Wow, our 200th post. Where does time go? We're not even technically a year old yet. Let's get right into this, shall we?2009 is shaping up to be a very interesting year; half way over and so much has happened already. New music is bursting out of every medium and the direction of alternative and indie rock themselves, is certainly questionable yet thrilling nonetheless. Our separate lists may spark some surprise, but us being music critics (of sorts), have pretty decent opinions and valid reasoning. Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree.
Jim's Top 4 1/2 Albums Of The Year (So Far):
The Antlers - Hospice
Once you hear this album you'll be asking yourself why you didn't hear it and love it earlier, even though it was impossible because the re-release isn't out yet. But do yourself a favor and get it. Legally or illegally, I don't care, I'm looking the other way.
Bon Iver - Blood Bank (EP)
As good as For Emma? Some think not. I happen to disagree. It is every bit as good and touching, if a little less snowy, and who knew Justin Vernon could make music outside of a cabin?
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
The soundtrack to your sunny days and summer bike rides is here, and god damn is it good.
St. Vincent - Actor
Following up her amazing debut album (Marry Me) with an amazing sophomore effort, Annie Clark shows that beauty and brains can totally mix in the world of indie music. Oh, and LOUD FUCKING GUITAR.
The Thermals - Now We Can See"Pop punk"? Sure. Fucking Awesome? You know it. Your favorite Portlandian three piece is keeping it simple once again, but it doesn't matter, because they're still the best 4 chord band there is.
Close Calls/Need More Time With:
Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
Mos Def - The Ecstatic
Strand Of Oaks - Leave Ruin
Strand Of Oaks - Leave Ruin
Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Jim's Top 5 Songs Of The Year (So Far):
The Antlers - "Bear"
The most nonsensical verses combined with one of the best choruses of the year. Perfect for the man just about to turn 21 ("We're too old/We're not old at all").
Jamie T. - "Sticks 'N' Stones"
As I said in my previous post about Jamie T., this has been kicking around in my head as my song of the summer. And I still stand by that fact. Give it a listen, you won't regret it.
Justin Townes Earle - "Can't Hardly Wait"
Cover of the year so far. The acoustic full band take (Daytrotter version is just guitar and mandolin) on the Replacement's classic tones down the intensity but keeps the sincerity.
Wilco - "Wilco (The Song)"
Catchiest song Wilco's done in years, and as the song tells you, it loves you back ("Wilco will love you baby")
Yeasayer - "Tightrope"
A favorite of mine since I saw them perform it in a Paris apartment on their Take Away Show. Debuted this year on the Dark Was The Night comp. and still sticks out in my mind as the best new track on the album.
- Jim.
- Jim.
Well done, co-host. Solid tunes, especially the latest from Wilco. Rest assured, readers, if Wilco loves us back then we are all going to be just fine in these trying times. Now here's what I got brewin'. Prepare to be shocked...? Those who know me, know that I dwell in music of the past, but here's some current stuff that's making me enjoy the present. Read on.
Mike's Top 5 Albums Of 2009 (So Far):
M. Ward - Hold Time
The soothing songsmith and one half of She & Him, M. Ward feeds you his soul through folk-heavy guitar tunes that capture rock and roll's bluesy side. Zooey Deschanel (the other half of She & Him) appears on certain songs and the two cover Buddy Holly's classic track "Rave On".
Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
The foolish Glasglow quartet is back and believe me, they haven't missed a stride. Seriously. They're music is still great British indie and deserves to be picked up by all guitar fans.
Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King
Blasphemy! No, but for real, this is a solid record. It's always a somber and upsetting time when a member of a great band passes away, but Dave and the gang have rallied back with a re-vamped line-up, proving that talented musicians and "everyman" songwriting still has a poignant place in rock 'n' roll.
Various Artists - Dark Was The Night
It's nice when you hear such a great compilation that is for a good cause anyway. Arcade Fire, Beirut, Conor Oberst, The National, Spoon, Yo La Tengo and many more important bands play important original/cover tunes on the spring's best soundtrack.
Bruce Springsteen - Working On A Dream
Nothing put out by any other artist(s) has been able to match Bruce Springsteen since his return two years ago (via Magic) for me. I've been in a real Boss kick all year and rightfully so: Working is a manifested American record.
Close Calls/Need More Time With:
Bell X1 - Blue Lights On The Runway
Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's YouPhoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Mike's Top 5 Songs Of The Year (So Far):
Bruce Springsteen - "What Love Can Do"An uppity, jangly side of Bruce. A story of wild love and romantic offers puts The Boss's talented music abilities to the test. He passes with flying colors.
Coldplay - "Life In Technicolor II"
Another bold move here. Mainly for the instrumentals, this tune off their EP titled Prospekt’s March resembles what would happen if The Cure ever decided to mash-up and write a piece of beauty with U2. Needless to say, it'd never happen, but this is intriguing.
Kings Of Leon - "Notion"
2008/2009: what a big time span for these guys. Thanks to New York City radio, these guys and this song has been blaring out my windows for the entire summer. I don't care what others may think, I like watching this family take off.
Feist & Ben Gibbard - "Train Song"
A cover of a Vashti Bunyan song, this is a magnificent collaboration of two of indie rock's most powerful individuals. A folk tune that takes you on a trip to an emotionally scenic past.
Bruce Springsteen - "Life Itself"
This is the best song of the year for me. And it means a lot to me. I think it's because the meaning of the song changes for me every time I get into it. In general, I like to believe it's about the struggles of life, particularly relationships with others, and how those can affect a person. An internal battle among Bruce's many glorified tales of strife. "Life Itself" is rushing over me in 2009.
We'll see how this all plays out. There are plenty of more days, weeks, and months left in the year for our minds to change. What are your thoughts? Let us know! Here's to 200 posts in the book and many more to come!
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