Archive for the ‘music’ Category

The Best of The Best of 2009

Friday, January 29th, 2010

As you might notice if you look around here a bit I barely have time to do anything, much less create a “Best of 2009″ list. So instead I thought I give you three bands/artists that I’ve discovered recently by reading other people’s “Best of 2009″ lists. I’ve listened to these three albums almost non-stop for the last few weeks. I hope you enjoy them.

JapandriodsPost-Nothing – I noticed that these guys were on  a lot of different list for 2009. I felt an instant connection with this album. That’s not always true of albums I love, but it was with these guys. They have a very raw sound. Sometimes it feels like the songs are barely staying together… they may fall apart at any time. I find myself singing these songs in the shower. That means they ROCK!

Animal CollectiveMerriweather Post Pavilion – I have to admit that I’ve known about Animal Collective for quite some time, but I’ve never really listened to them. This album got a lot of press this year so I decided to check it out. At first I didn’t like it at all. I felt like there was just so much going on sonically that I couldn’t process it, but the more I’ve listened the more I’ve connected with it. There are some tunes on this album that are incredible. Songs like “Bluish” and “Brother Sport” are just so good. One of the dudes on Sound Opinions (can’t remember which one) called this album the “Pet Sounds of this generation”. That is high praise. Check it out.

M.Ward – Hold Time – This last one may be my favorite. I’ve known of M. Ward for a while mainly through She & Him (he’s the him), but I had never listened to any of his solo stuff. I know, that makes me a total indy poser. Anyway, this was one of those albums that just brought a smile to my face. The guitar licks are awesome. The lyrics are thoughtful and Ward’s voice is killer. I don’t think there is a bad song on this album. It’s solid. I’m glad I own it.

Nirvana Covering “Seasons in the Sun”

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Stay Positive – The Hold Steady

Sunday, February 8th, 2009

stay_positive.jpg Up until a week ago I had heard about The Hold Steady a few times, but I had never really listened to any of their music. After listening to an interview with the band on a recent Sound Opinions podcast, that all changed. I bought their latest album “Stay Positive” and I’ve been listening pretty much non-stop for a week now. Here are a few observations.

The music of The Hold Steady is straight forward. I almost want to call it simple, but that has negative connotations that wouldn’t apply here. The music just rocks. It doesn’t leave you guessing. You feel like you know what the next chord is going to be, and that’s a good thing. In an indie scene that can sometimes be quite obscure and inaccessible this is a breath of fresh air.

The music and the lyrics often seem to be at odds, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. The music feels like big arena anthem rock while the lyrics have a depth that you would expect in hear in some small, smokey, dimly-lit club. The music feels upbeat while the lyrics are dealing with sad and tragic situations. In the song, Sequestered in Memphis, the main character is being questioned by the authorities after something awful has happened to a girl he had a one-night rendezvous with. “In bar light she looked all right, in daylight she looked desperate. That’s alright I was desperate too”.

During the Sound Opinions interview Craig Finn, the lead singer, discusses his love for reading. It’s obvious in listening to his lyrics that there is a literary depth that is not often present in music today. It makes for great song writing. This is a great band and album.

Shows Around Town

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

I’m not sure where I’ve been (actualy, I’ve been at work), but all of a sudden there’s a flurry of great bands coming to play in the Triangle. I wish I had learned of these a little sooner, so that I could have gotten tickets (well I guess there’s only one that is sold out). Here’s a list of shows you might consider checking out:

  • Iron & Wine – Apr 15th
    Memorial Hall
    This show is sold out. I’m pretty bummed. Me… want… to go!
  • Son Volt – Apr 24th
    Lincoln Theatre
    I missed them the last time they were in town. Hopefully I can catch them this time around. If you’re into the whole Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, and Son Volt scene then obviously you have to check them out.
  • The Swell Season – May 15th
    Meymandi Concert Hall
    This is the crew from the movie Once. I’m so pumped about this show. I would guess this show has the potential to sellout. So, make sure you jump on Ticketmaster fast. I believe tickets go on sale February 29th.
  • Josh Ritter – Apr 30th
    Cat’s Cradle
    If you missed him the last time around, you’ve GOT to go see him. Simply a fantastic performer. You’ll love it… I promise.

Top Ten Albums of 2007

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

Ok here are my top ten albums of 2007. I listened to a lot of music this year (that was one of last year’s resolutions). Some from artists I’ve loved for a long time, and many others were totally new to me. All in all is was a decent year for tunes.

  1. The Historical Conquest of Josh Ritter – Josh Ritter
    It’s hard to find a bad song on this album. The tunes are singable and I’ve had this on the playlist since it came out. I had a chance to see him in concert at The Cat’s Cradle back in November and it was one of the greatest live shows I’ve seen in a long time.
  2. Challengers – The New Pornographers
    This was the first Pornographers (interesting name) album for me, and it didn’t disappoint. Most of the tunes are great, but I really like “All the Old Showstoppers”, and “Myriad Harbour”.
  3. Traffic and Weather – Fountains of Wayne
    This album is just plain fun. These guys are real story tellers. Often I don’t know whether to sing along or laugh out loud, but mostly I just smile. This album is really good. “Someone to Love” and “‘92 Subaru” are my faves.
  4. Asleep at Heaven’s Gate – Rogue Wave
    Rogue Wave was a new find for me this year. Really soothing and interesting sounds. I’ve played this one a lot.
  5. In Rainbows – Radiohead
    It’s Radiohead, what can you say? I’ve actually had a hard time with some of their stuff in the recent past, but this album is great. I also love the distribution method. These guys always seem to be shaking things up.
  6. The Stage Names – Okkervil River
    Another really fun album. I saw them at The Cat’s Cradle back in October. It was a very lively show and great fun.
  7. The Shepherd’s Dog – Iron & Wine
    It took a few plays before I really got into this one, but when I did I listened nonstop. Thanks to Mr. Murphy for this one.
  8. Sky Blue Sky – Wilco
    It’s Wilco, BUY IT!
  9. The Ringing Bell – Derek Webb
    Another great album from Webb. I really like “I Wanna Marry You All Over Again”, and “This Too Shall Be Made Right”. I had the chance to see Derek at The Lincoln Theatre in 07 and he was great.
  10. Wincing the Night Away – The Shins
    First Shins album for me. It’s good, check it out.

Paste

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

Paste Magazine has a limited time, “Name your own price” subscription offer going. I guess this is in the spirit of the recent Radiohead “In Rainbows” release. Paste is a great magazine if you are into music at all, and the sampler CDs are worth the cost of the subscription themselves. Anyway, go grab a subscription. (via the big noob)

Josh Ritter

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007

I love music. Listening to it. Playing it. But for some reason I have never been good at talking extensively about it, or for that matter reviewing it, but I want to get better.

Last night I had the privilege of seeing Josh Ritter play at The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. I first started listening to Ritter last year when his album, The Animal Years hit, so I am pretty new to his stuff, but I’ve fallen in love pretty fast. His current tour is in support of his latest album The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter.

Ritter typically gets dumped into the generic “Pop” genre. This label is probably as good as anything seeing as I typically find most of the genre distinctions these days useless. In the past I would have labeled Ritter as more “Folk” but his latest album probably pushes that. His song writing is incredible whether you label it “Pop” or “Folk”. I think he is a bit Dylan-esque, but with a better voice (hoping not to get struck by lightening). Listening to his music makes me want to sit down with him over coffee or a beer and talk with him about life.

As for the show, it was pretty incredible. The Cat’s Cradle was packed. There was a very wide age range present, which is a bit unusual for The Cat’s Cradle, but speaks to Ritter’s wide appeal. Both opening acts were actually good (one of them was REALLY good). I find that this is usually not the case, but it was a pleasant surprise, and worth getting there on time. Ritter took it to the next level, though. From the very start he exudes an energy that infects the crowd. He never stops smiling, and genuinely seems delighted to be performing. I got the feeling that the guy LOVES what he is doing. He looks like a kid in a candy store. His band is awesome. They move from song to song in almost one continuous stream. Ritter seems intent upon giving the audience a good show. To quote him, he said, “We live for these 2 hours every night”, and I believe him. I loved it. I would go see him again in a heart beat.

So, check him out. Grab his latest album, and if you get a chance GO SEE HIM; he won’t disappoint!