He might have never heard God's comic.

And the best of ought-nine...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:29:00 -0500

Here are my top 20 albums of 2009. As always, I’ll probably change my mind tomorrow, but I’m such a listnerd that I don’t care.

Best of 2009

Veckatimest – Grizzly Bear
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix
Bitte Orca – Dirty Projectors
Middle Cyclone – Neko Case
Fantasies – Metric
In Dreamland – Elvis Perkins
Technicolor Health – Harlem Shakes
Oh My God Charlie Darwin - The Low Anthem
The Life of the World to Come - The Mountain Goats
Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle – Bill Callahan
No One’s First and You’re Next – Modest Mouse
Embryonic – The Flaming Lips
Come Back to the Five and Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee – Benjy Ferree
Person to Person – Foreign Born
Jewellery – Micachu & the Shapes
Eskimo Snow – Why?
Manners – Passion Pit
The Knot – Wye Oak
Davy – Coconut Records
There is No Enemy – Built to Spill

My Top Albums of the Decade (Tentative, as always)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:50:00 -0500

I’ve seen these types of lists in several places, and I’m addicted to listing things, so here goes:

1. Kid A - Radiohead (2 Oct. 2000). Rarely does an album change the way I think about the idea of “music.” This album did. Best track: “Optimistic.” Jesus, every time I hear the beginning of this song…chills. “How to Disappear Completely” is real close.

2. Lifted or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground - Bright Eyes (13 Aug. 2002). In my mind, almost as innovative and revolutionary as Kid A, and this becomes a near-tie when I factor in the emotional response I have to these songs. Best track: “Bowl of Oranges” may be the most well-written song I’ve ever heard. Seriously.

3. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot - Wilco (23 Apr. 2002). I really liked this band before this album came out (thanks, Summerteeth), but wow. What they did to what I’ve always thought of as “my” music really impacted me as a musician. Best track: “Jesus, etc.” Pretty close to perfection.

4. Illinois - Sufjan Stevens (5 July 2005). A human made this? Are you sure it wasn’t angels? Just beautiful, from start to finish. I really believe this album will go down as the Sgt. Pepper’s of my generation (“studio” music at its finest). Best track: “Come On! Feel the Illinoise!” The transition into the ”I cried myself to sleep last night” section makes me so happy every time I hear it.

5. Boxer - The National (22 May 2007). There isn’t a better wordsmith working today that Matt Berninger. This album combines his songs with some of the most shimmery yet somber music I’ve heard. For all intents, it should be boring. But it never is. How do they do that? Best track: “Slow Show.” That end bit combined with “I better get my shit together, better gather my shit in” - I am so jealous of these guys.

6. Boys and Girls in America - The Hold Steady (3 Oct. 2006). I can’t help but smile every time I hear this album. And I hear it a lot. Really hard to pick one great song off of here, because they are all genuinely great. With that in mind, Best track: It’s a tie between “First Night” (for lyrical reasons) and “Southtown Girls” (for musical reasons).

7. Furr - Blitzen Trapper (23 Sept. 2008). I just love these guys. If I had to pick a “sound,” this band would be my blueprint. Plus, as much as I love this album, the tour-only EP proved they could’ve easily made it to 70 minutes without losing any steam. Best track: “Furr.” Hands-down, the best song of the last five years. Even with that fact, “Black River Killer” is still pretty close.

8. Funeral - Arcade Fire (14 Sept. 2004). Much like numbers 1 through 3 on the list, this album really changed music for me. The difference is, this one also introduced me to a band, rather than being released by an artist with which I was already familiar. Double-plus good. Best track: I’ll never forget the first time I heard “Wake Up.” Damn.

9. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon (10 July 2007). This album began my obsession with albums that clock in at 30 minutes or so. I’ve decided these are the types of albums I’ll always want to make, because when it’s over, I always want more. This particular album typifies that idea. Best track: “The Underdog.” How much fun can one person have just by listening to one song? I’ll let you know (it’ll be soon).

10. For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver (19 Feb. 2008). This album is fantastic on its own, but when combined with the now-famous mythology behind its conception and creation, it resonates that much more. If I want low-key, anytime music, this is where I go. Best track: “Re: Stacks” ends the album in the way that all albums should end. I don’t even know what I mean exactly; I just know that’s how I feel.

Now for some more, without all the talking:

11. Chutes Too Narrow - The Shins (21 Oct. 2003). Best track - “Pink Bullets.”

12. Dear Science, - TV on the Radio (23 Sept. 2008). Best track: “Golden Age.”

13. Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear (26 May 2009). Best track: “Two Weeks.”

14. Amnesiac - Radiohead (4 June 2001). Best track: “Pyramid Song.”

15. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix (25 May 2009). Best track: ”1901.”

16. Wild Mountain Nation - Blitzen Trapper (12 June 2007). Best track: “Wild Mountain Nation.”

17. Reunion Tour - The Weakerthans (25 Sept. 2007). Best track: “Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure.”

18. The Midnight Organ Fight - Frightened Rabbit (15 Apr. 2008). Best track: “My Backwards Walk.”

19. Songs for the Deaf - Queens of the Stone Age (27 Aug. 2002). Best track: “The Sky is Fallin’”

20. Alopecia - Why? (11 Mar. 2008). Best track: “The Hollows.”

21. Emotionalism - The Avett Brothers (15 May 2007). Best track: “Will You Return?”

22. Bitte Orca - Dirty Projectors (9 June 2009). Best track: “Stillness is the Move.”

23. Because of the Times - Kings of Leon (3 Apr. 2007). Best track: “The Runner.”

24. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (3 June 2008). Best track: “Blue Ridge Mountains.”

25. Good News for People Who Love Bad News - Modest Mouse (6 Apr. 2004). Best track: “Float On.”

That’s all for now. That’s probably too much already.

Modest Mouse "King Rat" | The Masses

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:53:25 -0400

Modest Mouse "King Rat" | The Masses:

Man, oh man, is this weird, unsettling, depressing, and fantastic, all at the same time.

about-today: Harlem Shakes, Strictly Game Oh, man. That is an...

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:19:58 -0400

about-today:

Harlem Shakes, Strictly Game

Oh, man. That is an incredible video. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it. Well-played, sirs. Well-played.

Song of the year? Maybe. Video of the year? Also, maybe. I know, strong words…

about-today: Phoenix, 1901 (live on Letterman) crumbler:...

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:33:41 -0400

about-today:

Phoenix, 1901 (live on Letterman)

crumbler: Phoenix brings “1901” to Letterman. I know I just posted them playing this, but that was acoustic. This is how the song is meant to be heard. (via)

I did not think they would be able to top their SNL performance, but they somehow did. These guys are untouchable right now. Who is that drummer? I don’t think Phoenix has ever had an official drummer. They’re always listed as just four guys. But that dude is killing those skins back there. Then check out the end. Did Thomas Mars just drop the mic on Letterman? That is certified badass even for a French pop group.

Every drummer for every band should look like this guy does when he plays. Plus - is it just me, or does Thomas Mars look a lot like a skinnier version of that one dude who works at Heroes & Dragons?

clubrob: Auto-Tune the News #5 via How the crap does this keep...

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:26:45 -0400

clubrob:

Auto-Tune the News #5 via

How the crap does this keep getting funnier and funnier? Rarely do I experience fits of unbridled laughter. These guys do it every time.

about-today: Phoenix, 1901 (acoustic) crumbler: On one hand,...

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:48:05 -0400

about-today:

Phoenix, 1901 (acoustic)

crumbler: On one hand, no one has been asking for an acoustic version of Phoenix’s “1901.” On the other, hey you guys, new version of “1901”! (Bonus: they use the Eiffel Tower backdrop from iChat.)

What he said.

These guys are real fantastic. Plus, I love when a video makes me feel stupid. I was all like, “How rare is it to have a band with two lefty guitarists? Then I realized the super-rare keyboard made by “AHAMAY” put that little factoid to shame. Now that’s dumb.

"Dear Mr. President, Please make it rain candy."

Tue, 05 May 2009 07:09:10 -0400

“Dear Mr. President,
Please make it rain candy.”

- A Pasadena, CA first-grader.

Benjy Ferree, Fear I’m really, really digging this at the...

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:34:00 -0400

Benjy Ferree, Fear

I’m really, really digging this at the moment. First Neko, then Phoenix, now this. Top 3 of the year for me, so far.

My Top Albums of 2009 – April Edition

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:50:24 -0400

1. Middle Cyclone – Neko Case

2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix

3. Hey Everyone! – Dananananaykroyd

4. The Crying Light – Antony and the Johnsons

5. Veckatimest – Grizzly Bear

6. It’s Blitz! – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

7. Welcome Home – Naked Gods

8. Davy – Coconut Records

9. The Hazards of Love – The Decemberists

10. Now We Can See – The Thermals

11. It’s Frightening – White Rabbits

12. Yonder is the Clock – The Felice Brothers

13. First Love – Emmy the Great

14. Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre

15. Elvis Perkins in Dearland – Elvis Perkins

16. Two Suns – Bat for Lashes

17. Dark Was the Night: A Red Hot Compilation – Various Artists

18. Years of Refusal – Morrissey

19. Tight Knit – Vetiver

20. Hold Time – M. Ward

21. Fantasies – Metric

22. Other Peoples’ Songs, Vol. 1 – The Sarcastic Dharma Society

23. Mama, I’m Swollen – Cursive

24. Dear John – Loney, Dear

25. Dark Days/Light Years – Super Furry Animals

RHCP - Under The Bridge (Literal video version) (via...

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:54:38 -0400

RHCP - Under The Bridge (Literal video version) (via vblogas)

Ha! Animation from my hands, lower shutter speed. ‘Sfunny.

The Felice Brothers - Run Chicken Run Just got this. I’m...

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:01:33 -0400

The Felice Brothers - Run Chicken Run

Just got this. I’m really glad these guys put out another album so soon after their last. May be the first album of the year (okay, probably second - Antony) that instantly struck me as really great. Plus, anything that turns my mind to Aardman is always welcome…

Help!

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:17:29 -0400

Help!:

Governor Sanford, I am one of the millions of South Carolinians whom you serve, and as a result I will be directly affected by your refusal to allow the Federal government to do what they think is best to help us at this time when we are most in need of their help. While I agree that it sure would be nice to pay off some of the state’s accrued debt, I have to ask: Is now the best time to dig one’s heels in over the issue? While you may not personally be in this situation, the majority of us are in no position to refuse help from anyone for any reason. Judging from that fact (yes, I believe it is a fact), I’m not sure you have the best interests of those whom you serve in mind at this point. I am perhaps more directly affected by this because I am a public school teacher. The damage that your refusal to accept the Federal Stimulus money will do to the well-being of my family is huge, as I’m sure it will be to countless others, who I must reiterate, you serve. How do I explain to my three young children that they can’t go to the doctor or get the medicine they need because Daddy lost his insurance along with his job? And all because the Governor wanted to have the peace of mind of knowing that the state government’s financial situation is a bit better than it was? I’m not sure they’ll get it, because they are 6, 4 and 3. I’m 30, and I don’t get it. As a taxpaying South Carolinian and an experienced teacher, I am begging you to consider the well-being of your state’s citizens when making your decision. I am in agreement that I just don’t know how much this stimulus package will really do to right the ship, but I am fully aware of the damage that will be done by refusing the money, especially considering the fact that we will be held responsible for it regardless. You know more about politics than I do, but the way I look at it, there’s no upside to choosing this moment, when we need it most, to steadfastly refuse help when it is offered. Thanks for your time. Most sincerely, Albert J. Knuckley Email this guy and let him know you agree with me (if you do - please do).

For all you MF fans out there (what are we up to now, seven?),...

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:00:44 -0400

For all you MF fans out there (what are we up to now, seven?), here’s a track off the recently-completed new album, “What We Talk About When We Talk About What We Talk About.” It’ll be ready for mass consumption by the end of next week (we hope).

Um…my brain just shot straight up, through my skull, out...

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:01:42 -0400

Um…my brain just shot straight up, through my skull, out of my head. It has to be around here somewhere…

You go, Neko.

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:15:11 -0400

NEKO CASE’S ‘MIDDLE CYCLONE’ DEBUTS AT #3 ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 Wednesday March 11, 2009 THE HIGHEST DEBUT THIS YEAR BY AN INDEPENDENT RELEASE Neko Case’s acclaimed new album Middle Cyclone (Anti- Records) has debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200, the highest opening to date in 2009 by an independent release on Billboard’s main album chart. Middle Cyclone also bows at #1 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart. Case’s strong showing follows recent television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC and The Tavis Smiley Show on PBS, as well as widespread critical acclaim for Middle Cyclone. See below for some select quotes. Case will kick off a national tour March 31 at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, TX, and she is scheduled to perform on The Late Show with David Letterman on CBS on April 15. Case’s last album, 2006’s Fox Confessor Brings The Flood debuted at #52 on the Billboard Top 200. What critics are saying about Neko Case and Middle Cyclone: “Her voice is a force of nature.” - THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE “‘The best album of her career by a generous margin.” - THE NEW YORKER “One of the most memorable and seductive voices in music.” - NPR “Indie’s greatest singer.” - ROLLING STONE “America may need Neko Case’s back-to-nature fantasias more than ever.” Rating: 9 out of 10 - SPIN MAGAZINE

about-today: Asher Roth, I Love College I don’t get nasty very...

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:47:03 -0400

about-today:

Asher Roth, I Love College

I don’t get nasty very often, so hold on.

Is this really what the kids are listening too? Some “real chill” affluent white asshole talking about him and his bros having some Miller Lite and hitting a water bong while practicing some good, clean misogynistic behavior? This is pathetic. Nevermind the fact that the last time people fell for this whiteboy chill hip hop shit is still uncomfortably lingering, now someone has made the same exact song but changed the lyrics to be about frat parties? This is nothing but the lame, limp-dicked fumble-rape of anything having to do with hip hop - or music in general, for that matter.

I mean, this is so tame that it’s sickening. My grandmother wouldn’t even take offense at this nice little song. You wanna smoke weed? Smoke weed! You wanna be a misogynist? Be a misogynist! Just don’t bring your shitty Jack Johnson remix tape over to any party I might be at.

NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO! I hope to God that Rivers Cuomo did not willingly allow this turdburglar to purloin one of the greatest chord progressions of all time, thus aiding in the creation of this steaming pile of vapid, transparent excrement. I’ve got waaaaay more than 99 problems with this ”song.”

Most original video I’ve seen in a while. Good song, too.

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:43 -0400

Most original video I’ve seen in a while. Good song, too.

Okay, so I saw Watchmen - I have absolutely no complaints. Not a...

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:10:00 -0500

Okay, so I saw Watchmen - I have absolutely no complaints. Not a whole lot different from the way I envisioned it when I first heard Terry Gilliam talking about a movie version IN NINETEEN-EIGHTY-NINE! My only real issue has been resolved (enough) in straight-to-DVD format: animated “Black Freighter” - just fine!

For your consideration...

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:04:54 -0500

Top Albums of 2009 – February Edition 1. Middle Cyclone – Neko Case 2. The Crying Light – Antony and the Johnsons 3. It’s Blitz! – Yeah Yeah Yeahs 4. Davy – Coconut Records 5. First Love – Emmy the Great 6. Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre 7. Elvis Perkins in Dearland – Elvis Perkins 8. Dark Was the Night: A Red Hot Compilation – Various Artists 9. Years of Refusal – Morrissey 10. Tight Knit – Vetiver 11. Hold Time – M. Ward 12. Incredibad – The Lonely Island 13. Other Peoples’ Songs, Vol. 1 – The Sarcastic Dharma Society 14. Two Suns – Bat for Lashes 15. Dear John – Loney, Dear 16. Outer Dark – The Allender Band 17. Blood Bank e.p. – Bon Iver 18. Mantis – Umphrey’s McGee 19. Get Guilty – A.C. Newman 20. Changing Horses – Ben Kweller Come to Wet Willie’s tonight! Magnetic Flowers! New record out next month! WWTA WWTA WWTA!