The Wheel's Still In Spin

Best Albums of 2008

1. Thao and the Get Down Stay Down – We Brave Bee Stings and All | Read the short story review | Amazon CD, Vinyl, or MP3 | Insound CD, Vinyl, or MP3
   Download “Beat (Health, Life and Fire)” (mp3)
   Download “Bag of Hammers” (mp3)

   These songs are propelled in Thao’s sultry voice and bolstered by music that is a jazz-infused variety of folk rock. The arrangements include horns, organs, melodica, and banjo added to the intriguing voicings used by the adroit four-piece band. The percussion playing is creative and selective for 4 beat rhythms. As a testament to the catchiness of these songs, nearly all eleven have been caught in my head during some part of this year.

   
   
2. These United States – Crimes | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Honor Amongst Thieves” (mp3)

   The majority of these songs have an addictive, rollicking feel. This album doesn’t sound sterile. The production – from the intro count-ins and commentary to the sing along style group choruses – gives the album a live quality. With this album and A Picture of Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden both released this year, These United States demonstrated their diversity and productivity. On Crimes, the folk rock band showcases more of an indie rock sound than their aforementioned debut album.

   
   
3. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend | Read the short story review | Amazon CD, Vinyl, or MP3 | Insound CD, Vinyl, or MP3
   

   Most of the songs on this debut album were self-released by the band in 2007 on CDR. After signing to XL, the album saw massive distribution. It followed with a performance on Saturday Night Live and worldwide festival performances. It became impossible to ignore this band. What elevated the band to such massive popularity was their unique version of indie rock that incorporates chamber pop and Afrobeat qualities.

   
   
4. TV on the Radio – Dear Science | Amazon Deluxe Edition CD, CD, Vinyl, Deluxe Version MP3, or MP3 | Insound Deluxe Edition CD or CD

   Rarely can any band seamlessly meld so many divergent genres to make an album that is cohesive, original, and captivating. But that’s exactly what TV on the Radio have done with Dear Science. There are elements of soul, disco, hip hop, indie rock, and punk throughout this cognizant and intelligent, diverse and danceable album. There are enough sonic subtleties in these songs to notice new nuances with each listen while engaging both your body and your mind with the main melodies and rhythms.



5. Hayes Carll – Trouble In Mind | Read the short story review | Amazon CD, Vinyl, or MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “She Left Me For Jesus” (mp3)

   Hayes Carll has created an alt country album that is functions as both a guilty, melodic, country treasure and the sound of the tortured artist. From the opening song, “Drunken Poet’s Dream” – with a muse who says, “You be the sinner honey, I’ll be the sin” – to the final track, “She Left Me For Jesus,” these songs are full of drinking and misguided love. The album sounds like Steve Earle or Townes Van Zant fronting the Flying Burrito Brothers.



6. Los Campesinos! – Hold On Now, Youngster... | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD, Vinyl, or MP3
   Download “Death to Los Campesinos!” (mp3)
   

   This is an impressive debut full length album. With the addition of a second full length release this past year (that is nearly as good and also on this list), the productivity of this band is amazing. Los Campesinos! continued the quality combination of abrasion, intelligence, and wit that made their debut EP, Sticking Fingers into Sockets, not only one of the best EPs of 2007, but also one of the best overall albums of that year.



7. The Cool Kids – The Bake Sale | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “‘88” (mp3)
   

   It’s good to have a throwback to old school rap and The Cool Kids are exactly that. The beats have distorted bass and the lyrics are about trips to the grocery store, the year 1988, and BMX bikes. As the rap duo christened themselves, they are “the new black version of the Beastie Boys.”



8. Langhorne Slim – Langhorne Slim | Amazon CD, Vinyl, or MP3 | Insound CD or Vinyl
   Download “Rebel Side of Heaven” (mp3)
   

   Langhorne Slim is an acoustic-based singer-songwriter. On this album he supported by natural instruments – cello, trombone, piano, upright bass, and drums slapped with brushes. These songs are rooted in folk and country influences, but with a decidedly endearing and conventional trait. Above these traditional arrangements is a voice and melodies that give this album an enthralling and heartfelt sensibility.



9. Noah and the Whale – Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down | Read the short story review | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “2 Bodies 1 Heart” (mp3)
   

   Ultimately, Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down is a palpable power pop album. With the utilization of violin, horns, and harmonium, the album has a prodigious chamber pop sound. But rooted in the acoustic guitar picking and sonorous vocals of Charlie Fink, Noah and the Whale have a personal and responsive quality that transcends the well crafted layers of instrumentation.



10. Lemuria – Get Better | Read the short story review | Amazon CD, Vinyl, or MP3 | Insound CD
    Download “Pants” (mp3)
    Download “Dog” and “Dogs” (mp3)
    

    After releasing a batch of split albums, singles, and EPs, this Buffalo, NY, band finally releases their first full-length album. The indie power trio is equal parts punk and pop without delving too far into the typical qualities of either genre. Guitarist Sheena Ozzela and drummer Alex Kerns share lead vocals and all three members, including bassist Jason Draper, contribute to the songwriting. The outcome is an assemblage of distorted and restless ear candy.

Best EPs of 2008

1. The Decemberists – Always The Bridesmaid | Insound Vinyl | from the band Vinyl and more | at indie record stores

   This album was released digitally as a complete EP. The band also delivered it on vinyl as three 12”s. In classic Decemberists style, these music ranges from the chamber folk of “Valerie Plame” to the stripped down acoustic splendor of “Raincoat Song,” while the melodies gallivant from sing-songy to indelible.



2. Herman Dune – 1-2-3 / Apple Tree | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Song for Golda” (mp3)

   This EP includes 3 tracks from the French duo’s 2006 album, Giant, and two unreleased songs. All five songs are upbeat, anti-folk songs with alluring arrangements. The title track is a kitschily catchy love song. “Song for Golda,” one of the two new songs, is an endearing digression about the singer’s dog. The other new one, “Song of Samuel” is a heartwarming love story filled with realism and obstacles within less than 6 minutes.



3. Todd Snider – Peace Queer | Amazon CD, Vinyl, or MP3 | Insound CD

   This album expressly narrates Snider’s principles as an International Peace Queer in 8 tracks. The first song, “Mission Accomplished (Because You Gotta Have Faith)” rhetorically asks and answers, “Fighting for peace? That’s like screaming for quiet.” He covers dreams and realities with the wit and viewpoint that make his songs intriguing and refreshing. As he states at the end of “Ponce of the Flaming Peace Queer,” “I did not do this to change your mind about anything. I did this to ease my own mind about everything.”



4. Miracles Of Modern Science – Miracles Of Modern Science
   FREE download from Amazing Wow
   Download “MR2” (mp3)

   This is the debut release for Miracles of Modern Science and is available as a free download from the Amazing Wow label. The band consists of an upright bass, 2 cellos, violin, mandolin, and drums. This is a true chamber pop band that has the capability of duplicating their studio ensemble sound in a live setting. The 20 minutes of this debut EP are beguiling and nonpareil.



5. The Mountain Goats – Satanic Messiah
   Download (and donate/pay what you want) at http://satanicmessiah.com

   This EP contains 4 tracks that John Darnielle recorded with Scott Solter. The main instrument is an acoustic piano, but Darnielle’s rhythmic acoustic guitar playing has its place. The subjects on these songs are waiting – waiting for a savior, waiting for a rock concert, waiting. As is always the case with The Mountain Goats, the lyrics are intelligent and the music is captivating.

Best Albums of December 2008

Typically, there is not a wide list of strong new releases in the month of December. Luckily, there are a handful of good ones this year. With a handful of EPs, here is The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s list of the best new releases of this month.

1. The Decemberists – Always The Bridesmaid [EP] | Vinyl, Volumes I-III Vinyl, or at indie record stores

   The third and final volume of The Decemberists’ singles series is released this month, and thus the EP is also complete. This is a diverse collection of Decemberists songs. There are minimalist acoustic arrangements, layered chamber pop, and descriptive specific lyrics with songs “Valerie Plame,” “I’m Sticking With You,” and “Raincoat Song.”



2. Jump Back Jake – Brooklyn Hustle / Memphis Muscle | Amazon CD or MP3
   Stream the entire album at jumpbackjake.com

   Thanks to everyone who left a comment on the December 16th New Release post, I had to check this album out. It has a great Memphis soul sound to it. Building on the history of Booker T. & The MG’s, The Memphis Horns, and the Bar-Keys, the band has a tight groove. Jake Rabinbach, with his vocal chords, could fill the shoes of Sam or Dave.



3. Spinnerette – Ghetto Love [EP] | Amazon MP3

   Formed from the remains of the punk band The Distillers, Spinnerette is primarily the project of lead singer Brody Dalle. The band is expected to release their debut full length album in early 2009 and released a digital EP as their first release this month. The music is upbeat, rhythmic indie pop. At the end of this post is the Liam Lynch directed video for the lead single, “Ghetto Love.”



4. The Welcome Wagon – Welcome To The Welcome Wagon | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD, Vinyl, or MP3
   Download “Sold! To The Nice Rich Man” (mp3)

   Welcome to the Welcome Wagon was produced by Sufjan Stevens and, unsurprisingly, sounds very similar to the producer’s albums. The band consists of the husband and wife duo Reverend Thomas Vito and Monique Aiuto. Within the Stevens’ style of folk-based chamber pop, The Welcome Wagon perform religious songs.



5. DM Stith – Curtain Speech [EP] | Amazon CD or MP3 | Insound CD or MP3
   Download “Just Once” (mp3)

   This is relaxing album that aurally falls somewhere between Antony & The Johnsons and Will Oldham. It doesn’t quite capture the intimacy of those references, but the album is very captivating and a strong release for an EP.

Best Albums Of November 2008

Here is The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s list of favorite releases for the month of November:

1. Anathallo – Canopy Glow | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
   Download “The River” (mp3)
   This lush album could have been a messy mistake, but it is a mellifluous piece of magic. There are layers of music – horns, strings, keyboards, guitars – stacked with layers of percussion and harmonies. All 7 members of this band sing and bang or tap on something. With so many aural stimuli on each song, the band has a focused and selective sound. The end result is an album that is melodiously stunning.


2. Los Campesinos! – We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed | Amazon CD/DVD MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Download “Miserabilia” (mp3)
   Los Campesinos! originally set out to record songs to be b-sides to the singles from their full length debut, this year’s Hold On Now, Youngster…. When they finished the recording, they realized they had a damn good album on their hands. As they proclaimed, “This is no post-album cash in. It’s no B-Sides and rarities or ‘songs that weren’t good enough to be on the album cobbled together with some remixes and field recordings of Cardiff’s indie scene.’” This album is full of the bombastic indie pop the band has become known for in their short time – it’s been less than a year and a half since their first EP was released in the States. Los Campesinos! continue to prove they are the most impressive and productive bands. There will be no singles or additional printing of this album. Get it all and the goodies (comes with a documentary DVD, poster, and 30 page ‘zine) while you can.


3. The Bronx – The Bronx III | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Knifeman” (mp3)
   This is the third eponymously titled album by the L.A. punk band The Bronx. This band takes it roots from the original hardcore punk bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat, but The Bronx sound more mainstream rock. This isn’t a post-punk or hardcore emo band. The sound mixes punk with straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll and more aggressive vocals.


4. The (International) Noise Conspiracy – The Cross Of My Calling | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “I Am The Dynamite” (mp3)
   Produced by Rick Rubin, this album is anthemic garage punk. The band’s sound has the guitar-fronted sound associated with garage rock. The band’s socialist and protest views add the punk qualities. These songs are catchy and aggressive with a ‘60s psychedelic garage rock sound.


5. Mavis Staples – Live: Hope At The Hideout [Live] | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
   Download “We Shall Not Be Moved” (mp3)
   This live album is full of symbols of the civil rights movement and personal stories from Staples herself. She sounds electrified and triumphant. With a mature grit to her voice, the lower register of “Eyes On The Prize” creates one of the powerful performances. The fact that this album was released on the same day that America elected its first African American president helps to solidify the strength and the struggle in Staples’ performance.

Best Albums of October 2008

Here is The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s list of favorite releases for the month of October:

1. Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8 | CD Deluxe Edition CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Deluxe Edition CD Vinyl
   Download “Dreamin’ Of You” (mp3)
   From the initial 3 volumes of unreleased material to the notorious live performances, The Bootleg Series has shown multiple parts of Dylan’s career. This volume showcases Dylan’s most successful 7-year period, from Oh Mercy to Modern Times, since the 1960s and ‘70s. There are alternate and demo versions of some of the best songs from this time period, but also unreleased gems that amazingly didn’t make the cut originally. For an artist who has continually reinvented himself, this collection is more potent that a “greatest hits” compilation. It offers a fresh view to the creative process of a seminal artist.


2. Her Space Holiday – XOXO, Panda And The New Kid Revival | CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Sleep Tigers” (mp3)
   Leaving the electronic sampling and programming of his previous Her Space Holiday releases, Mark Bianchi has produced an indie folk album. These songs have catchy pop melodies with a diverse amount of acoustic instruments, relying on guitars, banjos, mandolins, and glockenspiels. Over top of the musical layers, Bianchi vocals take on a Robert Schneider quality.


3. Jay Reatard – Matador Singles ‘08 | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   This album is a collection of the six, limited edition 7” singles released by Reatard during 2008 on Matador Records, with one new song added. These garage punk songs range from quick, short punk rockers with distorted guitars to slightly longer pop songs with acoustic guitar and keyboards. The audio quality drifts to lo-fi, but the attention is on the catchiness of these songs.


4. Frank Turner – Love Ire & Song | CD | Insound CD
   Frank Taylor, who used to be the singer for a hardcore punk band, has turned into a singer-songwriter. He still retains the attack of the punk rocker, but within the margins of an acoustic based folk artist. He has matured, but is still a passionate musician. As Taylor declares on the song “Photosynthesis,” “I won’t sit down and I won’t shut up/ And most of all I will not grow up.”


5. Deerhunter – Microcastle | CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Download “Little Kids” (mp3)
   Juggling between jangly pop and ambient indie rock, this album melds and flows very well. While still retaining some of the experimental qualities of the band’s previous releases, Bradford Cox and company have made an accessible and consistent album.

Best Albums Of September 2008

The calendar gave September a special treat this year: 5 Tuesdays fell into the month’s 30 days. Months with 5 Tuesdays worth or new releases give us a lot of music to listen to. Here is The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s list of favorite releases for the month of September:

1. Apollo Sunshine – Shall Noise Upon | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl
   Download “666: The Coming Of The New World Government” (mp3)
   August saw the digital and vinyl versions of this album released, but September was the month of the physical CD release. This album is probably best described as indie rock, but it mixes a diverse range of styles and instrumentation. There are flares of psychedelic rock, international music, folk, ambient music, and rock ’n’ roll throughout the album. It also perfectly mixes energy levels from soothing, mellow tracks to upbeat rockers. Overall, Shall Noise Upon is a diverse and thorough album.


2. Noah And The Whale – Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “2 Bodies 1 Heart” (mp3)
   This is a fanciful power pop album. With the prominence of violin, horns, and harmonium, the music leads to chamber pop during many of the tracks. The lyrics, mostly, are lamentations on love and growing up. As the contagious single, “5 Years Times,” shows, this is a band that is young and trying to balance the enjoyment of the moment and the unpredictability of the future.


3. TV On The Radio – Dear Science | Deluxe Edition CD CD Deluxe Version MP3 MP3 | Insound Deluxe Edition CD CD Vinyl
   This album mixes pop with indie rock, soul with punk, programmed beats with live instruments, and Afrobeat with chamber accompaniments. It is cerebral and danceably enjoyable. It’s edgy and pacifying. It is hard to unify so many genres and textures, but TV On The Radio have done so. They transcended boundaries and preconceptions and created an engaging and intelligent album.


4. Blitzen Trapper – Furr | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Download “Furr” (mp3)
   Furr is Blitzen Trapper’s fourth album and first for Sub Pop. After the success of last year’s Wild Mountain Nation, the band has released a cohesive and consistent folk rock album. This album is rooted in an almost haunting version of alt country with descriptive lyrics. The melodies on this album sound familiar and are reminiscent of the folk rock of the ‘70s.


5. Johnny Foreigner – Waited Up Til It Was Light | CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Salt Pepper And Spinderell” (mp3)
   This album sounds like an amalgamation of Los Campesinos and Mates Of State. Waited Up Til It Was Light is punctuated with the energy and multifariousness of Welsh indie rock band, Los Campesinos, but with more cohesive. The vocal exchange between guitarist Alexei Berrow and bassist Kelly Southern and the occasional use of organ tones evoke the husband-and-wife duo, Mates Of State.

Best Albums Of August 2008

Here’s The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s favorites new releases for the month of August:

1. Caesars – Strawberry Weed | Amazon CD 2 CDs[Import] MP3 MP3[Expanded Version] | Insound CD
   The Caesars are a retro sounding garage band from Sweden. Strawberry Weed was originally released as a double album in their country in May. Astralwerks slimmed it down to 12 tracks from the U.S. release. The songs are ubercatchy rock and roll, including “Jerk It Out,” which appeared in an iPod commercial. The extended download version is even better with songs like “She’s Getting High.”


2. Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Download “Dying Is Fine” (mp3)
   After releasing their first EP last year, Ra Ra Riot released their debut full length album on Barsuk. With instrumentation that includes guitar, bass, and drums, with cello and violin, Ra Ra Riot mixes the high energy of a punk band with the subtleties of chamber pop.


3. The Uglysuit – The Uglysuit | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Download “Chicago” (mp3)
   This Oklahoma band’s debut album is full of upbeat, happy indie rock. There are layers of lusciously lively rock music – keyboards, organs, guitars, bass, drums, and more guitars. But this isn’t a guitar driven rock album. It mixes indie rock and dream pop into cheerful rock and roll.


4. Human Highway – Moody Motorcycle | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Somewhere between the solo folk music of Jim Guthrie and the fleshed out layers of Jim Thorburn’s Islands is Human Highway. The band, a duo of Guthrie and Thorburn, made catchy folk-based songs that sound both retro and endearingly idiosyncratic.


5. Laura Marling – Alas I Cannot Swim | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl
   This album was released in the UK, Marling’s home country, in February of this year and made the shortlist for the Mercury Prize. In August, this album was finally releases Stateside. Produced by Charlie Fink of Noah And The Whale, it is loaded with accessible and folky pop songs based on acoustic guitar and Marling’s effective vocals.


6. The Walkmen – You & Me | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   This album, like previous Walkmen albums, has grandiose musical depths. The songs are guitar driven but punctuated by coatings of reverb and Hamilton Leithauser’s swooping vocals. The songs on You & Me do not have the same bombastic style of their previous albums, but sound more selective and crafted.


7. Lindstrøm – Where You Go I Go Too | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl
   Download “The Long Way Home (Prins Thomas Edit)” (mp3)
   Hans-Peter Lindstrøm, best known for his production and remix work, has finally released his first official full length album. It’s only three tracks, but nearly an hour of music. Lindstrøm succeeds in creating well crafted “space disco,” taking the disco tones and modulations and making them more trippy or surreal than dance. This album has a solid progression and never appears monotonous, which is a feat for the genre.


8. The Silent Years – The Globe | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
   Download “On Our Way Home” (mp3) [from RCRDLBL]
   Download “Black Hole” (mp3) [from RCRDLBL]
   This DIY indie outfit makes refreshing power pop. The lyrics and themes of the songs are intelligent. The music is unpredictably catchy throughout the 45 minutes of the album.


9. Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl
   After numerous albums as Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst makes a direct folk album for this “solo” release. The pinnacle of his career was I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning. While this album comes closest to Wide Awake’s prowess, it’s not as strong. However, with songs like “Moab,” and “NYC-Gone, Gone,” the album definitely has its bright spots.


10. Muy Cansado – Stars And Garters | Amazon CD MP3
    Download “Telemundo” (mp3)
    Download “Stockholm Syndrome” (mp3)
    This takes Pixies-esque melodies and matches them with straightforward rock and roll. This band doesn’t have as much dynamics or as sharp of a sound as The Pixies, but this is a strong indie rock release.

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Best Albums Of July 2008

With the cross-country move, followed by a vacation, it’s better late than never. Here’s The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s favorites new releases for the month of July:

1. Neil Halstead – Oh! Mighty Engine | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl
   Download “Paint A Face” (mp3)
   Neil Halstead was one of the driving forces of the shoegazer band Slowdive. After Slowdive released 3 albums, that band reworked itself into Mojave 3 and the music became folkier but still full sounding. Mixed in with the 8 full-length albums that those 2 bands released, Halstead slipped in a solo album back in 2002. Sleeping On Roads, included the track “Two Stones In My Pocket,” which is one of my favorite songs of all time. On Oh! Mighty Engine, Halstead sticks with the spacious folk sound of his initial solo release. The album is an intoxicating relief.


2. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Buriedfed” (mp3)
   Download “The Debtor” (mp3)
   Upon listening to the first vocal lines of the opening track of this album, “Buriedfed,” the phrasing and timbre of Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson’s voice is unmistakably reminiscent of Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock. This debut album was created with the assistance of Chris Taylor and Christopher Bear of Grizzly Bear. The result sounds like a cross between those 2 bands. The songwriting and instrumentation is as skilled and varied as Grizzly Bear, but with the dynamic energy level of Modest Mouse.


3. The Baseball Project – Volume 1: Frozen Ropes And Dying Quails | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
   Download “Past Time” (mp3)
   For about 6 or 7 years, mostly in the mid to late 80’s, I owned a sports card shop. I spent a lot of time talking about baseball. I had the chance to meet Ted Williams once. Even in his senior years, that guy was built like a tree with broad shoulders and a stocky posture. When it comes to his playing days, The Baseball Project nailed it with the song “Ted Fucking Williams.” Add songs about Curt Flood becoming the first free agent, the controversy of how Mark McGwire broke the single season homerun record, Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s segregated barriers, or the Satchel Paige’s rules for staying young – who at the age of 42 become the oldest person to debut in the Major Leagues after about 20 years of pitching in the Negro Leagues. That’s not even half the album and only a small fraction of the baseball stories worthy of song.
   
   But even if you don’t have a passion for the summertime game, this album is still extremely solid. The music is the perfect mix of pop and indie rock. The melodies are remarkably catchy. For someone like me who loves baseball and music, this album will get repeated plays every year from the anticipation that comes with spring training to excitement of the postseason.


4. Animal Farm – The Unknown | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   This is one of the most original rap albums that has been released in a while. The music and beats alter between the rock and soul of “We Came To Rock,” the old time jazz of “Ragtime Gal,” to the R&B groove of “Move It.” The tracks seamlessly connect the varying beats. Animal Farm calls their style “true-school hip hop.” The group, with four emcees that trade off rhymes, gets political, socially conscious, and makes some claims about modern hip hop. This album is intelligent and unique.


5. Low vs Diamond – Low vs Diamond | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   Download “Heart Attack” (mp3)
   Low vs Diamond have created a debut full-length that is full of grandiose modern rock orchestration. The fluent guitar and keyboard lines drive the songs. The vocals, like the music, fall within the space between The Killers and Coldplay. This is a pop record that expects you to sway and move with its pulsating rock songs.


6. Dr. Dog – Fate | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD Vinyl MP3
   Download “The Old Days” (mp3)
   Download “The Ark” (mp3)
   This is a straightforward pop album, but soak in a vintage sound. In creating this rock album, Dr. Dog has dusted off soul and gospel influences. The music is strikingly upbeat and full of hooks, even when it tackles the ballads. The vocal lines are catchy. After listening to “Hang On,” try to shake loose the line, “Why do you think we need Amazing Grace/ Just to tell it like it is.”


7. Johnny Flynn – A Larum | Amazon CD Vinyl MP3 | Insound CD
   The first UK artist signed to Lost Highway, Johnny Flynn has released an impressive debut full-length album. The folk songs shuffle with the constantly picked motion of the Flynn’s guitar. Like most good folk albums, the melodies guide these tracks through the intelligently crafted lyrics. A Shakespearean trained actor, Flynn stars in his own videos. You can watch “Leftovers” at the bottom of this post or see all of his videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/johnnyflynnofficial


8. PAS/CAL – I Was Raised On Matthew, Mark, Luke, And Laura | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
   Download “You Were Too Old For Me” (mp3)
   This album is expansive and ambitious. It’s indie rock with impressive amount of musical layers. There are sheets of keyboards and guitars swirling around the mixes. The melodies are catchy. This is superfluous indie pop.


9. Hypatia Lake – Angels And Demons, Space And Time | Amazon CD | Insound CD
   Download “Lucifer Rebellion” (mp3)
   Download “The General’s Gleaming Edge” (mp3)
   Hypatia Lake is a band. Hypatia Lake is also a fictional town. The music of the band is set in the town and provides the story of the lives of its fictional inhabitants. You can read “the story so far,” as the band describes it. With or without getting into the story, the music is diverse in style from folky ballads to distorted rock songs. This album is emotive and grandiose.


10. Lackthereof – Your Anchor | Amazon CD MP3 | InsoundCD Vinyl MP3
    Download “Choir Practice” (mp3)
    Lackthereof is the solo project of Menomena’s drummer, Danny Seim. This album was recorded and mixed in Seim’s basement. The vocal tone somewhat drones through the melodies, but the songs are hypnotically captivating, even the final track, a cover of The Nationals’ “Fake Empire.”

It should also be said that here were a good amount of strong EPs released in July. The best include The Avett Brother’s The Second Gleam, Clientele’s That Night A Forest Grew, and the digital release of Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons’ Cabin Ghosts.

Johnny Flynn’s “Leftovers” from A Larum:

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Best Albums of 2005

The content of this list was originally posted on the online music and popular culture magazine I See Sound on 3 Jan 2006.

My Top Ten Favorite Albums of 2005 (in alphabetical order, because that’s how I store my CDs. When I looked through my CDs to pick which were the best of the year, I scroll through them all alphabetically. But picking THE best one is hard. It changes every few weeks.)

• Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP
  Download “Lua” (mp3)

  This album re-awoke me to folk music. I’ve always listened to folk music. Bob Dylan was the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place. I went from listening to old school folk in high school and college to adding a lot of indie and punk rock in my 20’s. But this album made me religiously listen to Gram Parsons again – and not just because Conor Oberst added Emmylou Harris’ vocals on a few tracks – on the few moments when I took “Wide Awake” out of my CD player. It made me write folk songs again. It blew me away and it kept me up listening to it all night. I’ll never forget the first night a friend brought it over for me to hear. It was a few weeks before it was released. We recorded some music and then we listened to this album while we drank. We listened again. And drank more. And listened again. And well, eventually, my friend had a little too much vodka. He spent the end of the evening, or early part of the morning, hunched over, puking into a trashcan and occasionally opening his eyes to say, “I am soooooo sorry.” The sun was coming up, I was wide awake, and my friend had passed out on my floor.



• The Decemberists – Picaresque | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP MP3
  Download “The Engine Driver” (mp3)
  

  This album reiterated me why Colin Meloy is one of my favorite songwriters. He writes appealing songs that tell unique stories and blow my mind away. While I seem to be one of the few people who think their earlier work may be a little stronger (listen to “Castaways and Cutouts” and “Her Majesty The Decemberists”), I am amazed that Meloy can write such intelligent songs that stick in my head all day long. Even if I think their earlier albums are better, I still say this is one of the best albums of 2005 by far. They put on a great show at The Southgate House this year, with one member sick and bedridden in the hotel. The show started a little slow, but by the end was so powerful I wanted to hear it over and over again, just like this album.



• Dressy Bessy – Electrified | Amazon CD | Insound CD LP
  Download “Side 2” (mp3)
  

  While I still think their self-titled album on the now defunct Kindercore label is their swansong, this album still has all the things that make this Denver-based band incredible. You can hear the pop magic that alludes to their Elephant 6 roots. Tammy Ealom’s beautiful, raspy voice is just as much of a hook as John Hill’s guitar work. I saw them play in Denver before I moved to the Cincinnati area. Their show at Alchemize this year was one of the best concerts I saw in 2005.



• Fiery Furnaces – EP | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP MP3
  

  It’s called an EP. It has 10 tracks and is 41 minutes long. And it’s completely astonishing. From “Single Again” though “Sullivan’s Social Club,” the Friedberger siblings picked up where they left off on “Blueberry Boat” keeping the songs catchy and challenging.



• The Hold Steady – Separation Sunday | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
  

  “Do you want to hear it like boy meets girl and the rest is history? Or do you want it like a murder mystery? I’m going to tell it like a comeback story.” Craig Finn croons these lyrics in the middle of the album, once I was already hooked. From the opening lines about Holly, this album goes through as a story of debauchery and lust, up and down all the time. And the music immediately makes me jerk my whole body. This five piece from Brooklyn packs the album full of classic rock riffs with indie rock production and an endless onslaught of amazing lyrics. From “You came into the ER drinking gin from a jam jar. And the nurses making jokes about the ER being like an after bar.” to “Silly Rabbit. Tripping is for teenagers. Murder is for murderers. And hard drugs are for bartenders.” He mentioned that before.



• Iron & Wine – Woman King EP | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP MP3
  Download “Woman King” (mp3)
  

  Another album I couldn’t take out of my CD player for weeks (literally – I listen to only this album for one full week and off an on throughout the year). It sounds like a modern version of Simon & Garfunkel production with the subdued performance I’ve come to love from Sam Beam. This album has only six songs, but every one of them is absolutely amazing. While he was recording this album in Chicago, a musical acquaintance, Matt Dennewitz (of Blackbear and Coltrane Motion) was sitting on his stoop drinking wine and playing or writing some music. Beam rode by on his bike. He stopped and asked, “Are you drinking wine?” Matt responded to this acoustic guitar songster and Sam just said, “Cool,” and rode off. I like to think Matt helped make this album even greaterer (yes, that’s greaterer).



• The New Pornographers – Twin Cinema | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
  

  This Canadian super group turned in another mind-boggling album in 2005. A.C. Newman, Dan Bejar, and Neko Case (along with others) churned out some of the best pop music of the year. The layers of guitars and vocals intertwined to create one of my favorite albums of the year. One listen to the song “Sing Me Spanish Techno” was all I needed to be hooked.



• Sleater-Kinney – The Woods | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD MP3
  Download “Entertain” (mp3)
  Download “Jumpers” (mp3)
  

  I was first turned on to Sleater-Kinney with One Beat. This album, though, not only changed my view of the band, it changed the way I played guitar. I wanted to figure out how to make solos sound as huge as Carrie Brownstein’s. Somehow both guitars on this album sounded like biggest noises of the year, full of power and control, noise and prowess. And Janet Weiss’s drumming is like John Bonham and Keith Moon rolled into one. A good friend of mine called her the greatest drummer of our generation – and that was before this album came out! A three piece hasn’t sounded this gigantic since Mclusky, but Sleater-Kinney does it better, both on the disc and live (what an amazing show at The Southgate House this year).



• Spoon – Gimme Fiction | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP MP3
  

  Okay. You’ve read a hundred reviews of this album already. You’ve seen it on most people’s Top 10 of 2005 lists. Yeah, I love it too. Simply put – it moves me. And “Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine” is one of my favorite tracks of the year. And that makes me realize that this is one of the few albums of the year that every one of my close friends (who all named it on their top 10 of 2005 lists, too) claims a different favorite track.



• Troubled Hubble – Making Beds In A Burning House | Amazon CD LP MP3
  Download “Ear Nose & Throat” (mp3)
  

  This four piece from Chicago released a captivating power pop album, then they broke up. Isn’t that always how it goes? They have a legitimate reason. Lead singer Chris Otepka has had Tinnitus for a while. After touring for 5 years, it got too painful during their last tour. That might explain why this album has songs like “Migraine,” “Ear Nose & Throat,” and “Even Marathon Runners Need To Nap.” Their music is incredible and their live shows were extremely energetic. Brothers Nate and Andrew Lanthrum laid down a solid beat while Josh Miller’s guitar craftsmanship is unparalleled. Otepka would even stand on his head during shows and play rhythm guitar. It’s a shame this band can no longer play loud rock shows because they were remarkable. Luckily, one of the bands I [was] in, The Minni-Thins, got to play 2 shows with these guys (1 of those shows was also with The Wrens). They will be missed.

The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of 2006
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of 2007

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Best Albums Of June 2008

Here’s The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s favorites new releases for the month of June:

1. The Cool Kids – The Bake Sale | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD
   

   The Cool Kids are rooted in old school rap, calling themselves, “The new black version of the Beastie Boys.” The beats have the distorted low end of the 80’s rap groups and the lyrics are far from the gangsta rap of modern day. These songs are about cereal, the ’88 NBA draft, and BMX bikes. The whole album is a throwback, but masterfully done.



2. Silver Jews – Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP
   Download “Strange Victory, Strange Defeat” (mp3)
   

   The Silver Jews began as a project for David Berman. His friends from Pavement, Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nostanovich, were filled out the original lineup. Nearly two decades later, Berman is still making music without the former Pavement members. Berman’s songs are countrified indie rock with story-like lyrics. On this album, Berman has given some of his best songs. The entire album has the most cohesive production of any Silver Jews album.



3. Slant – Nothin’ Left But Me
   Download “Ba Ba Ba” (mp3)
   

   Slant’s debut album, Nothin’ Left But Me, is a mixture of indie guitar rock and alt country. Lead singer Michelle Korn has a voice that sounds like a younger Lucinda Williams, which is impressive considering she is 19 or 20 years old. The production, from guitarist Sean Sullivan, is spot on and gives distinctive nuances to these pop oriented songs.



4. James Hunter – The Hard Way | Amazon CD LP MP3
   

   At first, I thought this was a re-issue of a 50’s album. It is drenched in the sound of Bill Haley and Ricky Nelson. The saxophone is just as prominent as the electric guitar for both rhythm and lead. The drums are succinct and acute. The overall production sounds like this album was made on an old analog board with big pot controls.



5. Baskervilles – Twilight | Amazon CD MP3
   Download “A Little More Time” (mp3)
   Download “Caught In A Crosswalk” (mp3)
   

   Baskervilles is an indie pop band from New York City. On this 14-track album, which was produced by Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Pavement), jangly guitars and horns are layered with the vocals and upbeat songs. The band releases each song as a single with it’s own unique artwork before working all of the songs together as the Twilight album. Preview the songs from project at the band’s website.



6. Tilly & The Wall – O | Amazon CD MP3 | Insound CD LP
   Download “Pot Kettle Black” (mp3)
   

   This album opens with an acoustic guitar and vocals. The first track adds piano, then overdriven electric guitar. Slowly, the album grows with each track. Without a drummer, Tilly & The Wall relies on handclaps, foot stomps, and a tap dancer to supply the rhythm. With the production work of Mike Mogis, the songs come across with a powerfully unique energy.



7. The Wombats – A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation | Amazon CD MP3
   Download – “Let’s Dance To Joy Division” (mp3)
   

   This three-piece indie pop band from Liverpool sounds much larger than they are. A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation is wall of Brit-pop sound with layers of vocals and electric guitars. This album was originally released in the UK in 2007, but was finally released in the US this month.



8. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Insound CD LP
   Download “Call It A Ritual” (mp3)
   Download “Language City” (mp3)
   

   After releasing their debut album in 2005, the members of Wolf Parade kept busy with their other bands – Frog Eyes, Handsome Furs, Swan Lake, and Sunset Rubdown. At Mount Zoomer, named for the drummer Arlen Thompson’s recording studio, sounds like accessible prog rock. The guitar-driven songs sound expansive, but still built with pop sensibilities.



9. The Accidental – There Were Wolves | Amazon CD LP MP3 | Thrill Jockey
   Download “Illuminated Red” (mp3)
   Download “Dream For Me” (mp3)
   

   This album is eclectic folk. The band consists of members of other English experimental bands Tunng, The Memory Band, and The Bicycle Thieves. The production is sparse, but the melodies are captivating.



10. Aimee Mann – @#%&*! Smilers | Amazon CD Special Edition CD MP3 | Insound CD Special Edition CD
    Download “31 Today” (mp3)
    

    Aimee Mann’s impeccable songwriting is as sharp as ever on Smilers, especially on the opening track, “Freeway.” The entire album, produced by her bass player, Paul Bryan, is affably appealing. There are guest spots from Grant Lee Buffalo, Sean Hayes, and author Dave Eggers, who whistles on the song “Little Tornado.”

New Releases – 3 June 2008
New Releases – 10 June 2008
New Releases – 17 June 2008
New Releases – 24 June 2008

The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of January 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of February 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of March 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of April 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of May 2008

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