Song of the Day: "Fasten You To Me" by The Belle Brigade

>> Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Whenever I buy a new record, I always listen to the last track first. I have a theory that the final track is closest to the artists heart. Its the song that the artist fought to get on there. It is the one, that might never see radio daylight, but is often the most impactful and personal on the album. But, it's just a theory.

Anyways, this is one of those final song gems.

"Fasten You To Me" by The Belle Brigade

My Up and Coming Music List. Updated 5/30/11

>> Monday, May 30, 2011



Inspired by Stevie's Up And Coming Book List, I am going to start the same thing with my music purchased for the year. I found this to be really useful in 2010, that I am starting even earlier for 2011.

My favorite blog to write is my year end music review. And it be honest, I start it in January of each year. I start collecting music as soon as possible, and use a smart playlist to amass them all in one place for easy listening and examining.

Below you will see a quick list of the albums I have picked up so far this year. I will try to update them every month or so. If I have an opinion of the record, will post a quick note, but keep in mind, I may change mine.


Adele - "21" ----- So far, easily one of my favorites. I am not sure how long it will stick with me. It is so emotionally ripe, that it wears me out to listen to it. For now, that is a great ride, but it might get tiresome.

Alexander – “Alexander” ----- It’s like Edward Sharpe (understandably) meets Simon and Garfunkel (unexpected). I was anticipating it to be a little bit too one note, but it has actually gone the other direction. Not sure if that is a good thing or not yet, I’ll let you know.

Angus & Julia Stone - "Down The Way" ----- Yes, this was released in 2010. But I consider the last quarter of last year, a part of this one. It is too hard to fall in love with a record in 3 months, let alone, digest it enough to know if its crap or not. But, so far, this one is NOT crap. It’s mellow and breezy and wonderful.

**NEW** The Antlers – “Burst Apart” ----- Their journey continues. From the master piece that was “Hospice” to this, this band does not disappoint. I am afraid of how much this record might take over my life.

**NEW** Architecture In Helsinki – “Moment Bends” ----- My good mood record. It carries a vibe into a room that cannot be hated.

Atmosphere – “The Family Sign” ----- It seems as though, Atmosphere cannot let me down. Now, I am not sure that this album will reach the peaks that “Sevens Travels” or “…Paint That Shit Gold” did, but it’s well on its way.

**NEW** The Beastie Boys – “Hot Sause Committee Part Two” ----- I have friends that were really stoked about this record, so I picked it up, expecting to be blown away. But it is just tired. Nothing fresh, new or exciting, and has no direction.

**NEW** Beat Connection – “Surf Noir” ----- Seattle band, does not do a whole lot for me.

The Bell Brigade – “The Bell Brigade” ----- **NEW Review** So, a month ago, I thought this record was just “not so bad,” but now I love it. While I have been gathering nominees for my best songs of the year this, this band tops the totals. With 5 songs garnering 5 star ratings.

Big K.R.I.T. – “Return of 4Eva” ----- **NEW Review** Good but not great. Nice flow, decent lyrics. Kinda a throw back. But middle of the pack.

BOAT - "Dress Like Your Idols" ----- One of my favorite NW bands, but don’t use this record to fall in love with them. This record feels completely rushed and it’s very frustrating.

Bow Ribbons - "Bow Ribbons" ----- **NEW Review** I have gone from saying “if in the right mood, this record can be perfect. Super melancholy, moody, Janis sounding, folk rocking, creative record. Again, only fits one mood, but that mood needs a soundtrack.” To abhorring this record.  

The Boxer Rebellion - "The Cold Still" ----- **NEW Review** Does not stand out.  

Brett Dennen – “Loverboy” ----- I fathom that when summer rolls around, this will be my album of choice. It is windows down music. I think I love it.

The Cave Singers - "No Witch" ----- **NEW Review** I was so excited for this record release, a northwest band that I expect to do major things. But I have been sharply disappointed. Feels rushed, like they just wanted to put out a record.

The Civil Wars - "Barton Hollow" ----- I love this band. This record, their first full length, is exactly as it should be. Is it for everyone? No, probably not. But, for a folk/blues/singersongwriter hound like me, it is wonderful.

Cold War Kids - "Mine Is Yours" ----- Easily the most disappointing record of the year. Still does not come within an iota of this bands debut. They lost their way. They went from sounding distinctly like COLD WAR KIDS, to trying to sound like a radio friendly, borderline KINGS OF LEON tribute band. I have nothing against the Kings, but they could not hold a candle to Kids "Robbers & Cowards."

Crystal Stilts – “In Love With Oblivion” ----- Picked this on an “if you like this lo-fi garage rock band, you’ll love these guys” recommendation. And that person was just wrong. There is nothing to hold onto on this record. Slips right through earfingers.

**NEW** Death Cab For Cutie – “Codes And Keys” ----- Just got it. Hope it’s good. I would like to jump on this train eventually.

The Dodos - "No Color" ----- This is the record I have been waiting for from the band. As I wrote on my recent Song Of The Day, "The band learned from their mistakes, simplified, honed into what made them stand out in the first place, and embraced it. So many bands think they need to evolve so much that they force it and fall short of themselves, most never recover from this mistake, but not the dodos."

**NEW** Eddie Vedder – “Ukulele Songs” ----- I just got this, have not listened yet. But I have high hopes. Strange hopes, but high just the same.

Eisley - "The Valley" ----- Not loving it. Some songs are just too radio friendly versions of Paramore. And, I am not a fan of Paramore.

**NEW** Elbow – “Build A Rocket Boys!” ----- Has a great track or two, but is otherwise just cookiecutter.

**NEW** Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues” ----- I hear a lot of people tossing out words like genius and perfect when it comes to this record. And although, I am not one to really judge on that front, it is too much of the same for me. I mean, it is super good, and well made and all that junk, but it feels like one long song.

Florence + The Machine - "Lungs: The B-Sides" -----  A diversion from the record that was not needed, and only partially succeeds.

**NEW** Foster The People – “Torches” ----- Just got it, no opinion yet.

French Horn Rebellion – “The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion” ----- Picked this up hoping to find this years Chromeo, and so far, it is filling that void, not sure if it has the staying power. Has one great track.

**NEW** Friendly Fires – “Pala” ----- Just got it, no opinion yet.

Grouplove - "Grouplove" ----- My favorite "EP" (Not identified as an "ep" but with only 6 tracks, it is not a full length) of the year. Every track is keeper. This record makes me want summer to be here now. Listen and you will understand.

Hercules & Love Affair - "Blue Songs" ----- Not memorable, but not forgettable. Some great tracks. Some awful ones.

Hey Rosetta! – “Seeds” ----- This band has a sound that is hard to describe. It's like if you take the delicate mastery of Hey Marseilles and combine it with the chaotic perfection of Los Campesinos! you would stumble into these Canadians. It works.

**NEW** Idiot Glee – “Paddywhack” ----- I have only delved about halfway into this record, but every new song I hear makes me want to listen to more. So, that is a good sign.

J Mascis - "Several Shades of Why" ----- I have started to describe this Dinosaur JR frontman's solo release as a beautiful hybrid of Tallest Man On Earth and Solo Eddie Vedder. I hate making such bold comparisons, but it suits.

James Vincent McMorrow – **NEW Review** People are calling him the Irish Bon Iver, and although I hate when people do that, it is not far off. He has a quiet genius about his sound. It is simply a beautiful record. One of my favorites.

Jessica Lea Mayfield - "Tell Me" ----- I didn't know apathetic could be sexy. But someone. Jessica Lea Mayfield makes it happen. Her voice has an "I have feelings, but I don't give a shit" vibe to it that is impossible to describe until you hear it. Now, does that voice make this a good record? I think it might.

The Joy Formidable - "The Big Roar" ----- This is the kind of band that can only be played loud. Right now, one of my favorites, but I can see how it could become grating.

**NEW** Kate Bush – “Directors’ Cut” ----- I just got this, like just now. But I have never been able to love an entire Kate Bush album. I’ll let you know.

**NEW** Let’s Wrestle – Nursing Home” ----- I feel like if this were 1999, I would love this English soft punk rock stuff. But now, it’s just eh.

Lissie – “Catching A Tiger” ----- **NEW Review** Lissie reminds me of Justin Nozuka. Not in any tangible way, but in the way that both their records snuck up on me, and from song to song, they can become completely different artists. They are both chameleons.  I love this record hard.

Loch Lomond – “Little Me Will Start A Storm” ----- This is a record that I am excited to fall in love with. Seems like it is more suited for grey days, but we have plenty of those.

Lulu & The Lampshades - "Cold Water EP" ----- Quirky and great. I wish there were more.

Lupe Fiasco – “Lasers” ----- Not bad, but not memorable.

Lykee Li - "Wounded Rhymes" ----- One of the best of the year so far. 

**NEW** Manchester Orchestra – “Simple Math” ----- I have a soft spot for Manchester Orchestra. People who know me, know this, and accept it as one of my flaws. This record is no different. It is like a nice medium from where they were back on “Like a Virgin…” and their most recent release “Mean Everything….” And it is exactly what my year needed.

The Mountain Goats - "All Eternals Deck" ----- I have been converted into a fan. It has a quiet raw power that is hard to quantify.

**NEW** Musiq – “Musiqinthemagiq” ----- Unspecial.

**NEW** My Morning Jacket – “Circuital” ----- Just got it, have never been a fan. But I always try.

Noah & The Whale - "Last Night On Earth" ----- Tried way too hard. Unfortunately, fails.

 of Montreal – “thecontrollersphere” ----- **NEW Review** It’s a mess of a record. I cannot get behind it.

The Oh Wells - "The EP that We Love" ----- This little Canadian band has made me realize that I cannot just blanketly decide to shun all things from a country. Great EP. Cannot wait to see what they can do with a full length.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - "Belong" ----- Was in love after too spins, but it was beer goggles. I am firmly in like. I love it musically; I just wish it had a different voice.

Pearl and the Beard – “Killing the Darlings” ------ I love it. They have taken their sound to a whole new, refined, mastered place.

Psychologist – “Waves of OK EP” ----- **NEW Review** 5 total tracks, and 3 of them have burrowed their way into my soul.

Rural Alberta Advantage - "Departing" -----  This has moved from a record that I really wanted to like but was having trouble getting behind, to a record I cannot stop listening to. It is the frontrunner.

**NEW** Seapony – “Go With M” ----- Literally just purchased this 1 min ago. But I have been eagerly awaiting this Seattle bands release. I think its gonna be good.

Seryn - "This Is Where We Are" ----- The Head and the Heart told me to buy this record. And since they are one of my favorite bands, I figured their advice in music could not be far off, so I picked it up. And, lucky for me, they were very very right. One of those bands that you take mental note of, so you can come back and enjoy more later.

**NEW** SLOWWAVE – “Drag Lake Sin” ----- Just got it, no opinion yet.

Talib Kweli - "Gutter Rainbows" ----- Couple great tracks on a mediocre album.

Tune-Yards – “W H O K I L L” ----- One album of this was great, two, is too much. I need to see growth, I am disappointed.

TV On The Radio – “Nine Types of Light” ----- This is one of those records that you do not realize you like until you already like it. Its got that familiar, yet new, feeling to it.

The Unthanks – “Last” ----- So far so eh. I have found myself both liking and dismissing this album at the same time. I’ll give it a better spin later and update you.

**NEW** The Vaccines – “What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?” ----- Just got it, no opinion yet.

**NEW** The Wave Pictures – “Beer In The Breakers” ----- There could be magic here. I wish there was. But as good as the songs are, and no matter how strong the lyrics can be, there is just something missing. I think it has to do with the voice. Hard to place.

We F.A.M. - "Reality Check" ------ NW Hip-Hop group that at times is spectacular, and at times has too many cooks in the kitchen. But unlike most hip-hop records the good far out ways the bad on this self produced album. Some tracks stand so far out, that I am sure the will pepper this website by years end.

**NEW** White Denim – “D” ----- Just got it, no opinion yet.


**NEW** William Fitzsimmons – “Gold In The Shadow” ----- Just got it, no opinion yet.

Wye Oak - "Civilian" ----- One of my favorite records right now. I just sings to me. I am not going to get all over wordy for once. It's just super good.

Youth Rescue Mission - "Youth Rescue Mission" ---- This Seattle band, by way of Montana, has me all in a tizzy. This group of siblings make noises to die for. I keep trying to string together other artists to give you a good description/comparison of style/sound, but all combo's fall short. Yes, you can hear a bit of The Head and the Heart, a dollop of Blind Pilot, a tad of Hey Marseilles, and a smidge of Choir of Young Believers, but in only the littlest of amounts. They are distinctly their own. And I am loving it. 

Yuck – “Yuck” ----- In all the ways that Crystal Stilts does not work, Yuck does. I feel like this is going to be like when I found the dodos back in 2009 and they took over my life. It’s good.

Song of the Day: "Belongings" by Clock Opera

>> Friday, May 27, 2011

I know nothing about this band. Hell, I don't even know if its a full on band or just some genius singular guy. It was one of my Moshi Moshi Records yearly subscription finds. But I know that I love this song. And that, soon, probably within 27 mins, I will know everything I can about Clock Opera. I love how it builds and climbs and just becomes a beautiful beautiful full on tumble of music.

"Belongings" by Clock Opera

Song of the Day: "Floorplan" by Youth Rescue Mission

>> Thursday, May 26, 2011

I am still constantly falling in love with Youth Rescue Mission. I shared them as a band of the week earlier this year, and because I am lazy, I am just going to reshare some of the key points from that posting.

Youth Rescue Mission, a Seattle band, by way of Montana, has me all in a tizzy. This group of siblings make noises to die for. I keep trying to string together other artists to give you a good description/comparison of style/sound, but all combo's fall short. Yes, you can hear a bit of The Head and the Heart, a dollop of Blind Pilot, a tad of Hey Marseilles, and a smidge of Choir of Young Believers, but in only the littlest of amounts. They are distinctly their own. And I am loving it.

There is one difficult lesson I hope this band learns before they proceed onto their sophomore effort. They are much much stronger when they allow Hannah to take the lead. Now I know, that if I were in a band, I would be hard pressed to let my sister stand up front. But, on this record, the songs that shine the brightest, are those where she leads the pack.

"Floorplan" by Youth Rescue Mission

Song of the Day: "Simple Math" by Manchester Orchestra

>> Wednesday, May 25, 2011

This video is pretty incredible. And the song is not too shabby either. People that follow this blog know that I have been a long time, huge, fan of Manchester Orchestra, and more specifically, Andy Hull, the lead singer. Now, I am not sure that this record lives up to the standard I have created for them, but, it does not disappoint. This song is lovely.

"Simple Math" by Manchester Orchestra

Song of the Day: "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison

>> Monday, May 23, 2011

I know that I have a tendency to focus on newer tunes, and I have often been be-riddled for my lack of musical history appreciation. And its not that I think music started in the 90's. I have a real tie to some classics, but the are the sounds that define my memories. However, this is one of those classics that will always have a real place in my heart, and gut.

"Crazy Love" by Van Morrison

Song of the Day: "Glimpses" by Alexander

>> Sunday, May 22, 2011

So pretty. Like a slow dance lit from behind, with only black silhouettes moving as one.

"Glimpses" by Alexander 

Song of the Day: "Happy Day" by Idiot Glee

>> Saturday, May 21, 2011

Sorry about the blog absence. I have been lost within myself. The clouds are clearing. Here is the best representation of today.

It is the most somber song about a happy day ever. Enjoy

"Happy Day" by Idiot Glee

Song of the Day: "I'm A Pilot" by Fanfarlo

>> Tuesday, May 17, 2011

This is actually a song that we have had on this blog before, but last nights episode of Chuck gave me a new appreciation of it. It was a great song all on its own, but by scoring such a pivotal scene of one of my favorite shows took it to fantastic.

From the 5/16/11 episode "Chuck vs. The Cliffhanger" I give you....

"I'm A Pilot" by Fanfarlo

Song of the Day: "Hear The Noise That Moves So Soft And Low" by James Vincent McMorrow

>> Sunday, May 15, 2011

Quite possibly, my favorite song of the moment. I just fills all the holes whole.

"Hear The Noise That Moves So Soft And Low" by James Vincent McMorrow

Song of the Day: "Corsicana" by The Antlers

>> Friday, May 13, 2011

I have been a little down lately, and spending half of today in the ER did not help things. But anyways, it is what it is, and this is what I have been listening too.

The new album by The Antlers is borderline spectacular, and it has been my melancholy meal these last few days. Listen, envelop.

"Corsicana" by The Antlers

Stevie's Song of the Day: "Boys Don't Cry" cover by Grant Lee Phillips

>> Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Song of the Day: "Love Lost" by The Temper Trap

It's funny how The Temper Trap keeps popping back up. It's an album that I truly love, and that has only grown on me more and more since it came out in 2009. As I am working on my best albums of all time rewrite, this album keeps moving up. I bet it ends up in the top 10 somewhere.

"Love Lost" by The Temper Trap

Song of the Day: "Behavior" by Amanda Palmer

>> Monday, May 9, 2011

I am still finding gems off the Terrible Thrills Vol. 1, Steel Train cover songs release. This one is by Amanda Palmer. It turns a song on its ear. I even really love the extra creepy voice at the end.

But, all in all, it is a beautiful rendition that a whole album could be built around.

"Behavior" by Amanda Palmer

Song of the Day: "Benson Hedges" by fun.

>> Saturday, May 7, 2011

So, I was standing in line at the grocery store yesterday. Getting some chicken. When a loud ass noise started to emanate from my pocket. It was a ringtone from one of my favorite "who are they?" bands, fun. No, not more then 3 seconds of the song had been playing when the hipster behind me in line commented on how great of a song that is, and if I was going to go see them when they come to town. I mean, it was 3 seconds of a random song that even some of my best music friends don't know, and this random guy nailed it. It was awesome. So, in honor of you, hipster, here you go.

And, no, I am not going to see them, they are opening up for Panic! at the Disco, so, yeah, no.

"Benson Hedges" by fun. 

Song of the Day: "40K" by Pearl and the Beard

>> Thursday, May 5, 2011

So, Pearl and the Beard have something good going on. Their new album has taken a big step forward in fulfilling their potential, I am very impressed and looking forward to really letting this album sink in.

"40K" by Pearl and the Beard

My Up and Coming Music List. Updated 5/2/11

>> Monday, May 2, 2011

Inspired by Stevie's Up And Coming Book List, I am going to start the same thing with my music purchased for the year. I found this to be really useful in 2010, that I am starting even earlier for 2011.

My favorite blog to write is my year end music review. And it be honest, I start it in January of each year. I start collecting music as soon as possible, and use a smart playlist to amass them all in one place for easy listening and examining.

Below you will see a quick list of the albums I have picked up so far this year. I will try to update them every month or so. If I have an opinion of the record, will post a quick note, but keep in mind, I may change mine.


Adele - "21" ----- So far, easily one of my favorites. I am not sure how long it will stick with me. It is so emotionally ripe, that it wears me out to listen to it. For now, that is a great ride, but it might get tiresome.

Angus & Julia Stone - "Down The Way" ----- Yes, this was released in 2010. But I consider the last quarter of last year, a part of this one. It is too hard to fall in love with a record in 3 months, let alone, digest it enough to know if its crap or not. But, so far, this one is NOT crap. It’s mellow and breezy and wonderful.

**NEW** Alexander – “Alexander” ----- It’s like Edward Sharpe (understandably) meets Simon and Garfunkel (unexpected). I was anticipating it to be a little bit too one note, but it has actually gone the other direction. Not sure if that is a good thing or not yet, I’ll let you know.

**NEW** Atmosphere – “The Family Sign” ----- It seems as though, Atmosphere cannot let me down. Now, I am not sure that this album will reach the peaks that “Sevens Travels” or “…Paint That Shit Gold” did, but it’s well on its way.

**NEW** The Bell Brigade – “The Bell Brigade” ----- So far, not at all bad, but not at all memorable. Except for the song Losers. That one I love.

**NEW** Big K.R.I.T. – “Return of 4Eva” ----- All I know about this record so far is that it has a horrible name. Have not gotten to give it one spin, just got it yesterday.

BOAT - "Dress Like Your Idols" ----- **NEW Review** One of my favorite NW bands, but don’t use this record to fall in love with them. This record feels completely rushed and it’s very frustrating.

Bow Ribbons - "Bow Ribbons" ----- If in the right mood, this record can be perfect. Super melancholy, moody, Janis sounding, folk rocking, creative record. Again, only fits one mood, but that mood needs a soundtrack. 

The Boxer Rebellion - "The Cold Still" ----- I have only had this for a few days, but so far, I am becoming a fan. 

**NEW** Brett Dennen – “Loverboy” ----- I fathom that when summer rolls around, this will be my album of choice. It is windows down music. I think I love it.

The Cave Singers - "No Witch" ----- I was so excited for this record release, a northwest band that I expect to do major things. I have not given it the listen it deserves yet (blame Adele), but from what I have heard, it is a stout record.

The Civil Wars - "Barton Hollow" ----- I love this band. This record, their first full length, is exactly as it should be. Is it for everyone? No, probably not. But, for a folk/blues/singersongwriter hound like me, it is wonderful.

Cold War Kids - "Mine Is Yours" ----- Easily the most disappointing record of the year. Still does not come within an iota of this bands debut. They lost their way. They went from sounding distinctly like COLD WAR KIDS, to trying to sound like a radio friendly, borderline KINGS OF LEON tribute band. I have nothing against the Kings, but they could not hold a candle to Kids "Robbers & Cowards."

**NEW** Crystal Stilts – “In Love With Oblivion” ----- Picked this on an “if you like this lo-fi garage rock band, you’ll love these guys” recommendation. And that person was just wrong. There is nothing to hold onto on this record. Slips right through earfingers.

The Dodos - "No Color" ----- This is the record I have been waiting for from the band. As I wrote on my recent Song Of The Day, "The band learned from their mistakes, simplified, honed into what made them stand out in the first place, and embraced it. So many bands think they need to evolve so much that they force it and fall short of themselves, most never recover from this mistake, but not the dodos."

Eisley - "The Valley" ----- Not loving it. Some songs are just too radio friendly versions of Paramore. And, I am not a fan of Paramore.

Florence + The Machine - "Lungs: The B-Sides" ----- **NEW Review** A diversion from the record that was not needed, and only partially succeeds.

**NEW** French Horn Rebellion – “The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion” ----- picked this up hoping to find this years Chromeo, and so far, it is filling that void, not sure if it has the staying power.

Grouplove - "Grouplove" ----- My favorite "EP" (Not identified as an "ep" but with only 6 tracks, it is not a full length) of the year. Every track is keeper. This record makes me want summer to be here now. Listen and you will understand.

Hercules & Love Affair - "Blue Songs" ----- Not memorable, but not forgettable. Some great tracks. Some awful ones.

**NEW** Hey Rosetta! – “Seeds” ----- This band has a sound that is hard to describe. It's like if you take the delicate mastery of Hey Marseilles and combine it with the chaotic perfection of Los Campesinos! you would stumble into these Canadians. It works.

J Mascis - "Several Shades of Why" ----- I have started to describe this Dinosaur JR frontman's solo release as a beautiful hybrid of Tallest Man On Earth and Solo Eddie Vedder. I hate making such bold comparisons, but it suits.

**NEW** James Vincent McMorrow – People are calling him the Irish Bon Iver, and although I hate when people do that, it is not far off. He has a quiet genius about his sound. I think I am going to like this record.

Jessica Lea Mayfield - "Tell Me" ----- I didn't know apathetic could be sexy. But someone. Jessica Lea Mayfield makes it happen. Her voice has an "I have feelings, but I don't give a shit" vibe to it that is impossible to describe until you hear it. Now, does that voice make this a good record? I think it might.

The Joy Formidable - "The Big Roar" ----- This is the kind of band that can only be played loud. Right now, one of my favorites, but I can see how it could become grating.

**NEW** Lissie – “Catching A Tiger” ----- Lissie reminds me of Justin Nozuka. Not in any tangible way, but in the way that both their records snuck up on me, and from song to song, they can become completely different artists. They are both chameleons.  

**NEW** Loch Lomond – “Little Me Will Start A Storm” ----- This is a record that I am excited to fall in love with. Seems like it is more suited for grey days, but we have plenty of those.

Lulu & The Lampshades - "Cold Water EP" ----- Quirky and great. I wish there were more.

**NEW** Lupe Fiasco – “Lasers” ----- Not bad, but not memorable.

Lykee Li - "Wounded Rhymes" ----- Best of the year so far. 

The Mountain Goats - "All Eternals Deck" ----- **NEW Review** I have been converted into a fan. It has a quiet raw power that is hard to quantify.

Noah & The Whale - "Last Night On Earth" ----- **NEW Review** Tried way too hard. Unfortunately, fails.

**NEW** of Montreal – “thecontrollersphere” ----- Just picked it up, have not listened yet, will update later.

The Oh Wells - "The EP that We Love" ----- This little Canadian band has made me realize that I cannot just blanketly decide to shun all things from a country. Great EP. Cannot wait to see what they can do with a full length.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - "Belong" ----- **NEW Review** Was in love after too spins, but it was beer goggles. I am firmly in like. I love it musically, I just wish it had a different voice.

**NEW** Pearl and the Beard – “Killing the Darlings” ------ I just got this, but I love it. They have taken their sound to a whole new, refined, mastered place.

**NEW** Psychologist – “Waves of OK EP” ----- One great song, but not a great record.

Rural Alberta Advantage - "Departing" ----- **NEW Review** This has moved from a record that I really wanted to like but was having trouble getting behind, to a record I cannot stop listening to. It is the frontrunner.

Seryn - "This Is Where We Are" ----- The Head and the Heart told me to buy this record. And since they are one of my favorite bands, I figured their advice in music could not be far off, so I picked it up. And, lucky for me, they were very very right. One of those bands that you take mental note of, so you can come back and enjoy more later.

Talib Kweli - "Gutter Rainbows" ----- Couple great tracks on a mediocre album.

**NEW** Tune-Yards – “W H O K I L L” ----- One album of this was great, two, is too much. I need to see growth, I am disappointed.

**NEW** TV On The Radio – “Nine Types of Light” ----- This is one of those records that you do not realize you like until you already like it. Its got that familiar, yet new, feeling to it.

**NEW** The Unthanks – “Last” ----- So far so eh. I have found myself both liking and dismissing this album at the same time. I’ll give it a better spin later and update you.

We F.A.M. - "Reality Check" ------ NW Hip-Hop group that at times is spectacular, and at times has too many cooks in the kitchen. But unlike most hip-hop records the good far out ways the bad on this self produced album. Some tracks stand so far out, that I am sure the will pepper this website by years end.

Wye Oak - "Civilian" ----- One of my favorite records right now. I just sings to me. I am not going to get all over wordy for once. It's just super good.

Youth Rescue Mission - "Youth Rescue Mission" ---- This Seattle band, by way of Montana, has me all in a tizzy. This group of siblings make noises to die for. I keep trying to string together other artists to give you a good description/comparison of style/sound, but all combo's fall short. Yes, you can hear a bit of The Head and the Heart, a dollop of Blind Pilot, a tad of Hey Marseilles, and a smidge of Choir of Young Believers, but in only the littlest of amounts. They are distinctly their own. And I am loving it. 

**NEW** Yuck – “Yuck” ----- In all the ways that Crystal Stilts does not work, Yuck does. I feel like this is going to be like when I found the dodos back in 2009 and they took over my life. It’s good.

Song of the Day: "Losers" by The Belle Brigade

One of my favorite tracks of 2011. Easily.

"Losers" by The Belle Brigade

Show of the Day: Ivan & Alyosha, Grand Hallway and The Head and the Heart

>> Sunday, May 1, 2011

So, last night at The Moore, the Head and the Heart, yet again, left me flabbergasted. I just wish that exuberant feeling was provided by the rest of the show aswell. It's not that the other bands did not live up to the billing, it was more of a matter of circumstance. Let me explain....
Below you will see a picture of my co-blogger and her other half Ky, stroking his peachfuzz beard. And know this, they were the only two not annoying people in the crowd during the opening acts. So, while Ivan & Alyosha pushed the indie alt folk out into the room, you could hear it, but not feel it, as the alcohol induced hum of the crowd was just too strong. It was so hard to allow myself to be enveloped by the noise. And it only got worse when Grand Hallway took the stage, more people, more alcohol, louder hum all add up to annoyed Addi, Stevie and Ky.
But that all changed, for the most part, when The Head and the Heart took the stage. They awesomed me nearly to death. No wonder they are selling out shows left and right. Portland, tonight, you are in for a treat.

Ivan & Alyosha


"Glorify"



Grand Hallway

"Seward Park"


The Head and the Heart

"Down In The Valley"