Monday, January 30, 2017
Project Diem
I came across this group on noisetrade, as usual. Evidently they are a Brooklyn-based electropop due, with a sound falling somewhere between Beach House and Ms Mr. I heard only one song, "Broke Soundiem", but it was compelling enough to catch my attention. The combination of the percussion and the extremely creative melodies along with the leading girl's somewhat wavering voice works really well. I highly recommend giving them a listen.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
The Brilliance
This band has been absolutely blowing my mind with their new album "All Is Not Lost" over the last couple of months. I'd known about the group for at least a couple of years thanks to my wife--the lead singer is evidently Michael Gungor's brother, and I would often get their music confused since their voices and musical style are quite similar. I always thought their music was somewhat aimless and wandering, though. This all changed about a month ago when we went to a show at the Boulder Theatre where they were opening for Josh Garrels. Their songs took on a new life performed live, and with an incredibly powerful mix of electronica and orchestral arrangements. Everything I heard from their upcoming 2017 album (which we were permitted to buy at the December concert even though it hadn't been officially released yet) was encouraging. The album itself still gives me chills every time after listening to it many dozens of times. You need to get it. It's hard to envision the album not being top on my list of albums for 2017.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Benjamin James
This guy (from North Carolina) is a mellow folky singer-songwriter type that I recently discovered. His vocals and a lot of his musical style reminds me strongly of Zach Winters. It's extremely understated (for the most part) but quite powerful at times. The backing instrumentation is highly variable, going from just guitar up to what sounds like a full orchestra. The lyrics are a bit less random and more directly biblical than Zach Winters'. Give his music a listen. He apparently released two albums last year.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Top 10 Albums of 2016
The new year is upon us, so it's time to decide on the top ten albums of the year. I'm having a harder time than usual filling in the ten spots, but I'll give it a shot. Check back later for more content.
EPs:
Late Nite Cable (Late Nite Cable)
This 80s-esque electropop collection (called an EP, but about as long as your typical LP these days) feels like a timeless classic. When I first heard the songs, they sounded like music I had known about since childhood, even though the release came out this year. I highly recommend giving it a listen.
The Feels (The Feels)
Another excellent electropop release this year, the Feels' self-titled EP is also on the longer side of the spectrum. The group is sort of like an American version of CHVRCHES, with a leading girl singer and super-catchy synth riffs and percussion. Some of the songs are exceptionally catchy and will get lodged in your head for weeks, but it's a good thing.
In Moonlight (Trevor James Tillery)
This ethereal artist from LA is new on the scene this year. His debut EP "In Moonlight" is quite good...I'd consider it alternative singer-songwriter music with folk influences but also somewhat electronic. It's really creative, and the songs work pretty well together. I'll be curious to see what his future work is like.
Dust to Dust (Stella Stagecoach)
I think this is about the best EP I heard this year, overall. I'd never heard of this group before, but their unique mix of folk style with orchestral arrangements is pretty compelling. The lyrics are extremely solid, too. The harmonies between the guy's and girl's voices work very well. In some ways the group reminds me of The Collection, and maybe a bit of the Oh Hellos. I highly recommend giving this one a listen.
A Taste of Passive Aggressive (The Radio Dept.)
This very easy-listening EP from the Radio Dept. is a true pleasure. Vocally, the style reminds me of Spoon or maybe more so the Strokes. The music is a lot of fun, and I find it hard to believe anyone who has a taste for good music could not enjoy it. It seems particularly good driving music.
Geode and Gold EP (ELEL)
This group out of the southeastern US has a unique sound. It's hard to describe, but definitely has very retro elements. I was intrigued at first listen with this 3-song EP. I don't care for one of the three songs, but the other two are creative and catchy enough to warrant their making this list of honourable mention EPs. Their music video for the opening song is entertaining as well.
Thrown by this Eastern Wind EP (Newfoundman)
My wife introduced me to this guy. I pronounce it similarly to Newfoundland...it's a funny and creative name. His music is characterized by very mellow guitar riffs and an understated vocal style. He's got a very youthful voice, but it works well with his guitar work. He has other music out, but this EP was released in 2016.
When Lands are Golden (LaPeer)
Apparently this guy is from Michigan, although his voice sounds Euro. Maybe he's an immigrant. Regardless, this EP is extremely catchy. Some might consider it a bit on the cheese side, but musically I think it's pretty well-executed. The style of the music is sort of 80s electropop, but it has a bit of a rock feel too.
RYLO (RYLO)
Another electropop classic from this year, this girl has achieved an amazingly powerful collection of three songs...they work best at very high volume. I really like the dynamics and how the songs build, and the backing instrumentation / electronics are pretty awesome.
LPs:
10. Maybe Sometimes - In C (Grace Joyner)
This album is fairly mellow, electronic/alternative rock. The electronic style of the music pairs well with her ethereal and occasionally intentionally slightly-off-key vocals. The songs all have a nice chill groove. Some of the songs could be considered a bit on the whiney side, but overall I think her sound is unique and creative enough to make the top ten list.
9. Mile Marker 295 (Enos)
This release was my introduction to this Austin-based group, thanks to noisetrade (it's actually still up there for download). The songs are alternative rock at its best, and they work very well together. There are a couple of standouts, such as the opening song "Wait for me Pt. 1" and "The Porter", but there really isn't a bad song the album. The lyrics are pretty thoughtful and honest too.
8. Better Country (Before the Brave)
I never cared for Before the Brave until I heard this new 2016 album. I would consider the musical style pretty consistent with their previous work (at least what I've heard of it), but this new record sounds more mature and more musically skillful to me. There's a lot of variety among the songs, and many of them have a nice alternative rock feel to them, or a folky sound, which I appreciate. It's a good album overall.
7. Cleopatra (The Lumineers)
This new release from the Lumineers is actually decent. I didn't particularly care for their previous album, and never could quite understand the critical acclaim it received. I feel like their sound has developed into something much more interesting with this new album. Some songs are better than others, but on the whole it's musically superior to their first release.
6. Sentimental Creatures (Jess Ray)
This girl sounds like a female version of Josh Garrels. This album is really solid. The number of instruments in use is formidable, and her slightly retro-sounding, bluesy voice complements the guitar and percussion particularly well. The time signatures of a few of the songs are quite bold and interesting. Overall it's very creative and worth listening to.
5. Terra Incognita (Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers)
This retro-sounding alternative rock band sounds quite a bit like a younger, more chill version of Jimmy Eat World. I've never heard of them before, but their 2016 album captured my attention. It's got quite a bit of soul, but it's the good kind of soul (for the most part), and it works well.
4. Creatures (Portage)
Portage got my attention with their 2012 release, "Landings". The folk rock group from Duluth, MN have a unique style of soulful rock music, and their earlier album was extremely good. Somehow this new album slipped my attention until just recently, but it's definitely consistent with the style of their earlier music. Their sound has matured somewhat, but the grittiness and roots sound of their songs remains the same. Sadly, the band seems to not be getting enough attention to do any touring outside of Minnesota, but I'm still hopeful that people will recognise their unique talent at some point.
3. Marathon (Francis)
This electropop group is Swedish, although they have a bit of an old school American sound. A bit like a mix between First Aid Kit and Club 8. And actually there is some resemblance to Grace Joyner's music. The percussion is excellent, and the songs are arranged in very creative ways. It's also quite a long album, which is increasingly rare these days, and there are no bad songs on the record. There is a fair amount of variety among the styles of the songs. It's definitely worth a listen.
2. Red Earth & Pouring Rain (Bear's Den)
This is the most recent album from British folk-rock sensation Bears Den. They are extremely popular these days in the UK, selling out major venues all the time, but they remain relatively unknown in the US. This album continues in the vein of 2014's "Islands", with brutal lyrics and powerful music.
1. 22, A Million (Bon Iver)
I was initially skeptical about this new release from Bon Iver. I'm actually a fairly recent convert to his music, never having appreciated it before the last year or so. He seems to be largely overlooked these days, having been extremely popular about 5 years ago among the hipster population. This album is incredible, though. It's quite electronic, and parts of it are very electronic, but the flow from song to song is excellent, and taken as a whole it's a very atmospheric record. His lyrics make just as little sense to me as they always have. But somehow many of the songs on this album are really powerful. It's among the best albums I heard all year.
EPs:
Late Nite Cable (Late Nite Cable)
This 80s-esque electropop collection (called an EP, but about as long as your typical LP these days) feels like a timeless classic. When I first heard the songs, they sounded like music I had known about since childhood, even though the release came out this year. I highly recommend giving it a listen.
The Feels (The Feels)
Another excellent electropop release this year, the Feels' self-titled EP is also on the longer side of the spectrum. The group is sort of like an American version of CHVRCHES, with a leading girl singer and super-catchy synth riffs and percussion. Some of the songs are exceptionally catchy and will get lodged in your head for weeks, but it's a good thing.
In Moonlight (Trevor James Tillery)
This ethereal artist from LA is new on the scene this year. His debut EP "In Moonlight" is quite good...I'd consider it alternative singer-songwriter music with folk influences but also somewhat electronic. It's really creative, and the songs work pretty well together. I'll be curious to see what his future work is like.
Dust to Dust (Stella Stagecoach)
I think this is about the best EP I heard this year, overall. I'd never heard of this group before, but their unique mix of folk style with orchestral arrangements is pretty compelling. The lyrics are extremely solid, too. The harmonies between the guy's and girl's voices work very well. In some ways the group reminds me of The Collection, and maybe a bit of the Oh Hellos. I highly recommend giving this one a listen.
A Taste of Passive Aggressive (The Radio Dept.)
This very easy-listening EP from the Radio Dept. is a true pleasure. Vocally, the style reminds me of Spoon or maybe more so the Strokes. The music is a lot of fun, and I find it hard to believe anyone who has a taste for good music could not enjoy it. It seems particularly good driving music.
Geode and Gold EP (ELEL)
This group out of the southeastern US has a unique sound. It's hard to describe, but definitely has very retro elements. I was intrigued at first listen with this 3-song EP. I don't care for one of the three songs, but the other two are creative and catchy enough to warrant their making this list of honourable mention EPs. Their music video for the opening song is entertaining as well.
Thrown by this Eastern Wind EP (Newfoundman)
My wife introduced me to this guy. I pronounce it similarly to Newfoundland...it's a funny and creative name. His music is characterized by very mellow guitar riffs and an understated vocal style. He's got a very youthful voice, but it works well with his guitar work. He has other music out, but this EP was released in 2016.
When Lands are Golden (LaPeer)
Apparently this guy is from Michigan, although his voice sounds Euro. Maybe he's an immigrant. Regardless, this EP is extremely catchy. Some might consider it a bit on the cheese side, but musically I think it's pretty well-executed. The style of the music is sort of 80s electropop, but it has a bit of a rock feel too.
RYLO (RYLO)
Another electropop classic from this year, this girl has achieved an amazingly powerful collection of three songs...they work best at very high volume. I really like the dynamics and how the songs build, and the backing instrumentation / electronics are pretty awesome.
LPs:
10. Maybe Sometimes - In C (Grace Joyner)
This album is fairly mellow, electronic/alternative rock. The electronic style of the music pairs well with her ethereal and occasionally intentionally slightly-off-key vocals. The songs all have a nice chill groove. Some of the songs could be considered a bit on the whiney side, but overall I think her sound is unique and creative enough to make the top ten list.
9. Mile Marker 295 (Enos)
This release was my introduction to this Austin-based group, thanks to noisetrade (it's actually still up there for download). The songs are alternative rock at its best, and they work very well together. There are a couple of standouts, such as the opening song "Wait for me Pt. 1" and "The Porter", but there really isn't a bad song the album. The lyrics are pretty thoughtful and honest too.
8. Better Country (Before the Brave)
I never cared for Before the Brave until I heard this new 2016 album. I would consider the musical style pretty consistent with their previous work (at least what I've heard of it), but this new record sounds more mature and more musically skillful to me. There's a lot of variety among the songs, and many of them have a nice alternative rock feel to them, or a folky sound, which I appreciate. It's a good album overall.
7. Cleopatra (The Lumineers)
This new release from the Lumineers is actually decent. I didn't particularly care for their previous album, and never could quite understand the critical acclaim it received. I feel like their sound has developed into something much more interesting with this new album. Some songs are better than others, but on the whole it's musically superior to their first release.
6. Sentimental Creatures (Jess Ray)
This girl sounds like a female version of Josh Garrels. This album is really solid. The number of instruments in use is formidable, and her slightly retro-sounding, bluesy voice complements the guitar and percussion particularly well. The time signatures of a few of the songs are quite bold and interesting. Overall it's very creative and worth listening to.
5. Terra Incognita (Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers)
This retro-sounding alternative rock band sounds quite a bit like a younger, more chill version of Jimmy Eat World. I've never heard of them before, but their 2016 album captured my attention. It's got quite a bit of soul, but it's the good kind of soul (for the most part), and it works well.
4. Creatures (Portage)
Portage got my attention with their 2012 release, "Landings". The folk rock group from Duluth, MN have a unique style of soulful rock music, and their earlier album was extremely good. Somehow this new album slipped my attention until just recently, but it's definitely consistent with the style of their earlier music. Their sound has matured somewhat, but the grittiness and roots sound of their songs remains the same. Sadly, the band seems to not be getting enough attention to do any touring outside of Minnesota, but I'm still hopeful that people will recognise their unique talent at some point.
3. Marathon (Francis)
This electropop group is Swedish, although they have a bit of an old school American sound. A bit like a mix between First Aid Kit and Club 8. And actually there is some resemblance to Grace Joyner's music. The percussion is excellent, and the songs are arranged in very creative ways. It's also quite a long album, which is increasingly rare these days, and there are no bad songs on the record. There is a fair amount of variety among the styles of the songs. It's definitely worth a listen.
2. Red Earth & Pouring Rain (Bear's Den)
This is the most recent album from British folk-rock sensation Bears Den. They are extremely popular these days in the UK, selling out major venues all the time, but they remain relatively unknown in the US. This album continues in the vein of 2014's "Islands", with brutal lyrics and powerful music.
1. 22, A Million (Bon Iver)
I was initially skeptical about this new release from Bon Iver. I'm actually a fairly recent convert to his music, never having appreciated it before the last year or so. He seems to be largely overlooked these days, having been extremely popular about 5 years ago among the hipster population. This album is incredible, though. It's quite electronic, and parts of it are very electronic, but the flow from song to song is excellent, and taken as a whole it's a very atmospheric record. His lyrics make just as little sense to me as they always have. But somehow many of the songs on this album are really powerful. It's among the best albums I heard all year.
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