The Daily Muddle

No introduction is really needed here…I like music…I like top 5 lists…the two go hand-in-hand. So here is my Top 5 Albums of 2009. Enjoy!

5.  Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms

One of the more interesting albums I heard in 2009 and I loved every minute of it.  I am a huge fan of his other band, The Cinematic Orchestra, so when I heard he was doing a solo project I jumped right on it.  I’m unsure how he produces a lot of the sounds on this album, but they are certainly unique and a lot of fun.  Highlights on the album for me include Fireweed, Bejing, and Big Bird in a Small Cage.

4.  Dinosaur Jr. – Farm

These guys have been around for a long time, but this is the first album I purchased by them (due in part to discovering they were on the Jagjaguwar roster).  They are definitely more ‘rock’ oriented than a lot of the stuff I listen to, but this album didn’t leave my car for the last 6 months of the year.  If you’re looking for something a little heavier, but not over the top, look no further than this album.  Highlights included Ocean in the Way, Over It, and See You.

3.  Lightning Dust – Infinite Light
Another product of the Jagjaguwar label, I loved this album from the first listen.  It has a folk feel to it that I really enjoy it and I love Amber Webber’s vocals.  She is joined by Joshua Wells, both of Black Mountain.  This album is certainly softer than that of Black Mountain and from my perspective doesn’t have a poor song on it.  Highlights for me include Antonia June, History, and Honest Man.

2.  Sissy Wish – Beauties Never Die
This album was originally released in Siri Alberg’s native Norway in 2007, but was not released in the states until 2009.  I’m a little hazy on how I stumbled upon this album, but I’m thrilled I did.  This album is full of diverse songs and has a distinct pop feel.  I have not heard her previous 2 albums, but apparently this album is much different.  If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, definitely check this album out.  Highlights for me include Float, Beauties Never Die, and Milk.

1(B).  New Pornographers – Challengers
Because this album came out all the way back in 2007 I’m adding it as an amendment to the 2009 list because it deserves a place here somewhere.  I lived on this album for the first few months of the year.  I’ve been a New Pornographer’s fan since Mass Romantic and this without question is their best album.  Probably the best 4 opening tracks of any album I own, they set the tone for the remaining 8 tracks which are all excellent.  Even if you are not a New Pornographers fan you should try this album.  Seriously.  Go buy it.  It’s difficult to choose highlights on this album, but if pressed I’d have to go with Challengers, Go Places, and Adventures in Solitude.

1.  Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below

I came across this album via a side comment made by Carrie Brownstein in a All Songs Considered podcast.  It turned out to be my album of the year.  There are so many things about this album I enjoy.  Some tracks are catchy (40 Day Dream, Janglin, or Home), while others show more grit and soul (Carries On, Desert Song, Simplest Love).  Most importantly, I love the smokiness of Jade Castrinos’ vocals and overall ‘bigness’ of the 10 to 13 member ensemble band.  I only purchased the album in November so album of the year may be premature, but I’m still thoroughly enjoying it and showing no signs of slowing down.

Honorable mentions include: Fanfarlo – Reservoir, Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest, Blitzen Trapper – Furr (not a 2009 release), and Taken by Trees – East of Eden.

I admit, I’m a late-comer to the Amazon MP3 game, but since there is no better way to purchase music I figure the “Bestselling MP3 Albums of 2009″ from Amazon.com is pretty good indication of what the general populace is listening to.  At the very least…it’s interesting.

Going to be tough for an album to derail this one from being my album of the year. It’s amazing through and through. It’s $5 at Amazon right now – well worth the price of lunch.  This is their tiny desk concert at NPR. They preform Janglin, Home (5:10 mark), and 40 Day Dream (10:15 mark). I’m dying to see these guys in concert. Enjoy.

Well, hello.  It has been quite the summer.  For those of you who know me, you know why I have been absent….for those of you who don’t….well, I’m not sure there is anyone who reads TDM who doesn’t know me.  So let’s just move on and talk about the music that got me through the summer of 2009.

First, 2 albums that I was late to the game on, which I purchased before my trip back east from Chicago that were staples all summer for me:

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

You’ve all heard it.  Most everyone loves it.  It took me a few listen throughs to actually warm up to it.  I think I may have been stand-offish because everyone had told me how great it is.  You know….when you’re supposed to like something there is that part of you that doesn’t really want to like it?  Well, that happened, but it didn’t take long for it to pass.

Personal favorite:

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

Another great album from 2008.  It was my friend Emily’s album of the year and for good reason.  There are no real let downs on this album.  At the same time, you know the stage you go through with an album where it’s all you want to listen to?  That stage for me with this album wasn’t incredibly long.  Suspended in Gaffa certainly held my attention longer than the rest of the album.

Personal favorite:

Dinosaur Jr. - Farm

Probably going to end up as my rock album of the year, Dinosaur Jr.’s Farm is fantastic.  I had to drive to and from Vermont this summer (from Maine – it takes longer than you think) for my best friends wedding and this album was playing 90% of the ride.  A product of the great label Jagjaguwar, it is full of great instrumental sections.  If you’re looking for something a little more “rock”, check this album out.

Personal favorite:

Blitzen Trapper - Furr

I had heard of Blitzen Trapper last year, but never got around to purchasing the album. I did this summer and was very very pleased.  Furr has a bit of a country touch to it, which apparently I like.  For some reason they remind me a little bit of Okkervil River, which may be totally misguided.  It will take a few listen throughs to appreciate, but if you get through them I am confident you will like it.

Personal favorite:

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Touted by many and for good reason.  I first heard Grizzly Bear on the Dark Was the Night compilation album and was really impressed.  After I heard all the praise for their new album, picking it up was a no-brainer.  I have difficulty comparing them to anyone, which is great….they have a different sound.  If that’s what you’re looking for, this album is a must….and even if you’re not….this album is a must.

Personal favorite (along with everyone else):

Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms

Probably my album of the summer.  Patrick Watson is the lead singer of the great band, The Cinematic Orchestra – this is his most recent solo effort.  Half of the time you don’t even know what you’re listening to and it’s amazing because in the end it all sounds so great together.  Definitely one of the funkier albums I’ve heard in awhile.  Try Beijing and you will know exactly what I’m talking about.

Personal favorite:

Fanfarlo - Reservoir

Listen once and you’ll be addicted.  They sound a little bit like Bishop Allen and someone else that I just can’t put my finger on (it’s driving me insane so if anyone has the answer, please let me know).  The download album is only $6 and worth every penny.  The album is full of catchy hooks and you will bouncing your head at work in no time.  Unlike some other catchy albums though – this one doesn’t lose it’s appeal after 5 listens.  If you’re in need of something you will immediately like, this is the answer.

Personal favorite: The Walls Are Coming Down

Well, that’s it.  Those were the albums that got me through the summer of ‘09.  Enjoy.  I sure hope it’s not 40 days before I get to post again.

Very quick today.  If you need some new music, check out NPR’s All Songs Considered Best Music of 2009 (So Far). I’m off on vacation for a couple weeks – until then…..

So much for summer posting, huh!?!  You know how it is – you think you’re going to have all this time during the summer, but you end up being incredibly busy.  Happens every year without fail.  Anyways, awhile back my friend Zach wrote a post regarding Podcasts and how he never listens to them.  I’ve given up trying to convince him that there is a lot of great Podcast content out there (mostly because he doesn’t own an iPod or any other type of MP3 player that would make signing up for Podcasts simple), but I wanted to write a post about a Podcast that I listen to a lot and felt that I should share it with you.  Also, the most recent Podcast (Do Labels Matter?) brings up a really interesting topic and I wanted to hear people’s opinions.

The Podcast is All Songs Considered produced by NPR.  It is where I find a lot of the music I listen to and if you’re into music, you should definitely check it out.  It is hosted by Bob Boilen who does a fantastic job.  One of my favorite contributors is Carrie Brownstein who also writes a great blog for NPR, Monitor Mix.  I almost always agree with what she says and her music choices are always up my alley.

So, moving to the most recent Podcast – Do Labels Matter? Toss it on your iPod or whatever mp3 player you use and give it a listen.  They discuss whether or not, in the digital age of music, do record labels matter anymore?  I still strongly contend that they do.  Every so often I will visit a few of my favorite labels websites to see what new music they are producing.  It has been a great way to find some great artists.  If you’ve never glanced at the record labels of your music collection…do it…you might find that there are some recurring themes.  If you find a label that pops up quite a bit – check them out – you’ll probably stumble upon some more music that you will really enjoy.

As usual, I agreed with Carrie Brownstein’s pick – Jagjaguwar.  Over the past year or so this has been my go-to label.  They put out so much great music…Bon Iver, Okkervil River, Sunset Rubdown, Ladyhawk, and Dinosaur Jr. to name a few.  Check out their roster, here.  Another favorite of mine is, Arts & Crafts.  Their roster includes artists like Amy Millan (lead female vocal of Stars), Broken Social Scene, Feist, New Buffalo, Phoenix, Stars, and The Most Serene Republic.  A lot of great music there.

So let’s get the conversation started.  Do you think labels still matter?  Do you have any favorites, least favorites, labels that have fallen from grace for you?  I’d love to hear your opinions.

Seriously – he’s just awesome and my recent update to, “Currently Enjoying” deserves a quick post.  Fold’s most recent idea for an album, University a Capella!, came after he heard a bunch of college students singing his songs on YouTube.  Fold’s was so moved by the renditions that he decided to travel to campuses around the country and record an a cappella album. Check out the CNN news story and at the very least read the interview. His responses just reinforce the fact that he’s a cool guy. The album only came out on Tuesday and I’ve only given it a quick listen, but my initial reaction is….it’s insanely cool. Not to mention a lot of fun to listen to.  It’s definitely raw in spots, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re a Ben Fold’s fan, this album deserves $12.99 from your piggy bank.

I watch American Idol – I’ll let that sink in for a second.  If you just scoffed, get off your high horse and listen to me for a second.  If you didn’t, good for you.  Look, I could write pages and pages on why American Idol is absolutely ridiculous because a huge portion of it is.  I understand this.  I still watch the show.  I don’t tune in every week thinking, “I’m so excited to hear great music tonight!” because that rarely happens, but there are instances when it does.  When this does happen it’s a hell of a lot of fun.  That’s the big redeeming quality about American Idol.  Watching somebody grow into a star.  And no, I would probably never listen to that star after their stint on American Idol has come to a conclusion (at least up to this point I haven’t), but for those couple of months, watching this transformation is enjoyable.  This isn’t a post about why I watch American Idol though – it’s a post on how a contestant this year will most likely change my, “I’ve never listened to anyone after the show is over” stance.

I have never really had a strong affinity for any contestant on American Idol during the 4 seasons which I have watched – never really cared who got voted off and coinciding, never been really excited about anyone either.  Until this season and Megan Joy (she started off as Megan Corkrey, but her name changed halfway through the show).  From the second she auditioned, I was blown away by her – I also knew from the second she auditioned she would never win.  I wasn’t even convinced she would make the Top 12.  Her voice isn’t made for a show like American Idol, which is probably the reason her audition was one of her best performances.  Not over produced, not backed up by a huge band and other singers.  I want to describe her and her situation in my own words, but I liked this paragraph by James Montgomery too much not to share it with you:

“Why? Because, well, would Feist ever win “Idol”? It’s a show designed to showcase big, throaty voices, capable of hitting the highs and doing runs and filling rooms and carrying tunes like “Mandy” on Manilow Night. It is not exactly a place for the subtle. Corkrey’s voice doesn’t seem capable of any fireworks. She’s got a warbly, tea-kettle set of pipes: quirky and sharp, malleable, would sound great wrapped around an acoustic guitar or a burbling synth line. She’s more suited for a small club, not the stage of the Kodak Theatre. Can I see her fronting my new favorite band on indie label Saddle Creek? Yes. Winning “American Idol”? No.”

I can’t really describe her any better then that – particulary the, “tea-kettle set of pipes”, which is perfect.  At any rate – she was let go last night and for the first time, I’m actually a little bummed.  I got excited each week to see what she might do.  No other contestant has ever done that for me.  I really hope she cuts a record and if she does, you know what, I’ll have no qualms about purchasing it.

On a side note – James Montgomery mentions the indie label Saddle Creek and I would like to echo his statements.  It is a great label with some great bands like Georgie James, Bright Eyes, and Eric Bachmann.  Check them out if you’re in the need for some new music.

To buy the physical product or not – that is the question. We now live in the digital era where it seems that almost anything can be put into digital form. Music, movies, books, pictures….you name it and there is probably some digital form of it. As a music enthusiast I have grappled with the question, “to buy the CD or not” more times than I care to remember. For those of you who know me you know that the answer to that question has almost always resulted in a defiant, “YES!” I’ve always been a proponent of buying the physical product. I like having it. I like having something tangible when I spend money on it. I like looking through my CD collection, choosing an album, taking the CD out its case and putting it into my CD player – as stone age as that sounds. I like flipping through the CD jacket. There are a lot of things I like about having the physical thing. You know what I don’t like? I don’t like that it just doesn’t all make sense anymore. I want it to…I really do, but as the years pass I’m struggling to continue justifying buying the physical CD. A few years ago I wouldn’t even be having this conversation with you, but I think the time has finally come where it might be time to change my ways. And here are a few reasons why:

Have you tried this?

Amazon MP3

To put it simply it’s amazing.  One of my biggest gripes against digital music (and hence why I continued buying CDs) was DRM (Digital Rights Management).  I can’t tell you how annoying DRM is….I can’t tell you because you already know.  It’s awful.  Amazon MP3 has solved this.  Digital music, without the annoying crap.  It’s also incredibly simple to use and the instant gratification is wonderful.  And did I mention it’s cheaper?  A LOT CHEAPER.  In some cases, the MP3 album can be $2 below the CD price (and that’s without shipping).  When you’re talking about a $10 CD versus an $8 download…well that’s saving you 20%.  If you buy a lot of music, think how much you will be saving over the years.  All in all, Amazon MP3 just makes sense.

Microsoft Xbox 360 & Windows Media Center

Windows Media Center

I own an Xbox 360 and along with its video game capabilities it allows me to do something else I really enjoy.  Stream music from my desktop computer to my stereo system wirelessly.  This means my entire music collection is just a few clicks away while sitting on my couch.  And no awful computer speakers – I get to listen through my stereo.  You know what else I like – Windows Media Center.  Is it perfect?  Absolutely not, but it is does what I need it to and does so in an atheistically pleasing way.  You can browse your music collection any way you like (artist, album, year, genre, etc…) and WMC shows you the album art of each.  When you finally choose something you can then leave the album art on the screen or choose to a view slideshow of your pictures if you like.  I think the reason I like WMC a lot is because it fills the void of not having something tangible.  I can go onto Amazon, download the album, and then there it is on WMC.  I can see the album art – it’s not just a list of songs in a folder somewhere.  This sounds ridiculous, but seeing the album on WMC does something for me.

Space

It seems like I’m moving every 18 months.  I’m tired of lugging around my CD collection.  I don’t really have anything else to say about that.

So those are the reasons why I think I may be finally giving up on purchasing CDs.  It just doesn’t make sense anymore – I want it to, but it doesn’t.  And as much as I like having the CD it’s just a lot simpler to……well…….not.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on all of this – I’ve had the debate with several friends and I think most of them will be happy to hear that I’m finally giving in.  If you still buy CDs though….I want to hear why.  If there’s a good reason – maybe I’m not done with it.