Good Albums of 2008

Seeing as how this is a music blog and that the year is coming to an end, I felt that it might be appropriate to make a best of 2008 list of some sort. Since I don’t listen to that much new music, this is by no means a comprehensive list but just some things I liked from this year. I was going to upload some songs for you to listen to from these artists, but I ran into some difficulty, so hopefully this'll suffice. In no particular order:

Son Lux - At War with Walls and Mazes

I was blown away when I first heard this album. I love his mixture of electronic and acoustic sounds and his simple, emotional, at times chant-like lyrics. His weak voice might put off some, but I like it.  

"Break"

Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight

I only recently heard of this band from Scotland, and their album was one I found myself definitely wanting to listen to several times. I like the raw sound of lead singer/guitarist Scott Hutchinson’s voice--and lyrics to match!

"Heads Roll Off"

Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

Justin Vernon apparently stayed in his father’s cabin in the woods by himself one winter in Wisconsin to write and record this album—the name Bon Iver comes from the French for “Good Winter.” This is some nice, unique folk music. His doubled high falsetto is surprisingly pleasant to listen to.

"Lump Sum"

She & Him – Volume One

Actress Zooey Deschanel teamed up with singer/songwriter M Ward to produce this album of her songs and a few covers. It has a vintage pop/country sound to it, and it’s pretty good!

"Why Do You Let Me Stay Here"

Rachel Yamagata – Elephants… Teeth Sinking Into Heart

As I said in my previous post, I’m mostly a fan of the first part of this double album.  

Anathallo – Canopy Glow

I actually haven’t gotten a copy of this full album yet, but what I have heard is fantastic. I love their odd time signatures and eclectic instrumentation.  

"Bells"

Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line

This is a pretty good indie/pop/punk album. It reminds me at times of a modern version of The Clash or The Police with some strings added.  Maybe a little bit of Cursive as well?  Whatever it is, it's cool.

"Ghost Under Rocks"

Charlie Haden Family and Friends – Ramblin’ Boy

I’m not usually a big fan of country/bluegrass music, but Charlie Haden is a renowned jazz bassist and his offspring are indie musicians. This album also has all kinds of guest artists like Elvis Costello, Pat Metheny, Jack Black, and Vince Gill.

"Spiritual"

 
Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s – Not Animal

I saw this band on Conan for the first time this year (below), and while I thought their performance was gimmicky (the toy piano), they’re pretty darn good. I like the folky songs and arrangements of guitars, synths, bells, harmonica , horns, percussion, and whatever else.  

"As Tall As Cliffs"

Los Campesinos - Hold On Now, Youngster

See the post below.

... What'd you guys like this year?

Music Monday: Los Campesinos!

Hi everyone. I'm Jessica, Matt's sister. He's letting me post here once a week. I know he mentioned Los Campesinos once before, but hey, I have some new info and a different video. Enjoy. PS, This post is cross-posted at The Joy of Daily Living.

Los Campesinos! photo from kevchino.com

Los Campesinos! have been my favorite band this year & they are COMING TO THE UNITED STATES SOON! WOO HOO! Go to their myspace page to hear their music and see the tour schedule. (In Chicago on February 7th baby!)

Okay, so I jumped ahead of myself. Los Campesinos are a deliciously poppy UK 7-person group. Sometimes all seven of them sing/shout in unision! YES! Their music is exciting, energetic, and in my humble opinion, a perfect example of the Twee genre. The lyrics are actually deep and sometimes depressing, which makes the whole experience as a listener richer. That said, get listening! Here is Los Campesinos!'s video for You! Me! Dancing!

Oh & for those who wonder, "los campesinos" is a Spanish term that means country person, peasant, or farmer.

(Oh & you might've noticed it's Tuesday already...forgive me! It's the holidays!)

Machito

I recently downloaded some music of Machito & His Afro-Cuban Orchestra, including the album Kenya which this track was taken from.  If you, like myself, were wondering who was laying down that great alto playing, it's none other than Cannonball Adderly.  I know--I was like, "I didn't know there were any Cuban guys from the 50s that could play like that... oh."  (no offense to Cuban guys).  He has a lot of short but sweet solos throughout the album.  Solos aside, though, doesn't this music make you wanna dance? 

Animated Hip Hop/Electronic Videos

so i've been listening to more hip hop/electronic music lately, most of which my sister has hipped me to over the years, and i was looking on youtube and found a bunch of cool videos with animation in them.  check em out.

Daedelus - Fair Weather Friends

daedelus, or alfred weisberg-roberts, is a bass/bass clarinet player/multi-instrumentalist turned electronic musician who studied jazz at USC.  sweet. maybe i have a future in electronic music.

Kid Koala - Basin Street Blues

i love the way he uses the turntables to create a stylistic improvisational solo like you'd find in an acoustic jazz setting.  apparently he's a classically trained pianist.

The Grouch - Artsy

i like the hp commercial parody.  funny song, too.

Atmosphere - God Loves Ugly

Madvillain - All Caps

madvillian = madlib, a dope producer + mf doom a great, laid-back, rapper with a dr. doom mask.  this is from like 5 years ago, i hope they work together again.

Peanut Butter Wolf - B-Ball Zombie War

A Change is Gonna Come

seal recently covered sam cooke's "a change is gonna come."  it might not be quite as good as the original, but it's pretty good.  it might not have been coincidence that they released the recording near obama's election, it seems pretty appropriate, even though seal's english.  can you imagine what sam cooke would think if he knew the united states had elected a black president?  here's a music video of the song, it's from a whole album of covers simply called "soul."