Long time no...words

A lot has happened for me in the last few months. Wait...no it hasn't. I've just been really lazy. Lately, I've really been into experimental, sample based electronic music that is sort of "danceable". Pictureplane is a band I've been a fan of for a few years now, and an official full-length has finally been released on Lovepump United. Similar bands with similar sounds include Teengirl Fantasy, Mad Rad, Savages, and my new favorite Breakfast Mountain. Being from a town known for it's indie music standouts (Elliot Smith, James Mercer of The Shins, Menomena, Viva Voce, The Thermals, and M. Ward), BM shed light for me on a genre of music that I had no idea was so prevalent in Portland, OR and the Pacific Northwest. To get an idea of how much talent there is up here, I suggest heading to The Comet Tavern tomorrow night, when Mad Rad, Breakfast Mountain, Dash EXP and others will tear that place apart. It was recommended by a friend that I wear a football helmet and possibly some riot gear to the show. Riot gear = fun, right? Talk soon or later.

I love Animal Collective, but...

'Merriweather Post Pavilion' isn't THAT good. I mean, it's good, but c'mon Pitchfork - a 9.6? My Girls is painfully catchy (in an oh-so-good way) and from start to finish that album is solid. In my opinion 'Feels' is a much better record and the songs stand out so much more on their own. 'MPP' seems to blandly blend together and half-way through I seem to lose interest.

If 'MPP' doesn't suit your musical needs, then 'Dark Was the Night' will. A compilation album produced by Aaron and Bryce Dressner of the National, the profits from the record will benefit the Red Hot Organization. After hearing only a few tracks, I can personally guarantee you'll find a song on here that you love. Artists range from Yeasayer, to Grizzly Bear, to The Books (featuring Jose Gonzalez), to Arcade Fire and Beirut. Due for release February 17, I'll go out on a limb and say that this is the best compilation record ever.

Until next time...

If you like instrumental/electronic music like I do...

then you will certainly enjoy the sounds of Sleepy Eyes of Death and Bronze Fawn. Both will be playing Holy Mountain in Seattle on Saturday, February 7. If you're in town, I suggest you make it up to Capitol Hill to see some magic. I will surely be there...unless I have a hot date with a beautiful woman (which might actually be a possibility). I'm really behind on some recent (and not-so-recent) albums that I'd really like to share with you...stay tuned.

Top Album(s) of 2008

My top album from this past year is The Helio Sequence's 'Keep Your Eyes Ahead'. Released in late January on Subpop Records, this album seemed to slowly fade out of people's top albums as the year progressed. No other album that has been released this year, is as catchy, cohesive, and well-balanced as this. Brandon Summers (vocals, guitar, harmonica, etc.) and Benjamin Weikel (drums, etc.) create such a full environment of sound, it's hard to believe two people can accomplish this alone. I was fortunate to see them live twice this year, and the KEXP BBQ was probably my favorite show of 2008. The title track, followed by 'Back to This' and 'Hallelujah', are definite highlights from the album. I'm hoping this review will reach people outside the Pacific Northwest that may not be as familiar with The Helio Sequence. As big as they are here in Seattle, they definitely deserve more attention throughout the country.

Obviously, I have a lot to choose from for favorite albums of 2008. Unfortunately, none of them came even close to my number one. Here is a brief list of albums that caught my ear this year:

Meursault - Pissing On Bonfires/Kissing With Tongues

Francois Virot - Yes or No

The Walkmen - You and Me

Helms Alee - Night Terror

School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms

M83 - Saturdays = Youth

Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight

No Age - Nouns

networkTV!

you know, i'm not exactly sure how everything works'n'all in the world of network television.  i guess it all comes down to viewership and ad buys.  i watch internet television...mostly on hulu, a really rad blessing for someone for someone sans t.v.  i get to pick through and watch what i want while dealing with a fifteen second commercial every now and then.  big deal, hi-five.  because of that beautiful site i was able to fill myself in on the episodes i missed of aaron sorkin's short lived 'studio 60 on the sunset strip'.  it's a perfect example of a really smart, really funny, really well written show that got the axe way, way too soon.  i'm not a t.v. guy, but while watching the last episode of studio 60's one and only season i realized just how much heart and love and energy must go in to creating these characters.  this los angeles that doesn't exist.  that looks and smells and acts like it, but isn't.  it must take a lot to create those characters, that world.  it's a good show.  in my opinion, it's what a television show should be.  regardless of subject matter and genre, i would hope that the future holds more programs that have the level of quality that sorkin was able to create in it's one season.  television of that caliber, i do think is a true art form, and why i'm writing here.  programs like arrested development, freeks and geeks, and sports night all were so good in their own way.  all cut off at the knees.  most network programming is little more than bubblegum for the brain and eyeballs.    plastic and neon.   but i guess it comes back to viewership...and people like bright colors and things that shine.  it's rare when people watch really good stuff.  america you have bad taste...there, i said it....someone had to.

i'm just glad mad men is on amc.

watch the clip, it's kinda obvious, right?