I am pretty excited for Jack White’s solo project. We get a little taste with this single. The full length album, Blunderbuss comes out April 24th.

Love Interruption – Jack White

Love Interruption (Single) 2012

I want to take a moment to talk about Bright Eyes. I am not sure what I have been waiting for all these years. It is really a shame that I have missed listening to all of this great music for so long. I avoided it like the plague due to silly stereotypes and just being flat out stubborn. But I was oh so wrong. I dove in head first and fell head over heels in love and now I can’t get enough. Thank you to a dear friend for showing me the way. I am eternally grateful.

Conor Oberst’s voice, his lyrics, the pain, the anger, the passion in his music makes my heart ache in only the best way. His music makes me feel it ALL and I welcome it with open arms.

Devil In the Details – Bright Eyes

Digital Ash In A Digital Urn 2005 (Saddle Creek)

A house of cards
A supple heart
Is not a place to dwell

Now you have your cake
Don’t hesitate
Come on just do it,
Come on just do it

Put it in your mouth
There is only now
Tomorrow has to wait

But know there’s no backing out
This is gonna be reality
You can never dream it down

I have No way
Of telling
The two apart

Well I made amends
In the general sense
But the devil’s in the details

And I know the cause
And I want to stop
But I can’t do it,
I just can’t do it

There was love I meant
There were accidents
So tell me which is which

‘Cus I just can’t work it out
But for memory and clarity
We had better write it down

I have no way
Of knowing the truth
With time it dissolves

I put the past into the ground
I saw the future as a cloud
If there’s still time to turn around
I’m going to

Its just one day I fell asleep
And all day all night I dreamed
I am the first one I deceive
If I can make myself believe
The rest is easy…

Tonight is the last night of my winter break. As you read this I will be sitting in my first class of the Spring 2012 semester. I have spent the last few weeks listening to a variety of different music which I will be sharing in the weeks to come and drinking a little more than I probably should but having a fabulous time…

I was at the bar the other night and this song shuffled on the jukebox. Reminding me just how good Fleetwood Mac is.

Never Going Back Again – Fleetwood Mac

Rumours 1976

Tonight I would like to share a small list of my favorite songs of 2011. I am sure I have forgotten at least a handful that I will later remember randomly and curse out loud, but that is the story of my life. The following tracks are in alphabetical order and you will notice that none of the tracks from my favorite albums list are present in order to highlight some of the many artists that have impacted me so greatly in 2011 with their amazing talent. Just a few for you to sample below the remaining have either been posted throughout the year or can be found by following the link to the album.

I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year, wishing you all lots of happiness in 2012.

Adele – Set Fire To The Rain (21)
Ane Brun- These Days (It All Starts With One)
Bon Iver – Holocene (Bon Iver)
Braids – Lammicken (Native Speaker)
CANT – Believe (Dreams Come True)
Coldplay – Paradise (Mylo Xyloto)
DeVotchKa – The Alley (100 Lovers)
Death Cab For Cutie – Codes and Keys (Codes And Keys)
Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out (Ceremonials)
Gillian Welch – The Way It Will Be (The Harrow & The Harvest)
Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (Making Mirrors)
Ivan & Alyosha – Everything is Burning (Fathers Be Kind EP)
Lia Ices – Daphne (Grown Unknown)
Little Dragon - Ritual Union (Tensnake Remix) (Ritual Union)
Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers (Wounded Rhymes)
M83 – Midnight City (Hurry Up We’re Dreaming)
My Morning Jacket – Victory Dance (Circuital)
Noah and the Whale – Life is Life (Last Night On Earth)
Okkervil River – The Valley (I Am Very Far)
Phantogram – Don’t Move (Nightlife)
PJ Harvey – The Last Living Rose (Let England Shake)
Radiohead – Staircase (The Daily Mail & Staircase)
Sarabeth Tucek – The Fireman (Get Well Soon)
Thao & Mirah – Little Cup (Thao & Mirah)
The Antlers – No Widows (Burst Apart)
The Black Keys – Lonely Boy (El Camino)
The Civil Wars – I’ve Got This Friend (Barton Hallow)
The Generationals – Greenleaf (Actor-Caster)
The Head and The Heart – Rivers and Roads (The Head and the Heart)
The Naked and Famous – Young Blood (Passive Me, Aggressive You)
Tycho – A Walk (Dive)
TV On The Radio – You (Nine Types Of Light)
Vetiver – Worse For Wear (The Errant Charm)
Wilco – Black Moon (The Whole Love)
William Elliott Whitmore – Don’t Need It (Field Songs)
Wye Oak – Civilian (Civilian)
Yuck – Suck (Yuck)
Zee Avi – Swell Window (Ghostbird)
Zola Jesus – Skin (Conatus)

 

Don’t Move – Phantogram

Nightlife 2011 (Barsuk Records)

You – TV On The Radio

Nine Types of Light 2011 (Interscope Records)

These Days – Ane Brun

It All Starts With One import 2011 (Ais)

Radiohead – King Of Limbs

Lotus Flower

When I first heard the album the only thing I was disappointed with was how short it was. I wanted more. The thing about Radiohead is that they always surprise me. Their music is ever evolving and King Of Limbs is a perfect example of that. I have said from the beginning it is a mix of old and new. It has the eclectic layered sound of Kid A mixed with a new electronic beat driven sound. With each listen new layers are revealed and kudos to them for continuing to expand their music and keeping their fans on their toes. I am waiting impatiently for word of a show in California… Waiting with baited breath.

Feist – Metals

Anti – Pioneer

This album took me by surprise. I was and still am obsessed with it which is a strange because I have never been this smitten with any of her previous albums. Metals however is different than any of her other albums. The sound is bigger and more refined. Her voice is complimented so well by the bold melodies. It has been on constant rotation and deserves this spot on my list.

Other Lives – Tamer Animals

Dust Bowl III

This band exploded onto the scene a couple of years ago and took my breath away. I have a spiritual awakening when I hear their indie rock booming through my speakers. This album is filled with whirling melodies and layered arrangements that are simply stunning. Currently opening for some Radiohead shows… I am determined to see them live hopefully with Radiohead.

Of Monsters and Men – My Head Is An Animal

Dirty Paws

Oh man I went back and forth on whether I should include this album. But I decided I have it and I have been listening to it constantly and it has been a big part of my life in 2011. This Icelandic band has quickly become my favorite new band. I love their upbeat sing along indie rock and this debut album is a must! It is totally worth the import cost.

p.s. I forgot to mention that there is a hidden track on the last song, Yellow Light. So good.

The Kills – Blood Pressures

Future Starts Slow

Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince kick so much ass! Blood Pressures simply rocks. I saw them live and I fell in love with them and this album just that much more. It is gritty and dynamic. An absolute must have in your music collection.

Boy & Bear – Moonfire

Milk & Sticks

Boy & Bear is another band I waited patiently for… Their debut album was well worth the wait. Colorful arrangements matched with Dave Hosking’s unique vocals. Their music just makes me feel good which is why it was a definite favorite of 2011.

Alexi Murdoch – Towards The Sun

Through The Dark

This album is a special one. I have actually been listening to it for about two years since I got a copy at his concert back in 2009 and I have been listening to it ever since. I finally got it on vinyl last night for Christmas thanks to my dear friend. If you are an avid reader or even just a casual reader of Untitled Records you know my undying love for Alexi Murdoch. Seeing him live this year at the intimate Bootleg theater really made me realize he is my favorite singer-songwriter of all time.

Blind Pilot – We Are The Tide

We Are The Tide

I wasn’t really expecting this album to make it onto the year end list honestly but here it is. It took me by surprise, I have always enjoyed their music, but on We Are The Tide I can put it on and let it play and play. Their music is infectious and this sophomore album is absolutely fantastic.

James Vincent McMorrow – Early In The Morning

From The Woods!!

Another singer-songwriter I saw live this year. He took me by storm with his delicate singer-songwriter arrangements with his unique vocals that will remind you of Bon Iver, but I feel James Vincent McMorrow has fuller arrangements that compliment his fragile vocals. His debut album, Early In The Morning has been on constant repeat throughout the year and he was such a treat to see live in a fantastically intimate setting which was just perfection.

Beirut – The Rip Tide

Payne’s Bay

I don’t think there is an album that Zach Condon creates that is not on my end of year list. The Rip Tide is one of my favorite albums since Gulag Orkestar. Trumpet galore mixed with that French Chanson style along with a modern twist that only Zach Condon can bring to the table. Light and beautiful. His prettiest album to date.

The Decemberists – The King Is Dead

Rise To Me

Oh Decemberists… How I love thee. How I loved seeing them live this year and being in their presence felt like coming home. Their music, their style, their spirit, their lyrics. Everything. This is one of my favorite albums since The Crane Wife but I feel The King Is Dead has taken the top spot hands down. So well done.

It has almost been a year since I first discovered Of Monsters and Men and I waited very patiently for word of an album or EP. Well they are finally releasing an EP, Into The Woods on 12/20 and they will be releasing their debut full length album, My Head Is An Animal in 2012. I have fallen head over heels in love with this six piece band hailing from Iceland. It is a mix of Sigur Rós and Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros. Toe-tapping, dancing folk. Of Monsters and Men has become my new favorite band and I guarantee you will be hearing a lot about them in the next few months as they explode onto the music scene.

p.s. Thanks to a very nice reader their full length album is available through shopicelandic.com

Six Weeks – Of Monsters and Men

Into The Woods EP 2011

I can’t fully express what this song means to me. Every word resonates with me and how ironic that it shuffles on today… After all of these years I can’t say we are friends but I can say that I have grown past all of it, I have grown more than I ever imagined I could. Cheers to that.

That Year – Brandi Carlile

Give Up the Ghost 2009 (Sony)

“That Year”

I must have been sleeping
I must have been drinking
I haven’t been dreaming about you for years
There was a sharp turn and a sunburn
I was too cool for high school that year

It must have been New Years
No one invited you
You took things too far
But I miss you
And your antics
You were lonesome
And blue eyed
And so special to us

You should have taken a long break
Instead of a long drop from a high place
Ten years I never spoke your name
Now it feels good to say it
You’re my friend again

He said he forgave you
I said I hated you
He was the bigger man
I was sixteen
All the innocence
It took for
You to finally make the year book
That year
That year

You should have taken a long break
Instead of a long drop
Instead of a leap of faith
Ten years I never spoke your name
Now it feels good to say that
You’re my friend again
You’re my friend again

I was angry
I was a Baptist
I was a daughter
I was wrong

Tonight… I just want to sit back and listen to Black Moon on repeat until I fall asleep.

Black Moon – Wilco

The Whole Love 2011

I was always right
About the morning
Okay, I’m an old shoe

Danced above the blaze
Never stopped crawling
Over the black dunes

And I’m waiting for you
Waiting forever
Are you awake now, too?

I’m always one
Without a warning
Old days re-appear

Lift away, past the gate
Desert keeps forming
Underneath The black moon

And I’m waiting for you
Waiting forever
Are you awake now, too?

I like this song a lot… Not the most profound lyrics but there is something about their young indie pop style that just puts a smile on my face when listening. By Your Hand has been on repeat since the albums release. A definite favorite song of 2011.

By Your Hand – Los Campesinos!

Hello Sadness 2011 (Arts & Crafts)

I have been struggling ever since I have returned from Vegas. Struggling with my reality and the monotonous grind of the day to day. When I got back it really hit me, I actually have to go back to work and school… It didn’t all just disappear. My best friend got married which was exciting, but also scary. She is not single anymore, she has more obligations than I and being an only child I am insanely possessive over my friendships it is hard for me to let go a little and share. So I have done a lot of wallowing in self pity over here but I am slowly coming out of it. I am simply trying to remain focused on the here and now, which as we all know is so much easier said than done.

Lately I have been listening to a lot of music on Spotify. Mostly Hip-Hop and “radio” music that I never listen to and certainly never purchase but feel it is important to hear what is current in all genres of music. Must keep up with popular culture. I have been listening to a lot of Jay-Z and Kanye West, Watch the Throne. As well as Eminem, Recovery.

Tonight I want to share the music of Tycho (aka Scott Hansen), a San Francisco based gentlemen (well…I hope he is a gentlemen) that creates swirling electronic melodies that just make me sit back and smile. I believe this is his full length debut however he released an EP back in 2002, The Science of Things. Scott Hansen will be performing at the Echoplex in Los Angeles on 12/08/2011.

p.s. I want to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to everyone. To me Thanksgiving is about great friends, family and good wine. Cheers to the people in your life that you love, tell them how important they are to you. Cheers! xx

Elegy – Tycho

Dive 2011 (Ghostly International)

Oh, Hope Sandoval how I have yearned for new music from you. Beautiful as always.

Lay Myself Down – Mazzy Star

Common Burn/Lay Myself Down Single 2011

Jesse Marchant is a Montreal born musician who puts together some of the most beautiful guitar driven arrangements that are meticulous and so well thought out. He is the kind of song-writer that will put his everything into an album and then need to take a break for awhile to digest all the emotion that went into creating these songs. This first full length album is honest and absolutely wonderful.

In A Different Time – JBM

Not Even In July 2010 (Partisan Records)

Speechless.

Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine

Ceremonials 2011 (Universal Republic)

Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
I can see no way, I can see no way
And all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues strong
It’s always darkest before the dawn

And I’ve been a fool and I’ve been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I’m always dragging that horse around

All of these questions, such a mournful sound
Tonight I’m gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues strong
But it’s always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart
Cause I like to keep my issues strong
It’s always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It’s a fine romance but it’s left me so undone
It’s always darkest before the dawn

Oh woah, oh woah…

And I’m damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t
So here’s to drinks in the dark at the end of my rope
And I’m ready to suffer and I’m ready to hope
It’s a shot in the dark aimed right at my throat
Cause looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Well what the hell I’m gonna let it happen to me

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

It is 6AM in the morning and I cannot even remember the last time I was up at this time but the special occasion today is that I am headed to Vegas to celebrate my best friends bachelorette party. I am so excited for this trip that has been in the making for longer than they have been engaged! So I thought I would send you off with something gritty and naughty from the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. I hope everyone has an excellent week and I will think of you all while I am abusing my liver for the next few days. Cheers!

Spread Your Love – Black Motorcycle Club

B.R.M.C 2000 (Virgin)

]]> http://www.untitledrecords.com/2011/11/spread-your-love/feed/ 2 http://www.untitledrecords.com/2011/10/somebody-i-used-to-know/ http://www.untitledrecords.com/2011/10/somebody-i-used-to-know/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:06:47 +0000 Rachel http://www.untitledrecords.com/?p=2285  

When I first heard the new third full length album from Wally De Backer I hated it. Literally turned it off and moved on. I didn’t think I would come back to it at the time but I did. It has grown on me so much from the first listen. A dark and mysterious pop album that is quite unique. There are a few songs that I know will make my end of year list for sure, Eyes Wide Open, Somebody That I Used To Know and Smoke and Mirrors are amazing. The there are some tracks that just get off course like, I Feel Better and In Your Light. Overall I am happy that I gave it another chance and if you haven’t yet heard some of this Belgian-Aussie’s music I urge you to check him out and dive right in.

Happy Friday! xX

Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye

Making Mirrors 2011 (Ais)

Tonight a song from Youth Lagoon to take us into the weekend. The verdict is still out on this debut pop album from Trevor Powers. I think it is still growing on me and I am giving it some well deserved time. Trevor Powers is currently on a 29 state tour that is coming to an end at the beginning of November, catch him while you can.

It has been quiet around here… Right now I feel like I am being pulled into so many different directions and any down time I do have is dedicated to decompressing from it all. So at this moment I am just trying to find a healthy balance. So if you feel distance know that I am here just not as often right now.

Cannons – Youth Lagoon

The Year Of Hibernation 2011 (Fat Possum)

So I am just now sitting down to talk about the James Vincent McMorrow show at the Bootleg Theater on September, 24th…

First off, can I just say that the Bootleg Theater is my new favorite venue. Super intimate and chill, but also totally LA. I love it. And I am really excited that they are adding some of my favorite singer-songwriters to their event lineup. This is the same theater where I saw my dearest Alexi Murdoch.

William Elliott Whitmore was one of the opening acts and he blew the roof off that little theater with his amazing banjo playing and toe tapping bass drum rhythms that had the entire theater clapping and hollering for more. I fell in love instantly. He is the greatest live performer I have seen in quite sometime and is currently on a European tour. I urge you to see him live, you do not want to miss him.

James Vincent McMorrow really surprised me for the better. He was a little shy and timid at first but once he warmed up he was unbelievable. The band filled the theater with their marvelous folk melodies along with McMorrow’s unique vocals and you could feel the energy in the room. He has really become one of my favorite singer-songwriters. I am looking forward to so much more from him.

Don’t Need It – William Elliott Whitmore

Field Songs 2011 (Anti Records)

__________________________________________

Breaking Hearts – James Vincent McMorrow

Early In The Morning 2010/11 (Vagrant Records)

Set List:

Sparrow and the Wolf

And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop

This Old Dark Machine

Hear The Noise That Moves So Soft And Low

Breaking Hearts

Down The Burning Ropes

Ghosts

Higher Love (Cover)

Red Dust

Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree

From The Woods!!

We Don’t Eat

If I Had A Boat

Wicked Game (Cover)

This was unexpected. I never imagined I would hear Feist’s new album and listen to it on constant repeat for an entire week straight. It took me off guard and has held me captive with the range of emotional intense arrangements such as the opening, The Bad In Each Other to the stark delicate melodies of, Cicadas And Gulls. Leslie Feist has gone big, this is far different from her last album, The Reminder and I guess I just didn’t think it could get much better than that. It is a bold album that is intimate and unforgettable. A must have.

Caught A Long Wind – Feist

Metals 2011 (Cherrytree/Interscope)

I originally posted about Boy & Bear here. From the time I heard their single, Mexican Mavis I was obsessed. Their debut full length, Moonfire was released in August and I am in love. It exceeded my expectations. Their sound is big, with busy rhythms and soaring harmonies. Fantastic. I have an itch to see them live and I am in luck as they are currently on tour and in town next week. Check it.

Moonfire is a definite favorite and you will be seeing it on my year end list.

Milk & Sticks – Boy & Bear

Moonfire 2011 (Universal)

Born from the Soldiers Arms
But our spirit keeps a moving on
And, one meter at a time we’ll fall
It’s a bloody hill and a broken wall
We’ve been singing like a lunatic
Knee deep in our milk and sticks
Just a kid with a broken arm
It’s sling shot ahead of harm

Oh I’m hungry for the feeling honey
Cause it’s moving faster than the speed of sound
I left you a lizard by the lake my lover
It was so profound
While we found
While we found

Torn like a beaten man
It’s another dog and a foreign man
And you’ve been carrying a broken stone
New tricks and a buried bone
We’ve been born to be motivated
Half that are cultivated
I promise you when the time does come
We’ll be down river with my loaded gun

Oh I’m hungry for the feeling honey
Cause it’s moving faster than the speed of sound
I left you a lizard by the lake my lover
It was so profound
While we found
While we found
While we found
While we found

Just like the rest
You’ll be coming back if you’re looking for paradise
The silver line it separates your body from your mind
What a mess we’re in
There’s a monster in my head
There’s an animal screaming that I’m on my neck
Oh no you better get off my friend
There’s a monster in my bed
There’s an animal screaming that I’m on my neck
Oh no you better get off my friend
What a mess we’re in
Oh no you better get off my friend
Oh no you better get off my friend, yeah
Oh you know you better run my friend

 

 

The beginning of this week has just slipped right by me. I have a show review to share for James Vincent McMorrow, but that will have to wait until the weekend at this point. I am tied up with work and school and I am terribly behind in my class readings. This semester is proving to be a bit more difficult than I expected. Sigh.

So how about some quirky atmospheric music from Mock Orange? I think that is a marvelous idea. Mock Orange has been creating music since 1998. Their latest full length album, Disguised As Ghosts, is not as kooky as some of their previous works. I think this is why I like it so much. Mock Orange is a band definitely worthy of your time and their new album deserves a listen.

Silent Motion – Mock Orange

Disguised As Ghosts 2011 (Wednesday Records)