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WRVU
DJ lists for 2005
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Ashley
Alphabet
Tuesday 6-8a |
My 10 Favorite ’60s & ’70s Songs I Played on
the Radio This Year
The Beatles, “Tell Me What You See” from Beatles VI (1965) Younger Beatles fans probably don’t know this song. It was originally on the
U.S. album Beatles VI (1965), and
later appeared on Help. I have it on
the compilation album Love Songs, which I received for my 12th birthday in 1979. (Yes, I’m old.) The drums
really make it.
David Bowie, “Moonage Daydream” from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the
Spiders from Mars (1972) Bowie actually was a space alien love god. I’m serious. He was. “Freak out.
Far out. In out.”
John Lennon, "Power to the People" from Shaved Fish (1975) The quintessential populist protest song. Lord knows democracy needs all the
help it can get these days.
William Shatner, “Rocketman” (1978) from
outer space There is no one like William Shatner. He Is. The. Greatest. I Love. Him.
The Monkees, “For Pete’s Sake (Closing
Theme)” (1967) People don’t appreciate the peace-and-love genius of the Monkees’ closing
theme song, written by drummer Peter Tork: “We were born to love one
another/We must be what we’re going to be/And what we have to be is free.”
Led Zeppelin, “Achilles Last Stand” from Presence (1976) This song took on a whole new meaning after I saw the movie Troy. It’s not in the movie, but they’re
both based on Homer’s Iliad. One of
your lesser heard of the better known Led Zeppelin songs.
Cat Stevens, “Hard Headed Woman” from Cat Stevens Greatest Hits (1975) I love Cat Steven’s expressive voice and delicate guitar work, not to
mention his big brown eyes and long dark hair...(dreamy sigh)...
Linda Ronstadt, “Willin’” from Heart Like a Wheel (1974) A famous song sung by a beautiful voice. This is an excellent example of ’70s country rock, or is that California rock? Whichever.
Starland Vocal Band, “Afternoon Delight” (1976) from cheesy hell From the 1976 Grammy Awards’ Best New Artist of the Year, a song entirely
about having sex during the day. I just realized that when I played it on my
show! I used to run around singing it as a kid! The seventies were crazy!
Actually, it’s not any worse than my 5-year-old niece singing “My Humph.”
Focus, “Hocus Pocus” from Moving Waves (1971) Yodelling that rocks, or rock that yodels? Either way, it’s
awesome-lay-dee-hoo. |
CJ
Sleepwalking
Wednesday 2-4a |
Sandro Perri - Friends helping (independent, to be re-released on
Constellation some time in 2006)
The Books - Lost and Safe (Tomlab)
Eluvium - Talk Amongst the Trees (Temporary Residence)
Arthur Russell - World of Echo (re-issue from Audika)
Sigur Ros - Takk (Sony)
Minotaur Shock - Maritime (4ad/Ada)
By the End of Tonight - Tribute to Tigers (Temporary Residence)
Scout Niblett - Neptune (Too Pure)
The Reveries - Blase Kisses (Rat-Drifting)
Sage Francis - A Healthy Distrust (Epitaph) |
Matt
91 vs. The Greatest Of All Time, WRVU GM
Thursday 10p-12m |
By The End Of Tonight - "A Tribute To Tigers" (Temporary Residence)
Extremely technical, instrumental music from this four-piece hailing from
Alvin, Texas. This album will rock your face off and then stomp on it. The
music can range from sweet, soothing, melodic music, to spastic, dissonant,
metal-inspired music in the range of a few seconds. Plus, the drummer plays
a kid's drum kit, which is just really odd but enticing.
Spoon - "Gimme Fiction" (Merge Records)
Another strong release from this band from Austin, Texas. Indie-pop at its
finest from Britt Daniels and crew, and this time the crew involves one of
my personal heroes, Eric Bachmann, on the song "I Turn My Camera On." That's
enough to make me buy the album on its own, as sad as that may be. Some
versions include a CD with demo tracks, including two tracks that didn't
make it to the final album, one of which should have made it onto the final
version (Carryout Kids).
Explosions In The Sky - "The Rescue" (Temporary Residence)
This rare release chronicles eight days of when Austin/Midland band EITS
cooped themselves up in a recording studio and recorded a song a day. These
eight tracks, while not of the same standard of those on "The Earth Is Not A
Cold Dead Place," are still extremely engaging, especially since they were
recorded in only a day. I'm fairly sure you can't get it off the label's
website anymore, but you might be able to pick it up on a tour. If not,
point your browser towards eBay, 'cuz that's the only place you'll be able
to get it.
Iron and Wine - "Woman King" and "In The Reigns" (Sub Pop) (Overcoat
Recordings)
1 EP + 1 EP = 1 LP, correct? Well, I'll treat these two EPs as one and say
that Iron and Wine is fast becoming a favorite band of mine in recent times.
Despite being weirded out when "Lion's Mane" was used for football
commercials ( I was pleasantly surprised actually, as I love football,
college football at least), Iron and Wine has been consistently amazing with
their releases. Both of the releases mentioned above are wonderful and are a
tribute to both Sam Beam and Calexico's songwriting abilities. Do yourself a
favor and pick both of these releases up right now.
Bear vs. Shark - "Terrorhawk" (Equal Vision)
Post-Hardcore, which I desperately need now that Hot Water Music is on
"indefinite hiatus." To truly experience the greatness of this album, one
needs to experience it performed live. Bear vs. Shark's live show is
absolutely amazing, owing much of it's greatness to the lead singer, who
goes all out 100% of the time that the band is on stage. His live show will
win you over for sure.
Propagandhi - "Potemkin City Limits" (Fat Wreck Chords)
After years of waiting, this political-punk band makes another stunner of an
album. Metal-influenced punk with a melodic twist is what these guys bring
to the table, and they do it with their own personal politics. While I don't
agree with their radical stance on many issues, I do agree with how they
write songs, as they're absolutely amazing. This release will tide you over
until Dillinger Four releases their next album.
Horse The Band - "Mechanical Hand" (Combat Records)
Take two hunks of metal/hardcore, add a dash of math rock, throw it all in
some 8-bit synthesizer broth ? baby you got a stew going! The
self-proclaimed "Nintendo-core" band from L.A. released their second LP this
year, and it's damn good. Real damn good. Think of some Dillinger Escape
Plan type music, only with lyrics about Nintendo (the first song on the
album "Birdo" is about the bird that spits eggs in Super Mario 2, another
song is entitled "House of Boo") and a synthesizer that emulates your
favorite Nintendo soundtracks. It's too ridiculous to explain, but pick up
this album and you'll find out for yourself.
Hot Snakes - "Peel Sessions EP" (Swami)
This was the last Peel Session ever recorded. And it's Hot Snakes. I really
don't think I could say anything else that would encourage you to pick this
up.
Rumbleseat - "Is Dead" (No Idea Records)
It finally came out! After YEARS of being delayed, this Hot Water Music side
project finally sees the light of day. Sure, all of these songs were
released years ago, but unless you're willing to drop 70 bucks on eBay for a
7" record, then you were SOL. This is great alt-country with the distinctive
vocal stylings of Chuck and Chris from HWM.
Sigur Rós - "Takk" (Geffen)
Album of the year. Hands down. No contest. Pick this up. Now.
Honorable Mentions: Bloc Party; Against Me!; Fingers-Cut, Megamachine!;
Mountain Goats; Sun Kil Moon, Mogwai, The Go! Team, LaSalle, Lou Barlow
Top Ten "Boo-urns" of 2005
Big Boi - for making me wait until 3 AM for a 30 minute set.
Anemo & Street Team - Note to bands: if you want to get your album pulled
from our rotation, get your street team to send us numerous, annoying emails
throughout the year, much like these bastards did.
CBGB/BRC - I'm pretty sick of hearing about all the goings-on and
what-have-you between the Bowery Resident's Committee and CBGB. Now that I
hear Hilly's considering moving it to Las Vegas, I couldn't care less about
what happens to it.
Fox Cancelling Arrested Development (and those who didn't watch it) - way to
cancel the best sitcom in recent years Fox. I'm sure the next season of
"Stacked" or "Prison Break" will win just as many awards. Awards such as:
One Art Director's Guild Award
One Casting Society of America Award
Six Emmy's
One Golden Globe
Two Satellite Awards
Two Television Critics Association Awards
One Writers Guild Of America Award
One Young Artist Award
Hot Water Music's "Extended Hiatus" :-(
Walk The Line - Mainly for the dialogue. Seemed cheesy to me, and I was
really lookin' forward to it.
The RIAA - for not allowing us to podcast
Tom Cruise - That's enough from you, Mr. Cruise.
Dillinger Four - because there's no new Dillinger Four this year.
Gretta Cohn - left Cursive cellist-less.
|
JT
The Stretch
Tuesday 4-6p |
(in alphabetical order)
1) The Alcohol Stuntband - The Alcohol Stunband
2) Annie - Anniemal
3) Art Brut - Bang Bang Rock & Roll
4) The Budos Band - The Budos Band
5) Black Mountain - Black Mountain
6) Feist - Let it Die
7) The Go! Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike
8) Isolee - We are Monster
9) Kanye West - Late Registration
10) KONONO N°1 - Congotronics
11) Lady Sovereign - Vertically Challenged
12) Martha Wainwright - Martha Wainwright
13) M.I.A. - Arular
14) Nobody - And Everything Else...
15) Sharon Jones - Naturally
|
Steven
Former host of The Unexamined Life |
10. Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary
I get why people compare these guys to the Arcade Fire, even though
such people are way off. Both use scrappy rock songs, wavery vocals,
and vulnerability to eulogize the loss of innocence. However, while
the Arcade Fire used their little remaining innocence to completely
nail the emotion in a cohesive statement they’re (in my opinion)
unlikely to repeat, Wolf Parade are too all over the place to present
anything so coherent or compelling. Yet, despite the fact that the
songs don’t hang together very well, the many bright moments on
Apologies?make me more excited to see where Wolf Parade is headed, as
Krug, Broeckner, & Co. learn to (hopefully) function more as a band.
9. Spoon - Gimme Fiction
This album is an enigma to me. While I’m seldom interested in
listening to the album the whole way through, I love it whenever just
about any tune from Gimme Fiction comes up during ‘random play’ on my
cpu. Something a little too uniform about the album as a whole,
perhaps, it makes for great mixtape material.
8. Bright Eyes - I’m Wide Awake, it’s Morning\
To me, the interesting thing about Bright Eyes is that neither his
detractors nor his staunchest supporters have it right. He’s by no
means a ‘new Dylan’ (what an offensive claim), but he’s certainly not
a *talentless* whiner. I tend to prefer the manic self-obsession of
Lifted? ?the overblown histrionics better match Conor’s stage
persona, and stripping away his eccentricities only reveals that
Conor’s songwriting chops aren’t really up to carrying the day.
Still, Oberst stumbles into some really great moments on this more
relaxed outing, and any album with Emmylou Harris duets will get
significant play time in my universe.
7. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
It takes a band this great to make you overlook lyrics this
(occasionally) awful. As soon as I’m tilting my head, wondering how
one could consider “And your nose is bleeding?you’ve been lying to
me” an apt chorus, the breakdown hits, and I’m whisked away by a
propulsive beat and great chord progression. And when the lyrics
work?look out.
6. the New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
While there’s still something a bit impersonal and a little too
perfect about the New Porno’s pop, none can deny the force of nature
that is Neko Case, especially when the tunes are this strong.
5. the Evens - Evens
We’ve always known that Ian MacKaye can write a damn fine anthem.
Now we know that he doesn’t have to yell to get his point across.
One of the most textured two-pieces I’ve ever heard, the Evens
address the subtle dynamics of relationships and commitment just as
well as they rail against and mourn societal injustice.
4. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Face the Truth
I know it’s sacrilege, but I’d say Malko’s last two albums are on par
with his first two (not better, or even as good, but certainly on
par, okay?). Finally gone is the self-consciousness that hamstrung
every disc from Wowee Zowee to Stephen Malkmus. Here, Malkmus sounds
playful again; add to that a new sense of self-assuredness and a
burgeoning ability to deal equality in topical matter and
non-sequitirs, and you have an album that truly delights.
3. the Decembrists - Picaresque
Once you get past the campiness (especially of lead track “The
Infanta”) Meloy & co’s infectious melodies and twisted tales are
completely consuming. Eventually, the whole thing perverts your
initial sensibilities, and you find yourself polka dancing at 3 am to
“The Mariner’s Revenge Song.” Or maybe that’s just me.
2. Sleater Kinney - The Woods
I was initially put off by the lack of intricacy of these tunes.
Where S-K tunes normally hopscotch beneath Corin’s famous wail, here
they steamroll over any and all obstacles, blazing a path of fury.
Weiss’s drumming still lacks the musicality of earlier offerings, but
Brownstein’s searing guitar work more than makes up the difference.
Similar to the shifting MacKaye/Piccioto dynamic in cross-continental
soulmates Fugazi (RIP?), it’s enjoyable to see Sleater Kinney’s two
songwriters on equal footing. So good that I can even appreciate the
carnal pull of ‘Let’s Call it Love’ enough to completely ignore the
fact that it’s a song about sex with Lance Bangs?
1. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
And not just because I’m a ‘Land of Lincoln’ expatriate. Less
bucolic than his Michigan project, Stevens nails the assignment of
both musically and lyrically characterizing a state where ‘big tent’
Midwestern pathos intersects with ‘big city’ modernity. What
absolutely kills, though, is that Stevens doesn’t get so caught up
with the overarching themes that he forgets to craft engaging tales
with equally engaging music. With as much heart and thought as was
put into it, I could go on forever. But, then, what would Frank
Lloyd Wright think?
Biggest disappointments:
1. Nada Surf - is this really the same band that made Let Go? Where
did all these forced rhymes come from? Yuck.
2. Fiona Apple - not that she could ever match the beauty and
intensity of When the Pawn?, and not that I’m one of those “the demos
were way better” types (I like a good number of the new tunes better,
especially “Red Red Red”), but mostly for ruining “Not About Love,”
which was perhaps my favorite song of the whole damn year. Crap.
3. Calexico/Iron & Wine - mostly for being too short, plus a little
flat, and for wasting one of the seven tracks on that ‘dueling
trumpets’ solo.
Stuff I heard in 2005 that I should’ve been listening to all along:
Animal Collective, the Arcade Fire, Calexico, the Books, Iron & Wine,
and M Ward
|
DJ Ron
Out Of The Closet/91 Dance
Saturday 4-7p |
People often say that dance music lacks artists, so in response, here are my
"sweet 16" artist albums of the year:
1. Second Sun - Inside Out (System)
2. Juliet - Random Order (Virgin)
3. Annie - Anniemal (Big Beat)
4. Iio - Poetica (Made)
5. Tina Cousins - Mastermind (Big-AUS)
6. Georgie Porgie - Love, Life and Be Happy (Music Plant)
7. Goldfrapp - Supernature (Mute)
8. Madonna - Confessions on a Dancefloor (Warner Bros.)
9. Madelin Zero - Dirty Purple (Indecent/Radikal)
10. Mylo - Destroy Rock and Roll (Breastfed)
11. Sherrie Lea - Spellbound (HiBias-CA)
12. Suzanne Palmer - Home (Star 69)
13. Superchumbo - Wowie Zowie (Twisted)
14. Mynt - Still Not Sorry (Ultra)
15. Prodigy - Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned (Maverick)
16. Armin Van Buuren - Shivers (Ultra)
Singles (and remixes)
Top 21 (in honor of the drinking age)
1. Blaze / Barbara Tucker - Most Precious Love
Sometimes there is a song that brings out good memories no matter where you
are. Maybe it's the song's origin as part of the Keep Hope Alive compilation
benefit for Lifebeat. Maybe it's the positive energy that comes from people
who create house music out of love for the music. Whether hearing hedonist
spring breakers sing along, watching clubgoers in Amsterdam screaming when the
hook is sampled in a DJ set or noticing fratboys at a lounge in Nashville bop
their head, the definitive anthem of WMC 2005, Most Precious Love's universal
appeal transcends every situation.
2. Rosko - Love is a Drug
Wait, was that a Stephane K and John Creamer remix that I heard on satellite
radio? This deliciously dark ode to unrequited love proves that male vocals
work well on the radio as well as the dancefloor.
3. Silosonic - Something
Another sample record. But so much more than that, by choosing an obscure
Julia & Company Hi-NRG club record, Silosonic concocted this sleeper of a club
hit. Originally released early in 2005, look for a big push in 2006 with new
remixes on Adhesive (a subset of All Around the World) in the UK.
4. Nine Inch Nails - Only
Taking me back to my goth days, this is the first NIN record in years that I
was able to relate to. The ultramodern iPod-like video is both accessible
and unnerving in the way it subverts a normal office setting. The Richard X
remix pumps the track up with a cool 80's electro feel.
5. Faith Evans - Mesmerized
Yes, I realize that "Love on My Mind" was the debut single from the
Freemasons, but it was their classy disco-tinged house mix of "Mesmerized" that made
me take notice. A classic soulful song impeccably vocalized by Miss Evans,
this record was a clubland hit that deserved a major crossover.
6. Olav Basoski - Waterman
Time for a Golden Girls moment. Picture this, WMC 2005 backstage at BBC
Radio One party, I am handed a sampler from Positiva records. Listening to the
CD, a Jamaican-styled dancehall-influenced record catches my ear. Labeled as
Reflekt featuring Deline Bass "Need to Feel Loved," the song quickly becomes a
response record everytime I DJ out. Being the respectful DJ that I am, I buy
the CD single and am surprised that none of the other mixes sound anything
like it. Who knows, maybe it was just an insane dub. Cruising myspace one day,
I find the video for Waterman and I realized why I spend so much time
labeling all my CDs and creating playlists. A new vocal from Michie One will take
this record into 2006.
7. Juliet - Ride the Pain
While Avalon was the clubland anthem, Ride the Pain is the song that made me
a Juliet fan. Her debut CD is incredible and she is one of the best
performers I have ever seen live. While the meaning of the lyrics is up-to-debate,
the Mike Rizzo remix is undeniably one of the best remixes of the year.
8. Jen Cunetta - Come Rain Come Shine
Let's take gifted dance music producers Andy & the Lamboy, stir in a sample
from Paul McCartney and Wings, and spice it up with a solid vocal performance
by the gorgeous and talented vocalist Jen Cunetta. Come Rain Come Shine
tastes sweeter with every listen. Just be sure to skip the misguided video to
avoid the bitter aftertaste.
9. Cascada - Everytime We Touch
The unofficial myspace theme, it's the euro record that seems to have
exploded on its own. Just call it the high school dating song..
10. Paul Van Dyk - The Other Side
Debuted at Ultra in Miami, the tsunami-inspired "The Other Side," sung by
Paul Jackson, gave a sense of depth and spirituality sorely lacking in most
dance music.
11. Michael M - Dear Diary
Jaded. Bitter. For all those who are over the tired club scene, take a
listen to "Dear Diary" for a good laugh and new inspiration.
12. Kelly Osbourne - One Word
Before her untimely retirement as a singer, Kelly managed to record an
incredible dance record. Her attempts at gothy electronica added gloss to the
undergound sound. A strong remix by Chris Cox dominated clubs all year.
13. Friday Night Possee featuring Gabrielle - Dreams
When I heard that the AATW crew got their hands on this Gabrielle classic, I
was scared at first. Reworking the chorus from the original (a la Eminem's
reworking of Dido's "Thank You") and building a new song with a strong male
vocal, the FNP manage to turn out a classy duet.
Special props for the variety of remixes ranging from the 125 bpm original to
the 145 bpm KB Project & Lee S remix.
14. Bodyrockers - I Like the Way
Even before Diet Coke chose this as their advertising jingle, this fusion of
rock guitars and dance beats gave clubland something fun to sing along with.
15. Sylvia Tosun - Sleepless
More like sleeper, this deeper debut from the New York-based singer
songwriter has been gaining steam as more people hear and respond to the incredible
written lyrics. After listening to her strong debut album "Jump In," it's not
surprising that she wrote "Love is a Drug" by Rosko.
16. Sun - Ends of the Earth
A guilty pleasure. The catchy chorus of this fourth single from Singaporean
singer Sun stays in my head for hours everytime I play the Jason Nevins remix
in a set.
17. Sarah Atereth - Out of My Mind
I go Left, I go right, I go Crazy. Was this meant to be the follow up to
classic pop gem from Kylie? Who knows, but the catchy singalong chorus and the
Mike Rizzo remix has been a big record for me since summer.
18. Dancing DJs vs Roxette - Fading Like a Flower
This year's "Call on Me" took Roxette's European hit and respected the song
while giving it bouncy energy. Starting as a white label credited as 2-4
Grooves, this one rightfully bubbled up and became a UK top 10 hit with remixes
by Hardino and Alex K (thank God he's back). A brilliant counterpart to DHT's "Listen to Your Heart" and Cascada's "How Do You Do," be sure to seek out the
Dancing DJ's version and AVOID the tragic ripoff version by Dis-creet
featuring Jolie.
19. Global Deejays - What a Feeling & Royal Gigolos - Self Control
Benny Benassi "Satisfaction" beat plus classic song equals no-brainer
commercial club hit. Two years since "California Dreaming" it still works.
20. Lasgo - All Night Long
A venture into electro from the europop trio turns into one of their best
records since "Something." DJ's take notice, it makes a great bridge record
from house to trance.
21. Armin Van Buuren - Shivers
I missed this the first time I heard it. I played it a couple of times on
the radio and the club, thinking it was another eurotrance record by a
superstar DJ. Massive response and requests made me realize that this record was more
than I had expected.
|
Kristen
91 Ways To The Border
Saturday 11a-12n |
Top 10 Holidays I Prefer to Celebrate
10. National Penguin Awareness Day – everyone should know that penguins exist. Everyone should be aware that penguins are out there. Everyone should love penguins. After all, I just saw the cutest film trailer EVER for Happy Feet , and that's of a baby penguin doing a tap dance to Will Smith's “Wild Wild West.” You can see it yourself HERE: http://www2.warnerbros.com/happyfeet/ 9. El Día de los Muertos – Despite the name of the holiday, it's actually quite festive. I see it as Halloween, a séance, and a family reunion all in one. Particularly, the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry. Just like they did when they were living. I hear the food is fantastic because old ladies cook twice as much food to feed the dead people… and because dead people don't eat, that means there's twice as much for alive people like me!
8. World Hello Day – November 21: We live in a twisted cruel world. I think that constructive holidays such as “Hello Day” would not necessarily make the world a better place, but sure as hell would make it a lot friendlier and less angry.
7. Chrismahanakwanzakah – the combination of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza , basically, presents x 3. I would love to celebrate all three holidays especially because they're all on separate days, all involve presents, and all probably involve feasts of food. Yummy…..
6. Rosh Hashana – The Jewish New Year begins at sunset before the first day of Tishri in the Hebrew calendar and lasts for two days. Last year, a couple of my Jewish friends introduced me to Maneshevitz – a thick syrupy wine that tastes kind of like Benadryl. Because the holiday technically lasts for two days, I heard the stories of “Maneshevitz-hands” which makes me throw-up a little bit just thinking about it. They almost finished, but passed out with bottles taped to their hands. Next year, I'm in.
5. Cinco de Mayo – The 5th Of May , commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. Too bad everyone forgets that May 5 th is NOT that actual Mexican Independence Day, but rather, just one of the infinite number of battles in which Mexico was involved. Either way, it gives Mexicans and the rest of the world alike a newfound appreciation for pisswater, known everywhere else Corona . 4. Festival of Sleep Day – Yeeaaaaa… Mark it down, January 3. This is the perfect excuse to skip work because it's an actual holiday. They even have e-cards for it. I also find it ironic that the Festival of Sleep occurs on my boyfriend's birthday, but it suits him well. Whoever thought of this day is a genius. Thank You.
3. La Tomatina – On the 4 th Wednesday of August, the tomato-hungry people of Buñol, Spain gather together for a gigantic psycho-therapy tension-release program a.k.a. throw 90,000 pounds of tomatoes at each other until the streets run red with tomato juice, seeds, and skins. This somehow honors the city's patron saint.
2. Chinese New Year – It's just as fun as crazy as any regular American New Year's celebration, BUT it also has twice the fireworks AND insane paper dragons running around the streets. People all dress up in costumes like Halloween, exchange food and candy, and settle grudges. Plus, it's like New Years Part II – you can do all of the things you were too drunk/unable to do on the regular New Years!
1. The Cheung Chau Bun Festival – Every year these people celebrate their hot cross buns in a delicious carb-fest I like to call the “Blessing of the Bun Towers .” Yea, there are soooo many warm, sweet, delicious buns here that these people stack ‘em into two tall towers to commemorate the conquering of… or conquering by pirates (and pirates are cool too). So when you eat a piece of bread on May 15, think of the Cheung Chauans, who have waaaaay more bread than you do. |
Claire
I Like Songs
Sunday 6-8p |
M.I.A. – Arular
Fiona Apple – Extraordinary Machine
Blanche – If We Can’t Trust the Doctors
Franz Ferdinand – You Could Have it So Much Better
Metric – Live It Out
Mountain Goats – Sunset Tree
Spoon – Gimme Fiction
Bob Dylan – No Direction Home Soundtrack
Erin McKeown – We Will Become Like Birds
Ben Folds - Songs For Silverman |
Courtney
91 Montmartre
Tuesday 12n-1p |
1. Gonzales - Solo Piano
Wait, is this the same crazy Gonzales who is linked to electro-clash artists
like peaches and miss kitten? yup, but on this record, you wouldn't know it.
This album of (you guessed it) solo piano tracks recalls the melancholy and
beauty of Satie, as well as a bit of Debussy and Modern Jazz Quartet. It's
haunting and lovely, and I couldn't get enough of it this year.
1.5. Nouvelle Vague - Nouvelle Vague
80s New Wave songs (some hits, some not) done in a bossa nova style by fey
frenchies - why hasn't this been done before?
2. MIA - Arular
Addictive!! The time I spent listening to this album whilst either cleaning
or driving probably dwarfs any other record this year, speaking to its
awesome powers of pump. Except maybe #4...
3. Broadcast - Tender Buttons
One of my favorite bands didn't disappoint me this year - in fact, I loved
this record! A new dimension to their already unique sound.
4. Annie - Anniemal
This really should have been a guilty pleasure, but because of the weird
tide of indie favor, it's a hit! Recalls my middle school Ace of Base phase!
Or my high school Cardigans phase. Every phase of one's life needs a little
Scandanavian pop sunshine.
5. Broken Flowers - OST
I loved the feel of this soundtrack, from the wonderful 60s-ish Greenhornes
tracks (featuring the fab Holly Golightly) to probably my favorite new
personal discovery of the year: the cool 60s Ethiopian jazz of Mulatu
Astatque.
6. Of Montreal - The Sunlandic Twins
I found this record to be sugary and fun enough to satisfy my pop love, yet
complex enough to be more than just a fun pop record. They were amazing live
at the End!
7. Andrew Bird - And the Mysterious Production of Eggs
Speaking of great live shows - Mr Bird was very impressive. Seriously a
musical genious.
8. Jamie Lidell - Multiply
21st Century Motown/Soul-Tronica! There's a new genre for ya. Firstly, I am
so excited to see Lidell going in this direction. His last album on Warp
(Muddlin Gear) was unique in that it used his amazing voice as a layered
instrument to enhance these really jarring electronic tracks - but it's
never as brilliantly showcased as I thought it should be, and many of the
tracks on that album are just too intense (read: unlistenable) for my wussy
self. So backtrack to Mutek 2004: I got to see Jamie live! He was the
highlight of the festival for me. He is this little British white guy, but
when he opens his mouth, whoa! The most soulful, gorgeous voice imaginable.
He wore this crazy pouffy tape suit, and sampled live radio, then sang over
it, did some ridiculously amazing beat boxing, layered his own vocals, and
created these amazing compositions using those elements, all live! It was so
refreshing after three days of watching "performers" hunched over their
laptops, just triggering samples. Lidell was a burst of energy and sheer,
unadulterated talent. He did one track which he said was going to be on his
new album - it was a crooner-style ballad (which is on the new album). The
album is diverse, and it's so technically well-done and enjoyable.
9. The Bees - Free the Bees
Another retro-minded outfit . . . . the single "Chicken Payback" is so
infectious, with a jump-blues, wild vibe. Other songs recall ballads by the
Temptations, while others are influenced by raggae. I loved their first
album, "Sunshine Hit Me," and while this album is a bit different, it was
not at all a disappointment.
10. Animal Collective feat. Vashti Bunyan - Prospect Hummer EP
Pastoral, evocative and overall just lovely. AC, take me away!!
Runners up:
Caribou, Bloc Party, Spoon, Mathieu Boogaerts, Dungen, Montag, Isolee, Pit
er Pat, Smog, Koushik, Masha Qrella, Tom Vek, LCD Soundsystem, and the
Books.
Favorite Local Bands of the Year: Umbrella Tree, Jensen Sportag, Brother
Sister, Sons of Norway and Velcro Stars. |
DJ B
Mixdown
Sunday 10a-12n |
After thinking about this a good bit, I decided there wasn't much use in Yet Another List telling you how amazing Sam Beam is or why you should rush out and buy some Wolf Parade or even how much fun I had dancing to Ozomatli. Instead, here is a list of albums you probably haven't heard, at least not all of them. But I'm hoping there will be enough recognition of at least some of them so that you will find some way to give them all a listen, because they're all worth your time. Don't worry about the order too much - as Mike Uzzi and Ben Recht say, numbers are only indicators.
10. Gaudi & Testa – Continuum (em:t). Matt Hall and the folks at the revived Em:t label have picked up right where they left off in the early 90s – releasing fresh, intricate and interesting electronic music that defies description. This one from a pair of Londoners is a prime example.
9. The High Dials – War Of The Wakening Phantoms (Rainbow Quartz Records). Damn I wished I lived in Montreal . Then I would get to see these guys play live more often. But I was lucky enough to see them at the Basement here in Nashville and while the record isn't quite the sixtiesesque mindblower the live show is, it's pretty damn good.
8. Swan Dive – Popcorn And A Mama Who Loves Me Too ( Japan Victor). I didn't realize until I started writing this that I saw both of these bands on the same night at the Basement. Not on the same bill, although that would have been interesting. Almost as interesting as the carefully crafted pop gems that Bill DeMain writes (usually with a partner or two) and Molly Felder (mostly) sings, oh so endearingly.
7. The Spinto Band – Nice And Nicely Done (Bar None.) One more and then I'll be done with bands I saw in the Basement and liked enough to buy their disc. Somehow these smart young lads from Delaware and Rhode Island got hooked up with local production whiz Robin Eaton and so we here in Music City USA got to witness some of the work in progress that turned into this fun and funny record. I mean, an ode to “Mandy” prominently featuring mandolin?
6. De Novo Dahl – Cats and Kittens (Theory 8). This would have been a “contenda” for this list if it was just the Cats disc if for no other reason that “Jeffrey” may well be my favorite single pop song of the year, but the amazing “Kittens” remix disc (including a positively sick version of “Jeffrey”) puts it way,way over the top. It's hard to imagine how DND will continue with the departure of half the group since the mix of creative voices was one of their unique strengths, but this project is one hell of a legacy no matter what the future holds in store.
5. Bassnectar – Mesmerizing The Ultra (Organic Music). Another phenomenal double disc release, this one from the fertile mind of Lorin Ashton. Once again, a single disc of this caliber would have been remarkable enough, but the depth, range and quality sustained over nearly 2 ½ hours of music is nothing short of mind-boggling. Really now, how many records are you going to hear with KRS One, Buckethead, STS9 and Noam Chomsky?
4. Monta – Unsuspecting (Montamusic). One of the joys of doing the Mixdown radio show is discovering new musicians from around the country that won't appear on any charts. The brothers Dedrick and Delaney Moore from Kansas City provided just that kind of joy this year with this uniquely packaged (a round tin) and brilliantly conceived collection of groovy down- and mid-tempo tunes. More, please.
3. Logickal – Krushjob (Discrepancy) – Closer to home but cut from the same cloth we have the laptop wizardry of one Jeremey Dickens. His prodigious output is matched only by the ferocity of his live performances and his dedication to the growth and fertility of the local electronic music community. Check out his podcasts to hear tomorrow's music today.
2. Nortec Collective – Tijuana Sessions Vol. 3 (Nacional). As regards the future of music, this group of artists at the base of the Baja Peninsula combining elements of Norteño and techno (and so much more) released the second installment (the whereabouts of Vol.2 are somewhat of an inside joke) of an art form that may come to rival hip-hop its cultural significance. Maybe not, but we can all have a great time dancing to it while we wait to see.
1. Blackalicous – The Craft (Okayplayer). And thus, the final release on this list comes to us from the underground hip-hop masters themselves. What hip-hop should be, this record is: Positive, intellectual, reflective and enlightening. And oh yeah, funky as hell. Thanks for listening. |
Erin
Parallelogram
Thursday 10a-12n |
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
The Clutters – T+C
LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
Mazarin - We're Already There
Maximo Park – A Certain Trigger
The Selmanaires – Here Come the Selmanaires
Sleater-Kinney – The Woods
Smog - A River Ain't Too Much to Love
Sun Volt – Okemah and the Melody of Riot
Tom Vek – We Have Sound
Runner-ups: M.I.A. Arular , Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah , Martha Wainwright – Martha Wainwright, Andrew Bird – The Mysterious Production of Eggs |
