Sometimes I can’t help but think of all the amazing artists and albums that have slipped through the cracks over the years. Luckily these thoughts don’t keep me up at night. But they probably explain why I listen to so much music. I’m always browsing the interweb, searching for my next obsession. But this insatiable appetite also could be my undoing. By listening to tons of new music, I probably can’t fully appreciate the stuff I have, which causes more artists and albums to slip through the cracks. It’s a viscous cycle.

This almost happened with Annuals. The first time I listened to their debut album Be He Me I hated it. After nearly a dozen listens, my opinion hadn’t changed much. Eventually I forgot about the album.

Then a few weeks ago I randomly played Be He Me in my car. I don’t know if it was the better speakers or the time spent away from the album, but it sounded completely different. It sounded alive. Beautiful, soaring melodies had emerged from the overwhelming chaos. It was unbelievable.

Album closer “Sway” is a great example of this transformation. The song features a cacophony of seemingly random sounds and noises. With repeated listens, however, this unholy ruckus transforms into one of the most gorgeous moments on the album. It’s the perfect ending to a stellar album, and also the perfect introduction to Annuals, my latest obsession.

[mp3] Annuals :: Sway

As you may have noticed, I’ve been updating my Twitter page on a fairly regular basis. Sadly, the same cannot be said for my actual site. Despite listening to lots of new music lately, I haven’t come across anything worth writing about.

So once again I find myself digging through the archives. Except not really. Two months ago, I wrote about The Antlers. In that post (which can be read here), I gushed about the song “Two.” Now I want to gush about the album Hospice. Especially now that I’ve had some time to digest it. But before I start, I must disclose something: I’m completely obsessed with Hospice. With a fair amount of confidence, I can say it will top my year-end list. I realize 2009 is only half over, but it’s that good. Here’s why.

Much like Blind Pilot’s 3 Rounds and a Sounds, Hospice is a complete album. As much as I love “Two,” the other nine songs on the album are just as good. “Kettering” sounds ethereal, “Sylvia” soars to ridiculous heights, and “Epilogue” features some of the most gorgeous vocals I’ve ever heard. With the exception of the opening track (which is ambient), there is no filler.

And much like Frightened Rabbit’s Midnight Organ Fight, Hospice has many layers. Most tracks reveal their beauty only after repeated listens. The album is packed with so much emotion it’s almost overwhelming. I can’t imagine the events or experiences that inspired some of these songs (nor do I want to). But while there is an abundance of sadness and heartbreak, the album also contains moments of inspiration and joy. In short, Hospice is a roller coaster of emotion.

Below I’ve posted my two favorite songs from Hospice (“Kettering” and “Two”), though it was difficult narrowing it down to only two. I’ve also included the title track from The Antler’s debut album Uprooted, which clearly hints at the band’s enormous potential. Potential that has been fully realized with Hospice.

[mp3] The Antlers :: Kettering
[mp3] The Antlers :: Two
[mp3] The Antlers :: Uprooted

By the way, you can download the iTunes bonus tracks “Sylvia, An Introduction” and “Nothing Matters When We’re Dancing” for free here.

It pains me to say this, but winter is officially over. I put in my last day of snowboarding earlier this week and after today my favorite Lake Tahoe resort is closed for the season. I could easily spend the next few paragraphs complaining about how I won’t be able to snowboard for the next 8 months. But no one wants to hear that. And truthfully, I’m pretty excited for spring (and summer).

So to help gear up for all the fun in the sun, my latest Mini Mix highlights 3 albums that are poised to get a ton of plays as the temperature rises. Also, this post should purge the backlog of music created by my recent lack of activity. Enjoy!

PETE AND THE PIRATES
Little Death

I must’ve debated buying this album for over a month. Looking back, I don’t know why I waffled so much. Over a dozen glowing reviews on eMusic should’ve clued me in to what I was missing: effortless, off-kilter indie pop from the UK. In their debut, Pete and the Pirates have crafted an album brimming with infectious hooks and clever lyrics. “She Doesn’t Belong to Me” is a fantastic example. In just under two minutes, the band packs in more hooks and one-liners than most can fit in an entire album. The rest of Little Death is just as good.

Learn more about Pete and the Pirates at the following sites:

         

[mp3] Pete and the Pirates :: She Doesn’t Belong to Me

HARLEM SHAKES
Technicolor Health

I just started listening to Harlem Shakes but already I can tell their debut has a lot of potential (and also a beautiful album cover). The band has generated a fair amount of buzz and it is well deserved. Technicolor Health is both energetic and engaging. And while it might not break any new ground, it sounds great from start to finish (which itself is quite an accomplishment). It’s a little too early for me to say much more about the album, but I definitely look forward to blasting it in my car as I cruise around this summer.

Learn more about Harlem Shakes at the following sites:

         

[mp3] Harlem Shakes :: Strictly Game

MILES BENJAMIN ANTHONY ROBINSON
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

I’m surprised by how quickly I’ve warmed to Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. After my first few listens, I felt overwhelmed and somewhat put off by the chaotic nature of his music. The 10 songs on his self-titled debut seemed to lack both structure and melody. At the same time, however, I was also intrigued by the chaos. After the next few listens, melodies began to emerge. Right now, my favorite track is the epic opener “Buriedfed,” though I’m sure this will change as I continue to untangle this gem.

Learn more about Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson at the following sites:

       

[mp3] Miles Benjamin Anthony Davis :: Buriedfed

I am not a spontaneous writer. When I come up with an idea for an article, I usually spend several days (or even weeks) tweaking and polishing it before posting it on my site. The extra time helps me better organize and focus my thoughts.

I think this approach has worked out pretty well so far. When I look back on older posts, I’m usually pretty happy with what I read. I’m even happier to see that, for the most part, I still like (and listen to) the music I wrote about.

But tonight I am abandoning this approach. I discovered a song and I need to write about it. Now.

As I made the usual rounds on the internet this morning, I caught a feature on eMusic called “2009 Sleepers.” I noticed Hurray For the Riff Raff on the list so I decided to check out some of the other bands. One of them was The Antlers. After reading a few reviews of Hospice and listening to some clips, I jumped over to last.fm to see if I could stream some full tracks.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) there were only two full songs posted: “Bear” and “Two.” I listened to both tracks as I hung up some shirts in the other room. The sound was a little muffled, but through the wall I heard an incredibly beautiful and haunting melody. It was the song “Two.” I had to listen to it again, except this time give it my full attention.

During my second listen, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know what to focus on: the slow, gorgeous build of the instrumentation or the heartbreaking lyrics. After nearly a dozen listens, I still don’t know what to focus on. It’s one of those songs that causes paralysis: when it comes on, I stop whatever it is I’m doing and just listen. It’s also one of those songs that ends way too soon (despite being almost 6 minutes long).

Ultimately, however, the words I write will fail to convey just how remarkable this song is. Maybe I should spend a few more days tweaking this post. Kidding of course. Just give the song a listen.

[mp3] The Antlers :: Two

I can hardly believe it. This is the 100th post on my site. I never thought I’d make it this far. And to celebrate this special occasion, I’ve decided to do something I normally avoid at all costs: posting tracks without first writing about the artists.

The 10 songs below have dominated my speakers over the past few months. But for various reasons, I haven’t featured any of them on my site (until now, of course).

• [mp3] Peter Broderick :: And It’s Alright
• [mp3] Mark Farina :: Dream Machine (featuring Sean Hayes)
• [mp3] Lil’ Wayne :: Tie My Hands
• [mp3] Frontier Ruckus :: Dark Autumn Hour
• [mp3] Phosphorescent :: Wolves
• [mp3] William Fitzsimmons :: Find Me to Forgive
• [mp3] Spiritualized :: Sitting On Fire
• [mp3] Titus Andronicus :: No Future
• [mp3] The Gaslight Anthem :: Here’s Looking At You, Kid
• [mp3] Andrew Bird :: Take Courage

As the above track listing indicates, the mix is a little eclectic. Download all 10 songs in a zip file here. And as always, if you like any of the above songs, please support the artists!

Despite listening to an insane amount of music, I have yet to encounter the “perfect” album. To be clear, I define the “perfect” album as one containing absolutely no filler, sounding best when played in its entirety.

This honestly surprises me. With all the music I listen to, I thought there’d be at least one album in my collection that fits the bill. But no. Even my all-time favorites contain a few tracks I could live without. In 2008, Frightened Rabbit came pretty close with The Midnight Organ Fight. And in 2007, Menomena’s Friend and Foe flirted with perfection. But as good as these albums are, I still skip a few songs on each.

I’m starting to think I should lower my expectations. With the music industry fully embracing the internet, focus has shifted from albums to singles. Pretty soon, I envision some musicians abandoning the album format altogether. After all, if most people download only one or two tracks, why waste time and money recording the entire album?

Maybe I shouldn’t be so cynical. Every now and then I stumble upon an album or band that renews my faith in the music business. This time it’s 3 Rounds and a Sound, the stellar debut album from Blind Pilot, a tiny band from Portland, Oregon that apparently only tours via bicycle.

Musically speaking, 3 Rounds and a Sound breaks little new ground. I’d describe the album as a straightforward mix of rock, pop, and folk. But what it lacks in complexity it makes up for with raw emotion, beauty, and catchiness. Further proof that the best music is simple and direct.

And while 3 Rounds and a Sound still isn’t perfect, it’s damn close. I can’t remember the last time I heard such a confident, effortless debut. Maybe Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago. Anyways, I’ve posted two tracks from the album below: “Oviedo” (the opener) and “3 Rounds and a Sound” (the closer). Pick up the rest of the album to find out what happens in between. You won’t be disappointed.

[mp3] Blind Pilot :: Oviedo
[mp3] Blind Pilot :: 3 Rounds and a Sound

PS — I want “3 Rounds and a Sound” played at my wedding, along with Beirut’s “Postcards From Italy.” So romantic.

So I have a theory that there are two basic responses to breaking up with someone: sadness or anger. The first reaction produces the kind of music I normally listen to — sorrowful, introspective stuff — while the second produces punk music.

And I support this theory with the following observation. I’ve never really warmed to punk music. The reason for this is simple: I’m a moper. My response to most situations (including break-ups) is sadness. I rarely get mad — unless I happen to be driving. As a result, I have a hard time identifying with angry, bitter music.

Or so I thought. A few years ago I stumbled upon Deja Entendu by Brand New. While I remember cringing at some of the louder, heavier tracks (especially the ones with screaming), I really enjoyed the album’s slower songs. Especially “The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot” and “Play Crack the Sky.”

But lately I’ve been warming to the entire album (including the screaming). It’s just too good — amazing hooks, epic riffs, and heartbreaking lyrics abound. It took a few years, but I’ve finally come to appreciate both the quiet and loud moments of Deja Entendu.

The song posted below isn’t necessarily my favorite track from the album, but it features the band sounding both quiet and loud. There’s even some screaming!

Note: For those of you worried about the direction of my blog, rest assured. At my core, I’m still a moper (and always will be). But every now and then I feel like screaming and rocking out.

[mp3] Brand New :: Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis

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

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.

[mp3] My Morning Jacket :: Tyrone

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE :: HSBG 8, GOLDEN GATE PARK, SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: OCTOBER 5

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 singlehandedly saved HSBG 8.

[mp3] Justin Townes Earle :: A Desolate Angels Blues

GRAND ARCHIVES with SERA CAHOONE :: SLIM’S, SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: JUNE 28

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!

[mp3] Sera Cahoone :: Happy When I’m Gone
[mp3] Grand Archives :: Sleepdriving

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 the above songs are not my Top 10 Songs of 2008 for several reason. 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. And third, my most-played tracks in iTunes are not necessarily my favorite songs of 2008.

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!