Arlandria by Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl returns to his roots and delivers an album that harkens back to the band’s early sound. The result is a refreshed energy and some kick ass tracks like this one.

Around my Head by Cage the Elephant

I’m a sucker for any song that can make good use of well executed “oohs” and “ahs” and this track definitely delivers the goods.

By Your Hand by Los Campesinos!

I always felt that Los Campesinos! sounded a bit like a UK version of early Weezer (that’s a good thing) and that vibe really comes across on this track.

Can’t Change Me by Lydia Loveless

I am sure Lydia Loveless gets tired of the Neko Case comparisons, but with a set of powerful pipes like hers it can’t be helped. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

The Death of You and Me by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

I’ve always had soft spot for Noel Gallagher. Sure, there isn’t a lot of depth to his lyrics, but there is some magic there. Plus, I was instantly hooked by the Jon Brion-esque sound of the production of this track.

Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls) by Foster the People

I didn’t really connect with “Pumped Up Kicks” the way everyone else seemed to, but I sure dig this bouncy track.

Don’t Try and Hide It by The Dodos

A great track from a great album. Add in a bit of Pearl Jam’s “Daughter” and a dash of Neko Case and you get yourself a killer track.

East Harlem by Beirut

If there can be such a thing as a “quintessential sound” from a band as versatile and diverse as Beirut, this track sure seems to tap into it.

He Gets Me High by the Dum Dum Girls

This year seemed to be filled with a lot of kick ass female rockers and a return of the sound of the early 90s. Those two trends converge nicely in this track.

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

A beautiful song about coping with the realization that the universe doesn’t revolve around us. A nice little kick in the pants. Apply when needed.

I Don’t Wanna by Anna Waronker

This year was a good year for fans of the early 90s band, that dog. First, their former leader singer released another solo album and then the band got together for a reunion show later in the year. More please.

June Hymn by The Decemberists

The Decemberists put aside their penchant for concept albums and released an album that was simply filled with good songs. This is one of the stand outs.

The Last Living Rose by PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey is one of the few artists that can push her music to such extremes and still make songs that sound so uniquely “her.” She almost adapts an entirely different voice on this album, but it is still pure Polly Jean.

Lonely Boy by The Black Keys

Another year, another great Black Keys track. I find this video absolutely mesmerizing.

Machu Picchu by The Strokes

The Strokes are one of those bands that I appreciate more on the basis of a handful of tracks than the strength of their complete catalog. But when they connect with me, like they do with this track, it’s pure sonic gold.

Morning Mr Magpie by Radiohead

The release of King of Limbs earlier this year was the kind of event you don’t typically see in this era of music downloads. It’s hard to pick just one winner from this album, but this one is as good as any.

Romance by Wild Flag

Rock super groups aren’t supposed to sound so fun, but that’s what Carrie Brownstein and company accomplish here. Kick ass stuff.

Sea Salt by John Vanderslice

Lush. That’s the only word to describe the sound on this album (recording with a full orchestra will get that for you). Still, it’s the little things that grab me. I just love the piano plucking on this track.

Senator by Stephen Malkmus and the Jinks

A mini epic clocking in at just under four and half minutes. A great song that will probably be remembered more for the line about what Senators want.

Shell Games by Bright Eyes

I was really jacked up for the new Bright Eyes album this year, but it fell a little short for me. Still, it did deliver a couple killer tracks, so who am I to complain?

Tongue Tied by Grouplove

This song got a big boost when it was used prominently in the new Apple iPod Touch TV spot. Yay, advertising!

Two Cousins by The Slow Club

Compared to the band’s previous efforts, this song really seemed to come out of left field, so initially it left me a bit little cold. But before long, it seemed to burrow into my brain and compel me to listen to it repeatedly. Consider me a convert.

Vomit by Girls

Bringing back the 90s tradition of one word song titles that are never actually referenced in the song (ala Nirvana’s “Lithium” or Pearl’s Jam’s “Corduroy”).

Wake and Be Fine by Okkervil River

Man, I sure love me some rock songs that can incorporate a good old fashioned waltz vibe.

We Sing in Time by The Lonely Forest

The early 90s alternative music scene seemed dominated by either by grungy acts like Nirvana or overly earnest acts like Live. That latter sound seems to be making a comeback in this song. I’m okay with that as long as it doesn’t get out of hand.

It’s that time once again to look back at some of my favorite songs of the year. As I get older, it gets harder and harder to hear new music. Typically, I get caught up when music sites do their mid-year and end-of-year lists. Even so, I still don’t end up discovering some of my favorite songs for any given year until way after the year ends.

With that in mind, here is a list of my 25 favorite songs that were released this year (in alphabetical order):

All Delighted People by Sufjan Stevens

By all rights, the Sufjan “formula” should really turn me off. The excesses and preciousness inherent in his music should send me running for the hills. Instead, I can’t get enough. Even when it comes in an 11+ minute chunk.

All I Want by LCD Soundsystem

A sonic sequel of sorts to the 2007 track “All My Friends”, this song features the same kind of driving and infectious riffs.

All Yr Songs by Diamond Rings

Winner of the funniest video of the year. The song ain’t nothing to sneeze at either.

American Slang by The Gaslight Anthem

The Gaslight Anthem is like a postcard from the music of my college years, which, >ahem<, was some time ago.

Bang Bang Bang by Mark Ronson

Ronson updates his 60s retro sound to a more 8-byte 80s groove with good results. Plus, it’s got Q-tip, who makes any song worth listening to.

Born Free by M.I.A.

Messy and all over the place, this track quickly became one of my favorite gym workout tracks of the year. Plus the video is pretty hardcore.

Bottled in Cork by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Throw some This Year’s Model era Elvis Costello and the Attractions into a blender with a dash of the Replacements and you’d get a delectable smoothie that would resemble something like this.

The Cave by Mumford and Sons

Coming from a similar vibe as 2009′s Avett Brothers I and Love and You, Mumford and Sons filled my folksy rock niche for this year.

Cousins by Vampire Weekend

This is what punk music would’ve sounded like if it was created by guys named Tad wearing cardigans and deck shoes. Regardless, it kind of works.

Christmas TV by Slow Club

A sweet little ditty that can warm the heart on the coldest of nights.

Excuses by The Morning Benders

If there were only one word to describe this song, it would be lush. This is especially evident in the orchestrally arranged version in the video above.

F**k You by Cee Lo Green

Soul of a novelty song in a perfect R&B confection. It’s amazing it works as well as it does.

The High Road by Broken Bells

If Danger Mouse could be involved with every piece of music that gets released, the world would be a better place. Instead, we’ll just have to settle for stuff like this pitch perfect pop collaboration with The Shins’ James Mercer.

Hit ‘em Up Style by Carolina Chocolate Drops

Old School Bluegrass flavor. New School Hip Hop attitude. Consider me schooled.

I Walked by Sufjan Stevens

I typically don’t list an artist more than once on these kinds of lists. I’ll make an exception here since Sufjan released two vastly different albums this year, the aforementioned All Delighted People EP and the more electronic Age of Adz which produced this track.

Jardin Du Luxembourg by Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger

Released on an 7″ earlier this year, this Mark Ronson engineered retro groove instantly became a favorite. The acoustic version released later in the year, while good, pales in comparison.

Let’s Get Out of Here by Les Savy Fav

Fav’d.

Page Break by Buke and Gass

Experimental sounding, but still easily digestable, this duo’s sound reminds me of early PJ Harvey.

Simple Girl by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

More neo-retro goodness. I used this song as inspiration for a letterpress project I did earlier this year.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

Deviating from the band’s usual anthemic formula, this song still manages to insinuate itself in your head. The lyrics “So can you understand? Why I want a daughter while I’m still young. I wanna hold her hand and show her some beauty before this damage is done” gets me every time.

Swim Until You Can’t See Land by Frightened Rabbit

This song makes drifting out into the ocean sound like a rather pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

This Too Shall Pass by Ok Go

OK Go has become more known for their music videos than their music. Case in point, they actually released two great videos for this song. All of that aside, this nifty little ditty has no problem standing on its own.

Tighten Up by The Black Keys

Another Danger Mouse collaboration on the list? You betcha’. This song moves The Black Keys’ needle more towards pop without making it sound like a sellout.

You Are Not Alone by Mavis Staples

“Open up, this is a raid.” I don’t recall a whole lot of people saying, “You know what I want? A Mavis Staples/Jeff Tweedy team up.” But we got it. And it was good.

Your Hands (Together) by The New Pornographers

Coming off the mild disappointment that was 2007′s Challengers, this song marked a bombastic return to form for one of my favorite bands.

Last week, I attended the second Letterpress workshop at the Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA. Where the first workshop went over the basics of the art of letterpress, this workshop was more free form, allowing us a chance to work on our own projects.

My plan was to do a series of small cards that incorporated my illustrations with letterpressed type. Unfortunately, a business meeting forced me to miss half of the two-day workshop so I was forced to scale back my plans a bit. Instead of a series of cards, I focused on completing just one. You can see the results above.

I created the illustration before I went to the workshop. The text I was planning to letterpress was the opening lyrics for the song “Simple Girl” by the band Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr, so I wanted a drawing of a woman that would fit nicely with the lines. The final drawing was a simple brush and ink drawing that I scanned in and colored in a light tint of cyan. I then printed out a bunch of cards on my inkjet (I had originally hoped to silkscreen it, but a lack of time, resources and experience forced me to alter my plans).

Once at the workshop, I looked for an appropriate typeface to set my text. Originally, I wanted the text to overlap and integrate with the illustration, but I had trouble finding a typeface in the perfect size for that. Scrapping those plans, I instead decided to set the type nicely in the ample white space that the illustration provided. I selected Caslon 14pt Text for the type. The rest was relatively simple (thanks to the expert guidance of workshop instructor and letterpress/bookmaking diva Sarah Smith).

The second letterpress workshop was just was good as the first. I am already trying to figure out a way to get more press time in the future.

Last weekend, I went to a two day Letterpress workshop at the Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA. Previously, I had no experience with letterpress (and not much experience with printmaking, in general) so I was not quite sure what to expect. I had a fantastic time. I have been setting type digitally for about 15 years now, but handling beautifully crafted lead and wood blocks of type really makes you realize how sterile their digital counterparts are.

The first day of the workshop was spent going over the basics, setting our first lines of type and learning the printing process. The second day of the workshop was open for us to work on our own project. I chose to create a mini-poster of sorts for the Alfred Hitchcock film, The 39 Steps. I chose this film more for the aesthetic possibilities of the title than anything else (even though I recommend it — it is a very fun flick).

I decided pretty early on to keep my design simple. It was really easy to get lost in the myriad of choices of type found in the various drawers and cabinets. Still, even though the Montserrat print shop had an impressive type to choose from, one of the biggest challenges that the project presented was learning to work with limitations. In the digital world, you almost have no limitations. Looking for a 24 point font rather than an 18 point one? No problem. In the movable type world, you can only work with what you have. Is that 30 point Clarendon a bit too small? Too bad, there is no 32 point available. Make it work, or make another selection.

I found these limitations oddly exhilarating. There is an old saying that limits breed creativity. While this doesn’t always apply, I do think there is a lot of truth in that statement. It was really fun to explore creative solutions under the tight deadline we were working with. That, combined with the tactile nature of making the print really was exciting. A print is much more gratifying when you play a more integral part in its creation than just hitting “print.”

I have already signed up for the second part of the workshop occurring next month. I can’t wait. I already miss the smell of the ink.

What’s in a Name

First of all, there is an issue of nomenclature that I need to clarify. Since the time of the original post, the brush pen that I referred to as the “Pentel Brush Pen” has now become more commonly known as the “Pentel Pocket Brush Pen.” I am not sure when or how this happened, but I suspect it has something to do with how Pentel introduced their brush pen line into the United States.

At the original time of this post, it was difficult to find any Pentel Brush Pens here in the States. As the years went on, U.S. retailers like Dick Blick began carrying a product they referred to as the Pentel Color Brush Pen. While the Pentel Color Brush Pen had a very similar name to the Pentel Brush Pen, it was a somewhat different animal. First of all, as the name suggests, it was available in a number of colors other than black. Secondly, you had to squeeze the barrel to maintain the flow of ink to the brush. You can read my original thoughts on the Pentel Color Brush Pen here. It isn’t a bad pen, and it actually has one advantage over the Pentel Brush Pen — namely, better ink. Still, I have never really taken to these brush pens and I have seldom had the urge to pick one up over the years.

Fast forward to the present. At some point, I noticed that the Pentel Color Brush Pen was simply being called the Pentel Brush Pen. The brush pen that I waxed about in that earlier post was finally becoming much more readibly available here in the States, but it is now called the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen.

Confusing? You betcha. I apologize for any confusion (don’t blame me, blame Pentel). Anyhoo, just remember that when you read through my site (especially that earlier post) whenever I go on and on about the Pentel Brush Pen, I am really talking about the art tool that is being sold in the U.S. as the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen.

Come and Get ‘Em

As I mentioned earlier, the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is not as difficult to find here in the States as they once were. I no longer have to put up with exchange rates and overseas shipping to indulge in my favorite brush pen. The big U.S. art retailer, Dick Blick now sells them. I also strongly recommend JetPens. Not only do they sell the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, they also sell a host of other cool brush pens (and pens of all kinds) they have imported from Japan and other places. Check ‘em out.

Avert Your Eyes

One of my biggest regrets about my original post is that I didn’t post better artwork to go along with it. The drawing I posted is a bit shaky, and if I had known how many eyeballs that post would get I probably would’ve never included it. Still, I am hesitant to take it down because this site is intended to be an online sketchbook of sorts, which means it includes the bad with the good. If you want to better examples of the brush pen in action, I recommend you check out some of the sketches in this link. Keep in mind I typically only use the Pentel Brush Pen for sketchbook type of work, so none of the drawings I post here using it are all that refined.

Tricked Out

One of my biggest complaints with the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is with the ink — it just isn’t black enough for my tastes. Thanks to a suggestion in one of the comments, I have started filling old (and empty) ink cartridges with india ink. Despite some initial trepidation, it works like a charm! I haven’t noticed any clogging or other problems. It is a definite improvement over the ink that typically comes with the standard ink cartridges.

State of the Art (Tool)

So in the eight years since I wrote my original post, the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen has found a permanent place among my essential art tools. It is everything I wanted in a brush pen. When I’m out and about, it provides a simple, portable alternative to using a regular brush and ink. The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is durable and maintains a nice shape for a long time. It can really take a beating.

The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is not without its drawbacks, however. As good as it is, it just doesn’t compare to a real brush. The ink flow of the brush pen is adequate, but can’t keep up to really quick sketching. I have also had less than stellar results using the brush pen on toothier paper stocks. When I’ve worked on those kinds of stocks, I’ve needed to work really slowly to get acceptable results. On the flip side, I’ve gotten fantastic results whenever I use my brush pen with one of my Moleskine notebooks. The brush pen just glides over the surface of the Moleskine and makes it a real joy to use.

Another drawback of the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is that it just doesn’t have the versatility of a real brush. With a sable brush, you can go messy, loading the brush up with too much ink and just slopping the stuff on paper. You can go for a dry brush look. You can dillute the ink to get a nice wash look. The Pentel can’t keep up in those regards.

With these drawbacks in mind, I still heartily endorse the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen. While it will never replace an actual brush, it really doesn’t have to. It provides a quick, compact, no-fuss method of getting a brush-like experience when I’m away from my drawing table. Give one a try.

Recently, I have been participating in an artist trading card group organized by the talented Kevin “Darkman” Ormsby. The way the group works is that we are given a theme and then must illustrate that theme (using whatever medium we choose) on a small card that’s a little larger than your average business card. The completed cards are collected and then redistributed at random. It’s all good wholesome American fun.

The image above is my contribution for the most current theme of “Red”. You can see all of the other contributions at our Flickr group.

Over the past couple of years, I become more involved with the North Shore Web Geeks, a monthly meetup of web professionals from Boston’s North Shore and New Hampshire Seacoast. Last night’s meeting was a blast, despite the fact that powerful winds knocked out power in Newburyport later in the evening.

Considering the geeky vibe of the evening, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do some sketching on my iPhone. I’ve been messing around with the wonderful drawing app, Brushes, for a little while now. It’s a great app capable of some incredible things, but it’s taking me a little while to get the hang of drawing on it. The drawings above are of three of the panel members for the evening’s Great CMS Debate: John Eckman (Optaros) , Jay Batson (Acquia) and Marc Amos (Boston Web Studio). I wasn’t able to get any drawings of the panelist’s fourth member, Tom Herer (Atom Group). I am sure Tom’s broken up that he didn’t get the same crudely drawn immortalization as his panel mates.

These are quick (two to three minute) drawings and are admittedly pretty rough. Drawing on the iPhone takes a bit of getting use to, and I haven’t quite gotten the hang of it yet. For some reason, I am totally incapable of drawing effectively on the iPhone with my finger. A little digging on the internet pointed me in the direction of  the Pogo Sketch Stylus. The Pogo does it’s job, but it’s still miles away from drawing with a real pencil or pen. The other obstacle with drawing on the iPhone is the size. The drawing area is even smaller than a small Moleskine. While the app lets you zoom in and out, I still find it difficult to work at the iPhone size.

Despite these limitations, drawing on the iPhone is really fun. As I get use to the app, I have just been doing a lot of line drawings (with a little tone). As I get more acclimated to it, I hope to explore more of the app’s painting capabilities.

If you get Brushes for your iPhone, I highly recommend you download Brushes Viewer, the free desktop companion. Brushes Viewer allows you to view the raw Brushes files. From these, you can create a video of the drawing in progress, or you can export the drawings themselves at higher resolutions.

Introducing Brick & Sand: Life in Newburyport, Massachusetts, a new book of photography I self-published. For years, I have been taking photos in and around this scenic little city, trying to capture what makes this seaport such a popular tourist destination. This book collects some of my favorite shots, showing off Newburyport’s unique charm in a different light. To learn more or to order a copy, check out the book’s website.

So, Without further ado, here is the list (in no particular order).

Little Bribes by Death Cab for Cutie

This song features some of my favorite lyrics of the year, including the line “Then we kissed like lonely people do,” which I find so wistfully hopeful.

This Tornado Loves You by Neko Case

Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone is one of my favorite albums of the year, packed with so many songs that could have made this list. This song edges them out simply because I dig how you are never quite sure whether she’s singing about an actual tornado or just using it as a metaphor for a real train wreck of a relationship.

Daylight by Matt & Kim

As soon as that piano riff kicks in, there is simply no holding this bouncy song down. Just try. I dare you.

The Rake’s Song by The Decemberists

Hats off to the Decemberists for making a song about a guy killing his kids such a toe tapper. I love the way the music builds as the story slowly unfolds.

You Are the Blood by Sufjan Stevens

This cover is a shambling mess that goes all over the place. And you know what? It works. We need more music from Sufjan Stevens in 2010.

January Wedding by The Avett Brothers

This is such a sweet and simple song, from an album filled with sweet and simple songs.

Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

For some reason, I get a real Ennio Morricone vibe from this track. Combine that with the genuine sense of affection that just drips from the two singers and I am hooked.

Lenin by The Arcade Fire

Another song from the Dark Was the Night compliation. Benefit albums are just not meant to be so good, but this one breaks the mold. This track finds the Arcade Fire doing their thing, and doing it well.

Someday by Tegan & Sara

When Tegan and Sara are on their game, they craft pop songs that camp out in your brain and stay there for an extended visit. They are on their game with this one.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Slow Doomsday by Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Now We Can See by The Thermals, Plane Crash by Liam Finn & Eliza Jane, Heaven Can Wait by Charlotte Gainsbourg (with Beck), Coast of Carolina by Telekinesis, Sunlight by Tune-Yards, Northern Lights by Bowerbirds, Lisztomania by Phoenix and Everyday by Veitver