Songbird
Jan
18
Down By The Water
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The Decemberists their new album, The King Is Dead, is out now.
I am seeing them live for the first time February 12th @ The Wiltern.
Down By The Water – The Decemberists
The King Is Dead 2011 (Capitol Records)
Jan
17
Rosy Cheeks And Pale Skin
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I just came back from having $2 margaritas. A bit tipsy… And full disclosure, this may or may not qualify as drunk blog posting… Cheers!
I have no idea where I came across Sea of Bees… I like it. Julie Ann Bee creates some original, enjoyable pop-rock with a splash of folk, she has my full attention. She came out of nowhere in 2010 with her first full length album, Songs for the Ravens. I can definitely say she is someone to keep our eye on in the years to come.
Songs for the Ravens 2010 (Crossbill Records)
Jan
11
I Know A Color Blue
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I have been meaning to post about Agnes Obel for quite some time, but I just couldn’t find the right time until now. Her beautiful somber melodies are just what I wanted to hear tonight. Philharmonics is only available in Europe or through iTunes, I highly recommend it.
Voices in the street, footsteps on the concrete
Guess I hear just every sound on the ground
From my window view, I know a color blue
that can bite so very hard, the day apart
Picture fresh as water clear
days have passed without you here
Street lights dancing on the dark across the park
Waiting for a word from you, waiting for a sign or two
Footsteps on the city ground, you know the sound
Brother Sparrow, come tomorrow to my window
Brother Sparrow, come tomorrow to my window– Agnes Obel
Philharmonics 2010
Dec
24
Favorite Albums Of 2010
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This year in music was possibly one of my favorite in a very long time… I have been thinking long and hard on exactly why this is. As I went back through 2010 I noticed that my favorite albums were some of my best friends throughout the year. I could relate to them. I listened to them when I needed a shoulder to cry on, when I needed something to calm my soul or even to just hang out and enjoy their company. This group of albums below has been a major part of my life this year. I enjoy every single track, and that I truly feel each has become the soundtrack for my life in 2010.
It has been another fantastic year at Untitled Records, it brings so much joy to my soul when I know that you have found something new here that you absolutely love. It is fun to discover new music together week after week. Happy Holidays and here’s to new music and concerts in 2011. xX
My top 6 albums of 2010 in selected order along with a group of honorable mentions:
Little Lion Man (Explicit Lyrics)
I awaited the arrival of this album in the states for what felt like an eternity. Almost a year later their music is everywhere and they have 2 Grammy nominations. I don’t think I know one person who does not enjoy their passionate, banjo-playing, folk-rock. The album is filled with romantic and heartbreaking songs that you fall in love with over and over again. I listen to this album on repeat for days and days. I love it just as much as I loved it when I first listened to it, which is why it is my #1 album of the year.
The Suburbs is a very close second, so close I went back forth for days if it was indeed my favorite. I fell in love with the soaring indie rock about growing up in the suburbs. I feel it is their greatest album to date, and one that demonstrates a clear progression and maturity of their music. I was never the biggest fan of Arcade Fire, but over the years they have won me over and I consider them to be one of my favorite bands right up there with Radiohead, which is quite an honor.
It is all about the dreamy indie-pop dripping with atmospheric melodies along with the unique vocals of Victoria Legrand that has put this 3rd full length album in the #3 spot. It was not love at first listen, but it was certainly a steady progression into my 2010 favorite albums over the course of the year building steam as it went. It is also my favorite album to date from this Baltimore based band. I felt they really came into their own on Teen Dream, they have found their clear place at the top of all the dream-pop in this world.
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
The sophomore album from this young songstress blew me away when I first heard it, and it still does. Marling’s music has matured greatly on this album. She’s an old soul who creates stunning poetic folk music that flows out of the speakers with such grace and beauty I never want it to end. I Speak Because I Can is my favorite female singer-songwriter of 2010 as well as the last couple of years, hands down.
This is not too much of a surprise, I think I have made my complete love for Stars very well known. Seeing them tour Five Ghosts this year at the Wiltern really solidified it for me. I love their whimsical booming indie-pop and I love the themes of their albums, the concise collection of songs they put together consistently year after year = Love.
The 5th studio album from The National is a collection of beautifully devastating indie-rock songs. This is the first full length album from The National that I have loved from beginning to end. Hight Violet is an explosion of atmospheric melodies and poetic lyrics about love, tragedy and life that resonates in my soul. I put this album on and I let it repeat. Gorgeous from beginning to end.
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I hesitated to add a honorable mention list… However it is entirely necessary because the following albums are a great collection of songs that I have loved over the year but on every album there was at least one or two songs that I just didn’t care for. Therefor below are my almost favorites!
Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle
Dead Heart Bloom – Strange Waves
Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
Dec
6
And I’ll Grasp The Waves
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I am quiet this evening. Calm, contemplative and a little lazy. Brad Senne’s delicate folk melodies are the perfect accompaniment for this night…
Aerial Views 2009/2010 (Grain Belt Records)
Nov
30
Twenty Seven Strangers
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Welcome back! I took a little holiday and it was fantastic. The hiatus from the blog was no hiatus from the music, I have been working on my year end list(s)… A lot of decisions need to be made and I am the most indecisive person I know. This posses a bit of struggle when I am trying to put together a list. It is a challenge, but I love a good challenge.
I recently came across a band fronted by Irishman Conor J. O’Brien. They create dark folk melodies with bizarre poetic lyrics. We should take note, Villagers is an upcoming band that I am certain we will hear more from them in the future.
Twenty Seven Strangers – Villagers
Becoming a Jackal 2010 (Domino Records)
Nov
23
Hold On To Skylines Of Pale And Coal
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I think we should celebrate the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday with fabulous folk-pop from a septet that hails from Seattle. Hey Marseilles has trotted right into my heart with their bold instrumental sound and European folk melodies.
To Travels & Trunks 2010
Nov
17
I Can Hear Your Music
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I got on the freeway tonight after work and it was backed up for miles, quickly exited and headed South to the coast. I took Pacific Coast Hwy all the way home, and enjoyed the cold crisp night with the window slightly open and my ipod shuffling. I realized how lucky I am and what an amazing and privileged life I live… I am taking Pacific Coast Hwy home from now on.
I have been listening to The Memory Machine for a couple of weeks now and it is just beautiful from beginning to end. Julia Stone‘s vocals are angelic, hushed and delicate.
The Memory Machine 2010 (Nettwerk)
Nov
10
Harlowe And The Great North Woods
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When I heard the music of Harlowe and The Great North Woods it was an instant love affair. Acoustic guitar folky goodness, how could I possibly resist?
Roses – Harlowe and The Great North Woods
Harlowe and The Great North Woods EP 2010
Oct
21
Many Moons
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I recently came across the music of Lia Ices and fell head over heels in love with her sultry, passionate melodies. The debut album Necima was released in 2008 and it is stunning. Her new album Grown Unknown is set to be released in January and I can hardly wait.
Few words tonight… I think it is best to let the music speak for itself. xX
mp3:Â Many Moons
Necima 2008 (Rare Book Room Records)
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