Emotional Listening #31

Mission: Control! - Burning Airlines (DeSoto, 1999)
Burning Airlines was a post-Jawbox project from J. Robbins, producer extraordinaire of a lot of seminal/popular albums in emo/post-hardcore/punk/indie rock. Mission: Control! was their debut, and it is phenomenal. While Robbins certainly knows his way around a melody or hook, these songs aren't of the typical pop song structure. They are heavy, complex (with some truly insane but completely rock solid drumming), and yet still, very catchy. Mission: Control! is a melodic, technical rock 'n' roll record of the most excellent type. If you like jagged, distorted guitars, intricate drumming and pop melodies, this record is for you.
Top jams: "Wheaton Calling," "Pacific 231," "Scissoring," "The Escape Engine," "3 Sisters," "Flood of Foreign Capital," "Sweet Deals on Surgery"


Gone Glimmering - Chavez (Matador, 1995)
I hesitate to call Chavez math rock, as they were quite a bit more melodic and accessible than, say, Don Caballero. So, I will describe them as heavy, melodic, technical rock. A couple years ago my bud Julian called me crazy for not being familiar, and now I understand why. The sounds on Gone Glimmering are not unlike those of Hum, Shiner, Burning Airlines, etc. Huge guitars, vocal melodies akin to J. Robbins and Allen Epley, and impressive, intricate drumming that somehow is both focused and aimless (and also big). This record is right up my alley, and I regret not realizing that until now.
Top jams: "Break Up Your Band," "Laugh Track," "The Ghost by the Sea," "Peeled Out Too Late," "Wakeman's Air," "Relaxed Fit"


Porcupine - Echo & the Bunnymen (Sire, 1983)
Last year, I got way into Echo & the Bunnymen's 1984 masterpiece, Ocean Rain. This year, it's their prior LP, Porcupine, that is completely slaying me. While the highlights on Porcupine aren't quite as obvious as those on Ocean Rain, they are two equally stellar albums. Porcupine is brighter, louder and more full (more electric guitars and upbeat tempos), but, there is still a goth element to these songs. I wouldn't be surprised if I come to prefer this to Ocean Rain. This band was really good!
Top jams: "The Cutter," "The Back of Love," "My White Devil," "Clay," "Heads Will Roll," "Ripeness," "Higher Hell," "Gods Will be Gods"


Dear You - Jawbreaker (DGC, 1995)
I've known since high school that I am supposed to care about Jawbreaker, and I just never had. That was until I came across a used copy of an awesome vinyl reissue of Dear You at Underground Sounds in Ann Arbor a year or so ago. I've been listening to the record pretty frequently of late, and it's about damn time, right? I don't know that I would agree with those who throw the band under the emo umbrella, though I also do recognize that these songs have some elements of that genre. However, Dear You is simply a dark, melodic punk record with plenty of pop sensibility. The first three tracks here set the tone with Blake Schwarzenbach's thought provoking storytelling and excellent sense for melody. "Accident Prone" is one of the more emo jams, with all of its drama and dynamics. "Bad Scene, Everyone's Fault," a straight up pop punk song, takes the title for best moment on the album, though. I am very happy that I've finally come around.
Top jams: "Save Your Generation," "I Love You So Much It's Killing Us Both," "Fireman," "Accident Prone," "Oyster," "Million," "Bad Scene, Everyone's Fault," "Sluttering (May 4th)"

Emotional Listening #30

Black Tambourine - Black Tambourine (Slumberland, 2010)
Black Tambourine are considered one of the more seminal bands of the indie pop/twee movement of old. I get it, though I still find bands like Beat Happening and The Pastels a bit more interesting. Still, Slumberland's 2010 collection compiles quite a set of good jangly and fuzzy pop tunes. Call me crazy, but my favorite of the original batch of tunes is the short, aimless instrumental "Pam's Tan." Also, it's telling that the later recordings, including the "Lazy Heart" and "Dream Baby Dream" covers, are better than said original material. Bands like this once were and again have become a dime a dozen, but I do sense something special to Black Tambourine, even if I can't elaborate any more.
Top jams: "Black Car," "I Was Wrong," "Throw Aggi Off the Bridge," "We Can't be Friends," "By Tomorrow," "Pam's Tan," "Heartbeat," "Lazy Heart," "Tears of Joy," "Dream Baby Dream"


Key Lime Pie - Camper Van Beethoven (Virgin, 1989)
Last year I spent some good time with CVB's debut LP, Telephone Free Landslide Victory, and while somewhat inconsistent, it definitely grew on me and I came to appreciate it in all of its silliness. Next up for me is their 1989 pre-reunion swan song, Key Lime Pie, which I'd say is a much more serious listen. It's interesting because sonically, this is a much more cohesive album, but the band still incorporated a lot of the same genres they toyed with on TFLV (ska, polka, etc.). There are still moments here where I get distracted, but man, their are some great songs here. "Borderline" is a current knock-out jam for me.
Top jams: "Jack Ruby," "Sweethearts," "When I Win the Lottery," "(I Was Born in a) Laundromat," "Borderline," "June," "All Her Favorite Fruit," "Flowers," "Pictures of Matchstick Men"


Off the Wall - Michael Jackson (Epic, 1979)
As a youth, I didn't give much thought to MJ. I knew the singles and liked 'em fine, but that's as far as my relationship with his music went. I acquired Off the Wall and Thriller several years ago when I first started to collect vinyl, and I fell for them both pretty hard, especially thanks to the fact that I had since acquired immense appreciation for other music like this (smooth, sexy, funky, awesome chords). Lately I've listening to Off the Wall a bit more intimately, and my love for it has grown exponentially. If only it weren't for "She's Out of My Life," this record would be just about perfect. No joke.
Top jams: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Rock With You," "Workin' Day and Night," "Get on the Floor," "Off the Wall," "I Can't Help It," "It's the Falling in Love"


Dropping the Writ - Cass McCombs (Domino, 2007)
I developed an interest in Cass McCombs' third album, Dropping the Writ, after a friend had put a song from it on a "best of 2007" mix she had made in early 2008. I'm not exactly sure why it took me until now to give it the opportunity it deserves, as it is a completely gorgeous record, and another in this batch that I'm focusing on in this post that is nearly flawless. I like if not love all ten songs here. This record is nowhere near as boring as 2009's Catacombs and 2011's Wit's End, and is much more in line with, and far surpasses, McComb's other 2011 album, Humor Risk. I guess I would generally describe this music as a mix of folk and classic pop music, and there are instances that really remind me of XO-era Elliott Smith and a smidge of Jim O'Rourke's more accessible albums. I wonder if I had started with Dropping the Writ, I would have experienced a higher level of enjoyment from McCombs' more recent albums?
Top jams: "Pregnant Pause," "That's That," "Petrified Forest," "Moving Shadows," "Deseret," "Crick in My Neck," "Full Moon or Infinity," "Wheel of Fortune"

Emotional Listening #29

London Weekend - Another Sunny Day (Sarah, 1992)
I discovered Another Sunny Day, your classic late-80s/early-90s London-based twee/indie pop band, thanks to Fucked Up's "Anorak City" cover on their Couple Tracks collection. London Weekend is their only LP, and for the most part, it is excellent. While "Anorak City" is the most obvious standout, and truly is an incredible pop song, "What's Happened to You My Dearest Friend?" is probably my favorite song due to its bright Cure-esque chord progression, 80s-style production, and the Johnny Marr-inspired acoustic guitar solo into the ending. There is plenty of melodrama, brit-pop balladry, and jangling guitars informed by The Smiths, but this is no knockoff. These songs hold up on their own merit. Things get real slow and sleepy towards the end, and three or four songs could have been cut, but, I would definitely recommend spending some summer days jamming this with the windows down.
Top jams: "Anorak City," "Things Will be Nice," "What's Happened to You My Dearest Friend?," "Can't You Tell It's True?," "Impossible," "You Should All be Murdered," "Horseriding," "New Year's Honours"


There's Nothing Wrong With Love - Built to Spill (Up, 1994)
For the longest time, I have really only cared about Built to Spill's 1999 masterpiece, Keep It Like a Secret, which is one of the great modern guitar albums. I've finally decided to put in some quality time with their previous records, and I must say, they're actually not as bad as I used to think. There's Nothing Wrong With Love, the band's sophomore LP, lacks the layers and heroics of the guitars from Keep It Like a Secret, but these are some nice jangly indie rock tunes with Doug Martsch's trademark: quirky vocals and gnarly albeit sloppy guitar solos. "In the Morning," "Big Dipper," and "Distopian Dream Girl" are absolute jams.
Top jams: "In the Morning," "Big Dipper," "Fling," "Cleo," "The Source," "Twin Falls," "Distopian Dream Girl"


Wake Up and be Happy - Camber (Deep Elm, 2002)
I know I shouldn't be, but I am slightly embarrassed that I was so invested in the blatantly emo record label Deep Elm back in high school. During this time, Camber was one of the label's less interesting bands: classic second-wave emo in the vein of Mineral, Texas is the Reason, and Christie Front Drive. After three albums of this, the band released their fourth and final LP in 2002, Wake Up and be Happy, which only has slight emo flourishes. It is much more of a throwback to straight-up 90s alternative rock. If you can get past Barry Lott's vocals, which seem a little forced, there are plenty of moments to appreciate, namely in "Short Sleeve," "Darling Daughter," and "Trick I Learned in the Army."
Top jams: "Devil You Know," "Short Sleeve," "West Village Idiot," "Wake Up and be Happy," "Darling Daughter," "Plissken," "Trick I Learned in the Army"


Candy Apple Grey - Husker Du (Warner Bros., 1986)
I purchased a used copy of 80s punk and alternative rock pioneers Husker Du's fifth LP, Candy Apple Grey, at Underground Sounds on Record Store Day a couple years ago. Perhaps thanks to the two bands I play drums in, I have been itching to spend some crucial time with the middle four albums in Husker Du's discography of late. For whatever reason, I started here, and it rules so hard. There are, like, two really shitty ballads, but beyond that, this record is fantastic. "Crystal" is a hell of an opener, and I love how pissed Bob Mould sounds on it. There are too many other highlights to name, but "Don't Want to Know if You Are Lonely" and "I Don't Know for Sure" are worthy. Lastly, closer, "All This I've Done for You," is my favorite Husker Du song thus far. Candy Apple Grey is raw and in some ways uneven, but those things add to the charm of the general awesomeness of the songs here.
Top jams: "Crystal," "Don't Want to Know if You Are Lonely," "I Don't Know for Sure," "Sorry Somehow," "Hardly Getting Over It," "Dead Set on Destruction," "Eiffel Tower High," "All This I've Done for You"


House Arrest - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti (Ballbearing Pinatas, 2002)
Ariel Pink's discography is confusing! I don't understand how exactly everything was released, but as far as I understand, House Arrest was originally released in 2002 and then reissued by Paw Tracks in 2006? This is the fifth installment in his Haunted Graffiti series, whatever that means. Unsurprisingly, House Arrest is very lo-fi, but the musicianship and arrangements here are impressive. It doesn't hold a candle to 2010's Before Today or even 2012's Mature Themes, but these songs are still thoroughly enjoyable. There's less smooth and sexy 70s pop and a lot more 60s psychedelia, but considering the recording quality, that's probably for the best. If you need a starting point, the first two tracks, "Hardcore Pops Are Fun" and "Interesting Results" are the best anyway. I also fell hard for the haunting and hilariously titled closer, "Oceans of Weep."
Top jams: "Hardcore Pops Are Fun," "Interesting Results," "Helen," "Every Night I Die at Miyagis," "Alisa," "The People I'm Not," "Almost Waiting," "Oceans of Weep"

Emotional Listening #28

The Noise Made by People - Broadcast (Warp, 2000)
I used to play drums in a Detroit band called Computer Perfection, and three of the four other members were constantly encouraging me to invest time in Broadcast. Finally, I have, and it's been well worth it. I have begun my journey with their 2000 debut, The Noise Made by People, which showcases some nice, 60s style production (roomy, natural sounding reverb, muted bass guitar). Trish Keenan's (RIP) vocals are haunting and gorgeous. There's a definitely a psychedelic vibe in these songs, but more in the vein of Pet Sounds or a moodier, more subtle Stereolab than, say, The Flaming Lips. The Noise Made by People makes for an eerie yet thoroughly enjoyable listen, and would pretty much recommend it to any one of my friends.
Top jams: "Long Was the Year," "Unchanging Window," "Come On Let's Go," "Echo's Answer," "Papercuts," "You Can Fall," "Look Outside," "City in Progress"


Hidden World - Fucked Up (Jade Tree, 2006)
When Fucked Up's debut LP, Hidden World, came out in 2006, I was sort of in-between phases of listening to punk-informed music, and was mostly spending time with pop-oriented albums. Then The Chemistry of Common Life happened in 2008, and I was easily hooked. With 2011's David Comes to Life, my love for Fucked Up arrived full force, and I had since decided it was time to go back to that epic and gorgeously heavy debut. Hidden World is equally tough sounding and melodic, showcasing wonderfully catchy guitar leads and upbeat punk progressions that the band is yet to retire. It's a bit more rough around the edges and less accessible than David Comes to Life, but not by all that much. There are lots of surprises within the songs, let alone in the fact that this is a punk album that has interludes and is 13 songs and 70+ minutes of mostly relentless intensity. If you like your punk records short, and aren't into the tough guy wrestler yelling, then Hidden World is probably not for you. But I'd wager that there is enough melody in the guitars to still hook you good. While The Chemistry of Common Life, for me, is probably an 8.5 and David Comes to Life is most definitely a 10, I'd give Hidden World a rating of 9 out of 10.
Top jams: "Crusades," "David Comes to Life," "Invisible Leader," "Carried Out to Sea," "Two Snakes," "Manqueller Man," "Blaze of Glory," "Triumph of Life," "Jacob's Ladder"


Dare - The Human League (Virgin, 1981)
I'm gonna be quick about this one. I'm sure you know that The Human League was one of those popular new wave/synth pop bands of the 80s. Dare is their third album. Is it cheesy? I guess, only in that it is from the early 80s and the production and synths may sound a little dates. But, is it awesome? Surely. "Don't You Want Me" is the obviously awesome hit single, but there are two much greater highlights for me. "Darkness" is a mysterious mid-tempo jam with awesome chords and synth bass, and "Love Action" is just an incredible song. I don't need to explain, just listen to it.
Top jams: "Open Your Heart," "Darkness," "Do or Die," "Seconds," "Love Action," "Don't You Want Me"


Electric Warrior - T. Rex (Reprise, 1971)
Yup, I'm just now getting around to spending some solid time with T. Rex. Deal with it. Electric Warrior rules. I know they're considered one of the most classic/important glam rock bands, but this sounds more like a swampy, bluesy take on power pop to me. Almost like a cross of Hunky Dory, late-60s Rolling Stones and Big Star, maybe? These songs are way too subtle to be considered glam rock, anyway. "Mambo Sun" and "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" are two of the best songs I've heard recently.
Top jams: "Mambo Sun," "Cosmic Dancer," "Jeepster," "Bang a Gong (Get It On)," "The Motivator," "Life's a Gas," "Rip Off"

2013 MLB Preview

AL East
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. Toronto Blue Jays
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Boston Red Sox

So, the AL East is gonna be insane this year. The Tampa Bay Rays need to find a way to hit better, and top MLB prospect Wil Myers may just be the answer. Having Evan Longoria healthy for an entire season surely wouldn't hurt either. Their base running and game management is top notch though, and their pitching, starting and relief, still may be the best in the division, even with the loss of James Shields. Toronto acquired pretty much every star the Miami Marlins had at the end of last year with the exception of Giancarlo Stanton, and also gained 2012 NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey and Melky Cabrera, coming off a batting title stained by PEDs. On paper, they are the best team in the East. I just don't necessarily believe buying a championship will work in a division that Joe Madden and the Rays are in. Baltimore stunned last year, and offensively could be even better this year as their young talent continues to mature. The rotation is too and experienced to make another run in the playoffs this year, but they are looking good for the years to come. The Yankees are SO injured and SO old, and that is going to lead them to still winning maybe 85 or so games, but missing the playoffs, and thus being a disgrace to their unrealistically expectant fans. Weirdly, the Red Sox are sort of rebuilding, and they will surely be better than they were last year, but still should finish last place here. The offense should be just fine, but that pitching could be atrocious.

AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Kansas City Royals
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Cleveland Indians
5. Minnesota Twins

The Detroit Tigers MIGHT have the best lineup in the AL, and definitely have the best starting rotation. While the Royals and Indians got better and should offer up more competition in the division, the Tigers should have an easy time winning it, and potentially partake in their second World Series in a row. However, remember how easy last year was supposed to be? The team still has its loose ends to tie up (defense, bullpen), which hopefully will be set by the trade deadline, but the good here FAR outweighs the bad. Everyone should know by now that the Royals can bat, and at the expense of Wil Myers, their rotation is relatively formidable now with James Shields and Ervin Santana on board. A bunch of White Sox over performed in 2012, and Paul Konerko did his usual thing, and I just don't see that happening in 2013. Chris Sale and Jake Peavy should keep this team either just above or just below the .500 mark. Yes, adding Nick Swisher was a smooth move for the Indians, but it doesn't help THAT much when their rotation is a complete disaster. Maybe Trevor Bauer can help that. Minnesota still has the best pure hitting catcher in Joe Mauer, and Justin Morneau went through a nice revival, but that team still sucks. Remember in 2010 when they won 94 games?

AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels
2. Texas Rangers
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros

Adding Josh Hamilton to the already stellar duo of Albert Pujols and Mike Trout puts the Los Angeles Angels at the top of the AL West. Sure, their pitching is questionable, but, that could also work out if C.J. Wilson returns to form and they can figure out how their bullpen should work. Despite the loss of Hamilton, the Texas Rangers batting is still dangerous as all hell. Adrian Beltre is coming off a season where he would have won the MVP award if Trout or Miguel Cabrera didn't exist. If Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz continue their production of late, and the newer and more risky pieces fall into place like they should, Texas will not give up the division title without a fight, especially if their young pitching staff continues to solidify. It's hard to say if the Oakland A's or Baltimore Orioles were more surprising in 2012, but I'd bet on the A's. Now, which team is more likely to keep it up? That is an even better question. The Oakland hitters are young and flawed, but Yoenis Cespedes is already looking like a future superstar. Their young pitching staff is the strength here, and it will be fun to see how they continue to grow. The Seattle Mariners are on the upswing, and with the addition of Michael Morse could be sneaky scary. The pitching will be what keeps them from reaching true contention, even with Felix Hernandez leading the way. This will be the Houston Astros' first year in the American League, and they will get slaughtered.

NL East
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. New York Mets
5. Miami Marlins

I have to think that the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves might be the two best teams overall in baseball. With the extra pieces they added, the general ridiculousness of their rotation and bullpen, and being no victim to no more innings limits on Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals are built for a World Series championship NOW. The Braves are not far off by any means. They are almost just as stacked, and adding the Upton brothers (Justin and B.J.) is the icing on the cake. If Kris Medlen is half as good as he was in 2012, tis rotation is completely terrifying. And to think that they get Brandon Beachy back around the All-Star break, whew. The Phillies are on the verge of rebuilding, but as things stand, they can still compete. Cole Hamels has come into his own as the team's ace, and Cliff Lee seems to only get better as he gets older. It's unfortunate that Roy Halladay seems to be on his way out. Their window for a World Series championship has officially closed. The Mets and Marlins are both non-factors this year, and each only have one outright bright spot (David Wright and Giancarlo Stanton, respectively).

NL Central
1. Cincinnati Reds
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Chicago Cubs

I am 100% behind the recent decision to keep Aroldis Chapman as the Reds' closer, though it would have been a blast to watch him in the starting rotation. Thing is, they don't need him there, thanks to the young, talented guys they already have there. They finally have a quality centerfielder/leadoff man in Shin-Soo Choo, and throwing him in the mix with perennial MVP candidate Joey Votto, Brandon Phillps, Jay Bruce, etc. gives Cincinnati everything they need to repeat as NL Central champs, and maybe even more. They may have to deal with the lack of Chris Carpenter for another season, but the St. Louis Cardinals are still very good, and cannot be counted out when discussing the playoffs. If Jon Jay and Allen Craig are the real deal (my bet is that at least Craig IS), they should produce plenty of runs again, and perhaps at a more consistent rate in 2013. Their pitching is weaker than it could be, but Adam Wainwright should completely kill in his second year back from Tommy John surgery. If Ryan Braun gets in trouble for his latest PED accusations, then the Pittsburgh Pirates get third place. I'm going to assume that Braun is fine, though, and that being the case, Milwaukee's offense is golden, as it has been the past few years. Braun has a quality crew of supporting guys that will hit plenty of home runs and produce runs in other ways. It's the pitching, especially the bullpen, that is the problem. I just found out today they signed Kyle Lohse, which will certainly help Yovani Gallardo and the rest of the young, flawed, yet talented rotation. Closer John Axford had a terrible year in 2012, and beyond him, the bullpen is in rough shape. I don't have quite as much faith as a lot of other people seem to have in the Pittsburgh Pirates. Their offense has come together, and Andrew McCutchen is still improving, which is insane. Their rotation and bullpen could go either way though. They very well could finally break their streak of seasons with a losing record, but they will not compete for a playoff spot. The Cubs have some very exciting young players in Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija, but they are still several years away from being good.

NL West
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres

Yes, the Dodgers lineup is basically a sort of 2009 All-Star team thanks to their trades with the Marlins and Red Sox before the trade deadline last year, giving them not only the highest payroll in 2013, but the highest in history. However, injuries heading into the start of the season may be the death of him. If everything works out with Carl Crawford, Hanley Ramirez, and Zack Greinke, and considering that they also have Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, and the best pitcher in the NL, Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers very well could win the NL West. However, my bet is on the San Francisco Giants, who return just about everybody from their 2012 World Series championship team. Sure, they don't have the most productive, exciting offense, but there defense is among the best in the majors, and the only rotation and bullpen that is better than theirs is Washington, and MAYBE Atlanta. If Tim Lincecum can return to pre-2012 form, the West is theirs, guaranteed. The Diamondbacks traded away Justin Upton, and though they still have plenty of talent on offense and on the mound, it's going to be another down year for them. The Rockies and Padres seem to randomly compete in this division every so often, and if either of them is going to do it, it's Colorado, as their offense could potentially be sickening if they can get full seasons out of Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. Their pitching is virtually non-existent, as is the Padres'. Chase Headley was a revelation to them in 2012, but he's going to be doing some time on the DL, and they don't have much hope anywhere else.

AL Wild Card Game
Toronto Blue Jays over Texas Rangers

NL Wild Card Game
Atlanta Braves over Los Angeles Dodgers

ALDS
Detroit Tigers over Toronto Blue Jays, 3-1
Los Angeles Angels over Tampa Bay Rays, 3-2

NLDS
Washington Nationals over Atlanta Braves, 3-2
Cincinnati Reds over San Francisco Giants, 3-2

ALCS
Detroit Tigers over Los Angeles Angels, 4-2

NLCS
Washington Nationals over Cincinnati Reds, 4-2

World Series
Washington Nationals over Detroit Tigers, 4-3

AL Rookie of the Year - Wil Myers, Tampa Bay
AL Comeback Player of the Year - Victor Martinez, Detroit
AL Cy Young - Justin Verlander, Detroit
AL MVP - Mike Trout, Los Angeles

NL Rookie of the Year - Shelby Miller, St. Louis
NL Comeback Player of the Year - Ryan Howard, Philadelphia
NL Cy Young - Stephen Strasburg, Washington
NL MVP - Matt Kemp, Los Angeles

Favorite Albums of 2012: #20-1

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE


(20) - Open Your Heart - The Men (Sacred Bones)
Not a huge fan of the country rock songs here, but the ones that are reminiscent of Sonic Youth and Husker Du are excellent. Great bookends to this album, too.
Top jam: "Please Don't Go Away"


(19) Children of Desire - Merchandise (Katorga)
Mid-fi 80s goth jams with chorus guitars, drum machine and Morrissey vox. Not on Captured Tracks, but it certainly would fit in well there. "Time" is probably my favorite song of 2012.
Top jam: "Time"


(18) Gallery EP - Craft Spells (Captured Tracks)
Mellow 80s pop jams with chimey guitars, synths, programmed drums. I really liked Craft Spells' LP from 2011, and it seems the songs are getting even better.
Top jam: "Sun Trails"


(17) Spooky Action at a Distance - Lotus Plaza (Kranky)
Admittedly, the songs on this album are not too different from Lockett Pundt's Deerhunter songs. Bored vocals singing quality melodies, soft drums, and guitars that both chime and jangle and continue to layer on top of each other. Subtract the first and last songs, and this would've ranked even higher.
Top jam: "Remember Our Days"


(16) When I Couldn't Breathe - Sundials (Asian Man)
Jangly 90s indie/alternative with a slight pop punk edge. At first I was deceived by the outward simplicity of these songs, and then discovered all the subtle quirks hidden underneath. The melodies are great, and pretty much every song is a jam.
Top jam: "Mosby Blues"


(15) Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired - Joyce Manor (Asian Man)
Nine tracks of versatile, absolutely brilliant pop punk clocking in at just over 13 minutes total. RIDICULOUS.
Top jam: "Bride of Usher"


(14) Overgrown Path - Chris Cohen (Captured Tracks)
For several years, Chris Cohen was a crucial member of Deerhoof, and he also spent time in Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. I am pleasantly surprised that he released a solo record in 2012 that is better than the one his former bandmates in the 'Hoof did. Smooth pop with those chimey guitars I love and keep talking about, and jazzy chords. Somewhere between 60s psych and 70s adult contemporary.
Top jam: "Caller No. 99"


(13) Wind Hand Caught in the Door - South South Million (Triple Down)
Trevor Naud and Daniel Clark from my favorite (and simply the best) Detroit band Zoos of Berlin have waited more than ten years to finally put this record out. I was lucky to receive it in an email from Trevor back in 2010, and it's been a joy to have been able to spend the last two+ years with it. Short, aimless, sample-heavy, experimental soundscapes with pop sensibility. Imagine if The Avalanches did drugs and only created ballads. Put it to wax, boys!
Top jam: "Wolf Dreams"


(12) Plumb - Field Music (Memphis Industries)
If you know me well, then you probably recognize the fact that Field Music are one of my absolute favorite bands to come out of the 21st century thus far. At first, I was very disappointed by this, their fourth LP. Then I got my head out of my ass. They're still doing the very complex 60s brit pop thing, but Plumb is even more subtle and orchestral, and even more like The Beatles. Still doesn't come close to touching 2007's Tones of Town, though.
Top jam: "A New Town"


(11) Giant Orange - Cheap Girls (Rise)
An awesome band from Lansing, can you believe it? I know they've been around a while, but this is my first full taste, and it did me well. 90s-style indie/alternative with some of the best melodies of the year and great riffage. Believe it or not, though, this is not the best this particular sub-genre of rock 'n' roll had to offer in 2012.
Top jam: "Manhattan on Mute"


(10) Oshin - DIIV (Captured Tracks)
Yes, I know stupid band name. But, with few standouts, this record does its job well. Clean, chimey, delayed guitar warped by all the layers, backed by driving bass and drums, and fronted by reverb-heavy, buried vocals. Mysterious! And totally awesome.
Top jam: "Human"


(9) Let's Get You Somewhere Else - Luther (Chunksaah)
Had I discovered this even a little earlier than the week of Christmas, it could have broken into the top five. More 90s indie/alternative with pop punk elements, but this time with a slight nod to emo thrown in at times for good measure. Really really great.
Top jam: "Rattlesnake"


(8) Runner - The Sea and Cake (Thrill Jockey)
As Travis Bravender would say, "This sounds like a record by The Sea and Cake." After Radiohead, they are the single most consistently amazing band in existence. Their latest does not take away from that whatsoever.
Top jam: "Pacific"


(7) Celebration Rock - Japandroids (Polyvinyl)
More Replacements-rock than the somewhat shoegaze-y party emo of Post-Nothing. Still it has its emo moments, and they are wonderful. I don't even pay attention to the unifying lyrics, the chord progressions are inspiring enough. Not the best guitar album of 2012 like I feel like almost everyone else is saying, but it definitely is up there.
Top jam: "Fire's Highway"


(6) Mature Themes - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti (4AD)
Is it possible for Ariel Pink to get weirder and more silly than he was on 2010's near perfect Before Today? Apparently so. Is it possible for his songs to get even better? At first, I thought so, but now the jury's actually still out. Mature Themes has plenty of songs that are awesome on their own merit. But, it's the outright zaniness that makes songs like "Kinski Assassin," "Is This the Best Spot?," "Schnitzel Boogie" and "Symphony of the Nymph" great.
Top jam: "Mature Themes"


(5) Swing Lo Magellan - Dirty Projectors (Domino)
As situationally understated as Swing Lo Magellan is, it's nice to hear a more restrained, stripped down Dirty Projectors. I'm surprising myself by stating that. The drums and guitars are not as huge, and that is  exactly what makes this record so charming. Believe it!
Top jam: "Just From Chevron"

 
(4) Nocturne//Nowhere 7" - Wild Nothing (Captured Tracks)
Wild Nothing had an incredible year this year, and Pitchfork failed to acknowledge this fact. Doesn't matter. The Nowhere 7" that was released early in 2012 was a pleasant surprise, and the timing for Nocturne couldn't have been more perfect. No song here touches the best ones from my favorite album of 2010, Gemini, but it doesn't even matter as the album is still just about perfect. Bonus to hear these dreamy 80s goth-pop gems with some pep and in such high fidelity. Probably my favorite production of the year.
Top jam: "Midnight Song"


(3) Lonerism - Tame Impala (Modular)
Yes, I know. Modern psych pop with John Lennon's ghost singing. This record is incredible, and it's structure continues to catch me off guard (and that is a really cool thing). Awesome guitars, synths, drums, production, etc., etc. Very much looking forward to seeing them live next month.
Top jam: "Music to Walk Home By"


(2) Floral Green - Title Fight (Side One Dummy)
These young melodic hardcore punk boys really grew up! Those roots are still there, but Floral Green adds some Small Brown Bike and a touch of Hum to the mix. I would argue that this record is perfect. Not one moment here is less than excellent. Second best guitars of 2012.
Top jam: "In-Between"

 
(1) Just Married//An Obscure Moon Lighting an Obscure World EP - Glocca Morra (Kind of Like)
No one made better music in 2012 than the noodly, upbeat Philadelphia emo/punk band Glocca Morra. They've already made me forget about Algernon Cadwallader. Not really, but they've helped to soften the blow of AC's demise. Just Married showcases upbeat tempos, technical yet tasteful musicianship, great production, always shifting song structures, catchy melodies (in both the vocals and the guitars). An Obscure Moon Lighting an Obscure World is simpler, less emo, and more dark pop punk mixed with 90s indie rock in the vein of Archers of Loaf, I guess. Glocca Morra is most definitely an Aaron Quillen kind of band. What a treat to get two stellar releases in one year from them. Best guitars of 2012, hands down. These guys are THE GUYS!
Top jam: "Broken Cigarettes"

Favorite Albums of 2012: #40-21

Once again, I was able to compile a list of 40 albums that I legitimately really liked to loved in 2012. Here is the first half of that list. Also, with each half of the list comes a 20-song mix! Tracked in order of the list, from bottom to top (track one is #40, track two is #39, etc.). The track list is revealed in the blurbs that I write, listed as each album's "top jam."

Anyway, let's do this.

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE


(40) Among the Leaves - Sun Kil Moon (Caldo Verde)
Mark Kozelek shamelessly singing about being an asshole to the tune of gorgeous folk music. I am a sucker for this shit. Excellent fall soundtrack.
Top jam: "Sunshine in Chicago"


(39) Metz - Metz (Sub Pop)
Sounds like classic Sub Pop and Touch & Go rock music a la Nirvana and The Jesus Lizard. Totally bad ass with my kind of huge drums.
Top jam: "The Mule"


(38) I'm Going to Kill Myself - Sneeze (self-released)
Fuzzy, lo-fi pop punk. Some songs aren't especially impressive, but most of them totally are.
Top jam: "Red Bullgirls"


(37) A Thing Called Divine Fits - Divine Fits (Merge)
Britt Daniel and Dan Boeckner team up and release an album that's best songs really make me look forward to the next Spoon record. "Would That Not be Nice" and "Like Ice Cream" are two the best songs I had heard all year.
Top jam: "Like Ice Cream"


(36) Broad Shoulders - Dikembe (Tiny Engines)
Technical, melodic, fun emo. Not a huge fan of the vocals and the drummer plays way too many fills, but otherwise, this rules.
Top jam: "We Could Become River Rats"


(35) Seconds Matter EP - Brightside (It's a Trap!)
Pop punk with some subtle emo tendencies. Nice guitar leads that aren't too emo noodly. Hopefully they'll come out with a full length in 2013?
Top jam: "Memo"

 
(34) Electric Cables//Fear and Doubt EP - Lightships (Geographic)
Gorgeous guitar pop from one of the main Teenage Fanclub dudes. Reminds me of a more orchestral version of The Byrds.
Top jam: "Stretching Out"


(33) Dream Journal EP - Living Room (self-released)
More awesome emo, more awesome goodness. 2012 was a ridiculous year for quality emo, I will tell you that. I am thankful for this revival taking place.
Top jam: "Red Saints"


(32) Up and Down, Away! - The Rants (self-released)
Michigan boys The Rants had been mum since 2006's excellent Spirit! Then they recorded an album and released it in 2012 through iTunes without telling anybody. What the hell, right? This is some top notch party garage pop. Put it to wax, boys!
Top jam: "Xray"


(31) Sirs - Sirs (Topshelf)
Loud, fast, intense, quirky emo punk. This music is so much, and the way this short (23 minutes!) album is sequenced is ridiculous.
Top jam: "King's English"

 
(30) Family Business - Prayer Breakfast (Flannelgraph/Crossroads of America)
I've been awaiting a full length from this Bloomington supergroup for some time now, and it did not disappoint. Sounds like a slightly emo'd up (that's a good thing) Pavement and Built to Spill with vocals not unlike a mix of Jeff Mangum and Jeremy Enigk.
Top jam: "Soon Enough"


(29) A Different Ship - Here We Go Magic (Secretly Canadian)
I guess I am of the opinion that Here We Go Magic is one of the most underrated bands around. This is their third LP that I know of, and second time making it on one of my top 40 lists. Where's the love? This one was produced by Nigel Godrich, and you can definitely tell.
Top jam: "Hard to be Close"


(28) Breakup Song - Deerhoof (Polyvinyl)
Another year, another good Deerhoof record. Of all the Deerhoof records I know, this is my least favorite. But, it's Deerhoof, and thus it is worthwhile. Both more polished and obnoxious than I'd like, but the middle section of Breakup Song is pretty much untouchable. It also might feature the best closer of 2012. Also, when the eerie yet beautiful harmonizing guitars come in towards the end of "Zero Seconds Pause," that's probably the single greatest moment in any song released in 2012.
Top jam: "Zero Seconds Pause"


(27) Dwell & Dwell EP - Snooze (self-released)
This is a jangly indie pop project from my friend (and Alec Jensen wife) Emily Jane Powers and her friend Andrew. It is so good. Slumberland Records better be paying attention.
Top jam: "Talk Yourself Down"


(26) Everyone Everywhere - Everyone Everywhere (self-released)
This is some ridiculously well produced emo with nice (ie sorta boring) vocals. Every instrument sounds awesome, and every part of every song is enjoyable. I am very jealous of the punk/emo scene in Philadelphia right now.
Top jam: "Queen Mary II"


(25) Silver Age - Bob Mould (Merge)
Former Husker Du frontman's new solo record, which sounds very much like his 90s band Sugar. Awesome songs, awesome production. This album rips.
Top jam: "The Descent"


(24) Bloom - Beach House (Sub Pop)
When this record first leaked in late April or early May or whenever, it quickly became my favorite album of the year at that time. Then, as 2012 rolled on, it grew increasingly boring to me. Still, can't shake those spring vibes, or the mid-2012 nostalgia that comes with it (this was one of the 2012 albums that my girlfriend Sara and I first bonded over). Lastly, "Other People" is probably Beach House's best song yet.
Top jam: "Other People"


(23) Birdfeeder EP - Big Awesome (self-released)
Really stupid band name, but this EP is fantastic, even if I was skeptical at first (Bravender tipped me off to it the week of Christmas, and it really complicated things when it finally came time to organize this list). Very well produced emo with great chord progressions and melodies. A full length by these guys could crush me.
Top jam: "Grey's Birthday"


(22) Centipede Hz - Animal Collective (Domino)
Is it possible that Animal Collective released the most critically underrated album of 2012? It is not only possible, it is fact. It's like a brighter, not quite as chaotic Strawberry Jam. Don't get me wrong, it's no Feels or Merriweather Post Pavilion, but, it still rules.
Top jam: "Father Time"


(21) Nope - Coping (Protagonist)
If you had to guess what this album sounds like, what would you suggest? Don't bother, I'll just tell you. EMO. Bright, upbeat, positive, complex emo. And it is so good, even if the production is not so much. The songs are great, and all their twists and turns are really what make them so.
Top jam: "B"