In order to return my blog to its usual format, I need to clear out the backlog of music created by my summer hiatus. This post should bring you up to speed on some of my favorite albums released in the past few months. It won’t be poetic, but then again, housekeeping rarely is.

MY MORNING JACKET Official Website | MySpace | eMusic | Insound | Amazon | CD Baby | Amie Street

After the massive disappointment that was Z, I expected very little of My Morning Jacket’s latest album Evil Urges. After several months of listening, I can honestly say Evil Urges doesn’t suck. In fact, it’s pretty solid. The band continues to distance themselves from the sound they perfected on At Dawn, which, at least for me, is disappointing because that’s the sound I originally fell in love with.

I think, however, I’ve come to terms with their new direction. Seeing them live at the Greek two weeks ago definitely helped. These guys put on an amazing show. One of the many highlights that night was an incredible version of “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2,” the epic closing track on Evil Urges. The studio version of this song is posted below.

[mp3] My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2

THE WALKMEN Official Website | MySpace | eMusic | Insound | Amazon | CD Baby | Amie Street

On You & Me, The Walkmen not only perfect their sound but finally feel comfortable with it. And they sound as if they’ve just shaken off an epic hangover: their new album contains a sense of weariness and regret not present in previous albums. Maybe The Walkmen have grown up.

If so, it’s for the better. You & Me is their most consistent, and ultimately, their most rewarding album to date. Ironically, its consistency might also be its biggest turn-off. Songs sometimes bleed too much into each other. It takes repeated listens before tracks distinguish themselves. After nearly two dozen spins, I’m finally there. Right now, “On the Water” is my favorite track, but this will probably change on a weekly basis.

[mp3] The Walkmen - On the Water

SHEARWATER Official Website | MySpace | eMusic | Insound | Amazon | CD Baby | Amie Street

Similar to The Walkmen, Shearwater sounds like they’ve finally figured themselves out. With the release of Rook, Meiburg and his band fully step out of the shadow of Okkervil River. I’m only disappointed it took so long.

There is a lot going on under the surface of Rook. The shear gorgeousness of the music often masks a strong undercurrent of anger and frustration. Which is part of the reason I like Shearwater so much: their ability to combine beauty and violence is striking. The title track from Rook, which is posted below, captures this balance perfectly.

[mp3] Shearwater - Rooks

SIGUR RÓS Official Website | MySpace | eMusic | Insound | Amazon | CD Baby | Amie Street

Sigur Rós has yet to release a disappointing album. With every new CD, they manage to explore new territory while at the same time maintaining their core sound (My Morning Jacket should take a lesson from them). The first few tracks on Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust, for example, can almost be described as joyous, which is definitely new territory for the band.

This mood, however, doesn’t last long. Soon the band retreats to familiar ground, slowing the flow of music to that of a glacier. “Illgresi,” the track posted below, resides on the slower second half of Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust and features the band at its simplest: a pretty acoustic guitar riff, some violin flourishes, and Jónsi’s plaintive vocals.

[mp3] Sigur Rós - Illgresi

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.

[mp3] Sigur Rós - Andvari

If anyone has yet to listen to Radiohead’s new album In Rainbows, I strongly recommend making your way over here where you can download it for free (if you so choose). It’s nothing short of amazing. Along with the Acorn’s Glory Hope Mountain, it’s been the only thing I’ve listened to for the last 3 weeks.

Which is why I’m worried. Whenever I find an album I really like, I listen to it so much that it loses its impact. Songs that initially moved me to tears (or ecstasy) become stripped of emotion after repeated listens. I can’t tell whether this is inevitable or purely my fault.

The true test, however, is whether you come back to the album after the obsession has subsided. Bands like My Morning Jacket, Okkervil River, and Built to Spill have definitely benefited from this treatment.

A band that’s currently riding this wave of re-obsession is Sigur Rós. Diehard MWW fans may recall that I put a song of theirs on my first podcast. Sadly, I haven’t mentioned them since, which in my opinion is unacceptable.

So in an attempt to amend the situation, I’ve decided to post the closing track from Sigur Rós’ untitled album ( ). The song, which approaches the 12-minute mark, sounds like an epic struggle between good and evil. Don’t let the made-up lyrics distract you, instead think of the vocals as another instrument in the song.

A new Sigur Rós compilation arrives November 6th, with their next studio album currently in the works.

[mp3] Sigur Rós - Untitled 8

The moment has finally arrived! Mike Went West proudly presents its first podcast (aka mix tape). Mix Tape 01 features the Top 10 Songs of 2005 according to Mike Went West.

I know it’s about 8 months late, but this mix has gotta be one of the best I’ve ever made. I enjoy it as much now as I did back in December 2005. Every song is top-notch - I wouldn’t change a single thing. I hope my future mixes can top this one!

Here’s the tracklisting:

1. Wolf Parade - Shine a Light
2. The New Pornographers - Sing Me Spanish Techno
3. Spoon - I Summon You
4. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals - Let It Ride
5. Sufjan Stevens - The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!
6. Akron/Family - Running, Returning
7. Sigur Ros - Hoppi­polla
8. Iron & Wine - The Trapeze Swinger
9. Okkervil River - A Stone
10. My Morning Jacket - Dondante

Directly download my podcast here. Visit the archives here. Make sure to tell all your friends and leave comments if you appreciate my efforts.

Enjoy!