Thank you, and Goodbye.

Tweet

I've been putting off writing this post for over 3 months now. I've known it was coming, but couldn't bring myself to make the words stay on the page. But here goes.

Listologies, since I started it in 2006 on MySpace (moved to this platform in 2008) has been my shelter. My safeplace. My outlet. And eventually, my connection, to all you wonderful people, the bands, artists, readers, commenters, and stalkers. This has been my greatest accomplishment, you all have. But more than anything, this was my salvation with my best friend Stevie.

Brief history of Addi and Stevie…. Stevie has been my best friend since seventh grade, and as we got older, we only got closer. But one day, I was a supreme asshole, as guys often are, and made the wrong choices and really hurt her. I broke us. We had a falling out. And I lost her. She moved to NYC, and I stayed here in the PNW. And it sucked. And this blog saved us. In my heart I believe that if she had not joined in on this blog, and I have no clue why she agreed to in the first place, we never would have become friends again. This was our lifeline when we were no more and a country apart. So that makes this all the more difficult.

But, the passion that drove Listologies for 7 years now is no longer there.  And it is not something I am willing to force just to get out posts. I know that if my heart is not in it, the posts will suffer, and I will only be letting you down. So, with that said, unfortunately I do have to say goodbye. We are closing the doors here at Listologies.

Stevie and I would like to thank you for reading, following, sharing, liking, tweeting, commenting and voting us into 5^th place in Evening Magazine’s Best of the Northwest. You make this hard.

I do want to take a few mins to thank some individuals and bands that have help make this the place it was.

Sarah from The Oh Wells, you have always been one of the best musicians I have ever interacted with, and it has been a pleasure getting to know you. Please stay in touch and let me know when you come to Seattle, I will come out of retirement for that extravaganza.

Naomi, you are a friend. A friend that without this blog, I never would have made. You have enriched my life, and I thank you for it. Thank you for being so supportive of this blog.

The lovely ladies of Lemolo. A lot of bands keep little bloggers like myself at arm’s length, but you guys always had positive things to say, shared and supported. You guys are the cream of the crop. Keep going.

To Dustin and Brandon from The BGP. You guys have heart and soul. And I am not talking about the music right now. The support you guys have thrown our way has been incredible and too much. I couldn't begin to thank you. I will support whatever you guys do, forever.

Maggie Joy. Out of all the “industry” people that would contact us, sharing music, and imploring posts, you were by far the best. I always looked forward and loved the music you shared. Thank you for doing what you do, getting sounds that need to be heard out there. What you do is important and valued.

The Gundersen Family. The talent in the family alone, whether it’s via Noah and Abby or Le Wrens, has stoked my passions enough to keep this blog alive for well over a year now. When all seemed bleakest, the Gundersen’s gave me light. So thank you.

All the people who have subscribed to our YouTube channel and pushed our uploads over the 1.2 million view mark. Thank you.

All of our Facebook friends/fans and Twitter followers. You were our main distribution system, and you helped us succeed and primarily got us into 5^th place. Thank you.

There are too many others to go into one by one, so thanks to the following. the Head and the Heart.  Chris from moviesandsong365. Lindsey of SSG Music. The Native Sibling Pickwick. Hey Marseilles. Campfire OK. Zach Fleury. BOAT. Bryan John Appleby. Allen Stone. Samantha Crain. The Civil Wars. FM Radio and Schuyler Fisk. The Swell Season. And so many many more.

Thank you all for making these last 7 years the best ever. You have been the soundtrack to my life.

I will not say that this goodbye is forever, but it is goodbye.

Thanks,

Addi

The Books of 2012.

Tweet

I read a shitload in 2012. 75 books to be exact. More than I've read in the last 5 years combined probably. And if you know me, you know I tracked the hell out of that noise. So, without further delay, here are all the books I read in 2012, in order of awesomeness. Books 1-5 are all-timers, heartbreakers, gut-wrenchers, tear-jerkers, soul-stiffeners and all around masterpieces. And should be read by everyone with at least one eye.

**Note, this is not a list of books released in 2012. Just books read by Addi in 2012.

1. Looking for Alaska by Green, John
2. Thirteen Reasons Why by Asher, Jay 
3. Rot & Ruin (Benny Imura, #1) by Maberry, Jonathan 
4. The Fault in Our Stars by Green, John
5. Feed (Newsflesh Trilogy #1) by Grant, Mira
6. Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Cashore, Kristin
7. Deadline (Newsflesh Trilogy, #2) by Grant, Mira
8. Poison Study (Study, #1) by Snyder, Maria V. 
9. Dust and Decay (Benny Imura, #2) by Maberry, Jonathan 
10. Never Let Me Go by Ishiguro, Kazuo
11. Blackout (Newsflesh Trilogy, #3) by Grant, Mira
12. The Giver (The Giver, #1) by Lowry, Lois
13. Before I Fall by Oliver, Lauren 
14. The Book Thief by Zusak, Markus 
15. Flesh and Bone (Benny Imura, #3) by Maberry, Jonathan 
16. Fire Study (Study, #3) by Snyder, Maria V. 
17. Magic Study (Study, #2) by Snyder, Maria V. 
18. Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) by Taylor, Laini 
19. Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) by Blake, Kendare 
20. Bitterblue (Graceling Realm, #3) by Cashore, Kristin
21. Storm Glass (Glass, #1) by Snyder, Maria V. 
22. Delirium (Delirium, #1) by Oliver, Lauren 
23. Spy Glass (Glass, #3) by Snyder, Maria V. 
24. Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2) by Taylor, Laini 
25. Starters (Starters and Enders, #1) by Price, Lissa 
26. Girl of Nightmares (Anna, #2) by Blake, Kendare 
27. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2) by Clare, Cassandra 
28. Messenger (The Giver, #3) by Lowry, Lois
29. Touch of Power (Healer, #1) by Snyder, Maria V. 
30. Hunger (Gone, #2) by Grant, Michael 
31. Lies (Gone, #3) by Grant, Michael 
32. Plague (Gone, #4) by Grant, Michael 
33. Fear (Gone, #5) by Grant, Michael 
34. The Dead (The Enemy #2) by Higson, Charlie
35. Gathering Blue (The Giver, #2) by Lowry, Lois
36. The Kill Order (Maze Runner, #0.5) by Dashner, James 
37. Pandemonium (Delirium, #2) by Oliver, Lauren 
38. Scent of Magic (Healer, #2) by Snyder, Maria V. 
39. In The Land Of The Dead (Benny Imura, #1.5) by Maberry, Jonathan 
40. The Fear (The Enemy #3) by Higson, Charlie
41. Son (The Giver, #4) by Lowry, Lois
42. 1.4 (Point 4, #2) by Lancaster, Mike A. 
43. The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Collins, Suzanne (reread)
44. Sea Glass (Glass, #2) by Snyder, Maria V. 
45. City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) by Clare, Cassandra 
46. City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Clare, Cassandra 
47. City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) by Clare, Cassandra 
48. Unwind (Unwind, #1) by Shusterman, Neal 
49. Outpost (Razorland, #2) by Aguirre, Ann 
50. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) by Clare, Cassandra 
51. Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Aguirre, Ann 
52. Please Ignore Vera Dietz by King, A.S. 
53. Feedback (Variant, #2) by Wells, Robison 
54. Fire (Graceling Realm, #2) by Cashore, Kristin
55. Insurgent (Divergent, #2) by Roth, Veronica 
56. Gone (Gone, #1) by Grant, Michael 
57. Eden (Eden, #1) by Taylor, Keary 
58. Hate List by Brown, Jennifer
59. Countdown (Newsflesh Trilogy #0.5) by Grant, Mira
60. Human.4 (Point 4, #1) by Lancaster, Mike A. 
61. Breathe (Breathe, #1) by Crossan, Sarah 
62. UnWholly (Unwind, #2) by Shusterman, Neal 
63. The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies, #3) by Lore, Pittacus
64. Variant (Variant, #1) by Wells, Robison 
65. Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen by Evans, Richard Paul
66. The Academie (Academie, #1) by Joy, Amy 
67. Reached (Matched, #3) by Condie, Ally
68. BZRK (BZRK, #1) by Grant, Michael 
69. First Night Memories (Benny Imura, #0.5) by Maberry, Jonathan 
70. Be More Chill by Vizzini, Ned 
71. The New World (Chaos Walking, #0.5) by Ness, Patrick
72. Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury, Ray
73. Monument 14 (Monument 14 #1) by Laybourne, Emmy 
74. Hana (Delirium, #1.5) by Oliver, Lauren 
75. Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Robbins, Tom

Best of 2012: Albums & EP's

Tweet

I know its been a long time. And you have my apologies. I will explain what is going on with the blog in an upcoming post in the next week or so. But, as promised, here are my favorite records of 2012. I'm not able to go into as much depth as in years past, so, this is it. No best songs/album covers/cover songs/or worst records this year, again, I'm sorry.

Now, onto the goodstuff. This year was a tough year for me musically. Nothing, outside of maybe 3-5 albums really stuck with me, so putting together this list was a real challenge, probably the hardest year-end list in my 5 years to date. But, I think, I did it. Keep in mind that the top five records are all timers. Records that will never leave my rotation. I hope you enjoy.

1. The Lumineers – The Lumineers 

This is hands down, my favorite record of the year. Solid from beginning to end without a skipper.


2. Zach Fleury – Be Still, Neverland, Egypt (also my favorite album cover of 2012)

This is the closest that any record came from upsetting The Lumineers from the top spot. And if this record had another month of spins, it just might have done it.


3. Ambassadors - Litost 

The out of nowhere record of the year. I love just about every track. In another year, without Zach and The Lumineers, this would easily claim the top spot.


4. Ingrid Michaelson – Human Again 

I didn't want to like this record. I have never considered myself an Ingrid fan. I always considered her a cutsie pop folk one hit wonder. But damn, I was wrong. There is so much depth in this album, so much heart and break. It was my surprise record of the year, maybe decade.


5. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – The Heist 

When I started writing this list a month ago, this was number 11. This is the first record of this year that has gotten better the more I have listened to it. I do not know if that is more about the lack of quality of this year over all, or the immense talents of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I vote for the latter.


6. fun. – Some Nights

 Yeah yeah yeah. This album is overplayed and whatnot, but damn, it is good. If you know me, you might be shocked about their inclusion on this countdown. Yes, it’s true that I generally rebel when my favorite indie artist make it huge, but, I cannot help but love this album and forgive all of you for finally catching on.


7. FM Radio – Out Of The Blue 

Oh, now this is just my speed. I have been a fan of Schuyler Fisk since her debut album “The Good Stuff” came out in 2009. But this duet project with Tim Myers outpaces her previous efforts by tenfold. And considering how good her two solo releases were, that says a hell of a lot.


8. Good Old War – Come Back As Rain 

Those who know me, and read this blog, know how I feel about familial harmonies. If you don’t know, you should figure out that I love them. No amount of practice can replace how naturally voices of a shared gene pool layer together. This record soars.


9. Delta Rae – Carry The Fire 

Damn. I didn’t want to like this band. They were kinda thrust upon me on youtube. “If you like blah blah blah, you’ll like Delta Rae…” under every video. But, I gave in, and damn, this record, although occasionally a bit too country/poprockish, is so solidly written and sung, it cannot be ignored. Also, their song "If I Loved You" kills me every time, in the best possible way. (fuck this medley blows me away every time)


10. Tim Myers – Technicolor 

A ruckus riot of a record. Played loud and often.


11. Lemolo – The Kaleidoscope 

An overly mellow, and stunningly beautiful record. Although, I feel the ladies soar their best when the pace quickens, as in the latter half of “We Felt The Fall” that does not mean their record is not a win. It is a solid, long awaited debut for this local duo.


12. First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar

Some records stick to your ribs and force you to fall in love with them. I was resistant to this record from day one. I was so head over for the first record that I braced myself for disappointment on the second, and nearly talked myself into it. But, this heart of this record won out.


13. Gentleman Jesse – Leaving Atlanta 

This record is the truest rock record I have heard in years. Feels like a honest, heart of 80’s garage punk rock around. So natural and right sounding.


Top 3 EP's of 2012

1. The Native Sibling - Water Too Deed, Words Too Shallow
Far and away the best EP of the year, if the was a full length, it would be top 5 for sure. I urge you to listen and keep track of this duo as the grow in the future. Big things.


2. Kris Orlowski & Andrew Joslyn - Pieces We Are
Kris has been around for sometime now. I have heard him, seen him in concert, and frankly been unimpressed. Now, that sounds harsh, but until this record, he didn't give me reason to take notice. This is a huge step forward for this cat, and hopefully more will come.


3. K’naan - More Beautiful Than Silence
At first I was sad that this was not a full length, as I was so supremely impressed with this two previous releases, and although this was good, it was not on the same level as the others. I hope he is saving the great songs for his next full record.

Update

Tweet

I am busy working on the best albums of 2012. It will not be as in depth as in years past, and I apologize. But, to answer the handful of questions, yes, it is coming.

-Addi

Song of the Day: "Here I Am" by Impossible Bird

Tweet

Impossible Bird escaped me. It was not until a lovely reader commented on our facebook page that I was lucky enough to hear this enchanting duo. As much as I try to keep my feelers out there on the local music scene, there are bound to be those I miss out on. But, I am stoked that Impossible Bird is no longer one of those bands I was missing out on. This record, and this song especially is choice. This duo is an uncomplicated force to be reckoned with. Simple beauty does not need complication to stand out.

Please, if you have a favorite band that I have missed. Local (Pacific NW) or otherwise, please let us know here, or on our Facebook page. Although, we hate to admit it, we cannot be all knowing.

"Here I Am" by Impossible Bird

Songs of the Day: "Morning Comes," "If I Loved You," "Is There Anyone Out There," and "Bottom of the River" Medley by Delta Rae

Tweet

Here is a fun little thing. I love this video. It is the prefect way for me to introduce you to my favorite new band. Delta Rae. This is a 4 song medley of their material. It gives you a great taste for their diverse and beautiful sound. I have never seen a band with so many lead singers. Capable leads at that. I know they are a little more country than I generally lean, but quality is quality. Give them a taste.

"Morning Comes," "If I Loved You," "Is There Anyone Out There," and "Bottom of the River" Medley by Delta Rae

Song of the Day: "Out On The Town" by fun.

Tweet

OK, I'll admit it, this record is winning me over, majorly. I've been a (huge) fan of fun. since they were just a whisper of a band after The Format ended. I heard rumors of  members of The Format and Steel Train coming together to form a lowercased, punctuated indie supergroup. And jumped on board right away. And their first record killed me. My favorite record 2009, and one of my favorites of the decade. But, this album took a while to catch with me. I think because of how big Aim & Ignite was in my life, it was hard to let that record go to embrace this one. But, apparently, I am over that. Slowly but surely, this record climbed to the top of my rotation.
This is a bonus track, and it is one of my favorites. Enjoy.

"Out On The Town" by fun.