Last.fm Group Journal: ilovem83

Top 100 Songs Of The Noughties

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:17:02 +0000

This is it. My top 100 songs of the decade.

Spotify Playist here:

http://open.spotify.com/user/goldencat/playlist/21yMo4teIZC94XhZNPfGKo

Also, some of my fav vids.

1.Nude– Radiohead

2.New Slang – The Shins
3.I’d Rather Dance With You – Kings of Convenience

4.Wolf Like Me – TV on the Radio

5.Jesus, ETC – Wilco
6.Gettysburg – Ratatat

7.Too Young – Phoenix
8.Atlas – Battles

9.Wake Up – Arcade Fire

10.Witness (1 Hope) – Roots Manuva

11.Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyoncé

12.Roscoe – Midlake
13.Decatur – Sufjan Stevens

14.Hoppípolla – Sigur Rós
15.Elephant Gun – Beirut

16.You And I Are A Gang Of Losers – The Dears
17.Banquet– Bloc Party
18.The Rat– The Walkmen
19.The Art Teacher – Rufus Wainwright

20.No I In Threesome – Interpol

21.Hard to Explain – The Strokes

22.Winter’s Love – Animal Collective
23.You Could Easily Have Me – Metronomy
24.Canadian Girl – The Walkmen

25.B.Y.O.B – System of a Down
26.Party Hard - Andrew W.K.

27.Water Here – Bodies of Water
28.Long Distance Call – Phoenix

29.Short Skirt, Long Jacket– Cake

30.Impossible Germany – Wilco

31.Pyramid Song – Radiohead
32.10 A.M. Automatic – The Black Keys

33.Crips – Ratatat
34.Reckoner– Radiohead
35.Here We Go – Jon Brion
36.Hope There’s Someone – Antony and the Johnsons
37.Le Long De La Riviere Tendre – Sébastien Tellier
38.Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

39.Girl – Beck
40.Postcards From Italy – Beirut
41.Hearts On Fire – Cut Copy
42.These Are The Eyes – Bodies of Water
43.Bandits – Midlake
44.White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes
45.Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear
46.No One Does It Like You – Department of Eagles

47.Soldier Girl – The Polyphonic Spree

48.Face To Face – Daft Punk
49.Strawberry Swing – Coldplay

50.Playground Love – Air
51.One Pure Thought – Hot Chip
52.My Girls – Animal Collective

53.No Cars Go – Arcade Fire
54.Hurt – Johnny Cash
55.Grace Under Pressure - Elbow

56.Darling, Be Here – Bodies of Water
57.First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes

58.Kim & Jessie – M83
59.PDA – Interpol
60.Someone Great – LCD Soundsystem
61.She Is Beautiful – Andrew W.K.
62.All The King's Men - Wild Beasts

63.Hide And Seek – Imogen Heap
64.Over And Over– Hot Chip
65.Mirando – Ratatat

66.2080 – Yeasayer
67.Underneath The Weeping Willow – Grandaddy
68.I Want You So Hard (Boy’s Bad News) – Eagles of Death Metal
69.Kidz Are So Small – Deerhoof
70.Woozy With Cider – James Yorkston
71.Knife – Grizzly Bear

72.West Coast – Coconut Records
73.Lex– Ratatat
74.I Want Love - Elton John
75.Decent Days And Nights – Futureheads

76.Chicken Payback – The Bees
77.Movies – Alien Ant Farm

78.Getting Up – Q-Tip
79.Flume – Bon Iver

80.Flakes – Mystery Jets

81.Whoo! Alright-Yeah...Uh Huh – The Rapture
82.Starlight – Muse
83.Bathroom Gurgle – Late Of The Pier

84.Untitled 4 – Sigur Rós
85.Chicago – Sufjan Stevens
86.Fake Empire – The National
87.Just Got To Be - The Black Keys

89.Province – TV on the Radio
90.Ringing in My Ear - Adem

91.I Understand What You Want But I Just Don't Agree – The Sleepy Jackson
92.Step By Step (feat. Hot Chip) – Wiley
93.Oxygen – JJ72
94.There Goes The Fear – Doves
95.Must Be The Moon - !!!

96.Myriad Harbour – The New Pornographers
97.The Pills Won’t Help You Know – The Chemical Brothers
98.If I Ever Feel Better – Phoenix
99.In The New Year – The Walkmen

100. Dear Lord – Joseph Arthur

2010 Recapitulation - My Choice: Top 100 Albums

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:29:28 +0000

My Top 70 Tracks Of The Year

It's time to close another great year in music, so see the result of my musical trip since the very first day of the year:

100
Fan Death
Womb Of Dreams
[Mercury]
Genre: disco, synth-pop

099
Automelodi
Automelodi
[Wierd Records]
Genre: synth-pop

098
Cloudland Canyon
Fin Eaves
[Holy Mountain]
Genre: experrimental, krautrock, ambient, noise

097
Infinite Body
Carve Out The Face Of My God
[Post Present Medium]
Genre: noise ambient, abstract

096
Teengirl Fantasy
7 AM
[True Panther Sounds / Merok Records]
Genre: house, synth-pop, leftfield

095
Michael Santos
Memory Maker
[Home Normal]
Genre: ambient, drone

094
Senking
Pong
[Raster-Noton]
Genre: abstract, minimal

093
Federico Durant
La Siesta Del Ciprés
[Spekk]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

092
Casino Versus Japan
Night On Tape
[Attack 9]
Genre: idm, downtempo, ambient

091
BJ Nilsen
The Invisible City
[Touch]
Genre: field recording, abstract, experimenta

________________________

090
Murralin Lane
Our House Is On The Wall
[12k]
Genre: ambient

089
Lukid
Chord
[Werk Discs]
Genre: instrumental, abstract, dubstep

088
The Knife In Collaboration With Mt. Sims And Planningtorock
Tomorrow, In A Year
[Brille Records / Rabid Records]
Genre: musical, experimental

087
Best Coast
Crazy For You
[Mexican Summer]
Genre: lo-fi, indie rock

086
GonjaSufi
A Sufi And A Killer
[Warp Records]
Genre: psychedelic, disco, abstract, lo-fi

085
Andrea Ferraris & Matteo Uggeri
Autumn Is Coming, We're All In Slow Motion
[hibernate]
Genre: ambient

084
Chihei Hatakeyama
Ghostly Garden
[Own Records]
Genre: ambient

083
Helios
Unleft
[Unseen Records]
Genre: ambient, downtempo

082
Akira Rabelais
Caduceus
[Samadhisound]
Genre: avangarde, abstract, noise

081
Masayoshi Fujita & Jan Jelinek
Bird, Lake, Objects
[Faitiche]
Genre: experimental, ambient

__________________

080
Flying Lotus
Cosmogranna
[Warp Records]
Genre: instrumental hip-hop, disco, experimental, future jazz

079
Dalot
Loop Over Latitudes
[n5MD]
Genre: ambient, modern classical, idm

078
Fluxion
Perfused
[Echochord]
Genre: dub techno

077
Lone
Emerald Fantasy Tracks
[Magic Wire Recordings]
Genre: house, lo-fi

076
Aidan Baker
Liminoid / Lifeforms
[Alien8 Recordings]
Genre: abstract, drone, ambient

075
Sutekh
On Bach
[Creaked Records]
Genre: minimal, abstract, techno

074
LCD Soundsystem
This Is Happening
[DFA]
Genre: leftfield, disco, indie rock

073
Marcell Dettmann
Dettmann
[Ostgut Ton]
Genre: techno, minimal

072
Xela & Jefre Cantu-Ledesma
Love Is A Dream
[Type]
Genre: abstract, ambient

071
Peter Van Hoesen
Entropic City
[Time To Express]
Genre: techno

___________________

070
Morgan Packard
Moment Again Elsewhere
[Anticipate Recordings]
Genre: minimal, abstract

069
Maxmillion Dunbar
Cool Water
[Ramp Recordings]
Genre: downtempo, disco

068
LTJ
They Call It Edit
[It's A Small World Disco]
Genre: disco

067
Onra
Long Distance
[All City Records]
Genre: disco, nu soul

066
Matthew Dear
Black City
[Ghostly International]
Genre: house, downtempo, electronic

065
Jonas Reinhardt
Powers Of Audition
[Kranky]
Genre: space rock, experimental

064
Gold Panda
Lucky Shiner
[Ghostly International]
Genre: leftfield, idm ,downtempo, wonky

063
Clem Leek
Holly Lane
[hibernate]
Genre: ambient

062
Jatoma
Jatoma
[Kompakt]
Genre: electroni, tech house

061
Four Tet
There Is Love In You
[Domino]
Genre: minimal, house, experimental

____________________

060
Wild Nothing
Gemini
[Captured Tracks]
Genre: idie rock, shoegaze, synth-pop

059
Future Islands
In Evening AIr
[Thrill Jockey]
Genre: indie rock

058
Nils Frahm & Anne Müller
7fingers
[Hush Records]
Genre: modern classical, glitch

057
Arcade Fire
The Suburbs
[City Slang]
Genre: indie rock

056
Forest Swords
Dagger Paths
[No Pain In Pop / Olde English Spelling Bee]
Genre: experimental, psychedelic

055
Shed
The Traveller
[Ostgut Ton]
Genre: techno

054
Roof Light
Kirkwood Gaps
[Highpoint Lowlife]
Genre: dubstep, experimental

053
Pulshar
Inside
[Desolat]
Genre: house, dub techno, minimal

052
Oriol
Night & Day
[Planet Mu]
Genre: disco, downtempo, lo-fi

051
Oneohtrix Point Never
Returnal
[Editions Mego]
Genre: ambient, experimental

___________________

050
High Places
High Places Vs Mankind
[Thrill Jockey]
Genre: experimental

049
Warning Light
Further On
[Stickfigure Records]
Genre: ambient, experimental

048
Philip Jeck
An Ark For The Listener
[Touch]
Genre: ambient, experimental

047
Loscil
Endless Falls
[Kranky]
Genre: ambient

046
Marcus Fischer
Monocoastal
[12k]
Genre: ambient, experimental

045
Yellow Swans
Going Places
[Type]
Genre: noise ambient

044
Indignant Senility
Plays Wagner
[Type]
Genre: dark ambient

043
Jasper TX
A Voice From Dead Radio
[Under The Spire]
Genre: ambient

042
Brian Eno
Small Craft On A Milk Sea
[Warp Records]
Genre: ambient, downtempo, abstract

041
Jim Ferraro
On Air
[Muscleworks Inc.]
Genre: abstract, lo-fi, radioplay

______________________

040
Mount Kimbie
Crooks & Lovers
[Hotflush Recordings]
Genre: dubstep, downtempo, experimental

039
Concert Silence
9.22.07
[Infraction]
Genre: modern classical, ambient

038
Autechre
Oversteps
[Warp Records]
Genre: idm, experimental

037
Eluvium
Static Nocturne
[Watership Sounds]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

036
Jamie Lidell
Compass
[Warp Records
Genre: soul, funk, electronic

035
Arp
The Soft Wave
[Smalltown Supersound]
Genre: kratrock, ambient, experimental

034
Drivan
Disko
[Smalltown Supersound]
Genre: downtempo, trip hop

033
LA Vampires Meets Zola Jesus
LA Vampires Meets Zola Jesus
[Not Not Fun Records]
Genre: experimental, lo-fi, psychedelic

032
Zola Jesus
Stridulum II
[Souterrain Transmissions]
Genre: experimental

031
Caribou
Swim
[City Slang / Merge Records]
Genre: synth-pop, techno, experimental

________________

030
STL
Flying Object
[Something]
Genre: deep house, experimental

029
Baths
Cerulean
[Anticon]
Genre: instrumental, experimental, wonky

028
Andrew Thomas
Between Buildings And Trees
[Kompakt]
Genre: ambient

027
Scott Cortez
Twin Radiant Flux
[Line]
Genre: drone, ambient

026
Brian McBride
The Effective Disconnect
[Kranky
Genre: modern classical, ambient

025
Ólafur Arnalds
...And They Have Escaped The Weight Of Darkness
[Erased Tapes Records]
Genre: modern classical

024
Tobias Hellkvist
Evolutions
[Home Normal]
Genre: ambient

023
How To Dress Well
Love Remains
[Lefse Records]
Genre: lo-fi, experimental, soul

022
Olan Mill
Pine
[Serein]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

021
Emeralds
Does It Look Like I'm Here?
[Editions Mego]
Genre: krautrock, experimental

______________________

020
Pantha Du Prince
Black Noise
[Rough Trade]
Genre: minimal, techno, experimental

019
Thomas Fehlmann
Gute Luft
[Kompakt]
Genre: dub techno, ambient

018
The Black Dog
Music For Real Airports
[Soma Quality Recordings]
Genre: ambient

017
Shackleton
Fabric 55
[Fabric]
Genre: tribal, dubstep, techno, minimal, abstract

016
Autechre
Move Of Ten
[Warp Records]
Genre: idm, experimental, abstract

015
Taylor Deupree
Shoals
[12k]
Genre: ambient

014
Goldmund
Famous Places
[Western Vinyl]
Genre: modern classical

013
Demdike Stare
Liberation Through Hearing / Forest Of Evil
[Modern Love]
Genre: experimental, dark ambient, dub techno

012
Demdike Stare
Voices Of Dust
[Modern Love]
Genre: experimental, dark ambient, dub techno

011
The Sight Below
It Falls Apart
[Ghostly International]
Genre: ambient, techno

__________________

010
Pausal
Lapses
[Barge Recordings]
Genre: modern classical, ambient

009
Efdemin
Chicago
[Dial]
Genre: deep house, house

008
Rafael Anton Irrisari
The North Bend
[Room40]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

007
Machinefabriek
Daas
[Cold Spring]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

006
Small Black
New Chain
[Jagjaguwar]
Genre: leftfield, lo-fi, synth-pop

005
Sumsun
Samo Milagro
[Moamoo]
Genre: noise, lo-fi, experimental

004
Actress
Splazsh
[Honest Jon's Records]
Genre: experimental, house, wonky, dubstep

003
Eluvium
Similes
[Temporary Residence Limited]
Genre: modern classical, ambient

my discovery of the year:

002
Autre Ne Veut
Autre Ne Veut
[Olde English Spelling Bee]
Genre: synth-pop, nu RnB, experimental

and the winner is:

001
DeepChord Present Echospace
Liumin / Liumin Reduced
[Modern Love]
Genre: dub techno, ambient, field recordings

So, Happy New Year! :)
__________________________________________
Deepchord Presents Echospace
Autre Ne Veut
Eluvium
Actress
Sumsun
Small Black
Machinefabriek
rafael anton irrisari
Efdemin
Pausal
The Sight Below
Demdike Stare
Goldmund
Taylor Deupree
Autechre
Shackleton
The Black Dog
Thomas Fehlmann
Pantha Du Prince
Emeralds
Olan Mill
How To Dress Well
Tobias Hellkvist
ólafur arnalds
Brian McBride
Scott Cortez
Andrew Thomas
Baths
STL
Caribou
Zola Jesus
LA Vampires meets Zola Jesus
Drivan
ARP
Jamie Lidell
Concert Silence
Mount Kimbie
Jim Ferraro
Brian Eno
Jasper TX
Indignant Senility
Yellow Swans
Marcus Fischer
Loscil
Philip Jeck
Warning Light
High Places
Oneohtrix Point Never
Oriol
Pulshar
Roof Light
Shed
Forest Swords
Arcade Fire
Nils Frahm & Anne Müller
Future Islands
Jatoma
Wild Nothing
Four Tet
Clem Leek
Gold Panda
Jonas Reinhardt
Matthew Dear
Onra
LTJ
Maxmillion Dunbar
Morgan Packard
Peter Van Hoesen
Xela & Jefre Cantu-Ledesma
Marcell Dettmann
LCD Soundsystem
Sutekh
Aidan Baker
Lone
Fluxion
Dalot
Flying Lotus
Masayoshi Fujita & Jan Jelinek
Akira Rabelais
Helios
Chihei Hatakeyama
Andrea Ferraris & Matteo Uggeri
Gonjasufi
Best Coast
The Knife
Lukid
Murralin Lane
BJ Nilsen
Casino versus Japan
Federico Durand
Senking
Michael Santos
Teengirl Fantasy
Infinite Body
Cloudland Canyon
Automelodi
Fan Death

A collection of several lists about music in 2010

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:42:43 +0000

I love lists. I love free time. I'm putting those two things together for your enjoyment.

Some of these lists are silly, others well-organized, but all of them convey some sort of emotion I had toward that album/track when I listened to it.

I'll start off with some easy lists and work my way up to more specific ones. Some of them will be in order (all descending), some will be without order. If you must, this generally follows the same list format as Pitchfork's readers poll with variations thrown in. (That's why I count OFWGKTA and others towards 2011, not 2010.)

Top 5 Most Underrated Albums of 2010:

5. Oneohtrix Point Never - Returnal
4. Emeralds - Does It Look Like I'm Here?
3. Mark McGuire - Living With Yourself
2. Women - Public Strain
1. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today

Top 5 Most Overrated Albums of 2010:

5. Any witch house release not by Salem
4. Gonjasufi - A Sufi and a Killer
3. Free Energy - Stuck On Nothing
2. Sleigh Bells - Treats
1. Best Coast - Crazy For You

The 5 Worst Albums of 2010:

5. oOoOO - NoSummr4U EP
4. Blank Dogs - Phrases
3. ///▲▲▲\\\ - CDR
2. M.I.A. - /\/\/\Y/\
1. jj - jj n° 3

The 5 Best Remixes of 2010:

5. Pantha Du Prince - Stick to My Side (Four Tet Remix)
4. Blackbird Blackbird - Hawaii (Sunvisor Remix)
3. Dan Deacon - Woof Woof (Hudson Mohawke Remix)
2. Tyler, the Creator - Inside Of Clouds (remix)
1. Star Slinger - Deerhunter - Helicopter (Star Slinger Remix)

The 5 Best New Artists of 2010:

For an artist to be considered, their first major release (basically, an LP) must have been released in 2010. Oneohtrix Point Never, while releasing Rifts in 2009, did not release Returnal until 2010.

5. Kisses
4. Oneohtrix Point Never
3. Mark McGuire
2. Surfer Blood
1. Toro Y Moi

5 Artists to Look Out For in 2011:

Yeah, I know OFWGKTA has had releases dating back to 2008, but they're becoming more popular by the day. Sun Airway released an album late this year, but I'm expecting a lot more from those two in 2011.

5. Sun Airway
4. Teen Daze
3. Games
2. MillionYoung
1. OFWGKTA

5 Most Surprisingly Likable Albums of 2010:

Most of these were by artists I hadn't listened to before or by an artist who's previous work I didn't like but ended up liking their 2010 release. Ranked in descending order of how surprised I was.

5. Robyn - Body Talk Pt. 1
4. The Bitters - East General
3. The Books - The Way Out
2. Beach House - Teen Dream
1 (tie). Emeralds - Does It Look Like I'm Here? and Mark McGuire - Living With Yourself

5 Songs I Embarrassingly Will Admit to Liking:

5. Gucci Mane - Lemonade
4. Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You
3. Kid Cudi, Best Coast and Rostam of Vampire Weekend - All Summer
2. Free Energy - Free Energy
1. Waka Flocka Flame - Hard In Da Paint

The Best Lyrics of 2010:

Get sick and then I won't have to
Go to school today, tomorrow, the day after
Sit in bed write a bunch of raps up....(ugggh)
Then I won't be lying when I say I'm a sick rapper
-Tyler, the Creator in Inside Of Clouds (remix)

It's just a rock in the cooler
Not a day off but I'm still Ferris Bueller
Winners never lose so how dare you confuse us
They quote what I spit like Confucius
-Big K.R.I.T. in Hometown Hero

Trying too hard
I know you're trying too hard
You're trying too hard
To be what you already are
-Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti in Menopause Man (not as impressive as the others, but it's the most "real" lyric I've seen because you could use this expression for many people you've met)

Though we knew this day would come
Still it took us by surprise
In this town where I was born
I now see through a dead man's eyes
-Arcade Fire in Half Light II (No Celebration)

Best New Discoveries of 2010

This doesn't count as 2010 only; any artist who I had never heard a song by before January 1st, 2010 is eligible.

5. Big K.R.I.T.
4. Kisses
3. The Trashmen and several other 1960s surf rock groups
2. Oneohtrix Point Never
1. The Sandals due to seeing the Endless Summer for the first time in February

5 Albums I Wish Had Taken Me Less Time to Understand/Enjoy:

5. The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme
4. TOKiMONSTA - Midnight Menu
3. Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
2. Oneohtrix Point Never - Returnal
1. Emeralds - Does It Look Like I'm Here?

5 Albums That Took a Sharp Decline in Quality Upon Repeated Listens:

5. Wavves - King Of The Beach
4. Gayngs - Relayted
3. Sleigh Bells - Treats (I was in love with this album at first. After a few more listens, though, I can barely listen to it outside of a few tracks)
2. Kate Nash - My Best Friend Is You
1. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

5 Songs With Exceptional Music Videos

5. Zooniversity - Teach Me How To Bucky

4. Oneohtrix Point Never - Pelham Island Road (unfortunately, it appears the Vimeo link is down. In the meantime, go to YT and look for some of his works on the Memory Vague DVD under the YT handle "sunsetcorp")
3. Health - We Are Water (NSFW)

2. Das Racist - Who's That? Brooown!

1. Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait

5 Albums For Each Season:

Spring

Woods - At Echo Lake
Mountain Man - Made The Harbor
Sleigh Bells - Treats
Rangers - Suburban tours
Four Tet - There Is Love In You

Summer

Emeralds - Does It Look Like I'm Here?
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Kisses - The Heart Of The Nightlife
Wavves - King Of The Beach
Sun Araw - On Patrol

Fall

Mark McGuire - Living With Yourself
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
The National - High Violet
The Bitters - East General
The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme

Winter

Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me
Women - Public Strain
Julian Lynch - Mare
Twin Shadow - Forget
Pantha Du Prince - Black Noise

5 Artists Who Deserve More Attention:

Rangers
Tanlines
Brothertiger
MillionYoung
Beach Fossils

5 Albums I Never Listened To That I Probably Should've Listened To

Liars - Sisterworld
Jonsi - Go
Menomena - Mines
Ratatat - LP4
Broken Bells - Broken Bells

And, finally...

5 Artists Who Didn't Release an Album in 2010 That Need to Release One in 2011 For the Good of the World (and My Health)

Real Estate
Animal Collective
Godspeed You! Black Emperor (one can hope!)
Panda Bear
Nodzzz (one 16-minute album is NOT ENOUGH)

Thanks for reading this unnecessarily long post; if you're up for leaving me a comment or a question, you're free to do so.

This was a good waste of three hours.

new Tears Run Rings music video - Divided

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:30:59 +0000

* * *

For fans of...[
Beach House, Radio Dept, New Order, Pia Fraus, The Fauns, Air Formation, Pale Saints, Moose, Wild Nothing, The Emerald Down, The Daysleepers, Auburn Lull, Ride, Airiel, Secret Shine, Felt, The Jasmine Minks

new Tears Run Rings music video - Divided

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:31:33 +0000

Tears Run Rings - Forgotten - mp3 & video

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:41:49 +0000

Tears Run Rings have released the downloadable single Forgotten in anticipation of their new album Distance which will arrive on Clairecords August 24th 2010.

The mp3 can be downloaded on their Facebook Page.

* * *

For fans of...[
Beach House, Radio Dept, New Order, Pia Fraus, The Fauns, Air Formation, Pale Saints, Moose, Wild Nothing, The Emerald Down, The Daysleepers, Auburn Lull, Ride, Airiel, Secret Shine, Felt, The Jasmine Minks

Top 10 Songs of All-Time w/ commentary

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:00:31 +0000

10. “The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows” by Brand New

“The Quiet Things…” sowed the seeds of my affinity for intensely emotional music, “emo” if you will. Maybe it’s the heartfelt verse, or the gang shouting in the chorus, or the intense bridge build-up that sees Lacey affirm “I lie for only you / I lie well, halleluh”, or possibly the nostalgia and adolescent angst associated with this song, but for whatever the reason “The Quiet Things…” simply appeals to me on a very emotional level. There’s no Dillinger-esque technicality, M83-like ethereal appeal, or even inventive song structure, however the implicit emotional significance of music doesn’t need to be justified through critical means.

09. “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie

“Under Pressure” is quite simply amazing, the fruit of two artists who were at their imaginative peaks and collaborated to pen one of the most commercially successful songs of all time. The track is synonymous with the smooth opening bass line, but the androgynous vocal performances from Freddy Mercury and David Bowie steal the show. The lyrical content of the song deals with the notion of universal love, with Bowie eventually surmising that “Love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night / And love dares you to change the way of caring about ourselves.”

08. “Frequency Ass Bandit” by Botch

Botch’s “Frequency Ass Bandit”, initially titled “Frequenting Mass Transit”, was my first foray into the wonderful world of math-core; a genre rooted as much in technicality and musicianship as brutality. The first half of “Frequency Ass Bandit” is good albeit unspectacular; however the auditory beatdown really begins at the 2:30 mark when guitarist Dave Knudsen (now in Minus the Bear) busts out a torrent of creative riffs before finishing with a breakdown that would make the likes of Ivan Drago quiver in fear.

07. “Planning a Prison Break” by The Receiving End of Sirens

Although they disbanded in early 2008, The Receiving End of Sirens left an indelible mark on the alternative/post-hardcore scene with their 2005 debut ‘Between The Heart and the Synapse.’ “Planning a Prison Break”, the second track on the album, clocks in at over five minutes (although the music video release is shorter) and elicits thoughts of genre giants Thursday and Brand New, but distances itself by displaying an artistic ingenuity that those bands lack. “Planning a Prison Break” exhibits no identifiable structure, instead choosing to meander between different genres and arrangements before eventually concluding with an arresting chorus of voices belting “This is the last night in my body, yeah…” on seemingly infinite loop.

06. “Ode We Will Bury Ourselves” by Moving Mountains

Westchester, NY-based Moving Mountains combine elements from Brand New and Explosions in the Sky to craft “post-emo” that tugs at the heart strings.” “Ode We Will Bury Ourselves” follows this formula and unites grandiose guitars, horn parts, and Gregory Dunn’s rangy vocals to shape one of the most epic songs of all-time. Dunn’s lyrics are evocative yet mysterious, as we’re left to wonder whether he’s referring to a lost lover, God, or a deceased friend through lines like “And I am in the earth and you’re in the sky / And nothing will change what you are.” The song concludes in dramatic fashion with a harmonized a cappella rendition of the above lyrics before fading out to nothingness.

05. “43% Burnt” by The Dillinger Escape Plan

“43% Burnt”, the second track from 1999’s ‘Calculating Infinity’, is the most brutal, frenetic, and dynamic song of all time. The track opens at break-neck pace, immediately introducing the listener to The Dillinger Escape Plan’s use of mind-numbingly complex time signatures and guitar arrangements. Dmitri Minakakis’ patented bark complements the haphazard instrumentation very well and pushes the brutality meter to unprecedented levels. Everything before the three minute mark of “43% Burnt” is just gravy though, since the minute-long breakdown that closes the song serves as the apex of hardcore music.

04. “Nerdy” by Poison the Well

Poison the Well’s milestone 1999 release ‘Opposite of December…A Season of Separation’ all but created the post-hardcore genre with its inclusion of timeless songs that juxtapose melodic and screaming vocals with ample guitar breakdowns and double-bass rolls. Admittedly, “Slice Paper Wrists” was the song off ‘Opposite of December…’ that first drew me in, however “Nerdy” has stood the test of time. The last minute of the song is pure hardcore bliss, interspersing one of the most brutal breakdowns of all time with the romantic yearning of singer Jeffrey Moreira: “Time slows down when / you look at me / I’m infatuated with this / Infatuated with you.”

03. “The Canyon Behind Her” by dredg

Anyone who has seen Salvador Dali’s famous painting “Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening” inadvertently knows the inspiration behind dredg’s 2002 land-mark album ‘El Cielo.’ The first minute of “The Canyon Behind Her” contains a sparse slide guitar amid Japanese whispers that instruct the listener to view Dali’s painting while listening to the song. From there the track utilizes a sonic wall of guitars to lay the foundation for Gavin Hayes’ incredibly emotional vocal performance. Hayes eventually croons “Though half of me gone / the lonesome part is there / I cannot find the other half” before yielding to a chorus of chants that slowly dissipate upon the song’s conclusion.

02. “Run into Flowers” by M83

“Run Into Flowers”, in contrast to songs like “43% Burnt”, garners its magnificence from subtlety and nuance rather than bombastic technicality. The third track off 2003’s ‘Dead Cities, Read Seas & Lost Ghosts’, “Run Into Flowers” is awash in multiple layers of warm synthesizers and digital strings. The track evolves seamlessly from beginning to end, managing to lull the listener into a transcendental state. A knee-buckling build-up around the two minute mark is the song’s high point as M83 brainchild Anthony Gonzalez murmurs “Give me peace and chemicals, I want to run into you” below the pulsating synthesizers and swooning electric violin.

01. “3 Libras” by A Perfect Circle

Perhaps the most moving and utterly emotional song of all-time, A Perfect Circle’s “3 Libras” completely changed my perspective on music. A Perfect Circle was my “bridge band”, providing sophisticated yet accessible songs that opened the floodgates for my interest in progressive music. Off 2000’s ‘Mer De Noms’, “3 Libras” capitalizes on vocalist Maynard James Keenan’s earnest and vulnerable delivery as well as a beautiful strings section to create a truly tear-inducing experience. The last minute of the song, in which Maynard repetitiously belts “You don’t, you don’t, you don’t see me” above a swell of hazed out guitar licks and orchestral ensembles, is the most cathartic moment in the history of music.

Top 20 Albums of 2009 w/ Reviews!

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:21:45 +0000

20. Harvard - The Inevitable and I

The most underground selection on this list, Harvard is a band based out of Charlotte, North Carolina that sports a sound eerily reminiscent to Circa Survive and Coheed and Cambria. Vocalist Jesse Clasen belts out effeminate vocals akin to Rush's Geddy Lee while guitarists Jason Shaw and Lee Herrera play atmospheric and effects laden riffs that would elicit a smile from Circa axeman Colin Frangicetto. "Deliverance" is the strongest song on the album and packs a punch while the title track "Inevitable and I" is a soft acoustic arrangement that ends the record with a mellow feeling. Harvard's debut was produced by Brian Mcternan, the man behind Circa Survive, Thrice, Senses Fail, and Cave-In, which is only appropriate considering fans of the aforementioned will surely adore Harvard.

19. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

A bit overrated? Yeah, definitely. However, there is no denying that ‘Merriweather Pavilion’ is a truly experimental effort worthy of plenty of praise. Already their 8th LP, Animal Collective have really come into their own on ‘MPP” by creating an original selection of dream pop tracks that flow seamlessly in and out of each other. “My Girls”, the album’s most popular song, typifies what you can expect from ‘MPP’ – five minute long tracks that straddle the line between keyboard-infused pop and whacked out psychedelia. “Bluish” is the strongest song on the album and features the lyrics “I'm getting lost in your curls/I'm drawing pictures on your skin, so soft it twirls”, an apt analogy for it albums imagery-laden and dreamy instrumentation.

18. Closure in Moscow - First Temple

The Aussie quintet's debut 'First Temple' is one of the most original and interesting albums of the year due to its fusion of music that is both progressive and accessible. Best described as The Mars Volta on downers (i.e., not as retarded), Closure In Moscow have normal song structures but manage to spice things up with amazing guitar work and melodic vocal harmonies. "Sweet#hart", despite the extraneous pound sign, is the catchiest song on the album and a good starting point for most. "A Night At The Spleen" is my personal favorite and upholds The Mars Volta comparison as vocalist Christopher DeCinque attempts his best Cedric Bixler impression. On the whole if you're looking for a progressive record that is sophisticated yet accessible with a pinch of post-hardcore check out 'First Temple' and you won't be disappointed.

17. Telefon Tel Aviv - Immolate Yourself

Telefon Tel Aviv's third LP, 'Immolate Yourself', builds upon the electronic/IDM influence purported by 'Map of What Is Effortless' and 'Fahrenheit Far Enough', however the emotional, gloomy nature of their music is more apparent than ever because of the unfortunate death of band member Charles Cooper. "The Birds" opens the album and is without a doubt Telefon Tel Aviv's magnum opus, a 6:38 second affair that features hypnotic rhythms, ethereal synths, and the repeated lyrics "The birds remind me of what we made/The birds remind me of what remains." The first minute of the song also includes a mumbled whisper that can't help but inspire thoughts of Cooper and his death: "The science of your days is laid bare, boiling in the sun, for all the world to see." The rest of 'Immolate Yourself' struggles to measure up to the brilliance of "The Birds", however "M", "Mostly Transculent", and the album's title track are all solid efforts as well.

16. Russian Circles - Geneva

Russian Circles first garnered my attention in May 2008 with the post-metal sound of their sophomore release 'Station'. Their follow-up, 'Geneva', is an album that improves on its predecessor in every way and packs a notable punch. Album openers "Fathom" and "Geneva" represent two of the most brutal tracks by the band to date, while "Melee" starts off slow but eventually gives way to a crescendo of guitar and percussion by songs end. Bassist Brian Cook especially shines on the first three tracks (most notably on "Geneva") by weeving heavy, low-tuned grooves between Mike Sullivan's guitar melodies and Dave Turncrantz's drum rhythms. "Hexed All" marks the turning point of 'Geneva' as the band abandons metal for more traditional post-rock stylings. "When The Mountain Comes to Muhammad" is the star of the second half of the album and wouldn't be out of place on a Mogwai record.

15. Converge - Axe To Fall

Listening to Converge's 'Axe To Fall' is like taking a brick to the face - and man does it hurt so good. The Massachusetts-based mathcore band continues to cement themselves as the preeminent act in the genre with the 7th LP since their inception in 1990. Be warned, 'Axe To Fall' is not for the faint of heart as it pumps ferocious instrumentation, grating vocals, and morbid lyrics into a thirteen track adrenaline-fueled frenzy. The album opens up at break-neck pace, with "Dark Horse", "Reap What You Sow", "Axe To Fall", and "Effigy" each containing the technical guitar meedling, spastic time signatures, and patented Jacob Bannon bark that lend Converge their identity. Some of the most rewarding tracks on the album come in the way of "Worms Will Feed", "Cruel Bloom", and "Wretched World", longer works that ditch high-speed proficiency and Bannon's typical scream for slower, more epic build-ups and toned down vocals. 'Axe To Fall' features numerous guest appearances, including contributions from members of Genghis Tron, The Red Chord, Hatebreed, and Cave In. All told, 'Axe To Fall' is another terrific installment in Converge's catalog and a must-listen for any fan of hardcore music.

14. James Yuill - Turning Down Water For Air

London-based James Yuill began the year in obscurity but ascended to relative popularity thanks to plugs from last.fm and most recently Starbucks. His debut 'Turning Down Water For Air', released in May of this year, caught my eye thanks to its catchy, albeit sparse mix of folk rock and electronica (folktronica?). Fans of Phoenix and The Postal Service will immediately resonate with Yuill and are sure to love tracks such as "No Pins Allowed" and "This Sweet Love", two of the album's best. 'Turning Down Water For Air' emphasizes Yuill's vocals, which are subdued yet emotional. His lyrics don't try to solve world hunger but are instead poignant love ballads that any adolescent or young adult will find relatable. "No Surprises" is certainly no exception, as Yuill sings "If you want me, I will be right here/And if you love me you will notice me here." 'Turning Down Water For Air' was one of the best surprises of 2009 and an effort that most, especially fans of the hybrid indie/pop/electronic craze, will enjoy.

13. Antony and the Johnsons – The Crying Light

If there was a winner for most striking album artwork of the year, ‘The Crying Light’ and its black and white depiction of 1970s butoh dancer Kazuo Ohno would take first prize. It stands alone on its musical merits as well though. Antony and the Johnsons is comprised of singer Antony Hegarty and his backing musicians, both of whom collaborate to fashion what has been described as “baroque pop”, a vocal-intensive style of music with delicate strings and orchestral samplings in the background. And make no mistake, Hegarty is what makes ‘The Crying Light’ great. “Epilepsy is Dancing” makes full use of Hegarty’s glorious voice in its discussion of the inexplicable pain and aural wonder (if you can believe it) caused by epileptic seizures: “Cut me in quadrants/Leave me in the corner/Oh now it’s passing/Oh now I’m dancing.” Hegarty’s vocal crescendo on the album finale “Everglade” is near tear-inducing and leaves the listener with a sense of wonder and amazement about how emotional the human voice can be.

12. Thrice – Beggars

Thrice has come a long way from their 2001 debut ‘Identity Crisis.’ At the time they were a generic post-hardcore band trying to make a name for themselves, however with ‘Beggars’ Thrice, much like Brand New, has cemented themselves as one of the elite alternative bands around today. Upon listening to ‘Beggars’ it is easy to notice stylistic similarities to the ‘Earth’ and ‘Air’ sections of 2008’s ‘The Alchemy Index’, particularly on tracks such as “Circles”, “Wood & Wire”, and “Beggars” that sound like something off a Radiohead album. “All The World is Mad” and “At the Last”, while good songs, are the only remnants of circa-2003 Thrice to be found on ‘Beggars’ and serve as telling evidence of the band’s progression.

11. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest

Grizzly Bear’s ‘Veckatimest’ was one of the few albums of 2009 that deserved its critical reception and hype, promoting what I can best describe as minimalistic foggy folk rock. Tracks like “Ready, Able” and “While You Wait for the Others” put the listener into trance, tricking us into believing there’s more to it than vocal harmonies and a guitar strums. Perhaps that’s what makes Grizzly Bear so good though – they don’t overextend themselves, and instead stick to a ‘Pet Sounds’ style folk rock that is intensely satisfying. The album’s best and most accessible is probably “Two Weeks”, which opens up with a piano lick that sounds very similar to Jay-Z’s “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” ‘Veckatimest’ isn’t recommended for all audiences; however those appreciative of a little nuance and subtlety with a dash of pop will come away satisfied.

10. Passion Pit - Manners

To put it succinctly: Passion Pit’s ‘Manners’ is probably the most addicting album of the year. The Massachusetts-based electro-pop quintet managed to create an album that, unlike MGMT’s ‘Oracular Spectacular’, provides a full listening experience rather than just a couple catchy singles. There isn’t one skippable track on ‘Manners’, every one managing to meld Michael Angelakos’ unich-esque bellow betwixt catchy synth pop melodies. My personal favorite is in a perpetual state of flux; however “Sleepyhead” and “The Reeling”, the album’s first single, are a great starting point for potential listeners. I can’t honestly conceive of someone disliking ‘Manners’, so if you’re not short of hearing please check this album out.

09. Future of the Left – Travels With Myself and Another

Look up a definition of the word “badass” in the dictionary and you’ll be sure to see mention of Future of the Left, a sometimes brutal, often times catchy, yet consistently hilarious punk band from Cardiff, Wales. I’d be hard-pressed to describe what ‘Travels With Myself and Another’ actually sounds like (last.fm has “noise rock” as the top genre recommendation) – I don’t think I’ve heard anything like it before. Instead, I’ll offer this bit of advice: turn the volume up to 11 and rock out to the gravelly vocals, heavy as fuck bass lines, and driving keyboard arrangements. “You Need Satan More Than He Needs You” has ridiculously heavy synth beats and pummels the shit out of you. “Throwing Bricks at Trains” is a bit easier on the sensibilities and is also inexplicably hilarious: “Slight/Bowl movements/Preceded/the bloodless coup/But no one/must know it/I am at fault.” Overall, if you like a band that is heavy, catchy, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, check out Future of the Left and their new record ‘Travels With Myself and Another.’

08. Paper Route - Absence

Paper Route, fresh off a world tour with Paramore, combine musical elements from Mute Math, Coldplay, and M83 to form a rare brand of ambient-electro-rock that propels their full length debut 'Absence' to #8 status in 2009. Perhaps the most impressive thing about 'Absence' is its diversity. "Last Time" sounds like a B-side off Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida...', "Carousel" channels 'Frengers'-era Mew, while "Gutter" opens with a distorted beat that could be confused for TV on the Radio's "I Was a Lover". The strongest tracks on the record include "Good Intentions", "Last Time", and the finale "Dance On Our Graves", which closes the album with an electric violin solo that is arguably the best minute of music in 2009. Any fan of the abovementioned comparisons will find something they like in ‘Absence.’

07. dredg – the Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion

I owe my entire musical taste to dredg. They’re the band that grasped me from the throngs of generic radio rock and unveiled the beneficent world of progressive music. Needless to say, I was freaking excited for June’s release of ‘the Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion’, and thankfully the Bay-area prog rockers didn’t disappoint. “Pariah” opens the record in epic fashion and conjures thoughts of 2002’s ‘El Cielo’, while tracks such as “Saviour”, “Information”, and “I Don’t Know” could easily pass as top forty singles. The second half of the album features a bit more experimentation, especially “Long Days and Vague Clues”, a 1:53 funhouse thrill ride complete with bombastic cellos and violins. The versatility of ‘the Pariah…’ is its strength, but also its downfall, as the album seems to lack continuity at times. dredg’s brand of progressive pop rock on ‘the Pariah…’ should sit well with fans of Circa Survive, A Perfect Circle, and U2.

06. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I was a little late to the Phoenix party so it’s likely that ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’, with a little more time for absorption, could have been as high as 2 or 3. “1901” and “Lisztomania” are their two big singles and serve as extremely catchy electro-pop tunes; however I would struggle to call them the album’s best since their isn’t one throw-away track on ‘Wolfgang…’. “Fences”, “Rome”, and “Lasso” are all great and stick to the formula of the two singles, however “Love Like a Sunset” stands out as the album’s best, a seven-minute instrumental epic that rises and falls like the tide. Fans of Passion Pit, MGMT, and Empire of the Sun will definitely love ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ and should give it a listen.

05. Brand New - Daisy

Make no mistake, Brand New's 'Daisy' is a dark and uncomfortable album, one that lulls the listener into a false sense of security before delivering a jarring helping of angsty Jesse Lacey screams and distorted guitar riffs. The CD's first track, "Vices", encapsulates this notion perfectly, opening with a vocal track reminiscent of Edith Piaf before eventually segueing into a veritable torrent of dissonance. The progression to 'Daisy' further confirms the reality that 'Your Favorite Weapon' era Brand New is gone, dead in the past. They have distanced themselves from the ubiquitous emo scene and established themselves as true progressive artists, deserving a place right next to the Radiohead's of the world thanks to their originality and creativity. "You Stole", one of the best tracks on the album, confirms that Lacey is still a champion of deep and cryptic lyrics, as he yearns "So if I'm a liar and you're a thief/At least we both know where the other one sleeps/So let's end this tonight." “Noro” is one of the best album closers you’re going to find, eventually closing with the same Piaf-like intro that lead into “Vices”.

04. Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic

What happens when you combine math metal, southern rock, and hardcore influences into one nice little 37-minute package? Everytime I Die's 'New Junk Aesthetic' of course, a sonic assault that bludgeons the listener with tight, heavy riffs and Keith Buckley's perfect scream and genius lyrics (which cannot be emphasized enough). Tracks like "Who Invited the Russian Solider?" and "White Smoke" precipitate a sense of alarm and urgency thanks to Buckley's wonderful delivery. "For the Record" is the album's best and features Buckley's exclamation, "Lord have mercy on my soul/I've had a good run but can't run anymore/Just put me down", amidst one of the band's most brutal breakdowns to date. "White Smoke" and "Goddamn Kids These Days" follow a similar thread while "The Marvelous Slut" is a short number that features Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape plan on guest vocals.

03. Portugal The. Man - The Satanic Satanist

The quarter from Wasilla, Alaska must be bionic or something. July's release of 'The Satanic Satanist' makes four LP's and one EP in a meager four years. "People Say", album opener and lead single, is an anti-war anthem that harkens images of 1960s Vietnam protests and college campus sit-ins. The song is catchy and well-written but does not over stay its welcome, a consistent theme among all eleven tracks on 'The Satanic Satanist'. "Work All Day", Guns & Dogs", and "Everyone Is Golden" are all very accessible and contribute to the Beatles-type classic rock vibe present throughout. "The Home" is my personal favorite and an ode to the soul-infused numbers on 'Censored Colors' and 'Church Mouth'. Singer John Baldwin Gourley stands out as much as ever with his effeminate and helplessly melodic croon, especially on tracks such as "The Sun". Portugal. The man does not attempt to reinvent the wheel with 'The Satanic Satanist', but instead provides extremely catchy and light-hearted pop tunes that any person would enjoy.

02. Mew - No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories the World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away

An extremely long and pretentious album title is the only fault evident in Mew's 'No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories the World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away.' The Danish rock trio's most recent release is a natural progression from 2006's 'And The Glass Handed Kites', combining pop and shoegaze elements to craft an album that would be equally suitable for a late-night listening session or a car ride with some friends. 'No More Stories...' remains remarkably consistent throughout and is bolstered by a whimsical, almost child-like pop/ambient sound that is extremely difficult to categorize. "Repeaterbeater", the band's most recent single and a good place to start for those unfamiliar with Mew, is a pragmatic if not depressing track about lost love that has lead vocalist Jonas Bjerre emote, "Sometimes I've got nothing to do/Nothing to signal out when I can't be with you." "Silas The Magic Car", "Hawaii", and "Sometimes Life Isn't Easy" also round out the album's best.

01. The Dangerous Summer - Reach for the Sun

The unequivocal zenith of 2009, 'Reach for the Sun' is a once in a life time record that is heartfelt, sincere, and evocative. The album's foundation is Jared Palermo's lyrical content and intensely emotional vocal delivery which resonates increasingly with each listen. The instrumentation is catchy, rife with hazy guitar licks that serve as an admirable supplement to Palermo's vocals. The band initially comes off as “pop punk”, however several songs in it becomes obvious that ‘Reach of the Sun’ is something more. "Where I Want To Be" deals with introspection and a lost lover and concludes with Palermo's realization that "I'm learning now that I was wrong in everything/And that's the reason why I think that I can grow." "The Permanent Rain" has more weighty subject matter as Palermo discusses his deceased grandmother and her effect on his music career with "You know I've lost a lot/But I won't let this die/You know I've got this friend up in the atmosphere/Another reason not to fear the sky." 'Reach for the Sun' is quite simply one of the best vocal and lyrical records of all-time. The album is very accessible and a must listen for everyone.

2009 Recapitulation - My Choice: Top 100 Albums.

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:59:30 +0000

Here's my choice. 100 stunning albums of 2009. :)

100
Bibio
Ambivalence Avenue
[Warp Records]
Genre: idm, disco, beats, folk, funky

099
Broadcast & The Focus Group
Investigate Witch Cults Of The Radio Age
[Warp Records]
Genre: experimental, psychedelic

098
Lusine
A Certain Distance
[Ghostly International]
Genre: leftfield, idm, tech house

097
Sparklehorse + Fennesz
In A Fishtank 15
[In The Fishtank]
Genre: avangarde, ambient, experimental

096
Peter Broderick & Machinefabriek
Blank Grey Canvas Sky
[Fang Bomb]
Genre: modern classical, experimental

095
Jega
Variance
[Planet Mu]
Genre: glitch, idm, experimental

094
Neon Indian
Psychic Chasms
[Lefse Records]
Genre: lo-fi, new wave, synth pop

093
Matias Aguayo
Ay Ay Ay
[Kompakt]
Genre: minimal latin

092
Sven Weisemann
Xine
[wandering]
Genre: modern classical, ambient

091
Louderbach
Autumn
[M_nus]
Genre: minimal, new wave

...........................................................................................................................

090
Florence + The Machine
Lungs
[Universal Island Records]
Genre: indie rock, pop ethereal

089
2562
Unbalance
[Tectonic]
Genre: dubstep, techno

088
Fraet
For Another Day
[Benbecula]
Genre: glitch, ambient

087
P Jørgensen
To
[Low Point]
Genre: drone, ambient, abstract

086
GusGus
24/7
[Kompakt]
Genre: tech house, minimal

085
Dinky
Anemik
[Wagon Repair]
Genre: minimal house

084
Luciano
Tribute To The Sun
[Cadenza]
Genre: minimal house

083
Pillowdiver
Sleeping Pills
[12k]
Genre: abstract, ambient

082
Dan Deacon
Bromst
[Carpark Records]
Genre: indie experimental

081
SND
Atavism
[Raster Noton]
Genre: experimental minimalism

...........................................................................................................................

080
Stephan Mathieu + Taylor Deupree
Transcriptions
[Spekk]
Genre: experimental, ambient, minimal

079
Filipsson & Lindblad
A Splendor In The Grass
[Nang Records]
Genre: nu disco, deep house

078
John Foxx & Robin Guthrie
Mirrorball
[Metamatic]
Genre: ethereal, ambient, psychedelic rock

077
Edward Williams
Life On Earth - Music from the 1979 BBC TV Series
[Trunk Records]
Genre: soundtrack, contemporary

076
Strings Of Consciousness & Angel
Strings Of Consciousness & Angel
[Conspiracy Records / Important Records]
Genre: drone, experimental

075
Mind Over Midi
Habitat
[Silent Season]
Genre: ambient

074
Lawrence
Until Then, Goodbye
[Mule Electronic]
Genre: minimal, deep house

073
Pendle Coven
Self-Assessment
[Modern Love]
Genre: dub techno

072
Fanfarlo
Reservoir
[Fanfarlo Self-released]
Genre: indie rock

071
Loren Connors & Jim O'Rourke
Two Nice Catholic Boys
[Family Vineyard]
Genre: experimental acoustic

...........................................................................................................................

070
Onra
1.0.8
[Favorite Recordings / Bo Bun Records]
Genre: instrumental hip-hop, funky

069
Lukid
Foma
[Werk Discs]
Genre: instrumental hip-hop, experimental

068
KZA
Dig And Edit
[Endless Flight]
Genre: nu disco, house

067
Lotus Plaza
The Floodlight Collective
[Kranky]
Genre: shoegaze, indie rock

066
Ecovillage
Phoenix Asteroid
[Quince Records]
Genre: shoegaze, ethereal, new wave, post rock, ambient

065
The Field
Yesterday And Today
[Kompakt]
Genre: minimal, tech house

064
Anduin + Jasper TX
The Bending Of Light
[SMTG Limited]
Genre: ambient, dark ambient

063
Martyn
Great Lengths
[3024]
Genre: dubstep, uk garage

062
Maayan Nidam
Nightlong
[Power Shovel Audio]
Genre: minimal house, latin

061
Bibio
Vignetting The Compost
[Mush]
Genre: folk, psychedelic, experimental

...........................................................................................................................

060
FaltyDL
Love Is A Liability
[Planet Mu]
Genre: dubstep, uk garage, experimental

059
Antony And The Johnsons
The Crying Light
[Secretly Canadian / Rough Trade]
Genre: avangarde, art rock

058
Mokira
Persona
[Type Records]
Genre: ambient, minimalism

057
William Basinski
92982
[2062]
Genre: ambient

056
Luke Hess
Light In The Dark
[Echocord]
Genre: dub techno

055
Jim O'Rourke
The Visitor
[Drag City / Love-Da-Records]
Genre: acoustic, folk rock

054
Manuel Tur
0201
[Freerange Records]
Genre: deep house

053
Demdike Stare
Symbiosis
[Modern Love]
Genre: dub, experimental

052
Tomasz Bednarczyk
Painting Sky Together
[Room40]
Genre: experimental, ambient

051
KiloWatts
Undercurrent
[Somnia]
Genre: downtempo, ambient

...........................................................................................................................

050
Simon Scott
Navigare
[Miasmah]
Genre: drone ambient

049
Mountains
Choral
[Thrill Jockey]
Genre: ambient, drone

048
Ohrwert
Yesteryear
[Silent Season]
Genre: dub techno, dub

047
The XX
XX
[Young Turks]
Genre: indie rock, pop rock, some electronica

046
Jasper TX
Singing Stones
[Fang Bomb]
Genre: ambient, drone

045
Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion
[Domino Recording Company Ltd.]
Genre: experimental, psychedelic, electronic indie rock

044
Beat Pharmacy
Wikkid Times - Versions & Remixes
[Deep Space Media]
Genre: dub techno, deep house

043
Nils Frahm
Wintermusik
[Sonic Pieces]
Genre: modern classical

042
Quantec
Cauldron Subsidence
[Echocord]
Genre: dub techno

041
Atheus
Soundscapes & Drones
[Ghost Sounds]
Genre: ambient, drone

...........................................................................................................................

040
Variant
The Setting Sun
[echospace [detroit]]
Genre: dubtechno, ambient

039
Jóhann Jóhannsson
And In The Endless Pause There Came The Sound Of Bees
[Type Records]
Genre: modern classical

038
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
[Rabid Records]
Genre: electronica

037
Tomasz Bednarczyk
Let's Make Better Mistakes Tomorrow
[12k]
Genre: ambient, experimental

036
Reagenz
Playtime
[Workshop]
Genre: deep house, ambient

035
Mon0
Elements
[Kreislauf]
Genre: dub techno

034
Aidan Baker
Gathering Blue
[Equation Records]
Genre: ambient, drone

033
Mountains
Etching
[Thrill Jockey]
Genre: ambient, drone, abstract

032
Lawrence English
A Colour For Autumn
[12k]
Genre: ambient, drone

031
Ametsub
The Nothings Of The North
[Progressive Form / Third Ear]
Genre: glitch, idm

...........................................................................................................................

030
Ben Klock
One
[Ostgut Tonträger]
Genre: techno, minimal, abstract

029
Redshape
The Dance Paradox
[Delsin / Present]
Genre: dub techno, techno, dubstep

028
Shackleton
Three EPs
[Perlon]
Genre: abstract, dubstep, tribal

027
Fluxion
Constant Limber
[Resopal Schallware]
Genre: dub techno, minimal

026
Mirko Loko
Seventynine
[Cadenza]
Genre: minimal, house

025
Elegi
Varde
[Miasmah]
Genre: modern classical, ambient

024
P. Laoss
Landscapes & Machines
[Somnia]
Genre: dub techno, ambient

023
Emptyset
Emptyset
[Caravan Recordings]
Genre: raw techno, minimalism

022
Svarte Greiner
Kappe
[Type Records]
Genre: dark ambient, abstract

021
Brock Van Wey
White Clouds Drift On And On
[echospace [detroit]]
Genre: ambient, dub techno

...........................................................................................................................

020
Markus Guentner
Doppelgaenger
[Sending Orbs]
Genre: ambient, dub techno, minimal

019
Balmorhea
All Is Wild, All Is Silent Remixes
[Western Vinyl]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

018
Leyland Kirby
Sadly, The Future Is No Longer What It Was
[History Always Favours The Winners]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

017
Rameses III
I Could Not Love You More
[Type Records]
Genre: ambient, modern classical

016
Bvdub
We Were The Sun
[Quietus Recordings]
Genre: ambient

015
Sleepy Town Manufacture & Unit 21
No Traces
[Infraction]
Genre: ambient

014
Atom™
Liedgut
[Raster Noton]
Genre: experimental, minimalism, abstract

013
Alva Noto
Xerrox Vol.2
[Raster Noton]
Genre: ambient

012
Fatih Tuter
Wide&Shallow
[Shoreless Recordings]
Genre: ambient, dub techno

011
The Beautiful Schizophonic
Eroticon
[Crónica]
Genre: ambient

...........................................................................................................................

010
Jónsi & Alex
Riceboy Sleeps
[Parlophone]
Genre: ambient

Jónsi & Alex made beautiful ambient album that sounds like Sigur Rós' Takk... Intro - but a little bit longer.

My Track Choice: Daníell In The Sea, Boy 1904

009
Telefon Tel Aviv
Immolate Yourself
[BPitch Control]
Genre: new wave, synth pop, leftfield

Telefon Tel Aviv's new sound brings us one of the finest 80's feeling in 21st century.

My Track Choice: Helen Of Troy

008
Ethernet
144 Pulsations of Light
[Kranky]
Genre: ambient, dub techno, drone

Well... Just try this rarity...

My Track Choice: Vaporous

007
Tim Hecker
An Imaginary Country
[Kranky]
Genre: ambient, drone, abstract

Just another Tim Hecker's great album....

My Track Choice: 100 Years Ago / 200 Years Ago, Borderlands

006
Moderat
Moderat
[BPitch Control]
Genre: electronica, techno, dubstep, electro

Modeselektor and Apparat made one of the most stunning electronic albums of the year mixing sounds of techno, dubstep, and Apparat's typical emotronic sounds.

My Track Choice: Seamonkey, Slow Match, Out Of Sight, Rusty Nails

005
Intrusion
The Seduction Of Silence
[echospace [detroit]]
Genre: dub techno, ambient, dub

With Yagya's "Rigning" "The Seduction Of Silence" is the best dub techno thing released this year, essential classic in its genre!

My Track Choice: Seduction, Little Angel

004
Jesse Somfay
A Catch In The Voice
[Archipel]
Genre: techno, idm, ambient

Don't know how to describe this album... Good Morning Strange Light, Folding Ghosts Into Origami Stars, Algonquin, Amo Alucinor - these tracks describe all about that stuff.

My Track Choice: ditto

003
Milieu
Colortone
[Milieu Music]
Genre: idm, ambient, downtempo

If you're missing Boards Of Canada just try this! I'm a kid in the 80's again.

My Track Choice: Color The Waves, Sun Dress, Cropduster

002
Yagya
Rigning
[Sending Orbs]
Genre: dub techno, ambient

Third Yagya's album brings us the same amazing cold-warm feeling from Iceland as on "Will I Dream During The Process?" an "Rhythm Of Snow".

My Track Choice: Rigning Níu, Rigning Tíu

AND #1 OF 2009 IS:

Absolutely the best deep house and classic house thing I've heard in a long long time, and my favourite record of the year. House music not to dance but to feel. As Boomkat's reviewers says: Essential Purchase, Killer, Immense, Absolutely stunning ;)

001
DJ Sprinkles
Midtown 120 Blues
[Mule Musiq]
Genre: deep house

My Track Choice: All tracks, but the most: Grand Central, Pt. I (Deep Into The Bowel Of House)

Happy New Year and lots of goooooood sounds in 2010!

DJ Sprinkles Yagya Milieu jesse somfay Intrusion Moderat Tim Hecker Ethernet Telefon Tel Aviv Jónsi & Alex The Beautiful Schizophonic Fatih Tuter Alva Noto Atom™Sleepy Town Manufacture & Unit 21 Bvdub Rameses III Leyland Kirby Balmorhea Markus Guentner Brock Van Wey Svarte Greiner Emptyset P. Laoss Elegi Mirko Loko Fluxion Shackleton Redshape Ben Klock Ametsub Lawrence English Mountains Aidan Baker mon0 Reagenz Tomasz Bednarczyk Fever Ray Jóhann Jóhannsson Variant Atheus Quantec Nils Frahm Beat Pharmacy Animal Collective Jasper TX The xx Ohrwert Simon Scott KiloWatts Demdike Stare Manuel Tur Jim O'Rourke Luke Hess William Basinski Mokira Antony and the Johnsons FaltyDL Bibio Maayan Nidam Martyn Anduin + Jasper TX The Field Ecovillage Lotus Plaza KZA Lukid Onra Loren Connors & Jim O'Rourke Fanfarlo Pendle Coven Lawrence Mind over MIDI Strings Of Consciousness & Angel Edward Williams John Foxx & Robin Guthrie Filipsson & Lindblad stephan mathieu + taylor deupree SND Dan Deacon Pillowdiver Luciano Dinky GusGusp jørgensen Fraet 2562 Florence + the Machine Louderbach Sven Weisemann Matias Aguayo Neon Indian Jega Machinefabriek & Peter Broderick Sparklehorse + Fennesz Lusine Broadcast & The Focus Group

poivreVert preview

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:58:52 +0000

Hi,

I'm working on a new project with a friend (Pieter Delafortrie). It's called poivreVert. Music is gonna toggle between IDM, ambient, electropop and singer-songwriter.

We're working on an entire liveset etc..

But for now we wanna leave you with a small free downloadable preview

World Smaller Sweet Coloured

Cheers

Doorchaser