Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
I had the opportunity to see Grizzly Bear as the opener for Feist in SF a few years back, and while I thought they were pretty good, nothing about their music blew me away. I just started listening to their latest album: Veckatimest, and I must admit that I have officially changed my tune on this band. No pun intended. I am just starting to absorb and appreciate the album, but a few of the songs have really grabbed me, the first of which is ‘Two Weeks’. Here’s the video.
Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
If this is the first time you’ve heard Camera Obscura, and are a fan of Belle & Sebastian, you’ll notice similarities between the two groups right away. Both focus on super catchy, sweet, melodic pop music. If you didn’t listen to the words of either group, you might be quick to judge and even think to yourself while their records are playing: how cute is that? Like Belle & Sebastian, Camera Obscura have built quite a following and it’s safe to say that their fourth album; ‘My Maudlin Career’ will further solidify their place in the Indie-Pop pantheon. I just recently threw this album into my daily rotation, but noticed some standouts on this album the first time through. A few cuts I like: ‘Honey in the Sun’, ‘French Navy’, ‘Swans’. Here’s the video for ‘French Navy’. Catch it before YouTube brings it down.
Metric - Fantasies
Some of you may know that I am a huge fan of all things Canadian. My mother was Canadian, there are heaps of great Actors/Comedians that have come from our northern neighbors and the music scene in Toronto is, from what I can tell, incredible. I understand that the band Metric was formed in New York, but Emily Haines was born in India and raised in Toronto … so that’s cool enough for me. They are a Canadian Indie/Pop/New-Wave band and I dig them a ho’ lot. Their latest album; Fantasies was just released and I’ve been logging some serious time grooving to it. Assuming you have any taste in music whatsoever, you may like this album as well. Here’s the Single “Help I’m Alive”. Peace!
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Band of Horses - The Fox Theater - 4/17/2009
Last night, Amy and myself, along with our friends Karolina, Dave, Jennie and Gordon went to Sidebar for dinner and then hit The Fox Theater to see Band of Horses. I don’t have the set list yet, but they played a mix of songs from Everything All The Time and Cease to Begin as well as some songs off their new album, which, if I heard them right is titled “My Rainbows”. The vocals from Ben Bridwell were impressive, although you could definitely hear his voice strain by the end of the encore. The guy puts a lot of energy into each song and it seems obvious to me that he is the personality in the band.
If I had to describe in one word, what feeling I walked away with after the show; happiness. Their music is really uplifting, which is strange to say, since I’ve been listening to them for years and never thought about how happy of a vibe they promote in their words and lyrics. They kicked off the show with a great performance of “The Great Salt Lake”. They played every song I could have hoped for and their set lasted about 90 minutes. A huge bigfoot lookin’ dude next to us yelled at the band towards the end of the show with “islands on the coast, play that shit!”. The band ignored the request and instead, I believe, played “No One’s Gonna Love You”.
What made the whole experience even sweeter, was the fact that we were able to see Band of Horses at the recently renovated Fox Theater in Oakland. What an awesome venue this was. The detail and finish on the place was incredible and the layout had a great flow to it. I am looking forward to seeing a wide array of live performances at this theater over the coming years and am absolutely psyched for the city and what that theater will do for Midtown Oakland.
A great meal, great beer, good friends and a seriously rockin’ band in a beautiful theater. What else do you need?
Heartless Bastards - The Mountain
This group was a recommendation from Last.fm and from the very first cut off their new album, I was mesmerized. The vocals by Erika Wennerstrom are just incredible. She has this smoky/sultry quality to her voice, but something about her style is comforting. Since I’ve been into bluesy rock lately, it’s not a surprise that I’d get hooked on this album. Heartless Bastards are on Fat Possum Records (they have a roster that includes Wavves, Dan Auerbach, Andrew Bird et al). Since I don’t believe I can do right by this album through my spastic writing style, please just take a listen and let me know what you think. This is the title track to their new album titled ‘The Mountain’.
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Aceyalone - The Way It Was EP
No matter how catchy the songs are, a 2-song EP is not necessarily indicative of the quality you’ll get with the following full-length. I’ll definitely want to listen to the LP after it’s drop (I believe March 31), but this sounds fresh. I have some friends, one in particular, that is constantly bagging on WC Hip-Hop and insists that all of the good Hip-Hop comes out of the East Coast. I am always reminding him of artists/groups like Too Short, Freestyle Fellowship, Del, Hieroglyphics, Pharcyde and the list goes on and on. Anyways, back to the post at hand. Don’t sleep on Aceyalone! Until you can get your hands on the album, take a listen to “The Lonely Ones”.
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Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
I think I originally heard about this album on Stereogum, but I can’t remember for sure. Nonetheless, Andrew Bird is an extremely talented Singer/Songwriter and in my humble opinion, a world class whistler. Since I’m relatively new to his music, I did some research. Noble Beast is his fourth studio album and there are a number of incredible tracks on this record. If you like strings, then this is your album. Guitar, violin, sitar (just kidding) or whatever you’re into, this guy can do it all. A few tracks that deserve extra-special, four-star sorta recognition: ‘Fitz & Dizzyspells’, ‘Souverian’, ‘Oh No’ and ‘Not A Robot, But A Ghost’.
Bishop Allen - Grrr…
Since I’m really into new and different types of music, and I am just arrogant enough to think people care about this fact, I’ve decided to share my ‘Best Of’ selections throughout the year. I will probably still tie everything together with a Top 10 List at the end of December, but I think it’s nice to hear about new albums while they’re, well, new. The first album I wanted to share is by Bishop Allen . With a title like Grrr…, I expected a fun album and the band does not disappoint. This album has been in heavy rotation on the Apple TV on weekends and in my ride. Elliot really digs this album, and when I play it, he seems to just get swept away by the catchy beats and variety of instruments. His favorite cuts are “Oklahoma”, “Dimmer”, “The Ancient Commonsense of Things” and “Don’t Hideaway”. Here’s the video for their first single. Hope you enjoy. Peace out.
My Top 10 Albums of 2008
For the loyal readers of my blog (all three of you), I wanted to share my Top 10 Albums of 2008 in addition to my annual list of Top 10 Songs. I can appreciate a hot or catchy single, but I have a different sort of appreciation and respect for groups that create albums of exceptional quality with high replay value. So, withour further ado, here is my first annual Top 10 Albums of 2008.
#10 Modern Guilt by Beck
Some have lukewarm feelings about Danger Mouse’s latest production effort, but I really enjoyed it. This is still a Beck album of course, and there are enough twisted lyrics to keep fans happy, but I think this is his most accessible album since Midnight Vultures.
I Dig: ‘Gamma Ray’, ‘Chemtrails’, ‘Modern Guilt’, ‘Profanity Prayers’
#9 You & Me by The Walkmen
I can listen to this album on loop over and over again and not get tired of it. I’m not going to front like I’m a real music critic, but this album has some serious depth, in that it has just the right amount of pop.
I Dig: ‘In the New Year’, ‘Red Moon’, ‘Four Provinces’, ‘I Lost You’
#8 Fate by Dr. Dog
After We All Belong, I felt they had set high expectations for their next album. This album doesn’t seem to have as strong of a Beatles influence than past efforts. It’s a great album that you’ll like enjoy more as you peel back it’s layers.
I Dig: ‘The Old Days’, ‘The Ark, ‘From’, ‘100 Years’
#7 For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver
This is such a mellow album, that I was worried that it wouldn’t catch people’s attention. Turns out that many critics had this album listed as one of the best of 2008, and I agree. A bit hard to put into words, but just listen to it.
I Dig: ‘Flume’, ‘Skinny Love’, ‘The Wolves’, ‘Re: Stacks’
#6 Arm’s Way by Islands
While learning the guitar for one of the songs on this album, I took a closer listen to the rest of the songs. This is just an enjoyable, hard-rockin’ album.
I Dig: ‘The Arm’, ‘Abominable Snow’, ‘Creeper’, ‘In the Rushes’
#5 The Way I See It by Raphael Saadiq
I’m so picky about the Soul/R&B or Hip-Hop I listen to these days and this album just kills it. I was raised on lots of Motown and this album reminds me why I love Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the like.
I Dig: ‘Big Easy’, ‘Love That Girl’, ‘Staying In Love’, ‘Sometimes’
#4 Volume One by She & Him
I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this album, but I quickly changed my mind. For a first album, Zooey Deschanel sounds incredible and M. Ward ads just the right amount of backup and twangy guitar. It’s a lot country and a little rock n’ roll. Love it.
I Dig: ‘I Was Made for You’, ‘Black Hole’, ‘Sweet Darlin’
#3 Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
They were definitely the ‘It’ band of 2008 and at times, were close to overexposure. None of this takes away from the fact that this is a solid indie-pop record with some catchy afro-caribbean beats.
I Dig: ‘Oxford Comma’, ‘Cape Code Kwassa Kwassa’, ‘Campus’
#2 Matador Singles ‘08 by Jay Reatard
I caught on to this album a few months after release and really enjoy it. It’s a nice blend of indie-rock, pop and punk without being cheesy. There is not a weak song on this album, so crank it up and enjoy.
I Dig: ‘Painted Shut’, ‘An Ugly Death’, ‘I’m Watching You’
#1 Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
A few words people have used to describe this album: ‘Different’, ‘Pastoral’, ‘Mellow’. This is probably the most satisfying album I’ve ever heard. The guitar, vocals, writing … everything is super solid. I think it’s the best.
I Dig: Every Song!!!
My Top 10 Songs of 2008
I am back once again with my highly-anticipated Best Songs of the Year post. I’m not sure that many people are yearning for this list, but I enjoy writing it and that’s the important thing (I think). This year was filled with lots of great music. There were a few bands that garnered heaps of attention (Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend) and there were a lot of albums that critics drooled over that I really did not feel at all (e.g. Tha Carter III). I am constantly on the lookout for new music, and although it’s harder to find time since Elliot was born, I was able to draw from a huge pool of great songs for this list. I could give me informal Runner-Up list, but I’ll go straight to the dessert cause that’s what you guys want anyway. So, hold on to your seats y’all, cause I am about to unleash My Top 10 Songs of 2008.
#10 Kenya Dig It? - The Ruby Suns
From Sea Lion
Who cares if they sold “Oh, Mohave” to Microsoft so they could sell more Vista? This song is mellow, but also has some real groovy toe-tapping parts as well. IMO, the real fun starts around 2 minutes 20 seconds into the song.
#9 Heart of Chambers - Beach House
From Devotion
I played this song (and album) non-stop when it came out. There is such an eerie but beautiful sound going on here. I just love her voice.
#8 Red and Purple - The Dodos
From Visiter
This Bay Area band rocks hard. This album has it all; absolutely infectious drum beats and some real nice crunchy guitar riffs. I’ve spent many mornings rockin’ out on the freeway to this song.
#7 Skinny Love - Bon Iver (pronounced “bohn eevair”)
From For Emma, Forever Ago
The emotion expressed in this song is a bit disturbing, but maybe that’s what draws me to this artist and the album itself. As if I needed another reason to include this song, I stumbled upon this clip of Bon Iver on Jools Holland. Impressive.
#6 Onto Something - The Apples in Stereo
From Electronic Projects for Musicians
This has to be one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in years. Technically this song was released on a 7″ split single with a band called Sports Guitar, but I don’t think anyone had heard this song before, so it’s new enough for me.
#5 Mistakes - Immortal Technique
From The 3rd World
This guy is so far to the left, that he even scares me a little. The 4th verse gives a little glimpse into his time in the military. Sick.
#4 Conquest - Tapes ‘n Tapes
From Walk It Off
Simply Rockin! Not much more needs to be said.
#3 The Sound - Human Highway
From Moody Motorcycle
I have always been into folk-rock, but this groups takes the folk vibe and flips the floor with it. Elliot and I both love dancing to this song. It’s so damn snappy.
#2 Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him
From Volume One
Zooey Deschanel looks about as excited during live performances as someone that’s about to get a root canal, but I dig her voice and the old-school flavor of this album. This song and the little guitar solo is very cool (Karolina & Dave - about 1 minute into the song).
#1 Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes
From Fleet Foxes
What can I say about this song or this group that hasn’t been said? I can honestly say, that with the year that I’ve had, listening to this album is as close as I get to a sort of spiritual comfort. It’s just an incredible song by a talented group.
Once again, and for a very limited time, you can listen to all 10 of these songs in this Yahoo! Easylistener music player. If you have flash >= ver. 9 you’re golden. Enjoy!