Thursday, December 31, 2009

25 Best Albums of the Decade (2000-2009): 10-1






Man, there were some great releases throughout the 00s.  Just a note - many bands released multiple albums that deserve a spot in this list, but I like to spread the love.  Below are the top 10.


10.  Wolf Parade, Apologies to the Queen Mary (2005)


9.  The Avett Brothers, Emotionalism (2007)

Paranoia in B Major

8.  Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

7.  Radiohead, In Rainbows (2007)

6.  My Morning Jacket, Z (2005)  


5.  Ryan Adams, Heartbreaker (2000)

4.  The Strokes, Is This It (2001)

3.  Kings of Leon, Aha Shake Heartbreak (2005)

2.  Arcade Fire, Funeral (2004)

1.  Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

25 Best Albums of the Decade (2000-2009): 25-11






I enjoyed the Best of 2009 lists so much that I decided to dig into my albums from the 2000s to decide which ones meant the most to me (this is the last planned list for a while).  With so many great albums released during this time, it was not easy to hand out spots and many just missed the list.  Also, there are MANY bands included in this list that released more than 1 great album in the Aughts, but I wanted to keep it to 1 per artist/band for diversity's sake.  Below are 25-11 of my favorite albums of the decade.  The top 10 will follow shortly.  Enjoy the list.


25.  Spoon, Gimme Fiction (2005)



24.  The Postal Service, Give Up (2003)



23.  Cat Power, The Greatest (2006)



22.  The National, Boxer (2007)



21.  D'Angelo, Voodoo (2000)

Untitled (How Does It Feel)

20.  Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Elvis Perkins In Dearland (2009)

Heard Your Voice In Dresden


19.  Band of Horses, Everything All The Time (2006)



18.  MGMT, Oracular Spectacular (2008)

17. Outkast, Stankonia (2000)



16.  Gillian Welch, Time (the Revelator) (2001)


15.  Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend (2008)


14.  The White Stripes, Elephant (2003)


13.  Drive-By Truckers, Decoration Day (2003)


12.  The Walkmen, You & Me (2008)


11.  The Black Keys, Thickfreakness (2003)



Monday, December 28, 2009

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Recap and Honorable Mentions



I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas!  I thought that it might be a good idea to recap my best albums of 2009 in an easy to read list.  I hope that you enjoyed the countdown and found some new music.  I would love to hear your comments and thoughts on the list and also albums that were your favorites in 2009 that didn't make my top 10.  In the meantime, here is the recap...


Honorable Mentions of 2009

There were many great albums this year that didn't find a spot in my Top 10 for some reason or another.  Below are some of my favorite that just missed the list.

Bon Iver, Blood Bank EP - This one did not make the list because it was an EP, but it is great nonetheless.



Passion Pit, Manners - The debut from this Cambridge, MA electronic/pop-rock band might be the most fun album released this year.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets


Yim Yames, Tribute To EP - This EP of covers from My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James is a fitting tribute to the late George Harrison.  The only thing is that it is another EP, so no spot for it on the list.



Fanfarlo, Reservoir - I just happened upon this album from this London-based indie group while fooling around on the internet one day.  Their sound brings to mind Arcade Fire and Beirut.  It is definitely worth a listen.



Various Artists, Dark Was The Night - This compilation boasts contributions from many noteworthy bands and features duets with some great artists.  Compilations did not count in this list, so it is sadly relegated to merely an honorable mention.


Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 1


1. Elvis Perkins in Dearland - Elvis Perkins in Dearland


The YAGN consensus pick for Album of the Year, Elvis Perkins in Dearland is a triumph for Mr. Perkins and company. At a time when many say that the album is dead, Perkins delivered a cohesive and diverse album that was my Summer soundtrack (and continues to get me through the Winter). Perkins unique vocal style is complimented by a unique collection of instrumentation that includes marching band drums and horns-a-plenty. Where Perkins' debut, Ash Wednesday, had an ominous feel hanging over the album, his sophomore effort carries a more upbeat and optimistic tone, even while dealing with not so pleasant subject matter (see Doomsday, 123 Goodbye). A truly poignant album, Elvis Perkins in Dearland was the best in a year of quality albums.

 




Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas time is here




As promised earlier on this very blog, the You Ain't Goin' Nowhere Christmas Spectacular playlist is here to bring in the Christmas cheer.  Merry Christmas, ya'll.


Tracklist:


1. Otis Redding - Merry Christmas Baby
2. The Million Dollar Quartet - Jingle Bells (Instrumental)
3. James Brown - Blue Christmas
4. The Walkmen - The Christmas Party
5. Blitzen Trapper - Christmas is Coming Soon
6. Clarence Carter - Back Door Santa
7. Bosque Brown - Silent Night
8. Loretta Lynn - Country Christmas
9. My Morning Jacket - Santa Claus is Back in Town
10. Otis Redding - Dreaming of a White Christmas
11. Low - Just Like Christmas
12. Smokey Robinson - That's What Christmas Means to Me
13. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time is Here

Download:

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere Christmas Spectacular (YSI)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 2


2. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Listening to this album walking through the airport will make you feel like a badass.* Living up to it's lofty title, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a masterfully composed album. Definitely the most "pop" album on my list, the band from France delivers 10 precise, well crafted songs. Frontman Thomas Mars' vocals provide the cohesion for most of the tracks, but the instrumentation is what makes this album special. Tight drums, innovative guitar licks, and atmospheric synths make this the album The Strokes wish they could still make.
*Seriously, try it.

 

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 1


1. Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Elvis Perkins In Dearland



This is it.  My album of the year, Elvis Perkins In Dearland’s self-titled LP, really displayed staying power to get the top spot.  Initially, I heard “Shampoo” on a promo release prior to the album and thought, “This is a great song.”  Then I didn’t think too much of it until I began hearing a random song here and there.  Finally, I got the album and thought, “This is a great album.”  Then it started in my playlist rotation and has remained there to this day.  Whenever I was looking for an album for a drive, a hike, the commute to work or chores around the house, Elvis Perkins In Dearland was there.  And now it sits atop the throne as my best album of 2009.

Perkins decided to head in a new direction after his incredibly personal and outstanding debut, Ash Wednesday, and this new direction is a very welcome one.  His songs are upbeat for the most part, but his lyrics remain sharp and bleak.  Elvis Perkins In Dearland is a musical tour de force heavily influenced by American roots music from early folk to the New Orleans horns tradition.  The album navigates from track to track without losing a beat or the listener’s interest.  Honestly, there is not a bad song on this entire LP and too many standouts to name.  I nailed it on the head with my initial thought because this IS a great album.

Elvis Perkins In Dearland - Doomsday

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 3


3. The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You


I'll be honest -some irrational part of me did not want to like this album. Whenever a favorite artist of mine ventures into new, unfamiliar territory, I greet the change with a healthy dose of skepticism. My concerns with The Avett Brothers major label debut were short lived. Lyrically the Avett's most mature album, I and Love and You expands on their unique brand of punk/bluegrass to create a truly special album. Rick Rubin's production did nothing but enhance the sound of the boys from North Carolina - adding layers of sound to their already unique songs without adding too much polish. What results is an emotionally charged album of beautiful ballads, foot stomping ditties, and earnest hymns of redemption, longing, and hope.

 

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 2


2. The Avett Brothers, I and Love and You



This was a tough one because I really love this album and it could've easily held the number 1 spot, but here it is at 2.

The Avett Brothers hold a special place in my heart and my father’s, mother’s, sister’s, best friend’s, girlfriend’s and...well, you get the point.  We have all seen them live and that is all it took to get us hooked.  Even if you haven’t heard a single song from this Concord, North Carolina band, go see their energetic romp of a live show and you will quickly be on a mad dash to collect their entire catalogue. 

The band consists of brothers, Seth (guitar, vocals) and Scott (banjo, vocals) Avett, Bob Crawford (bass) and the most recent addition, Joe Kwon (cello).  The main focus of The Avett Brothers is their harmonies.  The siblings were blessed with some pipes and they display a range that goes from tender ballads to screaming rockers.  I and Love and You is their first major label release and was overseen by super-producer, Rick Rubin.  This album sees the Avetts abandoning their traditional banjo, guitar and standup bass to explore more unchartered territory.  Pianos, guitars, drums and rock bass are strong presences on their 12th album (there are 2 live discs and a few EPs included in that number). 

What makes the Avetts impossible to dislike are their straightforward, emotionally packed lyrics.  These guys wear their hearts on their sleeves and I love them all the more for it.  While I and Love and You may stray from their usual sound, the emotions are present in full force.  Listening to this album makes you feel something and isn’t that why we love music?  We want the artist to take us to another place or make us feel a certain emotion. The Avetts take us to this other place and evoke emotions of love gone wrong, belonging, regret and newfound hope in 13 songs.  The title track “I and Love and You” is the best song of the year and The Avett Brothers are my band of the year.  This is an album that you listen to in its entirety and then you do the same thing again and again because the ride is so worth it.


Monday, December 21, 2009

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 3


3. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, Up From Below



I reviewed the Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Telluride show here as the inaugural post and the experience solidified their spot at number 3 on this list.  ES&TMZ seem to have popped out of nowhere and took the indie music scene by storm.  The first song I heard was “40 Day Dream,” which was released prior to the album, and I was hooked.  I scoured the internet for more songs and information on the band, but they seemed to be an apparition.  Then the album was released and my expectations were exceeded.

The band consists of approximately 10 members playing a variety of conventional and unconventional instruments.  This album is a lot of fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Frontman Alex Ebert leads the group and has a certain aura to him that is nearly impossible to dislike.  The group looks to Ebert as the true leader of their musical commune.  The band has a chemistry that is undeniable and they will follow their leader anywhere he takes them.  Jade Castrinos is the primary female vocalist in the band (and also Ebert's gal) and shows her strength in the Johnny Cash/June Carter-esque standout, “Home.”  This is an extremely strong debut with very few weaknesses.  I can only hope that the momentum continues for what will be a highly anticipated sophomore album.


Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 4


4. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest


Grizzly Bear has been crafting their complex brand of indie pop since 2006's Yellow House (a previous album, Horn of Plenty, was released prior to that, but was largely the work of co-frontman Ed Droste). With Veckatimest (don't ask me how to say it), the band continues to paint broad sonic canvases - the album sounds so precisely orchestrated, while simultaneously very organic. I tend to prefer the Dan Rossen fronted songs, but they're aren't many missteps on this outstanding album.


Sunday, December 20, 2009

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 4


4. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix



This French alt-rock band has been around since 2000 and has released 4 albums, including one live recording, before they finally hit it BIG this year with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.  They received both critical acclaim and commercial success.  This album has led to appearances on Saturday Night Live and each of the late night shows.  One of the many standouts, “1901” was also featured in a commercial for the 2010 Cadillac SRX.  A longtime favorite of indie scenesters, actor Jason Schwartzman and director Wes Anderson, Phoenix creates infectious music.  This album is comprised of 10 perfectly constructed pop songs that clock in at approximately 37 minutes of lighthearted fun.  Hopefully you have heard and/or own this album, but if not, buy it NOW!



Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 5

5. A.A. Bondy - When the Devil's Loose


For those of you that have been following the blog, you may remember my post on Birmingham, AL native A.A. Bondy. Besides having the year's most awesome album cover, Bondy's Sophomore release builds upon his spectacular debut and creates quite a one-two punch of promising albums. When the Devil's Loose, both lyrically and stylistically, recall early Bob Dylan - with subject matter that alludes to everything from the current political climate to the high price of fame and notoriety. Over the course of the album, Bondy's warm vocals and vivid lyrics give the listener a captivating look into a haunted soul.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 6

6. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below

Ed Sharpe's live show got him on this list. I enjoyed every song that I heard from the album prior to seeing his live show, but after the experience of seeing Ed Sharpe in concert, this album catapulted into my top ten. Seeing these songs performed in person with such energy and.... joy gave me reason to revisit the album, and I'm glad I did. Combining the "freak folk" charm of Devendra Banhart, and the communal (some may say cultish) aesthetic of artists like Flaming Lips and Polyphonic Spree, Ed Sharpe and his 10 piece band of psychedelic musicians deliver a powerful album of handclaps, horns, and jangly guitar.


Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 5


5. Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest



Grizzly Bear is a band that needs no introduction to those familiar with the indie music scene.  They can seemingly do no wrong and this proves true with their highly anticipated junior (second with the full band) album, Veckatimest.  The vocal layering and atmospheric sounds that adorned their last album, Yellow House, are still present and make for an excellent 12 song, 52 minute musical experience.  Personally, I enjoy this album more than Yellow House.  It is much more accessible and an easier listen.  With standouts including “Two Weeks” with its catchy piano hook and spot on harmonies, “While You Wait for the Others”, “Cheerleader” and "All We Ask", Veckatimest moves along smoothly and wraps you up in the multiple layers of sound that the band creates with their vocals and use of both traditional and unconventional instruments.  This one lives up to all the hype associated with it and will be on many of these lists this year.


Friday, December 18, 2009

Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 7

7. J.Tillman - Year in the Kingdom


Year in the Kingdom is a bleak, sparse album reminiscent of Springsteen's Nebraska. Tillman, drummer for last year's Indie favorite Fleet Foxes, delivers a gripping album full of biblical imagery, tales of down on their luck Everymen, and general woe. Year in the Kingdom could easily be the soundtrack to a Cormac McCarthy novel - dark, mysterious, and haunting.





Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 6


6. Deer Tick, Born on Flag Day



This Providence, Rhode Island rock band's sophomore album extends their unique mix of rock and early country sounds that they started with their debut, War ElephantBorn on Flag Day seems to be more focused and thoughtful than their first album.  John Joseph McCauley, III’s scratchy vocals take us on this journey and what a great ride it is.  The band jumps from acoustic guitars to louder electric ones, but the music maintains its charm and never gets really noisy.  I was going to name the standouts of the album, but then I started listening to the songs again and realized they are all great (this realization bumped it up a spot in the list, too).  The band recently released a new EP entitled More Fuel for the Fire, available for purchase on iTunes, that proves there are more great things to come.


Thursday, December 17, 2009

Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 8


8. Girls - Album
With their debut effort, San Francisco's Girls have created a rare album that at once pays homage to a bygone era, while at the same time breaking new ground. The most obvious comparison here is early Beach Boys, but frontman Christopher Owens channels everyone from Roy Orbison to Elliot Smith. While Owens vocals surely aren't for everyone, they perfectly compliment the 12 tracks here. Album is at once hazy and focused, meandering and on target, making it one of the best debut albums of 2009.

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 7


7. Volcano Choir, Unmap



Volcano Choir is the side-project of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and the Wisconsin instrumental quintet, Collections of Colonies of Bees.  First off, Justin Vernon is one of my favorite musicians out there right now - as you have probably noticed from his regualr appearances on this blog.  Bon Iver’s debut For Emma, Forever Ago is a modern masterpiece that ranks right up there as one of the best break-up albums ever and the follow-up EP, Blood Bank, contains three songs of pure aural enjoyment.

This project utilizes Vernon’s vulnerable falsetto as more of an accompanying instrument than the focal point of the songs. His well-known vocals blend with the layers that the Collections of Colonies of Bees create producing a beautifully eerie experience for the listener. It is not known if or when Vernon will be releasing a new LP under the Bon Iver moniker, but if he continues to make collaborations like this one, we can all rest easy at night – especially if we play one of his albums as we lay our heads down.


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 9


9. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight At The Movies


I consider myself a traditionalist in a lot of ways when it comes to music. I'm a sucker for steel guitar, harmonica, banjo, and all manner of "folk" instrumentation. Keeping that in mind, it should be no surprise that Justin Townes Earle's "Midnight At The Movies" slid into my #9 spot while indie darlings like Animal Collective and Dirty Projectors did not make the list for 2009. Justin Townes Earle, son of Alt-Country rebel Steve Earle (and namesake of legendary troubadour Townes Van Zandt), is definitely his father's son. In "Midnight At The Movies" he draws upon his demons of drug abuse and hard living to craft 12 songs of flawless Americana. Like a lot of country songs, Earle's songs tell tales of love gone bad, folk heroes, prostitutes, religion, and yes, even Mama. If you are a fan of such alt-country luminaries as Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, or even The Avett Brothers, you'll love Midnight At The Movies. Well worth your $9.99 on itunes!


As a bonus track, here's JTE covering Mance Lipscomb's "So Different Blues" from My Old Kentucky Blog's Radio show.

 


Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 8


8. Cass McCombs, Catacombs



Catacombs is an album that I tried so hard to ignore - the reason mainly being that I grew tired of Pitchfork's continual praise of this LP before I had even given it a shot.  I finally decided to get this album in early November (long after it had been released) and, as you can deduce from its presence on this list, I was very happy that I did.  The tracks are quite laid back and the lyrics tweeter between great and absurd, which might just make them brilliant.  “You Saved My Life” is the best track by far and one of the best of the year.  Upon first listen, I was ready to discard the track, but something drew me in and keeps bringing me back.  The previous statement rings true for the entire album.  The cards were stacked against it, but something about McCombs's understated style on this album drew me in.  Other standouts are “Jonesy Boy” in which McCombs sounds similar to My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, “Executioner’s Song” and “Harmonia.”  If you have any reservations in giving this album a listen (as I did), do yourself a favor by buying the album and giving it a full listen. It just makes sense that way.


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 9


9. KiD CuDi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day



The number 9 album on the list is the debut from the Cleveland, Ohio native KiD CuDi.  The album features cameos by big names in the hip hop community as well as the indie scene.  Standout songs on MotM:TEoD are "Simple As...", “Pursuit of Happiness” which features indie darlings MGMT and Ratatat and “Make Her Say” with respected lyricists Kanye West and Common.  Kanye actually signed CuDi to his label after listening to one of his mixtapes and is determined to help him blow up (by any means necessary).  CuDi, aka Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, has started off with a bang and isn’t looking back.  Recently, he lent his talents to Jay-Z on The Blueprint 3.  It seems as though he is running in the right circles to keep his rise on track - despite the annoying caps in his moniker.



This one is not from this album (it is just an extra because it is awesome).  The rule of the list is one song from the album, so this is fair game.  It is from the mixtape Plain Pat & Emile Present: A KiD Named CuDi.  It samples the great Band of Horses - one of CuDi's favorite bands - song "The Funeral".  Enjoy this one on me.


Scott's Top 10 Albums of 2009: Number 10

Before I get into my albums of the year, I want to lay out a couple of ground rules I used when selecting my list. I decided that EP's, Reissues and Compilations would not be featured, so great selections like Bon Iver's "Blood Bank" EP and the outstanding "Dark Was the Night" compilation were nixed for the purposes of this list. This was such a tough list to finalize, and I have several on my honorable mention list, but I finally was able to decide on the 10 albums that I find myself continually going back to (my main criteria). So without any further ado, here's my list!

10. Real Estate - Real Estate

Maybe it's the recency effect, but Real Estate's self titled debut (released less than a month ago) has caught my ear and been a real go to for me in the past month. The lo-fi, "beachy" sounds of Real Estate provide the perfect soundtrack for a lazy afternoon. Their first release on Woodsist Records (Jana Hunter, Wavves, Vivian Girls), Real Estate is 39 minutes of perfect lo-fi pop. Buy this today.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 10

Starting today, our best albums of 2009 will be posted daily counting down from number 10. I hope that you enjoy what you see. If you do, please go and buy the album. Enjoy and your comments are very welcome.

10. Blind Pilot, 3 Rounds and a Sound



A friend mentioned Blind Pilot to me many months ago and even played a song for me over the telephone, but I didn’t really pay any mind to the band. That was until I downloaded a track off of the album from another blog and quickly become hooked. Israel Nebeker’s vocals are crystal clear and the harmonies are spot on. The Portland, Oregon band is even better live and sound just as clear as they do in the studio (I threw a live track in there as a special treat).



An interesting aside, Nebeker and drummer Ryan Dobrowski received a good bit of press in 2008 for a bicycle tour from Bellingham, Washington to San Diego, California with their instruments in tow.  My dad actually mentioned this to me one day after he heard an interview with them on public radio.  Following the bicycle tour, the two mainstays added a few new members to the band and you should definitely check them out live if given the chance.

Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds and a Sound


Blind Pilot - I Buried a Bone (Live at The Vollrath Tavern)