OT: New Music?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:24 pm

I'm still in the midst of writing my Top 10 of 2008 list, but I'm with you, Brando: I didn't care much for the MMJ album. There's musical evolution, and then there's a deliberate attempt to escape the "jam band" label. I think this MMJ album veers toward the latter.

Fleet Foxes definitely will be on my Top 10 list. Upon release, I thought for sure the 2008 records issued by Drive-By Truckers and The Hold Steady would be, but I'm not so sure anymore.

DBT's record was about five tracks too long, and I'm not sure I love the democratic songwriting co-op that Patterson Hood allowed once Jason Isbell left the band. This album sounded more like a collection of unique Hood songs, unique Cooley songs and unique Shonna Tucker songs instead of a Truckers' album. Even when Isbell, Hood and Cooley were splitting songwriting credits, there seemed to be some sort of lyrical or sonic unity to a Truckers' record. Not this one.

The Hold Steady's record is pretty derivative. Yeah, the lyrics have grown up a bit as Finn contemplates maturity, but the music still sounds like "Boys and Girls From America." An odd mix. Another solid record, but not good enough for my top 10. Maybe THS is spoiling us with their consistency.

One record that definitely will make my top 10 is I'm From Barcelona's "Who Killed Harry Houdini?" Just a great pop record. I also liked the MGMT record. A really interesting, cool listen. Same with Lambchop's "OH (Ohio)." Sloan's "Parallel Play" is another pop gem. The Silver Jews' "Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea" is almost a lock for my top three.

Mogwai's "The Hawk is Howling" definitely will be on my top 10 list. Love that record. If live records are allowed, it would be impossible to omit Buena Vista Social Club's "Live at Carnegie Hall," released this year, even though it's an old show.

Other candidates: Calexico's "Carried to Dust," JJ Grey & Mofro's "Orange Blossoms," Juliana Hatfield's "How To Walk Away," Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!" The Raconteurs' "Consolers of the Lonely" Sigur Ros' new album (please don't ask me to spell it!), Sun Kil Moon's "April," Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis' "Two Men with the Blues."

Guess I'm one of the few who weren't bowled over by the Deerhunter album.

In general, it just seems like there were more records that I liked in 2006 and 2007 than this year. The struggle those years was trimming to a list of 10. This year, the trouble is finding 10 albums that really turned me on, and I listened to as much music as ever this year.

Take care,
PK

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:44 pm

greggsand wrote:It's that time of year for the "Who gives a rats ass" file! From my blog:

10. REM - Accelerate (Amazing what can happen when Peter Buck gives a sh*t again. Man Sized Wreath & Living Well are the best songs they’ve written in 8 years.)

9. Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (Berman at his most relaxed, for better or worse. Might be time to get Malkmus on the phone...)

8. Steve Malkmus – Real Emotional Trash (Malkmus at his most “jammy”, for better or worse. Might be time to get Spiral on the phone…)

7. Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping (Not quite the Bi-Sexual "Smile" it tries to be, but it's not for an uncomfortable lack of trying.)

6. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (Nice sense of humor – electric-y, rock-y, stone-y, and they make it on the Hills on a regular basis - wink wink.)

5. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (These guys seem to get less & less cool by the minute, but the album was a good one to argue about.)

4. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (Yeah, they sound like My Morning Jacket, they sound like 70’s-Beach Boys. I got over it.)

3. Cut Copy – In Ghost Colours (Anytime you hear “dance music, BUT they also play GUITARS!!” there’s an instant gag reflex. This works, really works, go figure – crazy aussies.)

2. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges (I can't help it. Much like Wilco's 'head scratcher' last year, I can't stop listening to this damn thing. It's funny that my 2nd favorite album of the year has the most annoying track ever - u know what it is...)

1. Deerhunter - Microcastle (Spacey, Stoney, Reverb'd to all hell, catchy, difficult, good times. If I was a college kid, this would be the band to make me buy a guitar. The next record will be their true breakout and/or start a turf war with Deerhoof fans. Can't wait)

pk500 wrote:In general, it just seems like there were more records that I liked in 2006 and 2007 than this year. The struggle those years was trimming to a list of 10. This year, the trouble is finding 10 albums that really turned me on, and I listened to as much music as ever this year.

Agreed PK, it was a struggle to pull 10 albums that really did much for me. I could write a list chock-full of stuff that made me shrug my shoulders & move on(these are albums, not thoughts on the bands in general): Hold Steady, Kings of Leon, Beck, Kanye, David Byrne, Wolf Parade, and on & on....

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 2:28 pm

Greg, i cant stop listening to nothing ever happened and am really looking at getting microcastle. Is it up and down like a Sonic youth record?

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 3:08 pm

Jimmydeicide wrote:Greg, i cant stop listening to nothing ever happened and am really looking at getting microcastle. Is it up and down like a Sonic youth record?

Not really. I know what u mean, but I thinks it's pretty consistant through out. A few songs are "arty-er" than others, but I love it from start 2 finish. And yes, "nothing ever" is simply awesome.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 3:48 pm

The newest Blitzen Trapper album, 'Furr' is great. I sampled it a while back and thought it sounded ok, but the entire thing is awesome!

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 7:17 pm

I thought 08 was a great year for music. My personal favorites:

1. Kings of Leon -- Only by the Night -- Not that I need the back-up, but it was nice to see this album selected as album of the year by amazon, and get nominated for a few grammys.
2. The Gutter Twins -- Saturnalia -- great album featuring one of my all time favorites, Mark Lanegan
3. John Mellencamp -- Life, Death, Love, Freedom -- the latest from one of this country's best singer-songwriters
4. MMJ -- Evil Urges -- another great one from these guys, who are up there with PJ and KOL as one of the best live acts around, IMO
5. Mogwai -- The Hawk is Howling -- great cd from one of the great unknown bands
6. The Raconteurs -- Consolers of the Lonely -- Love this cd....ranks up there with the best of the White Stripes, IMO.
7. Ryan Adams -- Cardinology -- Not as great as his best (Gold), but still damn good
8. Black Mountain -- In the Future -- Great cd from a band I've seen compared to Sabbath, Led Zep, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and Blue Cheer. I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.
9. Dead Confederate -- Wrecking Ball -- these guys are from Georgia and remind me of a cross between Nirvana and Radiohead. Again, I'll be curious to see what happens with them down the road.
10. Alice Cooper -- Along Came a Spider -- This one won't be making too many best of lists, but I thought it was a fine return to form from the 70s classic shock rocker

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:00 pm

How about top songs of 08 for you guys?

On a side note, anyone catch Kayne on SNL last night. The drop screen effect was cool but I though his performance wasn't that great. I'm not a huge Kayne fan but like some of his beats.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:48 pm

JRod wrote:How about top songs of 08 for you guys?

Off the top of my head, in order:

1. Mogwai -- "Thank You, Space Expert"
2. The Silver Jews -- "Suffering Jukebox"
3. Drive-By Truckers -- "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife"
4. Death Cab for Cutie -- "I Will Possess Your Heart" (rest of the album SUCKED!)
5. Drive-By Truckers -- "A Ghost to Most"

Take care,
PK

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:11 am

JRod wrote: On a side note, anyone catch Kayne on SNL last night. The drop screen effect was cool but I though his performance wasn't that great. I'm not a huge Kayne fan but like some of his beats.

Yeah, was just telling my wife about how Kanye's new album is a bit of a train wreck with all the auto-tune & such. Then he came on & it was pretty cool.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:45 am

greggsand wrote:
JRod wrote: On a side note, anyone catch Kayne on SNL last night. The drop screen effect was cool but I though his performance wasn't that great. I'm not a huge Kayne fan but like some of his beats.
Yeah, was just telling my wife about how Kanye's new album is a bit of a train wreck with all the auto-tune & such. Then he came on & it was pretty cool.

Thought the appearance was really cool, but his singing was SO awful. I was embarrassed for him.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 12:19 am

OK, so I'm a day late, but I think I heard the best album of 2008 on the first day of 2009: "The Chemistry of Common Life" by F*cked Up. (The band's name is the actual two-word profanity.)

This is some of the most impressive, innovative and inventive hardcore punk I've ever heard. And no, those aren't oxymorons.

It's a record that smashes you like a sledgehammer from the first track and never relents.

The New York Times' review said it best: "This is hardcore punk that you can hallucinate to."

Take care,
PK

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:48 am

pk500 wrote:OK, so I'm a day late, but I think I heard the best album of 2008 on the first day of 2009: "The Chemistry of Common Life" by F*cked Up. (The band's name is the actual two-word profanity.)

This is some of the most impressive, innovative and inventive hardcore punk I've ever heard. And no, those aren't oxymorons.

It's a record that smashes you like a sledgehammer from the first track and never relents.

The New York Times' review said it best: "This is hardcore punk that you can hallucinate to."

Take care,
PK

Ok Tjung, thanks.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:06 am

My 11 favorite songs of 2008:

"Inni Mer Syngur Vetlysingur," Sigur Ros. I like how happy and catchy the new album is.

"Oxford Comma," Vampire Weekend. Like The Strokes a few years ago, the excessive hype does not mean they don't deserve praise.

"Whose Authority," Nada Surf. They crank out great three-minute pop songs.

"Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife," Drive-By Truckers. I agree with PK that this album was too long and uneven, but this is one of the best songs they've ever released (and that's saying something)

"Hollow Man," R.E.M. Nice to hear them sound like their old selves again.

"Death to Los Campesinos!" Los Campesinos. Catchy, energetic, and yet chaotic enough to stand out from your standard indie rock.

"Kim and Jessie," M83. Mines 80s groups like The Jesus and Mary Chain, yet still sounds fresh.

"White Winter Hymnal," Fleet Foxes. I like Band of Horses better but these guys do the new Americana thing really well. A beautiful song.

"Ion Square," Bloc Party. Underrated album once you get past the first two songs, and this closer is just about perfect.

"Sequestered in Memphis," The Hold Steady. They managed to stay true to themselves while expanding their sound. Craig Finn doesn't write songs so much as short stories set to music.

"Skinny Love," Bon Iver. The best song off the best album of the year. It's like you're right in the cabin where he recorded this.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 11:55 am

So I finally saw a live performance of The Hold Steady on a Conan rerun the other night.

I have lost absolutely all interest in them now.

I was on the fence with them to begin with, and I still do like 2 or 3 of their songs A LOT, but after seeing them in action I was kind of disgusted. Their 'act' is WAY pretentious and the dorky thing just feels way forced. And what's with that keyboard player!?!?! I have a HUGE pet peeve of keyboard players who stand and 'rock out' to begin with and he just took it to a whole new level.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:59 pm

Top songs of 08 (well, they're 08 to me)

1. Mogwai - "Scotland's Shame"

2. Half Man Half Biscuit - "Bad Losers on Yahoo Chess"

3. British Sea Power - "The Great Skua"

4. Cathal Coughlan - "Ophelia Crescent is Burning"

5. Lambchop - "I'm Thinking of a Number"

Most of 08 I spent buying 80's stuff (Fugazi, Mission of Burma) or listening to 70's albums again (Wire, Devo, Throbbing Gristle - I like a challenge).

Oh, and GT, Mogwai shouldn't be unknown to you - I been pimping them on here for years. Now get yourself off to find some Half Man Half Biscuit

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:25 pm

Ahh Fugazi eh gotta love "furniture"did you grab some gang of four while you where visiting

Ive been doing some of that, playing some lps whilst working in the garage lately UfO Phenomenon what a great record and "space Child is still one of my all time favorite songs along with mayonnaise by the pumpkins.

How about some Scorpions Tokyo tapes with Ulrich Roth on guitar?
Tight jeans and an stinky afghan coat or my embroidered wrangler jacket on the train to lime street . The memories. Anyone know the name of that old concert hall on lime street in Liverpool cant remember it for the life of me and do they still have bands on there?

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:38 pm

I found a folk/guitar duo that sounds fresh to me.

Chris and Thomas. I like a few of their songs.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:45 am

Jimmydeicide wrote:Ahh Fugazi eh gotta love "furniture"did you grab some gang of four while you where visiting

Ive been doing some of that, playing some lps whilst working in the garage lately UfO Phenomenon what a great record and "space Child is still one of my all time favorite songs along with mayonnaise by the pumpkins.

How about some Scorpions Tokyo tapes with Ulrich Roth on guitar?
Tight jeans and an stinky afghan coat or my embroidered wrangler jacket on the train to lime street . The memories. Anyone know the name of that old concert hall on lime street in Liverpool cant remember it for the life of me and do they still have bands on there?

Gang of Four I was buying when they were out originally, although I find them pretty unlistenable now. As for heavy metal.....nein danke.

Concert halls on Lime Street ? You mean the Empire ? I was in Liverpool a couple of weeks ago, and I think it's still there.

fsquid · Post by **fsquid** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 9:54 am

Fugazi? Wow don't think I've listened to them since the early 90s when I was in Junior High

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:11 am

I missed them first time round, looked them up after reading that Michael Azerrad book "This Band Could be Your Life".

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:12 pm

davet010 wrote:I missed them first time round, looked them up after reading that Michael Azerrad book "This Band Could be Your Life".

Im in the same boat, only heard Fugazi since i got sirius radio 4 yrs or so ago. Love left of center its enabled me to at least know most of these bands you lot are talking about.

The Empire!! thats it mate thanks, i saw Ac/dc ,Rush , scorpions there every year. Watched Shakespeare with school there also very cool hall i thought.

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:34 pm

fsquid wrote:Fugazi? Wow don't think I've listened to them since the early 90s when I was in Junior High

If this is when you stopped, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of their final album, The Argument, from 2001. I too had lost track of them after In On The Kill Taker, but when I picked this up on a whim a few years ago I was completely blown away. Rarely does a band release such a great work nearly 15 years into their career. I think it has proven to be my favorite of theirs, though the memories attached to Margin Walker and Repeater make me uncomfortable in my judgment. Nostalgia is a b*tch that way.

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:22 pm

EZSnappin wrote:
fsquid wrote:Fugazi? Wow don't think I've listened to them since the early 90s when I was in Junior High
If this is when you stopped, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of their final album, The Argument, from 2001. I too had lost track of them after In On The Kill Taker, but when I picked this up on a whim a few years ago I was completely blown away. Rarely does a band release such a great work nearly 15 years into their career. I think it has proven to be my favorite of theirs, though the memories attached to Margin Walker and Repeater make me uncomfortable in my judgment. Nostalgia is a b*tch that way.

The Argument is a great record! I just remember being surprised at how 'cool' they sounded (rather than angry)... Had the pleasure of seeing them live twice back in the day.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:27 pm

greggsand wrote:
EZSnappin wrote:
fsquid wrote:Fugazi? Wow don't think I've listened to them since the early 90s when I was in Junior High
If this is when you stopped, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of their final album, The Argument, from 2001. I too had lost track of them after In On The Kill Taker, but when I picked this up on a whim a few years ago I was completely blown away. Rarely does a band release such a great work nearly 15 years into their career. I think it has proven to be my favorite of theirs, though the memories attached to Margin Walker and Repeater make me uncomfortable in my judgment. Nostalgia is a b*tch that way.
The Argument is a great record! I just remember being surprised at how 'cool' they sounded (rather than angry)... Had the pleasure of seeing them live twice back in the day.

Totally agree about 'The Argument'! What a pleasant surprise that was. I have had their first album in my rotation forever and recently acquired their entire collection and was really impressed with 'The Argument'.

EZSnappin · Post by **EZSnappin** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:30 am

Love that a "New Music" thread has derailed into a discussion about a great album from almost eight years ago! But you'll get no argument here. (Yeah, that's a groaner)

For those of you who liked the "cool sounds" version of Ian MacKaye on that album, it behooves you to check out the two albums by The Evens. It is just drums and baritone guitar (that rumbley chug familiar from so much surf music), and though not nearly as good as The Argument, the connections between The Evens and Ian's work on that are very strong. The Evens live were better than on record, though Ian has become even more didactic and curmudgeonly, which is saying quite a lot.

However good The Evens are, they're not a gloss on the power of a Fugazi show. I think live the rhythm section showed they were the fiercest dance band on the planet - they could ride a groove like nobodies business. The documentary Instrument does a good job of showing their Hawkwind meets Wire explorations. I honestly feel bad for people who didn't get a chance to see them perform; their records, as good as they are, just never held a candle to the experience of a Fugazi show. *sigh*

More on topic, here's a quick list of my favorite albums of the year:

1. Lambchop - OH (Ohio)
2. The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me
3. Made Out Of Babies - The Ruiner
4. Earth - The Bees Made Honey In The Lion’s Skull
5. Sons And Daughters - This Gift
6. Harvey Milk - Life…The Best Game In Town
7. Wetnurse - Invisible City
8. Mugison - Mugiboogie
9. Kaki King - Dreaming Of Revenge
10. Conifer - Crown Fire
11. Torche - Meanderthal
12. Bauhaus - Go Away White
13. Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer?