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"

2012 Songs

Once again, for 2012, I've decided to make 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. These are not listed in order of quality, but in track list order. Here you are:

Part One
1. "Wayne County Roads" - Tyvek, from On Triple Beams
2. "Gospel/Grace" - Frankie Rose, from Interstellar
3. "Andrew in Drag" - The Magnetic Fields, from Love at the Bottom of the Sea
4. "Reel to Reel" - Damien Jurado, from Maraqopa
5. "Oblivion" - Grimes, from Visions
6. "Simple Song" - The Shins, from Port of Morrow
7. "Presence of Mind" - The Fresh & Onlys, from Long Slow Dance
8. "Baby's Wearing Blue Jeans" - Mac DeMarco, from Rock and Roll Night Club
9. "Lessons" - Beach Fossils, from Shallow 7"
10. "Muscle Man" - Ty Segall Band, from Slaughterhouse
11. "Baby Boy" - Pile, from Dripping
12. "Give Up" - Placeholder, from Nothing is Pure
13. "See Me Cry" - Seapony, from Falling
14. "Prizma" - Tamaryn, from Tender New Signs
15. "Hold On" - Alabama Shakes, from Boys & Girls
DOWNLOAD HERE

Part Two
1. "Swamp With Potential" - Hard Girls, from Isn't It Worse
2. "Mess Me Around" - The Babies, from Our House on the Hill
3. "Doughnut for a Snowman" - Guided by Voices, from Let's Go Eat the Factory
4. "Millions" - Eternal Summers, from Correct Behavior
5. "Suburban Coated Creatures" - Weird Dreams, from Choreography
6. "What Did You See?" - Cemeteries, from The Wilderness
7. "Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9)" - Crocodiles, from Endless Flowers
8. "Just Friends" - Lightning Love, from Blonde Album
9. "Please be My Third Eye" - La Sera, from Sees the Light
10. "It All Means Nothing" - Screaming Females, from Ugly
11. "A Hermes Blues" - White Fence, from Family Perfume, Vol. 1
12. "Silver Self" - Maps & Atlases, from Beware and be Grateful
13. "Staircase" - Radiohead, from The Daily Mail EP
14. "The One Who Broke Your Heart" - David Byrne & St. Vincent, from Love This Giant
15. "Hey Jane" - Spiritualized, from Sweet Heart, Sweet Light
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Favorite Books Read in 2012

FINALLY, my 2012 year-end lists. One month+ late. Here we go!


(15) Black Hole - Charles Burns (1995-2005)
Stark, depressing, messed up comic series collected in this one-off graphic novel. Cool story, surprisingly disappointing ambiguous ending (which I usually like). The artwork steals the show.


(14) The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty - Buster Olney (2004)
A very enjoyable look at the New York Yankees' dynasty in the late 1990s and their wondrous fall to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series.


(13) Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card (1985)
I know I'm an idiot for taking so long in my life to getting around to read this. Didn't love it as much as I had hoped, but still, so much fun to read. Until I got to the bizarre, ambling ending that I hated.


(12) Rabbit, Run - John Updike (1960)
In retrospect, I really loved this, even if I was distracted at times, which made it hard to properly get down the details at certain points. Dark and funny insight into the disturbing nature of man, which is always a great combination. Updike's prose is pretty much untouchable.


(11) Battle Royale - Koushun Takami (1999)
Yup. Obviously disturbing and difficult to wrap one's mind around the concept of an author writing about children murdering each other. Trust me, it's not in a glorifying manner. This was fun.


(10) A Visit From the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan (2010)
A post-modern-ish story of the music industry and (much moreso) warped relationships. The unique format of this novel is a plus.


(9) Heavy Liquid - Paul Pope (1999-2000)
Awesome sci-fi graphic novel with a refreshingly original story and Pope's excellent, slightly manga-inspired artwork.


(8) Those Guys Have All the Fun - James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales (2011)
An oral history of ESPN told by those deeply involved. Sure, there are plenty of boring business/financial ramblings, but the high drama is so worth it.


(7) Tree of Smoke - Denis Johnson (2007)
Awesomely dark and funny Vietnam War tale. Johnson's prose is ridiculous in the best way. Too heavy  of a book to read at such a distracting time as I read it, so, like Rabbit, Run, I will definitely read this again.


(6) The Art of Fielding - Chad Harbach (2011)
Didn't quite live up to the hype for me, but still an excellent read about baseball and coming-of-age.


(5) The Lonely Polygamist - Brady Udall (2010)
Dude is a fundamentalist Mormon with four wives and too many children, and struggles big time with this in both serious and comical ways. What's not to love about that premise?


(4) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey (1962)
This didn't completely knock me out like I had hoped, but it was both much funnier and more sad than expected. Still gets a Goodreads rating of five stars out of five.


(3) Blankets - Craig Thompson (2003)
Heavy handed and overtly emotional and sensitive, but, due to my Christian upbringing, so much of this brought me back to middle school and high school. I am a complete sucker for that nostalgia, even if it's bittersweet. Best graphic novel I read in 2012.


(2) Portnoy's Complaint - Philip Roth (1969)
First time a book has made me laugh out loud since I read A Confederacy of Dunces at the beginning of 2011. Due to bizarre circumstances of his frustrating relationship with his mother, guy becomes addicted to masturbation as a child and sex as an adult. Hilarity ensues. Written from the perspective as if the narrator was in a therapy session. Brilliant, perverse, and the most fun I had reading a book in 2012.


(1) White Teeth - Zadie Smith (2000)
The flow and style of Zadie Smith's debut novel reminded me so much of DFW's The Broom of the System, and that is a huge compliment. This had even more memorable characters, and somehow was even funnier. While White Teeth wasn't difficult to follow, there are too many details to even begin to go further here. Trust me, you should read this. Everyone.