« Every Time I Die - Gutter Phenomenon | Main | Tompkins Square's blowin' up »
January 01, 2006
There are some things I like, and a lot things I don't
Oh man top 10 lists are so in right now. But I cant't rate anything. Lord knows I've been sitting here for two hours trying to figure out some order that I don't feel iffy about, but alas I'm just a bitch and can't figure it out. So here are some of my favorite records from 2005.
Patrick Wolf – Wind In The Wires
It must feel good to know that you've become king of singer/songwriter meets calculator programming. Wolf excels at Viola, Ukelele, Guitar, and BOOTY THUMPIN ELECTRO BEATS. Apparently, one dose of harmony can cure a some weird machinist type apathy, and Wolf serves up some glimmering counterpoint to offset the android sequenced beats that explode out of everything from horse hooves to string quartets. You're nuts if you own Bright Eyes' coffee table coaster “Digital Ash In A Digital Urn” and not this gem. Hit up iTunes
LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
Hell yeah. Fucking Hell yeah. Never in my life has one middle aged Brooklyn man surprised me. I never liked dance music. Ever. Once I heard this record, I went crazy. Supersystem, Soulwax, etc I bought em all and love. And let's not forget main man James Murphy's incredible remix skills. Did you hear his remix of NIN's “The Hand That Feeds” GENIUS! From the hilariously idealistc “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House,” to the spastic “Movement,” to my favorite scene critique ever “Losing My Edge,” this record redefines what we consider dance music. Sorry Ace of Base. Sorry Real McCoy. Best line on the whole record “I'm losing my edge to the art-school Brooklynites in little jackets and borrowed nostalgia for the unremembered eighties.” EAT IT NYU STUDENTS.
The Cribs – The New Fellas
Check list for a solid rock band |
|
| Trio composed of three brothers | |
| All members of the band sing/yell | |
| Brutally simple songs | |
| Chant along choruses | |
| British? | |
This record just kicks ass. It is completely one dimensional, but who cares? The Cribs are awesome because their songs are simple, but not overly predictable. Killer harmonies, memorable riffs, and great lo fi production made me fall in love with pretty much every track on this album. The New Fellas is a must have if you drive frequently.
Test Icicles – For Screening Purposes Only / Various Singles and EPs
I didn't believe Nick Hardcourt, I just didn't. Arcade Fire meets Slayer? Seriously, you can only make that up in some pitchfork fantasy world. Well I hear it. Go ahead and read my review of their “Boa Vs. Python” single on my music page. But the real treasure is the wonderfully catchy “Circle Square Triangle.” The opening buildup, the incredibly high screeching yelps, and four to the four slam beat, oh dear god, wheres my fog machine? And strobe lights? I demand strobe lights
The Chariot – Unsung EP
Probably the best hardcore band that actually tries new techniques in its songwriting. Banjos? Slide guitar? Whodduhthunk? Not Madball fans. This EP isn't for those that want a meathead screaming about rising up and overtaking. Oh no my friends. This is for those who like carnage. Not like Lightning Bolt carnage, like if Converge and Judge somehow ended up in a food processor and were emulsified with Glassjaw Oil. This is still doing it no justice. Flat out, Josh Scogin used to sing for Norma Jean. This means he's probably one of the best hardcore vocalists of all time. He took the music style of Norma Jean and expanded on it to make every 10 second clip interesting. There's nothing boring in this entire EP. If you think Atreyu “rocks” this will rip your face off. If you think Hammerfall is “the savior of all music” please don't buy this. Instead, jump in front of an Amtrak.
Honorable Mentions In About Ten Words:
The Decemberists – Picaresque
"Engine Driver." Indie Rock Placebo. "Eli The Barrow Boy" HEARTBREAKING.
The National – Alligator
Easily one of the most under appreciatd/exposed records of 2005
Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth
I wish it were faster, but its beauty evolves every listen
Oasis – Don't Believe The Truth
They're sober, healthy, and putting out some of the best music of their lives
Spoon – Gimme Fiction
Who knew the tambourine could be a feature instrument?
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Howl
Talk about a 180... Where'd the drone go? Who cares its awesome.
Tim Fite – Gone Ain't Gone
I saw him play solo in a basement, but his record is samples galore
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
2005 keyword: Angular. Still a great (tho overhyped) debut.
MIA – Arular
Everyone thinks she sounds foregin, but her producer is from philly.
Denison Witmer - Are You A Dreamer?
Sounds like a quiet drive in California hills.
Good But Overrated Records... And Bad Records too (in no particular order):
Antony & The Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Sufjan Stevens - Illinoise
Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
The White Stripes - Gimme Satan
System Of A Down - Mesmerize/Hypnotize
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
Kanye West - Any album he's ever done
Thrice - Vheissu
Animal Collective - Feels
Random Note:
Also, my acquaintances in Aberdeen City are featured in the latest Notes Underground podcast. A sweet live set. (the production is surprisingly great way to go Mitch). Recorded live in LA. The interview is a hilarious drunken clusterfuck. Check it out here.
Posted by Carter at January 1, 2006 11:40 PM