2009-06: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alela Diane, Camera Obscura, Secret Secret Dino Club, Katie Melua, Kings Of Leon, Metric, Phoenix, Samantha Crain
To listen to this playlist: Click Here!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your Bones
I listened to a few songs off this album two years ago and hated it. After listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s other 2 albums, I finally “get” this band. I like this album now.
Alela Diana – The Pirate’s Gospel
Awesome voice. Awesome sound. Folk at it’s best.
Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career
Those violin strings. Those telecaster solos. That voice. I love this band!
Secret Secret Dino Club – Doing My Thing And Doing It So Well
Part of me wants to say that this artist is lame and he’s sounds like the band who saig “Teenage Dirtbag” a decade ago. But you know what? I think this guy is awesome. His songs are great, the melodies are powerful, and the music is really positive.
Katie Melua – Pictures
I saw the video for “Nine Million Bicycles” a few years ago, and then I forgot the artist and the name of that song. Only now, that I came across Katie Melua’s new album, did I re-discover that song on her older album! Yes!! This woman has a voice that is INCREDIBLE, beautiful, and sensual. You have be in a certain mood for the entire album (think wine and candlelight) – but I am really glad that I found discovered her again.
Kings of Leon – Youth and Young Manhood
I listened to “Only By The Night” a while back and HATED IT. I didn’t understand what the big deal was with the Kings of Leon. I had never even really heard of them before their single “Sex on Fire.” Then Rolling Stone runs a story on them. Turns out that the band isn’t very popular here in the states. And… the albums that they are known for are their first two. So I decided to check out their first album, “Youth and Young Manhood.” Caleb Followhill, the lead singer, turned me off with that weird voice of his BUT…. the songs – and that lead guitar – ARE &$*$&@#* AWESOME. I just kept listening to this album and it kept on getting better and better. Now I don’t even mind Caleb’s voice – I kind of like it. THIS album is what rock n’ roll is all about.
Metric – Fantasies
I loved “Combat Baby” but that was the only song that really caught my ear on Metric’s first album. Their latest, however, is a pop masterpiece. EVERY SINGLE SONG.
Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This album is even better than their first album. It makes me feel like Springtime.
Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers – Songs in the Night
Not as great as the EP, but still a good album by a talented, rising artist.
Songs I Liked(But I Didn’t Dig The Albums):
The Veils – The Letter
The Doves – Kingdom of Rust, 10.03, Lifelines
2009-04: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Little Joy, The Lonely Island, Dan Auerbach, Alela Diane, Babel, Say Hi, Angus and Julia Stone, The Airborne Toxic Event
Here is the link to the Rhapsody Playlist: Click Here!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
I listened to a few songs of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “Show Your Bones” album a few years ago. Hated it. I gave this album a listen and then came across their hit “Maps.” What was I thinking? This band is awesome. “It’s Blitz” is a great album. It’s full of catchy, raw rock music that you can dance to.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever To Tell
Yeah!! This album is an adrenaline rush. I’ve been listening to this almost every time I go running for the past month. I can’t believe I haven’t listend to them before now. Is it just me or does Karen O. sound like Chrissie Hynde, the singer from the Pretenders?
Elvis Perkins In Dearland – Elvis Perkins In Dearland
There is a video on YouTube for the song Doomsday that was filmed in a small room in a house surrounded by Mountains. There are about 5 people packed in there making awesome, rowdy folk music. That pretty sums up what this album is about. If you like Mason Jennings, you’ll like Elvis Perkins in Dearland.
Little Joy – Little Joy
One of the guitarists from the Strokes teamed up with a Brazilian singer to make music I like to call “California Breeze.” Check them out if you like the Botticellis.
The Lonely Island – Incredibad
When I was in high school Adam Sandler scored with “They’re All Gonna Laugh At You!” This generation has Adam Sandberg, another SNL alum, who brought his friends in to make gangsta rap about the Chronicles of Narnia and retro-synth pop about premature ejaculation. The best, however, is “I’m On A Boat.”
Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid
Auerbach, the singer and guitarist of the Black Keys goes solo with this album. A must listen for rock/blues/freak-folk lovers.
Alela Diane – To Be Still
This will be one of my best albums of 2009. This young woman’s music is everything and more of what “FOLK” music is and ought to be. Beautiful songs, hypnotic fingerpicking, and lytics that make you feel as if you’re living on the edge of the frontier in the 1800s. AWESOME.
Babel – Crooked Timber
Yes! Forget your morning coffee – this pop folk will wake you up and keep you going for hours. Great sound – guitars, fiddles, and more!
Say Hi – The Wishes and the Glitch
Not really sure what to classify this as… It’s mostly synthesizers. The guy’s voice gets on my nerves a little, but its catchy enough to make me want to keep listening…
Angus and Julia Stone – A Book Like This
If you can get past Julia’s voice – which sometimes sounds like a dying cat – this is a pretty awesome album. Songs like “Just A Boy” and “The Beast” will stay in your head for days. I dig the music that this brother and sister make.
The Airborne Toxic Event – The Airborne Toxic Event
Their lead singer can’t sing worth a hoot. But the songs… the songs!! They’re awesome. And the sound – electric guitars, cellos, violins. It’s like Irish folk music on steroids. The high point of the albums is the overlapping guitar solo in “Happiness Is Overrated.” There are 15 seconds of pure elation in music that are rare. The only other song that achieves what this one does is the Dove’s song “Pounding” from their album “The Last Broadcast.”
2009-03: Melpo Mene, Blind Pilot, Greg Laswell, Animal Collective, Erin McCarley, Andrew Bird, Franz Ferdinand, Kyle Adams, Beirut, Lilly Allen
Here is the link to the Rhapsody Playlist: Click Here!
Melpo Mene – Bring The Lions Out
Dreamy folk lullabies with a voice that yearns and longs for love.
Blind Pilot – 3 Rounds and a Sound
Yes! Blind Pilot’s music is subtle, yet solid. The only analogy I have for it is that it is like a plant in a room. It’s there, but you’re not aware of it sometimes. Yeah, I agree. That analogy sucks. If you like Fion Regan, you’ll love this band.
Greg Laswell – Through Toledo
I liked his new album, so I listened to this one. It’s just as good. Awesome pop songs that will stick in your mind all day long.
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
I’ve tried to listen to Animal Collective’s other albums and hated them. But this one… This one is a fusion of techno, house, and the Beach Boys. It’s awesome – definitely an album to which you can work out.
Erin McCarley – Love, Save the Empty
Great melodies and great songs in the spirit of Katie Tunstall.
Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
I am so glad this guy found his voice. I am also glad that people like his music so he can continue to make it. It is a thing of incredible beauty. This album is definitely on my best of 2009.
Franz Ferdinand – Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
Not a great album, but not bad. I didn’t listen to it a whole lot, but that’s only because there were tons of great albums this Spring!
Kyle Adams – Real Blasty
Good songs with a few GENIUS hooks. A melting pot of folk, rock, and techno.
Beirut – Lon Gisland EP
Amazing melodies – never thought I’d like gypsy music.
Lilly Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You
I love Lily Allen’s voice, but the grandeur and success of this album can’t go to her. It has to go to her producer, Grek Kurstin(who is in the band “The Bird And the Bee”).
Great Songs (But I Didn’t Dig The Albums):
The Bird and the Bee – My Love, Birthday
Paul McCartney – Band On The Run
Bon Iver – Woods
2009-02: Kanye West, Coldplay, Beirut, Department Of Eagles, Megapuss, Greg Laswell, Deer Tick, Mates of State, Blitzen Trapper
Here is the link to the Rhapsody playlist: Click Here!
Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak
Who doesn’t like Kanye West? He’s got it all. Awesome rapper, awesome lyricist, awesome beats, awesome everything. And on this one he sings. But – can he play an instrument?
Coldplay – Prospekt’s March EP
If only their last album had been longer… Oh wait – these are the tracks that weren’t finished in time for the release.
Beirut – The Flying Club Cup
Gypsy music from a kid out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Who would of thunk it?
Department Of Eagles – In Ear Park
The lead singer of Grizzly Bear crafts some catchy pop songs that will haunt you.
Megapuss – Surfing
Devandra Banhart and friends create a weird and wacky album. But very listenable! Crazy tunes about eating hummus from Trader Joes and screw Abe Lincoln!….. Nah – I’m just kiddin’!!
Greg Laswell – Three Flights From Alto Nido
This producer from San Diego knows how to write some great songs.
Deer Tick – War Elephant
Rough tough voice. Mean lean tunes.
Mates of State – Re-arrange Us
This husband/wife band will make you smile.
Blitzen Trapper – Furr
Songs about life from an amazing band out of Portland, Oregon.
Great Songs (But I Didn’t Dig The Albums):
Hercules And Love Affair – Time Will
Chairlift – Bruises
CSS – Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex
The Killers – Losing Touch, Human, Spaceman, Neon Tiger.
Enya – My! My! Time Flies!
Theresa Anderson – Hi-Low
12-14-2008: 2008 Best Album Of The Year
If you have Rhapsody, here is the playlist: Click Here!
Here’s the list:
1. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes & Sun Giant EP
If only all music sounded like this… Bittersweet lullabies, 4 part harmonies, and songs that touch your soul for reasons you can’t figure out. Imagine a blizzard outside during the depths of winter. The snow and sleet scream against the stone of your home. This album is the fire roaring in the hearth, keeping you and your family warm.
2. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
3. The Little Ones – Morning Tide
4. The Walkmen – You and Me
5. The Kooks – Konk
6. Coldplay – Viva La Vida & Prospect’s March
7. The Figurines – When the Deer Wore Blue
8. The Dodos – Visiter
9. The Boticellis – Old Home Movies
10. Tokyo Police Club – Elephant Shell
2008-11: Emiliana Torrini, The Donkeys, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Kat Flint, Cold War Kids, The Little Ones, Ane Brun, Keane, Ray Lamontagne
Here is the link to the Rhapsody playlist: Click Here!
Emiliana Torrini – Me and Armini
Super sweet voice and a great knack for writing catchy folk-pop songs.
The Donkeys – Living on the Other Side
Music you can listen to while sittin’ on yer front porch swing. Great Americana band.
Jessica Lea Mayfield – With Blasphemy So Heartfelt
I sware this girl is channeling Mazzy Star. Melancholy songs about mistakes and lost loves – good stuff nonetheless.
Kat Flint – Dirty Birds
Great poppy folk from across the pond.
Cold War Kids – Loyalty to Loyalty
I was disappointed in this sophomore effort at first, and then I listened to the album again. And again. And again. There’s more going on here than just music. These songs are incredible.
The Little Ones – Morning Tide
Definitely one of the best albums of this year. Awesome pop rock from Los Angeles. I saw these guys at Schubas too.. twice! Great hooks and great melodies.
Ane Brun – Changing of the Seasons
Yearning and passion bundled up with a beautiful voice. I got to see Ane at Schubas and she sounds just like the album. Good songs with haunting melodies.
Keane – Pefect Symmetry
Not as great as their first too, but I’ll listen to it anyways.
Ray Lamontagne – Gossip in the Grain
That raspy voice! After a few listens, I’ve decided this is his best album yet.
2008-09: Amy Kuney, Iron & Wine, Samantha Crain, Jeff Hanson, Wall-E, Black Keys, Imogen Heap, The Walkmen
Lots of great music coming out this fall. This is what I’ve been listening to so far… If you have Rhapsody, click HERE for the playlist.
Amy Kuney – Bird’s Eye View
I would put her in the same sphere as Katie Tunstall and Brandi Carlisle - except her voice is so different, but in a good way. I dig the lyrics in the songs too. “Thank You For Last Night” is superb. The album is great, and so is her version of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida: Click Here!
Iron & Wine – The Creek Drank the Cradle
It’s not a new album, but I’ve been listening to it ever since I saw Iron & Wine at Lollapalooza this year. What a great sound – I feel like I’m in the South in an old field house watching the sun set over cotton fields every time I listen to this band.
Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers – The Confiscation EP
Folk music today just doesn’t get any better than this. I love this girl’s voice and sound of the band. It’s amazing how someone can write such deep, disturbing lyrics but also sing the soothing and oddly uplifting melody on songs like ”The River.”
Jeff Hanson – Madam Owl
Great songs. Great voice. Great sound. I still can’t belive that it’s a guy singing the songs. Weird, but great music.
Wall-E Soundtrack – Thomas Newman and Others
Wasn’t a HUGE fan of the movie. But I’ve been listening to the soundtrack just because it’s something different. And it’s great.
Black Keys – Attack and Release
Along with Iron and Wine, I also got to see this duo at Lollapalooza. They were probably the best act I saw. The guitarist is incredible. I’ve been enjoying this latest album of theirs. It’s full of blue-eyed blues, classic rock riffs, and garage band grunge.
Imogen Heap – Speak For Yourself
Her real name is Imogen Jennifer Jane Heap. What were here parents thinking? Luckily she became a pop singer. You might recognize her voice from her prior band, Frou Frou. They had a hit song, “Let Go,” on the movie Garden State. Anyway, I came across her solo stuff from a Saturday Night Live skit. They parodied a clip from the O.C. that used the song “Hide and Seek.” Check out the skit: Click Here! As for this album, I can’t get enough of her voice and the beats she uses.
The Walkmen – You And Me
Yes! A perfect album from a great, versatile band. They channel the Strokes, Bob Dylan, and Cold War Kids on this sparse but flawless creation.
Honorable Mentions:
Even though I didn’t like the entire album, there are four AMAZING songs I have to mention from two artists:
Teitur (from “Stay Under The Stars”): Don’t Want to Wake You Up, Louis Louis
Ane Brun (from “A Temporary Dive”): Song No. 6, Rubber & Soul
2008-08: Tokyo Police Club, The Kooks, Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley, Aimee Mann, Fleet Foxes, Diskjokke, The Botticellis, The Morning Benders, The Rolling Stones, Ratatat, Coldplay, The Raconteurs, My Brightest Diamond, Metro Station, Johhny Flynn, Neil Halstead
Incredible Albums from this past spring and summer. If you have rhapsody, click HERE for the playlist!
Tokyo Police Club – Album: Elephant Shell
Noisy but not noise. Awesome hooks and melodies. Power pop rock doesn’t get better than this.
The Kooks – Album: Konk
These Englishmen trade in their acoustic guitars for electric blues riffs. Definitely one of the best albums of 2008.
Death Cab for Cutie – Album: Narrow Stairs
It’s not just the melodies that make this band great. It’s the songs and what they’re about. For example, take the song “You can do better than me.” Ben Gibbard taps into the subtle crises of aging with a sound that hits the spot.
Rilo Kiley – Album: Under the Black Light
A fine album with a diverse set of tunes, melodies, and sounds.
Aimee Mann – Album: @#%&*! Smilers
I can’t say I’ve listened intently to this album. It’s good, but not great. The reason I have to mention it is for the last song. That’s folk god Sean Hayes singing on “Ballantines!”
Fleet Foxes – Album: Fleet Foxes & Sun Giant EP
This might be the best album of the year. How to describe their sound? Pastoral bittersweet baroque folk pop. Absolutely incredible.
Diskjokke – Album: Staying In
Progressive techno with a vast array of subtle sounds. Somehow this guy melds the sounds of horses galloping into layered beats and it works. Genius.
The Botticellis – Album: Old Home Movies
They sound like the golden light of summer before twilight.
The Morning Benders – Album: Talking Through Tin Cans
These guys could be mistaken for the Kooks on their first album. They even toured with the Kooks. But they aren’t the Kooks. I’m looking forward to what they do next.
The Rolling Stones – Album: Sticky Fingers
Yeah! Awesome classic rock. Can’t you hear me knocking?
Ratatat – LP3
Don’t care too much for Dashboard Confessional. But… I have newfound respect for the guitarist from that band. He provides some great riffs on this incredibly layered techno album.
Coldplay – Album: Viva La Vida
Everyone loves to hate Coldplay. For some reason it’s human nature to hate something that everyone else seems to like. I think a large part of it has to do with overexposure. But that’s not their fault – that’s their stupid record label(which the Rolling Stones just left) trying to milk every dollar out of every note that comes out of them. This is my favorite band. They write great songs, they’re excellent musicians, and they stand for good causes. They are my generation’s U2. And this album delivers just like every other album that they have released.
The Raconteurs – Album: Consolers of the Lonely
The first half of the album – Incredible. The last half…. well, just listen to the first half.
My Brightest Diamond – Album: A Thousand Shark’s Teeth
Her voice is like a fairy tale. This album is great for falling asleep to – it’s as if she’s singing you haunting lullabies.
Metro Station – Album: Metro Station
What? Miley Cyrus’ brother is the guitarist? And I like this music? It’s pure power pop – you listen to one of the songs and watch out – it gets stuck in your head for days! Shake shake, shake shake sha shake it!
Johhny Flynn – Album: A Larum
He’s got that Irish folk sound but the songs aren’t overly repetitive or annoying.
Neil Halstead – Album: Oh! Mighty Engine
Ahh… soothing to the soul. If you are stressed just listen to this for a few minutes.
2008-05: Antony and the Johnsons, Bon Iver, Jack Johnson, Moby, Phantom Planet, Radiohead, Sea Wolf, The Cave Singers, The Dodos, The Helio Sequence, The Figurines
Here is the link to the Rhapsody Playlist: Click Here!
Antony and the Johnsons - Album: I’m a Bird Now
Haunting music and great melodies backed by piano playing that fits. His voice reminds me of this other singer I like named Warren Malone.
Bon Iver - Album: For Emma, Forever Ago
Great modern folk outfit. It’s hard to describe the guy’s voice. I hate to make Elliot Smith comparisons, but this band is in the same vein of his music.
Jack Johnson - Album: Sleep Through The Static
Who doesn’t like Jack Johnson? If you don’t, then you are un-American. It’s a fact. Plus, he plays a telecaster in this album! Seriously though, this album wasn’t great in my opinion – but it’s still great music. I don’t know how that makes sense. You figure it out.
Moby - Album: Last Night
Yes! Moby is back to what he does best – make techno music that samples old recordings. This album could be the follow-up to “Play.”
Phantom Planet - Album: Raise The Dead
This is my new workout ablum! Get that body moving!
Radiohead – Album: In Rainbows
Not a great album in my opinion, but good! That first track, 15 Step, has a great riff with a telecaster.
Sea Wolf – Album: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low (EP)
“Oh Gyspy woman said to me, “You’re a wolf boy, get outta this town.” Great sound – there’s a cello that kicks of that first song and it’s all uphill from there.
The Cave Singers – Album: Invitation Songs
Sparse, yet lush sounding folk. The lead singer’s voice will remind you a coal miner. Love ‘em. Your foot will be tapping before you know it.
The Dodos – Album: Visiter
Not only will your foot be tapping, you’ll be stomping it on the ground after listening to these guys – amazingly, there’s only two of them. One doing vocals and guitar, and the other playing that hyper-kinetic drumbeat.
The Helio Sequence - Album: Keep Your Eyes Ahead
This Portland, Oregon based duo has that rich, majestic tone and melodies that keep coming back to you. Awesome album.
The Figurines - Album: Skeleton
This is the Danish band’s first album. It doesn’t hang together as well as their second one, but the music is great. “Back In The Day” is a fantastic song.
2008-03: Singles
Here is the playlist for the songs (but not the albums) that made the cut: Click Here!
These singles come from the following artists:
-The Apples In Stereo – Song: 7 Stars
-Magnetic Fields – Song: Three-way
-The Decemberists – Song: O Valencia!
-Matt Costa – Songs: Mr. Pitiful, Emergency Call, Vienna
-MGMT – Songs: Time To Pretend, Kids
-Bell X1 – Songs: Bound For Boston Hill
-Dennis Mejdal – Songs: Rain On You, Bye Bye Love
-Grand Archives – Song: Torn Blue Foam Couch
-The Blood Arm – Song: Bottom Below
-Yael Naim – Song: New Soul
