Top Albums List 2005: Part Three
Dec. 7th, 2005 10:48 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
aekastarThe suspense continues on the hunt for the number one album!
#25
Calla- Collisions
The only other album I've heard by them is Televise and really, this one could just be considered a continuation of that. I don't really hear much progress, but it made me happy specifically for that since I feel a sense of nostalgia with this band based on what the last album meant to me. even in the bouncier opening track 'It Dawned on Me', the familiar smoothly calculated vocals search out that need to slow down, sit down and listen. I also always get this image in my head of needing to mentally be a whore to properly hear these songs. to possibly just be casually sitting in a sunny room talking about what I had for lunch in an instant message is not allowed. so, c'mon.. find a dark, devious corner and listen.
Listen: 1
#24
Broken Social Scene- s/t
Okay, the main reason this isn't higher on the list is 'cause quite frankly... it's too much to handle. seriously. the jamming. the length. the included EP! it's just too much to let sink in... and the past few months that I've had it have been months I haven't had time to allow for it. the first time I heard it back in September after a long queue of waiting, I admit I had stars in my eyes about to explode since I had already heard '7/4 (shoreline)' which held much promise. really, it only began to lose me after 'Hotel'. it got too jamming and washed out / in the background. I'm not entirely a jam band type. the first album Feel Good Lost is the album I introduced to my ibook when I first got it with its happy little instrumental computer-y songs and You Forgot It In People was their we're showing you how indie rock should sound and... what's this? we're trying hard to make you explode? I'm sure if I ever saw them live, I'd have a different opinion, but see? they still get a place in the 20's out of 50 which still marks them as significant as they could possibly get for being a letdown to me; I think also if it's rolled around a bit once I have the time, it'll turn out it's a really great album. the packaging is A+, too.
Listen: 8
#23
American Analog Set- Set Free
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Amanset even if they never really go many places. it was always a song here and there I'd play times a billion that would win me over. I just remember the joy of purchasing their last album, Promise of Love in a real record store after it got lost in the mail after I ordered it, so I played it more times due to the effort taken to get it. this album is full of what is loved about them. the dreamy pop, soft spoken twee (I hate that word) vocals. certainly nothing new, but comforting nonetheless.
Listen: 1
#22
Caribou- The Milk of Human Kindness
When I first got word of this one, I didn't know that it was just Manitoba with a new name. I never did buy Up in Flames, but was aware of a few songs here and there. this doesn't sound quite the same, so I thought it was a new project. later on, I read about the lawsuit and name change. really, I think the name Caribou somehow gives it a fresh feel though. the album cover for instance -- it reminds me of a salad. this album has various styles yet they all work together as one instead of pulling it in different directions. in fact, there's a gong-like noise in different parts (Ahhhh!) like it's indicating different sections. since mom is in the know about old time folk, I let her listen to the folky / 60s garage songs to get opinions. 'Bees' = Little Black Egg. now I'm curious to hear. she said everyone covered that song.. hm. 'Hello Hammerheads', of course, = Simon and Garfunkel. really, almost all folk to her usually does, so I was expecting it. I'm more of a fan of the experimental tracks like 'A Final Warning', 'Pelican Narrows' and 'Barnowl' though. I think the 'Pelican Narrows' sound is the signature Caribou sound when I think of them... on the tour cd I downloaded, songs like 'Bloody Murder' and The Snow Capes bring together this fusion of piano swirls and tribal hip beats. if you like experimental / folktronic / unique music that is not so easy to describe then get this.
Listen: 11
#21
Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto- Insen
One word: abstract. that's the vibe I get. it starts as a blank canvas and soon some splash of colour here and there begins to form. at first, it may just seem like bland clicking drone without much direction or melody, but just.... listen. you have to really let the beats hit in the back of your skull then they begin to form together.. it's like if you stare at a painting long enough that is basically splotches of colour tossed around aimlessly, it'll form into a full figure. it's almost like a movie soundtrack. picture the saddest scene you can and those piano keys that feel like someone is just plinking random keys together begin to tell something more urgent... the sky is crashing down... raindrops are falling, hitting the pavement as the piano cries out for help in a subdued way. it's almost morning. it also can sound technical at times... like a fuzzy station on the radio or a scientific lab or a hospital room / heart monitor / desolate. pick this up and dig out your own imagery.
Listen: 4, 5
#20
red sparowes- at the soundless dawn
Bringing in a member from Isis, this band is rather heavy at times. hardcore post rock? it's a bit like Pelican from what I've heard (one song), but better. perhaps it's whichever one you've heard first? I choose this one.
Listen: 1, 6
#19
Mew- And The Glass Handed Kites
Beyond that it has the absolute worst album cover of all time (crap photoshop job?), it is a pretty great album.. not as great as Frengers, but pretty great. with its rock opera quality and seamless transitions, it reaches out to you to listen from start to finish. if we were doing a top singles list here (which, obviously, we're not), 'Special' would be #1. it's the one song I've played above all others. in fact, I bought the single instead of the full length (I'm evil and just downloaded it instead.. shhh) and each time I think of the song, I think of the video... it does seem like the type to dramatically dance to then want to jump into a lake when finished. one night, in fact, I did a little dance to it then flew onto my bed and felt ten times better. it's a true story.
Listen: 6 + two from japanese version, video clip
#18
Aoki Takamasa + Tujiko Noriko- 28
FatCat wraps it up pretty well. in shorthand, two japanese artists. glitch-electronica. cut up vocals in japanese and english. would perhaps fit well in a serious anime or something Lost in Translation-like. this review brought up a Björk comparison. I didn't initially hear it till I listened to 'then the night comes' again which is my favourite track. listen to this if you have a liking for glitch, jpop/rock, icelandic singers like Björk (Vespertine is about the only album I really like though) or really like something different that has a warm quality to it.
Listen: 3
#17
My Morning Jacket- Z
Think a mixture of Radiohead and 70's Elton John (which didn't come to me at first.. I'm too busy thinking of the Disney cheese stage ;D) with the overall attitude of a band like REM and an artist like Prince without the sexual content. past albums I haven't entirely heard in full, but from what I'm told they were more southern rock / psych. I've read interviews where they say they aren't technically a Southern band -- in Elizabethtown (I haven't seen it), they apparently play a Skynyrd cover band doing the obvious "Free Bird". ironic, eh? I haven't spent much time with this album... what won me over was 'It Beats 4 You' (it pains me to type the '4') and one live show I downloaded which practically has all the songs from it. from the subdued swagger of 'Wordless Chorus' with an actual wordless chorus, the reggae beats of 'Off The Record', the carnival jam of 'Into the Woods'. rockin' 'Anytime', country tinged 'Knot Comes Loose' and smoky blues/jazz number 'Dondante', this truly rocks.
Listen: 5
#16
Sun Kil Moon- Tiny Cities
Yes, a Modest Mouse covers album makes the list. now, tons of people probably think this is a very odd band to go and cover since they're not that old, but nonetheless... it works. the songs I am aware of sound not even close to the original such as 'Ocean Breathes Salty' which starts out sounding almost like a lost red house painters song. I'm not a big Modest Mouse fan (as was probably evident from my last top list -- no matter that it made #30.. this was 'cause I hadn't heard as many albums that year); I never quite got it though I wanted to and... Mark Kozelek can do no wrong. I recently heard his AC/DC covers album What's Next To The Moon, too which I also fell in love with despite not being big on AC/DC (I try to stay away from most bands dad likes... har). yes, some don't quite understand Mark Kozelek's droning style of lyricism, but I can hear the emotion underneath it all. it may not be his best effort, but it made me appreciate the idea of Modest Mouse's existence and perhaps someday I'll want to hear the stuff I didn't know originally to compare.
#15
Animal Collective- Feels
Last year, along with something I ordered, I got a free dvd for 'Who Could Win a Rabbit' which at first I liked till the rabbit was eaten at the end.. and all the blood. I had to go cover my eyes. there was no warning of the morbidity! so, yeah, I never did purchase Sung Tongs based on that. I'm not sure what made me want to hear this one, but I'm glad I did. I was immediately taken once the hook on 'Did You See the Words' began..."Give me rabbies bring you babies at the hospital / Violent ends with friends that go. I kissed a few in sticky shoes our cartoon show is broken." which is probably the poppiest track on here despite its trippy morbid lyric freak show along with 'Grass'. they seem to bounce between 60's pop, psych, folk and ambient. even mom could tolerate it when I added 'Loch Raven' to the end of vol.1 of the yoga mix series I'm making for her. the ambient garbled vocals of nonsense 'ahlamaaneeeway!' made for a nice cool down / meditation break. sometimes it sounds like they're on a bit of a trip on songs like 'Bees' with the strumming of a harp and lazy hazy lyrics which are okay till it gets to "the bees the bees the bees rrrr rrrr eerrrr" though. I kept thinking 'I thought bees went bzzz'. of course, that's what makes it stand out. every song on here has a central beat that contributes to the whole. it all comes together even if it threatens to break free. I'll definitely be paying attention for their next effort and digging into their past stuff.
Listen: 8
#14
Explosions in the Sky- The Rescue
This was a mail-only order release on Temporary Residence done for a thing called Travels in Constants. they appear to be coming back here in January, so if I perhaps can make it, maybe they'll have some left (I just acquired this online like most everyone else... hah) though I'm doubting it. 8 songs in 8 days. the songs are like shortened ditties of their past efforts, but since they did do the Friday Night Lights soundtrack, this at least is less minimal than that. it even has nice ooooooh's and ahhhhh's present, some sound clips on Day Three (I only really paid attention to the last line, 'I ate some chinese food' ...random... I had eggrolls this past Saturday. I wish I had more about now), and yes, a slight wintery xmas vibe that takes me back to The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place. it may be more of a mini album. it may not be a real release, but I feel it deserves some credit.
Listen: 3, 7 [let me know if you want the whole thing and we'll talk]
#13
13&God- s/t
The collaboration between The Notwist and Themselves. I have always had this urge to listen to rap again underneath the surface and this is one of a few that cured that hunger since it has the fun of rapping along with the wonderful typically notwist electropop interspersed throughout. the opening track 'Low Heaven' starts off with a fading clarinet (definite notwist sound), backbeat and piano with a voice clip playing over it about people dying... 'I have a daughter / I have a disease' till they start to harmonise in an operatic way... "pray for their lucky stars to shoot" then gun directly into a rap. a twinkling star urban flavoured solo happens before The Notwist come in to sing the main line with Themselves over and over till it fades out. 'Men of Station' is definitely all Notwist at the forefront. there isn't any rapping. just the repetition of a few lines.. mostly "but we're not as hell as you" which is pretty endearing and definitely my favourite track on here with 'Perfect Speed' following close behind "like time's to slow" with its staticky competitive hip hop drum laden beats. 'Ghostwork' is perhaps the most rapping at once... it starts off with a growl and ends off with an x-axis c-clamp setting it down... okay, now I'm a review lyrical genius! anyhow, the rest follows along perfectly seamless.. as 'Afterclap' says, "I--uh uh uh I love it!" the only thing that slows this down is the ender 'Walk' which is basically just abstract background noise.
Listen: 2
#12
A Silver Mt. Zion- Horses in the Sky
This is the first of their albums I've actually taken the time to purchase / got excited over though I was semi-interested in that one, that first one with the instrumental vibe. anyway, this album is one of the main ones I tried to push on others this year; I'm not sure if I reached them, but it doesn't matter. the main voice leading the pack is Efrim... and it's not a generally pleasing voice, but I can't help but be pulled in. most of the songs on here have a patriotic vibe which isn't something I generally get worked up about, but these songs are mostly about love / life's hardships. the opening track, 'God Bless Our Dead Marines' starts off in a foreboding fashion then jumps full into a gypsy stomp as it quickens pace. this song has four sectionals approximately. my favourite may be after it quiets down and he asks, "All them vulgar kings on their dirty thrones, who among us will avenge Ms. Nina Simone?". the next track may be one of my favourites. I'm all for nicely orchestrated 'la la la la' songs.. that one may be the most straight forward, but I'm okay with that. I even sing along now and then... "The sweetness of our dreams like mountains made of... steam". it took awhile to like the title track, typical protest song style, but then soon, one night, I got a bit teary over the ending bit, "true love is the light in my sister's darling eyes." and I don't even have a sister.. or any siblings at all. 'Teddy Roosevelt's Guns' I think is the only one I never got into. I always want to skip it 'cause it sounds too harsh instrumental-wise / hokey. 'hang onto each other' starts off with the crackling of a fire then builds into a camp sing-a-long with the solitary voice 'ba dum ba da da da dum' and an organ... "hang onto every fucking thing you love". 'ring them bells (freedom has come and gone)' may really be a possible song of the year contender though. the violins swell as it begins to build... "We've been waiting so long... ever ever so long.." I'm at the edge of my seat once it's about to hit the climax.... "Steam trains comin' 13 stories high... if that steam train don't come, I swear I will lay down and die!" annnd... CRASH! it hits a bluesy little number in the middle that ends with "I swear all I ever, ever, ever ever-ever-ever-ever EVER believed in was all of us together.. all alone" which is my absolute favourite line of the year I think.. if we had to have a favourite of everything. yes, this album may have its rough patches, but overall it has soul, it has hope.
#11
Ticonderoga- s/t
With a mix of typical indie rock, post rock, folk and tinges of tortoise-like jazz (most heard on 'Kim & Kelly'), this album keeps you on your toes in a fresh new way. every song tends to build and twist and turn on itself within a moment's notice yet keeping its core with the acoustic stylings of folk. I, at first, downloaded it, but almost all the song titles were transcribed wrong, so I decided to buy it and I'm glad I did even if the booklet reveals nothing. no lyrics, not even any pages.. just short liner notes with a url to their website. their website is pretty great though. I downloaded a few other small album pieces that are listed there which are just as good as this album. anyhow, yes, there is mystery inherent here. I also can sort've see a connection between this and Phil Elvrum of Mount Eerie / The Microphones. is it that both main vocalists are named Phil or something else? perhaps that before you even notice, a song ends and another song has begun? the fact that I heard the songs with the wrong titles for the past few months gives the songs zero identity on their own (beyond 'Kim & Kelly' which I got directly from insound the first time I heard it, maybe the real opener after the brief interlude, 'North Shore' and perhaps 'Two Old Witches' which has the most intense lyrical bit.. "I'm dust and youuuuu're dust!"), but as a whole, this album is solid.
Listen: 3
#25
Calla- Collisions
The only other album I've heard by them is Televise and really, this one could just be considered a continuation of that. I don't really hear much progress, but it made me happy specifically for that since I feel a sense of nostalgia with this band based on what the last album meant to me. even in the bouncier opening track 'It Dawned on Me', the familiar smoothly calculated vocals search out that need to slow down, sit down and listen. I also always get this image in my head of needing to mentally be a whore to properly hear these songs. to possibly just be casually sitting in a sunny room talking about what I had for lunch in an instant message is not allowed. so, c'mon.. find a dark, devious corner and listen.
Listen: 1
#24
Broken Social Scene- s/t
Okay, the main reason this isn't higher on the list is 'cause quite frankly... it's too much to handle. seriously. the jamming. the length. the included EP! it's just too much to let sink in... and the past few months that I've had it have been months I haven't had time to allow for it. the first time I heard it back in September after a long queue of waiting, I admit I had stars in my eyes about to explode since I had already heard '7/4 (shoreline)' which held much promise. really, it only began to lose me after 'Hotel'. it got too jamming and washed out / in the background. I'm not entirely a jam band type. the first album Feel Good Lost is the album I introduced to my ibook when I first got it with its happy little instrumental computer-y songs and You Forgot It In People was their we're showing you how indie rock should sound and... what's this? we're trying hard to make you explode? I'm sure if I ever saw them live, I'd have a different opinion, but see? they still get a place in the 20's out of 50 which still marks them as significant as they could possibly get for being a letdown to me; I think also if it's rolled around a bit once I have the time, it'll turn out it's a really great album. the packaging is A+, too.
Listen: 8
#23
American Analog Set- Set Free
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Amanset even if they never really go many places. it was always a song here and there I'd play times a billion that would win me over. I just remember the joy of purchasing their last album, Promise of Love in a real record store after it got lost in the mail after I ordered it, so I played it more times due to the effort taken to get it. this album is full of what is loved about them. the dreamy pop, soft spoken twee (I hate that word) vocals. certainly nothing new, but comforting nonetheless.
Listen: 1
#22
Caribou- The Milk of Human Kindness
When I first got word of this one, I didn't know that it was just Manitoba with a new name. I never did buy Up in Flames, but was aware of a few songs here and there. this doesn't sound quite the same, so I thought it was a new project. later on, I read about the lawsuit and name change. really, I think the name Caribou somehow gives it a fresh feel though. the album cover for instance -- it reminds me of a salad. this album has various styles yet they all work together as one instead of pulling it in different directions. in fact, there's a gong-like noise in different parts (Ahhhh!) like it's indicating different sections. since mom is in the know about old time folk, I let her listen to the folky / 60s garage songs to get opinions. 'Bees' = Little Black Egg. now I'm curious to hear. she said everyone covered that song.. hm. 'Hello Hammerheads', of course, = Simon and Garfunkel. really, almost all folk to her usually does, so I was expecting it. I'm more of a fan of the experimental tracks like 'A Final Warning', 'Pelican Narrows' and 'Barnowl' though. I think the 'Pelican Narrows' sound is the signature Caribou sound when I think of them... on the tour cd I downloaded, songs like 'Bloody Murder' and The Snow Capes bring together this fusion of piano swirls and tribal hip beats. if you like experimental / folktronic / unique music that is not so easy to describe then get this.
Listen: 11
#21
Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto- Insen
One word: abstract. that's the vibe I get. it starts as a blank canvas and soon some splash of colour here and there begins to form. at first, it may just seem like bland clicking drone without much direction or melody, but just.... listen. you have to really let the beats hit in the back of your skull then they begin to form together.. it's like if you stare at a painting long enough that is basically splotches of colour tossed around aimlessly, it'll form into a full figure. it's almost like a movie soundtrack. picture the saddest scene you can and those piano keys that feel like someone is just plinking random keys together begin to tell something more urgent... the sky is crashing down... raindrops are falling, hitting the pavement as the piano cries out for help in a subdued way. it's almost morning. it also can sound technical at times... like a fuzzy station on the radio or a scientific lab or a hospital room / heart monitor / desolate. pick this up and dig out your own imagery.
Listen: 4, 5
#20
red sparowes- at the soundless dawn
Bringing in a member from Isis, this band is rather heavy at times. hardcore post rock? it's a bit like Pelican from what I've heard (one song), but better. perhaps it's whichever one you've heard first? I choose this one.
Listen: 1, 6
#19
Mew- And The Glass Handed Kites
Beyond that it has the absolute worst album cover of all time (crap photoshop job?), it is a pretty great album.. not as great as Frengers, but pretty great. with its rock opera quality and seamless transitions, it reaches out to you to listen from start to finish. if we were doing a top singles list here (which, obviously, we're not), 'Special' would be #1. it's the one song I've played above all others. in fact, I bought the single instead of the full length (I'm evil and just downloaded it instead.. shhh) and each time I think of the song, I think of the video... it does seem like the type to dramatically dance to then want to jump into a lake when finished. one night, in fact, I did a little dance to it then flew onto my bed and felt ten times better. it's a true story.
Listen: 6 + two from japanese version, video clip
#18
Aoki Takamasa + Tujiko Noriko- 28
FatCat wraps it up pretty well. in shorthand, two japanese artists. glitch-electronica. cut up vocals in japanese and english. would perhaps fit well in a serious anime or something Lost in Translation-like. this review brought up a Björk comparison. I didn't initially hear it till I listened to 'then the night comes' again which is my favourite track. listen to this if you have a liking for glitch, jpop/rock, icelandic singers like Björk (Vespertine is about the only album I really like though) or really like something different that has a warm quality to it.
Listen: 3
#17
My Morning Jacket- Z
Think a mixture of Radiohead and 70's Elton John (which didn't come to me at first.. I'm too busy thinking of the Disney cheese stage ;D) with the overall attitude of a band like REM and an artist like Prince without the sexual content. past albums I haven't entirely heard in full, but from what I'm told they were more southern rock / psych. I've read interviews where they say they aren't technically a Southern band -- in Elizabethtown (I haven't seen it), they apparently play a Skynyrd cover band doing the obvious "Free Bird". ironic, eh? I haven't spent much time with this album... what won me over was 'It Beats 4 You' (it pains me to type the '4') and one live show I downloaded which practically has all the songs from it. from the subdued swagger of 'Wordless Chorus' with an actual wordless chorus, the reggae beats of 'Off The Record', the carnival jam of 'Into the Woods'. rockin' 'Anytime', country tinged 'Knot Comes Loose' and smoky blues/jazz number 'Dondante', this truly rocks.
Listen: 5
#16
Sun Kil Moon- Tiny Cities
Yes, a Modest Mouse covers album makes the list. now, tons of people probably think this is a very odd band to go and cover since they're not that old, but nonetheless... it works. the songs I am aware of sound not even close to the original such as 'Ocean Breathes Salty' which starts out sounding almost like a lost red house painters song. I'm not a big Modest Mouse fan (as was probably evident from my last top list -- no matter that it made #30.. this was 'cause I hadn't heard as many albums that year); I never quite got it though I wanted to and... Mark Kozelek can do no wrong. I recently heard his AC/DC covers album What's Next To The Moon, too which I also fell in love with despite not being big on AC/DC (I try to stay away from most bands dad likes... har). yes, some don't quite understand Mark Kozelek's droning style of lyricism, but I can hear the emotion underneath it all. it may not be his best effort, but it made me appreciate the idea of Modest Mouse's existence and perhaps someday I'll want to hear the stuff I didn't know originally to compare.
#15
Animal Collective- Feels
Last year, along with something I ordered, I got a free dvd for 'Who Could Win a Rabbit' which at first I liked till the rabbit was eaten at the end.. and all the blood. I had to go cover my eyes. there was no warning of the morbidity! so, yeah, I never did purchase Sung Tongs based on that. I'm not sure what made me want to hear this one, but I'm glad I did. I was immediately taken once the hook on 'Did You See the Words' began..."Give me rabbies bring you babies at the hospital / Violent ends with friends that go. I kissed a few in sticky shoes our cartoon show is broken." which is probably the poppiest track on here despite its trippy morbid lyric freak show along with 'Grass'. they seem to bounce between 60's pop, psych, folk and ambient. even mom could tolerate it when I added 'Loch Raven' to the end of vol.1 of the yoga mix series I'm making for her. the ambient garbled vocals of nonsense 'ahlamaaneeeway!' made for a nice cool down / meditation break. sometimes it sounds like they're on a bit of a trip on songs like 'Bees' with the strumming of a harp and lazy hazy lyrics which are okay till it gets to "the bees the bees the bees rrrr rrrr eerrrr" though. I kept thinking 'I thought bees went bzzz'. of course, that's what makes it stand out. every song on here has a central beat that contributes to the whole. it all comes together even if it threatens to break free. I'll definitely be paying attention for their next effort and digging into their past stuff.
Listen: 8
#14
Explosions in the Sky- The Rescue
This was a mail-only order release on Temporary Residence done for a thing called Travels in Constants. they appear to be coming back here in January, so if I perhaps can make it, maybe they'll have some left (I just acquired this online like most everyone else... hah) though I'm doubting it. 8 songs in 8 days. the songs are like shortened ditties of their past efforts, but since they did do the Friday Night Lights soundtrack, this at least is less minimal than that. it even has nice ooooooh's and ahhhhh's present, some sound clips on Day Three (I only really paid attention to the last line, 'I ate some chinese food' ...random... I had eggrolls this past Saturday. I wish I had more about now), and yes, a slight wintery xmas vibe that takes me back to The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place. it may be more of a mini album. it may not be a real release, but I feel it deserves some credit.
Listen: 3, 7 [let me know if you want the whole thing and we'll talk]
#13
13&God- s/t
The collaboration between The Notwist and Themselves. I have always had this urge to listen to rap again underneath the surface and this is one of a few that cured that hunger since it has the fun of rapping along with the wonderful typically notwist electropop interspersed throughout. the opening track 'Low Heaven' starts off with a fading clarinet (definite notwist sound), backbeat and piano with a voice clip playing over it about people dying... 'I have a daughter / I have a disease' till they start to harmonise in an operatic way... "pray for their lucky stars to shoot" then gun directly into a rap. a twinkling star urban flavoured solo happens before The Notwist come in to sing the main line with Themselves over and over till it fades out. 'Men of Station' is definitely all Notwist at the forefront. there isn't any rapping. just the repetition of a few lines.. mostly "but we're not as hell as you" which is pretty endearing and definitely my favourite track on here with 'Perfect Speed' following close behind "like time's to slow" with its staticky competitive hip hop drum laden beats. 'Ghostwork' is perhaps the most rapping at once... it starts off with a growl and ends off with an x-axis c-clamp setting it down... okay, now I'm a review lyrical genius! anyhow, the rest follows along perfectly seamless.. as 'Afterclap' says, "I--uh uh uh I love it!" the only thing that slows this down is the ender 'Walk' which is basically just abstract background noise.
Listen: 2
#12
A Silver Mt. Zion- Horses in the Sky
This is the first of their albums I've actually taken the time to purchase / got excited over though I was semi-interested in that one, that first one with the instrumental vibe. anyway, this album is one of the main ones I tried to push on others this year; I'm not sure if I reached them, but it doesn't matter. the main voice leading the pack is Efrim... and it's not a generally pleasing voice, but I can't help but be pulled in. most of the songs on here have a patriotic vibe which isn't something I generally get worked up about, but these songs are mostly about love / life's hardships. the opening track, 'God Bless Our Dead Marines' starts off in a foreboding fashion then jumps full into a gypsy stomp as it quickens pace. this song has four sectionals approximately. my favourite may be after it quiets down and he asks, "All them vulgar kings on their dirty thrones, who among us will avenge Ms. Nina Simone?". the next track may be one of my favourites. I'm all for nicely orchestrated 'la la la la' songs.. that one may be the most straight forward, but I'm okay with that. I even sing along now and then... "The sweetness of our dreams like mountains made of... steam". it took awhile to like the title track, typical protest song style, but then soon, one night, I got a bit teary over the ending bit, "true love is the light in my sister's darling eyes." and I don't even have a sister.. or any siblings at all. 'Teddy Roosevelt's Guns' I think is the only one I never got into. I always want to skip it 'cause it sounds too harsh instrumental-wise / hokey. 'hang onto each other' starts off with the crackling of a fire then builds into a camp sing-a-long with the solitary voice 'ba dum ba da da da dum' and an organ... "hang onto every fucking thing you love". 'ring them bells (freedom has come and gone)' may really be a possible song of the year contender though. the violins swell as it begins to build... "We've been waiting so long... ever ever so long.." I'm at the edge of my seat once it's about to hit the climax.... "Steam trains comin' 13 stories high... if that steam train don't come, I swear I will lay down and die!" annnd... CRASH! it hits a bluesy little number in the middle that ends with "I swear all I ever, ever, ever ever-ever-ever-ever EVER believed in was all of us together.. all alone" which is my absolute favourite line of the year I think.. if we had to have a favourite of everything. yes, this album may have its rough patches, but overall it has soul, it has hope.
#11
Ticonderoga- s/t
With a mix of typical indie rock, post rock, folk and tinges of tortoise-like jazz (most heard on 'Kim & Kelly'), this album keeps you on your toes in a fresh new way. every song tends to build and twist and turn on itself within a moment's notice yet keeping its core with the acoustic stylings of folk. I, at first, downloaded it, but almost all the song titles were transcribed wrong, so I decided to buy it and I'm glad I did even if the booklet reveals nothing. no lyrics, not even any pages.. just short liner notes with a url to their website. their website is pretty great though. I downloaded a few other small album pieces that are listed there which are just as good as this album. anyhow, yes, there is mystery inherent here. I also can sort've see a connection between this and Phil Elvrum of Mount Eerie / The Microphones. is it that both main vocalists are named Phil or something else? perhaps that before you even notice, a song ends and another song has begun? the fact that I heard the songs with the wrong titles for the past few months gives the songs zero identity on their own (beyond 'Kim & Kelly' which I got directly from insound the first time I heard it, maybe the real opener after the brief interlude, 'North Shore' and perhaps 'Two Old Witches' which has the most intense lyrical bit.. "I'm dust and youuuuu're dust!"), but as a whole, this album is solid.
Listen: 3
