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Jan 10, 01:12 AM: Favorite Albums of All-Time (Part IV)
Q and Not U, No Kill No Beep Beep (2000, Dischord)
I had a hard time picking between this and Different Damage for a Q and Not U record to feature. This is the record that got me into the band, so I figured it was a good bet. I was only a fan for about a year and a half before the band called it quits in 2005, but I was at least able to see them three times at the Black Cat. Other than Fugazi, Q and Not U is what first introduced me to DC music. With their breakup, the disbanding of Black Eyes and Fugazi’s indefinite hiatus, the Dischord empire has for the most part crumbled.
“A Line in the Sand” from this record is one of my favorite songs, and is a fairly good example of the Q and Not U sound. “And the Washington Monument (blinks goodnight)” is another stand-out, with clashing guitars and a driving beat. “Kiss Distinctly American” also demonstrates a slower side, even maybe “prettier” side. It’s a bit difficult to describe this band’s sound. I can pick some rather meaningless genre names, such as “post-hardcore” or “dance-punk” but that’s not helping you understand. There’s a lot of rhythm, dance beats and other unique uses of percussion. I haven’t heard a lot of things like Q and Not U, and I pretty much refer to it as having a “DC sound.” It’s catchy, and makes for great dance music and works well for encouraging speeding while driving.
Q and Not U only produced three records, and I’m just going to suggest picking up their entire catalog. The first three songs of Different Damage are some of my favorite Q and Not U cuts. I wouldn’t want you missing tracks such as “Soft Pyramids” or “So Many Animal Calls.” I really miss the sound of Q and Not U. The closest thing I’ve heard to a band building on this style was an ill-fated DC band, the Guins, that have since disbanded as well. Hopefully someone will revive this sound eventually.
Jan 9, 12:59 AM: Favorite Albums of All-Time (Part III)
Tarkio, I Guess I Was Hoping for Something More (1998, Barcelona)
I’m not going to pretend that I knew of this album before the Decemberists existed. For those not in-the-know, Tarkio was Colin Meloy’s band while he was in college at the University of Montana. I spotted the exit for Tarkio while driving across Montana in November, however I was not able to get my camera out in time to take a photo.
Some have dismissed Tarkio as a simple college-rock band, and that’s partially correct. Tarkio was a fairly simple college rock-band. What this album has going for it, though, is the fact that it’s Colin Meloy’s songwriting before he decided to take things in a different direction. You won’t find 13 minute ballads about mariners, or any other historically-based epics. You have Colin Meloy in the raw, singing about things that are fairly easy to relate to. You still have elements that are undeniably Decemberists-esque, such as the song “Eva Luna.” It doesn’t get much better than hearing Colin growl a bit while singing “darkly lacquered.”
For me, songs such as “Caroline Avenue,” with lyrics such as “and you’re trying so hard / it takes more than flipping off the traffic cops to impress me” carry more meaning than the latest Decemberists fare (“When the War Came,” for example). It’s hearing Colin Meloy tackle what it was like to grow up in Montana, which as best I can tell isn’t that much different than growing up anywhere else in the United States. For a college band out of Missoula, Montana, this is quite a masterpiece.
Jan 2, 04:52 PM: Favorite Albums of All-Time (Part II)
Dntel, Life is Full of Possibilities (2001, Plug Research)
Take your pick, which song changed your life: ”(This is) the Dream of Evan and Chan” or “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea?” Answering that question probably says a lot about your taste in music. Or maybe I’m full of it. I first heard this Dntel record before I had any idea who Ben Gibbard was, or that he was in some band called Death Cab for Cutie. I was blown away by ”(This is) the Dream of Evan and Chan,” but for some reason neglected to do any further research into who Jimmy Tamborello was, or how this album came to be. It was only a year or so later that I heard Give Up by the Postal Service. At that point I put the pieces together, bought Something About Airplanes by Death Cab for Cutie, and the rest was history. If only someone had sent me the memo earlier.
Now don’t make the mistake of thinking because you like the Postal Service, you’ll enjoy this record. Sure, Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel) is part of the Postal Service, but this record is electronic music—not radio friendly pop songs. If you like Massive Attack, Autechre, Telefon Tel Aviv or other electronic artists, you’ve probably already heard this record. If not, well then go to it. One reason I enjoy electronic/ambient music is that I tend to listen to the record as a collective piece of work, rather than waiting to hear individual songs. It makes it harder to pick stand-out tracks, but the overall effect is generally more powerful than a pop record.
Jan 1, 09:24 PM: Favorite Albums of All-Time
Now that I’m done with my Top 40 of 2006 list, I figured I might as well keep going and do some write-ups on my favorite albums of all time.
The albums I’m going to describe in this on-going series are the ones that have shaped my current tastes. Many of these aren’t particularly “indie” or anything of that sort, they come from many sources.
And now, the first in the series. These are not in any order.
Tori Amos, Little Earthquakes (1992, Atlantic)
I was introduced to Tori Amos about 4 years ago, when I first started college. I’ve seen her live once, performing in Chicago with Ben Folds. It was called the “Lotta Pianos Tour.” Aside from classical pianists, I’ve never seen anyone play the piano like Tori Amos. At one point, she was playing two pianos at the same time. It was incredible. Say what you will about a hetrosexual male enjoying Tori Amos, I can take it.
Little Earthquakes is my favorite Tori Amos album, and “Crucify” is one of my favorite tracks. Everything on this record is wonderful, but for me it is also attached to many memories of my first year of college. This is going to be a common theme in this list of albums. For me, an album is especially powerful if I end up associating memories with them years after the fact. I can’t listen to “Winter” without thinking about sitting around in my freshman dorm getting used to college and wondering what the rest of my life would be like. It’s often said that the music you hear growing up is the music you will love for the rest of my life—and I think this is the reason why. It’s not so much that your taste gets locked in at a certain age, but that you associate so much with the songs.
Of course any song can become attached to certain events or memories, and that doesn’t actually mean it’s a good song. But if you have an amazing song, or album, and it is also associated with powerful memories, it will always be a favorite.
This entry is part of the Favorite Albums of All-Time series.
Dec 28, 01:19 AM: Best Album of 2006: Asobi Seksu, Citrus
01. Asobi Seksu, Citrus (Friendly Fire)
Is “Thursday” the best song of 2006? Perhaps. At this time, I’m going to refrain from constructing a list of best songs. It’s close, though. Citrus has a lot in common with Dirty on Purpose’s Hallelujah Sirens. “Shimmery” comes to mind when discussing both records, though Asobi Seksu has a bit of a softer touch. I wouldn’t say it’s due to more production, perhaps just the use of more instruments and the amazing vocals of Yuki Chikudate. I love this record for many of the same reasons I love Dirty on Purpose, and it’s really no surprise that both of these are in my top 10.
Why album of the year, though? Well, all of the top 10 records made it in because I felt they were worthwhile and offered something new in 2006. As far as their individual placement, that is really more just up to my own taste. I can’t say I used some computer algorithm to determine Citrus was totally awesome. It’s a beautiful record that takes themes that I have long loved (Post-rock themes mostly, but also shoegaze. Think of the Appleseed Cast’s Low Level Owl records) and adds a new twist. This band has matured much since their ‘04 self-titled offering. I look forward to hopefully seeing them live in ‘07, and it should be no surprise at all that they are touring with the Appleseed Cast.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 26, 11:52 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part X)
04. Dirty on Purpose, Hallelujah Sirens (North Street)
I’ll say right now this album was very close to making it up to the number one spot. There’s nothing about this record preventing it from being number one, it’s just that I’ve listened to a lot of music this year. It was hard, in fact, to put this at number four rather than three. And that’s not just because I spent more than three weeks on the road with these guys. Dirty on Purpose makes great rock songs, and puts on an even better rock show. “Monument” is my favorite song of 2006. Hallelujah Sirens is a blend of the older sounds of Ride and My Bloody Valentine, (think “wall of sound”) with some elements of post-rock, sprinked in with the ability to write touching slower songs. I’ve seen comparisons to Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo, and that’s no stretch. These four create real rock and roll songs. George Wilson is far and away guitarist of the year. You want to see a rock show, go see Dirty on Purpose. You will not be disappointed. I’ve seen them play 12 times. It never gets boring.
03. Herbert, Scale (!K7)
I don’t know anything about Matthew Herbert, aside from what I’ve read from some basic Google searches. I understand this record was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, and that he samples a lot of strange items in order to create his sound. I know very little about electronic music, or sampling, or anything of that sort. In 2007, perhaps I will make it a point to learn more about this genre. All I know is that I love Since I Left You by the Avalanches, and that Scale is the one record of 2006 that seems to be in that vein. Matthew Herbert creates some very, if not corny, extremely danceable music. The sheer originality of sound on this record is what propels this into the top three records of the year. I don’t understand what I’m hearing most of the time, but it makes even me want to move my feet a bit. Not to mention the vocals are beautiful. Check out “Moving Like a Train” and “The Movers and the Shakers.” Be sure to include one of them (probably the former) on your New Year’s Eve party mix.
02. TV on the Radio, Return to Cookie Mountain (4AD/Interscope)
First comment: Terrible album art. Awful. I like pretty much everything else about this record. When I first heard TV on the Radio over a year ago, I heard some song called “Bicycles are Red Hot,” and I was not that convinced this was going to be a great band. The song, though, was fairly catchy. It clearly sounded different. I sort of overlooked TV on the Radio for the next good while, until someone told me that Return to Cookie Mountain was the best record they had heard in 2006. I decided to give it a listen, and I slowly became a fan. And I’ve now jumped on the Cookie Parade, and am now going to tell you that “Wolf Like Me” is one of the best songs of 2006. If my running tally is correct, I’ve told you that about 8 different songs are the best song of the year, including one just a few paragraphs back in the Dirty on Purpose review. Oh well. If you liked, or thought that Apologies to the Queen Mary was one of the best records of 2005, I’m sure you liked (or will like) this one. It’s hard to say which I prefer, but to me they seem to be approaching a similar sound.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 25, 10:04 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part IX)
07. Pelle Carlberg, Everything. Now! (Labrador/Twentyseven)
“How I Broke My Foot and Met Jesus” is the reason this album made it into the top ten. To be fair, the rest of this record is very good as well. I should also point out I am violating one of my own rules of my Best Of lists. This album was originally released in 2005, but was released in the U.S. in 2006. I only realized this as I began typing this entry. Considering I didn’t want to rework the entire list, I am just going to roll with it. Forgive me, please. Everything. Now! admittedly sounds a bit like Belle & Sebastian, but I’m really okay with that. This list is making my indie-pop roots become fairly obvious, I suppose. Favorite tracks, “Tasteless Offer,” “How I Broke My Foot and Met Jesus,” and “Mind the Gap.” There are worse things in the world than writing what could be a second disk of If You’re Feeling Sinister.
06. Peter Bjorn and John, Writer’s Block (Wichita)
Now here are some indie-pop songs that are better than those on Everything. Now!, hense landing on the list one space higher. I fear my top 10 lacks some diversity, but oh well, I couldn’t see myself placing this record any lower. This record uses all kinds of styles that make excellent pop songs, but still manages to sound cohesive. I’m not sure why it all works, but it does. You’ve got some low-fi songs, and a whole lot of channeling of 1960’s pop. I love it. Listen to “Up Against the Wall,” “Amsterdam” and “Young Folks” and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Top top everything off, “Let’s Call it Off” is quite possibly the best break-up song ever. Had I not considered music that doesn’t sound pleasant or like Belle & Sebastian, this album would probably be #1 of 2006.
05. The Thermals, The Body, the Blood, the Machine (Sub Pop)
The last concept album I really enjoyed was We Have the Facts, and We’re Voting Yes by Death Cab for Cutie. The concept behind that album was more a traditional depressing tale of loss. Here, the Thermals tackle the idea of a country taken over by fundamentalist Christians. First off, points for relevence. Should it be any surprise that this album was produced by the drummer from Fugazi? Too bad the Thermals are from Portland and not D.C., they’d do us proud. I’ve heard this album called typical “radio post-punk” or something to that effect. Maybe that’s because it’s so damn catchy and full of energy. I can’t help but compare this a bit to Green Day’s American Idiot, had that record been a bit more genuine. I suggest watching the video for “A Pillar of Salt” if you haven’t seen it. PDX major label star Colin Meloy even has a cameo. Favorite tracks: “A Pillar of Salt,” “Test Pattern,” and “I Might Need You to Kill.”
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 24, 06:32 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part VIII)
And now into the top ten!
10. Beirut, Gulag Orkestar (Ba Da Bing/4AD)
I want to make one thing clear, I don’t believe Zach Condon is the next Jeff Mangum. Furthermore, I don’t see Beirut as the reincarnation of Neutral Milk Hotel. That’s fine with me, though, and I still believe this is an amazing record. How a 20 year-old from New Mexico was able to do this still leaves me scratching my head. I’ve read the stories about Condon travelling to Eastern Europe and whatnot, but this is still breathtaking. There is perhaps some Mangum influence here, and comparisons can also be made to Devotchka, but there’s a lot of originality here as well. “Postcards from Italy” is the song most people probably associate with Beirut, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The title track is amazing as well, and check out “Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)” as well. I’m curious what direction Condon takes Beirut next, but in any event Gulag Orkestar was something refresingly different.
09. El Perro Del Mar, El Perro Del Mar (Memphis Industries)
Uh-Oh, here’s where my soft-spot for pretty music invades the top ten. There are some stunngly beautiful tracks, such as “Here Comes That Feeling,” but Sarah Assbring knows how to switch things up enough to make each track a bit different. This record takes you through many different sounds, both in instrumentation and in style. From acoustic guitar to full strings, from pure and innocent to the more driving and pleading sound of “Party.” This variety is what makes this record so appealing, you can listen straight through without getting tired. I feel myself comparing El Perro Del Mar to Belle & Sebastian, but perhaps it would be better to say that Sarah Assbring is able to make a better record than Isobel Campbell. Don’t get me wrong, I love Isobel, but this is a much stronger record.
08. The Blow, Paper Television (K Records)
A while ago I mused about a new genre that would emerge, which I dubbed “post-twee.” Now, K Records was the home of famed twee pioneers Beat Happening. “Post-twee” referred to carefree or happy music, but incorporating more aspects of electronic music, whether that be beats and loops… or perhaps merely picking up an electric guitar and using some effects pedals. Anyhow, if anything could be classified as post-twee, it would be “Parentheses” by the Blow. I’ve heard people call the Blow “the future of music.” Maybe so, maybe not. I will admit that I haven’t really heard anything that sounds like Paper Television before.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 23, 07:43 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part VII)
15. Belle & Sebastian, The Life Pursuit (Matador)
This one came out early in 2006, and didn’t immediately win me over. On my third or fourth listen, though, I was convinced Stuart Murdoch was still relevant. I then saw Belle & Sebastian three times. I still prefer If You’re Feeling Sinister and Tigermilk, but this is #3. Best tracks: “Dress Up In You,” “White Collar Boy” and “Sukie in the Graveyard.”
14. The Knife, Silent Shout (Mute)
There’s a lot of hype over this one. It didn’t make it into my top ten, but it’s worth singing some of it’s praises. I enjoy electronic music, and this is well produced and well done. I don’t think it’s album of the year material, but to each their own. If you haven’t heard it, check out “Neverland” and you’ll probably be hooked.
13. Neko Case, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti)
When this record first came out, I figured it would be in the top ten. Then I listened to a hundred or so albums this year. Number thirteen isn’t bad, and this is indeed a wonderful album. And yes, this is the third record with members of the New Pornographers on this list. Favorite tracks, “Hold On, Hold On” and “That Teenage Feeling.”
12. The Pipettes, We Are the Pipettes (Memphis Industries)
The Pipettes need to come to America. Earlier this year, Coke Machine Glow wrote a terrible review of this record, incorporating all sorts of theories of feminism and other things not at all related to the fact that this music is excellent. Fun, upbeat yet somehow not tacky. I worry for their follow-up record, but this one is great. “Pull Shapes” is one of the best songs of 2006.
11. The Avett Brothers, Four Thieves Gone: The Robinsville Sessions (Ramseur)
Well damn, I never thought something classified as country would make it onto a list of mine. But honestly folks, if you haven’t heard this record, visit their web site and listen to a preview. Then buy it. You won’t regret it. This one nearly made it into the top 10. “Talk on Indolence,” “Colorshow” and “A Lover Like You” are great songs, no matter what genre.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 20, 04:10 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part V)
25. The Ballet, Mattachine! (Self-released)
I really like this record. In fact, each time I listen to it, I want to put it higher on the list. That’s because I like the Magnetic Fields and Belle & Sebastian, which is what the Ballet sounds like. Hello! Yet another New York band in the top 40.
24. The Album Leaf, Into the Blue Again (Sub Pop)
Having seen most of this record performed live a dozen times, listening to the record now barely does these songs justice. Live Jimmy and company have a video light show, which fits perfectly with the music. I’ve heard that “Writings on the Wall” was in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I’d be a fan of more tracks with vocals, I think even a 50-50 mix could work.
23. Man Man, Six Demon Bag (Ace Fu)
I can’t decide what to say about this record, short of “I like it.” It’s a fun record, all over the place and full of energy. What a great description, I know. All I know about this band is that the vocalist goes by the nickname Honus Honus. Whatever.
22. Oh No! Oh My!, Oh No! Oh My! (Self-released)
This is a great record. I even wrote up a nice review of it back in October. A perfect summer record. This year’s the Boy Least Likely To. All of that. Self-released to boot. I’m hoping for big things from these guys. Best tracks: Jane is Fat, I Have No Sister.
21. Built to Spill, You in Reverse (Warner Brothers)
Short of “The Story of Yo La Tengo” I think “Goin’ Against Your Mind” is the best 8+ minute song this year. I’m a strange Built to Spill fan, i only started listening to them with Ancient Melodies of the Future. That record remains my favorite of theirs, and I’m not completely familiar with their entire back catalog. That said, compared to others my expectations for this record were probably lower. Favorite track: Liar.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 19, 08:20 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part IV)
29. The Mountain Goats, Get Lonely (4AD)
Here’s another repeat contender. Last year’s The Sunset Tree marked the Mountain Goats’ departure from their traditional low-fi sound. While I appreciate the experience of loneliness as much as the next music fan, Get Lonely is just a bit too much melancholy. And this comes from a fan of Okkervil River and sadrock bands. It’s another topnotch effort, though.
28. Cansei de Ser Sexy, Cansei de Ser Sexy (Sub Pop)
So yeah, when I first saw the music blogs talking about CSS, I was confused about the sudden interest in cascading style sheets. Turns out CSS was instead referring to Cansei de Ser Sexy, a band from Brazil. Same thing, really, when it comes down to it. The video for “Alala” won me over, and “Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death from Above” is pretty good as well. This record is so cheesy, with track names such as “C.S.S. Suxx” and “Music is My Hot Hot Sex,” but great at the same time. Be sure to check out “Meeting Paris Hilton” as well.
27. The Essex Green, Cannibal Sea (Merge)
I love pleasant, upbeat twee more than your average reviewer, so that’s why this record appears on the list. “This isn’t Farm Life” is one of my favorite tracks of the year. Well, at least in the top 20. “Snakes in the Grass” is nice as well. The Essex Green will soon be touring with Camera Obscura, which is a perfect fit. Of course, you’ll probably leave that show with a toothache.
26. Yo La Tengo, I am not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass (Matador)
To be clear, I wasn’t a big fan of 2003’s Summer Sun. So I, like many (I think), wasn’t sure what to expect with this release. Suffice to say I was very pleased. With two songs hovering around 10 minutes, everything I love about Yo La Tengo is present in this album. It even can be abbreviated with an absurd indierock acronym (IANAOYAIWBYA), much like Belle & Sebastian’s FYHCYLAP. Favorite track, “The Story of Yo La Tengo.”
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 18, 05:30 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part III)
33. Danielson, Ships (Secretly Canadian)
I feel a little bad placing Ships all the way down at #33. Namely because “Did I Step On Your Trumpet?” is one of my favorite songs of 2006. If you haven’t heard of Daniel Smith, you must check out this album, as well as the Danielson Famile back catalog.
32. The Elected, Sun Sun Sun (Sub Pop)
I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve been listening to “indie” music long enough that I can remember before Blake Sennett (Rilo Kiley) had a side project. Perhaps the indie alt-country wave has become a bit overdone, but the Elected have a special place in my heart. Standout tracks for me were the title track and “Fireflies in a Steel Mill.”
31. The Black Heart Procession, The Spell (Touch and Go)
I was afraid grade inflation may creep into this list when we reach bands where I casually know some of the members. So I tried to avoid packing my top 10 with people I had drank beer with. The dark, driving sound of the Black Heart Procession personally appeals to me, especially in the tracks “The Letter” and “Not Just Words.” A friend of mine once described this group as “sounding older than they are.” I’m not sure what exactly that means, but I think I understand. There is a sort of retro sound here.
30. Band of Horses, Everything All The Time (Sub Pop)
Shimmery, high-pitched and epic. That could sum up Band of Horses pretty well. “The Funeral” sold me on this album, along with the charm of seeing the first track was named “The First Song.”
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 17, 08:31 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part II)
37. ¡Forward Russia!, Give Me a Wall (Dance to the Radio)
I’ve heard some people compare this band to Thursday or other pop radio bands, though I disagree. These guys (and gal) create some kind of British post-punk—it’s loud and has a lot of repetition. I think they put on a good live show, and they’ve been getting some buzz, so they were able to land a spot on this list.
36. The Long Winters, Putting the Days to Bed (Barsuk)
This spot was originally going to be for the Silversun Pickups. then i realized that i didn’t really like Carnavas that much, and that their sound was too unfocused and “pop radio” formulaic to land it a spot in the top 40. But, Putting the Days to Bed, on the other hand is a solid listen. “Honest” is probably my favorite track.
35. Swan Lake, Beast Moans (Jagjaguwar)
[Some joke about Spencer Krug being in yet another band]. [Anecdote about how Dan Bejar will appear on this list more than once]. Bottom line: Not as good as Destroyer, not as good as Wolf Parade. Better name than Sunset Rubdown.
34. The Hidden Cameras, Awoo (Rough Trade)
In 2004, the Hidden Cameras released an album called Mississauga Goddam. I stayed in a hotel in Mississauga, and had a nice breakfast at a diner called “Sunny’s” or something like that. While completely unrelated to this album, I felt I should tell that story. This is a very well done indie-pop record.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
Dec 16, 02:28 AM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part I)
Part one in the series.
40. Comets on Fire, Avatar (Sub Pop)
So I dig the sound of Comets on Fire. I’ve seen them classified as noise rock, lo-fi, and I believe last.fm calls them “indienoise.” To me, it sounds like taking the best of 70s guitar rock, adding some more effects, and maybe adding a bit of a twist. It’s new, but to some degree a bit nostalgic. The downside, it feels a bit too much like a gimmick.
39. Tapes ‘n Tapes, The Loon (Ibid)
This album is kind of catchy. I don’t find it particularly amazing. Some people are fawning over them (see also, the Hold Steady). It’s decent rock music. “Insistor” was a cool track.
38. The Lovely Feathers, Hind Hind Legs (Equator)
This is not music you would necessarily expect from a band called The Lovely Feathers. It’s catchy, a bit low-fi, and has a few moments of over-modulated shouting. It’s good indiepop, and I’m curious how their next LP will shape up. I’ll forgive lyrics such as “I’m so lonely when i brush my teeth,” because I think “Photocorners” is an awesome track.
This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006
