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  • Features » Best of » Best of 2008

    Favorite Concerts

    Best of 2008: Favorite Concerts

    Posted on January 7, 2009

    1 Comment

    I didn’t actually see that many concerts in 2008, but the ones I did were incredible. So incredible that I’ve decided to spend an entire post reliving my favorite ones. This will effectively end my coverage of the best music of 2008. ‘Twas a great year, but I have a feeling 2009 will be even better!

    MY MORNING JACKET
    Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA :: September 19, 2008

    From the very start, I wasn’t feeling this show. A heavy mist blanketed the Greek as My Morning Jacket took stage. They quickly launched into newer songs like “Evil Urges,” “Off the Record,” and “Aluminum Park” — definitely not my favorites. I worried the rest of the show would be similar. I thought about leaving early: the risk of catching pneumonia outweighed any enjoyment I might get from staying for the entire concert.

    Or so I thought. After 30 minutes, the mist began to lift and MMJ started playing some older stuff. Before I knew it, I was rocking out on my air guitar (like an idiot) to songs like “Phone Went West” and “Dondante.”

    Never before has this happened to me at a concert. Not the air guitar. I do that more than I care to admit. No, what I’m talking about is the complete turn around in my attitude. Usually once I lose interest, I’m not coming back. Yet somehow MMJ brought me back. Not an easy task. Well done, boys, well done.

    JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
    HSBG 8, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA :: October 5, 2008

    This is the story about how Justin Townes Earle singlehandedly saved my first experience at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (or HSBG for short).

    Getting to Golden Gate Park was quite the adventure, involving a Muni train packed to the gills, a cab ride cut short by insufficient funds, and a 15-block walk. When we finally arrived, we navigated through a sea of people to the stage where Iron & Wine was scheduled to play. We grabbed some overpriced (but delicious!) food and eventually found a spot to sit.

    Despite a huge tree blocking my view of the stage, I was excited to see Iron & Wine play again. I became even more excited when Sam Beam took the stage for an entirely acoustic show. Sadly, my excitement didn’t last long. Sam listlessly stumbled through a set of music that should’ve been amazing.

    After the disappointing first act, we again cut through a sea of people to the stage where Justin Townes Earle was playing. Thankfully, he was on a smaller stage. The sparse crowd made it much easier to find great seats. By the time Justin took stage, I felt a little better.

    Over the course of the next hour my mood would only improve. Justin put on a remarkable show. Every song he played was a journey, transporting us to a simpler time and place. We were no longer in Golden Gate Park; we were somewhere in the south. Perhaps Tennessee or Georgia.

    Throughout this journey, Justin effortlessly jumped between genres — from folk to rock to swing to blues. His bandmate Cory (aka “Swiss Army knife”) helped make it all possible. He played nearly every instrument under the sun. But he absolutely killed it on the harmonica. It was quite the sight.

    But the true highlight of the show came at the end. Justin closed his set with an incredible version of “A Desolate Angels Blues.” The studio version of this song sends chills down my spine, especially the part near the end when everything cuts out except Justin’s vocals. But the live version was even better. The concert couldn’t have ended on a better note.

    And that’s how Justin Townes Earle single-handedly saved HSBG 8.

    GRAND ARCHIVES w/ SERA CAHOONE
    Slim’s, San Francisco, CA :: June 28, 2008

    I already wrote about this concert here. Unfortunately, I can’t think of anything new to add to my review except for the following thoughts.

    The timing of this show was perfect. My obsession with Sera Cahoone was beginning to fade and I hadn’t really given Grand Archives the attention they deserved. But witnessing both bands put on an amazing show rejuvenated my interest in their music.

    I’m seeing Sera again at the end of this month (unfortunately, Grand Archives have been replaced by Fruit Bats). If it’s even half as good as the first time, we are all in for a real treat!

  • Features » Best of » Best of 2008

    Top 10 Songs

    Best of 2008: Top 10 Songs

    Posted on December 29, 2008

    2 Comments

    According to iTunes, my 10 most played songs of 2008 come from only two albums: Frightened Rabbit’s The Midnight Organ Fight and Sera Cahoone’s Only As the Day Is Long. Which probably explains how these two albums found themselves at the top of my Top 10 Albums of 2008 list. But my most played tracks in iTunes are not my Top 10 Songs of 2008 for a couple reasons. First, it would be a little boring. Second, I would probably run into legal issues if I posted half the songs from those two albums.

    With that said, I present my actual list below. The songs are ordered in a way that I think flows best. A zip file containing all 10 tracks is provided below for your convenience. Enjoy!

  • Features » Best of » Best of 2008

    Top 10 Albums

    Best of 2008: Top 10 Albums

    Posted on December 18, 2008

    5 Comments

    SHEARWATER
    Rook

    It’s official. With Rook, Shearwater has fully stepped out of the giant shadow cast by Okkervil River. This isn’t the first time I’ve said this, but it’s definitely true. It’s been fun watching the band’s progression. With each new release, Shearwater continues to put more and more distance between itself and Okkervil River. Hopefully, Rook is just one of many more albums to come from this incredible band.

    GRAND ARCHIVES
    The Grand Archives

    This may sound a little strange, but Grand Archives’ self-titled debut is like an old friend. No matter how much time passes between contact, conversations continue as though you’d just talked to your friend yesterday. And the time you spend together only reminds you why you liked this person so much in the first place. Every time I listen to The Grand Archives, I wonder why I don’t listen to it more often.

    THE WALKMEN
    You & Me

    When I wrote about You & Me a few months ago, I said, “Right now, ‘On the Water’ is my favorite track, but this will probably change on a weekly basis.” As it turns out, I was right. My favorite song this week is “If Only It Were True.” I consider this to be the hallmark of a great album – one that reveals itself slowly in layers.

    THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE
    Hometowns

    Hometowns was a last minute addition to this list. If I had a little more time with the album, it probably would crack my top 5. But the mere fact that it even made the list stands as a testament to its amazingness. Normally I wouldn’t even consider an album I just started listening to 3 weeks ago, but The Rural Alberta Advantage is one of the best new bands I’ve heard in a long time. They definitely deserve this spot.

    BON IVER
    For Emma, Forever Ago

    Technically first released in 2007, For Emma, Forever Ago was easily my most anticipated album of 2008. And it did not disappoint. Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) manages to do a lot with very little. He makes sounds with an acoustic guitar I didn’t think possible. He loops and layers his gorgeous vocals to haunting effect. It all adds up to one of the most original and innovative albums of 2008.

    THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
    Shallow Grave

    The most impressive thing about Shallow Grave is how effortless it sounds. There must be something in the water in Sweden. Using just an acoustic guitar and occasionally a banjo, The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson) walks a narrow line between intensity and beauty. It’s an impressive debut from a talented singer-songwriter.

    SIGUR RÓS
    Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust

    I’m getting a little worried. I’m starting to hear Sigur Rós everywhere: commercials, TV shows, movie trailers, soundtracks. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Their music is disgustingly gorgeous. And Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust is no exception. If anything surprises me, it’s that it took the TV and movie people so long to discover this amazing band.

    FLEET FOXES
    Fleet Foxes

    The first time I heard Fleet Foxes I got a little angry. They sounded eerily similar to early My Morning Jacket, which I did not appreciate. But because I was desperate for some classic MMJ, I decided to give them a try. I’m glad I did. The more I listen to them, the less they sound like MMJ. It took a little time, but Fleet Foxes’ soaring vocals and melodies definitely grew on me. Much more than I ever imagined.

    SERA CAHOONE
    Only As the Day Is Long

    For the record, Only As the Day Is Long could’ve easily held down the No. 1 spot on this list. 2008 was the year I discovered the beauty of Americana/folk music and, without a doubt, Sera Cahoone was the highlight of this incredible genre. Sadly, I never featured her on my Artist Spotlight series as I originally planned. I just couldn’t find the right words (and doubt I ever will). Just know that Sera writes simple, gorgeous, heartbreaking music.

    FRIGHTENED RABBIT
    The Midnight Organ Fight

    There’s not much more to say about these guys that I haven’t already said. Maybe the only thing left to do is justify why they grabbed the top spot. On a typical album, I usually figure out my favorite track(s) within the first few listens. But on The Midnight Organ Fight, this didn’t happen. It is truly a complete album, which in the age of the digital single is a remarkable achievement.

  • Features » Best of » Best of 2008

    New to Me

    Best of 2008: New to Me

    Posted on December 7, 2008

    2 Comments

    I begin my coverage of the best music of 2008 by resurrecting an idea from two years ago. It’s called the “New to Me” list and it has nothing to do with music released in 2008. Instead, it gathers a few excellent bands that I discovered this year, even though they have been around much, much longer. You might also call it the “I’m Embarrassed to Admit It Took Me So Long to Discover These Bands” list.

    JOSH RITTER

    Last time I talked about Josh Ritter, I got a little carried away. I went on a mini rant about how Ritter, as a singer-songwriter, gets very little love from certain critics. Since writing that post, I’ve come to terms with the fact that not everyone will like the same music as me.

    Despite a few lukewarm critical reviews, I really like Josh Ritter. Over the course of 5 albums, he’s changed his sound quite a bit. On Golden Age of Radio, my favorite Ritter album, he sounds like a twangy Dylan. On Hello Starling, he sounds like a folk troubadour. And on Animal Years, he sounds like an apocalyptic indie rocker.

    Regardless of his sound, Ritter has maintained his knack for writing simple, affecting songs. To understand what I’m talking about, just listen to “Here At the Right Time,” the closing track on The Animal Years. It doesn’t get much better.

    DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS

    It’s crazy to think about how a simple action or decision can have huge consequences. At the trivial end of the spectrum, there’s the decision about which song to first listen to when you discover a new band. If you choose the wrong one, you might never listen to that band again.

    That’s almost what happened to the Drive-By Truckers. A few year ago, after reading some glowing reviews, I decided to give the Truckers a try. I think I listened to “Puttin’ People On the Moon.” The song’s odd pacing and hostile tone turned me off big time. I probably stopped the track halfway through, shelving the band after hearing only two minutes of their music.

    Earlier this year, the Truckers released Brighter Than Creation’s Dark and again I read some pretty good reviews. I decided to give the band one last shot. This time, however, I listened to “Goddamn Lonely Love.” What a difference a song makes: it’s way more mellow than “Puttin’ People On the Moon.” If you’re a fan of sad bastard music like I am, you will absolutely love it. After a while, you might even warm up to “Puttin’ People On the Moon” (as I have).

    CARISSA’S WIERD

    Why is it nearly impossible to track down anything released by Carissa’s Wierd? I’d really appreciate it if someone could answer this question for me. I’ve only been able to track down Songs About Leaving, which isn’t even their best album. The rest I had to download “illegally.”

    I put the word illegally in quotes because I seriously doubt I’m breaking any laws by downloading an album that is out of print (and therefore can’t be purchased legally). Please correct me if I’m wrong. Anyways, after a little searching, I found a blog where you can download the band’s entire catalog (here).

    And while I love free music, I wish I at least had the option to purchase their albums. Carissa’s Wierd wrote some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard (though sometimes their song titles can get a little out of hand — see below for proof). Unfortunately, the band split up in 2003 after releasing only 3 albums. I guess they wanted to end on a high note.

    Update (11/30/2011): the band has recorded two new songs “Tucson” and “Meredith & Iris.” In addition, their entire catalog is now available for purchase here or through your favorite digital retailer. Please consider legally purchasing their music if you like what you hear!

  • Features » Artist Spotlight

    South San Gabriel

    Artist Spotlight: South San Gabriel

    Posted on November 21, 2008

    0 Comments

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    I usually try to avoid comparing bands or musicians, but I feel like there’s no way I can talk about Will Johnson without mentioning Jason Molina. The similarities are just too overwhelming.

    First, both men are prolific singer-songwriters. Each front or have fronted multiple bands: Will Johnson currently heads both Centro-matic and South San Gabriel while Jason Molina led Songs: Ohia before morphing it into Magnolia Electric Co. In addition, both men have released several solo records. All told, Johnson has around 14 albums to his name while Molina has over 16 (all released over the span of about 10 years). I don’t know about you, but I’m impressed.

    And second, both men write remarkably diverse music. Johnson uses Centro-matic to pump out straightforward indie rock and South San Gabriel to explore more down-tempo material. Molina wrote somber, bluesy numbers under the Songs: Ohia moniker before heading in a more “alt-country” direction with Magnolia Electric Co. Both musicians’ solo albums are sparse, haunting affairs.

    Despite these overwhelming similarities, Will Johnson and his two bands aren’t as well known as Molina’s. Which is a true shame because Johnson is immensely talented. I especially like his output under South San Gabriel: it’s perfect late night music. Random weird sounds and plodding beats from drum machines complement Johnson’s odd delivery and gorgeous melodies. It all sums to create a lonely, yet strangely comforting landscape.

    I’ve posted my favorite track from each of South San Gabriel’s three albums: “New Brookland” from Welcome, Convalescence, “Stupid Is As Stupid Does” from The Carlton Chronicles: Not Until the Operation’s Through, and “The Arc and the Cusp” from Dual Hawks.

  • Features » Concert

    The Spinto Band

    Concert: The Spinto Band

    Posted on November 14, 2008

    2 Comments

    Artists:

    Because of the movies and TV, I think all musicians are complete jackasses. They trash hotel rooms, do tons of drugs (and groupies), and have egos the size of Texas. Obviously, this is a stereotype. I’m sure most musicians are very nice people. And those who happen to be jackasses were probably jackasses long before they were musicians.

    But I stray. I want to talk about my first ever band interview. On the day after Halloween, I had the opportunity to interview The Spinto Band before they played Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. At first, I didn’t want to do it. I had never interviewed anyone before, let alone a popular indie band. Also – and I know this sounds quite stupid – I thought they would be mean to me. Probably because I believed all musicians to be jackasses. In the end, however, I decided it was too good of an opportunity to pass by.

    Needless to say, I was a little nervous as I sat down to interview Jeff Hobson (drums) and Joe Hobson (guitar and backing vocals) from The Spinto Band. But before talking about the interview, let me first provide a brief history of the band.

    The Spinto Band first started recording music in 1998. They self released a handful of albums over the course of a few years, finally gaining some notoriety in 2005 thanks to an infectious little song “Oh Mandy” and a lot of buzz from the blogosphere. They just released Moonwink, their second album on a major indie label, and are currently near the end of a North American tour with Frightened Rabbit. The Spinto Band has six members: Jon Eaton, Nick Krill, Thomas Hughes, Jeffrey Hobson, Sam Hughes, and Joe Hobson.

    While it wasn’t my initial intention, I ended up using the interview to dispel my misconceptions about musicians. After a few questions, I soon realized that Jeff and Joe are really nice guys who enjoy playing and recording music. Not at all jackasses. Here are some interesting things I learned about them and the band:

    • As you might expect, they sometimes get tired of playing the same songs over and over again at their shows

    • Whoever is driving the tour van has complete control of the radio

    • Being a professional musician hasn’t destroyed their love of music

    • “Oh Mandy” is not about a girl but rather a mandolin

    • They devote their free time to things other than music (like video games) and, somewhat surprisingly, don’t stay too current with the latest bands and releases

    • They like music blogs but sadly have never read mine

    After interviewing Jeff and Joe, I bumped into Frightened Rabbit and chatted with them for a few minutes. Again, they were incredibly nice guys – not at all jackasses. I think I’ve finally gotten over my silly misconceptions about musicians.

    As for the actual concert, neither band disappointed. Frightened Rabbit opened with a loud, emotional set. The highlight was definitely when Scott Hutchison stepped in front of his microphone and sang a truly acoustic version of “Poke.” The Spinto Band followed suit, playing with an insane amount of energy. All six members crammed onto the tiny stage and, quite amazingly, managed to avoid hitting each other during their spastic gyrations. They looked like they were having a lot of fun up there.

    I know I definitely did.

  • Features » Essay

    Isolation

    Essay: Isolation

    Posted on August 14, 2008

    3 Comments

    For the past year or so, I’ve felt the overwhelming desire to move up north for the winter and live by myself in a cabin. Kind of like Bon Iver, but not really (mostly because I doubt anything as beautiful as For Emma, Forever Ago would result). Also, I’d want to go somewhere more mountainous and snowy than Wisconsin. Probably either Alaska or western Canada.

    The reasons for this are multiple. First, I want to experience the full intensity of winter (I love cold and snow). Second, I want to gaze upon the Northern Lights in all their glory. And third, I want to see how I respond to prolonged periods of darkness and isolation.

    So when a good friend suggested I read North Into the Night, a story about a guy who spends a winter alone in the Arctic, I happily obliged. At the very least, it would be an entertaining read, and might even help me prepare for my adventure.

    Without giving too much of the book away, the guy nearly goes crazy after spending over 5 months in complete darkness and isolation. He sleeps for days on end and often loses control of his temper and sanity. Even though my proposed adventure wouldn’t be as intense, his story filled me with apprehension. Could I really go 5 months without seeing another person?

    All of this got me thinking about the nature of isolation. After some serious reflection, I’ve come up with two kinds (though I’m sure there’s more). The first type of isolation, as described in North Into the Night, is largely physical; the author (Alvah Simon) ventured to a part of the world that few inhabit, so quite naturally he was alone. The second kind of isolation is best illustrated by the story told in Justin Townes Earle’s heartbreaking song “Yuma.” The isolation he portrays is mostly psychological; the (hopefully) fictional character feels completely alone even when surrounded by scores of people in a city.

    I think psychological isolation is easier to sympathize with and understand. Most of us live in populated areas. Yet somehow the constant presence of other people doesn’t always fight back feelings of isolation and loneliness. Especially with the rise in popularity of iPods and personal music players. Just pop in those little white ear buds and the surrounding world disappears!

    Anyways, if you like the song posted below, I highly recommend listening to the rest of Justin Townes Earle’s EP Yuma, as well as his LP The Good Life. He has an amazing voice and a knack for penning gorgeous songs that perfectly articulate those universal feelings of heartbreak and loneliness. Which, coincidentally, sound amazing through the ear buds of an iPod.

  • Features » Region Spotlight

    Canada

    Region Spotlight: Canada

    Posted on August 7, 2008

    3 Comments

    I write this post from a strange and distant land: I am currently visiting the frozen, sunless wilderness known as Canada. Specifically, I am in Lake Louise, a gorgeous glacial lake nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Despite the weak dollar, I recommend all Americans venture north of the border at least once before passing judgment upon their quirky neighbors. Canada truly is a unique place, not a “frozen, sunless wilderness” (at least not all the time).

    On top of all the natural beauty, Canada also has a pretty amazing music scene. As many of you probably know, several popular indie rock bands call Canada home, including The New Pornographers, Wolf Parade, and The Arcade Fire. What you may not know, however, is that Canada also hosts a solid alt country/folk scene. Canadianicana, if you will. This regional mix highlights a few of my favorite artists.

    JULIE DOIRON

    Blessed with an amazingly expressive voice, Julie Doiron plays music that reminds me of early Cat Power (which is, coincidentally, my favorite Cat Power): dark and moody, somber and bluesy. Doiron’s best tracks feature just her voice, an electric guitar, and maybe some drums. Goodnight Nobody is my favorite album, though I have yet to explore her extensive catalog in depth.

    KATHLEEN EDWARDS

    Kathleen Edwards (unfairly) had some big shoes to fill. After discovering (and becoming obsessed with) Sera Cahoone, I desperately tried to find similar female singer-songwriters to satisfy my insatiable appetite for quiet, thoughtful Americana. Luckily, I stumbled upon Kathleen Edwards. A little feistier than Cahoone, Edwards’ music is also more emotionally charged. The track posted below, however, is one of her mellower songs.

    HAYDEN

    Lyrics tend to take center stage on Hayden’s albums. Consider, for example, the following excerpt: “Women adored me / For the sad look in my eyes / Now they ignore me / For getting on with my life.” Simply amazing. And the music usually keeps pace. It’s been fun delving into some of Hayden’s older material; he has definitely matured and mellowed with age. The track posted below is off his latest album In Field & Town, which is his most concise and consistent to date.

    JUSTIN RUTLEDGE

    Justin Rutledge is an underrated singer-songwriter from Toronto. Though his latest album sometimes veers into the dangerous land of adult contemporary, his debut album No Never Alone is spectacular. Listening to “1855″ makes me wish I could travel back to a more simple time. And “Alberta Breeze” may very well be the theme song to my vacation.

    Now I try to keep a steady hand / ‘Cause I’m living in a shaky land / Lord I try to be an honest man / But it’s tougher than I ever planned

  • Features » Essay

    Today is a sad day

    Essay: Today is a sad day

    Posted on July 30, 2008

    2 Comments

    Artists:

    I knew this day would come. It had to. Dogs normally don’t live fifteen years. Especially fifteen years with three rambunctious boys.

    Yet somehow Molly endured. Far beyond even our most optimistic expectations. Even towards the end, when she couldn’t hear and struggled up and down the stairs, she still kept doing the things she loved: lying in the sun at the front door, wolfing down her food as though she hadn’t eaten in weeks, and doing her best imitation of my mom’s shadow.

    Reality still hasn’t sunk in. My beloved dog is gone. She won’t be there at the door to greet me when I come home next time. And I won’t bring back nearly 3 pounds of dog hair with me to California.

    So here’s to Molly, forever my little puppy. Here’s to the endless stream of stupid nicknames that flowed in her direction, the sleepless nights caused by her innate ability to hog the entire bed, the cute way she flicked snow up in the air with her nose, and the countless scraps of food she pilfered from the kitchen (including a Christmas ham from the refrigerator).

    Here’s to the good times and the bad. Here’s to my faithful childhood companion. I’m going to miss you Molly.

  • Features » Concert

    Grand Archives & Sera Cahoone

    Concert: Grand Archives & Sera Cahoone

    Posted on June 29, 2008

    1 Comment

    Last night was, in a word, amazing. Simply amazing. One of those experiences that rejuvenates your soul and makes the daily grind seem almost tolerable. My previous encounter with this feeling came a year ago when I saw Menomena at the Independent (and probably also this past winter while snowboarding).

    Last night Sera Cahoone and Grand Archives played at Slim’s in San Francisco and it was easily one of the best concerts I’ve seen. Both acts were exceptional. Sera opened the show with a set that couldn’t have been more perfect. Highlights included “Only As the Day Is Long,” “Baker Lake,” “Happy When I’m Gone,” “Couch Song,” and an incredible version of “You’re Not Broken.” Her vocals were spot-on and her backing band equally impressive (especially the guy on lap steel).

    Following her set, she sat at the merch table and chatted with fans. I asked her to sign my copy of Only As the Day Is Long and happily purchased a t-shirt from her. I hope she starts headlining shows in the future. She is a phenomenal musician and songwriter.

    It took me a little while to come down from my Cahoone-induced high, but when I did, I found myself in the middle of the Grand Archives’ set. I honestly would’ve been happy if they played “Sleepdriving” and nothing else, but I actually enjoyed some of their other songs more, especially “Torn Blue Foam Couch,” “George Kaminski,” and a raucous version of “Crime Window.” The true highlight, however, was a duet version of “Louis Riel” featuring Sera Cahoone and Mat Brooke.

    The show ended around 11:30pm but I wanted more. Unfortunately, this was the last stop of their tour, so I can’t tell you to go see them for yourself. Which is a true shame because they all looked like they were having a great time playing together. Instead of catching them live, I recommend reading my previous posts (here and here), downloading the songs below, and purchasing their albums if you enjoy. And then hope they decide to tour together again in the future.

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