New Vinyl Additions

My awesome wife knew exactly what to get me for Christmas:



Also, my friend Steven hooked me up with this gem:


And last but not least, my friend Chad bestowed upon me these treasures:

Cat Stevens - Catch Bull At Four

I love Cat Stevens. I don't know what it is, but there is something about his music that is just special to me. As it is nearly impossible to find the Harold & Maude OST on vinyl for less than $200, I recently turned to his other works, of which there is an abundance on vinyl. Catch Bull At Four has more than caught my attention. Maybe not the best place to start on the road to Cat Stevens fandom, but an amazing album for those of us whom have already formed an appreciation for his music.

Tracklisting:
1. Sitting
2. The Boy With The Moon & Star On His Head
3. Angelsea
4. Silent Sunlight
5. Can't Keep It In
6. 18th Avenue (Kansas City Nightmare)
7. Freezing Steel
8. O Caritas
9. Sweet Scarlet
10. Ruins

The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

Well, here it is. I have been looking forward to this for a while. Completely unlike anything that the band has ever released, The King Is Dead is a foray into Americana and Roots territory. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of The Hazards Of Love, so when I heard that the band had a new album ready, I was at least a little hesitant. All of my fears were relieved, however, with the first listen. This is just a great album. If you are even a passing fan, download this album immediately.

Tracklisting:
1. Don't Carry It All
2. Calamity Song
3. Rise To Me
4. Rox In The Box
5. January Hymn
6. Down By The Water
7. All Arise!
8. June Hymn
9. This Is Why We Fight
10. Dear Avery

Angus & Julia Stone - Down The Way

Angus & Julia Stone are a brother/sister duo from Australia. I first caught wind of them probably a year or two ago when they released their previous album and I must admit that I was less than impressed. Suffice it to say, I didn't understand all of the hype that was surrounding them until I finally listened to their most recent album, Down The Way. There is little I can say about it other than it is a fantastic record, even if Julia sounds a lot like Joanna Newsome.

Here is the music video for the track "Hold On". This is what made me really start appreciating them.


Tracklisting:
1. Hold On
2. Black Crow
3. For You
4. Big Jet Plane
5. Santa Monica Dream
6. Yellow Brick Road
7. And The Boys
8. On The Road
9. Walk It Off
10. Hush
11. Draw Your Swords
12. I'm Not Yours
13. The Devil's Tears

Andrew Bird (Partial) Discography

For the last several days, I have been able to listen to little other than Andrew Bird. For years, I had liked a couple of his albums, but they never made it to my favorites list. The other day, I found myself wanting to listen to something familiar, but not anything that I listen to with any sort of frequency. Mr. Bird caught my eye and I listened. Now, I can't listen to anything else. Seeing as how his discography contains not only his solo albums, but also his previous endeavor, Andrew Bird & The Bowl Of Fire, I think that to cut it down to a more manageable size is acceptable. Here are his most recent 3 full-lengths and a European tour EP. Enjoy!

Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs


Soldier On EP


Armchair Apocrypha


Noble Beast

Year In Review (Top 10 of 2010)

10. Old Abram Brown - Restless Ghosts
Old Abram Brown sounds at least a little like the Cold War Kids that we all came to know and love. Actually, that may serve as a good example of an understatement. They sound STRIKINGLY like Robbers and Cowards-era Cold War Kids. That fact, however, should not serve as a deterrent from this incredible and talented band. Their newest album, "Restless Ghosts" is haunting and moving. It has heart in a way that most bands aren't able to achieve.

9. The Morning Benders - Big Echo
The Morning Benders is a band that I had yet to really appreciate, that is, until I saw the video that they had made for the song "Excuses". They gathered as many of their friends as would fit into a large recording room and had them all playing together and there is an intimacy and a strong sense of immediacy (in that they are all there together and like time is standing still) that comes across that gives the song depth beyond just listening to it. Great album, great band, very strong release.

8. Tift Merritt - See You On The Moon
If she isn't already, it's only a matter of time before Tift Merritt is monopolizing the NPR airwaves. She is insanely talented and writes songs that are deeply rooted in blues and pop, but that have a depth and oh, how her voice is haunting. Great for fans of Feist, Hem, Over The Rhine and others.

7. Beat! Beat! Beat! - Lightmares
So, I am willing to bet that this is the first that you are hearing of Beat! Beat! Beat! which isn't terribly surprising as they are a relatively unknown (and now defunct) Brooklyn-based band. Their brand of indie pop is reminiscent of bands like Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Nada Surf, but with a touch of that straightforward New York rock drive.

6. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
I'm sure that it comes as a great surprise that The Arcade Fire's newest (and strong contender for best) album isn't topping my Year In Review list, and I'm surprised as well. However, keep in mind that if this amazing album is at #6, then the remaining 5 albums must be something really special.

5. Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse - Dark Night Of The Soul
It really is a shame that Sparklehorse (aka Mark Linkous) ended his life earlier this year, because if he was successful before, then this would have been the album to launch his into the stratosphere. Featuring collaborations from such reputable musicians as The Flaming Lips, James Mercer of The Shins, Iggy Pop, and The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, "Dark Night Of The Soul" has soul and depth. A great album for late nights spent with friends or late nights spent alone. These are the kind of songs that you want on your life's soundtrack.

4. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
There is nothing that I can say about this album, other than that it is epic in scope and execution. Brilliant from a musical and production standpoint, and one that I'm sure will remain close to my heart for a very long time. Can't wait to see what these young lads from across the drink have in store for the future.

3. Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws
Here is an album that few people caught wind of prior to its release, and I'm not entirely convinced that it has caught on quite as well as it should yet. In stark contrast to their previous releases and sound, "Flaws" is a lush and beautiful exploration into folk territory (and a very successful one, if I might say so).

2. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt
Oh, this album. To think that one man was able to (for the most part) create such lush and fleshed out songs with little more than a guitar and his voice is mind-blowing. Suffice it to say, there is a reason that Kristian Matsson is being referred to as the "Swedish Bob Dylan". There is nothing more that I can say other than if you have yet to listen, then do it already!

And last but not least:
1. The National - High Violet
I have learned in my life that the bands that I hate (disclaimer: this is not always the case) have a way of becoming some of my favorite and most treasured. The National is a band that I just couldn't appreciate when I first listened to "Boxer" a few years ago. They had an interesting sound, but I couldn't understand why they were surrounded with such hype. Then, one day it clicked. It made sense and since then, they have been one of my favorite bands. When it comes to bands that I love so dearly, sometimes I get nervous when they are gearing up for a new release. What if they have changed their sound and it doesn't work? What if they have lost whatever it is that makes them so special? What if the songs just aren't good? We've all seen these scenarios played out and bands like Dashboard Confessional, My Morning Jacket (though I still hold out hope for them) and Sufjan Stevens have caused me to lose interest with their more recent outings (and believe me, there is a reason that "The Age Of Adz" isn't on this list). None of these fears were even close to being realized with the release of "High Violet". It takes their trademark sound and expands it. Makes it bigger. Breathes more life into it. Brilliant.

Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know!

Over The Rhine - The Long Surrender

"Little Did I Know" that today when I woke up, that I would find a link for Over The Rhine's forthcoming album, The Long Surrender. As it was downloading, I was getting anxious; I didn't know if it was actually what it was looking for, if it would work when I tried to open it, and if those two fell into place, if it would be good. Don't get me wrong, I love everything that I have ever heard from Over The Rhine, even The Trumpet Child, which I felt was more of an exploration into more traditional adult contemporary and less rooted in folk and americana, and being that Trumpet Child is their most recent release, one has to wonder if that is the direction that they are heading. My fears have been relieved! Upon listening, The Long Surrender is very much a return to the sound that we have all come to know and love, but there are hints of that Trumpet Child sound occasionally, which makes for a fantastic and well-rounded release. Go get a hot cup of coffee, open the blinds and put this record on. You will not regret it.

Tracklisting:
1. The Laugh of Recognition
2. Sharpest Blade
3. Rave On
4. Soon
5. Undamned
6. Infamous Love Song
7. Only God Can Save Us Now
8. Oh Yeah By The Way
9. The King Knows How
10. There's A Bluebird in My Heart
11. Days Like This
12. All My Favorite People
13. Unspoken

Over The Rhine - Ohio

Today, with the snow falling outside of my large living room window and the steam rising from my strong cup of coffee, I am finding that little else can tie all of the things that I'm feeling together quite as well as Over The Rhine. Ohio is OTR's seventh (and technically eighth as well, as it is a double album) album and an incredibly strong release. I love this band so much. They create the kind of music that you don't just listen to; you feel it in your heart. They create an aching and longing with the sincerity and honesty of their music. Suffice it to say, I can't say enough good about this group of talented and earnest musicians.

Disc 1 [Download]

1. B. P. D.
2. What I'll Remember Most
3. Show Me
4. Jesus In New Orleans
5. Ohio
6. Suitcase
7. Anything At All
8. Professional Daydreamer
9. Lifelong Fling
10. Changes Come

Disc 2 [Download]

1. Long Lost Brother
2. She
3. Nobody Number One
4. Cruel and Pretty
5. Remind Us
6. How Long Have You Been Stoned?
7. When You Say Love
8. Fool
9. Hometown Boy
10. Bothered
11. Idea #21 (Not Too Late)

Recent Vinyl Purchases

Here are some recent vinyl albums that I have gotten my hands on. If you don't already have the album, even in your itunes library, then fix that problem real quick!
Not all links are mine, so if one goes down then let me know and I'll replace it with a new one.

1. My Morning Jacket - Z
2. The National - Boxer
3. Songs: Ohia - The Magnolia Electric Co.
4. The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
5. The National - High Violet
6. Bob Dylan - New Morning
7. Simon & Garfunkel - The Graduate OST
8. Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks
9. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement

Happy Christmas! A Christmas Compilation

I have made a little Christmas compilation so that you all have something special to listen to as you put up your trees. Grab a glass of hot chocolate, put on this album, and put that tree together!

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus

A little over a year ago, I downloaded Nick Cave & The Bad Seed's most recent album Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!. I had heard my friend Calvin talking about how great Nick Cave is and decided to give him a chance. I hated it. Oh, how I hated it! Fast forward to about 6 months ago and I decided to give Nick Cave & Co. another chance. Still hated it. Well, as it turns out, Dig!!! isn't the best introduction to this incredible songwriter. Last night, while watching the new Harry Potter movie, I heard a song in the movie that sunk its claws into me and upon checking online this morning, it turns out that it was none other than Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The song, "O Children" is the final track on the second disc of the double-disc album, Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus.

So I started at the beginning of disc 1 and listened all the way through to "O Children" and I feel obligated to say that if you are unfamiliar with Nick Cave, or if perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation to me, then give this album a chance and you'll find that he is an incredible artist. More than anything, upon listening, I'm reminded of Tom Waits, but instead of the occasional song that I find that I like, Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus is fantastic from start to finish. Listen to it. Now!

Tracklisting:
Disc 1:
1. Get Ready For Love
2. Cannibal's Hymn
3. Hiding All Away
4. Messiah Ward
5. There She Goes, My Beautiful World
6. Nature Boy
7. Abattoir Blues
8. Let The Bells Ring
9. Fable of The Brown Ape

Disc 2:
1. The Lyre of Orpheus
2. Breathless
3. Babe, You Turn Me On
4. Easy Money
5. Supernaturally
6. Spell
7. Carry Me
8. O Children

Pedro The Lion - Control

Control was Pedro The Lion's most recent album when I started listening to them, so suffice it to say, it is the album that I think of when I think of the band. It showcases the same sound as seen on previous efforts, though slightly bigger and more polished, though not as much so as Achilles Heel. Overall, Control has a much darker feel to it than any other Pedro album, but is still indie rock at its best.

Tracklisting:
1. Options
2. Rapture
3. Penetration
4. Indian Summer
5. Progress
6. Magazine
7. Rehearsal
8. Second Best
9. Priests and Paramedics
10. Rejoice

Beat! Beat! Beat! - Lightmares

This is the best new album that I have heard in a while. The best way that I can describe them is a mix between Pomegranates, Bloc Party., and at times The Strokes

Tracklisting:
1. Hard To Cherish
2. We Are Waves
3. Graveyard
4. You're Designer
5. Stars
6. Too Short To Bide
7. Bravery
8. Fireworks
9. See It Glisten
10. Lightheavy Rapture

Tift Merritt - See You On The Moon

Listening to Tift Merritt's newest album, See You On The Moon, it's no great surprise that NPR has been going nuts for her since it came out. She has that style that resonates so well with NPR fans: a little country, a little folk; a lot like Over The Rhine and Aimee Mann in a lot of ways. Regardless, the album is great for late summer nights and autumn afternoons. Currently, I am reading Jerry Weintraub's autobiography "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead" and listening to Merritt play softly in the background. Not a terrible combination.

Tracklisting:
1. Mixtape
2. Engine To Turn
3. The Things That Everybody Does
4. Six More Days of Rain
5. Feel Of The World
6. Never Talk About It
7. All The Reasons We Don't Have To Fight
8. Live Till You Die
9. Papercut
10. See You On The Moon
11. Danny's Song
12. After Today
13. Bar With A TV On

Old Abram Brown - Restless Ghosts

I think that it pretty well goes without saying that Old Abram Brown sounds like Cold War Kids, which in most cases turns me off to a band. I don't mind being able to easily recognize a band's influences in their own sound, but I hate to hear a band that is more or less a carbon copy of another band. While singer Carson Lund sounds a great deal like Cold War Kid's own Nathan Willett, I think that Old Abram Brown has taken time to flesh out the songs a little more than Cold War Kids and have created a sound that is reminiscent of the aforementioned, but their own, especially when it comes to heavily folk influenced songs like "Little Feet". Restless Ghosts has turned out to be a very strong release and shows a great deal of maturation that took place over the last year or so.

I sincerely hope that I haven't turned anyone off to this band by drawing comparisons. If you aren't a fan of Cold War Kids, then you should probably do something about that (hah!). If you are and you don't like the idea of some other band sounding like them, give them a listen anyway, you may be surprised.

Tracklisting:
1. Your House On The Hill
2. Novelty Prize
3. Little Feet
4. Tides
5. Mountain Lions
6. Silhouette
7. My Show
8. The Good Man's Way
9. I'm Not Happy

Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine

I posted Songs: Ohia's final album (or Magnolia Electric Co.'s first album, depending on who you talk to) The Magnolia Electric Co. some months ago. That album represents last fall for me: planning a wedding, working a job that I hated, playing in She Does Is Magic with Chad Serhal and Co., the Halloween costume party at Chad's house, Trailer Park Film Faction, the list could go on and on. That album is among a short list for me of perfect fall albums among Sun Kil Moon's Ghosts Of The Great Highway, Wilco's A Ghost Is Born, Midlake's The Trials Of Van Occupanther, Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago, Ryan Adams' Heartbreaker, and J. Tillman's Vacilando Territory Blues, just to name a few. As I had spent a great amount of time listening to Songs: Ohia's final chapter, I found myself still hungry for more of Jason Molina and company. Their latest album, Josephine, has come to be the perfect thing to satisfy that hunger. The album is lush with supplemental instrumentation, though not overly produced or too big. My good friend Eric Delong (aka The Apprentice) once told me that all of the great songs that have ever been written weren't displays of how much one person could do, but rather a layering of multiple, simple parts. Jason Molina must have been listening in on that conversation, because it seems like every one of his songs is beautifully layered and masterfully crafted. If you have yet to catch on, I am becoming quite the fan. This is a great place to start a long-lasting love affair with a great and regrettably under appreciated band.

Tracklisting:
1. O! Grace
2. The Rock of Ages
3. Josephine
4. Shenandoah
5. Whip-Poor-Will
6. Song For Willie
7. Hope Dies Last
8. The Handing Down
9. Map of the Falling Sky
10. Little Sad Eyes
11. Heartbreak at Ten Paces
12. Knoxville Girl
13. Shiloh
14. An Arrow In The Gale

Noise, Idaho - I Am Waiting For Death

Noise, Idaho (pronounced Nois-ee, like Boise) is side-project of Chad Serhal's and I Am Waiting For Death is an instrumental album about a volcano. I am convinced that Chad Serhal is bursting with material. I don't know of anyone else who is writing so many albums so quickly. In the year or so that I have known him, he has released about 3 albums under his own name and now another one as Noise, Idaho, and that's just the material that he has released. I'm sure there is quite a bit more material that he didn't release. Check it out. Good stuff.

Tracklisting:
1. LA SOUFRIERE PART 1
2. LA SOUFRIERE PART 2
3. LA SOUFRIERE PART 3
4. LA SOUFRIERE PART 4
5. LA SOUFRIERE PART 6
7. LA SOUFRIERE PART 7
8. LA SOUFRIERE PART 8
9. LA SOUFRIERE PART 9

Chad Serhal - Hoosier Mountain Restoration Gospel

As an added bonus, I am also making Chad Serhal's gospel record, Hoosier Mountain Restoration Gospel, available. The album contains a few covers of classic gospel songs, as well a few originals that are each and every one great. Check it!

Tracklisting:
1. Shine On Me
2. The Hour That The Ship Comes In
3. Praise the Lord! I Saw The Light!
4. Lord, I'm In Your Care
5. When I Bid This World Goodbye
6. Hallelujah! We Shall Rise
7. Glory Hallelujah
8. By and By
9. Oh! What A Beautiful City!
10. Do Lord
11. Take A Stand

Chad Serhal - Smithville

Well, it's happened once again: Chad Serhal has written and recorded a new album. With the exception of Eliot Wilder (of whom I am not a fan), I can think of no one else that is putting out music as quickly. Unlike Eliot Wilder, however, Chad Serhal has the ability to write interesting, yet catchy songs and his newest, Smithville, is no exception. Personally, I am not a fan of electronica, so the album Cruise Van Nuyes didn't resonate as much with me as his others. Smithvilles, however, sees a return to the sound found on albums like The Last Picture Show and Badlands (of which Smithville is a sequel). The songs are great (especially tracks like "Day at the Lake" and "Only The Only") and the album even contains a cover of the Bee Gees' song "To Love Somebody". Smithville is a fine addition to an already great catalogue. Download, listen, love.

Tracklisting:
1. Day at the Lake
2. Indiana
3. Only The Only
4. This Is Wrong
5. Miles Away
6. Judy's Drive-In
7. Sunrise Eyes
8. Second-Hand Lover
9. To Love Somebody

Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz

Well it finally happened: Sufjan Stevens has a new full-length album that isn't an instrumental soundtrack for a film that he made or a reinterpretation of an old (and subpar, in my opinion) album. It is, however, a departure from his previous works, which I am indifferent to. On the one hand, I, like so many others I'm sure, want to hear something similar in size and stature to Welcome To Michigan, or Come On, Feel The Illinoise!. On the other, I am pleased to see him doing what he wants to rather than doing what everyone else wants him to do. So then, upon the fence I remain. I haven't listened to it yet, but I'm sure I will over the next few days. What I have heard is like an electronica Illinoise-era Stevens. I'm not huge on electronica, but at least it's interesting, rather than repetitive techno beats with auto-tuned vocals over them. Enjoy it a little early. On me.

Tracklisting:
1. Futile Devices
2. Too Much
3. Age Of Adz
4. I Walked
5. Now That I'm Older
6. Get Real Get Right
7. Bad Communication
8. Vesuvius
9. All For Myself
10. I Want To Be Well
11. Impossible Soul

Belle and Sebastian - Belle and Sebastian Write About Love

It occurs to me that I have yet to post any Belle & Sebastian albums, though that isn't terribly surprising as I'm not the world's biggest fan. That may change soon, however, as their first new album in 4 years Belle & Sebastian Write About Love has just leaked (and it's great). From the little B&S I've heard, Write About Love doesn't sound like a great shift in sound, just maybe a little more mature. I would suggest this album to anyone who, like me, has never had a proper introduction to the band. I cannot, however, say how a diehard fan would receive this album. For what it's worth though, I like it.

Tracklisting:
1. I Didn't See It Coming
2. Come On Sister
3. Calculating Bimbo
4. I Want The World To Stop
5. Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John (feat. Norah Jones)
6. Write About Love (feat. Carey Mulligan)
7. I'm Not Living In The Real World
8. The Ghost of Rockschool
9. Read The Blessed Pages
10. I Can See Your Future
11. Sunday's Pretty Icons

Autumn Mixtape [2010]

Here is a mix that I have had rolling around in my head for a little while now, revised and ready for your listening pleasure. These are songs that have come to mean a great deal to me this summer (especially considering how much has changed recently) and I'm sure that whenever I hear them in the future, I'll remember with great ease where I am now. I also threw in a couple of recent discoveries to round it off nicely.

Tracklisting:
1. Wichita Lineman - Bruner [from the album "Songs For A Friend"]
2. Enchanting Ghost - Sufjan Stevens [from the album "All Delighted People EP"]
3. Love Is All - The Tallest Man On Earth [from the album "The Wild Hunt"]
4. World News - Local Natives [from the album "Gorilla Manor"]
5. The Suburbs - Arcade Fire [from the album "The Suburbs"]
6. Rinse Me Down - Bombay Bicycle Club [from the album "Flaws"]
7. Don't Be Shy - Cat Stevens [from the album "Harold and Maude OST"]
8. Becoming A Jackal - Villagers [from the album "Becoming A Jackal"]
9. Mixtape - Tift Merritt [from the album "See You On The Moon"]
10. James Blues - J. Tillman [from the album "Vacilando Territory Blues"]
11. Tenuousness - Andrew Bird [from the album "Noble Beast"]
12. Conversation 16 - The National [from the album "High Violet"]
13. Smith Hill - Deer Tick [from the album "Born On Flag Day"]

Deer Tick - Born On Flag Day

Not sure how I let this one get past me last year, but I'm listening now so I'd say that's all that matters.

Tracklisting:
1. Easy
2. Little White Lies
3. Smith Hill
4. Song About A Man
5. Houston TX
6. Straight Into A Storm
7. Friday XIII
8. The Ghost
9. Hell On Earth
10. Stung
11. Bonus Track

MYSPACE

REVIEW: A Wayward Heart - As Sure As Seasons Change

Left to Right: Corbin Marshall, Taylor Christy, Ethan Amerine, and Austin Livingood.

In the 10 or so years since I split from mainstream music and began digging into underground and local scenes, I have come to know many musicians. I have seen countless bands come and (unfortunately) go. I have seen much raw talent that is brimming with limitless potential, but have far too few times seen that potential realized. That being said (and much to my excitement), Northern Kentucky's A Wayward Heart has a new EP, and it is brilliant. Where their previous effort, 2009's A Wayward Heart EP was predominantly Austin alone with his guitar, As Sure As Seasons Change is fleshed out with the help of Ethan Amerine (Bass), Corbin Marshall (Keys), and Taylor Christy (Drums). The new album is such a leap forward that one would expect this unsigned quartet to be veterans of the indie rock/pop scene; it is truly hard to believe that they were able to accomplish so much creatively in only a year.

The songs are bigger than life, at times reminiscent of bands like Manchester Orchestra and The Features, but also at times calling on the spirit of U2 to help set themselves apart from their contemporaries. One thing that can be said about this band, however, is that you can't hear their influences in the way that you can hear Joy Division when you listen to Interpol. Their sound is their own and they have worked hard for it. Tracks like "Sheer Conspiracy", "Another Made Burn", and "Apparition" are rollicking and dancy anthems, complete with groovy percussion and hooks aplenty. But then tracks like "There Is A Time" and "The Ocean, The Flame" are throwbacks to old spirituals and early Sunny Day Real Estate, respectively. The album would not be complete, however, without an acoustic ballad similar to those seen on their previous effort, as is the case with the track, "Let Go".

A Wayward Heart EP was good, but it was obviously an early effort. As Sure As Seasons Change is 5 steps forward and more than anyone could have expected or even hoped for from such a young band. If this is where they find themselves on their sophomore EP, where then will they find themselves in the future? I for one, cannot wait to find out.

Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Apparition
3. Another Made Burn
4. The Ocean, The Flame
5. Let Go
6. Sheer Conspiracy
7. There Is A Time

MYSPACE

Sufjan Stevens - All Delighted People EP

I know literally nothing about this album other than that it is long overdue. Stevens' last 2 efforts - 2009's Run Rabbit Run and The BQE were somewhat disappointing. Neither were what we have come to want and expect from the same guy that gave us Seven Swans, Michigan, and Illinoise! (though I'm inclined to think that this may be the reason behind the shift in musical focus). Even the tracks that Stevens contributed to the Dark Was The Night Compilation were sub par. All that I can say is that I have high expectations for this new EP and I certainly hope that the album that he is currently working on is good. I could care less, at this point, if he does another "state" album or not, I just want something that is similar to what made me fall in love with Illinoise! and Seven Swans.

Tracklisting:
1. All Delighted People (Original)
2. Enchanting Ghost
3. Heirloom
4. From The Mouth Of Gabriel
5. The Owl and the Tanager
6. All Delighted People (Classic Rock Version)
7. Arnika
8. Djohariah

Chad Serhal - The Last Picture Show

My second favorite release, behind Badlands.

Tracklisting:
1. Half My Life
2. On The Road
3. You Shall Be Free
4. Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone?
5. Travelin' America Bound
6. East Coast and Up Always
7. Love Gets Me So Lost
8. I'm Tired
9. Homeless
10. Bound For Time Travelin' Glory Blues
11. There Were 3 Doors

Chad Serhal - Cruise Van Nuyes

Here we have slightly unfamiliar territory for Mr. Serhal; electronica. Mostly made up of older songs done in a new way, Cruise Van Nuyes shows yet another dimension to Chad Serhal's incredible talent and abilities.

Tracklisting:
1. Love Gets Me So Lost
2. We Got Something
3. I Know You Now
4. 1234
5. You'll Miss Me
6. Slit His Throat
7. East Coast and Up Always
8. Nostalgic
9. Moon-Eyed Girl Revisited
10. Maybe
11. Strong and Strange
12. Middle of August

Bruce Springsteen - The River

A few months back, I was sifting through dusty stacks of old records at a local record store, and I stumbled upon a copy of Bruce Springsteen's The River, and bought it on a whim. I got home and put it on my record player and was impressed. By the second listen, I was a fan. By the third, I was in love. There is something truly impressive and incredible about this album and I think that everyone should own a copy. If you don't already, please do yourself a favor and take the time to fall in love with The Boss like I did. Absolutely incredible.

Tracklisting:
[Disc 1]
1. The Tie That Binds
2. Sherry Darling
3. Jackson Cage
4. Two Hearts
5. Independence Day
6. Hungry Hearts
7. Out In The Street
8. Crush On You
9. You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
10. I Wanna Marry You
11. The River

[Disc 2]
1. Point Blank
2. Cadillac Ranch
3. I'm A Rocker
4. Fade Away
5. Stolen Car
6. Ramrod
7. The Price You Pay
8. Drive All Night
9. Wreck On The Highway



I compressed this all into one file, so it's pretty big and will take a little while to completely download. It is worth the wait!

Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore - Dear Companion

I don't have much to say about Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore other than the fact that they are incredible. If I were to draw comparisons, though, I would have to liken them to bands like Nickel Creek. It has a very old sound that has been updated, residing somewhere between folk, bluegrass, and alt-country. Overall, however, I see it as a strong release and a great album.

Tracklisting:
1. Something, Somewhere, Sometime
2. My Wealth Comes To Me
3. Needn't Say A Thing
4. Wilson Creek
5. Only A Song
6. Dear Companion
7. Flyrock Blues
8. Try
9. Flyrock #2
10. Sweet Marie
11. It Won't Be Long

The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead

I love The Smiths. Some might say that they are overrated (I used to), but after giving them a proper chance to wow me, they did just that. I wouldn't be posting it if it weren't great. Also, if you like The Smiths, then you should go back and check out Northern Portrait. They have a very similar sound.

Tracklisting:
1. The Queen Is Dead
2. Frankly, Mr. Shankly
3. I Know It's Over
4. Never Had No One Ever
5. Cemetery Gates
6. Bigmouth Strikes Again
7. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
8. Vicar In A Tutu
9. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
10. Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws

Bombay Bicycle Club is just okay in my mind. Nothing special. That is, until I heard their newest release, Flaws. Similar to bands like Mumford & Sons, BBC decided to try something new on their sophomore effort. What you have is 11 tracks of totally brilliant folk songs, quiet and moving. This, of course, comes as somewhat of a shock after listening to their debut album, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, as it was a very straightforward indie/shoegaze album. Maybe the biggest change, for me, is the maturity of the writing. Songs like "Rinse Me Down" has a vibe and a life all of its own. It moves and swells.

This album has been a great traveling companion over the last few weeks. It is perfect for driving through what some call the "magic hour". Give it a try sometime.

Tracklisting:
1. Rinse Me Down
2. Many Ways
3. Dust On The Ground
4. Ivy & Gold
5. Leaving Blues
6. Fairytale Lullaby
7. Word By Word
8. Jewel
9. My God
10. Flaws
11. Swansea

Kid Valiant - What Lurks Under The Bed

I had Kid Valiant referred to me by a new friend and so having never heard them before, I immediately listened. When you think pop-punk, you probably are in the majority who think of newer Fall Out Boy or Good Charlotte or Simple Plan, but when I think of pop-punk, I think of early Saves The Day, The Ataris, early Fall Out Boy, and even early New Found Glory. As much as I don't like to admit it, Fall Out Boy's newest records are a guilty pleasure of mine (though not one that I indulge very often), but it doesn't come close to satisfying my desire for fast, driving guitars and gang vocals. Kid Valiant, however, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Yes, they are a young band, but if the songs found on their first EP, What Lurks Under The Bed, are any kind of indicator as to what we can expect in the future, then I wouldn't be surprised to see these guys on Fueled By Ramen or Drive-Thru Records. If you like true pop-punk, then you will be surprised and pleased.

Tracklisting:
1. New Fangs In Town
2. LIsten Up!
3. How I Spent My Thursdays
4. Clark

Cat Stevens - Harold and Maude OST

Up until last year, I had never even heard of the film Harold and Maude. To say that it has become one of my favorites since then, however, is a vast understatement. It is sarcastic and dark and funny in a way that inspired Wes Anderson to do the type of films that he does. One thing about the film that stands out so well is the soundtrack, which is done entirely by Cat Stevens. I can't imagine the opening scene of the movie with any song other than "Don't Be Shy", or the scene at the end where Harold is walking away playing "If You Want To Sing Out" on banjo. Stevens has created the perfect movie soundtrack. Period.

Tracklisting:
1. Don't Be Shy
2. On The Road To Find Out
3. I Wish I Wish
4. Miles From Nowhere
5. Tea For The Tillerman
6. I Think I See The Light
7. Where Do The Children Play
8. If You Want To Sing Out
9. If You Want To Sing Out (Banjo)
10. Trouble
11. Don't Be Shy (Alternate)
12. If You Want To Sing Out (Instrumental)
13. Don't Be Shy (Demo)
14. If You Want To Sing Out (Alternate)

Highlight Tracks: "Don't Be Shy", "If You Want To Sing Out", "Trouble"

analecta - Trying in Vain to Save Myself from Drowning

2010 saw the unfortunate disbanding of Northern Indiana's Doctor! Doctor!, but from the ashes of the former grindcore band arose analecta, featuring two members and a whole new sound. Similar in size and stature to bands such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Explosions In The Sky, analecta has a promising sound that could very easily take them to levels of success that they might not have known before.

Tracklisting:
1. There's a Crack In Everything, That's How The Light Gets In
2. And Your Very Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem
3. Teaching Ten Thousand Stars How Not To Dance
4. We Walked In The Footsteps of Giants

The Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

I haven't listened yet, but I'm excited to see how it compares to Funeral.

Tracklisting:
1. The Suburbs
2. Ready To Start
3. Modern Man
4. Rococo
5. Empty Room
6. City With No Children
7. Half Light I
8. Half Light II (No Celebration)
9. Suburban War
10. Month Of May
11. Wasted Hours
12. Deep Blue
13. We Used To Wait
14. Sprawl I (Flatland)
15. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
16. The Suburbs (Continued)

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

I don't think that I could stop listening to this band right now if I tried.

Tracklisting:
1. Wide Eyes
2. Airplanes
3. Sun Hands
4. World News
5. Shape Shifter
6. Camera Talk
7. Cards and Quarters
8. Warning Sign
9. Who Knows Who Cares
10. Cubism Dream
11. Stranger Things
12. Sticky Thread

Rubik - Dada Bandits

Great new band.

Tracklisting:
1. Goji Berries
2. Radiants
3. No Escape
4. Wasteland
5. You Jackal!!
6. Fire Age
7. Indiana
8. Richard Branson's Crash Landing
9. Karhu Junassa
10. Follow Us To The Edge Of The Desert
11. Altitudes