Five Free Thrice Songs

If for some reason you have yet to check out the band Thrice, now is your chance to get 5 songs for legally for free. I assume most people resist Thrice due to not liking heavy music. I have people ask me for music recommendations all the time, but say, "except for screaming". Even my wife is open to all sorts of music, but resists anything with screaming. Well, Dustin of Thrice doesn't scream too much any more, and he has an outstanding singing voice (my wife has described his vocals on his solo album as "sexy"). These five songs feature him at his best, and no screaming whatsoever. The first four are a live Daytrotter session. Not only that, Thrice records all four of the songs in a blues style. You can download these unique versions of songs off Beggars, plus one Tom Waits cover, here.

Lastly, you can download Thrice's newest "single", In Exile (although I am not sure it is being played on the radio anywhere) at Magnet.com with a new Dustin interview. So there you go, five Thrice songs; none are heavy, and none have screaming.

Best of 2009

Top 20 Albums of 2009:


1. The Appleseed Cast- Sagarmatha**. As much as I love this band, I had fairly low expectations for this album. They had peaked with their third album(s), 2001’s Low Level Owl, and while I enjoyed their two albums since, I didn’t expect a return to form. Did they ever prove me wrong. While not as original as Low Level Owl, Sagarmatha is a far more aggressive post-rock masterpiece. The band originally planned to do an all-instrumental (for the first time) EP, but the creative juices were flowing and ended up with a 10 song, 53 minute epic LP. There are vocals on most songs, but they are effects-laden, and the lyrics are mostly inconsequential. The focus here is on the guitars, and they are the most intense the band has ever recorded. This is probably the least accessible of any of the albums in my top 10, but if you enjoy post-rock, I could not recommend this album more. I of course always encourage you to buy the vinyl version of any album, but especially this one. You get a bonus track, far superior cover artwork, and all-around stunning packaging. The CD and digital album cover for Sagarmatha is laughable, so please ignore it if you see it. I am going to highlight the artwork differences in my new blog: Buy Vinyl.


2. Thrice- Beggars**. As I recently posted, Thrice is my artist of the decade, so it is no surprise to see them high on my year-end list. Over the last few years Thrice has mostly focused on conceptual and experimental recording, with incredible results. For this album, they went back to the drawing board and recorded a raw rock album, their most cohesive work since 2003. Lyrically, Dustin Kensrue has never been better. From the title track: “As you lie in your bed, does the thought haunt your head, that you’re really rather small; if there's one thing I know in this life, we are beggars all.” The lyrics throughout are so deep, intense, and thoughtful I really have a hard time ranking this behind Sagarmatha, in which the lyrics are mostly without purpose. Dustin keeps the vocal balance he has shown on Thrice’s more recent work, equal parts melodic singing, yelling, with a little screaming. For those of you still dismissing Thrice as a punk-metal band, please open your ears and check out their current single from this album, “In Exile.” While the album came out in August digitally, I just recently got the vinyl in the mail a couple days ago. The artwork and liner notes are stunning and add so much to the music. I will also display this album on my Buy Vinyl blog soon.


3. Paper Route- Absence. I had been following this Nashville band for years before they finally released a full-length album in 2009. In 2005 or 2006 they released a few free songs on their website, and they were pretty interesting, in the vein of the Postal Service. In 2007 I saw them play live for the first time, and they blew me away. They released their 2nd EP in that year, and then their third EP last year in 2008. The members originally recorded as the rock band "For All the Drifters" before giving that up and experimenting with a variety of recording techniques. Electronic music, yet driven by guitars. I have read of them being compared to current popular indie band Passion Pit, but I find Paper Route to be far better and far more diverse. At time they sound like 80’s pop music, but when at their best (Carousel and Last Time) they are outstanding melodic rock.


4. Manchester Orchestra- Mean Everything to Nothing**. I discovered Manchester Orchestra late in 2006, and was so impressed with their lyrics and unique rock sound that I ranked I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child in my top 5 for that year. I don’t like this album anywhere near as much, but as far as most music fans are concerned, this one is superior. While this band is not popular, (as far as I know) I would describe this as the best mainstream rock album I have heard in years. In a way I would compare it to Pearl Jam’s Ten. Raging, crunchy guitars, angry yet melodic vocals, and challenging (maybe offensive) lyrics. Best song is “I’ve Got Friends.”


5. Metric- Fantasies*. The band has been around for awhile, but Metric was my new discovery for 2009. High-energy dance rock with confident vocals. I downloaded it off emusic on a whim and I am glad I did; the most fun album I heard in 2009.
















6. Jeremy Enigk- OK Bear*. Enigk's 3rd LP, and like with his 2nd one, drastically changes his sound. Vale Oso was recorded in Spain with a group of musicians who were apparently big SDRE fans. The album doesn't necessarily sound like SDRE, but you can hear the influence in the guitars. Most of the songs are short and simple, especially when compared to World Waits or Return of the Frog Queen. Focus of the album is once again Jeremy's unique voice, as it should be. Vinyl version is unfortunately only available in Spain, and cost a fortune to import. I got it on emusic, the economical route.






7. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone*. The first album on my list you would find high on the lists of major music magazines. Neko's voice is as impressive as always, but with much more poppy songs than her previous alt-country/folk work. I greatly prefer Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, but obviously also enjoy this album. Best song is "Magpie to the Morning".












8. Avett Brothers- I and Love and You. Paste ranked it the #9 album of the decade. Is it that good? Of course not, especially since we have only had four months to digest it. It is a great album though, highlighted by terrific songwriting. Most people are hearing the Avett Brothers for the first time with this album, and if that is the case, they really have no idea what the band is all about. Most of the energy of the band is lost, and one of their primary instruments on all of their former releases, the banjo, is mostly gone in favor of the piano. These aren't necessarily bad things, but for a bluegrass band, it is most definitely a new direction.




9. David Bazan- Curse Your Branches*. I read more interviews with David Bazan in 2009 than any other artist. He is very outspoken about what he thinks and believes, and more so now than ever. Do I identify with the lyrics on this album? No. Do I agree with them? No. Are they well written? Yes. Are they honest and thoughtful? Yes. And musically, this is by far the best work David Bazan has ever released, possibly challenged by Pedro the Lion's Control.








10. Tegan & Sara- Sainthood**. High-energy, fun, melodic rock. These twin sisters continue to improve and diversify with this, their 5th LP. Their third album, So Jealous, contains the best songs of their career, but with their last album, The Con, and now with Sainthood, they have really branched out artistically, experimenting with different song styles and structures and diverse instrumentation. First three albums were guitar-driven, and mostly acoustic. For these last two albums they have added electronic elements, synths, and on this album, their crunchiest guitars to date. "Hell," the single from the album, is very catchy, but the highlight for me is the 2-minute pop-punk song "Northshore."


11. Camera Obscura- My Mauldin Career*. Another band who has been around for awhile, but did not discover until 2009. Sunny, folky, melodic rock. Best song: "Swans".


12. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix*. As I'll mention later in this post, the most critically acclaimed album of the year. I just got it recently, and it is better than I expected. The highlights for me are the 6-minute instrumental "Love Like a Sunset" Part I and the 2-minute vocal driven Part II.


13. Silversun Pickups- Swoon. Apparently this band is popular? I had no idea who they were until a few weeks ago, and they are impressively good for a band with mainstream popularity. I caught their MTV unplugged set recently on an HD channel and it gave me a greater appreciation for them. Unfortunately it sounds like the singer is trying to sound like Billy Corgan.


14. Sleeping at Last- Storyboards. Productive yet largely unknown Chicago two-piece. They reached their peak with 2006's Keep No Score, meshing beautifully guitars and orchestra. Unfortunately mellowed out for this one, but it is still beautiful. Band released album digitally in July less than a week after its completion. That included an immediate mp3 download and they shipped out CDs a few months later, all for only $10 including shipping. Oh, the joys of no record label.


15. Isis- Wavering Radiant*. Another band who has been productive for awhile I finally took the chance on. Very heavy yet melodic post rock with metal-esque vocals.


16. St. Vincent- Actor*. Honestly, I just haven't listened to this album enough. Outstanding, eclectic pop by Annie Clark.


17. Swell Season- Strict/Joy**. Once's Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are back with their 2nd collaborative LP. Good, yet lacks the fun and passion of their original album. Unfortunately the end of their romantic relationship causes this album to suffer; I personally find it mind-boggling that they are still able to record and perform together.


18. Built to Spill- There is No Enemy*. Another great, consistent guitar record from Doug Martsch and company. Not their best, but better than their last.


19. Old Canes- Feral Harmonic*. Impressively good original, unique folk album from the Chris Crisci, the frontman of Appleseed Cast. His second Old Canes album, but this one blows the debut out of the water.


20. Neon Horse- Haunted Horse: Songs of Love, Defiance & Delusion. The second LP from this "mystery" band, far better than the first. They try to stay anonymous, but most everyone knows by now it is Mark Salomon on vocals and Jason Martin on guitar.


EPs:
1. Stavesacre- Against the Silence. Band has been barely active over the last few years, but they came roaring back with their most aggressive music since 1996's Friction; and their best music of this decade. Jeff Bellew rejoined the band and added new energy to this EP and their 2009 live shows. Unfortunately this could be the end?
2. Eisley- Fire Kite
3. Starflyer 59- Minor Keys
4. Set to Sea- The Last Solid Ground
5. Mae- (M)orning


Worth mentioning:
Dark Was the Night*. Incredible compilation album, probably the best of the decade. Compliation albums became obsolete for me in the digital age, with the exception of the random tribute album. New, otherwise-unavailable tracks from Arcade Fire, Spoon, Ben Gibbard, Sufjan Stevens, Cat Power, the New Pornographers, and many more. 29 songs, and they are all good.


Gomez- A New Tide. I really enjoyed the last Gomez album, but this one was largely a disappointment with the exception of the awesome song, "Airstream Driver."


The Flaming Lips- Embryonic*. Good, but honestly I don't have much to say about it. Doesn't really grab me.


A.C. Newman- Get Guilty*. Another fine album, but unlike his terrific work with the New Pornographers, these songs are just OK.


Thao with the Get Down Stay Down- Know Better, Learn Faster. Critics love this album, but I don't get it. I did really enjoy Thao's last album, but on my initial listen the lyrics were a big turn off for this one. If your boyfriend just dumped you, you might like it. But I just can't relate.


mewithoutYou- It’s all Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream It's alright*. Band definitely branched out and tried some weird stuff with this one, but I wish they hadn't. I loved the guitars and angst of their other work, and it is all gone for this quirky, strange folk album. I'll explore it again someday, but right now I would much rather listen to Brother, Sister.


Waterdeep- In the Middle Of It. My wife is a big Waterdeep fan, me just a little. I love Lori Chaffer's voice, but dislike Don's. Anyway, we haven't gotten this album yet, but probably will soon. Would love to hear some thoughts if anyone has heard it.

Yeah Yeah Yeah's- It's Blitz! I have ordered it, but haven't gotten it yet. I am excited about it, although I have never heard any of it.


Vinyl Reissues:
2009 was apparently the year of the reissue. As you will see below, half a dozen of my favorite albums of all time were re-released on vinyl, or pressed on vinyl for the first time. I will show the artwork and explain the contents of each album soon on my new Buy Vinyl blog.
Jimmy Eat World- Clarity(1999)
Sunny Day Real Estate- LP2 (1995)
Sunny Day Real Estate- Diary (1994)
The Appleseed Cast- Two Conversations (2003)
Brandtson- Dial In Sounds (2002)
Starflyer 59- Silver (1994)

Best concert(s) of the year:
1. Sunny Day Real Estate at Center Stage in Atlanta. I was going to make a list, but unfortunately this is the only show I saw last year. I could have seen 100 though, and it would have still been #1. Mind-blowingly good.

The critics:
While working on my year-end list this past month, I read somewhere around 30 other best-of 2009 lists (Paste, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Spin, etc.). For those curious, Phoenix easily averaged out to be the #1 album of the year. The list below is 10 critically acclaimed albums that I would like to hear in full, but haven't yet. (I have at least one song from each.) Some I think I would like, some I probably wouldn’t, but if someone gave me physical copies of them I would definitely listen to them attentively. The main reason I don’t have the albums below is because I can only afford to buy so much music each year. Listed in order of my interest:
1. Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca*
2. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest*
3. Bat for Lashes- Two Suns*
4. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion*
5. Passion Pit- Manners*
6. Wilco- Wilco*
7. Sufjan Stevens- The BQE
8. Andrew Bird- Noble Beast*
9. The Decemberists- Hazards of Love*
10. U2- No Line on the Horizon*

Tess Wiley Interview

My final post of the year is an interview with Tess Wiley. She is the fourth artist I have interviewed in my "best of the decade" series. My Top 50 albums of the decade can be found here, and here is where the artists interviewed rank in that top 50:

Scott Hunter- lead singer of Poor Old Lu (The Waiting Room #9 of the decade)
Chris Simpson- lead singer/songwriter/guitarist of the Gloria Record (Start Here #1 of the decade)
Erick Newbill- guitarist of Fair (The Best Worst-Case Scenario #16 of the decade)
Tess Wiley- Super Fast Rock'n'Roll Played Slow #19 of the decade

Tess was first known as the rhythm guitarist in Sixpence None the Richer. She was in that band only briefly however, and has since come in to her own as a solo artist, releasing three full-length albums: Rainy Day Assembly, 2001; Not Quite Me, 2003 and Super Fast Rock'n'Roll Played Slow, 2007. (Links are to the cheapest way to buy each album.) Tess is originally from Texas, but has lived in Germany for the last decade. Her label home is Tapete Records.











AP: What are your top 10 albums of the decade?

TW:
10. Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself (2005)

9. Dear Reader - Replace Why With Funny (2009)

8. Blumfeld - Jenseits von Jedem (2003)

7. Kid Koala - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (2000)

6. Over the Rhine - Ohio (2003)

5. Emiliana Torrini - Fisherman's Woman (2004)

4. Feist - Let it Die (2004)

3. of Montreal - Icelandic Twins (2004)

2. Björk - Vespertine (2001)

1. Josh Ottum - Like the Season (2007) {to be released in America, Josh's homeland, in 2010}

AP: What are your favorite five albums this decade released by friends and bandmates?

TW:
5. Paul Bryan - Handcuff King (2003)

Paul produced my first record Rainy Day Assembly, having already worked with lots of better-known 90s artists from the Boston area such as Paula Cole. He now plays bass for Aimee Mann, among others, and produces and composes string arrangements with more and more known and respected artists. Check out his website.

4. Jason Harrod - Bright as You (2005)

I didn't exactly work with Jason except for a one-week tour of mid/east America in 2003. But we hit it off and I covered his song, featured on this record, called "Messed up Everywhere Blues" on my last record Super Fast Rock'n'Roll Played Slow. We both apparently have a thing for long song titles.

3. Sixpence None the Richer - Divine Discontent (2002)

I played with this band from 1994-1995. It was great fun but had to end, then they had a huge hit (four years later)! They are still close friends of mine, even if we don't get to talk much. I was fortunate enough to have been able to play four festivals with them here in Europe summer before last. I find so many of the songs so infectiously singable, and I was thrilled to see Leigh stretching out into songwriting territory. Isn't she good? Her record Blue on Blue is also a favorite of mine, but I only have five slots I can fill here.

2. Solomon Burke - Don't Give up on Me (2003)

Jay Bellerose, who played drums on this record, also played on Rainy Day Assembly. He's an unbelievably great and instinctive drummer and percussionist. Back in 2000, when we record Rainy Day Assembly, I was too immature to recognize the genius and wondered why he made such odd choices for each song. Once I heard it back, though, I was spellbound, not to mention humbled.

1. Jolie Holland - Escondida (2004)

Jolie was my first songwriting buddy. I met her in the Arnold Junior High orchestra in Cypress, Texas in 1988. I recall her sitting at the piano during dress rehearsal for the Christmas concert, "composing" pieces on the spot which were not seldomly quite melodic. We didn't work all that much together since we were only "kids", but we did throw a band together for a Houston arts festival, probably in 1992, just for the one show. We were called "Brass Buttons", after the Gram Parsons song. When I'd heard she had a record out I was impressed, and when I actually heard it, I was so incredibly stoked! It's so great.

AP: What are your current musical projects?

TW: Since my last release Super Fast Rock'n'Roll Played Slow, of which I'm still quite proud, I've made a record with a friend of mine here in Germany under the name Land der Lebendigen, which means "Land of the Living" and comes from Psalm 27. It's a bit of a worship record borne out of our playing at our church here in Giessen. We had created quite a fan base during our Sunday morning "performances" and had been encouraged for the past 5 or so years to make a recording. What with all the years of brewing this thought, interrupted with one baby after another, when we finally got around to it, it had become a much bigger monster than originally planned. But I'm very proud of it - it features a variety of instruments such as orgen, clavinet, a small choir, horns and a string arrangement from my Dad (Fletch Wiley) as well one from my friend Paul Bryan (see above). It is in German but nevertheless musically well worth a listen, if not merely to hear me sing in German (tee-hee).

Lately I've been getting asked more and more to contribute vocals to various projects, the first of which was a jazzy electronic duo from Bochum, Germany with a project called Leland P. They're in the process of making a new record which should be released sometime in 2010, when Essen, a nearby city, will be crowned "World Culture City 2010", and we're hoping to get in a bit of the action. I've posted a song at my Myspace site. This record, although also from Germany, is in English!

Another English-language German group with whom I'm working is Gregor McEwan. Oddly, another band with a man's name. The record, Houses and Homes, will be released 2010. And finally, at the myspace site for Steev Richter, I sing on the song "Seakeeper" with him.

The next plans for me are to disappear somewhere into the Black Forest in the new year to write a load of new songs for a new record, with the hope to release in the fall of 2010. Gotta get away from my two li'l boys so I can concentrate!

Tess Wiley Official Site
Tess Wiley Myspace
Land der Lebendigen Myspace
Leland P. Myspace

Erick Newbill (Fair) Interview

My next interview is with Erick Newbill, known best as a guitarist in the band Fair. While working in Aaron Sprinkle's shadow in Fair, he is a frontman in his own right, originally in the band Wes Dando and now with his new project, Subways on the Sun, which he mentions below.

Fair (L to R): Nick Barber (bass), Aaron Sprinkle (vocals, guitar), Erick Newbill (guitar), Joey Sanchez (drums, percussion)

AP: What are your top 10 favorite albums of the decade?

EN:
1) Mew - And the Glass Handed Kites
2) Blur - Think Tank
3) Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
4) Catherine Wheel - Wishville
5) Oasis - Don't Believe the Truth
6) Keane - Hopes & Fears
7) Kasabian - Empire
8) Rufus Wainwright - Poses
9) Gorillaz - Demon Days
10) Super Furry Animals - Phantom Power

AP: What are your top 5 favorite albums of the decade released by friends or bandmates?

EN:
1) Eisley - Combinations - Fair toured with Eisley back in 2006 and we had a great time. They are one of my favorite bands and I listen to their records all the time. I think they took it to the next level with Combinations.
2) Aaron Sprinkle - Bareface - Aside from playing together in Fair, we've been friends for 10+ years. Some of this album was recorded in the basement of my old house, and I have lots of fun memories of some of these songs being written and recorded, including meeting Joey (Sanchez) for the first time during the sessions. It's great music, and nostalgic - a perfect combo for me.
3) Lars Katz - The Veil - I've known Lars since I was in college. He worked as an assistant to Aaron in the studio for a couple years as well and has his name on a lot of big Tooth and Nail records. I worked with him on some of the production for this album, and love how it turned out. Lars is incredibly talented, having played all of the instruments on this record and writing incredibly interesting and inspiring songs.
4) Monarch - Lowly - We met these local guys a year or two ago because Nick (Barber) met their keyboard player at a local coffee shop where he goes all the time. They are one of the best bands I've heard in a long time and this record is excellent. We're hoping to do some shows with these guys soon.
5) Barcelona - Absolutes - These guys have been friends for a while and this record is so well crafted. We've played lots of shows together, and it's been great to see them become so successful with this album. They deserve it.

AP: What are your current musical projects?

EN: Fair has a new album coming on February 9, 2010. It's been almost 4 years since our last album came out, and over 2 years since we started record this one. I'm really excited about how it turned out. We stretched ourselves, worked hard on it, and learned a lot about ourselves in the process. I know it sounds cheesy, but making this record has been a huge time of growth for all of us personally and musically, and I'm hoping that comes across in the songs.

I'm also working on a new band called Subways on the Sun, doing the writing with my friend Lars Katz. We've been recording new songs since April, and posted a song on our MySpace recently that we are really proud of. We're having fun working together, and are excited to post more songs and see this band take shape. This will be a good outlet for something a little different musically in addition to what I already do in Fair. Nick Barber is going to be playing bass, and we're looking to round it out with a drummer and keyboard player to start playing shows soon.

AP: The 2009 Abrazos Cancer Benefit compilation has been released on iTunes, featuring the first Subways on the Sun song, "Softer Light." 100% of the profits benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; you can purchase it here. And here is a detailed press release for the new Fair album.

Merry Christmas

MP3: Eisley- Oh Holy Night

Chris Simpson Interview

Chris Simpson has been releasing music now for almost 15 years. He started with the band Mineral (1994-1998, two LPs), then the Gloria Record (1998-2004, two EPs and one LP), and now Zookeeper (2005-present, one EP and one LP). He is the lead singer/songwriter/lyricist/guitarist for all three bands. Recently Chris sent me four mp3s from an upcoming Zookeeper album and we did this interview to go alongside them. You will find these four brand-new Zookeeper songs on his Myspace site, but here for FREE (downloadable) at the bottom of this page.

AP: So these four songs are apparently from a new upcoming Zookeeper album, when can we expect its release? What label are you working with this time, if any?

CS: We aren't currently working with any label. We're trying to finish this record on our own budget/time scale, which is not necessarily the ideal way to work. The record should be expected as soon as it's finished.

AP: These new songs seem much slicker, more produced and with more intentional arrangements than first two Zookeeper releases, the EP and “Becoming All Things.” Was this intentional? Or is this just my perception?

CS: This is just sort of how things have been turning out. Originally, we wanted to record live but were in a small environment and were forced to multi-track. This leaves open the possibility of more focused production of each track.

AP: How has the songwriting process for you changed over the last 15 years, moving from Mineral to the Gloria Record and now to Zookeeper?

CS: It doesn't really feel like much has changed. Just trying to keep yourself interested sometimes necessitates moving through different eras and moments and possible inspirations. Basically, it feels just as difficult as always.

AP: You have always written what seem to be very personal lyrics, from GJS to I Was Born in Omaha to On Madison Way. Are your songs truly autobiographical? Would you mind explaining the lyrics or meaning behind one of the new songs? (My personal favorite of the new tracks is Mama Jean.)

CS: Interestingly, Mama Jean is one of the few non-autobiographical songs I've written, but I don't really know a whole lot about who it is about. I remember writing it and having a realization of the song, seeing it come very quickly, and knowing I'd need to clear my calendar for the night to deal with the documentation of the song. But it seems to be about dreams.
As for writing autobiographically -- in the Mineral and Gloria Record days, to some degree, it seemed to be the only way I could write. It's exciting to be able to experience some kind of freedom from that, although I think it still may be a very valuable way to write. It's hard to fault the honest approach -- writing what you know about -- but there's a point at which that seems uninteresting. And even if a little guesswork is involved, it seems more interesting to write about characters.

AP: Recently on MySpace you announced that a Japanese label is putting out a Mineral 7” compilation. Do you have any more info regarding this? How did this come about more than a decade after the breakup of the band? I have to admit that I think MD and February were two of the best songs Mineral ever released and it will be nice to be able to listen to them on CD for the first time.

CS: To clarify, this is not a collection of 7-inches, but both full-lengths and the 7-inches and a few covers -- a comprehensive release. Which is only supposed to be available for sale in Japan, but I'd think you'd be able to find it online once it's released. It happened because someone expressed interest in it happening. There seems to be an assumption that offers are turned down on a regular basis -- but an offer every 15 years or so is probably more realistic. February/MD is probably my favorite Mineral work -- I love that 7-inch and that period of time.

AP: After being in two rock bands, what is it like to play folk music? Do you see yourself playing in a rock band again?

CS: Yeah, that's funny. To me, Zookeeper is a rock band, but I definitely understand what I think is meant by the idea that it's folk as compared to rock... if, say, Mineral or The Gloria Record were rock. But it all feels the same to me; particularly this newer stuff. Zookeeper has rock songs and then sort of more atmospheric songs. It doesn't seem like Zookeeper is folk, per se -- but maybe it is and I just can't see that. I saw a DJ Shadow in-store where he said that someone asked him how he referred to his music, and he said something about how he grew up listening to hip-hop and loving hip-hop, so it would always be hip-hop to him, the same way whatever Eric Clapton did would probably always feel like blues to him. So maybe whatever I make will always be rock to me.

AP: Turn Off the Radio just named The Gloria Record’s Start Here the album of the decade for 2000-2009. What are your thoughts on this and the perception of the Gloria Record’s legacy?

CS: I think that's great. I don't know that I have a perception of people's perception of the legacy of The Gloria Record. I'd bet Start Here sold fewer copies than any other potential album of the decade. Ever. But it is awesome to make your list.

AP: What are your favorite albums of the decade?

CS: Favorite albums of the decade -- Well, I really like the Broadcast records, particularly HaHa Sound. I continue to enjoy the records that The Innocence Mission puts out. I really loved the first Beirut record and the EP that followed. DJ Shadow's Private Press. Wilco -- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. The Radiohead records this decade have all been very good. I feel like I'm missing things that would be obvious if it was five years ago.

AP: What are your top 5 albums this decade released by friends or former band-mates?

CS: I would have to say (in no particular order):
Zykos - Keep It Light EP (Good friends with all of them from way back. Various members have played Zookeeper shows and played on recordings.)
Brazos - Phosphorescent Blues (Friends -- Martin is a great songwriter.)
Alex Dupree and the Trapdoor Band - Los Meridanzas (Alex Dupree -- Zookeeper clan. Alex regularly plays and records with Zookeeper and is a very gifted songwriter. Some of his bandmates play on Zookeeper stuff as well.)
Sad Accordions - Bad Year for the Sharons (Zookeeper clan. Seth Woods and Ben Lance regularly play and record with Zookeeper, and their other musical projects [including SA, Whiskey Priest, and Booher & the Turkeyz] are all fantastic. )
The Frames - For the Birds (Odd connection there. Was always a fan of their music. My then-girlfriend/now wife used to edit a music magazine and befriended their then-manager. Put us all in touch and found out Glen was a fan of Mineral. The Gloria Record played shows with Glen and one with The Frames on a midwest tour back in the day. Glen is still one of my favorite performers.)

New Zookeeper songs:

MP3: Mama Jean

MP3: Mary in the Morning

MP3: Rosemary, Etc.

MP3: Hey Boxer/Kid Gloves

Top 50 Albums of the Decade

I have been hinting at this post for awhile now, and originally thought I might wait awhile longer before posting it, but here you go, my favorite 50 albums of the decade. Lots of other blogs and magazines have been doing the same thing, and I had intended to make this post a little more fancy, but in the interest of time, I am just going to put it up. I am also working on my best of 2009 list, and a variety of interviews, and they are more important.

When I decided to make a list of my 50 favorite albums of this decade, I needed some way to narrow the field. So I made a rule than an artist can only have one album in the top 50. This way more great albums are mentioned, and my favorite artists don’t dominate the list. This is also why I decided to create my favorite 20 artists of the decade list, to mention all those other great albums. That said, here we go:

(**own on vinyl; *vinyl exists but I don't have it yet)

50. Cat Power- You are Free (2003)**

49. This Beautiful Mess- Temper The Wind to the Shorn Lamb (2003)*

48. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova- Once Original Soundtrack (2007)**

47. Radiohead- Hail to the Thief (2003)*

46. The Flaming Lips- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)*

45. Patty Griffin- 1000 Kisses (2002)

44. Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)*

43. Rosie Thomas- These Friends of Mine (2007)

42. Cursive- The Ugly Organ (2003)**

41. Starflyer 59- Leave Here a Stranger (2001)*

40. Mogwai- Mr. Beast (2006)*

39. Explosions in the Sky- The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place (2003)**

38. Sleeping at Last- Keep No Score (2006)**

37. Coldplay- Viva La Vida (2008)**

36. Neko Case- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (2006)**

35. Pinback- Summer in Abaddon (2004)**

34. Mindy Smith- One Moment More (2004)

33. Brown Feather Sparrow- Wide Awakens Everything (2003)

32. Manchester Orchestra- I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child (2006)*

31. Blindside- A Thought Crushed My Mind (2000)

30. Zwan- Mary Star of the Sea (2003)**

29. The New Pornographers- Twin Cinema (2005)**

28. Tegan and Sara- So Jealous (2004)*

27. Eisley- Combinations (2007)

26. mewithoutYou- Brother, Sister (2006)**

25. Sixpence None the Richer- Divine Discontent (2002)

24. Lovedrug- Pretend You’re Alive (2004)*

23. Brandtson- Send Us a Signal (2004)**

22. Pedro the Lion- Control (2002)**

21. Jimmy Eat World- Bleed American (2001)**

20. Luxury- Health and Sport (2005)

19. Tess Wiley- Super Fast Rock’n’Roll Played Slow (2007)

18. Jeremy Enigk- World Waits (2006)

17. Fiona Apple- Extraordinary Machine (2005)**

16. Fair- The Best Worst-Case Scenario (2006)

15. Arcade Fire- Funeral (2004)**

14. The Anniversary- Designing a Nervous Breakdown (2000)**

13. Mates of State- Re-Arrange Us (2008)**

12. Sufjan Stevens- Illinoise (2005)**

11. Cush- Cush (also referred to as "New Sound") (2000)

10. Over the Rhine- Ohio (2003)* (this is #1 on my vinyl want-list and would pay a lot for it)

9. Poor Old Lu- The Waiting Room (2002)

8. Elliott- False Cathedrals (2000)**

7. Foutains of Wayne- Welcome Interstate Managers (2003)

6. Death Cab for Cutie- Transatlanticism (2003)**

5. Nada Surf- Let Go (2003)**

4. The Appleseed Cast- Low Level Owl, Vols. 1 and 2 (2001)**

3. Sunny Day Real Estate- The Rising Tide (2000)**

2. Thrice- The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1-4, (2007)**

1. The Gloria Record- Start Here (2002)**

Making the decision for number one was far easier than I expected. It was my #1 album of 2002, and has stuck with me, musically and lyrically. The Gloria Record's Start Here is a flawless album, and was the pinnacle, and unfortunately final, release from the Gloria Record discography. My next post will be an in-depth interview with the lead singer/songwriter of the Gloria Record, Chris Simpson. Stay tuned...

Dustin Kensrue - This Is War

This is the video for Dustin Kensrue's This is War, an original song of his off his Christmas album, This Good Night is Still Everywhere (on eMusic).

There is a great, brief interview with Dustin about the song's meaning on AntiMusic; and here are the lyrics:

This is war like you ain't seen.
This winter's long, it's cold and mean.
With hangdog hearts we stood condemned,
But the tide turns now at Bethlehem.

This is war and born tonight,
The Word as flesh, the Lord of Light,
The Son of God, the low-born king;
Who demons fear, of whom angels sing.

This is war on sin and death;
The dark will take it's final breath.
It shakes the earth, confounds all plans;
The mystery of God as man.

Best of the Decade: An Interview with Scott Hunter

As I have mentioned previously, I am working on a variety of posts to wrap up this decade in music. That started earlier this week with my top 20 artists of the decade. Today we have a short interview with Scott Hunter, lead singer of Poor Old Lu, Turn Off the Radio's #1 artist of the 1990s. Poor Old Lu did released one album this decade, The Waiting Room, in 2002, and you will find it high on my list of albums of the decade (which will be the final "decade" post, the last week of the year.) I also hope to interview a few more artists this month about their favorites from this past decade.

AP: What are your favorite albums of the decade?

SH: Here are my top 15:
15. Muse, Absolution
14. 16 Horsepower, Secret South
13. Editors, An End Has A Start
12. Switchfoot, The Beautiful Letdown
11. The Fire Theft, The Fire Theft
10. Jimmy Eat World, Bleed American
9. Radiohead, In Rainbows
8. Spoon, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
7. Sunny Day Real Estate, The Rising Tide
6. Neko Case, Middle Cyclone
5. Silversun Pickups, Swoon
4. Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine
3. Coldplay, X&Y
2. meWithoutYou, Brother, Sister (tie with Catch For Us The Foxes)
1. Over The Rhine, Ohio

AP: What are your favorite five albums from this decade released by friends or former bandmates?

SH:
Starflyer 59, My Island Having not been much of a Starflyer fan over the years, I was pleasantly surprised to hear My Island. The recording is great, the songs are well-written, and some of those melodies are almost obnoxiously catchy! Best of all, this album has helped me to track back and enjoy many of their previous releases.

Fair, Best Worst-Case Scenario What can I say here? To say that I "know these guys" would be a bit of an understatement. That said, this is a wonderful album -- from the album artwork down to the near perfect production.

Telecast, The Beauty Of Simplicity Josh White was our worship leader for a couple of years, so a few of these songs were very familiar to me before this album was released. It's not only an extremely great "worship album", it also happens to be a tremendous album all-around.

Sunny Day Real Estate, The Rising Tide
Truth be told, though, I was never really a fan of Sunny Day. In fact, it wasn't until getting a copy of The Fire Theft (which is great) that I worked back to the later Sunny Day catalog. Sadly, this album tends to be dismissed by longtime Sunny Day fans (and the band, perhaps), but I think it's the best work they've ever done. Perhaps the best Jeremy Enigk project ever.

For those "not in the know", Jeremy and I met back in junior high -- before Sunny Day, Poor Old Lu, or any projects of that sort. Our early incarnation was called "Tears Of A King" with Jeremy and I sharing vocals, Nick (Barber) on bass, and Aaron (Sprinkle) handling the rest. Fun times!

Acceptance, Black Lines To Battlefields (tie with Phantoms)

A strange addition to this list, since I'm really not much of an "emo" fan, but Acceptance had a unique sound. Definitely very "of the day", yet different... energetic, talented, and well written. My early release, unmastered copy of Black Lines to Battlefields was thoroughly played through.

AP: Could not agree more that that My Island is great Starflyer album, despite many fans disliking it. If you don't know, Aaron Sprinkle, lead singer/songwriter/guitarist for Fair was the guitar player for Poor Old Lu, and Nick Barber, Fair's bass player had the same role in Poor Old Lu. Another note, the artwork for the Best Worst-Case Scenario, designed by Invisible Creature, won a Grammy.)

If you would like to check out Scott's best of 2009 list, go to his blog.