Yeah, I know I'm copying Ian's December 26th post, and a fine Top 10 list it is too. But here we are in 2011 now, so we may as well get these 'Best of' lists out of the way and officially put last year in the past where it belongs. Below are my personal Top 10 albums of 2010 (apparently I like psychedelic stuff):
1. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
Jaga Jazzist are an experimental jazz ensemble from Norway. And they're brilliant. The melodies on every song act as the adhesive which holds it all together and prevents the many instrumental arrangements from swelling into an energetic mess of eclectic styles and seemingly erratic structure. My favorite track is "Music! Dance! Drama!", but here's a live version of the title track.
2. Dirty Projectors/Bjork - Mount Wittenberg Orca EP
What an appropriate collaboration of experimental musicians! Although I could probably listen to the inventive background vocals alone and still fall in love, the songs themselves are more than worthy to stand aside those of last year's similarly titled DP LP. My only complaint with this EP is that it is too perfect to be so short. Also there's the fact that Amber Coffman STILL has not replied to my marriage proposal. Here's a live performance (sans Bjork).
3. Quasi - American Gong
This album is just really fucking fun. And loud. If you're a guitar lover, I highly recommend it. Also, this particular song has a bittersweetness to it that makes me want to get drunk and sway back and forth.
4. MGMT - Congratulations
Mercifully, MGMT have eschewed the radio-friendly monotony of songs like "Time to Pretend" and "Kids" for this album. Here we find them embracing the bizarre and unconventional. As with Oracular Spectacular, the influence of dozens of artists is apparent, from Broadcast and Simian to early Pink Floyd and Brian Eno (who gets his own theme song). And I can't get enough of "Siberian Breaks", the 10-minute song within a song within a song. Despite its mixed reception and anticlimax (the closing title track leaves a lot to be desired), MGMT and co. have put together an infectious piece of headphone candy psychedelia.
5. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
I have never been an avid Deerhunter fan, but God Damn this album is delightful. Every single track (with the possible exception of "Sailing") brilliantly mixes pop sensibilities of the 60's and 70's with unique, expirimental noise and shoegaze arrangements. The result is an album that sounds simultaneously familiar and so very new. It is bright and addictive. This album is alive.
6. Mini Mansions (self-titled)
Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman put together this nice little surprise. In short, it sounds like an edgy, modern Beatles album. The melodies and song structure are often unpredictable, but these songs are like duct tape to the brain. And they pull the harmonies off very nicely. Also, this is a badass video.
7. Syd Matters - Brotherocean
If you're like me and have a soft spot for songwriters who like minor chords (Patrick Watson, DM Stith, Andrew Bird even), please go find this album! It is melancholic and beautiful. He's French and I don't believe this album has been released in the US yet, but I suspect you have your ways. I could not find much in the way of videos; here's a live acoustic version of "Lost" with his band.
8. Menomena - Mines
I think this is Menomena's least interesting work. That said, it's still good enough to be in my Top 10. The spastic, unpredictable quality that made "Friend and Foe" so much fun has been tamed a bit. Almost all of the songs are a little too long, predictable and certainly--dare I say it again--radio-friendly, but I suppose that's alright. They're still fun, and they do still unquestionably bear the mark of a group of musicians who enjoy getting together and being creative in their approach. And why shouldn't a talented band want their music to be a little more accessible to the human population? But, oh to be a machine..... Perhaps the next time.
9. Zeus - Say Us
Simply put: Beatles and Kinks (etc.) fans, emulating their heroes. And I absolutely love it. I'm not sure I've heard a band do it so well before. Dr. Dog, perhaps, though their influences might be a bit more diverse.
10. Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM
This definitely feels like a Beck album. A damn good one. There are reminiscences of tracks from Sea Change, The Information, Modern Guilt. His production and arrangements very effectively compliment Charlotte's fragile, breathy vocals. Definitely the sexiest album of the year.
Honorable mention:
One Hundred Flowers - Mechanical Bride / Owen Pallett - Heartland / The Magnetic Fields - Realism / Shugo Tokumaru - Port Entropy / Field Music - Measure / Medications - Completely Removed / Local Natives - Gorilla Manor / Elf Power (self-titled) / Of Montreal - False Priest / Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me / Stereolab - Not Music / Belle and Sebastian - Write About Love / Clogs - The Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton / Villagers - Becoming a Jackal / Clinic - Bubblegum / Admiral Radley - I Heart California / Erland & the Carnival - (self-titled) / Autolux - Transit Transit / Midlake - The Courage of Others / Gorillaz - Plastic Beach & The Fall / Jason Lytle - Music Meant to Accompany the Art of Ron Cameron / Efterklang - Magic Chairs / Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
-justin
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Eva's Picks: Free Week 2011
I find Free Week pretty damn refreshing. Sometimes all you want is to play some fun shows with awesome people, see some new shit perhaps, run into friends out on a Monday night, drink some Lone Star, and rock and roll.
Emo's done did a good thing starting Free Week all those many years ago. With it's growing popularity every year, it has a tendency to remind us of our rock and roll roots, and what we love about the Austin music community.
After carefully studying the schedule (thanks to Showlist Austin!) and weeding through the insurgence of Facebook Events on my home page... here are my picks for this year.
Saturday, January 1
Red 7 - Outside: Car Stereo (Wars), Parking, Gobi, Politics
Inside: Yuppie Pricks, The Distant Seconds, Mistress Stephanie and Her Melodic Cat, Jesus Christ Superfly, Blowhole
Car Stereo (Wars)
Austin's very own version of "Girl Talk"; Car Stereo (Wars) will mash up the jams we remember from years past and perhaps some new shit we can look forward to hearing more of in 2011.
The Distant Seconds are Stem and Leaf pals. They braved the cold last year at our SXSW day party and managed to keep the enthusiasm (even though not nearly enough beer had been consumed yet). Their driving beats and catchy guitar and keyboard melodies have proven to get any party started.
If you've never seen Blowhole... what can I say? If you like songs about tits and coke... and dudes who seem to be having a good time singing about tits and coke... you'll dig it.
And I mean really.... How can you not want your first show of the year to be with Jesus Christ Superfly?
Sunday, January 2
Mohawk - Amplified Heat, The Hi-Tones, The Boxing Lesson, Black Forest Fire
The Boxing Lesson
If you're still reeling from the raucous at Red 7 the night before... stop by Mohawk on Sunday night to get some more. Slightly more polished with the 60's pop and R&B influences on this bill, this Lucy The Poodle and Frenchie Smith Records Showcase has a stage presence of rock and roll that I often times miss. The kind of shows that were fun because it was loud and nobody really knew if what was happening was cool or not. It wasn't even a matter of cool. It surpassed that. Shows that were a bit rougher, a bit looser, and drove it home with intensity.
The highlight of the showcase is The Boxing Lesson ,who have proven their lasting presence in Austin with the technical arrangements between guitar and synths, shine in their live performance. You can sense the love and fun for their band that Paul Waclawsky and Jaylinn Davidson display every time I have seen them.
Monday, January 3
Beauty Bar - The Bubbles, One Hundred Flowers, Deer Vibes
OK, I realize this is for my own show with One Hundred Flowers. While this may seem like self promotion, I choose to look at it in a different way. We made this blog to talk about what we like, but we also made it to talk about things we are doing.
That aside, I am truly excited about this bill. We are lucky enough to have gotten Deer Vibes to open and The Bubbles to close. We're just the mushy marshmallow filling stuffed between their chocolate cookie crust. It's going to satisfy your sweet tooth, trust me.
Bike Problems
If I was given the option of choosing which first world problem I'd have to endure for the rest of my life... it would definitely be Bike Problems. Made up of perhaps the three sweetest people in Austin, they are infectiously adorable and play punk music the way we remember it being played growing up.
Tuesday, January 4
The Parish - Stereo is a Lie, Motel Aviv, New Roman Times, Final Exam
New Roman Times
This bill was brought to you by everything you loved about the new music movement that started in the 80's. Post-punk pop anthems, synths, droning bass, dark and atmospheric twists. The fact that real men can pull off wearing anything - including leather pants and unbuttoned silk shirts. Morrissey taught us that. They may even spring for the fog machine!
Also, who can pass up a free event at one of the best rooms in town? It's kind of pricey normally... so take advantage. Unless they stopped doing it, they have a "grab" special. For the same price of $3, they grab from a tub of random beers. Aim high and hope for the Fosters!
Wednesday, January 5
Mohawk - Marmalakes, Danny Malone, Little Lo, Dark Water Hymnal
Marmalakes
OK, I like to rock and roll. It's true. But I also like thoughtful, intricate, and technically perfected pieces like the four that make up this bill. All of these acts are worth catching, so you may have a hard time prying away to catch any other shows.
The Dark Water Hymnal
Beerland - Easy Tiger, St. Philistine, The Bubbles, American Sharks
The Bubbles
If you're still on the punk rock party bus, check out the show at Beerland. It's likely that Easy Tiger and The Bubbles have been inducted into residency here. Their member's various projects and following tend to make it a sure thing that if they're playing a free show at Beerland on a weeknight it will be a fun time. Regardless of sound, what Beerland does have that the more polished venues don't, is personality. Their staff are pretty much the sweetest and the clientele is always rowdiest. Mix that with clamoring guitars and everyone in the room shouting the catchy choruses and hooks, and you have a recipe for excellence in my book.
Thursday, January 6
Emo's (Outside) - Ringo Deathstar, The Carrots, The Ugly Beats, The Hi-Tones
(Inside) - Yellow Fever, Missions, Spells, Silent Diane
Yellow Fever
If there is one thing I love about Austin it is that the scenes are pretty eclectic. There are so many talented people residing in this town that it keeps things interesting when events like this happen. You can have a showcase that spans across three influential decades and appreciate them all the same. I agree with the assessment the A.V. Club wrote here:
http://www.avclub.com/austin/events/free-week-ringo-deathstarr-yellowfever-the-carrots,218726/
Chain Drive - Boonesboro, Bubbleface, The Mole People, Attic Ted
Boonesboro
If you're maybe looking to stay off Red River, you can cozy on up to the secluded location of the Chain Drive. Words can not express the joy in the room when acts Boonesboro and The Mole People play to it. Quite possibly two of the most entertaining, enjoyable, and seriously genuine bands in Austin, TX -- don't worry. They're not just intoxicatingly cute. They back it up with the talent. It's good, solid tunes to get down to. Trust me. The only thing that could make them more fun is if they played at a leather daddy bar.... OH! WAIT! I am so there.
Friday, January 7
Club Deville - From the Mind of Adi's First Friday Frolic with DJ uLOVEi, DJ I Wanna Ber Her, One Hundred Flowers, Stereo is a Lie, Monarchs, Erin Ivey, Eagle Eye Williamson, BK & Mr. E
This particular showcase, put on by Adi Anand, is for AMP. An acronym that stands for Austin Music People. They are a highly important group of people whose only interest is to protect the natural resource that Austin has to offer -- the people. You can read more here about what they aim to do to make sure that the best interest of the city is being spoken for by those of us in this community who make it the unique destination that it is.
http://austinmusicpeople.org/about.php
This event will have complimentary Big Red Retro sodas & Complimentary pies from Home Slice Pizza! Plus giveaways from Howler Brothers! Yay!
Emo's - What Made Milwaukee Famous, The Lemurs, Ovenbirds, Salesman, The Authors
The Lemurs
Um.... DUH! That's all I need to say about this...
Saturday, January 8
Mohawk (Outside) Mother Falcon, Royal Forest, My Golden Calf
(Inside) - My Empty Phantom, Milk Thistle, Obsolete Machines, Missions
Mother Falcon
This is also another DUH reaction.
When going to see Mother Falcon it is key that they are on a stage that not only fits the orchestral pop group, but also has the ability to give them the quality of sound needed to hear the layers and intricate details of the arrangements. It's challenging, but I have faith that the Mohawk won't disappoint.
Another act to catch is Royal Forest. You may not recognize this name but you may recognize their old name, Loxly. Same dudes, same songs. New name.
Royal Forest
Sunday, January 9
SLEEP! No, don't shit yourself. Not the psych-metal band that everyone and their little unborn stoner babies love. I mean the act of. I will be sleeping on Sunday, so let me know if I missed something epic.
I hope that my picks have helped you narrow down your rock and roll options. It's what I'm here for.
CHEERS! and Happy New Year!
Emo's done did a good thing starting Free Week all those many years ago. With it's growing popularity every year, it has a tendency to remind us of our rock and roll roots, and what we love about the Austin music community.
After carefully studying the schedule (thanks to Showlist Austin!) and weeding through the insurgence of Facebook Events on my home page... here are my picks for this year.
Saturday, January 1
Red 7 - Outside: Car Stereo (Wars), Parking, Gobi, Politics
Inside: Yuppie Pricks, The Distant Seconds, Mistress Stephanie and Her Melodic Cat, Jesus Christ Superfly, Blowhole
Car Stereo (Wars)
Austin's very own version of "Girl Talk"; Car Stereo (Wars) will mash up the jams we remember from years past and perhaps some new shit we can look forward to hearing more of in 2011.
The Distant Seconds are Stem and Leaf pals. They braved the cold last year at our SXSW day party and managed to keep the enthusiasm (even though not nearly enough beer had been consumed yet). Their driving beats and catchy guitar and keyboard melodies have proven to get any party started.
If you've never seen Blowhole... what can I say? If you like songs about tits and coke... and dudes who seem to be having a good time singing about tits and coke... you'll dig it.
And I mean really.... How can you not want your first show of the year to be with Jesus Christ Superfly?
Sunday, January 2
Mohawk - Amplified Heat, The Hi-Tones, The Boxing Lesson, Black Forest Fire
The Boxing Lesson
If you're still reeling from the raucous at Red 7 the night before... stop by Mohawk on Sunday night to get some more. Slightly more polished with the 60's pop and R&B influences on this bill, this Lucy The Poodle and Frenchie Smith Records Showcase has a stage presence of rock and roll that I often times miss. The kind of shows that were fun because it was loud and nobody really knew if what was happening was cool or not. It wasn't even a matter of cool. It surpassed that. Shows that were a bit rougher, a bit looser, and drove it home with intensity.
The highlight of the showcase is The Boxing Lesson ,who have proven their lasting presence in Austin with the technical arrangements between guitar and synths, shine in their live performance. You can sense the love and fun for their band that Paul Waclawsky and Jaylinn Davidson display every time I have seen them.
Monday, January 3
Beauty Bar - The Bubbles, One Hundred Flowers, Deer Vibes
OK, I realize this is for my own show with One Hundred Flowers. While this may seem like self promotion, I choose to look at it in a different way. We made this blog to talk about what we like, but we also made it to talk about things we are doing.
That aside, I am truly excited about this bill. We are lucky enough to have gotten Deer Vibes to open and The Bubbles to close. We're just the mushy marshmallow filling stuffed between their chocolate cookie crust. It's going to satisfy your sweet tooth, trust me.
Red 7 - Sober Daze, Bike Problems, Medium Head Boy
(Inside) Moon, Sad Accordions, Distance Runner, Love at 20
Bike Problems
If I was given the option of choosing which first world problem I'd have to endure for the rest of my life... it would definitely be Bike Problems. Made up of perhaps the three sweetest people in Austin, they are infectiously adorable and play punk music the way we remember it being played growing up.
Tuesday, January 4
The Parish - Stereo is a Lie, Motel Aviv, New Roman Times, Final Exam
New Roman Times
This bill was brought to you by everything you loved about the new music movement that started in the 80's. Post-punk pop anthems, synths, droning bass, dark and atmospheric twists. The fact that real men can pull off wearing anything - including leather pants and unbuttoned silk shirts. Morrissey taught us that. They may even spring for the fog machine!
Also, who can pass up a free event at one of the best rooms in town? It's kind of pricey normally... so take advantage. Unless they stopped doing it, they have a "grab" special. For the same price of $3, they grab from a tub of random beers. Aim high and hope for the Fosters!
Wednesday, January 5
Mohawk - Marmalakes, Danny Malone, Little Lo, Dark Water Hymnal
Marmalakes
OK, I like to rock and roll. It's true. But I also like thoughtful, intricate, and technically perfected pieces like the four that make up this bill. All of these acts are worth catching, so you may have a hard time prying away to catch any other shows.
The Dark Water Hymnal
Beerland - Easy Tiger, St. Philistine, The Bubbles, American Sharks
The Bubbles
If you're still on the punk rock party bus, check out the show at Beerland. It's likely that Easy Tiger and The Bubbles have been inducted into residency here. Their member's various projects and following tend to make it a sure thing that if they're playing a free show at Beerland on a weeknight it will be a fun time. Regardless of sound, what Beerland does have that the more polished venues don't, is personality. Their staff are pretty much the sweetest and the clientele is always rowdiest. Mix that with clamoring guitars and everyone in the room shouting the catchy choruses and hooks, and you have a recipe for excellence in my book.
Thursday, January 6
Emo's (Outside) - Ringo Deathstar, The Carrots, The Ugly Beats, The Hi-Tones
(Inside) - Yellow Fever, Missions, Spells, Silent Diane
Yellow Fever
If there is one thing I love about Austin it is that the scenes are pretty eclectic. There are so many talented people residing in this town that it keeps things interesting when events like this happen. You can have a showcase that spans across three influential decades and appreciate them all the same. I agree with the assessment the A.V. Club wrote here:
http://www.avclub.com/austin/events/free-week-ringo-deathstarr-yellowfever-the-carrots,218726/
Chain Drive - Boonesboro, Bubbleface, The Mole People, Attic Ted
Boonesboro
If you're maybe looking to stay off Red River, you can cozy on up to the secluded location of the Chain Drive. Words can not express the joy in the room when acts Boonesboro and The Mole People play to it. Quite possibly two of the most entertaining, enjoyable, and seriously genuine bands in Austin, TX -- don't worry. They're not just intoxicatingly cute. They back it up with the talent. It's good, solid tunes to get down to. Trust me. The only thing that could make them more fun is if they played at a leather daddy bar.... OH! WAIT! I am so there.
Friday, January 7
Club Deville - From the Mind of Adi's First Friday Frolic with DJ uLOVEi, DJ I Wanna Ber Her, One Hundred Flowers, Stereo is a Lie, Monarchs, Erin Ivey, Eagle Eye Williamson, BK & Mr. E
This particular showcase, put on by Adi Anand, is for AMP. An acronym that stands for Austin Music People. They are a highly important group of people whose only interest is to protect the natural resource that Austin has to offer -- the people. You can read more here about what they aim to do to make sure that the best interest of the city is being spoken for by those of us in this community who make it the unique destination that it is.
http://austinmusicpeople.org/about.php
This event will have complimentary Big Red Retro sodas & Complimentary pies from Home Slice Pizza! Plus giveaways from Howler Brothers! Yay!
Emo's - What Made Milwaukee Famous, The Lemurs, Ovenbirds, Salesman, The Authors
The Lemurs
Um.... DUH! That's all I need to say about this...
Saturday, January 8
Mohawk (Outside) Mother Falcon, Royal Forest, My Golden Calf
(Inside) - My Empty Phantom, Milk Thistle, Obsolete Machines, Missions
Mother Falcon
This is also another DUH reaction.
When going to see Mother Falcon it is key that they are on a stage that not only fits the orchestral pop group, but also has the ability to give them the quality of sound needed to hear the layers and intricate details of the arrangements. It's challenging, but I have faith that the Mohawk won't disappoint.
Another act to catch is Royal Forest. You may not recognize this name but you may recognize their old name, Loxly. Same dudes, same songs. New name.
Royal Forest
Sunday, January 9
SLEEP! No, don't shit yourself. Not the psych-metal band that everyone and their little unborn stoner babies love. I mean the act of. I will be sleeping on Sunday, so let me know if I missed something epic.
I hope that my picks have helped you narrow down your rock and roll options. It's what I'm here for.
CHEERS! and Happy New Year!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Top Ten, now with Visual Aids!
It being the end of 2010, a top ten list of the best albums of the year seems de rigueur. Leaving aside critical opinions and all that crap, here's my very personal 10 favorite records of the year. Looking at it, this list is pretty heavy on stuff that came out last winter and spring, a lot of which was already making the rounds of the blogosphere in late 2009. Probably there are things that came out in the last few months that I haven't had the chance to listen to enough yet to put them on this list, and I'll be kicking myself in a few months. But, fuck it, here goes:
Fang Island - Fang Island
Fucking kick ass riffs, dude. All the other kids at art school are totally gonna rock out to this. "Daisy" is probably the stand-out track, but this one is pretty darn fun, too.
Holy Fuck - Latin
Very fun electro album. Really, though, this album could be one of my favorites of the year solely for the way the introductory drone track suddenly kicks into the dance beat of "Red Lights". Epic, I'm telling you.
Jónsi - Go Do from Jónsi on Vimeo.
Jónsi - Go
The Sigur Rós frontman went solo and basically made an almost bona fide pop record, albeit a soaring Icelandic one. Except with arrangements by Nico Muhly, who used to study under Philip Glass. So, intricate strings, some oddball instrumentation, but also a damn decent dance track or two.
LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
There is something about James Murphy at the end of this video that kind of sums up this band and record for me. Some sort of sad but triumphant clown. I think it's the combination of a certain amount of social critique/satire, and the feeling that he's having more fun than the rest of us. If that makes sense. Which it doesn't.
Owen Pallett - Heartland
After putting out two albums under the name Final Fantasy and contributing string arrangements to the first two Arcade Fire albums, Owen Pallett finally released this third album under his own name last January. Supposedly a concept album possibly about the end of a relationship or also possibly about a fictional character named Lewis living in a world called Spectrum who is the creation of a character named Owen Pallett. Um, OK. Here's some adjectives: sweeping, grandiose, wide-screen, intricate, confessional, intimate. Yeah, all pretty much at the same time.
Scissor Sisters - Night Work
Disco is not dead.
Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago
Distinguished locals represent! Frontman Jonathan Meiburg, formerly of Okkervil River, has some sort of advanced degree in Ornithology or something. He's a smart guy, and makes smart guy music. Pretty, but with bombast and pathos. Like an indie Austin version of Radiohead, or something.
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Apparently these boys are from Florida, so there might be an actual surfer in the band. I don't really care, to be honest, because while there is a veneer of summery pop, there's also some good old- fashioned lost love angst via some 80s guitar tone and plenty of Weezer. I think my favorite song is the one about Twin Peaks, David Lynch, and sexual frustration.
Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
Abraham Lincoln, the Replacements, Bruce Springsteen, Howard Zinn, and Shane McGowan all had a love child and it turned out to be a New Jersey hardcore kid who rocks the fuck out in the woods.
Vampire Weekend - Contra
Yeah, yeah, yeah. They got over-hyped before their first album came out, and the backlash was just dying down by the time this second one came out only to flare back up again. But at the same time, lots of folks picked up on the fact that this second album had some incredibly well written and produced songs, plain and simple. There's something definitely arch and neat about them, very East Coast prep school, but I think there's also a very human heart beating in there. Or something cheesy like that.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (a.k.a. bands that I know personally and whose albums I think are great but I can't claim not to be biased about):
One Hundred Flowers: Live Acoustic @ Uncommon Objects in Austin, TX from Magic Spoon Productions on Vimeo.
One Hundred Flowers - Mechanical Bride
Complex, layered arrangements and harmonies combined with some catchy pop hooks and intriguing lyrical snippets. Or something like that. Like I said, I'm probably biased. But all the same, everybody should listen to this album, because it's pretty damn incredibly awesome.
The Bubbles - It's You from The Bubbles on Vimeo.
The Bubbles - Daydreaming in Technicolor
The Bubbles' Will Glosup had apparently come up with more pop hooks by the time he was 18 than I ever will in my entire lifetime. Maybe that's why his band is such incredible fun to listen to.
- Ian
Fang Island - Fang Island
Fucking kick ass riffs, dude. All the other kids at art school are totally gonna rock out to this. "Daisy" is probably the stand-out track, but this one is pretty darn fun, too.
Holy Fuck - Latin
Very fun electro album. Really, though, this album could be one of my favorites of the year solely for the way the introductory drone track suddenly kicks into the dance beat of "Red Lights". Epic, I'm telling you.
Jónsi - Go Do from Jónsi on Vimeo.
Jónsi - Go
The Sigur Rós frontman went solo and basically made an almost bona fide pop record, albeit a soaring Icelandic one. Except with arrangements by Nico Muhly, who used to study under Philip Glass. So, intricate strings, some oddball instrumentation, but also a damn decent dance track or two.
LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
There is something about James Murphy at the end of this video that kind of sums up this band and record for me. Some sort of sad but triumphant clown. I think it's the combination of a certain amount of social critique/satire, and the feeling that he's having more fun than the rest of us. If that makes sense. Which it doesn't.
Owen Pallett - Heartland
After putting out two albums under the name Final Fantasy and contributing string arrangements to the first two Arcade Fire albums, Owen Pallett finally released this third album under his own name last January. Supposedly a concept album possibly about the end of a relationship or also possibly about a fictional character named Lewis living in a world called Spectrum who is the creation of a character named Owen Pallett. Um, OK. Here's some adjectives: sweeping, grandiose, wide-screen, intricate, confessional, intimate. Yeah, all pretty much at the same time.
Scissor Sisters - Night Work
Disco is not dead.
Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago
Distinguished locals represent! Frontman Jonathan Meiburg, formerly of Okkervil River, has some sort of advanced degree in Ornithology or something. He's a smart guy, and makes smart guy music. Pretty, but with bombast and pathos. Like an indie Austin version of Radiohead, or something.
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Apparently these boys are from Florida, so there might be an actual surfer in the band. I don't really care, to be honest, because while there is a veneer of summery pop, there's also some good old- fashioned lost love angst via some 80s guitar tone and plenty of Weezer. I think my favorite song is the one about Twin Peaks, David Lynch, and sexual frustration.
Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
Abraham Lincoln, the Replacements, Bruce Springsteen, Howard Zinn, and Shane McGowan all had a love child and it turned out to be a New Jersey hardcore kid who rocks the fuck out in the woods.
Vampire Weekend - Contra
Yeah, yeah, yeah. They got over-hyped before their first album came out, and the backlash was just dying down by the time this second one came out only to flare back up again. But at the same time, lots of folks picked up on the fact that this second album had some incredibly well written and produced songs, plain and simple. There's something definitely arch and neat about them, very East Coast prep school, but I think there's also a very human heart beating in there. Or something cheesy like that.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (a.k.a. bands that I know personally and whose albums I think are great but I can't claim not to be biased about):
One Hundred Flowers: Live Acoustic @ Uncommon Objects in Austin, TX from Magic Spoon Productions on Vimeo.
One Hundred Flowers - Mechanical Bride
Complex, layered arrangements and harmonies combined with some catchy pop hooks and intriguing lyrical snippets. Or something like that. Like I said, I'm probably biased. But all the same, everybody should listen to this album, because it's pretty damn incredibly awesome.
The Bubbles - It's You from The Bubbles on Vimeo.
The Bubbles - Daydreaming in Technicolor
The Bubbles' Will Glosup had apparently come up with more pop hooks by the time he was 18 than I ever will in my entire lifetime. Maybe that's why his band is such incredible fun to listen to.
- Ian
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