Beach House - Teen Dream

Teen Dream is the 3rd release from Baltimore's Beach House, and their first on the Sub Pop label. Like their previous efforts, Teen Dream's focal points are Victoria Legrand's mesmerizing vocals and keyboards, which again deliver on this album. While building on their trademark hazy sound, Beach House makes a nice step forward with this album, creating songs that not only have the wonderful rawness of their earlier releases, but also introduce more memorable melodies and a more polished sound. Created in a converted Church in upstate New York, Teen Dream has several great songs, including the opener, "Zebra" and "10 Mile Stereo." For my money though, the standout track on the album is "Used to Be," which I've linked below. Enjoy!

Beach House - "Used to Be"

Vinyl

So, for Christmas I received the best gift in my new record player and some stellar vinyls.  I have since ordered a few and quickly realized that I am really going to enjoy collecting records.  As of now, I have the following vinyls:

Wilco, A Ghost Is Born

Dr. Dog, We All Belong

Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid

Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Elvis Perkins In Dearland

Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago

Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes and Sun Giant EP

I also have Department of Eagles In Ear Park and The Walkmen You and Me on order.  My question to the loyal fans out there of YAGN is what albums would you most like on vinyl?  Post in the comments section and talk amongst yourselves.  This could be very interesting.

Yeasayer, Odd Blood

Yeasayer's debut album All Hour Cymbals showed signs of promise for the up and coming indie-synth/pop group.  Their new album, Odd Blood, continued these promising signs with the first single "Ambling Alp", a great song that came very close to making the list of best songs of 2009.  The new album as a whole did not sit well with me through the first listen, but after a few listens I have warmed up to it a bit.  It can be an enjoyable listen at times, but it starts off on a weak note with the first track "The Children" and does not make up for it.  I once saw this band live opening for Man Man and it was just alright...Their studio efforts are much like their live show - good, but not something that you are going to go around talking about.  Both of their albums have strong songs, but they are still lacking with forgettable tracks surrounding the truly great ones.  Would I recommend buying the album?  No, but I would suggest keeping an eye on the band.

Ambling Alp

Mondegreen

Acting out

Welcome back!

Hello old friends.  If there were an award for most overdue blog post, I think that I might be in the running.  That work thing has gotten in the way a bit lately, but I won't fall back on excuses.  

So, now that that is over...

I have never had much faith in the actor turned musical artist or vice versa, but recently I have been swayed to think otherwise.  There are 2 notable actors turned musicians that I have been listening to a good bit of lately.

Jason Schwartzman, famous for his recurring appearances in films by indie auteurs such as Wes Anderson and David O. Russell, has been making music for quite sometime.  His recent solo project, Coconut Records, is his most appealing by far.

Also, Ryan Gosling and his bandmate Zach Shields are making some spooky pop music in their outfit Dead Man's Bones.  They are backed by a child choir on their debut which aids the band in creating an afterworldly experience.

Both actors are making music that is original and enjoyable.  Each project was released a while back, but each is relevant and worth a listen.  You can sample the tracks below, but if you like what you hear please go out and buy the albums.

Coconut Records - The Thanks I Get (from Nighttiming)

Coconut Records - Drummer (from Davy)

Dead Man's Bones - My Body's a Zombie for You

Dead Man's Bones - Paper Ships

Welcome back

Since I have been without the internet for a little while and watching the snow melt, I kinda got out of the loop.  It is nice to do that sometimes though because you come back to some great stuff.  Daytrotter has released at least 2 great sessions while I was away in Dave Rawlings Machine featuring Gillian Welch and Roadside Graves.  Laundromatinee also debuted a session by Horse Feathers.  And if that wasn't enough to warmly welcome me back to the wonderful world of the internet, iTunes released an exclusive live session with Blind Pilot.  You can sample below, but to download the free sessions visit Daytrotter.com and Laundromatinee.com...Blind Pilot isn't free, but you will not miss the $5 spent on the session - trust me.

Dave Rawlings Machine - Sweet Tooth

Roadside Graves - Ruby

Horse Feathers - Working Poor

Blind Pilot - Look At Miss Ohio

It's The Little Things...

Sometimes it's the little things in life that can bring the most pleasure in life. Finding that old crumpled $10 bill in a jacket pocket. A much needed Office rerun. Viva Paper Towels (fully endorsed by YAGN). One of my favorite little things is when your ipod gives you that perfect song in the midst of a shuffle that brings a smile to your face. One such occurrence of this phenomenon recently for me was Phoenix' Long Distance Call. A truly great song from one of our favorite bands of 2009 (landed near the top in both our Top 10 lists). Check out Phoenix' 2006 release "It's Never Been Like That" if you were a fan of this year's release - more great stuff from the French synth-rock geniuses.

Phoenix - Long Distance Call

Our apologies to the Bowerbirds...

Here at YAGNW, we have put a lot of thought into it and we owe the Bowerbirds an apology.  Their album Upper Air is a truly great one that deserved a spot in our Best Albums of 2009 list, but we caught onto it a few weeks too late.  If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor and check it out on iTunes.  See the previous post containing the standout track "Northern Lights".  And to the Bowerbirds, we salute you.


House of Diamonds
Silver Clouds

This is only temporary...

Hello everyone.  I am currently experiencing computer issues at home, but am busy working it out.  The blog might be quiet for the weekend, but we will be back in full force as soon as it is rectified.  For now, enjoy this video for "No You Don't" by Islands featuring Michael Cera.

Sing me back home...

Well, it seems pretty official when you get a visit from the Web Sheriff, but I do feel bad that I couldn't get the music out to you.  I figured that I would do my best to make it up to all you faithful readers out there with some good tracks soaked in traditional music.  From haunting to downright fun, these tracks should hold a spot in your 'Recently Added' playlist.  Not many words tonight, just songs.  Enjoy.

Roadside Graves - Far and Wide

Bowerbirds - Northern Lights

Meursault - Nothing Broke

Withered Hand - Religious Song