Favorite Songs of 2011
Posted by trev | Filed under Odds & EndsAnother year in the books means it is time to compile a list of my favorite songs of the year. The usual caveats apply when I make a list like this. I am by no means on the cutting edge when it comes to music. I tend to like what I like, and it often takes a little while for the stuff to filter into my consciousness. Often times, I won’t discover stuff until years after its release. Regardless, here is a list of 25 songs released this year (in alphabetical order) that really got into my brain for one reason or another.
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.
Tags: 2011, anna waronker, beirut, bright eyes, cage the elephant, dum dum girls, fleet foxes, foo fighters, foster the people, girls, grouplove, john vanderslice, los campesinos!, lydia loveless, music, noel gallagher's high flying birds, okkervil river, pj harvey, radiohead, songs, stephen malkmus and the jinks, the black keys, the decemberists, the dodos, the lonely forest, the slow club, the strokes, videos, wild flag
Art and Music Jam
Posted by trev | Filed under Sketchbook
This drawing was done this weekend during the Art & Music Jam at painter’s Alan Bull‘s studio in Newburyport. Music was supplied by the jazz/funk band Lux. Drawing was encouraged. Good times!
Tags: Alan Bull, LAMY Safari Fountain Pen, Lux, music, PITT Big Brush Pen, studio
Favorite Songs of 2010
Posted by trev | Filed under Odds & EndsFavorite Songs of 2010
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.
Tags: 2010, music, songs, videos
Favorite Songs of 2009
Posted by trev | Filed under Odds & EndsIt’s that time again to take a look back at some of my favorite songs that were released this year. As I get older, it gets harder and harder to keep up on the latest tunes. As a result, it sometimes takes a little while to get to the good stuff. For example, two of my favorite songs I discovered this year, were actually released last year. Those songs (The Twist by Frightened Rabbit and Take Off Your Sunglasses by Ezra Furman and the Harpoons) are not on this list, but deserve a shout out.
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
Tags: avett brothers, best of 2009, death cab for cutie, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, liam finn, matt & kim, music, neko case, songs, sufjan stevens, tergan & sara, the arcade fire, the decemberists
Favorite Songs of 2008
Posted by trev | Filed under Odds & EndsIt’s that time of the year again. Time to thrust my musical tastes on an unwilling (and largely uninterested) public. Here are my ten favorite songs released this year. As I mentioned last year, it is important to keep in mind that it is harder and harder to keep up with new music, so this list will undoubtedly change as I finally get tuned in to more and more stuff that was released this year. Still, it’s a nice snapshot of what I’ve been listening to this year.
Lost Coastlines - Okkervil River. This band is quickly becoming one of my favorites. They just have a knack for crafting songs that seep into my brain and refuse to leave.
Gamma Ray - Beck. When I heard that Beck and Danger Mouse were together, Modern Guilt quickly became my most anticipated album of the year. It didn’t disappoint.
I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab for Cutie. This is a strange song in many ways. It’s four minute plus intro and it’s decidely non-Death Cab ominous bass line doesn’t seem like a recipe for success, but it works. Don’t settle for the neutered radio edit, embrace it in it’s full eight-minute glory.
Great DJ - The Ting Tings. Give me a catchy hook and I’m a happy man. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a catchier hook than this one.
Furr – Blitzen Trapper. I got turned onto this track by All Songs Considered, and it stuck in my iPod ever since. This song somehow pulls off the tricky task of having a timeless quality and while being so effortlessly “now”.
Living Well is the Best Revenge – R.E.M. Wow, talk about a blast from the past. R.E.M. returns with an energy and passion that they haven’t displayed since Monster. This track is an instant classic and reminds me of why I spent so much time with their stuff in my younger days.
Salute Your Solution – The Raconteurs. I found the first album from this band to be a bit of a mixed bag, but they really started to gell with their latest. This track is the sonic boom that announces their coming out as a true band.
Campus – Vampire Weekend. I resisted the hype surrounding these guys for some time, but once I started to weaken, I was hooked. Some other tracks on this album may eventually surpass this for me, but this was the one that wore me down so it gets the nod.
Better to Be – Liam Finn. Take the offspring of one of my favorite artists. Add influences by the likes of Elliott Smith, Pavement and Nirvana. It’s almost like this guy was genetically engineered especially for me.
Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? – She & Him. When I first heard about this album, I thought it smacked of a total celebrity vanity project but this pairing of actress Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward is pure magic. Also check out their fantastic cover of Smokey Robinson’s “You Really Got a Hold on Me.”
One last note on this list. Both the Beck and Raconteurs videos (and albums) feature photography by Autumn De Wilde, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite photographers. She has beautifully photographed some of my favorite musicians, including a book of photographs of Elliott Smith that is high on my wish list.
Tags: autumn dewilde, beck, best of 2008, blizten trapper, death cab for cutie, liam finn, music, okkervil river, r.e.m., she & him, the raconteurs, the ting tings, vampire weekend, zooey deschanel
