Múm - Sing Along To Songs You Don't Know

A great album by a great Icelandic band. Released 21.08.2009 with songs about fish and breast milk–how can a person go wrong? You should listen to this album... or maybe you're, in fact, listening to it at this very moment and you don't even know it. Yes, it is that good. They put on a fantastic show at The Walker in late October. Mind you, I'm a bit biased. I once drove from Minneapolis to Lawrence, Kansas to see them play... Happy New Year, enjoy!

The Rural Alberta Advantage-"Hometowns"

I found 2009 to be a very disappointing year in music. I've been enjoying the end of the year lists and podcast, but continue to be less then impressed. So, I am going to declare The Rural Alberta Advantage's (RAA)debut "Hometowns" the best record of 2009.

Musicheads reviewed it with a comparison to Neutral Milk Hotel's brilliant album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." I quickly rushed out to buy it. Initially, I was lukewarm on the RAA, but it has really grown on me.

Try tracks: 6, 1, & 4 to start.

If you like it and live in the cities, I'm going to see the RAA on January 15th.

Alec Ounsworth: Mo Beauty

The Decemberist's lead singer does nothing for me, but the front man for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah totally does, and his new album "Mo Beauty" rocks. I don't think his vocal range is as great as it is with the band, but his style is definitely still there. For the most part the songs hang together well. There's a range of rocking alternative tracks and calmer, quieter ones.

Highlights for me include "When You've No Eyes", "Me and You, Watson", "Modern Girl (...with scissors)", and "Obscene Queen Bee #2".

Give it a listen.

The xx: xx

The xx offer an album with a lot of space. It's open and simple, with sultry female lead vocals and some (surely hipster) guy accompanying her. The duets really works for me. Start with VCR and Stars and Basic Space and Islands and really the whole album is solid. It's mostly electronic with industrial accents, some nice guitar, maybe hand clapping, and piano. This has been called the one of the greatest make out records of the decade. Not that I've tested it out or anything. Flint is has a dearth of appealing women. But *in theory* this album should be excellent for wooing. Report back in the comments.

Them Crooked Vultures

The final supergroup of the year is the most interesting. Them Crooked Vultures is Josh Homme from Queens of the Stones on guitar and vocals, drummer Dave Grohl of Nirvana fame, and Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards. A one sentence review could be: Imagine a more prog-rock version of Led Zeppelin.

The best way to start is with #6 Scumbag Blues. You'll be transformed back to late 60's Cream and at the 1:08 mark the keyboard solo is best 18 seconds of music this year. Throughout the record the rhythm section is awesome; they are loud, imposing, booming, and almost make up for the boring songs. That is the problem; unfortunately, the album is just OK. The guys from Sound Opinions reviewed it well by saying that songs just aren't there. I agree. After 6, try 1, 5, and eventually 2 & 3.

3 out of 5 stars on Paul's iTunes

Felt – Felt 3: A Tribute To Rosie Perez

The Felt boys are back and this time your boy Aes Rock is the drummer.



Slug and Murs are back with another Felt project for the backpackers to get giddy about. This time with the tantalizing addition of Aesop Rock on production. An interesting choice for sure, Aesop certain brings a different flavor to Felt. And I have to admit that I like his production. But this album is way too long and too serious at points. To me, a Felt record should be fun and a bit silly. It should be an opportunity for Slug and Murs to let go, show off and rap about women they'll never get.

Don't get me wrong, this album is worth a listen. It's just not the best Felt record, but Slug and Murs are both too good to sleep on this. Highlights for me include Protagonists, Felt Chewed Up, Henrietta Longbottom, and She Sonnet.

Enjoy.

Phoenix: Two Albums

Drew a request for two more Phoenix albums, and they're up now: Alphabetical and It's Never Been Like That. I saw them in-store at the Fetus last time I was in the cities, and they're fun.

p.s. The New Moon soundtrack and Built to Spill's new one are also up. Enjoy

Mike Doughty - Sad Man Happy Man

aka "Mike Doughty Rediscovers the Cello." This album has Doughty going back to his roots. And I mean that in 2 ways....his Soul Coughing roots are being revisited in the form of out-of-tune string instruments popping up on a bunch of songs. And also, this album sounds much more like Skittish than it does like either of his two newer albums...meaning it's a lot of (but not exclusively) just him and a guitar, no band. Which, in the end, makes this much less of a pop album than his previous two were. I gotta admire the effort by Mike, and this "progression" mostly succeeds. A few songs are strange just for the sake of it, and it's at those moments the album unfortunately stumbles a bit. But it wouldn't be a Mike Doughty album without those "experiments", so I've learned to expect them, if not embrace them. At least there isn't a "More Bacon Than The Pan Can Handle" track this time. *shudders*
(This review brought to you by your local Mike Doughty enthusiast. My apologies if you didn't follow what I was saying. I'm not usually this elitist.)

Built to Spill - "There Is No Enemy"

Here's Built to Spill's new album. I've only discovered these guys about 4 years ago, even though they were making music while I was in high school in the mid-nineties, their music doesn't feel old or dated to me. I'm not really able to tell you what this sounds like or if it's novel or anything, I just know I love their sound. This new album is quite fantastic, one of their better albums, so if you dig 'em, rock out.

Alice in Chains - "Black Gives Way To Blue"

Alice in Chains comes out with their first new album in over a decade. The new lead singer sounds a lot like Layne Staley (maybe too much like him?), but maybe that's just Jerry Cantrell's backing vocals making it seem closer than it really is. Either way, the Alice in Chains sound seems to be perfectly intact. I'm digging it.

Brother Ali – Us

Ali's fourth full-length album and his third with veteran Rhymesayers producer Ant. I haven't given this a proper listen yet so I can't give my full opinion. But you should already know this is worth downloading if not buying with your hard earned dollars. You can get it for just $7.49 over at LaLa. Support local Hip-Hop.

Enjoy.

The Baseball Project – Volume 1: Frozen Ropes And Dying Quails

In honor of the baseball season coming to a close and the Cubs telling Milton Bradley wear to stick it, I bring you The Baseball Project. The side project of a side project, The Baseball Project brings together Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon, and Steve Wynn. This album is for anyone who likes baseball history and/or the musical styling of bands like The Minus 5, REM, The Young Fresh Fellow among other 90s alternative college rock.

So, download, listen and think about America's pastime. And as long as the Cubs keep beating the Brewers, hopefully we won't have to see any more ridiculous stuff like this.

Enjoy.

Califone – All My Friends are Funeral Singers

All My Friends are Funeral Singers is a movie. All My Friends are Funeral Singers is an album.

All My Friends Are Funeral Singers Trailer from Califone on Vimeo.

Califone is a band from Chicago. You should already know that.

Enjoy.

Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons--Death Won't Send a Letter

One of my good friends went to school with Cory (he's a Wisconsin boy), and he's been trying to get me to a show in the Twin Cities for the last five years. Now that I've finally left, I regret I never went. This album is fantastic. It's moving up the ranks on iTunes (currently 39). Cory has a great voice, solid guitar work, and songwriting. There's a touch of the country music I like here (is that snobbish?). Check out the Born Again and My Heart Would Be There. And when they're in town next, hit up the show. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Blue Scholars - Bayani

After Kyle hooked us up with Blue Scholars' first album, I loved it, and so I purchased their follow-up album (on lala, which has the best prices for mp3 albums). If you liked the first, you'll like this one too.

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

The Airbourne Toxic Event

Despite the horrible band name, I bought this album after hearing this one song. I haven't listened to the album much, I just got it, but it seems like they have a kind of "The Killers meets Jimmy Eat World" alt-anthem-rock type thing. Take a listen and see if it grabs you like it did me.

EDIT: Ya know guys, after further review, this album isn't very good. Other than 2 or 3 decent songs, it's actually kind of annoying. I'd still be interested to hear what you guys think of it though...

Blue Scholars - Blue Scholars

Blue Scholars brand of smart, positive hip-hop first caught my ear with their song Fire for the People. This 2004 self-titled album shows the potential of this Seattle based crew. If you like this, check out their 2007 release, Bayani.

Enjoy.

Greenhouse Effect - Columbus or Bust

Greenhouse Effect was Blueprint's hip-hop outlet prior hooking up with RJD2 and putting Columbus on the scene. Columbus or Bust is the 2005 reinvention of this Weightless Records crew since loosing fellow emcee Inkwel to God. Check this out if you like Blueprint, Soul Position or underground hip-hop in general.

Enjoy.

my fave three Stones albums for Kevin

every Stones fan has a favorite version of the band... the Brian Jones years, the Keith 'n' Ronnie playing tug o' war with the rhythm guitar years, the more recent Ameriquest and Budwesier-sponsored stadium tour years? well, maybe not that last one. my fave era is the heyday of the late 60s/early 70s when I think they really earned the honorary title of the greatest rock n roll band in the world. here are Let It Bleed (1969), Sticky Fingers (1971), Exile on Main St (1972)... posted per request from a burgeoning Stones fan.

a few borrowed words on each album...

"Let It Bleed" - An album on which the Stones recover from the death of Brian Jones, which turned out to be, at most, a minor setback. Mick Taylor lends a hand on "Live With Me," the hardest rocker on the album, and "Country Honk," a revival of "Honky Tonk Women" as hillbilly blues. Keith does just fine without the backup for most of the album, from the echo valley intro of "Gimme Shelter" to the extra funky rhythm work of "Monkey Man."

"Sticky Fingers" - Do we really need a seventh minute of "Can't You Hear Me Knocking"? I'll let you be the judge. But if the jamming feels a bit excessive in places, the writing ranks among their finest hours - "Moonlight Mile," "Brown Sugar," "Sister Morphine," "Sway," "Wild Horses," "Bitch," "Dead Flowers." Plus you've got the Andy Warhol conceived album cover with a working zipper that opened to reveal a crotch shot of whitie tighties. What more could you want in an album?

"Exile on Main Street" - That rare double album you wouldn't feel comfortable editing down to 90 minutes. The band has never let it loose with more abandon or authority showing their country, blues, and soul influences... "Let It Loose," a song that could have topped the R&B charts, is a soul ballad worthy of Otis Redding.

Atmosphere – LEAK AT WILL

"hello party people.
as we approach the launch of our new digital online store anthony and myself have put together another project that we are giving away for free to any of you who sign up for a user account on our online store www.FifthElementOnline.com. the project is a 7 song ep called LEAK AT WILL, and it was a lot of fun to make. nothing too serious, just smiles and cries.
consider it another "thank you" for all of the support you have offered us over the years.

and again, thank you very much. have a good summer. s"

fifthelementonline.com/leakatwill

Enjoy.

AC Newman - Get Guilty

no sophomore slump here. AC's second solo album builds on his strong first effort - The Slow Wonder from 2004. he and his band made a strong impression on me at the 400 Bar a few weeks back... lively stage show, entertaining between song banter, hot chicks in the band for admiring. also - if interested, the link below is video footage of a performance on Letterman back in May. enjoy.

AC on Letterman

Free Coldplay

http://www.coldplay.com/lrlrl/lr.html

Here is a link a 9 song E.P. from Coldplay. Its live recordings of familiar stuff, but free is good.

Grizzly Bear, Annimal Collective, Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse, Sonic Youth

Here is some music I have been listing to lately. If I don't post it like this I will never get around to writing a review for each album.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
Animal Collective-Merriweather
Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse-Dark Night of the Soul
Sonic Youth-The Eternal

Prof and St. Paul Slim – Recession Music

There is no lack of fresh hip-hop coming out of the Twin Cities these days. I'm not too familiar with Prof, but St. Paul Slim has been known to associate with both Rhymesayers and Doomtree. The influences in this album are apparent, from Mos Def to Jay-Z, but the style is unique. And true to Twin Cities form, there are plenty of guest MCs including P.O.S. and Slug. Of course, this if just the free download. You'll have to shell out $5 if you want the whole thing.

recessionmusic.com

Enjoy.

Rilo Kiley – Take Offs & Landings

Just before I went to see M. Ward this past April, I was talking with a co-worker about being excited to see The Watson Twins who were opening. I was familiar with The Watson Twins from their album with Jenny Lewis, Rabbit Fur Coat. That got us talking about Rilo Kiley. I said I had heard much from Rilo Kiley so my co-worker lent me this album, Take Offs & Landings. It's all about traveling and riding in airplanes and such. Pretty good alt-country rock. The songs with Jenny on vocals are best. And I really like the album artwork. But then again, I'm a sucker for slide guitar and isometric technical illustration. Put the two together and you have a winner with me.

Oh, and for the recorder, The Watson Twins sucked.

Enjoy.

Silversun Pickups

Just got the new Silversun Pickups album, it's called Swoon. It's pretty solid. People have compared their sound to The Smashing Pumpkins, and while I can see the similarities, they do have their own sound going on.

I also uploaded their first album, it's called Carnavas. If this band is new to you, I would start with that first album. If you dig it, check out the follow-up.

EDIT: I realized a sample might be nice for you guys. This is Lazy Eye, which is off their first album:

Elvis Costello - Secret, Profane and Sugarcane

Why is the best Americana release in the past 5 years by a London Punk Artist and being sold by label that is known more for its coffee then its music?  Why I don't know.  With his latest release, Secret, Profane and Sugarcane, out June 9, Elvis Costello proves he can conquer any type of music.  Really it is not a strech for international art theif Declan MacManus, he has been toying with Americana with albums like Almost Blue, Delivery Man, and Momofuku, but this album produced by T Bone Burnett is full on Americana.  This album could have been made by the Flying Burrito Brothers, or Lyle Lovette.  However know one could do what he does and he makes the music his own.  As Alice Hartzell once said he does an A+ job with a B- voice.  It is true.  

Highlights of the album are Hidden Shame, How Deep is The Red, Sulphur To Sugarcane and Complicated Shadows (a song orginally written for Johnny Cash).  

Well enjoy, and sound off below if you can figure out how Elvis became the savior of Americana

Oh and if you are so inclinded I posted the full copy of Wilco (The Album).  So that is that.  

MGMT--Oracular Spectacular

So, I was roadtripping this weekend, and I finally decided to hop on the MGMT bandwagon. You've heard all these before, and the album is solid. If you don't have it or haven't listened to Time to Pretend, Electric Feel, or Kids, pull this down.

Phoenix--Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Last year I met this French kid (TFK for short) in the pool and we trained together. We found we had an affinity for electornica--daft punk, Justice, and he turned me on to Phoenix. This is their recent album, though the lyrics don't do it for me at all, the beats are fun, and it will be on regular rotation as I bike the city this summer. 1901, Lizstomania, and Girlfriend are fun, but I think my favorite song is the guitar strumming Love Like a Sunset, Pt. II. These guys are coming to the Varsity on June 23rd, and you should come and hop around.

School of Seven Bells--Alpinisms

School of Seven Bells opened for Black Moth Super Rainbow last week at the Triple Rock. BMSR disappointed--I won't go into it--but these two twins rocked the house, forcing us into the back row so our eyeballs didn't bleed. You've probably heard their singles, Chain and Half Asleep, but the whole album is solid. In concert, a lot of it melded together (and it kind of does on the album as well), but it never let us down. Enjoy.

Iron & Wine - Around The Well

I didn't know this was a "B-sides and rarities" album when I bought it. After listening to it, it shows. It's a double album that (like most "b-sides and rarities" albums) doesn't really flow at all. It's not bad, there's some gems in there....and for $8 bucks I can't really complain. But this is for the hardcore Iron & Wine fans only.

At least it has Such Great Heights on it.

Wilco (The Album)

Kevin posted the album.

Phantom Buffalo

A local band from Portland, Maine, but they are starting to make it fairly big.. I know the guitar player, Tim, we drink beers together on Fridays. They played at my buddy's Michael's wedding last summer in Tenants Harbor, and Michael gave out their CD's as a gift. This is what I uploaded.

Les Cowboys Fringants

I found this band when I went to Quebec City a couple times last year.. They are like the Beatles of French Canada.. the people love them up there. I saw them in a packed venue.. everyone in there was going nuts to the music and Labatt's beer.. great atmosphere, so I always think of that when I listen to the album... They definitely don't have an American sound, kind of hokey, but it really grew on me.

State Radio - "Us Against The Crown"

These guys can easily be described as reggae-rock, but don't write them off as a one note act. There's a lot of variety and strong song-writing on this album. I bought this kind of on a whim, and I'm glad I did. It doesn't sound like most of the indie rock I've been into lately, and it's nice to break out of the mold once in a while.

Here's a sample of one of the stronger tracks:

Del The Funky Homosapien

Del's new album "Funk Man (the stimulus package)" is a free download, just go here:

http://delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com/

Great Lake Swimmers--Lost Channels

The fourth album from the Toronto band is much like the earlier albums: acoustic guitars, solid vocals, and folksy scenes. It won't get you up to dance, but it's great background music (or music to calm that crabby child). Check out "Pulling on a Line," "Still," and "Unison Falling into Harmony," though they're all solid. And check them out on April 22nd with me at The Entry.

The National--Cherry Tree (2004)

This is the National's second release, from 2004. All of the songs are great (if you like The National) though I am not a big fan of "Reasonable Man".

THE BLACK KEYS--Thickfreakness

A sweet little rock and roll blues album from an Akron, Ohio duo recorded in thier basement and released in 2003. Perhaps almost a White Stripes with less hype and more clear blues connection.

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

Just posted the latest from the Portland crew, The Decemberists. I haven't yet had a chance to give The Hazards of Love a proper listen other than the single, The Rake's Song, which was released a few weeks ago. Always melodramatic, often pretentious; if you are a fan, The Hazards of Love will not likely disappoint. I picked this up for a mere $3.99 over at lala.com. Enjoy and report back with your findings.

Brother Ali - The Truth is Here

I just got back from a Brother Ali in-store at Fifth Element. It's been 2 years since Ali's last album, The Undisputed Truth. This 9 song EP and DVD is meant to be the bridge between that and his next full length, Street Preacher, which is set to be released this Fall.

Nine tracks featuring two highly sought after b-sides and seven new and previously unreleased songs including “Philistine David”, which was featured in the Jonathan Demme directed documentary, Jimmy Carter Man From Plains and “The Believer” a collaboration with Slug of Atmosphere...

...The Truth Is Here captures a key period in the career of what many have called one of the most promising voices to emerge from the underground this century and will be a must have for any and every Brother Ali fan.

The in-store performance was great. Minnesota hip-hop is alive and well. Between this and the recent P.O.S. release, I'm glad I live in the Twin Cities. Ali was late, so Slug grabbed the mic to kill a couple minutes. He told some stories about being on the road with Brother Ali and got the crowd laughing. The store was packed by the time Ali made his way to the front. He played four or five songs off the new EP including "The Believers" featuring Slug. He told a few stories, did a great freestyle and a few songs by request. Then he stuck around to sign CDs for anyone who wanted an autograph. The great thing was how appreciative Ali was to everyone that was there. You can tell he's humbled to be in the position that he's in. It's refreshing to see such heart and gratitude towards fans.

Enjoy this record and support local music.

P.O.S. - Never Better

"P.O.S returns with Never Better, the follow up to 2006's critically acclaimed Audition. Written mostly in a moving car, P.O.S raps at full clip to ride rolling drums and revving distortion. There's an urgency that he keeps in careful check, and then unleashes for spring-loaded verses that represent his best work. Never Better enters a room like bombshell with a black eye, badass, noisy, and impossible to ignore. With an unlikely punk rock past and an ever growing loyal hip hop fan base, P.O.S proves he is a rapper with range, a real musician and an unstoppable performer."

Stef's third full-length album, Never Better, hits harder than anything else you're likely to hear this year. I'm a big fan of his first two albums and most of what I've heard from the Doomtree collective, but this album takes it all up a notch. To be honest, it took me a couple of listens to warm up to Never Better. It's more abrasive than most of the hip-hop I'm used to. But now that I'm hooked, I can't stop listening. There are so many layers to discover in this DIY hip-hop/punk genre blending album. Best listened to live, but a close second is while driving your car 50 MPH at night down Lyndale with your lights off. So, check out the album and be sure to check out the artwork. Amazing.

New Justin, Arcade Fire, Etc.!!!

"Dark Was The Night" is a 2-disc collection of indie rock stars donating new material for a charity CD release raising funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and research.  I had only 4 downloads left on my recent Emusic account and picked new Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Justin Vernon with a guest, and Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew. The complete list is here.  I like that Justin is releasing solo material and the idea that Bon Iver is turning into a band. The Bon Iver track sounds like a 5th soung from the recent E.P. while the Justin song is more solo. The Arcade Fire is solid, but not great and the Kevin Drew song is disappointing.  Enjoy the 4 tracks. I plan to add more downloads from the album once my Emusic account rests. 

M Ward - Hold Time

ask, and you shall receive.

Bon Iver- Blood Bank

Go Blugolds! 

Track 1 is great. Track 2 & 3 are solid (I like 3 a little more) and track 4 sounds like Lil' Wayne (& not in a good way)

Down with Lollipop. 

Nathaniel Merriweather presents... Lovage: Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By

Fresh off the heals of one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, Deltron 3030, producer Dan The Automator formed another supergroup in 2001 and released this instant classic, Lovage: Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By.

Producer Dan the Automator, DJ Kid Koala, singers Mike Patton and Jennifer Charles and a slew of special guests ranging from Prince Paul to Damon Albarn make up LOVAGE.

The album is not a gimmick or a brush off concept album, rather an amazing collection of songs to not only make love by, but to chill or relax or lounge around.

The wikipedia entry for Loavage boasts all about the Serge Gainsbourg album cover reference and song titles that sample and take from Hitchcock.

Patton's raspy vocals and Charles sultry voice on top of solid beats and instruments from The Automator and Kid Koala perfectly coexist.

Check out Pit Stop (Take Me Home), Sex (I Am) and To Catch A Thief, but do yourself a favor and listen from beginning to end. (Even the skits are worth checking out)

Unfortunately, this album is out of print and Automator sort of fell off the face of the earth, but in a cold February night at First Avenue in 2001 (or was it 2002 by that point??), the live incarnation of this album is one of my favorite concerts of all time. Patton had a 17 year old kid wearing a Korn shirt jump on stage and lick Jennifer Charles' shoe soul just to get a dance with her. Complete with Cigar and bathrobe, Automator walked around on stage and got drunk off Alize while all the soon to be hipsters in the crowd just dreamed of what they could be doing while this music was playing.

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Okay, long time reader, been a while poster.

I have some time this week at work, so I decided I will post 2 albums each day, one being a new indie rock hype band and the other a random classic album to me.

The first posting happens to be what many bloggers are claiming the album of the year. Now, I never quite jumped on the noise bandwagon that is Animal Collective. Their album a few years ago, Sung Tongs, is a fun listen but never stuck with me. In the last 2 years I feel you couldn't get away from them, with each new track being dissected by the likes of Pitchfork or Gorrilla Vs. Bear.

Well, Animal Collective release their most accessible album to date with Merriweather Post Pavilion and it happens to be good. I am not going to freak out and claim them the next Purple Jesus or this album the best of 2009 no matter what else comes out, but I will say this album certainly deserves a listen.

Their first single off the album is called My Girls.

Oh, and the album covers moves! Optical Illusions a must!

2009

Admittedly, it's been a little quiet around here. That may be because there hasn't been a lot of new music lately or Kevin isn't sharing everything he's stealing from the interwebs. Whatever the reason, there is a lot to be excited about in 2009. Below is a list of some of the albums I am most excited about in the first 3 months alone.

01/20/09 Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
01/20/09 Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP
01/27/09 RZA – Afro Samurai: The Resurrection
02/03/09 P.O.S. - Never Better
02/17/09 M. Ward – Hold Time
03/01/09 The Decemberists – Hazards of Love
03/03/09 Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
03/03/09 The Boy Least Likely To – The Law of the Playground
03/17/09 Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Beware

Anything else?

Coldplay: Viva la Vida

It's up; it's what you expect. But it got good reviews and I happened into it, so drag it down and listen to the definitive pop rock of our time.