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?

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