Favorite Albums of 2011: #20-1

HERE's the mix of one song per album sequenced in order of ranking for this, the better portion of my list of favorite albums of 2011. Let's get this show on the road.

(20) Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics - Ducktails (Woodsist)

I've wanted to get Matthew Mondanile's Ducktails for a couple of years now, and he finally released something that's easy to understand. At this point, it may be cliche to say about anything regarding Real Estate, but the slightly psychedelic guitar pop on Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics really is perfect for a summer backyard drinking party.

Top jams: "In the Swing," "Sprinter," "Sunset Liner," "Little Window," "Killin' the Vibe," "Don't Make Plans," "Art Vandalay"

(19) In Love With Oblivion//Radiant Door EP - Crystal Stilts (Slumberland//Sacred Bones)

2011 brought two great releases from Crystal Stilts. In Love With Oblivion continues the band's tradition of gloomy, psych-infused post-punk with brighter guitars than usual at times, while Radiant Door brings out even brighter guitars and some slower tempos. The monotone, reverb-drenched vocals may be a hurdle, but it is worth doing the work to discover all the hooks.

Top jams: "Through the Floor," "Silver Sun," "Half a Moon," "Shake the Shackles," "Precarious Stair," "Death is What We Live For," "Prometheus at Large," "Dark Eyes," "Radiant Door," "Low Profile"

(18) Mirror Traffic - Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (Matador)

Lacking the jamming and guitar wailing of 2008's excellent and hilariously titled Real Emotional Trash, this year's Mirror Traffic is still a zany, somewhat sprawling companion piece of sorts. The band is impeccably tight and Malkmus' melodies and clever lyrics are right where they should be. I'm not sure why this record went so unnoticed amongst my friends, because it rules.

Top jams: "No One Is (As I Are Be)," "Senator," "Brain Gallop," "Stick Figures in Love," "Share the Red," "Tune Grief," "Forever 28," "Fall Away"

(17) Idle Labor - Craft Spells (Captured Tracks)

The Captured Tracks record label was huge to me this year. We're already almost a quarter of the way through my top 20, and the label is just now making its first appearance on the list. Idle Labor is mostly upbeat 80s synth pop with some truly great synth sounds. Every song is good.

Top jams: "Scandinavian Crush," "The Fog Rose High," "Party Talk," "Given the Time," "Your Tomb," "You Should Close the Door," "Beauty Above All"

(16) Slave Ambient - The War on Drugs (Secretly Canadian)

I never cared to check this band out due to how much I hate the name. When I found out that Kurt Vile used to be a member, I was a bit more interested. When I finally got around to checking out their latest, I was taken aback. Slave Ambient is a beautiful and mellow rock record with touches of folk, psychedelia and spacey atmosphere that make it unique. It fits in nicely with Vile's 2011 output, which shouldn't be surprising.

Top jams: "Best Night," "Brothers," "I Was There," "Your Love is Calling My Name," "It's Your Destiny," "Baby Missiles," "Blackwater"

(15) An Argument With Myself EP - Jens Lekman (Secretly Canadian)

Finally, Jens ends his four year silence since 2007's stunning Night Falls Over Kortedala, albeit with a five song EP that's only around 18 minutes long. STILL, I'll take anything I can get from this guy. Pure pop bliss. Full length in 2012, PLEASE?

Top jams: "An Argument With Myself," "A Promise," "New Directions"

(14) Deerhoof Vs. Evil - Deerhoof (Polyvinyl)

Deerhoof Vs. Evil isn't even close to the band's last and greatest, Offend Maggie, but, of course it's a welcome addition to their canon. Still weird, this is probably their poppiest record to date. Per usual, the guitars are spectacular and gorgeous, the melodies are memorable and Greg Saunier is probably the best drummer in the game.

Top jams: "Qui Dorm, Nomes Somia," "Behold a Marvel in the Darkness," "The Merry Barracks," "Super Duper Rescue Heads!," "Must Fight Current," "I Did Crimes for You"

(13) Gloss Drop - Battles (Warp)

2007's Mirrored was way more critically acclaimed, but I say Gloss Drop is the far more superior album. Sure, there's probably not as much variety here, and these songs are quite a bit more silly. There's just something inexplicable about Gloss Drop that made me fall in love. The cartoon synths, bizarre rhythms and ridiculously tight drumming contribute heavily. Had I posted what I had intended to be my favorite songs of 2011 list, both "Ice Cream" and "Sweetie & Shag" would have been in the top ten.

Top jams: "Ice Cream," "Inchworm," "Wall Streeet," "Dominican Fade," "Sweetie & Shag," "Rolls Bayce," "Sundome"

(12) Smoke Ring for My Halo - Kurt Vile (Matador)

Stunning finger-picked folk collides with country-tinged rock that brings to mind Dylan, Young and Springsteen on Kurt Vile's latest. I first checked Vile out on last year's Square Shells EP, which is much more stripped down and is gorgeous in its own right. Smoke Ring for My Halo is obviously more fully realized, and is easily the best folk record since Bill Callahan's Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle. In fact, it's even better.

Top jams: "Baby's Arms," "Jesus Fever," "On Tour," "Runner Ups," "In My Time," "Peeping Tomboy," "Ghost Town"

(11) What a Pleasure EP - Beach Fossils (Captured Tracks)

I liked their lo-fi surf pop self-titled debut from 2010 alright, but Beach Fossils definitely made the right decision when they substituted their drummer with a drum machine. Understated but catchy melodies, bouncy bass and beautiful Johnny Marr-esque guitar playing. Keep it up, boys!

Top jams: "Fall Right In," "Out in the Way," "Face It," "Distance," "Calyer"

(10) The Moonlight Butterfly - The Sea and Cake (Thrill Jockey)

Since the 90s, The Sea and Cake have been the most consistently awesome band this side of Radiohead. The Moonlight Butterfly, a six song mini-album, is not a ton different from what the band has been doing thus far in the 21st century (aside from a little extra ambience), and that's fine by me. They can stay on this path until they call it quits, for all I care, because they are a perfect band.

Top jams: "Covers," "Lyric," "Up on the North Shore," "Inn Keeping"

(9) Tomboy - Panda Bear (Paw Tracks)

Tomboy may be lacking all the wonderful color that made Person Pitch the record that it is, but man, these melodies and harmonies are still completely mind blowing. The darker nature of the music here makes for an interesting contrast with the still bright vocal parts. I don't know, whatever. Tomboy still does it for me.

Top jams: "Slow Motion," "Surfer's Hymn," "Last Night at the Jetty," "Alsatian Darn," "Friendship Bracelet," "Afterburner," "Benfica"

(8) By the Hedge//Araby 7" - Minks (Captured Tracks)

More 80s goth pop from Captured Tracks. By the Hedge sounds like early Cure with a slight emo slant. Moody and catchy as hell. The Araby 7" features one song that is pretty much more of the same (probably even better), and then "Little Fawn," which seems like a blatant ode to The Beach Boys. These would have ranked even higher any other year.

Top jams: "Kusmi," "Out of Tune," "Funeral Song," "Our Ritual," "Bruises," "Juniper," "Araby," "Little Fawn"

(7) The King of Limbs - Radiohead (TBD)

This is not the best Radiohead record by any means, but it has resolidified Colin Greenwood's title as my favorite bassist. This really is his and Phil Selway's album, what with the smart, scattered bass leads and loopy drum parts. Thom Yorke does his usual thing while Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien go by virtually unnoticed. In addition to all of that, this repetition thing makes for a more different Radiohead album than I was expecting. I'm confused as to why such an obviously great record is so divisive. If you've been a long time fan of the band and this record turns you off to them, then I question your judgement in music.

Top jams: "Bloom," "Morning Mr. Magpie," "Little by Little," "Feral," "Lotus Flower," "Separator"

(6) Days - Real Estate (Domino)

I don't know why, but at first, Days seemed a little underwhelming to me. It felt like Real Estate didn't quite deliver on the promise of the set I saw them play back in July. I think I'm past that now. There are a lot of reasons why Days rightfully overshadows their still fantastic self-titled debut: maturity/full realization, consistency, professional production, et cetera. It doesn't hurt that the stupendously chimey guitars and bouncy bass parts remind me a little bit of Death Cab's We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes.

Top jams: "Green Aisles," "It's Real," "Kinder Blumen," "Out of Tune," "Municipality," "Three Blocks," "All the Same"

(5) Underneath the Pine//Freaking Out EP - Toro y Moi (Carpark)

Unlike his brethren in Washed Out and Neon Indian, Toro y Moi was ready to shed that stupid "chillwave" tag and do something considerably different. Aren't we glad he did? Underneath the Pine is an upbeat psychedelic R&B and soft adult contemporary record showcasing incredible talent, and Freaking Out is essentially an awesome house EP. I am so pumped for whatever this dude is gonna do next. I'm hoping for an entire house record with all live instrumentation.

Top jams: "New Beat," "Go With You," "Go Blinded," "How I Know," "Still Sound," "Elise," "All Alone," "Saturday Love," "I Can Get Love"

(4) Parrot Flies - Algernon Cadwallader (Hot Green)

I don't care how derivative this band may be, Algernon Cadwallader are the shit. Yes, they sound a lot like the myriad of Kinsella-related Chicago bands (Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc, American Football, Ghosts and Vodka, Owls), but when you do that particular brand of emo as good as this band does, guitar noodling and melodic dude yelling and all, then it is absolutely forgivable. The one thing that does set these guys apart is that there are hooks a-plenty.

Top jams: "Preservatives," "Parrot Flies," "If It Kills Me," "Glenwood Ave.," "Sad," "Loose Cannons," "Cruisin'"

(3) Kaputt - Destroyer (Merge)

I have very little experience with pre-Rubies Destroyer, but I would wager that Kaputt is Dan Bejar's crowning achievement, regardless. These songs consist of the usual Bejar two-chord progressions and witty, rambling vocals, and there is still a little bit of a David Bowie element to them. What caught me off guard is how smooth and sexy and 80s this album is. It is nearly perfect. So much awesome soft adult contemporary pop in 2011!

Top jams: "Chinatown," "Blue Eyes," "Savage Night at the Opera," "Suicide Demo for Kara Walker," "Kaputt," "Bay of Pigs"

(2) Romantic Comedy - Big Troubles (Slumberland)

This is what The Pains of Being Pure at Heart's sophomore album should have sounded like. Instead, they went to radio rock production shit and Big Troubles usurped them as Slumberlands' darlings of indie pop inspired by the likes of R.E.M. and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Mitch Easter's pro production suits these songs well, and the amount of memorable hooks is almost overwhelming. I love everything about this record so much, from the smart but simple song structures and delightful melodies to the subtle intricacies and expert musicianship. I'm tempted to say that this is a flawless record.

Top jams: "She Smiles for Pictures," "Make It Worse," "Sad Girls," "You'll be Laughing," "Time Bomb," "Engine"

(1) David Comes to Life - Fucked Up (Matador)

Before David Comes to Life had entered my life, and in spite of how much I loved Fucked Up's last full length, The Chemistry of Common Life, I would have never thought that a hardcore record would be my #1 favorite of any given year. Is this a testament to how insanely good this album is, or to how accessible the band has become (even though the idea of a 70+ minute concept album is a difficult one)? Probably both, but who cares? David Comes to Life is incredible. There really are too many details to list about why this is the album that defines 2011 for me, but the main reason is that my devotion to guitar-based music was reenergized, and this just happens to showcase the best sounding guitars of the year by far. They are thick, catchy and deliciously layered. With such gorgeous music, the screaming adds a fascinating twist, keeping the record from being simply a really great pop punk one. The musicianship all around is unreal, and that this may be the final Fucked Up full length adds some weight. It's definitely an appropriate note to end on. I'm not sure that this can let alone needs to be improved upon, anyway.

Top jams: "Queen of Hearts," "Under My Nose," "The Other Shoe," "Turn the Season," "Remember My Name," "A Slanted Tone," "Truth I Know," "A Little Death," "Inside a Frame," "The Recursive Girl," "Lights Go Up"

Favorite Albums of 2011: #40-21

Like I said before, 2011 was a great year for albums. In fact, as I was compiling and organizing my list, I was surprised to realize exactly how great this year was. 2011 didn't really have anything that came close to a Merriweather Post Pavilion or a Tones of Town or In Rainbows, but the sheer number of albums that I can admit to absolutely loving and that I will take with me well into the future is encouraging.

Anyway, following is the first part of my list, numbers 40 through 21. Also, HERE's a mix of one song per record, sequenced in order of ranking. Please feel free to share any thoughts or concerns.

(40) Wild Flag - Wild Flag (Merge)

This debut full length from super-band featuring Carrie Brownstein and Mary Timony did not live up to my expectations. But, still, it is a very good rock record from these chicks who play guitar like total bad asses.

Top jams: "Romance," "Something Came Over Me," "Glass Tambourine," "Short Version," "Electric Band," "Future Crimes"

(39) Gauntlet Hair - Gauntlet Hair (Dead Oceans)

Probably a bit too heavy on the trendy reverb and hipster hype, but I can't deny my love for these quirky rhythms and spacey guitar sounds.

Top jams: "Keep Time," "Top Bunk," "Mop It Up," "My Christ," "Lights Out," "Overkill"

(38) Share the Joy - Vivian Girls (Polyvinyl)

Viv Girls take a step backwards in quality to try some things that they never have before. Most of them work, some of them don't. Still a doozy of a punk record.

Top jams: "The Other Girls," "I Heard You Say," "Lake House," "Vanishing of Time," "Death"

(37) Strange Mercy - St. Vincent (4AD)

Not as immediate as and even moodier than St. Vincent's previous two records, Strange Mercy was a bit of a disappointment. But, with such bad ass guitar leads and all that gnarly synth bass, it is almost forgivable.

Top jams: "Chloe in the Afternoon," "Cruel," "Surgeon," "Northern Lights," "Neutered Fruit"

(36) Humor Risk - Cass McCombs (Domino)

While McCombs' album released earlier in the year was gorgeous but snooze-worthy, he quickly followed it up with a quality, interestingly inconsistent album that rides the line between guitar pop and folk and features some truly excellent, albeit insanely repetitive, songs.

Top jams: "Love Thine Enemy," "The Same Thing," "Robin Egg Blue," "Mystery Mail"

(35) The Whole Love - Wilco (dBpm)

Ignoring the fact that my experience with A Ghost is Born is minimal, The Whole Love is my favorite thing Wilco has done since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Half of it is spectacular.

Top jams: "I Might," "Dawned on Me," "Born Alone," "Standing O," "Rising Red Lung," "Whole Love"

(34) The Babies//Here Comes Trouble 7" - The Babies (Shrimper//Teenage Teardrops)

Cassie Ramone and a dude from Woods wrote and recorded some great jangly pop punk songs in 2011. I'm shocked by how much more I enjoyed this than the Vivian Girls album. I am not shocked by how much more I like these recordings than anything by Woods.

Top jams: "Run Me Over," "Sunset," "All Things Come to Pass," "Voice Like Thunder," "Meet Me in the City," "Here Comes Trouble," "My Tears"

(33) Fucked Up Presents: David's Town - various artists (Matador)

Fucked Up earned the title of most fun band alive by recording, compiling and releasing this compilation of fake British punk bands from the late 70s. It sounds like a lot of work, and that the majority of the songs are actually really good (even the obviously jokey ones) is a huge bonus.

Top jams: "Byrdesdale Spa FC" (Porcelain on Porcelain), "Garden City" (Crown and Criers), "Unrequited Love" (Redstockings), "Do You Feed? (The Curry Song)" (Animal Man), "Fake Moments (Of True Love)" (The Wavy Originals), "Light Rain" (Grain), "Harmony's Double" (In Good Company), "It's Hard to be a Dad" (Wonderer)

(32) Here Before - The Feelies (Bar/None)

The Feelies finally make their triumphant return. I'm relatively late to the game, having just gotten really into the classic Only Life only a year or two ago, but the mellow jangle of Here Today still does it for me. "Nobody Knows" and "Should be Gone" rank among the greatest of Feelies of songs.

Top jams: "Nobody Knows," "Should be Gone," "Later On," "Way Down," "Morning Comes," "On and On," "So Far"

(31) Giving & Receiving - Lake (K)

After Lake's wonderful Let's Build a Roof came out of nowhere and dominated me in 2009, I was prepared for the follow-up. Giving & Receiving isn't as good, but it's still full of those Fleetwood Mac and Steely Dan inspired soft adult contemporary pop style jams I've come to love.

Top jams: "Roger Miller," "Within/Without," "Stumble Around," "Giving & Receiving," "Bird and the Berry," "Interlude," "Pilgrim's Day"

(30) Innings - Nodzzz (Woodsist)

Plenty of things to like here: the good kind of lo-fi, dual guitar jangle, overt nerdiness, and a 14 track album that clocks in at just under 24 minutes.

Top jams: "Always Make Your Bed," "I'm Not a Wanderer," "Time (What's It Going to Do)," "Heyday Past Heyday Due," "Old Clothes," "Family Name," "Love is Code," "Spirit & Soul"

(29) It's All True - Junior Boys (Domino)

Another set of of mellow, sexy and somewhat danceable synth pop from Junior Boys. It's All True doesn't quite live up to the prior two albums, but it's still a top notch effort from these classy dudes.

Top jams: "Itchy Fingers," "You'll Improve Me," "A Truly Happy Ending," "Second Chance," "ep," "Banana Ripple"

(28) Yuck - Yuck (Fat Possum)

Early 90s alternative rock done mostly right. There are some snoozers, but the outright jams easily make up for that. I basically agree with Bravender that Yuck should record their next album with a big name. It would probably be better. "Get Away" is one of the greatest songs of 2011.

Top jams: "Get Away," "The Wall," "Holing Out," "Georgia," "Operation," "Rubber"

(27) Pallister Chant EP - Zoos of Berlin (self-released)

Zoos of Berlin are the best band in Detroit (if not Michigan), and no one can convince me otherwise. Palister Chant brightens up the mood of 2009's amazing Taxis and takes on a more 80s pop feel (check out "Haven't Eyes," which also has the funniest song title I've come across in some time). Zoos continue to be both eccentric and consistent and should easily be accepting recording contract offers from the likes of 4AD or Domino any time now.

Top jams: "Haven't Eyes," "Tamarind," "Sheets of Solid Gold"

(26) In Heaven - Twin Sister (Domino)

The best kind of 80s music has been making a huge comeback the past couple of years, and Twin Sister have played a major role in it. I was mildly disappointed in this, their debut full-length at first, but there are so many subtle details that add up to make this quite the record. The fantastic rhythm section, awesome synths and chimey guitars help me cope with the weird female vocals that are almost a turnoff, but also contribute to the album's unique, though blatantly 80s sound. In Heaven is the kind of record that gets better with each and every listen.

Top jams: "Daniel," "Stop," "Bad Street," "Space Babe," "Saturday Sunday," "Eastern Green"

(25) Shed - Title Fight (Side One Dummy)

Thanks be to Bravender for tipping me off to these young lads. Fast, technical, catchy and emotional pop punk by dudes who know how to play their instruments, write great chord progressions and melodies, and make a guy feel like he's in high school again. I am incredibly nostalgic, and at times that can be a curse. But, in this case, it is totally a blessing.

Top jams: "Coxton Yard," "Shed," "Flood of '72," "Society," "Your Screen Door," "27," "Stab"

(24) Cosmos Factory EP - Brain Idea (Mexican Summer)

Another band I would have never checked out if Bravender hadn't encouraged me to do so (even if Brain Idea is the best and funniest band name I've heard in a long time). Cosmos Factory features two things I love: spacey, jangly guitars and awesomely distorted drums. At times, this reminds me of a snottier version of The Bats. If these guys ever release a full length, it could all be over.

Top jams: "Signals," "Cosmos Factory," "Suspended in Bliss," "See YRself"

(23) Pebble - Lemuria (Bridge Nine)

Emotional boy/girl guitar pop with subtle technicalities that drive me crazy (in the good way). Awesome drumming and guitar playing with wonderful melodies and great production. Damn fine.

Top jams: "Yellowstone Lady," "Irregular," "Ribcage," "Different Girls," "Bloomer," "Durian," "Chautaugua County"

(22) Lenses Alien - Cymbals Eat Guitars (Barsuk)

Definitely preferable to Cymbals Eat Guitars' 2009 debut, Why There Are Mountains (which was still solid), the complex structures, impressive melodies and wailing guitars on Lenses Alien are a welcome entry to this recent 90s alternative rock revival. CEG takes this one step further, somehow making their songs sound futuristic too. I hear a little more My Bloody Valentine and Smashing Pumpkins than Dinosaur Jr. and Pavement this time around.

Top jams: "Shore Points," "Keep Me Waiting," "Plainclothes," "Definite Darkness," "Another Tunguska," "Secret Family"

(21) Cloud Nothings - Cloud Nothings (Wichita/Carpark)

Fast, jangly pop punk with fantastic melodies. The vocals are tied with those on the Nodzzz album as the nerdiest of 2011. There are also some hints at 90s emo guitar, which, of course, I am all about. Pretty stoked for the upcoming Steve Albini-produced follow-up.

Top jams: "Understand at All," "Should Have," "Nothing's Wrong," "Heartbeat," "Rock," "On the Radio"

Hey Rube/The Bell Jar/Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Hey Rube - Hunter S. Thompson (2004)

Hey Rube was an ESPN.com column written by Hunter S. Thompson in the early 2000s. A lot of Thompson's poignant, prophetic, controversial and hilarious ramblings from that time are compiled here, and I don't know that it could have been more fun to read. Thompson's style is obviously enjoyable, and it was interesting to read about the state of the NFL, the George W. Bush administration and the War on Terror through the lens of the Good Doc, especially considering that my interest in sports was at an all-time low back then. In Hey Rube, his political insight, insane obsessions with gambling and football and laugh-out-loud wit are unstoppable.

The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath (1963)

Considering how acclaimed Sylvia Plath's only novel is, I had high expectations that were never met in The Bell Jar. Yes, the fictionalized details of Plath's descension into depression and mental breakdown make for an enlightening, albeit uncomfortable, sometimes even heart-wrenching, read. I guess the hurdles I couldn't get over with The Bell Jar were that there was nothing really for me to relate to and Plath's writing felt pretty dry to me. I supposed if I had read this when I was younger it would have hit me considerably harder, but at this stage of the game, it just read like a brooding, downward spiraling mood piece and nothing more.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - Robert C. O'Brien (1971)

The Secret of NIMH was one of my absolute favorite animated films when I was a little kid, and I've actually wanted to read the novel for a really long time. I remembered this being a little dark for a children's story, but I think that actually had more to do with the eerie imagery in the film than the actual plot. Still, the story is layered a bit more than I recall, and the fact that I had forgotten a majority of the details helped this reading experience to be an enjoyable one, though, nostalgia had a lot to do with that as well. Anyway, it was really fun to revisit this story and be made a child again.

2011 Songs

2011 was a great year for albums, that's for sure. However, it was not one of the best regarding individual songs. Nothing stuck out quite to the extent that, say, "Heaven's on Fire," "Brother Sport," or "Strange Overtones" did in recent years. I tried compiling a long list of my favorite songs of this year, but the vast majority of them are from my favorite albums, and I don't want to be redundant. That would just be boring to read (and write, on my end).

So, instead, I've made two mixes showcasing my absolute favorite songs from albums that either just missed the cut for my favorite albums list or that were from records that I didn't care about aside from this one song. I just wanted to at least highlight these particular diamonds in the rough.

You can download the first part HERE, and the second part HERE. Tracklists are below. Favorite albums of the year list will be up sometime next week?

Part One

1. "New Map" - M83, from Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

2. "Glass Jar" - Gang Gang Dance, from Eye Contact

3. "Bad Weather" - Mike Adams at His Honest Weight, from Oscillate Wisely

4. "It Takes Time to be a Man" - The Rapture, from In the Grace of Your Love

5. "Weekend" - Smith Westerns, from Dye It Blonde

6. "Can't You Tell" - Vetiver, from The Errant Charm

7. "Backwards Time" - Here We Go Magic, from The January EP

8. "Been Here Before" - La Sera, from La Sera

9. "Alex" - Girls, from Father, Son, Holy Ghost

10. "Secret Walls" - The Fresh & Onlys, from Secret Walls EP

11. "Bullfight" - Women, from Faux Discx 4-Way Split 7"

12. "See Right Through Me" - The Bats, from Free All the Monsters

13. "You're Blessed" - Iceage, from New Brigade

14. "Praying Man" - Atlas Sound, from Parallax

15. "Painted Eyes" - Hercules & Love Affair, from Blue Songs

Part Two

1. "Taken for a Fool" - The Strokes, from Angles

2. "Ffunny Ffriends" - Unknown Mortal Orchestra, from Unknown Mortal Orchestra

3. "Better Off Without You" - Summer Camp, from Better Off Without You 7"

4. "Dreaming" - Seapony, from Go With Me

5. "Soft" - Washed Out, from Within and Without

6. "It's Casual" - Maritime, from Human Hearts

7. "Do What You Will" - Papercuts, from Fading Parade

8. "Body Shakes" - Deadbeat Beat, from When I Talk to You

9. "K is for Kelson" - Bibio, from Mind Bokeh

10. "Bug" - Wavves, from Life Sux EP

11. "Fell & Found (The Walk)" - Small Brown Bike, from Fell & Found

12. "Future Sick" - Neon Indian, from Era Extrana

13. "When You Wake Up" - Best Coast, from Summer is Forever 7"

14. "Days" - The Drums, from Portamento

15. "Dig You Out" - Male Bonding, from Endless Now

Summer Teen Guest Blog: 10 Things I Got Excited About in 2011

My buddy Erik Fox, originally from Indiana, maintains a charming and entertaining culture blog with a few other dudes called Summer Teen, and he recently asked me to guest blog a year-end top ten list. So, I came up with a list of ten things that got me really excited in 2011. If you're interested in reading it, I encourage you to so HERE.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being/The War of the Worlds

The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera (1984)

A lot of people I know on Goodreads rated this highly. Sorry guys, I hated it! Way too much propagandizing, philosophizing and struggling with the idea of true love vs. random, enjoyable sex. Considering that there is nothing really magical or fantastical occurring within the plot, these characters are way too unbelievable, and the language way too flowery/poetic. Also, the way Milan Kundera writes (at least here) is annoyingly cyclical/repetitive. He really layed out and forced his shit on you. I was so overwhelmed by the same, obnoxious ideas and arguments, it made me sick (not literally). There were one or two moments where I was truly touched, but aside from that, I thought The Unbearable Lightness of Being was just terrible. Am I narrow-minded or not analytical enough? Someone explain to me why I'm supposed to like this novel.

The War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells (1898)

I was not surprised at all by how creepy this H.G. Wells classic is, considering that I was very much weirded out by The Island of Dr. Moreau. The War of the Worlds was a bit more dry than I was hoping, and the star of the novel was its setting and environment aside from any of its bland characters. I was expecting it to be preachier than it is, and it wasn't difficult to get around that anyway thanks to how easy it was to simply appreciate the eerie mood and terrifying events that were written about in such an impressive manner. This all made for a unique novel that anyone who likes to read half as much as I do should experience.

The Village

"The Village" by New Order, from Power, Corruption & Lies (1983)

JAM.

Emotional Drumming Mix #2

Yo, friends! Here's another mix for y'all. It compiles 20 top notch jams from my Emotional Listening posts in the year 2011. Download that shit HERE, and enjoy!

Tracklist:

1. "Knowledge is Power" - The Bats (1995)

2. "Fighting on the Stairs" - The Frames (2001)

3. "Closedown" - The Cure (1989)

4. "What in the World" - David Bowie (1977)

5. "Fresh" - Daft Punk (1997)

6. "Kim's Watermelon Gun" - The Flaming Lips (1995)

7. "L'Amour Stories" - Deerhoof (2003)

8. "Vocal Shrapnel" - Archers of Loaf (1996)

9. "That's When the Party Started" - The Dismemberment Plan (1997)

10. "I Ain't Sayin'" - Dinosaur Jr. (1993)

11. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" - The Byrds (1965)

12. "Lewis Hollow" - Jeremy Enigk (1996)

13. "In the Same Room" - Jimmy Eat World (1996)

14. "Crying Just for Show" - French Kicks (2002)

15. "Away" - The Feelies (1988)

16. "Inoculated City" - The Clash (1982)

17. "XXX" - Helium (1994)

18. "Blimps Go 90" - Guided by Voices (1995)

19. "Big Brown Eyes" - The dB's (1981)

20. "Laser Guided by God" - Ghosts and Vodka (2001)

Carried Out to Sea

"Carried Out to Sea" by Fucked Up, from Hidden World (2006)

The guitar riff during the choruses is one of my absolute favorites in recent memory.

Parallax/Radiant Door EP/When I Talk to You

Parallax - Atlas Sound (4AD, 2011)

I won't deny that since 2008's brilliant Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel, each Atlas Sound record since has gotten more boring and less good. Granted, 2009's Logos featured what is probably my favorite Bradford Cox song to date, the Panda Bear-assisted "Walkabout," in spite of being boring (and still quite good) otherwise. Anyway, Cox's latest, Parallax, like I stated before, is even more boring! Yet, somehow, it still features some top notch jams. "Praying Man" in particular, with it's layers of acoustic guitars playing minor chords, is the best, followed by "Te Amo" with it's weird and pretty piano loop and overall atmosphere. I could do without the ambient tracks at the end, and some of the ballads are pretty lame too, but there are enough quality songs to save the record from the fire. Parallax is not bad by any means (I wouldn't be writing about it if I didn't like it), it just does not come close to the expectations I've come to expect from Bradford Cox.

Radiant Door EP - Crystal Stilts (Sacred Bones, 2011)

Surprisingly and quickly, Crystal Stilts have followed up their great sophomore full length, In Love With Oblivion with the Radiant Door EP, this time coming from Sacred Bones Records. Radiant Door doesn't divert too much from the overall sound of In Love With Oblivion, aside from being a little more mellow and maybe slightly less gloomy. These songs still tend to combine 80s post-punk with 60s psychedelia, perhaps leaning a little more towards the psych. EP opener "Dark Eyes" is pretty much on par with the best songs on In Love With Oblivion. I'm glad that in 2011, I have continuously fallen In Love With Crystal Stilts. Zing!

When I Talk to You - Deadbeat Beat (Gold Tapes, 2011)

These days, it's pretty rare when I get excited about a band or album that comes from Detroit. It's about time I have another one of each to get behind! Deadbeat Beat play lo-fi jangly 60s garage rock that is isn't anything out of the ordinary, but it doesn't need to be. These songs are awesome. The simple arrangements with primal instrumentation overflowing with the good kind of reverb is appealing enough, but, man, these melodies are just killer. "Body Shakes" is a prime example of a song by a local band that is on par with those of bands in the national spotlight. When I Talk to You is a very good debut from a very young Detroit band, and I'm hoping that this is a sign of good things to come from the city, because I've grown pretty apathetic toward the local music scene.