The Best of 2011

People often ask me what type of music I like most. I can never seem to pinpoint one particular style, because I love so many. But upon further reflection, for me it all boils down to good “pop.” From the fun “story” songs of the ‘70s to the techno-heavy ‘80s and beyond, I always seemed to gravitate most to tight arrangements with memorable lyrics and inspired vocals. And looking over this year’s collection, all 20 tunes have a pop sensibility that hit my musical sweet spot. Some faster, some slower, but all right on the mark. Hope you agree.

Click on the play buttons beneath each song to have a listen. Songs loading too slowly to play? Please be patient, they’ll play! You can also “right click” on the download link at the end and save the “zipped” MP3 files to your computer. For those who like their music on CD, all 20 tunes can be burned onto a blank disk. Simply import them into a playlist on iTunes and burn away!

1. “MoneyGrabber” :: Fitz & The Tantrums 

Probably the first song I heard this year that I immediately knew would make the collection. Love the smooth, horn-drenched vibe that echoes the old Hall & Oates sound. Remind anyone of “Out of Touch”? Just a little methinks.

 2. “Lost in My Mind” :: The Head and the  Heart

Spare and elegant with driving acoustic guitar and piano throughout, this sextet out of Seattle delivered the debut of the year. Love the lines “How’s that brick laying coming? How’s your engine running?”

3. “Sweet Louise” :: The Belle Brigade 

This brother & sister duo are the grandchildren of film composer John Williams (talk about good genes). With pop hooks straight out of the Fleetwood Mac songbook, their debut album was produced by Matthew Wilder (of ‘80s one-hit wonder “Break My Stride” fame).

4. “Charlie Parker” :: I’m from Barcelona

With its 22 members (yep, 22!), I’m from Barcelona’s third release draws quick comparisons to The Polyphonic Spree. And this leadoff track kicks it all off with a sunny, sing-along homage to jazz great Charlie “Bird” Parker.

5. “My Mistakes” :: Eleanor Friedberger 

Better known as one half of the duo the Fiery Furnaces, Ms. Friedberger struck out on her own this year and delivered this toe-tapping nugget. Make no mistake about it, the girl is obviously ready for the solo spotlight.

6. “Helplessness Blues” :: Fleet Foxes

The Fleet Foxes’ 2^nd album and another tune to make my annual collection. With their signature baroque, folk-pop sound, it seems like 2 songs in 1: Simon & Garfunkel in the first half and an ode to owning an orchard in the second half. Epic and gorgeous!

7. “Came Out of a Lady” :: Rubblebucket 

I don’t think I want to know what the title means, but this track sure is catchy. The overwhelming horn sound gives it a ska-like feel, but overall it’s just a great feel-good song with funky lyrics. Thank you Paste Magazine for this one.

8. “This Is Why We Fight” :: The Decemberists

Cited as “a concise and rustic country-pop collection”, this track from The King Is Dead is my favorite with its acoustic, banjo-picking, harmonica-filled, R.E.M.-esque sound. So come to me, come to me now! Sing it, Colin Meloy.

9. “Here to Stay” :: Abbie Barrett 

As random a find as they come, I love this little ditty from Boston-based Abbie Barrett and her backup band The Last Date. Thank God for the Web for uncovering hidden gems. Don’t think I’d ever hear this one on the FM dial

10. “We Are the Tide” :: Blind Pilot

Making their return to my collection (after first appearing 2 years ago), Blind Pilot does it again after adding 4 new members to their Portland-based outfit and churning out a catchy combination of mellow folk and West Coast indie pop. Nice encore, guys!

11. “Tiny Hands” :: Forbidden Friends 

This first single from Hutch Harris’ (front man for The Thermals) side project was described as being influenced by the sound and feel of the Violent Femmes. Love the line, “Never knowing if you’re real.” Pure pop at its best.

12. “Lament” :: Mount Moriah

An alt-Americana duo out of North Carolina, Mount Moriah caught my ear by surprise this year with a simple little song that grabs hold and doesn’t want to let go. Love Heather McEntire’s voice! And something tells me we’ll be hearing a lot more of it to come.

13. “I Stand Alone” :: Theophilus London 

Thank you 90210 for introducing me to the 2^nd release from this Brooklyn native. Upbeat and bouncy with flashes of 80’s funk, “I Stand Alone” reminds me of Seal crossed with Lenny Kravitz with a dash of The English Beat. And you gotta love the name!

14. “Sun of a Gun” :: Oh Land

With its driving, bass-filled club sound, Denmark’s Oh Land (a.k.a. Nanna Øland Fabricius) makes her debut with this infectious track and puts her Royal Swedish Ballet training to good use with one sweet little dance number.

15. “Tongue Tied” :: Grouplove 

A late addition to the collection thanks to the new iTouch commercial. This five-piece group out of L.A. reminds me of Modest Mouse with a little New Order techno-beat underneath. Who says advertising is good for nothing?!

16. “100 Other Lovers” :: DeVotchKa

With a sound best described as “polka-rock” or even “circus music”, this track from the Denver quartet’s sixth album is a moody, swirling piece that brightens any day. But go ahead and try to make out most of the lyrics. I dare ya

17. “You and Me” :: Penny & The Quarters 

Originally recorded some 40 years ago, “You and Me” finally made its worldwide debut this year in the film Blue Valentine, thanks to a recommendation by its co-star Ryan Gosling. With a raw and soulful demo sound, it won the hearts of audiences, including mine.

18. “You Are a Tourist” :: Death Cab for Cutie

Just call me a sucker for Ben Gibbard’s voice. After last appearing on my 2005 collection, Death Cab returns with an optimistic ode to finding your way in the world. Nice guitar work, too. But it’s that golden voice. Like butter!

19. “Calgary” :: Bon Iver 

Speaking of voices, Justin Vernon’s 2^nd album highlights his hushed, falsetto sound to great effect. And the brooding, slow-building “Calgary” creates a sonic landscape complete with quirky orchestral touches for that voice to flourish.

20. “Questions for the Angels” :: Paul Simon

Simon’s latest marks a return to form. In particular, “Questions for the Angels” really jumped out at me; a slow Brooklyn pilgrimage that examines heavy topics like humanity and the meaning of life (and billboards of Jay-Z). A good way to end this year’s collection.

Download “zipped” file of all 20 tracks: The Best Songs of 2011

Stay patient; download can take up to 15 minutes (depending on your bandwidth). But it’s well worth the wait.

The Best of 2010

It’s that time of year again…everyone’s putting together their lists for “Best Albums of the Year”. But in this new iTunes Age, albums are sadly becoming a thing of the past and single tracks rule. I mean, who has time to listen to a whole album anymore, right? Instead, I’ve gathered my favorite 20 tunes from the past 12 months to create my own “Best of the Year” album of sorts. Have a listen and happy holidays!

UPDATE:

I’ve removed the files but left the track listings below.  All 20 tracks can be found on iTunes or on CD almost everywhere.

1. “Airplanes” — Local Natives

From the opening moans to the driving drum beat and harmonies, this is a last-minute discovery of mine in 2010. Apparently this California-based band was one of the few indie darlings that “flew” under my music radar.


2. “Dear Friend” — Emanuel and The Fear

Wasn’t sure how to describe this one, so turned to a fellow blogger’s recap that said it best: “The song’s first tones evoke Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” before spilling to a lighter-than-air series of strings and Ben Folds-style piano. All of this swirls into an ethereal bridge before the band finds a second movement recalling the most earnest of Stevie Wonder melodies.” Not to mention the nice Burt Bacharach-style horns in the beginning. A pop nugget for sure.

3. “Twenty-Two” — Wakey! Wakey!

A fun sing-along song from frontman Michael Grubbs, otherwise known as the man behind Wakey! Wakey! Complete with a screaming refrain and cool whistling. Me likey! likey!



4. “Rio” — Hey Marseilles

No, not a remake of the Duran Duran classic, but an infectious Latin-flavored, hand-clappin’, string & horn-heavy track from this seven-piece group out of Seattle. ¡Ole amigos!



5. “Mystery Zone” — Spoon

One of 2010’s first album releases, Spoon once again makes the cut with a tune that begins and ends with an abruptness that always catches me off guard. Almost as if the song goes on forever, but we only get to hear the first 5 minutes. Mysterious stuff.

6. “Hannah” — Freelance Whales

Definitely the winner of this year’s strangest band name, this Queens, NY group strikes a nice balance between fast-paced lyrics and a slow-moving refrain. Love how long it takes them to sing “rooftops”.


7. “Shadow People” — Dr. Dog

Not sure where these guys have been hiding, but sure glad I found this head-bobbing track off their 6^th album. Guess some good things do come out of Philly after all…sorry, KB!



8. “Loxtep” — Annuals

A haphazard find from the sextet out of North Carolina, this track is “filled to the brim with whizzing computer noises, south of the border rhythms, post-production studio effects, and toots from every instrument imaginable.” Perfecto.


9. “Dominos” — The Big Pink

Hard to believe that a song that repeats its refrain as often as this one does is so darn fun to listen (and sing) to! Big sound from just a two-man act out of the UK.



10. “Kandi” — One eskimO

The only track to feature a female vocal (albeit a supporting one). Another find from early this year that surely endured. Love the simple acoustic guitar and “baby, baby, baby, baby”.



11. “Walk Me Down” — Gospel Claws

One of the harder-rocking songs in this year’s collection from an indie ensemble out of Tempe, AZ. In addition to the driving drums and relentless guitars, the track finds time to reveal its softer side, too. Reminds me a little of My Morning Jacket.

12. “Dilly” — Band of Horses

Pure pop from the quintet out of Seattle. I’ve been listening to this quite often since the summer and still don’t know what Ben Bridwell is singing about. But I sure love the melody!



13. “Walls” — Shout Out Louds

A shout out for Swedish pop with a driving beat. One of those bands I barely know anything about, but turns out this is the 3^rd tune of theirs I’ve included in my year-end collections.



14. “Ship of Promises” — Villagers

From the Villagers’ (aka Conor O’Brien) debut album, this track’s pulsating pace first captured my attention in June.  A solid album, too.  Looking forward to his follow-up.



15. “White Blank Page” — Mumford & Sons

Spare and folksy with strong, emotional vocals, this track from London’s Mumford & Sons debut transports you to another place and time.  Something tells me this is just the beginning of something big with these guys.


16. “Zorbing” — Stornoway

Stumbled upon this one while reading another blogger’s “Best of the Year” posting. Hard to pinpoint what I like most: “Is it the horns? Is it the static in the attic? That feeling of electricity? Those deep baritone harmonies?” Methinks, all of the above. But what the heck is zorbing?!?

17. “Another Bad Night’s Sleep” — The Silver Seas

Sounding very much like a younger Josh Rouse (when he used to play more up-tempo stuff), this lead track from The Silver Seas’ second album digs its pop hooks into you and doesn’t let go. Ahoy matey!

18. “Do As I Say Not As I Do” — Ed Harcourt

A welcome return for Ed Harcourt, who graced my 2002 collection with his debut album. Another fun, toe-tapping tune from the chamber-pop master. Always a great lyricist, this song is no exception.

19. “You and Your Heart” — Jack Johnson

Damn you, Jack Johnson! Just when I’m ready to turn my back on your laid back, surfer-dude sound that’s beginning to rub me the wrong way, you churn out this track that I simply can’t ignore. Catchy as hell with that upfront guitar work.


20. “Lewis Takes His Shirt Off” — Owen Pallett

This final track goes out to my pal Scott. How’s this for a “less than masculine”, “light in the loafers” closer? The perfect mix of electronic music and orchestral arrangements. I saved the best for last!

My “Teaser” Video on YouTube

The Best of 2009

Music You “Aught” to Hear

What will this first decade of the new century be remembered as?  “The Zero’s”?  “The Turn of the Century”?  “The Aughts”?  Well, with the end of 2009 comes the end of the “whatever you want to call it” decade and a chance to introduce you to more new music.

So sit back, relax and enjoy this year’s favorites.  It’s music you “aught” to hear.  Happy holidays!

UPDATE:

I’ve removed the files but left the track listings below.  All 22 tracks can be found on iTunes or on CD almost everywhere.

P.S.  In case you’re interested, the artist who appeared most often over the decade is Jack Johnson (6 times), followed by Spoon and Ryan Adams (with 5 appearances each).

1. “The Great Defector” – Bell X1
Irish rockers, who have been around since 1999, make a splash in the States a decade later with a tune you’d swear was a lost Talking Heads classic.

2. “Lasso” – Phoenix
Hard rockin’, toe tappin’, pop number by this French indie band, who can be heard in the recent Cadillac TV ads.  Guess the French are good for some things.



3. “Beat of My Heart” – Noisettes
Fronted by the stylish lead singer Shingai Shoniwa, the Noisettes shake things up from the UK with this soulful groove off their second release.





4. “Shoulda Shut It” – Backyard Tire Fire
Based in Bloomington, IL, this alt-country trio delivers a hook-filled, laid-back melody about a man who’s “in the business of regret”.  Who isn’t?




5. “Great Ocean” – Dan Dyer
Must confess this one’s a bit older than the others, but can’t believe I missed it the first time around.  This boy’s got the pipes!  Similar to Lenny Kravitz, who discovered him in Austin.




6. “People Got a Lotta Nerve” – Neko Case
On hiatus from her guest appearances with the New Pornographers, Neko goes “animal” with references to killer whales and sharks on this fun mix of harmonies and jangled guitar.




7. “Harold T. Wilkins” – Fanfarlo
A British chamber quartet, who busted on the scene with their sweet, simple sound complete with rolling drums and prickling mandolins.  But who the heck is Harold T. Wilkins?




8. “Heartbeat Radio” – Sondre Lerche
The perfect track for this collection. The opening line, “Tell me what you think about this song…,” echoes my thoughts exactly. Sondre’s slam against current state of the radio biz. Thank god for NPR!




9. “Glass Brigade” – Little Tybee
A brand-new, Atlanta-based trio named after a small nature preserve off the shore of Savannah.  I dare you not to tap your fingers (or feet) to this one.  Go ahead, I dare ya!




10. “Flaming Arrow” – Jupiter One
Named after the spaceship from TV’s “Lost in Space”, this pop nugget soars with its catchy refrain, “You build me up, you burn me down.” Danger, Will Robinson!




11. “Feeling the Pull” – The Swell Season
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the sweethearts who won an Oscar with their “Once” soundtrack, have ended their relationship but still make beautiful music together with this powerful acoustic piece.



12. “When She’s Near” – Fiction Family
A collaboration between Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and Nickel Creek’s Sean Watkins, the duo takes a turn performing their best XTC impersonation.  Andy Partridge would approve.




13. “Get Better” – Mates of State
While released in ’08, I didn’t discover this husband & wife act until this year.  Seemingly cemented into our car’s CD player this summer, this track was a particular favorite.




14. “Natural Selection” – Gomez
Not seen on the “Best of” collection since 2006, Britain’s Gomez returns for their 4th appearance with another acoustic guitar-driven selection. Naturally.




15. “Go On, Say It” – Blind Pilot
Hooked from the opening drum beat, this moody, acoustic number from an emerging twosome out of Portland, OR makes them this year’s Fleet Foxes.




16. “Sick Muse” – Metric
Out of Canada, Metric’s frontwoman Emily Haines, who’s also worked with Stars and Broken Social Scene, belts out this dance-rock delight with hooks galore.




17. “Niagara Falls” – Harlem Shakes
Named after their favorite dance move, this Brooklyn-based quintet pays homage to the upstate NY tourist attraction with a piano-led piece that starts off sounding very Kinks-ish.




18. “Worries” – Langhorne Slim
Thanks to the Traveler’s ad with all those little red umbrellas flying about, I finally got around to listening to Mr. Slim, who’s been at it since 2004.   Has that timeless, bar room piano sound.




19. “Dreams” – Brandi Carlile
Reminding me of a female (and peppier) version of Roy Orbison, Ms. Carlile rocks out with a track “that gets under your skin and cuts to the bone.”  Dream on, Brandi!




20. “My Friend the Sun” – Holsapple & Stamey
Former leaders of the underground 80’s band the dB’s, Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey reunite and get back to their jangly-pop roots.




21. “Talk to Me” – Peaches
Merrill Nisker, the edgy Canadian electronic diva, barks her demands in this dance floor-ready number. A bit of a departure for the “Best of” collection.




22. “Sunrise on Avenue C” – James Maddock
The final tune in this year’s collection (and the longest) finds the return of James Maddock, who released his last effort with the band Wood 10 years ago. Soft and serene, it extols the magic and beauty of a brand new day in the East Village. Welcome back, James.

Cheers and thanks for listening.  Now get ready for “The Ten’s” (or is it “The Decade After That Other Decade”??).

The Best of 2008

Making master mixtapes was cool, making my own CDs was even cooler, and art directing the packaging was always a great way to get my creative juices flowing. But we’re almost a decade into a new millennium, and it’s time for another change…time to take this show online.

It’s out with the old and in with the new: mixtapes and CDs are taking a backseat to mp3s and all things digital. Last year, the “Best of” collection tried to be more environmentally-friendly, with 100% recycled packaging and a little packet of basil seeds to boot. Once you’ve gone green, you can’t go back to plastic, right? So, you’ve got to take the next step. Keep it simple…and downloadable.

I hope you enjoy this year’s collection, and I hope I’m able to turn you on to some new artists you may not have heard yet. While the format continues to evolve, my passion for discovering new music lives on.

Happy holidays and happy listening!

UPDATE (1/20/09): I’ve removed the files but left the track listings below.  All 22 tracks can be found on iTunes or on CD almost everywhere.  Post a comment if you have any questions.  Enjoy.

Track 1: Always a Friend — Alejandro Escovedo

Hooks you right from the opening guitar plucks… an adult version of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”.

Track 2: Fire — Alibi Tom

A very random online discovery. Love the driving beat throughout and the name of the band ain’t bad either.

Track 3: Freedom — Josh Ottum

This song always makes me happy. Impossible to frown when listening to this toe-tappin’ pop nugget!

Track 4: Can You Tell — Ra Ra Riot

“Oh baby, baby, baby please!” Love the strings and driving bass line throughout. Truly de de delightful!

Track 5: Pieces — The Bridges

Off the debut by this sister/brother/cousin group from Alabama and produced by one of my all-time faves, Matthew Sweet. Sweet refrain indeed.

Track 6: Viva La Vida — Coldplay

Probably the song of the year. One of those rare songs that you never get tired of… just as my interest in Coldplay was beginning to wane.

Track 7: Dream Catch Me — Newton Faulkner

First hit single from this promising British singer/songwriter (cracking the Top 10). Cool album cover, too.

Track 8: See These Bones — Nada Surf

Sounds a lot like The Shins, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Decemberists… probably why I dig it.

Track 9: We Can Be Good — Via Audio

Four college roommates get noticed by Spoon’s Jim Eno who goes on to produce their debut in Austin, TX. They will be good.

Track 10: A-Punk — Vampire Weekend

Four more college buddies from Columbia score with the breakout album of the year, fueled by tremendous music blog hype. Not sure what the heck they’re singing about, but it’s awfully catchy.

Track 11: Through Any Window — Wisely

A quiet, acoustic number to pause and reflect. His voice is a dead ringer for Michael Penn.

Track 12: Clarion — Guillemots

Last featured on the 2006 collection, the Guillemots return with this infectious groove.

Track 13: Drops in the River — Fleet Foxes

While their debut album is making all of this year’s Top 10 lists, this baroque pop band out of Seattle first caught my ear with this beauty from their “Sun Giant” EP.

Track 14: Cheap & Cheerful — The Kills

Lead singer W (aka Alison Mosshart) channels her inner Joan Jett/Chrissie Hynde with “a rhythm forged out of coughing, slamming doors and high-maintenance sass.” You go, W!

Track 15: Club Thing — Yoav

Sounds like something they should play on “Project Runway”… an electronic vibe with a “club-oriented aesthetic.”

Track 16: Strange Overtones — David Byrne & Brian Eno

Everyone’s favorite T-Head reunites with the band’s old Producer to deliver a welcome return to form.

Track 17: Sec Walkin — My Morning Jacket

Mixed reviews for their “Evil Urges” album, but thankfully it includes this breezy country dittie. Love the falsetto harmonies.

Track 18: Hush If You Must — Brooke Waggoner

This year’s Feist or a kinder/gentler Tori Amos. Classic piano from this 23-year old who cites Chopin as her most influential classical composer.

Track 19: That’s Not My Name — The Ting Tings

Shades of 80’s one-hit wonder “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil, this Manchester duo is making a big splash here in the States. Rumor has it the song is about the singer Fergie whose real name is Stacy.

Track 20: Honey, Let Me Sing You a Song — Matt Hires

Big thanks to Paste Magazine for opening my ears to this simple, acoustic strummer. Kid’s got a future.

Track 21: Skinny Love — Bon Iver

One of the new darlings of the indie music scene, Bon Iver (stage name for Justin Vernon) croons and shouts his way through this moody melody.

Track 22: Become Apart — Paddy Casey

A huge hit in his native Ireland, Paddy hit the States this year looking for similar success. Here he sheds his folksy roots with a slickly produced pop anthem that was in heavy rotation at the Crimmins house this summer.

“Best of the Year” POLL

One last thing… Please cast your vote below