My top 5 new Artists of 2011

These are 5 new bands that released their label debut albums this year that I really enjoyed:

#5. Youth Lagoon

Out of Idaho, these guys came out with one warm and dreamy album that I really enjoyed.

#4. Cults

Yeah these guys have been around for a while now, releasing some of their song well before 2011, but their debut album did not come out until this June making them eligible. Their debut did not disappoint at all and was a definite highlight of 2011.

#3. EMA
Formerly of Gowns. EMA matched her amazing music with some incredible and honest lyrics that made me care about what she was singing.

#2. WU LYF

Very mysterious band out of England. Their music sounds like something born out of all of the insecurity and unrest happening in the world. Protest music in a sense I guess is what I would compare it to.

#1. Wild Flag
Members of Sleater-Kinney, it was bound to be good. Carrie Brownstein is incredible and is complemented by the equally great Janet Weiss, Mary Timony, and Rebecca Cole. It's an incredible band that brings back memories of Sleater-Kinney as well as cementing their own identity.

If I had expanded this list a bit more I would include Austra, Tune-Yards, Tyler. The Creator, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., SBTRKT, Tennis, and I Break Horses

Some Good Indiana Musicians Indy Music Scene Pt. 3

Beta Male

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's

Oreo Jones

Kate Lamont

Dreamers of the Ghetto

Tammar

October Has Gone Away

November Has Come - Gorillaz ft. MF DOOM

                            November Rain -Guns N' Roses ft. a skinny Axl Rose

                                

Talking Heads hijacked the movement

Is this one of the best songs ever for you? It is for me

Washed Out - Ultimate Chillwave

Washed Out played a free in-store ahead of their concert with Cut Copy for the folks in Indy. Pretty chill and would have loves to see them at the Cut Copy show, but school always gets in the way. Fuck school and its night classes.

Washed Out's equipment for their in-store at Luna

                                                             Cool shirt bro

Pretty chill-as-fuck and they played their cover of 'Wicked Game' from their XMU sessions. I spoke to Ernest afterwards and he told me that they had only practiced that song about 30 minutes total a long time before during a practice, so it was pretty much spontaneous when they played it for XMU which you wouldn't be able to tell since it was pretty awesome.

I've Come Back

Well this is my first post in 2011. Been busy these past few weeks but I'll make some time to post some information that apparently nobody is talking about. I'm talking about the firing of lead singer of Brazilian Girls Sabina Sciubba. This morning on my facebook I read an announcement from the Brazilian Girls site saying that Sabina was no longer part of the group, the band would continue without her writing new songs. Well I thought that was weird. By late afternoon however, that post had been removed with another one saying:

"those fuckers fired me because i am a mother. what a world! anyway, i'll keep making music without them. good bye and good riddens. I love you all, stay posted, you can't keep a good woman down!


Sabina"

At the same time, member Jesse Murphy personally wrote on the group's wall saying something along the lines of "hope you're feeling good with all the attention you're getting from your lies" that message was promptly removed.

Whatever the real story behind Sabina's departure is, it is my personal opinion that Brazilian Girls as I loved them are done. The guys are talented and will continue to make great music, and Sabina is also extremely talented and will also continue to make great music. My regret is that I never got to see them together live.

Albums of 2010 Purchases

This albums were good enough I thought, that I went out and bought 'em. Not bad considering I don't usually buy too many albums with my budget and limited funds (damn you college!). Looking forward to some PJ Harvey in February, some much awaited Fiona Apple, some Strokes, and hopefully some Radiohead.

My Favorite 10 Albums of 2k10

My final exams are finally done and I now have time so that I can finally post my top 10 albums of 2010. As with the songs, these are not necessarily the "BEST" albums but certainly my favorites. I'm not a music critic, if I was I'd apply to Rolling Stone to remind them its not 1967 anymore, but whatever. I did not get a chance to listen to every album that came out this year, which included high-profile albums like Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, or Sufjan's new electronic sounding album. It was a pretty difficult decision to rank all the good music that came out this year but I think that this is pretty much how I ended up feeling about the albums. So.... here they are:

          10.  Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me

                                                                      

Much like politics, religion, coffee and Twilight (team Edward vs Jacob) Joanna Newsom tends to divide people. Those who find her voice completely annoying and would prefer to hear a new Justin Bieber song over a minute of her singing, and those who seem to enjoy her voice. I find myself in the latter group. I first discovered Joanna with Y's late last year and didn't know what to make of her at first. Eventually, much like coffee, after repeated listens I begin to appreciate her and her songs. A couple of months later Have One on Me came out and immediately began to like what I heard. Good Intentions Paving Company was completely different from what she had done in Y's. This album feels like a long journey through the woods, finding new stuff every time you make the trip. 

 9. Wavves - Post Acid

The ultimate summer album. The songs are catchy and the lyrics aren't as simple as Best Coast's. Really enjoyed this one this Summer. From the super catchy 'King of the Beach' to the more emotional 'Green Eyes' this album gets number 9 on my list.

8. Warpaint - The Fool



If I had to describe this album in two words I would choose 'hypnotic' and 'beautiful'. I discovered this band late last year with their incredible EP 'Exquisite Corpse' and immediately fell in love with this band. I must have listened to the EP an unnatural amount of times, then I saw them live which exceeded my expectations of a live show, and then this fall they finally released their full length LP. While not as good as their EP, The Fool is still a masterpiece of beauty with hypnotic chants from these fine LA ladies. The album captures the magic of their live shows and can I say enough about how good their drummer is? NME had it right when they went crazy over this album.

   7. Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid

Usually I'm not into R&B but holy shit was this album awesome! It was incredible how easily and effortlessly Janelle can change genre in a single CD from the Michael Jacksonish 'Locked Inside'  to the punk 'Cold War' to the funky  'Tight Rope' this album never bores. Not only that but add the nice little 'Clair de Lune' sample at the end and this is a party. Energetic and fun.

      6. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles (II)



Is there any chick more bad ass than Alice Glass?? Seriously, she's the desktop background in my computer. Crystal Castles expand their music style from the harsh and brutal songs that highlighted their excellent debut, to more of a mellow sound on this one. 'Celestica' (my #1 tune this year) was pure bliss. And they still have a couple of tunes here that will satisfy those who found their first albums brutality awesome. Crystal Castles have adopted beauty and it is awesome.

5. The National - High Violet

I discovered these guys a couple of years ago with their album 'Boxer' which I though was one of the most depressing yet beautiful things ever. A few years later, and here I am giving praise to High Violet. While still depressing, it is a bit happier sounding than their previous releases 'Alligator' and 'Boxer' (haven't gotten my hands on their other albums yet). 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' was the song everyone was talking about while my personal favorite was 'Afraid of Everyone' with its paranoid lyrics. Had a chance to see them twice this year, once in Lollapalooza but I ended up having to go take a break and buy some water after being in the middle of a mosh for nearly four hours so I missed them there (completely regret missing them) and then once again when they came to Indianapolis but I had to attend a class thing that same day.

  

  4. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Yeah possibly the best album to wake up to and to relax to. God this album was incredible, but then again it is Deerhunter so it is expected that this album would be awesome. The hypnotizing melodies to Cox's vocals make this album feel incredibly warm and welcoming. I don't understand why so many Deerhunter albums have dismissed this album as weaker than Microcastle, I feel that this is a better album... but that's just me.

                                                        

                 3. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Ultimate hipster dance album. The brainless 'Drunk Girls' is fun (top 10 tunes) and serves as a nice little single to the otherwise 7minuteish songs on this album. This is supposedly LCDs final album but I really doubt that claim. This album sounds like too much fun for James Murphy to permanently shelf the group. 'I Can Change' is another incredible song on this album that really channels 80s dance music to lyrics about love gone bad. Makes me wish that I'd be as cool as James Murphy when I'm his age.

   2. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Nobody does concept albums like Arcade Fire does. This time they have chosen the theme of life in the suburbs, a topic which I'm very well familiar with, living in the conservative northern suburbs of Indianapolis. This album is nostalgic for old days in the suburbs. It also deals with the life and boredom of the suburbs, something I relate to easily. And the actual music is incredible. 'Rococo' 'Sprawl II', amazing. 

     1. Beach House - Teen Dream

No surprise here unless your a Kanye fan. Beach House hands down made my favorite album of the year. The melancholy in this album makes it emotionally heavy. The vocals are haunting and beautiful, while the bending notes make it complete. This was my first exposure to the Baltimore duo and they completely surprised me with their sound and made me question myself as to how I had not heard about them before. Listening to this album is really a lot like being in a dream, a blissful dream that you don't want to wake up from.

So there ya go. My favorite 10 Albums of the year. Honorable mentions include Black Keys, Gorillaz, No Age, Broken Bells (highly underrated everywhere), Yeasayer, and yes... Kanye had a pretty decent album which would have been better without Rhiannah ruining shit. And  I actually liked Best Coast despite the album sounding like a long 30 minute song. Locally Margot and the Nuclear So & So's had a very good album as well.

Disappointed with Blonde Redhead, I was expecting more after '23' and I was also disappointed with MGMT and The New Pornographers.

Cheers for a good 2011!!

                                                                    

MY "Top" 10 Tracks for 2010

Here is a list that I have compiled of what were my favorite 10 tracks this year. This list is not which songs are the best or anything like that, just songs that I enjoyed listening to this year. I wanted to see if there was a way to make some of them downloadable but I'm hopeless with technology and have no idea how to do it. The list itself was pretty difficult to make and I could be forgetting a song or two that I didn't consider but this is as good as I'm gonna get it so here it  is:

1. Crystal Castles - Celestica


2. Beach House - Norway


3. Warpaint - Undertow


4. LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls


5. Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)


6. Joanna Newsom - Good Intentions Paving Company


7. Menomena - Five Little Rooms


8. Fol Chen - In Ruins


9. Cults - Go Outside


10. Cee Lo - Fuck You

My Dark Twisted Over-Hyped Fantasy

So I was finally able to head to my record store yesterday and pay $14.99 for Kanye's latest. Yeah, I'm fully aware that I could have probably bought that album in Target or Wally for $8.99ish but then again.. it is supporting the local business which I don't regret. Anyway, I sat my ass down and listened to Kanye and guests. My first impression? Very good stuff, yet I can't help but wonder if this really deserved the ultra-mega rare 10.0 Pitchfork gave it. To my horror and shock I actually own something that contains Rhianna singing, something I swore I'd never in my life I'd do. Seriously how can Rhianna be on something that Pitchfork gave a 10.0 to? Pitchfork is flawed obviously, but you still have to take their word on some of the stuff they say, but this? And it's not only Pitchfork but every other music website that exists... well not all of them but close enough. This contradicts my entire belief system that Rhianna represents the death of music, the death of talent, the death of creativity. Fuck my entire philosophy on music is gone. Hahaha not really as that song is probably one of the best on the album. I could care less if Pitchfork gave an 11.0 or a 0.0, fact  is I don't particularly like Rhianna and her "singing" turned me off. 

Ughh no thanks.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the album is very good, but not good enough for it to warrant the legendary status that Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, etc. have given this album. Having Bon Iver on the album doesn't hurt, and even though I think that people in a few years are gonna forget who or what Nikki Minaj was, she does a pretty good job in the album. One of the best of the year? Sure. The Best? No.  

And in case you're wondering if this is a review. No. I suck at reviewing albums, this is just personal taste stuff. Not really a review. I'm just saying, album does not deserve being named the best album in years.

Indy Music Scene Pt. 2

Local venue the Vogue where occasionally good national and local acts play. Previous artists include Broken Social Scene, Stars, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Black Keys, PJ Harvey, MGMT, The Walkmen,etc. Unfortunately ALL shows are 21+

This is Indy CD and Vinyl , they've got themselves a pretty good selection of CDs, Vinyl, Posters, and they've got some good listening stations with very good selections. Another good store is LUNA (not pictured) where they've also got a good selection of everything from music to T-Shirts, turntables, toys, posters. The staff is also VERY friendly at LUNA. Both of these stores also hold some pretty good in-store performances from the likes of local acts like Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, to national acts like Blitzen Trapper and St. Vincent. Artists are also known to do CD signings such as Julian Casablancas at LUNA earlier this year.

This is the Murat theater that also holds some very good all-ages shows for a higher price than the smaller 21+ venues. Acts have included: The National, The White Stripes, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age, Andrew Bird, St. Vincent, Kings of Leon (before they got big), The Decemberists, Band Of Horses, Bob Dylan, etc. Pretty cool building built in the fashion of an Islamic temple.

The Vogue again. Other venues like this one include Radio-Radio

Broad Ripple flier thingy

                                                                                              The Vogue

Verizon Music Center the biggest summer venue. Not sure if its bigger than Conseco Fieldhouse but nobody ever plays at Conseco unless its somebody like Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga. Verizon has terrible sound quality for opening bands but ok for the headliners. Verizon always gets bands like Dave Matthews Band or (eww) Nickleback. However there is always an ok show every summer. Past performers here include: Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Coldplay, Phish, Kings of Leon (after OBTN), No Doubt and smaller opening bands like The Black Keys, Grizzly Bear, Band of Horses, and more.

 

 

A night shot of the Vogue

This is a temporary late spring/summer venue in downtown indy. Previous performers include Wilco, Bob Dylan, Paramore and more.



New Cat Power on the way??

PLEASE!!! She's been talking lately about a new album. Really hope its actually a 'NEW' album and not another covers album. Jukebox was pretty good, not gonna lie, but I still want Moon Pix part 2.

Also Rolling Stone has announced that beautiful-eyed Fiona Apple is releasing her follow up to near perfect Extraordinary Machine next spring. That woman is a goddess and a Spring album from her is perfect.

AND according to various sources we can also expect a new PJ Harvey album in February.

Ahhhhh new music...


Should make for an interesting 2011. Hopefuly we'll also be seeing some new Radiohead, I'd put money that Weezer will release yet another album by Spring 2011, Raveonettes have been talking on their facebook page about mixing their new album, Fleet Foxes are also at work on their follow-up, and uhhmmm oh yeah some small time band is supposed to be releasing their album in March. I think their name is THE STROKES or something like that? Should be interesting 2011. After all, according to many we only have till 2012, after that some tea-party nut might take the White House and the world will end.

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's at the in-store performance at Luna in Indianapolis. New album "Buzzard" is pretty incredible. BUY IT!!!

Gorillaz-Plastic Beach

Next week the long anticipated follow-up to Demon Days by the Gorillaz will finally be released. The album features guest singers such as Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, and the legendary Lou Reed. The album is currently streaming in its entirety at the NPR website. 'Plastic Beach' is a very different album from Demon Days, and it starts off with sub-par songs. The album starts pickoing up with the first single 'Stylo' and 'Superfast Jellyfish.' It is a good album overall but nowhere near as good as 'Demon Days' and especially their debut.

In other Gorillaz news, the official music video for 'Stylo' was released yesterday, and it is incredible. Good graphics and an awesome appearance by Bruce Willis. Check it out.

Viral Video Mystery: iamamiwhoami

This is very interesting. Pitchfork recently brought to my attention a marketing campaign by a mystery band who are calling themselves, "iamamiwhoami." As stated by Pitchfork, the production quality is too good for this to be some ammature. Meanwhile speculation as to who it/they are rages. Some say it is Lady Gaga because of the "appearance" of the woman on the video; however this music style is nowhere near Lady Gagas territory unless Trent Reznor is involved in production. A more probable source could be Swedish band, The Knife who have the best aesthetic match to this video. Of course this could also be a brand new group who happen to have the capability to produce videos like these. The videos involve a lot of symbols such as animals and numbers for titles which probably mean something, but for now only speculation as to who the source is.

Follow the link to check out these really weird videos.

Viral Video Mystery: iamamiwhoami

Lollapalooza 2010 "Rumors"

It is nowhere near close to April, the month Lollapalooza releases its official line-up, but already the rumor mill is going full speed, especially within the last 24 hours when the first of the "rumored" headliners was announced by The Daily Swarm citing credible industry sources. The Swarm reported that Green Day, Lady Gaga, and Soundgarden had been confirmed to perform as headliners. The Chicago Tribune was next today in revealing that aside from those 3, New York rockers The Strokes, and Canadian super-group Arcade Fire's "negotiations were progressing" to head-line as well. The Tribune also mentioned that other smaller acts were confirmed, such as Yeasayer, The Dirty Projectors, and The XX. They will also be accompanied by other acts that have been "confirmed" such as the Flaming Lips, Phoenix, Cut Copy, and Hot Chip. Other acts being rumored today include MGMT, The Cribs, and Hockey. No official word yet but history shows that these "rumors" are mostly always true. There is still one more headliner spot up for grabs which could go to Muse, or The Gorillaz, or basically any big name act.

Bonnaroo

This Wednesday afternoon Bonnaroo released their lineup for the 2010 year. The festival will go down June 10-13 in Manchester, TN. Headlining this year will be Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Weezer, and Tenacious D. Other notables include The Flaming Lips who will be playing a cover of Pink Floyd's classic album 'Dark Side of the Moon.' The Dead Weather, Regina Spektor, Phoenix, The XX, and Norah Jones. Legends like John Fogerty, Jeff Beck, and Kris Kristofferson will also be performing. Despite a great line-up there are a few dissapointments and artists who are noticably missing. Muse, Yeasayer, Gorillaz, Pavement, Thom Yorke, Dirty Projectors, Fever Ray, and Spoon who will all be performing at Cochella this April are not in the line-up for Bonnaroo. Them Crooked Vultures are also missing from the line-up due to their European tour schedule. One top group who is missing from both Cochella and Bonnaroo is Arcade Fire who have announce a new album this year, and who were supposedly taking offers from music festivals to perform. Tickets for Bonnaroo are $234 plus fees.

Other summer festivals who have not yet released their lineups include Lollaplooza, All-Points West, and Outside Lands who are expected to release their line-ups in a couple of months.

'This Is It'

Well I finally watched the Michael Jackson movie/documentary "This Is It" and I was so blown away I went and bought it on Blu-Ray the next day. This movie demonstrates the preparations and rehearsals for Jackson's monumental 50 shows at the O2 in London. Throughout the movie there is a sense of sadness as you know how everything will eventually turn out. This movie gives good picture of the genius that Jackson possessed. It is incredible to see Jackson at work and so aware of the music. The movie includes a new Jackson song named "This is It." Though it is not a "classic" Jackson song, it is hard to imagine Lady Gaga, or Ke$ha put out anything close to that good. I recommend watching this movie if you get a chance. It is a window to what could have been.

Top 10 Albums, Songs of 2009

I know it's February and 2009 is a long distant memory for most, but with the recent Grammy Awards which reward record sales rather than talent, I decided to do my list of the top 10 Albums and songs in 2009. Coming soon, top 10 of the decade. But for now here's the best 2009 had to offer:

Albums:

1. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion


2.Fever Ray - Fever Ray


3. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca


4. The XX - XX
5. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
7. Various Artists - Dark Was the Night
8. Passion Pit - Manners
9. Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
10.St. Vincent - Actor

Songs:

1. Animal Collective - My Girls
2. Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move
3. Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
4. The XX - Crystalised
5. Bat For Lashes - Daniel
6. Fever Ray - When I Grow Up
7. Portishead - Chase the Tear
8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
9. Silversun Pickups- Panic Switch
10.Röyksopp - Happy Up Here