tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87422056273757775552024-03-12T18:03:27.595-07:00schmagurty.comThoughts from an often fleeting mind.Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-73523165390785105792014-01-13T21:19:00.005-08:002014-01-14T06:59:48.324-08:00Best Albums of 2013<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back! My annual top albums of 2013 list! I've expanded my usual list of 10 to feature 12 albums. Enjoy...and feel free to comment below if you agree, disagree or just feel like voicing your opinion on some random topic.</span><br />
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#12 - Mutual Benefit - Love’s Crushing Diamond </h3>
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#11- Daft Punk - Random Access Memories </h3>
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#10- Autre Ne Veux - Anxiety </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s nothing on this album that should work. Let’s list the things it has working against it. The artist is 30+ year old, Master Degree’d white guy from New York. Strike. This album is a throwback to 1990’s R&B. Strike two. The guy sings with the confidence of a Motown legend, but doesn’t quite have the voice to back it up. Strike three. So why does this album work? I have no idea...but it does and it's good.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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#9 - Foxygen - We are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic </h3>
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#8 - Pearl Jam - Lightening Bolt </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been 19 years since the release of the album Vitalogy which was Pearl Jam’s last good album until this year’s Lightening Bolt. And while I wish the band would have pushed a little further into the rawness and imperfections that made their early work great (see Parquet Courts), this latest album has some true gems in it. And it starts with the track Sirens which should go down as one of the best Pearl Jam lyrics ever written—a song that ponders how we all so gracefully move through life when it can slip through our fingers so instantaneously; and how it the people we love and cherish are what makes life truly meaningful.</span><br />
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#7 - Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg/Shangri La </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Releasing two albums this year, this young brit has the work ethic and talent to someday make incredible masterpiece albums.....once he learns how to fully craft his lyrics. Until that time, we can all enjoy the "early work."</span><br />
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#6 - Boogarins - As Plantas Que Curam </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />This group is made up of a couple guys from the middle part of Brazil who like to channel great 60 psychedelic rock. Go ahead and read that again. It’s a small world after all. And lucky for all of us that we get access to this well-crafted songwriting. </span><br />
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#5 - Civil Wars - Civil Wars </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The alternative folk band has the sort of countrified grit that is reminiscent of Johnny Cash. This album was released with swirling rumors of an eminent band break up. That friction shows in the songwriting and pays off by producing darker lyrics and tones.</span><br />
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#4 - Arcade Fire - Reflektor </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oo often, we criticize bands for not stretching outside of their branded sound and experimenting with something new. Arcade Fire have proven that with this album, the risk of leaving a trademark sound can pay off—especially when you have a song-crafting guru like James Murphy producing your album.</span><br />
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#3 - Waxahatchee - Cerulean Salt </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A poetic, intimate and stripped down work from a talented voice—Katie Crutchfield takes you on visual journeys that keep you engaged. Reminiscent of early Liz Phair.</span><br />
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#2 - Parquet Courts - Light Up Gold </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes great rock music is sloppy and full of attitude—and these New York garage rockers have both. They're as cool as Larry Bird's 70's mustache.</span><br />
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#1 - Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City </h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An excellent album with wonderfully smart and thoughtful lyrics, Vampire Weekend have released their best album to date. Whether it’s the track “Obvious Bicycle” with lyrics that plead with somebody to keep believing in their talent and dreams and stop accepting mediocre, thankless corporate paycheck-earner jobs or the Old Testament-referencing song “Ya Hey” that expresses aloud doubts about religion, the music tackles subjects in an honest, inquisitive and respectful way. But all that would be moot if not for the fact Rostam Batmanglij is a gifted musical composer who knows how to make really good pop music. In a world often plagued by an abundance of cynicism and sarcasm, VW stands out as a band that knows how to make earnest and smart cool again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kanye West - Yeezus</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay Z - Tom Ford</span><span style="background-color: #351c75;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phoenix - Bankrupt!</span><br />
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Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-62356450288940231542013-01-10T11:37:00.000-08:002013-01-10T11:37:09.204-08:00Best Albums of 2012<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">10. Animal Collective - Centipede Hz</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The critics
dismissed this album as a group trying too hard to be commercially successful.
As somebody who was not fan of their often inaccessible earlier works, I found
the shift to more traditional, pop-based song structures and melodies to really expose the
band’s talent as it is more difficult to create within a structure. While some songs on this album miss, others rank up there with the best the band has created.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">9. Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This album pays homage to Kurt Cobain and the 90’s Sub Pop
Seattle-era sound. Yet, the band do so in a unique way that doesn't sound like a bad parody. Moody, hard-rocking at times and melodic, but also well-crafted and
catchy.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">8. Sigur Rose – Valtari</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Two
Icelandic groups on one list? What are the odds? Known for lyrics created from
a made-up language, many overlooked this album as more of the same layered,
cosmic, operatic sounds. But it is a patient and beautiful album.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">7. <b>The Walkmen – Heaven</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A band that
consistently makes great albums, I first found Heaven a little hard to embrace.
I wanted to hear a band looking to expand its repertoire. But after another few
listens, this album grew on me and made me appreciate artists working with a
sound they have perfected.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6. Willis Earl Beal - Acousmatic Sorcery<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This album
is the equivalent of walking down a city street and encountering a street
musician that is mesmerizing and brilliant. As lo-fi as any album I have ever
heard, but genius in its simplicity. Part blues artist, part Jimmy Hendrix, but
in whole a unique, creative artist.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5. Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The best
thing out of Iceland since Bjork and Sigur Ros, this delicate little album is a
fun, playful listen. They are a happy, chipper version of Arcade Fire. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you
haven’t heard or heard of Alabama Shakes by now, you’ve been living under a
rock. Anybody who loves Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Al Green knows that singing
with true, heart-wrenching soul is not something that can be faked or mimicked.
You have to have that God-given talent. And lead singer Brittney Howard has it.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3. Divine Fits - A Thing Called Divine Fits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Super groups
almost never work. Many times, you get artists who collectively compromise
their sound. But this combo of Britt Daniel of Spoon fame and Dan Boeckner from
Wolf Parade joined forces, we got a group that knew how to capitalize on that
talent. You get strong essences of Spoon and Wolf Parade in this album, and
that’s a very good thing. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2. Lotus Plaza - Spooky Action at a Distance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What makes
this album so great is that it doesn’t sound like a guy fighting to get a
single on the radio, yet each song is so
elegantly and expertly crafted, you want to listen over and over again. With
simple lyrics complimenting well-crafted melodies, this is a must own work.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. Tame Impala – Lonerism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">An album
that harkens back to the days of 60’s and 70’s rock, yet has a sound all of its
own. Perhaps I have a soft spot for
Aussie rockers, but these guys take more from the psychedelic-era Beatles than
they do AC/DC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>MOST OVERRATED ALBUM:</b> Frank Ocean</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>MOST DISAPPOINTING ALBUM:</b> Bloc Party</span></div>
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Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-16552291855584634042012-12-14T09:10:00.003-08:002012-12-14T09:10:54.836-08:00Best Tracks of 2012 (in no particular order)<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-A0NdCq8KQ" target="_blank">Hey Jane</a> – Spiritualized</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxnGZPy99Vk" target="_blank">Song for Leigh</a> – The Walkmen</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lIqNjC1RKU" target="_blank">Reagan</a> – Killer Mike</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj7OcpOerD4" target="_blank">Dauoalogn</a> – Sigur Ros</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkcGuZHPbKk" target="_blank">I’m Shakin</a> – Jack White</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZTsxAQXWys" target="_blank">From Finner</a> – Of Monsters and Men</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kl9CM7brvo" target="_blank">You Ain’t Alone</a> – Alabama Shakes</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en1lfsSaOqw" target="_blank">Open Your Heart</a> – Men</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv7IcjmxjGo" target="_blank">Myth</a> – Beach House</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKcozRG0bIk" target="_blank">Thinkin Bout You</a> – Frank Ocean</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fweNLKBCh5A" target="_blank">It’s Only Life</a> – The Shins</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZptOs8Gu9k" target="_blank">The Full Retard</a> – El-P</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln_Ag7vk5X4" target="_blank">Applesauce</a> – Animal Collective</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkeUFRK4i7w" target="_blank">Octopus</a> – Bloc Party</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvKD_7I9glE" target="_blank">The Salton Sea</a> – Divine Fits</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAXONGchVtc" target="_blank">I Bought My Eyes</a> – Ty Seagall Band</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhrlEGJRPqM" target="_blank">Evening’s Kiss</a> – Willis Earl Beal</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg9h_dlw7u0" target="_blank">Races</a> – Glen Hansard</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnKUD_OztRE" target="_blank">Elephant</a> – Tame Impala</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVO5OYoZQHc" target="_blank">No Future/No Past</a> – Cloud Nothings</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YezQB-lLee4" target="_blank">High Water</a> – Trampled by Turtles</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznHTBZIa8E" target="_blank">Laura</a> – Bat for Lashes</div>
Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-66449277171849600252012-01-20T11:28:00.000-08:002012-01-20T14:39:18.872-08:00Best Albums of 2011<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better late than never, here is my best of 2011 Album List. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10. The Bewitched Hands – Birds and Drums</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These French rockers come from the small town of Reims--which is known more for producing champagne than it is for producing bands. And The Bewitched Hands bring a sound that is unique, playful and melodic music that is quite original.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9. Cults – Cults</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listening to this album makes me think about the Jackson 5 of the 70's. Happy, optimistic music with a certain level of reverence to Motown melodies. It's hard to argue that Go Outside wasn't one of the best songs of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8. TV on the Radio – Nine Types of Light</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TV on the Radio has quickly emerged as one of the best bands from the United States. While critics did not embrace Nine Types of Light as much as their earlier albums, I feel this was a highly-underrated work and solid from start to finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7. Jay Z and Kanye West – Watch the Throne</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Typically, I do not add many rap albums to my best-of list, but my number 7 and number 6 on the list feature two rap albums. Jay Z and Kanye West turn in some of the best singles of the year with this album. And despite spending too much time bragging about their wealth, it's apparent that their talent has earned it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6. Shabazz Palaces – Black Up</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ishmael Butler leads this rap group and you can hear elements from his days with Digable Planets. This is one of the most creative rap albums I have heard in quite some time. There is an innovate, jazz-based sound that draws you in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring for My Halo</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very late to the Kurt Vile bandwagon--and bought this album only after seeing it on my friend's best of 2011 list. And it's a shame that I found this album so late as it is a gem. Vile is a new breed of Lou Reed or Bob Dylan. Yet, his album is one that is from a guy who isn't trying to hard to fit into any specific formula.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. Eddie Veddar – Ukelele Songs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While my days of believing Pearl Jam can do no wrong are long gone, this simple album by Eddie Vedder was such a pleasant surprise in 2011. Just Eddie and a ukulele. And the combination of Vedder's baritone voice with the light and perky strum just goes together so well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. The Antlers – Burst Apart</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After buying Burst Apart, it quickly became an album I listened to every day on loop. It's drifty, sleepy sounds grab at your ears and keep a tight grip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Portugal the Man – In the Mountain In the Cloud</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This album seemed to be overlooked by virtually every music critic when assembling their best of the year list. But this is a remarkable album that does not contain one bad song and I do hope it becomes one of those albums that gets a following a year after it's release.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Girls – Father, Son, Holy Ghost</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year when I put together this list, I pick my number one album is the album I believe that if you had to spend any of your hard-earned money on, that it'd be worth every penny. This album is not just the best album of the year, but one of the best in the past five years. The songwriting is simple in its approach, yet the melodies are inspiring. Along with Pink Floyd-esque songs like My Ma there is a track (Die) that pays homage to 70's metal. Such a wide-range of sounds, yet it all comes together to create one heck of an addictive album.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>HONORABLE MENTIONS:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wilco – The Whole Love<br />
Yuck – Yuck<br />
Death Cab for Cutie – Codes and Keys<br />
The Black Keys – El Camino<br />
Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Part Two<br />
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>MOST OVERRATED:</u></b><br />
St. Vincent – Strange Mercy (One of the worst albums I have ever heard.)</span></div>
<br />Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-28797068136562278492011-01-03T08:50:00.000-08:002011-01-03T10:38:10.573-08:00Best Albums of 2010<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor</span><br />This band that puts a hole in my theory that all bands from LA are terrible. Local Natives put together a wonderful debut album.</p> <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8pZkZguPAPs?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8pZkZguPAPs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Broken Bells – Broken Bells</span><br />Who knew that mixing one part Gnarls Barkley and one part The Shins would produce such good music. It’s a shame that this album was overlooked by so many this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TFkDCU2b7Ow?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TFkDCU2b7Ow?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz</span><br />My expectations were much higher for the first Sufjan album to be released in five years; and compared with his previous works, Sufjan’s Ade of Adz is a choppy, less refined piece of work. But the brilliance of Stevens still shines through in many of the tracks.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mthqgDrQuB8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mthqgDrQuB8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs</span><br />The previous Arcade Fire albums have landed in my #1 album of the year slots every time. While The Suburbs doesn’t quite live up to their earlier works, it’s still a very good album with several remarkable singles.</p> <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jg5ATl4c0pI?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jg5ATl4c0pI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. The Black Keys - Brothers</span><br />When bands abandon their sound to get more radio friendly, it typically backfires. However, the Black Keys made it work with Brothers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MZmG5_ObaNo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MZmG5_ObaNo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. LCD Soundsystem – This is Happening</span><br />I wanted to hate this album. The hype. The blatant foraging from the 80’s new wave catalog. But James Murphy is a master craftsman at making music and there’s no denying it; as evident by this catchy, creative album that is one of the best of the year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q-G1NltxNqE?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q-G1NltxNqE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Vampire Weekend – Contra</span><br />A band with a sound that borrows from Paul Simon’s 1986 Graceland album, it’s easy to dismiss Vampire Weekend as a guilty pleasure. But over two albums, they have rarely produced a bad track. Contra is a fun, energetic and just darn good album.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bccKotFwzoY?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bccKotFwzoY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Jeremy Messersmith – The Reluctant Graveyard</span><br />After just one listen of this album by Minnesota native Jeremy Messersmith, I was hooked on his clever lyrics, excellent vocals and Beatles-esque song craftsmanship.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/poLva7iZUhM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/poLva7iZUhM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Sleigh Bells – Treats</span><br />This band geeks out and doesn’t give a d*mn what you think. Heavy hitting base. Distortion. And. Just. Great. Music.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LhYYd5adVY4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LhYYd5adVY4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. The Walkmen – Lisbon</span><br />There are times when one’s pace is slowed because the task at hand is too difficult to grasp at faster speeds. Then there are times when the pace is slowed because—well—we want to take our time to enjoy the journey. The Walkman’s Lisbon album is in no hurry; they are taking their time to show you that they’ve mastered a sound all their own that you're sure to enjoy.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQSIUvn6vI8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQSIUvn6vI8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Honorable Mention:</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Surfer Blood – Astro Coast</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gorillaz – Plastic Beach</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bewitched Hands On Top of Our Heads – Hard to Cry EP</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spoon – Transference</p> <p class="MsoNormal">CocoRosie – Gray Oceans</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Josh Ritter – So Runs the World Away</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sufjan Stevens – All Delighted People</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Caribou – Sun</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Avi Buffalo – Avi Buffalo</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The National – High Violet</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest</p>Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-47771749719645617572009-12-31T09:15:00.001-08:002009-12-31T09:37:08.359-08:00Best Singles of 2009Here's my list of the best singles of 2009 in no particular order. Enjoy!<br /><br />Roll Up Your Sleeves - We Were Promised Jetpacks<br />Poised and Ready - Brendan Benson<br />Losin Yo Head - Monsters of Folk<br />Kiss with a Fist - Florence & The Machine<br />Feeling the Pull - The Swell Season<br />This Tornado Loves You - Neko Case<br />Islands - The xx<br />Don't Haunt this Place - The Rural Alberta Advantage<br />Summertime Clothes - Animal Collective<br />My Girls - Animal Collective<br />Nothing to Worry About - Peter Bjorn & John<br />The Fear - Lily Allen<br />Daylight - Matt & Kim<br />Young Adult Friction - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart<br />Lisztomania - Phoenix<br />Rome - Phoenix<br />1901 - Phoenix<br />Pulling on a Line - Great Lakes Swimmers<br />When the Lights are Out - Cheap Trick<br />Oh My God - Ida Maria<br />I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked - Ida Maria<br />Anti-Orgasm - Sonic Youth<br />Idiot Heart - Sunset Rubdown<br />11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas<br />River of Brakelights - Julian Casablancas<br />You Never Know - Wilco<br />Said the People - Dinosaur Jr.<br />Breed (Live) - Nirvana<br />Silver Hands Trembling - Flaming Lips<br /><br /><strong>Best Singles Coming in 2010<br /></strong>Horchata – Vampire Weekend<br />Written in Reverse – Spoon<br />Heaven Can Wait – Charlotte GainsbourgSchmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-76278815385054296692009-12-30T08:43:00.000-08:002009-12-30T11:13:35.323-08:00Top 10 Albums of 2009<span style="color:#666666;">Here it is. My annual list of the best albums of the year. </span><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><em>Up Next Tomorrow: Best Singles of 2009</em></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>#10<br />Artist: Great Lakes Swimmers<br />Album: Lost Channels</strong><br /></span><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H-0HgSHYu2Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H-0HgSHYu2Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />One of the many folk-pop acts that have flooded the music world over the last few years, Great Lakes Swimmers stands out from the crowd with well-crafted melodies and earnest, simple lyrics. In many ways, you can sense this band is still working at crafting their sound, but listening to them find their identity along the way has been a joy.<br /><em></em><br /><em>Listen to: Pulling on a Line<br /></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#9<br />Artist: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wilco</span><br />Album: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wilco</span> (The Album)<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPc8wg_NMf8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPc8wg_NMf8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />Our Chicago darlings still have yet to match the brilliance of their Magnum Opus, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. But their latest self-titled album certainly does take a cross section of all the sounds the band has embraced over the last decade and puts on display all of the wonderful musical talents of one of the greatest bands of our time.<br /><em></em><br /><em>Listen to: You Never Know</em><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>#8<br />Artist: Flaming Lips<br />Album: Embryonic</strong><br /></span><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CkaYvxmnfUk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CkaYvxmnfUk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br /><br />Channeling Pink Floyd through a distortion-filled, sometimes overly-gimmicky filter, the Flaming Lips latest album, Embryonic, is like a great infomercial. At first, you’re not sure why you’re giving it any attention, but after 10 minutes, you’re fully sold.<br /><em></em><br /><em>Listen to: Silver Trembling Hands<br /></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#7<br />Artist: Julian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Casablancas</span><br />Album: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phrazes</span> for the Young<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UAFUZwUZwEA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UAFUZwUZwEA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br /><br />Perhaps I miss the Strokes too much, but I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">couldn't</span>’t help but fall for many of the tunes on this debut by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Casablancas</span>. From a Motown-inspired tune to an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">electro</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">synth</span> pop song, the album is certainly ambitious—and certainly a good substitute until we can all hear the next Strokes album.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Dimension<br /></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#6<br />Artist: Nirvana<br />Album: Live at Reading<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v79ISC-GKbc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v79ISC-GKbc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />Nirvana brought an energy that nary any other band has ever brought to the stage—and is fully apparent from the very first moments of this album all the way through to the last smash of a guitar. Yes, Kurt Cobain is still missed. But listening to his band at its peak of success will lend some pause to that longing.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: Breed<br /></em><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#5<br />Artist: Ida Maria<br />Album: Fortress ‘Round My Heart</span></strong><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VkVy2FeqIyc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VkVy2FeqIyc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />Some music is just meant to be fun: a hot mess of punk, youthful rebellion and energy. And with songs like “I Like You So Much Better (when You’re Naked), Ida Maria fits squarely into this category. With punk-pop, influences and a sometimes raspy, Rod Stewart-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">esque</span> voice, this Swedish vixen brings a style that seems borrowed but still comes off as new.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: I Like You So Much Better (when You’re Naked)<br /></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#4<br />Artist: Sunset Rubdown<br />Album: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dragonslayer</span></span><br /></strong><br /><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hJizd1JwRks&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hJizd1JwRks&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br /><br />Spencer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krug</span>’s lyrics are those of a cryptic poet—engaging but confusing, melodic yet disjointed, calming but chaotic. And somewhere in the middle of the mess came this great album that harnesses <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krug</span>’s talents just enough to make for an accessible sound, but not so much as to smother the creativity. After all, sometimes it’s beautiful when we color outside the lines.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: Idiot Heart<br /></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>#3<br />Artist: Dinosaur Jr.<br />Album: Farm</strong><br /></span><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TgTJtdn6VjM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TgTJtdn6VjM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />This is the greatest album that Pearl Jam never made: a collection of melodic guitar solos, heavy-hearted vocals and song craftsmanship that many a great band used to start the grunge movement (and many a horrible band went on to poorly copy and destroy the movement…yes I’m looking at you Creed.) J <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mascis</span> is a master at guitar solos and this album shows his skills off with three tracks that are well over five minutes long.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: Said the People<br /></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#2<br />Artist: Animal Collective<br />Album: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Merriweather</span> Post Pavilion</span><br /></strong><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zol2MJf6XNE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zol2MJf6XNE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />A collage of accessible electronic psychedelic tunes that borrows from the Beach Boys, Grateful Dead and African tribal beats, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Merriweather</span> Post Pavilion is Animal Collective’s finest album by a great margin. Previous works by the band were too ambitious in my opinion, and lacked a cohesive melody and structure. This album is proof that just because you have a plethora of colors on your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">palette</span>, you don’t need to use every one of them to make a great piece of art. And Animal Collective have done just that, crafting songs that are addictive, ecclectic and toe-tapping good.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: My Girls</em><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">#1<br />Artist: Phoenix<br />Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix</span></strong><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4BJDNw7o6so&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4BJDNw7o6so&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />For much of the year, I liked to think of Phoenix’s latest album as my secret treasure of an album. But then something happened. The rest of the country discovered them and soon they could be heard on radio stations and Cadillac ads. And for good reason. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is an album that accomplishes a rare feat: every track from start to finish is really good. Many highly rated albums—even on my list—have the occasional one to three tracks that are “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">skipable</span>,” or just not on par with the rest of the album. Using a combination of electronic and pop rock sounds, they’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> created the best album of 2009.<br /><br /><em>Listen to: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lisztomania</span></em>Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-22085110391655274872009-08-05T14:18:00.000-07:002009-08-05T14:32:49.473-07:00Best Albums of 2009 So Far...<strong>Best Albums of 2009 So Far (in No Particular Order):</strong><br />Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion<br />Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix<br />Wilco - Wilco (The Album)<br />Great Lakes Swimmers - Lost Channels<br />Sunset Rubdown - Dragon Slayer<br />The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart<br />Sonic Youth - The Eternal<br />Cheap Trick - The Latest<br />Matt & Kim - Grand<br />Ida Maria - Fortress 'Round My Heart<br /><br /><br /><strong>Most Disappointing:</strong><br />Peter Bjorn & John - Living Thing<br /><br /><strong>Band I Have Given Up on This Year:</strong><br />Yeah Yeah Yeahs<br /><br /><strong>Still Trying to Get Around to Listening to the New Albums from</strong>:<br />Modest Mouse<br />Dinasaur Jr.<br />Dirty Projectors<br />Grizzly Bear<br />St. Vincent<br />Bat for Lashes<br />The Flaming Lips<br />Dead Weather<br />Neko CaseSchmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-28935417123489319232008-12-16T13:30:00.000-08:002008-12-16T14:13:07.480-08:00Top 10 Albums of 2008Here it is. My official annual top 10 albums of 2008 list. This year, I've included You Tube clips of each band so you can see and hear them instantly! What albums did I leave off my list that you feel belonged on it? Comment on this post to let me know!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">10. Swell Season – Live from Chicago</span></strong><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nzjzackVBpA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nzjzackVBpA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />I admit this album is a bit of a “cheat” choice and a make-up addition to the list for not adding the Once soundtrack to my 2007 list. From a recording of their show at the Chicago Theatre in 2008—where I was in attendance—this group really delivered a performance that left nobody in the building doubting how downright talented they all are. If you haven’t seen the movie Once, go rent it ASAP. Then, go buy the soundtrack and music from Swell Season—featuring the Once duo with a full band. Some people are just born with the skill. And this band proves it.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">9. Army Navy – Army Navy</span></strong><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AmfmK4HAhKM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AmfmK4HAhKM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />I hated the Smashing Pumpkins when they first came out. I thought Billy Corgan’s voice was too odd for my ears. But the unique vocals were something I grew to appreciate and I was—until recently—a big SP fan. Army Navy can be described in the same way. The vocals my bother you at first. They sound whiny and flimsy. But once they grow on you, you’ll hear an album that is a fine and unique brand of pop music.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">8. TV on the Radio – Dear Science</span></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W7ZjpdH4XZM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W7ZjpdH4XZM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />A critically-acclaimed album, so I was swayed into buying this album. Upon first listen, I admit I thought only one thing: overrated. But I gave it another shot and discovered this is an album that grows on you slowly. With elements of Prince, New Wave, Beck and old R&B, the group puts together a unique sound that draws you in deeper.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">7. Santogold - Santogold<br /></span></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kCeZzW54a2o&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kCeZzW54a2o&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />It took me some convincing to give Santogold a shot, as she seemed more like an M.I.A. copycat from a distance. But a closer listen to her self-titled album disproves this assumption with a wide range of sound that borrows heavily from the 80s, but updates the sound with gracefulness and rhythm.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">6. Foals - Antidotes</span><br /></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A3lWbPEOJp0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A3lWbPEOJp0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Foals are a math rock band. (Math Rock is music that sounds electronic/techno, but is actually created with real instruments). Since I’m not generally a fan of this type of sound, it takes a good album for me to take a liking to it. Foals accomplishes this with Antidotes; a catchy, powerful album that demands your attention.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">5. Josh Ritter – The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter</span><br /></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3rcUsFatXw4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3rcUsFatXw4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Technically an album from 2007, I had overlooked Josh Ritter for years until discovering this effort. (Truthfully, with the emergence of Robin Thicke—son of 80’s TV icon Alan Thicke—I made an unfair assumption of Josh Ritter and avoided his music altogether.) But I’m glad I gave the guy a shot, because he’s a heck of a songwriter. This album takes elements of Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen and reworks them into Ritter’s own brand of sound.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">4. Albert Hammond, Jr. – Como Te Llama</span></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XLAzpwrljeA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XLAzpwrljeA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Albert Hammond Jr., of The Strokes fame, is not an easy guy to like; as is the entire Strokes group. They all act like they’re too cool for school; like you’re missing out on the big joke. But the annoying attitude does not transfer to Albert Hammond’s latest album, which picks up that Strokes sound; removing some of the punk elements and replacing them with more harmony. The result is a good, classic pop rock album.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">3. Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight</span><br /></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iPvNyRLMxjo&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iPvNyRLMxjo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />Frightened Rabbit are what Snow Patrol had the potential to be: very good. An album that at first listen sounds like a Scotsman beat up the lead singer of Counting Crows and took over; but after a few more listens, you’ll realize it’s much more than that. This album is a truly great pop effort.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">2. Clear Tigers – Brutal</span></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cuKwoFEcSp0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cuKwoFEcSp0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />This artist is hard to describe. Sometimes, you hear the Shins, other times I Am Kloot. But overall, the song development and creativity of this album is remarkable. Many textures and layers and a catchiness that will get you hook you in. My favorite song: Igloo, which sounds like a modern pop song using the framework of an old 1920s French tune.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">1. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend</span><br /></strong><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_XC2mqcMMGQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_XC2mqcMMGQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that my top album of the year would come from a band whose primary influences seem to be African pop artists and 1980’s Paul Simon, I’d have said you are crazy. There is so much about this band that I should hate. One, the Paul Simon influence. Two, their overtly ivy school preppy style. Three, MTV has even pushed this band.<br /><br />Yet ever since the album was released way back in January 2008, it has consistently found my iTunes and CD players and I knew it would take quite an album to top it for the year’s top honor. It’s catchy, well written and fun music that will get your toe tapping. I urge you to purchase this album and if you aren’t singing “Who gives a f*#@ about an Oxford comma?/I’ve seen those English dramas toHOO/They’re CruHOOL” within a week, then you can ask me to refund your money…and you can call me Al.Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-37326205251910606842008-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:002008-12-15T14:30:47.662-08:00best songs of 2008 listIt's that time of year. Here is my annual list of the best songs of the year. If you would like to receive a free CD of all the tracks below, feel free to email me your address and I will burn a copy and mail it your way. Or, if you have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iPod</span> and just want the tracks, I will be posting a zip file for download later this week. Let me know if you want me to email you the link to download the file.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I will be posting my annual top ten albums of the year.<br /><br /><strong>Best songs of 2008 (and some from 2007 that I didn't hear until this year), in alphabetical order by band name:<br /></strong><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gfc</span> – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">albert</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hammond</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jr</span>.<br />my thin sides – army navy<br />evening/morning – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bombay</span> bicycle club<br />igloo – clear tigers<br />what up man – the cool kids<br />nothing ever happened - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">deerhunter</span><br />am I wasting my time – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">eli</span> “paperboy” reed and the true loves<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">cassius</span> – foals<br />the modern leper – frightened rabbit<br />try not to think – the grey race<br />to the dogs or whoever – josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ritter</span><br />better to be – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">liam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">finn</span><br />death to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">los</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">campesinos</span>! – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">los</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">campesinos</span><br />little bit – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">lykke</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">li</span><br />get better – mates of state<br />weekend wars – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">mgmt</span><br />i woke up today – port o’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">brien</span><br />l.e.s. artistes – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">santogold</span><br />love dog – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">tv</span> on the radio<br />a-punk – vampire weekend<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">valium</span> skies – the verve<br />right hand on my heart – the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">whigs</span><br /><br />If you think I missed a track, comment on this posting and perhaps I'll publish an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">amended</span> list later this week!Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742205627375777555.post-16261240933844202862008-11-05T07:39:00.000-08:002008-12-03T08:10:26.127-08:00Obama Grant Park Rally: The Perpective of One American in Attendance<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_-6o0EqaLQ/SRHmaFiRA2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/ZZpFjSLLpFw/s1600-h/rally.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265242775209706338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_z_-6o0EqaLQ/SRHmaFiRA2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/ZZpFjSLLpFw/s400/rally.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>“I wish it was the sixties. I wish I could be happy. I wish, I wish, I wish something would happen.”</em> –The Bends lyrics, Radiohead</div><div><br />Deep down, I have always been a bit envious of the 60's generation. Sure, today we look back at that era more as a caricature rendering of a hippy, free love, drug-addled cultural phenomenon. But they were more than that.<br /><br />They were a generation whose youth stood up and demanded change. They strove for the ideals of peace, freedom and liberty in all aspects of life—and it was a rough road that brought with it the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr; a destructive Vietnam war, civil rights atrocities and fear mongering politicians.<br /><br />But as I laid my head on my pillow last night and thought about my evening spent at the Obama Election Rally in Grant Park, I no longer felt envious of that 60’s generation. And, more importantly, the void in my soul made from the departure of that envy was filled with something that I—and likely many of the Gen X and younger crowd—have never felt: proud patriotism.<br /><br />Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always loved my country. I believe the United States is the greatest nation in the world. But I just never felt that connection with it. To me, it was like a distant second cousin—a shared bloodline, but little beyond that.<br /><br />But I did feel that connection on November 4th, 2008, when I ventured out to my first ever political rally and witnessed and was part of an event that was truly remarkable in so many ways. To give you a full grasp of what I am talking about, following is a summary of my evening at the Obama Election Rally in Grant Park:<br /><br />The train ride into the city was quiet. I’d discussed with my girlfriend Dana the news I was hearing about the rally. How people had stood in line for more than 13 hours; how Mayor Daley had basically called in the entire Chicago police force to handle the event; and even how the city had expected one-million people to show up. But as I looked around our nearly empty train car, I began to suspect I’d fallen for a bit of media hype.<br /><br />But as we began to make stops along the route, the car began filling up. First, a pair of twentysomething males wearing ties. Next, a group of college-aged girls boarded with an introduction to our first “Obama!” cheers of the evening. After that, another college-aged group entered. All who boarded were beaming with excitement and giddy. But this being a work day—thus me already being tired—I attributed it to the typical energetic jubilance of youth.<br /><br />As we’d exited the train, and worked our way up to street level, we began our walk over to Grant Park. As I looked around, I saw dozens of young Americans walking to the event as well. The mood: determined to get there as soon as possible. But with our first sighting of a police presence—four officers leaning on a parked squad car parked in the middle of Michigan Avenue—came the view of the spectacle of the event. Hundreds of people walking down the same, traffic free street.<br /><br />Lining the street along the way were dozens upon dozens of vendors selling unofficial Obama merchandise—t-shirts, buttons, hats, rally flags and more. These street vendors were spaced no more than 10 feet from each other and lined our entire quarter-mile walk to the event. Some sold t-shirts that said “Yes We Did,” or “McCain-Palin: Same old Bushshit.” Some sold buttons that said “Obamapalooza.” All made me feel like the event I was to attend was more of a gimmick—a scene, the place to be—more than a potentially historic moment treated with dignity. (I was later proved wrong.)<br /><br />The pure size and scope of the event wasn’t apparent until we crossed over Michigan Avenue and made our way up to the designated Congress Street entrance. Thousands upon thousands of people were crowding their way in. Think Taste of Chicago times a one hundred. The crowd of people were buzzing and eager, with their digital cameras out snatching images of every little detail signifying the event: a line of police officers on horseback, the lights on a nearby skyscraper lit up to spell out “USA;” a group of people cheering from atop a pillar.<br /><br />Near a statue, a duo stood wearing masks. One, a pigs mask and another in a skeleton mask and both holding up anti-Republican signs. I’d thought to myself that this was the sort of tasteless and mindless approach that keeps this nation divided—and there’s no room for it. Luckily, they were the only two I saw taking that tack this evening.<br /><br />We eventually weaved our way through the security lines and made our way to the event grounds. In front of our eyes were a sea of people, thousands deep—lit up by several high-powered floodlights. Dotting the crowd were several American flags waving in the wind. A large jumbotron with CNN tuned in sat in the center of the crowd, with five or so spotlights beaming out at an angle into the night sky.<br /><br />We made our way into the crowd and got as close as we could to the main stage—which was basically about 800-yards away and out of plain sight—and knew we were going to have to rely on the jumbotron for our glimpse of the stage.<br /><br />I have been to a number of high-attendance events such as Lollapalooza and sporting events where trekking through a crowd is like fighting an angry mob along the way. Don’t you dare step on somebody’s shoe or there may be fight! How dare you bump into that guy, you deserve an angry look! Or, "I’m pushing you out of my way because I’m more important than you" type of people.<br /><br />But this crowd was not that way. Bumps were met with smiles. Toe steps met with courtesy. This was a crowd that saw past the minor inconveniences and agreed to just be content. It is something I have never experienced before throughout the many crowd-filled events I’ve attended through the years. It was a truly happy and peaceful event.<br /><br />As we stood in the crowd, my proud patriotism was born. I was shoulder to shoulder with people whom I didn’t know, but they acted as if we were old friends or part of the family. We talked and shared in conversation. We exchanged smiles. We shared in our anticipation for an announcement. We were courteous, concerned with others in the group and peaceful. We were in this together. We were fellow Americans.<br /><br />And when the announcement was made that Obama won the election, you could feel in the air a collective release of anxiety and stress from the years of frustration. People cheered, hugged, celebrated or stood in a silent awe to let it all absorb in.<br /><br />The audience was made up primarily of people 30 or younger. The youth of the nation who decided to stand up—like that generation did 40 years ago—and demand a new way. History may look back at that moment as the time when the first African-American US President was elected. It should be remembered in that way. But this is an election that produced a biggest voter turnout in decades. It’s an election that substantially grew the first-time voter numbers. It’s an election that drew the youth back into the equation.<br /><br />Well after Obama’s speech as we walked back to the train stop, I saw thousands of young people walking in their own makeshift parades down the center of the streets. Cheering. Clapping. Dancing. Waving to onlookers who viewed through their hotel windows. And, most importantly, filled with an excitement and drive to be a part of this great nation of ours. When we walked down those streets, I saw people who were proud to be Americans. Proud to be true patriots. Focused less on the “win” and more on the beginning of things to come. There were no chants of “we won!” There were chants of “Yes we can!”<br /><br />And I can’t help but think, someday years down the road, I will look back at that moment and remember those people more than anything else. They are the ones that made all the difference. They are the ones that played the biggest role in looking past barriers from the past and demanding a change for tomorrow. They are the ones who helped make history while at the same time built a bridge of hope to the future.<br /><br />They are the ones who made me feel for the first time how proud I was of my patriotism—something those storied tales from the 60’s were never able to do. And I feel truly honored to have been one of them.</div>Schmagurtyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15317476611927983207noreply@blogger.com1