More on Myspace...
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20080319
Sixpence None The Richer @ Smokin' Music, SXSW, Austin, TX, 3/13/08
Sixpence None The Richer @ Smokin' Music, SXSW, Austin, TX, 3/13/08
Originally uploaded by iamdonte
Sixpence None the Richer played their first two shows in 5 years last week, you can find information about the shows here and here. I wish I could have been there! So far there still is no official information about the band now that they are back together, but there is a lot of information that can be found out by following those links and using Google blog search.
Apparently they have a new EP to be released in June and a full-length Christmas album releasing at the end of the year.
This Diminishing West
Those of you who know me at all know that Poor Old Lu is my co-favorite band (along with Sixpence). Scott Hunter, Aaron Sprinkle, Nick Barber and Jesse Sprinkle created some of the most unique rock music I have ever heard.
Since Poor Old Lu's break-up, 3/4 of the band have been super active in the indie music scene. Aaron Sprinkle is the biggest name, mainly due to his production work (MxPx, Demon Hunter, Eisley, etc.). He also has numerous solo albums and work with his two rock bands, Rose Blossom Punch and Fair. Nick Barber is an accomplished bass player, playing in Aaron's bands and also touring with Jeremy Enigk. Jesse Sprinkle is one of the best drummers around, and has drummed for countless bands (Serene, Morella's Forest, Dead Poetic, Demon Hunter, etc.). He also is a producer and has released actually more solo work than Aaron (through his name and the moniker 'The World Inside'.)
Well, as active as Aaron, Nick and Jesse have been, Scott has done pretty much nothing in the music world. Once he came close to singing on one of Jesse's World Inside albums, but that was it until a couple years ago. This was when it was announced on Myspace that Scott was fronting a new band called This Diminishing West. I love Scott's work as a vocalist and lyricist, so I was thrilled.
This Diminishing West had released various demos on Myspace but nothing concrete, until yesterday. This Diminishing West released their first and only EP, and it is FREE. The EP is solid, nothing specatular, and contains a cool Pedro the Lion cover, "Of Minor Prophets and their Prostitute Wives."
The band unfortunately broke up before it even really began, but thankfully they did record this one 5-song EP. You can download it for free here.
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20080118
Sixpence is back!
Sixpence None the Richer, the band responsible for my favorite album of all time (This Beautiful Mess), has reunited! Essentially what this means is that Leigh Bingham Nash and Matt Slocum are writing and recording together again. They are releasing a new EP soon, and will being touring in April. After they broke up a few years ago, I thought this day would happen, but you just never know. The source of the news is Leigh's blog.
20080110
Best of 2007
January 2023--significant revisions in progress/excuse the mess
In my list below you will find some concert photography (by me), surprisingly I saw most of the artists in my top 10 in concert this year. You will also find links to the albums on emusic, 7 of the top 10 are available there. You also get information on whether or not the album is available on vinyl; 2007 is the first year ever I bought more vinyl records than CDs. I recently read an article that stated within 5 years vinyl will be the primary physical format music is purchased on (primary form overall will be digital of course). Only half of my top 10 were released on vinyl, but a couple more releases could happen in 2008 (for 2007 albums).
1. Thrice- The Alchemy Index vols. I & II**- Fire & Water (Pre-ordered CD, then got on emusic because I was impatient and couldn't wait. Glad I bought CD version though, because packaging is excellent as usual.)
It's hard for me to put into words how much I LOVE this album. It is my number one by a landslide. Usually I debate with myself forever over which album is going to be my #1 for the year, but this was an easy decision. The rest of my top 10 is interchangeable and does change on a frequent basis, but Thrice always stays at the top.
I have said it before and I will say it again, this album is not getting heard by the people that will like it. Even you, reading this right now, are saying to yourself, "Thrice is Metal/Punk/Emo/Hardcore and I don't like that kind of stuff." Well, you are dead wrong. Does Thrice have songs that could fit those genres? Possibly. Does this album? Not at all.
The Alchemy Index is a series of 4 EPs. Originally Thirce was going to release all four at once, but then decided to release the first two, Fire & Water in October 2007, and then the next two, Earth & Air in March 2008. The EPs are hard to describe, but thematically based on each of these four elements. They correspond to the elements musically & lyrically. Sounds like a potentially bad idea, but it worked perfectly.
The reason is worked is because Thrice was already pushing the envelope stylistically even before this project. Their previous album, Vheissu, was extremely diverse and a huge departure from their first three albums. Thrice, while having a punk/metal background, has matured beyond belief.
The first EP, Fire, is hard music. Very loud, but very different than the heavy stuff Thrice has put out previously. Production is radically different than any other hard music you have heard. Dustin does scream/yell, but he also sings and whispers.
The second EP, Water, is the one I listen to the most. Not necessarily because it is the best, but because my wife also likes it and she can't listen to the Fire EP because she doesn't like any music with yelling/screaming. The Water EP is almost impossibly to classify, but I will call it "quiet electronic rock." As different as the Fire & Water EPs are stylistically, they remain cohesive, which is impressive.
Dustin Kensrue's vocals and lyrics are spot-on as usual, and bring everything together. (He also released a solo album last year that you can read about below). Please, I am begging you, if you have never heard Thrice, or if you heard Thrice years ago and dismissed them, please check out this album. And since they left their major label (Island) and signed to an indie (Vagrant), The Alchemy Index is on emusic so you have no excuse. Now I am just hoping that when the next two EPs get released Vagrant does some type of amazing 4 vinyl LP set.
2. Eisley- Combinations (Bought CD)
I love female vocals. I love harmonies. I love pop-rock music. I love lush, diverse instrumentation. There you go, that is what this album is. I have been an Eisley fan since May 2002, when I bought (Moss) Eisley- EP1 from the band's website. I saw them at Cornerstone that year and have been following them closely ever since. Their first album, 'Room Noises', I found disappointing because so many of the tracks were new version of songs I already knew off their four EPs. However, the album is great and was my #2 of 2005. 'Combinations' blew me away on first listen. Part of the problem with 'Room Noises' is that the instrumentation on the album is essentially the same on every song. Not so with this album; they have incorporated dozens of unique instruments that greatly complements their sound. Plus sisters Stacy and Sherri Dupree's vocals have matured and their harmonies are even better. Then add more mature lyrics and you have a terrific second album. I saw them perform twice in 2007, the better of which was an acoustic show at the Belcourt Theater in Nashville. I highly recommend also getting the Like the Actors EP, which includes three songs that didn't make the album, each of which is outstanding. Where is the vinyl release for Eisley- Combinations?
3. Tess Wiley- Super Fast Rock'n'Roll Played Slow (got on emusic, then bought CD)
After being a fan for 12 years, I finally saw Tess in concert in 2007, at Cornerstone. It could not have come at a better time, right after the release of her 3rd and best full-length album. After leaving Sixpence None the Richer, Tess has released tons of music, but not a true album until 2000's 'Rainy Day Assembly'. It was full of amazing songs, but 9 out of 10 had been released in earlier demo-like version so there wasn't much surprise. 2003 brought her second album, 'Not Quite Me', which introduced a more acoustic sound. At the time I found the acoustic sound a little disappointing, because the songs were still upbeat rock songs, and I was longing for the edge of her earlier work. Well, this time I was prepared for how acoustic the album would be, but I was not prepared for how great the songs would be. I am no longer disappointed by the lack of guitars, I think the sound of the album is PERFECT. Tess played almost all the instruments herself, which include acoustic guitar, piano and minimalistic unique percussion. (There is a pretty impressive guest appearance from Buddy Miller though on guitar). The strength of the album is the songs, as it should be; these are easily the best songs she has ever written. As I say over and over again, I love female vocals, and it doesn't get any better than Tess' beautiful singing. I wrote an in-depth review of this album in the iTunes music store. (Unfortunately this will probably never be available on vinyl because Tess is on a small German record label- Tapete.)
4. The New Pornographers- Challengers** (Bought Vinyl & digital boxed set [all for $20, "Buy Early Get Now"]; available on emusic)
As I read reviews and look at year-end lists, apparently this album was "disappointing." Not for me! I think the New Pornographers 4th album is outstanding, and potentially their best. The problem most people have with it, as far as I can tell, is that it is "too mellow", with "not enough rock songs". I don't have the same complaints, I love the mellow tracks. The title track, as sung by Neko Case, is my favorite song on the album. I saw them in concert in Atlanta in October, the best show I attended in 2007. (I went to more concerts in 2007 than in any year since 2002). They played at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, and played for over two hours, which was extremely impressive. The show was spectacular and epic- the sound was perfect, the harmonies were right on. Seeing them live gave me a whole new appreciation for the band.
5. Arcade Fire- Neon Bible** (bought Vinyl which came with free MP3 download; available on emusic)
I don't have much to say about this album; it is great and just about everyone agrees. It is Paste Magazine's #2, Pitchfork's # 27, and Rolling Stone's #4 of 2007. I prefer Arcade Fire's first album 'Funeral' due to its intensity and rawness, 'Neon Bible' was more of a grower. If 'Funeral' is the best debut album of the 2000's, this is the best follow-up. The double vinyl LP set is gorgeous, side B of the 2nd LP is an etching of the Neon Bible logo. I am dying to see Arcade Fire in concert, but until I do, this will have to do.
6. Mindy Smith- My Holiday
The last of my 'honorable mention' albums is Mindy Smith- My Holiday. I didn't really consider it in my list because it is a Christmas album. However, it is much more of a "true" album than most Christmas releases. Meaning that, she contributes many songs that she wrote, and not many traditional Christmas songs. It is an outstanding album, back up to par with her debut release (One Moment More). My wife and I found her second album, 'Long Island Shores', to be lacking the great songs she usually writes.
7. Jimmy Eat World- Chase This Light**(pre-ordered on iTunes then bought Vinyl, which came with free MP3 download)
Initially disappointing, but after a few listens I grew to love this album as much as all of Jimmy Eat World's previous work. It is VERY poppy, more so than anything the band has ever done. I wish I hadn't done the iTunes pre-order, but it took so long for the vinyl to come out, I was impatient. As far as the music goes, they aren't breaking any new ground. But they are writing some of the catchiest songs of their career. 'Gotta Be Somebody's Blues is the most unique songs they have ever recorded, being driven by an epic string section. The best song on the album is 'Here it Goes', with a chorus that will stick in your head for days. In summary, if you like Jimmy Eat World's older stuff, definitely buy this. If you have never liked them, then this is not for you.
8. Via Audio- Say Something Say Something Say Something (got on emusic)
For the second year in a row I discovered an album that made my top 10 while working on my top 10. Last year it was Manchester Orchestra, when I discovered their album in January while working on my blog. This year it was Via Audio, when I read about them on another blog's best of 2007 list on December 14. This other blogger listed them at #1, and I can understand why. This is indie rock at it's best, female and male lead vocals, driven by guitar and keyboards. They sound like the next generation Anniversary, also very similar to Headlights. They aren't quite as good as the Anniversary, but I think they have better songs than Headlights. Although Headlights does have a new album coming out in February. The best two songs on the Via Audio album are 'Presents' and 'We Can Be Good', both of which are spectacular and two of the best songs of the year. Another similar band to the three I just mentioned here almost made my top 25- the Most Serene Republic (they do win the award for having the best album cover of the year).
9. Explosions in the Sky- All of Sudden I Miss Everyone** (bought Vinyl, which came with free MP3 download; available on emusic)
I keep meaning to blog about why one should buy vinyl. This album is the reason. For $15, including shipping, I got two color vinyl records, a free mp3 download of the album, and a free CD of remixes. The artwork is spectacular, see the top of the page. I don't listen to much instrumental music, but I love Explosions in the Sky. Their previous album, 'The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place' is my favorite of theirs, but this one isn't far behind. I generally like instrumental post-rock, but rarely buy it. The exception is Explosions, who I find to be the best at what they do. It is amazing to how much emotion and feeling they communicate without lyrics. Comparing this album to their older stuff, the most obvious change is the addition of piano. Band is best known for thier soundtrack 'Friday Night Lights'.
10. Tegan & Sara- The Con** (bought Vinyl, which came with free CD of album)
My wife and I discovered Tegan & Sara when they opened for Cake at an outdoor show in Nashville in the summer of 2004. They blew Cake away; it was actually one of the best live performances I have ever seen. Tegan & Sara are twin sisters and great performers from a musical and comedic standpoint. We saw them in concert again in 2006 at the Variety Playhouse.
As far as the songs go, Tegan & Sara have written better. Their previous two albums display much better song-writing and are much more consistent. 'The Con' though is a huge improvement as far as production and instrumentation go. It was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab and he definitely made his mark. Added to the guitar base are new and interesting electronic elements and keyboards.
11. Fountains of Wayne- Traffic & Weather (bought CD)
The last of my 'honorable mention' albums is Mindy Smith- My Holiday. I didn't really consider it in my list because it is a Christmas album. However, it is much more of a "true" album than most Christmas releases. Meaning that, she contributes many songs that she wrote, and not many traditional Christmas songs. It is an outstanding album, back up to par with her debut release (One Moment More). My wife and I found her second album, 'Long Island Shores', to be lacking the great songs she usually writes.7. Jimmy Eat World- Chase This Light**(pre-ordered on iTunes then bought Vinyl, which came with free MP3 download)
Initially disappointing, but after a few listens I grew to love this album as much as all of Jimmy Eat World's previous work. It is VERY poppy, more so than anything the band has ever done. I wish I hadn't done the iTunes pre-order, but it took so long for the vinyl to come out, I was impatient. As far as the music goes, they aren't breaking any new ground. But they are writing some of the catchiest songs of their career. 'Gotta Be Somebody's Blues is the most unique songs they have ever recorded, being driven by an epic string section. The best song on the album is 'Here it Goes', with a chorus that will stick in your head for days. In summary, if you like Jimmy Eat World's older stuff, definitely buy this. If you have never liked them, then this is not for you.
8. Via Audio- Say Something Say Something Say Something (got on emusic)
For the second year in a row I discovered an album that made my top 10 while working on my top 10. Last year it was Manchester Orchestra, when I discovered their album in January while working on my blog. This year it was Via Audio, when I read about them on another blog's best of 2007 list on December 14. This other blogger listed them at #1, and I can understand why. This is indie rock at it's best, female and male lead vocals, driven by guitar and keyboards. They sound like the next generation Anniversary, also very similar to Headlights. They aren't quite as good as the Anniversary, but I think they have better songs than Headlights. Although Headlights does have a new album coming out in February. The best two songs on the Via Audio album are 'Presents' and 'We Can Be Good', both of which are spectacular and two of the best songs of the year. Another similar band to the three I just mentioned here almost made my top 25- the Most Serene Republic (they do win the award for having the best album cover of the year).
9. Explosions in the Sky- All of Sudden I Miss Everyone** (bought Vinyl, which came with free MP3 download; available on emusic)
I keep meaning to blog about why one should buy vinyl. This album is the reason. For $15, including shipping, I got two color vinyl records, a free mp3 download of the album, and a free CD of remixes. The artwork is spectacular, see the top of the page. I don't listen to much instrumental music, but I love Explosions in the Sky. Their previous album, 'The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place' is my favorite of theirs, but this one isn't far behind. I generally like instrumental post-rock, but rarely buy it. The exception is Explosions, who I find to be the best at what they do. It is amazing to how much emotion and feeling they communicate without lyrics. Comparing this album to their older stuff, the most obvious change is the addition of piano. Band is best known for thier soundtrack 'Friday Night Lights'.
10. Tegan & Sara- The Con** (bought Vinyl, which came with free CD of album)
My wife and I discovered Tegan & Sara when they opened for Cake at an outdoor show in Nashville in the summer of 2004. They blew Cake away; it was actually one of the best live performances I have ever seen. Tegan & Sara are twin sisters and great performers from a musical and comedic standpoint. We saw them in concert again in 2006 at the Variety Playhouse.
As far as the songs go, Tegan & Sara have written better. Their previous two albums display much better song-writing and are much more consistent. 'The Con' though is a huge improvement as far as production and instrumentation go. It was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab and he definitely made his mark. Added to the guitar base are new and interesting electronic elements and keyboards.
11. Fountains of Wayne- Traffic & Weather (bought CD)
12. Radiohead- In Rainbows (downloaded for 75 cents)
13. Lovedrug- Everything Starts Where it Ends (bought CD, available on emusic)
14. Over the Rhine- The Trumpet Child (received Vinyl as gift, got on emusic)
15. Pinback- Autumn of the Seraphs (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
16. Right Away, Great Captain!- The Bitter End (got on emusic)
17. Blonde Redhead- 23 (got on emusic)
18. Smashing Pumpkins- Zeitgeist (got on iTunes)
19. The Innocence Mission- We Walked in Song (bought Vinyl, available on emusic)
20. The Shins- Wincing the Night Away (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
21. The National- Boxer (got on emusic)
22. Bodies of Water- Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink (got on emusic)
23. Band of Horses- Cease to Begin (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
24. St. Vincent- Marry Me (got on emusic)
25. Neon Horse- s/t (bought CD)
13. Lovedrug- Everything Starts Where it Ends (bought CD, available on emusic)
14. Over the Rhine- The Trumpet Child (received Vinyl as gift, got on emusic)
15. Pinback- Autumn of the Seraphs (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
16. Right Away, Great Captain!- The Bitter End (got on emusic)
17. Blonde Redhead- 23 (got on emusic)
18. Smashing Pumpkins- Zeitgeist (got on iTunes)
19. The Innocence Mission- We Walked in Song (bought Vinyl, available on emusic)
20. The Shins- Wincing the Night Away (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
21. The National- Boxer (got on emusic)
22. Bodies of Water- Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink (got on emusic)
23. Band of Horses- Cease to Begin (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
24. St. Vincent- Marry Me (got on emusic)
25. Neon Horse- s/t (bought CD)
? Zookeeper- Becoming All Things (got on emusic)
I have very mixed feelings about this record. Zookeeper is Chris Simpson, of Mineral and the Gloria Record, two of my favorite bands. Mineral and the Gloria Record were both indie rock at it's finest, combining for three masterpiece albums and a couple more great EPs. Chris Simpson is also potentially my favorite lyricist, recently being challenged by Dustin Kensrue. While Simpson's first two bands were rock, this album is fairly undescribeable, maybe neo-folk? All of the songs are based around acoustic guitar with piano, banjo, accordion, trumpet, etc. Very diverse instrumentation throughout, but it is all intentionally dissonant and out of tune.
The Gloria Record's 'Start Here' was my number one album of 2002, it was immaculately produced, very crisp and clean. Five years later Simpson has gone in a completely different direction, and honestly I just don't get it. Don't get me wrong, I love the songs on this album, but the instrumentation just seems chaotic. I know it is supposed to be, but I don't understand- it goes completely against what I am looking for in production qualities. Many of the songs on the album are much simpler, with just Simpson and his acoustic guitar. These are by far my favorite songs on the album, they are great- the best being 'Boy & the Street Choir'. Don't get me wrong, I do like this album, I must for it to be in my top 10, but try to completely forget Mineral and the Gloria Record.
Honorable mention: (digitally released in 2006, released on CD in 2007)
Rosie Thomas- These Friends of Mine (available on emusic)
Dustin Kensrue- Please Come Home
These albums have a lot in common for me. First of all, I got them both with an iTunes gift card in December 2006. Secondly, they are two of my favorite albums of this last year, potentially top 5. But because of their strange release methods, it is hard for me to categorize them as either 2006 or 2007 albums. Like I wrote above, while they were released digitally online in 2006, their physical release, on CD, was not until January (Dustin Kensrue) and March (Rosie Thomas). Neither, unfortunately, has been released on vinyl.
Enough about the format, now about the music. Both are folk albums and folk at its best. Rosie Thomas is one of the top female singer-songwriters
out there today. This is her 4th LP, and my favorite. Titled 'These Friends of Mine' because her friends- Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer, helped her record it. Denison's guitar and Sufjan's vocals and banjo are all over it and it sounds great. Rosie's vocals are the highlight, and as usual, they are angelic. Rosie's vocals are honestly so beautiful it is hard to believe. Seeing her live, which my wife and I did this past summer, makes her vocals even more impressive, but at the same time, puts you into more shock when you hear the sounds come from her mouth. Rosie is a beautiful girl, the thing is her speaking voice is drastically different than her singing voice- it's night and day. Rosie also does a stand-up comedy routine which is hysterical. All this said, you must see Rosie in concert. And of course, buy this album.
As far as the Dustin Kensrue goes, it is much more of a raw folk/rock (like Ryan Adams or Bob Dylan). He is the lead singer of Thrice, but you would never know it. The album is all acoustic, and his vocals sound very different than they do on most of Thrice's music. The song-writing style is also very different. Usually his lyrically are very symbolic, but on this solo album they are very literal. The song structure is also traditional, unlike Thrice. The highlight of this album for me is the title track, which is a modern retelling of the story of the Prodigal Son.
Most disappointing album of 2007 (and possibly the worst album of 2007):
Avril Lavigne- The Best Damn Thing
Not that my expectations were high, but nothing could have prepared me for this load of crap. I really did enjoy her first two albums; hard to believe it now.
I have very mixed feelings about this record. Zookeeper is Chris Simpson, of Mineral and the Gloria Record, two of my favorite bands. Mineral and the Gloria Record were both indie rock at it's finest, combining for three masterpiece albums and a couple more great EPs. Chris Simpson is also potentially my favorite lyricist, recently being challenged by Dustin Kensrue. While Simpson's first two bands were rock, this album is fairly undescribeable, maybe neo-folk? All of the songs are based around acoustic guitar with piano, banjo, accordion, trumpet, etc. Very diverse instrumentation throughout, but it is all intentionally dissonant and out of tune.
The Gloria Record's 'Start Here' was my number one album of 2002, it was immaculately produced, very crisp and clean. Five years later Simpson has gone in a completely different direction, and honestly I just don't get it. Don't get me wrong, I love the songs on this album, but the instrumentation just seems chaotic. I know it is supposed to be, but I don't understand- it goes completely against what I am looking for in production qualities. Many of the songs on the album are much simpler, with just Simpson and his acoustic guitar. These are by far my favorite songs on the album, they are great- the best being 'Boy & the Street Choir'. Don't get me wrong, I do like this album, I must for it to be in my top 10, but try to completely forget Mineral and the Gloria Record.
Honorable mention: (digitally released in 2006, released on CD in 2007)
Rosie Thomas- These Friends of Mine (available on emusic)
Dustin Kensrue- Please Come Home
These albums have a lot in common for me. First of all, I got them both with an iTunes gift card in December 2006. Secondly, they are two of my favorite albums of this last year, potentially top 5. But because of their strange release methods, it is hard for me to categorize them as either 2006 or 2007 albums. Like I wrote above, while they were released digitally online in 2006, their physical release, on CD, was not until January (Dustin Kensrue) and March (Rosie Thomas). Neither, unfortunately, has been released on vinyl.
Enough about the format, now about the music. Both are folk albums and folk at its best. Rosie Thomas is one of the top female singer-songwriters
out there today. This is her 4th LP, and my favorite. Titled 'These Friends of Mine' because her friends- Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer, helped her record it. Denison's guitar and Sufjan's vocals and banjo are all over it and it sounds great. Rosie's vocals are the highlight, and as usual, they are angelic. Rosie's vocals are honestly so beautiful it is hard to believe. Seeing her live, which my wife and I did this past summer, makes her vocals even more impressive, but at the same time, puts you into more shock when you hear the sounds come from her mouth. Rosie is a beautiful girl, the thing is her speaking voice is drastically different than her singing voice- it's night and day. Rosie also does a stand-up comedy routine which is hysterical. All this said, you must see Rosie in concert. And of course, buy this album.As far as the Dustin Kensrue goes, it is much more of a raw folk/rock (like Ryan Adams or Bob Dylan). He is the lead singer of Thrice, but you would never know it. The album is all acoustic, and his vocals sound very different than they do on most of Thrice's music. The song-writing style is also very different. Usually his lyrically are very symbolic, but on this solo album they are very literal. The song structure is also traditional, unlike Thrice. The highlight of this album for me is the title track, which is a modern retelling of the story of the Prodigal Son.
Most disappointing album of 2007 (and possibly the worst album of 2007):Avril Lavigne- The Best Damn Thing
Not that my expectations were high, but nothing could have prepared me for this load of crap. I really did enjoy her first two albums; hard to believe it now.
20071230
Best of 2007, 11-25
My top 10 list is coming soon, but in the meantime, here are my other favorite albums from 2007. I am not going to give you any type of description, just a list and some links. In parenthesis following each album you will see how I purchased the album and whether or not the album is available on emusic. I really need to get some time of advertising agreement with emusic so I am making some money off all of the promotion I do for them!
11. Radiohead- In Rainbows (downloaded for 75 cents)
12. Fountains of Wayne- Traffic & Weather (bought CD)
13. Lovedrug- Everything Starts Where it Ends (bought CD, available on emusic)
14. Over the Rhine- The Trumpet Child (received Vinyl as gift, got on emusic)
15. Pinback- Autumn of the Seraphs (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
16. Right Away, Great Captain!- The Bitter End (got on emusic)
17. Blonde Redhead- 23 (got on emusic)
18. Smashing Pumpkins- Zeitgeist (got on iTunes)
19. The Innocence Mission- We Walked in Song (bought Vinyl, available on emusic)
20. The Shins- Wincing the Night Away (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
21. The National- Boxer (got on emusic)
22. Bodies of Water- Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink (got on emusic)
23. Band of Horses- Cease to Begin (bought Vinyl, came with free MP3 download)
24. St. Vincent- Marry Me (got on emusic)
25. Neon Horse- s/t (bought CD)
20071210
Current Vinyl Want-list
For those of you buying me presents, or just curious...
(updated 11/18/2014)
The top of the list:
1. Over the Rhine- Ohio 2 x LP
2. The Gloria Record- s/t EP
3. The Gloria Record- A Lull in Traffic
Everything else:
Appleseed Cast- End of the Ring Wars
Counting Crows- August and Everything After
Appleseed Cast- End of the Ring Wars
Counting Crows- August and Everything After
My Bloody Valentine- Loveless
Neko Case- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
The New Pornographers – Twin Cinema
The New Pornographers- Mass Romantic
R.E.M.- Out of Time
R.E.M.- Monster
R.E.M- New Adventures in Hi-Fi
R.E.M.- Reveal
R.E.M.-Accelerate
R.E.M.- Monster
R.E.M- New Adventures in Hi-Fi
R.E.M.- Reveal
R.E.M.-Accelerate
Seventy Sevens- 77s (Island)
Sleigh Bells- Treats
Toad the Wet Sprocket- FearSleigh Bells- Treats
Toad the Wet Sprocket- Dulcinea
Weezer- s/t (‘The Blue Album’)
20071203
Best of 1993
I started this post weeks ago, and got most of the way through it, but then got busy with grading and coaching swimming, so it got delayed. I am now working my way through it and about to post the 1993 list.
1993 is the year I actually discovered good music, so unlike the previous years this time I actually bought some of these albums as they came out. Most of these bands I probably discovered in 1994 and 1995 though.
1. Mortal- Fathom
Two years in a row with a Mortal album at the top. While 'Lusis' is great, 'Fathom' is on another level for me. So much more diverse and epic. The album is incredibly long, over an hour, and the songs probably average six minutes in length. Overall it would be classified as industrial rock, but it is so much more than that. 'Rift' is one of the most unique songs I have ever heard, starting with a minimal percussive track and whispered vocals, but then there are short explosions of sound as it builds to a chaotic ending. I have a strange memory listening to the song 'Rift' leaving the "Beaver Dome" in Nashville after losing in the NBA FBC playoffs my senior year. 'Jil Sent Me' is a ballad with strings, yet still based on programmed drums. My favorite song on the album is 'Bright Wings', mainly due to the tribal percussion and lyrics.
2. Smashing Pumpkins- Siamese Dream**
I heard the radio singles first of course, 'Today' and 'Disarm'. I liked them, but didn't take the time to listen to the whole album until I was a freshman in college. The rest of the album blew me away, and it remains my favorite Smashing Pumpkins release. The walls of guitars are just awesome. Too bad "Zeitgest", the 2007 album, sounds nothing like this. Best song: "Mayonnaise" (Which is ironic considering mayonnaise is one of my least favorite things on earth.)
3. The Prayer Chain- Shawl
My brother Keith and I would always listen to the A-Zone Saturday nights from 10 to midnight in our bedroom before we fell asleep. Keith would often call in and talk to the DJs, Dr. Tony Shore and KC Jones. They had some contest and Keith called in and won "Shawl" on CD. It took them forever to get it to him though, and we ended up "borrowing" the cassette of Shawl from our friend Jay. The A-Zone played many songs from it, and we loved them all. 'Never Enough', '58' are both in my top 20 songs of all time, but '58' is the best song on the album. (Named for its unique 5/8 time signature.) (Member of TPC are working on a new Cush album, check that out here.)
4. Poor Old Lu- Mindsize
The first true album from my co-favorite band of all time. 'Sin' was the first Poor Old Lu album I bought, but I soon went back and ordered 'Mindsize'. (Back when you had to request the store to special order it for you.) Unlike their later albums, this album is structured around acoustic guitar, but that doesn't keep it from being rock. One of my favorite things about Poor Old Lu is that they are completely indescribable, it is impossible to compare their sound to any other artist. They came out of Seattle's grunge scene, but they are not grunge in anyway. Best song: "Cruciality"
5. Dakoda Motor Co.- Into the Son
This was my first favorite album. I heard DMC for the first time on Way-FM, but it was completely unlike most of the stuff I heard on there. Davia's vocals are great, and the music is very fun- surf rock. Dakoda Motor Co. was actually what led me to listen to the A-Zone, when they debuted DMC's second album. I still can't believe that in 2007 this band is active and recording a new album. Last summer (2006) I started a Dakoda Motor Co. fan Myspace page one month before they reunited and played their first show in 10 years. Crazy. Now that page is official and run by the band. They have played half a dozen shows in the last year, but all on the West Coast. Dakoda Motor Co. was actually the first real concert I ever went to, with Hoi Polloi and Johnny Q. Public opening. It was at Rocketown, when it was still in it's original location in Franklin. Davia had already left the band though, Melissa Brewer was singing lead. Now I actually might get the chance to see DMC play with Davia. Dakoda Motor Co. is actually one of only two bands on this list that are active. The other is the Smashing Pumpkins; but unlike the Smashing Pumpkins, DMC has all the original members. Dakoda Motor Co. is also the band that probably made me aware of how much I love female lead vocals. Best song: "Wind An' Sea"
6. Lost Dogs- Little Red Riding Hood
This is the first Lost Dogs album I heard, and the one I listen to the most. I don't have many memories about it, except that I love the first two songs. My favorite song on the album, "Imagine That", is one of the best examples of all four guys- Roe, Taylor, Daugherty, Eugune - singing in the same Lost Dogs song.
7. Steve Taylor- Squint
Steve Taylor was an extremely prolific musician, this his final musical release. I discovered him late, as this was my first exposure to him. There is so much about him I could write, and want to write a lot, as this will be the only mention of him in all of my lists.
Taylor is primarily a lyricist; he is very clever and has an amazing way with words. He wrote great songs for a decade, but musically much of his work left a lot to be desired. I probably heard it too late, and also it may have not been my style. ‘Squint’ though is a terrific rock album. “Bannerman” was probably the first song I heard from it, and is possibly my least favorite on the album. The next song I heard was “The Lament of Desmond R.G. Underwood Fredrick IV.” Yes, that is the name of the song, and yes, I did just remember the full name off the top of my head. The best song on the album, “The Finish Line”, gives me chills to this day if I really concentrate on the highly profound and spiritual lyrics. The first song I ever played on my radio show was “The Cash Cow”, a three-part rock opera that really had no business ever being played on the radio. But the first time I heard it, I promised myself I would play it live over the air if I ever had a chance, and I did.
Taylor has gone on to be a producer and filmmaker, producing most notably Sixpence’s self-titled album. He has only finished one full-length film, but has done tons of videos and shorts. He most recently contributed a song to the Veggie Tales movie, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything.
8. The Connells- Ring*
My freshman year in college I took a basic drawing class that was composed of mainly JRs and SRs. My main memory of the class is the crazy stories my teacher would tell while we would draw. The next thing I remember is that people would bring in CDs that the entire class would listen to (whenever the teacher wasn't telling his stories). I brought in Poor Old Lu-Sin one day and one of the older guys in the class commented on how much he liked the album. This was Mike, we later became good friends and worked together. Well, Mike brought in a lot of CDs of bands I had never heard, the one that stuck with me the most was the Connells. I remember specifically listening to "One Simple Word" in that class. "One Simple Word" is my favorite Connells album, and was my introduction to the band (it was released in 1990). "Ring" is probably the most well-known Connells album, featuring the song "'74-75", which was a huge radio hit in numerous countries (but not the US). It is much more poppy than their older work, and better produced. I was fortunate enough to see this band play 3 or 4 shows in their final years before their break-up. A couple of those shows were at the 5 Points Music Hall in Birmingham, and another was in Chattanooga. Best song: "Carry My Picture"
9. The Cranberries- Everybody Else is Doing it So Why Can't We?
Little known fact about the Cranberries- Dolores O'Riordan was not the original lead singer, and the lead singer was a male. Good thing he left the band! Everyone has heard the song 'Dreams' from the commercials it has been on, I think it was actually licensed to their home country of Ireland for travel promotion. The song "Linger" was the senior dance song at my prom. I hate dancing, but was thrilled when it was played at the Prom. Possibly the only song I liked all night long, but still a great night. Best song: "Dreams"
10. DigHayZoose- MagentaMantaLoveTree
Strange album name, strange album title. The album is 22 tracks and is almost too long to fit on a CD. Knowing how weird the band is, they probably intentionally filled the CD to the max. Hard to describe their sound, reminds me of Faith No More. Or maybe it just reminds me of the song "Epic" by Faith No More. This album is definitely epic. It samples tons of things, from Mr. Rogers to sci-fi movies, but it is not at all industrial. Of the 22 tracks, 12 are true songs, and average over 5 minutes in length. Stylistically all over the map. I don't listen to the album often, but when I do, I am always surprised by how good it is. I often get into discussions with music friends about cohesive, complete albums. This is one of the first ones that comes to mind for me. It works perfectly as a whole, it is hard to break apart. I did however play the song, "Dancing in Concert with the Infinite" on my radio show all the time. The lead singer, known only as "Phil", ended up being in another band, whose name I can never remember and sounded drastically different than DigHayZoose. This unknown band actually sounded like the next band on the list, but nowhere near as good. They had some songs on the original MP3.com in the late 90s. Back to "MagentaMantaLoveTree" it is impossible to single out a favorite song from it. Like I said before, you have to listen to all 70+ minutes in one setting.
11. Counting Crows- August in Everything After*
Did you realize that the Counting Crows have been an active band for 15 years yet have only released four studio albums? I find that to be crazy. Starflyer 59 has released three times that many LPs in the same time frame; the benefit of being an independent band. Of course I guess one could argue money is better than being able to release an album a year. This album is extremely depressing, but excellent. The first time I heard the album as a whole was my 18th birthday. The party was at the FBC Rec Center, and it was an "all-nighter". I remember trying to sleep, and kept waking up hearing music echoing through the gym. I didn't know it then, but it was "August and Everything After." At the time, because I was half asleep, I remember thinking it was Adam Again but knew that couldn't be right. Best song: "Omaha" (My friend Micah and I drove to Montana and back from Tennessee in a week in June 2000. We listened to a ridiculous amount of music on the trip, and we timed this Counting Crows album so that "Omaha" would be playing as we drove through the city in Nebraska. Yes I am a music dork.)
Other important albums from 1993:
Focused- Bow
Hoi Polloi- Spin Me
The Throes- Fall on Your World
Wish for Eden- Pet the Fish
Pearl Jam- Vs.*
Browbeat- Unplugged Alternative (Best compilation album ever? Mortal, Poor Old Lu, the Choir, Lost Dogs, the Throes, etc.)
(The only album on this list that I own on vinyl is the Smashing Pumpkins. The other two vinyl records I own from 1993 are both 7"s- the Prayer Chain- "Crawl "single, and Mortal- "Rift"/Poor Old Lu-"More" split on green & clear vinyl.)
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