Friend of Mine

Album Update: Sharon Van Etten – Tramp

Eric — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:03:00 +0000

Tracklist:
1. Warsaw
2. Give Out
3. Serpents
4. Kevin’s
5. Leonard
6. In Line
7. All I Can
8. We Are Fine
9. Magic Chords
10. Ask
11. I’m Wrong
12. Joke or a Lie

Tramp is out on Feburary 7th, 2012 on Jagjaguwar.

Album Update: Miike Snow – Happy to You

Eric — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:50:44 +0000

Tracklist:

1. Enter The Jokers Lair

2. The Wave

3. The Devil’s Work

4. Vase

5. God Help This Divorce

6. Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)

7. Pretender

8. Archipelago

9. Black Tin Box

10. Paddling Out

Happy to You will be released March 27th, 2012 on Columbia Records.

Can’t think of an album coming out in 2012 that I am more excited for.

Album Update: White Rabbits – Milk Famous

Eric — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:25:11 +0000

01. Heavy Metal
02. I’m Not Me
03. Hold It To The Fire
04. Everyone Can’t Be Confused
05. Temporary
06. Are You Free
07. It’s Frightening
08. Danny Come Inside
09. Back For More
10. The Day You Won The War
11. I Had It Coming

Out March 6th on tbd Records.

Coachella 2012!!!!

Eric — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:35:08 +0000

Excitement. Joy. I cannot wait.

Eric’s Favorites for 2011

Eric — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:19:03 +0000

Looking back on 2011, one finds a year that was filled with such hope and tons of rewarding music from bands that I had not yet discovered. The year could be characterized as one where I devoted much of my listening time to albums released in years previous, but I still have favorites from this year that I will always recall fondly. Here’s to 2012 being yet another year for amazing art to be created and appreciated!

Honorable Mention: We Are Rising by Son Lux, Vice Verses by Switchfoot, The People’s Key by Bright Eyes, Let England Shake by PJ Harvey, Fictionist EP by Fictionist, S/T by James Blake, The Reckoning by NEEDTOBREATHE, The King of Limbs by Radiohead, 12 Desperate Straight Lines by Telekinesis

In alphabetical order…

Bon Iver by Bon Iver

There isn’t much left to say about an album like this. Bon Iver has done more than the unthinkable, he has done the remarkable. Here is an album that just oozes beauty and subtlety, aided by Justin Vernon’s distinct style. The songs seamlessly transition between each other, each their own distinct work within this fantastic album, yet all contributing to the whole of the work. This is the perfect album to listen to through rain or shine, whether walking, driving, or just hanging out. Especially the last song, the most risky one on the album, is welcomed with open arms, letting an album finish on its own terms.

build a rocket boys! by Elbow

With a band like Elbow, one can count on a work of honesty, subtlety, and poetry. Gus Garvey and the gang are not afraid to wear their heart on their collective sleeves, quickly becoming one of the most interesting and amazing bands in the world. With build a rocket boys!, their fifth official release, we find Elbow’s simpler, quieter side. This is an album that examines youth and what it means to grow up, as told through the eyes of Gus Garvey. Don’t miss out on one of the most self assured albums of 2011 or seeing the band live. They will blow your mind.

Burst Apart by The Antlers

Having heard very little of The Antlers in my life up to the release of this album, I wasn’t sure what to expect. With a single described as “Radiohead-like”, my interest was piqued, and that led me to discover this gem. This album shows the musical genius of this band as they weave the aftermath of a relationship “burst”ing apart. There is the utmost care and devotion to the songs, with plenty of emotion to show that this is a real thing. From the first sounds of “I Don’t Want Love”, this album conquers your hears in a web of beauty and some damn good song structure. It was my trip to Israel that really solidified this album in my brain as a winner in 2011, with the Israeli countryside forever associated with the music. A fine work.

El Camino by The Black Keys

Brothers was a fantastic meshing of blues and rock and roll. El Camino is a kick ass, never ending rock and roll onslaught that is perfect for the road. One of the funest albums of the year and one that you just can’t stop spinning.

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

It is the single that says everything. “Helplessness Blues” is one of the finest songs I have heard in a long time. And the album that goes around it is just as stunning. I didn’t really find much in White Winter Hymnal to demand my attention, but Helplessness Blues coaxes you in with some of the best songwriting of the year. Those vocal harmonies are to die for as well. If there was a band that I can’t wait to see live in 2012, it is this one.

Odd Soul by MUTEMATH

What a victorious return! MUTEMATH’s Odd Soul is a work of absolute genius and a welcome return to an attitude that hasn’t been seen since before their self-titled record came out. This what a band sounds like when they are most comfortable with who their are as a band and as human beings. Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas is a monster of musical ability, Darren King is still the drum master, and Paul brings it all together with fantastic vocals and keys. This album is meant to be played loud!

Simple Math by Manchester Orchestra

I don’t know what these guys have done that I haven’t liked, and Simple Math is no exception to this rule. Sure, the biting lyrics of Mean Everything to Nothing are gone, but what replaces them are some of the best lyrics Andy Hull and the gang have ever written. This is an album about a relationship that had to be fought for, and it shows. “April Fool” is a standout track, a loud, quick track with one of the best guitar hooks that this band has ever done.

Slave Ambient by The War on Drugs

Perhaps the latest addition to my attention this year, I didn’t really hear any of The War on Drugs until my friend showed them to me. And even then, it took a live show for me to really fall in love with this band and their music. There is something about this music and these songs my brain really enjoys hearing and listening to. It’s the kind of music you wich you could listen to all the time and never get tired of it.

Within and Without by Washed Out

This is the ultimate insomnia fighting album for me. My brain waves, upon hearing the opening riffs, just syncs up with this in a way that is hard to explain. I really like this album and something would truly be amiss if this wasn’t included on my favorite albums of the year list. Do yourself a favor and give it at least one listen. Maybe you will see what I am talking about.

Zonoscope by Cut Copy

Like The Antlers, I had knowingly heard little of Cut Copy before Zonoscope. As one of my first discoveries of 2011, this was a pleasant surprise that grew on me the more I listened to it. Thank you music blogs for drawing my attention to this fun, dancey, throwback of an album. Definitely the first thing I throw on the stereo if people ask me to play something good. Has never failed me yet.

Here’s to 2012, my friends! May it be the best year yet!

My Top 100 Tracks of 2011

Eric — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:49:05 +0000

It’s always nice to begin a tradition, especially one that offers such an interesting look on a year. The fact I enjoy listening to albums as a complete work, this list seems to favor works by the Antlers, Washed Out, Elbow, and PJ Harvey, which is fine, because those are great albums. It is important to note that this is not a list that measures quality, but rather quantity. But that is not to say that any of these songs are duds. As I wrote last year, credit goes to Edgar Wright. And now, without further ado, here are my top 100 tracks of 2011 by amounts of listens.

Pos./”Song”/Artist/Album

1. “Odd Soul” MUTEMATH Odd Soul

2. “French Exit” The Antlers Burst Apart

3. “Parentheses” The Antlers Burst Apart

4. “Eyes be Closed” Washed Out Within and Without

5. “I Don’t Want Love” The Antlers Burst Apart

6. “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out” The Antlers Burst Apart

7. “Echoes” Washed Out Within and Without

8. “Tiptoe” The Antlers Burst Apart

9. “Corsicana” The Antlers Burst Apart

10. “Putting the Dog to Sleep” The Antlers Burst Apart

11. “Amor Fati” Washed Out Within and Without

12. “A Dedication” Washed Out Within and Without

13. “Before” Washed Out Within and Without

14. “No Widows” The Antlers Burst Apart

15. “Within and Without” Washed Out Within and Without

16.”You and I” Washed Out Within and Without

17. “Neat Little Rows” Elbow build a rocket boys!

18. “Hounds” The Antlers Burst Apart

19. “Far Away” Washed Out Within and Without

20. “Midnight City” M83 Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

21. “Soft” Washed Out Within and Without

22. “The Birds” Elbow build a rocket boys!

23. “With Love” Elbow build a rocket boys!

24. “Lippy Kids” Elbow build a rocket boys!

25. “The River” Elbow build a rocket boys!

26. “Rolled Together” The Antlers Burst Apart

27. “Codex” Radiohead The King of Limbs

28. “Dear Friends” Elbow build a rocket boys!

29. “Jesus is a Rochdale Girl” Elbow build a rocket boys!

30.”Civilization” Justice Audio Video Disco

31. “The Night Will Always Win” Elbow build a rocket boys!

32. “Bloom” Radiohead The King of Limbs

33. “Open Arms” Elbow build a rocket boys!

34. “Morning Mr. Magpie” Radiohead The King of Limbs

35. “Lotus Flower” Radiohead The King of Limbs

36. “Dark Horses” Switchfoot Vice Verses

37. “The Birds (reprise)” Elbow build a rocket boys!

38. “Let England Shake” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

39. “Give Up the Ghost” Radiohead The King of Limbs

40. “High Ideals” Elbow build a rocket boys!

41. “Perth” Bon Iver Bon Iver

42. “Simple Math” Manchester Orchestra Simple Math

43. “Take Me Over” Cut Copy Zonoscope

44. “Wolves at the Door” David Bazan Strange Negotiations

45. “Last Living Rose” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

46. “Need You Now” Cut Copy Zonoscope

47. “The Glorious Land” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

48. “The Words That Maketh Murder” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

49. “Bitter Branches” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

50. “Montezuma” Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

51. “Feral” Radiohead The King of Limbs

52. “In the Dark Places” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

53. “On Battleship Hill” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

54. “Blood Pressure” Mute Math Odd Soul

55. “I Never Learnt to Share” James Blake James Blake

56. “Bedouin Dress” Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

57. “Where I’m Going” Cut Copy Zonoscope

58. “All And Everyone” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

59. “England” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

60. “Hanging on a Wire” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

61. “Written on the Forehead” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

62. “April Fool” Manchester Orchestra Simple Math

63. “Silver Girl” Fictionist Fictionist EP

64. “Lonely Boy” The Black Keys El Camino

65. “Little By Little” Radiohead The King of Limbs

66. “Unluck” James Blake James Blake

67. “Helplessness Blues” Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

68. “C’est la Mort” The Civil Wars Barton Hollow

69. “Hanging on to Every Heartbeat” Cut Copy Zonoscope

70. “Corner of the Sky” Cut Copy Zonoscope

71. “Give Me My Mouth” James Blake James Blake

72. “The Colour of the Earth” PJ Harvey Let England Shake

73. “The Wilhelm Scream” James Blake James Blake

74. “Separator” Radiohead The King of Limbs

75. “The Real Thing” Fictionist Fictionist EP

76. “Distraction” Fictionist Fictionist EP

77. “Pumped Up Kicks” Foster the People Torches

78. “Alisa” Cut Copy Zonoscope

79. “Pharaohs & Pyramids” Cut Copy Zonoscope

80. “Lindisfarne I” James Blake James Blake

81. “Lindisfarne II” James Blake James Blake

82. “Beginner’s Mind” Bright Eyes The People’s Key

83. “Try to Sleep” Low C’mon

84. “Apprehension” Manchester Orchestra Simple Math

85. “Great Escape” Fictionist Fictionist EP

86. “Swept Away” Fictionist Fictionist EP

87. “Cavalries” Mute Math Odd Soul

88. “Figure in the Fog” Fictionist Fictionist EP

89. “20 Years” The Civil Wars Barton Hollow

90. “Barton Hollow” The Civil Wars Barton Hollow

91. “Birds of a Feather” The Civil Wars Barton Hollow

92. “I Mind” James Blake James Blake

93. “Blink and You’ll Miss the Revolution” Cut Copy Zonoscope

94. “Strange Nostalgia for the Future” Cut Copy Zonoscope

95. “Houdini” Foster the People Torches

96. “Pensacola” Manchester Orchestra Simple Math

97. “Think You Can Wait” The National Win Win Soundtrack

98. “Rising” Son Lux We are Rising

99. “Minnesota, WI” Bon Iver Bon Iver

100. “Holocene” Bon Iver Bon Iver

Happy New Year, my friends!

Album of the year goes to…

morgan miller — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:06:28 +0000

In just 28 days (the month of February, 2011), Ryan Lott and his magical crew have created a masterpiece: We Are Rising.
This album was funded NPR, completed on a dare, and it came out beautifully. The sound is fresh, new and interesting; it is sometimes dark, but often hopeful, playful and inspiring.
It is a DJ and producer’s conception, strung together with acoustic and organic instruments, performed wonderfully by many talented guests such as DM Stith.
When I first heard it, I thought, “this is like Age of Adz but without the Sufjan.”
And it is, in a way. But much more. I urge you to check it out.
And if I could have one wish, it would be to be able to work for this musical genius in some capacity, or maybe to at least hear this album get the hype and credit it deserves.

OSR: MUTEMATH – Odd Soul

Eric — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:50:59 +0000

A band that becomes comfortable with who they are makes the best music.

OSR: Bon Iver – S/T

Eric — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:48:55 +0000

Beauty in the boring.

OSR: Justice – Audio, Video, Disco

Eric — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:46:44 +0000

Alienating your fan-base has never sounded so much like the 80′s.