2009 was a great year for music. I feel pretty confident in saying that there were far more good-to-great releases this year than any of the past few years. This may be the reason I'm having so much trouble slotting my top 10-15 albums released in the past 12 months. Hell, as I type this I'm listening to the Phoenix album again to make sure I give it a fair shake. My list just isn't falling into place like it normally does. I think I have my top album of the year, maybe, but the rest just seem like a clusterfuck of really good albums that I could pull out of a hat to populate slots 2 through 15 (yes, I just now decided I'm going top 15 this year).
But back to my number one album of the year. Making this year even more convoluted is that my real number one, fave release (it's not an album, per se) is not eligible for top 15 album consideration because it's a compilation. Dark Was The Night is comprised of mostly original songs and covers, but it is a compilation, and since I routinely rail against people who include compilations, best-ofs, greatest hits and soundtracks in their top albums of year or favorite albums of all time (gasp), I'll have to exclude this exquisite collection of songs from the following proceedings. On to the list!
15. Julian Casablancas - Phrazes for the Young
Everyone's going electro nowadays. Guitars are going the way of the dodo, being replaced with MacBook Pros and all manner of knobs and switches and other newfangled gizmos. So it was no surprise (mostly) to read about the voice of the Strokes' solo effort wanting to "capture the catchiness of modern music." While T-Pain doesn't guest on any of the tracks, a lot of synths and drum machines do. I can't honestly say this is a good album, but I do enjoy it (mostly). Who knows, maybe I just needed to hear Casablancas' lazy, disaffected, monotone croon.
14. Atlas Sound - Logos
Much more of an album than Bradford Cox's last solo effort, which I like. Plus, the songs are just better. A few great tracks like 'Walkabout' and 'Quick Canal' (both of which feature guest vocalists) and a bunch of solid mellow songs to keep 'em company.
13. The Antlers - Hospice
The Antlers are fairly mellow, but they do get a little more 'up in yo grill' on some tracks, and I like that (see: Sylvia). Where The xx is quintessential chillwave, The Antlers are much more earnest and sincere and depresssed, but still pretty chill.
12. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This album kicks off with a bang with Lisztomania and 1901 and then settles into a nice little electro-pop album. Nothing quite recaptures the energy and urgency of those first few tracks, even though the album is solid, top-to-bottom. Plus, they're French. I have a strict 'no Frenchies in the Top 10' rule.*
11. Elvis Perkins in Dearland - Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Two Clunkers (serious clunkers, thus capital "C") really keep this from becoming just a gem of an album. Still, Mr. Perkins delivers some very nice singer-songwriterish tunes with the same melancholy feel as 2007's Ash Wednesday.
10. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of blah blah blah
An excellent poppy shoegaze album. Problem is, there's 10 songs and you only really need listen to 5, maybe 6 of 'em. I know that's just how the shoegaze thing works, but all these songs are played at the same exact tempo. Wait, this is suppose to be an album I like, right?
9. Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer
Easily my favorite record of theirs. Songs range from the epic-sounding opener 'Silver Moons' to the straight forward rock of 'Idiot Heart' to the synthy pop of 'Paper Lace.' And of course all with Spencer Krug's trademark urgent yelp, which is front-and-center on this album.
8. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
I'm not really an AC fan, at all, so I wasn't anticipating this release like so many were. The release (or leak, really) of this album and Veckatimest reached Twilight-like hype and OMGishness in the not-so-underground indie rock world, enough to make one sick, really. These albums are not going to cure cancer or bring about world peace. Anywho, long story short - I relented and listened...and it's pretty good. Especially 'Summertime Clothes.' World peace is just another AC release away.
7. The xx - The xx
Much like vampires, chillwave is sweeping the nation. It isn't always enough to keep my attention for an entire album, but I don't know if there's a better (or chiller) stretch of music released this year than the three tracks that mellowly kick this album off - 'Intro,' 'VCR' and 'Crystalized.' For lack of a better description, The xx is like an aural chill pill. Take one and call me in the morning. Because you will sleep soundly.
6. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
This album wasn't immediately one that I liked. At first (second and third) listen, the arty songs seemed buried in tempo changes and an over usage of vocal harmonies. But a few listens in, the songs started to take shape for me. And they are some really great songs. Now, I can't imagine it without the aforementioned tempo changes and vocal harmonies.
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
I almost forgot about this album. Not good, huh, considering it's my fifth favorite album of the year. But here's my positive spin: I forgot about it because after a few listens it became just another YYYs record. Which is a good thing. Because I like them.
4. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
Not sure if anyone writes better semi-sweet, semi-depressing pop songs than Tracyanne Campbell. Even when she's singing about young lovers madly in love this thing in her voice is telling you "it won't last." Quite a feat, and she pulls it off time and time again with wit and charm to spare.
3. The Thermals - Now We Can See
I may have this album too high. Thus, I will give it a listen now. This album explores death from the perspective of someone who's already lived and is now reflecting on a life of wastefulness, greed and selfishness - a pretty cool concept, when you think about it. Not as immediately catchy as 2006's excellent The Body The Blood The Machine, but very tight and full of simple yet memorable hooks. Verdict: #3 it is.
2. Girls - Album
I like a bunch of different types of music. And by "types" I don't mean genres. I'll try to explain. I like fast, aggressive music. I like slow, pretty, heartfelt music. I like guitar and bass. I like electronic beeps and blips. But perhaps the type of music I like best is music with attitude. Not trumped up, 'look at me' attitude. I'm talking about the kind of attitude that says 'FU, I don't give a shit what you think.' You either have it or you don't. There's no faking it. Well Girls has it. And they have a debut album full of garagey riffs and mid-tempo rockers that touches an occasional bluesy vibe. And they have plenty of attitude.
1. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
The hype machine rarely gets me going nowadays. I like new music just fine, but if I get to a new release within the first month or so I'm normally pretty OK with that. So when the Veckatimest hype vortex started swirling all around me, I initially resisted. I enjoyed Yellow House just fine, but found it a little too sprawling and sparse for my taste, so while I was intrigued for the new Grizzly Bear release, I wasn't salivating like Pavlov's Dog with details like track lists, album art, etc. But for some reason, when news of the leak hit the internets I got ahold of my downloading partner in crime and put him on the case. I HAD to have it. I was completely entangled in the Veckatimest web. Now, the trick was to see through it and judge the music for what it is. The music is beautifully crafted, meticulously played and performed - damn near perfect chamber pop. My aforementioned partner in crime uses how much he listened to a particular album to help decide where it should go on his list. Well, there wasn't an album that even came close to getting as many complete listens for me as Veckatimest. Damn hype.
*Daft Punk, notwithstanding
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Favorite Albums of 2008
The thing that pops out at me most when taking in my top records of the past year is the American domination. Nine of the ten spots are filled by Yanks and the only outsider is Wolf Parade, who are Canadian. No Euros at all. Not sure what that means, but here is this year’s list. USA! USA! USA!
10. Kings of Leon – Only By the Night
I’ve grown increasingly bored of these guys since their rocking debut, Youth and Young Manhood, but this one puts them back on the musical landscape for me. However, I still think they’re better suited for a more stripped-down, garage-style sound with Caleb Followill’s classic rock ‘n’ roll pipes leading the way. I eagerly await their obligatory back-to-basics album, probably coming in 2010 or 2011. For now, this’ll do.
Standout Tracks – Use Somebody, Revelry
9. No Age – Nouns
L.A.’s No Age do their darndest to hide great hooks and melodies in a sea of noise and fuzz, but make no mistake – the hooks and melodies are there. They don’t hide them on every track, but the more memorable songs seem to be the most heavily layered. Nouns is just a solid modern punk record that takes a few listens to really appreciate. This old punk did, and does.
Standout Tracks – Eraser, Teen Creeps, Here Should Be My Home
8. Santogold – Santogold
Santi White aka. Santogold was rather inescapable in 2008. If you didn’t catch her singles L.E.S. Artistes and Lights Out on the radio, then you certainly caught them taking up time between your favorite TV shows. Bud Light, V05 and Ford were just a few companies that figured Santogold’s music was ideal for hawking their goods. Commerce aside, the album is a genre-defying listen that effortlessly hops back and forth among pop, rock, R&B and reggae. Many compare her to MIA, but in my opinion, she’s better.
Standout Tracks – L.E.S. Artistes, You’ll Find a Way, Say Aha, Lights Out
7. Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
Oberst ditched the Bright Eyes moniker for this release because long-time collaborator Mike Mogis didn’t have a hand in it and because he was working with a new group of musicians who called themselves the Mystic Valley Band for this release. All these changes work for me, as it is by far the most laid-back, unencumbered album Oberst has released since he hit puberty (yes, he has been making music for that long). He seems to be having fun on this album and that’s a side of the young songwriter that often doesn’t come through in his work. Perhaps he’s growing less angsty in his old age.
Standout Tracks – Sausalito, Lenders in the Temple, I Don’t Want to Die (In the Hospital), Moab
6. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
The Hold Steady are becoming a staple of my year-end Top 10 Albums lists. Their 2006 release, Boys and Girls in America, sits at number six as well. Maybe they’ll crack the vaunted top 5 in 2010. Anywho, Stay Positive is another great rock album with all the blazing guitar solos and piano-laden bridges you’d expect from a Hold Steady record. Where they separate this album and avoid becoming stale is with the different instrumentation and arrangements. They’re subtle, but they’re there. Looking forward to seeing these guys live again.
Standout Tracks – Constructive Summer, Sequestered in Memphis, Stay Positive, Slapped Actress
5. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend came out of virtually nowhere to deliver the funnest album of the year, an ultra-listenable record ideal for a party or, as I’m enjoying it now, a pair of headphones. And boy do the “indie police” hate “fun.” Vampire Weekend were the toast of the music blogs one day and a pariah the next after a little exposure and an SNL appearance. No, these well-educated preppies aren’t exploring much new territory here, but an upbeat pop record done as expertly as this should be enjoyed. Unless you’re too cool for school, I guess. Me, I’m too old to be cool anyway, so fuck it.
Standout Tracks – Oxford Comma, A-Punk, Boston, Walcott
4. The Walkmen – You & Me
As a fan of The Walkmen, I was a bit disappointed in the band’s 2006 release, A Hundred Miles Off. While it had a few redeeming tracks, it just didn’t have the overall “Walkmen feel” I got from Bows + Arrows and Everyone Who Pretended… I can’t exactly describe what I mean by “Walkmen feel,” but they just have this original sound that is uniquely theirs, and to me, it was missing on the previous album. Well, no such occurrence here. You & Me is a fantastic record that just sort of amiably drifts by, much like the holidays do this time of year. It is the ideal record to play while you’re sipping a hot beverage and sitting by the fire this winter.
Standout Tracks – In the New Year, Postcards From Tiny Islands, Red Moon, Four Provinces
3. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer
Oh, Canada. I don’t know what’s been in the water up North the past four or five years, but damn if those Canucks aren’t putting out some fantastic records. When I reviewed this record when it “dropped” a few months ago I said it was perhaps a more consistent offering than their 2005 debut (which was/is a great album) but without the “knock you on the floor” standout tracks. I’m beginning to rethink that statement a bit however. Wolf Parade is proving to be one heck of a consistent side-project for Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug, and Mount Zoomer is outstanding, if maybe a notch below Apologies.
Standout Tracks – Language City, The Grey Estates
2. TV on the Radio – Dear Science
I’m not sure how this isn’t my number one album of the year, as from first listen to today, I’m still floored by it, but one release did eclipse it in my view. I already wrote quite a lengthy review, so I’ll be a little more restrained here. This album has a bit of everything, sometimes all in a single track. You can dance to it, play air-guitar to it, get depressed by it, all while being mesmerized by it. I’ve said it a few times, but I’ll reiterate it here, TV on the Radio is the best band in the world not named Radiohead.
Standout Tracks – Halfway Home, Dancing Choose, Golden Age, Family Tree, Shout Me Out
1. Deerhunter – Microcastle
It was going to take one hell of a record to keep Dear Science out of the top spot, and that is exactly what we have here with Deerhunter’s third full-length release. It is pretty much a flawless indie rock record with shades of post punk, shoegaze, psychedelia and the trademark artsy noise that Deerhunter is known for. The album flows seamlessly from track-to-track with impeccable tempo changes, and just when you think it’s winding to a solid but predictable end, Nothing Ever Happens, track nine, hits you over the head like an anvil. It’s absolutely my favorite song of the year and it carries the second half of the album to a triumphant conclusion.
Standout Tracks – Agoraphobia, Never Stops, Nothing Ever Happens
10. Kings of Leon – Only By the Night
I’ve grown increasingly bored of these guys since their rocking debut, Youth and Young Manhood, but this one puts them back on the musical landscape for me. However, I still think they’re better suited for a more stripped-down, garage-style sound with Caleb Followill’s classic rock ‘n’ roll pipes leading the way. I eagerly await their obligatory back-to-basics album, probably coming in 2010 or 2011. For now, this’ll do.
Standout Tracks – Use Somebody, Revelry
9. No Age – Nouns
L.A.’s No Age do their darndest to hide great hooks and melodies in a sea of noise and fuzz, but make no mistake – the hooks and melodies are there. They don’t hide them on every track, but the more memorable songs seem to be the most heavily layered. Nouns is just a solid modern punk record that takes a few listens to really appreciate. This old punk did, and does.
Standout Tracks – Eraser, Teen Creeps, Here Should Be My Home
8. Santogold – Santogold
Santi White aka. Santogold was rather inescapable in 2008. If you didn’t catch her singles L.E.S. Artistes and Lights Out on the radio, then you certainly caught them taking up time between your favorite TV shows. Bud Light, V05 and Ford were just a few companies that figured Santogold’s music was ideal for hawking their goods. Commerce aside, the album is a genre-defying listen that effortlessly hops back and forth among pop, rock, R&B and reggae. Many compare her to MIA, but in my opinion, she’s better.
Standout Tracks – L.E.S. Artistes, You’ll Find a Way, Say Aha, Lights Out
7. Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
Oberst ditched the Bright Eyes moniker for this release because long-time collaborator Mike Mogis didn’t have a hand in it and because he was working with a new group of musicians who called themselves the Mystic Valley Band for this release. All these changes work for me, as it is by far the most laid-back, unencumbered album Oberst has released since he hit puberty (yes, he has been making music for that long). He seems to be having fun on this album and that’s a side of the young songwriter that often doesn’t come through in his work. Perhaps he’s growing less angsty in his old age.
Standout Tracks – Sausalito, Lenders in the Temple, I Don’t Want to Die (In the Hospital), Moab
6. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
The Hold Steady are becoming a staple of my year-end Top 10 Albums lists. Their 2006 release, Boys and Girls in America, sits at number six as well. Maybe they’ll crack the vaunted top 5 in 2010. Anywho, Stay Positive is another great rock album with all the blazing guitar solos and piano-laden bridges you’d expect from a Hold Steady record. Where they separate this album and avoid becoming stale is with the different instrumentation and arrangements. They’re subtle, but they’re there. Looking forward to seeing these guys live again.
Standout Tracks – Constructive Summer, Sequestered in Memphis, Stay Positive, Slapped Actress
5. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend came out of virtually nowhere to deliver the funnest album of the year, an ultra-listenable record ideal for a party or, as I’m enjoying it now, a pair of headphones. And boy do the “indie police” hate “fun.” Vampire Weekend were the toast of the music blogs one day and a pariah the next after a little exposure and an SNL appearance. No, these well-educated preppies aren’t exploring much new territory here, but an upbeat pop record done as expertly as this should be enjoyed. Unless you’re too cool for school, I guess. Me, I’m too old to be cool anyway, so fuck it.
Standout Tracks – Oxford Comma, A-Punk, Boston, Walcott
4. The Walkmen – You & Me
As a fan of The Walkmen, I was a bit disappointed in the band’s 2006 release, A Hundred Miles Off. While it had a few redeeming tracks, it just didn’t have the overall “Walkmen feel” I got from Bows + Arrows and Everyone Who Pretended… I can’t exactly describe what I mean by “Walkmen feel,” but they just have this original sound that is uniquely theirs, and to me, it was missing on the previous album. Well, no such occurrence here. You & Me is a fantastic record that just sort of amiably drifts by, much like the holidays do this time of year. It is the ideal record to play while you’re sipping a hot beverage and sitting by the fire this winter.
Standout Tracks – In the New Year, Postcards From Tiny Islands, Red Moon, Four Provinces
3. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer
Oh, Canada. I don’t know what’s been in the water up North the past four or five years, but damn if those Canucks aren’t putting out some fantastic records. When I reviewed this record when it “dropped” a few months ago I said it was perhaps a more consistent offering than their 2005 debut (which was/is a great album) but without the “knock you on the floor” standout tracks. I’m beginning to rethink that statement a bit however. Wolf Parade is proving to be one heck of a consistent side-project for Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug, and Mount Zoomer is outstanding, if maybe a notch below Apologies.
Standout Tracks – Language City, The Grey Estates
2. TV on the Radio – Dear Science
I’m not sure how this isn’t my number one album of the year, as from first listen to today, I’m still floored by it, but one release did eclipse it in my view. I already wrote quite a lengthy review, so I’ll be a little more restrained here. This album has a bit of everything, sometimes all in a single track. You can dance to it, play air-guitar to it, get depressed by it, all while being mesmerized by it. I’ve said it a few times, but I’ll reiterate it here, TV on the Radio is the best band in the world not named Radiohead.
Standout Tracks – Halfway Home, Dancing Choose, Golden Age, Family Tree, Shout Me Out
1. Deerhunter – Microcastle
It was going to take one hell of a record to keep Dear Science out of the top spot, and that is exactly what we have here with Deerhunter’s third full-length release. It is pretty much a flawless indie rock record with shades of post punk, shoegaze, psychedelia and the trademark artsy noise that Deerhunter is known for. The album flows seamlessly from track-to-track with impeccable tempo changes, and just when you think it’s winding to a solid but predictable end, Nothing Ever Happens, track nine, hits you over the head like an anvil. It’s absolutely my favorite song of the year and it carries the second half of the album to a triumphant conclusion.
Standout Tracks – Agoraphobia, Never Stops, Nothing Ever Happens
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Angels Baseball 2008
The Halos 2008 season is six games old and the team is off to a nice 4-2 start despite injuries to their two best starters from last season, John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. Lackey should be back in three weeks or so but Escobar may be done for the season with a tear in his pitching shoulder...not good. What this means is that the guys in the starting rotation need to step up big time and take it upon themselves to carry the load.
Jered Weaver is thrust into the role of the Angels' number one starter, and after an outstanding Spring and a nice outing tonight against the Rangers, he looks pretty good. Newcomer Jon Garland, who was acquired in a trade with the White Sox also needs to step up and give the team some quality innings.
The two guys mentioned above should be fine, Weaver is a young ace in the making and Garland a solid innings-eating vet who has twice won 18 games. The real question marks lie with the other three starters - Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana and Dustin Moseley. Saunders had a decent season last year, making spot starts here and there and is coming off a gem in Minnesota last week, throwing eight scoreless innings. Santana has a golden arm, but had an absolutley atrocious 2007 season and seems averse to pitching quality games on the road, although he did just that in Minnesota last week.
The offense looks good to me. Many think the Angels were offensively challenged last season, and that really wasn't the case. They finished in the top 5 in the AL in runs scored, but near the bottom in home runs. Don't get me wrong, dingers are nice and I think we will hit more this year than last (I know, not a brash statement), but our offense still isn't predicated on the long ball. We're still a speed club that needs to string hits together and steal bases and move runners over and take the extra base, yada yada yada...and that's what we'll need to do to be successful this season.
I like how the team looks right now. I'll like it better when Lackey and Shields and get back, but I think our offense is good enough to carry more of the load this year. Hunter was a nice offseason signing and he should hit 25 or so HR and drive in 90 or so runs. Vlad is...well Vlad, his HR totals were down last year, but his doubles were way up. I'm looking for more of those balls that hit off the wall last year to clear it this year...hopefully to the tune of 35 or so HRs.
Howie Kendrick is an absolute hitting machine. He'll hit .315 or so, I think, with a ton (30-40) of doubles and maybe 15 or so jacks. As long as Casey Kotchman stays healthy, I think he'll hit around .300 and sniff the 20 HR mark.
The big key is Figgy. He needs to have the kind of second half he had last season, OBP-wise for the offense to stay consistent. and so far, he looks really good.
Jered Weaver is thrust into the role of the Angels' number one starter, and after an outstanding Spring and a nice outing tonight against the Rangers, he looks pretty good. Newcomer Jon Garland, who was acquired in a trade with the White Sox also needs to step up and give the team some quality innings.
The two guys mentioned above should be fine, Weaver is a young ace in the making and Garland a solid innings-eating vet who has twice won 18 games. The real question marks lie with the other three starters - Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana and Dustin Moseley. Saunders had a decent season last year, making spot starts here and there and is coming off a gem in Minnesota last week, throwing eight scoreless innings. Santana has a golden arm, but had an absolutley atrocious 2007 season and seems averse to pitching quality games on the road, although he did just that in Minnesota last week.
The offense looks good to me. Many think the Angels were offensively challenged last season, and that really wasn't the case. They finished in the top 5 in the AL in runs scored, but near the bottom in home runs. Don't get me wrong, dingers are nice and I think we will hit more this year than last (I know, not a brash statement), but our offense still isn't predicated on the long ball. We're still a speed club that needs to string hits together and steal bases and move runners over and take the extra base, yada yada yada...and that's what we'll need to do to be successful this season.
I like how the team looks right now. I'll like it better when Lackey and Shields and get back, but I think our offense is good enough to carry more of the load this year. Hunter was a nice offseason signing and he should hit 25 or so HR and drive in 90 or so runs. Vlad is...well Vlad, his HR totals were down last year, but his doubles were way up. I'm looking for more of those balls that hit off the wall last year to clear it this year...hopefully to the tune of 35 or so HRs.
Howie Kendrick is an absolute hitting machine. He'll hit .315 or so, I think, with a ton (30-40) of doubles and maybe 15 or so jacks. As long as Casey Kotchman stays healthy, I think he'll hit around .300 and sniff the 20 HR mark.
The big key is Figgy. He needs to have the kind of second half he had last season, OBP-wise for the offense to stay consistent. and so far, he looks really good.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Lakers are Good
I wrote an entry in late December of 2006 that posed the question, how good are the Lakers? That team got off to a good start and looked like they were bound for a surprise season, but they stalled after the All-Star break and their home-heavy early schedule came back to bite 'em in the ass later. That team was often fun to watch, but seemed to play to the level of their competition, much like the Nick VanExel-era Lakers. This season, things seem much different.
Anyone who lives in SoCal can attest to how crazy it was when the whole Kobe saga was going down in the off season. That story absolutely hijacked sports talk radio at a time when my Angels were dominating and the Dodgers looked like a decent club. But, we all know this is a Lakers town first, so it really wasn't a big surprise. Anyway, after all that turmoil and controversy in the off season, a Lakers team as good as this one was definitely not expected by anyone not named Vic "The Brick" Jacobs.
But here we are in early January, and the Lake-Show is 22-11, only 1.5 games behind the Pacific Division leading Suns. Andrew Bynum looks destined to be the next great Lakers center, averaging 13 points and 10 boards a game. At age 20. Mitch Kupchack looks smarter and smarter with every double-double Bynum racks up. This team is just flat-out fun to watch, as they blow out the teams they should, beat the teams they should, and battle the best teams in the league tooth and nail. Tonight, I'm watching them wrap up a tidy 20+ point win over a solid Hornets team, and I think there's no question about it. The Lakers are good.
Anyone who lives in SoCal can attest to how crazy it was when the whole Kobe saga was going down in the off season. That story absolutely hijacked sports talk radio at a time when my Angels were dominating and the Dodgers looked like a decent club. But, we all know this is a Lakers town first, so it really wasn't a big surprise. Anyway, after all that turmoil and controversy in the off season, a Lakers team as good as this one was definitely not expected by anyone not named Vic "The Brick" Jacobs.
But here we are in early January, and the Lake-Show is 22-11, only 1.5 games behind the Pacific Division leading Suns. Andrew Bynum looks destined to be the next great Lakers center, averaging 13 points and 10 boards a game. At age 20. Mitch Kupchack looks smarter and smarter with every double-double Bynum racks up. This team is just flat-out fun to watch, as they blow out the teams they should, beat the teams they should, and battle the best teams in the league tooth and nail. Tonight, I'm watching them wrap up a tidy 20+ point win over a solid Hornets team, and I think there's no question about it. The Lakers are good.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Best Albums of 2007
10. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Not sure if I got enough “Ga’s” in the title, but oh well. My introduction to Spoon came with 2001’s Girls Can Tell and I’ve been a casual fan ever since. Britt Daniel just has a great sense of melody and timing and he writes some of the best guitar hooks today, in my opinion. This album is a little experimental for him, as he threw in some different instrumentation (see The Underdog) and arrangements (see The Ghost of You Lingers). But he makes it all work.
Standout tracks: The Underdog, Don’t You Evah
9. Jens Lekman – Night Falls Over Kortedala
I was trying to think of a way to describe Jens Lekman, and all I could come up with was two words – Swedish crooner. Jens is one of my favorite lyricists as he writes with a simple charm and wit that doesn’t require you to study the lyrics like the Dead Sea Scrolls to decipher what he’s saying. Most of the songs on Night Falls are basic stories with Jens as the narrator. It’s a great album and I needed a Swede on the list anyways, so, two birds with one stone.
Standout tracks: And I Remember Every Kiss, A Postcard to Nina
8. New Pornographers – Challengers
This record solidifies the New Pornographers place as one of the best pop acts going, for me. This one is still a rung below Twin Cinema in my opinion, but that could change with more listens. They just know how to craft a good pop song, a skill that seems long lost lately. Oh, and you get to hear Neko Case’s beautiful voice…what’s not to like?
Standout tracks: My Rights Versus Yours, Challengers, Failsafe, Mutiny, I Promise You
7. Interpol – Our Love to Admire
I had big expectations for this record as Interpol had successfully avoided the sophomore slump to create a good record with 2005’s Antics. However, I wasn’t sold on this album till about 7-10 listens, so I guess it kinda grew on me. The thing I like best about Interpol’s previous records are the epic opening tracks, and Our Love to Admire doesn’t disappoint here. Pioneer to the Falls kicks the album off with a dark, eerie feeling, and really, isn’t that why we listen to Interpol? This record also has the best song title of the year with ‘No I in Threesome.’
Standout tracks: Pioneer to the Falls, Rest My Chemistry
6. Panda Bear – Person Pitch
This album was just a pleasant surprise, and like the Andrew Bird record, lived up to all the hype and rave reviews. I’m not a huge Animal Collective fan, and since Noah Lennox, a.k.a. Panda Bear is part of that group, I wasn’t really anticipating anything great. But this album is just flat-out phenomenal. Lennox channels Brian Wilson (can you channel someone who’s still living?) and creates a masterpiece of loops and wall-of-sound-ish stuff that sounds like a perfect blend of 60’s psychedelia and modern day effects.
Standout tracks: Comfy in Nautica, Bros
5. The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
This album didn’t blow me away at first, and it really still doesn’t. For me, there isn’t that track or two that puts the signature touch on the album. Oh, Inverted World has Know Your Onion and the now ubiquitous New Slang, and Chutes has So Says I. Phantom Limb comes very close to doing for this record what those great songs did for their respective albums, but just doesn’t quite do it for me. All that said, it’s still my #5 album because of its consistency and my fanboy love for the band.
Standout tracks: Phantom Limb, Turn on Me, A Comet Appears
4. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha
Andrew Bird’s name kept popping up all over the blogosphere, so I checked him out. For once, an album and artist fairly unknown to me lived up to the Internet hype. In my list from last year, I said M. Ward’s Post War could be the album from that list that ends up being my favorite years down the road. Same goes for this album from Andrew Bird. Simple pop songs with sneaky good hooks and great choices for instrumentation, plus he sounds like Jeff Buckley sometimes.
Standout tracks: Fiery Crash, Heretics, Plasticities
3. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Arcade Fire had, without a doubt, the toughest act to follow. That of course was their transcendent debut, Funeral, which may go down as one of the greatest debut albums EVER. No pressure. They delivered another classic, however, perhaps not as cohesive and tight as Funeral, but a magnificent collection of songs nonetheless. Seeing them live for the first time was probably the highlight of my year.
Standout tracks: Black Mirror, Intervention, No Cars Go
2. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
This may have been the release I was anticipating more than any other this year, Arcade Fire notwithstanding. James Murphy’s latest is smart, witty and funny, sometimes all at once. Sound of Silver has the best closing track of the year in ‘New York I Love You….’ Their performance at Coachella this year was a definite highlight for me even though I got to the tent late and had to watch from outside.
Standout tracks: Someone Great, All My Friends, New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down
1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
If there was any doubt who the best band in the world is, In Rainbows, the latest from Radiohead, makes it crystal clear. At least for me it does. Pretty much perfect from opener ‘15 Step’ on, In Rainbows is the follow up to OK Computer many of us have been waiting for. Not that the detour they took in between wasn’t great as well. From the very first listen, it was clearly the best album of ’07 for me.
Standout tracks: 15 step, Bodysnatchers, All I Need, House of Cards
And that's that. Honorable mentions go to Elvis Perkins, Feist, Wilco, The Broken West, Band of Horses, Okkervil River, Of Montreal, and even though it came out in 2006, The Thermals' The Body, The Blood, The Machine was a record I got into and listened to a ton in '07.
Not sure if I got enough “Ga’s” in the title, but oh well. My introduction to Spoon came with 2001’s Girls Can Tell and I’ve been a casual fan ever since. Britt Daniel just has a great sense of melody and timing and he writes some of the best guitar hooks today, in my opinion. This album is a little experimental for him, as he threw in some different instrumentation (see The Underdog) and arrangements (see The Ghost of You Lingers). But he makes it all work.
Standout tracks: The Underdog, Don’t You Evah
9. Jens Lekman – Night Falls Over Kortedala
I was trying to think of a way to describe Jens Lekman, and all I could come up with was two words – Swedish crooner. Jens is one of my favorite lyricists as he writes with a simple charm and wit that doesn’t require you to study the lyrics like the Dead Sea Scrolls to decipher what he’s saying. Most of the songs on Night Falls are basic stories with Jens as the narrator. It’s a great album and I needed a Swede on the list anyways, so, two birds with one stone.
Standout tracks: And I Remember Every Kiss, A Postcard to Nina
8. New Pornographers – Challengers
This record solidifies the New Pornographers place as one of the best pop acts going, for me. This one is still a rung below Twin Cinema in my opinion, but that could change with more listens. They just know how to craft a good pop song, a skill that seems long lost lately. Oh, and you get to hear Neko Case’s beautiful voice…what’s not to like?
Standout tracks: My Rights Versus Yours, Challengers, Failsafe, Mutiny, I Promise You
7. Interpol – Our Love to Admire
I had big expectations for this record as Interpol had successfully avoided the sophomore slump to create a good record with 2005’s Antics. However, I wasn’t sold on this album till about 7-10 listens, so I guess it kinda grew on me. The thing I like best about Interpol’s previous records are the epic opening tracks, and Our Love to Admire doesn’t disappoint here. Pioneer to the Falls kicks the album off with a dark, eerie feeling, and really, isn’t that why we listen to Interpol? This record also has the best song title of the year with ‘No I in Threesome.’
Standout tracks: Pioneer to the Falls, Rest My Chemistry
6. Panda Bear – Person Pitch
This album was just a pleasant surprise, and like the Andrew Bird record, lived up to all the hype and rave reviews. I’m not a huge Animal Collective fan, and since Noah Lennox, a.k.a. Panda Bear is part of that group, I wasn’t really anticipating anything great. But this album is just flat-out phenomenal. Lennox channels Brian Wilson (can you channel someone who’s still living?) and creates a masterpiece of loops and wall-of-sound-ish stuff that sounds like a perfect blend of 60’s psychedelia and modern day effects.
Standout tracks: Comfy in Nautica, Bros
5. The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
This album didn’t blow me away at first, and it really still doesn’t. For me, there isn’t that track or two that puts the signature touch on the album. Oh, Inverted World has Know Your Onion and the now ubiquitous New Slang, and Chutes has So Says I. Phantom Limb comes very close to doing for this record what those great songs did for their respective albums, but just doesn’t quite do it for me. All that said, it’s still my #5 album because of its consistency and my fanboy love for the band.
Standout tracks: Phantom Limb, Turn on Me, A Comet Appears
4. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha
Andrew Bird’s name kept popping up all over the blogosphere, so I checked him out. For once, an album and artist fairly unknown to me lived up to the Internet hype. In my list from last year, I said M. Ward’s Post War could be the album from that list that ends up being my favorite years down the road. Same goes for this album from Andrew Bird. Simple pop songs with sneaky good hooks and great choices for instrumentation, plus he sounds like Jeff Buckley sometimes.
Standout tracks: Fiery Crash, Heretics, Plasticities
3. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Arcade Fire had, without a doubt, the toughest act to follow. That of course was their transcendent debut, Funeral, which may go down as one of the greatest debut albums EVER. No pressure. They delivered another classic, however, perhaps not as cohesive and tight as Funeral, but a magnificent collection of songs nonetheless. Seeing them live for the first time was probably the highlight of my year.
Standout tracks: Black Mirror, Intervention, No Cars Go
2. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
This may have been the release I was anticipating more than any other this year, Arcade Fire notwithstanding. James Murphy’s latest is smart, witty and funny, sometimes all at once. Sound of Silver has the best closing track of the year in ‘New York I Love You….’ Their performance at Coachella this year was a definite highlight for me even though I got to the tent late and had to watch from outside.
Standout tracks: Someone Great, All My Friends, New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down
1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
If there was any doubt who the best band in the world is, In Rainbows, the latest from Radiohead, makes it crystal clear. At least for me it does. Pretty much perfect from opener ‘15 Step’ on, In Rainbows is the follow up to OK Computer many of us have been waiting for. Not that the detour they took in between wasn’t great as well. From the very first listen, it was clearly the best album of ’07 for me.
Standout tracks: 15 step, Bodysnatchers, All I Need, House of Cards
And that's that. Honorable mentions go to Elvis Perkins, Feist, Wilco, The Broken West, Band of Horses, Okkervil River, Of Montreal, and even though it came out in 2006, The Thermals' The Body, The Blood, The Machine was a record I got into and listened to a ton in '07.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
How Good Are The Lakers?
Just how good are the '06-'07 Los Angeles Lakers? Seriously, if you know, please enlighten me. Much has been made of their home-heavy early season schedule, but you still have to go out and take care of business on the court. And thus far, a 19-10 record says they have been handling their business rather nicely. Home cooking has been good to the Lakers, as they enjoy a robust 13-4 mark at Staples Center. They have also held their own on the road thus far-- last nights win in Orlando evened their road record to 6-6. A tough month or so lies ahead, though, as they continue to be without the irreplaceable Lamar Odom, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Before he went down, it was looking like the unexpected playoff run last year wasn't a fluke and that Lamar had found his role in the offense. He and Kobe were beginning to resemble a duo Phil Jackson coached with the Bulls. The season is still young, though and there will undoubtedly be more obstacles in the Lakers' path to the playoffs. But so far, so good.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Favorite Albums of 2006
This list was going to be "in no particular order," as they say, but I thought that was a bit of a cop out. From week to week or even day to day, the albums on this list seem to re-shuffle themselves in my mind, with this record or that moving up or down a slot or two depending on my mood or the phase of the moon (not really). I will stand by my picks here though, even if no one is going to read this anyway. Also, my musical frame of reference is fairly narrow, as you'll find no rap, hip-hop or pop. There wasn't an electronic or dance album that stood out for me, and modern country music is just pop with a twang and basically unlistenable. Anyways, here are my favorite 15 albums of the past year. Enjoy!
15. Built to Spill-You in Reverse: Doug Martsch is truly an indie guitar god. Minute long intros and extended solos aren't really my cup 'o tea, but when they're this inventive and infectious, you can make mine a green tea with a little sugar.
14. Yo La Tengo-I Am Not Afraid of You...: These vets flat out know how to craft a catchy tune (see Beanbag Chair). I liken this album to last year's New Pornographers record-good indie pop without all the fancy haircuts, tailored suits, and trumped up bravado (see The Killers).
13. Peter Bjorn and John-Writer's Block: This Swedish trio probably didn't suffer too greatly from the malady of the album's title. PB and J (yeah, I know) made an album that is immediately catchy with hooks and harmonies that manage to sound familiar without ever getting stale and predictable. 'Young Folks' is one of my favorite songs of the year even if the video is a bit creepy.
12. The Evens-Get Evens: Full disclosure: I would probably book a flight to DC if Fugazi announced a Fort Reno show, so yeah, I'm a bit fond of Ian MacKaye's gang that is currently on a hiatus that has gone on long enough. That said, MacKaye's newest band, consisting only of him and Amy Farina have produced a pretty solid sophomore release. These stripped down songs maintain an edge and sense of urgency most bands only wish they could match.
11. Sonic Youth-Rather Ripped: These guys (and girl) truly sound as vital and energized as they did 20 years ago. They simply continue to put out one quality album after another.
10. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins-Rabbit Fur Coat: Perhaps a few eyebrows were raised when it was announced Ms. Lewis was going to venture out on her own to record an album of country-tinged "blue-eyed soul." Well, the aforementioned eyebrows (mine included) were immediately lowered upon first listen. Though she sometimes lacks a little something lyrically, that voice of hers can make up for a lot--and it does.
9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Show Your Bones: Had this album came out a little later in the year I might have ranked it a little higher. It's one of those albums that's more a collection of individual songs than a cohesive unit. That said, there's really not a sub-par track to be found and there are some real gems like 'Cheated Hearts' and the wonderful closer 'Turn Into.' And to those out there who insist the first album is better, well, you're entitled to your opinion. But you're wrong.
8. Regina Spektor-Begin to Hope: This album is at times quirky, at times disjointed, and at times completely all over the place. And it all works brilliantly. Spektor mixes some earnest piano-driven ballads with drum machine laced pop tunes, and her beautifully distinct voice is front-and-center on all of them.
7. Band of Horses-Everything All the Time: Like many of you, my introduction to Band of Horses came in the form of standout single 'The Funeral,' which very well may be my favorite song of 2006. You know how things like this usually work out. You hear an amazing song, and, on the strength of this single track you either rush to your local record store to buy it, or fire up your computer to download it (legally, of course). And more often than not, you're disappointed to find that the rest of said album just doesn't hold up to the standard set by that first single. Well that didn't happen here, not at all. Every track is dripping with emotion and sincerity, two traits sorely lacking in today's indie music fashion contest.
6. The Hold Steady-Boys and Girls in America: This is just a great straight forward rock album. Blazing guitar riffs peppered with some well placed keyboard and of course Craig Finn's loose sing-speak vocals.
5. Camera Obscura-Let's Get Out of This Country: Like the Swedes and their garage rock a few years ago, the Scots have cornered the market on folky dream pop. And in my estimation, only one band is doing it better than Camera Obscura, though this album may have closed the gap a bit. Tracyanne Campbell's voice is angelic and her songwriting on this latest album shows a marked improvement over 2004's 'Underachievers Please Try Harder.'
4. M. Ward-Post-War: Of all the albums on my list, this may be the one I'm still listening to 10 or 20 years from now. M. Ward crafts songs with a timelessness that makes them seem familiar without being stale and boring. Not an easy thing to pull off. 'Chinese Translation' is one of the best songs of year.
3. Belle and Sebastian-The Life Pursuit: Belle and Sebastian fans seem to be divided into two camps: one that likes the early, more lo-fi stuff, and another that prefers the more polished upbeat pop tunes of the last two albums. I like it all. Where 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress' was the sound of a band evolving and developing some new chops, 'The Life Pursuit' is the sound of confidence and self-assuredness. Hopefully the words "twee" and "fey" will no longer be used in stories and reviews about B & S.
2. Decemberists-The Crane Wife: Much like Belle and Sebastian, the Decemberists have been a band in transition over their last two albums. And much like Belle and Sebastian, fans have been somewhat divided over this transition. Colin Meloy's tales of times past are now accompanied by a fuller, more developed sound that many are calling downright prog-ish. While there are a few catchy single-like moments on this album, the best parts are the ten minute song-suites that take the listener through a range of emotions with seamless rhythm and tempo changes.
1. TV On the Radio-Return to Cookie Mountain: What TVOtR did with this album was deliver on the promise they hinted at with their debut, 2004's Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes. Where that album was more a collection of random ideas, 'Return to Cookie Mountain' is a fully developed work of art that effortlessly melds genres and challenges the listener to see into the future of pop music. TV On the Radio is on their way to becoming the new Radiohead.
15. Built to Spill-You in Reverse: Doug Martsch is truly an indie guitar god. Minute long intros and extended solos aren't really my cup 'o tea, but when they're this inventive and infectious, you can make mine a green tea with a little sugar.
14. Yo La Tengo-I Am Not Afraid of You...: These vets flat out know how to craft a catchy tune (see Beanbag Chair). I liken this album to last year's New Pornographers record-good indie pop without all the fancy haircuts, tailored suits, and trumped up bravado (see The Killers).
13. Peter Bjorn and John-Writer's Block: This Swedish trio probably didn't suffer too greatly from the malady of the album's title. PB and J (yeah, I know) made an album that is immediately catchy with hooks and harmonies that manage to sound familiar without ever getting stale and predictable. 'Young Folks' is one of my favorite songs of the year even if the video is a bit creepy.
12. The Evens-Get Evens: Full disclosure: I would probably book a flight to DC if Fugazi announced a Fort Reno show, so yeah, I'm a bit fond of Ian MacKaye's gang that is currently on a hiatus that has gone on long enough. That said, MacKaye's newest band, consisting only of him and Amy Farina have produced a pretty solid sophomore release. These stripped down songs maintain an edge and sense of urgency most bands only wish they could match.
11. Sonic Youth-Rather Ripped: These guys (and girl) truly sound as vital and energized as they did 20 years ago. They simply continue to put out one quality album after another.
10. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins-Rabbit Fur Coat: Perhaps a few eyebrows were raised when it was announced Ms. Lewis was going to venture out on her own to record an album of country-tinged "blue-eyed soul." Well, the aforementioned eyebrows (mine included) were immediately lowered upon first listen. Though she sometimes lacks a little something lyrically, that voice of hers can make up for a lot--and it does.
9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Show Your Bones: Had this album came out a little later in the year I might have ranked it a little higher. It's one of those albums that's more a collection of individual songs than a cohesive unit. That said, there's really not a sub-par track to be found and there are some real gems like 'Cheated Hearts' and the wonderful closer 'Turn Into.' And to those out there who insist the first album is better, well, you're entitled to your opinion. But you're wrong.
8. Regina Spektor-Begin to Hope: This album is at times quirky, at times disjointed, and at times completely all over the place. And it all works brilliantly. Spektor mixes some earnest piano-driven ballads with drum machine laced pop tunes, and her beautifully distinct voice is front-and-center on all of them.
7. Band of Horses-Everything All the Time: Like many of you, my introduction to Band of Horses came in the form of standout single 'The Funeral,' which very well may be my favorite song of 2006. You know how things like this usually work out. You hear an amazing song, and, on the strength of this single track you either rush to your local record store to buy it, or fire up your computer to download it (legally, of course). And more often than not, you're disappointed to find that the rest of said album just doesn't hold up to the standard set by that first single. Well that didn't happen here, not at all. Every track is dripping with emotion and sincerity, two traits sorely lacking in today's indie music fashion contest.
6. The Hold Steady-Boys and Girls in America: This is just a great straight forward rock album. Blazing guitar riffs peppered with some well placed keyboard and of course Craig Finn's loose sing-speak vocals.
5. Camera Obscura-Let's Get Out of This Country: Like the Swedes and their garage rock a few years ago, the Scots have cornered the market on folky dream pop. And in my estimation, only one band is doing it better than Camera Obscura, though this album may have closed the gap a bit. Tracyanne Campbell's voice is angelic and her songwriting on this latest album shows a marked improvement over 2004's 'Underachievers Please Try Harder.'
4. M. Ward-Post-War: Of all the albums on my list, this may be the one I'm still listening to 10 or 20 years from now. M. Ward crafts songs with a timelessness that makes them seem familiar without being stale and boring. Not an easy thing to pull off. 'Chinese Translation' is one of the best songs of year.
3. Belle and Sebastian-The Life Pursuit: Belle and Sebastian fans seem to be divided into two camps: one that likes the early, more lo-fi stuff, and another that prefers the more polished upbeat pop tunes of the last two albums. I like it all. Where 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress' was the sound of a band evolving and developing some new chops, 'The Life Pursuit' is the sound of confidence and self-assuredness. Hopefully the words "twee" and "fey" will no longer be used in stories and reviews about B & S.
2. Decemberists-The Crane Wife: Much like Belle and Sebastian, the Decemberists have been a band in transition over their last two albums. And much like Belle and Sebastian, fans have been somewhat divided over this transition. Colin Meloy's tales of times past are now accompanied by a fuller, more developed sound that many are calling downright prog-ish. While there are a few catchy single-like moments on this album, the best parts are the ten minute song-suites that take the listener through a range of emotions with seamless rhythm and tempo changes.
1. TV On the Radio-Return to Cookie Mountain: What TVOtR did with this album was deliver on the promise they hinted at with their debut, 2004's Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes. Where that album was more a collection of random ideas, 'Return to Cookie Mountain' is a fully developed work of art that effortlessly melds genres and challenges the listener to see into the future of pop music. TV On the Radio is on their way to becoming the new Radiohead.
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