Dudemonkey: December 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

14. Bon Iver

14. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Bon Iver (pronounced ee vare) is for all intents and purposes Justin Vernon. The band name comes from bon hiver which is French for good winter. Vernon wrote the first album in a cabin in the woods in Wisconsin over three months. Now the band includes Michael Noyce, Sean Carey and Matthew McCaughan. The new album is also written in Wisconsin in a remodeled veterinarian clinic. He brings in a lot more help on this album, which gives it a heavier feel. While this is mostly an indie folk album, his haunting lyrics change the tone and the use of some electronica separate it from the pack. This is some of the best late night chill music to listen to and I cannot recommend it enough. I have below my favorite video of the year, which is the song 'Hinnon, TX' shot through this great filter. The second is my favorite song off this album, which is 'Calgary' and it is just perfect.

Bon Iver - Holocene by Azzam Sultan

15. The Submarines

15. The Submarines - Love Notes/ Letter Bombs

I cannot get enough of The Submarines ...ever. Very simply, this band is the result of a love story. John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard were in a musical and romantic relationship for four years. After they broke up, they continued to write songs individually, and discovered in recording (Blake still recorded in John's studio) that their songs were about each other. They worked on some of the songs together and in 2006, released Declare a New State with songs of desperation and loss. Incredibly romantic love songs. They got back together and wrote Honeysuckle Weeks, which are songs of hope and reunion. Their latest album, Love Notes/Letter Bombs would be combination of both, I believe. Blake is this sunshiney, bright happy individual countered by John's dark stage persona. They are cute beyond belief and write incredibly thoughtful and hooky songs. Please don't judge them by the dorky video below.

16. Fleet Foxes

16. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Indie folk at its finest, Fleet Foxes hit the world stage in 2008 with their eponymous release. They are currently a six piece out of Seattle, Washington. This new release is equally as good as their freshman effort and continues to provide that far-away sound with Neil Young style vocals. Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset are the founding members and grew up listening to a lot of Bob Dylan and Neil Young. I am jealous of those who got to see them at Cain's, the show we saw was on a stage that was entirely too large for such an intimate sound and swallowed them up.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

17. Blind Pilot

17. Blind Pilot - We Are the Tide

I finally bought Blind Pilot's '08 release this year after becoming addicted to a couple songs I had from them, since '08. It became one of my favorite albums to listen to this year and I was ecstatic when I saw they released a new album in September. Based out of Portland, Oregon, this, now six-piece to nine piece, is fronted by Israel Nebeker. Nebeker's vocals lay on top of the music with perfect precision. They cut through their charming harmonies like a satin-laced knife and the laid back drums jazz drums only emphasize this point. Strings and a dulcimer are also used, it's so expansive, yet so simplistic. This is headphones music at its finest, but I play these guys all the time.

Blind Pilot :: 'New York' via @liveset from Blind Pilot on Vimeo.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

18. Austra

18. Austra - Feel It Break

One of the best break-out bands of the year, Toronto trio Austra produce dark, electronic gothy music. Kate Stelmanis is the frontwoman and is backed by Maya Postepski and bassist, Dorian Wolfe. They were one of the big buzz bands of SXSW. The band is named after Kate Stelmanis' middle name 'Austra'. Austra is also the name of the goddess of light in Latvian mythology.

Austra - Crying by DominoRecordCo

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

19. Friendly Fires

19. Friendly Fires - Pala

Friendly Fires didn't make my top 50 two years ago, because their first album was released in 2008. I certainly listened to it enough in 2009, however, for it to have garnered a top 5 spot. The band comes from St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England. Their new album, Pala, while not as memorable for me as the first, still made the top 20 on my list this year. Shoe-gaze, 80's style dance pop, these guys have received much acclaim for their music. It will make you move and groove for sure.

20. Death Cab for Cutie

20. Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys

Regardless of what critics said about this album, I still love Death Cab. So what if Ben Gibbard had a moment of happiness with the coveted Ms. Deschanel, after this year, he'll be back to writing the gut wrenching songs we are accustomed to. I mean, it's still musically everything Death Cab is known for and the lyrics are still good. I had it on repeat many times throughout the year. However, I'm a pretty die hard fan of Death Cab, so judge for yourself, I'm not easily swayed.

Death Cab for Cutie - Codes And Keys [Yeasayer Remix] by Death Cab for Cutie

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

21. Fruit Bats

21. Fruit Bats - Tripper

Fruit Bats are such a great band, and they are only just now starting to get recognized. They got to tour with The Decemberists earlier this year. They've actually been around since 1997 held together by frontman Eric D. Johnson. Eric also played with The Shins in 2009. From Chicago, Fruit Bats make new folk, but with something a little unique about their sound, which might be explained by them citing as an influence, The Grateful Dead. Eric's voice is unique and his songs are poignant, with some really great poetic lyrics. Check out the 80's spoof video below.

22. The Drums

22. The Drums - Portamento

This is the second album from Brooklyn rockers, The Drums, in as many years. They made my top 50 last year here. I've seen some poor reviews on this work, but I just love it about as much as last years. Surfer rock at its finest and they don't seem to take themselves too seriously, always a good quality in a rock band. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do, it's a lot of fun to listen to.

The Drums - Money

23. Young the Giant

23. Young the Giant - Young the Giant

I'm having to cheat on this one a little to include it in the line-up. The digital download was released in 2010, but the actual album was released in January of this year, so I'm calling it. Irvine, California indie rockers Young the Giant broke on the scene this year and are selling out shows all over the US, and for good reason. They will be playing Cain's in March and you better get your tickets now, is all I'm saying. Driving melodies, big sound and mesmerizing lyrics make this a band to watch. Sameer Ghadia is the frontman with four other members. This is what rock and roll is all about.

Young the Giant by Young the Giant

Sunday, December 25, 2011

24. The Cave Singers

24. The Cave Singers - No Witch

The Cave Singers have enthralled me with their music for several years now. They are a Seattle based band with a little bit of hoe-down and some 60's Brit folk in there as well. Derek Fudesco plays guitar and rhythm with this funky foot pedal synthesizer thing that is truly incredible to watch. Pete Quirk is the lead singer and Marty Lund is the drummer. I was fortunate enough to finally catch these guys twice this last year in Austin and their performance at ACL was truly inspired and had the entire crowd dancing in the 90+ degree heat. Simply cannot say enough good about these guys.

25. The Antlers

25. The Antlers - Burst Apart

Peter Silberman is the frontman for this Brooklyn outfit, now joined with Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci. The band received much acclaim after their 2009 release 'Hospice', which made #27 that year on my list, here. I just love this band with its deep, thoughtful, poetic lyrics and dark, fuzz, dream-pop sound. I consider them to be in the same dark, experimental vein as Grizzly Bear and Beach House. It was a highlight of my year, this year, to see them live and they put on an electric show. You can see one of the songs from the new album being performed live at the show I was at this year. Welcome to the top 25!

I Don't Want Love

26. Alexander

26. Alexander - Alexander

Alexander Ebert is the lead singer for Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes (see old blog post here). While touring with Edward Sharpe, Alex wrote these songs on the bus and in his bedroom, on breaks. What results is this ten song opus that are beautifully simple songs in the same vein of his altar ego, but maybe more about him than Edward, therfore, more honest. This guy is almost like a musical cult leader. I watched his show earlier this year and his charisma is intense and has full command of the audience throughout the entire set. Keep your eyes on this guy and you'll be drinking the Kool-aid too.

A Million Years

Friday, December 23, 2011

27. Iron & Wine

27. Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean

I am still amazed when I talk about Iron & Wine and folks are not aware of them. I guess I think they've been around long enough and have garnered enough publicity and play time to be recognized by most anyone. I mean, hell, they were in the Garden State soundtrack. For whatever reason, their delicious blend of folk and bluegrass has not permeated the mainstream, yet. Iron & Wine is Sam Beam, and while many band members now play with the live show (such as Marketa Irglova from Swell Season!), he is the singer/songwriter. Powerful, mystical lyrics and some of the most poetic love songs known to man come out of this man's brain. His live shows are mesmerizing and full of grace and wonder. His previous album may have been my favorite at the moment, but Kiss Each Other Clean was never really taken off the iPod rotation. So, if you're one of the few and you haven't got on the bandwagon yet, now is the time.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

28. Starfucker

28. Starfucker - Reptilians

Starfucker, also known as STRFKR, PYRAMID, and Pyramiddd, is from Portland, Oregon. Named as such, because Joshua Hodges, the frontman, wanted to see how far they could get with such a stupid name. I'll have to admit, I sadly did not listen to them for awhile because of their 'stupid name'. However, thanks to my son, he converted me. An electronica dance pop sound, these guys will sometimes tour in women's clothes and I love their toe-tapping chill album. They have played in Oklahoma a couple times, and I hope they come back, because I have not seen them yet and would really like to.

Bury Us Alive by starfucker_usa

29. Destroyer

29. Destroyer - Kaputt

Destroyer is a band, but for all intents and purposes is Dan Bejan. Dan has been producing albums under the Destroyer moniker since 1995 and has been an avant-garde rocker for awhile. Kaputt is such a great album to listen to on a late night with it's 1980's, New Order, smooth jazz, Steely Dan kind of feel. This album puts me in such a great mood and really characterizes the sounds from that era. It's nostalgic and original at the same time and anytime someone can pull that off, I'm all for it. This video of the title track is easily the contender for the best video of the year.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

30. Youth Lagoon

30. Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation

Youth Lagoon is Trevor Powers, a twenty-two year old, Boise, Idaho native and musical genius. Recorded in his bedroom, the dream-pop inspired album is chock full of tunes that will get under your skin. This is his journal or diary or blog, if you will. It's hard to believe one person can put out such expansive, emotion-driven music. He played in Denton recently, I tried to go, but couldn't. However, I'm hoping to get him to play here during Spring Break on his way to SXSW. I will keep you posted.

Cannons by Youth Lagoon

31. Thao & Mirah

31. Thao & Mirah - Thao & Mirah

So, a year ago July 4th, I took my kids up to Lincoln, Nebraska and we happened to see Thao Ngyuen and Mirah play together at The Bourbon. It was a great show, they sang each other's songs, my daughter was a huge Mirah fan (I was too) and I was a huge Thao fan. We even got to meet Thao after the show. Little did we know at that time that their tour would result in this marvelous collaborative effort. If you don't already know, Thao Ngyuen is usually backed by the band The Get Down Stay Down. She is an incredibly honest, raw songwriter. Mirah, as well, writes piercingly honest lyrics. Together, they form a powerhouse of intensity and this album was produced by tUnE-yArDs (more about them later :) ). Raw talent all around and a well deserving addition to this or any list. I've included two videos to showcase both young ladies' talent.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

32. Little Dragon

32. Little Dragon - Ritual Union

Little Dragon is a Swedish electronic group fronted by Japanese /Swedish singer Yukimi Nagano (strangely enough mentioned in my last blog post. I've been into these guys for a couple years and really like the suave style in which the music is delivered. The band name comes from Yukimo's fits she used to throw while recording. This album is very chill, but still causing you to tap your feet.

33. Raphael Saadiq

33. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

Raphael Saadiq is an old school R&B revivalist. Originally born Charles Ray Wiggins (Raphael Saadiq is way cooler than Chuck Wiggins), he started out in the group Tony! Toni! Tone! before embarking on his solo career. This is his fourth release and my favorite so far. With guests like Robert Randolph and the former Earth, Wind & Fire keyboardist, Larry Dunn, as well as Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon. My friend Corey turned me onto this guy and I haven't turned back. Lots of great grooves and a little underlying funk and blues jams in some of the songs.

34. Lera Lynn

34. Lera Lynn - Have You Met Lera Lynn

I discovered this artist through Turntable.FM covering a TV on the Radio song (video below). It was such an amazing cover and her voice and arrangement were spot on. I decided to download her album, a decision I have not regretted for a second. Lera Lynn was born in Houston, Texas and currently resides in Athens, Georgia. She is lead vocalist for Birds & Wire and decided to break out and do a solo album, which was produced by Brian Lucey (producer for The Black Keys). No relation to Loretta (but certainly inspired by) she is part folk, indie pop and western swing. Check out the other two videos, they tell a story, just like her songs, and who can resist a good story.

<a href="http://slowrecords.bandcamp.com/track/wolf-like-me">Wolf Like Me by Lera Lynn</a>

Monday, December 19, 2011

35. Boy & Bear

35. Boy & Bear - Moonfire

Discovered these gentlemen at SXSW this year as well, right up at the front of the stage. We were walking around Austin trying to see certain bands and getting turned away. Finally, out of frustration, we come to this bar on 6th and see that Bombay Bicycle Club is playing, so, with a strong desire to see something live on our first night there, we pay up and go in. I also recognized Ellie Goulding on the bill and had heard some buzz about Boy & Bear, but hadn't listened to them at all. They completely tore it up and I have devouring every single song and EP and video they have released since. They are an indie folk five piece out of Sydney, Australia, think Mumford & Sons, but with more harmonies. I am counting their EP so they would make the cut and the videos and MP3 below are from that EP. They just released their full length and I've only listened to it a few times, but it is excellent as well. In fact, it has four live tracks from that concert at SXSW. I can't wait until these guys do a proper US tour.

36. Eliza Doolittle

36. Eliza Doolittle - Eliza Doolittle

Eliza Doolittle is not really the 'My Fair Lady' character, but rather the stage name of Eliza Sophie Caird. She resides in London, England and is a chart topper over there. I was fortunate enough to catch her front and center at SXSW this year and had her serenade me, which was quite enjoyable since she's rather cute. She has a vintage sound (her band was dressed in barber-shop style get-ups and very talented). While I expect her to be a chart topper here as well before too long and outside the scope of my taste, her debut has been enjoyable to listen to, as she has a stunning voice.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

37. Bill Callahan

37. Bill Callahan - Apocalypse Bill Callahan is an Austin based singer /songwriter who used to write under the name Smog. Known for his baritone voice and emotionless delivery, he has quite a catalog now under his belt between Smog and his four solo albums. This particular album is short and concise and my favorite song off it, is "America" only made more fantastic by the video below.

38. Angus & Julia Stone

38. Angus & Julia Stone - Memories Of An Old Friend

I don't think this has been released in the US yet, but it was released in the UK this year, so it counts. Angus & Julia are a brother/sister duo from Newport, Australia and have put out a slew of EP's and a previous album, all of which are excellent. In fact, you can find several of the better songs from the previous EP's on this release. Soft, quiet, reflective folk is what this duo is comprised of and why I love them. Think Nick Drake and Jose Gonzales.

Angus & Julia Stone - Paper Aeroplane from Ruben Garcia Gamarra on Vimeo.

39. Wild Beasts

39. Wild Beasts - Smother

Wild Beasts was one of the highlights of Austin City Limits this year. I've been listening to these guys for a few years now, but seeing them live helped cement them in my iPod. They are from Kendal in Cumbria, England. The band consists of Hayden Thorpe (vocals), Ben Little (guitar), Chris Talbot (drummer), and Tom Fleming (bass). I'm not sure how to characterize their sound. Sort of Talking Headsie with a hint of Elbow and some intricate rhythms and electronics mixed in. The band often changes instruments through performance and, though quirky (which I love) are incredibly listenable and enjoyable.

Reach A Bit Further

40. Laura Marling

40. Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't Know

This beautiful young lady made my top 50 last year here at #12. She is definitely one of my favorite artists. To be able to write lyrics with such depth and emotion at such a young age and then to deliver them with such a powerful voice. She is truly gifted and wise beyond her years. I am excited that she is touring the US this spring and I intend to witness this. While this album didn't garner the spot last year's did, I do consider it to be a better album than the last one. This one was only hurt by the timing of its release, but it will be played many, many more times on my iPod in the months to come. A great example of her skill can be seen in the video below, my favorite song off the album so far.

41. Feist

41. Feist - Metals

It has been four years since Leslie Feist released an album. The nice thing about taking your time and waiting to produce a new album, is that the anticipation for the next one is immense, at least it has been for me. Former member of Broken Social Scene and breakout artist of 2007 with her hit "1 2 3 4", Feist has been unstoppable. This album, unlike many of the others, took some time to get into, as all great albums should. No catchy poppy songs like the last one, but the opener, "The Bad In Each Other" certainly shows promise in that direction with it's dark folky banjo intro. Just remember, this is not background music, but headphones on, quiet contemplation music.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

42. Wilco

42. Wilco - The Whole Love

I have a love/hate relationship with Wilco. I want to hate them, but I can't. Jeff Tweedy's lyrics are so incredibly poetic, combined with great songwriting and musical skill. This is looking to be one of my favorite albums they've done in awhile. From the opener "Art of Almost" with it's driving beat (and pretty bold to open your album with a seven minute song, I might add) to the beautiful acoustic "Black Moon", this album does not disappoint. However, I think my favorite on the album is the lengthy twelve plus minute song, "One Sunday Morning (Song for Jane Smiley's Boyfriend)". If you haven't acquired it yet, try to get the limited edition release with the four song EP.

43. White Lies

43. White Lies - Ritual

I really just happened upon this group this year. I've had a couple songs of theirs in my library, but, I think it was their short movie (below) that really turned me onto them. I reviewed their album earlier this year, here. It's pretty much all there in the previous post. I love their 80's power pop and their lyrics. These guys are selling out shows all over the world and I expect them to be big before too long. They've got all the trappings of a band on the rise, like U2 or Muse, which means I probably won't like them anymore :).

Website
Facebook

44. Noah and the Whale

44. Noah and the Whale - Last Night On Earth

As long as these guys keep putting out music like this, they will continue to make my top 50. Their last album made the cut a couple years ago here. While the last album was Charlie dealing with his break-up with Laura Marling, this one seems to be about him moving on. That's good, because most of the songs he writes come from a depth of despair and hopelessness that one wonders if he will return. Oh wait, I just watched the video below, umm, maybe he hasn't gotten over her yet. Their first album is still my favorite, but they seem to have struck a chord with the indie crowd and performed to the largest draw to a show at SXSW this year.

Friday, December 16, 2011

45. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

45. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - Scandalous

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears are out of Austin, Texas and have received much critical acclaim since their debut in '09. Joe Lewis was working at a pawn shop and played guitar at various open mic nights around Austin. I love this guy for his sexually explicit lyrics and songs like "Bitch, I Love You" and "Booty City". It's a great way to get some old school funk and blues in the here and now. Fresh and earnest music that will brighten your day.

46. Delta Spirit

46. Delta Spirit - History From Below

I am so happy this band made the list. Ode to Sunshine was their first release and is just incredible. I was really happy to see them open for My Morning Jacket. Really, in that context, I had never noticed the similarities they shared. I always considered them to be much more a Louisiana cajun, southern rock kind of band, but I guess elements of MMJ have that as well. They are a five piece from San Diego with Jonathon Jameson as the frontman. What I like best about their live shows is the use of different drums and of course, the trash can lid. Highly energetic and a joy to watch and listen.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

47. Lykke Li

47. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Lykke Li is from Sweden and has a beautiful voice. Her recent release recalls Nancy Sinatra, only more distant and ethereal. This is her sophomore effort and there is a lot of contrast on this album. Electro-pop with some R&B and 60's pop. It's deep and complex with controversial lyrics. If you haven't listened to Lykke Li yet, now is a great time to start. She's only going to get better.

48. The Black Keys

48. The Black Keys - El Camino

These guys barely made the cut with their late release this year, but the nice thing about The Keys is they never disappoint. Brothers made the list last year, you can read about that here. I love seeing these guys rise to the top. Such a talented duo, and while their music might be becoming a little more polished than I like, I still love what they do. I bet they're playing arena shows in the next few years, so I'm glad I saw them before that happened. Despite the polish, El Camino is still a really grooving record and really keeps with their style. They have not released the album for streaming yet, much to the chagrin of Spotify users, so go buy it already.

49. The Dodos

49. The Dodos - No Color

I don't know whether to call these guys Dodos or The Dodos based on conflicting information from different sources. Ultimately it doesn't matter, because the music they perform is so amazing. I've been a rabid listener of The Dodos for a few years now and have loved everything they've done. I finally got to see them live this year and they did not disappoint. Frontman, Meric Long, had been a solo singer/songwriter for years, and then he met Logan Kroeber, and the rest is history. They play with this incredibly unique style in which the drums are the center driving force. Logan plays drums and Meric plays guitar. Neko Case is a guest vocalist on this album, which makes it all the richer.

Don't Try and Hide It

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

50. Smith Westerns

50. Smith Westerns - Dye It Blonde

I saw Smith Westerns open for Wilco earlier this year. In fact, they have toured quite a bit, including a headline show in Norman and spots at both SXSW and ACL. I have been enamored by their release and am really glad they made the cut. Dye It Blonde is their second release, produced in a studio with their label, Fat Possum. Much more polished, their sound is akin to David Bowie and T. Rex with a lo-fi, fuzzed out, glam pop sound. They come from Chicago and the band consists of Cullen and Cameron Omori and Max Kacacek. Check out their website below for a free download of their song 'Weekend'.

Smith Westerns - "Weekend" from Fat Possum Records on Vimeo.

Listen to the whole album here !

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Top 50 Albums of 2011

Man, what a great year in music this has been. Every year I think that, but this year saw releases by so many great bands. There were also a lot of great newcomers and this list is peppered with a fair dose of both. As always, my list is determined by play counts and longevity as opposed to artistic value. I prefer it this way, it keeps the list from being pretentious and puts you in touch with a ton of listenable music. A lot more big names this year in the list, but at least they delivered. The nice thing about the musical renaissance we are experiencing, as a result of the Internet, is that everyone has to pretty much be on their A-game. There is a lot more competition out there. So, strap in, get ready....the top 50 is heading your way.

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