Infinite Shuffle

January 1, 2011

Best of 2010 – My list

Filed under: Best of — assman41 @ 12:01 am

Last year, I waited until mid-January to unleash my end-of-the-year and end-of-the-decade lists. But this year, I figured I’d do it at a more reasonable time — one minute into the new year.

So, without further ado, I give you my favorite music from the past 12 months. Enjoy.

By the way, rather than bogging down this post with a bunch of links and embedded videos, I just created a playlist with as many of the top songs as I could find. If, for some reason, the player doesn’t work on your computer, just open this link in a separate tab/window and listen to the goodness as you read about it.


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THE ALBUMS I ENJOYED THE MOST

  • Arcade Fire – The Suburbs … This band has yet to put out an average album. While I don’t yet consider it as strong as its predecessors, it’s still better than just about everything else that came out this year. It also includes one of my two most favorite songs of the year. … Favorite song: “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”
  • Beach House – Teen Dream … I really didn’t think this album would live up to all the hype it was receiving before its release, but it actually may have surpassed it. … Favorite song: “Norway”
  • Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks … While this band seems to fill every album with the same handful of songs, over and over again, I just can’t help loving them anyway. … Favorite song: “Swim Until You Can’t See Land”
  • Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More … This was, hands down, my favorite album of the year. Go read last week’s post for more in-depth thoughts. … Favorite song: “Little Lion Man”
  • The National – High Violet … These guys are slowly becoming one of all-time favorite bands. This album didn’t grab me right away, but after plenty of listens, it definitely stood out as one of the year’s best. … Favorite song: “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
  • The Orbans – When We Were Wild … This is my hidden gem of the year. If you haven’t heard these alt-country boys from Austin — and I doubt you have — check them out immediately. … Favorite song: “Like a Liar”
  • Shout Out Louds – Work … Three albums into their career, these guys from Sweden are on the verge of really breaking out in the States. … Favorite song: “Walls”
  • Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History … If it wasn’t for a couple-sentences-long review on the wall of a record store in Indianapolis, I may never have discovered this ’80s-infused, electro-pop group from Scotland. … Favorite song: “Undercover Martyn”
  • Vampire Weekend – Contra … With easily the most-hyped album at the beginning of the year, the NYC crew managed to deliver and avoid a sophomore slump. … Favorite song: “Cousins”
  • Wild Nothing – Bored Games … This is an album that totally caught me by surprise. A soft, dreamy, electro disc from some dudes in Roanoke? Sure, why not? … Favorite song: “Live In Dreams”

A FEW OTHER ALBUMS THAT WERE PRETTY GREAT

  • Hey Marseilles – To Travels and Trunks (first dropped 2008, re-released this year) … Favorite song: “Rio”
  • Jaill – That’s How We Burn … Favorite song: “Snake Shakes”
  • Junip – Fields … Favorite song: “Always”
  • Kings of Leon – Come Around Sundown … Favorite song: “Pyro”
  • The Kissaway Trail – Sleep Mountain … Favorite song: “SDP”
  • Kopecky Family Band – The Disaster (seven-song EP) … Favorite song: “Disaster”
  • Let’s Wrestle – In the Court of the Wrestling Let’s … Favorite song: “We Are the Men You’ll Grow To Love Soon”
  • Miniature Tigers – Fortress … Favorite song: “Rock & Roll Mountain Troll”

THE YEAR’S BEST TRACKS (that weren’t on any of the above listed albums)

  • B.o.B. ft. Eminem and Hayley Williams – “Airplanes, Part II” … I seem to fall for one rap song per year. This one is it.
  • The Band Perry – “If I Die Young” … A friend suggested I listen to this song a couple of months ago. Now I am forever in her debt.
  • Cold War Kids – “Audience” … These guys snuck in an EP this year, and it included this gem.
  • Diamond Rings – “Something Else” … I’m pretty sure this song was produced in 1985, put in a time capsule and finally released in 2010.
  • The Drums – “I Felt Stupid” and “Let’s Go Surfing” … These are some fun songs from a band that’s developing a nice following.
  • Local Natives – “Airplanes” … I’ve had this song stuck in my head on multiple occasions throughout the year.
  • Loney, Dear – “Airport Surroundings” … Half of my brain doesn’t think this song belongs on this list. Unfortunately, the other half is bobbing along too much to pay it any heed.
  • Neon Trees – “Animal” … I was hesitant to include this song after hearing it constantly in the Las Vegas commercials. Alas, it’s too good not to mention.
  • School of Seven Bells – “Windstorm” … This song might be an acquired taste, but I can’t get enough of it.
  • The Soft Pack – “Answer To Yourself” … Just a good, solid pop/rock song.
  • Stornoway – “Zorbing” … This is my other most favorite track of the year. There’s nothing else to say — I just absolutely love it.
  • Yeasayer – “Ambling Alp” and “O.N.E.” … These two songs are so good, I almost included the whole album on here — and I didn’t even like the album.
  • Zola Jesus – “I Can’t Stand” and “Sea Talk” … I’m constantly trying to decide which song I like the most from this Siouxsie & The Banshees descendent, but I can never choose between the two.

ALBUMS I MISSED IN 2009

EARLY CANDIDATES FOR THE “ALBUMS I MISSED IN 2010” LIST

  • The Black Keys – Brothers
  • John Grant – Queen of Denmark
  • Menomena – Minds
  • These New Puritans – Hidden
  • Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

Check back tomorrow when I provide a massive compilation of all the end-of-the-year lists I could find.

December 25, 2010

57 – Mumford & Sons

Filed under: England, M — assman41 @ 12:01 am

I’m not sure why it took me so long to discuss Mumford & Sons. I first heard about them in early 2009 via the Outroversion blog. I’d heard a couple of songs and liked them, but, for some reason, I never put forth the effort to listen to their full arsenal until about a year later. And, by that time, I felt like my window for “breaking” them had closed.

But, as it turns out, while they’ve been receiving a lot of critical praise following the United States release of their debut album, Sigh No More, there is still a lot of people who’ve never heard of the London indie-folk quartet.

The album dropped in the United Kingdom in October 2009 and landed in the U.S. in February of this year, so some might deem it out of the running for “album of the year” praise. But you know what? Those people are stupid.

There is nary a bad song on this 12-track disc — all are good, some are really good and a few are great — which is why I would deem it the best album of 2010.

According to Wikipedia, the band formed in late 2007, rising out of London’s folk scene with other artists such as Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn and Noah and the Whale — all solid acts, I might add.

Mumford & Sons, which is led vocally by Marcus Mumford, enlists a slew of folksy instruments, including mandolin, banjo, dobro, string bass and accordion. And the members of the band are very versatile, often switching instruments throughout live shows.

While the band can do the slow, swaying folk thing with the best of them, it’s the spurts of rollicking, rocking fire that make their songs so great. Every song in their repertoire is a sine curve of awesomeness … (that one goes out to all of you math nerds).

In addition to the two gems embedded above, other standout songs include “Awake My Soul”, “Roll Away Your Stone”, “After the Storm” and the title track.

Mumford & Sons make a bevy of literary references in their work. The album title and corresponding song include allusions to Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, and the songs “Timeshel” and “Dust Bowl Dance” draw heavily from the John Steinbeck novels East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath.

After tearing up England in 2009, the band has conquered the world this past year, from topping the charts in Australia to selling out a horde of shows in the United States in the fall.

Earlier this month, the boys picked up a pair of Grammy nominations for Best New Artist (aka The Kiss of Death) and Best Rock Song for “Little Lion Man”.

I unfortunately missed them when they came through Chicago a few months ago, so I’m eagerly awaiting their return.

Join me in keeping tabs on the band via its MySpace page and official website.

December 19, 2010

56 – Stornoway

Filed under: England, S — assman41 @ 12:01 am

I’ve been wanting to write a post about Stornoway for several months, but it’s taken me awhile to find a free (read: illegal) download of their debut release, Beachcomber’s Windowsill.

I first heard about the band roughly a year ago from a few references on the Outroversion blog, but I hadn’t actually heard anything by the group until this past summer when the single, “Zorbing”, was included on KEXP’s Song of the Day podcast.

After hearing it that first time, I repeated it once or twice and was immediately hooked.

While that song seems to combine about three different genres into one track, the rest of album sticks to the group’s signature sound — something like alternative indie music mixed with traditional Irish-tinged ditties.

Stornoway isn’t actually from Ireland. The group hails from the Cowley area of Oxford, England, and is named after the Hebridean town on the Isle of Lewis, which is the northeast tip of the United Kingdom — practically the opposite end of the UK from Oxford.

The band consists of four members, but, as you can tell from the video, it often enlists the services of a trumpeter. There’s also a violinist that joins the ruckus.

The gents have been together since at least 2006 and first started to make some noise in England in 2009 when they released their first few singles. The debut album dropped on May 24 of this year, and, while none of the other songs live up to the awesomeness of “Zorbing”, it’s still a quality disc.

Other solid tracks include “I Saw You Blink” and “Boats and Trains”.

The group finally made its way to the United States in the fall, including a stop in Chicago last month. So, it’ll probably be awhile before it returns.

For more on the group, check out its MySpace page and official website.

December 12, 2010

55 – Earwig

Filed under: Columbus, E — assman41 @ 12:01 am

I first heard about Earwig in mid-August when someone from the band commented on my review of fellow Columbus, Ohio, act House of Heroes.

They provided a link to the their website, so I checked it out. The group didn’t seem like anything too special, so I never gave it a second thought.

That is, until I saw that Simon over at Outroversion had put up a post about the band. After reading his synopsis, I figured I’d give them another chance — and, again, I wasn’t too impressed.

But just before writing this post, I thought I should listen to their stuff on MySpace one more time so it was fresh in my mind. And, as it turns out, my first impression — and second one, for that matter — of Earwig was way off.

Originally, I deemed them a decent band, but nothing special. After another listen, I realized there really was more going on there than first assumed.

None of the songs really repeat — it’s as if each track was influenced by something totally different.

“Star Crossd” sounds kinda twee, maybe a little like fellow Ohioans Guided By Voices. “Rumplestiltskin” is heavier in sound and tone. “Trees” is just pure indie-pop. “Lovesong Cockroach” has a grunge feel to it. “Glorious and Gloom” is a little more emo-pop.

“Shiny Morning” opens with an auto-tune thing that is very reminiscent of Imogen Heap/Frou Frou before heading toward a more indie-pop/rock track. “Drag” reminds me of something Jimmy Eat World might’ve put out in their heyday. “Used Kids” sounds like something I would’ve heard on the radio during high school in the late ’90s — I just hope the band’s not as religious as it sounds in the chorus of this song.

There’s also an interesting back story regarding the band’s latest release, Gibson Under Mountain. Apparently, the album title came to lead singer Lizard McGee in a dream, and shortly thereafter he was “dream-writing” all the songs.

For more on the band, visit the official website.

December 5, 2010

54 – The Band Perry

Filed under: B, Mobile Ala., P — assman41 @ 12:01 am

I tend to shy away from country music, almost as a rule. It’s not that I hate it — I just generally loathe the kind of people who love it and the way they rally behind it.

Because of this philosophy, I’m sure I’ve missed out on several solid bands that I would’ve liked. And The Band Perry would have fallen into that pile were it not for my good friend, MK.

She sent me an e-mail a few days ago and told me to give their song, “If I Die Young”, a listen. She said she really liked the singer’s voice.

After listening to it a handful of times, I would concur.

According to the band’s official website, the song just hit No. 1 on the country charts. Who knew?

The group from Mobile, Ala., is made up of the three Perry siblings — lead singer Kimberly and little brothers Reid and Neil. In their rather lengthy bio, they say that they were raised on both classic rock and country.

That upbringing shows in their music. They churn out plenty of country ditties with a rock sensibility as well as some sweet, twangy ballads.

While the big single is clearly a gem, it turns out the band’s entire self-titled debut album is pretty solid.

Other strong tracks include “Hip to My Heart”, “Postcard From Paris”, “Independence”, “Double Heart” and “All Your Life”.

I doubt this discovery will shift my interest in country music much, if at all. But it does go to show that expanding your horizons is never a bad thing.

November 29, 2010

53 – Kopecky Family Band

Filed under: K, Nashville — assman41 @ 3:03 am

Even though I have a big logjam of All Songs Considered podcasts, I will make it a point to listen to every single one of them. Not only because they play songs by so many great bands — many of which I haven’t heard of — but because otherwise, I’d miss true unknown gems such as the Kopecky Family Band.

The gurus over at NPR led off their CMJ recap podcast with a track from this band that they’d discovered during the showcase.

Each song by this seven-piece outfit from Nashville is led vocally by a man (Gabe) and woman (Kelsey Joy) working in perfect harmony. They kinda remind me of The Magic Numbers in that way. But I don’t want you to think that’s necessarily who they sound like — this group has much more of a folk vibe going for it.

With seven members in the band, you get a lot of different instruments, but the two that will catch your ear immediately are the cello and violin.

With all those instruments, along with the dual vocals, all of the songs are very full. Gabe’s vocals remind me a lot of the lead singer from Gomez, while Kelsey Joy’s don’t remind me of anyone in particular — they’re just really solid.

The dudes at NPR said the band is amazing live, and after watching this impromptu clip, I would have to concur.

Since forming in late 2007, the group has released a pair of EPs — Embrace and Disaster. I already consider the latter to be among the best albums of the year.

For more on Kopecky Family Band, check out their MySpace page and the official website.

November 23, 2010

52 – Lower Dens

Filed under: Baltimore, L — assman41 @ 12:17 am

Sometimes when I review a band, I’ll make some comparisons to other bands that are tenuous at best. This review, however, is not one of those instances.

When I first heard Lower Dens, there was no mistaking their similarities to fellow post-punk, electro-drone bands Wild Nothing and The XX.

In fact, after hearing the Lower Dens’ debut full-length release, Twin-Hand Movement, I immediately added them to my “Trance” playlist that includes the two aforementioned bands — as well as Zola Jesus. The soft vocals, slow pace and fuzzy guitars are a perfect accompaniment to an evening on the couch.

While I’d say they probably lean more toward Wild Nothing’s sound, you can hear elements of The XX throughout as well. Here’s a great example of both:

This Baltimore-based four-piece formed in early 2009 when vocalist Jana Hunter — she of many varied solo and group projects — set about finding a full-time band. Their first album hit the streets this past July.

I had seen their name here and there but had not heard any music until their ditty, “Blue & Silver”, was included on a recent NPR All Songs Considered podcast. I knew immediately that I needed to hear more.

Other strong tracks include “Completely Golden”, “I Get Nervous” and “Hospice Gates”

The group is touring in Europe right now, but its heading back to the States in January for a few shows in the Mid-Atlantic. Keep an eye on the band’s official website to see if it’s headed your way.

And if you’re really digging Lower Dens, you can check out the Tiny Desk Concert they did at NPR.

November 14, 2010

51 – Brackett and Co.

Filed under: Austin, B — assman41 @ 12:01 am

The most interesting part of discovering new bands is the weird ways you sometimes come across one.

While researching the Austin-based group, The Orbans, for a recent post, I was scrolling through their MySpace page and noticed some random concert flyer posted in the comments section. Normally, I wouldn’t even give it a second glance, but for some reason I looked it over and noticed in tiny, almost undecipherable print that one of the performing bands included members of Okkervil River.

“Hmm, I like Okkervil River. Maybe I should check these guys out.”

And that is how I discovered Brackett & Co., a quartet from Austin that includes three members of Okkervil River — former drummer Travis Nelsen, studio guitarist Brian Cassidy and keyboardist/horn player Scott Brackett, who plays guitar and sings in his namesake band.

The band formed about a year ago, and, so far, I’ve only heard the five songs that are posted on its MySpace page. But, in terms of sound, it’s clear B & Co. is definitely its own band, with a slower, heavier sound than the band that spawned them.

Occasionally, I can hear vocals that distinctly remind me of Okkervil River, which makes me think two things — either Okkervil vocalist Will Sheff is sitting in with the band, or Scott Brackett has a larger vocal role in the big band than I realized.

Anyways, this is a pretty solid side project, one that is still unsigned and has yet to properly release any music. So, for now, just check them out on MySpace, or go see them in person if you’re ever lucky enough to make it down to Austin.

November 7, 2010

50 – Junip

Filed under: J, Sweden — assman41 @ 9:43 pm

When I first heard that Junip was headed by Jose Gonzalez, I immediately scrunched up my nose in disgust. I’m not sure if I was getting him confused with someone else or if I really haven’t heard as much of his solo stuff as I thought I had, but my general attitude toward the man’s music is one of indifference with a tinge of dislike.

However, after the initial contempt wore off and I actually gave the band a chance, I realized Gonzalez really knows what he’s doing.

While the three men that comprise Junip all hail from Sweden, the sound and mood of their music screams Spain or Latin America — actually, it’s probably more of a whisper rather than a scream.

The group has released a pair of EPs — Black Refuge in late 2005 and Rope & Summit in May of this year — followed by its first full-length album, Fields, in September.

There is nary a bad song in Junip’s catalogue, which includes a few standouts, such as “Always” and “Rope & Summit” from the LP, “Official” from the debut EP and the single “Chickens”.

Junip just came through Chicago this month, but, while the group is definitely solid, it’s not the type that I’d want to see in concert. Junip isn’t necessarily a band I’d turn to to drown out the world. Their lo-fi sound is more suited to be played in the background while you read a magazine or balance your checkbook — do people still do this?

For more on the band, check out its official website and MySpace page.

November 1, 2010

49 – The Orbans

Filed under: Austin, O — assman41 @ 10:42 pm

The only thing you really need to know about The Orbans and their recently released full-length album, When We Were Wild, is that I actually purchased it via iTunes. I’ll repeat that — I didn’t find some site to download it; I actually went ahead and forked over $10 to obtain it.

Now, admittedly, I couldn’t easily find anywhere to download it — as I do with the vast majority of my music collection — but normally I would just wait it out and download it at some point down the road.

But from the few songs I heard on their MySpace page and elsewhere, I knew that the album was a wise investment.

Although it doesn’t seem to be very well-known outside of its native Texas, this five-piece from Fort Worth clearly has the chops to compete with such alt-country gods as Wilco and Ryan Adams.

It’s almost shameful that I never would’ve heard of The Orbans had it not been for their amazingly beautiful track, “Like a Liar”, being promoted on NPR’s Song of the Day a couple of months ago.

There’s no reason that song shouldn’t be getting a ton of airplay right now on stations across the country.

In fact, this 12-track album has several gems that could easily find a home on the airwaves. The very solid opener, “New Dress”, has a kinda Killers/Band of Horses feel to it. You can hear it on their MySpace page or check out this acoustic version.

Other highlights include “Were Her”, “Mother” and the title track.

For the most part, The Orbans’ music would be classified as alt-country, but they clearly aren’t bound by labels. They mix in indie rock and even a little pop throughout the album.

The closing track, “Go”, is one of several slower songs, and it totally reminded me of seeing Son Volt live at a botanical garden a few years ago.

If you dig their sound, which you will, buy the album online and you’ll get a bonus track, “Cover Your Ears”.

Also of note, according to the iTunes review, “under an earlier moniker, Lifters, the band released the also impressive Switchblade Waterpistol in 2007.”

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