Autumn Mixtape [2011]

It has been a long while since I last posted anything. My time and efforts have been devoted elsewhere. I'm not sure if I'll still be posting things on here, but today I made a great mix for fall, which is just around the corner. Let me know what you think of it.

Tracklisting:

1. Prelude to 110 or 220/Women of the World - Jim O'Rourke (from the album "Eureka")

2. We Can Be Strong - Willy Mason (from the album "If The Ocean Gets Rough")

3. Satchel - The Antler King (from the album "The Antler King")

4. On The Moon - A.A. Bondy (from the album "When The Devil's Loose")

5. Calgary - Bon Iver (from the album "Bon Iver")

6. This Love - Julia Stone (from the album "The Memory Machine")

7. Waltz #2 - Elliott Smith (from the album "XO")

8. Crosswinds - J. Tillman (from the album "Year In The Kingdom")

9. Planted - Englishman (from the album "Englishman")

10. Break Line - Babette Hayward (from the album "You Might Be Somebody")

11. Elephant Gun - Beirut (from the album "Lon Gisland EP")

12. April Come She Will - Simon & Garfunkel (from the album "Sounds of Silence")

13. Just Be Simple - Songs: Ohia (from the album "The Magnolia Electric Co.")

14. Masterfade - Andrew Bird (from the album "Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs")

15. Atlantic City - Bruce Springsteen (from the album "Nebraska")

The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade

There is literally nothing that I can say about this California-based brother and sister duo, other than that they are amazing and that they sound strikingly like a young (and edgier) Fleetwood Mac. Fantastic.



Tracklisting:
1. Sweet Louise
2. Where Not To Look For Freedom
3. Losers
4. Belt of Orion
5. Shirt
6. Lucky Guy
7. Lonely Lonely
8. Punch Line
9. Rusted Wheel
10. My Goodness
11. Fasten You To Me

Mock Orange - Disguised as Ghosts

Well, it's been a while since I last posted, and with the leak of the new Mock Orange album, I'd say that there's no better time than the present. I remember being introduced to Mock Orange while I was still a student at KCU. They were different than what I was listening to at the time, and didn't quite catch my attention like they have over the last few years. Their last album, Captain Love, was great. It was bigger and catchier. Now they have taken a step back and are finding a nice middle ground between Captain Love and their most popular album, Mind Is Not Brain. And what a great place to be. I'm only 3 songs into my first listen and I'm already hooked. (And somehow, I have never noticed just how much frontman Ryan Grisham sounds like Jeremy Enigk, until just now.)

Tracklisting:
1. Grow You Soul Away
2. Silent Motion
3. My Car
4. Sidewalk
5. I Can Sing
6. Feel It Now
7. End Of The World
8. Going Away
9. Roll Your Eyes
10. Stop and Go

This Will Destroy You - This Will Destroy You

I think it may have to do with the fact that my wife is a graduate student and that most of the music that I listen to tends to distract her while he's trying to do her homework, but I have been finding myself gravitating to bands like Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and, in the case of this particular post, This Will Destroy You. I honestly don't know why I am finding myself more enamored by this particular quartet, but there is something very epic and beautiful about their self-titled debut lp that has just captured my attention today. If you are even a passing fan of any of the aforementioned bands, then do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to this young band, because they will blow your mind in the span of this 52 minute record.

Tracklisting:
1. A Three Legged Workhorse
2. Villa Del Refugio
3. Threads
4. Leather Wings
5. The Mighty Rio Grande
6. They Move On Tracks of Never-Ending Light
7. Burial on the Presidio Banks

Radiohead - The King of Limbs

It's so funny to think that not even a week ago, the prospect of a new Radiohead album was an abstract and ambiguous one. And here we are, with the new album in hand. I mean, we all know why they did it: to discourage the album from leaking before the appropriate date. I think that it also had perhaps an unforeseen side-effect: it caused so much hype that everyone has been on pins and needles in anticipation of the release.

Now before I go any further, I want to make it known that I am one of those Radiohead fans that loved In Rainbows. The band themselves have gone on record as saying that they hate that record, and I personally know people who didn't enjoy it. I did. I was not, however, expecting a repeat of that sound with this new record. It's hard to guess what a band that has been around for over 20 years, and whom have experimented and changed their sound with nearly every record released will do next. Somehow, though, they have managed to remain relevant and innovative even after all of these years; a feat that few others have accomplished.

The King of Limbs is exactly what you expect it to be: amazing. Drawing upon the droning and electronic tinged sound of Ok Computer and the lush, yet understated orchestral works reminiscent of Hail To The Thief, TKoL is a great addition to an already stunning discography.

Tracklisting:
1. Bloom
2. Morning Mr. Magpie
3. Little By Little
4. Feral
5. Lotus Flower
6. Codex
7. Give Up The Ghost
8. Separator

Nathan Edwin - Willow Spillow

In the many years that I have been involved in various local music scenes (and I know many many people within), I have never known anyone with more talent or determination than Nathan Edwin. He writes the kind of music that I wish I were capable of writing: atmospheric, emotional, and moving. The songs themselves are stories told about people not unlike your own friends, by people not unlike yourself.

I can't count how many nights were spent in a dark room, watching Nathan croon by the glow of the Christmas lights strung across Josh's keyboards, while Andrew loses track of himself in the music swirling about, hitting the drums seemingly at random, yet blending himself perfectly into the brew. To see them live is to see something special. To see Nathan perform by himself is to see something so intimate and personal that you can't help feeling as though you yourself are a character in one of his songs. You see, I have a theory that we revere artists so much because they themselves are a conduit for something bigger and more beautiful to shine through. They pull aside the curtain, ever so slightly, and give us a glimpse of something we may not have ever seen before. Nathan Edwin is a conduit. He channels something wonderful through his words and fingertips and deserves to have nothing but open doors before him.

Tracklisting:
1. Old Days
2. Showtunes
3. Willow
4. Pocket Poetry
5. Pick Pockets
6. Hermitage

Alexi Murdoch - Towards The Sun

Alexi Murdoch is a singer-songwriter that I want so badly to like. Upon hearing the track "All Of My Days" from his full-length debut, Time Without Consequence, I fell in love. Then I listened to the rest of the album, which to me seemed uninspired and less impressive than the opening track. Now, I realize that some artists require a few listens before you can truly appreciate them, and I'm not above giving the album a few more listens, but I'm not hopeful. In my hopes of finding an album that is overall cohesive and more than a collection of mediocre songs and one great song, I downloaded the Towards The Sun EP. It is exactly what I was looking for. Hushed and stripped down, the album is full of beautiful songs that are each as good as the others. Give a listen. Critics have said that Murdoch's "lyrics and vocals blend the mystery of Nick Drake with the warmth of a Cat Stevens or Gordon Lightfoot," and that he has an "earnest, comforting voice and conversational, emotional delivery."

Tracklisting:
1. Towards The Sun
2. At Your Door
3. Some Day Soon
4. Slow Revolution
5. Through The Dark
6. Her Hands Were Leaves
7. Crinan Wood

Joan Baez - Blessed Are...

So maybe I'm becoming a hippy. I still shower, I assure you, but lately, my tastes have shifted significantly. More than anything, I find myself listening to later Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and others. 1960s folk-darling Joan Baez is the focus of this particular post. I honestly don't know how she has evaded my attention for so long, but I'm paying attention now and thank goodness for that. This album is amazing through and through. Also, her cover of The Beatles' "Let It Be" is moving and one of the best covers I have ever heard. Period.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1:
1. Blessed Are
2. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
3. The Salt of the Earth
4 Three Horses
5. The Brand New Tennessee Waltz
6. Last, Lonely and Wretched
7. Lincoln Freed Me Today (The Slave)
8. Outside The Nashville City Limits
9. San Francisco Mabel Joy
10. When Time Is Stolen
11. Heaven Help Us All

Disc 2:
1. Angeline
2. Help Me Make It Through The Night
3. Let It Be
4. Put Your Hand In The Hand
5. Gabriel and Me
6. Marie Flore
7. The Hitchhikers' Song
8. The 33rd of August
9. Fifteen Months
10. Plane Wreck at Los Gatos (Deportee)
11. Maria Dolores

Recently Acquired Vinyls

Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

Released around 7 years after his death, American VI: Ain't No Grave is a collection of mostly covers, all with the theme of death and coming to terms with his imminent demise. A truly great album. Andrew Perry of The Daily Telegraph described the album as "Cash’s final, life-affirming masterpiece", which I find to be rather appropriate.

Tracklisting:
1. Ain't No Grave
2. Redemption Day
3. For The Good Times
4. 1 Corinthians 15:55
5. Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound
6. Satisfied Mind
7. I Don't Hurt Anymore
8. Cool Water
9. Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream
10. Aloha Oe

Nathan Edwin's First Vinyl LP = HELP!!!

My friend Nathan is one of the most talented and creative songwriters that I have ever known. Right now he is in the process of getting his first full length pressed on vinyl, but he needs the money to do so. Go visit his Kickstarter account and throw a couple of bucks his way and in the process get some cool stuff.



Also, as incentive, here is a compilation that I made of my favorite of his songs. Enjoy!

Tracklisting:
1. Birds
2. Tennessee
3. We Tried Our Best
4. Did You Come Clean?
5. Flowers Of Our Dynasty
6. My Best
7. The Queen Of Italy

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