via Asthmatic Kitty Records
Because I am full of good karma and luck, I had a seat on the only cancelled United flight from LGA to Chicago yesterday. Supposedly, the flight was cancelled due to “the weather,” but I suspected that this may not have been the case since all the other shuttle flights were good to go. I’d been on standby at the airport since 3 AM, with little to no hope that I would make it home in time for Christmas. The brains at United had managed to overbook every single flight for the day, and the standby list was growing exponentially as a result of the cancelled flights over the last couple days. Thankfully, a kind United employee managed to book me onto a flight around noon. I think she could sense that I was close to a breakdown due to lack of sleep and lack of real food (Au Bon Pain kiosks do not count). But, I'm finally home, and that's what matters. Man, Illinois is so cold and windy.
Happy Holidays!
In other news, a very highly anticipated album has just leaked. You can take a peak at what I'll be listening to for the rest of the day. I wonder if the Web Sheriff is taking a holiday today.
Come on! Feel the Illinoise! - Sufjan Stevens
Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!) - Sufjan Stevens
December 25, 2008
Happy Holidays!
December 22, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
via The Decibel Tolls
The last album on my chrono-ordered list, Deerhunter’s Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. was probably the biggest surprise for me this year. I’d never been a huge fan of Deerhunter because, well, I didn’t really get them. I liked Atlas Sound a lot, which I discovered earlier in the year, but I never got around to liking Cryptograms, the last Deerhunter album (I'm going to give it an honest try over the next few days). Then again, I used to like Panda Bear significantly more than I liked Animal Collective. With the leaks of “Brother Sport” and “My Girls” off the upcoming Merriweather Post Pavillion, that gap has narrowed. And, the same has happened to my opinion on Deerhunter vs. Atlas Sound with the release of Microcastle/Weird Era Cont..
As Ed Droste wrote on the Grizzly Bear blog, Deerhunter was a band that took him awhile to “get.” Apparently the time and effort was worth it because he self-proclaims himself as a #1 fan for life. While I had the albums loaded into my iTunes/iPod for months, I hadn’t really listened to much of them. There was the time when “Agoraphobia” starting playing while my playlist was on shuffle, and the song caught my attention by being melodic, simple, and unadulterated by copious amounts of pedal effects/other sound smearers, all qualities that I would consider to be un-Deerhunter. Still, I didn’t give the albums a proper go until a couple days after Thanksgiving, when I found myself at O’Hare Airport without a book or a magazine. Oh man, “Agoraphobia” was only the beginning of my affair with these albums. By the time I discovered “Nothing Ever Happened,” “Saved by Old Times,” and “Operation,” I could hardly contain myself in my uncomfortable airport chair. Yes, I was jamming in an airport by myself in the wee hours of the morning. I need to see this band in an indoor setting so that I can have a pseudo-religious experience like Ed did.
On a side note, where has this Fluorescent Grey EP been all my life? I had it all this time, and I never really listened to it. I'm really digging this right now.
Agoraphobia - Deerhunter
Nothing Ever Happened - Deerhunter
Saved By Old Times - Deerhunter
Other Top Albums of 2008:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
December 21, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: In Ear Park
via Department of Eagles
Department of Eagles' In Ear Park is the year's best album to accompany a session of reminiscing, for better or for worse. It was appropriately released in the fall since I very much associate the album with that particular season. Besides the fact that I listened to it a lot in the last couple months, something about In Ear Park invokes images (and memories) of autumn foliage. Or, maybe it's that album cover.
Supposedly the band's only pop song, "No One Does It Like You" is one of my favorite songs of the year. It never fails to make me smile, at least a little bit. Another favorite, "Waves of Rye" reminds me of the electric version of Grizzly Bear's "Little Brother," another great song. Sometimes I almost expect "Waves of Rye" to transition into "Little Brother," mid-song. Can't wait for the upcoming GB album.
If you missed DOE's shows this past year, go see them at Bowery Ballroom on January 19. Details here. Maybe Daniel Rossen will bust out "Deep Blue Sea" at that one. I can only hope...
Past post on Department of Eagles's record release show here.
No One Does It Like You - Department of Eagles
Waves of Rye - Department of Eagles
Other Top Albums of 2008:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
Top Albums of 2008: Dear Science
via Time Out
Fall of ’08 saw the release of TV on the Radio’s Dear Science, an album that impressed me upon my very first listen. In a very brief post, I predicted that it would be on my list of top albums. And, here it is. I’m still frustrated with the band for their sub-par show at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple, a performance that was so disappointing that it didn’t merit a post on this blog. I’d been blaming the acoustics/sound system of the venue, but after reading how good The Walkmen were at the space, I don’t really know what to think. Regardless of how disgruntled I am about that show, Dear Science remains one of my favorite albums of 2008. The diversity and consistent quality of its tracks make Dear Science an album that is meant to be enjoyed as exactly that - an album. While many artists strive to produce albums that are meant to be listened from start to finish, I rarely find ones that keep me engaged for its entire length. I almost didn't make it to the second half, because I kept on listening to the first few tracks on repeat.
Other Top Albums of 2008:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 18, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: The Rhumb Line
via antiquiet
I’d been following Ra Ra Riot since I saw them open for Tokyo Police Club nearly two years ago. While their debut effort The Rhumb Line didn’t introduce many new tunes outside of what had been on the Ra Ra Riot demo, it was a highly anticipated album for me in 2008. I had wondered how the band would fare after the unexpected death of their drummer, John Pike, and I was beginning to think that Ra Ra Riot would never release a LP. Fortunately, I was proven wrong with The Rhumb Line, an enjoyable pop album, especially if you're a sucker for strings. And even if you're not, try listening to "Too Too Too Fast" without moving your body. The song was one of my late summer anthems, and it always takes me back to the days of sweaty outdoor festivals.
My Old Kentucky Blog's song-by-song breakdown of The Rhumb Line here. Past posts on Ra Ra Riot here.
Too Too Too Fast - Ra Ra Riot
St. Peter's Day Festival - Ra Ra Riot
Winter '05 - Ra Ra Riot
Other Top Albums of 2008:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 15, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: You & Me
via Welikeit.indie
Yes, I still remember when the Walkmen performed at the Bait Shop on The O.C.. But, I don’t hold that against them. Regardless of how bad that show was (and how I watched two seasons of it anyway), it is undeniable that The O.C. featured some pretty good music, including Sufjan Stevens, Stars, and Of Montreal. The Walkmen have come a long way since their sophomore effort, Bows + Arrows, which I frankly didn’t love. You & Me was an album that I didn't expect to like, but I was hooked after a couple listens through the entire thing. Every time I listen to a track off this album, I immediate long to have been young during a different decade (possibly the 50's). Although the album was released online in July, I didn't start listening to it until late August/early September. Thanks for turning me onto the Walkmen again, David Chang.
The Walkmen play the Brooklyn Masonic Temple tomorrow night with the Dodos. The only show I’d attended at this venue was TV on the Radio, and the sound system/acoustics were awful. Seems like I'm not the only one to complain about the place.
Listen to my favorite tracks off You & Me here.
Canadian Girl - The Walkmen
The Blue Route - The Walkmen
Other Top of 2008 Albums:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 14, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
via A Secret Chord
via Chimpomatic
Fleet Foxes was the band that I couldn’t shut up about this year. Ask me for music suggestions, and Fleet Foxes was my automatic response. I’ve bonded with friends, coworkers, strangers who comment here, strangers at shows, etc. over our mutual love of Fleet Foxes. I would talk about this band to anyone who would listen or humor me by pretending to listen. After seeing them at their first New York show back in March, I was pretty much sold for life. Yes, I couldn’t get enough of their live shows, and I ended up seeing them four times this past year. And, I've dragged plenty of people with me to those shows. I can't imagine 2008 without Fleet Foxes, and you probably can't imagine it without my talking about them. I still remember humming "English House" while studying for a midterm during my last semester. I think I failed that exam.
Read more about my love of Fleet Foxes here.
Mykonos - Fleet Foxes
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
Video of Robin performing "Crayon Angels" on Black Cab Sessions
Other Top of 2008 Albums:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 13, 2008
Bon Iver - MHOW 12.12.08
Not everyone in the Midwest is a corn farmer or a conniving waste of space who refuses to resign from his abused position of undeserved power. Bon Iver is proof that good things do come out of being in the Midwest. After finally seeing him perform live, I felt compelled to return to IL, hole myself up in a cabin, and see if I can do something meaningful with my time. Now, all I need to do is somehow gain an extraordinary amount of talent.
With a supporting band, Justin Vernon aka Bon Iver played for a packed crowd at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. This was his third and final night in New York, and he seemed pleased to be wrapping it up at the Music Hall. Before the show, I had wondered how Bon Iver's acoustic singer-songwriter sound would translate onto the stage with the band. Well, they sounded amazing, and you should definitely go see Bon Iver if you have the opportunity. The additional instruments and vocals worked well at MHOW by creating a necessary balance in sound that I'm used to hearing on record. But, in all seriousness, Bon Iver sounded better than any act that I'd ever seen at MHOW.
Bon Iver basically performed everything off his upcoming EP (minus "Woods") and For Emma, Forever Ago, except for "Blindsided." Has he been leaving this one out at recent shows? "Blindsided" is one of my favorite tracks, so I was slightly disappointed by that. However, Justin's performance of "Re: Stacks" more than made up for that absence. "Re: Stacks" was so stunning that I couldn't help but get a little teary. With knots in my stomach, I could actually feel what he was singing. It's bittersweet and it hurts a little, but that's life. Wow, I sound very emo right now.
There was no cover of Sarah Siskind's "Lovin's for Fools" at this show, but Bon Iver did surprise us with a different cover. When Justin started singing the first line of the Outfield's "Your Love," I couldn't help but laugh. Of course, the crowd loved it and very happily sang along, myself included. Speaking of covers, the opening act also played a crowd-pleaser. The Tallest Man on Earth ended his set with "These Days." The version that I'm most familiar with is that of Nico, featured on The Royal Tenenbaums soundtrack. Love the guitar intro. Watch the video of the performance here, courtesy of Hooves on the turf.
One word of advice. If you do go to a Bon Iver show, try to position yourself away from girls who look like they came prepared for a karaoke night. They sorta kill the mood when their voices start to drown out everything else. It should be a given that one shall not sing along loudly with the band unless explicitly directed to do so (i.e. for "The Wolves"). In fact, Bon Iver designed an entire audience-participation exercise so that you can get that singing aloud thing out of your system in a controlled manner. Thanks, Justin.
For Emma, Forever Ago was one of my favorite albums in 2008.
Bon Iver: Wolves I & II from hoovesontheturf on Vimeo.
Re: Stacks - Bon Iver
For Emma - Bon Iver
Blindsided - Bon Iver
December 12, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: In Ghost Colours
via betterPropaganda
Arguably one of the most danceable records of the year, Cut Copy’s In Ghost Colours is one of the few albums that I can listen to from start to finish while continuing to dance and sing along. When I first heard “Saturdays” a couple years ago, I wasn’t exactly sold on Cut Copy. Bright Like Neon Love had its catchy moments, but I’d somehow written Cut Copy off as being too retro. What was I thinking? Clearly, I wasn’t thinking.
Now that I’ve listened to more electropop music from Australia, I’ve come to realize that Cut Copy’s 80s dance sound is pretty typical of that scene (i.e. artists on Modular Records). But, since they were the first to catch my attention, Cut Copy has a special place in my heart. How can you not enjoy yourself when you’re listening to “Lights & Music,” “Hearts on Fire,” or “Far Away?”
Read more about why I like Cut Copy and their live shows here. I can't believe I half-blinded myself at one of their shows by losing a contact.
Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) - Cut Copy
Lights & Music (Radio Edit) - Cut Copy
Other Top of 2008 Albums:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
Top Albums of 2008: Visiter
via The A.V. Club
And, on to the month of March. Well, this one shouldn't be a surprise. Turns out I blogged about the Dodos three times this year, and they were once a "Current Obsession" of mine. Every time I went to a live show, I was always impressed/dumbfounded by Meric's ridiculously fast finger-picking and Logan’s drum workout. To this day, I still wonder how often Meric has to reapply the acrylics to his right hand. Does anyone have any idea?
Read more about why I like the Dodos and their live shows here.
Red and Purple - The Dodos
Winter - The Dodos
Other Top of 2008 Albums:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 10, 2008
Yeasayer - MHOW 12.06.08
via Trash For Your Eyes and Ears
After 14 months on the road, Yeasayer wrapped up their tour with two back-to-back nights at Music Hall of Williamsburg. It’d nearly been a year since I had last seen the band at a venue called Shangri-la in Brooklyn. As I mentioned in my intro to the Top Albums of 2008, Yeasayer’s debut album was a favorite of mine in 2007. “Wait for the Summer” is (appropriately) a favorite jam for my long, cold and windy walks to the subway station. Miss you, summer.
As much as I love free open bars at shows, I have to admit that not having that temptation allowed me to pay attention to what Yeasayer was doing on-stage. I was really impressed by the virtuosity of the band members, a huge performance factor that I didn’t pick up on last time. The guitar riffs in “Waves” were executed effortlessly by Anand Wilder (I have a little crush on him – I like his haircut). Ira Wolf Tuton is a bassist who plays his instrument like a good lead guitarist: doing crazy shit all the time. He may be the most active bassist I’ve ever seen live. Also, until this show, I’d completely forgotten that Yeasayer is considered by many to be “experimental” (I now reserve that word for music that I don’t quite fully understand). But, it seems like Yeasayer embraces this genrefication, as they create live versions, with the help of synths, that sound relatively reworked compared to the studio ones.
Yeasayer is back in the studio to work on their second album. See/hear you in six months, Yeasayer!
Wait for the Summer - Yeasayer
Waves - Yeasayer
Top Albums of 2008: Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
via RCRD LBL
Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago wasn’t the only top album released in February ’08. A personal surpriser, Atlas Sound’s Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel was an album that I didn’t expect to like. I’d never really gotten into Deerhunter, so I was skeptical about this other Bradford Cox project. Also, I’m generally not into ambient music; some of it is too muddled/noisy and atmospheric for my tastes. Despite my list of preconceptions, I went ahead and gave Let the Blind a listen. Turns out I don’t even know myself, because I ended up playing this album quite a bit this year.
If you know me personally and you generally don’t listen to lyrics (you know who you are), then I constantly harp on you for not doing so. Well, I think you can manage to listen to the two lines in “Quarantined.” Simple yet haunting, the lyrics were inspired by a story that Cox read of children in Russia living with AIDS. While listening to the song, I daydream that I am tucked away in some near-forgotten room, “waiting to be changed,” as Cox sings.
This past year, Atlas Sound was my gateway to the deerhunter / atlas sound / lotus plaza blog, and eventually to Deerhunter. Funny how things change in a year.
Quarantined - Atlas Sound
River Card - Atlas Sound
Other Top of 2008 Albums:
A Reflection
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 8, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: For Emma, Forever Ago
via North Coast Journal
Although For Emma, Forever Ago was technically self-released in 2007, I’ve decided to count its Jagjaguwar release in February 2008 so that I could put it on this list. I may have been an emo kid in high school, but now it is rare for me to be moved by recorded music. Luckily for me, Justin Vernon aka Bon Iver spent three months in a cabin in Wisconsin, and this album was the beautiful product of that time. Who says nothing good comes out of the Midwest??
Lately, I’ve been revisiting For Emma, Forever Ago. I’ve been pretty excited for his upcoming show at Music Hall this Friday, and I’ve been counting down the days ever since I purchased my tickets. I don’t think I’ve listened to this much Bon Iver since back in May, right before I left for my summer backpacking trip. During the days leading up to my departure, I spent a lot of time playing “Blindsided” due to this easy-to-follow tutorial. There are some really gorgeous chords in there.
A little bit of Bon Iver is perfect for the sudden bout of cold weather that we’ve been experiencing here. I may have spent most of my life in Illinois, but all the years in New York have weakened my winter tolerance. Now, all I want to do is curl up in bed with a book while listening to some of this beautifully haunting album.
And, if you haven’t already, I highly recommend that you check out Bon Iver’s upcoming EP, Blood Bank. It leaked last week, but I won’t be posting it up here. The title song is about being stuck in the snow with someone you don’t know. Just to warn you, I’ve caught myself getting teary over this song on two separate occasions while waiting for the subway. I pretended that I had something in my eye. Listen to it here.
Bon Iver, see you in a few days.
Re: Stacks - Bon Iver
Flume - Bon Iver
Other Top Albums of 2008:
A Reflection
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
December 4, 2008
Beirut - "In the Mausoleum"
via LA Weekly's Blogs
I may have stopped breathing for a few seconds today when I found out that Beirut will be performing at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House in February. Recently, I've been revisiting a lot of Beirut material. Partially, it's because I got a ukulele, and I particularly enjoy playing Beirut songs. My roommate just asked me why I keep on playing the same Beirut songs over and over on the uke. Well, one reason is because I haven't learned anything else. Another is that practice makes perfect, silly. Not that I could ever be Zach Condon, whose talent drives me absolutely mad with jealousy. I don't like that we're the same age, yet I have accomplished nothing in comparison (Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes also makes me feel worthless). Damn you for making music that I love.
Well, I no longer have to fantasize about Zach Condon making a surprise guest appearance at Final Fantasy and Grizzly Bear's BAM show with the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Beirut may have cancelled their recent tour and gone on a brief hiatus, but it sounds like they're ready to come back with a new album, a new tour, and possibly a new direction. Well, as long as the new Beirut sounds as good as the below songs, I will have no complaints. And, it'd be nice to have some new uke material.
Tickets for Beirut's Sounds of Brooklyn @ BAM on February 6 go on presale tomorrow, open to Friends of BAM. General public sale begins next week on December 12. Unfortunately, I am not a Friend of BAM. But, if you are, and you are a kind person who is willing to purchase tickets for a gracious (and financially reliable) blogger, you have my contact info.
In the Mausoleum - Beirut
Elephant Gun - Beirut
December 1, 2008
Top Albums of 2008: A Reflection
No Jens Lekman album this year, but at least I saw him twice
I feel like I've been spending way too much time on Ukulele Hunt and not enough on blogging. H. just told me that I haven't posted in a blog century. So, as the year is nearly coming to an end, it's time for the "Best of 2008" lists. I started jotting down a rough list in my notebook a couple months ago, but I'm sure I've missed plenty of records that were released in the early part of the year. Some of these albums have somehow changed my tastes and thoughts on music. Others are just too much fun to not enjoy. Life-changing or not, these records are the ones that have shaped my year. It's funny how I can listen to one of these albums and be transported back to the place/time/weather that I associate with it.
As a little refresher, I've looked up my personal list of 2007's top albums. Oh, the hilarity.
Top Albums of 2007 (in no particular order):
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (Blue CD-R Demo)
!!! (Chk Chk Chk) - Myth Takes
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Simian Mobile Disco - Attack Decay Sustain Release
Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals
Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala
Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
I know what you're thinking. Where is Bon Iver on this list? Bon Iver turned out to be more of a 2008 thing for me. I've spent many hours attempting to play "Blindsided" on my acoustic. Can I count Bon Iver's debut as an album of 2008 since it was re-released in February? Oh, you may also be asking me what the hell I was thinking with a couple of these on my list. Things change? Also, I think Beirut should have been on that list. I've been listening to a lot of The Flying Club Cup recently. Perhaps, that is also ukulele-influenced. Then again, there are many 2007 albums that I didn't have the opportunity to appreciate until 2008...
Anyway, some of these albums have continued to be classics for me. Just a few minutes ago, I was playing Jens' "Your Arms Around Me" on the ukulele (If anyone has the ukulele version of that, please please send it this way). Just recently, I've been listening to a lot of Vampire Weekend. Judge me if you will, but I associate Vampire Weekend with the fall and early winter, which was when I was listening to their demo on repeat last year. And, a year ago, I never thought that VW would blow up in the way that they did. Now, I'm sickened by how often I hear their name. I can admit it: I am jealous. But, I can't deny that "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" is a great pop song. Unfortunately, since their demo made my list in 2007, their proper debut will not be on my 2008 list since the two are roughly the same.
If you're a relatively frequent follower of this blog, you will find that some of the albums on my list are predictable. Clearly, I've greatly favored a handful of bands this year. But, there will be surprises since there are some awesome albums that I never got around to blogging about.
Your Arms Around Me - Jens Lekman
Top Albums of 2008:
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
The Dodos - Visiter
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant EP
The Walkmen - You & Me
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
Crystal Stilts - "Crystal Stilts"
via Escape Sounds
Where can I get that cardigan?
This post is long overdue, but I always become a little blog-lazy around the holidays. I saw Crystal Stilts a couple weeks ago at a "venue" called Less Artists More Condos. Less Artists is one of Todd P's DIY spaces. Emphasis on the DIY for this place.
I wasn't quite sure where exactly 132 W. 3rd St. was, but as my friend and I got closer to the building... we realized that the entrance was sandwiched in between Fat Black Pussycat and Town Tavern, two quality establishments. When we went up the stairs into the "venue," I realized that I was standing in a loft. A loft with bedrooms. Rooms inhabited by people. Apparently, there are McKibben-style "dorms" in West Village. And, shows are held there. Who knew?
Anyway, the place seemed a little small for Crystal Stilts' record release show, especially since they garnered a lot of attention during CMJ. With only an impromptu bar in the kitchen of Less Artists, waiting for the bands to play was pretty exhausting. By the time Crystal Stilts went onstage around midnight, I was ready to plop down onto one of the couches in the living room of the loft. Live, Crystal Stilts' sound was muddier than that on record. I don't know if it was intentional (Pitchfork seems to think so) or if the sound system was responsible, but I couldn't make out a single lyric. After awhile, I couldn't distinguish the songs from one another. But, I dig this song so I'd like to give them another go at a venue with better acoustics.
Crystal Stilts opens for Love is All on December 7th at Bowery Ballroom.
Crystal Stilts - Crystal Stilts
November 19, 2008
Animal Collective - "Brothersport"
via Animal Collective
I can admit when I'm wrong or when I've changed my mind. Well, in this case, it's both. I've been hating on Animal Collective since I first heard Strawberry Jam and wrote them off forever. Oh, and that All Points West performance when I was standing 5 people deep or so in the crowd. My ears may have bled a little that day, but the performance did intrigue me. Mostly, I was confused when I found myself paying attention to "House" (now "My Girls") and "Brother Sport" (now "Brothersport"). A couple days ago, a studio version of "Brothersport" was leaked. I knew the link would not be up for long, and I was really anxious to listen to it. So, I asked a friend (Thanks, A.) to download the track for me and send it to my personal email.
If I'd thought the live versions were catchy, they're nothing compared to the mastered version. "Brothersport" is one of the most infectious songs that I've heard in a long time. Compared to the live versions, it is definitely sweeter and even more accessible. It's so sweet that my teeth hurt when I listen to it. In the best way possible. Oops, I just got distracted and started dancing in my chair to this song. I have to admit that I miss Avey Tare's yelping, which is left out in the studio version.
So, folks, turns out that I don't hate Animal Collective. In fact, I very much like Sung Tongs (K., I finally got around to it), too. And, I've always been a Panda Bear fan. I like when Animal Collective sounds more like Panda Bear. I can't remember where I read it, but someone wrote that this track/upcoming album sounded as if AC took the best part of the group, Panda Bear, and just went in that direction. Well, it's working for me.
The studio version is up on Grizzly Bear's Blog at the moment. I'm not sure how long that will be up, so act quickly. Enjoy the live versions of "Brothersport" and "My Girls" below.
Merriweather Post Pavillion will be released on January 20. The release date coincides with the date of the NYC show at Grand Ballroom. Unfortunately, I did not act quickly enough to get tickets. But, I will be diligently looking for some as the date draws nearer. I've decided that Grand Ballroom doesn't have the sound capacity to get that loud, so I may actually enjoy the show.
Brothersport - Animal Collective (Look in the text above)
My Girls (Live at Hove Festival 06-23-08) - Animal Collective
Brothersport (Live on NPR) - Animal Collective
November 17, 2008
Girl Talk - Terminal 5 11.16.08
The remains of an inflatable basketball
I went to Girl Talk last night, and now I'm paying for it. My entire body hurts. Stiff neck, sore arms, pulled calf muscles. That's right, I've been limping around the entire day. People asked me what had happened to me. Too much dancing at Girl Talk. That's what happened.
The minutes before they left people go onstage, I thought that there was a possibility that I might die. I'd never been in such a packed crowd, and I've had my fair share of deathly crowds. When I was finally pushed up the stairs to the stage, three girls or so fell on top of me. I was legitimately scared that people would just start stepping on me, so I had to quickly squirm my way from under them. I made it out alive, and I danced my heart out. If you know me in real life, then you know that I consider myself to be a little shy and reserved. But, last night, I had no problems looking like a fool in front of 3000 people.
All in all, I would say this was the most uneventful Girl Talk show I've been to. In a way, that is a good thing since this was the first GT show that I'd been to that wasn't shut down by the cops or security. Rude Bear was at the Saturday night show, but he did not make an appearance yesterday. How disappointing since I've sorta been in love with him since I saw him at the Parenthetical Girls/Evangelicals show at Cake Shop. Also, no surprise guests made an appearance. I guess it was a very rare thing I witnessed at Pitchfork Music Festival '07 Grizzly Bear joined Girl Talk onstage for the mash-up of "Knife."
Regardless, Girl Talk is still hands-down the most fun dance show that I've ever attended. I just need to remember to stretch before starting to dance.
EDIT: I forgot to add that I noticed that Girl Talk covers his laptop in Saran Wrap. Does he do this to protect his computer from his dripping sweat and the sweat of the surrounding dancers?
Grand Buffet and Hearts of Darknesses supported Gregg Gillis at this show. Hearts of Darknesses is the solo project of Frank Musarra, who collabs with Gregg Gillis under Trey Told 'Em. Gregg also has a production credit for one of Grand Buffet's EPs. Both Grand Buffet and Hearts of Darknesses have been sampled by Trey Told 'Em on their In-DEED mix.
Dutch Hex (Trey Told 'Em Remix) - Professor Murder
Bounce That - Girl Talk
Legally download Feed the Animals here.
November 16, 2008
Girl Talk - "Give Me a Beat"
via Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good
It sucks to be home on a Saturday night with the beginnings of what I predict will be a nasty cold. The kind that will turn into bronchitis and force me to see a doctor. Knowing this, I knew that there was no way I could go to Girl Talk both Saturday and Sunday nights. So, I parted with my Saturday tickets via Craigslist a couple days ago so that I could rest up for Sunday night. Tomorrow night, I will be going with the same group of friends that accompanied me to the GT show at Webster Hall last Fall. That night, people in the crowd were giving us more room to dance because we were going crazy. A "before" picture here and "after" here to show how much dancing I did at the show. I hope the Terminal 5 crowd will be less violent than it was at the Ratatat show.
I just got off the phone with Trash For Your Eyes and Ears, and he had an amazing time at the show. If you've been to Terminal 5, then I'm sure you're aware that there is a gap between the gate and the stage. However, if you want to go onstage to dance, you must rush up the stairs (located stage-right left) during the first 10 minutes of Girl Talk's set. Gregg went on around 10:45 PM last night.
See you tomorrow! I've seen Gregg Gillis three times in the last year or so, and his shows are always so much fun for me. I hope there's a mix of Night Ripper, Feed the Animals, and some new stuff. For now, enjoy "Give Me a Beat." Gregg is a genius for mashing up Of Montreal's "Gronlandic Edit" and Ali's "Breathe In, Breathe Out." Yes, I listened to the St. Lunatics. I'm from the Midwest, what do you expect?
NOTE: Tickets for tonight's show (11/16) have gone back on sale!
Give Me a Beat - Girl Talk
And my favorite off Feed the Animals:
In Step - Girl Talk
Legally download Feed the Animals here.
November 14, 2008
Little Joy - Mercury Lounge 11.13.08
There's been quite a bit of Little Joy coverage on here, especially since I put up a post on "Next Time Around" a few days ago. Like I said before, I don't think that Little Joy's music is mind-blowing in any way except that it simply puts me in a good mood. After hesitating to buy tickets to the Mercury Lounge show last week, I decided that I could use a bit of feel-good live music in my life. Thanks to Craigslist (and Noah), I managed to get a pair of tickets to the Mercury Lounge show at the last minute.
As this was their first show in New York, Little Joy was visibly nervous. Although they've been professional musicians for years, I guess a small venue in the Lower East Side can still refreshingly phase them. Fabrizio and Rodrigo both managed to knock over their beers within the first ten minutes of the show. As much as their past musical reputation has been used as a marketing tool for Little Joy, it was endearing that they didn't expect to ride on the Los Hermanos/the Strokes wave alone.
For the most part, I really enjoyed being at the Little Joy show and listening to the songs that have put a smile on my face the past few mornings. Musically, my only complaint was that Binki Shapiro's mic was turned down too low. She really has a fabulous voice, but I could barely hear her, even during her solos. Maybe it was because I was standing right in front of Fabrizio? Either way, it was such a shame that I couldn't hear her during her brief part in "Next Time Around." Also, I hadn't been to Mercury Lounge in about 8 months, and I'd forgotten how loud their system can be. My ears are still ringing from last night, and that makes me feel old.
So, I've been reading in other places that Albert Hammond, Jr was indeed at the show, along with Aggy. This leads me to conclude that, yes, the tall obnoxious photographer that was standing behind me was indeed Albert Hammond, Jr. The one who hit my head and shoulder multiple times with his lens. Yes, I may have snapped on him, but I don't think he heard me, unfortunately.
Check out my past post for more songs.
Setlist
Evaporar
Unattainable
Play the Part
Shoulder to Shoulder
Brand New Start
Next Time Around
Happiness
With Strangers
Don't Watch Me Dancing
How to Hang a Warhol
No One's Better Sake
New Song
Keep Me In Mind
Evaporar - Little Joy
Someone please put up the guitar tabs for this one
Brand New Start - Little Joy
With Strangers - Little Joy
November 11, 2008
Metric - "Help, I'm Alive"
via Riaz
According to iTunes and Last.fm, I've listened to the new Metric song nearly 100 times in the last five days. That's about 20 times a day, which adds up to over an hour devoted daily to this one song. What can I say, I really like "Help, I'm Alive."
"Help, I'm Alive" is not a complex track, but it's got something that has me mindlessly hitting repeat every single time. Essentially, this song is a very listenable rock-pop song with simple lyrics. But, whenever the song ends, I'm left wanting to hear more. So, I hit the back button on my iTunes/iPod. If "Help, I'm Alive" is any indication of how the new Metric album will be, then it definitely makes my list of most anticipated albums. The album is expected to be released in early 2009.
I have writer's block, so I'm going to keep it short so that I can play around on the guitar for the rest of the night. Love that Tuesday is Veteran's Day.
Enjoy!
Help, I'm Alive - Metric
November 7, 2008
Happy One Year!
via Partyware Supplies
Happy 1st Birthday (to me)! I can't believe that it's already been one year since I started this blog. I created Look at me, I made a blog because, well, it made me feel less worthless during my very laid-back last year of college. You know that you have senioritis when you're taking guitar lessons and a pilates class as filler points in order to stay a full-time student. All my close friends had blogs, so I figured I might as well jump on the wagon. It was an easy way for me to share what I was listening to and what shows I was attending. Also, because I was an engineering student (Surprised?), I needed an outlet for my non-math thoughts. So, this blog was born. Maybe one day, I will show this blog to my kids as proof that their mother was sorta cool in her 20s. But, they will probably roll their eyes at the archaic blog-form and terrible default layout, and call me a music nerd. Touché.
Over the past year, I've made some great discoveries (Fleet Foxes, Chairlift) and went to many shows, some more memorable than others. In only a year's time, some bands that I considered to be underrated in 2007 became some of the most over-hyped in 2008. I've had mini-celebrations when I was linked by the Gothamist, Metromix, Brooklyn Vegan, The Hype Machine, and Elbows. Honestly, I can't imagine a life without constant music discovery. The excitement that I feel when I listen to a new song or a band that truly leaves an impression on my day, my week, my year... it's irreplaceable. I am one of those people who can listen to something and can't help smiling.
The number of musicians that live in and come through New York is truly amazing, and it's been a huge motivating factor for me to stay in this city that I love-hate. Sadly, over four years of NYC-living has pretty much killed the Midwesterner in me. Yes, you can take the Hicksville out of the girl...for the most part. Sometimes at shows, I catch myself crossing my arms and ambivalently tapping a foot, and I think, "Oh no, I've become one of THEM." Uh oh, is it time for me to move to Austin or Seattle? Not sure if I'm ready to add that much plaid to my wardrobe.
Anyway, thank you for reading. Without you, the only person reading this blog would be my mother. I didn't realize that she was actually keeping up with the posts until she asked about my camera after this one and asked about my bruises after this one. So, thank you again. I am always surprised and flattered that you are somewhere out there, reading some of the absurdity that I write. Special thanks to Sarah, Andrew, and David for supporting Look at me, I made a blog from the very beginnings. And, of course, thanks to Mama Kim.
I leave you with a few appropriately-titled songs.
Whoever You Are - Geggy Tah (Who doesn't like the 90s?)
In the New Year - The Walkmen
The Walkmen post here.
Each Year (RAC Mix) - Ra Ra Riot
Ra Ra Riot posts here.
November 5, 2008
Ponytail - "Beg Waves"
via SPIN
Molly was the Kool-Aid man for Halloween and, yes, she broke through a brick wall drawn on brown paper
Things have been a bit quiet post-CMJ, and I miss the music-craziness of October. I've had the election to distract me for a few days, and I've never been prouder to hold an Illinois ID, to be an alum of my alma mater (I'm still waiting for that email, PrezBo), and to be an American. It's been an exciting week, but it's time for me to pick up where I left off.
During the BrooklynVegan CMJ Showcase, I saw a certain band named Ponytail that has a band website that appears to be very circa 1990s. I should warn you that you may find yourself clicking around for awhile. Anyway, let's be honest. When I first saw this band, I thought, "What the hell is going on..." Molly Siegel, the lead singer (if you can call her that), bounced around and made a lot of cat-like noises. Screeches, purrs, she had them all. This guy in front of me was rocking out while everyone looked on with their arms crossed in an appropriate CMJ-like manner.
Regardless, I kinda liked them. I couldn't really explain why they intrigued me that night, but I have been listening to Ponytail ever since the MHOW show. I put Ice Cream Spiritual on my iPod, which turned out to be a dangerous move. Now, I've been finding myself moving to the beat while walking, waiting in front of restaurants, and riding the elevator at work. Uh oh, I guess Ponytail is a little infectious.
While I'm still confused by the "vocals" of Molly Siegel and Dustin Wong, they entertain me at times. I especially enjoy Dustin's monkey sounds in "7 Souls," in all seriousness. I've seen him do the bit live twice, and I may be a little obsessed. But, the track that I've had on repeat for awhile is "Beg Waves," my current favorite. When I saw them perform the song live, the guitarists and drummer managed to make the complicated sequences look so easy to perform (damn them). Up until about time 2:26, the guitars and percussion become increasingly layered on top of each other, making the song seem almost chaotic as the different sounds attempt to fight each other for domination. Then, a melodic guitar riff emerges suddenly, and it's a surprise that manages to put a smile on my face. While I'm the elevator with people in suits. Oh, if they only knew what I was listening to.
Ponytail will be performing with Yeasayer on November 15 at NYU's Skirtball Center. Details here.
Beg Waves - Ponytail
