Northern Portrait - Criminal Art Lovers

I think that as recently as 6 months ago, I would have written Northern Portrait off as boring. I probably wouldn't have given them more than a 2 track listen and then would have promptly deleted their album. It is because of my newfound love of The Smiths that I am able to appreciate Norther Portrait, as they sound a great deal alike. I can say nothing else about this album other than it is a fantastic pop album that gets better with each listen.

Tracklisting:
1. The Münchhausen in Me
2. When Goodness Falls
3. Crazy
4. The Operation Worked But The Patient Died
5. Criminal Art Lovers
6. LIfe Returns To Normal
7. Murder Weapon
8. What Happens Next?
9. That's When My Headaches Begin
10. New Favourite Moment

Bob Dylan - New Morning

I don't know how, but Bob Dylan's album New Morning has somehow eluded my attention for 25 years. It is without a doubt my new favorite Dylan record. It is cohesive and the songs sound like the inspiration for bands like Wilco and the like.

Tracklisting:
1. If Not For You
2. Day of the Locusts
3. Time Passes Slowly
4. Went To See The Gypsy
5. Winterlude
6. If Dogs Run Free
7. New Morning
8. Sign On The Window
9. One More Weekend
10. The Man In Me
11. Three Angels
12. Father of Night

Yukon Blonde - Yukon Blonde

You've never heard of Yukon Blonde, I'm sure. I am likewise certain that you've never heard of Alphababy, which was Yukon Blonde before they were called Yukon Blonde. I had never heard of them until last night, when I was making my rounds, visiting my usual blogs. Before, I proceed though, I have a confession: I am the type that will judge a band by their name and write them off. I used to be a whole lot worse, though. I suppose that it was due to Arctic Monkeys, and Arctic Monkey side-project The Last Shadow Puppets. It is possible for great bands to have terrible names. So, in the spirit of not being close-minded, I gave Yukon Blonde a listen; thankfully.

I read someone say that because of the rise of bands like Fleet Foxes and Midlake, the 60's-inspired sound of Yukon Blonde would merely get lost in the mix. To an extent, I can agree with this statement. They certainly will not be chart-toppers, but that doesn't make their self-titled debut any less amazing. It is the type of record that I can imagine listening to on a humid summer's day, driving to the lake with the windows down. Give it a chance and see if you aren't hooked by the soaring harmonies and driving rhythms.

Tracklisting:
1. Rather Be With You
2. Blood Cops
3. Kumiko Song
4. Wind Blows
5. Trivial Fires
6. Brides Song
7. Babies Don't Like Blue Anymore
8. 1000 Years

The Smiths - The World Won't Listen

For years, I was unable to understand why anyone in their right mind would listen to The Smiths. Even Morrissey's solo work can be hard to listen to at times. Then about 3 months ago, I found myself reading the book "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", and after about the 13th reference to the track "Asleep", I decided it was time to listen. Unlike anything else that I had ever heard by them, I was impressed. This was what we will call the "planting of the seed." Over the next few weeks, it seems as though the only thing that came from the stereo at my friend Chad's house was The Smiths. Little by little, I was beginning to find songs that were catchy and even good. Finally, I broke down and downloaded their discography. Still, I wouldn't have considered myself a Smiths fan. Then, (500) Days Of Summer came out and my love for The Smiths was solidified with the tracks "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" and "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out". Now, I find myself listening to their 1987 album, The World Won't Listen, more often than not. I just can't get enough.

I understand that there are a few bands that don't have the immediate appeal that others do (i.e. Joy Division, The Pixies), but I would say with certainty that they are the bands that have staying power. Give it a listen, and then give it another, and if it takes a third for you to fall in love, then give them a third.

Tracklisting:
1. Panic
2. Ask
3. London
4. Bigmouth Strikes Again
5. Shakespeare's Sister
6. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
7. Shoplifters of the World Unite
8. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
9. Money Changes Everything
10. Asleep
11. Unlovable
12. Half a Person
13. Stretch Out and Wait
14. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore
15. Oscillate Wildly
16. You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby
17. Rubber Ring
18. Golden Lights

Vampire Weekend - Contra

I'm not a huge Vampire Weekend fan, but Contra has proven to be something special to me. It's exactly what you would expect from the band, but the songs are a little better, proving that for most, they are more than just a flash in the pan.

Tracklisting;
1. Horchata
2. White Sky
3. Holiday
4. California English
5. Taxi Cab
6. Run
7. Cousins
8. Giving Up The Gun
9. Diplomat's Son
10. I Think UR A Contra

Midlake - The Courage Of Others

Well, I'm back. At least long enough to offer up Midlake's newest album (3 years in the making) The Courage Of Others. Where their last album was full of would-be singles, Courage is much more cohesive in nature and must be listened to from start to finish to truly be enjoyed. I will say with the utmost certainty, that The Courage Of Others is without a doubt one of the best albums I have ever heard. Ever.

Tracklisting:
1. Acts Of Man
2. Winter Dies
3. Small Mountain
4. Core Of Nature
5. Fortune
6. Rulers, Ruling All Things
7. Children Of The Grounds
8. Bring Down
9. The Horn
10. The Courage Of The Others
11. In The Ground

Hiatus

I am going to be taking a hiatus from this blog.

I take a great deal of care in choosing and reviewing the albums that I post. I will take the complete and total lack of feedback to mean that the reviews are not being read and that the albums are not being downloaded.

I may or may not be back, but as for the forseeable future, this will be the last post.

Top 25 of 2009

On a scale of 1-10
[I rate an album by how much I like it, but it's position on my top 25 list is determined by how cohesive/listenable it is, and how strong of a release it is]

25. Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk
I had such high expectations from the self-titled debut album by indie/folk supergroup, Monsters of Folk. Much to my dismay, the album sounded less like the collaboration of four of our generations' most prolific songwriters and more like a b-sides compilation from their respective bands.
3 out of 10

24. Dead Man's Bones - Dead Man's Bones
Not long ago, while watching Lars & The Real Girl, I found myself thinking that I would like to hear Ryan Gosling do a music project. In the movie, there is a small part where he is singing with a sweet, yet intense vibrato that harkened back to the likes of Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Much to my surprise (and none to my disappointment), Mr. Gosling did indeed start a band, and it is something to behold. Very reminiscent of the creepy type music that you would hear on a halloween cd, Dead Man's Bones is stripped down and hauntingly beautiful.
6 out of 10

23. White Rabbits - It's Frightening
White Rabbits have something going for them: not too many other bands sound like them. Their sound is theirs and theirs alone and they do it very well. Though they are not a band that I would rush out to buy tickets to see, they are certainly a welcome addition to my list.
5 out of 10

22. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
Well 2009 seems to be the year for Grizzly Bear. Veckatimest was on the top of a great deal many "Most Anticipated" album lists, and it is certainly a great album. Personally, a little of them goes a long way, but that's not to say that they are bad. I appreciate this album for what it is and would be remiss if I were to leave it off of my list.
4 out of 10

21. Passion Pit - Manners
This band seems to be topping "best of" lists everywhere, and they came from seemingly nowhere. All of the sudden, this band (consisting of a drummer, a few keyboard players, and a dancing singer) came out and blew everyone away. Dancy and fun, it is small wonder why. Here's to hoping that a sophomore release is as strong and that they are more than just a flash in the pan
7 out of 10

20.mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright!
2009 saw beloved post-punk rockers mewithoutYou head even more in a different direction than ever before. Their newest offering is far from where they began with A to B: Life, and is even a departure from the sound of Brother, Sister (my personal favorite), which was their most experimental to date. Seeing them this summer, though, was proof enough for me that they are still full of the intense passion that they are best known for.
6 out of 10

19. The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
All that I can say is that it is about time that The Flaming Lips came out with a new album. It would be hard for anyone to listen to Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots or War Of The Mystics and not fall in love. The same is true of Embryonic. Great album.
7 out of 10

18. Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band - Outer South
It's hard for me to enjoy Oberst's solo work even a fraction of how much I enjoy Bright Eyes (especially Cassadaga and I'm Wide Awake), but this album is enjoyable none the less.
5 out of 10

17. Dignan - Cheaters & Thieves
Dignan is a band that I have seen grow and change over the last couple of years. They started as my buddy Eric's friend's band that I enjoyed as well, to one of the bands that I am anticipating to blow up any day now. Cheaters & Thieves is certainly proof of that: one listen to the track "Charlatan" and you'll be sold.
8 out of 10

16. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Indie-pop darlings Phoenix are back, and how. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is more than just a fun album, it's brilliant. I would go so far as to say that they are too good at what they do.
8 out of 10

15. Ben Kweller - Changing Horses
Who would have thought a] that Ben Kweller would write a country album and b] that it would be amazing? Not me, that's for sure. Previous to Horses, I wouldn't have counted myself even the least of Kweller fans, and now I can honestly say that I am thoroughly impressed.
8 out of 10

14. The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy
I don't know that I can necessarily or accurately describe what it is that captivates me so much about The Cave Singers, but there is something that draws me to them so much, especially Welcome Joy.
8 out of 10

13. Other Lives - Other Lives
Other Lives is a relatively new find for me, but it is safe to say that we will be hearing a good deal from this band over the coming years. I would not be surprised at all to see them attaining the same level of fame that bands like Fleet Foxes now enjoy.

7 out of 10

12. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
Arctic Monkeys is a band that can take a little to get into at first, but once you're in, you're in. Humbug is an incredible album, but far from my favorite. Personally, I would like to see them return to the sound that made them famous on Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
7 out of 10

11. Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
Dylan's newest album is much more based in blues than anything else in his compendium. It is also a great album.
7 out of 10

10. M. Ward - Hold Time
Oh how I love the "him" when he is sans the "she". M. Ward is far too competent of a musician and songwriter to step out of the center for anyone else. His songs are honest and beautiful, sung and told like no one else I've ever heard.
8 out of 10

9. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
A great album from one of my all-time favorite bands. Initially, it took a little to get in to. Personally, I would like to see the band return to a Ghost Is Born type sound, but I am by no means disappointed by where they are.
8 out of 10

8. Ben Gibbard & Jay Farrar - One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur
Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie fame is one of my favorite songwriters. Jay Farrar is one of my least favorites. Somehow, the two, rather than landing in some mediocre territory, managed to write one of best albums of the year, paying homage to and at times quoting one of my favorite authors.
8 out of 10

7. The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You
Previous to the release of I And Love And You, I could easily say that I was less than impressed with The Avett Brothers. Since then, however, I have found that I am a big fan of Emotionalism as well. A great band that isn't easily understood at first.
7 out of 10

6. David Bazan - Curse Your Branches
I have been a big Pedro The Lion fan for nearly 7 years now and I was lucky enough to see them twice before they disbanded. Finally, 2009 saw Bazan's first proper LP since leaving Pedro behind and it is very very good. The one disconnect for me is how produced the album is, but that takes little away from it on the whole.
9 out of 10

5. J. Tillman - Vacilando Territory Blues
When I heard J. Tillman's album Cancer and Delirium, I officially hated him. I thought that the songs were boring and trite even. The only reason that I even listened to Vacilando Territory Blues was out of hope that it would be significantly better, if not to see why people were still paying attention to him. It was then that I discovered that he is the drummer for Fleet Foxes. This, of course, peaked my interest. Suffice it to say, Vacilando is better by leaps and bounds, landing it in the top 5 of 2009.
9 out of 10

4. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
To say that Mumford & Sons is a good band is like saying that The Office is an alright television show. This lesser-known british band has written one of the best indie/folk albums I have ever heard. Much like Passion Pit, I hope that their next album can live up to the standards that their debut set.
9 out of 10

3. Pomegranates - Everybody, Come Outside!
I find myself listening more to folk bands than indie/rock bands, but Pomegranates are the perfect blend of dance beats and indie/pop to get you dancing, even if it's just by yourself in the car. This band puts on one of the best live shows I have ever seen and have written easily one of the best and most cohesive indie/pop records that I have ever heard.
10 out of 10

2. Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist
I remember back when Portugal. The Man first came out. They were a young prog/rock band that was doing a watered-down version of what The Mars Volta became famous for. Then, somewhere along the line, they started writing the sort of songs that make The Satanic Satanist so incredible. Easily one of the best albums I have ever heard.
10 out of 10

1. A.A. Bondy - When The Devil's Loose
A.A. Bondy is without question one of the best songwriters of my generation, and the release of When The Devil's Loose is proof that he is more than a flash in the pan. The songs are beautiful and organic and hopeful. It is the type of music that you can imagine listening to while you're drinking a cup of coffee and reading a newspaper in the early hours of the morning, before the world is totally awake and before you begin another day.
10 out of 10


So that's my top 25 of 2009. Feel free to agree or disagree. I would love to hear what your top 25 is.
As always, if you have any requests, let me know. I'll see what I can do to fulfill them.

The Snake The Cross The Crown - 'Mander Salis

Whenever I think about the band The Snake The Cross The Crown, the first word that comes to mind to describe them would be: underrated. I have been listening to this band since 'Mander Salis came out back in 2004, have seen them live, and have been consistently blown away by their ability to write songs that are bigger than the majority of what I'm hearing from their contemporaries. I don't even think that I could come up with other artists that they remind me of; their sound is theirs alone.

In 2007, the band recorded and released their sophomore LP, Cotton Teeth, which garnered a good deal of critical acclaim, however my favorite has always been and will always be 'Mander Salis. Imagine a folkier Radiohead that studied under Fleetwood Mac for a short while. This description, however, does little justice to the band.

Tracklisting:
1. An Honest Misappropriation of Funds
2. Empires
3. Gates of Dis
4. A Gathering of Shades
5. On The Threshold of Eternity
6. The Sun Tells The Moon
7. A Brief Intermission
8. The Laughing Man
9. Echolalia
10. The Fields of Ius

Highlight Tracks: "An Honest Misappropriation of Funds", "A Brief Intermission", "Echoalia"

Old Canes - Early Morning Hymns

Old Canes is the side-project of The Appleseed Cast's Christopher Crisci. For the record, I have never been a big Appleseed Cast fan, but Old Canes is the type of band that it doesn't take much for me to fall in love with. The songs are stripped down, usually just consisting of a guitar, a harmonica, and Crisci's vocals, landing somewhere between folk and alt-country. In recent history, the band signed to Saddle Creek Records (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, Cursive, The Good Life) and released Feral Harmonic. Personally, I have yet to get into their newest album as of yet. I find myself drawn more to Early Morning Hymns because of how stripped down and honest sounding it is. Feral, from the little I've heard of it, sounds a little too over-produced for my taste.

Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Blue Eleanor
3. Taxi On Vermont
4. Both Falling Bright
5. Life Is Grand
6. Early Morning Hymns
7. The Song Was Right
8. Then Go On
9. Face It
10. One Day
11. Untitled
12. 7th Fret Closer