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My favorite albums of 2010

brendanjw — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:22:47 +0000

Here are my favorite albums of 2010. In all cases, these are the albums I spent the most time with. Sure most of these are on other lists as well, and many of you are hip to how good the Kanye, Big Boi and Deerhunter albums are, but go ahead and spend a little time with the White Denim album. The White Denim album is hosted on their website and fans can download and contribute an amount of their choice. It is a great, great record that should not be overlooked. The No Age and Abe Vigoda albums both feature two bands transitioning from their punk roots to more of a shoegazey, layered sound. In both cases, they absolutely nailed it and have released the best records of each band’s career.

Without further adieu, here is my list. Enjoy, and have a safe and fun holiday season.

No Age : Everything in Between

No Age | Dusted

Deer Hunter : Halcyon Digest

Deer Hunter | He Would Have Laughed

Abe Vigoda : Crush

Abe Vigoda | November

Fang Island : Fang Island

Fang Island | Davey Crockett

Kanye West : My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Kanye West | So Appalled

Big Boi : Sir Lucious Left Foot The Son of Chico Dusty

Big Boi | Follow Us

White Denim : Last Day of Summer

White Denim | If You’re Changing

Roots Manuva Meets Wrongtom : Duppy Writer

Roots Manuva Meets Wrongtom | Lick Up Ya Foot

Broken Social Scene : Forgiveness Rock Record

Broken Social Scene | Texico Bitches

The National : High Violet

The National | Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks

Fang Island – Fang Island Album Review

brendanjw — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:45:58 +0000

Fang Island are 5 piece out of New York, by way of Rhode Island. Zack Bolotin turned me on to them, and I can’t thank him enough.

Fang Island describes their sound as “a bunch of friends high-fiving each other”. I have also heard it described as “triumphant rock”. Both labels are certainly appropriate. This is an album of fun, accessible, inclusive ROCK anthems. Great Styx-like harmony vocals, fantastic riffs, and scorching guitar solos.

I played it for my wife and her friend this morning, and they were not into it. At all. Me, I can’t get enough. It’s far and away my favorite album of 2010. My only complaint is that it is not long enough!

If you live in Seattle, they are playing at the Showbox on 9/28. I can’t wait.

Daisy

Sideswiper

Big Boi Sir Lucious Left Foot The Son of Chico Dusty Album Review

brendanjw — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:32:22 +0000

Ahhh Yes. A hip-hop album that captures the listener and keeps them engaged for the entire album. Yup, that’s right. Just throw this on and listen to the end, then repeat.

Big Boi’s first solo release is catchy, arty and most of all fun. Great snappy beats with an emphasis on the low end married with Big Boi’s funny, witty and smart verses make this album a must-have summer fun fest from start to finish.

Singles “Shutterbug” and “Tangerine” are infectious bangers that will have you reaching for the repeat button.

Have a listen.

Shutterbug

Tangerine

Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Distant Relatives Album Review

brendanjw — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:49:09 +0000

Nas and Damian have put together a fantastic, collaborative, concept album about Africa -the continent that both artists point to as their ancestral and cultural homeland. “Distant Relatives” is a great album, which blends elements of reggae and hip-hop to create a polished, foot-tapping, hybrid sound. Proceeds from album sales will help fund schools that Nasir and Damian plan to construct in Africa.

The first single, “As We Enter” is super-catchy, and is backed by a groovy, Mulatu Atske sample. This song is pure fire, and bound to be a favorite. Also check out “Leaders” and “Friends”. Great message, great tunes. Enjoy.

As We Enter

Leaders

Friends

Brand New Heavies – Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1

brendanjw — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:17:40 +0000

I have been meaning to finish up this blog post for some time, and with the recent tragic news concerning Guru, I wanted to get this out today. Listen to the MP3s, leave a comment if you are so inclined and send some positive vibes Guru’s way.

I have two college friends to thank for my introduction to the Brand New Heavies and specifically, the landmark album, Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1. It was the summer of 1993 and I dropped in on Billy Ray and Brownie’s Brighton Bachelor Pad and was greeted by B. Ray, “Yo, check this out. Hip-hop backed by a live band.” At the time this was revolutionary. He threw on the disk, and I was instantly hooked. I think the first cut he played for me was The Pharcyde’s“Soul Flower”. To say it moved me is an understatement. After leaving their apartment, I made my way to Newbury Comics in two shakes of a rabbit’s tail and had that disk in my Discman before you could say “Boo”. To rap and hip-hop fans, the album now holds legendary status. It features a who’s who of golden-age underground rappers, backed by the tightest, funkiest, band around – The Brand New Heavies. Since this release, there have of course been additional live band/hip-hop collaborations, but nothing like Heavy Rhyme Vol.1. It’s now been 18 years since the release, and all I have to say is, can we PLEASE have a Vol.2?

Brand New Heavies featuring Gang Starr | It’s Getting Hectic

Brand New Heavies featuring The Pharcyde | Soul Flower

Spoon – Transference Album Review

brendanjw — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:11:14 +0000

With Spoon’s seventh album, this Austin-based band departs from their previous release, “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” by limiting the layered sound and accompanying horns that contributed to its greatness. “Transference” retains Spoon’s signature piano and stabbing guitars but casts this sound in a more understated context. At times this album feels like you are listening to an intimate bedroom recording or a demo and not a finished album. This works for me, as I like the intimacy that this creates with the listener. For some, “Transference” may need some time to grow on you (and your ears). Others, like myself, may respond to it immediately. It is the first entry on my list for albums of the year (2010). Sure we can debate the merits of where this album ranks in the overall Spoon catalog, but for the moment, listen to the MP3s and be thankful for 15 years (and counting) of Spoon.

Spoon | Who Makes Your Money

Spoon | Written in Reverse

My Favorite Albums of 2009

brendanjw — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:50:01 +0000

Hey everyone. Here it is. What you’ve all been waiting for, my favorite albums of 2009. The first four on my list I have reviewed previously on this blog and have linked to those reviews.

Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion
The xx – xx
Mos Def – The Ecstatic
Get Busy Commitee – Uzi Does It

Animal Collective – Fall Be Kind EP

Love these guys. This EP feels like a natural extension to MPP. The songs on this EP really have that classic Animal Collective epic, dramatic feel to them. The MP3 that I have posted below features the first ever authorized Grateful Dead sample. See if you can figure out the song. Phil Lesh sings the lead. Leave a comment with your guess. I think I just outed myself as a Grateful Dead fan – something Ryan Adams and I have in common.

Animal Collective | What Would I Want Sky

Deer Tick – Born on Flag Day

A little piece of country-folk-indie-Americana right out of Rhode Island. I heard that Deer Tick evolved from a bedroom project of one John McCauley, into what is now a full-fledged band. McCauley sings with a very distinctive rough and gruff voice, that really lends itself to the country vibe of the music. Hailing from Massachusetts, I take special pride in a band coming out of New England and I look forward to future releases.

Deer Tick | Little White Lies

Built to Spill – There Is No Enemy

With “There Is No Enemy”, Built to Spill has released an album that is right up there with “Perfect From Now On” and “Keep It Like a Secret.” Yes, it is that good. Gorgeous melodies, strong rhythms and Doug Martsch’s fantastic guitar playing. Some of my best memories are seeing these guys over the years. I haven’t seen them perform live since ’99, I am due!

Built to Spill | Life’s a Dream

Girls – Album

This album got a lot of play this year. It is a gorgeous album of dreamy, ethereal, California pop. It feels like Brian Wilson or Panda Bear could have possibly had a hand in this. My whole family dug this album, especially the kids. A few months ago, while driving in the car Cece shushed Maya because she was talking to loudly while we were listening to Girls. Sounds exactly like something I would have done to my sister back in the day.

Girls | Hellhole Ratface

Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

In case you have been living under a rock, Neko Case has a stunning voice. It seems to hover above her music, which creates a haunting, otherworldly effect. With this album, Neko continues to redefine country music on her own terms and in many ways has created her own sub-genre of country.

Neko Case | Fever

Japandroids – Post Nothing

With just a guitar (and lots of pedals) and drums, these guys produce one hell of a sound. Rooted in garage-rock, but more complex with their use of noise. Yes, they are loud, but inside of the noise, exist some really incredible melodies. I saw these guys back in November and they put on a fantastic show, one which I highly recommend.

Japandroids | Young Hearts Spark Fire

Buju Banton – Rasta Got Soul

This album by Buju Banton really surprised me. It is a fantastic roots-reggae album. I realize many will disagree, but I like it better than “‘Til Shiloh.” Buju’s enthusiasm on this album is boundless.

Buju Banton | Rastafari

Handsome Furs – Face Control

Handsome Furs is the husband and wife team of Dan Boeckner (of Wolf Parade) and Alexei Perry. Together they create high-energy, electro-punk (is that even a genre?) that is catchy and infectious and danceable.

Handsome Furs | All We Want, Baby, Is Everything

The Big Pink – A Brief History of Love

For some reason The Big Pink (isn’t that a Band album) remind me of the The xx. Both are youngsters from the UK, that create dreamy, electro-pop songs that stick to your ribs. This is a great album, noisy at times, but with enough melodies to have you tapping your toes and singing along. Listen to Dominos (MP3 below) and get a taste of what The Big Pink is all about.

The Big Pink | Dominos

The Get Busy Committee – Uzi Does It Album Review

brendanjw — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:29:05 +0000

I received an email about three weeks ago from a friend with the following message:

Your new favorite album has arrived.

You’re welcome.

In his email, he also included a link to download the album as an MP3. We have a pretty similar taste in music, and furthermore, he is quite passionate about what he likes, so I figured this wasn’t just hyperbole. The band is “The Get Busy Committee” and the album is “Uzi Does it”. It’s hip-hop with a healthy dose of humor and satire, and is already one of my favorite albums of 2009. Do yourself a favor and head over to their website pick this up, you will love it.

Here are a couple of my favorite tracks.

The Get Busy Committee | I Don’t Care About You

The Get Busy Committee | Chillin out Maxin

Mos Def – The Ecstatic Album Review

brendanjw — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:30:33 +0000

Finally Dante delivers. If you are a fan of Black Star or Mos’s first album, “Black on Both Sides”, then you owe it to yourself to give this a listen. “The New Danger” and “True Magic” just didn’t do it for me. Sorry Mos. The Ecstatic on the other hand is great. The beats are solid (especially the drums) the use of samples is right on and Mos delivers with his detailed rhymes and stories. For all you doubters, listen to this with an open mind.

Mos Def | Priority

Mos Def | Casa Bey

The Middle East – The Middle East EP Album Review

brendanjw — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:26:54 +0000

Since this band isn’t from the States, I suppose I can’t classify them as Americana. How about Australiana? Yup, hailing from Australia this six piece offers up five fantastic songs on this EP release. What’s more, for a limited time, you can pick up the EP as MP3 from their website for a mere $1.00. The Middle East craft sparse, atmospheric folk/pop songs that employ haunting, harmony vocals. After purchasing the MP3 I did two things; listened to it over and over, and told everyone I know about it. Guess I am just doing more of the same here, but now you get a listen as well. This EP does not disappoint. What’s more it “feels” like an autumn album; perfect for this time of year.

The Middle East | Blood