Alright alright alright... let's get shit cranking here.
First off - in life news - I'm moving the first of my shit to West Orange tonight. I'm going to be living in some dude's house with my girlfriend, and I can only imagine that it is going to be very interesting. I'll keep you posted on how I'm making out there.
But back to music, the important stuff. I think each week I'm going to do at least three things when I get the chance. These are: an artist spotlight, top 10 songs of the week, anddd then an album review like I just did linked to Sputnik (this might be not as frequent, reviews are serious biz). So I think for right now I will do this week's top 10 songs that I feel like posting.
Let's do it! (PS - no order)
1. Converge - Dark Horse (off of the 2009 album Axe to Fall)
What can I say about this song except for BRUTAL SHIT. Honestly, this is my introduction to Converge. If the other songs sound anything like this, I'll be picking up this disc in October. This is a great song to play at full blast in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee and getting yourself amped up!
2. fun. - Be Calm (off of the 2009 album Aim and Ignite)
The name of this band is not a fluke, these guys are a blast to listen to. fun. combine elements of retro pop groups like Queen and The Beach Boys and give them a modern indie twist. This song is a great introduction to both the group and album, with great hooks, stunning instrumentation, and witty lyrics. I dig.
3. Steel Train - Kill Monsters in the Rain (off of the 2007 album Trampoline)
In conjunction with my review NOT for this album, I have to show Steel Train some love in the song list. After Scott Irby-Raniar left the band following the release of Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun, guitarist Jack Antonoff stepped up and took over lead singing duties. The result was Trampoline, which takes their retro roots and subdues them just enough to add flavor to excellent indie rock tracks. This track is probably that formula at it's best, with Antonoff's impassioned vocals wailing over a driving piano with sprinkles of rad guitar leads thrown in for good measure.
4. Groundhogs - Split (pt. 1) (off of the 1971 album Split)
I've been using the word retro quite a bit today, so why not actually turn back the clock? The Groundhogs are a psychedelic blues and rock band based out of the UK that formed in the 60's and opened for guys like John Lee Hooker. The bassist in one of my bands Matt stumbled across a vinyl of theirs entitled Split. The first side is four songs that share the album title as parts 1-4, and boy are these some rocking tracks. Very innovative for their time. This is a great chill track/album to listen to late at night or early in the morning.
5. Dinosaur Jr. - Pieces (off the 2009 album Farm)
Honestly, who would have thought Dino Jr. would have kicked so much ass after coming out of hiatus? After releasing the successful Beyond back in 2007, they decided to record another rad album entitled Farm for release this year. The song 'Pieces' sums up everything that is good about the album with a great guitar lead and a driving melody.
6. Why? - These Few Presidents (off the 2008 album Alopecia)
This group was recommended to me by a friend. Combining witty and introspective lyrics with hip-hop that has an almost goofy indie sensibility, these guys are quite unique. The songs themselves are somewhat hit or miss, but 'These Few Presidents' is a sick song with great lyrics and some killer programmed beats.
7. The Sound of Animals Fighting - Blessings Be Yours Mister V (off of the 2008 album The Ocean and the Sun)
The side project of such names as Craig Owens (Chiodos), Matt Embree (Rx Bandits), and Anthony Green (Circa Survive) brings progressive-tinged alternative music to your speakers and does a good job of it. 'Blessings Be Yours Mister V' sounds more like a Bandits track with latin sounding rhythms and Embree taking over the main vocal duties. However, you can tell pretty quickly that it isn't a Bandits song by how many crazy directions it ends up going before it's conclusion.
8. Off Minor - Everything Explicit (off of their 2008 EP Some Blood)
Off Minor replicates the sound of 90's emo/hardcore bands such as Frodus and No Knife but adds touches of other styles such as jazz (they were named after a Thelonious Monk song, after all). This song is probably the best off of their latest release Some Blood with angular percussion moving heavy behind a grooving bass, ambient guitar, and some angry vocals. Check this one out for sure.
9. Weezer - The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations of a Shaker Hymn) (off of the 2008 album The Red Album)
Alright... I think most of us know that Weezer has basically lost any shred of dignity they may have had in the 90's. However, I must admit that I love this song just because of how absurd it is. Perfect for when you're driving in the car and want to sing along to something that will make you feel like you're the shit.
10. Thrice - Wood and Wire (off of the 2009 album Beggars)
I couldn't have made an inaugural list without putting these guys in there somewhere. I'm not sure how I feel about their new album in comparison with their discography up to this point, but it certainly has it's merits. Take for example the song 'Wood and Wire', which is a slower beautiful piece with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash over a warm keyboard tone. A highlight for sure.
