Music of 2010

In celebration of the new year, here is a countdown of our favorite albums for 2010.  Check out the playlist that resulted.

10. Sleigh Bells - Treats
          "Tell Em"
9. Charlotte Gainsbourgh - IRM
          "Heaven Can Wait"
8. The Black Keys - Brothers
          "Tighten Up"
7. Beach House - Teen Dream
          "Walk in the Park"
6. The Walkmen - Lisbon
          "Angela Surf City"
5. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
          "Little Lion Man"
4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
          "The Suburbs"
3. Florence + The Machine - Lungs
          "Cosmic Love"
2. Broken Bells - Broken Bells
          "The High Road"
1. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
          "Sun Hands"
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Song of the Week Christmas Special

Rotation 1

The Bird and the Bee, Stockings by the Fire [EP] - "Carol of the Bells"

We all get those moments when the traditional songs that we grew-up with can start to get under our skin.  I enjoyed this rendition of "Carol of the Bells" - it sounds like something out of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with a Calypso dream sequence.







Rotation 2

Bright Eyes, A Christmas Album - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman"

You wouldn't necessarily think that Conor Oberst would be the poster child for a christmas album, but when you hear his version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," there is something so befitting about it - blending right in with his original works.








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In Rotation 2 : Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

Broken Social Scene isn't your ordinary rock band.  Aside from their two founding members, Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, the group is an ever changing cast of musicians.  Even with different voices and instrumental styles, their latest release, Forgiveness Rock Record, has a consistency that provides a stabilizing sound and not a mishmash of sorts.  There is an understated energy in their songs that makes the collaborative style seem effortless.

Notable Tracks:
4. "Forced to Love"
5. "All to All"
8. "Ungrateful Little Father"
9. "Meet Me in the Basement"




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In Rotation 1 : Best Coast - Crazy For You

As the chill of winter sets in, the surfer-pop infused tunes of Best Coast brings the cheer of summer back.  Influenced by the 1960's sounds from the Grande Ole Opry and West Coast Surfer Pop, Best Coast stays true to the California sound with a contemporary lo-fi vibe.  An upbeat tempo combine with simple no-nonsenses lyrics makes Crazy For You, a fun easy listen. 

Notable Tracks:

1. "Boyfriend"

2. "Crazy For You"

4. "Goodbye"

10. "Honey"

13. "When I'm with You"

  

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In Rotation 2 : The National - High Violet

The National take a straightforward approach to making quality music.  They don't need to hide their music behind a lot of flash and noise. Instead they let the lyrics and vocals speak for themselves and create songs that are stripped of overproduction.  The result: High Violet has a dark and mysterious romanticism about its sound.  It is a quiet yet powerful record that has a unique voice amongst today's music.

Notable Tracks:
4. "Little Faith"
6. "Bloodbuzz Ohio"
7. "Lemonworld"
8. "Runaway"

A tribute to their Cincinnati roots:

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Rotation 1 : Florence + The Machine - Lungs

Hailing from the UK, Florence + The Machine's debut album "Lungs" comes on to the scene without holding anything back.  Belting out no-holds-bar vocals, one cannot deny that the passion is felt in every note.  The album offers a spectrum ranging from fun dance infused pop to dark desire longing blues rock.  The combination of heavy bass kick drum and howling powerful vocals is intoxicating.  There is no doubt why Florence + The Machine have been receiving many accolades for this album.

Notable Tracks:
1. "Dog Days are Over"
2. "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)"
7. "Drumming Song"
9. "Cosmic Love"
13. "You've Got the Love"
(I only listed 5 tracks, but the entire album doesn't miss a beat)




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In Rotation 2 : Wavves - King of the Beach

A few weeks ago, with the exception of one or two songs from their earlier work, I was still unsure about the buzz surrounding Wavves.  This has all changed since finally getting my hands on their latest album, King of the Beach.  Sadly, I wish I had first heard it back in summer, since its the perfect record for driving with the windows down or laying in the sun at the pool.  Right away, I was hooked by the beat of the opening track and the way lead singer Nathan Williams started with those two little lines "Let the sun burn my eyes/Let it burn my back." This record maintains the energy and surfer punk attitude heard in their previous material, but the guys found a way to turn down the glare of the lo-fi noise and create more harmonious beats. This really took their music to the next level without totally abandoning who they were as artists. My only complaint about the album is the out of place, weird 80's cheese on "Convertible Balloon"; strip the record of this song and repeat one of the following tracks instead.

Notable Tracks:
1. "King of the Beach"
5. "Post Acid"
10. "Mickey Mouse"
12. "Baby Say Goodbye"


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Song of the Week 11/21

Rotation 1

Local Natives, Gorilla Manor - "Sun Hands"

The vehicular kinetic rhythm of "Sun Hands" instantly catches the listener with it's infectious beat.  Infused with a swirling back chorus, it is difficult not to start bouncing your foot along to this track.  I am fascinated by songs that when listened to, I feel simultaneously transported into a visual menagerie driven by audio sounds.
- Enjoy






Rotation 2

Man/Miracle, The Shape of Things - "Hot Sprawl"

These Oakland guys make this song seem so effortless - just another day laying back and making great music among friends.  The guitar rhythm is extremely chill and the vocals match the slow drifting pattern. At the 1:30 mark, they make their move and deliver a burst of energy that captures the heart of the song. Then the intensity falls perfectly back into rhythm as if nothing was out of place.





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Artist Retrospective : The Beatles

In celebration of the holidays (and the fact that they are finally on i-Tunes), we have decided to bring on the daunting challenge of picking our favourite Beatles tunes.  I should not say that it is a daunting task, because listening to their breadth of work is one of my most enjoyable past-times.  Realise that in a short decade of work, these lads have been in our lives for fifty years.  Their music transcends the small minded-ness that tends to divide us, to become a voice which shows that we all have much more in common than we realise.  In the spirit of peace on earth for the holidays, everybody should listen to The Beatles and enjoy.
- Cheers

Rotation 1

"A Hard Day's Night" - A Hard Day's Night,1964

"Things We Said Today" - A Hard Day's Night, 1964

"Ticket to Ride" - Help!, 1965

"Help!" - Help!, 1965

"Yesterday" - Help!, 1965

"Drive My Car" - Rubber Soul, 1965

"Norwegian Wood" - Rubber Soul, 1965

"Taxman" - Revolver, 1966

"Eleanor Rigby" - Revolver, 1966

"A Day in the Life" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band, 1967

"Come Together" - Abbey Road, 1969

"Something" - Abbey Road, 1969
"I Want You (She's So Heavy)" - Abbey Road, 1969

"Across the Universe" - Let It Be, 1970

"Let It Be" - Let It Be, 1970

Rotation 2

"If I Fell" - A Hard Day's Night, 1964
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" - Help!, 1965
"I've Just Seen A Face" - Help!, 1965
"Norwegian Wood" - Rubber Soul, 1965
"Fixing A Hole" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
"A Day in the Life" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

"Strawberry Field's Forever" - Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

"I Am the Walrus" - Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - The Beatles (White Album), 1968
"Happiness is a Warm Gun" - The Beatles (White Album), 1968
"Rocky Raccoon" - The Beatles (White Album), 1968

"Come Together" - Abbey Road, 1969

"You Never Give Me your Money" - Abbey Road, 1969
"Golden Slumbers" - Abbey Road, 1969
"Let It Be" - Let It Be, 1970

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Song of the Week 11/14

Rotation 1

Beach House, Devotion - "Gila"

Melodically hypnotizing, the droning beat and swirling vocals of  "Gila" has me pushing the repeat button often.  The lyrics are simple and repeat frequently: 

"Give a little more than you like
Pick apart the past, you’re not going back
So don’t you waste your time"

However, in combination with the instrumentation this song becomes deeper and the meaning are left up for each listeners interpretation.

Rotation 2

Wavves, Wavvves - "To the Dregs"

Originally on the fence about this artist, I am slowly coming around with the help of this tune.  I had picked up this earlier album based on the buzz surrounding their third and latest release, King of the Beach.  I am drawn to their lo-fi surfer punk vibe that transports you straight to the beaches of Cali.  And in terms of pure noise and energy, they have plenty, making them one band you can't ignore.




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Song of the Week 11/7

Rotation 1

Gorillaz, Plastic Beach - "Cloud of Unknowing"

Plastic Beach is the third album project released by Gorillaz creator Damon Albarn.  It is a departure from the character driven sound which brought the Gorillaz out on to the music scene.  This project is a compilation of featured artist.  "Cloud of Unknowing", features Bobby Womack and Sinfonia ViVA.  It is a slow beautiful introspective moment found within the album. 

Rotation 2

Julia Stone, The Memory Machine - "Catastrophe"

Known mostly for musical partnership with her brother Angus, Julia is breaking away with the debut of her own solo album.  This Aussie has a fragility in her voice that contrasts beautifully with a darkness in her songs. "Catastrophe" is instrumentally one of the more upbeat songs that gives a nice break in tone to the middle of the album.  Although the name of the song and lyrics surround a doomed situation between two people, I find there is a unique sense of hope that quietly emerges from the song.


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In Rotation 2 : Foals - "Blue Blood"

Another great musical export from the UK, Foals have a quiet strength in their songs.  The five member band released their second album, Total Life Forever, back in May.  While I have yet to hear the entire album, I am taken by their single "Blue Blood."  It perfectly showcases the depth of vocals and has great instrumentation to complement the highs and lows of the song.  One look at their video for this song and you too will be taken over by the music.


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Song of the Week 10/31

Rotation 1

Heart, Dreamboat Annie - "Crazy on You"

Being a single released off their debut album back in 1976, "Crazy on You" is not a new occurrence in ones listening spectrum.  However, when I need strength and clarity to figure out my next step; I find myself turning to 70's anthems.  This time it was the powerful vocals and lyrics provided by Ann and Nancy.  I cannot deny that there is wisdom found within guitar rifts.





Rotation 2

Matt & Kim, Sidewalks - "Cameras"

After much success with their 2009 breakout song "Daylight," Matt & Kim released a new album this week full of more fun indie dance rock.  The album is upbeat and enjoyable. Watch out for this first single, as well as the two other standouts, "Where You're Coming From" and "Good for Great."








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In Rotation 2 : Sleigh Bells - Treats

At first listen, you might think they are just a cacophony of noise.  But take a second listen, and Sleigh Bells has produced some of the most in-your-face, captivating sounds of the year on their debut album, Treats. I was instantly drawn to the NYC duo's "Crown on the Ground." A song with loud shrilling guitars and throbbing beats that appear to be launching an assault straight out of your speakers, and has made me ponder what exactly does it mean to "crown on the ground?" The album goes on to deliver ten more bold tracks by counterbalancing the abrasiveness of the instruments with a playful quality in the vocals.  My suggestion when listening to this album: turn the volume up, way up, so you can feel every note pound in your chest. 

Notable Tracks:
2. "Kids"
3. "Riot Rhythm"
7. "Rill Rill"
8. "Crown on the Ground"
11. "Treats"

Not a real video, but at least you get the music

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In Rotation 1 : Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM

Filled with the signature syncopated rhythms from Beck paired with the sweet beautiful voice of Charlotte Gainsbourg, is her third released studio album - IRM. IRM, takes the listener through a musical journey accompanied by lyrics creating visual images of modern times: "Pixelated Faces Play", "Looking Through a Glass Onion", "Crooked Mind Bending Back the Truth". I really appreciate how the album ebbs from the blasé to the neurotic and chaotic.

Notable Tracks:
2. "IRM"
5. "Heaven can Wait"
8. "Time of the Assassins"
9. "Trick Pony"
13. "La Collectionneuse"





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Song of the Week 10/24

Rotation 1

Plumtree, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World- "Scott Pilgrim"


Don't dis the soundtrack, they are albums too. I know that many times it can be just a jumble of songs, questionable even if the tracks go together and do they make sense with the movie they are suppose to be accompanying. However without seeing the movie, I cannot get this album out of my car. Every time I listen I fall into another song. My latest obsession is the second track aptly named "Scott Pilgrim", Plumtree has that quintessential indie garage rock thing down. Simple guitar, straight forward rhythm, and uncomplicated lyrics.

Rotation 2

The Strokes, First Impressions of Earth - "Heart in a Cage"

Thanks to my recent dive back into garage rock and my killer Pandora station, I was reminded just how much I like The Strokes with this 2006 song. Between the attitude in Julian Casablancas' voice and the crazy guitar chords, this song is flat out ridiculous.








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In Rotation 2 : The Walkmen - Lisbon

Somewhere in between the musical spectrum of Bob Dylan and The Strokes there lies a band named The Walkmen. If you aren't familiar with this band that has flown relatively under the radar of the masses for nearly a decade, its about time you get acquainted by taking a listen to Lisbon, the band's fifth studio album released back in September. Lisbon is a thoughtful collection of songs that balance between a pure and raw feeling. The songs walk a line between a gentle delicateness and fragility contrasted with the intensity in Hamilton Leithauser's voice that displays every ounce of painful emotion.

Notable Tracks:
2. "Angela Surf City"
4. "Blue As Your Blood"
5. "Stranded"
6. "Victory"



Plus an old favorite:

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Song of the Week 10/17

Rotation 1

Civil Twilight, Civil Twilight - "Letters from the Sky"

Think of a mix between Muse , U2, and Coldplay, in the middle of this spectrum would be Civil Twilight. The group from Cape Town releases their deut album with the powerful anthem, "Letters from the Sky".










Rotation 2

Kings of Leon, Come Around Sundown - "No Money"

Two years after their most successful record to date, Kings of Leon are back at it with the release of their fifth studio album. They return with their laid back southern rocker charm. Don't let the term "laid back" full you, since these three brothers (plus one cousin) know how to showcase their instruments and still deliver a strong sound. "Radioactive," "The Immortals," and "No Money," which is one of their more revved up songs, are all standouts from the new album.




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Song of the Week 10/10

Rotation 1

Belle & Sebastian, Write About Love - "I Want the World to Stop" & "Write About Love"

Falling in music love with Belle & Sebastian back during their Tigermilk, If You're Feeling Sinister, and Boy with the Arab Strap albums. I was excited to hear that they were releasing a new album this month. True to their storytelling Brit-pop roots, the lyrics are as always full of cheeky bits.






Rotation 2

Eskmo, Eskmo - "Cloudlight"

Eskmo aka San Francisco electronic artist Brendan Angelides produces some funky beats on his new album out this month. "Cloudlight" is a great opening track that makes your ears feel like the world is melting outside of your headphones.








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In Rotation 2 : Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

This post has definitely been months overdue. The tracks from Sigh No More have been streaming over my airwaves since early this spring. With a brief mention in my last post about indie folk rock, I figured it was time to give them their own spotlight. Mumford and Sons have found a way to perfectly capture gentle moments before graduating them into a monumental explosion of sound through an intensity in drums and bluegrass instrumentation.

Notable Tracks:
2. "The Cave"
3. "Winter Winds"
5. "White Blank Page"
7. "Little Lion Man"
11. "Dust Bowl Dance"


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In Rotation 1 : St. Vincent - Actor

Actor is the second full length album from St. Vincent. This album has me hooked with its layering of contrast. Juxtaposed against the innocent voice of Annie Clark are musically clean, but abrasive climatic moments along with cheeky and at times dark lyrics. Each song paints these wonderful pictures of "really" life accompanied by a great musical score.

Notable Tracks (the entire album is great from start to finish, but the following are a few of my favorites):
2. "Save Me From What I Want"
4. "Actor Out of Work"
6. "Laughing with a Mouth Full of Blood"
7. "Marrow"
10. "Just the Same but Brand New"





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Song of the Week 9/26

Rotation 1

Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan - "Stairway to Heaven"

Stairway to Heaven is a classic rock song that has been covered various times. However this version from guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela has quickly become one of my favorites (it is a close runner up from the original). I mentioned this particular track for this week because it is easy to transition from what might be a typical diet of radio music to intense paced Latin acoustic with something a bit familiar. However, the entire album is amazing to listen to; I have a fondness for the track "Tamacun". Live in Japan, comes with a DVD performance which is not to be missed. I am amazed that all the instrumentation is performed by just the two of them, truly a good time.


Rotation 2

Mark Ronson & The Business International, Record Collection - "Somebody to Love Me"

Mark Ronson's third album dropped this week and has instantly taken over my speakers. Record Collection brings together an array of performers, including Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, Q-Tip, Spank Rock, and MNDR, to produce a compilation of fun and quirky songs. "Somebody to Love Me," featuring Boy George and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow, is one of the more epic songs that makes you want to get up and dance even though there's a deep longing in the vocals. The mixture of the two takes you on a crazy odyssey all in the matter of 5 minutes. I have to also recommend the tracks "Bang Bang Bang", "The Bike Song", and "The Night Last Night."

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In Rotation 2 : Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

Indie folk rock has definitely been making a strong presence in the music scene lately with bands such as Fleet Foxes, Edward Sharpe & the Magetic Zeros, and Mumford & Sons. We can now add Local Natives to this mix. Their album Gorilla Manor, which was released in the U.S. earlier this Spring, has quickly become one of my forerunners for album of the year. Their sound beginning to end is extremely refreshing. The lyrics, instrumentation, and vocals all work to combine an album that you can put on repeat and lose yourself in.

Notable Tracks:
1. "Wide Eyes"
2. "Airplanes"
4. "World News"
9. "Who Knows Who Cares"
11. "Stranger Thread"





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Song of the Week 9/19

Rotation 1

Yo La Tengo, And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out - "You Can Have It All"

Such a simple statement. Chilled-out down beats swirl around this simple sentiment, You can have it all. I appreciate the straight forward way that the lyrics are sung in contrast to the a cappella and instrumentation.

Rotation 2

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Neil Young, Harvest - "Alabama"

Last week I chose a song about Ohio, this week its Alabama. There is such a strong character to songs that capture the heart of a location. Neil Young has become so influential with his ability to write songs that are socially and politically relevant. Alabama is the perfect example of creating a song that goes beyond music to describe a whole state of people in a time of struggle and uncertainty.

"Alabama, you got the weight on your shoulders that's breaking your back."

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Song of the Week 9/12

Rotation 1

Patti Smith, Hey Joe / Piss Factory - "Hey Joe [Version]"

After watching a documentary highlighting the early career of one of Punk music's most iconic artist, I came across the first released single "Hey Joe". It was fascinating to hear for the first time; the intertwining of this traditional American song with the Patty Hearst saga of the mid-70's and allusions of Jimi Hendrix's throbbing guitar style. Patti's lyrical improvsation are so explict and raw , full of passion. She puts herself into every note of her art.




Rotation 2

The Pretenders, B-Side of Back in the Chain Gang - "My City Was Gone"

While Chrissie Hynde just released a new album, I'm going back to 1982 and her work with The Pretenders for my pick this week. Hynde's lyrics are very strong about the negative development in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. Although it has a deep message, there is something really simple yet catchy with the bass on this song.







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In Rotation 1 : Beach House - Teen Dream

I can't remember how I came across Beach House... But I am thankful that their third release, Teen Dream, made it's way into my music library. Appropriately titled the melodic singing of Victoria Legrand in combination with keyboard and organ backdrop, seamlessly intertwines the lyrics and melody. Close your eyes and you are instantly transported to a your minds eye "perfect day". From the first listen, you might think that all the songs relatively sound similar. Upon further listening each song takes you on a lyrical journey, with each building onto the next, within a dream-like soundtrack.

Notable Tracks:

- "Zebra"
- "Silver Soul"
- "Norway"
- "Walk in the Park"
- "10 Mile Stereo"
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Song of the Week 9/5

Rotation 1

Dead Weather, Sea of Cowards - "The Difference Betwen Us"

From the first track to the last, the Dead Weather have put their heart and soul on display. The heavy thump of the bass drum, the thick guitar, along with the intense singing of Allison Mosshart and Jack White makes it hard not to have this album on constant repeat. It is bluesy and gets into your inner musical soul. It was difficult to pick just one track for this song of the week, so I went with the one that starts off a great series. "The Difference Between Us", "I am Mad", and "Die by the Drop" feels like a stream of conscience of pure raw energy.

Rotation 2

Buddy and Julie Miller, True Blood: Music From The HBO® Original Series Volume 2 - "Gasoline and Matches"

Mischief, evil, and a good time. These are just some of the things that come to mind listening to the True Blood Volume 2 soundtrack. One of my favorite tracks, "Gasoline and Matches," is a true americana love tale where husband-and-wife team Buddy and Julie Miller light the world up and take no prisoners.

"You pull my pin and you trip my wire

You come in and set my heart on fire

You knock me out, you rock me off my axis

You and me are gasoline and matches"

_

_

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Artist Retrospective : Interpol

Three years since their last work, Interpol releases their fourth album this week. The self titled record does not hit as much of a high note in comparison to earlier albums. The energy, lyrical craft, and cohesiveness are not present on this album. (Who release a fourth album that is self titled? Even when the Beatles did it, the public called it "The White Album".) Some tracks that do stand out on their own are "Lights" and "The Undoing." While the album is not bad, it just does not live up to the same excitement found within their previous music.

In response to this latest release, we picked out a few favorite tracks that represent the true quality of Interpol's music.


Rotation 1

"Untitled" - Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002
"Leif Erikson" - Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002
"Evil" - Antics, 2004
"Pioneer to the Falls" - Our Love to Admire, 2007
"All Fired Up" - Our Love to Admire, 2007


Rotation 2

"Obstacle 1" - Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002
"NYC" - Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002
"Stella Was a Diver And She Was Always Down" - Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002
"Slow Hands" - Antics, 2004
"Not Even Jail" - Antics, 2004
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Song of the Week 8/29

Rotation 1

Mason Jennings, 180° South, Conquerors of the Useless - "Machines"

In follow-up to viewing 180° South, Conquerors of the Useless, I spent the rest of the week listening to the soundtrack. And while each song places those fabulous images of Patagonia back into my mind; it was "Machines" by Mason Jennings that stuck with me the most. The ebb and flow of the melody in combination with lyrical questioning, I felt captured the spirit of the film.

"Moonlight upon her face
A story book of empty space
Where you and I feel out of place
Together

Will we remember this?
The way it was or how it is
What we love or what we miss
Forever"





Rotation 2

Mason Jennings, 180° South, Conquerors of the Useless - "Machines"

Yes, its that good of a song. With a hypnotic sound that builds throughout, Jennings culminates the song with a powerful message and wailing.

"One fine morning, one fine morning
The machines are going to cut us down"
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Off the Reel : 180° South, Conquerors of the Useless

An epic journey of Jeff Johnson's adventure to ascend Cerro Corcovado. Traveling by boat to Patagonia, 180° South follows Jeff through not always easy waters. Whether a broken mast, impenetrable vegetation, or crumbling rock, patience in his journey leads to the greatest rewards. The imagery of places traveled paired with the human connections made along the way makes one take introspection and re-evaluate one's own path.



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Song of the Week 8/22

Rotation 1

Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest - "Foreground"

Between the looping piano melody and the harmonizing vocals, "Foreground" is a definite earworm. I must be in an introspective mood, because I am hooked. There is something simple and held back in this song, but yet Grizzly Bear makes it dense.








Rotation 2

Minus the Bear, Omni - "My Time"

MTB's latest release, Omni, is a disc full of upbeat pop makeout songs. Overall, the songs are a little to light for me compared to my favorite classics about hydroplaning and overdosing on prescription pills. Still, "My Time" is a pretty catchy song that deserves listening to.

"I got your nights (I got your nights)
I got your days (I got your days)
I got you on (I got you on)
My time"


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Under the Cover : Talking to Girls About Duran Duran

New Wave, John Hughes movies, cassingles, the birth of MTV...Rob Sheffield is a true youth of the 80's. In his latest book, Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man's Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut, Sheffield delivers a charming and clever account of his coming-of-age through the decade's most memorable music and pop culture. A certified music aficionado, Sheffield has a way of remembering every song that ever had an impact on his life and describing them in a witty way that defines what it meant to his outlook on life at that moment. Overall, the book is an enjoyable read that will make you want to reminisce over the music of your own childhood.




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Song of the Week 8/15

Rotation 1

The Black Keys, Brothers - "Tighten Up"

Who doesn't love when a song starts with a bit of whistling? You would think that the song would a be a snappy ditty, but Dan Aurbauch comes on with a smoldering want for love accompanied by a thick bass line.

"Take my badge but my heart remains

Lovin' you, baby child

Tighten up on your reigns

You're runnin' wild, runnin' wild

It's true"

I could not resist having this song on constant repeat all week.

Rotation 2

Arcade Fire, The Suburbs - "Rococo"

I was so excited this week to get the new Arcade Fire album and this track instantly grabbed me with the dramatic string and guitar combination that play throughout while Win Butler sings "Rococo" over and over. The lyrics perfectly exemplify the album's thematic concept of the suburbs.

"Let's go downtown and watch the modern kids

Let's go downtown and talk to the modern kids

The will eat right out of your hand

using great big words they don't understand"

.

.

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Summer In Rotation

Summer more than any season seems to be defined by recently released music. Almost everyone has a song, album, or a compilation of songs that brings back fond memories of summer time. As Fall approaches, we have sat down to collect the music that has defined this Summer for us.


Rotation 1

Broken Bells, Broken Bells
"The High Road"
"The Ghost Inside"
"Sailing to Nowhere"
"Mongrel Heart"
"The Mall and Misery"


Rotation 2

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, "Home"
Katy Perry, "Electric Feel" (MGMT cover)
Lissie, "Pursuit of Happiness" (Kid Cudi cover)
Local Natives, "Eyes Wide" (Fool's Gold Remix feat. Aristotle Pop A Bottle)
MSTRKRFT, "Heartbreaker" (Feat. John Legend)
Mumford & Sons, "Little Lion Man"
Tokyo Police Club, "Wait Up (Boots of Danger)" (RAC Mix)
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Artist Retrospective : The White Stripes

What's more intense than a stampeding elephant on an African plain? De Icky White Satan Elephant ... 10,000 deep beating drums and grinding guitars of Meg and Jack White. While that could have been the title of The White Stripes recent dvd, they chose a different route, releasing Under Great White Northern Lights in Spring 2010. Although we have not yet seen the dvd, it is on our list and are in anticipation to get it in. In the meantime, we've selected a few of our favorite tracks.


Rotation 1

“Let’s Build a Home” – De Stijl, 2000
“Jumble, Jumble” – De Stijl, 2000
“Fell In Love with a Girl” - White Blood Cells, 2001
“Offend In Every Way” - White Blood Cells, 2001
“Seven Nation Army” – Elephant, 2003
“In the Cold, Cold, Night” – Elephant, 2003
“Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine” - Elephant, 2003
“Blue Orchid” – Get Behind Me Satan, 2005
“The Denial Twist” – Get Behind Me Satan, 2005
“As Ugly As I Seem” – Get Behind Me Satan, 2005


Rotation 2

“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” – White Blood Cells, 2001
“Fell In Love With A Girl” – White Blood Cells, 2001
"I Can’t Wait” – White Blood Cells, 2001
“There’s No Home For You Here” – Elephant, 2003
“The Hardest Button To Button” – Elephant, 2003
“Blue Orchid” – Get Behind Me Satan, 2005
“My Doorbell” – Get Behind Me Satan, 2005
“Icky Thump” – Icky Thump, 2007
“Conquest” – Icky Thump, 2007
“I’m Slowly Turning Into You” – Icky Thump, 2007
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In Rotation 2 : Fever Ray

Scouring the internet for some new and interesting music, I stumbled upon a remix of a song from Fever Ray. While the version I heard was not necessarily a track that grabbed me, I was intrigued by the artist’s voice and base sound. I tracked down the original cd (a 2009 self-titled album), popped it into my stereo, and was instantly transported into the mysterious world of Swedish artist Karin Dreijer Andersson. On the first track “If I Had a Heart”, the album makes a perfect introduction with a low, creeping beat met with haunting whispers. The song builds with a distant drum that sinks in your chest and then is ripped out with a delicate voice that rises with perfect strength and restraint. With each song that follows, Fever Ray delivers with calm yet penetrating vocals intertwined with a strong electronica sound of drums and rhythm.

Notable Tracks:

1. “If I Had a Heart”
2. “When I Grow Up”
5. “Triangle Walks”
9. “Keep the Streets Empty For Me”
10. “Coconut”




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In Rotation 1 : Natalie Merchant – Leave Your Sleep

Leave Your Sleep, is Natalie Merchant’s fifth solo album. A collection of poems Merchant has gathered and set to song from her desire to awaken her daughter’s childhood through the imagination of spoken word. The two disc album is a lovely book of each song’s original poem with a slight biography of the author. As one who enjoys the lyric/story as much as the melody/harmony, I found a deep appreciation to listen and read along while great and anonymous writers with Merchant’s voice and music composition painted pictures in my head.


Notable Tracks:

Disc 1 – Leave Your Supper
- “Nursery Rhyme of Innocence and Experience”
- “Maggie and Millie and Molly and May”
- “The Man in the Wilderness”

Disc 2 – Leave Your Sleep
- “Griselda”
- “Spring and Fall: To a Young Child”
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In Rotation 2 : Lissie - Pursuit of Happiness (Kid Cudi Cover)

I heard this song for the first time today and probably for the 10th time in the past hour. Its one of those songs that you just can't stop listening to, so here it sits on my speakers playing on direct rotation over and over again. The guitar, the beat, and most of all Lissie's voice are pure magic on this song. I have to give credit to Kid Cudi for the original, which is a great track in itself. The original version is driven by a slow and heavy beat combined with a soft swagger in Cudi's voice. In the cover, Lissie brings the lyrics to the forefront and lets the music intensify her words. Her performance transforms the song into something deeply impactful.






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Artist Retrospective : Radiohead

Attended Mark Lowrey Presents: Radiohead Tribute at Record Bar and instantly fell back in love with Radiohead (not that we ever fell out of love). Decided to take a retrospective look at all things Radiohead and pick a few of our favorite songs. It was not an easy task, but we widdled it down to ten.


Rotation 1

“Street Spirit” – The Bends, 1995
“Exit Music (For a Film)” – OK Computer, 1997
“The Tourist” – OK Computer, 1997
“How to Disappear Completely” – Kid A, 2000
“Pyramid Song” – Amnesiac, 2001
“You and Whose Army” – Amnesiac, 2001
“There There (The Boney King of Nowhere)” – Hail to the Thief, 2003
“A Punch Up at a Wedding (No No No No No No No No) - Hail to the Thief, 2003
“Reckoner” – In Rainbows, 2007
“All I Need” – In Rainbows, 2007


Rotation 2

“Creep” – Pablo Honey, 1993
“Planet Telex” – The Bends, 1995
“Just” – The Bends, 1995
“Talk Show Host” – William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Music from the Motion Picture, 1996
“Karma Police” – OK Computer, 1997
“The National Anthem” – Kid A, 2000
“Optimistic” – Kid A, 2000
“There There (The Boney King of Nowhere)” – Hail to the Thief, 2003
“A Wolf at the Door (It Girl. Rag Doll.)” – Hail to the Thief, 2003
“Body Snatchers” – In Rainbows, 2007

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