MGMT (pronounced by sounding out each letter individually) is from the music mecca of this country, Brooklyn, NY. Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are the founding members of this group. 'Congratulations' probably made everyone's list, but for very different reasons than their debut might have two years ago. Unlike their dance pop freshman effort, 'Congratulations' is a dark retro British 60's psychedelic pop masterpiece. The first time I listened to this, I, of course was expecting something with a groove for me to catch on to. It wasn't until I really paid close attention that I realized they had not only gone for a completely different genre of music, but did so in a way that modernized it and still had their influence and talent. This is a band to watch in the coming years. I'm calling it now.
I did this last year, and liked it. There's simply not enough time to get to everything and these albums, no doubt will take up much of my time this year. I am not including MP3 downloads on this set, because Blogger will shut it down, so check out the video and buy the music. These are in no particular order.
1. Aloha - Home Acres
Aloha is a four piece experimental indie rock outfit out of Bowling Green, OH, although their base of operations has changed several times over the last ten years. The band consists of T.J. Lipple, Tony Cavallario, Cale Parks, and Matthew Gengler. They use a drum-corp like rhythm and heavy keyboards to produce their sound. A very enjoyable band that does not get replayed enough on my iPod.
Baths debut is the genius of Will Wiesenfeld out of L.A. A mere 21 years old, he was previously making music under the moniker [Post-Foetus], but realized he needed a new direction. Electronic, chill, experimental goodness.
Everything Everything is a British art rock, electro-pop band with an r&b and 80's vibe. The band consists of Jonathan Higgs (vocals, guitar, keyboards, laptop), Jeremy Pritchard (bass guitar, keyboards, vocals), Alex Robertshaw (guitar, keyboards, vocals), and Michael Spearman (drums, vocals).
Goldfrapp are Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory. I absolutely love everything these guys do and would kill to see them live. This is their fourth album and still just as fantastic as the other three. They are an electro-pop duo from London.
I have liked The Love Language for awhile, but after seeing them open for Local Natives last year, my like went to love and I have given this album a few spins as a result. Started by Stuart McLamb, from North Carolina, as a way to write songs about a break-up, he never intended for it to become a band or project, but the force of the songs caused that to ensue.
This was one of my most anticipated albums of the year, but sadly I did not get it until December. This would most assuredly have been in the top ten had I been listening to it all year. This is Sufjan's first album with lyrics in a few years and much more adult themed than his previous ones. An incredible musician and someone who has an incredible amount of artistic output. The video below highlights one of the most beautiful songs on the album.
Tame Impala are a four piece psychedelic rock band from Perth, Australia. This album is pure genius and I wish I had listened to it sooner and wish I had known about their live show in Dallas a bit sooner as well. A truly remarkable album. I look forward to more of their music in the future.
I became introduced to Twin Sister when I saw them open for The Morning Benders earlier this year. Their atmospheric rock reminds me a bit of Tennis or Beach House. Absolutely beautiful five piece dream pop band from Long Island, NY. This is a fairly short album, but it's too important not to include here. Seriously, check these guys out.
A psychedelic funk band from Adelaide, Australia. They stand out because they utilize two drummers. They have been around since 2002, but this is the first I have heard of them. Tried them out from the record store and haven't regretted a single second of it.
The Young Veins are an indie rock band from Topanga, California. The band is comprised of Ryan Ross and Jon Walker, two former members of the Las Vegas band Panic! at the Disco, along with bassist Andy Soukal (Robot Love Story), drummer Nick Murray (The Black Apples, Rose For Bohdan, Foreign Born), and keyboardist Nick White (Tilly and the Wall, Bright Eyes). This band should definitely have made the top 50, but just got barely eked out. Really, really good 60's style Brit pop.
Thanks for stopping by. I listen to entirely too much music and love sharing music almost as much as I love listening to it. The purpose of this blog is to do just that and bring you along the journey with me.
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