T(h) en Song T(h)ursday 11/03/16

CREDIT: Scott Troyan                                                       

Mannequin Pussy - Romantic (Tiny Engines)

Post punk

Hailing from Philadelphia PA, this four piece post punk outfit just released its exciting and fast paced sophomore LP  Romantic. I chose to include the title track on this weeks T(h)en Song playlist because its my favorite and I'm selfish. This song is one of the more accessible songs on the album trading in the more intense punk aspects of the band for a more melodic borderline shoe gaze approach. I also love the creepiness that front woman Marisa (couldn't find a last name)...(to be honest I really didn't try that hard) put into her performance. This is one of the better releases from last week and I'm still going back to it. For fans of post punk, 90's grunge, and bands with the name pussy in them.

https://mannequinpussy.bandcamp.com/

CREDIT: You Blew It!                                                       

You Blew It! - Greenwood (Triple Crown)

Emo/Alt rock

Just released today "Greenwood" sees You Blew It! continue down a more grown up and subdued sound. Which I must admit I'm still hesitant on. The first single "Autotheology left me unimpressed and it took me three listens to start to enjoy this one. That being said, it was worth the patience because this is a really pretty song that excels in what it doesn't do. This song leaves you wanting more and I hope the album delivers. I'm still craving the singalong house show favorites off of  Grow up, dude, but I guess the boys took they're own advice and I respect that. For fans of Into It. Over It. (FYI Evan produced the album), Mike Kinsella, and/or accepting reality and growing the fuck up.

https://youblewit.bandcamp.com/

CREDIT: Minus The Bear                                                       

Minus The Bear - Drilling (Suicide Squeeze)

Math Rock

I threw Menos El Oso on at work the other day to bridge the gap between a chill night and bursts of action. Which I'm now realizing perfectly sums up what these guys do best. Listening to "Drilling" in particular feels like watching conveyor like machines with multiple interweaving pieces, somehow fitting perfectly in sync with each other all the while performing totally opposite jobs. Which when looked at as machinery isn't all that impressive, but when you fling off the curtain and see a man behind the scenes doing all these things, well things start to change.  To make things clearer this song is played at 165 BPM (beats per minute). The average tempo for a song is 120 BPM and the fastest song ever recorded is Moby's "Thousand" at 1015 BPM. In that song the drums are programmed, with "Drilling" we have one dude keeping the beat in this song moving. His name is Erin Tate and he's no longer in the band. This one is for fans of Math Rock and if you are then you already heard of them.

http://www.minusthebear.com/

CREDIT: Caspian                                                       

Caspian - Castles High, Marble Bright (Triple Crown)

Post Rock

Released a few weeks ago alongside "127 North" as a 7" of the same name "Castles High, Marble Bright" see Caspian crafting more perfect post rock. These guys are my go to example band for Post Rock. Speaking of an example, they're first Ep You Are The Conductor is a great starting off point for both the band and the genre itself. Any who, The song spans almost 9 minutes taking you on a journey full of valleys and peaks across landscapes worthy of castles. I'm extremely excited to get weird to this song live in a few weeks, but until then I'll stick to my headphones. This is for fans of This Will Destroy You, Explosions In The Sky, and beautiful moments in a dark world.

http://caspianmusic.net/

CREDIT: Little People                                                       

Little People - Offal Waffle (Youth & Progress)

Electronic

Around the block there is the cool little Jazz themed Coffee Shop/Bar/Bakery that serves Thai inspired food. Its a rad spot and Laurel and I stopped there today to get some caffeinated beverages. While we were waiting I was so impressed by the music choice that I sound-hounded each song that played. One in particular was "Moon" by Little People which i soon realized I found earlier this year in the song "Offal Waffle". I chose to include that one instead of "Moon" because I appreciate the sonic landscape created in this song. I love the synths and how they paint a picture of a control room or a laboratory where the instruments for knowledge are they're own soundtrack. This one is for fans of Jon Hopkins, Emancipator, and Scientists.

https://littlepeople.bandcamp.com/

CREDIT: Pink Floyd                                                        

Pink Floyd - Meddle (Sony)

Psychedelic Rock/experimental

I'm gonna be completely honest I was totally under the impression that this was the song Roger Walters played for the first time ever live this past year. It turns out that was "Fearless" another great song from in my opinion a very underrated album. Even though I went into this one with a false background it doesnt change the impact this song has had on me this week. Clocking in at 23:32 this is Pink Floyd's 3rd longest song, taking up the entire second side of Meddle. Not only do we get the Pink Floyd we all know and love with the long atmospheric opening, the big guitar solos, and the entrancing vocals. We also have a band gaining momentum to there creative peak, with Dark Side of The Moon up next for them. This song is so crazy that at around the 15 minute mark the Floyd dive into what i can only call the earliest example of post rock I have ever heard. This is for fans of... guys its Pink Floyd, you gotta like Pink Floyd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53N99Nim6WE 

CREDIT: Youandewan                                                       

Youanewan - Be Good To Me Polly (Aus Music)

Electronic

This is one that I've had on the Playlist before, but  never had the chancce to talk about till now. This song really surprised me when I came across it a few weeks ago with how long its stuck with me. I listen to it if not daily then multiple times a week. It instantly reminds me of floating points in how effortlessly jazz and electronics are mixed in this song. The drum beat stays consistent keeping the song moving while a wide range of glorious synths weave and bend there way out of the the song. It is by far one of the best songs I've heard this year, but I'm still waiting for the rest of the album to hit me. This one is for fans of like i said earlier Floating points or Bonobo. 

https://youandewan.bandcamp.com/

CREDIT: Bonobo                                                        

Bonobo - Kerala (Ninja Tune)

Electronic/Trip Hop

This song was found by accident when I was searvhing for who has sampled the next artist on this playlist Dorothy Ashby. Bonobo sampled her on Dial "M" For Monkey on "D Song". Well, it turns out old Simon Green is releasing a new album called Migration out Janurary 13th and I couldnt be more excited. There are only a handful of artists out there that are consistently good. Bonobo shows time and time again that he is a true artist with quality output. Kerala has him returning since 2013's The North Borders and he still sounds as good as ever. This is a song you can dance to or you can drive around smoking a blunt to. This one is for when you get stranded in a frozen tundra and the Northern Lights are your only guide, or clubbing.

http://bonobomusic.com/

CREDIT: Dorothy Ashby                                                        

Dorothy Ashby - Life Has Its Trials (Verve Music)

Jazz/lounge

I was shopping with Laurel and a friend this past weekend with a friend in Williamsburg. In our searchings we came across an extremely cute thrift shop (to my delight) called Narnia. While Laurel was going through the racks I was despretly trying to download sound-hound so I could look up the incredible music I was hearing in this little shop. Sadly, I lost my battle with the app store and had to settle for and equally great song "Life has its trials" by an artist I now have a deep admiration for, Dorothy Ashby. A jazz harpist whose melodies stay glued in my head constantly and a vibe i cant shake. This song and album is a vibe man and when you hear it and when you get it you get lost in another time. And chances are you've already hear her since she's been sampled by Bonobo, Mac Miller, Jay Z, and many more. This one is for fans of Jazz, Trip Hop, or feeling a moment.

Not Life Has Its Trials

CREDIT: Copeland                                                       

Copeland - When You Thought You'd Never Stand Out (Vanguard Room)

Indie Rock

Eat, Sleep, Repeat turned ten years old on Halloween this past Monday and Copeland is going on a 15 year Anniversary Tour. Its a nostalgic time for a band I can't help, but get nostalgic over anytime I hear them. It just goes with the territory, they sound tracked a very important part of my life. A time filled with darkness, yet somehow a sweeter kind if dark. This is a perfect closing song for an album or Playlist. We get the best of Aaron's production/voice and the band is on the top of they're game with amazing backing strings. The name itself is also perfect for this place in time we all find ourselves in. Don't lose hope just because it looks real bad right now or that your'e a certain age or that you made too many mistakes. Everything's okay its all working out. This is for fans of From Indian Lakes or Anchor and Braille. Look out for an entire episode dedicated to this album Next Tuesday the 8th (eeks election day) on This Isn't Cereal In My Bowl! Podcast 

http://www.thecopelandsite.com/

The Playlist!

Thanks for reading guys I hope you enjoyed the tunes and feel free to send me any recommendations you'd like! Please subscribe to the Playlist on spotify and follow us on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday on Pod-bean and iTunes.

                                                 

Review:

It's Grimy, It's Honest, It's Fuzzy, It's Catchy, It's... 

MIGHTY

"Bye, Have Nice" 

Bye, Have Nice! is the debut Ep from MIGHTY, an off-kilter garage rock band with a pop flare. MIGHTY is the brainchild of former Pittsburgher turned Atlanta resident, Angelo Fiaretti (20 years old). He's joined by producer  Daniel Gleason (Grouplove, All Get Out) on guitars, bass, and keys, Gordon Keiter (All Get Out) on drums, and mixer/engineer CJ Ridings (Big Jesus) on guitars, bass, and keys. Johnny Dang of O'Brother also adds some slide guitar to the album, adding another Atlanta native to the list of contributors. Recorded in only five days in Fiaretti's kitchen, this EP is best described as a five-course meal. 

The album opens with "Fingertip" a grungy anthem that is all over the place. It explodes and implodes at will, just like a plate of jalapeno poppers served up as the appetizer of this meal. The song immediately announces MIGHTY'S arrival with big drums, huge chords, and Fiaretti's proclamation that "Now my head is coming loose". I can't help but describe this song as messy, but in the best sense of the word. The band sounds like it's on the verge of losing it, which only enhances what's going on is Fiaretti's head. It's a short and sweet opener that gears you for more.

Next up is the entree, served up in two songs, "Confederate Days" and "Other Kids".  The main course should be both filling and satisfying, which both tracks excel at being. Both have catchy hooks and a chorus to sing along to until next summer. That's when both these tracks should be placed in those Summer, drive playlists or cookout jams, "cough" "cough". I mean you can't listen to the build up at the end of "Confederate days" and not picture fireworks going off. It'd be like learning the lyrics to these songs and not belting out "SPIT!" in the chorus of "Other Kids". With themes on self-discovery and independence, these two songs make for two great underdog anthems. The drums are pounding, the guitars are fuzzy, the choruses are big, and what's going on in Fiaretti's head relates.

We find our desert in track four, "Losing Things". The tempo finally slows down for a spell and MIGHTY shows off their softer side. The guitars make waves of reverb as Fiaretti sings of self-doubt and hope. "I take my blessed time, I grow up, I grow out": a line that anyone who calls themselves an artist can relate too. There are always periods of suffering and backstepping, but out of those moments come growth. You can't grow without getting low and you can definitely tell Fiaretti has grown up since starting MIGHTY when he was 16. Johnny Dang (O'Brother) is featured here, laying down the most peaceful slide guitar I've ever heard. A small touch that in the end makes the song. This is the pallet cleanser before the fifth and final course.

In the last track, we have our nightcap, "Holy Book". Here we say cheers while shooting down fireball whisky and letting off some steam. This song is intense right from the start and showcases my favorite part of Fiaretti's voice; that screeching yell. "Don't wait up you're not worth the time", perfectly exemplifies the vibe this song gives, which is frankly, "fuck you". Although this song is by far the heaviest on the album, it ends with Fiaretti and an acoustic guitar softly singing about letting go of, well, everything. What seems to be off on this track are the synths and that is the only complaint I have for the entire EP. Besides that, it's a great closer to a great album.

What makes this EP especially good is not only the songs, but the musicianship put into the songs. You can tell that Fiaretti surrounds himself with talent that pushes his own talent. It's evident in the performances from all contributors, the killer tones of the guitars, and the explosive performance of Keiter's drumming. As a drummer, I appreciate a drummer who plays to the song and makes every hit count. Also, the production on this release is top notch. Gleason and Riding managed to keep the rawness from the recordings while making it crisp and clean. Every time I listen I find more in the background than before.

Although there's nothing revolutionary in this release, MIGHTY has proven that the indie scene is not dead. MIGHTY are bringing back the rawness and the energy that the scene needs. From catchy riffs, to must sing along anthems, to relatable lyrics, this EP has everything you could want in a first release. It shows that the sky is the limit and MIGHTY arms can reach for it.

Favorite Track: "Confederate Days"
Find the album at:
http://mightytheband.bandcamp.com/

Photo by Brian Manley

4.5 Out of 5 

Some songs from August you should be listening to!

"Ollie North" Donovon Wolfington

"Dream Lover" Destroyer

"No Other Heart" Mac Demarco

"Everybody" The Good Life

"Space Song" Beach House

"Point Breeze" El Ten Eleven

"January 10th, 2014" The World is a Beautiful Place and I am No Longer Afraid To Die

"The Magdelene" Foxing

"Darkfield" Caspian

 

Today's Suggestion:

Six Live Albums That That'll Make You Want To Kick Some Ass Part One!

Some days you just need a pick me up and not just the kind that  a cup coffee or a shot of whiskey helps with. I'm talking about the days when you're stuck sitting at the laundromat or at your horrible desk job wishing you could make the mundane a little more tolerable. Well, today I'm telling you to let those feelings out! Jump up on those folding tables and air guitar till your ass gets kicked out. Spin around and around in that office chair and do a tom roll till Bob and Bob fire your ass! Let these five albums recorded at the height of these phenomenal musicians careers be your soundtrack to not giving a rats ass about your comfortable life. Let your inner badass out my friends and enjoy these jams!

Yes - Yessongs (1973)

Taken from multiple shows recorded during two different tours, Yessongs showcases everything that was great about Yes. First, the tracklisting is perfect, it's my go to greatest hits album for these guys. Second, all the members of they're best era as a band are showcased. We get to hear both Bill Bruford and Alan White's chops behind the kit. Bill even plays a pretty killer drum solo at the end of Perpetual Change. Steve Howie shows his classical chops on Mood For A Day. He also has some of the most killer tones for 1973 and today! If you don't believe me then skip to the end of the record and listen to Starship Trooper, you disbelieving wench! Rick Wakeman gets his time to shine in The Six Wives of Henry VIII. And just like Steve Howie, you gotta appreciate those tones and classical chops. Chris Squire gets his time in The Fish, but who are we kidding he's the driving force for all these songs. That man's tone was so heavy, metal bands should be tipping some kind of hat to him. Rest in peace Chris you were one of the best. Okay, and let's not forget about Jon Anderson, he kills it on every track he's on. Yea some of those notes he really stretches for, but that just makes him human. This band was ahead of they're time and this live album showcases it! If you wanna kick some ass while being sophisticated, then headphone up Sherlock and check out Yessongs.

Favorite Tracks: And You And I, I've Seen All Good People, and Starship Trooper.

Rush - All The World's A Stage (1976)

"I want you to please welcome home Rush" announces the beginning of All The Worlds A Stage, with no hesitation into Bastille Day. I'm all about a good opener to a set and Rush passes with flying colors. They keep the energy going with Anthem and as Geddy Lee says in the climax of the song, I say "Come on" to my fellow air musicians and try to keep up. They play a great mix of songs from their first four albums. Including singles like Working Man and Fly By Night, but also some deep cuts like In The End and By-tor And The Snow Dog. But most importantly they play 2112 in its entirety. Let me repeat THEY PLAY THE WHOLE DAMN THING! Most bands would kill to sound as big as these three. Geddy Lee's bass just oozes grooves and heaviness. Alex Lifeson will forever be one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. If you don't believe then listen to those tones and those rip-roaring guitar solos. And, of course, we have the professor Neil Peart. His technical skills behind the drum kit are unmatched and the mix is good enough in this album that you can hear all he's doing. And that drum solo at the end of Working Man is one of the best in rock history. Rush has a special place in my heart and every time I listen to this album I feel like I'm in Toronto circa 1976 welcoming back home my boys. If you wanna feel like a badass and air guitar, drum, and bass all at the same time, well here's an album for you!

Favorite Tracks: Anthem, 2112, and Working Man.

Judas Priest - Unleashed In the East (1979)

Again we have a winner when it comes with a show opener with Exciter. "Bow to your knees and repent if you please" okay Rob just stop yelling at me... okay don't stop. Each track on this record is full force in your face and it simply kicks ass. The guitars are like Blane the mono racing his way to Topeka, relentless and unstoppable (any Stephen King fans). And if you want to know how a dual guitar solo is done then just throw some headphones on and listen to The Ripper. K. K. Downing and Glen Tipton are aces with a six string. Now, I know Rob Hafford overdubbed his vocals in a live studio setting. He did this because of his vocal tracks being ruined somehow. Who knows why the originals aren't here or for what reason, but whatever happened, he still crushes these songs. For example, the end of Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown) or Victim of  Changes are just two prime scenarios of his vocal dominance. This album showcases a band on the verge of major success while still having that raw energy I love so much. It's just like the Scorpions before they got their big break. Just nothing but raw energy. If you feel like going for a run or punching someone in the face, then might I suggest this album for your ass-kicking day.

Favorite Tracks: Exciter, Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown), and Victim of  Changes.

Kansas - Two For the Show (1978)

This may be my favorite live album of all time. I grew up on it and it was the soundtrack for most of my 45-minute bus rides to school every day in Junior High. It saddens my heart that most people only know Kansas for Carry On My Wayward Son or Dust In The Wind. They are one of the best progressive bands to come out of the 70's and some of the best musicians as well. Their song structures are complex yet approachable. They mix intricate guitars, unique otherworldly synths, violins, and vocal trade-offs and harmonies in a way that can only come from Kansas. What I love most about this album is it takes you on a journey. I like to close my eyes and just picture landscapes and characters and create a world around these sounds. This album is the perfect introduction to Kansas, or the perfect argument piece for they're place in progressive rock's elite. They play songs from they're first five albums which are my favorite. If you haven't guessed yet I'm pretty fond of 70s rock and a little, not so much 80's. Its not my fault that most bands were better in the 70's! Anyway, There's something for everyone on this album. We have the singles to get the fair weather fans through and there are the incredible jam sections. For example the end of Portrait (He Knew), the middle of Journey To Mariabonn (Mahavishnu Orchestra much), and the last four tracks contain the craziest of all the Kansas jams (Mysteries and Mayhem, Excerpts From The Lamplight Symphony, They Wall, and Magnum Opus). This album also contains awesome solos because what live album is acceptable without solos! Rich Williams plays a beautiful acoustic solo to transition between Dust In The Wind to Lonely Wind. Where in the beginning a beautiful  piano solo is played by Kerry Livgren. I could go on for pages about how great this album is, but please do yourself a favor and listen to it yourself and find out why it's my favorite live album. If you want to take a journey to another land and kick ass with a sword or something else mystical like that then here's an album for you. 

Favorite Tracks: Icarus - Borne on Wings of Steel, Paradox, and Journey From Mariabronn. 

Deep Purple - Made In Japan (1973)

I was listening to this record the other day and it was the spark that got me to write this little list. Again, we have a band winning the great opener test. Highway Star kicks so much ass it just ain't fair. We get a great mix of songs from the first three albums of the great Mark II line-up (vocals -  Ian Gillan, guitars - Richie Blackmore, bass - Roger Glover, keyboards - Jon Lord, and drums - Ian Paice). I'd like to take this moment to say kudos to Deep Purple for having two Ians in the band. Anyway, out of those three albums (Deep Purple In Rock, Fireball, and Machine head) only seven songs are on Made In Japan. Although, the track listing is small the song lengths are not, ranging from six minutes to 20-minute long jams. And that's what a Deep Purple live show was all about, jamming. In each song, every member pounds through the structure of the original track and builds upon that. With this mindset, we get a six-minute head pounding drum solo from Ian Paice, the dirtiest organ solo ever before Lazy and pick and choose any guitar solo from Richie Blackmore. The guy makes stomping on his guitar sound musical, its madness. Also, how many frontmen today could hit those notes in Child of Time. Honestly, not many other albums even begin to match the rawness and explosiveness of this record. Take note young rockers, this is the definition of how it's done. If you feel like giving up on your day job and starting a Deep Purple cover band or just having a great record to kick ass to during a long road trip, enjoy.

Favorite Tracks: Highway Star, Lazy, and Strange Kind Of Woman.

The Who - Live At Leeds (1970)

In the rockers starter kit, you should find a multitude of items including picks, handbooks on headbanging, and various of albums including The Who's Live At Leeds. This is a rock band of the most kick ass sort. John Entwistle's bass is thunderous and heart pounding. He even shows off his vocal skills in one of my favorite show openers Heaven And Hell. Kieth moon is at his most raw and, in my opinion, his best. Forget about any solos you'll find on Youtube and just listen to this album. When I listen to Keith's drumming on this album I feel what he's feeling because that's what he did, he felt the song. Pete Townshend shreds wonderfully giving any wannabe guitarist a lesson for a lifetime. Roger Daltrey kills it either screaming about the Young Man Blues  or stepping back to lay down the lower harmony in A Quick One, While He's Away. The Who play flawlessly through blues covers, singles, and the epic rock opera takes from Tommy. They all rip in and out of the songs and let each other have their moments to shine. They harmonize together and sing their own songs. We even get the bands humor in between tracks with Roger or Pete addressing the crowd while Kieth makes little jokes in the background. In the end, they were having fun and kicked ass while they had it. They were a rock band for the ages and we are all blessed to have this recording to remember them at this stage. If you feel like kicking ass tonight while getting drunk and air drumming then here's the album for you.

Favorite Tracks: Young Man Blues,  Amazing Journey/Sparks, and Shaking All Over.

Today's Suggestion:

New Release Summer Jams Part Two!

Young Buffalo, Toro Y Moi, Turnover, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment 

Young Buffalo- Oxford, MI

Indie Pop

House- Released 3/3/15, Voltiv

For fans of Vampire Weekend, The Beach Boys, and The Lighthouse and The Whaler.

I found these guys from their Audiotree sessions. If you aren't familiar with Audiotree, it's this awesome studio in Chicago that has an online concert series. I suggest you clear your weekend and check it out. Anyway, House could be the soundtrack to a day on the beach in any decade ranging from the 50's to now. Young Buffalo perfectly combines the sounds of the past with the sounds of the present in a very fun and approachable way. Thundering drums keep your feet moving while different synths and kiddie pianos keep the ears entertained. All the gang vocals and harmony's are nice as well. Even though they're all singing about sad relational stuff, this album still makes you feel all good inside.  This is the perfect album if you want to hop in a time machine and hit up the beach!

Favorite tracks: No Idea, My Place, and Old Soul

http://www.youngbuffaloband.com/

http://audiotree.tv/session/young-buffalo-session-2/

Toro Y Moi- Columbia, SC

Indie Pop

What For?- Released 4/6/15, Carpark Records
For fans of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yelstin, 70's funk, and 60's pop.

Just like Young Buffalo's House, Toro Y Moi created an album with the best of both worlds, the past, and present. This release is much different than his previous releases, being very guitar driven instead of the chill synths of past. It's like the Beatles meet 70's funk! Chazwick lays out a lot of relatable themes with what happens to relationships and why we must act certain ways in society. This will be a great album to drive around on a sunny day and cruise through the city on a chill summer night. Or lay on the grass pondering life and asking What for?

Favorite tracks: Buffalo, Half Dome, and The Flight

http://toroymoi.com/

Turnover- Virginia Beach, VI

Indie Rock

Peripheral Vision- Released 5/1/15, Run For Cover Records
For fans of Frankie Rose, Seahaven, and 80's dream pop.

In 2013, Turnover released a pop punk album I actually dug. In 2015, they reinvented that sound into something I not only dig, but love. The textures in Peripheral Vision are entrancing. The sounds of this album fit the beautiful cover art and layout a well-rounded listening experience. "Would you come here and spin with me? I've been dying to get you dizzy." The chorus of Dizzy On The Comedown, but also the perfect description of this album. It makes me dizzy in the best way possible. It also hit home with themes of doubting oneself and losing touch with the world and those closest to you. This is a great album to smoke a bowl to in your friend's basement or at the beach.

Favorite tracks: Cutting My Fingers Off, Hello Euphoria, and Dizzy On The Comedown. 

https://runforcoverrecords.bandcamp.com/album/peripheral-vision

Unknown Mortal Orchestra- Portland, OR

Electro/Acid/Pop

Multi Love- Released 5/22/15, Jagjaguwar
For fans of STRFKR, Tame Impala, and Future Islands.

A band that I've heard of but never gave a second thought to. A friend suggested this album to me and it immediately became one of my favorites of the year. At once all the songs were familiar. I love when I listen to an album that I've never heard before and think to myself, haven't I heard this before. That's the mark of a great album. Every single song on this release is catchy and memorable and doesn't try to do anything for filler. I also love the lyrics, they're like looking at love in all its forms on multiple drugs. This is a great album to spin in your house with all the windows open or go clubbing too. A little something for everybody! 

Favorite tracks: Ur Life One Night, Necessary Evil, and  Puzzles

http://unknownmortalorchestra.com/

Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment- Chicago, IL

Hip Hop

Surf- 5/29/15, Self Released 

For fans of sunshine, candy, and high- fives.

Listening to Surf is like stuffing your mouth with candy and watching Adventure Time with your eyelids stapled open. This album is so forward with its happiness that you can't help but be happy. Chance and the boys explore multiple genres while maintaining a focused sound. All the contributors on the album are extensions of the Social Experiment and feel like members of the band, not contributors. Hard subjects are talked about with a lightness only Chance the rapper could bring. Also, Busta Rhymes killed it on Slip Slide. This is one of the best releases of the year and it's free! If you want a sugar rush without the sugar then listen to this album.

Favorite tracks: Slip slide, Wanna Be Cool, and Something Came To Me

http://www.donnietrumpet.com/

Today's List:

Top Ten Albums of 2015 So Far!

At the end of each year after I've compiled my top ten list of the year I always wonder what's left for the next year. And then I repeat the process over and over again every year. Well, It happened again with 2014 being a stellar year for music and 2015 is shaping up to be right on the same caliber, possibly better? I mean we've reached the halfway mark and i'm already struggling to make a top ten so far list. There are just so many good albums coming out and I want to give them all the love I can, but the line has to be drawn somewhere. Well I guess this is my attempt at that line. 

10. Alabama Shakes- Sound & Color

Blues and funk mixed with a modern electronic vibe setting the course for my summer vibes. 
Favorite Track: Gimmie All Your Love

9. Chon- Grow

Technical and melodic, Grow is one of the best instrumental records I've heard in awhile. 

Favorite Track: Splash

8. Father John Misty-  I Love You Honey Bear

A perfect blend of witty sing along lyrics and beautiful moments. An album that immediately felt familiar.

Favorite Track: The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apt

7. Ghostface Killah & BadBadNotGood- Sour Soul

Its the atmosphere of this album. I feel like I'm in an underwater night club with a late 60's deco. Ghostface's lyrics leaves me wanting more lyrically, but BadBadNotGood kill it.

Favorite Track: Gunshowers

6. Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment- Surf

Chance and the boys created one of the most fun records of the year so far. This album is like the ultimate sugar rush.

Favorite Track: Slip Slide

5. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Multi Love 

Questions of faith and love told through drug laced lyrics and terribly catchy tunes. 

Favorite Track: Puzzles

4. MeWithoutYou- Pale Horses

Songs about the apocalypse told through the lips of one of my favorite story tellers. MeWithoutYou combine all of they're best moments to create possibly they're best release yet. 

Favorite Track: Mexican War Streets

3. Sufjan Stevens- Carrie & Lowell

Music should be an escape. A place where you can go to feel happy, sad, angry, or in the case of Carrie & Lowell, grief. Sufjan lays his heart out on this record and in turn has created a masterpiece that will live on forever. As we pass on to the clearing at the end of the path, music endures and carries our feelings with it forever.

Favorite Track: Death With Dignity 

2. Hiatus Kaiyote- Choose Your Weapon

A monster of an album that is totally its own thing. I confuse people when I say things are heavy that aren't metal, but dammit this album is heavy! But its also groovy and beautiful and its one of my favorite things. 

Favorite Track: Borderline With My Atoms

1. Kendrick Lamar- To Pimp A Butterfly

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Growing up I was raised on Rush, Deep Purple, and Van Halen. In High school I discovered Circa Survive, The Dear Hunter, and The Mars Volta. In 2015 my favorite album of the year (and I don't think its going to change) is a rap album. Blasphemous slander if my father would hear, but damn its the truth. Kendrick tore down what should be expected in hip hop. He raps over freestyle jazz, created a killer concept of an album, and has one of the best messages out there right now. He is one of my most respected artists right now and this album changed my life.
Favorite Track: These Walls

Today's Suggestion:

New Release Summer Jams Part One-

Caravela, Miami Horror, Alabama Shakes, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Ratboys!

Caravela- Brooklyn, NY:
Sunny Indie Pop
Caravela Forever- Released 3/10/15, Self Released
For fans of Young Statues, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, and Summer Heart

This is one of the first albums to catch my attention this year. I knew Frank Graniero started this project after he left Moving Mountains so of course I've tried to keep tabs on it. Also, his brother Stephen plays drums, and whats better than a brother two piece? The first track, Actress, immediately grabbed my attention with its hooky guitar riff and breezy synths. The album carries the momentum of Actress up until Harbor Breeze where it slows down a bit. It picks up again with Cattia, but leaves me a bit disengaged for the rest of the album. Don't let that steer you away from this album though, because the first six tracks are fantastic! The combination of Frank's catchy riffs, sun drenched lyrics, and unique vibrato filled voice makes this an album to play at the beach all summer long!
Favorite Tracks: Actress, Ascent, and Young Pacific
https://caravela.bandcamp.com/

Miami Horror- Melbourne, Australia:
Electropop
All Possible Futures- Released 4/10/15, Die Alone Records/Haven sounds
For fans of Phoenix, Daft Punk, and Wild Moccasins.

I was browsing best of the year lists for 2015 the other day and found this album. At first the album cover grabbed my attention and then the lush synths of American Dream washed me away. This an album that could fit right in an 80's Comedy flick. I can picture it now, Cellophane (so cruel) being played as characters try on different outfits in a montage. Pink blazers and expensive sunglasses will be present. Back on point, with fifteen songs you'd expect it to drag at some point, but it doesn't. New ideas keep sprouting while retaining a cohesive feel. If you feel like buying a 1980's VW Golf convertible and driving down a coast somewhere, while wearing a pink blazer with expensive sunglasses then this is the album for you!
Favorite Tracks: American Dream, Cellophane (so cruel), and Colours In The Sky
http://www.miamihorror.com/

Alabama Shakes- Athens, AL:
Indie/Blues/Funk/Rock
Sound & Color- Released 4/21/15, ATO Records
For fans of Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Black Keys, and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

I didn't jump on the Alabama Shakes band wagon until this album came out. I knew they could play and I knew Brittany Howard could sing, but something was missing, That something was Sound & Color. The Shakes blend old and new sounds so perfectly with this release. If you don't believe me then go ahead and skip right ahead to Guess Who and listen to how flawlessly they mix electronic beats with that beautiful string arrangement. And if you cant appreciate that note in the beginning of Don't Wanna Fight, then I don't wanna be friends with you. Lyrically nothing much is different, want love, need love, can't get love, same old same old. That being said, this is for sure an album you'll want to catch at a festival or at a backyard barbecue. 
Favorite Tracks: Gimmie All Your Love, Guess Who, and Shoegaze
http://www.alabamashakes.com/

Hiatus Kaiyote- Melbourne, Australia:
Future Soul
Choose Your Weapon- Released 5/1/15, Sony Music
For fans of Hiatus Kaiyote

This is an album I've been excited for since the By Fire Ep came out last year. Hiatus Kaiyote is a band unlike any other. They defy genres and have created something totally unique. Every part of this album leaves you guessing and your head bobbing. I'm sorry, but if you're not at least tapping your foot to  Shaolin Monk Motherfunk then you have no soul. I love this album, it's no secret! The drums are so tastefully done. He never tries to overdo it. The bass is always funky, the synths are unique and perfectly executed, and how bout that baboon on the cover, eh? Nai's guitar work and voice topped off with her gorgous poetic lyrics are like that first sip of an ice cold Pepsi; indescribable. The band takes each song and develops it until they've reached every territory possible. And once thats done they threw in a few minute length songs to cleanse the pallet before the next journey begins. If you want your life changed or a great groove to get down to, then listen to this album.
Favorite Tracks: Every damn one
http://hiatuskaiyote.com/

Ratboys- Chicago, IL: 
Indie Folk Rock/ Post Country
Aoid- Relleased 6/9/15, TopShelf Records
For fans of Wilco, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yelstin, and Laura Stevenson

In June I was introduced to TopShelf Records newest Indie Alt-Country darlings, Ratboys. They're knack for writing catchy tunes and fun witty lyrics have left me feeling the good summer vibes. Bouncing from acoustic driven songs to fun/fast/fuzzy distorted filled riffs make my legs wanna groove. Julia Steiner's vocals are so cute that my face hurts from all the smiles. this album is a lot of fun and is great in its stance to stay simple. But don't let the simple structures in these songs fool you. If the middle of Charles Berstein is any indication, these guys are gonna get weird in the future. If you want good driving or good walking through the park tunes this summer then here's an album for you!
Favorite Tracks: Tixis, Charles Berstein, and Pivotal Dates
https://ratboys.bandcamp.com/