Best of 2012: Albums & EP's

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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.

Best Voices In The Northwest

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So, I don't know how many times I can apologize for letting the blog go quiet. I have had some family shite rise up, and I have just been a bit distracted. But last night, as I was failing to fall asleep, I started writing a list in my mind, and it felt therapeutic.

There are very few things in this world that can stop me dead in my tracks like a voice. Whether it be a powerful, beautiful, understated, gruff or quirky. A voice can break me. Here is a quick list of my favorite voices in the NW right now. Normally, I try to get all poetic and long winded, but this time, I am just going to allow the voices to sell you.

1. Galen Disston (of Pickwick)


2. Abby Gundersen I know she is most well known for singing along side of her brother (below), but there is something so pure about Abby's voice that it is impossible to forget. I hold my breath when she sings. 


3. Noah Gundersen 


4. Charity Rose Thielen (of the Head and the Heart) Don't get me wrong here, Josiah and Jonathan both have heartbreakingly fantastic voices, but Charity kills me when she sings. 


5. Tim Wilson (of Ivan & Alyosha)


6. Brandon Ghorley (of The BGP


7. Allen Stone 


8. Meagan Grandall (of Lemolo)


9. Sarah Jickling (of The Oh Wells)


10. Matt Bishop (of Hey Marseilles)


11. Asy (of Smoosh) I know, not really a NW band anymore, as they relocated to Brooklyn or something, but us NW music lovers still claim them as our own.


12. Mychal Goodweather (of Campfire OK)


13. Bryan John Appleby


14. Pete Quirk (of The Cave Singers)


15. Tess Henley

Best of 2011: Favorite Songs: 20-1

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Here is how I determined this list. I consider every song I can get my hands on in the year. This year that means 1,942 songs, and I make a smart playlist on my iPod. Every song that I love I give a 5 star rating, and they all get sorted together. And then, I trim from there, song by song.

I know. Each year the best songs list gets longer and longer. But this year, there is justification. If you read my best albums post, you will know this is the year of the song. And if I tried, and, when I say tried, I mean, if just didn't stop myself, this list would be 200 songs long. This year may be lacking in an overabundance in complete albums, but, when it comes to songs, it was uniquely jam packed with quality tunes. Here are my favorite 80 of 2011 (broken into the next 4 posts so it doesn't crash your flash player). Here is the top 20.

Fair warning, there is no Bon Iver on this list. It is not that I do not like the album, or tracks, I just don't think it is the end all record of the year like everyone else does.
View 80-61 Here.
View 60-41 Here. 
View 40-21 Here. 

20-1
20. Open Air – Lemolo

19. No One To Let You Down – The Head And The Heart

18. Someday – Middle Brother

17. Family – Noah Gundersen

16. Two Cousins – Slow Club

15. Rolling In The Deep – Adele

14. Million Dollar Bill – Middle Brother & Dawes (both bands released this fantastic track on different albums. I couldn't decided)

13. The Last To Say – Atmosphere

12. Window Sill – Pickwick

11. Losers – The Belle Brigade

10. Love Like A River – Girls

9. Goodnight – The Rural Alberta Advantage

8. Complimenting Parts – Campfire OK

7. Worried About – Lissie

6. The Honest Truth – Typhoon

5. Putting The Dog To Sleep – The Antlers

4. Don't Say Oh Well – Grouplove

3. We Will All Be Changed – Seryn

2. Belongings – Clock Opera

1. Avalanche – Noah Gundersen (This live version in particular is the one that I love)

Songs of the Day: "Little Talks" & "Love Love Love" by Of Monsters and Men

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FML. I am in love. This band, from Iceland, wrecks my year. It is the richest sound I have heard all year. Now, if I could only get my hand on the damn record. As of today, it is only available in Iceland, not going world wide until 2012. I smell an import going on. This is going to be my 2012 Temper Trap all over again. Importing a record, falling in love, and then it blowing up. I am so excited.

"Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men


"Love Love Love" by Of Monsters and Men

Best of 2011: Northwest Albums

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This is the list that makes me the most nervous. As a northwest music lover. As an occasional northwest music blogger. And as an "oh shit, one of the bands might read this" realization hits me, this list makes me nervous. But, it is also one of my favorites to write.

2011 has been a crazily strong year in northwest music. I have had this blog up and running for well over 3 years, including 600+ entries, and not once in that time, or hell, any time before that, can I remember the music scene being this strong. And this list barely even scratches the surface, as it is only about full length records released in 2011. Consider the fact that it does not include the likes of The Head and The Heart, Hey Marseilles, Pickwick, Lemolo, Macklemore, The BGP, Smoosh, Fences, or any of the excellent bands from Portland like Loch Lomond, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Fruit Bats and Blind Pilot. Read that list again of bands NOT included on this list along with the ones below and you see the strength in the NW music scene in full force.

Here is a bakers dozen of the best Northwest Albums of 2011.

1. Campfire OK - Strange Like We Are
There are some bands that you feel in your bones when you hear them. There are some bands that hit you in gut when they come on. And then there are some bands that shake you to your core, that shiver your soul. Campfire OK falls into that third category. It is also, from beginning to end the most complete record of the year, and not just in the northwest.
"Strange Like We Are"


"Brass"


2. Noah Gundersen - Family
This is actually only the first appearance of Noah on this list, but more on that later. Everytime Noah Gundersen plays, it is like he is cutting out his own heart and putting it on a platter for all of us to see. There is not a more honest voice in the NW right now. I say that with so much reverence, as so many of us hide behind ourselves that we often get lost in the facade of who we want to be, rather then who we are. Noah Gundersen is who he is, and he sings it outright, and it's f'n grand.
"David" 


"Family"


3. Youth Rescue Mission - Youth Rescue Mission
Youth Rescue Mission, a Seattle band, by way of Montana, has me all in a tizzy. This group of siblings make noises to die for. I keep trying to string together other artists to give you a good description/comparison of style/sound, but all combo's fall short. Yes, you can hear a bit of The Head and the Heart, a dollop of Blind Pilot, a tad of Hey Marseilles, and a smidge of Choir of Young Believers, but in only the littlest of amounts. They are distinctly their own. And I am loving it.
"Thursday After"


"Very Nice Things"


4. Allen Stone - Allen Stone
This Chewelah, WA product is something to behold. He is a honest to goodness oxymoron. I mean, look at him, and then listen to the songs. If soul music was dead, Allen Stone would be the revivalist. His album is so choice, (yes, I used choice like its 1988) that it feels unreal, and makes me feel bad for other soul singers out there, because there is just no competing. I get excited about music, we all know this, its the curse of being a passionate person/blogger. But this record is far and away the best Soul record I have picked up since 2001's "The Way I Feel" by Remy Shand.
"Unaware" 


"Sleep"


5. The Lonely Forest - Arrows
So, this is a band that I did not give the chance it deserved. I know, shame on me. I just buy music in bulk, like, I get the music buying bug, and 15 mins later end up with nine new albums. One is bound to get lost in the shuffle here and there. Now, generally, that is not a big deal, 50% of the stuff I buy falls well short of awesome. But I fucked on when I over looked The Lonely Forest. This northwest band is pretty fucking fantastic.
"We Sing In Time"


"(I AM) The Love Addict"


6. Bryan John Appleby - Fire On The Vine
Some bands knock you away like a ton of bricks, and that is great and all, but sometimes the luster fades and you are left with a record that you thought you loved that you barely like. Then there are some records that hit you like a slow wave, that build upon itself with track after track. They don't need to lust slap you across the face, because the music speaks for itself. And the luster doesn't fade.
"Backseat"


"Noah's Nameless Wife"


7. Brandi Carlile - Live At Benaroya Hall With The Seattle Symphony
I've mentioned in the past that I am not the biggest of fans of live albums, that they often only capture the noise of the show, but not the feeling, and no one really goes to the show just to listen. But, I eat my words today. I am going to let the songs make my case instead of blabbering on.
"The Story"


"Looking Out"


8. Seapony - Go With Me
Like a dream wave of airy indie pop rock. I may be wrong on all those descriptors, but that is how the album makes me feel. It makes me feel free, and light, and momentless. Yes, momentless is a word I just created, but it works. It's that feeling of just zoning out, so all the movements becomes blurs in your peripheral, and you are just lost, right then and there, you are lost and blissful. Seapony does that to me.
"Go Away"



"What You See"


9. Beat Connection - Surf Noir
For the average NW music blogger, they might look at Beat Connection at number 9, and think this is way too low. And it might be, if this year was not so damn strong. This Seattle Duo can craft a beat and a hook like no ones business. When I review my most played tracks of 2011, the two songs below well cemented into the top 15. Out of over 2,000 songs, that's a hell of a feat.
"Same Damn Time"


"Silver Screen"


10. The Cave Singers - No Witch
When I first picked up this record I was rather disappointed. I'm not gonna lie. But, a ways down the line, regrettably not sooner, I realized that I had unfair expectations. I was comparing it to their previous album Welcome Joy. A record that was not only great, but defined a year of my life. No record can live up to that. So I let go and let the noise in. And the record, or maybe myself, turned a corner, and it morphed into an album that I can celebrate outside of the unfair shadow of Welcome Joy.
"Haller Lake"


"Black Leaf"


11. The Courage - Fearful Bones
Before Noah Gundersen was Noah Gundersen he was apart of The Courage. A band that I think most of us missed. Now, this record was actually released in late 2010, but it deserves mention, as it is a soft kind of spectacular. Sadly, The Courage is no more, But because of this sad fact, we have our number 2 record on this list.
"Wedding Song"


"Moles"


12. Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
A hip-hop collective that is making me rethink my views on the fact that hip-hop has reached its creative peak. I have long believed that hip-hop has filled in every corner of its creative capacity. That it is soon going to have to start repeating itself and backtracking to stay viable. And for the most part, that's true. Now, that does not say anything negative, there are a lot of things that reach their peak, that cannot be reinvented any further, sitcoms and neckties come to mind, but that does not mean the quality is not there. However, my impressions on the stagnancy of hip-hop were shattered by Shabazz Palaces. Shattered.
"Swerve... The Reeping Of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding)"


"An Echo From The Hosts That Profess Infinitum"


13. Ravenna Woods - Valley Of The Headless Men
I can't figure out why none is talking about these guys. They are fantastic, well crafted, and composed songsmiths. Now, this album wasn't perfect, rarely any are, but the full on needs to be celebrated. Just watch the video, and then go and pick up the record. I am tired of Ravenna Woods being my little secret.
"Tides"


"Graves"

Best of 2011: Live Music Clips

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I spend an assload of time on YouTube. I mean, outside of my upload channel, I am always scouring the site for the best new music. It is the easiest outlet for this music addiction I have, and when I find beautiful, gritty, chillbump inducing live tracks, I get myself all in a tizzy. Here are an assortment of my 21 favorite of live tracks from 2011.
Read More After The Jump

Song of the Day: "We Are Our Own Lies" by Smoosh

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I feel like a f'n idiot. I clearly remember when I found out about Smoosh back in like 2003/4  I made a mental note, not to forget these sisters as the matured, But, FML, I did just that. That is, until, I remembered.

Once I remembered, I found out that I LOVE their sound now, and even more, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. You will too.

"We Are Our Own Lies" by Smoosh (live from KEXP)

Song of the Day: "Civilian" by Wye Oak

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This is one of the records that comes out so early in the year that I am fearful that it will lose its luster, but luckily for me, and the rest of the musical landscape, it has held firm, and in fact grown.

This is a fantastic little live version of the title track of one of the bright spots of 2011.

"Civilian" by Wye Oak

Band of the Week: Campfire OK

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So, I know that the whole concept of Band of the Week is to actually post a Band of the Week. But, you have to understand something. Bands of the week only really come out of my inability to narrow down a bands library to a single Song of the Day. Some bands, I get so engrossed in, so enveloped by, that picking just one tune becomes a task that is often unbearable. That, my friends, is the general dilemma that brings you blogs such as the one you are about to read.

Band of the Week: Campfire OK

Photo Credit kjphotos.com (taken from bands Facebook Page)

So, being a northwest music junkie like I am, I have heard the rumblings of Campfire OK for a long while now. They have always been, what I like to call a good karma band. A band that likes to play free impromptu shows to coffee houses and cafes, and participates in a cover song contest for Seattle based Fences (which they should have won), and that will willingly help fill out the sound on Pickwick's KEXP video debut, without clamoring for credit. They just put good vibes out there. And it if finally paying off.

Campfire OK's debut album is one of the more complete records I have heard in many many years. There is not a throw away track among the bunch. In today's digital music industry, when albums are pushed out so fast, this is one hell of an accomplishment.

I think, if not the shadow of the Head and the Heart's hustle, this would be considered the best band in Seattle right now. Easily. And, I am sure, soon enough, the rest of the country is going to catch on as well. And that is in no way a slight to THATH, you all know how much I love them, but Campfire OK, is wow.

There is little doubt in my mind that this record will be firmly placed in my top 3 by years end.

Below you will see an excessive, even for me, amount of videos, 3 I uploaded and 2 live, all spectacular.

"Not Young Not Old"


"Wishing You The Best" (live in a cafe)

Campfire Ok at Oddfellows from Christian Sorensen Hansen on Vimeo.

"Complimenting Parts" (my favorite)


"Strange Like We Are" 

Strange Like We Are from Christian Sorensen Hansen on Vimeo.

"Mexico N-O"

Song of the Day "We Sing in Time" by The Lonely Forest

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So I've been to Anacortes and I can tell you there's not much to speak of... until I discovered The Lonely Forest. Maybe you've been living in Seattle and have heard them on KEXP or as of late, The End but those of us that resided in Brooklyn for the last 5 years have been missing out. I'm still delving in to their last couple records so I can't give my complete blessing yet but I'm digging this song! Reactions?

Bakers Dozen: Best "And/& The" Bands

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First things first, I reserve the right to change this list at any time. Like maybe when my mind is working.

This is simple. I found bands that I love that have "And The" in their names and ranked them in order or preference.

Now, usually that means, a lead singer and a back up band, but, as you will see below, that is not always the case.

I know I left people out. I know I left some classics off the list. That may not be a mistake, it may be a choice, as I am a snob. But it could also just be an oversight, so, if you notice something missing, comment.

Enjoy.

1. The Head And The Heart

My current favorite band, and a northwest one to boot. This is the little band, that if they can keep their shit together, will storm the indie folk world by the end of next year. And, God, I hope they do. There are some bands I desire to keep secret, this will never be one of those. Infact, I'm gonna post two videos for them, just cause I love them that f'n much.

"Down in the Valley" (Live on KEXP)

"Ghosts" (also Live on KEXP)

2. the bird and the bee

This is a basic conundrum. Take an indie pop band, have them release an ENTIRE album of Hall & Oates covers and hilarity ensues, right? Nope. Wrong! This is an album that should not at ALL work, and yet is increasingly more charming upon each listen.

"I Can't Go For That"

3. Buddy Holly And The Crickets

I am not sure music would be where it is today with out Buddy Holly. Honestly.

"That'll Be The Day"

4. Samantha Crain And The Midnight Shivers

One of the best "and the" band names out there. Like, seriously, I need to know the story behind that. But, she is not just a name. Listen to this voice, the urgency, the power, the raw grace. And, if you get a chance to see her take the stage, do NOT pass it up, it is something that will stick with you forever.

"Lions"

5. Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros

I don't need to even see anything. Just watch the fucking video.

"40 Day Dream"

6. Bob Marley And The Wailers

I would be disowned if I left them off the list. By everyone I know.

"Stir It Up"

7. Ray LaMontagne And The Pariah Dogs

Normally, this guy would be dramatically higher on any list I put him on, but this is a new venture for the bearded musical messiah, and I am playing the wait and see game. But, so far so good.

"Beg, Steal or Borrow" (live on Sirius Radio)

8. Erland And The Carnival

This is both a new discovery and an old haunt for me. I fell in love with a singer songwriter name Erland Cooper back in 2002. He didn't release any albums, nor was he widely known outside of my ipod, but I loved him. Then he vanished, more so then he already had. Then last year, I googled him, and up popped a new band, and all was right in the world.

"My Name Is Carvival"

9. Pearl And The Beard

This band will never be more then they are. They are not going to climb any charts or sell out arenas, they will never have a top 10 single or be featured on Grey's Anatomy, but they will always do this shit well. They will pack a bar so it is standing room only and get the building to bounce off its foundation, they will lead a clamorous sing along in a park, and they will have more fun than anyone else.

"Oh, Death!"

10. Ryan Adams And The Cardinals

This is too low. But, I like old school, just post WhiskeyTown, Ryan Adams. Gold Ryan Adams. So, this is not bad, but it's just not mine.

"Two"

11. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

She has a new album out that does not do her any justice. This, and maybe one other song are the only ones that really show the real bite that Grace Potter has in her live act.

"Paris (Ooh La La)

12. The Dutchess And The Duke

I buy all these different artists and albums, and then I never take the time to listen to them. And sadly, The Dutchess and the Duke have fallen into this little trap of over purchasing. But, then, on shuffle, a song will come on that stops me dead in my tracks, and 6 times out of 10, it is this lovely duo. Now, this is my favorite tune of theirs, but there is not a quality video of it, so you will just have to listen on this go around.

"Reservoir Park"

13. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Overrated, but the quintessential example of this topic/list. And, do not hate me for that. I dig on a few songs, but they are not hall of fame material.

"Mary Jane's Last Dance"

Bonus

Hootie And The Blowfish

So, I am prepared to get bagged on for this pick. But I think there is just a Hootie backlash because they got so big so fast. They became uncool to like. But, there is something about them, and considering, this cut is from the 15th best selling album of all time, and 5th best selling since 1990, you know you secretly love it.

"Hold My Hand" (Unplugged)

The Alphabet List: Letter "H"

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So, I was just going to hope you would forget about this list series, reader. But, alas, my afternoon at my co-bloggers welcome home barbecue was ruined (read, thrilled that someone besides myself would bring up the blog) with persistent (read, one) questions about "What happened to The Alphabet List?"

Yeah, thanks to awkward encounters, The Alphabet List has returned with the difficult letters. I am just happy to have "H" and not "I." Good luck Stevie.

Dread. That is how I felt about this letter, until I scrolled through my iPod a bit, and I think I'll be able to power through. I think the tricky part will more of the order rather than finding enough.

Song of the Day: "Rio" by Hey Marseilles (Live at Capital Hill Block Party)

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OK, so I may have shared this song in the past, and if you are at all attached to my facebook page, you would have had the chance to experience this great song.
Easily becoming one of my favorite songs of all time, this local 7 piece multi-instrumentalists blow my mind each time I hear them, or get the chance to see what they do live, as with this video. I know that violins and cellos are not sexy rockband shit, but screw that.
SxSW is this weekend, and, I am tempted to fly down to Austin to see this Seattle band, if not for the music itself, but to witness unwitting people fall in love with melody and lyric.


"Rio" by Hey Marseilles (Live at Capital Hill Block Party)

Hey Marseilles - Rio (Live at CHBP) from KEXP RADIO on Vimeo.