Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Best Albums of 2010

With the year's end only a few days away, I figured the need for a Best Albums list was due. Over the last couple weeks a lot of good lists have come out such as Pitchfork, Urban Outfitters, and probably my personal favorite Stereogum. I find it way too hard to actually rank them, in fact I never really care to rank anything 1-whatever. I prefer to do it in tiers, like a top tier and then a middle tier, so this list is more of the top 10 albums with no rankings. So without further ado, here are my top 10 albums from 2010 in alphabetical order by artist:



Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

After having such successful albums in Neon Bible & Funeral, the anticipation for their next release was probably higher than anyone I can remember in recent memory. Needless to say, they didn't disappoint. Every song on this album is really solid and then there a few flashes of brilliance with Sprawl II, The Suburbs, Ready to Start, and We Used To Wait. This album really gets going from the opening track and never lets you go nor does it ever let you down.




Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

It seems as if some lists are trying too hard, they seem to want to put more obscure choices on their lists to get recognition from others. The problem when they do this is they leave off such great artists as Band of Horses. They fall into the same problem as Arcade Fire, in that they have had such success in the past with great albums, how could they ever live up to that billing? But in 2010 they definitely achieved another solid album to add to their discography. The highlight of this album was the title track, it's just one of those songs where you can close your eyes and put it on loop and completely loose yourself in the music.




Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

I'm not sure if I ever put Deerhunter on here or not, and if I didn't then that is my mistake. Truly one of the best songs of the year in Helicopter, Deerhunter really blew me off the door with this album. On my first listen through the album my initial thought was how would Helicopter sound live? Then they performed on Conan a couple weeks ago and I was blown away by how much the live performance sounded like the studio version. When they can accomplish such a feat with a tech savvy song as Helicopter is, you know that Deerhunter are a very talented bunch.




Delta Spirit - History From Below

For some reason I haven't seen this on any of the aforementioned lists from the first paragraph of this post. It completely dumbfounds me that there are lists out there that are "Top 100 albums of the year" yet they don't have Delta Spirit's latest effort. It's just that good soulful rock and Vasquez's true grit vocals that turn Delta Spirit into such good music. This album actually contains my song of the year in Bushwick Blues. Some may say it's a very average song, but maybe it's the lyrics/story of the song that really hit home for me. I also love the progression of the vocals in how they are delivered ordinary in the first two chorus' and then in the final one he lets all of his emotions go on it. Delta Spirit's honesty in their music will allow them to create great albums for the foreseeable future.




Freelance Whales - Weathervanes

After watching tons of videos of these guys perform on the NYC subways, I was waiting to see how they would translate their sound in a studio. There's something special and raw about watching a five piece band perform in the narrow walkway of a subway station. In one of their performances, can be found on youtube, the cops actually make them move because they are crowding the walkway. Talk about a real struggle to make it. The highlights of the album for me are Generator ^ First Floor, Broken Horse, and Generator ^ Second Floor. While the album versions are transitioned to well produced and finer sounding recordings, I still prefer the raw nature of their subway "shows". Until they decide to play a show within a hundred miles of me, Weathervanes will fill my need for banjos and xylophones.




Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

I may receive some flack for putting this on here but anyone who appreciates music will find the beauty in this album. Kanye has taken the hip-hop genre and turned it into a realm where the ordinary is now epic. He has truly found a way to give his songs that epic feel in not just the beat but the progression of the track and the story he tells within each track. I also think this is evident in his vision of the Runaway music video, the 30+ minute version. He also used Bon Iver/Justin Vernon on a bunch of the tracks so that's an added bonus. Kanye even sampled one of Iver's songs Woods for his best song on the album in Lost in the World. To say Kanye made this album with the intention of saying that he's still on top, would be an understatement to his ego. But to say that this album says anything less, would be an understatement to the true beauty of the album.




The Morning Benders - Big Echo

On your first run through of this album, if you don't hear tones of The Beatles then you should probably take another listen. I had to check my iTunes a couple different times to make sure the Shuffle was unchecked and that I was still on Big Echo. This album is great by itself, but I can't help being underwhelmed by it when I see the live versions of its tracks. After listening to several live performances, you realize that Benders' front man Chris Chu has a beautiful voice. Unfortunately once you realize this through the live versions, you tend to realize that his voice is a little over produced on the album and it hides is amazing real voice. That would be my lone gripe with this album. With tracks like Excuses, Wet Cement, and Stitches it really diminishes the value of that gripe and allows the album to really shine.




Mystery Jets - Serotonin

I have been on the Mystery Jets bandwagon ever since I heard Dreaming of Another World. Unfortunately that meant I was a late to their party, but it didn't stop me from going out and getting their discography to brush up on them. With their latest effort, Serotonin, they really shined through with some great catchy hooks in the title track and the aforementioned Dreaming, but I think it's in Waiting On A Miracle where the album really hits its peak. Not to say that the rest of the album isn't that good, because this album really is great from the opening track, Alice Springs, to its closing one, Lorna Doone.




The National - High Violet

The National fall into the same trap as Arcade Fire & Band of Horses, in that they are already so well established in their previous efforts that there is a sense that their next album will never live up to its predecessors. Fortunately for all three, their latest efforts have lived up to and may have even exceeded their predecessors. High Violet is quickly becoming my favorite National album and with such efforts as Boxer and Alligator, that is quite the feat. I can't pinpoint one thing that makes me feel this way, it's just that with every run through of the album I find something new that makes me rethink where it ranks in their discography. Afraid of Everyone is my personal favorite off this album but Terrible Love and Conversation 16 are right behind it. I'm not sure how some of these bands top their previous efforts, but I guess that is why they are the elite of the elite in music.




The Roots - How I Got Over

How fitting is it that the arguably best hip hop group ever closes out a list of Best Albums? I'm not sure how to put the latest effort of The Roots into words, but in a word it would be expected. These guys are the building block for today's hip hop. They make records that push fellow artists to achieve their success. They set a new standard with every new album they make. They are just expected to produce greatness, and they never fail to live up to that billing. I am also extremely thankful to Jimmy Fallon for somehow getting them to be his house band. I'm not going to get into a debate on whether Fallon is funny or not but if you don't watch his show to just see The Roots every night, then you are doing it wrong. In a simple case of "talent recognizes talent", the Roots hooked up with Monsters of Folk (indie supergroup) on Dear God 2.0. The highlight of this album for me is Right On because it brings me back to the feeling of the early Roots Crew. Other highlights include The Fire, Walk Alone,and The Day to name a few.


Honorable Mentions for 2010:

Bad Books - Bad Books
Beach House - Teen Dream
Broken Bells - Broken Bells
Geographer - Animal Shapes (would have been top 10 but it's an EP)
John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
Mt. Desolation - Mt. Desolation
Tunng - ....And Then We Saw Land

Friday, December 24, 2010

A Little Holiday Jingle: Emery

Emery is certainly not a new band, in fact I have their first ever mass printed shirt which was part of a cd-pack for their debut The Weak's End. I've seen them about 5 or 6 times now but the set that stands out the most was the acoustic tour. It just completely changed how the songs were viewed and basically doubled their catalog.

In that set list was an unbelievable cover of White Christmas, so I figured why not post it now with the holidays being here. The actual cover starts at the 1:08 mark.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 8: Blu & Exile

I know I haven't posted one of these in awhile, probably two months, so I decided to get at least one more before the end of the year.

If you aren't familiar with this collabo group, Blu is the rapper and Exile is the producer. The beats they've come up with are top notch and Blu's flow doesn't drift away from that standard.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Volume 39: The Acorn

When I think of folky rock, I immediately think of The Acorn's Restoration. It's hard to describe "folky rock", so should anyone ask just play this track and they should get the idea of it. Most people think folk is just some alternate term for acoustic country or hillbilly music, and most would be mistaken.

In Restoration, The Acorn achieve a greater sense of crescendo. From the very beginning you get a sense that the song will just build up to a summit and the journey to get there will never bore you. With every passing verse, the climb to that summit gets louder and more intense until you reach the very end and it just suddenly ends. Leaving you breathless at the top.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Volume 38: Sunbears!

I usually like to put an electronic song on Friday's because it's when most people go out to bars/clubs and end up on the dance floor. While today's selection is electronic, it may not be one to which people are grinding it up on the dance floor to, not to say they can't.

Sunbears find a great way to give their songs that epic feeling, and Little Baby Pines is no exception. It starts off with a soft instrumental and then goes into this epic explosion of electronic sounds and then into a chant-esque drum beat with the vocals. Needless to say, the song is produced extremely well.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Volume 37: Diamond Rings

If Matt from The National hooked up with an 80s cover band, I'm pretty sure it would be Diamond Rings. Ok, maybe their voices aren't 100% identical but on my first listen of Special Affections I had to do a double take at the artist's name.

Regardless, Diamond Rings bring a great sound that will make you think this album was released in the middle of the 80s and that is not a bad thing at all. They found their sound and have perfected it.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Volume 36: Geographer

After listening to Animal Shapes and Innocent Ghosts, both Geographer albums, you tend to notice how different they really are. Animal Shapes has more electronics on it, while Innocent Ghosts is more of an acoustic/rock sound but still has some electronica in it. Both are very good, so I decided to post one of each to show their contrast, while showing how strong both sounds are. They also do a great job of going back and forth between male and female vocals on songs. Needless to say, they keep it very refreshing with every track.

The first song is Kites, off of Animal Shapes. It has this awesome synthesizer/piano melody and slowly builds up into the beat. The second song is

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.



Thursday, December 2, 2010

Volume 34: Driver Drive Faster

The first two or so minutes are the actual single, then after that they put a couple of remixes in. The remixes are ok, but I think the actual single is quite good.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Volume 33: Boxer Rebellion

Boxer Rebellion is probably not that unpopular but I feel like they don't get the love that they deserve. They have a great sound and the lead singer, Nathan, has a great voice. One song of theirs has always stuck out no matter how much I tried to get into their other stuff, Spitting Fire.

Unfortunately there isn't an official video or better one than this, so pardon the cheap selfish slide that the person puts in this video. Other than that, I hope you enjoy.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Volume 32: The Weeks

Some bands try hard to get a simple sound and sometimes it comes across as a lack of talent. On the other hand, The Weeks do a great job at keeping the music sound simple even though it is somewhat complex, but they tend to get a solid natural sound.

Buttons is probably one of their better songs and is a great example of the aforementioned "complex simple sound" if that makes sense.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Volume 31: Delta Spirit

Sometimes it's nice to hear a different tone of voice in music. Sometimes it takes adjusting to, and most of the time someone will write off the band right away if they can't get into the voice.

This probably applies to Delta Spirit and Matt Vasquez's voice. It probably wouldn't win American Idol, ie he couldn't cover Whitney Houston, but what he does bring is a raw grit that allows the lyrics to seem more heart felt.

As I've posted before, La Blogotheque does some fantastic street concerts and Delta Spirit's is right up there with all the other ones, so enjoy this.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Delta Spirit - Trashcan from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Volume 30: Neon Trees

I recently got to see Neon Trees live and was pretty impressed by them. I was only familiar with about 3 of their songs and they ended up playing their whole album, Habits (only has 8 songs). Even though Animals is their most popular song, the one from all the vegas commercials, the one I like the best is In The Next Room.

Also seeing it live helped form my opinion because Tyler really sang well and hit some crazy notes. It starts out with this sweet jazz/burlesque rift then it gets into the chorus and Tyler really gets into his vocals. I'll also post a video I took from their show I went to in the comments section.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 7: Nero

Sometimes you come across a song that kind of just takes you back a little. It doesn't necessarily have to be an old song, but just have that old sound to it. With Nero's Alive & Vibrant, he accomplishes that. In fact, he even says it in the first few lines of the song, "...I gotta take yall back." And he really accomplishes that with the laid back beat and lyrics that compliment it so well.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Volume 29: Band of Horses

If you haven't noticed yet, 2010 is an unbelievable year for music. I have mentioned time and time again how I think a certain album will be up for Album of the Year, and BoH's latest effort is no slouch.

On first listen there was one track that really stood out above the rest for me and it has been my favorite ever since. Then I ran across this live version of Infinite Arms and it's become an even better song since then.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Volume 28: The National

If you haven't heard of The National by this point, then you are past due and need to hurry up and catch up. Alligator, Boxer, High Violet, & Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers all have their fair share of good songs so don't skip over any album. They are actually in town tomorrow night, but due to a $40 ticket price I won't be going. It saddens me that I can't go because they put on a great show.

I picked Afraid of Everyone from their live Letterman appearance, which is probably one of the top Late Show performances I've ever seen. Speaking of which, does anyone get better artists than Letterman? (besides the obvious Fallon since he has The Roots EVERY NIGHT, which is amazing) Enjoy.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Volume 27: The Airborne Toxic Event

Innocence is just one of those tracks that when you hear it for the first time, it grabs you and stays in your head. Anytime you come back to the album, the first song you listen to is Innocence and you may put it on repeat for a few plays.

But I can't figure out what it is that does this. Maybe it's the intro to the song that takes up the first 90 seconds of the track or maybe it's the awesome guitar hook and drumming or maybe the lyrics or maybe the chorus. Only thing I do know is that it is truly a great song and one that should not go unheard.

This version that I have embedded is a live version and is a touch different than the album version but not that much different to where the entire track is changed (for instance, all the speak up until the 3 minute mark aren't on the studio track).

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Volume 26: La Roux

La Roux has that 80s sound but does a great job turning it into something modern. It's kind of weird to listen to her and think that this isn't 25 years old. Probably her most popular, In For The Kill is already a pretty good song, but when you hear this remix (if you haven't already) then you will realize the songs full potential.

That's not to say that the original isn't good, it's just that this remix is on a completely different level. If you watch Entourage you'll notice this song from the ending of one of this season's episodes.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 6: John Legend & The Roots

So in case you didn't know, John Legend & The Roots came out with a collaboration album last week entitled "Wake Up". They then performed live on YouTube last Thursday and put on one hell of a show, which was also directed by a personal favorite in Spike Lee. The cd is very solid from opening track to the closing track, but at this show last Thursday they decided to add in a cover or two.

One of those covers being Arcade Fire's Wake Up. I consider it to be the greatest song of the 2000s and it has one of my favorite lyrics of all time, but I won't tell which lyric that is. All personal love aside, I hope you enjoy their rendition of the great song.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Volume 25: Fanfarlo

Continuing with that acoustic/folk indie sound I figured now is a good time to talk about Fanfarlo. With Finish Line, they really bring the goods and allow their talents to shine through. Although Simon Balthazar's voice is quite unique, once you get used to it you realize it is quite timeless. They are quite eclectic when mixing different eras of rock so it's hard to find an era of music that Fanfarlo fits into.

This verison of Finish Line is a live acoustic one. If you couldn't tell by now, I prefer those rare live performances that are a little more intimate and personal. I will put the studio version in the comments section below.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Volume 24: Freelance Whales

It's time to get back to that acoustic/folk type of indie. I've been on a more electronic run lately, especially this past weekend, and just feel like zoning out to some softer music. Freelance Whales is perfect for just that and Broken Horse really allows one to do that.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Volume 23: The XX

The XX is one of those groups that you don't really know what to say about them, it's just that their music works. I don't really like the fact that they use a drum pad instead of a set but when watching them work the pad live, I give them more credit since they aren't just looping the beats of a Mac or something.

After saying that, I feel I need to show a live video of them doing so in action so I found the start of one of their shows with them playing the Intro and it leading into Crystalised. I'll also put album versions in the comments section in case the audio hurts your ears (since it's a live recording).

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Volume 22: Tired Pony

Tired Pony is one of those side project super groups that come around once in awhile. It consists of Gary Lightbody (front man from Snow Patrol), Richard Colburn (drummer from Belle & Sebastian), Iain Archer (lyricist from Snow Patrol), Miriam Kaufmann (Archer's wife), Jacknife Lee (big time producer), Peter Buck (guitarist from REM), and Scott McCaughey (guitarist/bassit from REM).

With that much talent, how could it not be good? So I figured I'd post one of my favorite songs of their debut album The Place We Ran From.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 5: Rakim

I don't even know if there is anything worth writing except for: hit play and enjoy. It's really that simple with Rakim. Holy Are You is just another one of those songs that grabs you in the initial hook and when the beat drops to it, you can't help but nod along to it. So as I said before: sit back, hit play, and enjoy.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Volume 21: Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog are just one of those bands that know how to make good music and I have heard that put on an even better live performance. Unfortunately, I have yet to see that first hand. Should it be anything close to their album sound, I can imagine they are one of the better bands to see live.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Volume 20: Florence + The Machine

I'm not one who listens to the radio, all I ever use is my ipod and frequent other blogs and message boards for new music. I say this because I feel like Florence + The Machine are blowing up. I watched maybe five total minutes of the VMAs and noticed Florence got to perform, so I don't know if they are blowing up or not but that's probably a good sign.

Since I saw that, I figured I'd post a live version of Dog Days Are Over, this one being from Coachella. It will truly let you appreciate Florence's voice, which I happen to like a lot. Her voice is in the same mold of Kate Nash and Regina Spektor which are two great fellow female singers.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Volume 19: Bon Iver

Justin Vernon is one of the better indie folk singer/songwriters. He has been in various projects and the one that is most known is Bon Iver. Flume is probably my second favorite track by them, with Skinny Love being number one but this version takes Flume to another level.

The actual song doesn't start til the 2:48 mark, but watching the journey to the venue is pretty cool. I would also recommend going through other videos on that playlist, as La Blogotheque has some awesome sessions with some great artists.

I will put the album version in the comments section.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Bon Iver - Flume - Une soiree de Poche from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Volume 18: Mumford and Sons

When I stumbled upon Mumford & Sons, I thought that I discovered one of the best new artists out there. So I went to add them on my Facebook profile and found out they had about 300,000 fans. Apparently they were a little more popular than I knew.

This song, White Blank Page, is one that is really perfect. Every single line of dialogue seems like something I've felt at some point in my life. It's not very often you get a song that can do that lyrically and on top of that, match them with great music.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 4: Mos Def

One of the truly less talked about hip hop artists in the game, Mos Def seems to never get his credit. Sure hip hop heads love him and talk about him but from a popularity stand point (even though that is a terrible way to judge musical artists) he just doesn't seem to be mentioned with the Jay Z's or Kanye's.

He is equally as talented as them and it's a shame you dont hear his name talked about with the aforementioned rappers. But all bias aside, here is one of my favorite tracks by him. Also love the old school hook of Aquarius (Let The Sunshine In). Enjoy.


Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Volume 17: The Antlers

One of the most depressing albums I've ever listened to is The Antlers' Hospice. It shouldn't come as a surprise given what the album is about:

From the wiki:

"Hospice tells the story of an emotionally abusive relationship, explained through the analogy of a hospice worker and terminally-ill patient."

So given that, one would think that it is quite a somber album. Although, sometimes that kind of music can be good given the right mood so here is my favorite track off of that album.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Volume 16: Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire's latest album The Suburbs will definitely hold its weight when it comes to Best Album of 2010. My only problem with it, is that I haven't found that one track that really stands out above the rest. With Funeral it was Wake Up (obviously) and with Neon Bible it was Keep The Car Running.

Finally, after a lot of listens, I have settled on Ready To Start to be that track. It has that great Arcade Fire sound and it also brings that build up element that many of their other songs have. There are several points where you think the song could come to a crashing halt but it continues. When it finally does come to that crashing halt, you want it to go on for five more minutes. In which case, I suggest just putting the song on repeat.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 3: Lupe Fiasco

My favorite rapper/hip hop artist. Lupe is just on a different level for me. Maybe it's because he usually raps about something worth talking about and not wasting time talking about patron, drugs, or women. It's pretty hard to pick one track by him to try and sum his talents up.

Since I tried to talk about his lyricism being better than the normal rapper, I have to go with Streets On Fire. I'd look up the lyrics while you listen to it, because it may take you by surprise.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Volume 15: Doves

This song, There Goes The Fear, first got my attention in the movie (500) Days of Summer. Since then, I've downloaded their entire catalog and have come away impressed. Kingdom of Rust is probably my favorite of their albums, but that doesnt mean the rest are disappointing.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Volume 14: MGMT

I know, I know. Who doesn't know this song? Fact is, it's Friday night and some bars/clubs will be bumping this tonight and if they aren't, well then you better go request it.

Go out and enjoy yourselves and dont forget the MGMT!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Volume 13: Kate Earl

Ms. Earl brings a fresh sounding female voice to the indie world. Maybe she doesn't want to be classified as indie but I guess I use that term a little loosely because she isn't a well known pop star. That doesn't mean that she shouldn't be though because on this track, Melody, she really brings it.

Melody has this awesome hip hop/indie feel to it and yet it sounds like a Regina Spektor or Kate Nash song. I really dig the crossing of the two styles.


Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 2: Jay Electronica

Jay Elect has been blowing up and for a good reason too. He is one of the best lyricist in the hip hope game today and with a beat like Exhibit C, he has made one of the best hip hop songs I've heard in quite some time.

"They call me Jay Electronica.
F*** that. Call me Jay ElecHannukah, Jay ElecYarmulke,
Jay ElecRamadaan Muhammad Asalaamica RasoulAllah Supana Watallah through your monitor.
My uzi still weighs a ton check the barometer
I'm hotter than the muthafuckin sun check the thermometer.
"

And that is just a small sample of his lyricism. This guy is one to watch in the future of hip hop.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Volume 12: Beirut

Hands down, one of the coolest live music videos you will ever see. The way every sound is created and how well it meshes together. On top of that, Beirut is actually a very good studio band so I'll link that version in the comments. Enjoy!


Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Volume 11: Manchester Orchestra

This version of The River, the Myspace Transmissions, is pretty special. You get to see the band in a live setting but still within the studio so everything sounds perfect. Notice how visceral Andy Hull's voice is towards the end and how Jeremiah Edmond, who has apparently left the band, compliments that by viciously hitting the cymbals.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Volume 10: The Temper Trap

With the widely popular Sweet Disposition making its rounds in commercials and movies (500 Days of Summer, a personal favorite), it is great to see a band get so much publicity. Most probably don't know much more of The Temper Trap other than the aforementioned track, but fear not, Soldier On is my favorite track of theirs. If you have not heard it yet, then this post should be a pleasant surprise. The first half of the track has a slight eeriness but then the drums build up and the track goes to another level. I hope you enjoy that build up as much as I do.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Volume 9: Passion Pit

Since it's Saturday and people will be hitting the bars and clubs, I figured I should pick a song that can really get you moving. A local bar in Orlando, I-Bar, will play this song every Friday night and it really gets everyone going. So if you're going out tonight, hit up the DJ and request it.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Volume 8: TV On The Radio

What can I say about TV On The Radio that hasn't already been said? Probably nothing, so with that I'll just let the music speak for itself.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.


Volume 7: Frightened Rabbit

I keep wanting to hold off on posting this song because it is just one of those that will stay in your head and you'll play it on repeat for hours. You'll end up listening to a different song and out of no where start singing this one. So I will go ahead and apologize in advance for putting this in your head and letting it ruin other songs. My bad.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hip Hop Wednesday: Volume 1: The Roots & Monsters of Folk

Every Wednesday will be a hip hop addition to your music library. So here we go with the first edition of Hip Hop Wednesday:

Two of my favorite artists, The Roots & Monsters of Folk, get together to bring one of the best hip hop songs in quite some time. The original song, Dear God (which I'll put a link for in the comments section), by Monsters of Folk has been on my playlist for awhile, but when I heard The Roots' version I was stunned. Hope everyone likes it as much as I do.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Volume 6: Blind Pilot

Go On Say it is a little bit more relaxing of a song but not too down that you feel depressed afterward or feel the need to "be in a certain mood" to listen to it. I've been a drummer my whole life, so I always love it when someone can find a nice beat using jazz brushes.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Volume 5: Mystery Jets

I know it's only August and we still have four full months left to the calendar year, but Mystery Jets' latest effort, Serotonin, may end up the Album of 2010 for me. From the opening track, Alice Springs, to the closing one, Lorna Doone, the album is great. It's hard nowadays to find an album that doesn't have those few tracks you skip every time they come on, but Serotonin is one of the fortunate few. So here is one of my favorite songs off that album.


Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Volume 4: The Hold Steady

One of the better rock bands out right now. The lead vocals, Craig Finn, are a very distinct sound and take some getting used to. Once you do get used to his voice, they truly are a great band.


Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

(ps: sorry about this video, Hold Steady doesn't have an official video so this is just some fan made video but it's much better quality than the live videos)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Volume 3: Morning Benders

This version of Excuses is actually my favorite. Really good song and having a live orchestra and choir really gives it a unique feel and sound.

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Volume 2: Robert Francis

First heard about Mr. Francis on Carson Daly's Last Call, of all places. He is one of my favorite artists and was one of the first indie/folk-ish artists I got into which sprung me into all these other indie artists. So I do owe a lot of what I like today to Mr. Francis. Enjoy!

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it or not B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.



Volume 1: Camera Obscura

Here's an alternative link that I couldn't embed (the album version): Camera Obscura - French Navy

Make sure to comment on whether or not you've A) heard of it B) liked it or not and C) whether you would listen to more of the artist.