2009 Favorite Five

Here are few of my favorite albums from 2009. In no particular order:

Hey Rosetta! Into Your Lungs(And Around in Your Heart and On Through Your Blood)
Though technically this album was released in Canada in 2008. It was officially released in the States in the summer of this year. Anytime I'm asked to recommend new music, the first band that comes to mind is Hey Rosetta!. This album has great songs from start to finish. The lead singer's voice is amazing and you want to learn the words to every song.


John Mayer Battle Studies
If you've fallen in and then out of love in 2009, then this is a album for you. It's was refreshing to hear that I wasn't the only 30 something who doesn't have this love/life thing figured out. I think I've said before, you will try to figure out who tabloid girlfriend he's singing about, but then the music completely takes your mind off of that.


"Bomb are falling everywhere/ It's heartbreak warfare"
"If you want more love/ why don't you say so?" Mr Mayer I want more love (from you), I'm just saying since you asked... ;-)

Jay-Z Blueprint III
Okay. I know that I mainly talk about indie/ alt/ rock alternative, but I listen to one rapper: Jay-Z. He writes without a pen and he waxes poetic unlike any other rapper I've ever heard. Jay's at a status level that most rappers are still trying to attain and his only comparison is to rappers who are no longer living. I played this album for 6 weeks straight! In the car, on my computer, on the MP3 player; I couldn't get enough. Music great, collaborations awesome, and lyrics superb.

Dave Matthews Band Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
With this album the band returned to the way they use to write which is together. During their writing process one of founding members, Le Roi Moore, passed away. He may no longer be on this Earth, but his musical influence is all over this album. Not only is the album title inspired by him, but the album starts and ends with his sax playing. I've been a Dave fan for almost 15 years and I think that they best song they've ever written is on this album. Seven.

Wilco Wilco (the album)
Last but not least, my most favorite band in the world released an album this year. The first song, Wilco (the song), is a nice little ditty about the appreciation the band has for their fans. Overall, you can hear the happiness that resonates through out the band and the musical respect they have for each other. The duet with Feist was a nice change of pace (and I get to pretend I'm her and sing along with Jeff ;-)). Bull Black Nova and One Wing are my two favorites in this line up of songs. The songs are even better live!

Battle Studies

I wasn't sure if I was going to talk about the new John Mayer album, Battle Studies , before I had time to live with it more. From what I've listened to almost non stop for four days, I came to the conclusion that I like it and it does not disappoint. 'Heartbreak Warfare', 'Assassin', 'Crossroads', 'War of My Life', and 'Edge of Desire' are the songs (which is almost half of the album) I can't get out of my head. Surprisingly, John decided to intro this album to the world with the quite, yet insightful song 'Who Says'.
In an (genius) interview on Fuse TV, John cited Tom Petty, Neil Young, Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac as influences in the creation of this album. I think that he left himself off the list. A large portion of this album could be added seamlessly onto his 2001 breakout album Room For Squares.
There are times when I wonder which tabloid girlfriend inspired the love/heartbreak song I'm listening to. But, the music is so good that it quites those thoughts. All of this just to say, "Run out and buy this album!"

Dirty Projectors

For me, one of the best show at Austin City Limits Music Festival was the Dirty Projectors. Due to the muddy situation that day three of the festival posed, I decided to stick to one stage and it was the best decision I made. The Dirty Projectors are originally from Brooklyn, NY. The melting pot that makes New York, New York is the same one that makes Dirty Projectors the Dirty Projectors. They seamlessly blend harmonies with a rock, techno, pop, r&b sound that makes you want to stop and listen for more. I read an interesting article that highlights the musical spectrum that they encompass... Enjoy!http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/11/dirty-projectors-to-perform-with-the-los-angeles-p.html?utm_source=contactology&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Paste_Lifeline+11%2F17%2F09_11_17_09

ACL Alternates

I'm very excited to report that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be headlining Friday night of ACL. After the Beastie Boy's backed out due to illness, there was buzz of who was going to replace them. I'm pretty certain that Miss Karen O will put on one hell of a show... Now I must decided... Kings of Leon or YYY??? Wait, they don't love you like I love you...

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

K o L

I know that I’m not the first to say that Kings of Leon are amazing. Since 2003, album after album they only get progressively better. And you will not be disappointed if you dig back into their discography to some of their earlier albums; Because of the Times, Aha Shake Heartbreak, & Youth & Young Manhood. The band of brother's (Caleb, Nathan, Jared Followill)& a cousin (Matthew Followill) won a Grammy earlier this year (they are now barely getting played on VH1; for me, a true sign of greatness). This summer, their tour is kicking it notch by performing in some of the largest venues in the US. If you get to see them live on tour or performing live on TV (July 31st on The Today Show), take notice of Caleb’s big, beautiful voice effortlessly singing “Use Somebody.” I must say it again AMAZING! The song is now on the play list and here are the lyrics I love; sing along:

I've been roaming around always lookin down at all I see.
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach.
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
And all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers undercover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you
Off in the night while you live it up I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you notice
I hope it's gonna make you notice
Someone like me
Someone like me
Someone like me
Somebody
(Go and let it out)
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
I've been roaming around always lookin down at all I see

Wilco (The Album) Stream

Starting tonight (6/14)at midnight, Wilco (The Album) will be streaming for 24 hours. If you haven't listened to it yet, it is completely worth the free listen. The official release date for the album will be June 30th. I can't wait! And I think I will be streaming it all day...

The Album

I'm really really really excited to announce (late but...) the new Wilco album finally has a title. It's called (drum roll please) Wilco (The Album). There hasn't been an official release date, but we the fans are promised that it will be no later then June 30. And, if you were as lucky as I was, Wilco allowed fans to listen (and pirate if you have the know how) to the tracks last week. I stayed awake long enough to listen through the 11 tracks twice. I left it on loop and slept with my Net PC on the pillow next to me; hoping that the songs would get engraved in my brain. And I kinda think that they did... Here's the track list:
Wilco (the song)*
Deeper Down
One Wing
Bull Black Nova*
You And I
You Never Know
Country Disappeared
Solitaire
I'll Fight
Sonny Feeling
Everlasting Everything
*denotes my early favorites.

Jay Bennett Dies

I woke up this morning to some of the saddest news. Ex-Wilco band member, Jay Bennett, died in his sleep yesterday. He was 45. He's became a member of Wilco in 1996 during the recording of Being There and was infamously kicked out of the band by the end of recording of the much acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album and the middle of the 2002 documentary I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. Earlier this month, Jay filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Jeff Tweedy. He claimed that he wasn't paid all of the royalties from the fore mentioned documentary. My condolences goes out to his family and friends.

Coming Soon...

My future posts will be focusing on the performers for Austin City Limits Music Festival. Majority of these bands are currently on tour, so if you can't make it to ACL then you will likely be able to catch them locally. The line up is amazing this year and the three day passes sold out sooner then they have in previous years. I can't help but to be excited!

Austin City Limits Music Festival Line Up

I just received the line up for ACL Music Festival this morning and I will be there. It's one of their best line ups so far. I thought that I would do all three days ever again, but with a line up like this one, I don't see how that's possible. October 2- 4th will be likely the most amazing days this year. The price for three days at ACL is cheaper then seeing the top 4 acts on their current tours. Here's the line up:

Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Beastie Boys, Kings of Leon, Ben Harper and Relentless7, Thievery Corporation, John Legend, The Dead Weather, The Levon Helm Band, Ghostland Observatory, Sonic Youth, Mos Def, Toadies, Flogging Molly, The B-52s, Lily Allen, Citizen Cope, Arctic Monkeys, The Decemberists, Coheed and Cambria, Andrew Bird, Girl Talk, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), Phoenix, Bassnectar, Bon Iver, !!!, Avett Brothers, The Airborne Toxic Event, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Clutch, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Grizzly Bear, Heartless Bastards, Passion Pit, White Lies, Dan Auerbach, The Walkmen, The Scabs, Reckless Kelly, DeVotchka, Blitzen Trapper, The Virgins, Here We Go Magic, Eek-A-Mouse, K'Naan, Asleep at the Wheel, Dr. Dog, The Raveonettes, The Knux, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, State Radio, Los Amigos Invisibles, The Felice Brothers, Federico Aubele, Raul Malo, Daniel Johnston, Poi Dog Pondering, Brett Dennen, Rodriguez, Henry Butler, Preservation Hall, Sam Roberts Band, The Greencards, Sara Watkins, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, David Garza, John Vanderslice, Zac Brown Band, Todd Snider, School of Seven Bells, The Dodos, Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3, Alberta Cross, Deer Tick, Bell X1, Alela Diane, The Wood Brothers, The Parlor Mob, Rebirth Brass Band, Marva Wright, Terri Hendrix, L.A.X., Lisa Hannigan, The Low Anthem, Sons of Bill, Suckers, Sarah Jaffe, Cotton Jones, The Henry Clay People, Papa Mali, Jypsi, Vince Mira, Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, Mimicking Birds, Jeffrey Steele, Jonell Mosser, Leatherbag, Keith Gattis, Damien Horne, Sarah Siskind, The Dexateens, Nelo, Danny Brooks, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, The Soul Stirrers, The Durdens, Palm School Elementary, The Gospel Silvertones, Diaconos, Quinn Sullivan, Ralph's World, Q Brothers, Milkshake, Telephone Company, Loose Cannons, Lunch Money…

Phoenix on SNL

I can't get Phoenix off my mind, so here's their performance from this past weekend's SNL.

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

P H O E N I X

I was watching Saturday Night Live last night and this amazing band was playing. Every time they performed I would miss the part where they would say what their name was. So first thing this morning, I went on a (brief yet rewarding) hunt to find out who they were. Phoenix! They are a band that hails from France. Take a listen to track 24 and 25; you will not need me to tell you how amazing they are… Their new album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix will be released state side May 26th. They are offering a free download of 1901 & a multi mix at http://wearephoenix.com/.

Ray LaMontagne

The incredible Ray LaMontagne will be performing on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight. If you are a night owl (like me), it should be an awesome performance from his 2008 release Gossip in the Grain. He is an artist that you can hear what he was feeling when the song was written.

Quantum

In honor of today's DVD release of 007 Quantum of Solace, I thought I would update the Playlist with the movie theme song. "Another Way to Die" is performed by the unlikely collaboration of Jack White and Alicia Keys. Take out 4:23 minutes out of your day to give it a listen; it's worth it!

Iglu & Hartly

If you like Red Hot Chili Peppers, with a little MGMT and Ghostland Observitory, then you will enjoy Iglu & Hartly. They are New Wave, Pop, Hip Hop group that hail from California. My dear friend and follower JV told me to look them up and their current single “In This City” is a hit in the UK and will very likely be one here in the states. You can catch them tonight on Last Call with Carson Daily (1:35/ 12:35c). And if you can’t stay up that late (I know I can’t so I will TiVo), you can listen to them on the playlist below.

Late Night TV- 3.18.09

With touring season gearing up, there are great musicians hitting the late night TV shows. Appearing to night & worth the sleepy eyes in the morning are:
Tonight Show with Jay Leno- Naturally 7
Late Show with David Letterman- Modest Mouse
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon- Vampire Weekend
Jimmy Kimmel Live- MSTRKRFT

Paste CD Sampler- March

Paste Magazine's 51st CD Sampler does not disappoint. I was extremely excited when I saw a personal new favorite on the playlist, Beirut. Instead of listing my favorites, I've placed an asterisk next to them. There weren't any that had to grow on me. I liked what I liked at first listen. I've added the songs I could find to my Top 25 Playlist, so I hope you enjoy!






Paste Sampler 51 Playlist
1. Lisa Miskovaky - Still Alive*
2. Fol Chen - Cable TV *
3. Beirut - My Night With the Prostitute*
4. Kate York - Afterglow*
5. Loney, Dear - Airport Surroundings *
6. Greycoats - Goodbye, Sweet Youth, Goodbye*
7. Asobi Seksu - Me and Mary *
8. Jeremy Messersmith - Miracles*
9. Jason Isbell - Seven-Mile Island*
10. Jamey Johnson - High Cost of Living
11. Matthew and the Arrogant Sea - Mock Origami *
12. Ana Egge - Bully of New York *
13. Black Gold - Detroit*
14. The Lighthouse and the Whaler - The Field Song *
15. Eleni Mandell - Bigger Burn *
16. William Elliott Whitmore - There's Hope for You
17. Moonalice - Bleeding of Love
18. Ernie and the Automatics - The Good Times (Never Last)
19. The Deep Vibration - Tennessee Rose (With Gillian Welch)

Sylvie-Trees and Shade Are Our Only Fences

For months I've been hunting down the song "Please Make It Home" by a Canadian band called Sylvie. After searching around on the web, I've found that they are signed to Wednesday Records. Their new CD will be released state side on March 10th and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Sylvie band members are Joel Passmore (vocals, guitar), Riva Farrell Racette (bass, vocals), Chris Notenboom (guitar, vocals), Jeff Romanyk (drums) and Erin Passmore (keys, vocals). And they "have gained a reputation as one of the country's most formidable live acts." This past winter, they had a small tour of the US and I really hope that they make it back to support their new CD. There's a preview of two songs, "Please Make It Home" & "Breakout For Summer," at the following web site- http://www.wednesdayrecords.com/home.html. Also, you can catch Sylvie on XM station 87- The Verge.

DMB- Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King

Dave Matthews Band will be releasing a new studio album, Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, June 2, 2009. It has been 4 long years since a studio release and they are going on a 6 month tour in support of the new CD. I'm not quite sure how they are going to do the tour without the great saxophonist LeRoi Moore, but I'm willing to attend a show for a band that I haven't seen live since 2000. To check to see if they are coming to a town near you, visit http://tourdates.davematthewsband.com/.

Wilco's Ashes of American Flags

I’m excited to report Wilco's live concert film "Ashes of American Flags" will have a limited release that corresponds with the National Record Store Day, April 18th. For participating store visit http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home. If the local record store near you isn't on the list, then you can purchase it on the wide release date of April 28th.

The 15 Minute Challenge

I was handed a challenge:

"Think of 15 albums that had such a profound effect on you they changed your life or the way you looked at it. They sucked you in and took you over for days, weeks, months, years. These are the albums that you can use to identify time, places, people, emotions. These are the albums that no matter what they were thought of musically shaped your world. When you finish, tag 15 others, including me. Make sure you copy and paste this part so they know the drill. Get the idea now? Good. Tag, you're it!

The challenge: do this in fifteen minutes; as if nobody is judging your answers..."
I have more then 15, but these are the ones that I thought of off the top of head...

Dave Matthews Band- Under The Table and Dreaming
Bjork- Debut
Nirvana- Nevermind
Radiohead- In Rainbows
Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
R.E.M- Automatic For The People
Jay- Z- The Black Album
Coldplay- A Rush of Blood To The Head
Feist- The Reminder
The Beatles- Yellow Submarine
Fiona Apple- When The Pawn...
Sheryl Crow- The Globe Sessions
Paul Simon- Graceland
City & Colour- Bring Me Your Love
Twilight Singers- Blackberry Belle

These Cd's have not only changed the way and what music I listen to, they've changed my life.

Valentine's Day

In honor of Valentine's Day, I've decided to put together a special playlist. There's a mix of songs for those who are in love and those who have fallen out of love. Enjoy...

Spectacle

The Sundance Channel has started a new music series called Spectacle: Elvis Costello with.... He interviews and sings with a wide variety of musical artists. He even interview a few public figures (like Bill Clinton) discussing musical influences in their life. I was able to see an early screening of tomorrow nights episode and let me tell you it's one to set your DVR/ TiVo for. Featured are artist who are children of or from an entertainment background:

She & Him- Zooey Deschanel (the actress) and M. Ward

Jenny Lewis- From Rilo Kiley and the movie Troop Beverly Hills fame

Jakob Dylan- You know who his dad is... and lead singer of the Wallflowers

This episode premiers Wednesday, February 11th @ 7/8 Central on the Sundance Channel. And for a listing of times go to http://sundancechannel.com.

Grammy Wrap-Up

For the categories I decided to judge, 6/9 isn’t so bad. Listed are my choices followed by the winners. And I must admit that I underestimated Robert Plant and Allison Krauss.


Record of the Year:
"Paper Planes"- M.I.A
*”Please Read the Letter”- Robert Plant & Allison Krauss

Album of the Year:
"In Rainbows"- Radiohead
*“Raising Sand”- Robert Plant & Allison Krauss

Song of the Year:
"Viva La Vida"- Coldplay
*"Viva La Vida"- Coldplay

Best New Artist:
Adele
*Adele

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance:
"Chasing Pavements" Adele
*"Chasing Pavements" Adele

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance:
"Say"- John Mayer
*"Say"- John Mayer

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals:
"House of Cards"- Radiohead
*"Sex on Fire," Kings of Leon

Best Rock Album:
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends"- Coldplay
*Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends"- Coldplay

Best Alternative Music Album:
"In Rainbows"- Radiohead
*"In Rainbows"- Radiohead

The Grammy's

Tonight is the 51st annual Grammy Awards. I've decided to make my picks for the top awards. I hope they win:


Record of the Year:

"Paper Planes"- M.I.A

Album of the Year:

"In Rainbows"- Radiohead

Song of the Year:

"Viva La Vida"- Coldplay

Best New Artist:

Adele

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance:

"Chasing Pavements" Adele

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance:

"Say"- John Mayer

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals:

"House of Cards"- Radiohead

Best Rock Album:

Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends"- Coldplay

Best Alternative Music Album:

This is a hard one. Any of the following would be the Best--

"In Rainbows"- Radiohead
"Evil Urges"- My Morning Jacket
"Narrow The Stars"- Death Cab for Cutie


Watch tonight 6/7 central on CBS to see if I made the right predictions.

Paste Magazine CD Sampler

After playing the CD sampler in the 50th issue of Paste Magazine, I have to say that it's worth the $5.95! It's been on heavy rotation in my car for about two weeks now and there are a few song that I loved right off the bat (1, 3, 8, 12, 17). And there are some that had to grow on me (2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16). There are a few misses, but I'm not going to mention them (only because it could just take longer then two weeks for them to grow on me). I was able to find a few of the songs to create the playlist that's currently streaming. The CD list is below the songs that aren't streaming are worth seeking out!

Playlist:
1. The Guggenheim Grotto- Fee Da Da Dee
2. Kyle Andrews- Sushi
3. Neko Case- People Got a Lot of Nerve
4. N.A.S.A- Spacious Thoughts
5. Heartless Bastards- The Mountain
6. The Champion and his Burning Flame- The Expert
7. Sent May & His Magnificent Ukulele- Meet Me In The Garden
8. M. Ward- Never Had Nobody Like You
9. One Day International- Black Is the Bird
10. Shugo Tokumaru- Parachute
11. Death On Two Wheels- Calling Us Back Home
12. Andrew Bird- Oh No
13. Umphrey's McGee- Made To Measure
14. Beatbeat Whisper- Mismanaged Skies
15. Courtney Jaye- I Need Love
16. Anthony Green- Miracle Sun
17. Tina Dico- No Time To Sleep
18. David Berkeley- Willis Avenue Bridge
19. Waiting for Iris- Letting Go
20. Josh Ritter- Wildfires (Live)

Cancellation

I just found out Broken Social Scene cancelled their Dallas show tomorrow night due to illness. If you read the comments on their web page, some fans think it's due to the lack of ticket sales. They say they are planning to reschedule, and if they do then someone was sick. I will be extreamly sad if they don't. I was looking forward to reviewing the show, but it will have to wait for another day...

Happy 2009

I'm excited for 2009. I have lined up quite a few concerts to attend. My concert season will get kicked off January 30th with Broken Social Scene @ the House of Blues Dallas. It's an amazing venue and it has the makings of a great show. I will report back about the show.