I guess I haven't posted much this half of the year, but I think it's pretty obvious why. 2010 was not the greatest year for music. Loads of unrecognizable muck was shoved through the gates, pushing the agendas of lame ducks like pop-punk, things called "ambient punk," and the almighty of ruses, indie rock. Sorry to be a sad sack, but clicking through Amazon or iTunes' top albums is like visiting the Vampire and Zombie sections of a bookstore. It's tiring and redundant, rarely yielding anything worth a second look.
Of course, there were a few gems, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this. But I never really found more than a handful of works that had the merit to make a list. Which is why lists like Paste's, where like 50 albums are listed, baffle me. I read articles by those I respect and the results are hollow. Some say this was a fantastic year for music, many just give a list and move on. But really, did anything come out of 2010 that you, as a reader, expect to be listening to in the next 10 years? Which albums may have changed the course of music? Which ones were your favorite? Prior to any "top whatever" list, I believe it's fundamental to give a reason for the list. Any publication that avoids the topic of purpose and take-away should be cast aside, as these lists are the bane of internet culture. Create an article, become an expert. But I digress...and could probably write another article on that alone. The point remains: why are these 5 albums worth the seconds it will take you to read about them?
Every single one of these albums are ones that not only enticed me at first glance, but they kept me coming back and surprised me over and over again. None of them are simple (despite the format of some), for they all find their substance in details and maturity. Most importantly, I will never forget these five. They're ingrained in my interpretation of musical culture as much as Brand New's "Deja Entendu" or Discovery's "LP". If there's anything you must take away from this, it's that these albums have power to them, if you give them a chance.
#1. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
LCD Soundsystem was the greatest surprise for me since I fell in love with Taking Back Sunday, some 6 years ago. In the same way, one band introduced me into a genre I never believed I would understand, let alone become practically dependent on. I can give Discovery and Daft Punk a little credit, as they gave me a glimpse into the electronic world, but as far as I'm concerned there was nothing before This is Happening. "Dance Yrself Clean" gets about 90% of the credit, although "Pow Pow," "All I Want," and "Home" have stolen the thunder in recent days. No album in my mind has so perfectly taken beat and style and mixed them effectively with what is essentially spoken word. If Discovery ushered the synth sound into my world, James Murphy put it on a pedestal. An album for music lovers, dancers (which I am definitely NOT one of), and most of all people who don't understand synth/electronic music. It's a conversion tool, and certainly has taken me back to listen to Murphy's previous "Sound of Silver" and "LCD Soundsystem" albums with focus and reverence.
#2. Vampire Weekend - Contra
When I first listened to Contra, straight through on a car ride alone, I immediately texted a friend "This is definitely going to be one of my top 10 albums of the year". And keep in mind, this was somewhere around the 2nd or 3rd week of January. 2010 was still an undiscovered landscape ahead of us. But somehow I knew. It certainly had to do with the instantly infectious guitar slide in "Cousins," and even more with the mind-blowing, game changing curve-ball of auto-tune in "California English". Contra started off strangely conventional, with the first 3 songs being strangely the weak part in my opinion, but from track 4 on Ezra Koenig and crew had me hooked into their world. In the Vampire Weekend realm, conventions are made to be exploited, and those strong over-done themes of love and loss appear behind a veil of wistful reflection. I was struck by the power of "Run," "Taxi Cab," and the deceptively mild-mannered finale of "Diplomat's Son" and "I Think Ur A Contra". Those last two linger like a lost memory on the edge of your mind, and I always find myself lusting for more. Certainly an album that's left its mark on my heart and will have a large influence on the future of music.
#3. Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
This album is about the Civil War. No wait, it's about unrealized potential while living one's life in the normalcy of New Jersey. Or maybe it's just about wailing like Conor Oberst while The Dropkick Murphy's play in the background. Titus Andronicus is a hybrid of so many ideas and concepts that The Monitor is an album practically dedicated to wearing you out. Look up the lyrics for opener (and hands down best track) "A More Perfect Union," and you'll find quotes by Abraham Lincoln foreword-ing what seems like complaints about New Jersey, ultimately culminating in a "Battle Hymn of the Republic" chant. And from then on, the lesson, though dragged through excrement and booze, comes out clear: we are a nation made free through toil yet we are as broken as we've ever been. To be American is to be comprised of unfulfilled potential, all the while being told that we've fought to be where we are. It's an uncompromising, depressing, but alltogether eerily accurate depiction of this great Union. And let's face it, these guys should be up here just for the fact that they make grungy, dirty, in-your-face punk a legitimate effort that's worth your time. When was the last time that happened?
#4. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
When I consider all these albums, at this point I almost feel guilty for putting this so low at #4. Mumford & Sons will be with us for a long while, and I think Sigh No More may eventually be considered the album of the decade. Songs like "The Cave" and "Little Lion Man" are so catchy, not because they try to be or even because they try NOT to be, but because they stand alone as remnants of a man's soul, laid before us merely to consume. Marcus Mumford may be seen as brilliant, and indeed he can write a song extremely well. But the effects of M&S don't lie in the guitar or banjo work, even though they embellish the points already made and make for the danciest folk music you'll ever hear. The real magic lies in the straightforward emotion of his voice, and the fact that these lyrics are very very personal. Even the most easy-to-grab choruses have layers of personal strife and redemption. Songs like (my favorite) "White Blank Page" evoke desperate images of love not only unrequited but even spited. This album will fall into history for bringing the brawny masses together with the brainy hipsters in a way no other album has in a long, long, LONG while.
#5. Yeasayer - Odd Blood
The #5 spot was the toughest here. I'll list a bunch below that could easily have interchanged with Yeasayer. It needs to be said however, that Yeasayer has a kind of a hold on every part of me. Odd Blood is quirky, dancy, alternative, and riddled with enough moments of guilty pleasure that I cannot stop coming back to it. The only price you'll pay to get to this great music is one pathetic opener, as some producer surely missed the ball by not canning "The Children." But from then on, if you've never listened, prepare to be captivated. "Ambling Alp" is a single and yet somehow it's just too weird to be a single. "Madder Red" and "Love Me Girl" are poetic in their own ways, and would be miracles themselves if not for the KILLER "O.N.E." and "Rome". Both these songs grab and don't let go, embracing rhythm and their progressive nature into an extremely refreshing and unique sound. "O.N.E." is just a song that should never stop, should always be sung along to, and should be passed from friend to friend purely out of unadulterated joy.
Take a deep breath, I'm sure that was a lot. I hope though that this extrapolation can prove the point I was making earlier. These albums meant a lot to me; I've labored discussing them with others and myself, trying to understand their influence on us. So I hope anybody reading this will take a jump and try these out, if only to prove me wrong :)
Ones that almost made the list are below. I could write just as much about these, but they still haven't made their mark yet. But they all have merit in their own fields.
Bad Books - Bad Books (the best straight alternative album of the year. authentic and raw)
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (this is what good rap actually sounds like)
Grum - Heartbeats (electronic bliss)
Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard (try putting this on while smoking a cigar/pipe/hookah. sublime.)
Sleigh Bells - Treats (if only because it's changing music dramatically)
The National - High Violet (it's no Boxer, but it's delicious. forgettable, but delicious.)
Go listen to music. You owe me that.
-The Audio
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Summer 10
Summer has always been a time of change and opportunity for myself over the years. I spend lots of time at work, head down, getting into projects and trying to earn a living. For most of it, I've always liked to throw headphones on and spend time getting to know my music library. So over the years, me and my iPod have become great friends, to the point where I know people have noticed I barely post on Facebook or Twitter anything except music notes. But that's just me, I have a different song or style on my mind at all points of the day. And now, even though I'm no longer leaving work to join a school semester, I still find that the summer of 2010 deserves a healthy recap, exploring what I think is some of the best music of the past year (or at least what I've recently discovered).
The hard part is pin-pointing the 20 or so songs I'd like to share here, because all-in-all there were an estimated 50 songs that I could point directly towards when thinking of this summer. But I'm going to do my best!
20. The Fratelli's - Chelsea Dagger
I would be remiss if I didn't include this gem on my list somewhere. As the Chicago Blackhawks' theme song, I've heard it a lot this summer and have used it to re-live their 2010 Stanley Cup win with my friends and family.
19. Bad Veins - Afraid
This song was chosen mostly because of Bad Veins' live show, where they absolutely killed on this song. Their overall sound is a lot like The Bravery, but with a little more emo and electro thrown in. Not something I'm crazy about for the most part, but when they played "Afraid" live, the lead vocalist was flailing about and completely enthralled in the song. Was an intense, engaging performance that was sick enough to throw on this list.
18. Childish Gambino - Difference
Rap project of Community cast member (and former 30 Rock writer) Donald Glover, Childish Gambino is unlike any rap I've heard before (which isn't much, I know). It's vulgar, it's arrogant, and filled with lots of cultural references. "Difference" is the first track, but explains the album Culdesac pretty well in full.
17. The Antlers - Sylvia
I wanted to put "Bear" on this list, but "Sylvia" is by far the most powerful song by The Antlers. This song is so hauntingly beautiful, and positively destroys emotionally. The Antler's album Hospice itself is an exercise in reflection and sorrow, and I believe this song is the epitome of their sound. Also was pretty decently performed at Lolla this year.
16. Neon Trees - Sins of My Youth
This was one of my most favorite "energy" songs of the summer. I've heard so many people give their opinions of Neon Trees' song "Animal" that you'd be surprised that they came out with any other material. But most of the other stuff is much better than "Animal," especially with the build-ups in "Sins of My Youth" and the chorus of "1983". I dare you to listen a few times and not end up singing along.
15. My Dear Disco - Amsterdam
One of my more recent loves, My Dear Disco is just plain fun. And I've listened to "Amsterdam" like 10 times in the past week. It grabs a hold of my newly found dance tendency and just takes me for a ride until the very last moment. I've regularly been seen in my car, pretending I had room to move around to this song
14. Local Natives - Sun Hands
This could easily have been about the song "Airplane," but "Sun Hands" is just an amazing song. At the point where the instruments drop off, and they're yelling "And when I can't feel with my sun hands..." it's just such a fantastic, adrenaline-fueled moment. I've cranked my speakers to max, yelling along in preparation to just jump around when the music interlude slams afterward.
13. Wild Sweet Orange - Ten Dead Dogs
Pandora IS good for something. It kept recommending Wild Sweet Orange, so I finally gave them a legit try because I enjoyed them enough. "Ten Dead Dogs" is the first track, and although in my opinion it's sadly the best they offer, the song itself always gets me thinking. Lots of very potent imagery, and it ends on a note that always makes me so sad that it's over. Although most of me knows that I'm also so glad that it ends with unresolved wistfulness.
12. The National - Terrible Love
The National's new album, High Violet, took a long time to really grab me. But once I saw them live at Lollapalooza, and then returned to the album, I realized how much I really enjoyed most of the songs. "Terrible Love" is both the first single and the first song, and although songs like "Conversation 16" and "Afraid of Anyone" are killer examples of must-listen songs in this band's repertoire, "Terrible Love" can enter your head and never leave. It's somber, powerful, confusing, and the music is catchy as all get out.
11. Circa Survive - Get Out
"Get Out" will be the only song here that really throws me back to my old alternative loves. But it's just so. dang. good. The song begins and demands your attention, and by the end you barely know how you got through like 3 minutes of music. It's the musical equivalent of an energy drink, and it's one of the craziest summer songs I'll ever love.
10. The Graduate - Don't Die Digging
The Graduate's new album Only Every Time is a pop-punk wonder. In a genre dying little by little, The Graduate have proven themselves as a force to at least keep it alive a little while longer. "Don't Die Digging" is the first song on the album (I'm sensing a pattern here....) and is certainly the most memorable on first listen. The attacking guitars and sense of urgency in "Don't Die Digging" could make you come back for more over and over again.
9. Kevin Devine - She Stayed as Steam
KevDev is still one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I've met him twice and he's an extremely humble dude who just loves music. "She Stayed as Steam" is a surprisingly complex poem of a song, on an EP that showcases his wealth of talent as a songwriter. His talent at imagery and wordplay are unmatched in my opinion.
8. Phoenix - Lasso/Rome
I have to put these two songs together because I've listened to them together every time. "Rome" follows "Lasso" on Phoenix's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix album, and they are a stunning pair. I already complimented "1901" as one of last year's favorite songs, and the entire album is just a prime example of great alternative music in our time.
7. Maps & Atlases - The Charm
The album Perch Patchwork by Maps & Atlases is one of the more confusing albums I own. Part indie alternative, part math rock, and hard to place in terms of style and genre. But the album is extremely accessible. "The Charm" is a practically acoustic track with mainly vocals and percussion. One of my favorite songs from the album, with chilling lyrics that fall into the "I want to sing this out loud but the lyrics are weird" category.
6. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
A prime example of the best folk music out. Period. If you enjoy a good guitar, banjo, and upright bass playing top-tier songs, with a voice that just cannot be reproduced, try this out. You owe yourself a listen. And then another. Then buy the album. I'm seeing them TWICE this year live, for good reason.
5. Discovery - Swing Tree
Choosing "Swing Tree" was a cop out. I can't choose my favorite song from this album. Discovery's LP, as it may be my favorite 2009 album hands down. I am head-over-heels for this style of music, an homage to electronica of the past. It's a love letter to traveling the world, loving women, and most of all dance.
4. Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell
Ra Ra Riot is the band from the last couple of years that I finally fell in love with this summer. From the dance-centric "Dying is Fine" to the worrisome "Can You Tell" to contemplative closer "Run My Mouth," their album The Rhumb Line is a masterpiece. Their new album, The Orchard, is also a fantastic triumph in violin-led deceptively-complex composition, but it's hard to beat their first LP.
3. Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union
I never thought I'd like these guys because of their name. I assumed some boring slow techno feel, but what I got was an alternative band that somehow mixed the best parts of Bright Eyes, Dropkick Murphy's, and....I don't know...New Jersey? Their album opener "A More Perfect Union" is a phenomenal journey through the band's resentment and yet acceptance of living in New Jersey. To top it all off, the entire album The Monitor takes the listener through modern-day references to the Civil War, freedom and liberty. It's offensive, it's self-deprecating, and it's one of the most honest albums of this year.
2. LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean
LCD Soundsystem was close to #1, because the entire album This is Happening will forever be one of 2010's best albums. The album that single-handedly brought me into the dance scene, it started off with "Dance Yrself Clean," an epic tale that mixed smart lyrics/vocals with a slam of electronic proficiency that provoked me to buy the album on vinyl. And now I'm in love with the whole thing, from the stupidity of "Drunk Girls" to my current favorite "Pow Pow". But "Dance Yrself Clean" is one of the greatest tracks I've heard in a long time. Listen to it now.
1. Vampire Weekend - California English
This is my favorite song off this album, but it's probably not the best. It's so hard to choose between "Holiday", the upbeat and strange song that actually references the font Futura, the reflective "Taxi Cab" or "Run", or the sentimental closer "I Think Ur A Contra". So I chose the best auto-tuned, sugary example of a pop song I may have ever personally known. "California English" is my song of this summer, and probably of this year so far. The entire Contra album is my most-played for 2010 and will most certainly be on my top ten list by the end. It's accessible, beautiful, and much deeper in reality than a first listen might reveal. Try it, please. For your own good.
FWEW. Okay, that's it for now. PLEASE ask me questions about any of these songs, or try them out online. If you want to know what's best for your taste, please ask!!! There's so much great music out there, and it's all in different genres. I've been recently enthralled by rap, indie, alternative, electro, dance, and everything else in between. I consider it my job to tell people what's worth their time, so all comments are welcome!
Thanks for reading.....seriously.
The hard part is pin-pointing the 20 or so songs I'd like to share here, because all-in-all there were an estimated 50 songs that I could point directly towards when thinking of this summer. But I'm going to do my best!
20. The Fratelli's - Chelsea Dagger
I would be remiss if I didn't include this gem on my list somewhere. As the Chicago Blackhawks' theme song, I've heard it a lot this summer and have used it to re-live their 2010 Stanley Cup win with my friends and family.
19. Bad Veins - Afraid
This song was chosen mostly because of Bad Veins' live show, where they absolutely killed on this song. Their overall sound is a lot like The Bravery, but with a little more emo and electro thrown in. Not something I'm crazy about for the most part, but when they played "Afraid" live, the lead vocalist was flailing about and completely enthralled in the song. Was an intense, engaging performance that was sick enough to throw on this list.
18. Childish Gambino - Difference
Rap project of Community cast member (and former 30 Rock writer) Donald Glover, Childish Gambino is unlike any rap I've heard before (which isn't much, I know). It's vulgar, it's arrogant, and filled with lots of cultural references. "Difference" is the first track, but explains the album Culdesac pretty well in full.
17. The Antlers - Sylvia
I wanted to put "Bear" on this list, but "Sylvia" is by far the most powerful song by The Antlers. This song is so hauntingly beautiful, and positively destroys emotionally. The Antler's album Hospice itself is an exercise in reflection and sorrow, and I believe this song is the epitome of their sound. Also was pretty decently performed at Lolla this year.
16. Neon Trees - Sins of My Youth
This was one of my most favorite "energy" songs of the summer. I've heard so many people give their opinions of Neon Trees' song "Animal" that you'd be surprised that they came out with any other material. But most of the other stuff is much better than "Animal," especially with the build-ups in "Sins of My Youth" and the chorus of "1983". I dare you to listen a few times and not end up singing along.
15. My Dear Disco - Amsterdam
One of my more recent loves, My Dear Disco is just plain fun. And I've listened to "Amsterdam" like 10 times in the past week. It grabs a hold of my newly found dance tendency and just takes me for a ride until the very last moment. I've regularly been seen in my car, pretending I had room to move around to this song
14. Local Natives - Sun Hands
This could easily have been about the song "Airplane," but "Sun Hands" is just an amazing song. At the point where the instruments drop off, and they're yelling "And when I can't feel with my sun hands..." it's just such a fantastic, adrenaline-fueled moment. I've cranked my speakers to max, yelling along in preparation to just jump around when the music interlude slams afterward.
13. Wild Sweet Orange - Ten Dead Dogs
Pandora IS good for something. It kept recommending Wild Sweet Orange, so I finally gave them a legit try because I enjoyed them enough. "Ten Dead Dogs" is the first track, and although in my opinion it's sadly the best they offer, the song itself always gets me thinking. Lots of very potent imagery, and it ends on a note that always makes me so sad that it's over. Although most of me knows that I'm also so glad that it ends with unresolved wistfulness.
12. The National - Terrible Love
The National's new album, High Violet, took a long time to really grab me. But once I saw them live at Lollapalooza, and then returned to the album, I realized how much I really enjoyed most of the songs. "Terrible Love" is both the first single and the first song, and although songs like "Conversation 16" and "Afraid of Anyone" are killer examples of must-listen songs in this band's repertoire, "Terrible Love" can enter your head and never leave. It's somber, powerful, confusing, and the music is catchy as all get out.
11. Circa Survive - Get Out
"Get Out" will be the only song here that really throws me back to my old alternative loves. But it's just so. dang. good. The song begins and demands your attention, and by the end you barely know how you got through like 3 minutes of music. It's the musical equivalent of an energy drink, and it's one of the craziest summer songs I'll ever love.
10. The Graduate - Don't Die Digging
The Graduate's new album Only Every Time is a pop-punk wonder. In a genre dying little by little, The Graduate have proven themselves as a force to at least keep it alive a little while longer. "Don't Die Digging" is the first song on the album (I'm sensing a pattern here....) and is certainly the most memorable on first listen. The attacking guitars and sense of urgency in "Don't Die Digging" could make you come back for more over and over again.
9. Kevin Devine - She Stayed as Steam
KevDev is still one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I've met him twice and he's an extremely humble dude who just loves music. "She Stayed as Steam" is a surprisingly complex poem of a song, on an EP that showcases his wealth of talent as a songwriter. His talent at imagery and wordplay are unmatched in my opinion.
8. Phoenix - Lasso/Rome
I have to put these two songs together because I've listened to them together every time. "Rome" follows "Lasso" on Phoenix's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix album, and they are a stunning pair. I already complimented "1901" as one of last year's favorite songs, and the entire album is just a prime example of great alternative music in our time.
7. Maps & Atlases - The Charm
The album Perch Patchwork by Maps & Atlases is one of the more confusing albums I own. Part indie alternative, part math rock, and hard to place in terms of style and genre. But the album is extremely accessible. "The Charm" is a practically acoustic track with mainly vocals and percussion. One of my favorite songs from the album, with chilling lyrics that fall into the "I want to sing this out loud but the lyrics are weird" category.
6. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
A prime example of the best folk music out. Period. If you enjoy a good guitar, banjo, and upright bass playing top-tier songs, with a voice that just cannot be reproduced, try this out. You owe yourself a listen. And then another. Then buy the album. I'm seeing them TWICE this year live, for good reason.
5. Discovery - Swing Tree
Choosing "Swing Tree" was a cop out. I can't choose my favorite song from this album. Discovery's LP, as it may be my favorite 2009 album hands down. I am head-over-heels for this style of music, an homage to electronica of the past. It's a love letter to traveling the world, loving women, and most of all dance.
4. Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell
Ra Ra Riot is the band from the last couple of years that I finally fell in love with this summer. From the dance-centric "Dying is Fine" to the worrisome "Can You Tell" to contemplative closer "Run My Mouth," their album The Rhumb Line is a masterpiece. Their new album, The Orchard, is also a fantastic triumph in violin-led deceptively-complex composition, but it's hard to beat their first LP.
3. Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union
I never thought I'd like these guys because of their name. I assumed some boring slow techno feel, but what I got was an alternative band that somehow mixed the best parts of Bright Eyes, Dropkick Murphy's, and....I don't know...New Jersey? Their album opener "A More Perfect Union" is a phenomenal journey through the band's resentment and yet acceptance of living in New Jersey. To top it all off, the entire album The Monitor takes the listener through modern-day references to the Civil War, freedom and liberty. It's offensive, it's self-deprecating, and it's one of the most honest albums of this year.
2. LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean
LCD Soundsystem was close to #1, because the entire album This is Happening will forever be one of 2010's best albums. The album that single-handedly brought me into the dance scene, it started off with "Dance Yrself Clean," an epic tale that mixed smart lyrics/vocals with a slam of electronic proficiency that provoked me to buy the album on vinyl. And now I'm in love with the whole thing, from the stupidity of "Drunk Girls" to my current favorite "Pow Pow". But "Dance Yrself Clean" is one of the greatest tracks I've heard in a long time. Listen to it now.
1. Vampire Weekend - California English
This is my favorite song off this album, but it's probably not the best. It's so hard to choose between "Holiday", the upbeat and strange song that actually references the font Futura, the reflective "Taxi Cab" or "Run", or the sentimental closer "I Think Ur A Contra". So I chose the best auto-tuned, sugary example of a pop song I may have ever personally known. "California English" is my song of this summer, and probably of this year so far. The entire Contra album is my most-played for 2010 and will most certainly be on my top ten list by the end. It's accessible, beautiful, and much deeper in reality than a first listen might reveal. Try it, please. For your own good.
FWEW. Okay, that's it for now. PLEASE ask me questions about any of these songs, or try them out online. If you want to know what's best for your taste, please ask!!! There's so much great music out there, and it's all in different genres. I've been recently enthralled by rap, indie, alternative, electro, dance, and everything else in between. I consider it my job to tell people what's worth their time, so all comments are welcome!
Thanks for reading.....seriously.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Discovery
I was excited about this post a bit earlier today. Turns out with a little more thought put into it, it became quite the formidable beast. Here's hoping that I can put more exposition to my thought process, and do myself some justice.
I wonder sometimes exactly how honest we are with ourselves. There's a certain image that we have to keep up, even when we don't think we have one. I'll always come back to the Jimmy Eat World reference, observing that "we're only just as happy as everyone else seems to think we are," because I believe it doesn't merely encompass happiness. We're only just as Indie as how we think others see us. Or as disapproving of invention, or as accepting of others, and etc. We find our passions, and grab onto them in an identity even if we're no longer "into" those passions anymore. To exemplify, I have realized these few things in my life:
How much do I do this? How much do people do this with me? I understand the basic human need to be liked and to have the same opinions, but I feel that we're approaching some strange level of post-honest universal thought. I don't want to bash on those who advocate the "all ways to heaven are valid," support-religious-freedom standpoint, because even though I'm a Christian I wouldn't see it as my duty to prosecute others for their beliefs. It's the Golden Rule, do unto others as you'd have them do to you. That's my honest opinion, yes. But once a theory is reached where any thought is a valid thought...isn't that opinion in itself supposedly becoming a "universal belief"? We're moving more towards a culture that universally accepts universal acceptance, that suddenly we're afraid to challenge. If somebody is positive, we give a list of why we agree. If someone else in the group disagrees, we can support both positions and struggle for a compromise. Maybe that's just me, but I see it more and more in people. It's coming to the point where I respect someone more for having a dissenting opinion than one which I believe in.
But I don't mean this in a "dissent and I agree" point of view. Because what matters here is personal opinion as opposed to a group's opinion. You will be more likely to reject an idea if you are aware of a collection of individuals who share your view. But how can you tell that the person scoffing at your pop-punk guilty pleasure is doing so out of personal opinion or out of a desire to speak for a supposed whole? Short answer: the person with the personal opinion will most likely not scoff. Or at least, they'll give reasoning in an objective way and shrug off the difference of opinion as exactly that. There's an inherent feeling of superiority somehow found in the set as opposed to the one.
So I guess, after for myself what feels like a rambling narrative, I just want to point out that we don't have to be what we've already declared ourselves to be. We're allowed to dissent against others in our set groups, and especially we should disagree with previous versions of ourselves. All of us are learning and growing, and it's a matter of overcoming pride to finally admit that maybe, just maybe Brand New isn't being played on my iTunes because I'm outgrowing them.
As I write this, I've changed from LCD Soundsystem, to Local Natives, to the new album by Lydia. The first I love purely out of the discovery, and that I've never much been into dance-y type music until this album. The second I started listening to because the internet told me, but luckily I can't stop, because it's just fantastic. The third album is a poor example of personal freedom, as I loved Lydia's earlier releases and by transition tried to love their new album Assailants. And the truth is, I don't like it. It's so disappointing to try without succeeding. The simple act of trying to like a new album by a band you once held dear is prone to failure almost every time. It's why I'm extremely scared about the next Ra Ra Riot, Hellogoodbye, Manchester Orchestra, and Jimmy Eat World albums. I am obligated by my love of previous discographies to at least listen to their new material. How will they hold up to nostalgia?
The Answer: Nothing holds up to nostalgia. Best rely on discovery, and best it be your own path.
I wonder sometimes exactly how honest we are with ourselves. There's a certain image that we have to keep up, even when we don't think we have one. I'll always come back to the Jimmy Eat World reference, observing that "we're only just as happy as everyone else seems to think we are," because I believe it doesn't merely encompass happiness. We're only just as Indie as how we think others see us. Or as disapproving of invention, or as accepting of others, and etc. We find our passions, and grab onto them in an identity even if we're no longer "into" those passions anymore. To exemplify, I have realized these few things in my life:
- Although when asked "What is your favorite band?" my response will always be "Brand New," I'm realizing more and more than my fandom is based solely on a sense of nostalgia that I'm slowly outgrowing.
- Many, many times I dislike coffee and espresso beverages. But I still hold to the image of the coffee-holic, and I promote them as much as I can despite their obvious affect on me.
- On a personal level, I have outgrown certain influences and interests. Yet I hold upon those prior interests to retain a prior commonality with others. I do like this though, that I can always hinge on what others and I USED to have in common. It's not a complaint as much as an observation.
How much do I do this? How much do people do this with me? I understand the basic human need to be liked and to have the same opinions, but I feel that we're approaching some strange level of post-honest universal thought. I don't want to bash on those who advocate the "all ways to heaven are valid," support-religious-freedom standpoint, because even though I'm a Christian I wouldn't see it as my duty to prosecute others for their beliefs. It's the Golden Rule, do unto others as you'd have them do to you. That's my honest opinion, yes. But once a theory is reached where any thought is a valid thought...isn't that opinion in itself supposedly becoming a "universal belief"? We're moving more towards a culture that universally accepts universal acceptance, that suddenly we're afraid to challenge. If somebody is positive, we give a list of why we agree. If someone else in the group disagrees, we can support both positions and struggle for a compromise. Maybe that's just me, but I see it more and more in people. It's coming to the point where I respect someone more for having a dissenting opinion than one which I believe in.
But I don't mean this in a "dissent and I agree" point of view. Because what matters here is personal opinion as opposed to a group's opinion. You will be more likely to reject an idea if you are aware of a collection of individuals who share your view. But how can you tell that the person scoffing at your pop-punk guilty pleasure is doing so out of personal opinion or out of a desire to speak for a supposed whole? Short answer: the person with the personal opinion will most likely not scoff. Or at least, they'll give reasoning in an objective way and shrug off the difference of opinion as exactly that. There's an inherent feeling of superiority somehow found in the set as opposed to the one.
So I guess, after for myself what feels like a rambling narrative, I just want to point out that we don't have to be what we've already declared ourselves to be. We're allowed to dissent against others in our set groups, and especially we should disagree with previous versions of ourselves. All of us are learning and growing, and it's a matter of overcoming pride to finally admit that maybe, just maybe Brand New isn't being played on my iTunes because I'm outgrowing them.
As I write this, I've changed from LCD Soundsystem, to Local Natives, to the new album by Lydia. The first I love purely out of the discovery, and that I've never much been into dance-y type music until this album. The second I started listening to because the internet told me, but luckily I can't stop, because it's just fantastic. The third album is a poor example of personal freedom, as I loved Lydia's earlier releases and by transition tried to love their new album Assailants. And the truth is, I don't like it. It's so disappointing to try without succeeding. The simple act of trying to like a new album by a band you once held dear is prone to failure almost every time. It's why I'm extremely scared about the next Ra Ra Riot, Hellogoodbye, Manchester Orchestra, and Jimmy Eat World albums. I am obligated by my love of previous discographies to at least listen to their new material. How will they hold up to nostalgia?
The Answer: Nothing holds up to nostalgia. Best rely on discovery, and best it be your own path.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Setting Records
This is a lame post, especially because someone correctly said it'd probably be more worth my time to use this blog to WRITE rather than...you know, whine about how nobody reads my witty exposition on albums I'd already had bias towards before I clicked "download" on Amazon's MP3 store.
Fwew. That was a long sentence. BUT the content of this post is mostly just to get down some recent albums I strongly desire on vinyl. Because the medium itself is an excellent way to show your appreciation for music in a way that digital music and even CDs haven't been able to touch. When you purchase an LP, it's not because you heard two or three songs on Myspace and thought "I'll check these prog-rock geniuses out and drop $20-30 for the privilege to support them." No, choosing a record for you is a personal choice. By adding one to your collection, you're saying that this album is worth holding onto forever. It must pass the test of time.
This differs a little, of course, from what records used to symbolize. I'm sure back in the day some people bought up records quicker than most people illegally download today. But there was a Cassette Tape revolution because people wanted music on the go. Although yes, people used to spend more time appreciating the music rather than taking it with them. However, records symbolized the ONLY technology, old and out-dated. To us, we thought this way until only recently, when music became easier to acquire than your groceries. We needed to find a new way to show appreciation for artists, get ourselves our souls back in a way.
So when I say I want these albums, you know it's not just a wish list. It's a statement as to how much I appreciate these albums. So here are a few that I plan on getting eventually:
Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johannson - "Break Up"
-This album has all the replay-ability of a summer afternoon. Bold yet simple, relaxing yet emotional. I can't see any way to improve Scarlett's voice except by giving it a more solid and present sound on vinyl. Definitely a keeper.
The Hold Steady - "Boys and Girls in America"
-If you've heard The Hold Steady, then you probably know they're not my usual spin. A British band whose lead singer does more talking than singing, with a sound that's practically made for rowdy booze-drenched festivals instead of my usual alone-in-the-car routine. And even with two albums after BaGiA, you'd probably assume their newer stuff has caught my ear. Absolutely false. Boys and Girls is an exceptional roller coaster ride of fun.
Ra Ra Riot - "The Rhumb Line"
-Since I've become a Vampire Weekend fan, most people would assume this is the next logical step. Although I probably went in the weirdest order ever...I liked this album, began to enjoy the lead singer Wes Miles' side project Discovery, fell in love with Vampire Weekend's "Contra," and finally began to really experience "The Rhumb Line." I couldn't get half these songs out of my head only a week or two ago, and considering I'd downloaded this album at least a year ago, I'd consider that a win for Ra Ra Riot. Simple song construction, but laced with elegant violin accents and a voice too unique to be avoided.
So those are a few that I'd like. The ones that almost made the list:
Passion Pit - Manners
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Yeasayer - Odd Blood (not a good cover, however)
Kevin Devine - Put Your Ghost to Rest (waiting for a re-issue)
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Russian Circles - Enter (can't find it)
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
Also....Maybe the new LCD Soundsystem. And his Sound of Silver. Basically anything he's done.
Maybe some Infected Mushroom?
Yeah, I'm insane. But I love me some music, eh?
Fwew. That was a long sentence. BUT the content of this post is mostly just to get down some recent albums I strongly desire on vinyl. Because the medium itself is an excellent way to show your appreciation for music in a way that digital music and even CDs haven't been able to touch. When you purchase an LP, it's not because you heard two or three songs on Myspace and thought "I'll check these prog-rock geniuses out and drop $20-30 for the privilege to support them." No, choosing a record for you is a personal choice. By adding one to your collection, you're saying that this album is worth holding onto forever. It must pass the test of time.
This differs a little, of course, from what records used to symbolize. I'm sure back in the day some people bought up records quicker than most people illegally download today. But there was a Cassette Tape revolution because people wanted music on the go. Although yes, people used to spend more time appreciating the music rather than taking it with them. However, records symbolized the ONLY technology, old and out-dated. To us, we thought this way until only recently, when music became easier to acquire than your groceries. We needed to find a new way to show appreciation for artists, get ourselves our souls back in a way.
So when I say I want these albums, you know it's not just a wish list. It's a statement as to how much I appreciate these albums. So here are a few that I plan on getting eventually:
Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johannson - "Break Up"
-This album has all the replay-ability of a summer afternoon. Bold yet simple, relaxing yet emotional. I can't see any way to improve Scarlett's voice except by giving it a more solid and present sound on vinyl. Definitely a keeper.
The Hold Steady - "Boys and Girls in America"
-If you've heard The Hold Steady, then you probably know they're not my usual spin. A British band whose lead singer does more talking than singing, with a sound that's practically made for rowdy booze-drenched festivals instead of my usual alone-in-the-car routine. And even with two albums after BaGiA, you'd probably assume their newer stuff has caught my ear. Absolutely false. Boys and Girls is an exceptional roller coaster ride of fun.
Ra Ra Riot - "The Rhumb Line"
-Since I've become a Vampire Weekend fan, most people would assume this is the next logical step. Although I probably went in the weirdest order ever...I liked this album, began to enjoy the lead singer Wes Miles' side project Discovery, fell in love with Vampire Weekend's "Contra," and finally began to really experience "The Rhumb Line." I couldn't get half these songs out of my head only a week or two ago, and considering I'd downloaded this album at least a year ago, I'd consider that a win for Ra Ra Riot. Simple song construction, but laced with elegant violin accents and a voice too unique to be avoided.
So those are a few that I'd like. The ones that almost made the list:
Passion Pit - Manners
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Yeasayer - Odd Blood (not a good cover, however)
Kevin Devine - Put Your Ghost to Rest (waiting for a re-issue)
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Russian Circles - Enter (can't find it)
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
Also....Maybe the new LCD Soundsystem. And his Sound of Silver. Basically anything he's done.
Maybe some Infected Mushroom?
Yeah, I'm insane. But I love me some music, eh?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer Cleaning
Back in action I guess, hopefully for good. It's been a while since I've cared to update here, probably because of the lack of comments and lack of new music or whatever.
BUT I've been starting to recommend music almost daily at http://www.twitter.com/theaudio and I've been extremely active in finding new music. This summer's had me hitting a huge range of influences, from folk to electro to straight alt-rock, so hopefully I can coordinate a post or something with every Recommended Audio.
Recommend me to your friends pleaseee! I'm working on changing this default template and maybe Branding myself a bit. It'll be a lot of work, and I picked the WRONG week to start. But it'll all be worth it in the end.
Today's Recommended Audio is LCD Soundsystem's "Dance Yrself Clean," a song I couldn't be happier with right now. It satisfies all my cravings for dance and electro music, and somehow also manages to find a ear-pleasing lyrical melody as well. And there's like one random scream in there, nothing crazy, but brings the whole thing together for me. LCD Soundsystem's new album This Is Happening was my major spin for the day, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a solid energetic soundtrack for your summer.
On a side note, I don't know where the trend for spelling "your" as "yr" began to hit big, but NYC-based Kevin Devine does it too, so maybe it's just some New Yrk thing I just don't get.
Check out This Is Happening in its entirety here: http://www.myspace.com/lcdsoundsystem/music/albums/this-is-happening-15688752
BUT I've been starting to recommend music almost daily at http://www.twitter.com/theaudio and I've been extremely active in finding new music. This summer's had me hitting a huge range of influences, from folk to electro to straight alt-rock, so hopefully I can coordinate a post or something with every Recommended Audio.
Recommend me to your friends pleaseee! I'm working on changing this default template and maybe Branding myself a bit. It'll be a lot of work, and I picked the WRONG week to start. But it'll all be worth it in the end.
Today's Recommended Audio is LCD Soundsystem's "Dance Yrself Clean," a song I couldn't be happier with right now. It satisfies all my cravings for dance and electro music, and somehow also manages to find a ear-pleasing lyrical melody as well. And there's like one random scream in there, nothing crazy, but brings the whole thing together for me. LCD Soundsystem's new album This Is Happening was my major spin for the day, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a solid energetic soundtrack for your summer.
On a side note, I don't know where the trend for spelling "your" as "yr" began to hit big, but NYC-based Kevin Devine does it too, so maybe it's just some New Yrk thing I just don't get.
Check out This Is Happening in its entirety here: http://www.myspace.com/lcdsoundsystem/music/albums/this-is-happening-15688752
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Anticipated #2 - Hellogoodbye
If you've touched upon the realm of alternative music and where it merges slightly with the pop universe, you probably know of the electro-pop sensation Hellogoodbye. The band's simple but engaging variances on synthesized vocals with cutesy lyrics and unwavering energy put them at the height of their career probably a couple of years ago.
But since then, all we've gotten are a scattering of covers and teasers. It started off with their Ukulele EP, just 3 songs performed with lead Forrest Klein playin his Uke to two new tracks and a cover. They were well done but screamed of under-production. They were quiet, unassuming, and I found them beautiful for their simplicity.
Since then, there have been a few covers done by the band and put up on myspace. But the real draw for me has been their latest teaser EP. "When We First Met," the title track of a 2-song EP released last year, has me itching like mad for a new LP. It retains the band's focus on love and relationships, but removes the synthesized pop for a cleaner, almost more attractive feel. The song is still clearly Hellogoodbye, which just excites me for whenever they decide to release new material.
So keep a lookout, and let me know if you see anything about new Hellogoodbye songs. I cannot wait.
But since then, all we've gotten are a scattering of covers and teasers. It started off with their Ukulele EP, just 3 songs performed with lead Forrest Klein playin his Uke to two new tracks and a cover. They were well done but screamed of under-production. They were quiet, unassuming, and I found them beautiful for their simplicity.
Since then, there have been a few covers done by the band and put up on myspace. But the real draw for me has been their latest teaser EP. "When We First Met," the title track of a 2-song EP released last year, has me itching like mad for a new LP. It retains the band's focus on love and relationships, but removes the synthesized pop for a cleaner, almost more attractive feel. The song is still clearly Hellogoodbye, which just excites me for whenever they decide to release new material.
So keep a lookout, and let me know if you see anything about new Hellogoodbye songs. I cannot wait.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Anticipated of 2010 #1 - The Graduate
The release calendars have ceased to excite me. 2009 was an insane year for what I love, with new albums by Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, Kevin Devine, The Dear Hunter, and about 20 other recording artists whom I supported with cold, soft, online cash. So what's a boy to do, when the next year roles around with less promises?
He looks to the future, dang it.
So I have no idea when most of these "most anticipated" albums are coming out. But that doesn't stop me from day-dreaming about finally purchasing the perfect Alternative album from geniuses such as Hellogoodbye or The Graduate. As far as I'm concerned, waiting is half the battle.
Chances are, though, you haven't heard of The Graduate. Or maybe you have, you just took one look at the name and decided to avoid on contact. Well I'd recommend heading over to www.myspace.com/thegraduate and checking them out. Listen to their fantastic new single Don't Die Digging, and if you like it look back into their really solid-sounding alt-rock. I personally like them because of the vocals. I've never heard someone quite like their vocalist, he hits the notes well and dwells on all the right syllables.
Also, if you can grab a hold of their The Evergreen EP, it's what started me liking them in the first place. I didn't believe in them until I listened. Now I'm truly a fan.
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