The Ignatius Record Review

Grant's Top Albums- 2011

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

So, I'm a little late to the game here, seeing that it is late-January, but I wanted to post my favorite albums of 2011. It's been a really busy year with me having my second kid, starting a new job, moving, and trying to desperately finish my dissertation. However, it's been a great year for music and I've discovered some great artists. Below, is the list of my 20 favorite albums, and the descriptions are largely lifted from the quarterly favorite records lists.

1. Bon Iver- Bon Iver: This record was released in quarter #2 of this year and I had it listed as my 8th favorite record of the quarter. However, I said that I hada "sneaking suspicion that this record will factor much higher into my final list of the year". It was true. The beautiful, poetic qualities of this record hooked me after multiple listens. So, so good.
2. Tom Waits- Bad as Me: Waits is my favorite artist of all time. In fact, my wife and I gave our son the middle name Thomas. This is another great release by Tom...maybe it should be #1.
3. David Bazan- Strange Negotiations: David, since his days in Pedro the Lion, can always sing what I never have the nerve or the words to say. His music has always spoken to something deep in me. Like anything else from David, Strange Negotiation is lyrically challenging and musically direct.
4. We are Augustines- Rise Ye Sunken Ships: We are Augustines are the remnants of arguably my favorite unknown band of all time; Pela. They recently broke up and some of the guys reformed as We Are Augustinves. Think of Sunken Ships as the last Pela record. This album is just good old anthemic rock 'n roll. It's fun and not to be missed.
5. Beirut- High Tide: I actually think that this might be the best release from Beirut to date; at least the most consistently listenable.
6. Handsome Furs- Sound Kapital: As you may now, Wolf Parade is on a indefinite hiatus. But its component parts are still pumping out great tunes. Guitarist, Dan Boeckner, and his wife Alexei Perry perform as Handsome Furs and have just released their third album; it is a collection of great, great electro pop with a rough, rough edge.
7. Youth Lagoon- The Year of Hibernation: The synths and drum machine provide the perfect back drop the charming songs of youthful boy-angst. It's beautifully melodic, perfect for a rainy bus ride through Pittsburgh.
8. WU LYF- Go Tell Fire to the Mountain: This is a record that I probably have too low on the list. Their name makes me uncomfortable (LYF=Lucifer Youth Foundation) but the music does not. This is a near-perfect collection of loud and anarchistic rock. It's both abrasive and listenable at the same time.
9. War on Drugs- Slave Ambient: Again, this is the sophomore effort from a really promising and progressive Philadelphia band. They perfectly blend roots-rock and reverb-ambient.
10. Cymbals Eat Guitars- Lenses Alien: Ever since Cymbals Eat Guitars charged onto the scene last year with their incredible debut record, they have been consistently one of my favorite rock bands. It's hard to say how their sophomore album compared to that first record, but I still love their wonderful slack rock; it takes me back to an earlier time.
11. The Cults- The Cults: The Cults have been blog darlings since they started releases their poppy and infectious singles about a year or so ago. This record is flirty and light girl-group pop that is filled with reverb and synth. Perfect summer record.
12. M83- Hurry Up, We're Dreaming: This french synth- musician gets better and better. This has been one of the most revered records of the year. Very deserving of the high praise.
13. Girls- Father, Son Holy Ghost: This album is simultaneously fun yet grumpy surfer-stoner rock. Very good for many moods and occasions. Maybe a little over rated but really good nonetheless
14. BOAT- Dress Like Your Idols: This band is just fun. I always describe them to folks as "bro rock" or "frat rock". It's just really fun and energetic music that borrows heavily from 90's rock icons such as Weezer, Built to Spill, and Pavement.
15. Cave Singers- No Witch: I know they aren't for everyone but Cave Singers are one of my favorite bands right now, consistently producing great folk-rock. No Witch is one of their best and takes me back to some of my favorite old Black Crows albums.
16. Dum Dum Girls- Only in Dreams: This record is perfectly delivered surfer-shoegaze from an all-girl rock n roll group. Not to be missed.
17. St. Vincent- Strange Mercy: I desperately wanted to love this record; I instead heard pieces of progressive musical perfection mixed with boredom-inducing esoterica. I think when averaged out, it's still a great record.
18. Washed Out- Within and Without: The soft beats and beautiful synths make this such a comforting record. I don't know why I have it so low.
19. EMA- Past Life Martyred Saints: EMA is the musical vehicle for Erin Anderson, a songstress from South Dakota. This record is dark and mysterious yet melodic electronic music and Anderson's voice fits it well.
20. Beyonce- 4: OK haters, just listen to the record; it's really good.

TR's music highlights from 2011

2011-12-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

Some major changes have taken place in my life in the past few years. Moving to a small town in Tennessee and beginning a career as an Academic Librarian has not allowed me to consume music as voraciously as I did when I was an angst driven grad student. In addition, the way that I consume music is now different. I have gone almost entirely to streaming and only buy the music when I know that I love it. NPR Music, Rdio, Spotify, Pandora and Grooveshark have become the ways that I discover and listen to new things. I live in a town with no good record store and so I am unable to just spend some time browsing album covers and listening. The music industry has undergone a revolution and I have changed with it. In a year when my body has forced me to stop running, stop striving my taste in music has mellowed a bit as well. I have gravitated away from alt-country, alt-rock and indie music and embraced a more subdued electronic sound. In a year in which old favorites like Ryan Adams, The Decemberists, Bright Eyes, Bon Iver, Wilco, Beirut and Iron & Wine released new albums I am somewhat indifferent to most of them. (The Bon Iver record was the exception and actually really good. I was moved by it.) Here are a few of the bright spots for me from 2011.

Julianna Barwick
On Asmathic Kitty, Barwick loops cathedralesque contemplative choral arrangements that inspire and yet calm. Her album, Magic Place, has been on repeat lately for me. Here is an interview with her.

Aloe Blacc
Technically Blacc's album "Good Things" was released in 2010 but I discovered it this year and have loved the through back Marvin Gay like sound. I normally don't listen to a great deal of hip hop but I actually set this song as my alarm in the mornings so I would wake up smiling.

James Blake
James Blake's album was my favorite of the year. His sparse electronic arrangements are packed with emotion. It has been a go to album for me all year long.

Cults
To me The Cults have a fun 80's sound that you can dance to. Their song abducted blew me away when I heard it this year.

Radiohead
The reason that Radiohead is the most important band of my lifetime is that they have constantly progressed and innovated with their music. Thom York can f*&)ing dance as well!

Bon Iver
I really didn't think that Justin Vernon could ever do anything like For Emma Forever Ago. After listening to that album over and over again for all of 2008 I really didn't expect to hear anything from Bon Iver again. This new release was great though! It didn't take me back to a snowy cabin in the woods but rather a more soaring even mature place. Calgary was breathtaking when I first heard it.

Video of the day: Lay Low

2011-11-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

Could this be my favorite Icelandic band ? Methinks.

Top Albums Quarter #3 2011

2011-09-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

The blog remains simply a place for me to post my top albums each quarter. I still plan to get back into writing reviews and posting music when my life slows down. So, look for the new and expanded blog in the summer of 2020 when both kids are in college. It's going to be awesome. Anyhoo, this was another great quarter for music, and it was tough to rank them.

1. Cymbals Eat Guitars- Lenses Alien: Ever since Cymbals Eat Guitars charged onto the scene last year with their incredible debut record, they have been consistently one of my favorite rock bands. It's hard to say how their sophomore album compared to that first record, but I still love their wonderful slack rock; it takes me back to an earlier time.
2. War on Drugs- Slave Ambient: Again, this is the sophomore effort from a really promising and progressive Philadelphia band. They perfectly blend roots-rock and reverb-ambient.
3. Beirut- High Tide: I actually think that this might be the best release from Beirut to date; at least the most consistently listenable. Zach Condon returns to the firmly Eastern European folk sounds of Gulag Orkestrar after a brief (re)flirtation with electronic music.
4. Girls- Father, Son Holy Ghost: This album is simultaneously fun yet grumpy surfer-stoner rock. Very good for many moods and occasions.
5. Dum Dum Girls- Only in Dreams: This record is perfectly delivered surfer-shoegaze from an all-girl rock n roll group. Not to be missed.
6. St. Vincent- Strange Mercy: I desperately wanted to love this record; I instead heard pieces of progressive musical perfection mixed with boredom-inducing esoterica. I think when averaged out, it's still a great record.
7. Megafaun-Megafaun : I cut my teeth on the Grateful Dead. I know that's a swear word in some indie-rock circles but I still love them. This record marries my music worlds; indie-Dead.
8. Washed Out- Within and Without: The soft beats and beautiful synths make this such a comforting record. I don't know why I have it so low.
9. Beyonce- 4: OK haters, just listen to the record; it's really good.
10. Wilco- The Whole Love: Music appreciation is so strange. I have no idea if I like this album. I love, love Wilco but was so deeply disappointed by the last 2 records. I think that this album returns Wilco to an interesting place but I can't disentangle this record from my feelings about their previous miserable efforts. Because I am having trouble making an assessment, this record is here only because I like Wilco so much. I may rate it higher later...maybe not.

Top Albums Quarter #2 2011

2011-06-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

So, it looks like this blog has essentially become simply a place for me to post my top albums each quarter. Once my dissertation is over, I plan to get back into writing reviews and posting music. With that being said, this has been a great quarter for music. It was really hard to rank these albums and there are a number of worthy albums that didn't make the cut.

1. David Bazan- Strange Negotiations: David, since his days in Pedro the Lion, can always sing what I never have the nerve or the words to say. His music has always spoken to something deep in me. Like anything else from David, Strange Negotiation is lyrically challenging and musically direct.
2. The Cults- The Cults: The Cults have been blog darlings since they started releases their poppy and infectious singles about a year or so ago. This record is flirty and light girl-group pop that is filled with reverb and synth. Perfect summer record.
3. We are Augustines- Rise Ye Sunken Ships: We are Augustines are the remnants of arguably my favorite unknown band of all time; Pela. They recently broke up and some of the guys reformed as We Are Augustinves. Think of Sunken Ships as the last Pela record. This album is just good old anthemic rock 'n roll. It's fun and not to be missed.
4. Handsome Furs- Sound Kapital: As you may now, Wolf Parade is on a indefinite hiatus. But its component parts are still pumping out great tunes. Guitarist, Dan Boeckner, and his wife Alexei Perry perform as Handsome Furs and have just released their third album; it is a collection of great, great electro pop with a rough, rough edge.
5. WU LYF- Go Tell Fire to the Mountain: This is a record that I probably have too low on the list. Their name makes me uncomfortable (LYF=Lucifer Youth Foundation) but the music does not. This is a near-perfect collection of loud and anarchistic rock. It's both abrasive and listenable at the same time.
6. BOAT- Dress Like Your Idols: This band is just fun. I always describe them to folks as "bro rock" or "frat rock". It's just really fun and energetic music that borrows heavily from 90's rock icons such as Weezer, Built to Spill, and Pavement.
7. EMA- Past Life Martyred Saints: EMA is the musical vehicle for Erin Anderson, a songstress from South Dakota. This record is dark and mysterious yet melodic electronic music and Anderson's voice fits it well.
8. Bon Iver- Bon Iver: I have a sneaking suspicion that this record will factor much higher into my final list of the year. I really can't decide if I hate it or think it might be an absolutely genius album; this is actually an important musical quality in my mind. For those of you looking for the "old Bon Iver", you will be disapointed. This record is highly produced and at times feels like cheeseball Bruce Hornsby music...but its good I promise.
9. Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues: Here's what I have to say, "Yep...it's a Fleet Foxes album. It's good...I guess."
10. Crystal Stilts- In Love with Oblivion: Crystal Stilts always deliver solid post-punk tunes. This record is no different.

Top Albums- Quarter #1 2011

2011-04-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

I know that the blog is defunct for all intents and purposes but I still want to post my top albums of each quarter.

1. Cave Singers- No Witch: I know they aren't for everyone but Cave Singers are one of my favorite bands right now, consistently producing great folk-rock. No Witch is one of their best and takes me back to some of my favorite old Black Crows albums.
2. Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Belong: I though there debut album of Shoegaze indie-pop was pretty epic. This is more of the same but probably better.
3. Daniel Martin Moore- In the Cool of the Day: I know nothing about Moore's faith but it certainly sounds like he believes it on this collection of old hymns. Probably the best release by SubPop Records this year.
4. Tennis- Cape Dory: This husband-wife duo wrote this record of sweet AM-jangle pop while they were on sailing trip up the Atlantic coast. The record is almost as cute as the context.
5. Eternal Summers- Silver: Perfect little collection of post-punk dream-pop. This bands a really up and comer.
6. Dodos- No Colour: Dodos consistently release catchy indie-pop. Although perhaps not as memorable as earlier releases, this one is really good.
7. Smith Westerns- Dye it Blond: Great crunchy lo-fi rock n' roll. It didn't find it as profound as other reviewers but certainly worth the time.
8. Decemberists- The King is Dead: This pains me because I find Colin Meloy more than a little bit irritating. However, this record is highly listenable and will especially be a joy for you Decemeberists fans out there.
9. Iron and Wine- Kiss Each Other Clean: I love Iron and Wine's old stuff and this record is a huge departure. However, its hard to deny that there are some great tunes on this record.
10. James Blake- James Blake: The blogosphere went crazy about this record. Its hard for me to say that it was any better than "good". But it has some gems and worth a spin.

The Cave Singers- No Witch

2011-03-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

Ignatius says "Monumental".

It's no secret to anyone who knows me and my musical taste that I am a huge fan of the Cave Singers. I love bands that have interesting indie-rock pedigrees, and the Cave Singers have one of the best. The band includes members from Murder City Devils, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Hint Hint, and Cobra High. However, the Cave Singers project is something different in kind from all of those bands. When Peter Quirk, Derek Fudesco, and Marty Lund get together they shed their other bands' skins and become something new. The pastoral folk-rock has always spoken to me in a visceral way and I have always been puzzled by the fact that they don't get better reviews across the blogosphere.

Their much anticipated third record, No Witch, does not disappoint. The formula is the same and again expertly executed. They still deliver the same dark,unassuming hooks, and Peter Quirk's nasally vocal delivery remains one of my favorite voices in music. However, this album is much more produced than previous released with deeper textures facilitated by more prominent blues-rock riffs, organs, and horns. There are even moments when I felt like I had pulled out my old Black Crows records. Ultimately, this is the same Cave Singers that I have grown to appreciate; it just feels fuller and more mature.

2011-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Sleigh Bells just released the following video for their breakout album Treats. The tune is called "Rill Rill"

Sleigh Bells - New Music - More Music Videos

Iron and Wine: Kiss Each Other Clean

2011-01-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

Ignatius Says: Tasteful

The term "major indie release" is an oxymoron. The new Iron & Wine release, like the Decemberists release, is more major than it is indie. Iron & Wine has been a major part of my music experience since 2004. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina came through New Orleans late one Sunday night and changed my chaotic life forever. I returned to Florida and moved into an upstairs garret of an old two-story house. I would come home from working at the library and Sam Beam would serenade me to sleep with Our Endless Numbered Days or The Creek Drank the Cradle. At that time, Beam's music meant one thing to me: peace.

Kiss Me Clean can not be described as a peaceful album. Sam Beam has settled outside of Austin and now has children which one would assume bring an even more peaceful quality to his life. However, the new Iron & Wine is full of angst. He sings, "I still have a prayer but fewer occasions to pray." This is an album of political angst and frustration which first peaked through on his last album, The Shepherd's Dog, and Sam Beam discusses in this studio performance hosted by NPR Music .

Kiss Me Clean is also marked by a measure of lyrical chaos which has recently arrived in the music of Iron and Wine. Beam's music has always been sprinkled with biblical and religious themes. The ultimate biblical image of peace is when the lion and the lamb will lie down together on, but on Kiss Me Clean Beam described "the lion and the lamb are fuckin' in the back room"!

Musically, Beam is transforming as well. I saw Iron & Wine, with full band, on the Shepherds' Dog tour at the Plaza Theatre in Orlando and the music had definitely taken on a soul-filled, bluesy, almost jazzy, character. Likewise, many songs on Kiss Me Clean incorporate the saxophone, and brass instruments merge with steel strings to create almost a jam band feel.

Some of the traditional qualities of Iron & Wine are still present. On the song, "Tree by the River", the longing for youth, the images of nature and intimacy are all present. But artists and musicians need to grow, evolve and change. We saw immense change with Sufjan's latest album. On the Age of Adz, Sufjan Stevens has moved from a precious singer songwriter to an indie electro-pop superstar. Sam Beam has evolved as well but Iron & Wine is no longer simply a moniker for Sam but rather a full jazz, bluesy folk rock ensemble. Kiss Each Other Clean comes out on Tuesday.

Alex Winston- Sister Wife (MP3)

2011-01-14T07:34:00.001-08:00

Alex Winston released a new single "Sister Wife" from her upcoming EP (March 19) of the same name.

MP3: Alex Winston: Sister Wife

The King is Dead

2011-01-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

Ignatius says, "Tasteful".

My introduction to the Decemberists came years ago when at a yard sale I purchased a used pull out couch and two Vinyl records for 40 dollars. This may have been the best 40 dollars that I have ever spent. The couch was retro looking but worked great as a sleeper and the records were Neutral Milk Hotel In an Aeroplane Over The Sea and The Decemberists The Tain and 5 Songs. (Two EPs one on each side). At that time I became enthralled with The Decemberists intellectual english folk rock. They sang about England, bicycles and Edith Piaf. They told fascinating stories through song and backed it up with strings and the accordion.

Over the years though I have lost interest in The Decemberists. I saw them a live at Hard Rock Café in Orlando. Colin Meloy stood on stage in his white suit, drank his glass of wine, spoke poorly about Orlando and acted as if he were the most intelligent person in the room by far. I enjoyed the show but it was clear that Meloy had developed a huge ego and to me the climax of having a huge Whale come out on stage was an overuse of theatrics and I thought ineffective. They have since left their small indie record label, Kill Rock Stars, moved to Capital Records and proceeded to release two less than satisfying albums. The Crane Wife was tolerable but lacked the intimacy that I had known from earlier releases. Then The Hazards of Love, attempting to be some sort of rock opera, was simply less than epic and at that point I dismissed The Decemberists.

Enter the new album, The King is Dead that will be released this coming Tuesday on Capital and is currently streaming on NPR Music. I heard the song, Down by the Water, a few weeks ago and was uninspired. But after having a listen to the entire album this work is much more fragile and approachable then what they have been doing. Meloy has come down from his pedestal and written songs like Janurary Hymn and Dear Avery that are approachable and vulnerable. The Decemberists have traded in the accordion for the Harmonica and added Gillian Welch as a backup singer on many of the songs. This album is a move away from The English Folk Rock and an investigation into Americana. The King is Dead is a complete with work with songs that are varied in mood and tempo. Rox in the Box is a fun folksy number; easy to dance to. At just over 40 minutes, The King is Dead is a nice addition to their body of work and I am once again interested in The Decemberists.

Bands on Our Radar- Screaming Females

2011-01-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

Name: Screaming Females
Hometown: New Brunswick, NJ
Label: Don Giovanni
If you like: Liz Phair, the Thermals, Smashing Pumpkins, Built to Spill

I feel like I'm a little late to the party on this one, but I absolutely love this guitar-rock band from NJ. Lead singer Marissa Paternoster has a perfect Riot GRRRL voice and there is some epic guitar shredding. They released a great, great album last September which is in heavy rotation for me. Not to be missed.

MP3: "I Don't Mind"

Interview- SilOHs

2011-01-10T16:41:00.001-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to exchange e-mails with Jake Witt, lead singer of the the Seattle band, SilOHs. I have been hearing bits and pieces of SilOHs on KEXP's Morning Show (Seattle-90.3)and have been enjoying their eclectic mix of Americana folk-rock and shoe-gaze psychedelic. We recently sent over some interview questions for the band to answer and they graciously complied. We have answers from Jake as well as other band members including Derrick Wright (Bass),Michel Debauge (keys, vocals and percussion, and Nathan Hamlett (guitar, lap steel, vocals).

Enjoy the interview and keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming LP (Shed Your Summer Shell) release on January 11th. I have listened to the record multiple times and think it’s really great. We have included a sample MP3 below.

You have started to receive some airplay on KEXP, an important milestone for any artist but especially for a Seattle band. Have you felt the buzz yet? How?

Jake: The exposure we’ve received from KEXP has been amazing! They truly support local music in a way that is accessible for artists who are just starting out. It has impacted every part of what we do. Higher profile shows locally and a bigger audience nationally and internationally. They’ve selected us twice for the Song of the Day Podcast, which has probably had the most impact for us outside of Seattle.
Nate: Listener powered radio is very important in any major city , Seattle is very blessed to have people who devote there lives/jobs for the love of music locally and global.

Your sound reminds me a lot of the Fleet Foxes, Grand Archives, and Band of Horses. Is this a sound that is expressly cultivated in the Seattle music scene? What do you think are some of the common influences or techniques among these groups/What do you think sets you apart from these groups?

Jake: I’d say that there is a collective consciousness for a lot of artists drawing from common influences right now. Particularly during turbulent periods like wartime and social/economic struggle I think that a lot of artists try to find their own voice by drawing from music that feels most authentic and…American, I guess. Folk and Roots Music, Spirituals/Gospel and even classic rock artists from the late 60’s and early 70’s seem accessible at a time when we’re questioning who we are and what our place in the world should be. Personally I’d say that the weather in Seattle might have something to do with the “cloudy” or “ethereal” sound that a lot of NW artists have incorporated into their music. I think maybe what sets silOHs apart is our Shoegaze/Psych influence and interest in more abstract soundscapes and textures.

What musician/band would you love to open for?

Jake: Neil Young or My Bloody Valentine
Nate: Tom Ze would be amazing...aiming pretty high for that one

What has been your favorite venue to play?

Jake: Probably the Tractor Tavern in Seattle as a band. Solo I played at Neumo’s in Seattle for a concert series called The Round. It brought together 3 different artists to play intimate acoustic sets and improvise on each other’s music.

What would be your ‘dream’ venue?

Jake: I grew up watching Austin City Limits. I’d KILL to play ACL…There is also an amazing venue in Newport, KY right across the river from Cincinnati called The Southgate House. It’s an old historic mansion built in 1814 that’s been converted into a tri-level concert hall, bar and gallery. I played it years ago with other projects, but it is my very favorite venue. A sold-out, homecoming silOHs show in the main ballroom would be a “dream.”

Michel: Personally, I'd love to play at the Moore in Seattle...I have a bunch of great memories from inside that place and it'd be surreal to actually perform on stage there.

What album (other than your own) do you wish you had written and why?

Jake: Can’t do just one…
CSNY- Déjà vu/Ohio. The harmonies MAN, the harmonies…
Beach Boys- Pet Sounds. Sorry, cliché I know, but brilliant and experimental.
Sigur Ros- ágætis byrjun. The layers of lush orchestral sound.
Michel: I'm constantly blown away by Grizzly Bear's Yellow House. That album never seems to get old for me.
Derrick: The Slow Wonder - A.C. Newman and Holiday - The Magnetic Fields
What are some other musicians/bands that we may not know but you're excited about?
Jake: Some great Seattle artists we’ve played with are Motopony and Yuni in Taxco. Some other Seattle up and coming bands I like are Sleepy Eyes of Death and The Maldives.
Michel: Also check out Beat Connection and Woodsman if you haven't.
Nate: Nate: Speed Dealers Moms (new electro/noise collaboration with Aaron Funk (Venetion Snares) & John Frusciante)

What is your musical ‘guilty pleasure’?
Jake: Tom Jones…brilliance.
Michel: Um...every once in awhile I throw on some T.I...Is that bad?
Derrick: I listen to Third Eye Blind's debut album more often than I'd care to admit.

What has been the best complement that you have received about your music/band?

Jake: KEXP said the new record sounded like it was produced by Phil Spector. I LOVE his production…hairstyle and murder…not so much…

How will you know when you've 'made it '?

Jake: Austin City Limits would be a hell of an indicator…I’d KILL, to play ACL…
What's next for Silohs?
Jake: We just started playing with a new drummer, so we are busy getting the new material together to start playing out live again. We’re also starting to plan a western states mini-tour for Spring/early Summer.

MP3: A Zealot Sun

We Are Augustines- East Los Angeles

2011-01-10T10:04:00.001-08:00

Check out this new video from We Are Augustines which rose out of the ashes of Pela, one of my favorite (now-defunct) bands of all time. This is an acoustic version of East Los Angeles. This is probably the most anticipated album of the year for me.

L.A. from Matteo Bava on Vimeo.

On Our Radar- Alex Winston

2011-01-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Name: Alex Winston
Hometown: Detroit
Label: HeavyRoc
Website: http://www.myspace.com/alexwinston

Kind of enjoying this singer-songwriter from Detroit. She has a cute warbling voice, knows how to write a melody, and her material is much more produced than the following largely acoustic video.

For fans of: Lykke Li, She & Him, Regina Spector

Yellow Ostrich

2011-01-01T21:28:00.001-08:00

Here is a really great Blogotheque videos one of my favorite new bands, Yellow Ostrich. They play a really great kind of avant-folk and are getting a ton of press across the blogosphere. You can name your price for their most recent release, The Mistress which will have a hardcopy release in February of 2011.

Yellow Ostrich, Traffique, High Life | A Take Away Show | Live @ CMJ 2010 from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Grant's Top Albums of 2010

2010-12-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

I have been posting my top albums of each quarter. So my Top 20 for the entire year shouldn't be much of a shock. If you haven't listened to some of these albums , I absolutely recommend finding them and giving them a spin. Tell me what you think of the list.

1. The National- High Violet: It took me a while to warm up to this record, but I am now convinced that it may be the most beautiful record that the National has ever written.

2. The Tallest Man on Earth- The Wild Hunt: Arguably the best singer-songwriter working in the business right now. This is a great example of his work.

3. Arcade Fire- The Suburbs: Arcade Fire delivers again with this beautiful screed against suburban America.

4. Titus Andronicus- The Monitor: This record uses an extended civil war metaphor to discuss bleakness of modern reality and to highlight near-perfect punk-pop-art-rock.

5. Fences- Fences: Really nice record of dark yet transcendent indie-folk. No matter who you are, I bet some song on the album will likely speak to you.

6. Free Energy- Stuck on Nothing: Amazing pop record from start to finish with a heavy dose of Thin Lizzy/Cheap Trick throwback goodness.

7. Fang Island-S/T: They describe their music as "everyone high-fiving everyone"; perfect description.

8. Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz: Although a sonic change of pace (lots of electro-pop), another epic release by Sufjan.

9. Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark and Twisted Fantasy: My favorite hip-hop record of the year and another gem by Mr. West.

10. Surfer Blood- AstroCoast: Near perfect guitar-rock; great album

11. Black Angels- Phosphene Dream: I love this album of neo-psychedelic rock. The band takes their name from a Velvet Underground tune and have received much musical influence from them as well.

12. The Drums- The Drums: This was a long-awaited album ever since the first single "Let's Go Surfing" dropped. This bit of post-punk pop goodness is really great.

13. Local Natives- Gorilla Manor: Beautiful melodies driven by giant percussion.

14. Shout Out Louds- Work: Superfun pop record from Scandinavia.

15. Woods- At Echo Lake: This li-fo atmospheric roots-rock is what Jerry Garcia would play if he was a young kid living right now in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

16. The Hold Steady- Heaven is Whenever: I've never heard anything from the Hold Steady that I didn't like. This is no exception; heady bar-rock at its best.

17. Fresh and Onlys- Play it Strange: A really under-appreciated collection of 1960's inspired rock.

18. Sonny and Sunsets- Tomorrow is Alright: This is a charming piece of folky-retro-rock delivery maybe the best single of the year "Too Young to Burn".

19. Diamond Rings- Special Affections: Infectiously catchy and flamboyant indie-dance.

20. Gaslight Anthem- American Slang: Carrying the torch of fellow New Jersey rocker, Bruce Springsteen. Although not as epic as '59 Sound, this album is still pretty rockin'.

TR's 2010 Music Highlights

2010-12-22T02:45:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm TR. I used to write frequently for IRR but the past year has been a really unsettled time as I transitioned into a new job in Tennessee. 2010 has also represented a shift in the way that I consume music. I think in general my attitude and maybe the attitudes of those around me has shifted from an attitude of ownership to an attitude of consumption. Streaming music online, listening to podcast and sharing audio files has replaced owning CDs and going to the record shop. Still, I have consumed a lot of music in 2010 and here is a highlight of artists that made an impact on me in 2010.

Shearwater

No one is still talking about Shearwater's Golden Archipelago but I have loved this album all year long. I recently learned that Jonathan Meiburg sang in an episcopal church choir as a boy and that helps explain his majestic, soaring vocals. Shearwater's music has an epic quality and a connection to the natural world that I have experienced only in one other band; Sigur Ros. All of this epicness is accompanied by a banjo, varied instrumentation and a sense of longing for a world gone by.

Beach House

Atmospheric indie dream pop duo Beach House released a gem in 2010. Teen Dream came out in January and I have not grown tired of it for the entire year.

She & Him

This was my fun summer album. I finally realized just how charming Zoey Deschanel's voice is. Accompanied with M. Ward's musical genius and love of 50s-style music I thought Vol. 2 improved on Vol.1.

The National

This was The National's break out year building from the success of Boxer. They are big rock stars now, who wear suits on stage and play larger venues for fans who know their lyrics. Matt Berninger's indifferent, polished baritone singing works well against the backdrop of orchestral rock. I have been drawn to songs like Terrible Love and Blooddbuzz Ohio but I have kept my distance from this album because of its darkness. Grant and I knew that The National were good back in the Alligator days and now they are getting all of the acclaim that they deserve.

Sharon Van Etten

The only reason that I am including Sharon Van Etten on this list was because the NPR dj's raved about her so much. She has a fragile, delicate quality but a strong stage presence and a vein of anger running through her music. It was this song Crime that I found particularly broken but powerful.

Tallest Man on Earth

Releasing the album Wild Hunt and the EP Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird in 2010 this Swedish singer known as The Tallest Man on Earth has an energetic, Dylanesque style to singing and songwriting that just gripped me. I have not been able to stop listening to him and the live show that was recorded for NPR at Washington DC's 9:30 Club is breathtaking.

Eternal Summers- Pogo

2010-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Love this fun pop-rock from the Eternal Summers from Roanoke, VA. Eternal Summers are signed to Kanine Record, which is very quickly becoming one of my favorite labels.

Top 10 Albums- Quarter #4 2010

2010-12-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

1. Fences- Fences: Really nice record of dark yet transcendent indie-folk. No matter who you are, I bet some song on the album will likely speak to you.
2. Sufjan Stevens- Age of Adz: Although a sonic change of pace (lots of electro-pop), another epic release by Sufjan.
3. Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark and Twisted Fantasy: My favorite hip-hop record of the year and another gem by Mr. West.
4. Fresh and Onlys- Play it Strange: A really under-appreciated collection of 1960's inspired rock.
5. Diamond Rings- Special Affections: Infectiously catchy and flamboyant indie-dance.
6. Blood Red Shoes- Fire Like This: Fugazi-inspired larger-than-life guitar-drum rock.
7. Sun Airway- Nocturne of Exploded Chrystal Chandelier: Really beautiful electropop from this Philadelphia outfit.
8. Twin Shadow- Forget: Inventive synth-rock is a real through back to some of the greatest bands from the 1980's including Echo and the Bunnymen and Depeche Mode.
9. Matt & Kim- Sidewalks: Not much of a departure from previous anthemic synth-joy but fun nonetheless.
10. Cloud Nothings - Turning On- Unforgettable lofi rock from a real up-and-comer; 18 year old Clevelander Dylan Baldi.

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark and Twisted Fantasy

2010-12-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ignatius says, "Rather excellent".

I'm really not much of a hip-hop guy. When I was a kid (like other suburban kids) I listened to Arrested Development, the Roots, and smatterings of Public Enemy, so I really can't review a hip-hop album. Furthermore, I find Kanye West to be a pretty detestable publicity whore. However, I've been listening to My Dark and Twisted Fantasy constantly for the last two days. The record is incredibly catchy (borderline addictive) and aggressive making it pretty irresistible (even if it's incredibly crass). Listen to "Power" for arguably the best example. And to boot, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon makes a cameo appearance (what?!?!). That's an extra bonus for an indie-rock critic. I doubt that I'll be listening to this record next Friday but it has been a really tasty treat this week. If it means anything coming from someone who doesn't know a damn thing about hip-hop, this is a pretty great record.

Active Child-I'm in Your Chuch at Night

2010-11-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

Bizarro video for a really great electro-pop number from LA-based Active Child.

Sufjan Stevens-Too Much

2010-11-22T06:53:00.001-08:00

Here's a video from Sufjan's new album; a fun retro-dance video

Young Rebel Set- If I Was

2010-11-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a great new band that I have been listening to: Young Rebel Set. They just released a single this week and will be releasing a full LP early 2011. Great folk-poppy melodies.

Eric Sanderson- AUGUSTINES

2010-11-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you who follow my blog at all know that I am a huge fan of Brooklyn-based rock outfit, Pela. I believe that Anytown Graffiti is one of the most underrated and under-appreciated albums of 2000’s. Some time ago, I had the opportunity to interview their lead singer (Billy McCarthy) as the band was preparing to release their second (and potentially ground breaking) LP, Rise Ye Sunken Ships. However, due to a number of fluke and unfortunate circumstances, Pela broke-up before they could they could release that record. After much hand-wringing and discussion, Billy and Eric Sanderson (Pela’s bass player and multi-instrumentalist) decided to revive the Rise project and release it under a new band name, AUGUSTINES. The journey that they took to record and release this album is chronicled on their website.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Eric to discuss the new record and the unique approach that they are taking to release it. He let me know that the band is presently working outside of the record industry to release the album, instead they are relying on a "viral" approach. Part of this approach includes a slow release of videos and singles via their website that they hope will build some anticipation for the release. Specifically, they will be posting one video every few weeks until the record is released. Presently you can access a couple of videos already and get a free download of “Book of James” on their site. As of now, they asked that I don't announce specifically when it will be released but I can say it will be soon and you they will announce the date very soon.

AUGUSTINES are also looking at this record and its release as listener-powered, a not too subtle nod to one of their biggest supporters; Seattle radio station KEXP whose t-shirts all read “I Power KEXP”. Eric said that this approach is similar to strategies used by other indie artists (Eric cites the work of Kristin Hersh formerly of Throwing Muses as a good example). Their listener-powered approach works together with a loyal fan base to release their music outside of the typical music label structure. With the purchase of the record, avid listeners get to take part in the AUGUSTINES experience by receiving a number of different listener-packages including some combination of t-shirts, limited book editions of the record, and inclusion of their names in the liner notes.

Just like the release of the record, the development of the band is growing organically. Right now, it’s just Eric and Billy but they fully expect to find a drummer and other musicians who make sense with what they are trying to do. But, as of now, they will be touring as a duo and just waiting patiently for what happens next. In the meantime, you should keep checking into the website to see what they release next.