So it seriously feels like the hottest summer ever. I was playing volleyball last night in 98 degree weather and it almost felt cool. So to deal with the heat and to help make the hot summer nights on the volleyball courts more enjoyable, I made a pretty jammin’ summer mixtape. And as you will soon find out, I have been really into pop music this summer, partly because it goes well with the season, but mostly because I love to dance. So I thought I would share my summer mixtape with you all in hopes that it might enrich your summer barbecue or beach volleyball parties. Hope you enjoy.
Right now, the new Peter, Bjorn, and John album, Gimme Some, is streaming on NPR.
Paste went to SXSW and shared with us the 12 best films they saw while they were there. Other than Win Win, which I referenced last week , Hesher has to be the film I am most interested in seeing.
So, I thought I’d put together a little list of my favorite albums of the year. I never feel quite right about where I cut off the list, so to cope with my feelings, this year I’ve made an honorable mention consisting of…
Connect the Dots by Stacy Clark was an incredibly fun singer/songwriter album that crept up on my play counts. The Suburbs by The Arcade Fire had some standout tracks, but I couldn’t completely connect to the alt rock ensemble’s overdone anthem. Teen Dream by Beach House was at times truly haunting, Down the Way by folksters Angus & Julia Stone was charming, and undoubtedly Contra by Vampire Weekend was a strong effort for the indie-pop troupe. EyelidMovies by Phantogram had more sultry angst, catchy beats, and hooks than nearly any other album. And, folk mainstays Josh Rouse, Rocky Votolato, and Josh Ritter each put out respectable albums. Lastly, my number 11, just outside the magnificent 10, was Go by Jonsi. This album explores emotional highs and lows as well as the best Sigur Ros albums, and come quite hook laden to boot.
10. GoodOldWar – Good Old War. This folksy Philly trio reminds me a lot of a lighter-hearted Fleet Foxes. Their harmonies are tight and their story-telling is captivating. Check out my favorite track “That’s Some Dream”
9. Treats – Sleigh Bells. There’s no getting around the fact that this album is weird. But, I found its uniqueness refreshing and after letting it grow on me (substancially, I might add), I ended up really getting into the hardcore + beats + girl with beautiful voice combo. Standout track “Riot Rhythm” brings it home.
8. BrokenBells – Broken Bells. I’ve always been a fan of James Mercer when I came across his team up with Danger Mouse man Brian Burton, I fell in love – quickly. The album borrows bits and piece from The Shins sound, yet making its own and keeping it interesting. It has impressive highs and lows and sufficiently enigmatic lyrics to warrant a spot in my top ten. My favorite track has to be “Ghost Inside”.
7. GorillaManor – Local Natives. I was introduced to Local Natives through a free download of ”Sun Hands” early in the year. I enjoyed the song, but didn’t see a need to investigate much further. Throughout the year, though, I kept seeing their name crop around LA (their hometown as well) with shows and eventually my interest was peaked enough to get GorillaManor. I definitely do not regret it. They are an indie rock outfit with hints of folk scattered here and there, which I love. Both catchy and smart, it’s a find.
6. HalcyonDigest – Deerhunter. It’s the dark mystique of Deerhunter that keeps me coming back. One of the artists of which I never tire and really connect. No song is overdone or skimped on. What impresses me is the album as a piece with just the right amount of ambience to tie it all together. They’re subtly inventive and never overwhelming.
5. ForeignTapes – Parades. This album had me hooked from the beginning. The male/female paired vocal, ranging delicate to powerful guitars, and creative drumming did it. Really a captivating album with tons going for it. I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about this group. “Marigold” is a gem and really caps a well jelled album. With many favorites it was hard to chose, but enjoy another take-away – “Past Lives.”
4. Age of Adz – Sufjan Stevens. I’m a Sufjan fan and always look forward to how he’s morphed. His innovation is admirable and if it weren’t for his beliefs I think reviewers would be slobbering over him at every turn. When you consider Age of Adz in combination with All Delighted People, this guy did work this year. Truly a hero of the singer/songwriter, he, yet again, doesn’t disappoint. The album finishes especially well, and since “Impossible Soul” was too big to attach, enjoy “I Want to Be Well.”
3. Tourist History – Two Door Cinema Club. This was my indie pop mainstay album this year. A definite “go-to” for a pick me up. The Irish Trio falls somewhere between the Arctic Monkeys and Passion Pit for me. This album is quick, smart, and energetic. No dull points, and no throw-aways. Really a great debut. “Something Good Can Work” is one of my favorite songs of the year.
2. The Wild Hunt – The Tallest Man on Earth. One of greatest song writers of not only today but all time. At one point I actually found myself looking up what “cadejo” are. (It’s actually pretty interesting!) He’s a master of the story and a master of conveying emotion. His voice is raw, yet beautiful. I had the pleasure of seeing him live earlier this year and the experience really solidified it all for me. This will be an album I play for a long time. If you love Bon Iver, folk music, or just story telling, The Wild Hunt is a must.
1. HighViolet – The National. Brilliant, moody alt rock. Few bands relay the human experience better than The National. It seems that with every album since Alligator, The National has been ebbing its way closer to my favorite of all time. Though the body of work doesn’t yet merit replacing Radiohead, if they have another decade keeping with this trend I don’t know if I could deny them the honor. It may take you a while to “get” The National, but the rewards are worth the wait. High Violet is about as real as it gets. I could honestly pick any song to put on here, and it took me a while to settle on “Anyone’s Ghost.” I truly do hope you enjoy.
In Coldplay’s newsletter this month they added a link to one of the London bands they play with. The band is called Goldheart Assembly and they have a nice pop folk single for free on their website. (link – http://fiercepanda.co.uk/goldheartassembly/) If you like Coldplay or Mumford & Sons, you should check it out.
As for iTunes:
Single of the Week: “Something Good Can Work” – Two Door Cinema Club (4.5) This is one of the best songs I’ve heard from free on iTunes this year. It is a dancible indie pop song with a great hook. My room mate and I started grooving to this one the first listen. Somewhere between Paulson and The Strokes.
Music Video: “Acapella” – Kelis (1.9) You already start off in the whole when you spell “A Capella” wrong and also use it as the title for an electronic song. Add in an obscene amount of body paint/body art/scantily cladness coupled with a forgettable dance song and you have the music video this week.
Discovery: “There is a Way” – NewWorldSon (2.3) This is pretty much just a typical okay contemporary Christian gospel song. There’s really nothing else to say. It is… okay.
Canciónde la Semana: “Buscaré” – Si*Sé (2.4) This title has something to do with looking for something. I’ve found that there is a negative effect to translating Spanish pop songs. I’m always disappointed. In this song she who shall be referred to as Si*Sé, says the title quite a bit. I assume she is still looking. Anyways, this is pretty much a soft rock, smooth jazz song without any pizazz.
Walk the Moon – Anna Sun
