written by Moby
For the third consecutive January, I find myself smacking my forehead with a bit more frequency than usual over my obvious flaws as a monitor of the alt/indie music world.
That’s because for three consecutive years I’ve done “Best Of” shows right after the new year to commemorate my favorites from the previous year—and then, when I’m done with them and resume my never-ending, quotidian task of foraging for New Stuff, I discover how badly and how frequently I’ve missed the boat. That is, if I discover a great new album in December and it’s a few months old, no big deal. But when I do the same in January, it’s grating.
Once again, I’m kicking myself for several oversights that I’ve discovered in just the last couple of weeks. Specifically, as of this date, I’ve identified four albums that were released as early as last February, which evaded my radar and would be very strong candidates for the Favorite Albums of 2011 list that I compiled at year’s end.
They’re orphans—discovered too late for my 2011 list and barred from candidacy a year from now. And here they are:
The Golden Mean, by Kim Novak. This is not the 79-year-old retired actress, but a French (!) four-piece. They put out an album four years ago that’s been described as cold-wave a la Interpol. Then nothing until 2011. They released an EP back in February, which I’ve yet to check out, and then in October they came out with the 15-song “The Golden Mean.” I hear a little of an Interpol influence; but it’s much richer than that, drawing from a variety of influences (including soul) and extremely well-written. It’s also very subtle; it’s the kind of album that slowly eases its way into your mind and you realize you’re hearing something special.
Never Forever, by Singapore Sling. This Icelandic five-piece noice/shoegaze band has been around for nearly 10 years, produced several albums and I have somehow managed to ignore them despite the fact that I really liked the one track of theirs that I had in my library, “Overkiller,” which they gave away as a free mp3 on the 2004 South by Southwest site. I heard some kind of positive mention of the “new” Sling album, checked it out, discovered that it came out last May, played it…and played it and played it in recent days. They’re probably the five millionths “Jesus and Mary Chain”-influenced band, but they do it extremely well. Very dark, droning, pulsating.
Moment Bends, by Architecture in Helsinki. Another veteran band, this one from Australia, which I’ve somehow managed to ignore over the years. This album, which came out last May, is a lush, exuberantly upbeat slice of indie pop, heavy on the synths. It kinda made me think of what Magnetic Fields might sound like if they decided to do a dance record.
Get Sharp, by The Limousines. They’re a Bay Area electropop three-piece that released their first album in 2010. Sugary and infectious. The track, “Internet Killed the Video Star” kinda gives you the idea…
Showing posts with label 2011 faves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 faves. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Cajsa
Movits - Out of my Head
This is their second album and I like it as much as the first. Every time I think I don't like hip hop, along comes another example of how impossible it is to make a blanket statement about the genre. Movits have created a fun and quirky mix of swing and hip hop, as if Bing Crosby and Will I. Am got together with Tommy Dorsey. It's danceable and fun and it doesn't matter a bit that I don't have a clue what they are singing. Perhaps that is part of the charm - since the English/Swedish "Sammy Davis Jr." is one of my least favorite on the CD.
The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
Beautiful voices married in beautiful harmonies. Their music is sometimes described as Appalachian folk, though I think it has a more modern sensibility in the phrasing and lyrical and vocal complexity. The instrumentation is sparse and simple, but that's a good thing, making room for their voices to bloom.
Adele - 21
Definitely one of the most popular albums of the year and "Rolling in the Deep" has taken the world by storm. It's a magnificent song and this is a magnificent album, though I find I love her voice even more in her quieter songs like "Someone Like You" and "Take It All."
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
I think Robin Pecknold, the lead vocalist of Fleet Foxes, has an extraordinarily pure voice. Fleet Foxes harmonize beautifully and the songs are lush. For all their compexity, though, they feel like songs that just flow naturally. For example, "Loralai," you listen to the lyrics and you don't picture someone laboring over every word, but instead just singing what he feels as it just flows right out. There's something organic about the songs; they have that magical feeling of being easy. Of course, they may have worked hours on every single phrase in the songs, but that the magic, it doesn't feel that way.
Gregg Allman - Low Country Blues
This is not the southern rock of the Allman Brothers, but old-fashioned traditionalist blues. It's produced by T Bone Burnett whose name on an album is almost always a guarantee that I will like it. He has a great voice for the blues.
Duffy - Endlessly
While i don't love it as much as her Rockferry, there's a lot that is good on this new album. Her voice is great and the pop "Well, Well, Well" is catchy and fun and shows off her sassy sound. Sometimes listening to her, I am reminded of Lulu. She has a lush, retro sound and is best, I think, in her more retro songs.
Tom Waits - Bad as Me
If Tom Waits sang the phone book it would still be one of the best albums of the year because he would do something inventive and wonderful. Perhaps the A's would be a surreal mad spiral into instrumental chaos and the B's a simple ballad. He would never just "do" the phone book. He would reinvent it. And so, yes, Bad as Me is fabulous because it's not the phone book, it's great songs from the endlessly inventive Tom Waits.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
I think her real genius is the contrast between her crystalline pure voice and the manic guitar playing. That dichotomy is repeated with the lovely, lyrical beauty of the melodies contrasted with the angry, almost violent lyrics. I listen to her and think she must be so smart. She constantly surprises and that's intriguing and interesting. "Year of the Tiger" is my favorite - perhaps because it so captures the zeitgeist of 2011.
Abigail Washburn - City of Refuge
As a fan of bluegrass, I have been following Abigail Washburn's solo albums and her band Uncle Earl for years. The thing is, she's so much more interesting that the label bluegrass folk singer. Her music is more bluegrass fusion - and she collaborates with all sorts on this album. In the old traditional "Bright Mornings Stars" she combines the beautiful a cappella hymn with Mongolian throat singing. Who would have ever thought that would work, but it doesn't just work, it's magic.
Brian Carpenter's Ghost Train Orchestra - Hothouse Stomp
Old vaudeville and jazz songs sound new again. The brass is so blowsy and relaxed, you can almost imagine the instruments themselves were drinking the moonshine. It's fun and quirky and it works.
-Cajsa spins Mondays at five
This is their second album and I like it as much as the first. Every time I think I don't like hip hop, along comes another example of how impossible it is to make a blanket statement about the genre. Movits have created a fun and quirky mix of swing and hip hop, as if Bing Crosby and Will I. Am got together with Tommy Dorsey. It's danceable and fun and it doesn't matter a bit that I don't have a clue what they are singing. Perhaps that is part of the charm - since the English/Swedish "Sammy Davis Jr." is one of my least favorite on the CD.
The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
Beautiful voices married in beautiful harmonies. Their music is sometimes described as Appalachian folk, though I think it has a more modern sensibility in the phrasing and lyrical and vocal complexity. The instrumentation is sparse and simple, but that's a good thing, making room for their voices to bloom.
Adele - 21
Definitely one of the most popular albums of the year and "Rolling in the Deep" has taken the world by storm. It's a magnificent song and this is a magnificent album, though I find I love her voice even more in her quieter songs like "Someone Like You" and "Take It All."
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
I think Robin Pecknold, the lead vocalist of Fleet Foxes, has an extraordinarily pure voice. Fleet Foxes harmonize beautifully and the songs are lush. For all their compexity, though, they feel like songs that just flow naturally. For example, "Loralai," you listen to the lyrics and you don't picture someone laboring over every word, but instead just singing what he feels as it just flows right out. There's something organic about the songs; they have that magical feeling of being easy. Of course, they may have worked hours on every single phrase in the songs, but that the magic, it doesn't feel that way.
Gregg Allman - Low Country Blues
This is not the southern rock of the Allman Brothers, but old-fashioned traditionalist blues. It's produced by T Bone Burnett whose name on an album is almost always a guarantee that I will like it. He has a great voice for the blues.
Duffy - Endlessly
While i don't love it as much as her Rockferry, there's a lot that is good on this new album. Her voice is great and the pop "Well, Well, Well" is catchy and fun and shows off her sassy sound. Sometimes listening to her, I am reminded of Lulu. She has a lush, retro sound and is best, I think, in her more retro songs.
Tom Waits - Bad as Me
If Tom Waits sang the phone book it would still be one of the best albums of the year because he would do something inventive and wonderful. Perhaps the A's would be a surreal mad spiral into instrumental chaos and the B's a simple ballad. He would never just "do" the phone book. He would reinvent it. And so, yes, Bad as Me is fabulous because it's not the phone book, it's great songs from the endlessly inventive Tom Waits.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
I think her real genius is the contrast between her crystalline pure voice and the manic guitar playing. That dichotomy is repeated with the lovely, lyrical beauty of the melodies contrasted with the angry, almost violent lyrics. I listen to her and think she must be so smart. She constantly surprises and that's intriguing and interesting. "Year of the Tiger" is my favorite - perhaps because it so captures the zeitgeist of 2011.
Abigail Washburn - City of Refuge
As a fan of bluegrass, I have been following Abigail Washburn's solo albums and her band Uncle Earl for years. The thing is, she's so much more interesting that the label bluegrass folk singer. Her music is more bluegrass fusion - and she collaborates with all sorts on this album. In the old traditional "Bright Mornings Stars" she combines the beautiful a cappella hymn with Mongolian throat singing. Who would have ever thought that would work, but it doesn't just work, it's magic.
Brian Carpenter's Ghost Train Orchestra - Hothouse Stomp
Old vaudeville and jazz songs sound new again. The brass is so blowsy and relaxed, you can almost imagine the instruments themselves were drinking the moonshine. It's fun and quirky and it works.
-Cajsa spins Mondays at five
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Curious
1.Those Dancing Days - Daydreams and Nightmares
One of the first CD's of 2011 that really caught my ear. I was sad to learn just a few months later that this would be their last recording together.
2. Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams
A good listen from beginning to end. "Bedroom Eyes" and "In My Head" are two stand out songs that will stick with you for a long time.
3. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
"Hailed as "the best thing since Patti Smith" by Brian Eno, as well as being included on the BBC's Sound of 2011 list, the hype surrounding London-born Anna Calvi came to fruition during late 2010." -theguardian
4. TV On The Radio - Nine Types of Light
I only really started paying attention to these guys after hearing their last release Dear Science and once I heard they had a new album coming out I got excited. I'm just glad it did not disappoint.
5. Gary Clark Jr. - The Bright Lights EP
Who doesn't like a good Blues song now and then. I first got a taste of him via YouTube, check out his videos for "Bright Light" and "Don't Owe You a Thang" know those were recorded live all you can really say is wow!
6. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong
"You know that indie kid who would mumble through his bangs and stare at his Doc Martens? The one who came back from winter break with a swagger and a few hickeys? This Brooklyn band has gone through the same transformation — its sound is now massive enough to match its big-hearted emotion." - http://www.rollingstone.com/
7. The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
8. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!
Another album that really caught my attention after seeing a video on youtube. The video for "Lippy Kids" was supposed shot during one take true or not it really caught my attention and made me take a closer look at the rest of the album.
9. Little Foot Long Foot - Oh Hell
"The combination of it all has resulted in a stellar sophomore release, which keeps any trace of kitsch firmly in check to deliver a set of heavy, catchy, countrified blues rock that keeps them on the upward trajectory they've been cruising for some time." -torontoist.com
10. Weekend - Red
I was a huge shoe gazer fan in the 90 hearing these guys really takes me back. Toss them in with Catherine Wheel, Teenage Fanclub, Lush you just might forget what decade where in.
Singles (A couple more you gotta check out)
Friends - "I'm His Girl"
Daughter - "Love"
Elephant - "Wolf Cry"
-Curious spins Sundays from 7-9
One of the first CD's of 2011 that really caught my ear. I was sad to learn just a few months later that this would be their last recording together.
2. Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams
A good listen from beginning to end. "Bedroom Eyes" and "In My Head" are two stand out songs that will stick with you for a long time.
3. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
"Hailed as "the best thing since Patti Smith" by Brian Eno, as well as being included on the BBC's Sound of 2011 list, the hype surrounding London-born Anna Calvi came to fruition during late 2010." -theguardian
4. TV On The Radio - Nine Types of Light
I only really started paying attention to these guys after hearing their last release Dear Science and once I heard they had a new album coming out I got excited. I'm just glad it did not disappoint.
5. Gary Clark Jr. - The Bright Lights EP
Who doesn't like a good Blues song now and then. I first got a taste of him via YouTube, check out his videos for "Bright Light" and "Don't Owe You a Thang" know those were recorded live all you can really say is wow!
6. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong
"You know that indie kid who would mumble through his bangs and stare at his Doc Martens? The one who came back from winter break with a swagger and a few hickeys? This Brooklyn band has gone through the same transformation — its sound is now massive enough to match its big-hearted emotion." - http://www.rollingstone.com/
7. The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
8. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!
Another album that really caught my attention after seeing a video on youtube. The video for "Lippy Kids" was supposed shot during one take true or not it really caught my attention and made me take a closer look at the rest of the album.
9. Little Foot Long Foot - Oh Hell
"The combination of it all has resulted in a stellar sophomore release, which keeps any trace of kitsch firmly in check to deliver a set of heavy, catchy, countrified blues rock that keeps them on the upward trajectory they've been cruising for some time." -torontoist.com
10. Weekend - Red
I was a huge shoe gazer fan in the 90 hearing these guys really takes me back. Toss them in with Catherine Wheel, Teenage Fanclub, Lush you just might forget what decade where in.
Singles (A couple more you gotta check out)
Friends - "I'm His Girl"
Daughter - "Love"
Elephant - "Wolf Cry"
-Curious spins Sundays from 7-9
Friday, January 13, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Dox
1. The Dears - Degeneration Street
While hardly without its moments of introspection and even heavy-handed worry and woe, the record is full of tunes that are brisk and compelling. Like in previous releases from these guys, this album is falling all over itself with examples of catchy tunes played with abandon: "Blood," "Thrones," "5 Chords" and "Yesteryear" all fit the bill. Similarly, the moments where things do get weepy ("Lamentation," "Galactic Tides") are gorgeous and never overstay their welcome. This—pound-for-pound—has to be the best bunch of tunes they’ve ever put together on an LP. It's Shit-hot musicianship; the band plays these tunes with euphoric vigour and an endless variety of feel.
2. TV on the Radio- Nine Types of Light
TV on The Radio prove once again to keep consistent with the quality of their fierce and focused playing and vocal delivery, within a distinctive soundscape that is uniquely their own. While tracks like "Caffeinated Consciousness," "No Future Shock" and "Repetition" are as a big and satisfyingly fat as they've ever been, the first mentioned track being an exhilarating romp replete with juicy horns and a wide swagger, overall the album embraces and explores the quieter side of the band, proudly populated mainly by heart swelling ballads and introspective moments. I think this is their consistently greatest work to date and will become a fan favourite for years to come.
3. The Horrors- Still Life
Haunted, emotive vocals over top of complex layers of sound textures that give you sensory stimulation overload, this is a stunning piece of work that spends a lot time moving toward the light instead of dwelling and even reveling in the darkness like equally brilliant previous effort Primary Colors mostly did. It's an uplifting experience, and sounds like it belongs in the golden archives of the post punk and new wave music movements (owing a lot of its sound to the Chameleons, Psychedelic Furs and Simple Minds in particular), but while sounding like it's affected by and relevant to the present time we live in.
4. A.A. Bondy- Believers
Though it was his earliest work that touched most heavily on themes of religion and redemption, there are songs on this record that sound like they might properly soundtrack a literal rapture. He is a man preparing for the impending end on this record, and while it seems like heavy material, the songs are performed so smoothly and with such powerful subtlety it makes it easy to digest and it just sinks into your very soul, leaving you feeling haunted by the listening experience. Hypnotizing and beautiful.
5. PJ Harvey- Let England Shake
What's perhaps most remarkable about this deservedly award winning album is that this record is so inviting, given its subject matter. Both a post-mortem of England's involvement in world wars past and an examination of its present, the album is unflinching in its focus on the horrors of war, the casualties of imperialism, and the fading of a nation that Harvey loves. Even when discussing these subjects, she sings with the kind of consistently clear and open tones that made her so many new fans on Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. She remains true to the obvious high standards Harvey keeps for herself, with convincing performances throughout.
6. Tom Waits- Bad as Me
While there were certainly gems in the wreckage of Orphans, you won't have to dig as deep on Bad as Me to uncover gold nugget after nugget of beautiful, emotionally sincere songwriting and masterful composition on what ranks as one of his finest albums to date. He scavenges through the junkyard of American music and salvages together exquisitely crafted songs that will move you and get you moving (with tracks like "Chicago," the title track and "Get Lost"). This could have been recorded around the time of Frank's Wild Years and Swordfishtrombones, a lost classic of his.
7. Hey Rosetta- Seeds
The arrangements are complex, yet extremely catchy. Hey Rosetta! tells beautiful stories through songs. The imagery in the lyrics along with the melodies catch your interest, surprise you with a variation to keep you entranced, build to a soaring climax and then return you softly to the chorus.If you're not already a fan of Hey Rosetta!, you definitely need to treat yourself to this album. Every time you listen to any of these songs, you will hear something you hadn’t noticed before, appreciate a subtle nuance, or find yourself anticipating the part where the strings are plucked or the horns make an exclamation point. This album is exquisitely produced.
8. Telekinesis- 12 Desperate Straight Lines
With a darker tone than his debut, Michael Benjamin Lerner's second release has a slick production, catchy hooks in every song that make them immediately memorable, soaring, building chord progressions (sometimes with a touch of post punk guitar wash), and emotional, melodic playing. It's a mix of driving and upbeat and dirty heavier tones, and an influence of both old and modern music (like the Cure meets the Shins) that he blends together perfectly. There is so much to love here not to mention the smart lyrics with some surprising depth and introspection.. There is just some magic formula to the way these songs are put together. This guy's really got it, right now.
10. Girls- Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Love summer pop candy? It's got that. Into majestic odes to being brokenhearted? Check. Need some of that lovely acoustic frailty that gets you all weak-kneed and misty-eyed? No worries. Dig on drugged-out guitar heroics? Hello....it's here, too. But most importantly, for a band so loved by critics (and title aside), it's all done with a serious lack of obnoxious posturing or irony. It's honestly written, beautifully paced and very well-played.
9. Say Hi- Um, Uh Oh
Dynamic multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Eric Elbogen has put together an album that's purely perfection through and through, charged with cool licks (including a 70's flavoured one that makes me think of Big Star), catchy tunes and sharp memorable lyrics, his best album to date though all his albums are well worth picking up. He's an unbelievably versatile talent, hard to guess upon listening to this album that it's one person behind all of this. It's a big leap forward for him musically, nowhere near as stripped down as his previous efforts, which were still awesome in their minimalism. Lots of tracks from this album were played to death by me this past year, like "Sister Needs A Settle," "Devils," "All the Pretty Ones," "My How it Comes" and "Take Ya Dancin'" and will no doubt continue to be staples of sets to come.
Very close contenders for the top 10: St. Vincent, Noah and the Whale, The Antlers, Gruff Rhys, Wye Oak, Viva Voce, the Vaccines, the Boxer Rebellion, Okkervil River, Bjork.
Honourable mentions: The Feelies, The Black Ghosts, Kurt Vile, Bright Eyes, S.C.U.M., Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Rifles, J Mascis, Thurston Moore, Mother Mother.
-Dox spins Saturdays from 7-9
While hardly without its moments of introspection and even heavy-handed worry and woe, the record is full of tunes that are brisk and compelling. Like in previous releases from these guys, this album is falling all over itself with examples of catchy tunes played with abandon: "Blood," "Thrones," "5 Chords" and "Yesteryear" all fit the bill. Similarly, the moments where things do get weepy ("Lamentation," "Galactic Tides") are gorgeous and never overstay their welcome. This—pound-for-pound—has to be the best bunch of tunes they’ve ever put together on an LP. It's Shit-hot musicianship; the band plays these tunes with euphoric vigour and an endless variety of feel.
2. TV on the Radio- Nine Types of Light
TV on The Radio prove once again to keep consistent with the quality of their fierce and focused playing and vocal delivery, within a distinctive soundscape that is uniquely their own. While tracks like "Caffeinated Consciousness," "No Future Shock" and "Repetition" are as a big and satisfyingly fat as they've ever been, the first mentioned track being an exhilarating romp replete with juicy horns and a wide swagger, overall the album embraces and explores the quieter side of the band, proudly populated mainly by heart swelling ballads and introspective moments. I think this is their consistently greatest work to date and will become a fan favourite for years to come.
3. The Horrors- Still Life
Haunted, emotive vocals over top of complex layers of sound textures that give you sensory stimulation overload, this is a stunning piece of work that spends a lot time moving toward the light instead of dwelling and even reveling in the darkness like equally brilliant previous effort Primary Colors mostly did. It's an uplifting experience, and sounds like it belongs in the golden archives of the post punk and new wave music movements (owing a lot of its sound to the Chameleons, Psychedelic Furs and Simple Minds in particular), but while sounding like it's affected by and relevant to the present time we live in.
4. A.A. Bondy- Believers
Though it was his earliest work that touched most heavily on themes of religion and redemption, there are songs on this record that sound like they might properly soundtrack a literal rapture. He is a man preparing for the impending end on this record, and while it seems like heavy material, the songs are performed so smoothly and with such powerful subtlety it makes it easy to digest and it just sinks into your very soul, leaving you feeling haunted by the listening experience. Hypnotizing and beautiful.
5. PJ Harvey- Let England Shake
What's perhaps most remarkable about this deservedly award winning album is that this record is so inviting, given its subject matter. Both a post-mortem of England's involvement in world wars past and an examination of its present, the album is unflinching in its focus on the horrors of war, the casualties of imperialism, and the fading of a nation that Harvey loves. Even when discussing these subjects, she sings with the kind of consistently clear and open tones that made her so many new fans on Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. She remains true to the obvious high standards Harvey keeps for herself, with convincing performances throughout.
6. Tom Waits- Bad as Me
While there were certainly gems in the wreckage of Orphans, you won't have to dig as deep on Bad as Me to uncover gold nugget after nugget of beautiful, emotionally sincere songwriting and masterful composition on what ranks as one of his finest albums to date. He scavenges through the junkyard of American music and salvages together exquisitely crafted songs that will move you and get you moving (with tracks like "Chicago," the title track and "Get Lost"). This could have been recorded around the time of Frank's Wild Years and Swordfishtrombones, a lost classic of his.
7. Hey Rosetta- Seeds
The arrangements are complex, yet extremely catchy. Hey Rosetta! tells beautiful stories through songs. The imagery in the lyrics along with the melodies catch your interest, surprise you with a variation to keep you entranced, build to a soaring climax and then return you softly to the chorus.If you're not already a fan of Hey Rosetta!, you definitely need to treat yourself to this album. Every time you listen to any of these songs, you will hear something you hadn’t noticed before, appreciate a subtle nuance, or find yourself anticipating the part where the strings are plucked or the horns make an exclamation point. This album is exquisitely produced.
8. Telekinesis- 12 Desperate Straight Lines
With a darker tone than his debut, Michael Benjamin Lerner's second release has a slick production, catchy hooks in every song that make them immediately memorable, soaring, building chord progressions (sometimes with a touch of post punk guitar wash), and emotional, melodic playing. It's a mix of driving and upbeat and dirty heavier tones, and an influence of both old and modern music (like the Cure meets the Shins) that he blends together perfectly. There is so much to love here not to mention the smart lyrics with some surprising depth and introspection.. There is just some magic formula to the way these songs are put together. This guy's really got it, right now.
10. Girls- Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Love summer pop candy? It's got that. Into majestic odes to being brokenhearted? Check. Need some of that lovely acoustic frailty that gets you all weak-kneed and misty-eyed? No worries. Dig on drugged-out guitar heroics? Hello....it's here, too. But most importantly, for a band so loved by critics (and title aside), it's all done with a serious lack of obnoxious posturing or irony. It's honestly written, beautifully paced and very well-played.
9. Say Hi- Um, Uh Oh
Dynamic multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Eric Elbogen has put together an album that's purely perfection through and through, charged with cool licks (including a 70's flavoured one that makes me think of Big Star), catchy tunes and sharp memorable lyrics, his best album to date though all his albums are well worth picking up. He's an unbelievably versatile talent, hard to guess upon listening to this album that it's one person behind all of this. It's a big leap forward for him musically, nowhere near as stripped down as his previous efforts, which were still awesome in their minimalism. Lots of tracks from this album were played to death by me this past year, like "Sister Needs A Settle," "Devils," "All the Pretty Ones," "My How it Comes" and "Take Ya Dancin'" and will no doubt continue to be staples of sets to come.
Very close contenders for the top 10: St. Vincent, Noah and the Whale, The Antlers, Gruff Rhys, Wye Oak, Viva Voce, the Vaccines, the Boxer Rebellion, Okkervil River, Bjork.
Honourable mentions: The Feelies, The Black Ghosts, Kurt Vile, Bright Eyes, S.C.U.M., Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Rifles, J Mascis, Thurston Moore, Mother Mother.
-Dox spins Saturdays from 7-9
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Mallory
1. Kirlian Camera - Nightglory
2. VNV Nation - Automatic
3. The Frozen Autumn - Chirality
4. Miserylab - Void of Life
5. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
6. This Morn' Omina - L'Unifications Des Forces Opposantes
7. Siva Six - The Twin Moons
8. Aïboforcen - Dédale
9. IAMX - Volatile Times
10. Acretongue - Strange Cargo
11. Mirko Hirsch - Obsession
12. Cold In May - Gone Away With The Memories
"I don't feel like commenting on my choices, but I will still say a few words about Nightglory from Kirlian Camera, as it is my top selection. First of all, this album is thoroughly beautiful. Not innocently, fresh-snow-in-the-sunlight beautiful. Rather, it has to do with a troubling, arcane, thoroughly elegant beauty.
As I was trying to describe this work in a bit more depth, the following lines from Maurice Blanchot came to mind: "While I was still in that state of mind... J. woke up without moving at all - that is, she looked at me. That look was very human: I don't mean affectionate or kind, since it was neither; but it wasn't cold or marked by the forces of this night."
If we understand "human" like Blanchot does, if we agree that "human" just means "not cold or marked by the forces of the night," then the album in question is not particularly human. Indeed, it owes absolutely everything to the forces of the night. It is, however, unmistakably, stunningly passionate. Few ever wander in the strange affective space that this material is gesturing towards, whence its arresting, but also dangerous power.
-Mallory spins Saturdays from 5-7
2. VNV Nation - Automatic
3. The Frozen Autumn - Chirality
4. Miserylab - Void of Life
5. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
6. This Morn' Omina - L'Unifications Des Forces Opposantes
7. Siva Six - The Twin Moons
8. Aïboforcen - Dédale
9. IAMX - Volatile Times
10. Acretongue - Strange Cargo
11. Mirko Hirsch - Obsession
12. Cold In May - Gone Away With The Memories
"I don't feel like commenting on my choices, but I will still say a few words about Nightglory from Kirlian Camera, as it is my top selection. First of all, this album is thoroughly beautiful. Not innocently, fresh-snow-in-the-sunlight beautiful. Rather, it has to do with a troubling, arcane, thoroughly elegant beauty.
As I was trying to describe this work in a bit more depth, the following lines from Maurice Blanchot came to mind: "While I was still in that state of mind... J. woke up without moving at all - that is, she looked at me. That look was very human: I don't mean affectionate or kind, since it was neither; but it wasn't cold or marked by the forces of this night."
If we understand "human" like Blanchot does, if we agree that "human" just means "not cold or marked by the forces of the night," then the album in question is not particularly human. Indeed, it owes absolutely everything to the forces of the night. It is, however, unmistakably, stunningly passionate. Few ever wander in the strange affective space that this material is gesturing towards, whence its arresting, but also dangerous power.
-Mallory spins Saturdays from 5-7
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Lolo
1. Neotropic - Equestrienne Remixes
Neotropic (Riz Malsen) started as a producer at Ninja Tune working with artists like Talivin Singh and Future Sound of London. Her first album (15 Levels of Magnification) was mostly drum and bass, the second (Mr. Brubaker's Strawberry Alarm-Clock) was experimental, the third (Prochaine Fois) featured found sound and loops. Each time she releases an album, it's a new sound.
Sample (Although “Inch Inch” from her album “White Rabbits” is one of my favorites. )
2. The Orb C batter C
I've been following Alex Patterson of the Orb since the first single ("Little Fluffy Clouds") and got to see him in concert a couple times (first nose-bleed ever! Wooo!). It's been fun to listen to his style change over the years. I still love what he does.
3. Talvin Singh Together
Talvin Singh worked with Future Sound of London before releasing his first solo album, OK. If you like Indian music, you should enjoy this.
4. Bjork Biophillia
I love everything this insane pixie does. Sample
5. Ugress Planet U
When I first heard “Kraken Bossa Nova”, I knew it was vital to my existence to own a copy. The rest of the album has not disappointed me. Sample
6. The Boyd Lee Dunlop Trio Boyd's Blues
Dunlop has been playing the piano for about 80 years and he finally got an album. Here's an excerpt with the story in the description.
7. The Real Tuesday Weld The Last Werewolf
I first fell in love with TRTW when they released I, Lucifer, another concept album that accompanied a Glenn Duncan novel. Here's an example from the newest album.
8. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk
Most folk State-side will know him as “House” (or George on Blackadder), but he's also a gifted musician. “You Don't Know My Mind” is a good song for singling along with, drunkenly, at top decibel. Sample
9. Tom Waits - Bad as Me
Dude, it's Tom. Do I really have to say anything? Sample
10. Library of Congress - National Jukebox
The website went live May of this year, filled with recordings that went into the public domain. This is my vote for best music release in 2011. http://www.loc.gov/jukebox/
Honorable Mention: Zuill Bailey, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados The Spanish Masters
I don't have this one yet, but everything I've heard from it is great and the concept is brilliant. Created using technology developed by a North Carolina company called Zenph: historic recordings from wax cylinders or scratchy 78s are recorded into a computer, which then analyzes the pianist's articulation (the timing of notes, how loudly or softly they're played, the attack and release of fingers from the keyboard). The data is then fed into a modern instrument fitted with a special playback mechanism; what amounts to a modern day player piano. Sample
-Lolo spins Fridays from 9-11
Neotropic (Riz Malsen) started as a producer at Ninja Tune working with artists like Talivin Singh and Future Sound of London. Her first album (15 Levels of Magnification) was mostly drum and bass, the second (Mr. Brubaker's Strawberry Alarm-Clock) was experimental, the third (Prochaine Fois) featured found sound and loops. Each time she releases an album, it's a new sound.
Sample (Although “Inch Inch” from her album “White Rabbits” is one of my favorites. )
2. The Orb C batter C
I've been following Alex Patterson of the Orb since the first single ("Little Fluffy Clouds") and got to see him in concert a couple times (first nose-bleed ever! Wooo!). It's been fun to listen to his style change over the years. I still love what he does.
3. Talvin Singh Together
Talvin Singh worked with Future Sound of London before releasing his first solo album, OK. If you like Indian music, you should enjoy this.
4. Bjork Biophillia
I love everything this insane pixie does. Sample
5. Ugress Planet U
When I first heard “Kraken Bossa Nova”, I knew it was vital to my existence to own a copy. The rest of the album has not disappointed me. Sample
6. The Boyd Lee Dunlop Trio Boyd's Blues
Dunlop has been playing the piano for about 80 years and he finally got an album. Here's an excerpt with the story in the description.
7. The Real Tuesday Weld The Last Werewolf
I first fell in love with TRTW when they released I, Lucifer, another concept album that accompanied a Glenn Duncan novel. Here's an example from the newest album.
8. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk
Most folk State-side will know him as “House” (or George on Blackadder), but he's also a gifted musician. “You Don't Know My Mind” is a good song for singling along with, drunkenly, at top decibel. Sample
9. Tom Waits - Bad as Me
Dude, it's Tom. Do I really have to say anything? Sample
10. Library of Congress - National Jukebox
The website went live May of this year, filled with recordings that went into the public domain. This is my vote for best music release in 2011. http://www.loc.gov/jukebox/
Honorable Mention: Zuill Bailey, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados The Spanish Masters
I don't have this one yet, but everything I've heard from it is great and the concept is brilliant. Created using technology developed by a North Carolina company called Zenph: historic recordings from wax cylinders or scratchy 78s are recorded into a computer, which then analyzes the pianist's articulation (the timing of notes, how loudly or softly they're played, the attack and release of fingers from the keyboard). The data is then fed into a modern instrument fitted with a special playback mechanism; what amounts to a modern day player piano. Sample
-Lolo spins Fridays from 9-11
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Allison
1. Fennesz + Sakamoto: Flumina
Christian Fennesz's Black Sea has been my go-to disk for dark, complex drone music for a while now, and I've stuck with Ryuichi Sakamoto through all his many self-reimaginings since Futurista. So when I heard that Sakamoto had recorded a short solo piano piece at the start of concert dates last year and passed 24 of them to Fennesz to work his magic, I was pretty stoked already. I wasn't disappointed. Okay, so I am gaga over this thing. For an album from such different artists, composed across great distance, it really works. I think with this haunting, beautiful collaboration, Fennesz has balanced the contributions perfectly across a hushed, heavenly two hours.
Track To Try: "330" -- In fact, someone's made a lovely little video for it right here.
2. Sweet Mother Logic: Natural History
Somebody has to say it. This is prog rock. And what sweet, joyous, superbly executed prog rock it is. Should I mention it's accomplished with an amorphous selection of instrumentation, including vintage synths, great drumming, and strings (among many, many other things)? I've been waiting three years since this group of Montrealers released their eponymous first album just to see what they'd do next. This time out, they've put together an eclectic collection of tunes that more than anything else, show how spectacular these arrangements are. Somebody's thinking hard about how all these diverse instruments fit together -- especially given the progginess of the songs. The mix of the synths with the strings and some fine percussion turn pretty melodies and harmonies into something special. No words, just right.
Track To Try: "Lord Tennyson" -- If you don't hear a bit of Beulah in this, you're not listening. If you can sit still, you're dead. I'm sorry.
3. Hazmat Modine: Cicada
It's New Orleans. No, it's New York. Oh hell, now it's Soweto. This outfit indiscriminately draws from all manner of world traditions to forge a unique global sound. Big brass (tuba, baritone sax, trombone, horn line) with Tom Waits/Leon Redbone-tinged vocals that move from Dixieland-styled jazz to hard blues and elsewhere without warning. The cut In Two Years would be at home on any number of ECM releases, with its subtle rhythm underpinning a lonely, exquisitely recorded solo trumpet, fading into a field recording of fireworks. Elsewhere, it's guitars, banjos, and fiddles to the fore and Bon Iveresque vocals. Never gets boring.
Track To Try: Difficult, given the broad range of material here. 1) "Dead Crow" (feat. Kronos Quartet) -- Guitar, banjo, quirky rhythm, and strings. 2) "Walking Stick" -- Waits-like tango with some fine brass work.
4. Leatherface: Live in Melbourne - Viva La Arthouse
Best driving to work album ever. One of my very favorite bands playing the now-closed Arthouse in Melbourne, doing every song I would like to hear them do live. By the time they power into Diego Garcia, I'm usually bellowing along and it feels like somebody strapped a rocket onto the Mini and I don't even SEE the traffic. Best Frankie Stubbs comment: "If I keep pulling me trousers up it's because Australian Customs thought I was carrying a load of smack in me belt, and I've lost weight on this kangaroo meat."
Track To Try: "I Want the Moon" -- A big, sweaty brick wall version of one of their top songs. Also, their canny encore cover of Nine Inch Nails' (via Johnny Cash) "Hurt" (the band is known for their interesting selection of covers -- You Are My Sunshine anyone?).
5. Ikebe Shakedown: Ikebe Shakedown
A little camp, a lot of originality, and tons of musicianship, these guys manage to split the difference perfectly between Capetown jazz and '70s porn soundtracks. Seriously, when I hear this stuff, I imagine Chest Rockwell jumping from rooftop to rooftop or gettin' down with da ladies. With that big, honking bari sax in the middle of the mix, this music makes either the vertical expression of a horizontal idea, or vice versa, equally viable options.
Track To Try: "Don't Contradict" -- A bongo/wahwah-paloosa™ with tight horn riffs and a trumpet solo that's all Hugh Masekela.
6. Vijay Iyer with Prasanna & Nitin Mitta: Tirtha
I think it's safe to say Iyer is the only musician on this list with a Ph.D. from Cal Berkeley. He's on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music. And man, can this guy play. The addition of the tabla (Iyer is of Indian Tamil descent) and the guitar allow for a completely different feel. There's so much concentration on rhythm here, at times this stuff sounds minimalist. It's great music to get lost in.
Track To Try: "Falsehood" -- Probably the least "out there" piece on the album, but you still get the feel for what they're doing here. Plus, it's very pretty.
7. The Mountain Goats: All Eternals Deck
If John Darnielle wasn't penning hyperliterate lyrics and fronting this band, he'd be right at home in the Big Bang Theory cast. I'll be honest -- I've loved this band for a long, long time, so I'm probably terribly biased, but this album delivers the kind of breadth I expect from Darnielle, both stylistically and in his selection of material. You have stark, you have big stringy sounds, you have bouncy almost-rockers, and a real rocker about the dissolution of a marriage. In a lot of ways, these are terse little short stories set to music. I just love where this album takes my brain.
Track To Try: "Birth of Serpents" -- It's photography, it's herpetology, it's… it's brilliant.
8. A Winged Victory for the Sullen: A Winged Victory for the Sullen
Reminds me a bit of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra mixed with Arvo Pärt and Brian Eno. From the opening whisper of "We Played Some Open Chords" to the solo piano benediction at the end of "All Farewells Are Sudden," A Winged Victory for the Sullen takes you across some marvelously wintry landscapes. In fact, it surprises me that this group isn't Scandinavian (they're actually Americans composer Dustin J. O'Halloran and Adam Wiltzie of Stars of the Lid accompanied by the American Contemporary Music Ensemble), because at times they really work that Ólafur Arnalds feeling pretty hard. The perfect album for a snowy evening.
Track To Try: "Steep Hills of Vicodin Tears" -- Builds like the light on a deep winter morning, illuminating, but only so much.
9. Fantastic Voyage Records: Jazz Noire (Compilation)
Just imagine yourself in black and white. The fog rolls in and a lonely saxophone wails. Ordinarily, I'm not big on compilations, but this one looked promising, and it surely delivers. The depth this collection shows is pretty remarkable, and really captures the feeling of Film Noire. Plus, everything has cleaned up very well. It's an easy one-album way of getting your fix of Ella, Etta, Sarah, Mingus, and more. Track To Try: "What Ev'ry Woman Knows" Etta Jones With Luther Henderson & His Orchestra -- Sultry vocals, lonely sax perfection, and a knowing lyric.
10. Jackie Oates: Saturnine
This one came on the recommendation of the good folks at "The Word." Oates has a marvelously sweet voice that fits the (mostly) traditional British folk songs here. The arrangements are just-right sparse, and fit her voice very well. I expect great things from Oates in the future.
Track To Try: "The Trees They Are So High" -- A tragic ballad of an arranged marriage with a section of spoken Welsh in the middle. Kind of sums up the whole thing.
Honorable mentions: Frank Turner, England Keep My Bones; Brian Eno, Drums Between The Bells; Antonymes, Like Rumours Of Hushed Thunder; Sinikka Langeland, The Land That Is Not
-Allison spins Fridays from 5-7
Christian Fennesz's Black Sea has been my go-to disk for dark, complex drone music for a while now, and I've stuck with Ryuichi Sakamoto through all his many self-reimaginings since Futurista. So when I heard that Sakamoto had recorded a short solo piano piece at the start of concert dates last year and passed 24 of them to Fennesz to work his magic, I was pretty stoked already. I wasn't disappointed. Okay, so I am gaga over this thing. For an album from such different artists, composed across great distance, it really works. I think with this haunting, beautiful collaboration, Fennesz has balanced the contributions perfectly across a hushed, heavenly two hours.
Track To Try: "330" -- In fact, someone's made a lovely little video for it right here.
2. Sweet Mother Logic: Natural History
Somebody has to say it. This is prog rock. And what sweet, joyous, superbly executed prog rock it is. Should I mention it's accomplished with an amorphous selection of instrumentation, including vintage synths, great drumming, and strings (among many, many other things)? I've been waiting three years since this group of Montrealers released their eponymous first album just to see what they'd do next. This time out, they've put together an eclectic collection of tunes that more than anything else, show how spectacular these arrangements are. Somebody's thinking hard about how all these diverse instruments fit together -- especially given the progginess of the songs. The mix of the synths with the strings and some fine percussion turn pretty melodies and harmonies into something special. No words, just right.
Track To Try: "Lord Tennyson" -- If you don't hear a bit of Beulah in this, you're not listening. If you can sit still, you're dead. I'm sorry.
3. Hazmat Modine: Cicada
It's New Orleans. No, it's New York. Oh hell, now it's Soweto. This outfit indiscriminately draws from all manner of world traditions to forge a unique global sound. Big brass (tuba, baritone sax, trombone, horn line) with Tom Waits/Leon Redbone-tinged vocals that move from Dixieland-styled jazz to hard blues and elsewhere without warning. The cut In Two Years would be at home on any number of ECM releases, with its subtle rhythm underpinning a lonely, exquisitely recorded solo trumpet, fading into a field recording of fireworks. Elsewhere, it's guitars, banjos, and fiddles to the fore and Bon Iveresque vocals. Never gets boring.
Track To Try: Difficult, given the broad range of material here. 1) "Dead Crow" (feat. Kronos Quartet) -- Guitar, banjo, quirky rhythm, and strings. 2) "Walking Stick" -- Waits-like tango with some fine brass work.
4. Leatherface: Live in Melbourne - Viva La Arthouse
Best driving to work album ever. One of my very favorite bands playing the now-closed Arthouse in Melbourne, doing every song I would like to hear them do live. By the time they power into Diego Garcia, I'm usually bellowing along and it feels like somebody strapped a rocket onto the Mini and I don't even SEE the traffic. Best Frankie Stubbs comment: "If I keep pulling me trousers up it's because Australian Customs thought I was carrying a load of smack in me belt, and I've lost weight on this kangaroo meat."
Track To Try: "I Want the Moon" -- A big, sweaty brick wall version of one of their top songs. Also, their canny encore cover of Nine Inch Nails' (via Johnny Cash) "Hurt" (the band is known for their interesting selection of covers -- You Are My Sunshine anyone?).
5. Ikebe Shakedown: Ikebe Shakedown
A little camp, a lot of originality, and tons of musicianship, these guys manage to split the difference perfectly between Capetown jazz and '70s porn soundtracks. Seriously, when I hear this stuff, I imagine Chest Rockwell jumping from rooftop to rooftop or gettin' down with da ladies. With that big, honking bari sax in the middle of the mix, this music makes either the vertical expression of a horizontal idea, or vice versa, equally viable options.
Track To Try: "Don't Contradict" -- A bongo/wahwah-paloosa™ with tight horn riffs and a trumpet solo that's all Hugh Masekela.
6. Vijay Iyer with Prasanna & Nitin Mitta: Tirtha
I think it's safe to say Iyer is the only musician on this list with a Ph.D. from Cal Berkeley. He's on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music. And man, can this guy play. The addition of the tabla (Iyer is of Indian Tamil descent) and the guitar allow for a completely different feel. There's so much concentration on rhythm here, at times this stuff sounds minimalist. It's great music to get lost in.
Track To Try: "Falsehood" -- Probably the least "out there" piece on the album, but you still get the feel for what they're doing here. Plus, it's very pretty.
7. The Mountain Goats: All Eternals Deck
If John Darnielle wasn't penning hyperliterate lyrics and fronting this band, he'd be right at home in the Big Bang Theory cast. I'll be honest -- I've loved this band for a long, long time, so I'm probably terribly biased, but this album delivers the kind of breadth I expect from Darnielle, both stylistically and in his selection of material. You have stark, you have big stringy sounds, you have bouncy almost-rockers, and a real rocker about the dissolution of a marriage. In a lot of ways, these are terse little short stories set to music. I just love where this album takes my brain.
Track To Try: "Birth of Serpents" -- It's photography, it's herpetology, it's… it's brilliant.
8. A Winged Victory for the Sullen: A Winged Victory for the Sullen
Reminds me a bit of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra mixed with Arvo Pärt and Brian Eno. From the opening whisper of "We Played Some Open Chords" to the solo piano benediction at the end of "All Farewells Are Sudden," A Winged Victory for the Sullen takes you across some marvelously wintry landscapes. In fact, it surprises me that this group isn't Scandinavian (they're actually Americans composer Dustin J. O'Halloran and Adam Wiltzie of Stars of the Lid accompanied by the American Contemporary Music Ensemble), because at times they really work that Ólafur Arnalds feeling pretty hard. The perfect album for a snowy evening.
Track To Try: "Steep Hills of Vicodin Tears" -- Builds like the light on a deep winter morning, illuminating, but only so much.
9. Fantastic Voyage Records: Jazz Noire (Compilation)
Just imagine yourself in black and white. The fog rolls in and a lonely saxophone wails. Ordinarily, I'm not big on compilations, but this one looked promising, and it surely delivers. The depth this collection shows is pretty remarkable, and really captures the feeling of Film Noire. Plus, everything has cleaned up very well. It's an easy one-album way of getting your fix of Ella, Etta, Sarah, Mingus, and more. Track To Try: "What Ev'ry Woman Knows" Etta Jones With Luther Henderson & His Orchestra -- Sultry vocals, lonely sax perfection, and a knowing lyric.
10. Jackie Oates: Saturnine
This one came on the recommendation of the good folks at "The Word." Oates has a marvelously sweet voice that fits the (mostly) traditional British folk songs here. The arrangements are just-right sparse, and fit her voice very well. I expect great things from Oates in the future.
Track To Try: "The Trees They Are So High" -- A tragic ballad of an arranged marriage with a section of spoken Welsh in the middle. Kind of sums up the whole thing.
Honorable mentions: Frank Turner, England Keep My Bones; Brian Eno, Drums Between The Bells; Antonymes, Like Rumours Of Hushed Thunder; Sinikka Langeland, The Land That Is Not
-Allison spins Fridays from 5-7
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Moby
I started with a list of about 100 albums, then cut it down to 50, then to 25. I do think my pick for the best album of the year, The Big Roar by The Joy Formidable, is rock solid. But beyond that, the numbers 2 through 10 that I pick today are probably going to be different from the ones I would have picked a week ago or a week from now. Much depends on the mood of the moment.
Basically, I’m picking the albums that I most enjoy listening to. But an added criterion for me is that the album can’t have just a few really good songs; it must have some scope, some depth.
That said, here’s my list:
1. The Big Roar, by The Joy Formidable.
I must admit that my passion for this album is likely colored by the fact that I witnessed this Welsh (by way of London) three-piece deliver an unforgettable live performance in my town BEFORE I heard the album. I fell in love with them that night, and it surely has influenced my response to the album. I hate to pigeonhole it as “90’s rock,” but that’s probably the closest thing to a label you can attach to it. It’s loud and aggressive, but in an uplifting fashion—and the songs are brilliantly structured, oftentimes delivering multiple climaxes. In addition, frontwoman Ritzy Bryan is one dazzling pixy chick.
2. Strange Behavior, by Screen Vinyl Images.
This pick may also be the product of bias—in this case, temporal bias. This is a brand-new album, released Dec. 13, and I can’t get enough of it. They’re a noisegaze three-piece from the DC area and they describe their music as “a combination of extremely loud guitars and cold electronics.” There’s a strong Jesus & Mary Chain influence here as well as psychedelia. Very dark and dramatic.
3. West, by Wooden Shjips.
So maybe the droning darkness of Screen Vinyl Images has influenced my decision to place another dark, droning band in the three slot. In this case, it’s hardcore psychedelia from a San Francisco four-piece that does this stuff better than anyone (including The Black Angels). Solid from start to finish.
4. Eureka, by Mother Mother.
Someday the world will discover this outstanding Vancouver quintet. This is their second album, and, like their first, it features superbly crafted pop tunes built around boy/girl vocal interplays that sometimes sound like conversations. Light-hearted, energetic, inventive.
5. Um, Uh Oh, by Say Hi.
Eric Elbogen, the former Say Hi to Your Mom, is now Say Hi and he’s really matured into a great songwriter/performer. This is his seventh album and it’s just one solid, hooks-laden tune after another with blues tinges here and there.
6. El Camino, by The Black Keys.
The Keys are big-time now and so it’s not surprising that this album is slicker than their previous efforts. But is Dan Auerbach constitutionally capable of doing bad work?
7. Believers, by A.A. Bondy.
Haunting, haunting album that evokes an image of sad wanderers and empty American landscapes. Best listened to with a glass of whiskey.
8. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, by Girls.
Lead guy Christopher Owens if one of the best songwriters in indie pop. You think of Girls tunes as being kinda sweet and sentimental, but on their new album the songs are more muscular—and even a bit bluesy in a couple of places.
9. What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?, by the Vaccines.
This is a major-label release (Columbia), but it’s so solid that I’ve got to put it in my top 10. They’re a new British four-piece, having formed in 2010, and they’re quite eclectic, drawing from the early ‘60s, punk, garage, etc.
10. The Wombats Proudly Present…This Modern Glitch by The Wombats.
Clever, upbeat Britpop at its best. I love bands with a sense of humor and this album makes me smile and laugh.
Finally, 10 more albums that might be on the list on another day when I’m in a different mood:
All at Once, The Airborne Toxic Event
When Animals Stare, The Black Ghosts
Cults, Cults
Sound Kapital, Handsome Furs
Will the Guns Come Out, Hanni El Khatib
The English Riviera, Metronomy
Replicants, Millionyoung
Welcome to Condale, Summer Camp
The Future Will Destroy You, Viva Voce
Forever Today, I’m From Barcelona
-Moby spins Fridays from 7-9
Basically, I’m picking the albums that I most enjoy listening to. But an added criterion for me is that the album can’t have just a few really good songs; it must have some scope, some depth.
That said, here’s my list:
1. The Big Roar, by The Joy Formidable.
I must admit that my passion for this album is likely colored by the fact that I witnessed this Welsh (by way of London) three-piece deliver an unforgettable live performance in my town BEFORE I heard the album. I fell in love with them that night, and it surely has influenced my response to the album. I hate to pigeonhole it as “90’s rock,” but that’s probably the closest thing to a label you can attach to it. It’s loud and aggressive, but in an uplifting fashion—and the songs are brilliantly structured, oftentimes delivering multiple climaxes. In addition, frontwoman Ritzy Bryan is one dazzling pixy chick.
2. Strange Behavior, by Screen Vinyl Images.
This pick may also be the product of bias—in this case, temporal bias. This is a brand-new album, released Dec. 13, and I can’t get enough of it. They’re a noisegaze three-piece from the DC area and they describe their music as “a combination of extremely loud guitars and cold electronics.” There’s a strong Jesus & Mary Chain influence here as well as psychedelia. Very dark and dramatic.
3. West, by Wooden Shjips.
So maybe the droning darkness of Screen Vinyl Images has influenced my decision to place another dark, droning band in the three slot. In this case, it’s hardcore psychedelia from a San Francisco four-piece that does this stuff better than anyone (including The Black Angels). Solid from start to finish.
4. Eureka, by Mother Mother.
Someday the world will discover this outstanding Vancouver quintet. This is their second album, and, like their first, it features superbly crafted pop tunes built around boy/girl vocal interplays that sometimes sound like conversations. Light-hearted, energetic, inventive.
5. Um, Uh Oh, by Say Hi.
Eric Elbogen, the former Say Hi to Your Mom, is now Say Hi and he’s really matured into a great songwriter/performer. This is his seventh album and it’s just one solid, hooks-laden tune after another with blues tinges here and there.
6. El Camino, by The Black Keys.
The Keys are big-time now and so it’s not surprising that this album is slicker than their previous efforts. But is Dan Auerbach constitutionally capable of doing bad work?
7. Believers, by A.A. Bondy.
Haunting, haunting album that evokes an image of sad wanderers and empty American landscapes. Best listened to with a glass of whiskey.
8. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, by Girls.
Lead guy Christopher Owens if one of the best songwriters in indie pop. You think of Girls tunes as being kinda sweet and sentimental, but on their new album the songs are more muscular—and even a bit bluesy in a couple of places.
9. What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?, by the Vaccines.
This is a major-label release (Columbia), but it’s so solid that I’ve got to put it in my top 10. They’re a new British four-piece, having formed in 2010, and they’re quite eclectic, drawing from the early ‘60s, punk, garage, etc.
10. The Wombats Proudly Present…This Modern Glitch by The Wombats.
Clever, upbeat Britpop at its best. I love bands with a sense of humor and this album makes me smile and laugh.
Finally, 10 more albums that might be on the list on another day when I’m in a different mood:
All at Once, The Airborne Toxic Event
When Animals Stare, The Black Ghosts
Cults, Cults
Sound Kapital, Handsome Furs
Will the Guns Come Out, Hanni El Khatib
The English Riviera, Metronomy
Replicants, Millionyoung
Welcome to Condale, Summer Camp
The Future Will Destroy You, Viva Voce
Forever Today, I’m From Barcelona
-Moby spins Fridays from 7-9
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - NTropy
I have trouble keeping my reviews to a few lines. So suffice to say I like all my top 10 pretty equally. 2011 was a great year for cool tunes of many genres. The list below is not representative of ALL the great stuff in 2011.
1. Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know
2. St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
3. The Black Keys - El Camino
4. Tom Waits - Bad As Me
5. Hayes Carll - KMAG YOYO
6. Blackfield - Welcome to my DNA
7. Nick Lowe - The Old Magic
8. Wilco - The Whole Love
9. Broken Bells - Meyrin Fields EP
10. Ry Cooder - Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down
-NTropy spins Thursdays from 4-7
1. Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know
2. St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
3. The Black Keys - El Camino
4. Tom Waits - Bad As Me
5. Hayes Carll - KMAG YOYO
6. Blackfield - Welcome to my DNA
7. Nick Lowe - The Old Magic
8. Wilco - The Whole Love
9. Broken Bells - Meyrin Fields EP
10. Ry Cooder - Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down
-NTropy spins Thursdays from 4-7
Monday, January 9, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Lux
1. James Blake: James Blake
2. Toro y Moi: Underneath the Pine
3. a. Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Unknown Mortal Orchestra
b. Battles: Gloss Drop
c. White Denim: D
4. a. Panda Bear: Tomboy
b. Bon Iver: Bon Iver
c. Blasted Canyons: #1
d. Yuck: Yuck
5. a. Seasicks Steve: You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
b. Lumerians - Transmalinnia
c. St. Vincent: Strange Mercy
6. The Black Keys: El Camino
7. Future Islands: On the Water
8. Smith Westerns: Dye it Blonde
9. Blitzen Trapper: American Goldwing
10. Brett Detar: Bird in the Tangle
I'm very aware my list may seem 'lop-sided' to some even though I'm undoubtedly sure I nailed my fave, James Blake's self-titled album.
Music is like food to me. I eat my favourite things over and over again (hummus & pita bread) until wear out my craving. Some of you don't think the idea of eating hummus continuously is appetizing I'm sure, due to it's color and texture...but I think it's good shit. I'm only comparing my love for hummus, not it's seemingly bland characteristics.
So, I 'nom' on the same thing for a while...then I get the itch to try something new or out of my routine and thus comes my mish-mash (mmm, potatos) of other albums.
If you were to ask me in 3 months time for my 'Faves of 2011',
it would probably be significantly different. Again I will reiterate, the top I nailed. It's moody, etheral, enjoyable, unique and an album I will probably always savor, such as Eno's, 'Spider & I'.
Anyway! As you see, my list contains 17 albums. When I started I had a 'top 3' then added, removed, added, re-ranked.
Doing things like this is not fun for me. I do not have a favourite color...and as I'm typing this, I've decided to re-do my list to something that makes sense TO ME. My brain is complicated....so enjoy disecting my 'Top 10 of 11'!
-Lux spins Tuesdays from 7-9SLT
2. Toro y Moi: Underneath the Pine
3. a. Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Unknown Mortal Orchestra
b. Battles: Gloss Drop
c. White Denim: D
4. a. Panda Bear: Tomboy
b. Bon Iver: Bon Iver
c. Blasted Canyons: #1
d. Yuck: Yuck
5. a. Seasicks Steve: You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
b. Lumerians - Transmalinnia
c. St. Vincent: Strange Mercy
6. The Black Keys: El Camino
7. Future Islands: On the Water
8. Smith Westerns: Dye it Blonde
9. Blitzen Trapper: American Goldwing
10. Brett Detar: Bird in the Tangle
I'm very aware my list may seem 'lop-sided' to some even though I'm undoubtedly sure I nailed my fave, James Blake's self-titled album.
Music is like food to me. I eat my favourite things over and over again (hummus & pita bread) until wear out my craving. Some of you don't think the idea of eating hummus continuously is appetizing I'm sure, due to it's color and texture...but I think it's good shit. I'm only comparing my love for hummus, not it's seemingly bland characteristics.
So, I 'nom' on the same thing for a while...then I get the itch to try something new or out of my routine and thus comes my mish-mash (mmm, potatos) of other albums.
If you were to ask me in 3 months time for my 'Faves of 2011',
it would probably be significantly different. Again I will reiterate, the top I nailed. It's moody, etheral, enjoyable, unique and an album I will probably always savor, such as Eno's, 'Spider & I'.
Anyway! As you see, my list contains 17 albums. When I started I had a 'top 3' then added, removed, added, re-ranked.
Doing things like this is not fun for me. I do not have a favourite color...and as I'm typing this, I've decided to re-do my list to something that makes sense TO ME. My brain is complicated....so enjoy disecting my 'Top 10 of 11'!
-Lux spins Tuesdays from 7-9SLT
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Chrisodd
1. Gang Gang Dance - Eye Contact
2. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
3. The Caretaker - An Empty Bliss Beyond This World
4. Cold Cave - Cherish The Light Years
5. May Roosevelt - Haunted
6. Leyland Kirby - Eager To Tear Apart The Stars
7. Julia Holter - Tragedy
8. Destroyer - Kaputt
9. 2L8 - New Battles,Without Honor And Humanity
10. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
Honorable Mention:
Thee Oh Sees - Carrion Crawler /The Dream, Fatima Al Qadiri - Genre-Specific Xperience, Moon Wiring Club - Clutch it Like a Gonk, Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams, Cults - Cults
- Chrisodd spins Mondays from 3-5
2. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
3. The Caretaker - An Empty Bliss Beyond This World
4. Cold Cave - Cherish The Light Years
5. May Roosevelt - Haunted
6. Leyland Kirby - Eager To Tear Apart The Stars
7. Julia Holter - Tragedy
8. Destroyer - Kaputt
9. 2L8 - New Battles,Without Honor And Humanity
10. Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi
Honorable Mention:
Thee Oh Sees - Carrion Crawler /The Dream, Fatima Al Qadiri - Genre-Specific Xperience, Moon Wiring Club - Clutch it Like a Gonk, Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams, Cults - Cults
- Chrisodd spins Mondays from 3-5
Favorite Albums of 2011 - Aleks
The Good Natured - Skeleton EP
An excellent debut EP from a band out of the UK that delivers really good electropop songs. The CASIO-style synths are the weakest part of the lineup, but Sarah McIntosh's voice and lyricism more than makes up for it.
Phantogram - Nightlife EP
Excellent drum machine rhythms and Phantogram's lead female vocalist's haunting melodies put this on my favorites of 2011.
Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix
So many excellent tracks. "How Can you Swallow So Much Sleep," "Shuffle," "Lights Out/Words Gone," "Your Eyes," etc.
Girl in a Coma - Exits & All the Rest
Another excellent debut album from a new band out of Austin. Has that soft female vocalist thing I'm so keen on.
Kill Moi - Hold Me, Motherfucker
Besides the excellent album name, Kill Moi knows how to use just enough brass instrument to add flair to their tracks without drowning or ruining in it. Sort of a My Jerusalem thing with a bit more intensity.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
A Velvet favorite. No comment necessary.
Veda Rays - Beta Rays, Gamma Rays, Veda Rays
A personal favorite. Their lyricism makes references to such famous literary classics as Brave New World, and while their lead singer sounds like Eddie Van Halen on a few tracks, this slight is soon forgiven when you hear them on "Our Ford."
-Aleks spins Mondays from 5-7
An excellent debut EP from a band out of the UK that delivers really good electropop songs. The CASIO-style synths are the weakest part of the lineup, but Sarah McIntosh's voice and lyricism more than makes up for it.
Phantogram - Nightlife EP
Excellent drum machine rhythms and Phantogram's lead female vocalist's haunting melodies put this on my favorites of 2011.
Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix
So many excellent tracks. "How Can you Swallow So Much Sleep," "Shuffle," "Lights Out/Words Gone," "Your Eyes," etc.
Girl in a Coma - Exits & All the Rest
Another excellent debut album from a new band out of Austin. Has that soft female vocalist thing I'm so keen on.
Kill Moi - Hold Me, Motherfucker
Besides the excellent album name, Kill Moi knows how to use just enough brass instrument to add flair to their tracks without drowning or ruining in it. Sort of a My Jerusalem thing with a bit more intensity.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
A Velvet favorite. No comment necessary.
Veda Rays - Beta Rays, Gamma Rays, Veda Rays
A personal favorite. Their lyricism makes references to such famous literary classics as Brave New World, and while their lead singer sounds like Eddie Van Halen on a few tracks, this slight is soon forgiven when you hear them on "Our Ford."
-Aleks spins Mondays from 5-7
Our Favorites of 2011
Starting today, and throughout the week, I'll be posting the lists made by some of the staff of their favorite albums of 2011.
It's worth saying that no one at Velvet is a music critic. Our role as djs is to be enthusiasts, fans and advocates for the music we find worthwhile enough to bring back and share at a set. In some cases, we've chosen albums we might not play at a set, because it doesn't necessarily fit the kind of music we might normally play.
At any rate, we hope you'll enjoy these glimpses into the albums that most made 2011 such a thrilling year for us musically. Here's hoping that through these posts you'll find a record or two to try out, or learn something about what makes the brains behind some of your favorite sets tick.
It's worth saying that no one at Velvet is a music critic. Our role as djs is to be enthusiasts, fans and advocates for the music we find worthwhile enough to bring back and share at a set. In some cases, we've chosen albums we might not play at a set, because it doesn't necessarily fit the kind of music we might normally play.
At any rate, we hope you'll enjoy these glimpses into the albums that most made 2011 such a thrilling year for us musically. Here's hoping that through these posts you'll find a record or two to try out, or learn something about what makes the brains behind some of your favorite sets tick.
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