So this summer, music is basically what saved me from wrist slitting boredom. So here is a list of my fav five (well plus one because it needed to be mentioned...) albums that were in rotation this summa. I've also included the best tracksfrom each according to moi... here goes!
p.s. order does matter in this case. They go in descending order from least to most rockin.
*BONUS* - A list of summer albums would not be complete without bringing up Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest. This was more of an early summer obsession; the harmonies and do-woop make your heart melt.
track to check = While You Wait For the Others
Alrighty, now for the start of my listomania!
5. Marry Me - St. Vincent
Although this is not her newest work, Annie Clark really brings the funk on this album. Actor Out of Work is def worthwhile too, but lyrically and vocally, I think this is better. The subtleties of the music are surprising as well. I think my fav line is probably, "Let's do what Mary and Joseph did... without the kid." Damn straight gurl.
tracks to check = Marry Me & The Party
4. Middle Cyclone and Fox Confessor Brings the Flood - Neko Case
So once again, Johnny gave me the gift of both a newer and older album from an artist. Most known for her days as a pornographer (in The New Pornographers) - btw I did not think of this wit on my own, I read that somewhere... Neko Case is obvi an amazing solo artist as well. Her vocals will send chills down your spine and she's quite hmm.. what's the word, rustic? Both albums (but Middle Cyc esp) make you feel like you're walking through a forest somewhere among furry animals and woodsiness or that you should be. Nature has a presence in each and every song. Also, I have this theory that there is a select red-headed population of women who were created for no other purpose but to grace us all non-ginger people with their voices....but that's a diff post for a diff day...
tracks to check = I'm An Animal & That Teenage Feeling
3. God Help the Girl - God Help the Girl
I really thought Stuart Murdoch could not get anymore awesome until I listened to this. Stu and the Girls (who are singin' about my life), warm it up real nice with this musical film soundtrack. In case you didn't know, Stuart Murdoch is the lead dude in the Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian. The girls that sing on this album, however, are not part of B&S. I'm pretty anxious to see how all of these characters fit together into an actual movie. But of course, like anything Murder Murdoch produces, the music is enough. It contains infectious melodies and harmonies will that make you ear-gasm all over the place (eww that sounds gwwwoss!). But fo real, the best part of all is the lyricos. I could go on forever picking out fav lines, but I'll spare you. I would like to point out a very special song called "Pretty Eve in the Tub" which Johnny and I agree only good ole Stuart could get away with without being dubbed a fag by the general populous. Rhyming tub with scrub and rub is not really acceptable, but I'll allow it this once. The main character (Eve) whose part is sung by Catherine Ireton is delightfully soulful, esp on her new and improved version of "Funny Little Frog." Too bad production on the film doesn't start til 2010... why oh why Stewey must you torture me so??
p.s. order does matter in this case. They go in descending order from least to most rockin.
*BONUS* - A list of summer albums would not be complete without bringing up Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest. This was more of an early summer obsession; the harmonies and do-woop make your heart melt.
track to check = While You Wait For the Others
Alrighty, now for the start of my listomania!
5. Marry Me - St. Vincent
Although this is not her newest work, Annie Clark really brings the funk on this album. Actor Out of Work is def worthwhile too, but lyrically and vocally, I think this is better. The subtleties of the music are surprising as well. I think my fav line is probably, "Let's do what Mary and Joseph did... without the kid." Damn straight gurl.
tracks to check = Marry Me & The Party
4. Middle Cyclone and Fox Confessor Brings the Flood - Neko Case
So once again, Johnny gave me the gift of both a newer and older album from an artist. Most known for her days as a pornographer (in The New Pornographers) - btw I did not think of this wit on my own, I read that somewhere... Neko Case is obvi an amazing solo artist as well. Her vocals will send chills down your spine and she's quite hmm.. what's the word, rustic? Both albums (but Middle Cyc esp) make you feel like you're walking through a forest somewhere among furry animals and woodsiness or that you should be. Nature has a presence in each and every song. Also, I have this theory that there is a select red-headed population of women who were created for no other purpose but to grace us all non-ginger people with their voices....but that's a diff post for a diff day...
tracks to check = I'm An Animal & That Teenage Feeling
3. God Help the Girl - God Help the Girl
I really thought Stuart Murdoch could not get anymore awesome until I listened to this. Stu and the Girls (who are singin' about my life), warm it up real nice with this musical film soundtrack. In case you didn't know, Stuart Murdoch is the lead dude in the Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian. The girls that sing on this album, however, are not part of B&S. I'm pretty anxious to see how all of these characters fit together into an actual movie. But of course, like anything Murder Murdoch produces, the music is enough. It contains infectious melodies and harmonies will that make you ear-gasm all over the place (eww that sounds gwwwoss!). But fo real, the best part of all is the lyricos. I could go on forever picking out fav lines, but I'll spare you. I would like to point out a very special song called "Pretty Eve in the Tub" which Johnny and I agree only good ole Stuart could get away with without being dubbed a fag by the general populous. Rhyming tub with scrub and rub is not really acceptable, but I'll allow it this once. The main character (Eve) whose part is sung by Catherine Ireton is delightfully soulful, esp on her new and improved version of "Funny Little Frog." Too bad production on the film doesn't start til 2010... why oh why Stewey must you torture me so??
tracks to check = God Help the Girl & Funny Little Frog
2. Bitte Orca - Dirty Projectors
Okay, okay. I may be jumping and barely hanging on to the Dirty Projector's band wagon, but I can't help it. Admittedly, I have never listened to any of their other albums, but these damn harmonies just get to me. This is the latest project of Dave Longstreth who bleh bleh bleh went to some Ivy League bleh bleh. He paired up, or I guess more tripled up, or should I say sexteted?? up with some other people to make this band... but the important point is that the female vocalists are the shit! Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian, and some other fille will make your heart effing bleed. You think you've heard harmony before, but you've never heard it like this. The album was consciously based on the harmonies of the three female voices for God's sake. Some things I dislike about it... 1. The title is gibberish. It has no real meaning, Longfellow (or whatev) just thought the words Bitte(German word) and Orca(like the whale) sounded cool together. Kinda hokey and pointless if you ask me. But you didn't ask me. But I'm tell you anywayz. Actually, number 1 is the only reason I don't like it. Because there's not much to hate on. You have to be slightly open to strange sounds and instruments, but I think this is pretty accessible. Catchy and angelic (not a common combo), but give it a spin!
tracks to check = Two Doves and Stillness is the Move
1. Manners - Passion Pit
1. Manners - Passion Pit
The great French musician M83(who's not really great at all) once said Saturdays=Youth. Well, if we're getting mathematical about it, then I say Passion Pit = Summer. This LP and their Chunk of Change EP(which was orig created as a V-day present for a GF) made my life complete this summer. I have a list (which I'm starting right now) of people who "just fucking get it." You know those friends or musicians or whoever you come across on Earth who truly comprehend the human condition and what life's all about, they just fucking get it. I believe that Michael Angelakos, the lead singer/songwriter of PP, just fucking gets it. His lyrics ooze youthfulness and a great understanding what young people need to hear. He knows his audience of sweaty adolescents dancing around in a church basement(aka me and Johnny on August 15, 2009) to his falsetto and sweet beatz. Besides being super catchy, every song brings a new message of growing up and the pains involved. Their live show was truly the best I have ever attended. So congratulations Mr. Angelakos & company, you have won Elizabeth's award for best album of Summer 2009. Feel special. Okay, now for some of my favorite lyrics in now particular order... "I hope that I'll fall asleep knowing that you'll always be the story with no ending..."(ellipses obvi necessary) "I believe in believing the things that we don't see." "Oh have you ever felt so goddamn strong? How come it takes some people so damn long?" alright 3 is the magic number. I'm sure you'll pick your own favs.
tracks to check = Little Secrets & Sleepyhead
Super Cool Pre-Passion Pit Photo Shoot
Although summer is quickly slipping through our finger tips, it is not too late to harvest healthy harmonies with any of the previously mentioned artistes this autumn. Also, it is not to late to go see (500) Days of Summer :o) (smileys with noses are the best of the emoticons) kbye.
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