The Willys - Part IV

Here is the beginning of my Top 20 - I hope I don't change my mind too much....

20-17

20. Girl Talk – Feed the Animals








Greg Gillis is a mash-up mad man. I can only imagine what fun a Girl Talk show is....If you have never heard any of his work, just download 1 song off this album and see what a crazy mess it is. I still can't believe the lawsuits have not come pouring in. When you combine 20 songs to make a 3:00 song - it is impressive. For sheer effort, this madness makes the 20. "Set It Off" is worth a listen.

19. Vivian Girls - (s/t)










What can I say? I am a sucker for many things and music. Riot Grrls/Indie rock chicks: check! Though they sound like they're singing/droning out of a drainage pipe with Jesus & Mary Chain's wall of sound backing them up, they can rock my garage any day...."Tell the World" is their main gun.

18. Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line










While it seems to be coming a habit for groups to have random girls playing random instruments in their band, it works for the Riot. I'm pretty sure that's a cello I hear. Whatever.
This was the best album on Barsuk's label this year. Good indie pop rock with sad undertones of a lost bandmate, just as they came on the scene. I'm sure he's looking down and proud. Check "Ghost Under Rocks" for a sample.

17. Kings of Leon – Only By the Night












Well let's be honest...if these cats were not from my hometown, they probably wouldn't have made this list. They've long hung up the strokes sound and sold their soul for U2 arena styles. Bad moooove for Will. Good move for them? I miss the Aha Shake Heartbreak, but will learn to embrace the "Sex on Fire". That was a pumping good single (piss poor lyrics) that opened doors for them. Let's just say the August 2007 show at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston was mild compared to the October 2008 Orpheum show. This year the balcony nearly came unhinged with revelry (security had to enlist a "no jumping/dancing policy"). Too bad they play the SAME setlist EVERY night - Boring! Live this album sounds 1000x better, and that's what brings it home. "Use Somebody" is a classic song live. Just not sure if the Kings are wearing their crowns right......?

Tomorrow: 16-13

The Willys - Part III

Sometimes, you have to just cut yourself off....Some of these could be in the Top 20 tomorrow, and out of my mind and in the garbage the next day....Nevertheless, today - these are the ones that fell short....

Honorable Mentions, Almosts, and Nice Trys...

Los Campesinos – Hold On Now, Youngster










These Welsh peasants (I think that is what that means in Spanish?) scream and yell but in a good way. They're of the same vein as Architecture in Helsinki except the music does not sound like kids music...it's like if Black Kids were as hip as they thought they were - "Death To Los Capesinos" is a gooder!

Hercules and Love Affair – (s/t)










Ask me tomorrow and this may be in the Top 20 - I waver! It is a great dance record. Anything by DFA is good to groove to and "Blind" is a single of the year everywhere. I'm a "Theme from Hercules and Love Affair" guy, though...

No Age - Nouns










One of my favorite mysteries of the year, Nouns is from my boys at Sub Pop Records. I have this on vinyl, so it necessitates listening to the whole album and not skipping around. It truly is a beautiful mess. It may be so good and over my head that I can't comprehend it. Go with "Eraser" or "Teen Creeps" - Honestly, it's over all our heads.

Chairlift – Does You Inspire You?










"I try to do handstands fooooor yooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" This iPod Nano commercial staple is always fun to sing in our house. I managed to get past the "Evident Utensil" to embrace "Bruises".

She and Him – Volume 1










Whitney knows I have been intrigued with Zooey Deschanel since Almost Famous. Too bad Whitney hates her, but she is also slightly/secretly intrigued. She and M. Ward's collaboration is very ambitious, and would be in my Top 20 if it weren't for their Beatles sacrilege of covering it Hawaiian/Don Ho style. "Why Would You Let me Stay Here" is a classic!

Megapuss - Surfing









Devendra Banhart....love/hate - The retro vibe on this one pulls me through. It breaks no barriers and achieves nothing new, but it has fun with itself. This is just some friends goofing off. It shows, but it's fun. "Gun on My Hip and a Rose on My ____" is laced with swears, but it is coooool.

The Kills – Midnight Boom










This American/UK duo rocks the Lo-fi garage rock. They've added an almost danceability to their sound....THAT is what keeps them out of my 20. It's good, but I miss the old Kills..."Cheep and Cheerful" is the new sound....."Good Ones" is some good ol Kills.

The Last Shadow Puppets – The Age of the Understatement









I love Arctic Monkeys plain and simple. Since this is Alex Turner's side project with his Brit buddy, I have no choice! Granted it all sounds like Roger Moore era Bond soundtracks, but I dig it. Live and let die!!!!! Check out - "Standing Next to Me"

The Dodos – Visiter










This is the Iron & Wine for '08, since Sam didn't put out an album this year. Very chill and folksy and excellent to chill to. Nick Drake fans? Maybe give it a whirl! They're no Nick Drake, and that is why they're not in the 20. "Fools" is for you!

Nice try, guys! Maybe next year!

Tomorrow: The Beginning of the Top 20

The Willys - Part II

Like my compadre, Leland, work has taken it's toll this year. Even with me making the utmost effort to stay on top of things, many an album fell through the cracks...While there are countless others I could list, here are some albums I wish I had "bent an ear to". (and my apologies for ending a sentence with a preposition - but who says, "albums to which I had bent an ear"?)

Albums I Wish I Had Bought
(so, I could have an opinion)

Black Mountain – In the Future










These cats rock on down the mountain. I think I will pick this up before New Years. I tend to steer clear of Jagujaguar bands (it's a label with a bunch of weirdness on it), but I have a 7" of theirs that even Whitney was digging on (by that I mean I was allowed to keep listening...).

Kaiser Chiefs – Off With Their Heads










I've already spoken of this album in a previous post. I've heard a handful of their songs off this one, and it may be some of their better stuff courtesy of Mark Ronson behind the board. Again, check out "Never Miss a Beat", and maybe we'll go get this one together!

Bloc Party - Intimacy










So, I have yet to listen to anything Bloc Party since Silent Alarm short of a remix of "The Witch" from the last album. I have heard nothing but the song "Misery" (is that even the name?). With songs back when like "Like Eating Glass" and "Hellacopter", I'm not sure I want to hear the newer stuff.

The Walkmen – You and Me









Never owned any Walkmen albums, but I almost bought this one. I'm never quite sure what I think of the singer's interesting delivery...This one got good reviews, and I like "The Blue Route". Could be on my after Christmas InSound order....

TV On the Radio – Dear Science










Well this album is #1 or #2 in almost every list I see. Yet, I am still reluctant. I have their 1st 2 albums, and like this one they were on all the best of year lists...They're most certainly talented people, but maybe just not my style. I love "Wolf Like Me" off Return to Cookie Mountain, and "Golden Age" off this one is a winner. Agree to disagree...

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals – Cardinology









Just really lacking the motivation for this one...Talk about no self-editing mechanism....I celebrate the guys entire collection, but I just wonder if he's got anything new to tell me? "Fix It" was not the lead single I would have put out there...I'm gonna go listen to Cold Roses...

Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us










My favorite husband wife duo! They're like a modern day Captain and Tenille! I just bricked on this one. Critics says it wasn't thee best, but I think I'll eventually break down. Whitney and I both enjoy "My Only Offer".

Women – Women









What is this? Two Jagujaguar bands that I wish I had bought? I must be losing my mind...and they're Canadian! eww! Then again they have some Pavement moments....

Lykke Li – Youth Novels










This little Scandinavian popper sounds like the best thing since Robyn! You know how I love Scandinavian pop - I'm a huge sucker! Granted she has a more Gem sound with the occasional Lily Allen moment, except I think she's got more talent than those 2 without a doubt..

School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms









Ben Curtis' new venture after leaving one of my favs, Secret Machines...Only listened to a couple songs, but I just want to know where all those SM hooks went - I believe you'll find it here (wink).

The Knux - Remind Me in Three Days...










Ahhh, non-mainstream rap. This two guys appear intriguing. I have heard nothing and know nothing. Anyone else have any input?

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive










Not a Craig Finn fan (hold your horses!), but at least THS put out a song I at least could tolerate ("Sequestered In Memphis"). It should be an automatic download or anyone with anything to do with that town. It appears to be great Midtown action. Their show at the Hi-Tone last spring must have been coupled with a very harassing interview with some Memphis Flyer hussy. Wrote a song about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes! (Midtown is Memphis! Belvedere, REPRESENT !!!!)

Well, that's it - I could list these all day...I'm glad I didn't buy the new Of Montreal, Deerhunter, any of the Crystal Castle/Antlers, Beach House, blah blah blah stuff. I've heard enough from those camps, so sorry every magazine/pundit out there....

Anything out there that you guys wish you had checked out and didn't?

Tomorrow:

Honorable Mentions, Almosts, and Nice Trys...

Milky the Milk Carton

For anyone who read the Blur post day before yesterday, (Read: John and Alex) here is a template for making your own milk carton character from the "Coffee & TV" Video. Since there is so much arts 'n crafts time around the holidays, it may be fun for the kids. Just click on the Jpeg. It should enlarge to a suitable size....

The Willy's - Part I

So, this is my annual list of music. Formerly relegated to my profile on Facebook for the past 4 years, it now has a proper home. Much like Pitchfork, I plan on stretching this out over the Holidays. Day 1 of 10: The Negatives....

(PLEASE COMMENT ON YOUR MUSIC THAT MAY FALL INTO THESE CATEGORIES)

Biggest Disappointments

We Are Scientists – Brain Thrust Mastery

After coming on the scene a couple of years ago, W.A.S. seemed to be a feisty little trio. After losing their Bass Player last year, apparently the wheels came off...Don't get me wrong, "After Hours" and "Lethal Enforcer" are great pop songs. This album is watered down and weak. Like some drugged out 80's record, BTM does not even sound like the same group....

The Dandy Warhols – Earth to the Dandy Warhols










Where to start with these underachieving overachievers? A band that has always been able to write a great hook, the Dandys have decided to rebel and just write music that has NO hooks. How catchy....This album clocks in somewhere around the CD's maximum data ability: 80 mins. With a little self-editing or outside influence, there could have been winners here. "Welcome to the Third World" rocks with mid-70's Stones' swagger. The rest is one bad trip....really wish I hadn't seen them in concert either this year - PITIFUL !!!! I can play your songs live better than you can you no talent ass clowns! I can still love you for your previous achievements and look past your latter day sins.

Spinto Band – Moonwink










These power popping Delaware boys need to step out the studio for a breath of fresh air. After basing most of their last album on old songs by the lead singer's uncle (Spinto) found in an attic trunk, it looks like they ran out of influence. While "Summer Grof" is a classic Spinto song, the rest of the album sounds like B-Sides of their breakthrough. They used to sound like Stephen Malkmus' kids...no more.

Secret Machines – Secret Machines










Much like We Are Scientist, the loss of a founding member of this trio may have taken its toll. Benjamin Curtis, the guitarist, left to start School of Seven Bells. His presence is missed. At least they turned the drums up almost back to the level of their debut. The core is there, but the hooks are gone....

Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer










I will admit that I likely didn't give this the attention it deserved. It took me a LOT to get past the horrible title and one of the worst album covers I've ever seen. Like many others on this list, after stellar debuts that I loved there was nowhere to go but down...

Albert Hammond, Jr. – Como Te Llama?










Whew! Where did the hooks go? There is no rhyme or reason to these songs, Berto! You're my favorite member of The Strokes, but this album pales in comparison to your debut. I'm reminded of Ryan Adams releasing "Demolition" after the stellar "Gold". Demolition was made of songs/B-sides Adams recorded on the road. This sounds about par with that...

Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue










Oh, Jenny! We love you so in our house. Rabbit Fur Coat is burned into my wife's brain. Your last Rilo Kiley effort was actually one of my favorites. This album is just like Como Te Llama and Demolition. Songs of the road that never fully developed. Bring back the Watson Twins! Even with all your guest stars (Elvis Costello, M. Ward, etc), the songs sound flat...Love "Acid Tongue" and "Next Messiah". "Carpetbagger" rocks my sox off until Costello chimes in....(sorry Elvis).

Tapes n Tapes - Walk It Off









Yet another sophomore slump. After loving the debut, this album has been spun only twice by me (which may be unfair). "Hang them All" rocked while the rest left me uninterested. Maybe I'll give it another spin in the new year, but I'll probably just listen to "Cowbell" off their debut.

Tomorrow - "Albums I Wish I Had Bought"

Nothing Says Christmas Like Forgiveness !!!

One of my favorite bands and one of the most important to music in the 90's (in the UK), Blur appears to have settled their differences. In the big 90's Britpop boom, there were many players, but 2 bands were the title fighters. Like the Rolling Stones going head to head with the Beatles, Blur went toe to toe with a little band called - Oasis. While Blur was embraced in the UK and the rest of the world, they barely made a blip on the map in the U.S. short of some college radio and indie hipsters. America was enamored with Flannel and Grunge while the UK was dancing their pants off. They did experience a modest success in the Spring of 1997 with the release of their eponymous album and it's 2nd single: "Song 2". You know it. You hear it at every sporting event since the late 1990's. With its recurring "Woo Hoo!", it's instantly recognizable.

The boys of Blur are so much more!

Like 4 boys from Liverpool in the 60's, Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rountree grew up in Essex, England and formed Blur. After 5 or so albums, Graham Coxon, the lead guitarist, left the group with the release of "13" in 1999. Blur would go on to release "Think Tank" in 2003 as a power trio, but the spark just wasn't there. Lead singer and frontman, Damon Albarn was unable to achieve the heights that they had once reached. At teh same time, Albarn found himself pouring a great deal of his creativity into his trip-hop side project, Gorillaz, with cartoonist Jamie Hewlett and producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura for their 2001 debut.

Blur seemed destined never to return at this point. With childhood friends, Coxon and Albarn, refusing to speak and make amends, Blur had headed the way of the Beatles before them. Albarn now threw all of his efforts into musical side projects. In 2004, Gorillaz released their 2nd album, "Demon Days", and firmly made their presence known with Jonathan "Danger Mouse" Burton behind the mixing board fresh off his Jay-Z/Beatles mixtape, "The Grey Album". In the summer of 2006, Albarn released an album by yet another side project, The Good, the Bad and the Queen, with the help of Paul Simonen of the Clash and again - Danger Mouse. On the other hand, Graham Coxon has had minimal commercial success and some critical acclaim for his 3 solo albums.

This past week, hell froze over. Coxon and Albarn announced that Blur in its original form would be playing together again this coming summer for at least 2 dates/festivals. Hurray! To bad it will all be in the UK, and I'll never get to see them. I almost got to see them in the fall of 1997 at 328 Performance Hall in Nashville (on their last U.S. tour), except the show was 18 and up, in the middle of October, and I turned 18 in November. Screwed Again!

If you don't know any Blur (other than "Song 2"),
feel free to check out these favorites of mine!

Blur - "There's No Other Way" (1991) - My Favorite

Blur - "Coffee & TV"

(1999 w/ Graham Coxon on lead vocals)
Their greatest video w/ the Milk Carton

Blur - "Girls and Boys" (1994)

Blur - "Look Inside America" (1997)

Blur - "Charmless Man" (1995)

Blur - "Parklife" (1994)

Blur - "Out of Time" (2003)

Blur - "Beetlebum" (1997)

Enjoy !!!
(to the 1 person who actually read this far...................Joy, are you there?)

The Easiest Implant EVER !!!

Slam Dunk, Yesterday....
- Nobel Replace Select Wide Platform (5x10)
Single Stage - healing abutment placed
- 2 single interrupted Vicryl sutures
Less than an hour - wire to wire....

*** GRANTED, she was in her 20's and had impeccable oral hygiene and bone for days....

Quick Change!

Similar to moves of Daniel Tashian's - The Bees to change their name to the Silver Seas, or Jetpack -> Jetpack UK -> The Nobility.........

The Muslims are no longer The Muslims....Before they even got signed, I'm sure their name drew controversy. It's ironic that this very morning, Nabil, an Islamic classmate of mine, asked me, "Who are the Muslims?". Well apparently they're nobody.....The are now known as The Soft Pack...., and their albums have been pulled. SO, I guess they're collector's items. Whatever. It still rocks.

"Somebody Told Me...

...that you were a Muslim" (the new Killers song ~ sic....). The Muslims are my favorites of the moment (next to the band in the next paragraph). They have an EP available from InSound. It is retro-garage rock - my favorite! The album is white with bullet holes (literally). They are from San Diego, and I'm pretty sure they're not muslim - shocker. They veer from The Black Lips to Velvet Underground. Worth a listen if you like that garage sound. Check out "Bright Side" or "Extinction".

Un autre fois...

You yo-yo's STILL need to check out Little Joy (Fabrizio's side project) - THEY ARE GREAT! While it does not break through any walls, it's just completely enjoyable to listen to. The presence of Bikini Shapiro's back-up vocals on various songs lock it up! (she sounds just like Regina Spektor). It is flat out chill, and comes with my "stamp of approval". I'll venture to say that it easily trumps bandmate Albert Hammond Jr.'s latest effort (and he's my favorite Stroke). It's a must for those of you that obsess over the movie, "ONCE". See video below:

Little Joy - Next Time Around

Tell me that is NOT the HEAT!?!

You know what else is very dandy (that I refused to give a chance b/c of previous transgressions)? The Kaiser Chiefs' new album - "Off With Their Heads". Their 1st single back in 2005, "I Predict a Riot", was fun Clash rip-off. Their 2nd album was such a flop-fest that I wrote them off. Enter Mark Ronson to go all Amy Winehouse and give them some focus. He produces Lily Allen covering their song, "Oh No". Ronson then decides to produce their new album. Result = a good album - finally! Check it out if you like the song, "Never Miss a Beat".

BTW - Titans lost, Vandy lost and MBA lost - CRAP !!!

A Very Merry Un-Birthday to ME! (yes, Me!)

Yesterday was the big 29....Therefore, I celebrate my 1st of 364 Un-Birthdays today.
Thank you all for your Birthday wishes etc via txt, Facebook, and Cellphones.
A very merry un-birthday to you all!!!

Yes They Did....

Well, the election was called at 11:00 ish on Tuesday night, and at 9:00 on Wednesday night this episode aired. I'm sorry for multiple South Park posts, but like I said - these guys sure can pull a quick commentary (they even have the line about the girl's new dog for the White House...).

It's a spin on Ocean's Eleven with McCain and Obama in cahoots all along....It is only viewable until this coming Wednesday, so have a look while you can. It mocks both sides of the fence perfectly- crazy, jubilant Obama fans looking to party down with no consequence and suicidal Republicans calling it the end of the world.

Click here for the episode

Here is a preview