TOP 10 OF 2010

Well, this just has to be done: The top ten albums of 2010.

As an aspiring music writer, I often find myself overwhelmed with the question of whether something is "good" music. But, really, what makes a good album? Is it enough for me to say that I like something based on what I hear? Would anyone actually agree with me and keep reading? Usually I let my ears decide but is that grounds for what makes an album worthy of a Grammy nomination or of any album of the year titles? What about risks? What about trying something new? What about endurance? The albums I chose are albums that I love listening to not only because they please my ears, but because they're different, they're risks and they represent determination of artists.

1. Rogue Wave – Permalight

This album epitomizes the determination of a great band that can create music that not only represents their courage but also their triumph over the ailments that plagued them. The only difference between Permalight and their more slow, mellow and thought-provoking albums, is that it is an upbeat, celebration of life exemplified in a dance album. Everything about this album is fabulous.



2. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

Perhaps you have heard of this album (sarcastic laugh), but that does not take away from the beauty and grand scale of the band's third album, The Suburbs. This album has catapulted these Canadian indie rockers to stardom, but what else would you expect from an album that can transition from songs like "Month of May" to "Wasted Hours" almost majestically. The album is a work of art, listen to the whole thing, in order, several times.



3. Guster – Easy Wonderful

Although simple and catchy hooks rule this album, the overall happiness and joy that surround this album make it something to be praised. But this should not dampen the deeper meaning behind the lyrics that seem to be so "simple." They are like the peanut inside of its shell.



4. Vampire Weekend – Contra

Basically, Vampire Weekend are the masters. If their self-titled album was not enough to prove this, Contra solidifies that.






5. Ok GO – Of the Blue Color of the Sky

Ok GO's album is a departure from the old and infuses a new identity for themselves and for their music. Although they are mostly know for prancing around 6 treadmills, with "This Too Shall Pass" and their promise to create a video for each of the songs on their album, they have shed the treadmill skin and have become a band that can create amusing videos and great music. The prince-esqueness of their album, Of the Blue Color of the Sky, is esthetically pleasing and created carefully and well.




6. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Plastic Beach is like a russian nesting doll that keeps opening up to more and more beautiful, Gorillaz creations. Guest artists grace the songs and make each of them unique in the most uncliché way possible.




7. Yeasayer – Odd Blood

Odd Blood's beauty and simplicity is intertwined with its complexity. It's a great mix of techno, rock and wahtever else. It's honest lyrics can mend and heal any ailments.




8. The Black Keys – Brothers

Basic is best, and the Black Keys utilize that on their 6th album, Brothers. Songs are simple, but beautiful all in the same, like, for example "The Only One." There is no better song to describe 2010.




9. MGMT – Congratulations

A complete turn away from the commercially successful Oracle Spectacular, Vanwyngarden and Goldwasser offer a more personal outlook on their reaction to their stardom. Songs are deeper, maybe not as catchy as "Kids" or "Time to Pretend" but the beauty in "Congratulations" is untouched and worlds ahead of their previous singles.



10. Sufjan Stevens – Age of Adz

One of Sufjan's most personal, intimate and wonderfully made albums. Sufjan puts away his banjo for some synths. magical.









HONORABLE MENTIONS:

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – This is Happening
HOT CHIP - One Last Stand
SLEIGH BELLS – TREATS
PHANTOGRAM – Eyelid Movies
DR. DOG – Shame

Oh Hai

http://music.minneapolisfuckingrocks.com/post/1313297966/the-golden-age-stadium-shows

TRUTH! I say this just as I about to go to a Gorillaz concert.

Stay With Me Jesus

More praises for Guster. Although I'm not entirely sure if this is a joke or real, but I love it anyway. I can take it whatever way I would like.

http://vimeo.com/14537408

A Gust of Er

Hello world!

It is a marvelous Thursday, despite the fact that I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled today. I am happy as a clam, and not because of the pain killers, either. In fact, I only took one dosage, and I have been drug free. Although, talk to my parents, coming home was quite an endeavor because I could not keep my balance and kept "doing the Ashly" and sticking both hands on the window and staring at the other drivers. I had to be told numerous times not to do that. Plus, my dad turned on Yellow Submarine for me when I got home and there was two of every character.

Well, music world, I will not talk about teeth and drugged experiences any longer. I have more important matters and these matters go by the name of Guster.



Guster released their first single for their up-and-coming album, Easy Wonderful. The song is entitled Do You Love Me and it is classic Guster at its best.

Here is the list of songs to be on Easy Wonderful, and if you go to their website, you can get a free download of song number 6. SCORE!

1. Architects & Engineersv
2. Do You Love Me
3. On the Ocean
4. This Could All Be Yours
5. Stay with Me Jesus
6. Bad Bad World
7. This Is How It Feels to Have a Broken Heart
8. What You Call Love
9. That's No Way to Get to Heaven
10. Jesus and Mary
11. Hercules
12. Do What You Want

Give their new single a listen:


Also new in the world, I have discovered another band called Said The Whale. They are from Canada, and I am falling quickly in love with them. Almost a puppy love. You might, too, check out this video. We will see if a further purchase is in line. But for now, it's my favorite song of the month.

Inspiration Super Highway

So I am reading another music blogger's blog and it is inspiring me to write and think about music a lot. Although, I think he must be a tool because he writes about the top 25 albums of every year and they are always so predictable. Always!

But, then he made a list of artists that he lists as, "I don't really listen to any of these bands music, but I respect the fact they're making it." Half of the artists he claims as being in his top 25 best albums or songs are on this list. Am I the only skeptical one? I mean, I guess someone can suggest an album but if someone suggests The Antler's Hospice to me, I do not want it to be because someone told him it was a good album. I want it to be someone who knows their music and wants others to love it too.

That being said, I highly suggest Hospice. It is one of the most well put together albums I have heard.

Seeing as it is almost August and I have about 18 days to prepare myself for physical death via sprinting, I will reward you children with my top 10 songs to INSPIRE.

(Disclaimer: these songs may or may not inspire you or anyone you know. They have been known to inspire when used correctly, however).

10. Voyager – Daft Punk
9. Trashcan – Delta Spirit
8. Hang On – Guster
7. Daylight – Matt & Kim
6. Sleeping Lessons – The Shins
5. Journey of the Fearless – Cloud Cult
4. Let Forever Be – Chemical Brothers
3. This Too Shall Pass – OK Go
2. Strawberry Swing – Coldplay
1. Harmonium – Rogue Wave



ENJOY LIFE!

Modest Mouse and Rogue Wave, The Perfect July

Since it has become obvious that I am terrible at writing about my concert experiences, I will paraphrase them. Less reading. Hoorah.



Modest Mouse at Orpheum Minneapolis, MN on July 14:

- Warm up band, Radar Bros, were pretty average.
- Venue was not ideal. The sound was pretty good, though. Better than the XCEL.
- Seats were not very good
- Songs were obscure, even for me. They jumped all over the place. They only played one song off their latest album, which was my favorite, so I was not complaining, but I would have liked to have heard more off of the album The Moon & Antarctica. They did, however, play Paper Thin Walls, which is a favorite.



A video:


Worth it? Absolutely. I put Modest Mouse fans at about the same level as Coldplay fans (and Coldplay fans are pretty nuts). Basically, it is simply magical to hear an entire room filled with fans singing Float On, as that was the most recognize song besides possibly Dashboard or Dramamine. It is a required must for all Modest Mouse fans to see them live.

(photos by Dinnah Gustavo)
Rogue Wave at The Waiting Room Omaha, NE on July 18:
- Great venue
- Great crowd
- They all remembered Dinnah and me
- Missed warm up band because we went on a walk with Steve Taylor, the keyboardist.
- Hung out with the band afterward in their tour bus.


Worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Rogue Wave might be my favorite band, surpassing Coldplay (Do not worry, The Beatles are on an entirely different level). I love Coldplay dearly, so this is quite a statement. Perhaps if I met Chris, Johnny, Guy or Will in real life, this might change. The connection between a band and its fans can make their music even more magical. If I had never met Pat or Zach or any of the members of Rogue Wave, I would not know how goofy or funny they actually are and how that plays a part in their music. Now when I listen, I can hear it, and I love it.

Upcoming shows? Rogue Wave, Sea Wolf, hopefully Dr. Dog, Menonmena, Stars, and Matt and Kim. AND MANY MORE!

The Best Things in Life are on iTunes

Tonight when I went onto my computer, after being gone all night, I went on iTunes to find that someone had searched "Orange Spectacular" into the search bar.

I know it was you, Mother. Were you looking for MGMT or cookie recipes?


You make me smile.


I promise I will blog about Modest Mouse and ROGUE WAVE, soon.

Do you really only live once?

I feel as though I have not posted anything in forever, but who knows how true that is.


I wore my "Strokes" shirt to the bar tonight after ultimate. One of my sister's teammates commented on it, asking if I had ever been to one of their concerts. A little piece of me died when he asked that.

Only one month of summer left, for me, and The Strokes have YET to released their new album. I am a very patient woman, but I am done waiting. I sat through their hiatus, all their solo albums (which I enjoyed, but still), and now they're gonna play at lolla but with an album looming around the corner, surely they will tour more? It's just what you do.

With two Rogue Wave shows locked into the schedule, I feel rather content with music concerts, but still, The Strokes beckon to me.

I often think I need to get a life. But then I know that is silly to think, because I already DO have one. It is just musically centered, usually.

I hope you didn't read this ramble.

Fun fact: I got The Strokes website banned at my high school (among many other websites). I believe I hold the record for websites banned there, actually.

It's Working

And I quoteth OK Go, "WTF is happenin?"

*chuckle*

So it just occurred to me that my parents read my blog more regularly than anyone else and that it is no longer a safe place to say that I am up late contemplating life and its many weird aspects and decisions whilst listening to some highly philosophical oriented music to help matters.

Nope, not appropriate at all.


* insert Bush chuckle*


Found it!

Beatleology

I purchased a book today called Beatleology and it is hilarious. It is basically like the Myers Briggs tests but instead of being an ESTJ or INFP, you are a Paul, George, John or Ringo. I cannot tell if it is a joke or not, I have not read enough of it, but I took the test and it says that I am tied for Paul and George. Which seems impossible since in both of their descriptions it says that the two are opposites of each other. Maybe I am bipolar, but this is news to me.

It was a fascinating find, though, and I enjoy it even if it is false. I always considered myself a John and I still kind of do because when I read the descriptions of a "John" it sounds more like me, but there are aspects of George that I can see, too. I think relationships wise I am a Paul. So maybe I'm just all of the Beatles into one.

I quizzed my mother this evening while she was getting ready for bed and she plainly said, as I was calculating her results, "I just hope I'm not a Ringo. He's so weird looking." HAHA!

If anyone would like me to quiz you and see which Beatle you are, let me know. I will gladly do so.

What Little Joy I have Today...

Bad day calls for a music OVERLOAD. Music is so lovely. It does not abandon you. It does not leave you. Nope, never. Not for a boyfriend or girlfriend; nope, not for anything or anyone else. I probably should not put so much emotional stock and love into something as pointless, though, but as of right this second, music has yet to let me down. Music 0, humans 400,303.



Favorites right now, in addition to OK Go, Little Joy. So JOYOUS!

Rock The Garden 2010

If there were ever a concert that I was more destined to go to, it was Rock the Garden 2010. Only members were allowed to buy tickets the first week or so. Naturally, it sold out within that first week. Tragedy for MGMT fans such as Matt and myself; we were going to purchase tickets the second they were available for the public. No such chance was given. Then, a miracle happened. A teammate of my fall ultimate team had two extra tickets.


Onward, ho, to Rock The Garden!

It was quite an adventure just getting to the Sculpture Garden; from deaf men trying to sign to me or bumping into various hipsters, but nothing unlike the typical commute through Uptown.

We arrive and were channeled through various gates and winding hallways until we found ourselves back outside but with every sense being rapidly used. First sense, which was the most crucial for this day, was hearing. They were blasting Grizzly Bear! It was a sign for a good day in my books. We ventured around in hopes of finding free stuff at various booths but were dismayed when we realized that none of it was free. Except one: Meet and greet with OK Go. The more and more I think about this, the more it blows my mind. We shook their hands and exchanged names; I tried hard to replay their names in my name over and over in hopes of not forgetting them. I turned to Tim, the bassist, and asked him why he was wearing a full suit, pants, jacket and hat. He looked extremely out-of-place. He replied about how it was cold in the morning but seemed a bit annoyed by the question, as if he had been asked by every fan that entered that booth. Well, rightfully so, he looked like he was, "melting like a snow cone in Phoenix."

We then sat for what seemed like hours before the music started. We arrived at 3, music did not start until 415.


Right on cue at 415, Retribution Gospel Choir took the stage. FINALLY!


I knew very little about this band other than that they were from Duluth and that they were supposedly a metal band. I was not sure what to expect. But my initial reaction: each song seemed to blend together and they had very little stage presence. They seemed nervous. Their lead singer/guitarist, seemed to channel what little stage presence or interesting quality their band had (unless you count the drummer's long, distracting brown hair), but even then it was not enough to get the crowd moving and grooving. He nearly gained redemption, however, when he started playing his guitar with his teeth. Ah, a Hendrix fan. Groovy. They lacked all the great things a band needs to play live on this warm, Saturday afternoon. I support the Minnesota bands, but this trio needs to work on their performances.

Next performance rocked my soul: OK Go.


Easily my favorite group at RTG. OK Go had energy, stage presence, they interacted with the crowd, and had everyone, regardless of whether they had only ever seen their legendary treadmill video, on their feet dancing and having a good time. From a hand bell version of What To Do (that was intended to redeem our sinful souls) to red, white and blue confetti blowing like snow from the stage, they stole the show and ran with it making sure the next act had to work twice as hard to generate the excitement that they had. And if you have seen their videos you can get a taste of the creativity and energy that flow from these four. I personally was stoked to see This Too Shall Pass live, and it did not fail to give me goosebumps:



Their new album, which seems to be a tribute to Prince, is marvelous. I recommend it immensely.

Next? Why the fabulous Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.


By this point my legs were about ready to cave in. I hate to admit but I could not get into this act as much as I wanted to. But Ms. Jones gave Kulash and OK Go a run for their money. Between her killer vocals and dance moves, it seems like there is not anything this woman could not do. Highlight of the performance was definitely her version of Guthrie's This Land is Your Land. Jones proved she could accomplish anything.

Then, the finale: MGMT


Everyone knows MGMT whether they actually know it or not. It pained me to see that most of the fans there were only there to hear their hits like Kids, Time To Pretend and Electric Feel. All marvelous songs, but MGMT is more than that. I think....

They played a mixture of Oracular Spectacular and Congratulation songs. It became apparent quite quickly that most of the band was not all together. Especially the leader guitarist, who looked like he might have been on an acid trip. MGMT's frontman, VanWyngarden, was very shy towards the crowd and would only mutter, "thank you," rather sheepishly after every song. The crowd did not care. Most of them were drunk or high themselves and were going to have a good time regardless of the music. Such bright futures they have ahead of them. Even though MGMT has a history of having terrible concerts, I found them to be quite enjoyable. Perhaps that is because I was expecting the worst. They definitely were not an OK Go, but they were still not on the Retribution Gospel Choir level. And one has not quite experienced life until they are in the middle of a Time To Pretend mosh pit.


All and all the concert was very memorable and a great experience; worth the money, worth the time. And I am now obsessed with OK Go. I have a new band to listen to all summer long. All my dreams came true in the course of 24 hours.

One Zero, Zero, Zero, Zero, Zero, Zero

Ten million extra credit points to whoever can tell me the name of the song and band to which my title is from.

I'll give you a hint...


So...

It's 3 AM and I'm watching music videos instead of sleeping. Really random ones at that. It all started with Pork and Beans by Weezer. You know that one where they get all the top youtube video people to lip sync? Yeah, that one. So that morphed into quite a few different videos. Then before I knew it, THE KILLERS! The Killers' Read My Mind. So sad, but then...

VIOLET HILL was a "Viewers also bought." AMAZING how one band can still make me SQUEAL at 3 in the morning. Oh boy. I love music. A lot.

P.S. Will "blog" about RTG eventually. I need to find the inspiration to write/type again. Bahahaha.

Oh Rainy Day, Come Round

Hello, hello (said just the way the Urban's would say it),

This summer is not the way I envisioned it: sun shining down, driving with the windows down, blasting the Beach Boys. No, its been grey, cold, rainy and I have been listening to slower, chill music like Rogue Wave. Which is not that terrible, but it's the summer which means BEACH BOYS!



Yes!

So, no Beach Boys, yet, but here is a playlist for a grey, rainy June day.

1. Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons.
A favorite in the state of Minnesota; we love this band more than any other State. Mainly teens, but hey, who's to say they do not understand the passion and pain behind Mumford's voice as he sings, "but it was not your fault but mine and it was your heart on the line. I really f****d it up this time didn't I, my dear?" Also, I do love the banjo. One of my favorite instruments.

2. Rough Gem - Islands.
An oldie by now-a-day standards. It is not auto tuned, but it is indie. I will not understand the popularity of auto tuning. Not now, not tomorrow, not ever. It gives the feel of being underwater in a submarine (a yellow one, perhaps?) and with the constant rain, it is an appropriate song.

3. Pale Blue Eyes - The Velvet Underground
My father will disagree with me, but I do like Lou Reed regardless of what anyone says. The vocals are not perfect, but the emotion is there, but then again, all of his songs are full of that. But, the speed and emotion of this song are exactly how my brain feels as it sinks into an instant state of depression when I look outside and see huge drops falling from the sky everyday.

4. You - Rogue Wave
When I listen to Rogue Wave, regardless of the weather, my mind and body is in a state of peace and complete happiness. Descend Like Vultures is one of my favorite albums. Ever. Enough said, right? They will take away the sadness of the rain without a doubt. Also add "California" to this play list for the phrase, "Screw California." Yes, but only because we have been waiting for the warmth that Cali has, but Minnesota is still waiting!

5. Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Everyone needs a smile and Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros deliver that. The country style of this song is enough where it does not make you want to vomit and has that nostalgic feel of a time before rockabilly was even a term.

6. Coliseum - Ice Palace
Naturally I love bands that have "Ice" in their title. It is one of my favorite things, you know. I also love Ice Palace. The mixture of backup vocals, guitar and trumpet are like a mixture of perfection. They oddly sound a bit like Modest Mouse to me, which might be another level of love I will admit...another time. July 14, to be exact. :)

7. Hot Sprawl - Man/Miracle
I cannot help but picture their precious little faces up on the stage at the Fine Line from April when I listen to this album. I have to admit, they are way better live. You cannot hear the intensity, passion and love spewing from their instruments and voices. But, this is the closest thing you can get from this Oakland band. I will take it over nothing.

8. The Traitor - Sea Wolf
Well, we all knew this was inevitable. Sea Wolf's vocals will shout from every speaker I own and the more people I convert, the more speakers they will be blasted from, the better. The guitar solo and orchestra in this song is soul and mind blowing. Oh, my soul. It makes driving in the rain so enjoyable, almost a grand privilege.

9. Black Mirror - Arcade Fire
Very Dark. It should be played in the Deathly Hallows whenever Voldemort or a Death Eater come onto screen. On a dark-songs marathon, I expect the next song to be Take A Bow by Muse. Similar yet different, of course.

10. Black Keys - Only One
Slightly more happy than Arcade Fire, Only One is the kind of song that is played during scenes in movies where two very chill dudes drive down a road on a sunny day in California with the windows down. It works for the same purposes here, except minus the sun and windows down. It is a chill song through and through. Perfect driving song.

more: Sufjan Stevens - California (so beautiful), Phantogram - Mouth Full of Diamonds (perfect song for driving regardless of weather), Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye (another perfect driving song), Cannibal Resource - Dirty Projectors, This Too Shall Pass - OK GO (Ok, so the rain will pass, just like everything else. There is hope), Breaking the Girl - RHCP, A Cloud Story - Dark Dark Dark, Promises - The Morning Benders (harmonies are SICK).


ENJOY LIFE!

Hey Jude Thursday

Well, hello...



Oh hai, Ringo.

The musical world seems to have spiraled on and on without me while I tried to overcome the world of finals and papers. Much to write about but even still with the stress of other assignments and papers gone, I have no time to write. Writers block, too, seems to plague. It's not a good situation. With so much going on, I feel the need to have some sort of entry to keep my fingers flowing and my mind in one place, for once, this summer. I half decided that I wanted to write a book about the Beatles. Half of me thinks it's a good idea, but the other half thinks, what would be the point, really? Seeing as I know more about them than I do anything else, including myself, it seems logical. But as to quote George Harrison from a Simpson's episode, "that's been done."


I doubt it matters, though. I could bring my own style to it, I am sure. Maybe it would be a self satisfaction project, like a fun-run kind of deal. Whatever, whatever.



I am currently listening to Hey Jude. Did you know it was The Beatles' first single with Apple? Did you know that it was written for John's son, Julian (probably do, that's not a very obscure fact)? Did you know it started out as 'Hey Jules' not Jude? Did you know it has a 40 piece orchestra? Yes, 40. ridiculous.

Stay cool my babies.

Dear John Lennon

So, I was thinking, and I had a thought.

Or I guess, an idea. Can I share it with you?



Good.

I want to start some sort of project where everyone writes to their favorite artist. Yes, artist. If you have a favorite band, then choose your favorite member. I am calling the project Dear John Lennon. It is in its beginning stages, obviously, so let me know what you think and tell others, too. Tell everyone. Unless they hate music. I want to compile these letters somehow and make something cool out of it. These letters can say anything you want. But do not hold back. Pretend this person is your best friend. In some ways, they are; you listen to them, they make you think, they make you happy. So, that's my goal. I want feed back!

Congratulations-MGMT: something new for your ears

I have heard nothing but complaints about this new album and I am somewhat socked.

Actually, no, I am not. Because as long as there has been some sort of art form, there have been the critics to smash and bash. I really wish some people's opinions did not count for such high worth or at all, really. Everyone has their opinions, but I wish they were more open minded.

Does anyone remember Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band? Oh, yeah, everyone does, because it's one of The Beatles most well-known albums ever. It influenced and changed music completely. Initially, it was bashed. This was not The Beatles. It was not full of pop-love songs. It was different.

Congratulations is extremely similar. A bit of a claim, I realize, but it could happen. Goldwasser and VanWyngarden took a risk with this new album, much like The Beatles did with Sgt. Peppers. They went above and beyond their pop hits of Time To Pretend, Kids and Electric Feel instead of trying to recreate and possibly destroy those songs. Bands grow and become better musicians. No band can keep recreating the same stuff over and over again. Not even the Beach Boys (ha, they were influenced too much by Sgt. Pepper).

So, if you're looking for the same generic pop-number one hit songs, then this album and this band is not for you.

A rather noble quote, "We'd rather people hear the whole album as an album and see what tracks jump out rather than the ones that get played on the radio – if anything gets played on the radio!" -Goldwasser

Amen.

Favorite tracks: Congratulations, Song for Dan Treacy, Siberian Breaks (a more chill Metanoia).

Weezer Wednesday

Today, I decided to look back on a favorite band of mine that, not gonna lie, I forget about a lot. Everyone knows their songs, yet they are often forgotten until resurrected somehow by an individual who says, "Oh, yeah, Weezer."

That was me today.


Now, if you immediately went to your iTunes to search for Weezer, then their magic has touched your life, too. They are one of those bands that sits on the median between mainstream and some weird, indie band. But that's the beauty of Weezer. There is the "hits" Weezer and then there is Weezer Weezer. Because sure, you have Island In The Sun, Buddy Holly, Hash Pipe, Beverly Hills, yes, but then there is also The Other Way, Cold Dark World, or Smile. Weezer is Weezer, I suppose; it shouldn't matter. Each album is unique and has been hated on at one point, except maybe the Blue Album.

Well, that is all for Weezer Wednesday. Remember to remember this great band by listening to some songs, regardless of their popularity. I highly suggest Smile.

Enjoy: Enjoyment.

Currently listening to: Heart Songs by Weezer

Obladi, Oblada life goes on, BRA!

Oh hai.

I just got owned at my track meet and read some of the most racist, stereotyping bullshit facebook comments on the face of the earth and I am feeling like words cannot describe how enraged I am. So, I am letting off some steam with some music, and it is helping. For the most part, anyway. I received an email that made me incredibly happy today; my playlist was chosen for the day to be played at noon, which is something The Current does everyday. I chose: Wicked Blood by Sea Wolf, Good Morning (The Future) by Rogue Wave and Winter Winds by Mumford and Sons. And for my reason, I said, "Three great songs by three great artists who deserve to be billionaires." Apparently, that was a direct quote on the air. Well, I was just being truthful.

There are some other songs I feel should be on this playlist, too. For the Current it was only three songs, but I shall add in some of my other favorites and highly suggest you listen to them. If you want, that is.


All Fires by Swan Lake.

I am thoroughly convinced that in order to become an indie musician you need to think of the most ridiculous thing you can or else you will look foolish with something plain. Although, Swan Lake is not that weird, it is a pretty good example. I will never be able to pronounce Yeasayer correctly, though. I'm just saying.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent, this song will be played at my wedding and funeral. It is so incredibly beautiful and haunting. It sounds completely ridiculous, but when I listen to it, I feel like I have just cried. But not just any cry; it is the cry where your soul just aches and crying is the only cure for the pain. If you do not know what I am talking about then you are either not human or you are Derrick. And if you are reading this, then you are not Derrick.



When I'm Small by Phantogram

I was actually going to go see this groovy duo last night as they opened for The Antlers, but that fell through. This song is funky and delightful. And all I really gonna say about this song is back beat, they has it. They has it, indeed.


Autumn Beds by Modest Mouse

Holy love. Modest Mouse has always been close to my heart, and I am sure I have spazzed about this song before, but I cannot help it; I love it so dearly. The banjo makes this song, for me, anyway. It smooths over well with Issac Brock's vocals which are calm and mellow (for most of the song). This was a weird album, in general, for Modest Mouse. Some of their songs were actually, what?!? Happy! Shocking.

Wake up by Arcade Fire

I doubt I have stressed how great Arcade Fire is, and I do not know how to adequately describe in English words my love for this band; especially this song. I do not remember where I heard this song for the first time, probably on the Current, but it blew my mind. It is kind of like Id Enganger by Of Montreal, it just feels good to yell. Soul yelling.



Me and My Arrow by Harry Nilsson

I more or less put this song on here because it's hilarious. Straight up. I can only guess that the band Me and My Arrow are paying homage to the late Nilsson. Make sure the version you listen to has the beginning vocals explaining who Arrow is.


Also, any Sea Wolf song. Basically. Haha.


Well, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy ze music. :)


Currently listening to: Middle Distance Runner by Sea Wolf

Say Goodnight, Permalight

Thursday evening was one of those nights you only hear about in movies; they definitely do not happen often. Or maybe they do, and I need to live more. Either way, Thursday: best day of my life.

Where? Fine Line Cafe
Who? Rogue Wave and Guests
Time? 8

Doors did not open until 8, actually, and music did not start til 9. We were there, at my request and pestering, by 7:20 and no one was there. I was making sure we were there to get a good spot, based on past concerts. Well, we were the first ones there, and I was shocked. We waited outside singing Permalight
in an attempt to get Train's Hey, Soul Sister trash out of our heads. After awhile, another couple came from Iowa and we chatted with them for awhile before who should come a walking down the street, but Pat Spurgeon, the drummer for Rogue Wave. We chatted briefly and took a quick picture before he scampered back inside.


We sat around listening to music provided by The Current for awhile, before JBM started playing at 8. Although I was not familiar with his work, he sounded like a mix between Fleet Foxes and James Taylor. Very chill. His set was not very long, though. I wish he would have played more.

Next up was Man/Miracle. This band is one of the reason I go to concerts. The passion and energy that came out of these guys was incredible. Each member got into their songs and rocked out. In turn, we rocked out, too. I would have been pleased with just these two acts. But then came Rogue Wave.

Let me add also, that I started out standing behind a rather tall woman, who basically was standing there not getting into the music at all. Center stage, just standing there. If the music was not terrific, I would have been sobbing. Right before Rogue Wave got into their set, I squeezed myself between this tall woman and the stage. Right up in front between Pat and Zach. My soul was about to get rocked.

Remember a few months ago when Permalight was one of my most anticipated albums of 2010? Well, it was for good reason. Between Zach Rogue's vocals and the band's sound, you are airlifted into a car, driving down highway 5, with the windows down on a July summer day. Might be my favorite Rogue Wave album.



Most of the songs played were off of Permalight, but they played a few oldies and favorites including Lake Michigan, Chicago x12, and Eyes. I loved all the songs they chose. I thoroughly rocked out. Especially the ending because Man/Miracle returned and every member began beating a drum.


After the concert, I jumped on stage, and snagged the setlist. We then made our way over to Pat, who was just chilling by the side of the stage, and we were greeted with hugs. It was surreal. Pat gave us a drumstick, signed my setlist, then went to talk to someone else. After standing around, wondering if we would get to speak to Zach, we started talking to the bassist, who oddly looked a lot like Kid Rock. He apparently had not been in Rogue Wave for very long, but was interested in how long we had been fans of the band. He signed my setlist, then left us to wait for Zach. We chatted with a few of the member of Miracle/Man, while waiting, on everything from the concert to how "sleepy" St. Paul was. We snagged a few pictures more pictures, too.


Then, finally, Zach came out. It was the strangest feeling ever, talking to the lead singer of Rogue Wave. It was almost like I already knew him from years of listening to Rogue Wave. He was such a sweet guy and talked to us for awhile. Our conversation was interrupted a lot by rude fans who apparently did not know how to wait their turn, though.



We made our way to leave, but ended up talking to even more members of Man/Miracle. They made comments about how great of fans we were because were rocking out while everyone else in the crowd was just standing and being motionless. It was not hard, honestly, they were a great band. The lead singer gave us a signed copy of their album because we admitted that we had never heard of them before the concert. Now it is nothing but happy listening. Check them out if you have a chance.



Thanks to Carrie for all these pictures!

Soulifyin' Mystifying

I’m walking I’m a southern stream get to the river before I run too low.

I would just like to say, that I love Sea Wolf. Sometimes there are songs that blow your soul; they just make you feel good regardless of a terrible situation, event, time, etc. Today was one of those days and Sea Wolf brought me back to a warm, happy feeling. As I walked back from dinner, in my mind all I heard was, "You're a wolf, boy, get out of this town," but being yelled by the gypsy woman in the song.

You're a wolf, boy, get out of this town. You're a wolf.

I have a million things to do, but time to just sit and listen to some marvelous music. It seems like the only thing that will enable me to memorize 40 works of art. Michelangelo is dead, but he owns my life. Ridiculous. Sea Wolf will get me through the evening and the rest of the semester, I just know it. I mean, the name was taken from one of Jack London's adventures. Amazing? I think so.

I felt the cold of the ice and water, come flowing through as it pulled me under.

Welcome to the world of the Plastic Beach

How else can I start this entry other than by saying that Gorillaz make me really
quite happy. Their latest album, Plastic Beach, is a positive step for them. I was worried that they would not be able to outdo their Demon Days glory, but this album shows that they can keep creating and releasing great music and do not need to hide behind their 2004 Feel Good Inc. and Dare hits. They are always creating and developing new and better songs. If you do not believe me, then take a minute to watch the Stylo music video released with the deluxe version of Plastic Beach, which features Bruce Willis shooting at Murdoc, 2D and an electronic Noodles, in a high speed car chase. It's madness, but creative madness. Great song, great video.

What was new and different, to me, about Plastic Beach, was that almost every song included one or two artists that were featured in the song. Only four songs were without a featured artist. I cannot decide how I personally feel about this, but I love all the songs. It just seems weird. Although, having Snoop Dogg introduce the album saying, "Welcome to the world of the Plastic Beach," is an effect I do not think Damon Albarn could achieve with his voice. Snoop's voice will always mesmerize me.

I have nothing negative to say about this album. The songs are extremely catchy. I had On Melancholy Hill stuck in my head a good 3 days after listening to it.

Key tracks: Plastic Beach ft. Mick Jones & Paul Simon, Stylo Ft. Bobby Womack & Most Def, On Melancholy Hill, Rhinestone Eyes, and a personal favorite, Some Kind of Nature Ft. Lou Reed (Yes, Lou Reed!).

Enjoy! It's been 6 years of waiting. Don't pass this up.