Thursday, February 4, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Youth Group - The Night is Ours
Nate informs me that just being from Australia doesn't qualify as being "world music." Says I, if they're not world music, then what are they? You know, other than pretty mainstream...you think it's bad that a Band of Horses song was on Chuck? I just found out that a Youth Group song found its way onto a Gossip Girl episode. How do you think that makes ME feel?
There's nothing about the band that makes Youth Group particularly special, and while I'm sure they're very talented, I can't find any songs on this album that I can point to and say "look at this showcase of talent!" But some very catchy tunes. At first listen I didn't think much of them, but their songs kept showing up on the shuffle and I kept thinking "this is good stuff.....who IS this?..."
Their sound isn't very contemporary. The synth riff in track 3 (Two Sides) sounds positively 80's. Some of their songs remind me a lot of James. I dunno. Just some nice tunes to have playing in the background while you're in the market and not thinking too hard about what you're listening to.
Favourite tracks: 2- One For Another, 4 - Dying at Your Own Party, 7 - A Sign, 8 - Babies in your Dreams.
There's nothing about the band that makes Youth Group particularly special, and while I'm sure they're very talented, I can't find any songs on this album that I can point to and say "look at this showcase of talent!" But some very catchy tunes. At first listen I didn't think much of them, but their songs kept showing up on the shuffle and I kept thinking "this is good stuff.....who IS this?..."
Their sound isn't very contemporary. The synth riff in track 3 (Two Sides) sounds positively 80's. Some of their songs remind me a lot of James. I dunno. Just some nice tunes to have playing in the background while you're in the market and not thinking too hard about what you're listening to.
Favourite tracks: 2- One For Another, 4 - Dying at Your Own Party, 7 - A Sign, 8 - Babies in your Dreams.
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
This album was wildly popular in indie/folk circles when it came out, and for a while I really couldn't figure out why. It's the kind of music I know I should like; folky, heartfelt, brought to us by Jagjaguar (the same label as Okkervil River), but it wasn't catching me and after the first listen I pretty much discarded it.
It turns out that the gym may not be the best place to really appreciate good music. It kept showing up on people's "Best Album of the whatever" list, so I returned to it several months later to give it another chance and was surprised how much had stuck with me after that first listen. I chose it for the top 5 to introduce some variety into my picks, but I also think the album has real merit. I would not recommend listening to it if you are the least bit tired.
The album was written and recorded while Justin Vernon was sick with mono in a cabin in Wisconsin during winter, which is about as depressing a setting as I can imagine. He had just broken up with the titular Emma (tee hee....titular....) and drew inspiration from that. What's more inspiring than a bad break-up and mono?
Anyways, may not be your cuppa, but I urge you to give it a chance.
Fav tracks: 1 - Flume, 3 - Skinny Love, 6 - Creature Fear, 8 - For Emma
It turns out that the gym may not be the best place to really appreciate good music. It kept showing up on people's "Best Album of the whatever" list, so I returned to it several months later to give it another chance and was surprised how much had stuck with me after that first listen. I chose it for the top 5 to introduce some variety into my picks, but I also think the album has real merit. I would not recommend listening to it if you are the least bit tired.
The album was written and recorded while Justin Vernon was sick with mono in a cabin in Wisconsin during winter, which is about as depressing a setting as I can imagine. He had just broken up with the titular Emma (tee hee....titular....) and drew inspiration from that. What's more inspiring than a bad break-up and mono?
Anyways, may not be your cuppa, but I urge you to give it a chance.
Fav tracks: 1 - Flume, 3 - Skinny Love, 6 - Creature Fear, 8 - For Emma
Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts
Don't know what to say about this one, guys. Youtube told me I should like them and I'm very impressionable when the interwebs tells me something. Youtube suggested it based on my listening patterns. They're a bit more bright and cheerful than I normally find myself enjoying, but I just got hooked. This album was on regular rotation when I went back to Utah in March for the funeral (along with Vampire Weekend and New Pornographers), which although a sad time, was a good time to be together so I think there's some nostalgia working here.
That said, I love the instrumentals and the eclectic sound. Every song is different enough from the one before it to keep it interesting, and you can't deny they have a lot of talent. I'm a sucker for these large, multi-instrument bands (see: Margot and the Nuclear So-and-so's). Aaron calls them a mash-up of Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes, but I think that doesn't give it enough credit.
Favourite tracks: 3 - Tornado Lessons (bizarre fast-speed vocals, but it never gets old). 6 - Journey of the Featherless, 11 - May your hearts stay strong. What the hell, I like the last track too. There, I said it. I think the build is just awesome.
That said, I love the instrumentals and the eclectic sound. Every song is different enough from the one before it to keep it interesting, and you can't deny they have a lot of talent. I'm a sucker for these large, multi-instrument bands (see: Margot and the Nuclear So-and-so's). Aaron calls them a mash-up of Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes, but I think that doesn't give it enough credit.
Favourite tracks: 3 - Tornado Lessons (bizarre fast-speed vocals, but it never gets old). 6 - Journey of the Featherless, 11 - May your hearts stay strong. What the hell, I like the last track too. There, I said it. I think the build is just awesome.
Okkervil River - The Stage Names (plus bonus demo disk)
From long-time family favourites Okkervil River, I bring you The Stage Names, plus the demo versions. Originally I was going to try to compare the album versions of each song to the demo versions (ex. I prefer the Album version of 1-"Our life is not a movie or maybe" to the demo version) but I don't think that's really fair. There's a lot to take away from each version. I couldn't possibly say that I prefer one version of "Unless its kicks" over the other, because they both leave you with a different interpretation of the song, and that's one reason I chose this. I like hearing the chill demo versions, compared to the full-band, more energetic album versions, and hear how the song started out and where it progressed to. Hope you enjoy it as well.
Favourite tracks: 1 - Our life is not a movie (especially the album version), 2 - Unless it's kicks (both versions), 6 - Girl in Port, 9 - John Allyn Smith Sails (I love how this one builds).
Favourite tracks: 1 - Our life is not a movie (especially the album version), 2 - Unless it's kicks (both versions), 6 - Girl in Port, 9 - John Allyn Smith Sails (I love how this one builds).
Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
Ah, Sub Pop Records. I'm willing to overlook the Nirvana and the Soundgarden for The Shins, Flight of the Conchords, Postal Service, and the Band of Horses.
I know I had heard BoH before, but I didn't get interested in them until a mate sent me this video (it's like parkour on a bike, and makes anything I've ever accomplished in my life look absolutely pathetic and amateurish by comparison). The lead vocals remind me a lot of The Shins, and I don't care what Aaron says. Listen to Track 2-Wicked Gil and tell me there's nothing there.
It's an album that I can pretty much listen to any time (All The Time?), but by favourites tend to vacillate depending on my mood. I'm a big fan of tracks 2 (Wicked Gil), 4 (The Funeral), 6 (The Great Salt Lake), and 9 (Monsters).
I know I had heard BoH before, but I didn't get interested in them until a mate sent me this video (it's like parkour on a bike, and makes anything I've ever accomplished in my life look absolutely pathetic and amateurish by comparison). The lead vocals remind me a lot of The Shins, and I don't care what Aaron says. Listen to Track 2-Wicked Gil and tell me there's nothing there.
It's an album that I can pretty much listen to any time (All The Time?), but by favourites tend to vacillate depending on my mood. I'm a big fan of tracks 2 (Wicked Gil), 4 (The Funeral), 6 (The Great Salt Lake), and 9 (Monsters).
Cheech's Picks
I'm actually going to start doing this, finally.
I'll do a separate post for each album, but I know Cameron didn't get my pics so I'm posting the general FileFactory link here that will eventually have all my albums uploaded. Use it in good health.
I'll do a separate post for each album, but I know Cameron didn't get my pics so I'm posting the general FileFactory link here that will eventually have all my albums uploaded. Use it in good health.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
This is the one that I don't feel as attached to. I guess I have to be in a particular mood before I sit down and listen to it, but I'm always glad when I do. I think it works better for me as an album, and I shouldn't let my mp3 player shuffle through this one with the rest of my music.
Or maybe I'm hesitant because I first heard one of their songs on an episode of Chuck.
Anyway, it's good driving music, but not great for while working out.
Favorite songs: 4 - Detlef Schrempf, 7 - Islands on the Coast, and 9 - Cigarettes, Wedding Bands.
Or maybe I'm hesitant because I first heard one of their songs on an episode of Chuck.
Anyway, it's good driving music, but not great for while working out.
Favorite songs: 4 - Detlef Schrempf, 7 - Islands on the Coast, and 9 - Cigarettes, Wedding Bands.
Graham Smith - Final Battle
Figuring out who Graham Smith is and what he's doing now is pretty difficult. My Yahoo radio station played me some songs from his Final Battle (2003 or 2004, I'm not sure) album, and that's how I found him. I only downloaded album this when Andrew suggested we do an exchange this year and I realized I didn't really have enough of a contribution.
He's apparently the Conner Oberst of a band called Kleenex Girl Wonder and is now making new music? It's hard to tell. Here are three (recently updated [!]) websites with such bad information it'll make you think you're back on the 1995 internet.
When I do find reviews of his music, I see comparisons to Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel) or Robert Pollard (Guided by Voices) by people who I assume wanted to be the first to make the comparison, so they can claim they knew he was going to be big one day. As far I as can tell, though, he's not big, and probably won't ever be, but this is a great album.
From what I read (and heard on his kgw.me site), his single solo album tones down the heavy pop (and comedy?) of his KGW stuff. It's catchy as all hell, though. If you don't like this on the first listen, I doubt you'll ever get on board. His voice is raspy and different enough to get a notice all by itself.
Favorite songs? I think any of them would do the trick, but I suppose if you put a gun to my head, I'd pick 3 - Lots of Love..., 10 - The Nondescript I, and 11 - Ushc Brand Men's Jeans
He's apparently the Conner Oberst of a band called Kleenex Girl Wonder and is now making new music? It's hard to tell. Here are three (recently updated [!]) websites with such bad information it'll make you think you're back on the 1995 internet.
When I do find reviews of his music, I see comparisons to Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel) or Robert Pollard (Guided by Voices) by people who I assume wanted to be the first to make the comparison, so they can claim they knew he was going to be big one day. As far I as can tell, though, he's not big, and probably won't ever be, but this is a great album.
From what I read (and heard on his kgw.me site), his single solo album tones down the heavy pop (and comedy?) of his KGW stuff. It's catchy as all hell, though. If you don't like this on the first listen, I doubt you'll ever get on board. His voice is raspy and different enough to get a notice all by itself.
Favorite songs? I think any of them would do the trick, but I suppose if you put a gun to my head, I'd pick 3 - Lots of Love..., 10 - The Nondescript I, and 11 - Ushc Brand Men's Jeans
Chuck Ragan and Austin Lucas - Bristle Ridge
More country, this time from a guy (Ragan) who used to sing in a punk band from Gainsville. Lucas hasn't done much, but is apparently into "folk punk," (which is a description I've seen applied to Okkervil River, among others) and known for his collaboration with Ragan and Tim Berry (another former punk singer turned folk fiend - from Richmond, Cameron!).
I can see how this might not be your cup of tea, but before you delete it give the entire album a listen or three (all at once), and see if it hasn't grown on you. It's multi-layered! If that means what I think it means!
Favorite Tracks: 5 - Simple Life, 9 - Sin, and 11 - The Light (if you don't like this one, you have no soul and we can't be friends anymore)
Oh, I also found this (well, Chuck Ragan anyway) when the now-defunct local college station, KTXT, played this song.
I can see how this might not be your cup of tea, but before you delete it give the entire album a listen or three (all at once), and see if it hasn't grown on you. It's multi-layered! If that means what I think it means!
Favorite Tracks: 5 - Simple Life, 9 - Sin, and 11 - The Light (if you don't like this one, you have no soul and we can't be friends anymore)
Oh, I also found this (well, Chuck Ragan anyway) when the now-defunct local college station, KTXT, played this song.
Thrift Store Cowboys - The Great American Desert
The TSCs are from Lubbock, in case you hadn't guessed. You have to allow yourself to entertain the possibility of liking country music (it's hard, or was for me, anyway), and you'll get a lot out of it.
I originally heard the 2nd track (Days we Remember) on the radio (KTXT, RIP), and loved it. The blend of latin and country was something that I hadn't ever heard before, and it really sounded like Lubbock. The latin sound is less pronounced on most of the other tracks, but it's all Lubbock. If anyone wonders what it feels like to live here, this album should give you a pretty good idea.
My favorite tracks: 2 - Days we Remember, 4 - Black Blizzard and 14 - So Young.
I originally heard the 2nd track (Days we Remember) on the radio (KTXT, RIP), and loved it. The blend of latin and country was something that I hadn't ever heard before, and it really sounded like Lubbock. The latin sound is less pronounced on most of the other tracks, but it's all Lubbock. If anyone wonders what it feels like to live here, this album should give you a pretty good idea.
My favorite tracks: 2 - Days we Remember, 4 - Black Blizzard and 14 - So Young.
Everyone's music
So, I've only given the other albums a once-through so far, on the drive to CA (I don't think Marie is going to be "liking" Thrift-Store Cowboys on FB any time soon, sadly, nor would I say she's a lover of twee), but I liked what I heard. I've been catching up on some old podcasts since I've been home, but I'm heading back to the gym tomorrow so I should be able to get back to your picks and give them some serious listening.
Thanks to everyone who contributed. I feel like I got a lot more out of it than I offered, but then that was really my goal heading into it. Hopefully we can let this new year and decade be one of musical discovery and growth and we can go into it with that mindset. Because it's a lot easier for me when you guys just tell me what to listen to.
Thanks to everyone who contributed. I feel like I got a lot more out of it than I offered, but then that was really my goal heading into it. Hopefully we can let this new year and decade be one of musical discovery and growth and we can go into it with that mindset. Because it's a lot easier for me when you guys just tell me what to listen to.
Start commenting
Should we have 1 post per album? or 1 per person?
I think that Cloud Cult is a mash-up of Conner Oberst and Modest Mouse, with a little of Beirut thrown in, just so we're absolutely sure it's one of Andrew's picks.
I think that Cloud Cult is a mash-up of Conner Oberst and Modest Mouse, with a little of Beirut thrown in, just so we're absolutely sure it's one of Andrew's picks.
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