As you’ve probably noticed, there has been a relative lack of posting here on Can You See the Sunset as of late, and (in general) a lack of posting since my second daughter was born a little over a year ago. Between the 4 year old kid #1 and the (now) 1 year old [...]
read more »Gorgeous remix of Taken By Trees + Panda Bear's "Anna," by Montreal's CFCF: mp3: taken by trees :: anna (CFCF remix) taken by trees :: anna [via] ****** click through for more...
read more »shabazz palaces Our weekly Sirius | XM Blog Radio show airs today at noon Eastern (and again at midnight) on Sirius XMU. This week's episode features new music from Shabazz Palaces, Lissvik, Best Coast, the Concretes, Robyn, and more. You can listen online with a free trial here. Check this week's playlist + some mp3s after the jump... ****** gorilla vs. bear blog radio :: May 6, 2010 01 best... click through for more...
read more »Currently, my time five favourite female vocalists of the moment are as follows:1. Joanna Newsom2. Sarah Assbring3. Victoria Bergsman4. Basia Bulat5. Traceyanne CampbellThe fact that I had the opportunity to see numbers two and three on the same night was one that had me feeling an immeasurable amount of elation, that was only magnified by the fact that I just saw number four last week and I'll be seeing my personal number one in a few short weeks at the Phoenix. (And yes I know that there are a lot of people that just don't get it when it comes to Ms. Newsom, but your collective disdain only draws me closer to her :))Originally, I had read that Victoria Bergsman's Taken By Trees would be headlining the evening, which admittedly seemed a bit odd to me since her style has always struck me as significantly more subdued than Sarah Assbring's El Perro Del Mar, although both of them tend to tread on the more melancholic side of the fence. Interestingly it seemed that either my original sources were wrong, or the people behind the scenes simply changed their mind, since Taken By Trees was the one who kicked off the night. I quite enjoyed her 2007 release Open Field, although it's mellow vibe is not one I'm going to be listening to while driving late at night. Prior to the show, I still had yet to listen to her Bjorn Yttling-produced latest release East of Eden. The show had me regretting this, and as I'm listening to it now, I further regret not hopping aboard even sooner. It's an excellent album that is steeped in world sounds and beats that definitely gives it a different atmosphere than the last one. The show opened with a video presentation of her recent sojourn to Pakistan where she recorded the new album, and the influence of her surroundings was instantly apparent from the tribal sounds that emanated from the stage. Also emanating from the stage was the unmistakable scent of incense, which contributed greatly to the overall tone of the evening. She comes across as a bit of a shy personality in the sense that she didn't seem interested in hogging the spotlight or having any undue attention focused on her, even asking the lights to be turned down (which made for some unfortunately dark pictures.) Still, I was really blown away by the performance, with her modesty being one of great endearment. The songs that I did recognize from the first album, like Too Young, Lost and Found and the beautiful Only Yesterday, were also enhanced by the rhythm section and the new sounds that she recently discovered, creating versions of those songs that I personally feel surpassed even the originals. Unfortunately she didn't play her outstanding cover of Sweet Child O' Mine (not that I was honestly expecting her to), but she did play her cover of Animal Collective's My Girls, which was one of the evening's highlights.Photos: My (shadowy) pictures of Taken By Trees @ The Mod Club are up on flickrMyspace: Taken By TreesDownload: Anna mp3 Based on the comments made by people I know who had seen El Perro Del Mar in concert before, I was expecting to see a similarly laid back performance from her this evening. However as soon as the opening notes from Let Me In wafted through the air, it became obvious by the way that she danced onto the stage that this was not going to be the case. Sarah Assbring presented herself with great confidence that exuded an elegance that was a combination of late 60's Warhol-esque runway model and a mid 80's breakthrough performance on Top Of The Pops. Her latest album, Love Is Not Pop, showcases a slightly different sound for her as it presents her downtrodden lyricism with more streamlined near-pop sounds, that would not be out of place next to This Mortal Coil or Cocteau Twins. This almost dance infused new direction may have been exactly what was needed to nudge Ms. Assbring out of her shell, which resulted in a show that was wholly engaging. Almost everything was perfect about her performance. Her angular dance moves suited the almost gothic tones of her music, while her voice has never sounded more controlled, which is amazing when you consider that she already had some pretty amazing vocal control to start with. If there was one complaint, it was the fact that the sound system had the bass turned up way too high, to the point that some of those booming sounds were drowning out her beautiful vocals and the intricate melodies that they helped to complement. (The same problem was evident during Taken By Trees set as well.) That minor concern aside though, this was a memorable show for sure, with one of the best moments being her unexpected cover of The xx's Shelter, which sounded so convincing that one could be forgiven for assuming that this was one of her own compositions (which admittedly I did for the first minute or so as my brain was trying to piece together the familiarity of the song coupled with the fact that I was pretty sure her voice wasn't the one that I usually heard accompanying it. Then the chorus hit and I was all like "ahhh yah, now I know what this is!") By the time her 10 or 11 song set was finished, it was obvious by the applause, as well as the conversations that I had with others after the show, that this was her most impressive set to date. It was also nice to meet her briefly after the show, when I picked up a copy of Love Is Not Pop on vinyl, which she graciously signed for me, making it a special addition to my personal record collection.Photos: My pics of El Perro Del Mar are now up on flickr.Myspace: El Perro Del MarDownload: Change Of Heart mp3
read more »Taken By Trees' "Anna" was one of our favorite songs of last year, and the label is now giving the song away for free to promote Victoria's Texas-free upcoming U.S. tour with El Perro Del Mar. Grab it below, and check out the tour dates here. mp3: Taken By Trees :: Anna (feat. Noah Lennox) ****** click through for more...
read more »As I said previously in my list of top Seattle albums of the year, my favorite three records came out of Seattle this year. Because of that, this list begins at number four. Judging from the number of contenders I cut from this list, it was a pretty good year for the album. They may not be selling like they use to, but more people are making them than ever before. Here’s to a year in which it was truly a task to keep up. 4. Crayon Fields – All the Pleasures of the World (Chapter) Album number two from Australia’s Crayon Fields tripped the light fantastic not tripped since the Zombies’ Odessey and Oracle. Watery guitars and feathery strings mixed with precious vocals to make a record that I handled with care so as not to damage its frail pop songs. That’s an exaggeration of course, but these songs will have you floating like a feather in the breeze. Everything on this record is in it’s right place. The Crayon Fields have attempted and intricate balancing act and gracefully succeeded. mp3: Disappear <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FCrayonFields-Disappear.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 5. Brilliant Colors – Introducing the Brilliant Colors (Slumberland) The cup definitely spilled over with C-86 inspired girl groups this year, but the Brilliant Colors were my favorite of the lot. Instead of going for the twee-er side of things, they leaned more towards the punks with their Raincoats, Slits who were precursors to the whole C-86 movement. Every song on Introducing adheres to strict punk rock rules of two minutes, super catchy, and blistering. mp3: Absolutely Anything <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FBrilliantColors-AbsolutelyAnything.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 6. At Swim Two Birds – Before You Left (Vespertine & Son) Not since the Trembling Blue Stars’ Her Handwriting has their been a breakup album this raw, this heart-wrenching, this desolate, or this beautiful. If you are Montgolfier Brothers fan, then Robert Quigly’s warm, melancholic voice will not be new to you. If you are unfamiliar, then you will be enveloped by this record. It has elements of Babybird, early Spiritualized, Simon Raymond’s unheralded solo album Blame Someone Else and some Blue Nile. Before You Left is a slow burner, that will burn brightest on those lonely nights when you are all alone. Sometimes sad albums are the best things to listen to when you are sad. mp3: The Night We Ran Away <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FAtSwimTwoBirds-TheNightWeRanAway.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 7. Obits – I Blame You (Sub Pop) One part Hot Snakes, one part Edsel, one part killer rhythm section. This album rocked like elder statesmen giving the kids a lesson in how to actually rock. It’s primal enough to get your blood pumping, but complex enough to keep your interest (all year long as is the case since this came out way back in March). In a year where tons of bands were at the beach making laid back sun in your face tunes, the Obits were kicking sand in everyone’s faces mixing Gang of Four funk with Dick Dale guitars. Yow! mp3: Two-Headed Coin <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FObits-TwoHeadedCoin.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 8. Tyvek – Tyvek (Siltbreeze) It’s kind of funny, the amount of attention that this record’s cover has gotten. It must be a real threat to a would-be punk’s sense of punk mentality to like a record who’s cover looks like it was designed by Nick Park. To my mind post-punk was always a ton more interesting than anything punk ever wrought, and Tyvek are decidedly post-punk, pulling influences from disparate places to make a tour de force. From the Joy Division like instrumental interludes to the Gang of Four-like guitars, or the way Kevin Boyer shouts out the address in the song Hey Una reminding me of Grant Hart’s 2541, or the two part Building Burning bringing back memories of early Fall. Tyvek are the best parts of geek, intellectual, punk, and they have a sense of humor. mp3: Summer Things <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FTyvek-SummerThings.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 9. Tap Tap – On My Way (Stolen) If anyone has captured the essence and spirit of the Chills (besides Martin Phillips himself of course) it’s Thomas Sanders. Sanders’ other band Pete & the Pirates were a top pick last year and I’m looking forward to their new album in the coming year, but Tap Tap nearly made me forget about his other band. Tap Tap doesn’t sound a whole lot different from Pete & Pirates, except that it’s a little more moody and introverted with quiet vocals and slithering guitars. On My Way will literally sneak right up on you and wrap itself around you. Compared to this, the first Tap Tap record sounded like half finished demos. Thomas Sanders really hitting his stride as songwriter. mp3: El Gusano <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FTapTap-ElGusano.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 10. Cerys Matthews – Don’t Look Down (Rainbow City) Cerys Matthews, the former Catatonia singer has been quietly putting out solo albums since her band called it a day back in 2001. Don’t Look Down is her fourth album and it’s really the first one I’ve taken note of since her Catatonia days. She recorded two versions of the record with slightly different running orders and a few different songs on each one. One versionis sung in her native Welsh and and another in the more familiar English. No matter the language you choose to hear Don’t Look Down in, it’s a delight as Matthews goes from lush orchestral songs, to ones that sound like some long lost show tune, to more straightforward pop numbers. The album sometimes walks a fine line between sugary sweet pop and the vapid kind that seems to dominate the charts in the UK. To my ears, it’s the former, and I can’t seem to get some of these songs out of my head. mp3: A Captain Needs a Ship <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FCerysMatthews-ACaptainNeedsaShip.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> mp3: Mae Angen Llong Ar Gapte <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FCerysMatthews-MaeAngenLlongArGapten.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 11. Jacuzzi Boys – No Seasons (Florida’s Dying) On the surface, Florida’s Jacuzzi Boys appear to be just another garage tinged rock band, but upon further examination you start to realize that it’s a little bit more complex than that. For starters this album was recorded at the Living Room, not a garage. No Seasons has a distinct Feelies vibe. Like the Feelies, Jacuzzi Boys like to whip their songs up into a maelstrom and they also seem to dig the Velvet Underground, Television and the Byrds. Just listen to Komi Caricoles and tell me I’m wrong. But they also have a love of the 13th Floor Elevators that gives the record a more wild and unpredictable feel to it. mp3: Komi Caricoles <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FJacuzziBoys-KomiCaricoles.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 12. So Cow – So Cow (Tic Tac Totally) Technically this is a compilation or reissue, but really it’s the first many of us ever heard of Brian Kelly’s one man band So Cow. Tic Tac Totally cherry picked the best tracks from Kelly’s self-released CDr’s and put them down on a slab of vinyl. So Cow songs are short blasts of DIY pop, parts Television Personalities, Beat Happening and Pastels These 18 songs may grab, jar or caress you and sometimes all three at once. mp3: Casablanca <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FSoCow-Casablanca.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 13. Pants Yell! – Received Pronunciations (Slumberland) It’s the little things that makes some things so special. Little things like the guitars in the song Rue de la Paix sounding like Felt, the packaging with Japanese obi strip, or the crisp, yet simple production of this record. Attention to detail is the bookish Pants Yell! forte. They’ve simplified their sound a little, (gone are the horns of last year’s Allison Statton) stripping down to guitar, bass, drums and Andrew Churchman’s smooth croon. A near perfect little record. I don’t even mind it when Churchman sings “I never trusted Toby, or his long hair”. mp3: Frank And Sandy <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FPantsYell-FrankAndSandy.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 14. The Clean – Mister Pop (Merge) You would think that with the number of times I’ve seen some new band get compared to the Clean that their latest album would have gotten more accolades, especially when Mister Pop is arguably the best album the band has made (remember that Compilation is just that, a compilation). Mister Pop is the Clean at their most sanguine with all three members contributing top notch songs. Asleep in the Tunnel could be one of my favorite Robert Scott songs ever, David Kilgour gives us the beautiful In the Dreamlife You Need a Rubber Soul and Are You Really on Drugs, while his brother Hamish contributes one his best in years Back In the Day. Every song leads into the next, there are no non-sequiter instrumentals (Moon Jumper is perfect and integral) or throw-away half songs. It’s a concise well thought out album that floats along putting you into a dream-like warm euphoric state. At least it does me. mp3: In the Dreamlife You Need a Rubber Soul <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FClean-InTheDreamlifeUNeedARubberSoul.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 15. Taken By Trees – East of Eden (Rough Trade) This has to be one of the best surprises of the year. Victoria Bergsman had left the Concretes a few years back to go solo with her Taken By Trees project. Album number one had many thinking (myself included) that although she had a great voice, she missed the songwriting of her former band. No such doubts on album number two. A complete rethink with Bergsman traveling to Pakistan to record East of Eden, and taking on an entirely different feel to anything she’s done previously. Her child-like, angelic voice is still here, but this album of songs has a earthy eastern feel to it that doesn’t feel forced at all. Her songs easily meld in with the eastern influences and at times are completely immersed, coming out all the better for it. mp3: Anna <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FTakenByTrees-Anna.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 16. The Horrors – Primary Colors (XL) I nearly didn’t pay this record any mind, because their debut was a non-melodic record with a bad a Birthday Party fixation. Primary Colors is like the Radiohead’s the Bends, a sophomore album that leaves the debut in the dust. The Horrors have moved on to more melodic territory, mining the rich vein of Chameleons, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, The Sound and the Comsat Angels, straddling the line of stadium rock, goth, and pop. Not only do they get the feel right, they do it with great songs. mp3: Who Can Say <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FHorrors-WhoCanSay.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 17. Real Estate – Real Estate (Woodsist) This New Jersey band’s debut came off sounding like a long lost David Kilgour album (Sugarmouth or A Feather In the Engine anyone?). I don’t know where exactly in New Jersey Real Estate is from, but my guess would be somewhere along the shore where you can kick back around a bonfire on the beach after the sun has just set with the fire crackling and the constant rhythm of waves crashing to the sand. mp3: Beach Comber <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FRealEstate-BeachComber.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 18. The Spires – A Way of Seeing (Bee House) If you’ve hung out at this blog for any amount of time you’ve probably figured out that the Chills are one of my favorite bands. With this album, the Spires pretty much made up for the MIA Chills. It’s uncanny how much singer Jason Bays sounds like Martin Phillips and how the music takes on this jangly sing-song thing that Chills did so well. A Way of Seeing is such an accomplished record that it’s hard to believe it was self-released. Thank god for DIY! mp3: The Afterlife <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FSpires-TheAfterlife.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 19. Girls - Album (True Panther/Fantasy Trashcan) This record has a distinct 50’s vibe mostly due to Christopher Owens’ emotive voice. He reminds me of Danny Zuko, this big masculine, leather jacket wearing guy with a voice that betrays his sensitive side. Musically, it hops around a little more from Beach Boys to My Bloody Valentine and places in between. The style doesn’t really matter though, because every song is packed with memorable hooks, the best of which is the epic centerpiece Hellhole Ratrace. A real beauty. mp3: Hellhole Ratrace <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FGirls-HellholeRatrace.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 20. Mannequin Men – Lose Your Illusion, Too (Flameshovel) About ten years ago a band like the Mannequin Men would have been hailed as potential saviors of rock n’ roll. Since rock doesn’t need saving these days, they flew under the radar. The Mannequin Men like the Strokes before them and the Replacements before them can’t decide if they want to be snotty or sensitive. The album cover and songs like Rathole and WTF LOL argue for the former, but Exquisite Corpse and Judy go for the latter. That’s what makes the Mannequin Men so essential, they can do both. mp3: Massage <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FMannequinMen-Massage.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 21. The Clientele – Bonfires on the Heath (Merge) With each new Clientele record, the vocal reverb gets turned down further and the smooth pop thrills get turned up. I remember back in the day, you would have to strain to understand Alasdair MacLean’s lyrics because of the echo on his voice was so great. The Clientele are the perfect example of a band that have developed into accomplished and confident musicians along the road of their career. This is the fourth proper album, and I don’t know if I could say it is the best one, but it’s as good as any that came before which is saying something. It has an autumnal sound and feel to it, but turning it up as loud as you can will enhance your ability to soak in the sounds and pleasures that Bonfires on the Heath serves out listen after listen. mp3: I Wonder Who We Are <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FClientele-IWonderWhoWeAre.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 22. Summer Cats – Songs for Tuesdays (Slumberland) One of my biggest musical regrets of this year was that I missed Summer Cats when they played in Seattle this summer. It was a house party, and I can only imagine how they shook the joint with their energetic, anthemic indiepop. This was the year that we finally got a full album from these feline Australians after many singles and eps. Songs for Tuesdays plucked the best songs from their previous releases and injected some new songs as well as styles into the mix. The ace Stereolab-ish singles Let’s Go and Lonely Planet are included, but there were new favorites to be found like the lovely duet In June, the Triffids-like Maybe Pile and St. Tropez. A record that is perfect any day of the week or year for that matter. mp3: In June <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FSummerCats-InJune.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object> 23. Let’s Wrestle – In the Court of the Wrestling Let’s (Stolen) These guys seem to get pegged as Fall fans, mostly because of Wesley Patrick Gonzalez’s off kilter, slightly tone-deaf vocals, but Let’s Wrestle are a whole lot goofier than the Fall ever were. In the Court of the Wrestling Let’s is a strangely titled record, but it gives you an idea of this bands slanted and enchanted take on life. Decidedly lo-fi, lo-budget, but spot on. Gonzalez has tons of bon mots, but the line No matter How many records I buy, I can’t fill this void could be the best lyric to describe record collector geek types ever. mp3: I Won’t Lie To You <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf" width="290" height="24" id="audioplayer1"><param name="movie" value="http://finestkiss.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/audio-player/player.swf"/><param name="FlashVars" value="&bg=0xf8f8f8&leftbg=0xeeeeee&lefticon=0x666666&rightbg=0xcccccc&rightbghover=0x999999&righticon=0x666666&righticonhover=0xffffff&text=0x666666&slider=0x666666&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0x666666&loader=0x9FFFB8&soundFile=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Efinestkiss4%2Fchansons%2Falbums09%2FLetsWrestle-IWontLieToYou.mp3"/><param name="quality" value="high"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/></object>
read more »Last week we premiered the first tune off the new Dinosaur Feathers album "Vendela Vida", so that pretty much tipped you to what Dinosaur Feathers have spent the last few months working on! Their debut full length, Fantasy Memorial, will be available in March and will probably wind up on a few of these lists next year. The band also released the second best EP of the year in the past 12-months and have spent a good deal of time wowing us around town with their busy live schedule. Amazingly with all this going on they found time to toss a list of the best albums of this year our way. So check it out, it appears these guys would make pretty good bloggers too, if the band thing doesn't work out. (P.S. - Dinosaur Feathers plays their last Cameo residency show tonight at 8pm!)Dinosaur Feathers - "Vendela Vida" Best Albums of 2009:1. Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca2. Pterodactyl Worldwild | Pterodactyl - "December"3. St. Vincent Actor4. tUnE-yArDs Bird Brains | tUnE-yArDs - "Sunlight"5. Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilion6. Darlings Yeah I Know | Darlings - "Emily"7. Taken by Trees East of Eden | Taken By Trees - "Anna"8. Harlem Free Drugs9. Nomo Invisible Cities | Nomo - "Invisible Cities"10. Grizzly Bear Veckatimest<script type="text/javascript"> sr_adspace_id = 4549407; sr_adspace_width = 728; sr_adspace_height = 90; sr_adspace_type = "graphic"; sr_ad_new_window = true; </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ad.afy11.net/srad.js?azId=4549407"> </script>
read more »Both these songs have unnecessary intros. The Crown Vandals - "Guenevere".You want to go back to the 14th century, to wait in a grove by the walled city. You want to hide your drum-kit beneath under a leafy oak, conceal your guitars in a mulberry bush; cheap amps, cheap mics, cheap booze nestling among beech-roots. You want to wait there, for courtiers and commoners who steal away from the walled city - weirdos & thieves & lovers & lonelyhearts. They come loping to the grove, in tunics and bucklers, coins in coin-pouches; they turn their problems and thrills around in their heads. They hum sorrow as a lute-strum, sing lust as a minuet. They have no idea. They have never heard an amp blow out, a cymbal crack, an electric guitar-string snap. They have never heard a sound this loud. You wait in the shadow green, to teach them. [The Crown Vandals are from Montreal // they play New York and DC next month // MySpace] Taken by Trees - "Anna". Some things just simply mostly work, like traffic. They are based on physical laws, like batteries. They ignore whims, like clouds. They are reliable, like good clocks. // But these "things" I talk about are not all boring. // Some of the "things", the ones that work and are reliable, that ignore whims and are based on physical laws // are friendship, rhythm, and sunset. // And some of the things you think are like traffic, batteries, clouds and clocks; // they're not. [MySpace / buy] --- Witchies, Mixylodian and Silly Kissers, three of Montreal's best bands, all of whom we've written lustily about in the past, are playing together (yes, together) this Friday. Le Milieu, 6545 Durocher #200, $7/$10. MP3s, courtesy of Mr Mixy: Mixylodian - "Bad Girls (Mase Cover)" /// Witchies - "Hater" /// Silly Kissers - "Easy Fantasy". End-of-Year Plea! As usual, I will be preparing a list of the best songs of 2009. And as always, I ask for your help. Heard a wonderful song, this year? One that we haven't written about? Please email it to me. Major-label or local obscurity; indie rock, folk, hardcore, especially r&b, pop and chart hip-hop - you name it, I'll listen. But do remember: I care about the song, not the artist, not the album. Please don't send me more than one track by any given act. (photo by Simon Roberts / source)
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