Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#30-26)

For ramblings on how I came to compile this list go here. And for commentary on previous selections: [#50-46] [#45-41] [#40-36] [#35-31]

30. Heartbreaker - Ryan Adams (2000)

The argument that most of the world's greatest art is derived from sadness is one that I've always worked hard to refute, but a guy like Ryan Adams doesn't make it easy for me to do so. It doesn't get much sadder than his solo debut, which apparently was inspired by the ending of a romantic relationship. Obviously this is not exactly uncharted territory in the world of (real) country music, but Adams leaves no misplaced notions that the feelings portrayed here are anything but genuine. I love the album's deceiving opening, where it begins with a hilarious interchange between him and David Rawlings about whether or not Morrissey's Suedehead is on the album Viva Hate (it is), before lunging into an upbeat rockabilly number called To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High). From that point on though, Adams plays some of the most melancholy music I've ever heard. Oh My Sweet Carolina is a homesick ballad featuring the always beautiful vocals of Emmylou Harris. You may be able to remain composed during Bartering Lines or Damn Sam (I Love A Woman That Rains) but by the time Come Pick Me Up comes along on the playlist, you might as well just set aside the foolish machismo for awhile and let the waterworks flow, because this is an artist that was not put in the recording studio for our foolish amusement. [Myspace: Ryan Adams]

29. Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes - TV On The Radio (2004)

TVOTR is a band that has been very consistent throughout this decade as all three of their studio albums were considered quite seriously for inclusion on this list. When I listened to them all through more recently though, it was this 2004 (studio) debut that had to be the winner since it's the original in terms of them solidifying an avant garde sound that is currently beyond comparison. For me, TVOTR is basically a genre unto themselves. When I want to listen to psych rock for example, there are many artists, old and new, that I could go to. The same goes for folk music, and pop music. But when I'm in the mood for TVOTR music, only TVOTR will do. The harmonies and swirling vocalizations of Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone take bizarre doo-wop sonics to another level, while the music itself takes the standard bass, guitars and drum approach and layers it to a point where it becomes a grand looping orchestra. And the acapella groove of Ambulance hits me in a clouds parting, heavens opening sort of way. There's no doubt that they'll continue to be one of my 'purchase without needing to hear first' bands, since their consistency is now an established fact, as far as I'm concerned. [Myspace: TV On The Radio]

28. Cryptograms - Deerhunter (2007)

While last year's Microcastle and subsequent tour established to us all that Bradford Cox has gotten most of the weird out of his system, I'm eternally grateful that he managed to get this psych rock experience out to the masses beforehand. His more streamlined sound of today is still amazing as he continues to break down boundaries with his unique and original vision, but in terms of artistry and special experiences, nothing can compare with the sonic achievement of Cryptograms. I love the album's schizophrenic approach with the songs alternating between heady rockier, almost straightforward numbers and disjointed soundscapes that make the spaces inbetween the songs crucial to the album's overall tone. The fact that the album was recorded at two different sessions actually works in its favor as this enables it to serve as a document of growth from a confused disheveled beginning to a more focused yet eclectic conclusion. [Myspace: Deerhunter]

27. Fox Confessor Brings The Flood - Neko Case (2006)

There are many reasons why Neko's Fox Confessor... album is one the best of the decade. For one, there is the unique structuring of the songs as they deliberately steer clear from anything overly conventional while still borrowing heavily from the pioneers of the past. There is also the strength that is to be found in the lyrical aspect of the album. Lines such as "The night I fell into the lion’s jaws /To my regret /And your delight /Those teeth themselves could not divine /Nor their pressure estimate /The haze I wish to never break /And to never contemplate" are stacked with unusually stark imagery. But let's be honest, the main reason she's here is that voice! That unparalleled, powerfully sultry voice is such that one can't help but be a slave to its charms. Nowhere is this more obvious than when she belts out the title to That Teenage Feeling, where that intoxicating vocal presence of hers takes me back, not to my own teens, but to the pre-adult years of generations past with a classic feel that epitomizes a time that is often categorized as innocent, even though Case's homage makes it clear that such was not always the case. [Myspace: Neko Case]

26. Let It Die - Feist (2004)

And while we're on the topic of unparalleled vocalists, is it any surprise that Leslie Feist has gone on to become the household name that we all knew she should be? Well, I guess the true answer to that question is actually 'yes' since although she's discovered the pot of gold, so to speak, there are many other equally deserving artists who have not. And it's true that her current popularity has spawned a crapload of imitators but even more tragic is the fact that artists who have been doing this longer than she has are now in danger of being accused of imitating her as well, since she has opened a path that many are now free to follow. Wow, what was supposed to be praise for her album is now sounding like a rant, but let me apologize by saying that Let It Die deserves it all. What's interesting is the fact that, although I like the popular Mushaboom song, as well as the popular Bee Gees cover (Inside and Out), one of my favorite songs is actually the cover of Françoise Hardy's L'Amour ne dure pas toujours simply because, for me, that song encapsulates all that I find endearing about Feist's whole persona. She's certainly got an air of mystery about her, that certain twinkle in her eye if you will, but she also seems completely down to Earth and approachable as well, and both of those sides shine throughout the course of this album. [Myspace: Feist]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#25-21)

"What You Gonna Say When The Creek Run Dry, I'm Thinking 'Bout Crawdad, Thinkin' On Time..."

My feature in this week's issue of Crawdaddy! magazine!!

Crawdaddy! Magazine is a rock magazine that was established by Paul Williams in 1966, preceding both Rolling Stone and Creem. It was the first U.S. magazine to focus solely on intelligent and literate rock journalism, and has featured contributions from Richard Meltzer, Cameron Crowe, John Lennon, William S Burroughs and Jon Landau, to name a few.

After changing its name to Feature, it ceased production in 1979. It then reclaimed its original name in 1993, and published several issues until financial pressures forced it to end its run in 2003. The rights were sold in 2006 and in May 2007, Crawdaddy! was re-launched as an online publication.

This week, a slightly new version of Crawdaddy! was launched along with a new photography showcase and they actually approached me to be their first feature. (wot the...?) The photographic contributors are sure to only get better from here, but every day this week a new photo of mine is going to be featured on the front page (OK, you gotta scroll down a bit.) I am officially flattered to be included in the online pages of such an influential and historic rock magazine.

You can check it out here:
http://crawdaddy.wolfgangsvault.com/

Above photo is on myspace.
The lyrics quoted above are from the song Hey Crawdaddy by The Rolling Stones.

Other stuff:

The new Brandon Canning Travolta mimicking video for Love Is New, which I mentioned briefly a few days ago, is now online. Watch it on Pitchfork TV. Hilarious. [Myspace: Brendan Canning]

Despite his cheerful disposition, The Cure's Robert Smith exposes his grumpy side when topics such as iTunes or Radiohead come up. You can read about it on Pitchfork and Stereogum. [Myspace: The Cure]

TV On The Radio express disappointment over the crappy sound situation on their Saturday Night Live performance. The article is up on The Canadian Press. If bad sound quality is a sore spot for TVOTR, then they had better prepare themselves for when they play The Sound Academy on June 2nd. [Myspace: TV On The Radio]

Emmy The Great's live session for Channel M in Manchester is being video streamed at the Von Pip Express. [Myspaces: Emmy The Great, Von Pip Express]

This NME article is a couple of weeks old, and I came across it via Natalia Yanchak's Blog, but Death Cab For Cutie is apparently taking a stand against autotuning, which is the process that enables a so-so singer to sound like a vocal maestro by means of computer enhancement. The fact that they made their statement at this years' Grammies is kinda funny. And cool. [Myspace: Death Cab For Cutie]

Pete Doherty took a break from being your typical havok wreaking rock star to film a video for his new song entitled Last Of The English Roses. The song is from his upcoming solo album, entitled Grace / Wastelands, which is due out in March. The video is on youtube. [Myspace: Pete Doherty]

2008: The Albums

For several personal reasons, 2008 is not a year that I will be looking back on with a great deal of fondness. There's been high points for sure, but the low points are ones that I hope I'll never need to experience again. On a much more superficial level however, there was a lot of good accomplished in double-oh-eight, and the world of interesting music cranked out a lot of good, while the world of popular music, once again, cranked out a lot of bad.

As per usual in the world of bloggers, snobs and elitists, a few bands were raved about ad nauseum. Some I agree with (Fleet Foxes), while others I simply do not (Vampire Weekend, Crystal Castles.) Overall though, I've really enjoyed this year of toonage and I've decided that I will try to control myself and keep my list to a top 10 (followed by a few honorable mentions.) So here goes, the Quadb Top 10 CD's of 2008. Enjoy.

1. Portishead - Third (Review)

Upon perusing through other best of lists, the comment has been made on more than one occasion that there was no real standout for 2008. I beg to differ. Although I'll admit that there are a lot of popular choices that I still have never gotten around to listening to, this third one by Portishead is the undisputable champion of the ones that I have heard. Surreal, original and passionately weird, there is no other album that has rotated upon my virtual turn table as often as this one has. (Myspace)

Video: Machine Gun on youtube

2. TV On The Radio - Dear Science (Review)

For a band to incorporate such a diverse amalgamation of styles, yet still remain hooky, said band would have to be very talented and focused. TV On The Radio are just that, and the fact that they do so with such consistency is what places them at my number two postition this year. (Myspace)

Video: Golden Age (live) on youtube

3. This Is Ivy League - This Is Ivy League (Review)

My vote for the "most hard to understand why this is so criminally underrated" pick of the year, goes to Brooklyn's This Is Ivy League's self titled full length debut. What can I say, I love catchy sugar coated pop music, and this album presents such in a very accomplished way. I honestly expected this one to be 2008's Peter Bjorn and John but I still haven't heard a heckuva lot of buzz on it. Curious... Highly recommended to people who like Belle and Sebastian or Kings of Convenience. (Myspace)

Download: London Bridges (EP Version) mp3

4. Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off The Lavender Bridge

Dev Hynes wears a big furry hat in the summertime and he likes to put comic book superheroes on his t-shirts. Never before has blatant dorkdom been so melodic and beautiful, and Falling Off.. is superbly so. I particularly appreciate the way certain songs scale epic heights while still managing to stay firmly rooted in accessibility. (Myspace)

Download: Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk mp3

5. Quest For Fire - Quest For Fire (Review)

It has been an especially good year for local releases and my favourite local one of the year goes to Quest For Fire's self titled release. They prove wholeheartedly that one does not need to be a stoner to appreciate stoner rock, and their progressive take on psychedelia was simply too enthralling for me to ignore. Their live show is a sight to behold as well. (Myspace)

Video: I've Been Trying To Leave on youtube

6. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

Following up one local band with another, Rural Alberta Advantage are one of those bands that I am positive are destined for greatness. Never before has a three piece sounded so full and complete that I think it would be near impossible not to succumb to their engaging folk rock ways. I was quite happy to see this one pop up on a few other best of lists as well. (Myspace)

Download: Don't Haunt This Place mp3

7. Deerhunter - Microcastle

While it's true that Bradford Cox has certainly cleaned up and streamlined his sound a little bit, I find it very hard to agree with those who feel that he has sacrificed any of his integrity on Microcastle. The man is simply doing what he wants to do, and this album is by no means a mediocre snag at commerciality. Rather, album number three is a perfect sonic melding of the worlds of ambience and punk rock, creating a soundscape that is wholly original and a blissful addition to the ever expanding Bradford Cox catalogue. (Myspace)

Download: Nothing Ever Happened mp3

8. Dodos - Vister

Despite my contrary nature, The Dodos are one of those mega hyped bands that I can totally get behind. Visiter is a rare and perfect blend of organic minimalism and high powered freneticism that can lead you to believe that the worlds of folk and bluegrass were always meant to lead into spastic psychedelic breakdown. (Myspace)

Video: Fools on youtube

9. The Golden Hands Before God Conducts Incredible Magic Band And The Spirits - Here

At this point I would like to state for the record, that I do not deliberately try to include local artists on my year end lists. While it's true that heavier exposure to these bands is going to be inevitable, I always try to keep the list nationally unbiased. That having been said, I am fully convinced that regardless of where you're from, if you like rock 'n roll, you will be impressed with the debut release from the band with the ridiculously long name. (Myspace)

Download: One Fine Morning mp3

UPDATE: Originally I had Dog Day's Night Group in the number 10 position but then I was quickly informed that the album was released way early in 2007. Fine. So this means my new number 10 is...

10. Born Ruffians: Red Yellow and Blue

It actually took me a little while for the brilliance of this album to eventually peek through, but once it did, I was addicted. It is catchy and fun, that's for sure, but there's also just enough weirdness taking place just below the surface that, if you listen carefully, you can catch something new with every listen. (Myspace)

Video: I Need A Life on youtube

And because I actually have no self control, here are 10 more honorable mentions:

Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Entire Cities - Deep River
Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Leerone - Imaginary Biographies
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
M83 - Saturdays = Youth
High Dials - Moon Country
Hey Rosetta - Into Your Lungs
The Disraelis - Demonstration

Other lists have already begun to surface, and there will undoubtedly be many more, but for starters:

Kirstiecat
Chromewaves
Butchslap
Cause = Time
Indie Music Filter
Herohill
Muruch
I Am Fuel, You Are Friends

TV On The Radio - Dear Science,

I've been spending a lot of time lately talking about, and listening to, bands that are more significantly under the radar. This reality had caused me to be completely unaware of the fact that the now major labellers TV On The Radio were releasing a new CD entitled Dear Science,. Of course, as soon as the news hit my ears, I rushed out to pick it up.

The reason for my enthusiasm is the fact that TV On The Radio still remain as one of the most consistent bands in the world of indie rock or mainstream rock or whatever category the kids are putting TVOTR in these days. A new TVOTR album is just about always a shoe-in for my personal year end top 10, and what can I say, Dear Science, will likely be there as well in December.

Many comments have been made that this is their attempt at becoming mainstream. I would have to disagree. Sort of. First of all, I never thought that their sound was not mainstream. I realize that the radio never played them, but as far as melody, catchiness and appealing vocals go, they've always had that. Secondly, indicating that they're now having an attempt at the mainstream would indicate that this album is significantly different than their other work. I'm not hearing it. They've always tried to incorporate several different styles and genres in their work, and they're still doing so here. You've got a touch of their trademark new wave doo wop in Halfway Home, gorgeous balladry in Love Dog and Family Tree, some Prince-like funkiness in Crying and Red Dress as well as a horn section that falls somewhere between Fishbone and Sly and the Family Stone. Tunde Adebimpe's vocals have never been better. Whether he's delivering a bassy croon, a funky falsetto or a tongue-in-cheek (yet still socially conscious) rap, Tunde displays some superb vocal control and variety. The highlight for me is Golden Age, which reminds me of Bowie at his most epic, and sounds quite euphoric over all. Clearly, TV On The Radio have still got it, and it appears that, although they're slightly cleaning it up and reigning it in, they won't be losing it anytime soon.

Photo by Ludis Mergins
Myspace: TV On The Radio
Video: Golden Age (live) on youtube

Other stuff: I (Heart) Music has just compiled its annual list of The Hottest Bands In Canada and this year I got the privilege of contributing to this list. Upon reading the final results, I've learned a few things. First of all, I talk too much. My comments are several words more than everyone else's. That's a bit embarrassing. Gonna have to tone that down a bit next time. Also, Chad Vangaalen's place at number one was a bit of a brain fart for me, in the sense that I forgot all about him. He wouldn't have been my number one but still. Sheesh. Finally, I think next year I'm going to put a little bit more personal opinion into my list, because I totally would have included Entire Cities and Golden Hands Before God... since they are definitely hot in my mind. I just didn't realize that there was enough other people out there who felt the same way. Really glad to see them both on the final list. On Monday, Matthew will be posting all of the other bands that received votes but didn't make the final cut. Should be interesting.

Jon Doe and Kathleen Edwards are about to embark on their co-headlining Hurtin' and Flirtin' tour that takes them all over the USA in November, but as a warm up, their doing a little intimate show at the teeny tiny Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington Ave) on Monday November 3rd. I believe the tickets are $20, and they're only available at the door, which opens at 8. Should probably get there early. I'm still undecided myself, although it would be an outstanding show.
Myspace: John Doe
Myspace: Kathleen Edwards

This just in! Toronto's Cancel Winter are going to be interviewed TODAY at 3:30pm on a UK Radio station. Go to www.playradiouk.com and click Listen Now. They're playing at the El Mocambo on December 19th.
Myspace: Cancel Winter

Tracy Shedd has a new video for the song Whatever It Takes from the CD Cigarettes and Smoke Machines.
Myspace: Tracy Shedd

Hello Operator has a new video for the song 55 Regrets from the CD The Breaks.
Myspace: Hello Operator

The Bicycles are doing a free instore performance at Soundscapes on Tuesday November 4th at 7pm.
Myspace: The Bicycles

Finally, did you know that Feist played a surprise show at The Rivoli last Tueday night? Yah, me neither. Apparently it was a songwriter's circle type thing with Wayne Petti, Hayden and others contributing. Woulda been cool to be there, had I have known!?!?! Will she be doing that again? Rumours, rumours....
Myspace: Feist
Myspace: Wayne Petti
Myspace: Hayden

Invasions - Magic EP

Local garage band Invasions are set to release their debut EP Magic sometime in mid October, but I've been privileged to hear it ahead of time and I've got to say that it's pretty dang good. I saw them perform at Rancho Relaxo a few months ago, and I was entirely blown away by their authentic 60's rock sound, as well as their clear grasp on how to successfully capture an audience and completely put them under your rock 'n roll spell. Besides the obvious 60's bands that they clearly emulate, they also do a good job at harnessing that 70's punk rock D.I.Y. aesthetic, keeping their sound successfully rough and gritty. The first couple of songs are basically garage rock by number, which is not a bad thing. But by the time they get to track three (Atlantic Boulevard) they clearly prove that they are more than a one trick pony, introducing a little bit of carefully placed harmonica. The next song Day By Day begins with an eerie organ sound, not unlike what you might hear in something by The Doors or The Animals, before settling into an almost ska-like territory. And the EP closer Hopeless Magic is a great end to the album, starting out sounding like a lounge lizard of sorts before morphing into an exhilarating garage rock build up that leaves us wanting more. Invasions are the type of band that I can see releasing a couple of albums of solid straight forward garage rock before stretching themselves into other areas, proving that a garage band doesn't need to stay confined to any particular comfort zone.

Invasions have a Toronto date at the El Mocambo tomorrow on Sept 27th before heading to Pop Montreal to play the Petit Campus with some other amazing bands like The Disraelis and Black Mountain Bay. Full lineup can be found here.

Myspace: Invasions
Download: Out Of Touch mp3


Hearya.com has mp3's and video footage of a live studio session featuring Your 33 Black Angels. They have a new 22 track CD coming out with the ultra-cool title Tales Of My Pop Rock Love Life. Three songs from the upcoming CD are featured at this session.

Myspace: Your 33 Black Angels

Ray Foley's Mark Olson documentary - The Salvation Blues - is screening at the Sound Unseen festival in Minneapolis, which runs from October 23-30th. I had never even heard of this movie but apparently it's only 30 minutes long, and it chronicles the making of his last album, the reasons why he left The Jayhawks as well as some details on the break up of his marriage to Victoria Williams. I don't know how you cram all of that drama into only 30 minutes but I'm definitely intrigued. You can view the trailer here. Ready For The Flood is his upcoming collaboration with Gary Louris and it's due out in January 2009.

Myspace: Mark Olson

Nicole Atkins talks about her love of Metallica as well as her time hanging out with Springsteen over at Von Pip Musical Express.

Myspace: Nicole Atkins

I can't believe how out of the indie rock loop I can be sometimes. I've been reading some great reviews of TV On The Radio's new CD Dear Science, which apparently came out last Tuesday. Would it kill someone to tell me about these things? Love TVOTR. Gotta pick it up immediately!

Myspace: TV On The Radio

Finally, I hope that you're enjoying this new "reviews with other indie rock news" format that I'm trying out. It's a direct rip off of most other music blogs that I read and enjoy and that are significantly better than mine, but I notice that the more bands you cram in, the more hits you get. So I thought, hecks, why not try it? Can't guarantee that my posts will always be this jam packed with info though. It takes an awful long time to post things this way.

Nurses - Hangin' Nothin' But Our Hands Down

Nurses is a wicked awesome band from California who have created a truly remarkable album in “Hangin’ Nothin’ But Our Hands Down.” They’re obviously very interested in bucking the current musical trends (and really any other past trends too for that matter) and creating a listening experience that really is like no other. Of course, in order to make a recommendation one has to find a point of comparison somewhere. I guess there’s a little bit of TV On The Radio, Q And Not U or Radiohead in their eclecticism. But what makes them unique is that they are eclectic, true, but they are not so avant garde that they require a lot of getting used to. No, the hooks and melodies are there, but they’re presented in a wholly original way. In fact, I was compelled to write this review based on a single listen. It really is THAT impressive. “Way Up High” made me laugh with its wacky vocals, thumping piano and crazy “buh-weeep” whistle sound that the band obviously just threw in for the heck of it. “Wait For A Safe Sign” and “Act Now! You’re King” could have been simple pop songs if that band chose to go that route. The verse-chorus-verse thing is there but they threw in so many Zappa-esque background doo-wops that mainstream radio will likely find it hard to get past that. Of course, that is exactly why I hate mainstream radio and why I love Nurses.

Download:
Alone At Last mp3
Hungry Mouth mp3

You can purchase “Hangin’ Nothin’ But Our Hands Down” here.
Visit Nurses myspace page.

Menomena - Friend And Foe

I had never heard of Menomena prior to the release of this year’s “Friend and Foe,” but apparently this is the third in a series of wonderfully eclectic releases by this Portland, Oregon three piece. Their music seems to attack you from all over the place, and the first comparison that comes to mind upon listening to opening track “Muscle ‘n Flo” is that of the excellent TV On The Radio. The vocals are somewhat similar and their use of loops and beats show that these guys are at least on the same wavelength. The greatest difference however, is that Menomena clearly relies more heavily on improvisation than TTVOTR, and they do so to mixed results. When it works, the sound is nothing short of spectacular. A song like “Weird,” for example, is a real experience, where the steady groove is poised to reel you in, before a densely sporadic saxophone burps and toots its way into the proceedings, making for a strictly free sound. On the other hand, “Air Raid” seems to rely too much on improv, causing the song to lag and drag a little bit. The melodies are there as well, most notably in “My My,” where it sounds as if Thom Yorke may have given them a pointer or two on how to effectively balance art and the mainstream. I’m enjoying this album quite a bit and I would be interested in revisiting some of their older works and seeing how they compare with this one.

Downloads:
Wet and Rusting mp3

Stream the entire album here.
Go to the Menomena mypace page.
Purchase "Friend And Foe" over at Barsuk Records.