboard/electronic element that was all over the place on the last cd; this cd has a much more organic 'band' sound if you will. actually, as i listen, i notice they seem to have taken a turn stylistically as well. the frantic, slightly spazzy time signature changes have been replaced with a much more classic sound..there appears to be a huge classic rock (psychedelic, funk, soul as well) influence in effect here. think mars volta playing in a less obnoxious white stripes style covering ummm..zep and beatles songs. again, this is something i have no business liking, but i'm lovin it. they've still got some great melodies, the lyrics seem more focused on like..religion or politics but i can't really tell yet, and if i smoked weed this would probably be a great record to get high to. but how would i know, right?
420!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!11!!!
aiiiight, things seem to wrapping up here. the cd is almost over, plus i'm uber-hungry. sooo um. yeah.
all in all this cd seems pretty damn good and i'm impressed after this all important first listen. the last song even has a classic fade out. gotta love those fade outs. if i were a black dude in the 80s i think i totally would have wanted a high-top fade. ya know, kid n play style. or maybe rappy will smith before he went to live with his auntie and uncle in bel-aire.
the license plate said fresh and it had dice in the mirror.

Oh, Inverted World, indeed...

2007-06-08T03:07:00.000-04:00

Tongue in cheek, some have been known to say that the Shins are my favorite band. I beg to differ. The Shins, to me, are the following similes and metaphors.

The Shins are that new friend that you make after high school. You're still getting to know them, but you know that they are far more interesting than all of your old pals. It might not even be so much that they're interesting; they just have exciting stories to share that you've never heard before. They've been places you don't know about and have done things that make you squirm with jealousy. Eventually, you might get to know these friends and learn that they are just as old and boring as everyone else in the God forsaken universe...but for now...it's new and exciting and that's all that fucking matters.

As far as their sound goes, literally, I love it. I never grow tired of stray high pitched noises and sweet melodies. Their cute British accents make them even easier to love. Their lyrics are lolli-pops and rides on merry-go-rounds. Even when words are harsh and cruel, it's enough to make you think you're eating cotton candy on a cloud of butterflies.

I learned from a dear friend that the fewer chords and pitches used in a song, the better it is. I agree. You see; I am a simple girl. I live for solid colours and simple patterns. If this music could paint a picture, it would be just that. They put me at ease and bring me to peace. That is why I love them. Some may call it girlie. I call it ... I don't know what I call it.

So. I'm still getting to know the Shins. I'm sure one day we'll drift apart and forget to call each other on the weekends when we don't have homework to do. I'm sure we'll make newer, more interesting friends.

But for now...they are my new pair of shoes, my good hair day, that romantic first kiss, and most importantly, a new friend that I can stay up talking to until 9 in the morning.

Buy it now: Oh, Inverted World, Wincing the Night Away.

Cary Brothers - 'Who You Are'

2007-06-08T00:25:00.000-04:00

half assed review alert!

finally! i've been waiting for this cd for what seems like ages and ages and ages. this nashvillian dude first hit the scene years ago by way of the movie 'garden state' and it's accompanying soundtrack with his amazing song 'blue eyes'. he released a few good eps over the past couple years, but let's face it, nobody really likes eps. just release all the songs on one cd and call it a full length, that's what i say. especially when you're gonna put the best songs from said eps on your actual cd when it comes out. hmph. but nobody is asking my opinion, so whatever. all bitterness over wasted purchases aside, this cd is pretty good. as i mentioned a second ago, about half of this cd is songs that he has released before..i'm not sure if they're even rerecorded..i'd assume they are, but i haven't compared and contrasted as of yet. boy this review sucks. i really love his voice, it's so soothing when he's singing quietly and he enters bono territory when he really starts letting it all hang out. musically it's great too, lots of mellow guitars and pianos and such that make me happy. this will almost certainly make my year end list this winter, and will then get the review it deserves.
til then, check out 'blue eyes', 'precious lie', and 'honestly'

i don't like my scoring system anymore. so i'll just take the easy route and rate this out of 10.

drumroll.

7/10 (slight deduction for too much song re-usage)

Aqualung - 'Pressure Suit'

2007-06-08T00:10:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty hesitant to write reviews for things i know will be on my year end list, for fear of ruining the idea of the list for myself. BUT in the meantime, here's the video for Aqualung's 'Pressure Suit' and maybe i'll say eff it and write a review anyway sometime soon. but yea. listen and love.

Stateless

2007-06-06T19:53:00.001-04:00

i can't really post anything about this band yet because i'm still downloading their cd, but i just discovered them literally like 5 min ago on another blog/dl site thing and based on what i'm hearing on their myspace, they are reallllly promising. think coldplay-like (read: british) vocals meets strings meets portishead triphop turntables and beats and such meets electronica in the vein of dj shadow meets really rad.

EDIT: 3 songs in on the cd and man, this is quality.
EDIT AGAIN: it's way more aqualung than coldplay vocally speaking. the first half of the cd is awesome, the second gets slightly redundant in a 'yea i get it' sorta way. i'll review after a few more listens.

This is their myspace

Click here to download the cd.

Mr. Dick If You're Nasty

2007-05-31T22:33:00.000-04:00

i've heard it at least 200 times by now, but i still cannot seem to grow tired of that smash hit rock slobberknockin moshtune, otherwise known by it's actual name 'forever', by these gaylords.

congrats to you for still making relevant music though, it's pretty impressive. i woulda sworn you'd have been just another one and done nu-metal band after this song.......

i used to want to have the hots for the girl towards the end sitting on her bed then crowdsurfin.
oOoOO she was one sexy mama!

shut up.

Bright Eyes - 'Cassadaga'

2007-05-29T00:11:00.000-04:00

Bright Eyes - 'Cassadaga'
Released Apr 10, 2007
Saddle Creek

As far as musical prodigies go, I don't think many folks would argue about the skills possessed by Mr. Conor Oberst. At age 27, the dude has already released like 3481 records, been compared to the likes of Springsteen, Dylan, and Parsons, and possibly most importantly, built up enough indie cred to last at least 50 lifetimes. His previous cd, 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning' was the bomb.. or to put in review speak "..yada yada..a stunning display of songwriting prowess" or something along those lines..so naturally I was uber-stoked to hear this new cd. I was so stoked I didn't even download this when it leaked..and I download literally everything. I cared so much about this release I wanted my first listen to be post-purchase..(thus making it somewhat special). So let's set the scene. ..and yes I realize it's almost 2 months later and no I do not remember how this initial listen happened so yes I am making it up but the point is the same, I assure you of that... There I was, sitting in my car with my exicing new Best Buy purchase in my lap, ready to be opened. I can barely contain my excitement as I open the cd (the album art is pretttty rad i must say) and put it into my car's cd player. The cd begins with something kinda similar to last cd's 'At The Bottom Of Everything' only much more obnoxious and not nearly as cool..but hey, it's the album opener, I can handle a clunker tune from time to time. It'll get better. Right? ummm right? As I listened on, my face contorted into an expression that I am currently unable to show you, with this being the internet and all, but I can tell you is the face that 'wtf???' would look like if 'wtf???' happened to be an actual documented facial expression. This wasn't my beloved Bright Eyes. This wasn't my beloved Conor with the high quality lyrics & passionate and pained vocal delivery that made me feel how important the songs really are to him. This wasn't a record of superbly produced lo-fi(ish) alt country/americana tunes overflowing with simple acoustic guitars and the occasional duet and powerful instrumental buildup. Ohhhh no it was not those things at all. This was a glossed over, trite pop record that's about as far from everything Bright Eyes spent years establishing itself as being as it can be. The production is ridiculous, everything sounds so large, so full, but so distant. The lyrics, generally speaking, seem rushed and are boring. ANNNNNND his voice. Oh his voice. Apparently it was determined that his quivering, fragile vocal style just wasn't good enough any more..and they go to great lengths to bring everything into the right pitch and tone and generally smooth it out. WEAK. I'm getting long winded, I know, but this cd really pissed (and continues to piss) me off and I finally have the chance to vent. Granted, there are a few pretty good songs on here and I'll mention them at the end, but they're not nearly enough to save this record from suckage. I understand that BE is making a conscious effort to widen the appeal of the songs and in the record industry it's all about the almighty dollar when it all comes down to it, annnnnnnnd based solely on what reviews I see on Amazon and similar sites, people seem to enjoy it. so more power to him for that. But I think it sucks, and my opinion is really the one that matters here. I'm all for progression Mr. Oberst, but not when it comes at the cost of the very integrity that got you where you are today. Douche.

Notable Tracks: 'Four Winds' & 'Cleanse Song'

(10%) Album Art/Packaging: 9.0/10
(30%) First Impression: 12.0/30
(30%) Musical/Lyrical Quality: 18.0/30
(30%) Relistenability: 13.0/30

OVERALL: 52%

BOO!

Darkest Hour

2007-05-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

the new darkest hour song might not be terribly cool, BUUUT the album art is pretty rad.

An Early Ten (v 1.0)

2007-05-26T09:15:00.000-04:00

i promised it the other day, so i should prolly deliver before the week is up.
here is my current top 10 (no actual order yet, it's too early for numbers..plus i'm doing this from the top of my head away from my computer so i'm prolly forgetting lots of stuff)

tom mcrae- 'king of cards'
the national - 'boxer'
nine inch nails - 'year zero'
the national lights - 'the dead will walk, dear'
blonde redhead - '23'
aqualung - 'memory man'
poison the well - 'versions'
feist - 'the reminder'
eluvium - 'copia'
vnv nation - 'judgement'

and for the record. if there WERE numbers there at this very moment, tom mcrae would not be number 1.
oOOOOOOooOH!

Charlotte Gainsbourg - '5:55'

2007-05-23T22:44:00.000-04:00

does a record that's been released across the seas for months but just now released in america (with bonus trax!) constitute as a 2007 release? hmm, i'm not fully sure. while you think up an answer for me, i'll move on to talking about the cd itself.
i had no idea this chick sang stuff. she's the girl from the movies science of sleep and apparently 21 grams acccccorrrrrding to amazon, annnd the daughter of someone i'd apparently know if i were french..which i'm not. so whatever.
i'd probably be interested in hearing this cd if the only thing i knew about it was the album cover. me thinks it's pretty cool lookin, the name subtle and in the corner, and the combo of the b&w picture and her pose giving the impression that the music lying within would take the listener on a pretty intimate and/or mellow journey..and that's pretty accurate i suppose as long as we are talking solely about the music itself. the music here, from what i understand, is all provided by the band Air, who, as long as they stick to making sounds with instruments (and not singing on their own cds) are fantastic at what they do. and they do a fantastic job here. lush, gorgeous piano & string melodies are abound here (especially in 'tel que tu es'), and even when they pick up the pace a bit it still has the trademark air calm to it. lyrically it's all writen by jarvis cocker and some other dude i'd know if i knew who the divine comedy was, and for me, the lyrics are all pretty ehhhhhh whatever. but i don't think they're supposed to be the focal point here. that honor belongs to the vocal prowess of ms. gainsbourg. she's got a really light/airy/breathy style voice that is an amazing fit with air's music, and makes this album ridiculously listenable and enjoyable. honestly, she barely even does all that music actual "singing". instead, she does this little whisper talk sorta thing through most of the songs, and like i saiiiiid...it works well. i haven't given this record a ton of time so i can't really get terribly in depth with a review and i can't say if it'll be anywhere near my best-of list at the end of the year (if i even decide it's eligible), but for chill/night background music, this has proven to be a pretty rad addition to my collection.
notable tracks:
-'tel que to es'
-album closer 'morning song'
-and best option for a single (just cause i like picking that out in cds) - 'the songs that we sing'

i need to come up with a grading system.

out of 10? out of 5? out of 100%? letter grade? you tell me which you'd prefer.

Linkin Park - 'Minutes To Midnight'

2007-05-20T22:18:00.001-04:00

apparently someone told these douches it'd be a pretty neat and credibility-building idea to really open their sound up and dig deep for some insightful, meaningful lyrics and add lots of 'fucks' for angst purposes. not a bad idea i guess, but that someone forgot they were talking to linkin park. linkin park is good at writing numetal rap sing rap sing CRAZY/emotional BRIDGE sing sing songs about being really really close to the edge and feeling like you're about to break. linkin park is not good at 'evolving' and making music that has 'meaning' and will 'be remembered'. this is the suckiest suck since suck came to sucktown.

Coming This Week

2007-05-20T22:11:00.000-04:00

In addition to the usual wacky hijinx (sp?) coming to the BEP blog this week are fantastic things including but not limited to my album of the week, a monumental countdown of my top 10 favorite and suckiest records of the year thus far (if i get around to it), a new feature here on the BEP blog (that is basically just me picking a random cd in my collection to review..good or bad), and whatever other great things my team has in store! verynice.

dissecting the elite

2007-05-20T20:46:00.000-04:00

i have a playlist on my itunes called 'the elite' that is composed of the songs that i generally never grow tired of; songs that i view as being a cut above the rest. i'm kinda bored and looking for a reason to post a blog this evening, so what i'm gonna do is play 10 or so songs and write as much as i can about them or the band or whatever i want while the song is playing. let the good times roll.

- 'wasted' by stabbing westward. stabbing westward was one helluva band. that 'wither blister burn & peel' cd (where i jumped aboard the SW bandwagon) was fantastic and 'darkest days' was really great as well. then came this cd, the self titled one..where they totallllly flipped the script with everyone. gone were the electronic and industrial noises (and probably some anger), and in was straight up moody rock songs with fantastic musical and melodic hooks but a similar lyrical style..wasted may have been a single from that shit, but if it wasnt it should have been. the song is so awesome, and now its almost over. christopher hall had a great voice, i wonder if his newer band is anywhere as cool as this one was. ah well. i did see these guys live once towards the end of their banddom, they kinda sucked. singer boy hall looked like scott stapp with his white wife beater and poses. i think i got in free though so it's alright. if i did get in free, thanks streetwise!

-'still in love song' by the stills. i don't remember where i first heard this song, but it was probably on m2 or maybe even a radio show called sunday school here in the atl on 99x. this came out a few years ago just before the killers/bravery/interpol/etc frenzy of 04 or so but never really blew up the way those guys did which is kiiind of a bummer, cause the cd this was on ('logic will break your heart') was loaded with quality and this song in particular has a great hook and nice catchy bassline and makes me happy. it's short though, NEXT!

-'carolina' by m.ward. i don't even think i have the cd this is on, but it was a song on his myspace last year when i first started gettin into his stuff and i loved it. i like the double-tracked vocal thing he does a bit on this song. man i love acoustic music, i've turned into such an old man. 3/4 of the music on this playlist is stuff like this. i bet you're wondering why i created this playlist to begin with, aside from the whole favorite songs thing. WELLL it's because i really enjoy taking walks at night and i got sick of having to skip songs everytime something came on that i just didn't have any desire to listen to. sooo i made a playlist of things i'd never want to skip and i'd always want to listen to on said walks. i like the lyrics to this song esp the line 'i'm walking backwards looking forward to getting done, but that ain't enough, no, you want me to run'..that's a pretty relate-able line me thinks. but no time to elaborate. new sONG!

-'brightly' by sleeping at last. geez man i love this band. i love the singer guy's voice. i love the music. i don't really know how to describe how this band makes me feel in any other way than happy. simply happy. lyrically they provide such an emotional and powerful spiritual punch and the music tends to be so uplifting and just helps create a wonderful atmosphere when any of their songs come on. this song is from the cd 'ghosts' and was something recommended to me on amazon way back when that actually turned out to be awesome. i'd say that after the release of their most recent cd, 'keep no score', these dudes are a top 10 band for me. ah happy. NEXT

-'wasted one' by cary brothers. i doubt all that many people out there are familiar with cary brothers for anything other than his amazing 'blue eyes' song that zach braffy used in garden state, and that's ok. he has a few eps out there but nothing released and promoted like it should have been. luckily for him, he's got a full length cd finally coming out this summer. anyway back to this song, it starts out pretty mellow and then he turns on bono mode towards the end of the song. ya know what sucks? the yankees are beating the mets right now. not that i like the mets, but i have more of them on my fantasy teams. this is a song that has lyrics that you can instantly relate to if you've ever been in any type of relationship where you felt like you held yourself back or didn't get/give your best to someone else. NEXT

-'bright lights' by tom mcrae. hot shit! i have some crazy manlove for tom mcrae. he might be my single favorite artist at the moment... for the past few years really. this is what i'd make the first single (maybe it is, i dunno) on his newest cd and marks somewhat of a treading of new grounds for him stylistically. it's actually an uptempo song that doesn't feel as doom and gloom as most of his stuff does and finds tom with an urgency in his voice that i don't think i've heard before. but what really does it for this song is the chorus, that is what makes this song a fantastic single. people need to hear repetition in their pop songs, and with it's simple and repetitive 'run into the bright lights' chorus, this is prolly as close as mcrae is gonna get to making a catchy pop tune. wonderful cd, wonderwonderwonderwonderful. number 1 this year? maaaybe

-'expo '86' - death cab for cutie. i wonder if they have a new cd coming out this year. i bet not, but we'd better get a new postal service cd. anyway, this is the cd that really exposed dcfc to the masses, including me. i didn't exactly love them when i first heard them..i made fun of it quite a bit actually. then i couldnt get the shit outta my head and that new year song video was on m2 a lot and i stopped being able to deny this band. this is one of the more ehh songs on this cd comparitively speaking, but it's still pretty goooood and stuffs.

- 'thank you' by dido. ok i liked this BEFORE it was an eminem song. but i admit the em song wasn't half bad and i'd be lying to you if i said that after the first chorus i didnt expect to hear 'DEAR SLIM...' almost every time. i wonder what dido is up to these days, that last cd of hers was pretty so-so but her voice is so pretty that i still liiiiked it. and she's cute, which is always is plus. the video for this song was also cute, it involved a little housey in the city and some rain..and stuff. i think. i dunno it's been awhile. you'd be surprised to see how little you can actually type in 3-4 minutes unless you're REALLY going at it, because it's now time for...

((3 more death cab songs played next, but for my talking purposes i skipped them))

- 'can i stay' - ray lamontagne. i WISH i had known of this guy's talents sooner than i did, because this would have been a hands down number 2 cd of the year in 2k6. his raspy, weathered voice really draws me in and he keeps things so simple and it's still amazing. i don't think a cd has landed in my elite list AND my sleep list as quickly as this one does. sure this song is basically about sleepin with someone, but he makes it sound so beautiful. but then one might argue that loooove is beautiful anyway, so i guess it's alright. even the album cover is simple yet fantastic. loveee it! i know it's not this song, but my favorite lyric of his is on the song empty (which is full of great lyrics 'i've never learned to count my blessings, i choose only to dwell in my disasters'??!? cmon, that's amazing.) anyway so the lines 'well i looked my demons in the eyes, laid bare my chest and said do your best to destroy me. see i've been to hell and back so many times, i must admit you kinda bore me' are really awesome in my humble opinion but i have got to move on toooo....

- 'on the threshold of eternity' - the snake, the cross, the crown. i saw this band live once and it was really awesome. lots of dudes on a tiny stage playing lots of random instruments and all singing and stuff. cool times. again, great lyrics abound here, and a great sound. i love this folky-americana sounding stuff. they just had a new cd come out a month or 2 ago and it's pretty good. noooot as good as this one really, especially lyrically, but still better than lots of shit that gets released. i wish i were a label guy or something just so i could do more to suppose the bands i really liked and really believed in. hopefully i'll get there one day. so there's a minute left in this song, but it's winding down, so i'll wrap it up.

10 songs, a little over an hour. haha what a waste o'time

[in music.]

2007-05-18T02:31:00.000-04:00

i'll begin to introduce myself.

i am indecisive. i don't use capital letters to avoid the assumption that i feel stronger about one thing than the other. one might say that my musical taste is right on par with the average joe. a strong opinion leaving my mouth comes as frequently as.
[i couldn't decide on the proper simile for that situation.]

instead of giving my demanded opinion on a certain album, group, or artist, i will briefly talk about music in general and the ways that i feel about it.

and maybe i can become the character in this long-lived non-fiction that you, the reader, can relate to.

music holds the fondest and longest memories for most; myself included. i was playing music before i can remember hearing music. one certain song can bring you joy one day, but later remind you of that one break-up that seemed to last forever years ago. music ties memories to memories the way smells and tastes do. for that, i love music.

i'll listen to almost anything. currently i have been indulging in softer sweeter things like damien rice and sleeping at last. when it's time to party, though, he is legend and andrewwk are there by my side.

music is a blessing. and maybe i will grace this blog with an occasional opinion. stay tuned.

while writing, itunes bestowed upon me these lovely gifts: [just to give you a taste.]
brian eno - come with us
dredg - movement III: lyndon
bonnie "prince" billy - cold & wet
billie holiday - your mother's son-in-law
ryan adams - political scientist
neutral milk hotel - holland, 1945
cursive - harold weathervein

[thanks.]

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Port-Royal - 'Afraid To Dance'

2007-05-16T22:31:00.000-04:00

soo. port-royal - 'afraid to dance'.
for a second, i had myself under the impression that i wouldn't really put very many cds on here that i absolutely loved to save the novelty for the year-end list I work on each december. but then i said to myself 'man, that's kind of a stupid idea, what's the point of having a blog if you aren't gonna write about cds that you really enjoy?'
i love checking out music blogs and finding new music..i should prolly link a few of those i go to over on the side..anyway this is one of the cds i found that way. i had no idea who or what this group was, but the description kinda drew my interest so i checked their myspace, and wouldn't ya know it, they were really rad. i absolutely love electronic music but it's been getting harder and harder to find stuff that appeals to me in that genre..but this, man this really hit the spot. I don't know anything about the band except for what I read on the blog (basically just that they're Italian and share similarities w/ Mogwai and M83) so I won't get into that..sooo ONTO THE CD! This is basically an electronica cd; it's got lots of ambiance, some dance beats, a bunch of samples, and a hint of the post-rock sound at times. If this doesn't make my list at the end of the year, I'll be shocked. It's unbelievably soothing and mellow, perfect for sleeping, driving, chilling, whatevs. I'm usually really put off by vocals on cds like this, and some bands have been ruined by shitty vocal songs (AHEM...album leaf, air, etcetcetc) but this only has a few traces of 'em and they don't annoy me, so it's all good. i really don't have much to write, cause with cds like this there isn't a whole lot to analyze and stuff. but this is my blog and i only downloaded this cd earlier in the week but i find it to be super awesome, so i feel i need to share my happy feelings about it with you, the reader.
i don't know if this is released yet, i don't know if it's out in this country, i don't know much of anything, but i do know it's fantastic. justin, if you ever read this, check these guys out.

Sigur Ros

2007-05-16T17:33:00.000-04:00

so i saw the following information regarding sigur ros happenings today, and it made me happy..so i thought i would shareeee.

new EP. eta - august 2007.
tracks: von (new version), salka, lagið í gær, rokklagið. lagið í gær and rokklagið will have different titles as these were only working titles. the release will include a new live video as a bonus, with footage from the upcoming DVD release.

live DVD. eta - october 2007.
sigur rós on the road: the as yet untitled DVD of last summer's iceland tour. the DVD is being finished by dean deblois, an animation filmmaker who wrote mulan and directed lilo & stitch. he's also a sigur rós fan. the concert footage is going to be tied together with a narrative and some short interviews/voiceovers with the band, plus footage of iceland in general. it's going to be a live DVD but with a lot more to offer than just concerts. in september the film will be premiered in a cinema in reykjavík, possibly in other cities as well.

acoustic LP. eta - october 2007.
full-length album of acoustic songs. the band has written a lot of new acoustic songs likely to be included on the album, other likely contenders are acoustic reworkings are ágætis byrjun, starálfur, von, heysátan, samskeyti, vaka and njósnavélin. the band will begin recording the acoustic album next month in a summerhouse in the 300-person town of flateyri.

a sigur ros acoustic cd? that could very possibly be the most peaceful and sleepworthy cd ever made, ever. i cannot wait.

Chris Garneau- Music for Tourists

2007-05-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Chris Garneau- Music For Tourists
January 23, 2007

Label: Absolute Kosher

So as much as this seems like an album for a lonely, rainy car ride-I find myself listening to it quite often- in the car, at work, in my bedroom, & especially while studying. First album from this dude and I was impressed right off the bat. Probably just because I'm a sucker for the piano/strings indie ballads.

The way his voice comes together with the piano keys reminds me of a lullaby. He sings with one of those sweet, whispering and slightly feminine voices. His vocal techniques give me an almost Devendra Banhart vibe. He does that whole note hold at the end of his words. His vocal range is so limited that many of the songs sound similar. His lyrics are childish, but most definitely melancholy. I particularly love the melodies, the perfect blend of piano and strings.

His style slightly resembles Regina Spektor's sound, with a little less pizazz. It's quite unfortunate however that I've heard him be compared to such artists as James Blunt...well because James Blunt blows. I've also heard a comparison to Damien Rice & Sufjan Stevens, which bares little to no resemblance. Actually, he really reminds me of Remy Zero for some reason.

Listen worthy tracks:
Track #11- "We don't try"-he sings about how we'd rather just feel bad for ourselves instead of making an effort to try, instead we cry.
Track #2-"Relief"-tuning into a past relationship or friendship, the cello/violin in this song is amazing.
Track #4-"Saturday"-very Regina Spektor-esque.
Track #14- He covers Elliott Smith's "Between the Bars", and I've never been a big Elliott fan, so even though it seems to be a contraversy amoung Garneau's reviews, I think it's just lovely.

Track #13-"Halloween"- I like the delicate piano play on this song.
Track #6- "First Place"- the strings and up and down piano tones come together well, I like the music more than the lyrics on this one.
Track #8- "Baby's Romance"-seems like a typical singer/songwriter pop-ish catchy single, and is in fact super fuckin catchy.

Conclusion: Lovely singer/songwriter; Great debut album, fragile & delicate in all the right ways.

Listen to it: http://www.myspace.com/chrisgarneau

Download it: http://www.albumbase.com/download-269874-Chris_Garneau-Music_For_Tourists-m0-freemp3album

THIS LOVE SOMETHING SOMETHING SOEMTHINGNSANGDASG LALAL

2007-05-14T19:32:00.000-04:00

i've hated maroon 5 for a long ass time. that first cd of theirs..ya know, the one with all those singles..really annoyed me. there may have only been 3 singles or something, but it seems like there were at least 10 that played back to back to back +7 every hour when i decided to listen to the radio or watch videohits1. i can read your mind now though..'brandon', you think 'why the hell did you download this cd if you hate this band so much??'. valid question. beeecause the lead single for this shit is really disco and rad and i don't listen to the radio anymore so i haven't heard it 390 times already annnd i wanted to see if the rest of the cd was like that. well, it kinda was and kinda wasn't. there's a handful of tunes with catchiness potential and then there's a handful of tunes with old ew m5 potential. so basically i don't hate them as much as i used to, but i still wouldn't freely admit to liking these guys. and nice logo, lamers.
last year, a band called under the influence of giants hit the scene with this retro faux disco whatever sound and i really liked them for a minute too. maybe i was born 10 years too late.

one other note. halloween 3. the movie. um. how does one (or in this case 2, john carpenter/mustaphaohafdadf akkaehehad) go from michael myers to a gloriously shitty movie (that makes even the lamest of steven king's movies look like oscar winners) with robot people who are filled with orange gak? good thing they went back to their bread and butter with halloween 4. and 5. and 6. and 7. and 8. and 9.

cheers to this shit...

2007-05-14T01:20:00.000-04:00

Jessica here, pretty psyched to have something organized like this to write in/for. Look forward to some good quality stuff, from some good quality people. Bring it.

Limbeck

2007-05-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

My summer listening habits are pretty much a 180 degree change from most other times of the year..and that's when records like this get their spot in my itunes rotation. Granted, the summer/warm weather exclusivity for stuff like this usually means it doesn't come near making my uber-definitive year end list, but I can't let that take anything away from cds such as this recently released self-titled release from limbeck. I won't review it later in the year, so why the heck not do it now? I've known of these dudes for a while, and their previous cd 'Let Me Come Home' was pretty rad. I'm gonna set up a scene for you. Let's say that it's Sunday, June 24 at 4:31 pm. It's been a pretty dull day as most Sunday's tend to be, but the weather is prefect and you're itchin' for a nice long drive through the country in your '78 Ford pickup. You've got a sleeve full of cds in the truck with you..everything from Skynyrd to Seger & The Silver Bullet dudes to Metallica and they're all great cds but you're just not in the mood for that stuff. You want something you can tap the steering wheel to and feel happy about listening to. THANKFULLY you just bought 'Limbeck' by...Limbeck, so you pop that shit in and bada-bing bada-boom you're all set. You really like Limbeck because they've got this poppy alt-country/rock/americana /whatever thing goin on so that means it's great music for feel good driving with the windows down in the late afternoon of a early summer day..very much like the situation you're found yourself slap in the middle of. Long story short, this drive ends up being NOT ONLY the highlight of your day but also the highlight of the entire friggin weekend. Yeah! Is Limbeck 100% to thank for this? Nah, but definitely like..at least..74%. It's a great cd with laid-back quasi-country feel-good tunes and if you think that there's even a remote chance you might be faced with the situation mentioned above, you'd better at least (il)legally download a song or two so by this band soooo your drive doesn't suck.

The Humble Beginnings Of An Empire

2007-05-13T02:49:00.000-04:00

Everyone has to start somewhere I suppose, Rome wasn't built in a day...and various other cliches.

Hello internet, I'm Brandon. You might know me from here or you might not know me at all. Either way, chances are you're in for a treat. This vast world wide web of internetedness is full of music websites, run by hipster and douchebag alike, and um..here's another one. I've always wanted to write for some sort of music publication, online or otherwise, but I've never felt comfortable with the level of pretentiousness I would need to learn to convey on a ridiculously regular basis in order to fit in in most places. My solution? Well, uh, this.
Each December over on Myyyspace I countdown my top 30 cds of the year, and hopefully this little blog becomes my breeding ground for the reviews that show up on that elite list. I'm pretty accepting of the fact that I might be the only person in the universe to read this blog, and that's pretty cool by me. I don't need y'all anyway. assholes.

maybe I'll get some friends to post on this bad boy as well and it'll become the new hot spot for music on the net and render all those othhhher sites worthless. sorry pitchfork, it's not personal..it's business.

FIRST ENTRY COMING SOON!

bienvenue.

2007-05-13T00:10:00.000-04:00

hi.
i'm linda.

maybe, if you're lucky, i'll write about musics up in here.

my opinion matters.

[not really.]