Discuss the Musics Thread

[transmogrifier]

Love is a band from about the same time. Started off garage-rockey then got slightly more folksy and weird. Good stuff. I'm sure you have heard it before, they are used occasionally in films and stuff.

Sorry, because you put Love in italics, I thought you were referring to an album (as I said, don't know anything else about The Seeds)

I can't remember having any opinion on Forever Changes...I don't have it in my iTunes library. I'll check it out.

I always get confused with bands from the 60s and 70s. For a second I thought you were talking about The Silver Apples, who are great, but not garage, then I remembered that The Silver Apples are called The Silver Apples and not Love.

*drunk*

[Derek]

For a second I thought you were talking about The Silver Apples, who are great, but not garage, then I remembered that The Silver Apples are called The Silver Apples and not Love.

*drunk*

:pritch:

Love the Silver Apples love!

[sevenarts]

Better than Monks? Anyway, I've only heard the 1 or 2 Seeds tracks on Nuggets, but looks like their first 2 albums are worth checking out.

The Seeds are great. Their self-titled album and Web of Sound are both among the best garage-rock albums. I love the Monks too but personally prefer the Seeds a bit, if only for the sheer hypnotic brilliance of "Up In Her Room."

[EvilShoe]

This trend of bands putting trailers online for upcoming albums is just... weird. It doesn't really pique my interest, or annoy me. It's just there. Like K_Fan.

[Kurosawa Fan]

This trend of bands putting trailers online for upcoming albums is just... weird. It doesn't really pique my interest, or annoy me. It's just there. Like K_Fan.

Nice try. Your love for me bursts out of every post. Stop trying to hide it, you're only embarrassing yourself.

[D_Davis]

This trend of bands putting trailers online for upcoming albums is just... weird. It doesn't really pique my interest, or annoy me. It's just there. Like K_Fan.

I feel the same way about book trailers.

[EvilShoe]

I feel the same way about book trailers.Those actually exist? I guess I never came across them since I never go on sites that focus heavily on literature. That's an even worse idea than the music ones.

[D_Davis]

Those actually exist? I guess I never came across them since I never go on sites that focus heavily on literature. That's an even worse idea than the music ones.

There's a whole website.

http://www.book-trailers.net/

[Derek]

Not really a fan of the album, but it'll be nearly impossible for anything to top the cover for Laurel Halo's Quarantine in 2012:

http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/7d8cbbaa7bc686d3d9287059528f39 1f/o3924812.jpg

[MadMan]

Albums Purchased This Year (ratings out of ****):

1. El Camino, The Black Keys-****
2. Moving Pictures, Rush-****
3. Room On Fire, The Strokes-*** 1/2
4. Darkness On The Edge of Town, Bruce Springsteen-****
5. Nevermind, Nirvana-**** (Album was already listened to previously)
6. Rushmore OST, Various Artists-****
7. Genesis, Genesis-*** 1/2
8. The Decline of British Sea Power, British Sea Power-***
9. Monster, R.E.M.-****
10. The Battle of Los Angeles, Rage Against The Machine-****
11. 4x4=12, Deadmau5-*** 1/2
12. Presence, Led Zeppelin-*** 1/2
13. Amnesiac, Radiohead-****
14. Bloom, Beach House-*** 1/2
15. The Lonesome Crowded West, Modest Mouse-****
16. Born To Die, Lana Del Rey-*** 1/2
17. Return To Cookie Mountain, TV On The Radio-****
18. Born To Run-****, Bruce Springsteen
19. The Ramones Greatest Hits-The Ramones, *** 1/2
20. Unplugged In New York, Nirvana-**** (mostly listened to previously)

[Qrazy]

Here's my first full length mix. Clocks in at roughly 3 hours. Hope ya like it!

http://www.mixcloud.com/DJQrazy/jailbreak-dance-mix/

[Russ]

More things like this please!
Ahh..haha...I never even knew this existed (apparently a promo from his early 90's sessions with John Cale):

Brian Eno's mellow cover of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire


mhwNXae5_vU&feature=related

[EyesWideOpen]

New Childish Gambino mixtape "Royalty" released for free online today. It features the RZA, Ghostface Killah, Beck and Tina Fey.

[Boner M]

The Dirty Projectors are the worst. Most skin-crawling acclaimed band (that I'd been led to believe I'd be into) since Man Man.

[Derek]

The Dirty Projectors are the worst. Most skin-crawling acclaimed band (that I'd been led to believe I'd be into) since Man Man.

They do kinda make me want to punch a random hipster. I like a few of their tracks, but more often then not, I'm actively annoyed while listening to them.

[transmogrifier]

Hey, common ground! I hate The Dirty Projectors as well.....

[Boner M]

Ironic Black Flag cover albums, token 'Afro' infuences, castrated falsetto vocals, krazy time signatures... they sound like my dad's nightmare of what a hip band sounds like today.

"Stillness is the Move" is pretty good though.

[transmogrifier]

Updated 5 Star Album List

Easter Everywhere, 13th Floor Elevators
Funeral, Arcade Fire
Blood on the Tracks, Bob Dylan
Highway 61 Revisited, Bob Dylan
Super AE, Boredoms
Monster Movie, Can
Tago Mago, Can
Dig Your Own Hole, The Chemical Brothers
The Clash, The Clash
London Calling, The Clash
Cosmo's Factory, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pendulum, Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Great Eastern, The Delgados
Electro-shock Blues, Eels
Elastica, Elastica
Blueberry Boat, The Fiery Furnaces
I'm Going Away, The Fiery Furnaces
One Nation Under a Groove, Funkadelic
Entertainment!, Gang of Four
The Ascension, Glenn Branca
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven, Godspeed You Black Emperor
The Sophtware Slump, Grandaddy
Dookie, Green Day
Appetite for Destruction, Guns 'N' Roses
Lust for Life, Iggy Pop
This is Happening, LCD Soundsystem
Geek the Girl, Lisa Germano
Transformer, Lou Reed
Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Real Life, Magazine
Mclusky Do Dallas, Mclusky
The Modern Lovers, The Modern Lovers
Try Whistling This, Neil Finn
Neu!, Neu!
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Neutral Milk Hotel
Dig!!!, Lazurus, Dig!!!, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
The Fragile, Nine Inch Nails
In Utero, Nirvana
Horses, Patti Smith
Easter, Patti Smith
Radio Ethiopia, Patti Smith
Vitalogy, Pearl Jam
Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd
Dry, PJ Harvey
Rid of Me, PJ Harvey
Is this Desire?, PJ Harvey
This is England, PJ Harvey
Third, Portishead
XTRMNTR, Primal Scream
Murmur, REM
Reckoning, REM
Life’s Rich Pageant, REM
Monster, REM
The Bends, Radiohead
OK Computer, Radiohead
Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols, The Sex Pistols
The General Electric, Shihad
Dig Me Out, Sleater-Kinney
One Beat, Sleater-Kinney
The Woods, Sleater-Kinney
A Thousand Leaves, Sonic Youth
NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Sonic Youth
Murray Street, Sonic Youth
Sonic Nurse, Sonic Youth
Fun House, The Stooges
A Grand Don’t Come for Free, The Steets
Shut Up I Am Dreaming, Sunset Rubdown
Aenima, Tool
Lateralus, Tool
The Velvet Underground & Nico, The Velvet Underground
White Light/White Heat, The Velvet Underground
Pinkerton, Weezer
Pink Flag, Wire

[D_Davis]

Deluxe versions of two of the best guitar albums ever recorded released today.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fjLSzRbfL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[Acapelli]

Ironic Black Flag cover albums, token 'Afro' infuences, castrated falsetto vocals, krazy time signatures... they sound like my dad's nightmare of what a hip band sounds like today.

"Stillness is the Move" is pretty good though.
the solange cover blows it out of the water though

[Pop Trash]

Deluxe versions of two of the best guitar albums ever recorded released today.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fjLSzRbfL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Fuck yeah. I think Copper Blue is as good as most of the Husker albums. Although, I have to admit it does sound like Mould was listening to a lot of Pixies around that time.

[Pop Trash]

Updated 5 Star Album List

NYC Ghosts & Flowers, Sonic Youth


lol wut?

[D_Davis]

Fuck yeah. I think Copper Blue is as good as most of the Husker albums. Although, I have to admit it does sound like Mould was listening to a lot of Pixies around that time.

For me it's all about Beaster.

[transmogrifier]

lol wut?

lol great

[D_Davis]

5 tracks from the best shoegazer band to ever grace the air waves.
http://thestargazerlilies.bandcamp.co m/

[EyesWideOpen]

I don't know why I let people get to me sometimes but I do. Someone on another forums who is in his early twenties was talking about how hip-hop is not a form of music because it's focused on lyrics and use electronics to make beats. He also mentioned it was a new fad (even though it's been around for almost 35 years).

[dreamdead]

Nice! Thurston Moore joins black metal supergroup Twilight for their next album. I've long been interested in how Moore's interest in this style would translate if he ever actually played in a black metal band. For those interested, this is Twilight's best track off of their last album, (which itself benefited from Aaron Turner's, of Isis, involvement.

BYI4o2AQVeo

[D_Davis]

That sounds more stoner rock than black metal to me. I dig it.

[Milky Joe]

Bill Doss from the Olivia Tremor Control died today. :( He was only 41. They were playing a show just a few days ago. This blows.

[D_Davis]

New Arrested Development album...given away for free by the band.
http://app.topspin.net/w/158582?src=twt

[D_Davis]

“My life as a professional musician,” [Robert Fripp] tells me, “is a joyless exercise in futility.” (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f588e100-d7ee-11e1-9980-00144feabdc0.html#axzz22c59dWo S)

:(

[D_Davis]

Only about a month away...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RWcYv%2BudL._SL500_AA300_.jp g

[Sven]

Now, I know that Van Halen doesn't have the most credible reputation among more critical listeners, and admitting to liking them is hip suicide.

But Dance the Night Away is legit.

[Russ]

Now, I know that Van Halen doesn't have the most credible reputation among more critical listeners, and admitting to liking them is hip suicide.

But Dance the Night Away is legit.
I unabashedly love their first album, which is amazing, along with certain other later works (incl. Dance the Night Away) that are more representative of their commercial peak.

At times, they were really, really good almost in spite of themselves. :)

[D_Davis]

I think I'm going to get Beck's new album and do my own recording of it.

For those who don't know, his new "album" comes out in December, and it's being released only as sheet music.

[D_Davis]

http://f0.bcbits.com/z/10/22/1022448907-1.jpg (http://carlsagansghost.bandcamp.com/album/korgambient)

All music/sounds created using only a MicroKorg, Kaossilator, and KP3, multi-tracked using Reaper.

[D_Davis]

Roger Waters' Amused to Death is a fucking masterpiece.

[Qrazy]

New dance mix finished. This one clocks in at 2.5 hours. Classic rock, Indie rock, Hip hop and Electronic abound.

http://www.mixcloud.com/DJQrazy/goodbye-kitty-kat-dance-mix/

[Milky Joe]

One of my favorite bands from Portland, The Woolen Men, have a new album up on Bandcamp and it's a free download for the month of August. It's just really great pop/garage with punk/post-punk/psych overtones. Each of their three members write songs and they all bring a different sort of sound. They're great - check 'em out:

http://woolenmen.bandcamp.com/releases

[MadMan]

I think I'm going to get Beck's new album and do my own recording of it.

For those who don't know, his new "album" comes out in December, and it's being released only as sheet music.Beck is crazy. Oh well I guess I'll just try and listen to a couple more of his older albums that I haven't heard already, and I do have Modern Guilt on my laptop so I'm good, I guess.

Currently I've been doing everything possible to go through U2's catalog. I purchased War and October, both of them excellent blind buys, and I rented Pop and Zooropa from the public library. Zooropa surprised me a bit, as I didn't think I would like it as much as I thought I would. Pop is in my CD player, and I'll think about it later. I believe the only other album aside from their live albums that I haven't heard is Achtung Baby.

Also I've already started on The Talking Heads, too, although I'm not sure how that will pan out. I've already listened to and loved their first album, and I just bought Stop Making Sense and Fear Of Music. "Sense" is a great live album, but I thought that despite it being great/really good "Fear" isn't better than Talking Heads '77. I would like to get their second album, and then also buy Remain In Light.

This past month I've been just randomly buying/renting CDs. The major one of note that I listened to being Exile On Main Street, which is a fantastic double LP from The Rolling Stones. That one lived up to the hype. And I think I like Norah Jones, or at least Come Away With Me.

[Raiders]

A decade later, Beck's Sea Change is still amazing.

But, fucking sheet music now??? I am not a musician.

Modern Guilt was a good rebound after the disappointment of Guero and The Information, but then... nothing. I listened to his Jack White-produced single just released. It's amusing and infectious the way early Beck always managed to be, but that's it after four years?

[ledfloyd]

i'm looking forward to playing the new beck album.

[MadMan]

A decade later, Beck's Sea Change is still amazing.

But, fucking sheet music now??? I am not a musician.

Modern Guilt was a good rebound after the disappointment of Guero and The Information, but then... nothing. I listened to his Jack White-produced single just released. It's amusing and infectious the way early Beck always managed to be, but that's it after four years?I loved Guero, actually, but I do agree that The Information was merely soild/decent at best. Loved Modern Guilt, that's for sure. I haven't heard Sea Change, yet, I think. Or maybe I have-I don't remember.

[Mysterious Dude]

The 20 Worst Hipster Bands (http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/08/worst_hipster_bands_all_time_c .php)

This list includes most of my favorite current bands.

[dreamdead]

Went running today and my appreciation for Hum's Downward is Heavenward album continues to spike. While nothing is ever as overtly catchy as their "Stars," the album is nonetheless a solid affair, full of crunchy guitars, thick bass, and lyrics that aren't asinine.

Very underrated band; sad to see that they're relatively forgotten today.

[D_Davis]

Currently I've been doing everything possible to go through U2's catalog. I purchased War and October, both of them excellent blind buys, and I rented Pop and Zooropa from the public library. Zooropa surprised me a bit, as I didn't think I would like it as much as I thought I would. Pop is in my CD player, and I'll think about it later. I believe the only other album aside from their live albums that I haven't heard is Achtung Baby.


Zooropa is fantastic - I think it's one of U2's most underrated albums. I definitely like it more than Pop, which I don't like at all.

Also, get to Achtung Baby - it's amazing.

[D_Davis]

The 20 Worst Hipster Bands (http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/08/worst_hipster_bands_all_time_c .php)

This list includes most of my favorite current bands.

How is Animal Collective not on that list? I thought they were kings of the hipsters.

[Russ]

How is Animal Collective not on that list? I thought they were kings of the hipsters.
Relax. They're on their 'Worst Bands of All-Time' list.

[D_Davis]

Relax. They're on their 'Worst Bands of All-Time' list.

Wow.

Those write-ups are really, really bad.

[Milky Joe]

The most offensive thing on that list is the claim that Nico's voice is "vapid." The fuck?

[transmogrifier]

The bands I like from that list:

TV on the Radio
Sleigh Bells
Arcade Fire
Tune-Yards

The bands I hate from that list:

Bon Iver
Grizzly Bear
Bright Eyes
Beirut

The rest I either don't know or don't have an opinion on.

And from the worst of all time list, I love:

LCD Soundsystem
The Sex Pistols
Pearl Jam

Silly lists really.

[bac0n]

The 20 Worst Hipster Bands (http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/08/worst_hipster_bands_all_time_c .php)

This list includes most of my favorite current bands.

Yeah, the hack who wrote this can go drown in a sea of Pabst.

[MadMan]

Zooropa is fantastic - I think it's one of U2's most underrated albums. I definitely like it more than Pop, which I don't like at all.

Also, get to Achtung Baby - it's amazing.I loved Zooropa (especially since it has The Wander on it by Johnny Cash) but I found Pop to be merely very good, although maybe another listen will result in me forming a more solid opinion.

I really should just buy Achtung Baby considering it has Mysterious Ways and Desire on it, and I love both of those songs.

That hipster list has The Black Keys on it. The minute I saw that, I quit reading. Whoever made that list is a fucking moron.

[D_Davis]

"Desire" is on Rattle and Hum.

Pop is actually my least favorite U2 album.

[Sven]

The 20 Worst Hipster Bands (http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/08/worst_hipster_bands_all_time_c .php)

This list includes most of my favorite current bands.

I don't like Bon Iver either, but the guy that wrote that blurb is just filled with hate. Unpleasant. If snark is a hipster quality, then I'm shocked that the makers of these lists don't have more sense of self.

[MadMan]

"Desire" is on Rattle and Hum.

Pop is actually my least favorite U2 album.My bad. And my least favorite U2 album so far (I've heard most of their stuff already) is All That You Can't Leave Behind, which is also arguably their worst album. Naturally the Grammy's gave it a bunch of awards.

[D_Davis]

I actually like that album quite a bit.

[MadMan]

I actually like that album quite a bit.It has a couple of great tracks, a few good ones, and the rest ranges from bad to mediocre.

[D_Davis]

I am so addicted right now to Roger Waters' Amused to Death. It's an absolutely masterpiece, a timeless commentary on modern politics. It's sad to hear Waters sing about stuff that was happening nearly 20 years ago, because the same shit is happening right now Just a brilliant album. I'd argue that it's some of Waters' best stuff, right up there with The Final Cut in terms of lyrical content and quality.

[D_Davis]

I like the new Swans album a lot.

I've been listening to them more the past few weeks. I don't much care for the early stuff, I like the mid-period stuff, and I am loving this new stuff.

I also think that I like Angels of Light more than the Swans - more my style.

[MadMan]

I am so addicted right now to Roger Waters' Amused to Death. It's an absolutely masterpiece, a timeless commentary on modern politics. It's sad to hear Waters sing about stuff that was happening nearly 20 years ago, because the same shit is happening right now Just a brilliant album. I'd argue that it's some of Waters' best stuff, right up there with The Final Cut in terms of lyrical content and quality.I've never heard of that album or The Final Cut. The only album of Waters' that I'm aware of is The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking. I'll have to check out Amused To Death at some point.

[D_Davis]

I think The Final Cut is Roger Waters' crowning achievement as an artist. It's more of a Waters solo album than it is a Pink Floyd album; it's even billed in the liner notes as Roger Water with The Pink Floyd.

[Ivan Drago]

ELYSIUM LEAKED!
ELYSIUMLEAKED!
ELISEUM LEECED!
ELLKSjdakl;dfja;a!

[D_Davis]

Every single John Peel Session.

You're welcome.

http://soundcloud.com/das-boy/sets/john-peel-show/

[Ivan Drago]

WOW TIMES INFINITY IF TRUE:

New Daft Punk album and tour in 2013? (http://fistintheair.com/2012/08/26/daft-punk-album-cover-leaked-possible-2013-tour/)

[D_Davis]

ELYSIUM LEAKED!
ELYSIUMLEAKED!
ELISEUM LEECED!
ELLKSjdakl;dfja;a!

I'll wait. :)

[Derek]

I'll wait. :)

Yeah, there'll be way more seeders in a couple weeks.

[D_Davis]

Yeah, there'll be way more seeders in a couple weeks.

LOL :)

The PSB need my money! They're totally struggling.

[D_Davis]

Every single John Peel Session.

You're welcome.

http://soundcloud.com/das-boy/sets/john-peel-show/

I thought for sure people would be super excited for this.

Sometimes I don't understand this place.

Anyhow, noise fans.

http://noise-arch.net/

[Sven]

D_Davis, did you see that Robert Fripp quit music yesterday? Apparently the legal mess of it all frustrated him to the point of self-severance.

http://www.progrockmag.com/news/robert-fripp-quit-music-over-rights-fight/

[D_Davis]

D_Davis, did you see that Robert Fripp quit music yesterday? Apparently the legal mess of it all frustrated him to the point of self-severance.

http://www.progrockmag.com/news/robert-fripp-quit-music-over-rights-fight/

Yeah - I posted an interview a few pages back in which Fripp said that music pretty much makes him depressed and angry.

Terrible loss.

[D_Davis]

“My life as a professional musician,” [Robert Fripp] tells me, “is a joyless exercise in futility.” (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f588e100-d7ee-11e1-9980-00144feabdc0.html#axzz22c59dWo S)

:(

Here it is.

[MadMan]

That article was rather depressing and sad. It also reminded me that I should explore more of King Crimson's work. I've only heard In the Court of the Crimson King, which is a great album.

On another note, I've listened to Radiohead's latest, King of Limbs more than any of their other albums save for In Rainbows. Perhaps its the fact that Limbs is tightly paced, short and sweet, or that there is a hypnotic quality to the disc. It might actually be my favorite out of all of theirs, now that I think about it.

[transmogrifier]

That article was rather depressing and sad. It also reminded me that I should explore more of King Crimson's work. I've only heard In the Court of the Crimson King, which is a great album.

On another note, I've listened to Radiohead's latest, King of Limbs more than any of their other albums save for In Rainbows. Perhaps its the fact that Limbs is tightly paced, short and sweet, or that there is a hypnotic quality to the disc. It might actually be my favorite out of all of theirs, now that I think about it.

Apart from Pablo Honey, it's comfortably my least favorite, and I haven't listened to it for a while. We cancel each other out!

[D_Davis]

That article was rather depressing and sad. It also reminded me that I should explore more of King Crimson's work. I've only heard In the Court of the Crimson King, which is a great album.


Discipline
Beat
Three of a Perfect Pair

Are great places to start exploring more.

[Derek]

God bless Steve Albini:

On Amanda Palmer requesting (read: begging) her fans to play backing instruments in her band for free:


I have no fundamental problem with either asking your fans to pay you to make your record or go on tour or play for free in your band or gather at a mud pit downstate and sell meth and blowjobs to each other. I wouldn't stoop to doing any of them myself, but horses for courses. The reason I don't appeal to other people in this manner is that all those things can easily pay for themselves, and I value self-sufficiency and independence, even (or especially) from an audience.

If your position is that you aren't able to figure out how to do that, that you are forced by your ignorance into pleading for donations and charity work, you are then publicly admitting you are an idiot, and demonstrably not as good at your profession as Jandek, Moondog, GG Allin, every band ever to go on tour without a slush fund or the kids who play on buckets downtown.

Pretty much everybody on earth has a threshold for how much to indulge an idiot who doesn't know how to conduct herself, and I think Ms Palmer has found her audience's threshold.

Whole story (http://www.pitchfork.com/news/47845-steve-albini-slams-amanda-palmer-for-asking-fans-to-play-in-her-band-for-free/)

[MadMan]

Discipline
Beat
Three of a Perfect Pair

Are great places to start exploring more.Thanks for the recs, Davis.


Apart from Pablo Honey, it's comfortably my least favorite, and I haven't listened to it for a while. We cancel each other out!I've put off listening to Pablo Honey, as I imagine only Creep is worth listening to. You like it even less than The Bends? I mean I liked that disc, but I thought The Bends was one of their weakest albums. I'll admit though that I like Hail To The Thief way more than most people do.

[Derek]

You like it even less than The Bends? I mean I liked that disc, but I thought The Bends was one of their weakest albums.

:crazy:

[D_Davis]

God bless Steve Albini:

On Amanda Palmer requesting (read: begging) her fans to play backing instruments in her band for free:



Whole story (http://www.pitchfork.com/news/47845-steve-albini-slams-amanda-palmer-for-asking-fans-to-play-in-her-band-for-free/)

This has been so much fun to follow this week.

[Acapelli]

i find amanda palmer odious

[D_Davis]

Holy crap the new Bob Mould is awesome.

[MadMan]

:crazy:Really? I find some of the tracks on it to be sort of dull/weak, actually. Its good and I like it, but they've done way better. I don't think that Radiohead became a truly great band until OK Computer.

[D_Davis]

What a day for music! New Dinosaur Jr., Devin Townsend, Sea and Cake, and Brother Ali.

[D_Davis]

YES!

http://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/epicloud.jpg

[D_Davis]

Well, Townsend just might have my number one album for the year again. This thing is amazing. My jaw has been on the floor for the last 20 minutes.

[D_Davis]

And the second half is just as jaw dropping. Progressive, melodic metal does not get any better. Epicloud is a masterpiece. This album completely kicks ass. One of the best produced, most awesomely-executed, uplifting, powerful, and moving albums I've ever heard. Epic is too small a word to describe how grand it is.

"Angle," the last song is a crowning achievement in the history of popular music.

[dreamdead]

Re: Devin Townsend and Epicloud. Absolutely--it'll be interesting to see how critics respond to his unironic lyrics, as they could be bashed. That said, I'm looking forward to listening to this one over the coming days, and to seeing how Anneke is integrated this time around.

Not sure if I needed another version of "Kingdom," but it's so heavy that I'll take it regardless. It was the best track off of his Physicist album.

Still trying to decide if which track from his Strapping Young Lad band gets the next entry in my metal list...

[D_Davis]

I was wondering about "Kingdom;" it is a different version, isn't?

But damn does it rule on Epicloud.

I love the gospel-theme of the album. It seems very spiritual. Is Townsend at all a religious dude?

[dreamdead]

I was wondering about "Kingdom;" it is a different version, isn't?

But damn does it rule on Epicloud.

I love the gospel-theme of the album. It seems very spiritual. Is Townsend at all a religious dude?

Still on my first listen-through. Standouts are "True North" and "Grace" so far... :pritch: Anneke makes everything better.

"Kingdom" was re-recorded with the touring band, so it's minus Gene Hoglan's godlike drumwork from the original, but everything's even more pronounced in the production that it still comes off as massive. He stated a yearning to re-record this one since he still busts it out live.

He's on record on having no religious affiliations, but appreciating the texture that spiritual influences can offer music generally. This is the first time that I've gotten any real sense of it; Ghost has a thoroughly meditative vibe, but it was tranquil, not celebratory in such a naked way.

[D_Davis]

He's on record on having no religious affiliations, but appreciating the texture that spiritual influences can offer music generally. This is the first time that I've gotten any real sense of it; Ghost has a thoroughly meditative vibe, but it was tranquil, not celebratory in such a naked way.

Interesting. I like that you call this "celebratory," that's a great word to describe the album. There is a real sense of joy in the album.

Just the names of the songs alone on this thing point to some kind of religious angle, and the gospel-metal feel also does.

My favorites are "Liberation," "Where We Belong," "Save our Now," "Grace," "More," and "Angel."

I'm on my 3rd listen this morning....and it keeps getting better. Can't wait to get home and BLAST it.

[D_Davis]

Ignore the terrible fan-made video, and prepare to have your face melted off.

StSalE00cAA

Melodic prog metal with a gospel choir.

[D_Davis]

Epicloud super loud is an even better experience. There will not a better album this year.

[bac0n]

God bless Steve Albini:

On Amanda Palmer requesting (read: begging) her fans to play backing instruments in her band for free:



Whole story (http://www.pitchfork.com/news/47845-steve-albini-slams-amanda-palmer-for-asking-fans-to-play-in-her-band-for-free/)

I gotta say: as a guy who just saw Shellac for the first time two weeks ago... this post really made my day.

[D_Davis]

This is my ambient album of the year so far.

Simon Scott - Below Sea Level

http://www.simonscott.org/images/below_sea_level.jpg (http://www.simonscott.org/)

It's a collection of beautiful electro-actoustic ambient music combing acoustic guitar, field recordings, light-glitch and noise. It's one of the most sonically-interesting albums I've ever heard; the attention to detail of how sounds are placed within the stereofield is masterful.

[MadMan]

I purchased The Killers' new disc, and I'm actually impressed. There's some shades of Sam's Town, and maybe a little dash of Hot Fuss, but otherwise it sounds different from their previous efforts. I'm just glad it wasn't as disappointing as Day & Age was.

[kopello]

I think my favorite part of The Seer is the weird, wheezy sound of what seems to be a dying harmonica in the last 10 minutes of the title track. I don't know why but it creeps me the hell out and I love it. I'm not sure if I'm ready to declare it their best album but it's damn close.

Also really digging the new Dinosaur Jr. It's no Farm, but these guys can still rock out.

[D_Davis]

A forgotten masterpiece of indie-rock, slacker hip hop. Totally OOP, and not even on any MP3 service. Just got a used CD to replace my worn out tape.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000040PB.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Glass Co.]

God bless Steve Albini:

On Amanda Palmer requesting (read: begging) her fans to play backing instruments in her band for free:



Whole story (http://www.pitchfork.com/news/47845-steve-albini-slams-amanda-palmer-for-asking-fans-to-play-in-her-band-for-free/)

The best part of this was that he has the cred to back that all up, asshole though he is.

[D_Davis]

New Hammock today - a double album of blissed out guitar ambiance. Wow.

$5 cheaper on Bandcamp.

http://f0.bcbits.com/z/23/15/2315204701-1.jpg (http://hammock.bandcamp.com/album/departure-songs)

[D_Davis]

This new Hammock album is incredible.

[dreamdead]

Thanks for alerting me to Hammock. Listening now and it's just gorgeous. "Ten Thousand Years Won't Save Your Life" is likely gonna sell me on the rest of the album.

Meanwhile, I finally embraced my Philip Glass giddiness and purchased Glassworks. This stuff is incredible.

[D_Davis]

Track 12, "Let's Kiss While the Stars are Falling Down," is WOW!

[transmogrifier]

Some recent acquisitions that I'm digging:

Swell Maps - A Trip to Marineville
Swans - The Seer
Quintron and Miss Pussycat - Swamp Tech
Menomena - Moms
Beat Happening - Jamboree
Wire - A Bell is a Cup Until It's Struck
Wire - 154
Dan Deacon - America

[D_Davis]

This new Hammock album is incredible.

Track 8 is kicking my ass today.

[D_Davis]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TqzOjZvLL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Out now.

Fucking rad.

vhIQ_JB1SCc

[Thirdmango]

apparently I completely missed the news that Ween broke up. :(

[EyesWideOpen]

apparently I completely missed the news that Ween broke up. :(

I've never even heard a Ween song and I knew that info.

Only because the lead singer was on the Marc Maron podcast. :P

[D_Davis]

apparently I completely missed the news that Ween broke up. :(

Yep - they didn't even make an official final album. Too bad.

[D_Davis]

New Mark Eitzel is so good.

[Lasse]

The new Kosheen album "Independence" is pretty good. Delayed for what seems like ages and finally relased a few weeks ago. I was sort of worried because of some remixes released up to the release weren't really that good, but the album itself is totally up to snuff.

The track Waste is one of the highlights.

7lwp9MIOx9A

[D_Davis]

I expected a ton more buzz and talk about the new Godspeed album on all the various forums I frequent. Seems to have been released without much fanfare.

[Derek]

I expected a ton more buzz and talk about the new Godspeed album on all the various forums I frequent. Seems to have been released without much fanfare.

Really? Critics and most people I know love it. Maybe it has to do with it being released out of nowhere.

[D_Davis]

Really? Critics and most people I know love it. Maybe it has to do with it being released out of nowhere.

I'm just saying no one here is talking about it, no one on my FB feed, and no one at the various music production forums I go to. It's weird - I expected to see tons of discussion and excitement about it in these places.

I know its getting good critical praise.

[Derek]

I'm just saying no one here is talking about it, no one on my FB feed, and no one at the various music production forums I go to. It's weird - I expected to see tons of discussion and excitement about it in these places.

I know its getting good critical praise.

I hear ya and agree it's a little odd that such a popular band isn't getting more ZOMG!!! posts. I don't really go to any other forums other than here, but I can say it's much loved by the cats over at RateYourMusic.

[D_Davis]

Personally I think the album is merely OK. I still stand by my rule that you really only need two album from each of the post-rock bands - any two will do. I already have two Godspeed albums.

[endingcredits]

Why two albums?

[D_Davis]

Why two albums?

Seems to be the optimum point in which I can have variety without diminishing returns and without getting burned out on the same sounding material. Very few post-rock bands shake things up enough to warrant me owning more than two albums.

[dreamdead]

Seems to be the optimum point in which I can have variety without diminishing returns and without getting burned out on the same sounding material. Very few post-rock bands shake things up enough to warrant me owning more than two albums.

Does this idea include bands metal/hardcore bands like Envy and Isis? I can see it with Mono and Pelican, though, as they've gone from being on constant playlists to an afterthought for me now...

[endingcredits]

Seems to be the optimum point in which I can have variety without diminishing returns and without getting burned out on the same sounding material. Very few post-rock bands shake things up enough to warrant me owning more than two albums.

The genre has been slow to evolve, but I still find the offering of sonic atmospheres variegated enough from album to album from a handful of post-rock bands, like Mogwai and GY!BE, to justify my owning more than two records. It boils down to a matter of taste, I guess.

[D_Davis]

I think Mogwai is one of the exceptions to the rule; them and Tortoise.


Does this idea include bands metal/hardcore bands like Envy and Isis?

Yes. As a matter of fact, I might call this the Envy Rule. :)

[Qrazy]

My Big Beat electronic mix is up.

http://www.mixcloud.com/DJQrazy/big-beat-and-dancing-feet-mix/

[D_Davis]

A new challenger appears for ambient album of the year.

http://wp-images.emusic.com/assets/2012/08/willits-sakamoto-ancient-future.jpg

[dreamdead]

First couple listens to Bat for Lashes's new album have me more impressed than I thought I'd be. Whereas her earlier Two Suns peters out for me after the fifth track, The Haunted Man doesn't fade out immediately after "Laura". Instead, the tracks thereafter maintain a pace and propulsion, which hasn't been the case since her debut. Nothing still quite hits with the emotional ferocity of "I Saw the Light," but this is stronger than initial reviews had led me to believe (obligatory Pitchfork notwithstanding).

[D_Davis]

It's been 25 years since Peter Gabriel released So. What a brilliant album.

[Russ]

Hey Daniel, have you ever heard anything by Bohren und der Club of Gore? Really amazing noir-jazz, sounds like outtakes from a Twin Peaks-era Angelo Badalamenti score: dark and dreamy.

Sample these:


NoooscPFiyc


8VGlxhRbhBQ&feature=related


aLEb0PPsWWg&feature=related

[D_Davis]

Hey Daniel, have you ever heard anything by Bohren und der Club of Gore? Really amazing noir-jazz, sounds like outtakes from a Twin Peaks-era Angelo Badalamenti score: dark and dreamy.

Sample these:


NoooscPFiyc


8VGlxhRbhBQ&feature=related


aLEb0PPsWWg&feature=related

Yeah, totally. Love these guys. Although I was pretty disappointed with their last album, especially since it featured Mike Patton on vocals.

[D_Davis]

New Depeche Mode. Sounds great.

NihMVuspKQw#!

[dreamdead]

A recent listen of Red House Painters' "Michael" was revelatory. Just purchased that album and am looking forward to listening to it on the 40-minute drive to school...

[MadMan]

Kanye West Presents Good Music Cruel Summer is pretty amazing. Cold.1 is still my favorite track, although there are a couple other ones that could also qualify.

[D_Davis]

A recent listen of Red House Painters' "Michael" was revelatory. Just purchased that album and am looking forward to listening to it on the 40-minute drive to school...

Probably my favorite song of all time.

[dreamdead]

Probably my favorite song of all time.

It's such an odd album given its release period. There's little sense of irony or apathy here; instead, the sincerity echoes throughout. And while the relative rock textures of "Lord Kill the Pain" are evident, they're sublimated into the overarching melancholy. The whole album maintains an ambiant structure amidst the lyrics, which is unusual, and the first two tracks, plus "Michael," are phenomenal.

Would you recommend the Sun Kil Moon Ghosts of the Great Highway album?

[ThePlashyBubbler]

Kevin Shields apparently says there will be a new My Bloody Valentine album by the end of the year. (http://pitchfork.com/news/48507-kevin-shields-says-a-new-my-bloody-valentine-album-will-be-out-this-year/)


Some people think it's stranger than Loveless. I don't.

[D_Davis]

It's such an odd album given its release period. There's little sense of irony or apathy here; instead, the sincerity echoes throughout. And while the relative rock textures of "Lord Kill the Pain" are evident, they're sublimated into the overarching melancholy. The whole album maintains an ambiant structure amidst the lyrics, which is unusual, and the first two tracks, plus "Michael," are phenomenal.

Would you recommend the Sun Kil Moon Ghosts of the Great Highway album?

I would recommend every single thing that Mark has ever done. :)

Ghosts of the Great Highway is his best album.

[Derek]

Kevin Shields apparently says there will be a new My Bloody Valentine album by the end of the year. (http://pitchfork.com/news/48507-kevin-shields-says-a-new-my-bloody-valentine-album-will-be-out-this-year/)

Shields later admits that he got his dates mixed up and thought it was 2017 already.

[D_Davis]

It's cute that Shields still thinks I care.

The Stargazer Lilies are the ones who are releasing the next greatest shoegazer album, and they've already out done Loveless.

[Derek]

The Stargazer Lilies are the ones who are releasing the next greatest shoegazer album, and they've already out done Loveless.

It's cute that you think that. ;) I love the tracks I've heard from them, but they wouldn't even exist without MBV.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Finally received a 2XCD A I A in the mail after having to put up with spotify's advertisements for a year and a half. I'm listening to it on my home speakers for the first time.

Grouper is probably my favorite post-MBV thing ever.

[D_Davis]

It's cute that you think that. ;) I love the tracks I've heard from them, but they wouldn't even exist without MBV.

Doesn't matter. They're better now, and they're actually releasing new material, not talking about, and not just remastering old stuff for a cash grab.

And actually, I don't agree that they wouldn't exist without MBV. The best shoegazer album I've ever heard was written and recorded by my friend Ryan Tallman. He called himself Vitamin Gun. I met him after I heard the album, which completely blew me away. I figured he was a huge fan of MBV. I went over to his place and was talking to him about music, and he told me he had never heard of MBV or of shoegazer music. Up until that point he was a total metal head and played in bands with names like After Birth. He only listened to metal and thrash. He said he just felt like doing something different. When I played MBV for him, he was really disappointed because he thought he had done something completely new. Didn't matter though, because his album was better than Loveless.

So it is possible for the SGL to exist without MBV, although that's not what happened. :)

[D_Davis]

New Brian Eno album out today - ambient stuff.

[dreamdead]

I'm intrigued by Crystal Castles... which album of theirs is best? Been reading conflicting reports on their II album.

Also, Daniel, I've been loving the Sun Kil Moon album you recommended. It's great at being simultaneously relaxing and propulsive.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I'm intrigued by Crystal Castles... which album of theirs is best? Been reading conflicting reports on their II album.

I much prefer their first album. The second had its moments, but many of the songs felt unfinished to me. For instance, Not In Love needed a remix with Robert Smith before it was the real deal (I still don't really like it). Haven't heard the third.

[D_Davis]

Also, Daniel, I've been loving the Sun Kil Moon album you recommended. It's great at being simultaneously relaxing and propulsive.

It's fantastic. It does lack some of the personal immediacy of his other stuff (stuff like Katy Song, Mistress, 24, Michael, etc), but everything on it is just brilliant.

If you ever get a chance to see him live, do so. I've seen him (solo, RHP, and SKM) about 10 times, and it's almost always something special.

[D_Davis]

Man, Peter Namlook died. I know that name will only mean something to about 2 people here, but he was a true pioneer in the world of independent electronic music; his work in the '90s was as influential as any electronic artist who has ever lived.

Bummern

http://www.residentadvisor.net/news.aspx?id=18224

[Russ]

Man, Peter Namlook died. I know that name will only mean something to about 2 people here, but he was a true pioneer in the world of independent electronic music; his work in the '90s was as influential as any electronic artist who has ever lived.

Bummern

http://www.residentadvisor.net/news.aspx?id=18224
I just saw a recent photo of him and he looked older than his years and almost frail. Really bummer news. RIP

[D_Davis]

One of my favorites

uWLR2beAOO4

[D_Davis]

Octane Twisted, new live Porcupine Tree album out today.

Sounds great.

[MadMan]

I just bought Grizzly Bear's latest today, and I like it far more than I really should.

[Derek]

I just bought Grizzly Bear's latest today, and I like it far more than I really should.

Why should you not love it? It's one of the best of the year in a lot of people's opinions (http://www.metacritic.com/music/shields/grizzly-bear).

[D_Davis]

Pygmalion > Loveless

[Derek]

Pygmalion > Loveless

*yawn*

We get it. You think Loveless is way overrated.

Just For a Day >= Souvlaki >>> Pygmalion

[D_Davis]

Just For a Day >= Souvlaki >>> Pygmalion

No way! Pygmalion is on a completely different musical level.

I was listening to Loveless and the three main Slowdive albums today. Loveless just doesn't do it for me any more. It's weird. But Pygmalion....man. I hear something new to love every time I listen to it. It's beyond rock, beyond shoegaze, beyond jazz, beyond it all. Something really special and unique.

And I just wanted to troll you. ;)

[MadMan]

Why should you not love it? It's one of the best of the year in a lot of people's opinions (http://www.metacritic.com/music/shields/grizzly-bear).Because I think that Veckatimest is slightly better? Still I did like it a lot. I have no idea if its one of the year's best albums because I don't think I've heard more than 5 albums all year. I do want to listen to their first two albums, as I've only heard their last two. "Gun-Shy" is my favorite track off Shields, btw.

PS: I'm only counted their studio albums. I forgot that they made two EPs.

[D_Davis]

New Breathless (Green to Blue) album today! Incredible. First new album in 9 years. So good to hear this band doing new stuff.

[D_Davis]

And so the loudness wars claims another victim. Today I was listening to my Breathless albums, in chron order, preparing to listen to "Green to Blue," their first album in over 10 years. Their first few albums sound great, as always. And then BLAMMO! the new album started, and it is about 500 times louder than all of their old albums. It sounds like crap.

I can (kind of) understand a band falling victim to the loudness wars if they are a band that is super popular, one that gets played on the radio, or in clubs. But why would a band like Breathless feel the need to be mastered so loud? The new album is practically unlistenable.

[D_Davis]

Both of these tracks are by the band Breathless. Both are mid-tempo, a little noisy, and from the dream-pop/rock genre. The first is from their new album released in 2012. The second is from an album released in the early '90s.

This is why your new music sounds like crap. This is actually one of the most extreme examples of the loudness wars I've ever seen. The track from 2012 has almost no dynamics - this means that no matter what volume you listen to the track at, you will hear everything at one general volume. No quiet parts, no loud parts.

The volume has been set on LOUD by the producers/engineers. This kind of mastering will lead to extreme ear fatigue, and you will not be able to hear all of the nuances in the mix. It's called brickwall mastering because that's what it looks like, and that's what it sounds like.

With the second track, you, the listener, are in control of how loud it is. You will notice different things in the mix depending on how loud you listen to it. Also, it will sound better when you turn it up because the dynamics and nuances will be more noticeable.

Dynamic music is more interesting. This is not an opinion. It is a fact. And as artists continue down this path the only real losers are the listeners.

http://i.imgur.com/YTWeL.jpg

As a listener to music - this pisses me off.

As a producer and musician - this pisses me off.

[Derek]

No way! Pygmalion is on a completely different musical level.

I was listening to Loveless and the three main Slowdive albums today. Loveless just doesn't do it for me any more. It's weird. But Pygmalion....man. I hear something new to love every time I listen to it. It's beyond rock, beyond shoegaze, beyond jazz, beyond it all. Something really special and unique.

And I just wanted to troll you. ;)

I probably haven't listened to Pygmalion more than a handful of times, but it's never as engrossing as their first two albums. It does seem like something unique in the vain of Talk Talk's last couple albums that I could eventually come around to. I do still like it quite a bit...in fact back on the Ipod it goes.

As for Loveless, I'll just have to take Bill Clinton's side of the debate...

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/29354_10151174791193026_127679 3056_n.jpg


Because I think that Veckatimest is slightly better? Still I did like it a lot. I have no idea if its one of the year's best albums because I don't think I've heard more than 5 albums all year. I do want to listen to their first two albums, as I've only heard their last two. "Gun-Shy" is my favorite track off Shields, btw.

PS: I'm only counted their studio albums. I forgot that they made two EPs.

Well, you can love both Veckatimest and Shields! I prefer the new one to Veckamist since it takes a similar approach to melding complex, interlocking melodies and simply features stronger songs from start to finish even if there's no "Two Weeks" to keep returning to. Yellow House is my favorite of theirs. It's a simpler album, but incredibly atmospheric and haunting. A different beast than the two you've heard, but worth checking out.

[MadMan]

Well, you can love both Veckatimest and Shields! I prefer the new one to Veckamist since it takes a similar approach to melding complex, interlocking melodies and simply features stronger songs from start to finish even if there's no "Two Weeks" to keep returning to. Yellow House is my favorite of theirs. It's a simpler album, but incredibly atmospheric and haunting. A different beast than the two you've heard, but worth checking out.Incidentally after listening to Shields three more times I actually now prefer it over Veckatimest, although the later is still really great. I'll have to buy Yellow House online-I was a little surprised to find Shields at Best Buy, although I guess the band is fairly popular now thanks to Veckatimest.

[D_Davis]

When did Bruce Springsteen become so popular with the under 40 crowd? 15 years ago, I didn't know a single person who liked Springsteen, and now all of my 30-something friends think he's the greatest.

What was his Pulp Fiction (John Travolta) moment?

[Acapelli]

well people my age just realized why listen to the hold steady when you can listen to something that's not shit instead (plus i am from new jersey)

[Derek]

well people my age just realized why listen to the hold steady when you can listen to something that's not shit instead (plus i am from new jersey)

Definitely The Hold Steady (who do suck), plus a few songs by Arcade Fire, War On Drugs, etc. that I guess made his sound cool to like again.

[MadMan]

I got into Springsteen because of some of his hits. Now I own two of his albums and I've heard at least 5-6 discs total. Incidentally my favorite song of his still remains "Born To Run," even though its not even close to being the best track off that album.

[transmogrifier]

The more Arcade Fire sound like Springsteen, the less I like them.

[MadMan]

Hey is Boy by U2 any good? I believe its the last CD of theirs that I have yet to own/listen to.

[D_Davis]

Hey is Boy by U2 any good? I believe its the last CD of theirs that I have yet to own/listen to.

It's incredible. Easily in my top 5, maybe top 3.

One of the strongest debut albums in rock history, IMO.

[dreamdead]

Davis, I have to thank you for alerting me to Willits + Sakamoto's Ancient Future album. I've been playing that fairly consistently the past week or so. The opening and closing tracks to it are phenomenal; I need more time with the middle tracks, as they're more ambient-based and involve more of a minimalist piano style than I'm used to. Nonetheless, it's quite good, and a worthy purchase.

[D_Davis]

Davis, I have to thank you for alerting me to Willits + Sakamoto's Ancient Future album. I've been playing that fairly consistently the past week or so. The opening and closing tracks to it are phenomenal; I need more time with the middle tracks, as they're more ambient-based and involve more of a minimalist piano style than I'm used to. Nonetheless, it's quite good, and a worthy purchase.

Yeah! It's so good.

I've been listening to it almost daily since I got it. I listen to it back-to-back with this album:

Simon Scott's Below Sea Level

http://www.12k.com/images/12k/releases/cache/12k1071-220x208.jpg (http://www.12k.com/index.php/site/releases/below_sea_level/)


Two of my favorites this year.

[MadMan]

It's incredible. Easily in my top 5, maybe top 3.

One of the strongest debut albums in rock history, IMO.Cool. I just recently bought both Achtung Baby and The Unforgettable Fire, both really great. I think their best is still The Joshua Tree, but War is probably my favorite disc out of all of them.

[D_Davis]

The Unforgettable Fire is my favorite rock album of all time.

[elixir]

This Deerhoof album, Breakup Song, is kinda uh...I thought I was digging it, but then it just became annoying and too sugary. It's all a bit much, like a way too sweet desert. Do their others have more, uh, restraint or something...else, at least? Because I can see myself like them in another scenario.

[D_Davis]

About goddamn time. One of the most important inventions in music history.

Dave Smith, Father Of MIDI, To Get Technical Grammy (http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2012/12/12/dave-smith-father-of-midi-to-get-technical-grammy/)

[EyesWideOpen]

I'm not usually one for downloading music but there is an old track I want that was only available on cd single so their is no way for me to legally buy it now. Any reputable download sites you guys recommend?

[Derek]

This Deerhoof album, Breakup Song, is kinda uh...I thought I was digging it, but then it just became annoying and too sugary. It's all a bit much, like a way too sweet desert. Do their others have more, uh, restraint or something...else, at least? Because I can see myself like them in another scenario.

I love their previous album, Deerhoof vs. Evil, although I'm in the minority in considering it one of their best. It's probably one of their most...er, restrained...but yeah, they always come with that sugary coating. Apple 'O, Friend Opportunity and Runner's Four are all great too.

[dreamdead]

Looking forward to the annual Derek (and friends) musical countdown.

Loaded up on Alabama Shakes and a few K-pop (Ga in, Sistar) albums over the week. Quite loving the AS and Ga in's "Bloom" track.

[Yxklyx]

A lot of bands make their best music very early on. Either their first album or maybe their second or third. I thought Rammstein's best days were back in 2001 with their third album - so it's odd to find that my favorite album of theirs is their most recent from 2009 with the lead singer well into his 40s. There is not one weak track in the entirety of Liebe ist für alle da. It's awesome from start to finish. Mind you I'm not into Metal at all - never cared for it - this band is the sole exception.

[D_Davis]

Fans of ambient guitar, take note. Wow - amazing (http://awakentheechoes.bandcamp.com/album/concepts).

[D_Davis]

My friend just posted this flyer for a super ska show we played in Fresno. This was pretty much the greatest ska show around. So much fun. Must have been early '90s.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/154899_10151405278425739_10881 46864_n.jpg

[Lasse]

I should do a "Lasse's favourite music from Denmark" thread, but for now I'll post these two music videos from Denmark's finest hip-hop band Malk De Koijn. The lyrics are crazy and sort of brilliant, but you won't understand a word I'm afraid.

You should be able to appreciate beat + flow, though.

d-C7kqH5G2Y

GOoRQ-_UsM4

[transmogrifier]

Nick Cave's Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus is fast becoming one of my favourite albums of all time.

[D_Davis]

And I thought Beck releasing his new album as sheet music only was the most hipster thing in the world!

U9Q88uTdgWY

[D_Davis]

Speaking of Beck's Song Reader, I'll be producing my own version of the album this year.

[ledfloyd]

i need to obtain and play that. however, it seems to be back-ordered everywhere.

it's going to be surreal criticizing music as i play it. "hmm... i like this."

[MadMan]

By purchasing Boy yesterday, I have completed my U2 collection. I like how it has so much in common with their second disc, the underrated October, which is also fantastic.

I also bought the Blade Runner OST from Half Priced Books as well. Two quality purchases in one day thanks to the gift certificate I received for X-Mas.

[sevenarts]

Everyone always thinks I'm joking when I praise Lil B, but I just made a 49-track, almost-3-hours-long best-of consisting of Lil B tracks from 2012. Definitely the year's most prolific and fascinating artist.

part 1 (http://www.mediafire.com/?2c28971c7fb0wes)
part 2 (http://www.mediafire.com/?19ru37o55dr7c58)

[D_Davis]

I listened to some of him after you mentioned him awhile back, and didn't like anything that I heard. :)

Listened to about 10 tracks on iTunes.

Didn't like his voice, flow, lyrics, subject matter, or persona. Some of his music was pretty good, though. Does he make all of his own beats and stuff?

[sevenarts]

He mostly does not make his own beats, he's got tons of young and mostly unknown producers who make beats for him. (The great Clams Casino is one of the more well-known.) And he does generally get great beats. He does sometimes self-produce ambient-ish backing tracks or really noisy, chaotic collages that he raps over.

I get why people don't like him but I love his looseness, his goofy humor, and the way he's so self-conscious about all the various rap personae that he adopts in his songs. He can be a thug on one track, a hippy the next, and he just embraces those contradictions and runs with it. A totally unique talent.

[D_Davis]

I do think he's interesting, and I admire his prolific output.

[Acapelli]

i haven't watched them yet, but music critic chris ott just did a couple videos on shoegaze for his web series "shallow rewards" that i think a lot of you would be interested in

hey davis, he thinks pygmalion is way better than souvlaki too

http://vimeo.com/56603963

http://vimeo.com/56683568

and a link to the corresponding spotify playlist

http://open.spotify.com/user/shallowrewards/playlist/66eJVm0mPi3QfwJY3j6Lsz

[D_Davis]

hey davis, he thinks pygmalion is way better than souvlaki too

http://vimeo.com/56603963

http://vimeo.com/56683568


Right on!

:)

Thanks for these links, I'll have to check it out.

[Acapelli]

i watched them and they're real good

[Acapelli]

shut it down, i've already found 2013's aoty

http://mydickband.bandcamp.com/album/my-dicks-double-full-length-release

[slqrick]

Nice playlist Pelli...Yo La Tengo's one of my absolute favorites. Can't wait till the album is out in a couple of weeks.

[D_Davis]

shut it down, i've already found 2013's aoty

http://mydickband.bandcamp.com/album/my-dicks-double-full-length-release


Wow. Somebody made this.

[Derek]

Wow. Somebody made this.

"Orinoco Dick" is transcendent. This will be tough to top for most absurd creation of 2013, but I have faith it can be topped.

[D_Davis]

"Orinoco Dick" is transcendent. This will be tough to top for most absurd creation of 2013, but I have faith it can be topped.

Yeah - my GF and I about died on that one.

[SirNewt]

I was listening to Loveless and the three main Slowdive albums today. Loveless just doesn't do it for me any more. It's weird.

I'm curious, do you feel it's a dislike of the music or just boredom?

I know for me there's a ton of music, especially oldies, that when I hear it I don't even hear it as music anymore. It's a problem of saturation. I think it's from growing up in the nineties with all that stuff being played in restaurants and on commercials. I have the same issue with the popular Metallica and Nirvana songs.

[slqrick]

Nice playlist Pelli...Yo La Tengo's one of my absolute favorites. Can't wait till the album is out in a couple of weeks.

http://pitchfork.com/advance/1-fade/

Upon initial listen, this is really, really good.

[dreamdead]

Was reading through some of the older best of the year threads, and ended up purchasing John Foxx and Harold Budd's Nighthawks triple album. Man alive, is this album beautiful. So peaceful and lilting and uplifting. This is already looking like a solid candidate to be the best thing I listen to all year.

[D_Davis]

I doubt I will hear a better album this year.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6UncXp_t0s/TYI1d6IX2qI/AAAAAAAACpA/pQS359zZV5o/s1600/61IzdLDw-LL._SS500_.jpg

[Pop Trash]

WHO THE HELL ARE THE STONE ROSES?!?!

[Derek]

WHO THE HELL ARE THE STONE ROSES?!?!

Seriously? They're a post-punky britpop band that put out a great debut in '89 and then just kinda petered out after that. But they were pretty influential to a lot of 90s bands.

4D2qcbu26gs

[D_Davis]

One of the strongest debut albums ever recorded.

1_MvBrEkL1Q

[Pop Trash]

That was a joke guys. They are headlining Coachella this year and this happened:

http://whoarethestoneroses.tumblr.com/

Their first album is one of my favorite 'feel good' records of all time. I especially enjoy it in springtime when the sun is out and flowers are in bloom.

[D_Davis]

New MBV album out this Tuesday - maybe.

[Acapelli]

New MBV album out this Tuesday - maybe.
and here's the first leak

http://imwithpleb.tumblr.com/post/37570413083/leaked-track-from-the-upcoming-my-bloody-valentine

[D_Davis]

and here's the first leak

http://imwithpleb.tumblr.com/post/37570413083/leaked-track-from-the-upcoming-my-bloody-valentine

My god that's terrible.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I refuse to believe it's real.

[Acapelli]

it isn't

thought the power drill/blender/hair dryer/whatever that electrical appliance sound was made it obvious

[Idioteque Stalker]

Kevin Shields: "It's a vacuum goddammit!"

[D_Davis]

Sonic Youth has a power drill solo on their first album, and we used to mic light bulbs and washing/drying machines for effects, so using a hair dryer or vacuum isn't out of the question.

[Sven]

Late to the game, as I am with everything these days, but this Kendrick Lamar album has bowled me over but good.

[dreamdead]

Major fudge. Boris is going to play their Flood album in concert (http://www.avclub.com/articles/boris-announces-a-series-of-us-residency-shows-for,91799/). But am I still in Chicago? Nope. We're actually looking into Seattle and SF airfare for this one...

[Idioteque Stalker]

I was gonna have to miss Jeff Mangum tonight, but an unprecedented turn of events at work has allowed me to go after all. The heavens have deemed it necessary.

FWIW, here's my list of favorite albums of the decade so far:

1. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
2. Grouper - A I A
3. Bon Iver - s/t
4. Death Grips - The Money Store
5. Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me
6. John Maus - We Must Become Pitiless Censors of Ourselves
7. Beach House - Bloom
8. Sleigh Bells - Treats
9. Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
10. Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It


11. The Weeknd - House of Balloons
12. Julian Lynch - Mare
13. Mount Eerie - Clear Moon
14. Tim Hecker - Ravedeath, 1972
15. Fionna Apple - The Idler Wheel...
16. Danny Brown - XXX
17. The xx - Coexist
18. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
19. Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica
20. Bjork - Biophilia

[Sven]

I realize that I've always assumed that when a rap song features a guest rapper, that rapper's segment of the song is written by that rapper, and not the rapper whose track it is. Is the case? How often? I guess I just figured it would be weird for one rapper to rap another's lyrics.

[ThePlashyBubbler]

My Bloody Valentine, one hour ago:


We are preparing to go live with the new album/website this evening. We will make an announcement as soon as its up.

[ThePlashyBubbler]

Supposedly the album is now live on their website. Server pretty much immediately crashed upon the announcement, though.

[EyesWideOpen]

I realize that I've always assumed that when a rap song features a guest rapper, that rapper's segment of the song is written by that rapper, and not the rapper whose track it is. Is the case? How often? I guess I just figured it would be weird for one rapper to rap another's lyrics.

I would say the vast majority of the time it's the way you assumed. There are probably times where if they are in the studio together they cowrite the lyrics but that's it. Most rap guest spots nowdays the two artists aren't ever in the studio together. The main artist sends over the track and the guest artist writes a verse for it.

[Acapelli]

wowowwowowowowowowowowow

(the new mbv)

[dreamdead]

Yeah, I'm digging it a lot so far, too. It'll be interesting to see how the critics treat it; can't wait to see how Pitchfork reviews it.

Daniel Davis's review: B-. :twisted:

[slqrick]

wowowwowowowowowowowowow

(the new mbv)

Digesting still.

[dreamdead]

I think that "In Another Way" is gonna be one of the best tracks. I love the staccato-like structure to the main guitar riff...

Otherwise, I agree:

Digesting still.

I'll be interested to see how many people criticize the sound as something that could've existed in 1993 and thus label Shields's 22-year wait an irrevocable flaw.

[ledfloyd]

I'm about halfway through it, and there was definitely a bit of dissonance at the first as I was trying to reconcile the early-90s sound of it with the knowledge that it was released today. I can't tell if I'm just warming up to it or if "If I Am" and "New You" are just the best songs so far. It's definitely going to take a couple listens.

edit: and then "In Another Way" happened.

[Idioteque Stalker]

I can't make it loud enough. I want to go deaf listening to this. Granted I'm only on the first cut.

[Idioteque Stalker]

First six songs hit my pleasure centers head on. Last third might take more time, but the songs are exciting in their own right.

[D_Davis]

Daniel Davis's review: B-. :twisted:

Heh.

I really just don't even care. My MBV fandom peaked about 15 years ago, and since then I've come to like them less and less while liking other gazer bands more and more.

[ContinentalOp]

I'm loving it. Only heard two songs so far. "Who Sees You" contains some gorgeous guitar breaks. Also can't play this loud enough. Louder, make it hurt!

[Yxklyx]

So I'm loving Dig Your Own Hole - which Chemical Brothers album would you all recommend next?

[D_Davis]

So I'm loving Dig Your Own Hole - which Chemical Brothers album would you all recommend next?

I really like their last album Further.

rFpeLlmfZ0w

[dreamdead]

The new Tegan and Sara album is quite fun as a perfect little set of pop anthems. Not a fan of the overly obvious chorus and song title links, but it's enjoyable.

Those of you good at 90s alternative rock, I've been reminiscing on how much I love the peak parts of this movement--pre-Superunknown Soundgarden, early Alice in Chains, etc. Is Mother Love Bone's sole album valuable as a musical record, or is it more valuable for the later remnants (Temple of the Dog, Pearl Jam)...?

[ledfloyd]

Has anyone listened to the new Foxygen album? It's one of the best things I've heard in awhile.

[Derek]

Has anyone listened to the new Foxygen album? It's one of the best things I've heard in awhile.

Yeah, I've been enjoying that one a lot as well.

[Acapelli]

i think i'd rather just listen to belle and sebastian

[D_Davis]

New Autechre album

https://bleep.com/release/41081-autechre-exai

[ledfloyd]

i think i'd rather just listen to belle and sebastian
I've never connected with Belle and Sebastien the way I connect with "No Direction" on this Foxygen album.

[Acapelli]

I've never connected with Belle and Sebastien the way I connect with "No Direction" on this Foxygen album.
well i feel sorry for you then

listening to "no destruction" now though. it doesn't really sound like b&s. maybe it's just that "san francisco" song then

edit: it's ok. don't think i'll be listening to the rest of the album though

i will say that "there's no need to be an asshole you're not in Brooklyn anymore" line is so :rolleyes:

that is a pretty lame rolleyes smiley

[Derek]

edit: it's ok. don't think i'll be listening to the rest of the album though

i will say that "there's no need to be an asshole you're not in Brooklyn anymore" line is fucking awful though

Actually it's pretty funny. I feel sorry for you for not listening to the rest of the album. I'm sure ledfloyd will feel sorry for you too if only to help balance off the condescension level.

[Acapelli]

well i really do feel sorry. belle & sebastian is my favorite band and i feel like they have some of the most incredibly affecting music i've ever heard

that line is so lame though. especially coming from a san francisco band. and being said in 2013. it's so lazy

edit: don't most of you guys wish that other people felt the same way about your favorite band as you do, or at least appreciate them?

[Acapelli]

i can see why people like them, i'm just not feeling it, at least based off the two songs i've heard. although making my decision on how i feel on a band after only listening to two songs does kind of reflect on me poorly, but it seems to me like those two songs are fairly representative of them (one being the big single, the other being the standout track on the album)

[D_Davis]

This is the best single-synth performance I've ever seen.

99h4XTDiM5g

[Derek]

well i really do feel sorry. belle & sebastian is my favorite band and i feel like they have some of the most incredibly affecting music i've ever heard

that line is so lame though. especially coming from a san francisco band. and being said in 2013. it's so lazy

They're not a SF band. One of the dude's is from NYC though they formed in LA.


edit: don't most of you guys wish that other people felt the same way about your favorite band as you do, or at least appreciate them?

Of course. I can see why you'd get defensive about B&S even when someone's not even saying anything negative about them.


i can see why people like them, i'm just not feeling it, at least based off the two songs i've heard. although making my decision on how i feel on a band after only listening to two songs does kind of reflect on me poorly, but it seems to me like those two songs are fairly representative of them (one being the big single, the other being the standout track on the album)

FWIW, "On Blue Mountain" is my favorite track. Probably won't win you over, but at least it's different enough from "San Francisco" that it's worth a shot.

Cq7aPbhTqdQ

[D_Davis]

This guy has a mastery over his instrument and technique that is very rarely seen.

O6ZVtP1ZEYk

[ledfloyd]

FWIW, "On Blue Mountain" is my favorite track. Probably won't win you over, but at least it's different enough from "San Francisco" that it's worth a shot.

Cq7aPbhTqdQ
So good...

"San Francisco" is, in my opinion, one of the lesser tracks on the album.

[Acapelli]

think i pinpointed my biggest turnoff

it's the dude's voice

[D_Davis]

I think they're pretty good neo-psycho/folk, but I like other bands of this genre (like Asteroid #4 and the Lovetones) more.

[Acapelli]

if i'm gonna listen to some new pop-psych, i'm gonna go for last years tame impala, which i do like a whole lot

[transmogrifier]

I don't like Belle and Sebastian, and don't even know what a Foxygen is.

There, settled.

[Derek]

I don't like Belle and Sebastian, and don't even know what a Foxygen is.

There, settled.

Yep, we already knew to ignore your opinions regarding indie pop. :)

[Derek]

think i pinpointed my biggest turnoff

it's the dude's voice

I can see his voice annoying some people. "On Blue Mountain" reminds me of Danielson Famille in their prime.

[MadMan]

I'm trying to decide which album is the better of the two Rush albums I own: Moving Pictures or 2112. The former is more accessible, but the latter is more mind blowing.

And I finally bought Fun's Some Nights today as well. Its a good solid pop album, although it would have worked better as a shorter disc (by about two tracks, but hey 10-11 track albums are average length these days).

[dreamdead]

if i'm gonna listen to some new pop-psych, i'm gonna go for last years tame impala, which i do like a whole lot

That Tame Impala album is really solid. It might be a little stretched thematically, especially in the instrumental tracks, but I appreciate the ease of how it uses its aesthetic. And "Apocalypse Dreams," "Elephant," and ""It Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" are just incredible.

[Sven]

This guy has a mastery over his instrument and technique that is very rarely seen.

This is totally my jam.