What Else Can I Write?

My Top 20 Albums Of '08

2008-12-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

2008 was also a year in which we had the return of Metallica, My Bloody Valentine and a Britney Spears that isn’t completely crazy. It is also a year that has blessed us the “Rosa Parks” of getting girls to make out with each other, Katy Perry. Looking back on ’08, I can say it hasn’t been too bad.

Who knows if I’ll be writing this list anymore in the years to come because the album format is dying year by year. Chuck Klosterman wrote a very good review on Guns N’ Roses’ “Chinese Democracy” and says that “Chinese Democracy” will be the “Last album that will be marketed as a collection of autonomous-but-connected songs and the last album that will matter more as a physical object than as an Internet sound file.” And its hard to agree with that, but for now lets look over, what I believe to be, the year’s best.

If you get tired of reading this there are always great year-end lists that require little reading like Smoking Gun’s Top Mugshots of the Year or the Douchie Awards given out by Hot Chicks With Douchbags and of course what could be the most important list of after mine: Mr. Skin’s Top Nude Scenes of 2008.

I present to you my totally biased view towards the year in albums. Really, a list isn’t a list unless you disagree with it. I expect people who read this not to agree but the number 1 album something I stand behind firmly. No Fleet Foxes here folk. Enjoy.

20. “Evil Urges” by My Morning Jacket
Just because this album is the bottom of my list doesn’t mean you should ignore it. “Evil Urges” was pretty close to being left off the list and being replaced by Chad Van Gaalen’s “Soft Airplane” but then I realized how much I love this album. In my opinion, this is the best “Southern Rock” album of the year; sorry Kings Of Leon fans – they aren’t making my list.

The album morphs from Southern Rock to a Prince cover band and the ends in a hazy, slow sounding mess. Craig Finn of The Hold Steady says that My Morning Jacket are the “American Readiohead” and even though I think he is way off I don’t dispute that this band makes some great music. You already know “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt.1” was one of my favourite tracks of the year. I can tell you that sounds like “I’m Amazed”, “Thank You Too!” and “Smokin’ From Shootin” make this album a well balanced and great listen.

19. “Bake Sale” by The Cool Kids
Last year I had 3 rap albums in my year end list, which is odd because as most of you know, I’m not really a big rap fan. What is even more odd is that those three album were all in my top 10 albums of ’07. This year is a much different story in regards to rap.

The Cool Kids’ “Bake Sale” is the ONLY rap album to make it on my year end list. Yeah, you read that right – No “Tha Carter III” in my top albums, Lil’ Wayne’s already locked down “Album of the Year” titles from Time and Blender. Wale’s “Mixtape About Nothing” almost made my list though.

Anyways, I was thinking about leaving this off because most of these songs came out last year but the greatness of these songs as a collective was too much to ignore. This is just a simple and fun rap record. Basic but catchy beats and clever and mostly nonsensical lyrics make this a 10 song album that you’re going to have great fun listening to. “88”, “A Little Bit Cooler” and “Jingling” are all stand out tracks whose topics range from race wars to boutique street wear. You really can’t hate the Cool Kids – they broke out Skee-Lo and Montell Jordan samples when I saw them live.

18. “Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains by Sebastien Grainger
In case you don’t know Sebastien Grainger use to be the frontman/drummer for a band called Death From Above 1979 , a short lived amazing music duo. This is his first solo album and it rocks. While, you probably may not see this album on any other year end list its no reason to dismiss it.

It is a mashup of rock sounds, ranging from that dance rock (Renegade Silence) to punk (Niagara) and even a live track (I’m All Rage). The songs that I find the best are the ones in which Grainger seems to has found his own style: “American Names”, (Are There) Ways To Come Home?” and “I Hate My Friends” display the best of what Sebastien Grainger has to offer. I look forward at what is to come from one of the most disappointing band splits from recent years.

17. “Saturnalia” by The Gutter Twins
A couple years ago I use to make fun of a friend because it seemed that the only bands he liked were bands whose band names started with “The”. This chum of mine then counteracted saying I have a fondness for 90’s rehashed supergroups (Think Audioslave and Zwan). I’ve grown out of those bands (I still like the first Audioslave album, though) but am in love with the pairing of Mark Lanegan and Greg Dulli: A underrated, dark singer-songwriter supergroup.

Dulli’s Afghan Whigs and Twilight Singers are both mind blowingly awesome and Lanegan sings on one of my favourite songs (In The Fade by Queens Of The Stone Age); is often compared to Tom Waits and is responsible for Kurt Cobain closing the MYV Unplugged set with “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”. As the moniker Gutter Twins suggest this is a dark and gloomy rock album. “The Stations” is an AMAZING opener; “Front Street” is a great dark and poetic closer and everything in between flows together perfectly. “Saturnalia” is a Roman Festival in which social roles are reversed typically slaves and masters switched places. This is funny because of two of the most under appreciated singers out there have their day and triumph with a beautiful album and your new rainy day mix.

16. “Crystal Castles” by Crystal Castles
My good friend Jordan Orava just quit reading this list after seeing this entry. Crystal Castles’ debut is the second and final CanCon album to make the cut.

Crystal Castles are total 80’s nostalgia: their music is comprised of 8-bit video game music (Original Nintendo Music, for those not in the know) and their name is taken from She-Ra’s fortress. And while it seems they get their attention because of this schtick or retro-ness, I think that their debut is much more then that – its an electronic/dance album tinged with a punk attitude that has pulled me into a type of music that I have all but abandoned since Prodigy’s “Fat Of The Land”.

“Magic Spells” and Vanished” have to be my favourite tracks followed by “Crimewave (Crystal Castles vs. Health)”; “Courtship Date” and “Knights”. Great background music and just as good if you’re listening to it in your headphones.

15. “Modern Guilt” by Beck
What would one of my year end list be without a spot dedicated to Beck? His “Modern Guilt”, which was produced by Danger Mouse, is a 35 minute easy, boppy listen that has tinges of the psychedelic. He has abandoned the upbeat dance style that saturated of this last two albums and tried something new. The first single “Chemtrails”, is a hazy and mellow gem about the conspiracy theories that surround jet streams from planes. “Youthless” and “Soul Of A Man” are reflections of a man growing up and “Profanity Prayers” I don’t have a clue about but it’s the second best track on the album.

In the end Beck crafted a short and easily accessible paranoia album for those who don’t listen to albums no more.

14. “Top Ranking” by Diplo And Santogold
Street Fighter, B-52’s, The Clash, Panda Bear and Of Montreal are all sampled on this joint effort between Diplo and one of my new favourite artists, Santogold. If I can declare that my number 10 album is funnest album of the year this can easily be the second.

“Top Ranking” is a cornucopia of sounds and samples. There is the great “Guns Of Brooklyn” which is a take on The Clash’s song of almost the same name. Then you have remixes of songs that appear on Santogold’s debut, the “Lights Out” and L.E.S. Artistes remixes are just as good as the originals. Then you have new and original songs that are pure ear candy. “Run-Hide” is super catchy while “Icarus” is a mellow and blissful track which simply has Santi’s voice over a harp. While “Top Ranking” isn’t literally top ranking on my list it is pretty close. (Lame ending line count: 1)

13. “Heart On” by Eagles Of Death Metal
On this album, Jesse “Electric Boots” Hughes and Josh “Baby Duck” Homme have perfected their aim to be The Eagles if they played ”Death Metal”. The one thing I don’t like about this album, is its title, “Heart On”, I don’t get it? It seems to be an incomplete sentence? Heart on, what? What exactly is the heart on?

Anyways, this album is a sexy rock gem that makes you want to pitch a tent in the middle of the desert and throw a party. You get songs like “High Voltage” that are straight up erect rockers and then you get mellower summer jams like “Now, I’m A Fool”. In the end, this is Eagles Of Death Metal’s most complete, cohesive and fun album. It was quite a boner of me that I didn’t go and see this band live when I had the chance.

12. “Viva La Vida…” by Coldplay
Yes, I like this album. Yes, I still have both of my testicles. Yes, I enjoy sappy love songs. Yes, I know how my opinion doesn’t matter as much after listing this album and not listing your favourite.

Most importantly though: Yes, this album is actually really good and a step in the right direction for a band that was headed nowhere (Not literally though – in terms of creativity) after “X&Y”. They hired acclaimed Brian Eno to produce their newest album and it looks like he instituted many different styles and sounds into the band. According to an interview I read Eno said that Coldplay was “Relying on too many of their old tricks” and “Viva La Vida” definitely changes Coldplay’s musical direction while alienating many of their fans – which really is a good sign.

Despite its Ricky Martin title and Coldplay’s ridiculously gimmicky stage theme and wardrobe the album is consistent from beginning to end. Chris Martin admittedly, said that he wanted this album to be short and compact and meant to be listened to on a subway or “tube” ride – not requiring much attention. Even though the death of album format is a sad sentiment, tracks like “42”, “Lost!”, the brilliant first single “Violet Hill” and the excellent closer “Death And All His Friends” make this album a fast, endearing and most importantly an enjoyable album.

11. “Little Joy” by Little Joy
The only way you’ve stumbled across this band is if you’re a fan of the Strokes. Drummer Fabrizio Moretti teamed up with a Brazilian by the name of Rodrigo Amarante and Binki Shapiro to form a trio that sounds like summer. That is the one bad thing about this album, the time of its release, it would probably rank so much higher if I had heard this in June instead of during the wintery grave of the North in November.

Little Joy’s name is taken from a cocktail bar in LA and the name is very telling of their sound. In what will be seen as hopping onto Vampire Weekend’s bandwagon Little Joy create a fun, poppy and simple atmosphere. Songs like “Brand New Start” will make you think you’re on a beach enjoying your life; “With Strangers” is a great campfire song minus the drunken guy who doesn’t know the lyrics and “How To Hang a Warhol” makes it seem OK that you’re an Art Major – even though it isn’t. Little Joy? More like A LOT OF JOY, as far as I’m concerned. (I’m here all week, folks).

10. “Feed The Animals” by Girl Talk
When I first started compiling my list in November (Yes, I give this shit too much thought) Greg Gillis’ lastest mash up of indie songs, Top 40 hits, rap anthems and old classics was at number 20 on my list. I couldn’t justify it being any higher because it is an album made solely out of samples. Then I remembered the Avalanches’ “Since I Left You” and Beastie Boys’ “Paul Boutiques” both sample happy albums that received high acclaim.

Now, why is this album so high for a guy who doesn’t like dance music? Simple, because it is a really fun album. I probably haven’t had this much fun listening to an album since Adam Sandler’s “Goat Song” in Grade 7. Girl Talk also was probably one of the most “fun” I had at a concert this year (The Hives come in second) and while the merits of Girl Talk’s music is questioned there is no doubt that his live show is a dance mix tour de force. Mixing Radiohead’s “ROC Boys” with Radiohead’s “Paranoid” Android” is awesome. Lil Wayne against Sinead O’Connor is shocking but works great and Metallica with Lil’ Mama is brilliant. This collection of 14 “songs” makes a great party album which Gillis gave out for free. Download it set it up on your comp and let it be your DJ for a fun night.

09. “The ’59 Sound” by The Gaslight Anthem
One of those albums that creeped up on me and got better and better with every listen. As a person who has seemed to have outgrown his “punk” tendencies (I wasn’t really a huge punk fan but was more open to it) I have a hard time giving anything relatively “punk” a chance. Now, punk fans who are reading this, I know that Gaslight Anthem, isn’t really punk but that is what it is getting lumped into.

Now, if you’re like me you probably won’t listen to this initially, just download it and keep it on your playlist or Ipod and hope that your shuffle will land on a song. Once one song catches on then the rest will follow. Really, this is more similar to Bruce Springsteen’s work then any other punk album I’m familiar with. “Film Noir” is foot stompingly awesome; “Miles Davis & The Cool” is a catchy anthem and of course you should know about my feelings about “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” my 9th favourite song of the year. “The ’59 Sound” hasn’t got much exposure in many of these year end lists but they definitely deserve to be in my top 10 albums of the year. A consistent and emotional album that has wide appeal. Different then anything else I have on my list.

08. “Vampire Weekend” by Vampire Weekend
The caption to Spin’s January ’08 issue stated something like “This Year’s Best Band, Already?” and while Spin wasn’t exactly right, they were really close. Vampire Weekend is one of the most compelling bands to emerge onto the scene in 2008. With countless interviews, blog mentions and shows played its no surprise that many of these publications that hyped them have jumped off of the bandwagon. Really this has nothing to do with their music just how things are these days.

Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut is great summer album, super catchy, poppy and synonymous with Paul Simon’s “Graceland”. I love the snooty literary-ness of the anti grammar song “Oxford Comma”; “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” was a track I overplayed too much this year. “One (Blake’s Gotta New Face) I thought was ridiculous the first time I listened to it, but so ridiculous I began to enjoy it. And “I Stand Corrected”; “Walcott” and “The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance” are three of the best songs on this album that sadly bring Vampire Weekend’s debut to its conclusion. Lastly, the sale of boat shoes and Oxfords have shot up tenfold just because of this band’s existence.

07. “In Ear Park” by Department Of Eagles
I had the opportunity to check out Grizzly Bear three times this year and only managed to catch them once and while they were enjoyable they didn’t really blow me away. Department Of Eagles on the other hand did. I can’t really specify the atmosphere and sound that is created in this album but I can say how it is light and friendly and dark and complex all at the same time.

In my songs of the year list I proclaimed that “In Ear Park” could be best suited as an old school Disney soundtrack and I can stand by that. Songs like “Teenager” and “Herring Bone” to me, display the album’s Disney side. I made a mistake by not putting the boppy “No One Does It” on my year end songs list (for you Britney fans there is a catchy mashup of this and Womanizer at Hood Internet to download).

While scanning Animalshirts.net, I hypothesized with friends that Eagle shirts were going to be all the rave in ’09 and I think that Department Of Eagles is a precursor to this. “In Ear Park” is a great album that will eventually park itself into your ear. (Yes, I believe the count is at three now)

06. “Como Te Llama?” by Albert Hammond, Jr.
I’m pretty shocked that no other publication has listed this album on their list, this album is definitely deserving of your adoration. The Strokes guitarist’s sophomore album is the perfect mix of pop and garage rock. “GfC” was on my songs list; “Rocket” is a beautiful distorted mess and “Victory In Monterey” and “Miss Myrtle” are catchy pop ditties that will get stuck in your head.

Because of the awesoemness of Hammond, Jr. and Little Joy the next Strokes album has a lot to live up too. If the parts of the band are doing so great on their own we can only hope the Strokes' next album will be the best of the year. If the Strokes break up and we are left with these bands, the existence of Albert Hammond Jr's solo career softens the blow.

05. “Nouns” by No Age
A distorted, chaotic and beautiful mess of sounds is how I would describe No Age’s “Nouns”. In tradition of bands like White Stripes and Death From Above 1979, No Age is a duo that creates big and loud music.

The music on this album goes from 10 to 5 and then back to 10. The lulls in this punk’ish and garage sounding album are just as sweet. Every song is a 2 to 3 minute blast of energy that makes you want to relive the days you were still able to participate in a mosh pit. “Nouns” is a criminal lineup of loud, punk-pop inspired music, with offenders like “Eraser”, “Sleeper Hold”, “Here Should Be My Home”, “Ripped Knees” and my number 1 song of the year: “Teen Creeps”.

04. “In Ghost Colours” by Cut Copy
When I first downloaded this album I never thought it would be in consideration to make this list but when I started writing this I realized that I have been playing this album just as much, if not more, than any of the albums listed.

Cut Copy’s “In Ghost Colours” is a catchy, poppy and fun dance-rock record that you won’t be able to shake. It opens with two bangers (Yeah, I used that word) “Feel The Love” and “Out There On The Ice” that build up the albu. The middle of “In Ghost Colours” then begins to perfectly slow down with tracks like the beautiful and haunting “Midnight Runner” which is followed by “So Haunted” and the combination of “Voices in Quartz” and the blazing “Hearts On Fire”. Really this album is great all the way through and probably my favourite Australian export since Silverchair circa ’97. It would be a shame of me to not namedrop “Strangers In The Wind” as well. You may not catch on to this album at first but give it time, I certainly did and now its cemented into my CD player.

Before I get to my "Top 3" entries I'll say that there were many other good albums that came out this year that also deserve some praise. The first being Nine Inch Nail's giveaway "The Slip. Foals' "Antidotes" was the album that we wish Bloc Party would write again. MGMT wrote half of an AMAZING album. Passion Pit put out a great EP "Chunk Of Change", they are going to be '09's hyped band. "One Day As A Lion's debut EP teased a lot of Zach De La Rocha fans. The Killers put out an enjoyable album but it was pretty hard to top "Sam's Town". Elliott Brood's "Moutain Meadows is one of the best albums you haven't heard a lick about. Kings Of Leon's "Only By The Night" won me over. M83 put out a rnostalgic disco album which was entertaining. My respect for the Mars Volta has gone up with their release of "The Bedlam In Goliath". Some will say '08 wasn't a good year for music but you just have to try harder these days to find music you enjoy.

03. “Santogold” by Santogold
I was a little worried for most of the summer that this would be my album of the year. Now, I know that reads bad, but I’m a rocker and wanted a rock album to get the spot, this is not taking anything from Santogold though, she has really molested both of my year-end lists and I was pretty disappointed when she ditched Lolla to head out on tour with Coldplay.

Santogold’s debut album was your anthem of ’08, even if you don't know it. From hocking Mountain Dew to cars and Converse shows she has been everywhere and for good reason. She has got a brash and refreshing sound that can get the attention of many different types of music fans. The anthemic and anti-whatever “L.E.S. Artistes” is probably the best radio single of the year. The song is then followed by other ear candy tracks such as “You’ll Find A Way” and the M.I.A.’ish “Creator”. My favourite tracks are the songs in which she gets into a mellower and more chill style, like on the droning “Starstruck”, the almost Weezer’ish “I’m A Lady” and dark “Anne”. Santogold is my pick for favourite new artist of the year and should really be more popular then she is. Santogold is an example of really good pop music and being a fan of her's is nothing you should be ashamed about.

02. “Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.” by Deerhunter
Initially I didn’t care for this band at all and didn’t buy into the hype that came from their '07 releases. When I eventually gave this album a shot it kept on getting better and better with each listen – to the point it cemented a number two spot. To me “Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.” is a dream – a distorted, comforting, layered and awesome dream. I’ve fallen asleep to it many times and that’s not a bad thing.

The album begins with “Agoraphobia” and the almost Sonic Youth ripoff “Never Stops” – which is the perfect mix of shoegaze and pop. You are then lulled into a dreamy and euphoric state with mellower tracks like “Microcastle” and “Green Jacket” and then you should be blown away by the amazingly catchy first single “Nothing Ever Happened” (Which carries a massive chorus); the great “Saved By Old Times” and then you are jolted awake by “Neither Of Us, Uncertainly” and My Bloody Valentine inspired “Twilight At Carbon Lake”. The best thing is that you can relive this musical experience by popping in the bonus/hidden second disc “Weird Era. Cont” which is an added bonus to those who purchased the album. While Deerhunter’s crowning achievement is a great, great album it, and any other album on this list for that matter, do not hold a candle to this year’s number one.

01. “Dear Science” by TV On The Radio
“Dear Science” has already garnered “Number 1” album titles from Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine (Spin has given them this title twice in the last 3 years actually. Time and NME gave it their number two spots and it was Pitchfork’s Highest rated album of the calendar year. This to me is heartwarming and validates my often poor taste in everything.

I was worried because their first two singles. “Golden Age” and Dancing Choose” did not live up to my very high expectations. This is a band who wrote the amazing “Young Liars” EP and my number 1 song of '06, “Wolf Like Me”, I was expecting a lot from this band. A week or two after listening to this album, it was without a doubt my number one album of the 2008, shitting over everyone in its path.

Dave Sitek engineers a captivating atmosphere that mashes up elements of jazz, doo-wap, borderline rap and a darker shade of rock. “Halfway Home” continues the band’s tradition of amazing opening tracks. “Crying” is just as good as its predecessor and showcases Tunde’s Prince-like voice. “Stork And Owl” was an early favourite and was hastily put into the upper echelon of TVOTR greats like “Young Liars” and “Blind”. The hauntingly chill “Family Tree” is TVOTR going Coldplay and somehow succeeding. Then you get the scathing what seems to be anti-war track “Red Dress”, which is dressed with beautiful horns and a powerful chorus. “Love Dog”. “Shout Me Out” and “DLZ” rival any other three song runs on any other album I’ve ever listened to. And then you finally conclude at the beautiful and best TVOTR closer “Lover’s Day”.

“Dear Science” in short is about the current state of the world, it was inspired by the Large Hadron Collider, race issues, war and most importantly the hope for change. These may not sound like the most favourable of topics but it inspired hands-down the best album of this year. I can take you not liking any other entry on this list but this one is not arguable. TV On The Radio are one of the most compelling, experimental and important bands to be making music right now and if there is any band worthy to be deemed the American Radiohead its Brooklyn’s TV On The Radio.

No links here folks, shareminer.com or your local record store will help you with that.
See you next year, folks.

My Top 30 Songs Of '08

2008-12-09T11:51:00.001-08:00

“The fight isn’t over whether you’re alternative or mainstream.
It’s how you tune the mainstream to a different frequency”. – M.I.A.

That quote sums up what I think about popular music these days. It seems that gap between what is considered “Underground” and what is considered “Mainstream” has been getting smaller and smaller with the progression of the internet and decline of physical sales of music. Music is more available to a wide variety of people and now it seems that everyone else has heard of any band you mention which makes it harder for you to recommend something to an acquaintance that they haven’t heard before.

In case you didn’t know holding my coveted “Number 1 Song of The Year” is quite the honour and carries with it a lot of clout and gusto. My number one song last year was Arcade Fire’s “My Body Is A Cage” it is now being immortalized on film, in one of my favourite directors new movie: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. In case you haven’t seen the TV spot you can check it HERE.

This year’s list seem to have a wide variety of types of songs ranging from Remixes and a cover song to Mainstream Pop to what I consider to be almost “Gangster Rap”. I always have to write this every year that this is truly “My” list – what I enjoy. I hope you enjoy them as well, of course, I’ve provided download links for your convenience. I realize that
You’re going to disagree with about half of the shit I’m going to write but the beauty of it is you’re going to recommend me songs as well and I’m going to be all the better for it.

Before you start reading (Or skimming, you ASSHOLE) you can click these two links and download the 30 tracks I’ve listed. The download should be completed by the time you finish reading this, unless you’re a mouth reader.
Download tracks 30 to 16 : HERE and tracks 15 to 1 HERE.

To start off the list is a song who’s beat is constructed solely on a “Mouth and a bell” And just an FYI they are F.L.Y. they squeaked in the list and beat out songs like: “The Stations” by the Gutter Twins; “The Perfect Plan” by Wale; and “Magic Spells” by Crystal Castles and Kim & Jessie by M83, my 30 spot goes to:

30. What Up Man? by The Cool Kids
Tick, tick, clap, tick, clap, clap, bass, bass, bass. Yes, very repetitive but you probably would not have noticed if I didn’t tell you. Yes, some of the lyrics and obscene but I think the amazing beat and the amusing lines that are spewed override that. The Cool Kids were one of most entertaining bands that I saw at Lollapalooza this summer.

29. Dying Is Fine by Ra Ra Riot
Ra Ra Riot, terrible name and definitely can be accused of jumping on the Vampire Weekend bandwagon but this song is a catchy little number. I enjoy the strings that can be heard in the background and this song somehow is quite cheerful despite its grim outlook on life. I really love this chorus.

28. Get It Up (Radioclit Mix Ft. M.I.A. & Gorilla Zoe) by Diplo And Santogold
When Santogold first hit the scene I read many articles and blurbs that commented on her similarity to M.I.A. so it’s quite interesting that they are together on this track. I love the tribal chants and think that the two mixed well together. I should have maybe made this entry higher considering I snubbed M.I.A. hard for not even putting “Paper Planes” in last year’s songs list. I feel in love with that song like 2 days after I posted that list, I swear.

27. This Is Your Life by The Killers
Considering that “Day & Age” recently leaked it is quite the accomplishment for a song to rocket straight into my 30 but this song managed to do it. t seems like I’m one of the 4 people that liked “Sam’s Town” which comforts me because the general population’s taste sucks, instead we got this 80’s infused, neon 80’s album.

Why is this song so special? Because it has cheesy 80’s movie written all over it. What immediately grabbed me about this song is that it reminded me of a song off of the third Ninja Turtle movie and after much searching I found that Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” is the song I was thinking of. Take it as a bad sign or a good sign but The Killers killed it on this track. (See, what I did there? Har. Har.)

26. American Boy (Ft. Kanye West) by Estelle
OK, this is the ONLY entry Kanye West is getting in my lists this year. Actually maybe he’ll get a Hong-nourable mention but it’s a remix. Anyways, the female version of Ludacris’ “Area Codes” was really hard for me to put on the list because of its association with will.i.am, damn a little piece of me died as I’m actually giving props to someone apart of my most hated band: Black Eyed Peas. Great beat, catchy chorus and if you would have asked me this summer maybe a Top 10 Song Of The Year. Blasphemous I know, how can you take anything I write with a grain of salt? If you remember last year’s 15, you should not be surprised.

25.Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
Yeah, I followed up Estelle and Kanye with a Coldplay song. I know I’m going to lose a lot of people after 5 songs but I think that Coldplay made a really good album and tried out a new sound. And while that alienated a lot of their fans I think that this song is a song that all Coldplay fans can agree on. The lush drums and the acoustic guitar create a nice soothing atmosphere within the song and sometimes that I all I really want. I’m comfortable with my sexuality to write that I like Coldplay if you are still using that joke you’re an unoriginal asshole unless you are using that joke in an ironic way.

24. My Drive Thru by Santogold. Pharrell & Julian Casablancas
Remember like 3 or 4 years ago when Justin Timberlake did that really LAME McDonalds song and Nelly sang about Air Force 1’s? Those songs probably were the pinnacle of music’s marriage with commercials. These days you have corporations or brands acquiring and renting songs to make their product/company seems cool. Commercials and Television shows are the new MTV and MuchMusic.

“My Drive Thru” is probably the BEST song I’ve heard that has been written specifically for an advertising campaign for Converse. Aside from Pharrell’s lame “Uhhhs and Awws” this song is almost flawless. Amazing beat, Julian sounds really clean and the parts he sings are the best and even a semi decent video. It’s the best thing Julian has been a part of since “Room On Fire” yes, I rescind every positive thing I’ve said about “First Impressions Of Earth”. It’s a terrible album.

23. Video Tapez (Ft. Del The Funky Homosapien) by Amplive
AmpLive’s “Rainydayz Remixes” was embroiled in some controversy before it was released on the web. Seems like its getting harder and harder to sample songs and even though Radiohead practically gave “In Rainbows” away for free and AmpLive was going to do the same with these remixes suits still almost found a way to mess it up. Probably my favourite track from the album (Videotape ) is remixed with Del The Funky Homosapien rapping over it. Great re-work if you love the original you should like this.

22. Feel The Love by Cut Copy
You can drop your Virgin Mobile phone and listen to this great and catchy song that opens Cut Copy’s “In Ghost Colors”. This is a dance-rockish track that has steadily grown and grown over the year. It mixes robot voices with acoustic guitars and Euro-beats. You’ve probably heard this song before but don’t know who it is. Think last year’s “Pogo” by Digitalism. Damn, I want to bake me a cake and buy a Blackberry.

21. Phantom Other by Department Of Eagles
This song is a stark contrast to all of the pop, dance’ish tracks that have so far made my list thus far. It has an orchestral feel; it’s mellow and beautifully composed. Think of a Disney song, not new-school Disney, but Disney when they were blatantly racist, this is the atmosphere I get from the song (Minus the racism part). The song is really just basically a 3 minute and 49 second buildup to an AMAZING conclusion. That buildup is still good in of itself though.

20.Wild International by One Day As A Lion
In a year where the Chinese get democracy and pigs can apparently fly we FINALLY get new material from this year’s number 2 anarchist (Joker being number 1): Zack De La Rocha. Even though we only get 5 songs it was still great to hear. Even better that he teamed up with an AMAZING drummer Jon Theodore (Formerly of The Mars Volta). Zack doesn’t change up his style at all but the backing track is really different with a keyboard synth replacing a bass line. Interesting lyrics and an amazing return from a long time favourite of mine, lands this track at the 20 spot.

19. Agoraphobia by Deerhunter
“Come for me/ Cover me/ Come for me/ Comfort me” is definitely the best use of alliteration I’ve heard in a song this year. This is a very dreamy and poppy song and is the best and most comforting song about an anxiety of the outside world I’ve ever heard.

18. Electric Feel by MGMT and the Justice Remix
MGMT blew up this year and Electric Feel and “Time To Pretend” are the two songs that have seemingly ushered the duo into the mainstream (It was ridiculous to try and watch their set at Lollapalooza) . There are so many things I can write about this song but I get the feeling that everyone has heard this already. It is super catchy, the lyrics are ridiculous to the point of accomplishment and the little bass line has you head bopping constantly. The tough part is not deciding whether you like the song or not. It is deciding if the Justice Remix is better then the original. As much as I want to hate this hippie band they have won me over, well half one me over.

17.I Stand Corrected by Vampire Weekend
Probably the most overly hyped and talked about band this year has to go to Vampire Weekend but they back up that hype with tracks like this. A short two and a half minute apologetic pop song accompanied by simple drums and very simple lyrics a contrast to many of the more bombastic songs on the album. This is definitely a song that will float into your ears and drill into your memory.

16. Gamma Ray by Beck/Jay Reatard
This gem by Beck (And awesomely covered by Jay Reatard) is probably the best and grooviest songs to ever be written about global warming. While Beck’s version seems hazy and borderline psychedelic Jay Retard’s cover is a minimalist punk song, they both reeled me in as a listener. The plucky guitar and catchy bass line make this one of my favourite tunes of the year.

15. Halfway Home by TV On The Radio
I’m not going to front, this song can easily be higher on this list but I put it at 15 because its title fit into the halfway mark of this list. Yes, it seems that this cheeky moves reeks of lack of integrity but you the reader would have to assume I have integrity to start with,

Anyways, TV On The Radio continues to kill it on opening tracks and this song is no different. The borderline jazz/doo-wop atmosphere of this song mixed with the handclaps pace TVOTR’s letter to science. I love Tunde’s voice and it really soars on this song, 4:19 and onward, to me, is auditory bliss.

14. Anything ‘Cept The Truth by Eagles Of Death Metal
Eagles Of Death Metal perfect their shtick on their latest album and this is a prime example of it. This is a pure sexed up and 80’s tinged rock n’ roll song. Maybe I have a fetish for opening songs that are accompanied by handclaps but there was no way that this song could not make the list.

13. GfC by Albert Hammond, Jr.
If you are not a fan of the Strokes, it is safe to say, that you probably have not heard of Albert Hammond, Jr. Well, its really time to change that because since the Strokes’ last album he has put out two really good albums that are compromised of amazing pop-rock songs and GfC is one of them.

I don’t have a clue what GfC stands for but the starting of the song reminds me of a lullaby and seems that the song really won’t amount to much and then suddenly a little bunchy guitar kicks in with an “Oh” followed by a killer chorus and then really you have no chance not to be hooked on this tune. There is a nifty little guitar solo at the end too, for you heroes out there.

12. (Are There) Ways To Come Home? By Sebastien Grainger
R.I.P. DFA1979. While the bass half, Jesse Keeler, went on to form MSTRKRFT and abandon all of rock and roll tendencies and focused on dance music, Sebastien Grainger slowly crafted a rock based comeback. This is not really comparable to DFA1979 but that is not a bad thing. It seems Grainger has found his sound and this track displays it. I really can’t find anything I dislike about this song. The “Sleeping alone can feel….” line with the crashing cymbals and Grainger’s yell and enough to make this one of my favourite songs of the year.

11. Tape Song by The Kills
This track shot up my list the last couple of weeks. A great musical duo that I very unfortunately have to leave off of my albums list but this track scores big points. “Tape Song” reminds me of “Fever To Tell” Yeah Yeah Yeahs, it is a raw but somewhat poppy punk song, of course, fronted by a female vocalist. Listen to this three times and you won’t be able to get the song out of your head. What they could have improved on though is the musicvideo, pretty lame for such a kick ass song.

I guess I can take a little time here to drop a couple “Hong-nourable” mentions here before we move onto the top 10. DJ Earworm’s mashup of Radiohead’s “Reckoner” and Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown” is perfect. I hate myself for enjoying the Black Kids’ “Hit The Heartbreaks” enough to put them in here. “Goodnight, Travel Well” by the Killers is probably the best closing track I’ve heard this year but not good enough to claw its way into the list. Little Joy’s “Brand New Start” and Does This Offend You, Yeah?’s “Let’s Make Out” were close as well. Okkervil River’s “Lost Coastlines” was awesome. I just got into Passion Pit and the song “Sleepyhead” has been getting a lot of play and Jack White’s and Alicia Keys “Another Way To Die” is really good as well. I know there are more songs that I really liked that didn’t make the list but I’m tapped out right now. Download the Hong-nourable Mentions HERE.

10.An Animal In Your Care by Wolf Parade
Probably the most hyped Canadian album this year was Wolf Parade’s sophomore effort (Sorry Nickelback fans). Anyways, one of the reasons why I love this song is that it reminds me of my childhood. Why? Well, I’m a first generation Canadian and the music I had in my household was anything but popular. Instead I had really lame and annoying traditional Chinese music, you know with the high pitched singing and the sparse xylophone? Well, if you don’t its OK, but this song DEFINITELY reminds me of the music I was raised with.

This song starts off slow then builds but when the keys come in at around the two minute mark with the accompanying guitar sounds a couple seconds later you know that this song is building and getter stronger and stronger. At first I thought this song was, like 87% of popular music, about girl troubles and I was trying to figure out a metaphor in which the guy is the “Animal” in a girls care but when it comes down to really listening to the lyrics the song is really just about someone lamenting on their pet’s death. A weird number 10 but I stand by it.

09. Echoplex by Nine Inch Nails
If you have seen Nine Inch Nails on tour this year you will know all about the visual that goes with this song and how it revolves around this drum track. The beginning of this video shows NIN rehearsing it and this is the visual I got to see live. The guy yelling Vanna White was a nicely added touch.

Anyways, this song breaks the tradition of NIN album closers as the only songs to make it onto my year end lists (Right Where It Belongs and Zero Sum made the ’05 and ’07 songs lists). “Echoplex” immediately caught my ear when I downloaded it (After Trent gave away “The Slip” for free) and was the song I wanted to hear live the most off of the new album. If you like NIN you’ll like this song, if you don’t like NIN you should still give it a shot just because of the awesome “La La La La Las” that are in the background of this track.
And

08. Even Cowgirls Get The Blues by The Gaslight Anthem
Props go to my BFF Chris MacGregor for introducing me to this band. I’m a stubborn asshole and rarely take recommendations from anyone but I was really urged to download this “The ‘59” Sound”, I never listened to it and then one day this song popped up on random and I haven’t stopped listening to it since.

It’s basically punk mixed with Bruce Springsteen story telling. You know songs about “Sandy, Johnny or Mary” getting older but not growing up, something that really hits a cord with me right now (Listening to All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem also gives me this same feeling). It would be cheap to compare it to last year’s seemingly token punk song “Thrash Unreal” by Against Me! but they are both great songs that tell very relevant stories with killer fuckin’ choruses.

07. Big Ideas by LCD Soundsystem
First off, I want to state that listing “Al Of My Friends” at the 27th last year was criminal and maybe it’s why I’m ranking “Big Ideas” so high. While the horrible blackjack movie “21” unleashed “Time To Pretend” by MGMT to the mainstream, the movie’s soundtrack also gave birth to James Murphy’s attempt to make a stadium rock song rooted in electronic dance music. “Big Ideas” is the result of that experiment and it is safe to say he pulled it off. It has a super catchy chorus that you won’t get out of your head, a nice little “Woohohohoooo”, its similar to “AnimaL In Your Care” in that this song is a builder and comes to an amazing finish.

06. L.E.S. Artistes by Santogold
Yes, this is Santogold’s third and final entry on this list. She straight up dominated this year and this is the track that started it all for me. This is an amazing pop song and while some may look at Santogold as a guilty pleasure and not worthy of such high acclaim, I beg to differ. She actually writes her own songs and takes tries many different sounds.

It seems that I don’t have any other descriptive things to say other then “killer chorus” but the term is appropriate for this as well. She has been compared to M.I.A. and Gwen Stefani but I think she’s similar to Karen O and this was probably my song of the summer.

05. Touch Me I’m Going To Scream by My Morning Jacket
When I first downloaded “Evil Urges” I could not get pass the second track because I kept this song on repeat. “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt.1” is definitely deserving of the 5 spot and for a brief time I was considering it to be my favourite track of the year.

Jim James has an amazing voice and it is beautifully layered on this track, My Morning Jacket uses a didgeridoo on this as well. What I love most about this song is the subtle bass bopping and the yearning in James’ voice when he sings this chorus a moving song that has dominated my Ipod in ’08.

04. Shoot Me Down (Ft. D. Smith) by Lil’ Wayne
If it weren’t for Axl Rose, Lil’ Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” would be the most hyped album in ’08, it definitely already wins the best cover art of the year and two publications (Blender and Time) have already named it their number 1 album.

Anyways, Weezy has had a monstrous year and while “Lollipop” was a huge single and “A Milli” has been played to death I think that this mellow track is the lynchpin to Wayne’s latest album. After watching the heir apparent on SNL, guitars should have a restraining order against him but I’ll let him near a guitar note on this track. Really, the lyrics are nonsense and unrelatable but the guitar tinged beat; the brooding bassline and D. Smith’s hook make this one of my favourite tracks of the year. I drank Lil’ Wayne Kool-Aid.

03. Closer by Kings Of Leon
As soon as I heard this song I immediately knew that it was going to be on this list somewhere. I was never really a big fan of Kings Of Leon but this track won me over, the song has a dark atmosphere and seems to be written for a disaster movie.

I love the sonar sound and the distorted guitar that are the base of this track. Followill’s voice is amazing as well. For a band that is likened to a Southern version of the Strokes it’s a pretty fuckin’ dark song, nothing like the singles that have come from this album. While some people did complain about the polished sound of KOL’s new record I think it’s perfect especially when a polished sound is necessary for such a precise and vast song.

02. DLZ by TV On The Radio
The only band two have two entries on this year’s list is Brooklyn’s TV On The Radio. Now, this song and the next song could be tied for my favourite song of the year but “DLZ” has a lot to live up too because TV On The Radio have already won my ’06 song of the year with “Wolf Like Me”. I think because of that I had a hard time making this track number 1. Think about it like Dirk Nowitski getting his MVP even though Steve Nash deserved it more – he had already won the two years prior but that worked against him more then help him.

Things I love about this song: Tunde’s voice on this is amazing. Dave Sitek engineered a great atmosphere. The dreamy “La La La La La Las” carry this song. I adore the sparse horns that remind me of Radiohead’s “Kid A”. And the aggressive way that this song is sung make it a perfect song and this year’s bridesmaid. “DLZ” is a song that I instantly loved and I really have no idea what it is about. I assume it’s about Enlightenment or absence of it in this day and age. To me, it sounds like the end of the world and if this is the end I got to say that the rapture has a money soundtrack.

Sorry no number 1 fake out this year, folks.

01. Teen Creeps” by No Age
You know when you hype something up to a person and usually they end up disappointed and don’t like what you have hyped to them? I get the feeling that this is going to happen to this track.

No Age’s “Teen Creeps” is simple, it’s just a 3 and a half minute noisy, loud and distorted punk/garage rock song. Why is this number 1 and why does it rank higher then the more complex and catchier songs on this year’s list? That is hard to answer especially since I gave a litany of reason to why I loved this year’s 2.

To me this song is just perfect in its archaic and distorted simpleness. I love how the song comes straight out of nowhere and pummels the listener with sound; it reminds me of Blur’s “Song 2”. They were both short and simple but amazingly effect rock songs. I love the little “Dada doo doo doo” sound the guitar makes before kicking into the verses and even though I’m a young adult I can still someone enjoy a song most likely about “Teen Angst”. This song may not be in a movie trailer next year but, in my opinion, it encapsulates all that was great about music in 2008.

So that was my year in song, I hope you enjoy. This blog was 8 pages single spaced in Word, I fucking wrote an essay. If you’re a stressed out student who needs a witty, self-deprecating and somewhat entertaining essay to be written for you AND you have some extra cash you know who to email. My top albums of the year will be up in a week or so. Peace.

Passion Pit's "Chunk Of Change"

2008-12-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

This is a band you'll probably be reading about, if you haven't already. Passion Pit are another one of those dance rock bands probably liken them more to something like Cut Copy then Does This Offend You, Yeah. The lead singer's voice does stick out but if you don't midn it I'm sure you can get some joy out of this EP.

I probably would not have downloaded it if it didn't get props in Exclaim.ca's year end list. Anyways, I pretty sure that one of the songs on here is on a Canadian PSP commercial. I would research this further but I've got to run. I'll be upping the new Common as well. And check back in a week for my Top 30 Songs Of '08 and then a week after that for my 20 Favourite Albums of '08.

Check Passion Pit out HERE.

Coldplay's "Prospekts March"

2008-11-30T17:48:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhh, another cash grab just in time for the Holiday Season. I know, I'm a cynical asshole but its true. I do give Coldplay props for actually releasing this material because most bands to record dozens and dozens of songs for an album and only 10-13 usually make the cut, so it good to see that Coldplay is giving their fans more material.

Anyways, I was happy to hear a version of "Life In Technicolor" with lyrics but that Jay-Z "Lost" remix was pretty lame in my opinion. I probably won't buy another copy of this album but if I can find this EP on its own I'd maybe buy it for a decent price. And yes, I am secure with my sexuality to admit I'm a Coldplay fan. Its been like 3-4 years people give that joke a rest. Be original.

Check the EP out HERE.

Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak"

2008-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

There is a new way to spell "Let Down" and its: K-A-Y-N-E.

What a disappointment, I know he's trying to be the BEST ARTIST EVER and not the bets rapper or producer but really he should stick to what he is good at right? This Auto-Tune shit needs to stop and I really hope that Kanye comes back fiercely after all the backlash he is going to get from this album. I'm not going to front I liked "Love Lockdown" but I can only really enjoy one other song on this album: "Paranoid".

Anyways, Rolling Stone called this album a "Noble Failure" and still gave it 3 and a half stars. Anyways, it seems MANY people really like this album and right now I can say I'm not one of them.

Judge for yourself HERE.

Pistols N' Lilacs' "Asian People Have The Freedom To Vote For Whomever They Choose"

2008-11-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

Oh hey look, its a picture of a bike.

I just hope I don't get sued for this. Anyways, we all know the hype surrounding this album which is best explained by Chuck Klostermaan's review of this album HERE. Anyways, I was never a big fan of this band but I did listen to this album and I have to admit that I would rather listen to this then other shit that is polluting radio airwaves at the moment. "Better" and "If The World" are really the only songs I'd ever replay. And you never know one day I may have to buy this album just as an artifact of the times. Anyways my American readers enjoy your Mountain Dew and all hail Axel Rose as being the most significant ginger in popular music today.

Check out the 15 years and millions dollars of work HERE.

P.S. Right now, I like this more then the new Kanye.

Also, what are some good rap albums this year, I maybe have one but its an EP. My Year End list is going to be pretty weak on the rap front.

The Killers' "Day & Age"

2008-11-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

OK, aside from the Grade 10 Art Class photoshop cover I don't think this album is that bad. I've maybe only listened to it three times but I was expecting A LOT worse, like 808's and Heartbreak bad, anyways if you're a fan of their first album you will probably enjoy this one. I was kind of disappointed because I think "Sam's Town" was better then "Hot Fuss". It seems they have ditched the Bruce Springsteen influence - no longer are they singing about highways and average Joe six-packs named Johnny but instead you get songs abotu "Neon Tigers" and "Spaceman". I'm probably going to buy this album just because "This Is Your Life" is the theme song for the best 80's movie ever made (If that even makes sense).

Check it out HERE.

Little Joy's "Little Joy"

2008-11-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

The one thing you're bound to hear about this band is that it involves the drummer form the Strokes. This makes 3 solid releases from band members of the aforementioned band since "Room On Fire" because now that I've had years to listen to "First Impressions Of Earth", I can 100% say its a really disappointing album. Anyways, I'm not going to write much about this album and say that it came out about 5 months too late. Its the perfect summer album - "Brand New Start", "With Strangers" and "Keep Me In Mind" are probably my faves thus far. I'm really recommending this album.

Check it HERE.

Twilight Sad's "Killed My Parents And Hit The Road"

2008-11-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

I know, I know it has been awhile and really you have no reason to visit this site anymore. The leaks are lacking but keep visiting this sorry excuse of a blog. My year end lists will be posted here and you may get a surprise: It may be pictures of me you'd have to be over to 18 to view ot it may be a contest to see who win's my Limited Edition 1 in 50.000 Pog (I'm totally serial).

I'm sorry for the lack of updates I really don't have any other excuse other then that I am single parent to 2.5 children, I'm also busy trolling Craigslist ads for significant others, these duties along with being a super astronaut sometimes do get in the way of me upping links and writing paragraphs that no one will read.

Anyways, this is Twilight Sad's latest EP/compilation disc that has been sold at shows. I downloaded one of their previous albums some time ago and never really dug it but after listening to this I may have to re-download them again. I originally only downloaded this to hear their cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Modern Romance".

Check it out HERE.

Eagles Of Death Metal's "Heart On"

2008-10-22T11:18:00.001-07:00

Heart On, eh? I think this might be a sexual innuendo, I'm not sure.

Anyways, I've listened to this once through and I have enjoyed it these guys really can't do any wrong in my opinion. I'm going to up it for you but expect you to buy it like I am. "High Voltage" and "Cheap Thrills" are the early faves.

Check it out HERE.

Far's "Water And Solution"

2008-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

In celebration of this band's reunion I'm upping their best album (And one of my favourites): "Water And Solutions". If you haven't heard of this band you are not alone, no one really has. You may have heard the band's song "Nestle" featured on Lupe Fiasco's "The Instrumental" or seen singer Jonah Montragna on a Fort Minor video. Anyways, I downloaded this album back in the Napster days and had to special order the disc.

At the time I likened the band as a cross between Deftones and Weezer but now I can say that they are in the same vein as Helmet. I was quite happy to read that this band has gotten back together because all of the other side projects that came from this band's demise were pretty sub par. They tried to hide their reunion by playing under a moniker "Hot Little Pony" oddly enough the also covered Genuwine's "Pony" (Yeah, that song) which you can check out HERE.

So, check "Water And Solutions" out. The standouts have to be "Bury White", "Mother Mary", "In 2 Again" and "Wear It So Well" but really just listen to the whole thing. I'm crossing my fingers that this will be permanent enought hat they wil want to do a show in Canada. After that let's all hope for an At The Drive-In reunion.

Check out "Water And Solutions" HERE.

Cadence Weapon's "Afterparty Babies"

2008-10-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Any rapper who names their first album after a wrestling term (Kayfabe) is A-OK in my books. Other then The Cool Kids and Wale I haven't really gotten into much new rap this year. I don't pay as much attention to this genre as others but this album got my attention.

The opening track "Do I Miss My Friends?" is a really odd way to start an album, its like a doo-wop song mixed in with some spoken word but it works really well. I can only hope the word "Slammer" in the track "Limited Edition OJ Slammer" is a pog term, because aside from being an awesome song the inclusion of a pog term could boost the song into elite status. But enough with the lame attempts at humour the album is solid all of the way through. The more and more I listen to it the more I find things that catch my ear. I'm not a flag carrier for "underground" rap but this album doesn't sound like any other rap album I've listened to.

Check out Afterparty Babies HERE.

Deerhunter's "Microcastle"

2008-10-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

By now most of you indie rocker types have probably heard of this band by now. If not, you probably will soon enough. Their 2007 "Cryptograms" was a highly touted album and considered by many one of the year's best. At the time, I didn't enjoy it that much - like it was OK but I didn't see what the fuss was about. Fast forward to about a year later, their new album "Microcastle" leaks and I, of course, download it. I thought it was a just a "Meh" album. Then things began to change, songs like "Agoraphobia" and "Never Stops" really began to stick and I found myself listening to the album all the way through repeatedly.

In case you don't know Deerhunter aren't anything like you'd picture them in your head after reading their name. They are mellow, distorted and I cringe to use the term, shoe-gaze'ish. You may not like the album at first but it is definitely a grower. The last two tracks: "Neither Of Us, Uncertainly" and "Twilight At Carbon Lake" are killer as well.

Check out Microcastle HERE.

Boris' "Pink"

2008-10-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

I would guesstimate that about 76% of the time I am not looking forward to seeing the opening band when I go see a concert. I will never forget the horror that was Throw Rag when I saw Queens of the Stone Age a couple years back and Meshuggah was unbearable when I saw Tool. The ALL TIME worse had to be Subtle who opened for TV On The Radio. Anyways, I mention this because I am really hyped to see Boris open for Nine Inch Nails on their current tour.

I know that I am two years late on this album but better late then never, right? I actually remember reading about this album on a couple of the 2006 Best Of Albums list but never really got into it. That has definitely changed, I don't listen to much "Heavy" music these days but Boris' "Pink" found its way into my current rotation. They are a Japenese three-piece metal band and the sound of this album reminds me a little bit of Explosions In The Sky in some parts and Deftones/Team Sleep in others. The album is killer all the way through.

Check it out HERE.

Kanye West's "Heartless"

2008-10-16T08:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I was looking forward to hear "808's & Heartbreaks" until I read that this whole album is actually sung instead of being rapped over. I then became weary. I don't mind "Love Lockdown" but it is nothing compared to the first single off of his last album "Can't Tell Me Nothing". I still hate how you can hear Kanye clapping in the studio on the background of "Love Lockdown", it seems it was poorly mastered because its even in the video version of the song as well.

Also, according to this Rolling Stone article Kanye's voice on the entire album is going to be manipulated by T-Pain's sole studio trick: the auto-tone dealy/ vocoder sound effect that everyone seems to be using these days, please just someone break out more Talkbox sound effects. A couple months back I read that Kanye has been using auto-tune since "College Dropout" but then this article states otherwise. Anyways, "Heartless" is apparently going to be the second single and I didn't even find one redeeming quality on it after the first listen. Judge for yourself by downloading the track HERE.

Post Script:
I was going to upload the newest Kanye track to leak, "Coldest Winter", but all I can find is a shitty radio rip. So, what I'm going to do instead is offer up this gem from a DJ who's moniker is Earworm. This is a mashup of Love Lockdown and Radiohead's Reckoner, it works perfectly in my opinion and kudos to both of these artists for make the stems available for remixing. I'll be upping an album later on tonight. Check out Reckoner Lockdown HERE.

Does This Offend You, Yeah?'s "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into"

2008-10-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

From recent memory of shittiest band name's ever I have: "Hoobastank", "Velvet Revolver" and now "Does This Offend You, Yeah?". This band is one of those new dance-rock bands that seem to be popping up everywhere these days; I was ready to dismiss them at first but whenever a song comes up randomly on my Ipod and or Itunes I can't seem to switch em.

Throughout this album it seems that they lead toward the dance side but when they get into the rock side its where I find that they are most successful. Examples would be "Let's Make Out" a track that features Sebastien Grainger on the vocals - it's like a DFA1979 B-Side. Also, you can't ignore the appropriately titled "Epic Last Track" which is probably the best track on the album. Anyways, if you're into this check it out.

You can get it HERE.

Sebastien Grainger And The Mountains' Debut

2008-10-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

It's October and the year is coming to a close which means that there are only 2 months and a bit before year end, best of lists are to be made. A couple of albums I've been anticipating lately are the new Killers, Kanye and Jay-Z but along with those big acts I could not wait to hear Sebastien Grainger's solo debut. The EP was nice to hear but no anticipates an EP as much as a full length. I know there are more releases to look forward to but I can't think or any others.

With that being said the solo album leaked last night and was a nice surprise to wake up to. I'm about 3/4ths done the album and I'm really liking it on first listen. The most excellent "Ways To Come Home" and "American Names" make an appearence on the album and there are also tracks on here that remind you of DFA 1979, Black Rebel Motorcycle and Hot Hot Heat. Also, people who are huge fans of the aforementioned DFA1979 will know that the Rhythm Method is Grainger's side project dance band and they have a "Feature" on the last track of the album.

I was pondering changing my year end best of list to include EP's because I loved Grainger's so much but if this album holds up I could see it making it onto my list. I don't really like giving any details on the year end list but whatever.

Side Note: Someone was trying to argue with me that Radiohead's "In Rainbows" came out in '08 - I know it was physically released in stores on like January 2nd but it was released on the internet and Disc Box form before then. I'm also a stingy loser when it comes to release years. Anyways, enjoy the album.

Check it out HERE.

Failure's "Fantastic Planet"

2008-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Figured I better post some albums before I go on hiatus while watching the baseball playoffs, hope you enjoyed the last albums - I figured I would have gotten a couple of messages for my T.I. post but guess not. Anyways.....

One of my favourite albums by a band that not many people have heard of. Their commercial success is best summed up by their band name but their masterpiece: "Fantastic Planet" still lives on. I guess some people would describe them as "Space-Rock"? anyways they influenced Cave In and if you're a fan of them but haven't heard of Failure (I don't know if that is possible) you should check out this album. "The Nurse Who Loved Me", "Another Space Song" and "Stuck On You" has to be one of my favourite three song strings on ANY album.

Check it HERE.

Ugly Casanova's "Sharpen Your Teeth"

2008-09-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

Think about this: When was the last time seeing a music video got you into a new band? It's been quite some time now has it? Music videos have gone quite obsolete these days and band's usually rely on getting their song onto Gossip Girl or if they are lucky enough an Ipod commercial.

Now if you were to ask me what new band I got into from seeing a video I would answer with Ugly Casanova. Their terribly shitty video for "Things I Don't Remember" which I saw on a Sub Pop DVD a couple weeks ago, and can be seen below, grabbed my attention. For those of you who are Modest Mouse fans but not too hardcore of fans to know Isaac Brock also fronted this band should check "Sharpen Your Teeth" out.

Legend has it the band's moniker comes from the pen name of a crazed fan named Edgar Graham who snuck into a Modest Mouse show. Isaac Brock found one of his journals, I guess left at the scene, and used the journal for potential song lyrics. The band also consists of members from Califone, Black Heart Procession and Holopow.

Anyways, the video is so shitty that I liked it and downloaded the album. And even though the video is feces, the song is great and the album is solid. For those of you who have already seen the video, yes I meant to do that.

Check the video here:

And you can check the album out HERE.

T.I.'s "Paper Trail"

2008-09-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Real talk, I only downloaded this album because it was on the Top 10 on What.cd when they had free leech.

I don't know shit all about T.I. other then the fact he went to jail. I know he wanted to be a pitcher for the New York Yankees and apparently had a really good fastball but then he got caught up in his uncle, Frank Lucas', business which was smuggling and dealing Chinese heroine on the streets of New York in the 1970's. During the 1970's till present he has released 7 album which is quite the shitty wait between albums if you ask me. Anyways, he's currently being rumoured to star in a movie called "Black Sabbath" with Meryl Streep, who is being talked about for the female lead.

I really like the M.I.A. "Paper Planes" sampling tune "Swagger Like Us".

Check the album out HERE.

Oasis' "Dig Out Your Soul"

2008-09-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not a huge Oasis fan, even when they broke out in North America, I didn't care for "Wonderwall" at all but as years went by I found myself enjoying their tunes more and more. This is a band I wouldn't mind seeing live but unfortunately that is not going to happen for a bit because of that crazy Canadian fan (Some would say martyr) who shoved Noel from behind and broke his ribs.

Funny story, I told one of my friends (Who is Blur's biggest fan) that I would shiv one of the Gallagher brothers if I went to VFest in Toronto (I really wasnt going to shiv anyone, I just like saying the word) as it turns out some crazy fuck, to a degree, carried out what I was joking about.

Anyways, the album is pretty decent but the only reason I'm excited for a new Oasis album is because they have to do press which equates to HILARIOUS Oasis quotes, like these:

"Barrie is the biggest hole in the Western Hemisphere"

- Noel during Oasis gig in Barrie, Ontario, 'opening' for Neil Young

"Those plate glass windows are just saying, 'throw a chair through me' ."
- Noel on chairs and windows

"Call us arrogant if you want, I don't care. Just as long as we don't get called Aerosmith." - Noel

Check it out HERE

Blur's "13"

2008-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

A very underrated album. I'm sure most of the general public (in North America anyways) jumped off of the Blur bandwagon, after their self-titled release, when they should have stayed on board because "13" is an amazing and consistent piece of work. If I wasn't re-introduced to this band I probably never would have listened to this album that is why I'm passing this gem along.

This past decade Damon Albarn has been getting more attention from his other bands: Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad And The Queen and no one has really been playing Blur any mind since "Song 2". Well download this album and "Tender" is probably one of the best songs over 7 minutes long. "Coffee + TV" has quite the legendary video, so check it out if you haven't already its a sweel song to boot. But I think the best song has to be the last one "No Distance Left To Run", really download this album and get back into Blur.

Check it out HERE.

The National's "Alligator"

2008-09-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Seeing as that "THEY" took down Cold War Kid's latest album from my blog. I'll have to put up some older stuff for you guys/gals to download. Like seriously, my little dinky site that gets maybe 5 hits a day, 2 from myself, is going to effect the sales of Cold War Kids' latest. I might not even buy their new album because of this - just to spite them. Anyways..........

Even though The National's "Alligator" was released a couple of years ago it is getting attention because of one song: Mr. November. Its not necessarily about the USA's upcoming election but the National have used it in campaign videos for Mr. Obama and have also designed a shirt with the song title. I'm not going to get into politics here, but the song is amazing. You also have to check out the tune "Karen" as well. This is probably one of the next albums I'm going to buy (You hear that Cold War Kids - you lost yourself a sale).

Check it out HERE.

TV On The Radio's "Dear Science"

2008-09-07T07:29:00.001-07:00

TV On The Radio's new album "Dear Science" is probably the album I have been anticipating most over the last couple of months. I'm going to ignore that fucking insisted comma that is suppose to appear in the title after "Dear Science" and tell you that about after 3 listens that I really enjoy this album.

After hearing "Golden Age" and "Dancing Choose" I have to admit I was a little worried that this album was going to be disappointed but, thus far, I am not. TV On The Radio continues their tradition fo good opening songs with poppy almost 60s tinged "Halfway Home". Just a couple days ago I was talking to a friend about this upcoming album and I said "I don't care if the album sucks just that they would have to have a song on the same level as "Young Liars" and/or"Blind"". And while it may be too early to judge "Stork And Owl" have the same kind of haunting and chill sound. This album IS sort of a departure for the band. The album doesn't sound as "full" or atmospheric - more dancish and straightforward. When I read about this changed I didn't think I would care for the change but it works for the band on this album.

Anyways, check this album out and buy it eventually too. I would write more but.....

Check it out HERE.

Kings Of Leon's "Only By The Night"

2008-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is a band who I have never checked out despite being told to on numerous occasions. They were decent at Coachella and everythign I hear by them is decent, I just havent bothered. Anyways, their new album leaked today and I'm two songs in and I really enjoy it. What is the album I just HAVE to check out by these guys? Tell me what to do.

Check it out HERE.

At The Drive-In's "Relationship Of Command"

2008-08-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Good old At The Drive-In, this is still album album I can listen to after all of these years (8 Years already) and even though it doesn't have my favourite ATDI song (Lopsided) it is probably my favourite (Vaya is an EP).

I assume most of you guys/gals know this album/band if not you may know the bands that came from its ashes: The Mars Volta and Sparta. When they broke up you thought you would have gotten two amazing bands for your listening pleasure and for a while you thought right. I loved Sparta's "Wiretap Scars" and "Mars Volta's "Deloused In The Comatorium" could not be touched but both bands started slipping. I don't care what anyone says "Amputechture" sucks (I don't do LSD, so I guess that MAY be a problem) and Sparta dropped off pretty hard I'm still hoping for a Coachella reunion show/tour.

Anyways, if you haven't downloaded this album make sure to do so. The whole album is amazing "Enfilade" and "Quarantined" are probably my favourites on this album. I still don't know what the fuck Cedric is singing about half of the time but it doesn't matter. Expect to see this on my "Best Of the 00's" list.

Check it HERE.

Cookin Soul's "OJAYZIS (Oasis vs. Jay-Z)

2008-08-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

"That bloke from Oasis said I couldn't play guitar, someone should have told him I'm a fucking rock star" is the first real line in this mixtape and is also heard on "Jockin' Jay-Z" from the upcoming "Blueprint 3". An entertaining mixtape that gets annoying because of the constant "Coocccccooooooookinnn Soul" but hey the guys need to advertise themselves somehow. They did a really great job at combining the songs and if you're a fan of either artists you will probably enjoy it. I'll take that back, if you are a die-hard Oasis fan you'll probably dismiss it immediately cause you guys hate everything not Oasis. Blur did it better.

Check it out HERE.

Crystal Castles' "Crystal Castles"

2008-08-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is one album that has grown on me a lot this year. This isn't my type of style AT ALL. I don't have tight acid washed jeans, I don't go to raves and I don't own a vintage leather jacket (Not yet, anyways) but Crystals Castles has managed to win me over.

The only thing I may have in common with these guys is their love for the 8-Bit aesthetic. While they use it to create music, I try to master it by playing Double Dragon and Pro Wrestling for the NES. And while this may sound a bit gimmicky I think that it works for them. The album has been progressively getting better and better to me. It use to be I would only listed to "Crimewave" and "Magic Spells" but it has grown to listening to the album all the way through. "XXZXCUZX Me" is sorth of a tossaway but the rest is awesome. "Vanished" and "Knights" are probably my current fave tracks. Right now, it is on the fringe for getting into my year end "Best-Of" list.

Check it out HERE.

Ra Ra Riot's "The Rhumb Line"

2008-08-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a lot about Ra Ra Riot lately and how their music is compared to Arcade Fire and Vampire Weekend and after listening to this album I can definitely say that is true.

At first, you would think that could be a terrible mix but, it seems to work for this band. They got the harmonics and string section styles of Arcade Fire (Not as good, though) and the Vampire Weekend chill, and mellow vocals. This album came out after one of the original members, main songwriters and drummer, John Ryan Pike, died. I mention this only because some of the songs deal with death and you would figure that they were written after Pike's death but that wasn't the case. So when you listen to tracks like "St Peter's Festival Day" and "Dying Is Fine" (Which are both excellent tracks) you can rest easy knowing they aren't elegies.

These guys are on Barsuk Records, so people who hate Death Cab For Cutie, don't hold that against them.

Check it HERE.

Of Montreal's "Skeletal Lamping"

2008-08-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

See, the thing about posting fresh album leaks (If you want to be an ass, I know it was leaked like 5 days ago) is that I won't be able to give the album a solid or in depth review. I'm not a big Of Montreal fan but I did enjoy their last album so when this leaked I wasn't too hyped. I guess "Skeletal Lamping" is what you could expect from the band. Poppyish, kooky rock that is synonymous with Kevin Barnes, apparently this is some sort of concept album as well that expands on a character created from the song "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" that came from the band's last album.

I'll keep my "review" short, after like 1 and a half listens I can say that this album is "OK". This could change in time though.

What do you think? Check it HERE.

The Stills' "Oceans Will Rise"

2008-08-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

If I would have wrote a list for my 10 favourite albums from 2004, The Stills debut "Logic Will Break Your Heart" definitely would have been in the top 3. Two albums later I can't really say I have the same passion for the band. 2006's "Without Feathers", aside from like two tracks, was a disappointment and I have rarely listened to it when I couldn't skip a song on their debut so, my interest in this band has sort of waned.

I downloaded this album as soon as it leaked and haven't given it a really really solid attentive listens but I already enjoy it more then their last. It seems like a more cohesive album then the last and with tracks like "Hans on Fire" and "I'm With You" make the album instantly better then their last. "Snakecharming The Masses" seems like a tame Radiohead rip off. Anyways, they are on Arts and Crafts now, so expect a huge drop off in fans who wear American Apparel and a huge surge in fans who wear horn-rimmed glasses and messenger bags.

Check it out HERE.

Bloc Party's "Intimacy"

2008-08-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm sure that the 3 other people that use to visit this site other then my friends have abandoned coming. I haven't been posting anything for awhile in part because I got lazy and in part because I was indulging in many concerts. Just in case you want to know Lolla was great (I didn't catch Bloc Party though), I then got back home from Chicago and was asked if I wanted to hit Radiohead in Montreal (I already had tickets for their Toronto show and no money but a friend of mine was quite kind and offered me a ticket for free - so I really HAD to go) and then I got to hit the aforementioned Toronto gig. Anyways, Radiohead was awesome live at both venues but the TO show was better for me. Just because Jean Drapeau Parc was the most terrible venue I've been to and I ruined my Roswell Rayguns because of all of the mud.

Well, you probably don't really care about that right now and want to listen to this album. I'm on my second listen of it right now and my first reaction is "Better than I thought". I wasn't really hyped for this album and while "Flux" was decent "Mercury" sucked. This could be a grower even though "A Weekend In The City" is no "Silent Alarm" I still enjoy listening to it time to time.

And lastly, I hate it when bands release albums in a "Surprise fashion" and get lumped into bands like Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and Raconteurs. The first two examples are appropriate because they did somewhat popularize a new way of releasing albums through the internet but, The Raconteurs (Even though I love Jack White) didn't really do shit, they just announced they had an album coming out in a week and shipped it to stores for you to purchase - no real innovation in that. Well, that is my opinion. Enjoy the album and expect more posts.

Check it out HERE.

Diplo And Santogold's "Top Ranking"

2008-07-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Most of the work I've heard from Diplo has been pretty decent and I'm a fan of Santogold so I decided to check this out. There are many remixes of Santogold tracks and just a mixtape of other remixes and mashups on this. Its a solid mix, I guess, buy it or maybe burn it onto a CD-R and play it at a party after Girl Talk's "Feed The Animals" is finished.

Here's the tracklist:

01 "Dub Selection Intro"
02 Three 6 Mafia: "Late Night" (Unstoppable Mix)
03 Santogold: "Shuv It" (Disco D Blend) [exclusive]
04 Santogold: "I'm a Lady" (Diplo Mix ft. Amanda Blank) [exclusive]
05 Sir Mix-A-Lot: "Posse on Broadway"
06 Santogold: "Lights Out" (Diplo's Panda Bear Mix) [exclusive]
07 Aretha Franklin: "Save Me"
08 Devo: "Be Stiff"
09 B-52's: "Mesopotamia"
10 Gerri and the Holograms: "Gerri and the Holograms"
11 Santogold: "Anne" (Switch Mix) [exclusive]
12 Santogold: "L.E.S. Artistes" (XXXchange Mix ft. Movado)
13 Cutty Ranks: "Dutty Six Pack" [exclusive]
14 Santogold: "Find a Way" (Graeme and Switch Mix ft. Kid Cudi) / Lunar Camel [exclusive]
15 Richie Spice x Ratatat: "Marijuana"
16 Desmond Dekker: "007 (Shanty Town)"
17 Santogold: "Guns of Brooklyn" [exclusive]
18 Dixie Cups: "Iko Iko"
19 Tony Matterhorn: "Big Belly Guns" [exclusive]
20 Santogold: "Get It Up" (Radioclit mix ft. MIA & Gorilla Zoe) [exclusive]
21 "Mark Ronson in Studio"
22 Trouble Andrew: "Run - Hide"
23 Sister Nancy: "Pigeon Rock"
24 Nora Dean: "Barbwire"
25 Shinehead: "Know How Fe Chat"
26 The Clash: "Ghetto Defendant"
27 Warrior Queen: "Check It"
28 Santogold x Benga: "Unstoppable / Night Dub" [exclusive]
29 Shawty Lo x Skream: "Dey Know / Stagger"
30 Santogold: "Creator" (Mumdance Mix ft. Jammer, Badness, Chronik Rage, Slikman & Tempz) [exclusive]
31 Xray: "Turbulence Dubplate" (Starstruck Diplo Mix) [exclusive]
32 Barrington Levy: "Send a Moses"
33 Prince Jazzbo: "Ital Corner"
34 Santogold: "Icarus" [exclusive]
35 Santogold x Diplo: "Right Brigade" (hidden track) [exclusive]

And HERE is where you can check it out.

One Day As A Lion's Self Titled EP

2008-07-19T06:20:00.001-07:00

I never really cared for Guns and Roses, but this is my "Chinese Democracy".

Fans of Rage Against The Machine have been waiting for 7 years to hear something from Zach De La Rocha and that day came yesterday. Sure he released single songs here and there but this EP, with a little help from John Theodore - the former drummer from The Mars Volta, is what Zach is FINALLY willing to released. With that being said I can't really give you a solid opinion on this yet because I haven't given it a solid listen. It sounds like Rage with different instrumentals and more of a rap style from Zack.

You've had to wait a long ass time so you can check it out HERE.

Okkervil River's "The Stand Ins"

2008-07-16T08:53:00.001-07:00

With "The Dark Knight" and One Day As A Lion's EP coming out every soon, I haven't been really looking forward to anything else but then I saw that this album has leaked. It was one of the albums that I have been anticipating as of late and it is finally here.

I can't really give you too much of a opinion on it considering I have only listened to it once. I don't think it would be fair for me to give a strong judgment on one listen as well, see I loved "The Stage Names" but it took me many listens to finally fall in love with it. Anyways, this is suppose to be the sequel to "The Stage Names" because these two albums were suppose to be a double album - don't know why it took so fucking long to release the second part. Anyways, I hope to see Okkervil River at Lollapalooza and hope I love the new album by then.

Check it out HERE.

Sebastien Grainger's "American Names" EP

2008-07-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Most of you have probably heard Death From Above 1979 before, right? Cool, dirty drum and bass rock duo? Well, like many good bands they broke up just as they were getting big and the members splintered off and started their own things.

The bassist, Jesse Keeler, decided to concentrate more on his Electonica/Disco/Dance act: MSTRKRFT. Who I think, aside from a handful of remixes, are pretty fucking unbearable. While singer/drummer, Sebastien Grainger, started playing rock songs with a backing band called "The Mountains". This EP was just released this past week and let me tell you its quite the excellent collection of songs. The first three tracks are fucking awesome and the last track is sort of a throw away. You may not dig em at first buttheyw ill grow on you more and more. Don't expect DFA1979, because you ain't going to get it. Way better then MSTRKRFT's shit. I just don't dig nu-dance that much.

Do you think EPs should be included in "Year End Best Albums" lists?

Check it out HERE.

Hum's "You'd Prefer An Astronaut"

2008-07-08T09:41:00.001-07:00

Another mid-90s album for you to check out. Hum is one of those alternative bands that had one "hit" and then broke up and disappeared. This is my favourite Hum album and the only one I could actually find to purchase.

If you've ever seen THIS Commercial (No Rickroll, relax), and wondered where the fuck that awesome riff came from you can download this album and turn it to the third track "Stars". At first I was blown away, I didn't believe I was actually hearing Hum in a Caddie commercial. I was a little putoff at first but then I realized they probably didn't sell many albums and for them to get that paper from a Cadillac all the power to em. "Stars" is a pretty kick ass song and for a marketing exec to place that song in a car commercial a hats off has to be in order.

"You'd Prefer An Astronaut" is a short album (9 tracks) but it is still pretty dense. "Suicide Machine", "Why I Like Robins" and "I Like You Hair Long" are a couple of the standouts on this one. The only thing that really bothers me about this album is that, like Tool's "Undertow" it seems that the music is tuned down and the overall audio is not loud enough. Regardless it's a solid album from a mid 90s band you've most likely never heard of.

Check it out HERE.

Sloan's "One Chord To Another"

2008-07-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

This post is mainly for our non-Canadian readers out there (Yeah, the whole three of you), you may not have heard of Sloan or this album but you definitely should.

This came out in like Grade 7 for me and its the album that got me into Sloan. They are a poppy rock band and are often compared to the Beatles. Their newer albums aren't as good as their older ones but it is undeniable that their older albums are classics. Songs like "Everything You've Done Wrong", "The Lines You Amend" and even the overexposed "The Good In Everyone" are still just as amazing today as they were as singles 10+ years ago (Fuck, I don't believe its been that long ago).

This is the perfect summer album; it's short and sweet so you can't really skip any of the tracks and you have to listen to it straight through. "Autobiography" is also a standout track. If you don't like this album you are dead to me.

Check it out HERE.

The Twilight Singers' "Blackberry Belle"

2008-07-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

Up until about 6 to 8 months ago, I only knew Greg Dulli's name because he is the answer to the Foo Fighters trivia question: "Who is the only other person to play on the Foo's self titled debut?" And for me not to have given the Afghan Whigs (I'm downloading their "Gentlemen" album right now) or Twilight Singers a listen until now is a real shame on my part.

"Blackberry Belle" came out in 2003 and I probably wouldn't have listened to it if it weren't for TV On The Radio's "Wolf Like Me". Quite odd, eh? Well, I stumbled across a Twilight Singers medley of "Wolf Like Me" and JT's "Lovestoned" and sandwiched between was this AMAZING song called "The Killer". After downloading the album I just kept listening to that one song and it skyrocketed onto the "Top 25 Most Played" playlist on my Ipod. Eventually, I started to actually listen to the album as a whole and as time wore on the album got better and better. It's a dark, brooding album that would be the perfect soundtrack for a midnight road trip through a desert at night. "Teenage Wristband" and "Fat City (Slight Return)" are of the few standout tracks here, they showcase how great Dulli's voice is. If you dig this, you may want to check out the Gutter Twins which pairs him with Mark Lanegan.

Enjoy Blackberry Belle HERE (Real talk, no RickRoll)

Beck's "Modern Guilt"

2008-07-01T08:54:00.001-07:00

I just, just finished my first listen of this album and I have to say I'm really impressed. I haven't really been disappointed in a Beck album since "Midnite Vultures" and this album is the same from everything since - it's great.

Like I said, I can't really give an in-depth, track by track review of this since I've only listened to this once and 2/10ths but I can tell you that if "Modern Guilt" is the result of Beck and Danger Mouse working together, I hope they team up more often. This album seems more chill then his previous two, not really dance and hip hoppish as "Guero" and "The Information" and to me it is a very welcome change. I love how Beck constantly changes up his style from album to album.

You really have to forget that Beck is a Scientologist and comes out with brilliant fucking music. I can tell you that "Profanity Prayers" is my favourite track but the album as a whole flows together real well and so far, there is no unbearable tune that I would skip.

Check out "Modern Guilt" HERE.

And make sure to buy it too and comment on how you like the album.

Cave In's "Limited Edition" EP

2008-07-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

So this EP was distributed for free at Cave In gigs and I believe it is a rare thing to have. Unfortunately I don't have one but I have had a digital copy since it came out. The main reason I upped this is because the cover of "Dazed In Confused" is amazing on this. I think this cover may be live but I'm not 100% sure, there are like voices after the song finishes so it may be live.

Anyways, the other track on this album which I love as well has to be the song where Cave In got their name from: Codeine's "Cave In". This is a mellow tune that appeared on Codeine's "Frigid Stars" EP and I guess was so influential to the band they had to use it for a name. I'm not sure why they thought the original was so special, the "Frigid Stars" EP is good but not great in my opinion. So download this EP, there is also an awesome live version of Inspire, Down The Drain is a solid song and the two other songs don't really do it for me but you may dig it.

Check out this EP HERE.

"My Drive Thru" by Santogold, Pharrel & Julian Casablancas

2008-06-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently Converse is doing this promo thing where three musical acts get together and make a song. I believe that this is the first song to come out for Converse, in the last issue if Spin they had an add that showed some of the other artists involved in this project as well. Only guy I can name off of the top of my head is that gangly dude from Deerhunter.

Anyways, this song is AMAZING - a perfect summer tune. I'm loving Santogold more and more (Pissed off she won't be at Lollapalooza anymore though) because of this song. This has to be the best thing Pharrel's name has been attached too. I'm not hating on Pharrel, I just like this more then anything else he has done. And regarding Julian, this is probably the best thing he's been apart of since "Under Control", you know that awesome song from "Room On Fire".

Check the track out HERE and tell me what you think.

Burial's "Untrue"

2008-06-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

After 2007 ended I read about this band/album because it was on a lot of year-end lists and while I still don't think it would have made my Best of 2007 albums it is a really solid album to listen to. You never know it may brow to be one of my favourite in time for my "Best Albums of the 00's" list. Anyways, this is a dark electronic album - the only thing I could compare it to is a more sombre "Fight Club" soundtrack or maybe even Prodigy's "Narayan" but stretched over an entire album. I'm sure people who actually have knowledge of this genre of music are laughing at what I have written right now.

So, if you're in a downtrodden, mellow mood but don't want to listen to acoustic guitars or "Sea Change" then I recommend you give this album a shot. The tracks that stick out for me have to be "Archangel" and "Untrue". This isn't for everywhere and is a grower. Judge for yourself

Check it out HERE.

Elliott Brood's "Mountain Meadows"

2008-06-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

One winter's eve after attending a basketball game where my Toronto Raptors demolished the hated New Jersey Nets, I went to an Elliott Brood concert without knowing what to expect. I hadn't really listened to their music and the idea of see a "country" (I use that term loosely) wasn't too too appealing to me. Let's just say I was wrong to be hesitant on going to their show - they blew me away and are an excellent band to see live. I bought their debut album "Ambassador" shortly after the gig, but I have to admit I hadn't really listened to this band since.

Flash forward to a couple days ago when I read a very interesting live review at Chartattack.com and immediately looked up this album and thankfully Waffles had it. I've been listening to it all tonight (Along with Joy Division and Burial) and let's just say it is really catchy and brightened up my day (Joy Division and Burial isn't music to cheer you up). Definitely check out these guys live if you get the chance, download the album because it will probably be hard to find but if you can buy it - do so.

Check it out HERE.

The Tracey Fragments Soundtrack

2008-06-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

I can't really tell you much about this. I downloaded it because it has a whole whack load of Broken Social Scene songs (possibly new songs, not 100% sure) and songs from many other Canadian artists. After only a brief listen I would have to say the best song on this soundtrack isn't even from BSS, check out "Oh Lord, My Heart" by the Deadly Snakes.

Here is the tracklist:

1. Horses - Broken Social Scene
2. Ccut Upp - Duchess Says
3. Don't Wanna Be Your Man - Fembots
4. Each New Day - Rose Melberg
5. Drop In the Mercury - Broken Social Scene
6. Who's Gonna Know Your Name (666) - Fembots
7. Gate Hearing! - Slim Twig
8. Oh Lord, My Heart - The Deadly Snakes
9. Hallmark - Broken Social Scene
10. Gone or Missing - Broken Social Scene
11. Needle In the Head - Broken Social Scene

Check it out HERE

Girl Talk's "Feed The Animals"

2008-06-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

The last couple days I haven't really listened or downloaded anything other then Lil' Wayne (Well some new GNR yesterday) but there wasn't a way I could resist this. Released in the Radiohead/Trent Reznor model Girl Talk put "Feed The Animals" on "sale" today with the suggestion that you can pay whatever you want. And while I do think its kind of weak that you are asked to pay for an album made from samples, I definitely appreciate more artist who are adopting this way of releasing their new material. I didn't download this from their site though because I didn't want to get guilted with why I didn't want to pay for this album.

Now, I've heard about Girl Talk for some time not but never really decided to give em a shot. Bands like this, CSS and Hot Chip really don't interest me that much but I decided to give this album a listen. I never knew that Girl Talk was a mash-up artist and when I listened to this album I really enjoyed it - it's just plain fun. Being a person who loves mashups and covers, I really found it awesome to hear "Paranoid Android" mixed with "ROC Boys"; Weezy's "Lollipop" with "Under The Bridge"; and Metallica vs Lil' Momma (I don't even know how I knew it was Lil' Momma).

This is a fun record and its rewarding as a listener when you pick up all the samples featured and this album has samples in fucking spades. From Paula Cole (Yeah, you know what song is sampled) to the chick that sings that MacAir "New Soul" song to Tag Team this album has em all. Apparently there is two Radiohead samples but I can only find one. Anyways, I can't really recommend tracks because its like a DJ's set with no real cohesive order its just many streams of music mashed together and that is fine by me.

Check It out HERE

There are so many more samples I want to namedrop but I think that would ruin most of the fun.

Pixies' "Doolittle"

2008-06-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Doolittle" is definitely my favourite Pixies album. Now, I know most people who got into this band recently (Within the last 5-6 years) probably downloaded "Surfer Rosa" because it is the album that has "Where Is My Mind?" but doesn't even touch "Doolittle", this is practically their greatest hits album. I'm always surprised when I hear songs from this album on television and movies: "Debaser" on The OC (Shut up); "Here Comes Your Man on Duece Bigalo (I actually saw this in Amsterdam) and I think "Gouge Away" on LOST's Season 4 finale (I may have to double check this). For a seemingly un-commercial band they seem to get around.

This is a band who I haven't got to see live. I already bought tickets to a Tragically Hip when they were coming to town. And this was also the band that got me into feverishly checking out the Coachella website every April since they played the festival. Anyways, I assume most of the people who are reading this have heard or read about this album but haven't downloaded or bought it - well here is your chance.

I tracks I mentioned above are solid but "I Bleed". "Hey" and "Wave Of Mutilation" are easily the best tracks on this album. And then you have tracks like "Monkey Gone To Heaven" which has been covered by Far and "Mr. Greives" which has been covered by the amazing TV On The Radio. Real talk, don't listen to what anyone but me says, "Doolittle" is the Pixies' best album.

Check it out HERE

Nada Surf's "Let Go"

2008-06-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, THAT Nada Surf. The band who wrote that novelty hit"Popular", maybe some of you out there have actually listened to some of their other material, but I think the majority have not.

"Let Go", in my opinion, is their best album and if it were not for the one hit wonder label I'm sure more people would have heard this album. I would not have even given this a listen if it weren't for MuchMusic's "Wedge" playing the "Inside Of Love" video. I tuned in mid-video and was really liking the song and shocked at the end when I found out it was Nada Surf, I thought they had died or something and immediately downloaded the album and their predecessors.

As catchy as "Inside Of Love" is, I find that the best tracks on the album have to be "Killian's Red" and "Blond On Blond". "Fruit Fly" and "Neither Heaven Or Space" are also solid tracks as well. This is a really good album and cohesive. Nada Surf still puts out albums and they released "Lucky" this year, I haven't given it much attention because to me, it's going to be really hard for them to top "Let Go". I still find it a bit irritating that I can't find a copy of "High/Low" at any used CD shops, you figure that would be a staple - I traded mine in way back when and have regretted it for awhile now. They may be one hit wonders but hey at least they aren't lame-stream, right?

Check it out HERE

The Ting Tings' "We Started Nothing"

2008-06-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to have to hear/read another thing about this duo. People have been asking me a lot about them and I've been reading about them everywhere, even my shitty local paper.

Anyways, I haven't really formed that solid of an opinion on their music because I haven't been able to get past the first track. Not because "Great DJ" is terrible its just that its so catchy. I hate that Ipod commercial song and while I'm quickly listening to it as I type this I'm not really finding anything too enjoyable. They seem to getting mostly positive reviews except from those buzzkills over at P4K so maybe you'll enjoy this album - I guess its in time for summer, right?

I just really can't seem to take many of "these" types of bands seriously as it seems there are many bands like this jumping on the nu-pop bandwagon. I know for sure, the girl in this group use to be in one of those crummy late 90's manufactured pop bands, so they really don't have much credibility. I can't stop watching the "Great DJ" video because she is so cute in it but I wouldn't count on these guys having a great sophomore album at all. Definitely a one hit wonder but that still doesn't mean you can enjoy this band for the next couple of months.

Check it out HERE

Matthew Good's "Avalanche"

2008-06-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Matthew Good is an artist that is either loved or hated by Canadians. The thing is, is that most of the people who hate him only know his MuchMusic hits and haven't actually listened to his albums. After he dropped the "Band" and started putting out albums under just "Matthew Good" his song writing and creativity has rocketed while his popularity has plummeted. He was also poised for a push in the USA but his terrible media skills and bluntness prevented that and he has been releasing albums with little to no promotion ever since.

I constantly have to stick up for Matthew Good and when people hear one of his newer songs on the radio and wonder which post-"Beautiful Midnight" album to listen to, "Avalanche" is what I answer with. This is the album where he drastically changes his style and expands on his sounds - in my opinion his real breakout album. Americans will not know that "Weapon" and "In A World Called Catastrophe" were abused on Canadian radio and are pretty dark singles. I don't really like those two songs that much but they are really the only two commercials songs on this album. "21st Century Living" is a punkish song with a message, like if Hamlet fronted a rock band - this would be their hit single. The songs that holds this album together have to be" "While We Were Hunting Rabbits" which is 8 minutes of anguish/beauty; "Bright End Of Nowhere" which is just a depressing look back on his days and "Near Fantasica" is just fantastic. It's totally fucked that these songs don't close the albums.

So this mostly goes out to those who don't live in Canada. Check this album out and give it time, its dense and long but you will eventually love it. And if you have ever heard that he is an asshole its true. Just last night, when I saw Matthew Good in concert the crowd kept heckling him to play one of his hit singles, his response?

"There is just as much a chance I'll play that song as you would come up here and blow me".

Check out "Avalanche" HERE.

Gavin Rossdale's "Wanderlust"

2008-06-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Q: If Gavin Rossdale had access to a time machine, what would he do with it?

A: Go back to 1996 to relive his band's pinnacle.

Real talk, I definitely was a fan of Bush back in the day and think it would have been really cool to see these guys live. Unfortunately, for Mr. Rossdale's fans they eventually grew up and realized that he is quite possibly the most terrible lyricist EVER and can thank God that he is with Gewn Stefani. Anyways you're probably wondering why I am posting this album. Well, a friend suggested I post an album that is absolutely terrible that I can rip into and I can see where he is coming from with this idea. It is MUCH MUCH MUCH more fun to make fun of music then to sing its praises and I'm pretty sure its more fun for people to read it.

Anyways, this album is terrible, "Wanderlust" makes me think he named this album after a German strip club and "Can't Stop the World" sounds like it was written by a pre-schooler and isn't even rocking musically. "Forever You May Run" is one of those sappy power ballads that sounds like the two preceding sounds. I really wish I could write more about this album but I quit after the fourth song. Maybe you'll have a different opinion.

And for those that might think I'm just a hater. I use to really like Bush, I got all their albums and I still don't consider a Hocky Game to officially be started until "Machinehead" is played.

If you want to feel the sensation of your ears bleeding you can save the 10-15 dollars and listen to the album HERE.

Cave In's "Jupiter"

2008-06-15T19:52:00.001-07:00

First off, I'm going to say that I'm supremely lucky to have seen these guys live and actually remember some og the songs they play. I HATE it when you see a band, most likely an opener or at a festival, and you don't really like/know their stuff then a couple months/years down the road you are obsessed with them and did not appreciate them as much. This is what is happening to me with My Morning Jacket, I have seen them twice (Opened for Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam) and wasn't a real big fan but I am currently rocking them hard right now.

Anyways, I'm suppose to convince you to download this album. Cave In use to be a metal band but this is their departure record that got them signed to a major label. "Jupiter" is often described as "Space-Rock" record not like Incubus but more like Failure and Hum. Its 8 tracks but they aren't short tracks, these songs have an atmosphere about them. Big, unique songs with odd lyrics but very melodic.

"In The Stream Of Commerce" is the one song that really stands out for me and I can actually remember playing this live when I saw them. "Innuendo And The Other" I have used on mixed CDs many of times and "New Moon" is a kick ass closer. This album flow together really well and if you want to relive some early 00's alternative, I suggest you give this album a shot.

Check It Out: HERE

Albert Hammond, Jr.'s "Yours To Keep"

2008-06-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Albert Hammond's new album "Como Te Llama" leaked today and instead of posting his new album, let's talk about his very underrated debut "Yours To Keep". And yes, I do realize I may seem like an asshole not posting his AMAZING follow up effort but since only 3-5 people (Two of them being friends) who read this it doesn't really matter what you think.

Anyways, as most of you know Albert Hammond, Jr. is the afro'd guitar player for the Strokes and with this album he also display he can write awesome and catchy rock ditties. I have been listening to this album a lot lately because I've been greatly anticipated his new one and I have to admit I really fucked up when I did not place this album on my "Top Albums of '06". Its a shame I wasted a spot on "Stadium Arcadium" or even the Strokes' "First Impressions Of Earth" when this could have easily replaced them.

On tracks like "Bright Young Thing" and "101" you can't help but sing along to the simple yet, very very catchy lyrics and Hammond kills it on the last track "Hard To Live (In The City)" - its the last and best track on the album and did make my Top Songs of 2006 list.

So, download "Yours To Keep" HERE and if you are a member of a certain breakfast music site you can get "Como Te Llama" THERE.

You MAY see it here but don't hold your breath.

Fuck, I've been updating this shit way to much and I didn't even want this blog to solely be based on music.

The Cool Kids' " The Bake Sale" EP

2008-06-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, one of my friends said "Who would have ever thought you would have turned hip-hop?", I looked at him confusingly and asked what he meant. Apparently, I've been gradually listen to more and more rap and hip-hop - which isn't me turning "Hip-Hop per se' but just me listening to more genres of music. Now, with that being said, this EP from The Cool Kids is something that my rap-inclined friends would probably laugh at. I'm not sure what the opinion from rap purists are for this band. See to me the Cool Kids are fun, lyrics are funny and the beats really are just simple but the more and more I listen to this and their "Totally Flossed Out" EP the more and more I find myself rapping along and quoting their lyrics.

I heard the buzz around their Black mags" track last year and decided to listen to it - I hated the song and didn't care for it but they won me over with songs like "88"; I (Mikey) Rock and a "Little Bit Cooler" songs which can be found on both of their EPs (If you are a fan you already know this). A new track that stands out is "What Up Man" - with funny rhymes like "Just a F.Y.I, I'm F.L.Y. and for those who can't spell it means I'm quite a swell guy" how can you not like em?

Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/download/1335285822a32efe/

Coldplay's "Viva La Vida"

2008-06-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

Probably the second most hotly anticipated album of the summer and, to me, it really does not disappoint. Coldplay's fourth album (Full title: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends) takes its title from a Mexican painting - not a Ricky Martin song. It also takes its cover art from a Eugene Delacroix painting called "Liberty Leading The People" (Which I saw at the Louvre last year).

The album was also produced by a world renowned producer Brian Eno and you can tell that he has his hands on this album as this isn't the same Coldplay who released the 2005's forgettable "X&Y". The album starts with an instrumental called "Life In Technicolor", that you wish was turned into a full out song with lyrics, but I guess is an appropriate opener for the rest of the album. The next two tracks: "Cemeteries Of London" and "Lost!" are upbeat'ish, tracks despite their names then you have "42" which is one of my fave tracks thus far and has some instrumentals that remind me of Radiohead circa "Kid A".

The album does seems to slow down halfway through, I think it was pretty pointless of the band to add two tracks into one and really serves no purpose because "Lovers In Japan" and "Reign Of Love" are definitely two totally different tracks and the second half of "Yes/ Chinese Sleep Chant" is just an instrumental - I guess its the band trying to be more arty but it really is unnecessary. Anyways, after the two longer tracks the album comes to an awesome close with their two singles: the Ipod seller, title track and "Violet Hill" - two tracks which I really like. In my opnion, the last tracks of the album are always the best and probably the most important and on this album they are really enjoyable, "Strawberry Swing" is super catching and "Death And All His Friends" is a great away to end the album.

Anyways, you are probably not even reading this and just want the link, eh?? Even though all of you have probably heard the album already because it has been posted online for you to stream; I will still provide you with a solid rip of the album.

Enjoy.
http://www.zshare.net/download/133128606ed094e6/

Wolf Parade's "At Mount Zoomer"

2008-06-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah this leaked like a month ago, thing is this is actually a good rip of the album. I can't really say much about this album right yet as I haven't given it that many listens. Initially it isn't as good as "Apologies..." but that could change over time. The only songs that are really memorable to me at the moment are the last two tracks: "An Animal In Your Care" and "Kissing The Beehive".

I think the album art could be one of those so terrible its great sort of things.

Here's the tracklist:

1. "Soldier's Grin" (Boeckner) - 4:38
2. "Call It a Ritual" (Krug) - 2:47
3. "Language City" (Boeckner) - 5:03
4. "Bang Your Drum" (Krug) - 3:12
5. "California Dreamer" (Krug) - 6:02
6. "The Grey Estates" (Boeckner) - 3:28
7. "Fine Young Cannibals" (Boeckner) - 6:33
8. "An Animal in Your Care" (Krug) - 4:21
9. "Kissing the Beehive" (Boeckner/Krug) - 10:46

Enjoy:
http://www.zshare.net/download/13215647f3a9c5a7/

Queens Of The Stone Age's "Rated R"

2008-06-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

OK real talk, unless you have been living in an Austrian dungeon for the past 20 so odd years you really don't have an excuse not to have heard this album.

Queens Of The Stone Age consistently put out solid rock albums which is a really hard thing to do these days. Honestly, how many modern rock bands have done this in recent memory? Anyways, "Rated R" is their breakout album and in my opinion their best. While it may be "Songs For The Deaf" that get the most attention, I think "Rated R" flows perfectly together and is their most cohesive record. "Fee; Good Hit Of The Summer" is so simple but so catchy, "Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret" and "Auto Pilot" are great and the Mark Lanegan track "In The Fade" is one of my favourite songs that I can't quit listening to.

If I had to rank QOTSA's albums in order it would have to be Rated R = Songs For The Deaf > Self-Titled > Lullabies To Paralyze > Era Vulgaris. The don't have a bad album and if you have never heard of them before I suggest "Rated R" is where you should start.

Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/download/13099305ee43d790/

Cut Copy's "In Ghost Colours"

2008-06-04T09:25:00.002-07:00

I'm not even going to lie to you, I don't know anything about this band. I assume they are British or Canadian based on their spelling of "Colour". All I can say is that for the past two days I've had the first two songs stuck in my head ("Feel the Love" and "Cut There On The Ice") and have been enjoying this album way more then I should be.

At the beginning of "Feel The Love" I get the impression I'm listening to a Peter Bjorn and John outtake but then this dance-y crap kicks in and you realize they aren't really a rock pop band but a dance band. And as I was discussing with one of my friends last night a majority of these bands suck and probably won't be heard about in a year or two. It's harsh but true, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this album is pretty enjoyable all the way through. Bring this entry up in two years ago to see if I'm wrong, I know you won't bring it up if I'm right.

Anyways, here's the tracklist to give you the illusion that I've written more then I actually have:

1. Feel the Love
2. Out There On the Ice
3. Lights and Music
4. We Fight For Diamonds
5. Unforgettable Season
6. Midnight Runner
7. So Haunted
8. Voices In Quartz
9. Hearts On Fire
10. Far Away
11. Silver Thoughts
12. Strangers In the Wind
13. Visions
14. Nobody Lost, Nobody Found
15. Eternity One Night Only

P.S. While searching for a a tracklist I could copy and paste here, I found the "Themes" of "Night Driving", "Hanging Out" and "Sexy" listed on allmusic.com, there you have it folks. Also, I had to go to Ebay to find a copyable tracklist - what else did I find on Ebay? Front page, no lie, they have a listing for "Cosby Sweaters".

Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/download/1310090341d30127/

Local H's "12 Angry Months"

2008-06-04T09:25:00.001-07:00

Instead of the tracks going 1-12, the tracks on this album to from January to December like, you know, months. In case you haven't figured it out this is a concept album, the concept being that this is a breakup record that transpires over 12 months, 12 angry months or one angry year. This concept album reminds me a lot of Beck's "Sea Change" but musically they are further apart. None of that sappy woe-is-me breakup wreckord but a scathing and rocking breakup album.

Local H are one of those mid-90s alternative bands that actually managed to stay together and keep putting out albums. I bought "Pack Up The Cats" a couple years ago and haven't listened to it until quite recently an really enjoying it. This album gets better and better after every listen, its really melodic or anything but I guess you can't expect much from a two-person band. Anyways, the standouts on this album are "White Belt Boys" and a track that reminds me of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Simple Pleas".

Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/download/13101581d28f1526/

Lil' Wayne's "Tha Carter III"

2008-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Easily, EASILY, the most hyped album and probably the most anticipated leak of this year. I was going to upload this a couple days ago but there is controversy to whether or not these songs are the real deal or if this is a good rip. I can tell you that this is a good rip but as far as the tracklisting no one seems really sure. I have even read rumours that Weezy may even scrap this album because of its leakage. I don't really think its true because the album has already been pressed and distributed.

An aside here, isn't this album cover the most fucking awesome thing you've ever seen? Seriously, every other album cover is a distant second right now. Gives me an idea for my next potential Facebook profile pic.

Anyways, I don't know too much about Lil' Wayne but I downloaded a couple of his mixtapes last year and enjoyed him - would have been real nice to here a properly mastered version of "I Feel Like Dying" but you got to commend Lil' Wayne for giving his fans new material. I'll give it to him he seems like a fucking character and every time I read one of his interviews I laugh. I'm sure there are a million links of this out there but check it out. "Mr. Carter" and "Dr/ Carter" are probably my favourite songs and I can appreciate "Lollipop" but I probably jumped on that bandwagon too late, eh?

Here's the tracklist I got:

1. 3 Peat (Cool & Dre)
2. Mr. Carter (Featuring Jay-Z) (Just Blaze)
3. A Milli (Bangladesh)
4. Got Money (Featuring T-Pain) (Play-N-Skillz)
5. Comfortable (Featuring Babyface) (Kanye West)
6. Phone Home (David Banner)
7. Dr. Carter (Swizz Beatz)
8. Tie My Hands (Featuring Robin Thicke) (Kanye West)
9. Shoot Me Down (Kanye West)
10. Playin' With Fire (Streetrunner)
11. Lollipop (Featuring Static Major) (Jim Jonsin)
12. La La (Featuring Brisco & Busta Rhymes) (David Banner)
13. Nothin' On Me (Featuring Juelz Santana & Fabolous) (Alchemist)
14. Let The Beat Build (Kanye West & Deezle)
15. Mrs. Officer (Wyclef Jean)
16. Misunderstood

Check it:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/24jvb5

Sunny Day Real Estate's "How It Feels To Be Something On"

2008-06-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

I figure that 4 out of the 5 people that actually visit my site and download the music are mainly here for indie-rock (A obsolete genre, in my opinion) releases and dismiss what is known as "emo" (Even more of a useless "genre" then indie"). Sunny Day Real Estate is linked with this term even though this album is anything but.

People who have heard of Sunny Day Real Estate either know them as being one of the forefathers of emo; that two of their original members went on to join th Foo Fighters or for the longest time their album "Diary" was second in albums sold next to a album called "Bleach". "Diary" is an amazing album, Atmosphere has name dropped it as an influence of his, the album art is some of my favourite and Spin once listed it as one of the "20 Best Albums Not Released By Dylan, Zeppelin or the Beatles" and while "Diary" gets a lot of attention "How It Feels To Be Something On" gets left in the dust. I remember that I had to actually special order this album when it first came out, the idea of special ordering an album really blows me away right now, and when I got the album I was pissed because I didn't like it at all. Its quite shocking that I actually went through the effort in 1998/Grade 10 to get this album considering a lot of the other shit I was listening too (I'll spare you the deets), I was let down by this album and rarely listened to it.

As time went on this album kept on getting better and better, which I think is a reflection of my music taste. I don't know if I like it as much as "Diary" but its a very close call. "Pillars" is a hauntingly epic opener and "100 Million" is one of my favourite SDRE tracks. For all of you on the fence about downloading this I can tell you it ain't really "emo" and you indie hipsters would be more keen on this. You may not dig it at first but this is the definition of a grower. One of the bands that I'm really mad I never got to see live. You can download this most excellent album here: http://www.zshare.net/download/1296283518e504a4/

Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning's "Something For All Of Us"

2008-06-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

First off, I have to say that whoever it is in charge of putting the "Broken Social Scene presents" before the artist name seriously needs to lose their job. If it was Arts and Crafts or BSS decision one of them needs to be held accountable. It wreaks of desperation and it a pain in the ass to type out and it also looks really, really lame on your Ipod. Yeah, I'm a fickle whiny bastard but I'm pretty sure you feel the same.

Regardless Broken Social Scene puts out solid music and the offshoot solo bands/artist have done some really solid stuff. Even though I do not know what part Brendan Canning plays in BSS I'll still download it. Fuck, I guess Arts and Crafts little marketing ploy works. Anyways, not sure how long ago this leaked but I just saw it today and figured a lot of people out there would be interested in it. I can't WAIT to see these guys at Lollapalooza, I saw them once but it was before I knew them real well. Download "Ibi Dreams of Pavement" by Broken Social Scene if you haven't got into this band - it's the bee's knees.

Check it:
http://www.zshare.net/download/129580317614b66e/

Weezer's "Red Album"

2008-05-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

OK first off, this is their best album cover. Rivers may be one fucked up dude but he rocks the ironic stache amazingly - not a Tom Selleck level of amazingness but awesome nonetheless.

Anyways about Weezer, they will NEVER accomplish anything as great as their first two albums and its a shame that everyone (Including I) judges their other albums against "The Blue Album" and "Pinkerton". It just ain't fair to the band because they will never be touched. Weezer WAS a band who I loved back on the day and when Green Album came out I skipped school to buy it (I also bought Tool's "Lateralus" the same day") but for me they are a nostalgic band - a band who I use to love and will always like even though their following work isn't up to par. Sure, they had hints of brilliance here and there (Island In The Sun, Fall Together, Perfect Situation) but they are and never will be the same band. Some one attribute that to the absence of Matt Sharp but that isn't really that appropriate because we all know Weezer is Cuomo's show.

The Red Album's final two songs finally leaked and I'm presenting you with the full album. I don't think its the greatest rip but most of you probably wouldn't even notice if I didn't mention it. When I heard "Pork And Beans" I cringed because the lyrics are coming from a Harvard graduate, but I came to the realization that Weezer's lyrics were never really good and Weezer is all about catchy hooks and killer choruses. The first single got me really hyped for the album but after a couple listens there are maybe 3 songs that I really like (Heart Songs and The Angel And The One) and the rest seemed like rubbish. Apparently Rick Rubin quit on this album half way through, so Weezer must have drove him crazy. Anyways, I'll probably go back listen to "Pinkerton" and remember what once was (Again, unfairly judging).

Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/download/12626252a1d0ce27/

P.S. The 11th track is a bonus song that is a cover. I don't know who its by and I don't really care to look for it at the moment.

Autolux "Future Perfect"

2008-05-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

I don't think this band is widely known about so I decided to post this '04 album for you to check out. They are a trip-hoppish band but aren't too gloomy and depressing to listen to. The band's guitar player also use to be in Failure, who's album "Fantastic Planet" is one of my favourite albums all-time. Anyways, if you're into alternative, trip-hop 2000 style you may want to check em out. They also have a new album dropping this summer, as well.

Check it out:
http://www.zshare.net/download/125817152f9d0972/

LCD Soundsystem's "LCD Soundsystem"

2008-05-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to this album a lot lately and yes, I may be a little late on this one but better later then never, right? I loved LCD Soundsystem's "Sound Of Silver" (Which was my 3rd fave album of '07) and had this downloaded on my comp for awhile but never really gave it a thorough chance. I've had the album on my playlist the last couple days and whenever the album comes up I can't stop listening to it - it gets catchier and catchier. I'm pretty sure The Bravery ripped off "Tribulations" (I didn't check the dates, so I could be wrong) and "Never As Tired..." is the mellow tune on this album which I've grown to love.

So, if you haven't given LCD Soundsystem a shot or just haven't downloaded their debut I suggest checking this out. Right at this moment, I would still pick "Sound Of Silver" over this but things can change - James Murphy still seems like a prick, though.

Check it out: http://www.zshare.net/download/12418827b6836ad5/

Foals' "Antidotes"

2008-05-15T12:31:00.001-07:00

This album gets better and better every time I listen to it. In my opinion, Foals' music is akin to Bloc Party and/or the Klaxons, if you're a fan of those bands I would recommend you check out this album. I do think that this album maybe a grower and might not grab your attention right away but it is really a fun and enjoyable album. My favourite track on the album has to go to "Red Socks Pugie".

Enjoy: http://www.mediafire.com/?3lj4mmbxiqt

The National's "Virginia" EP

2008-05-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah I know that isn't the cover for the actual EP but it is the cover for the DVD the EP is attached with. I could find an adequately sized picture of the actual cover for the EP but this is decent enough I guess. Gave this a brief listen today and found it pretty enjoyable - still hasn't fully sunken in yet but figured a lot of people would want to listen tot his anyways. This a a fuckin' EP with 12 songs, CRAZY. Anyways, here is the tracklist I got off of What.CD:

1) YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN, VIRGINIA
2) SANTA CLARA (UK B-side)
3) BLANK SLATE (UK B-side)
4) TALL SAINT (Demo)
5) WITHOUT PERMISSION
6) FOREVER AFTER DAYS
7) REST OF YEARS (Demo)
8) SLOW SHOW (Demo)
9) LUCKY YOU (Daytrotter Session)
10) MANSION ON THE HILL (Live Cover)
11) FAKE EMPIRE (Live)
12) ABOUT TODAY (Live)

Check it out:

http://www.mediafire.com/?mgxnubblfbn

No Age's "Nouns"

2008-05-14T09:14:00.003-07:00

Aside from having the coolest album art this year, No Age bring the rock on this album. After I read a comparison to Nirvana's "Bleach" I decided to download it and after 4 listens or so I'm really starting to enjoy it. I've been downloading and listening to too much pop lately and this is a very very welcome change. "Teenage Creeps" has to be my favourite track thus far.

Enjoy.

http://www.zshare.net/download/1201871317d8da29/

Santogold's Debut Album "Santogold"

2008-05-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

As one of Rolling Stone magazine's last dedicated readers, I always look forward to their list issues. Even though their year end lists don't sit too well with me, I am always interesting in the "Who's Going To Be Big in 200-whatever" list.

Now, I'll let you in on something about my character, I hate hype and if you tell me to listen to a band I'll 80 percent of the time dismiss the recommendation. I have to read about the band or hear about them through people's music tastes I can actually trust - I'm just a picky loser like that. Anyways, when reading who Rolling Stone thought was going to be big in 2008, I was sick of hearing about Vampire Weekend and I thought that there was no way that I could be a fan of the two hippies in MGMT but in both cases I was really wrong and enjoyed both their albums. I then decided to give Santogold a chance a couple weeks ago after reading various posts on her and I haven't stopped listening since.

Now, digging Santogold's album is a real stretch for me because I'm not a real hardcore fan of her music but the album is soooooo catchy and good - I've been listening to it for the past week straight. "L.E.S. Artistes" reminds me of The Strokes + Gwen Stefani (But you know, black) and then there are tracks like "Creator" that get the obvious M.I.A. comparison. I think you should really check this album out for yourself - even if you're not a huge fan of her type of music. If you're have been listening to this as much as I have you'll probably be buying Bud Light Lime in no time.

http://www.zshare.net/download/12017629a93fea19/

3 EPs You Should Check Out

2008-05-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

I don't think it is common knowledge what "EP" actually means, I would not have known (Or cared to find out) if it weren't for one of my "Popular Music" classes. Anyways, most of you know what a single is: A 7inch, cassette tape or CD that usually has 1-4 tracks that has the band his single and some B-Sides. These were immensely popular back in the day but have faded because the internet. I still think there is a big demand for them in the UK, but I'm not sure about that.

You also have the album or sometimes referred to as an "LP". LP stands for Long Play and since an "EP" is somewhere between a single and an LP it is called an "EP" or "Extra Play" because it usually has more tracks then a single and less then a LP. Anyways, you're probably not even reading this but one day when you are in an intense game of Trivial Pursuit and you are asked "What does EP stand for?", you can thank me.

The first EP that I recommend you download is the newest release from a Scarborough Ontario band called "The Carps". I saw them open for The Hives and I was really impressed by their show. If you miss Death From Above 1979 or are a fan of the Cool Kids you may want to check this band out. They are a two person band and I think they may be one of the next Canadian bands who people will fall in love with. Check out their "Waves and Shambles" EP here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/u9dsto

Next up we have probably my second favourite EP ever (At The Drive-In's "Vaya" is probably 1") TV On The Radio's "Young Liars" EP. If you haven't already heard this I suggest you do, the version of "Staring At The Sun" on this disc is better then the one that appears on their first album. "Young Liars" is really catchy and chill and has been the top song played on my Ipod for some time now. "Blind" is mellow and haunting, you may not like it at first but it definitely grows on you. And their is also a Pixies cover, "Mr Grieves", which I listen to more then the original. Check out "Young Liars" here: http://www.zshare.net/download/1178749974fb2dce/

And last but not least I recommend you download The First Aid Kit's "Rocket Summer" EP. This is truly an independent album which is why I couldn't find a link to their album art. Actually that is a lie it can be found at http://www.myspace.com/thefirstaidkit but I didn't feel like cropping it from the flash player. Anyways, the band is a pop-rock and reminds me of Modest Mouse. They put on an awesome live show and had the crowd jumping when I saw them. My favourite songs from this EP are Rocket Summer, Sleepwalk and Splitting Images. Enjoy the EP here: http://www.zshare.net/download/1182404351d8cc21/

"Narrow Stairs" by Death Cab For Cutie

2008-05-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to sugar-coat this. I'm only posting this album in hopes that people will search it out and stumble across my blog and bookmark it. I haven't really told anyone about my newly created blog and I'll spread the word myself later on. I'm hoping that some of the music I post will entice people to visit "What Else Can I Write" again.

I haven't given this album a solid listening yet (Weezer's "Red Album" is getting most of my attention right now), but figure there are a lot of people out there who have been waiting for this disc.

The only opinion I really have of this album right now is that the album art is pretty damn terrible, but if you're a music fan that doesn't buy music that wouldn't really matter would it? I buy a shitload of CD's and look down on people who don't but I think spreading music trumps those feelings. You can find "Narrow Stairs" HERE

Enjoy.

Ribbon Cutting First Post

2008-05-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

"Treat my first like my last, and my last like my first."

Lets keep this a short first post, at the urging of my friends and realization that SOME people may be interested in what I think, I decided to start my own blog. I've never really gotten fully into the blog thing so we'll see how this goes. I hope to write on a wide array of topcs here but that all depends on my motivation. I can see this basically being a music blog but I hope for content in other fields, maybe Dramatic Prairie Dogs?