My Favorite Songs of the 00s [Archive]

Derek

06-27-2009, 05:45 PM

The end of the decade is coming up and with the prospect of year-end plus decade-end lists, I wanted to get at least one of them started early. It was brutal narrowing this down to 50 songs (plus 15 honorable mentions :)) simply because my favorite songs at any given time are so dependent on my mood and everything going on in my life at the time. The top 50 will be ordered almost entirely because countdowns are more fun to do than alphabetical lists, but keep in mind that the difference in my love for any one track and another is relatively minuscule. I often went with more personal picks from albums I love (ie, songs I respond to emotionally) even when I'm sure others will scratch their heads wondering why I didn't pick an obviously more skillfully made, complex song. That said, I didn't shy away from obvious picks (see Band of Horses or Wilco) in favor of a less-celebrated song when those are the ones that really get to me.

I will try to write at least a brief sentence or two for all 50 and of course expand/respond to any comments made. At the end, I'll provide ZIP files with all 65 songs retagged. I'll kick things off with the honorable mentions and start the countdown when I get back later today or maybe wait until tomorrow since there's 15 up right off the bat. Enjoy!

Oh yeah, I also limited it to one track per artist.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Andrew Bird – “A Nervous Tick Motion of the Head to the Left (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Aha3JjELY)”

Band of Horses – “The Funeral (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibE7IqEjni4)”

Battles– “Atlas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv38m36-nsU)”

Built to Spill – “Goin' Against Your Mind (http://christinahaberkern.tumblr.com/post/116949562/built-to-spill-goin-against-your-mind)”

Danielson – “Did I Step On Your Trumpet? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_dGiGZ8kxU)”

Deerhunter – “Lake Somerset (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EuzC_eOdAE)”

Department of Eagles – “Teenagers (http://hypem.com/track/622323/Department+of+Eagles+-+Teenagers)”

Espers – “Dead Queen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8J7HfFn6QY)”

Herbert – “Harmonise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL5d4iq5sUo)”

Invincible – “Shapeshifters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrIhD4gHrIM)”

Lali Puna – “Faking the Books (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbxIFTK77f8)”

M83 - "Unrecorded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_zL2_rcTMg)"

Nathan Fake – “Grandfathered (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGOZtX-80Zc)”

Vapnet – “Färjemansleden (http://www.hybrisfiles.com/mp3/vapnet-farjemansleden.mp3)”

Wilco – “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (http://hypem.com/search/Wilco Heart/1/)”

D_Davis

06-27-2009, 07:51 PM

Sweet.

Russ

06-27-2009, 08:47 PM

I haven't heard any of these songs, so I'm plunging right in.

Love that Vapnet song. The Espers song has a Stairway to Heaven vibe to it, it seems..

Acapelli

06-27-2009, 08:54 PM

a few of those would definitely be on my list (if i had one)

ledfloyd

06-27-2009, 09:06 PM

i am trying to break your heart and nervous tic motion of the head to the left are two of my favorites. i like the battles and built to spill songs quite a bit too, i will listen to the rest.

transmogrifier

06-27-2009, 09:11 PM

I'm gonna wait for the combined file. So make this list snappy, I'm an impatient sod.

Derek

06-28-2009, 12:39 AM

Love that Vapnet song. The Espers song has a Stairway to Heaven vibe to it, it seems..

Vapnet is the musical equivalent of washing down cotton candy with a Pixie stick, but I love them. They write consistently strong and catchy pop songs.

Heh, the opening riff is pretty similar to Stairway, but I've heard Zeppelin stole it from elsewhere as well. :) Espers is much darker and more haunting though.

a few of those would definitely be on my list (if i had one)

Which ones out of curiosity?

Derek

06-28-2009, 12:52 AM

50. Ned Collette - "Race (http://www.last.fm/music/Ned+Collette/_/Race)"

Album: Future Suture (2007)

Starts off as a deceptively simple acoustic song that threatens to veer into bland coffee shop singer/songwriter territory before throwing in some bass, growing into a completely different beast at about 2:30 and rocking out for a bit. The bass in this stretch is so freaking sweet, among my favorite of the songs in this list.

Unfortunately, most of Future Suture is nowhere near as good as this track, although "Lost and Found" is incredible and every song is immaculately produced, so it sounds like a million bucks.

Derek

06-28-2009, 06:04 AM

49. Modest Mouse - "3rd Planet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsnELWjsCsA)"

Album: The Moon & Antarctica (2000)

While I prefer the raw sound of Lonesome Crowded West, The Moon & Antarctica isn't too far behind. The sound is cleaner and lacks the immediacy of their prior record, but Isaac Brock's song-writing genius was still at his peak and "3rd Planet" is a perfect example of his unique blend of beautiful melodies and rough-edged guitars and vocal delivery. It's a modest song (haha), but it gets me every time - a great opener for a great album.

Derek

06-28-2009, 06:11 AM

48. Peter Bjorn & John - "Paris 2004 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQbK9w_L6Zw)"

Album: Writer's Block (2006)

I normally have little patience with twee pop, but somehow Writer's Block got its hooks in me and never let go. I realize how sappy and sentimental "Paris 2004" is, but I refuse to ignore the power it has over me. There is beauty in its simple melody and heart-on-sleeve emotional directness that I just can't fight. "Young Folks" and "Amsterdam" may be better songs, but this is the one that gives me goose bumps.

Derek

06-28-2009, 06:19 AM

47. Busdriver - "Less Yes's, More No's (http://www.somuchsilence.com/mp3/busdriver_lessyess.mp3)"

Album: Roadkillovercoat (2006)

I've gone on record several times with my general indifference to lyrics, at least in relation to the importance of pretty much everything else in music, but Busdriver's done some pretty damn good work here. I mean, you rhyme Noam Chomsky with Neo-con Nazis and you've got my attention. The beats are heavy, but the droning synth gives the song a really offbeat, original feel. And you either love his rapid fire delivery or you don't. If Busdriver's not included in the "Things White People Like" list, he probably should be. This is hip-hop for really white people.

Milky Joe

06-28-2009, 06:20 AM

Love Peter Bjorn & John and that song. Though I've never thought of them as 'twee,' just 'pop.'

Acapelli

06-28-2009, 06:20 AM

Which ones out of curiosity?
These

Andrew Bird – “A Nervous Tick Motion of the Head to the Left (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Aha3JjELY)”

Band of Horses – “The Funeral (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibE7IqEjni4)”

Battles– “Atlas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv38m36-nsU)”

Built to Spill – “Goin' Against Your Mind (http://christinahaberkern.tumblr.com/post/116949562/built-to-spill-goin-against-your-mind)”

Danielson – “Did I Step On Your Trumpet? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_dGiGZ8kxU)”

Wilco – “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (http://hypem.com/search/Wilco Heart/1/)”
as well as the modest mouse track. i'm sure there'll be more on the list as you proceed

Acapelli

06-28-2009, 06:23 AM

Love Peter Bjorn & John and that song. Though I've never thought of them as 'twee,' just 'pop.'
yeah, although they do follow that swedish sound that has been utilized by the likes of acid house kings, jens lekman, suburban kids with biblical names, etc

it's not that hard to categorize most swedish pop as twee however, since a lot of it is quite precious (i myself have no problem with this whatsoever, i'm "twee as fuck")

Milky Joe

06-28-2009, 06:27 AM

it's not that hard to categorize most swedish pop as twee however, since a lot of it is quite precious (i myself have no problem with this whatsoever, i'm "twee as fuck")

that's quite true. I didn't actually realize they were swedish!

Derek

06-28-2009, 06:37 AM

*cough* And speaking of twee, I will stand for no Sufjan-bashing in this thread, at least in regards to Illinois. Okay, at least for this song though...please?

46. Sufjan Stevens - "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvXMch9shNM)"

Album: Illinois (2005)

Four years later and Illinois is still as brilliant as ever to these ears. It's tough to pick a favorite song from so many great ones, "Man of Metropolis" tempers Sufjan's more precious crooning with a solid guitar riff and some beautiful choral vocals headed Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent). Like PB&J's Writer's Block, the song-writing on Illinois is impressive enough for me to remain indifferent to complaints of its overbearing cuteness.

keyinblack

06-28-2009, 09:53 AM

hell yeah

Thirdmango

06-28-2009, 10:43 AM

I am in love with this idea that I'm going to try and make my list as soon as possible. One thing I love is that three of your albums so far will probably have songs on my list but none of them are the same songs.

Derek

06-28-2009, 03:27 PM

45. The National - "Fake Empire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KehwyWmXr3U)"

Album: Boxer (2007)

There is a gentle nostalgia about this song with just the right touch of melancholy that makes its simplicity so moving. Matt Berninger is by no means a great singer, but his straight, almost monotonous voice takes on an expressive quality all its own when surrounded by The National's rich, candid music. Love it once the drums really kick in about halfway through.

Derek

06-28-2009, 03:30 PM

D_Davis

06-28-2009, 03:35 PM

Band of Horses – “The Funeral (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibE7IqEjni4)”

Built to Spill – “Goin' Against Your Mind (http://christinahaberkern.tumblr.com/post/116949562/built-to-spill-goin-against-your-mind)”

M83 - "Unrecorded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_zL2_rcTMg)"

Wilco – “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (http://hypem.com/search/Wilco%20Heart/1/)”

I like these quite a bit. Although I would have gone with M83's Lower Your Eyelids to Die With the Sun.

49. Modest Mouse - "3rd Planet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsnELWjsCsA)"

Great tune.

46. Sufjan Stevens - "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvXMch9shNM)"

Don't like Stevens, at all. I can't really stand his music, voice, or songs.

Derek

06-28-2009, 03:42 PM

44. The Microphones - "Map (http://www.last.fm/music/The+Microphones/_/Map)"

Album: The Glow, Pt. 2 (2001)

Achingly personal, Phil Elverum's brand of lo-fi is full of emotion fighting its way through a sea of sound. There is a tug-of-war in "Map" between the noise and the melody, each threatening to overtake the other. Neither win, but the battle is a wonder to behold and there are several parts that make the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Derek

06-28-2009, 03:58 PM

43. Dan Deacon - "Snookered (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4F6gHt9o40&feature=PlayList&p=7FA8C2D1B56E0A4F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3)"

Album: Bromst (2009)

Dan Deacon's Spiderman of the Rings showed signs of genius, but was too often overbearing in its hyperactivity. With Bromst, Deacon allows his song-writing prowess to flourish, giving his songs room to breathe and grow. "Snookered" is Deacon at his best - slowly building into a powerful crescendo, but taking a strange, unexpected path to get there. The second half returns to the 8-bit inspired choral chipmunks that have driven some crazy, but that sound is restrained, a small part of a grander scheme at work.

D_Davis

06-28-2009, 04:58 PM

Derek

06-28-2009, 10:28 PM

That Dan Deacon song is cool. I haven't listened to much from him.

You a fan of Tim Exile? His newest album is easily my album of the year thus far, and it's one of the most creative, well written, and expertly produced albums I've heard in a very, very long time. His older stuff reminds me a lot of DD, but this newest album (Listening Tree) is quite a bit different.

I feel you on Sufjan. He's an artist I keep expecting to return to and find that his flaws have finally turned me off to his music. Hasn't happened yet.

If you're looking to listen to Dan Deacon, stick with Bromst. There are certainly some tracks that could grate on you, but overall I love it and I think it flaunts his skills much better than his previous album which is very hit-or-miss.

I haven't heard Tim Exile, but I put him on my list when you first mentioned him and have since heard a couple other positive things about him. I will definitely be getting to his new album relatively soon. Any recommendation for an older album of his to check out?

Derek

06-28-2009, 10:35 PM

42. Japandroids - "Young Hearts Spark Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOoHAbnhxNI)"

Album: Post-Nothing (2009)

The song No Age wish they could write. Not that Post-Nothing is vastly superior to either No Age album (about half of it is great, the other half serviceable), but the highs are higher and I find their grungy guitar riffs to be more enjoyable and sustainable in longer tracks. "Young Hearts Spark Fire" has such urgency and sincerity to it that I actually find its overt and simple lyrics charming in their naivete and hopefulness. But really, I just love everything - the crunchy guitars, wicked drums and the almost punk-like vocals. All-around solid rock 'n roll is hard to find these days.

trotchky

06-28-2009, 10:57 PM

Great thread. I am reading.

MacGuffin

06-28-2009, 11:00 PM

I like one song so far (Fake Empire) and while I think Dan Deacon has a lot of talent, I don't think he's channeled it into a cohesive, mature work yet. I'll be reading, though.

Derek

06-28-2009, 11:04 PM

I like one song so far (Fake Empire)

Yeah, outside of ambient and some electronic stuff, our music tastes don't really overlap much.

MacGuffin

06-28-2009, 11:12 PM

Yeah, outside of ambient and some electronic stuff, our music tastes don't really overlap much.

Actually, I still have quite a few of these I want to check out. So there's still hope. ;)

MacGuffin

06-28-2009, 11:37 PM

Andrew Bird - A Nervous Tick Motion of the Head to the Left: 1/5. Oh hey guys, I was just falling asleep listening to this utterly boring music. Awful voice, seemingly bad lyrics, poor instrumentation: you'd think someone who seems to have some talent with music could do a little more.

Band of Horses - The Funeral: 2/5. Hey when I listen to this I can kind of see a band of horses running around. Anyway, it's okay. Good singer, and pretty well-written for such a basic rock song, but it seems a bit contrived in its quiet loud approach. Plus, it's on car commercials, so I would probably not listen to it (few exceptions in this case, I'm afraid).

Battles - Atlas: 1.5/5. I'm not going to bother with this one. It's seven minutes of lame guitar fiddling. The vocoder effect is kind of cool and the drummer is good, but it's mostly annoying.

MacGuffin

06-28-2009, 11:38 PM

Listening to the Built to Spill song now. More to come until I absolutely don't want to listen anymore.

Derek

06-28-2009, 11:44 PM

Listening to the Built to Spill song now. More to come until I absolutely don't want to listen anymore.

Could I just request that you stop now as enjoyable as slew of smartass negative comments about songs I love could end up being?

MacGuffin

06-28-2009, 11:48 PM

Built to Spill - Goin' Against Your Mind: 2.5/5. I was going to give it a 3, but this went on for far too long. But still, I enjoyed it, not bad at all, and I'd probably check out more. I thought the guitar work was pretty good and the vocals were good, if passable.

Danielson - Did I Step On Your Trumpet?: 3.5/5. What is this? The song is weird, like the title. Is all their stuff like this? I hope. It's very intriguing, mysterious, and very fun to listen to. Catchy. Why haven't you told me about this?

Deerhunter - Lake Somerset: 0/5. [edited out smartass comment]

MacGuffin

06-28-2009, 11:49 PM

Could I just request that you stop now as enjoyable as slew of smartass negative comments about songs I love could end up being?

Sure. I'll only comment on the ones I end up liking from this point on. Sorry 'bout that.

trotchky

06-28-2009, 11:55 PM

I was thinking of posting a list of my own here but when I actually tried making it all the songs came from only three or four bands.

Also, I dislike that Japandroids song a lot less than I used to.

Acapelli

06-29-2009, 12:15 AM

I was thinking of posting a list of my own here but when I actually tried making it all the songs came from only three or four bands.

Also, I dislike that Japandroids song a lot less than I used to.
i still think its boring

Milky Joe

06-29-2009, 12:20 AM

D_Davis

06-29-2009, 12:21 AM

Any recommendation for an older album of his to check out?

I'm not really into his older stuff. It's a bit more chaotic and messy, and it never did much for me. I was very surprised by the newest one.

MacGuffin

06-29-2009, 12:25 AM

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Fwiw, I have really bad taste in music.

Derek

06-29-2009, 12:31 AM

Also, I dislike that Japandroids song a lot less than I used to.

...awesome? :)

i still think its boring

Understandable.

I'm not really into his older stuff. It's a bit more chaotic and messy, and it never did much for me. I was very surprised by the newest one.

K, I'll start with the new one.

Derek

06-29-2009, 12:40 AM

41. Beirut - "Elephant Gun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-mqhkuOF7s)"

Album: Lon Gisland EP (2009)

For me, this is one of the most purely joyous songs of the decade. It might have something to do with the Kusturica-esque video with hunters and gypsy whores doing ballet amidst confetti, but at his best, Zach Condon's as good as any songwriter out there. That he wrote this at the ripe young age of 20 is enough for me to consider him one of the most promising musicians working today even if he hasn't yet delivered a consistently great album. But whatever mood I'm in, this song will always make me feel better.

Acapelli

06-29-2009, 12:48 AM

Understandable.
i found it surprising since i usually like that sort of stuff

as good as elephant gun is, nothing will top postcards from italy for me

Derek

06-29-2009, 12:49 AM

i found it surprising since i usually like that sort of stuff

as good as elephant gun is, nothing will top postcards from italy for me

That is a very close second. In fact, I actually had it on the list first since I forgot about "Elephant Gun".

MacGuffin

06-29-2009, 12:54 AM

Milky Joe

06-29-2009, 12:58 AM

Fwiw, I have really bad taste in music.

I didn't want to say anything but...

Derek

06-29-2009, 01:01 AM

I may have to listen to that Japandroids album after listening to the sample you posted. It's an interesting song, and a refreshing diversion from a lot of the mediocre "lo-fi" I've heard. But mostly, it appears (at least on first listen) to be admirable, honest garage rock.

The first two and last songs are the highlights. The rest are pretty good, but I tend to keep returning to those three. They're certainly a band I'll keep my eye on.

And yeah, garage rock would be the term I was looking for. :)

MacGuffin

06-29-2009, 01:15 AM

I didn't want to say anything but...

I listen to a lot of different genres.

Derek

06-29-2009, 01:16 AM

I listen to a lot of different genres.

Like 80s music, noise, drone, hip-hop and ambient techno, but not Pitchfork-friendly music?

Gotta be faster to delete/change your posts my friend. ;)

MacGuffin

06-29-2009, 01:18 AM

Like 80s music, noise, drone, hip-hop and ambient techno, but not Pitchfork-friendly music?

Gotta be faster to delete/change your posts my friend. ;)

Yeah, but I also like jazz and some classic rock. I guess I try to listen to lots of stuff. You could probably explain my tastes to others better than I could because I just listen to the things that I like.

Derek

06-30-2009, 03:23 AM

40. Farah - "Law of Life (http://www.last.fm/music/Farah/_/Law+Of+Life)"

Album: After Dark [Compilation] (2007)

The light from streetlamps flicker off dirty puddles of rainwater, dancing off her sequin dress. The road is endless, driverless cars pass by in alarming succession, a deserted world in perpetual motion. Disco is dead, but its beats haunt the air like the smoke she breathes. The click of her bare feet on wet asphalt create a new sound for this post-apocalyptic existence. No more dance floors, but onward she moves - the world a constant blur, leaving us behind in rejection, motion itself her only consolation.

Derek

06-30-2009, 03:39 AM

39. Cut Copy - "Feel the Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gMk6mZotsk)"

Album: In Ghost Colours (2008)

As over-rated as I found In Ghost Colours, I can more than forgive its reputation for the sheer awesomeness of "Feel the Love". It's nostalgic neo-new wave gooeyness is infectious and its wide array of beats and sounds is both efficient and jaw-dropping. Cut Copy is keeping the 80s alive and well in the 21st Century.

MacGuffin

06-30-2009, 03:45 AM

I just listened to a bit of the Chromatics album today, "IV: Night Drive", and I gotta say that I didn't care for it very much (in fact, I don't think it's an album I'm going to be able to sit down and listen to the whole way through). It's just so boring. I wonder if Glass Candy's "B/E/A/T/B/O/X" is any better. Anyway, I need to listen to that compilation "After Dark" again, because it has some pretty good stuff on it, especially by the aforementioned two bands, but then again, I find it has some pretty self-indulgent stuff. The song you posted, in my opinion, is a bit more on the self-indulgent side, but it's not bad. I vastly prefer some of the other songs on that album, that said.

Derek

06-30-2009, 03:51 AM

The song you posted, in my opinion, is a bit more on the self-indulgent side, but it's not bad. I vastly prefer some of the other songs on that album, that said.

Care to explain what exactly is self-indulgent about it? I find it to be an incredibly atmospheric song almost entirely because of its effective use of repetition, the monotone ramblings and its length. I can't understand how anyone who enjoys 10+ minute drone/noise tracks (not that I don't like those too) can find so much more diverse music to be "self-indulgent" or who likes ambient techno, often structured around repetition, can constantly dismiss rock songs use of repetition as being "simplistic". You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.

But again, you find so much music that I enjoy boring that I wonder why you keep returning to similar styles. And no, Glass Candy's album is no better. I liked After Dark more than the Chromatics or GC's own full-lengths.

EDIT: But oh well, your negativity is exhausting so I don't want to argue. At least I know you like my next pick! :)

MacGuffin

06-30-2009, 04:02 AM

Care to explain what exactly is self-indulgent about it? I find it to be an incredibly atmospheric song almost entirely because of its effective use of repetition, the monotone ramblings and its length. I can't understand how anyone who enjoys 10+ minute drone/noise tracks (not that I don't like those too) can find so much more diverse music to be "self-indulgent" or who likes ambient techno, often structured around repetition, can constantly dismiss rock songs use of repetition as being "simplistic". You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.

Well, the difference between something like this and something like a 10-minute drone/noise track is that with this, it's more clear what the artist is trying to achieve, and that is, as you said, an atmosphere. But for me (and I'm going to have to listen to this again and get back to you, because I haven't heard the song in its entirety for months, though I definitely remember it), the drums and vocals are simplistic repetition whereas with something like "A Paw in My Face", I'm finding something new and sparkling to focus on every time I listen to it. I can center on the any little part of the samples and it creates a new emphasis on the way you listen to it. Take for example, in the Pitchfork review, talk about the song "Over the Ice" and how the "e"s and "i"s stand out to them, but for me, I find different things now that I have had the album on practically constant repeat for the past few years. "Law of Life" is too simplistic to create such an atmosphere of grandeur for me. I don't think it's very rich, but that said, I can definitely dig the overlapping of the appregiating synth and the drums for a bit.

With drone music, it's a bit different, and a lot harder to explain the appeal (which is why I think some people hate the genre!) because it too is very simplistic. But I also think there is a certain beauty there which cannot be found in any genre. I'm a very big fan of minimal music (and I guess this is why I don't have a problem appreciating structuralist cinema) because it forces you to focus in on such a simplistic element. With drones, once you lock in, you find a beauty that others may not.

But again, you find so much music that I enjoy boring that I wonder why you keep returning to similar styles. And no, Glass Candy's album is no better. I liked After Dark more than the Chromatics or GC's own full-lengths.

Yeah, I'll have to listen to it again. But as I alluded to, I think something like "Rolling Down the Hills" or "In the City" has much more atmosphere than "Law of Life", just because those two seem to do a little more with the general theme of the compilation. (By the way, is there a proper way to emphasize album titles and song titles? Artist titles? Or is it a matter of preference? It doesn't feel writing putting quotation marks around song titles, and I think they might just be left capitalized.)

Derek

06-30-2009, 04:03 AM

MacGuffin

06-30-2009, 04:03 AM

EDIT: But oh well, your negativity is exhausting so I don't want to argue. At least I know you like my next pick! :)

Ah, darn it! Seriously, I don't have a problem with the song, I just don't think it's the best on the album. Looking forward to the next pick (and for that matter, the rest of them).

MacGuffin

06-30-2009, 04:06 AM

38. Eluvium - "Taken (http://www.last.fm/music/Eluvium/_/Taken)"

Album: Talk Amongst the Trees (2005)

17 minutes of non-stop ambient goodness. Eluvium paints on a sprawling canvas here, stretching towards eternity with cinematic sounds that never fail to sweep me away. An ode to the heavens that leaves you just short, so you'll have to live with short-term bliss and transcendence. I'll probably use the word beauty in at least 10 more song descriptions, but here it should be bolded, italicized and underlined.

Hell yeah. I love this song. It really pissed me off when someone decided to put this over the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan on YouTube, but hey, if they saw soldiers getting killed when they listened to this song, there's not much I can do about that!

Myself, I think it's very beautiful and I've spent some time with my guitar plugged into my laptop messing with delays and reverbs trying to achieve something somewhat close to a cover, and I will say that I hardly came close. A sound this beautiful, this ethereal, this haunting is damn hard to achieve. Without a doubt one of the best songs, one of the best accomplishments musically of the decade.

Derek

06-30-2009, 04:08 AM

"Law of Life" is too simplistic to create such an atmosphere of grandeur for me.

I'm a very big fan of minimal music (and I guess this is why I don't have a problem appreciating structuralist cinema) because it forces you to focus in on such a simplistic element. With drones, once you lock in, you find a beauty that others may not.

Sorry, can't begin to wrap my head around the contradiction of those two statements. One is too simplistic to create an atmosphere whereas the other allows you to focus on its very simplicity. Mmhmm.

Yeah, I'll have to listen to it again. But as I alluded to, I think something like "Rolling Down the Hills" or "In the City" has much more atmosphere than "Law of Life", just because those two seem to do a little more with the general theme of the compilation. (By the way, is there a proper way to emphasize album titles and song titles? Artist titles? Or is it a matter of preference? It doesn't feel writing putting quotation marks around song titles, and I think they might just be left capitalized.)

Whether or not they feel right, quotation marks are correct.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_writing_the_title_of_a_so ng_in_a_report_do_you_underlin e_it

Derek

06-30-2009, 04:10 AM

Myself, I think it's very beautiful and I've spent some time with my guitar plugged into my laptop messing with delays and reverbs trying to achieve something somewhat close to a cover, and I will say that I hardly came close. A sound this beautiful, this ethereal, this haunting is damn hard to achieve. Without a doubt one of the best songs, one of the best accomplishments musically of the decade.

Yeah, it should probably be higher, but all of these songs of cream of the crop for me so order isn't a big deal.

MacGuffin

06-30-2009, 04:13 AM

Sorry, can't begin to wrap my head around the contradiction of those two statements. One is too simplistic to create an atmosphere whereas the other allows you to focus on its very simplicity. Mmhmm.

Well, there's no arguing the two songs are different as far as genres go: one is retro Italian-disco revival, the other ambient techno (even minimal techno is some circles, although I'd probably say Ricardo Villalobos is more minimal techno than The Field). That said, I think there are two different ways to approach the minimal nature of them, and perhaps I am using two definitions for one single word. I think "Law of Life" tries to draw you into its simplicity — a basic, vocals over appregiated synthesizer, drums in the background routine — where the simplicity of something like, to name something you and I like, "Gunpowder Temple of Heaven" is just so natural for its genre. Or even The Field. Those two try to, have to draw you into their cores by their simplicity, where Farah uses simplicity as a means to create atmosphere, and in my opinion!, isn't very successful doing that.

Whether or not they feel right, quotation marks are correct.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_writing_the_title_of_a_so ng_in_a_report_do_you_underlin e_it

Okay, thanks.

MacGuffin

06-30-2009, 04:15 AM

Yeah, it should probably be higher, but all of these songs of cream of the crop for me so order isn't a big deal.

Not to downplay your work, but I'm not paying as much attention to rankings as I am to songs themselves, just because I'm sure there are hundreds more songs you and I haven't heard that are just waiting to be found, and could become a favorite at anytime. You said something similar in the first post: there are so many great songs.

Derek

06-30-2009, 04:17 AM

Not to downplay your work, but I'm not paying as much attention to rankings as I am to songs themselves, just because I'm sure there are hundreds more songs you and I haven't heard that are just waiting to be found, and could become a favorite at anytime. You said something similar in the first post: there are so many great songs.

Ranking took no time at all. It was narrowing down from an initial list and finding all the links that took all the time. Fortunately all that's done, so it's all downhill from here.

D_Davis

06-30-2009, 05:07 AM

Duncan

06-30-2009, 08:26 AM

Boo to the No Age diss. Listened to that Japandroids song, found it pretty good, but if it's the highlight of the album I think I'll pass.

Derek

06-30-2009, 03:52 PM

Boo to the No Age diss. Listened to that Japandroids song, found it pretty good, but if it's the highlight of the album I think I'll pass.

No no no, I like No Age and they were solid live when I saw them. They're hit or miss like Japandroids, but I find that particular song superior to anything on either No Age album.

And boo to your Japandroids diss! :)

Derek

06-30-2009, 03:53 PM

I like this album a lot.

But that's because you enjoy boring music like me.

D_Davis

06-30-2009, 04:15 PM

But that's because you enjoy boring music like me.

I love boring music: both listening to it and creating it.

Duncan

06-30-2009, 06:44 PM

No no no, I like No Age and they were solid live when I saw them. They're hit or miss like Japandroids, but I find that particular song superior to anything on either No Age album.

And boo to your Japandroids diss! :)

Ah, I see. I only listened to the Japandroids song twice, but I think I like almost all of Nouns better, and a few songs off of Weirdo Rippers better. No Age generally hits pretty hard for me, and Nouns is my fave album in forever.

Derek

07-01-2009, 01:56 AM

38. Arcade Fire - "Crown of Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ZenaNpN4g)"

Album: Funeral (2004)

Hard to pick just one song off of Funeral, so I went with the most emotional track. No need to say more - you either love this album or you don't.

Milky Joe

07-01-2009, 02:00 AM

:thumbsup: Band of the fucking decade. Though I'd go with something off Neon Bible personally.

Derek

07-01-2009, 02:02 AM

37. Fuck Buttons - "Sweet Love for Planet Earth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1zWZ7jl_pg)"

Album: Street Horrrsing (2008)

I love the blend of tender ambience and, particularly in the muted screaming vocals, aggression in this song. It's certainly a patient song, but the slow build pays off in spades if only for the key change 4:30 in, which is where this song spends the next 5 minutes getting more and more awesome.

Winston*

07-01-2009, 02:09 AM

I checked out that Fuck Buttons album because of your thread earlier this year. Really dig it. At first that track is like a "this sounds like a modem in a Japanese rock garden", but then its like "this sounds like a modem exploding and enveloping a Japanese rock garden".

Derek

07-01-2009, 02:10 AM

36. The Unicorns - "Inoculate the Innocuous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKuSkrEjrtI)"

Album: Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? (2003)

They're gone and I still don't know who's cutting their hair. But they left behind a few absolute gems on this album before leaving everyone in the dust. I still don't know what to make of "Inoculate the Innocuous", though I know enough to call it brilliant and one of the most surprising, creative and unpredictable pop songs of the decade. Love the guitar riffs, the synth, the flutes in the background that carry this song up into the clouds and...who knows where.

Derek

07-01-2009, 02:12 AM

Acapelli

07-01-2009, 02:19 AM

thumbs up for your last three choices, but again, i would have made different choices

neighborhood #1 (tunnels)/(antichrist television blues)
bright tomorrow
i was born (a unicorn)

transmogrifier

07-01-2009, 04:35 AM

Neon Bible.

Stunning reduction in quality from the debut. The only song I really care for is Black Waves/Bad Vibrations.

Derek

07-01-2009, 04:51 AM

35. Interpol - "NYC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gn3A1JKfe8)"

Album: Turn on the Bright Lights (2003)

A gentle, swooning elegy with a wonderfully lush, dense atmosphere. Interpol may be a one-trick pony in terms of their sound, but Turn on the Bright Lights still remains one of the best homages to post-punk this decade. If only all more bands derivative of Joy Division could put out an album half as good as this one, I'd be a happy man.

trotchky

07-01-2009, 05:19 AM

Nice pick, "NYC" is definitely one of my favorite songs of the decade as well.

As for Arcade Fire, any song off their two el peas would make my list, but I have to say "Crown of Love" is one of my least favorites. For emotionality off Funeral, I'd go with "In the Backseat" or "Wake Up" or even "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)". "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" is fucking intense. However, "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)" is probably my favorite song of theirs. Shit, I'm gonna go listen to Funeral now...

Milky Joe

07-01-2009, 06:25 AM

Stunning reduction in quality from the debut. The only song I really care for is Black Waves/Bad Vibrations.

Stunning wrong-ness. I implore you to reconsider.

trotchky

07-01-2009, 06:39 AM

Stunning wrong-ness. I implore you to reconsider.

They're both pretty much masterpieces. Funeral is generous where Neon Bible is fucking pissed. That makes the former easier to like, but sometimes the thorniness of the latter is what I desire.

trotchky

07-01-2009, 06:47 AM

Btw Milky Joe and other Arcade Fire fans, if you haven't seen it, I recommend watching their concert film Miroir Noir. It's pretty ill.

Milky Joe

07-01-2009, 07:00 AM

Btw Milky Joe and other Arcade Fire fans, if you haven't seen it, I recommend watching their concert film Miroir Noir. It's pretty ill.

Oh man I know. It literally blew my mind with how good it is. and I agree with your previous comment too, about the two albums. They are indeed both masterpieces, but Neon Bible's metaphysical politics really put it over the top for me. It's absolutely epic.

D_Davis

07-01-2009, 05:31 PM

36. The Unicorns - "Inoculate the Innocuous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKuSkrEjrtI)"

Album: Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? (2003)

This tune is pretty cool - never heard this band before. It's just shy of becoming too indie-cute and lo-fi-precious for my tastes, so that's good. Reminds me of a mix between Long fin Killie and Eric's Trip.

ledfloyd

07-02-2009, 03:03 AM

fake empire is great. and i'm not a modest mouse fan, but 3rd planet is an awesome song.

MacGuffin

07-02-2009, 05:15 AM

More, please.

trotchky

07-02-2009, 05:31 AM

More, please.

I second this.

Derek

07-02-2009, 01:41 PM

34. Sleater-Kinney - "Modern Girl (http://blip.fm/profile/patch615/blip/12550199)"

Album: The Woods (2005)

I'm not the biggest fan of The Woods, but I've always loved the mellow simplicity and playful ironies of "Modern Girl". There might not be a lot to it, but what there is is just about perfect.

Derek

07-02-2009, 01:48 PM

33. Studio - "Origin (Shake You Down By the River) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjySWEd-s58)"

Album: Yearbook 1 (2007)

More than any other band in the last few years, Studio is breathing new life into new wave-inspired music. Love the play between the groovin' drumbeats and the dual guitars in the last two minutes.

MacGuffin

07-03-2009, 01:33 AM

Derek

07-03-2009, 01:56 AM

32. The Wrens - "She Sends Kisses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK3AMhNpg_k)"

Album: The Meadowlands (2003)

Sentimentality that verges on the maudlin, but miraculous remains a sincere, emotionally charged love ballad that pretty much crushes my soul every time I hear it.

Derek

07-03-2009, 01:56 AM

Not bad.

:pritch::pritch::pritch:

MacGuffin

07-03-2009, 01:57 AM

:pritch::pritch::pritch:

By that way, I listened to that Glass Candy album: one of the best albums of the decade, I say! Wrong again, Mr. Derek. :cool:

Derek

07-03-2009, 02:07 AM

31. TV on the Radio - "I Was a Lover (http://new.music.yahoo.com/tv-on-the-radio/tracks/i-was-a-lover--35601329)"

Album: Return to Cookie Mountain (2006)

Lush grooves, inverted hip-hop downtempo mishmash of whatever you want to call it. I'll go with awesomesauce.

Derek

07-03-2009, 02:17 AM

30. Blonde Redhead - "In Particular (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LHGMWHzc4c)"

Album: Melody of a Certain Damaged Lemons (2000)

If there's a sexier voice in rock today than Kazu Makino, I've yet to hear it. And here she sounds her sexiest and most ethereal, carried by the patient, soft and offbeat rhythms of the brothers' Pace.

right_for_the_moment

07-03-2009, 02:33 AM

Very cool list. Lots of stuff I like and lots I haven't heard/heard of. The National, I think, is my favorite band of 00s

Acapelli

07-03-2009, 02:40 AM

32. The Wrens - "She Sends Kisses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK3AMhNpg_k)"
love this song

Derek

07-03-2009, 03:02 AM

29. Phoenix - "1901 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBR_FVBED4w)"

Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (2009)

Song of the year so far. Top-notch pop-rock in every conceivable way.

Derek

07-03-2009, 03:08 AM

28. Broadcast - "I Found the F (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLx49mW75Kc)"

Album: Tender Buttons (2005)

Haunting dream-pop wrapped around the psychedelic 60s aesthetic. I can't listen to this song in the dark.

Acapelli

07-03-2009, 03:18 AM

you've been on a roll derek. love the last two choices

Boner M

07-03-2009, 07:07 AM

Thirdmango

07-03-2009, 07:41 AM

That Phoenix song is many times better then the Alphabetical album, however still not quite material I'd go with.

transmogrifier

07-03-2009, 10:04 AM

I think I might do my Top 100 songs of all time once this is all wrapped up as well. You've inspired me!

Llopin

07-03-2009, 10:32 AM

I do not like most of the songs posted here, clearly our tastes differ considerably, but the mention of The Wrens pulled me back to when the Meadowlands was released and everyone raved on its sincerity and maturity. And I reckon their live show was one of the best I ever seen, brutal stuff.

Same for S-K. I miss these bands (though last I heard the Wrens were working on a new album).

Idioteque Stalker

07-03-2009, 11:24 AM

I think I might do my Top 100 songs of all time once this is all wrapped up as well. You've inspired me!

That's what you said during my list three years ago. :)

transmogrifier

07-03-2009, 12:21 PM

That's what you said during my list three years ago. :)

Well, the more I say it, the more likely it is one day of becoming true :)

D_Davis

07-03-2009, 01:31 PM

I like Broadcast quite a bit, good pick. They were a great transition band between the stuff I listened to in high school and the stuff that is now influenced by that music. They kind of connected the dots between these two eras of music, at least in terms of their genre.

Thirdmango

07-03-2009, 03:42 PM

I think I might do my Top 100 songs of all time once this is all wrapped up as well. You've inspired me!

I started to do one here and then my computer died and I lost the lists. I'm not sure which I'll do, but looking at what I know of the 2000s I may need to go back and try for a top 100 of all time.

Sven

07-03-2009, 11:01 PM

I need to get this Phoenix album. I have the other ones, and I'm going to see them this September.

Spaceman Spiff

07-03-2009, 11:29 PM

Is this essentially a bunch of indie rock? Skimming through this thread, I haven't even heard of nearly all of these bands.

I dig the Sleater-Kinney though.

Derek

07-03-2009, 11:30 PM

I need to get this Phoenix album. I have the other ones, and I'm going to see them this September.

I've only heard this one and their last one. The new one is much better IMO. I could easily have included "Lisztomania (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtRQsCgYmtc)" on this list as well.

Derek

07-03-2009, 11:45 PM

27. A Silver Mt. Zion - "Sisters! Brothers! Small Boats Of Fire Are Falling From The Sky! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-obKx7i15M)"

Album: Born Into Trouble As the Sparks Fly Upward (2001)

Like most people, I'm still left wondering what could have been had Godspeed You, Black Emperor stayed together, but thankfully, we're left with a perfectly respectable replacement that has since put out two great albums and a few other solid ones. Their second album, Born Into Trouble As the Sparks Fly Upward, remains their best, often sticking to their strength - strictly instrumental tracks with slow-burning, emotional builds. "Sisters! Brothers! Small Boats Of Fire Are Falling From The Sky!" is an achingly tender elegy whose use of repetition perfectly conveys its melancholy and allows for the increasingly dense background to slowly work its way inside you. There are two likely responses to this track: "powerful" and "boring".

Derek

07-04-2009, 12:06 AM

Hmm, I think Tender Buttons (and Ha Ha Sound for that matter) has at least several tracks stronger than that one - "Tears in the Typing Pool", "Corporeal" and "America's Boy" namely. But good call on Broadcast anyway; one of this decade's best pop bands.

Love "Corporeal" and would be perfectly happy with that choice.

I do not like most of the songs posted here, clearly our tastes differ considerably, but the mention of The Wrens pulled me back to when the Meadowlands was released and everyone raved on its sincerity and maturity. And I reckon their live show was one of the best I ever seen, brutal stuff.

Same for S-K. I miss these bands (though last I heard the Wrens were working on a new album).

Yeah, there won't be any Pig Vomit or Pink Reason coming up. Sorry. :)

At least we agree on Meadowlands.

I like Broadcast quite a bit, good pick. They were a great transition band between the stuff I listened to in high school and the stuff that is now influenced by that music. They kind of connected the dots between these two eras of music, at least in terms of their genre.

Nice, never knew you liked them that much, but not too surprising to hear. Hopefully they'll come out with a new one eventually as I actually prefer Tender Buttons to their previous two.

Is this essentially a bunch of indie rock? Skimming through this thread, I haven't even heard of nearly all of these bands.

Depends on how broad you wanna stretch the term "indie rock". Bands on the list so far that probably shouldn't be in that grouping: A Silver Mt. Zion, Studio, Fuck Buttons, Eluvium, Cut Copy, Farah, Dan Deacon, Busdriver, Espers, Danielson, Herbert, Invincible, M83, Nathan Fake, Vapnet. Wilco is more alt-country than rock and there are several others that are better classified as pop or post-rock or electronic. If you're looking for hip-hop, country, metal or corporate rock though, you've come to the wrong place. :)

Acapelli

07-04-2009, 01:17 AM

I've only heard this one and their last one. The new one is much better IMO. I could easily have included "Lisztomania (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtRQsCgYmtc)" on this list as well.
i consider they're latest and their last to be the two best pop rock records of the 00s. i sort of think of them both as spiritual successors to is this it, if the strokes had decided to take a more pop-oriented direction afterwards

dreamdead

07-04-2009, 02:06 AM

[CENTER]27. A Silver Mt. Zion

A quick check on Amazon confirmed that I'd once owned that album three years ago, but dumped it when it wasn't GYBE! enough. I kinda like the wayward quality of the track now, but have they ever come close to reviving their former band's sound since I don't like that album...?

Derek

07-04-2009, 07:56 AM

A quick check on Amazon confirmed that I'd once owned that album three years ago, but dumped it when it wasn't GYBE! enough. I kinda like the wayward quality of the track now, but have they ever come close to reviving their former band's sound since I don't like that album...?

Nah, they've stuck with the new sound. I really like all their albums, but GYBE! was really something special.

Derek

07-04-2009, 08:11 AM

26. Of Montreal - "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VeIL7juFE0)"

Album: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007)

Even with the other three albums I've heard from Of Montreal not even approaching the brilliance of Hissing Fauna..., this album has enough great tunes that I could forgive a stretch of mediocrity until they break up. It's as if Barnes poured all of his tumultuous emotions and garish creativity into one album and has to coast on empty the rest of the time. Which is fine because this album is crack laced with pixie dust. And if that's the case, "Heimdalsgate" is that first really good hit of crack. You know, the one where all your blood rushes to your head and you realize that all your days of washing windshields with old newspaper are totally worth it? I don't, but trotchky's assured me that's the case.*

People will say "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" is the highlight and those people are wrong.

*Just kidding, bud

MacGuffin

07-04-2009, 08:15 AM

Okay, it's the inevitable Of Montreal post. I'll let it slide; next! :cool:

Derek

07-04-2009, 08:16 AM

Okay, it's the inevitable Of Montreal post. I'll let it slide; next! :cool:

The next one will make up for it, since I already know you love the album. :)

transmogrifier

07-04-2009, 10:21 AM

26. Of Montreal - "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VeIL7juFE0)"

Album: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007)

People will say "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" is the highlight and those people are wrong.

They are wrong in so much that TPIAGA is not merely the highlight, but the only real reason for the album to exist.

Llopin

07-04-2009, 11:26 AM

Yeah, there won't be any Pig Vomit or Pink Reason coming up. Sorry. :)

Not even that. The list lacks sum rawk!

Also, did Kevin Barnes get naked at the Of Montreal shows you guys have attended? Only saw them once, a couple of years ago, but it seemed to be part of his routine.

Thirdmango

07-04-2009, 12:12 PM

26. Of Montreal - "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VeIL7juFE0)"

Album: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007)

People will say "The Past Is a Grotesque Animal" is the highlight and those people are wrong.

Funny thing is as I've been trying to do my list I've been stuck to which of these two particular songs I like more.

Acapelli

07-04-2009, 12:21 PM

i prefer bunny ain't no kind of rider/suffer for fashion

i have a thing for the three-minute pop song

Duncan

07-04-2009, 12:22 PM

"The Past is a Grotesque Animal" is the highlight.

I actually really like their new album. A few great songs on there. I think it's maybe as good as Hissing Fauna...

Derek

07-04-2009, 04:04 PM

They are wrong in so much that TPIAGA is not merely the highlight, but the only real reason for the album to exist.

A majority of the 3-minute pop songs on the album > TPIAGA.

Not even that. The list lacks sum rawk!

Also, did Kevin Barnes get naked at the Of Montreal shows you guys have attended? Only saw them once, a couple of years ago, but it seemed to be part of his routine.

Never seen them live. If you want rawk, you'll like trans' list when he makes it. I'm more into noodling indie/electronic/ambient stuff.

i prefer bunny ain't no kind of rider/suffer for fashion

i have a thing for the three-minute pop song

Both are great songs. I'd put them right behind my pick and "Sentence..."

"The Past is a Grotesque Animal" is the highlight.

I actually really like their new album. A few great songs on there. I think it's maybe as good as Hissing Fauna...

4 sentences, 4 fails.

Derek

07-04-2009, 04:25 PM

25. Shugo Tokumaru - "Parachute (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbfLycuhhjI)"

Album: Exit (2007)

How one of the best and most creative pop albums of the decade remains largely overlooked is beyond me. Tokumaru's densely layered and beautifully textured songs are somehow simultaneously melancholy and hopeful, straightforward yet remarkably complex. "Parachute" is just one of many highlights, but it's the one that sticks with me the most, probably because of the amusing video.

Good/bad news: No more 3-minute pop songs on the list.

Derek

07-04-2009, 04:34 PM

24. Deer Tick - "Dirty Dishes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM89oK_vhB0)"

Album: War Elephant (2007)

Ok, I lied, but this is more alt-country than anything else. This is one of the most personal picks on the list, a song that means more to me than I can explain and will leave many scratching their heads as to why it's in the top 25. It's sincere simplicity and emotional directness caught my ear and became a part of my life. For me, September/October 2007 is this song and the fact that music can be such a powerfully defining force in our lives is what I love so much about it. And War Elephant in general is a pretty damn great album.

Derek

07-04-2009, 04:39 PM

23. The Fiery Furnaces - "I'm Waiting to Know You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdwrR7StzkI)"

Album: Bitter Tea (2006)

Again, I concur that this is an odd pick from all the amazing songs The Fiery Furnaces have released this decade, but goddamn I love this song. I have no idea why but it's always reminded me of a Brian De Palma-filmed prom scene on acid. That's a good thing by the way.

Llopin

07-04-2009, 06:53 PM

I saw Deer Tick live some months ago and they were mostly raunchy. They ended covering "La Bamba", actually.

What is the general opinion on the Furnaces' recently-leaked new album?

Derek

07-04-2009, 06:57 PM

22. Mirah - "Cold, Cold Water (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EulcWDYI3Xw)"

Album: Advisory Committee (2001)

A protege of Phil Elverum, Mirah here has surpassed the master and given us the decades best lo-fi tune. "Cold, Cold Water" is grandiose yet intimate, using the lo-fi aesthetic not as a mask or band-aid, but as a creative tool at the service of the song and Mirah's gorgeous voice.

Apologies for the awful Star Wars fanvid...just listen to the song for this one.

Derek

07-04-2009, 07:04 PM

I saw Deer Tick live some months ago and they were mostly raunchy. They ended covering "La Bamba", actually.

That's, um, unfortunate. War Elephant is the antithesis of raunchy.

What is the general opinion on the Furnaces' recently-leaked new album?

Haven't heard it myself, but early word is very good, a step up from Widow City.

Derek

07-04-2009, 07:10 PM

21. Do Make Say Think - "Fredericia (http://www.last.fm/music/Do+Make+Say+Think/_/Fredericia)"

Album: Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn (2003)

One of the most criminally overlooked bands of the decade, Do Make Say Think have thrived on the impeccable craftsmanship of their collective multi-talented musicians. They take post-rock beyond simple crescendos and create epic songs that often take you in exciting, unexpected directions. They have a unique sound, yet have never settled on a single template which has always kept their music fresh. "Fredericia" pretty much embodies everything great about the band...and it has RAWK!

MacGuffin

07-04-2009, 08:18 PM

I love "Parachute" and "Fredericia", although for the second one, it may just be a stand-out on that album. I can't really remember. But yeah, "Parachute" is definitely one awesome song among many other awesome songs on that album.

MacGuffin

07-04-2009, 08:19 PM

By the way, doesn't Shugo Tokumaru play all instruments? That's really talent right there, considering he's in his early 20s.

transmogrifier

07-04-2009, 08:56 PM

What is the general opinion on the Furnaces' recently-leaked new album?

It is their most direct, melodic and accessible album yet, by far. Once you get over the fact that there are very, very few typical Fiery Furnace detours, it is a great album, soulful and heartfelt.

Milky Joe

07-04-2009, 09:32 PM

25-23 are all love.

transmogrifier

07-04-2009, 09:45 PM

A majority of the 3-minute pop songs on the album > TPIAGA.

This is true only if TPIAGA stands for tounging porcupines in a green automobile.

Otherwise, fail.

Derek

07-04-2009, 09:54 PM

This is true only if TPIAGA stands for tounging porcupines in a green automobile.

Otherwise, fail.

No, it stands for Transmogrifier Prefers Idiotic Anticlimactic Garbage for Audio. ;)

transmogrifier

07-04-2009, 10:57 PM

No, it stands for Transmogrifier Prefers Idiotic Anticlimactic Garbage for Audio. ;)

A majority of the 3-minute pop songs on the album > Transmogrifier Prefers Idiotic Anticlimactic Garbage for Audio

Doesn't make any sense. I'm sorry, but your acronym skills are about as good as your identifying the only standout track on an otherwise annoying album skills. :)

MacGuffin

07-04-2009, 11:00 PM

Break Out Tha Pantha du Prince!

Derek

07-04-2009, 11:01 PM

Fucking bullies and ingrates, the lot of ya!!

transmogrifier

07-04-2009, 11:04 PM

Fucking bullies and ingrates, the lot of ya!!

I prefer facetious timewaster, thankyouverymuch.

Derek

07-04-2009, 11:11 PM

20. A Place to Bury Strangers - "The Falling Sun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHuzHSQ91oQ)"

Album: A Place to Bury Strangers (2007)

Shoegaze is my achilles heel. I'm a sucker for it and yeah, A Place to Bury Strangers is pretty goddamn derivative of Jesus and Mary Chain. But this fact takes nothing away from the raw intensity of "The Falling Sun", nor the sheer epicness of its final and state of awe its apocalyptic vision leave me in every time.

Milky Joe

07-04-2009, 11:14 PM

Derek

07-04-2009, 11:19 PM

I'm going to remain neutral on the TPIAGA vs. rest-of-album debate, and just say that Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies and The Gay Parade are still Of Montreal's best albums, and quite easily at that.

Nuh-uh.

The Gay Parade - 3/5
Satanic Panic in the Attic - 3/5
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer - 4.5/5
Skeletal Lamping - 3/5

You're right about the quite easily part though.

Milky Joe

07-05-2009, 06:47 AM

Nuh-uh.

The Gay Parade - 3/5
Satanic Panic in the Attic - 3/5
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer - 4.5/5
Skeletal Lamping - 3/5

So false. The Gay Parade is a masterpiece. But I vastly prefer their earlier manic storytelling twee pop form than what they've turned into, so eh. Have you heard Coquelicot?

transmogrifier

07-05-2009, 07:01 AM

So many accusations flying around here. Can we just agree that Derek should finish his list (containing several great songs and bands, the Of Montreal selection notwithstanding) so that I can download them all and have something to listen to while I waste precious moments of my life surfing the net?

Llopin

07-05-2009, 12:23 PM

I'll break the ice and say Of Montreal aren't really all that worth discussing. Woohoo.

Concerning the Furnaces' new album, I'll agree in that it is most accessible, there's not many long songs, they lean more towards arsty pop than prog shit. Dunno, I don't feel like listening to it again, I guess that's not a good sign.

Oh, and hell yeah for Do Make Say Think. That album is quite the experience (and I find most postrock acts tedious, they go beyond that).

thefourthwall

07-05-2009, 09:12 PM

So many good recs in this thread; I haven't heard of most of them, but I'm enjoying nearly all of them. Thanks, Derek!

dreamdead

07-06-2009, 03:07 AM

Naturally, I dig the Fuck Buttons and Beirut tracks. thefourthwall pushed The National song on me. It's quickly becoming addictive. Is the rest of the album close to that caliber?

Winston*

07-06-2009, 03:53 AM

Naturally, I dig the Fuck Buttons and Beirut tracks. thefourthwall pushed The National song on me. It's quickly becoming addictive. Is the rest of the album close to that caliber?

Pretty much. My favourite track on the album is Green Gloves.

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:21 AM

Pretty much. My favourite track on the album is Green Gloves.

A close second for me and I agree the album is consistently great.

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:29 AM

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:31 AM

18. The Field - "Everday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avdAghATQ2c&feature=PlayList&p=96645DBF80AACC60&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=84)"

Album: From Here We Go Sublime (2007)

This is as tight and proficient as minimal techno gets. Densely layered and brilliantly produced, The Field's music on this album plays with repetition and variation about as well as any album released this decade.

MacGuffin

07-07-2009, 03:33 AM

Way too low, but probably my favorite from that album, too.

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:34 AM

17. {{{Sunset}}} - "Life Is Rad (Just Say Yes) (http://new.music.yahoo.com/sunset/tracks/life-is-rad-just-say-yes--179617113)"

Album: The Glowing City (2008)

Bill Baird should be a star and I'm going to continue pimping his music until it happens. Unfortunately this track does work quite as well as a stand-alone as it does in the context of his concept album, but all the more reason for you to check out my favorite album of last year.

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:35 AM

Way too low, but probably my favorite from that album, too.

Heh, 18th best song of an entire decade and it's too low!? :)

dreamdead

07-07-2009, 03:35 AM

Awesome last two choices. Though I need to still hear Ys in-depth, the artistry of "Sadie" is just impeccable. A close second for me would be "En Gallop," which is also pitch-perfect.

I think I'll always be a bigger fan of "A Paw in the Face," but that's 'cause that was the first Field track I heard. And it's, to borrow Sven's phrase, immense.

MacGuffin

07-07-2009, 03:38 AM

Heh, 18th best song of an entire decade and it's too low!? :)

Well, let's just say that if I were to make this same list (and I might in a few months, who knows?), you could probably guess where I'd put this track on my list and you'd probably be right. But that said, it's a real toss-up between this and "A Paw in My Face". The whole album is a true accomplishment of modern music and minimalism in general (not just ambient or minimal techno or whatever). It's a shame that while his follow-up album was great, it was nowhere near as good as this.

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:43 AM

16. Explosions in the Sky - "The Only Moment We Were Alone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKyrULAfvq8)"

Album: Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place (2003)

I've cooled to post-rock over the last year or two, but mostly because there are more and more artistically dull bands out there that have stolen the palate bands like Explosions in the Sky helped to popularize and churn out simplistic soft-loud-soft structured songs. These guys have lost their edge recently, but I maintain that this and 2001's Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever are still fantastic post-rock albums. "The Only Moment We Were Alone" highlights the band's wonderful musicianship and is patient, playful and, yes, pretty damn emotional. This song, dreamdead, is immense! :)

MacGuffin

07-07-2009, 03:45 AM

I hope that no Sigur Ros will appear on this list.

Derek

07-07-2009, 03:49 AM

I hope that no Sigur Ros will appear on this list.

Sorry dude. Under "Things White People Like", those guys are inevitably there. Or they should be, cuz there's nothing whiter than liking Sigur Ros. Fortunately, with each additional pick, you will be tortured with the knowledge that my pick for them will be one spot further ahead of The Field. ;)

Winston*

07-07-2009, 03:58 AM

Sorry dude. Under "Things White People Like", those guys are inevitably there. Or they should be, cuz there's nothing whiter than liking Sigur Ros.
What about liking minimalist techno?

dreamdead

07-07-2009, 04:04 AM

[CENTER][B]16. Explosions in the Sky "The Only Moment We Were Alone" highlights the band's wonderful musicianship and is patient, playful and, yes, pretty damn emotional. This song, dreamdead, is immense! :)

Damn tootin'. There was a time when they were the premier band I turned to as the soundtrack for my life... this song still takes me back to when I discovered them in '05. Fantastic drummer and sense of rhythm.

Shame about the dimishing returns of the last album (first song excepted).

Boner M

07-07-2009, 04:05 AM

That Field track is immense, indeed. From the Fleetwood Mac sample onwards... it's as if all of techno genre's collective sins have been forgiven and forgotten.

MacGuffin

07-07-2009, 04:08 AM

That Field track is immense, indeed. From the Fleetwood Mac sample onwards... it's as if all of techno genre's collective sins have been forgiven and forgotten.

Yeah, although I'm not sure if I'd even refer to it primarily as techno. Sure, it has the 4/4 kicks and it's dance music, but it simply does far more than any other dance music I've ever heard (and I'm a fan of the good dance music).

Derek

07-07-2009, 05:07 AM

What about liking minimalist techno?

keyin throws off the curve, but that at least deserves an honorable mention.

Yeah, although I'm not sure if I'd even refer to it primarily as techno. Sure, it has the 4/4 kicks and it's dance music, but it simply does far more than any other dance music I've ever heard (and I'm a fan of the good dance music).

What is it primarily then? You seem to use techno and dance music interchangeably, which is strange.

transmogrifier

07-07-2009, 05:19 AM

Concerning the Furnaces' new album, I'll agree in that it is most accessible, there's not many long songs, they lean more towards arsty pop than prog shit. Dunno, I don't feel like listening to it again, I guess that's not a good sign.

Listen to it again. It's a grower, and quite excellent once you come to terms with what it isn't in terms of the FF discography.

MacGuffin

07-07-2009, 05:27 AM

What is it primarily then? You seem to use techno and dance music interchangeably, which is strange.

I'm not sure. While RYM may have minimalism as an acceptable genre, I see it more as a style (much like film noir isn't a genre nor is documentary). I don't mean to use techno and dance music interchangeably, because I don't think The Field is all too danceable, but I guess ambient techno is the best accessible genre. But certainly not just techno.

monolith94

07-07-2009, 05:28 AM

That song "1901" is reminding me of J-rock.

Llopin

07-07-2009, 09:35 AM

I didn't even recall Newsom existed. Hers was an interesting hype a few years ago, I even did go see her live in an old theater, very moody; seems like it's been ages since she released anything. I don't remember a single piece from Ys.

Oh, and {{{Sunset}}} is irregular, but at least it is an interesting endeavor.

Listen to it again. It's a grower, and quite excellent once you come to terms with what it isn't in terms of the FF discography.

I actually did yesterday, and I reckon it has a few good songs; at least they don't drag for minutes and minutes.

Derek

07-07-2009, 04:00 PM

I don't remember a single piece from Ys.

That's a shame, with it being one of the best albums of the decade and all.

Derek

07-08-2009, 12:58 AM

15. Grizzly Bear - "On A Neck, On a Spit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS61potMk_Q)"

Album: Yellow House (2006)

I can understand how Grizzly Bear can bore some people, but to not appreciate the enrapturing atmosphere of their songs, particularly on Yellow House, is quite simply remaining blind to the charms of one of the most important new bands of the decade. These guys are all remarkable musicians, every last one of them has singing chops sharper than the lead singers of most bands and their harmonizing is absolutely transcendent. Absolutely remarkable chord changes in this song and forchrissakes at 3:50 they even come pretty close to rawking out to please you one-track-mind folks.

Derek

07-08-2009, 01:05 AM

14. A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "5:15 Train (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2zRSkVPZ4w)"

Album: A Sunny Day in Glasgow (2007)

Music as a dream, shoegaze not as a mask for half-baked melodies but as an aesthetic with which to create music on a different plane. "5:15 Train" lives in the clouds, catches glimpses of the sun and never returns to Earth. It is not only music to escape to, but music to escape with.

Derek

07-08-2009, 01:11 AM

13. Björk - "Unison (http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.indi vidual&videoid=33771274)"

Album: Vespertine (2001)

With as many great songs Bjork has to choose from, this is surprisingly a no-brainer for me. Obviously, there are better tracks on Post and Homogenic, but from this decade, I have always considered this her most impressive. The beat is simple and her voice is restrained, yet the song slowly accrues power and as usual, the wonderful production adds little odds and ends to fill out the song beautifully. Absolutely perfect use of the chorus and strings makes for a jaw-dropping final two minutes.

Kurious Jorge v3.1

07-08-2009, 02:19 AM

Derek

07-08-2009, 02:58 AM

I heartily agree, the first time I heard this song I think I played it 10 times in a row.

Awesome. It is understated (though addictive too!) for Bjork, so it's great to see another fan.

transmogrifier

07-08-2009, 04:21 AM

15. Grizzly Bear - "On A Neck, On a Spit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS61potMk_Q)"

Album: Yellow House (2006)
Absolutely remarkable chord changes in this song and forchrissakes at 3:50 they even come pretty close to rawking out to please you one-track-mind folks.

Who could you be talking about?

Derek

07-08-2009, 04:26 AM

[LEFT]

Who could you be talking about?

boner.

transmogrifier

07-08-2009, 04:30 AM

boner.

Yeah, intolerant bastard he is.

Derek

07-08-2009, 04:44 AM

Yeah, intolerant bastard he is.

Never trust an Aussie.

transmogrifier

07-08-2009, 05:19 AM

Never trust an Aussie.

Words to live by.

trotchky

07-08-2009, 05:51 AM

Boner M

07-08-2009, 06:10 AM

Actually, that Grizzly Bear track is one of their few that I like.

Props for Sunny Day in Glasgow too. I rarely take RYM ratings with a grain of salt when it comes to new-ish releases, but the low rating for Scribble Mural Comic Journal (currently 3.22) never ceases to flummox me. Maybe if it was ghostwritten by them as an MBV comeback album it'd fare better?

trotchky

07-08-2009, 06:32 AM

Who are you on RYM, Boner? Hit me up, yo: TheMostGorgeousSituation

ThePlashyBubbler

07-08-2009, 06:45 AM

Trans, there is rep in store for you if you confirm that it was you that made the M. Ward quip over on atease.

Boner M

07-08-2009, 06:56 AM

Who are you on RYM, Boner? Hit me up, yo: TheMostGorgeousSituation
Done.

transmogrifier

07-08-2009, 07:15 AM

Trans, there is rep in store for you if you confirm that it was you that made the M. Ward quip over on atease.

Yep, that was me. I like to spread the cheer across boards :)

transmogrifier

07-08-2009, 07:16 AM

Who are you on RYM, Boner? Hit me up, yo: TheMostGorgeousSituation

I'm there as well.

trotchky

07-08-2009, 08:29 AM

Just added you, trans.

ThePlashyBubbler

07-08-2009, 04:18 PM

Yep, that was me. I like to spread the cheer across boards :)

:lol: The "Mad About You" barb was particularly inspired.

right_for_the_moment

07-09-2009, 08:21 AM

19. Joanna Newsom - "Sadie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vodb-dJOqoU)"

Album: The Milk-Eyed Mender (2004)

Oh, that voice! It's like a cross between Lisa Simpson, Bjork and a little wood nymph, yet with her harp and lyrics, it is irrepressible and profoundly moving. "Sadie" is the song that made me fall in love with Newsom and while something from Ys would represent her more complex song-writing skills, this is the one I will always return to.
I've probably listened to this song 50 times in the past 2 days. I had heard of Newsom, but had never checked out her music before. Sadie prompted me to look up a couple more of her songs on youtube. I turned those off pretty quick. Maybe I'll eventually grow to like her singing in songs other than this one.

D_Davis

07-09-2009, 04:17 PM

18. The Field - "Everday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avdAghATQ2c&feature=PlayList&p=96645DBF80AACC60&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=84)"

17. {{{Sunset}}} - "Life Is Rad (Just Say Yes) (http://new.music.yahoo.com/sunset/tracks/life-is-rad-just-say-yes--179617113)"

16. Explosions in the Sky - "The Only Moment We Were Alone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKyrULAfvq8)"

14. A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "5:15 Train (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2zRSkVPZ4w)"

I like these. Good choices. I Like a lot of your choices, but I don't love many of them; I don't think many (any?) would end up on my top 100 of the decade, but I wouldn't turn them off if they were on. Just a matter of personal tastes I guess; I definitely seek out a different kind of music these days, that's for sure.

Derek

07-10-2009, 12:53 AM

I like these. Good choices. I Like a lot of your choices, but I don't love many of them; I don't think many (any?) would end up on my top 100 of the decade, but I wouldn't turn them off if they were on. Just a matter of personal tastes I guess; I definitely seek out a different kind of music these days, that's for sure.

I'm cool with that. I'm not that big on some of the modern music you're into, but we have more than enough overlap in our musical tastes overall to make up for it. I'm glad you're at least checking them out. :)

Derek

07-10-2009, 01:02 AM

12. Sigur Ros - "Olsen Olsen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2GjOC79gVI)"

Album: Agaetis byrjun (2000)

Simple baseline, haunting vocals, atmospheric as fuck.

Derek

07-10-2009, 01:11 AM

11. Jim Noir - "Happy Day Today (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnHHyZs1LY)"

Album: Jim Noir (2008)

Cut 'n paste of my year-end blurb on the whole album:

"60s psychedelic pop has been a major influence on more bands than I could even imagine, but most of the time it is found in bursts or single tracks where the rest of the time it is buried beneath more traditional modern music. Jim Noir says fuck that, leaving nostalgia and a fondness for the days when mainstream pop could actually be challenging right at the forefront while bringing a his own unique flair to make an album that is lost in time, rather than simply stuck in the past. The production is particularly brilliant, perfectly mixing crisp and fuzzed out sounds, taking the palette of 60s and 70s pop and transforming it into something gorgeous and new. My favorite track of the year, “Happy Day Today”, is the perfect example of this technique, starting off with those Wendy Carlos keyboards before breaking into a fuzzy electric guitar riff backed by a different clean acoustic guitar and layered, harmonized vocals. This technique is used differently on every track – “All Right” mixes vocodered vocals into a groovy beat that sounds like the softer side of Beck, while “Look Around You” and “Good Old Vinyl” are brimming with love for British pop, but are infused with a sense of humor that prevents them from leaning towards the derivative. With all the love Girl Talk’s mash-ups have been getting this year, this is the kind of postmodern pastiche that really deserves all the love. I can think of few albums that take established sounds and filter them so effectively into something so full of creativity, joy and originality this one."

dreamdead

07-10-2009, 01:54 AM

12. Sigur Ros - "Olsen Olsen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2GjOC79gVI)"

Album: Agaetis byrjun (2000)

Simple baseline, haunting vocals, atmospheric as fuck.

Short review, but I think that use of haunting is entirely apropos and captures the sentiment of the song perfectly. It starts off so forlorn, yet ends with such a euphoric climax, that's it is just trance-inducing. Perfect music to chill with, or simply to write with, letting its melody guide my words.

Out of curiosity, though I'd also pick this song from the album, how would you rate "Viðrar vel til loftárása"? For me it's the clear second choice from AB, as it's got time aplenty to build and flow.

Edit: I picked up the National and Shugo Tokumaru albums. Cheers!

Kurious Jorge v3.1

07-10-2009, 02:47 AM

I've probably listened to this song 50 times in the past 2 days. I had heard of Newsom, but had never checked out her music before. Sadie prompted me to look up a couple more of her songs on youtube. I turned those off pretty quick. Maybe I'll eventually grow to like her singing in songs other than this one.

Cosmia is a pretty great track off Y's, did you check that one out?

Here is a pretty sweet live performance of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kM0VVUjRXc

Milky Joe

07-10-2009, 03:56 AM

I've probably listened to this song 50 times in the past 2 days. I had heard of Newsom, but had never checked out her music before. Sadie prompted me to look up a couple more of her songs on youtube. I turned those off pretty quick. Maybe I'll eventually grow to like her singing in songs other than this one.

I'd say you will. "Sadie" is one of the more obnoxious of her songs, to me (though I still love it). If you don't love "Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie" then I think you're hopeless. Just get The Milk Eyed Mender, like, now.

Derek

07-11-2009, 05:26 AM

Out of curiosity, though I'd also pick this song from the album, how would you rate "Viðrar vel til loftárása"? For me it's the clear second choice from AB, as it's got time aplenty to build and flow.

Edit: I picked up the National and Shugo Tokumaru albums. Cheers!

It'd be my second choice as well from that album and perhaps my second favorite of their songs, period. It's patient, but the payoff is huge.

Awesome pick-ups - both solid from start to finish. Let me know how you enjoy those.

Cosmia is a pretty great track off Y's, did you check that one out?

That's a good'un, but I prefer "Emily" and "Only Skin" from Ys. The whole album's amazing, so it's really better to just bite the bullet and listen to the whole thing. :)

Derek

07-11-2009, 05:42 AM

10. Mogwai - "Hunted By a Freak (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8psR9I1pwg)"

Album: Happy Songs for Happy People (2003)

From 1997's masterful Young Team through the underrated Happy Songs for Happy People in 2003, Mogwai was in the cream of post-rocks crop, if not sitting at the head of the table. Perhaps perfecting what has now become the bane of the genre's existence and the crutch for lazy critics to lean on in their oft-reductive reviews, the build-to-crescendo, Mogwai has also produced some of the most dense, layered and rock-heavy post-rock out there. "Hunted By a Freak" may place higher for me because it is such a perfect album opener, setting a tone that the band masterfully compliments throughout. There is a hint of melancholy in its guitar riffs and anxiety in the muted vocodered "vocals" (if you can even call them), but these emotions are overpowered by the raw energy that bursts to the surface in the second half. "I Don't Know Jesus" or "Ratts of the Capital" may be more individually impressive and representative of their music, but this song's sheer efficiency gives it an ever-so-slight edge.

Derek

07-12-2009, 12:37 AM

9. Pantha du Prince - "Saturn Strobe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYY4AGPJJBo)"

Album: This Bliss (2007)

Pantha du Prince took the cold mechanics of minimal techno and breathed a lush smoothness into it, creating music that goes down like good whiskey on a winter day. In "Saturn Strobe", the bittersweet violins are played against warm basslines and multiple rhythms rise to the surface before fading seamlessly into the background to let another share the spotlight. Layer upon layer of various paces, each instrument with its own emotional timbre, make for a song that is infinitely rewarding and gives me something new whenever I return to it.

Boner M

07-12-2009, 12:53 AM

http://mono.whatevz.net/images/likeYau8lN.jpg Boner M. likes this

Acapelli

07-12-2009, 12:56 AM

i couldn't get into either of the beloved minimal techno albums of 07 (the field and pantha). i much preferred gui boratto and his fist-pumping anthem "beautiful life"

Derek

07-12-2009, 12:57 AM

8. Wolf Parade - "Same Ghost Every Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnQNOljoJw4)"

Album: Apologies to the Queen Mary (2005)

Spencer Krug's unrestrained oddness and Dan Boeckner's no-nonsense, raw guitar aesthetic made Apologies to the Queen Mary one of the decade's best debut and the peak of their masterful tete-a-tete is "Same Ghost Every Night". The two sounds (and yeah, there's some nice drum and bass in there too :)), first Boeckner's guitar then Krug's keyboards, are highlighted individually before taking off together in an immaculately controlled series of looping rhythms which slowly spiral upward until they can no longer be contained. The impending eruption is, to put it simply, pretty fucking awesome.

Derek

07-12-2009, 12:59 AM

http://mono.whatevz.net/images/likeYau8lN.jpg Boner M. likes this

:lol: Nice.

i couldn't get into either of the beloved minimal techno albums of 07 (the field and pantha). i much preferred gui boratto and his fist-pumping anthem "beautiful life"

On the short list of songs that just missed the cut. Overall, I actually prefer GB's newest album to Chromophobia, though I like both a lot.

Derek

07-12-2009, 01:09 AM

7. Radiohead - "Myxomatosis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgeKRbmUBns)"

Album: Hail to the Thief (2004)

I'm prepared to accept the consequences for not only picking a song off of Hail to the Thief, but also not having decency to go with "There There". But you know what? While that's an amazing song in its own right, "Myxomatosis" does take any time to get there, bolting to a sprint right out of the gate, leaving no time for adjustment, taking you out of your comfort zone into its off-kilter, RAWKing journey to the darkest part of Thom Yorke's mind. I'd be absolutely terrified of this song if it didn't send the blood rushing to my extremities quicker than most anything else they've recorded.

Sven

07-12-2009, 02:09 AM

I'm no expert, but from my experience, which has been listening to most of the albums a couple of times, Hail to the Thief is my second favorite album of theirs after The Bends. Pretty cool song.

Derek

07-12-2009, 02:37 AM

I'm no expert, but from my experience, which has been listening to most of the albums a couple of times, Hail to the Thief is my second favorite album of theirs after The Bends. Pretty cool song.

Everything from The Bends through In Rainbows is great in my eyes, so it's all gravy to me. I do think Hail to the Thief is a better album, at least in comparison to their others, than a lot of Radiohead fans give it credit for.

dreamdead

07-12-2009, 02:48 AM

Derek

07-12-2009, 02:57 AM

Derek

07-12-2009, 03:04 AM

One of my favorite experiences last year was just to use Pantha Du Prince as resting music. That isn't meant condescendingly or as derision, but rather meant to highlight how much I appreciated the soundscapes of the band and savored each aural touch to my mind. So there's that side of the band, but "This Bliss" is actually solid driving music, too. Really good summer music, with the windows rolled down. Just a favorite of your list.

That's definitely not an insult. I actually find Pantha's music to be very soothing, more suited to the bedroom or car than the dance floor.

I'll be working on trying to get into Jim Noir on the same level.

I got into Jim Noir last summer when I was at the beach. There's probably no better place to listen to that album.

Didn't care for that Mogwai album, actually. :| Liked "I Know You Are But What Am I?", though. And have you heard the band Scale The Summit? I'd be interested in your impressions...

That's cool. A lot of people think they peaked with Young Team and have been going downhill ever since. I can almost understand that because YT was by far their most influential album and laid the groundwork for a lot of post-rock that followed, but as far as following the blue print they created, I do think Rock Action and Happy Songs do it really well.

EDIT: Haven't heard any Scale the Summit. Which album should I start with?

dreamdead

07-12-2009, 03:15 AM

I love Rock Action and bust it out frequently, as the melancholic mood of most of that album works as a good counterpoint to writing or working. I haven't heard YT, though, so I'll be on the lookout for a cheap copy of that in the future.

Regarding Scale the Summit, try the "Carving Desert Canyons" album. It's instrumental rock, but I find it pleasantly jazzy and consistently emotional, which is rare for the genre.

And I'm holding out for the Wolves in the Throne Room track in the top 5. :D

dreamdead

07-12-2009, 03:19 AM

transmogrifier

07-12-2009, 06:05 AM

Hail to the Thief is crazy underrated. If it only skipped from Go to Sleep right to There There, it would be a stone cold masterpiece and easily their best.

Best song is A Wolf at the Door, followed by Myxomatosis.

EDIT: Dear Wats, this is me caring.

Winston*

07-12-2009, 08:03 AM

Hail to the Thief is crazy underrated. If it only skipped from Go to Sleep right to There There, it would be a stone cold masterpiece and easily their best.

Then you'd skip Where I End and You Begin which by my count is the second best track on the album.

transmogrifier

07-12-2009, 08:09 AM

Then you'd skip Where I End and You Begin which by my count is the second best track on the album.

That's the song that sounds the most like U2, and thus the least essential song Radiohead has ever recorded.

Winston*

07-12-2009, 08:18 AM

That's the song that sounds the most like U2, and thus the least essential song Radiohead has ever recorded.

Essential? Next you'll be describing songs as "important".

transmogrifier

07-12-2009, 08:23 AM

Essential as in, worth having and/or listening to.

trotchky

07-12-2009, 08:31 AM

6. Sunset Rubdown - "For the Pier (and Dead Shimmering) (http://hypem.com/track/388148/Sunset+Rubdown+-+For+the+Pier+and+Dead+Shimmer ing)"

Album: Random Spirit Lover (2007)

I've already said my piece about Sunset Rubdown's magnum opus, the pop masterpiece Random Spirit Lover, so I'll make this short. Where Wolf Parade shows Krug's talent at player off another star, Sunset Rubdown, especially this album, is a no-holds-barred, kitchen sink approach to pop where he comes off like a mix between a kid in a candy store and a bull in a china. "For the Pier" is absurdly dense, starting off with an auto-harp and steel drums of all things and going just plain nuts from there, the music matching the manic madness of Krug's bellowing vocals.

Great song, great album. This song is actually one of my least favorite on the disc, but that's pretty irrelevant because the whole thing is such a fucking masterpiece.

I would regret getting black-out drunk and missing Sunset Rubdown's set when I paid cold hard cash to see them last month if I regretted that sort of thing.

Derek

07-12-2009, 08:02 PM

Though I'm not one to seriously critique your Sunset Rubdown choice, I return to "Magic vs. Midas" which holds the peak for Krug's inspired piano melodies and just keeps building throughout, giving rise to that wonderful climax and use of the cymbals at the end. Love it... was featured in my Itunes top 25 for awhile there.

Your choice would likely be third behind that and "Up on Your Leopard..."

"Up on Your Leopard..." is essentially 1b for me on that album. As awesome as Camilla's interludes are on that song, I give the edge to auto-harp and steel drums. :)

Great song, great album. This song is actually one of my least favorite on the disc, but that's pretty irrelevant because the whole thing is such a fucking masterpiece.

I would regret getting black-out drunk and missing Sunset Rubdown's set when I paid cold hard cash to see them last month if I regretted that sort of thing.

Yup, there's not a song on that album I'd complain about someone choosing, but we all have our favorites...

Derek

07-12-2009, 08:17 PM

5. Animal Collective - "My Girls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zol2MJf6XNE)"

Album: Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)

It's nearly impossible for me to pick just one song from Animal Collective's oeuvre as the psychedelic lo-fi goodness of "Alvin Row", the acoustic chanting of "Winter's Love" and the upbeat electronic danceability of "My Girls" are all different beasts and perfect in their own ways. Ultimately, I've come to the conclusion that Merriweather Post Pavilion, with its charming optimism and seamless integration of a more electronic sound with the AC aesthetic, is the one I'll most often return to. "My Girls" use of bass and Geologist's spacey backdrop perfectly compliment Panda Bear's utopian vision and his and Avey's voices have never sounded better together. It embodies everything I love about one of the best bands of the decade.

Derek

07-12-2009, 08:33 PM

4. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - "Storm (http://newbtalk.co.uk/uploads/Godspeed You! Black Emperor/Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To/1-01 Storm.mp3)"

Album: Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven (2000)

Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven is so epic and gargantuan in scope and covers so much emotional and musical terrain that it makes most other music seem small and trite by comparison. The album opener "Storm" highlights the mastery of every musician and the band's uncanny sense of pacing, stretching notes and chords like conductors of their own grandiose rock orchestra, is unmatched by any band this decade. This is the quintessential post-rock band of the aughts.

trotchky

07-12-2009, 08:39 PM

Those last two songs are both amazing. Two of my absolute favorite songs of the decade, as well.

trotchky

07-12-2009, 08:49 PM

Also, speaking of Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven, "They Don't Sleep Anymore On The Beach" has the most haunting intro to a song since, well, "The Dead Flag Blues."

Derek

07-12-2009, 09:28 PM

3. Panda Bear - "Bros (http://www.last.fm/music/Panda+Bear/_/Bros)"

Album: Person Pitch (2007)

I'm running out of adjectives, so I'll just say this song is the equivalent of a sunny day in flip flops by beach when all the cares and stresses in the world melt away. Love the use of samples and when the song breaks out of its shell halfway through...goddamn.

trotchky

07-12-2009, 09:41 PM

Another excellent choice.

Derek

07-12-2009, 09:47 PM

2. LCD Soundsystem - "Someone Great (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iW5U4i-Z74)"

Album: Sound of Silver (2007)

The first time I heard Sound of Silver, I didn't like it and found Murphy's voice to be monotonous and distracting. In general, I don't respond favorably to much minimal techno (if you even want to call SoS that, but let's not go there) with vocals, but for one reason or another, I kept returning to this album every few months and one day, after having the beat to "Sound of Silver" stuck in my head for no comprehensible reason, I returned to find I loved it. "Someone Great" is remarkable in its use various tempos, starting off with a whirring repetition and drum beats before adding simple yet absurdly catchy rhythms on top. The borderline disaffected vocals are actually perfectly suited to the melancholy of the songs message and its slow accumulation of profound sadness and loss. And yet, in the end, the music wins out. The girl is gone but the music keeps coming and it keeps coming...

Here's a really cool video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwoLACv_srQ) for the shorter, single version of the song.

Derek

07-12-2009, 10:10 PM

1. Broken Social Scene - "It's All Gonna Break (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOIoSOfsy6g)"

Album: Broken Social Scene (2005)

Broken Social Scene boasts one of the most impressive lineups out there today, packed with musician's musicians, each involved in multiple projects yet saving their best for when they're all together, like Voltron. "It's All Gonna Break" is BSS at their most explosive and immediate, yet not without its patience to allow for every remarkable element of the song to sink in. Most impressive is the way the song builds to cathartic release only to pull back and head in an entirely new direction. It's endless in the best way possible.

Acapelli

07-12-2009, 10:22 PM

when i think of bss at their most explosive and immediate, i think of kc accidental, which completely blew me away when i saw them play it live. it was face-meltingly awesome

Derek

07-12-2009, 10:24 PM

when i think of bss at their most explosive and immediate, i think of kc accidental, which completely blew me away when i saw them play it live. it was face-meltingly awesome

Great song, but not even the best on YFiIP. Then again, that's one of my favorite albums of the decade, so I think a lot of it is face-meltingly awesome. :)

Milky Joe

07-12-2009, 10:39 PM

Wow, very interesting #1. I love that song, and that album. It's extremely underrated if you ask me. Most days I prefer it to YFiIP, though dancing to "Almost Crimes" on that album at a party a couple years back is still one of the highlights of my existence.

Duncan

07-12-2009, 11:27 PM

Derek

07-12-2009, 11:37 PM

Good list, Derek. Lot of bands I like on there, but you've typically chosen a different kind of song from each band's catalogue than the ones that really get me, which makes things interesting. Nice adjective hopping as well. I didn't see too many repeats.

Cool. I tried to keep it more personal for the most part, choosing songs that mean more to me over ones I might consider the best.

Derek

07-12-2009, 11:39 PM

Llopin

07-13-2009, 01:29 AM

Mostly predictable. Also, I find Panda Bear and Animal Collective as creative as a piece of dog crap. Specially that "My Girls" song, which I even find offensive.

But that is just me, as everyone is raving on. Overall, however, I enjoyed the list.

I also find myself considering how many of these bands I have seen live and how many of those I barely remember. I guess I`m more of a nineties guy.

transmogrifier

07-13-2009, 04:55 AM

LCD Soundsystem at #2 validates an already more than satisfactory list. Bravo.

trotchky

07-13-2009, 07:41 AM

Here are the .zip files I promised. The mp3 files themselves aren't renamed BUT they are retagged, so they'll show up in order in whatever program you use to listen to them.

Part 1: http://www.sendspace.com/file/z0eu1f
Part 2: http://www.sendspace.com/file/2z6r25
Hon. Mentions: http://www.sendspace.com/file/w14deo

Thanks for this. Really cool of you. And I enjoyed reading your list immensely.

Just for fun, here's something like what my top songs of the '00s list would look like:

1. Why? - "Gemini (Birthday Song)"
2. Animal Collective - "Taste"
3. Arcade Fire - "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)"
4. Sunset Rubdown - "The Mending of the Gown"
5. Interpol - "Obstacle 1"
6. Godspeed You Black Emperor - "Storm"
7. Arcade Fire - "Wake Up"
8. The New Pornographers - "Breakin' The Law"
9. Aesop Rock - "Daylight"
10. Parenthetical Girls - "The Weight She Fell Under"
11. Interpol - "Roland"
12. Arcade Fire - "In the Backseat"
13. Interpol - "NYC"
14. The New Pornographers - "The Body Says No"
15. Why? - "Crushed Bones"

...and I'll stop there, before I begin repeating myself too much.