2007 top ten

Avett Brothers “Emotionalism”

Soulsavers “Its Not How Far You Fall It’s The Way You Land”

Angels of Light “We Are Him”

Jon Jackson “Green Apples”

Burial “Untrue”

The Besnard Lakes “Are the Dark Horse”

Bonnie Prince Billy “Ask Forgiveness”

Black Moth Super Rainbow “Dandelion Gum”

Jesu “Conqueror”

Alex Delivery “Star Destroyer”

Dax Riggs "We sing of only blood and love"

Dax Riggs has many faces including Dry Pussy, Corruption, Golgotha, Daisyhead & The Mooncrickets and Agents of Oblivion. He is probably most noted for Deadboy and the Elephantmen or Acid Bath. This is a wonderful rock record. Dark and spooky. My biggest complaint would be that not one song reaches three minutes. Too short Dax, The same with deadboy, give us a little more.

"Once"

Let me preface by saying I have never been one with an appreciation for soundtracks.
The few exceptions are typicaly classicaly oriented. That said, run out and buy "Once".
This soundtrack is filled with an aching beauty that elevates these songs beyond "soundtrack".
I think Glen sounds a little like Cat Stevens on the opening "Falling Slowly" with Marketa Irglová singing along clean and sparse. "If you want me" is a haunting call for love. I could do with out "Broken hearted hoover fixer sucker guy", for me it is the one low point on the record. Marketa's"The Hill" is absolutely heartbreaking.
Also worthy of being searched out is "The Swell Season" by Irglová and Hansard from 2006. They just sound so good together.

Ingrid Michaelson "Girls and Boys"

Ingrid Michaelsons "Girls and Boys" kind of puts me in a weird place. It is a lovely and brilliant recording. I just hope it can get past its "Greys anatomy and target commercial" box. I honestly did not expect this record to be this good. I absolutely love it. And I am left searching for "Slows the Rain".

Bat for Lashes "Fur and Gold" is a lushly beautiful and quirky recording. I think the best description I have heared so far is dido/joanna newsome/kate bush/bjork had Devendras illegitimate lovechild. Freak folk? no, I think not. Mystical? oh yeah. I love its simple/sparse arrangements. It is rhythmic and seductive filled with handclaps and shakers etc. The British ladies continue to invade (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen) while managing not to get in each others way stylisticly.

DEVENDRA BANHART "SMOKEY ROLLS DOWN THUNDER CANYON"

Devendras new album "SMOKEY" is singularly beautiful. A delicate music that is at times quirky, yet somehow manages to remain tender and accessible "I Remember". At times I cant tell if certain songs and their seaming genre shifting are homage or Mr. Banhart poking the past with a sharp stick (the Elvis-ey Shabop Shalom) but I do truly enjoy this record although perhaps not quite as much as the Young God Records era Banhart and its apex "Rejoicing in the Hands" This is a solid step forward for a brilliant young (he is 23) songwriter.

I do think it would be nice to hear some traditional bossa nova from the young man.

Music News

Probably the most exciting thing in this areas music scene (for me at least) is the change of ownership of the local "Big Easy" club. It would appear that it has been sold by Bravo Entertainment and Purchased by Knitting Factory Entertainment.
Those of you familiar with my obsession with the New York jazz scene (every thing from John Zorn and Naked City to Cassandra Wilson or Steve Coleman) may or may not recall my desire to go to the Knitting Factory. I have never quite mad it but now it appears one will be coming to me.
Hopefully the first thing to go will be the flaming guitar and the seemingly endless stream of Rap and Metal. Please don't misunderstand I do enjoy both rap and metal but many other things as well. Things have been looking up lately. A name change? Soon? In the past few months or so we have been graced by Buckwheat Zydeco, Pato Banton, The Avett Brothers, Gary Jules, Bright Eyes, Built to Spill, Satllite Party (Perry Ferrell's new thing) as well as Megadeth and E-40. The future looks bright with "symphony on the edge"(yes as in classical music), Brandi Carlisle, A Fine Frenzy, Matt Nathanson and two Modest mouse shows.
The other good news is the promise that they will no longer put a curfew on a concert and push you out the door just so they can have the saturday night "dance party". In reality I am suprised Built to Spill came back since last time they were told to get of the stage.

So regardless, the future looks bright. Hopefully we can handle a full fledge "Knitting Factory" That is the name I am rooting for...

http://www.knittingfactory.com/

The Broken Family Band "Hello Love" (IMPORT)

Wow, The Broken Family Band. Jangly Americana, Country, Metal, Folk, I don't really know since this band keeps shifting their style around. I do know that they are from Cambridge and that this is a gorgeous recording. It think they are finaly settling in and it feels less affected. Perhaps I like it because I feel a little more hope in it. Hope is what I have/need right now. Try You Get Me on for size.

A Fine Frenzy "ONE CELL IN THE SEA"

Alison Sudol has an amazingly beautiful voice. That is really the first and only thing you need to know. In addition she has spent time touring with the likes of Rufus Wainright and Brandi Carlisle. In fact, she plays the Big Easy later this month.

One Cell in the Sea is a stunning record filled with beautiful, upbeat and melodic melancholia. While subversivly disguising itself as a pretty little pop record. With lyrics that at times evoke Joanna Newsom and a voice as seductively beautiful as Karen Berquist, this record gets in my soul.

find it, buy it.

If you already own the cd,

several bonus songs are offered on her site

with the promise of more to come.

Manchester Orchestra "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child"

"I'm like a virgin losing a child" is the first full length outing by Manchester Orchestra, a brilliantly executed rock album. sort of a cross between Death Cab for Cutie and Explosions in the Sky with maybe a little of The Cure or Wilderness thrown in for good measure. Bitterly poetic and informed, this record swings back and forth thru varying emotions, pounding and rocking all the all the way thru with the exception of three tracks affecting incredible beauty and aching melancholy, I can feel your pain, Sleeper 1972 and Don't let them see you cry .

Ministry "Houses Of The Mole"

"Houses of the Mole" was a return to form for Ministry. More akin to the sound/feeling of "Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste" than "Filth Pig" or "Dark Side of the Spoon". I do have to say I am getting somewhat tired of the "W" obsession. That said, no one can pump out the stuttering samples and brain crushing guitar riffs quite like Ministry. With more than one album of songs that have more similarities with a punch in the face or a boot to the head than anything else, it is nice to feel a slight return of some of the groove from "Taste".

Tegan and Sarah "The Con"

I believe the reason I like Tegan and Sarah so much is that the vocals absolutely remind me of Dale Bozzio from Missing Persons. Such a unique voice with the shared vocals. "The Con" is a beautiful record, perhaps their most sophisticated yet. More uptempo and bouncy than I would normaly prefer but man is it infectious. It would be hard not to appreciate these twin sisters coming into their own. This is the record they were destined to make.

Dave Douglas "Sanctuary"

Sanctuary is 2 hours of engaging and difficult music. brilliantly executed by Douglas and company. Finding the time to sit and listen to it in its entirety can be difficult but I find it to be a refreshing break from everything. Identical bands of bass, sampler and trumpet on the left and right channels with the center held by drums and clarinet. Filled with edgy improve around a nice rythmic core. This will be a delight for fans of free jazz and improv and difficult for those needing more standard structure.

Destroyer "Destroyer's Rubies"

I don't know what the hell Dan Bejar is talking about 90 percent of the time on Destroyers Rubies and I love that. Regardless, this is a brilliant record. I guess I would describe it as "nuanced". There is a lot going on here. I find it very similar in scope but not in tone to Midlakes "Van Occupanther". This record creates a space then hovers around in it manicly for just under an hour. Mr, Bejar is perhaps better known as a "New Pornographer" and while I love them I think I enjoy "Destroyer" at least as much

seven little words

Greg Browns daughter Pieta "Are You Free".

anxiously waiting the september release of...

Smokey rolls down thunder canyon: Devendra Banhart
The sheperds dog: Iron and Wine

Midlake "The trials of Van Occupanther"

Midlake:Van Occupanther

Hem "home again, home again" / Hope Sandoval "Bavarian Fruit Bread"

Just for this mornings listening

Hem

The part where you let go

Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions

Butterfly morning

Gruff Rhys "CANDYLION"

A little music for the lonely ones
Gruff Rhys

Each scar makes it harder for me to hurt again

My buddy Shane and I went to the Avett Brothers concert on saturday. It is a pity that four of the six tickets I had, went to waste. I guess that alot of people just don't get rootsy bluegrass/folk with a punk rock intensity and in your face vibe.

The show however was amazing. The 60 or so people who were there made it sound more like a room of 150 or so.

With more attention to guts than finese, Seth and Scotts vocal harmonies are sort of anti Simon and Garfunkle. They vary, at times sweet and others throaty and coarse. The contrast creates a beautiful tension. It would also be a sin not to mention the yelling and all out screaming. the Avetts kicked sang stomped and hollered their way thru an amazing set. Think of the Femmes on a giant dose of of old-timey-ness.

The Avett Brothers are Seth Avett: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar and high hat stomping; Scott Avett: Banjo strumming and slapping/kick drum stomping and Bob Crawford on acoustic double bass. Joe Kwon sat in as well, adding his amazing cello to the mix.

They were very gracious and appreciative and recieved a great response from the crowd.
I believe they will be playing at Bumbershoot this year...

timesbold "eye eye"

Recomended companions
A solitary summer sunset, A bottle of your favorite red wine and memories.

this should be savored...

TIMESBOLD
Eye Eye: BONE SONG

Words by Whip
Music by Lichtenstein, Merritt, San Marco, Schneider, Sparhawk


if you can catch a star
throw it in the stream
and ride it to the end
when you reach the end
throw it in a hole
and jump into the stream
there you'll find a girl
put her in your hair
and crawl into the hole
there you'll find a bone
put it in her hair
and leave her there alone
and while she is alone
if she can find a star
and throw it in the stream
and ride it to the end
you'll be waiting there
to take the bone from her hair
and throw it in the stream
and ride it to the end
again and again

Angels of Light "We Are Him"

We Are Him the new album by the Angels of Light (Michael Gira of the Swans, with the Akron Family) featuring Black River Song should be purchased from young god records available August 28th.

micah p. hinson and the operah circuit

Feeling somehow, like I've been abandoned in them.

I would like to introduce you to Micah P. Hinson.

He may very well be the next Leonard Cohen.

Jackeyed

Susan Vega "9 Objects Of Desire"

I have recently been revisiting this record, having finaly replaced it after my old copy went missing. A sad casualty of loaning to friends. It is my favorite record by the amazing Susan Vega followed closely by 99.9 farenheight degrees. I genuinely feel there is not a track on this record that is short of amazing. It has a line up of stellar musicians including jazz greats Dave Douglas and Don Byron. It is seductivly soft, jazzy and smooth while concealing a combination of beautiful fire and carefully tender assault. A distinct dissonance lies within a angular and rythmic core hidden in the center covered with sensual and seductive words images. This definitely is a piece of ripe fruit to be savored.

Ladyhawk "Ladyhawk"

Ladyhawk "Ladyhawk" came in at #3 in my top ten for 2006 and I thought I might finaly tell you why. Partialy because I wasn't really sure why I love this record I just new I did. But this morning it finally hit me. Apart from being emotionaly honest. This record is reminiscent of Bob Mould (including Sugar) at his best. This is a classic record that contains 10 uncluttered rock songs. Clean and needing no gussying up. Personal favorites include The Dugout, The bouncy My Old Jacknife, The bluesy Long Til The Morning, The marching Came In Brave, The stuttering Advice, The melancholy Sad Eyes/Blue Eyes, and The tangle of Drunk Eyes.

WILDERNESS "VESSEL STATES"

Wilderness is/are currently one of my favorite bands. cerebral, artsy, spiritual and psychic. This is a lame attempt at classifying a record that is truly outside my ability to describe. howled vocals, pummeling "lead" drums embracing melodic pop... I will stop now because physics states that measuring and cataloging something changes it. This is an amazing recording.

LANd oF ThiN DiMES "LANd oF ThiN DiMES"

Land of Thin Dimes only recording, (So far. Rumor has it they are in the studio as we speak and will be coming back soon as Dimesland) is 1999's self titled. A lovely record that is an odd mix of math and metal. A general all around quirkiness surrounds this recording. Think of the Residents and David Lynch having a pudding fight at the oral surgeons. (nitrous anyone?) At times both melodicly painful and beautifully humorous, this music is perhaps too disjointed for the casual listener. I don't know why but I think this music is "smart". I find it most appealing for those times when my mind is as disjointed as the music. Then it makes much more sense and I feel all is right with the world

The Avett Brother introduce EMOTIONALISM

The Avett brothers have given us another delightful recording... This is I believe something like #10 now. On EMOTIONALISM the Avett Brothers take tradition by the neck and single handedly drag it into 2007. Don't get me wrong, Slipping between the Avett Brothers brilliantly fractured harmonies, there are some beautiful moments, as well as some angst filled, humorous and sad moments. A veritable rollercoaster of emotionalism.
Opening the 14 tracks of Emotionalism is the sweet Die Die Die that slides gently into the somewhat humorous Shame in which a man laments his shamefull past while discovering and admiting his imperfections. They ramble on into Paranoia In B flat Major pounding out the bridge before descending into the finishing humorous falsetto. The Weight Of Lies is a beautiful is an indictment of pride and lies. They rock into Will You Return with its delightful harmonies and its infectious bounce and the first appearance of Joe Kwon's amazing cello. The Ballad Of Love And Hate is a delicious track, The longest on the record at 5:20. Salina has a intensity before becomeing a sedate and beautiful piece, filled with piano and cello. Pretty Girl From Chile brings us to the first of two songs in the ongoing "Pretty Girl" series. Jangling along to the latin flavored mid section butted up against Gabriella's answering machine bridge before rocking hard on its way to a close. The sedate All My Mistake rolls gently by. Living Of Love is a soulful plea for love. I Would Be Sad is a back porch lament for lost love. Pretty Girl From San Diego rollicks along up tempo and blissfull with an almost calypso feel. Go To Sleep feels like a stomping backyard singalong. Hand-Me-Down Time closes the record out and I am left wanting more.
With just 2/3 of the year having past us by I believe this record has a strong lead to be my choice for #1 in my top ten of 2007. I do understand the year is still middle aged but it will take a strong effort to top this one since its only defect is the inability to convey the intensity of their live performance.

Blonde Redhead "23"

Kazu Makino's etherial voice floating over the music is all the reason you need to buy this record.

here is a sample that is light on her vocal before you run out and buy it... yes I know, she comes in at about 2:50

Publisher

O.k. so maybe not a shining example of "her" voice so how about

23

Over the Rhine "The Trumpet Child"

This album actually streets on August 21 so you still have time to pre order directly from the band. Having hit everything from rock to country with amazing talent and finese, it was perhaps time for another shift of musical direction for this one. From the opening horns of "I dont want to waste your time", I knew this record was going to get into the guts of me. Moving into the dark and sensual "Trouble" and its wonderful piano line. "I'm on a Roll" makes me want to stomp on the summer porch with friends. I love the fact that I cant stop sliding into the beautiful melancholy that is "Nothing is Innocent" WOW. The thing that rides consistently thru the music of Over the Rhine is the voice of Karen Berquist. Like she wraps herself in the song and then wraps you in her words. She becomes the song and your ears/emotions become her puppet.

Shins "Chutes too narrow"

The clear and bright,beautiful melodic pop from our friends the Shins that is found on "chutes too narrow" is a grand continuation of the brilliance hinted at on "Oh, inverted world" that left me wanting more. In contrast, I love every song on this record. Favorites are "Mine's not a high horse" and "Pink Bullets"

Son Volt "the Search"

I am going to keep this one short and just say that I like it.

Soulsavers: It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land [IMPORT]

English prodution team Soulsavers have done it again.
This time featuring Mark Lanegan
Chock full of atmosphere and a dark personal redemption
Find it. Buy it.

Listen: Spiritual

Lili Haydn: Lili

Lili Haydn is somewhat confusing. Musically, she can hold her own, performing all over the map on performances as wildly varied the Los Angeles Philharmonic to Josh Groban, Porno for Pyros, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Hootie & the Blowfish, Tom Petty and Robert Plant & Jimmy Page, No Doubt and George Clinton as well as Jazz greats Bill Laswell and Pharaoh Sanders. She has also appeared as an actress in several films and television commercials. That said, I feel her classical punk funk pop rock blend of say Kate Bush meets Lori Anderson is far enough outside the mainstream to not be readily appreciated.

People tend to sit in one camp or the other and while they may appreciate the beautiful "Salome", "Wants Deep" or "Baby" they might not get the more heavier "Someday", "Real" or "Daddy".

I myself find the record to be somewhat schizophrenic and this is precisely why I love it. Beautiful, sad, angry and agressive.

Explosions In The Sky "The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place"

Texas insrumental band Explosions in the Sky gave us a beautiful record in The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place. Majestic, Uplifting, Regal, what anthems should be. I dislike all the labels(prog rock, post rock etc). There is so much openness in this music. Similar to say Sigur Ros, but where they give me beautiful visions of ice and solitude, EITS provide warmth and space. Like a sunset in the desert. At the risk of sounding cheesy I would say this is music for lovers.

Company "Parallel Time"

"Parallel Time" is off kilter. Dont get me wrong, I love this record. I would call it folk but as far as describing the music, that falls painfully short, more like new wave/punk performed as folk music or like someone stretching, trying to grab an object that is just out of reach while still emiting a beautful and ackward presence at the same time while watching it fall into their hand.

Yeah, sorry about that. The record is a joy to listen to but some people may find it a stretch.

Swan Lake "Beast Moans"

Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown and Frog Eyes), Dan Bejar (The New Pornographers and Destroyer) and Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes) are Swan Lake. Something of an Indi supergroup. This record is something of a mystery, with moments of feeling tossed about on a raging ocean and other more soothing times. Feeling somewhat like sitting in a resturaunt with everyone talking at once. I find myself drowning in the swirling sound that is Beast Moans.

Rocky Votolato "The Brag and Cuss"

This is, I believe, the 5th solo album by Rocky ( formerly of Waxwing) and finds itself leaning to a little more of a country vibe. That said, this is a wonderful introspective recording with themes of missing, drinking, fighting, driving etc. A road worthy record likely influenced by his heavy touring. With this record he just keeps building momentum yet manages to sound like a friend sitting in your livingroom having a chat.

Stolen Babies "There Be Squabbles Ahead "

WOW, From the opening screams of this record I was left reeling... Shifting around stylisticaly within grindcore, prog rock, circus/carousel music, Sousa marches, techno and ska yet keeping a dark GOTH (for lack of a better word) vibe thru out. At times it reminded me of Nitzer Ebb Meets Oingo Boingo on a bad day. This record is amazing! A metal band with tuba, accordion, etc. more suited to a modern version of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" or a dark London theatre than say Ozzfest. Absolutly brilliant.

The Cramps "Live at Napa State Mental Hospital" dvd

This is a nice 20ish minute document of early Cramps from 1978 tainted mainly by advertisements. That said, I do believe it is a must see for any fan of the Cramps, Southern Culture On The Skids, Reverend Horton Heat etc. Although, I don't think I will ever understand how on earth anyone would ever let the Cramps talk to someone in a mental institution let alone perform in one. this does however provide us with some interesting video for our consideration.

CSS "CANSEI DE SER SEXY"

"CANSEI DE SER SEXY" by CSS is the latest export from Brazil. Blending the line between punk, 80's new wave and electronic dance with a liberal dose of attitude. CSS is agressive but dancable with lyrics that are just a touch "naughty", this record can make most anyone smile. Favorites include Alala, Lets make love and listen to death from above, Artbitch, Fuck off in not the only thing you have to show, Music is my hot hot sex and This month day 10.