2013 Playlist

Click Here for my 2013 Playlist

Music is a huge part of my life, so every year I like to put together a set of songs to set the tone of the year. The music player off to the right of my blog has been refreshed for the moment with my 2013 Mix. As the year progresses, more songs will be added to go along with blog posts, hence the separate link above.

I've been making mix tapes as long as I can remember and feel that there should be a definite flow to them. I was slightly concerned with a couple of oddball tracks on here, thinking they would disrupt that flow, but I think it works. There is a whole lot of brass this year, last year I had a lot of banjo, which wasn't planned, but is definitely welcome. You'll probably be able to pick up on the theme I had in mind. Also, Phil Collins in a mix? That's my 2013 gift to you!

Let's start this year rocking

A new year, time for a new playlist. If you ever want to read the blog along to last year's songs, I've got a handy link for you here. 

If you'd rather have a separate link to my new playlist, you've got it here. I aim to please.

I think everyone has made a mix at some point in their life; I'm all about my old mix tapes. I really pour myself into the process. In my opinion, the best mixes have a natural flow to them. They draw you in, they hit you with high energy, they slow it down for a bit and get a little deep on you, then they build up to go out on a high note.

Unlike the organic playlist that followed along with my blog last year, there is a theme to this group of 14 songs. Almost all of the songs have a positive message and meaning for me, with a healthy dose of banjo. You're welcome.

It starts off with a couple instrumental tracks just to ease you into the mix. Then I let the next few tracks wow you with some incredible energy. I noticed I kept turning the volume up from one song to the next.

There's a little bit of self doubt in the middle, just like me, but not as much as I used to have. There's hope of change, of the way I'd like my life to be. A musical theme from the beginning is repeated and fleshed out; this is what I love about movie soundtracks.

The final three songs are full of power, joy and emotion. If you've never heard David Bowie perform with a gospel choir, you haven't lived until this moment. I can't really write anything to go along with the songs, because they say it all.

I hope you enjoy them.

Best of 2011: Music

I threw together the album covers to the new music that came out in 2011 in order that I listened to them. (To the best of my knowledge.) In the future, I'm going to do album reviews as they come out. I want to point out that I do not think these are the best albums of the year, even though the title of the post says exactly that. I went with a theme this week of best of posts and I can't go back on it now. These are the albums that I listened to that came out this year. I have more extensive notes on certain albums than others. I've listened to some more than others. I love some. I don't like some.

I think I gravitate more to Indie Rock than anything else, but I really can't stand categorizing music. I listen to music that I like; why do we have to assign a title to it? Some days I'll want music that rocks other days I'll load up my iPod with Nintendo game music and be just as happy. Is there even a category of music for Nintendo game songs?

For this post, I really wanted to share music with you. I've created playlists through Grooveshark for all of this music just so you can listen to it. The titles are links that will take you to a playlist. You might find something new that you love. You might think I'm insane. Either way, 2011 was a great year for music. Enjoy!

Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine

I have a love/hate relationship with Iron & Wine. I think they are brilliant, don't get me wrong, and Sam Beam's beard is nearly as epic as E's. (I am a sucker for a good beard) I was listening to them when I was in my first car accident, leaving the set of the last Indiana Jones movie. It took me a long time to be able to listen to them after that. My niece was born with Iron & Wine playing in the background; what a way to come into this world.
Kiss Each Other Clean has so many layers to it, beautiful and varied instrumentation, amazing imagery and a good moving tempo throughout. I definitely want to see them play live next round of touring.

Take Care, Take Care Take Care by Explosions In The Sky

Every now and then I need instrumental music playing in the background to be able to get work done. I love reading and processing pictures to this album.

The King Is Dead by The Decemberists

I picked this album up in order to qualify for free shipping from Amazon. I liked a previous album and figured what the heck. Great album, great harmonies with a fun folky feel. Keeps your feet tapping and is good for just about any mood.


Codes And Keys by Death Cab For Cutie

I'm not a huge Death Cab fan. I thought this was ho hum. Not great, not horrible. I can listen to it, but I don't go out of my way to.

Love Notes/Letter Bombs by The Submarines

The Submarines aren't for everyone. They've got a little bit bubble gum happy about them, but I tell you what, every now and then, I enjoy that. What really drew me to them was their amazing performance opening for the Eels this summer. Opening bands really have a rough job and the ones that win me over with a passionate performance score massive points in my book. Blake was amazingly kind and you could really feel her sincerity. And she talked to the fans as she was packing up her gear which was awesome. I adore her voice and her outlook on life.

Best Imitation of Myself by Ben Folds/Ben Folds Five

I've only included the three "new" songs performed by Ben Folds Five. It's a three disc retrospective covering the career of Ben Folds and all his musical incarnations. My oh my, I have mixed feelings about this album. I don't think it was done well. I would've liked a separate Greatest Hits CD and then a rarities/live album sold separately. I really don't need a new copy of songs I already own. That's just me. I don't think the live songs really captured Ben's personality as best they could.
There is an abundance of bootlegs out there of Ben and Ben Folds Five, so maybe I'm a little biased. I really felt like a live version of Underground should've been included. Each member of the band had an introduction that showcased their individuality, which is what I loved about them. How could you title your album after a song and only include a bad demo version of it on your retrospective? I've heard an amazing live acapella version of Best Imitation. There is a much better quality of Careless Whisper with Ben and Rufus Wainwright on the internet than what was included here. It's almost as though Ben didn't do his research on his own bootlegs, which is strange because he's so involved with his fans and has such a strong social media presence.
Out of the three "new" songs, only one of them is technically new. One was written by Robert years ago, newly recorded by all of them. One was written by Darren and released on his self titled Hotel Lights CD, and it was much better done by Darren. Sorry, Mr. Folds. I am happy that Ben, Robert and Darren reunited and have plans to record more music together. That's awesome, they are a great band. I just don't want this to distract from the amazing music Darren is producing on his own.
I have to say the packaging on this album is fantastic. Folds asked fans to send in memorabilia and he used a lot of it as the artwork. (Even though he didn't use any of mine, booooo! No hard feelings!) There are detailed explanations to the history of the songs or the recording and that is very much appreciated. I'm a huge fan of linear notes. Two big thumbs up there.


Lupercalia by Patrick Wolf

I was introduced to Patrick Wolf through the recommendation of a friend of a friend. I got together for a concert early this year with a group of really cool people. Afterwords, I asked for everyone's favorite band, which is a great way to find out about new music. I really enjoy his earlier work, but Lupercalia didn't impact me the same way. It's much prettier than his other albums, which is fine, I enjoy different sounds and themes from an artist. What I didn't like is that it feels like he lost his edge. Take a listen to Magic Position and tell me what you think.

The Road From Memphis by Booker T. Jones

The first purchase for my birthday, compliments of my awesome brother. Whenever you're in doubt for a present, get me music. The more obscure, the better. Home run with this pick. I was the manager for a cafe right out of college, and one of my favorite things about my job was my Wednesday night crew. We had live music every Wednesday, just a bass player and keyboardist, but I can totally get into that. Just listen to Crazy and try to tell me you didn't laugh. Keyboardists have this amazing talent of being virtual jukeboxes. It never ceases to amaze me. This whole album cracks me up.

Nothing Is Wrong by Dawes

Dawes, dear, sweet Dawes. I want to like you. I really, really tried. You encompass so many traits that I like about a band: great song writing, emotions and a distinct sound. You even have Benmont Tench on your album, which should make me immediately love you. (If you don't know who Benmont Tench is, I don't know if we can be friends anymore. Go look it up. He is one of my all time favorite musicians and happens to have a kick ass birthday.) But even Benmont Tench can't make me like this album. It's strange, I can listen to a few songs and if they come up on shuffle, I'm not turned off. But listening to this CD from start to finish is Such. A. Chore. The majority of it is so slllllloooooooowwwwww. It really drags on. I don't know why that bothers me so much, but I can't get through it in any single sitting, and I've tried multiple times now. Another birthday purchase, so my brother was one for two, but as I said, I should've liked this album, so I don't blame you at all. Keep buying me music, your choices last year were grand slams!

Girl Graffiti by Hotel Lights

Everyone has that one band they listen to that they want nothing more than for them to break through and become popular and famous. You've been there from the beginning, you can't believe how other people haven't heard their amazing music, you know the story. Hotel Lights is that band for me. Darren Jessee, former drummer for Ben Folds Five, weaves intricate, delicate lyrics with hauntingly beautiful music. Darren's style is a mix of Elliot Smith, Wilco and all other things good in this world. His third album, Girl Graffiti, introduces so many more instruments into his repertoire, which was a joy for me to hear. I love this album; it has not left my iPod since it came out in August. I don't think you'll hear anything more eerily beautiful this year than the song Girl Waiting. It still gives me chills at how tangible the longing is. Listen and tell your friends to listen.

Seeking Major Tom by William Shatner

Any year with a new William Shatner album is a good year. Did you know William Shatner has multiple albums? Oh, yes, he does, and I have them all. I'm not saying it's good. I'm not saying it's something I listen to every day. If you need a break from what you're used to, if you need a laugh, hit up some William Shatner. It's on the same level as Mrs. Miller. Don't know Mrs. Miller? Are we friends? Really?
Ok, so I love William Shatner. That being said, this DOUBLE album is hard to get through. There are some amazing high points: Space Truckin', She Blinded Me With Science, In A Little While. It's flat out silly and how great is it that he doesn't take himself seriously? But this is what happens when Shatner is left to his own devices. He tries to cover every type of musical genre ever invented. It's not cohesive, some of the songs go on too long with instrumental solos. Let's be honest. I came to listen to The Shat do some ridiculous spoken word. If I wanted to listen to music, I'd go somewhere else. This could've easily been a single album, if edited properly. It made me appreciate what Ben Folds did with his collaboration with William Shatner. (You need to listen to Has Been; Shatner wrote the lyrics, Folds wrote all the music, produced and brought in some amazing musicians to work on the album. It's incredible!)
I'll say it again, any year with a new William Shatner album is a good year. The man is 80!

Noel Gallgaher's High Flying Birds by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

FINALLY! I've been waiting for Noel Gallagher to release a solo album ever since Liam blew off the MTV Unplugged performance in the 90's. Noel always was the real talent and driving force behind Oasis. Some of you might be turned off by Oasis, but I want you to give this album a chance. Put aside the pompous attitude and the ridiculous bickering that's associated with Oasis and listen to the music. I feel like Noel finally put together his masterpiece with this album. Its soaring strings and choirs, driving drums, brass, backwards guitar licks, pedal steel, wine glasses, even some saw (although he needs to learn a thing or two from The Chet: Master of Saw) are like nothing Oasis would ever do. The man writes some amazing lyrics: "I hope I didn't speak too soon/My eyes have always followed you around the room/Cause you're the only god that I'll ever need/I'm holding on and waiting for the moment for my heart to be unbroken."
I hear more I like every time I listen to this album. Every song could be a single. My only complaint is that it goes by too quickly.
Packaging and marketing wise, I think Noel has some brilliant people working for him. The glossy photo book that accompanies this album is great. I love that he made a big deal about the photographer, Lawrence Watson. It's great that he listed the website for the designer of the pin that was photographed, www.hazelbee.co.uk.  I was impressed with how efficiently they shipped out the album. In the past, I've shyed away from pre-ordering because you tend to get the product weeks later than the release date. Sadly, music stores have stopped carrying music. I want to have the album art for bands that I like, but I want to get a copy the day it comes out. Gallagher's website offered a digital download on the release date and their site did not crash so I was actually able to download it. And they overnighted the CD. From England. At no extra charge. Nice work, man.


Making Mirrors by Gotye

Hooray for stumbling onto amazing music by accident! I was channel surfing when I came across the video for Somebody That I Used To Know on NewNowNext Pop Lab. (I wanted to point this out because we all know MTV doesn't actually play music videos anymore) I cannot get enough of this album. I listen to it and I immediately want to play it again. I like listening to it with my headphones on, I love rocking out to it in the car. There are so many styles throughout this album, such fun instrumentation and synthy stuff going on, it engages me more than anything else I've heard in a long time. Wally De Backer is the man behind the music, an Aussie, go figure, and when he's at his best he has this amazing gutteral quality to him. It reminds me of good Peter Gabriel music, before he got too artsy fartsy. The layering of his voice on Somebody That I Used To Know literally sends chills down my spine every time I hear it. Save Me is another gripping anthem; it's one of those songs that you feel like you've always known even though it's the first time you've heard it. I can not wait to see him play live next year.

Towards The Sun by Alexi Murdoch

Another brilliant, sensitive songwriter. He sounds like Nick Drake.What's interesting about this album is that he recorded it while on tour. When he went back and listened to it, he thought it was great and decided to release it. It definitely has an organic feeling to it.

Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li

I listened to this from because of Hank's glowing praise of the band. I always need more female musicians to listen to. I've only heard it once, but I liked it. Heavy on the percussion, which I liked; it reminded me of some of Andy Stochansky's early work. Good voice. Interesting.

El Camino by The Black Keys

Everyone's been talking about this album, so I thought I should give it a listen and I needed one more album cover to complete my fun collage up there. Again, I've only listened once, and that was at work which means I didn't give it my full attention. It sounds like a strong rock record, reminded me of some of the energy that Muse had behind them, but I'm not sure that it deserves all the hype it's getting for one of the best albums of the year. It didn't blow my mind in any way.


Phew! This is by no means all that I listened to this year. I was introduced to a lot of other music that was new to me, but came out years ago. I'd be thrilled to know what everyone thinks; please leave me some comments! What music are you looking forward to next year? Are there any bands that you haven't heard from in forever? I am hoping for some new Ben Folds Five and a tour would be incredible. I would love something new from any and all of these artists: Fleming & John, Andy Stochansky, Eels (It feels like it's been forever since we've heard from them even though the last of their trilogy came out in 2010. You get greedy fans when you release an album every six months!), Keane, Travis. Jon Brion is releasing a new soundtrack for the kids movie ParaNorman, which I have high expectations for. There will be a new Andrew Bird album in 2012. Noel Gallagher mentioned that he collaborated with another artist and that would be out this year. I'd die laughing if it turned out to be Adam Ant...

As always, I'm looking for new music to listen to. Suggest away readers!

Kingston Trio 10.15.11

Every concert you go to is different. Sometimes it's your favorite band. Sometimes it's someone you haven't seen in years. Sometimes it's an artist you've heard great things about. Sometimes it's an experience that engages all your senses.

Sometimes it's about the people you go with.

For me, the Kingston Trio is just a feel good time. The venue is cabaret style, which means you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks. My friends and I plan ahead to make sure we have the best spread. I don't go to see the Trio because I know all the songs. I go to enjoy some good music with a lot of good friends. I wish I could have a posse with me every show that I go to, but I know it's just not possible. We all have lives and most have families of their own now, but I'm still glad that we can get together every couple of years and go to this show.

This year, we were up on the balcony, and it's by far my favorite place to be. I don't have to fight for position, I have an unobstructed view and with my SLR, I can get all the angles I want. And, as you've already seen, I was able to get my shoes shot.

Without any more of my babbling, here are some pictures from the night:

To all my friends that made it to the concert, a big thanks. It wouldn't have been a show without you!

Hotel Lights CD Release Concert

Good morning loyal readers! I'm running on about 2 hours of sleep right now because I wanted to get these pictures processed and up before I'm gone for the weekend. Last night was the Hotel Lights concert in Brooklyn. Very different experience than my last journey, but equally enjoyable. As I've said before on here, Hotel Lights is one of my favorites, so I was really excited to see them perform as a band. I saw Darren play solo back in 2000 and it's great to see how much he's grown as an artist over the years. The new album, Girl Graffiti, is incredible. Beautiful melodies, instrumentation and lyrics that you need a few listens to fully appreciate.

Although a cozy environment, The Rock Shop didn't give me a whole lot of light to work with, so a lot of my pictures have been converted to black and white. Still, a nice set. I didn't have the chance to write down a full set list, but the music spanned all three albums, including, but not limited to: Girl Graffiti, Dave Sharkey To The Dance Floor, Anatole, Marvelous Truth, AM Slow Golden Hit, Amelia Bright, Chemical Clouds, All My Asshole Friends, Super 8MM, and Small Town Shit. Enjoy!

 

Thanks for a great concert, Darren! And now for a blast from the past...

 

Hotel Lights: Girl Graffiti

Hotel Lights third album is out! I can't tell you how excited I am for this. I've only given it a quick listen, at about 1 AM when I couldn't sleep and realized that iTunes would let me download it seeing how it was officially August 16th. I need to give it a few more listens, but so far, I like what I've heard. I was really impressed with the wide range of instrumentation; no wonder it's taken so long for this album to come out! 

So check out Hotel Lights website. Do yourself a favor, heh heh heh, and download their newest album. Download all their albums, it's good stuff, I wouldn't steer you wrong! And read a glowing review of Girl Graffiti here. 

Oh, and if you live in the area, there's a CD release party tomorrow night in Brooklyn at the Rock Shop. I'm going to be there and I had to pull some major strings to get out of work early on a deadline day, so you have no excuse!

The Eels Second Look

I found a few more images I wanted to share from the Eels concerts.

Set lists: 

(I've put a • between songs from different nights)

1. Flyswatter • That's Not Really Funny
2. That's Not Really Funny • Flyswatter
3. Somebody's Watching You
4. Grace Kelly Blues
5. Packing Blankets
6. Prizefighter
7. My Beloved Monster
8. Fresh Feeling
9. That's Not Her Way • I'm Going To Stop Pretending That I Didn't Break Your Heart
10. Tremendous Dynamite
11. Love of the Loveless
12. I Like The Way This Is Going • Saturday Morning
13. This Is Where It Gets Good
14. The Look You Give That Guy • Climbing to the Moon
15. Hot Fun In The Summer Time
16. Band Intros
17. Knuckles Song
18. Novocaine for the Soul
19. Souljacker Pt. 1
20. I Like Birds
21. Beginner's Luck
22. Losing Streak
first encore:
23. Last Stop This Town • It's a Motherfucker
24. P.S. You Rock My World
second encore:
25. Fresh Blood
26. Looking Up

Fresh Feeling Collage

I was thrilled that they played this song and I thought it was arranged perfectly. I took two photos from the first night then added a band shot from the second night.

E watching Knuckles for cut

 PBoo and Tiny Al

I felt like I seriously shorted them on my first post, and it wasn't from lack of pictures. I was just geeking out over all the pictures of E and The Chet...

Jam

Upon second review of my pictures, I saw E's face in this one and it cracked me up. Classic Everett pout.

E and The Chet

Another fun interaction shot

 PBoo

Knuckles being introduced

I realized that I really didn't talk about the music at all in my original post. The first night, the two most important things in the world to Knuckles, besides drumming while simultaneously singing a song about himself, were: riding the L train aimlessly for hours and wearing ironic hipster t shirts. (Williamsburg is a very young and hip neighborhood.) The next night it got even more rough: bedbugs and counting bodies in the East River.

The Chet tuning

Not just a nice shot of his tats, but one that shows the Snatch Brothers turning their back to the audience. When there was a song without brass, they turned and faced the backdrop.

PBoo playing trumpet

Again, pictures that needed a little bit more love in the processing department. There wasn't a whole lot of light hitting the left side of the stage. Most of my shots with PBoo playing had the horn blocking his face. (Something I know all too well from my days as a trumpet player.) He played an interesting rendition of New York, New York during his introduction.

 E

Just had to throw another in of the man rocking. I was slightly bummed that he didn't use his guitar with the "E" on it, because I was so ready for that shot!

The Chet during Fresh Blood

This is the opposite of the shot from my previous post, where I missed on the strobe light, but I thought it was still noteworthy.

Tiny Al and E

This happened right in front of me as Looking Up began, and I kept waiting for someone to turn on a light. They never did. I knew I could get something out of the photo because I shot in raw, but it's pretty heavily processed. Just so you can see, the original is here:

Right side of the stage during Looking Up

In my original post, I mentioned that I completely missed certain things during the first night, and this would be one of them. The brass section and Knuckles had this awesome gospel choir thing going on and they were dancing up a storm on the right side of the stage. It had a very Family Feud feel to it with the addition of the brass.

Knuckles

Totally should've gotten more face time on my last post. I was somewhat surprised at how many clean shots I took of the drummer. (Thanks for moving out of the way, E!)

Solute

The second night opened up with what sounded to me like the opening to All You Need is Love and a solute. Again, not a lot of light on the band yet, so I had to pull a lot out of this one.

The rest are some interesting facial expression shots of E. I definitely ran of out steam the first time I went through my shots because there were some gems I'd overlooked. It's funny how differently I view pictures depending on my mood. At first, I didn't want any hands in any of my shots, so I passed a lot of them over. Some of them are fun, like the extended ROCK! hand near the end, that I think enhance the pictures.

 

 

 E Playing it up for the crowd

Another low light shot, but a keeper all the same.