2009: The Songs

As far as my favorite songs go, this seems to be the year for the grand epic. I don't know what it is, but the longer progressive numbers were the ones that seemed to have the biggest impact on me, which you'll notice as you start perusing through the following list. On top of that, if you want to get technical, the entire Decemberists album is basically arranged as one lengthy 55 minute song and should actually be my number one song of the year, but that would just be a little too redundant, what with it already sitting atop my Top Albums of '09 list. So, having said that, here is my annual list of the songs that have warranted necessary use of the repeat button on my iPod throughout the year. As per usual, the tunes are not listed in any particular order, since basically all of these songs are tied for first place, in the sense that I listened to them all with great repetition.

Bay Of Pigs by Destroyer (from Bay of Pigs EP)

At 13 minutes in length, this one is a moody little number that is as epic sounding as the plans for the attempted 1961 Cuban invasion upon which the title of the tune is based most likely was at the time, although unlike that CIA trained endeavor, the song is actually quite successful. Beginning as an ambient mix of controlled synths and opportunities for Bejar to share confounding lyrics such as "Magnolia's a girl. Her heart's made of wood. As apocalypses go, that's pretty good. Sha-la-la, wouldn't you say?" the song shifts partway through into an upbeat disco thump before culminating in two minutes of white noise that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Stream: Bay of Pigs at Stereogum

And The Glitter Is Gone by Yo La Tengo (from Popular Songs)

Although by and large the latest release by everyone's favourite Hobokeners has them sounding more poppy than ever before, it's the album's closing 16 minute instrumental psychedelic rocker that had me begging for more. Though many might disagree, YLT are at their best when they just let loose on their improvisational selves.

Video: And The Glitter Is Gone Pt 1 on youtube
Video: And The Glitter Is Gone Pt 2 on youtube

Siren Song by Bat For Lashes (from Two Suns)

Natasha Khan's voice pierces right through me on this hauntingly beautiful number. I know that comparing her to Kate Bush is a little bit redundant at this point (of course, so is using the word 'redundant' twice in the same article) but the fact that the song would not be out of place on Bush's The Dreaming is part of its wonderful appeal for me.

Video: Siren Song (live at Morning Become Eclectic) on youtube

Lemons (aka Big Fish Little Pond) by Amos The Transparent
(from My What Big Teeth You Have)

Skilled songwriting matched with a simple yet unforgettable melody makes this song an infectious slice of perfection as Jonathan Chandler and company prove that even amidst a year of grand orchestral experimentation, there is a lot to be said for the charms of a subtle, acoustic pop song.

Download: Lemons (aka Big Fish Little Pond) mp3
Video: Lemons (aka Big Fish, Little Pond) on youtube

Little Secrets by Passion Pit (from Manners)

Overall, this has been a moderately successful year for me as far as listening to dancier music goes, with bands like Green Go, Handsome Furs, Friendly Fires and Woodhands receiving at least some minimal iPod airplay from me, although getting through an entire album in one sitting by any of those artists is a bit of a tall order for my anti-disco soul. Still, there was one number that achieved 'press, play, repeat' status for me, and it was this retrofied number by the Massachusetts five piece. The songs Sleepyhead and The Reeling may have received a little bit more blogger love but trust me, Little Secrets is by far the standout.

Video: Little Secrets (live on KCRW) on youtube

Doom by Hut (from Hut EP)

There are some songs that lend themselves to pristine production by nature of their incredible hooks and infectious melodies. However, when that's been done a million times before already then there's something refreshing about hearing that dynamic within the confines of a rough and delightfully real, lo-fi sound. Daniel Lee (of Hooded Fang) has coined a masterpiece with this song, and I hope that when he makes it rich in the future, he chooses to keep this song just the way it is, because it's the roughness that gives this song its charm.

Download: Doom mp3

It's Not Your Birthday Anymore by Morrissey (from Years of Refusal)

I figured that the days of Morrissey sitting in a personal year end list was gone forever, but lo and behold, here he is with a song that ranks among some of the best work of his entire career. This song is classic Moz, with that tongue in cheek misanthropic lyricism in full force and a chorus that is as large as it gets. A twisted anthem for sure, and the type of song that wannabe bombasts (like Snow Patrol) could only dream of penning.

Video: It's Not Your Birthday Anymore on youtube
(It's basically just the song streaming over a still of a half eaten piece of cake, but that's the only place where I could find the song streaming)

Synastry / New Beginning by Dog Day (from Elder Schoolhouse EP)

You knew that the combination of Halifax shoegazers Dog Day and prolific studio mastermind Rick White was going to be pretty spectacular, and the limited edition Elder Schoolhouse EP (vinyl only, and only 400 copies made) has produced the band's most expansive material so far. It may be cheating a bit to include all of side 2 as one song, but these two tracks should never be pulled apart for any reason whatsoever. The second part is a massive wall of psychedelic feedback that'll have you seeing double. I can only provide an mp3 of the first part of the song, but you really need to track down the whole thing for the full impact.

Download: Synastry mp3

Venus Rising by Blue Rodeo (from The Things We Left Behind)

Like the aforementioned Morrissey, I was pretty sure that the days of including Blue Rodeo on best of the year lists were long behind us, but the Keelor / Cuddy combo have proven that they still have the chops to pull it off when they want to. The new album still contains quite a bit of filler, but there is enough gold on it to make it their best album since Five Days In July, and this may be their best song since Diamond Mine. An epic slowburner with some blistering guitar work.

Stream: Venus Rising on youtube

Cat Tail Legs by Megan Hamilton
(from See Your Midnight Breath In The Shipyard)

The award for best vocal performance of the year goes to Megan Hamilton for the incendiary throat shred that she pulls of throughout the course of this barn busting number. Everything about this track is straightforward and immediate and although she pulls off abstract just fine at other points on the CD, this quality rocker gets the job done with perfection.

Download: Cat Tail Legs mp3

Honorable Mentions:
Drunkard's Prayer by The Schomberg Fair
Black Bull Nova by Wilco
I Can't Be Normal by Shelby Lamb
Grew Up On The Seeds by The Hoa Hoa's
Saturna by Son Volt
Love's On The Run by The Space Between Things
Come Saturday by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
Dené Sled by Pick A Piper
Tightrope by Yeasayer
Faults by The Paint Movement

Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#45-41)

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

45. The Weekend - The Weekend (2000)

Probably the most obscure selection on my personal list comes by way of London Ontario's now defunct The Weekend. At the turn of the century I was listening to a lot of embarrassing music and, as expected, when I took the time to revisit some of those old favorites, they did not hold up at all. Oddly enough, I was expecting to say the same about this pop gem, but interestingly, that was not the case. The lyrics are juvenile and very much in the vein of high school fluttery, but the songs are still incredibly catchy, while the vocals of Andrea Wasse and Lorien Jones complement each other in an exceptional way. While their future releases boasted more of a teeny bopper professional sheen, the debut is still surprisingly raw, with a true punk rock aesthetic. The retro keyboard sound of Link Cushman didn't become fashionable for a couple of years, although now you can hear that sound just about everywhere. For an idea on the sound itself, imagine if all of Metric's songs were as catchy as Combat Baby. If you're like me and you wish they were, then combine that idea with the sound of Blue-period Weezer (or more accurately the Matt Sharp side project The Rentals) and this hard-to-find gem may be right up your alley, as it is mine. Hard copies are hard to come by, but I think it may still be available to download on Zunior. [Myspace: The Weekend]

44. Sunset Tree - The Mountain Goats (2005)

I don't usually claim to be one of the forerunners when it comes to music, but I got into The Mountain Goats waaaaaay after everyone else. People have been singing the praises of John Darnielle since back in his lo-fi days, and there are others that got into him after he streamlined his sound a little bit. Myself, I didn't get into him until I heard 2007's Get Lonely, and I simply backtracked from that point on. However, I guess it's better late than never, because I've been turned on to a lot of great music in that prolific back catalogue. As far as this past decade goes, I would have to say that 2005's The Sunset Tree is the best of the bunch. Darnielle's poetic lyricism accompanied by his seemingly basic guitar playing is a combination that cannot be denied, as can be heard in passionate cuts like Next Year, a song that has to be lived in order to be as convincing as it is. He shows a flair for the dramatic with Dilaudid and some classic whimsy with Hast Thou Considered The Tetrapod. [Myspace: The Mountain Goats]

43. Is This It - The Strokes (2001)

Those who have heard me express my disdain for Julian Casablancas are likely surprised to see this album on my list. But a great album is a great album and this, my friends, is a great album. It's just that everything else Casablancas has ever done is terrible. (Ouch!) This is the album that was supposed to save rock 'n roll, and when I listened to it recently in preparation for this list, it's easy to understand why people thought that this would be the case. Songs like Soma, Hard To Explain, Take It Or Leave It and the rambunctious New York City Cops are presented so effortlessly that it's hard to imagine that a sound could be any cooler if the Fonz himself was in charge of the proceedings. The problem is that, like Fonzie, the band jumped the shark pretty quickly and what sounded so fresh and flawless on this debut, came across as forced and cartoon-like on all future releases. I've noticed that Is This It has appeared in the upper echelons of most other lists, and I tried my best to judge this one based on its own merits, but the truth is, that the fact that Casablancas has become such a caricature of his previous self has tainted the overall feel of this one for me, as great as it still is. [Myspace: The Strokes]

42. And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out - Yo La Tengo (2000)

Everything about Yo La Tengo screams ego-centricity, from their sprawling 17 minute epics to the titles of their albums and, my goodness, don't you just love them for it? Yo La Tengo has certainly released more pop oriented albums, and they've released albums that were also more upbeat, but they have never released anything as sparse or as beautiful than this one. It's true that the mellower approach caused some fans to feel that the release was a little bit too glum or even boring, but I find it to be truly captivating. Saturday, for example, serves as an exploration of atmospheric thoughts and tones, sounding like the soundtrack to a fairly intense lucid dream. Let's Save Tony Orlando's House is another subtle gem, with a sultry vocal that literally gives me chills. And then there's the 17 minute ambient opus of Night Falls On Hoboken, which is a song that I always get lost in. I'm not sure if I would call this one my favorite Yo La Tengo album, but it's definitely the one that I find most endearing. [Myspace: Yo La Tengo]

41. The Revolution Starts... Now - Steve Earle (2004)

Songs of anger and protest are not always my thing, especially since I usually have no interest in hearing other people complain about things that they really no nothing about. However, that opinion completely shifts when it's the articulate poison laced pen of Steve Earle spouting off these opinions. Steve Earle is the type of artist that I have little minor addictions to, meaning that there are times when he's all I feel like listening to. The events of this decade, namely 9/11, made Steve understandably angry, but it was by means of his caustic wit and incredible musicianship that he made his point clear through the material on both 2002's Jerusalem and 2004's The Revolution Starts...Now. The latter makes the cut for the simple reason that I liked the songs just a little bit better, but trust me, the former was only cut by a very small margin. Songs like the biting social commentary contained in the rocking title track, the personal declarations in The Seeker, the perfectly sappy Emmylou Harris duet (Comin' Around), and the hilarious love song to National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice (Condi, Condi) compile together to make this an album that I come back to regularly. [Myspace: Steve Earle]

Tomorrow: Bobby B's Top 50 Albums Of The Decade (#40-36)

'Sup In October: Ten Picks

It was incredibly difficult to narrow my gig picks for October down to only ten. There are literally a ton of great shows going on this month, and the thought of setting aside all other responsibilities and just taking in a different live show every night of the week has never been more appealing. Well, almost. I mean, call me crazy, but I actually enjoy being a semi-responsible guy, most of the time. But I digress. Here are my picks for October '09.

For more detailed listings, as usual, go check out Stillepost, Zoilus and Jen's Weekly List (of shows under $10)

1. Roky Erickson w/The Sadies @ Lee's Palace
(Wednesday October 28th; Cost: $29.50adv/ $30 door)

So far this has been the best year I can remember for having psychedelic legends perform here. We've had The Sonics, The Zombies and Love all come to town and now you can add to that list the legendary frontman for 13th Floor Elevators: Roky Erickson. What's doubly interesting about this show is the fact that The Sadies are scheduled to perform as well. Now I don't want to start any rumours or get any hopes up, but I'm thinking that there's a good chance that The Sadies might be Roky's band for the evening which, if this is true, which I'm not saying that it is, would be awesome! Either way, just seeing them both on the same night is sure to make this show a memorable one for sure.

[Myspaces: Roky Erickson; 13th Floor Elevators, The Sadies]

2. Wilco / Liam Finn @ Massey Hall
(Wed Oct 14th & Thurs Oct 15th; Cost: $39.50 - $45.00)

Although my personal feelings for the works of Wilco have not been as strong in recent years as they once were, that doesn't lessen the fact that the live Wilco experience is one of greatness. I'm sure that the show will be heavy on material from the latest album, but since they've recently cut their teeth on some of the classics, I'm hoping that they'll throw in a few of those also. Add to that, the possibility that Feist might pop by, and a splendid time is guranteed for all. Once again, I'm not saying that she will be there; this is all just mere speculation on my part. The fact that Liam Finn is opening for them is also exciting since I've heard more than a few good things about his show from people who've actually seen him.

[Myspaces: Wilco; Liam Finn]

3. Loney Dear / Asobi Seksu @ The Horseshoe
(Tuesday October 13th; Cost: $13)

There was no way to hide the disappointment in my walk home from The Rivoli a few months ago after finding out that Emil Svanängen's van broke down and the Loney Dear gig was simply not going to happen. I love seeing this band live and I'm crazy giddy that they are able to return to our city to give it another try. If you enjoy smiling, then I sincerely hope that you'll put this show on your to-do list, because a Loney Dear show is all about shining happiness on everyone in attendance. Don't believe me? Go to this show!

[Myspaces: Loney Dear; Asobi Seksu]

4. Yo La Tengo / The Horse's Ha @ Opera House
(Saturday October 3rd; Cost: $25)

I have not yet heard Yo La Tengo's latest release entitled Popular Songs, but I'm sure it's great. Why can I be so confident? Because they always are! I am of the opinion that Yo La Tengo's music contains a consistency that is only rivaled by Sonic Youth. They are currently in their 25th year of existence, and they have yet to release a mediocre album. The show kind of caught me by surprise and I'm already slated to catch another one, but if there was ever a strong argument for cloning myself, this would be it.

[Myspaces: Yo La Tengo; The Horse's Ha]

5. Broadcast / Atlas Sound @ Lee's Palace
(Saturday August 24th; Cost: $13)

I really like that Bradford Cox. Deerhunter never ceases to amaze me and the same can be said about the prolific works of Cox's solo project Atlas Sound. Although his alienating antics have made a few headlines in the past, I thought he was an absolutely mesmerizing frontman when I saw Deerhunter last year and I'm sure that the same can be said about this show too. Last year, he put out a collaboration CD with electro poppers Broadcast, who are headlining the show. I don't know much about Broadcast. I like what I know but I only know a little. I'm sure they're good.

[Myspaces: Atlas Sound; Broadcast]

6. Happy Mondays / Psychedelic Furs @ Kool Haus
(Wednesday October 14th; Cost: $31.50)

Although these two bands were never really contemporaries as such, they both evoke the same nostalgic feelings in me since their music was featured equally at every party I ever attended from 1988 to 1995. My arms flail madly just thinking about it. Of course, the show's at the Kool Haus which means that if there are any flailing arms happening, they would likely be hitting me in the face and annoying me, because this is generally what happens at the Kool Haus.

[Myspaces: Happy Mondays; Psychedelic Furs]

7. Echo and the Bunnymen @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
(Tuesday October 20th; Cost: $67.00)

If you'd rather get your 80's fix at a seated venue, then QET is the way to go as Echo and the Bunnymen (pictured above circa 1980) will be performing their entire Ocean Rain album in its entirety with a full orchestra accompanying them. That is sure to be one uplifting show. For 67 bucks, it better be.

[Myspace: Echo and the Bunnymen]

8. Destroyer / Andre Ethier @ The Horseshoe
(Wednesday October 3rd; Cost: $13.50)

I've been longing to see Dan Bejar since Destroyer's Rubies became one of my most listened to albums of the decade. I still have trouble listening to Painter In My Pocket less than three times in a row. He's put out a lot of great stuff since that masterpiece, including the solid Trouble In Dreams album and this year's soaring Bay Of Pigs single, which is a 13 minute electronic disco rock amalgam of pure bliss. Sweetening the pot is the fact that he's being supported by local songwriting genius Andre Ethier, whose live show I've actually been craving lately.

[Myspaces: Destroyer; Andre Ethier]

9. Daniel Johnston @ Mod Club
(Saturday October 17th; Cost: $27.00)

A Daniel Johnston show is a bit of a risky endeavor since you never really know how it's going to go down. It could be amazing, bordering on genius, or it could be confusing, annoying or perhaps even offensive, depending on how he's feeling. However, if you're at all familiar with the story of Daniel Johnston, then you're likely as curious as I am to attend a performance, at least once. The fact is, that his music has been covered by everyone from Tom Waits to Beck to Sparklehorse and his influence is undeniable.

[Myspace: Daniel Johnston]

10. Shonen Knife / The Modern Superstitions @ The Horseshoe
(Sunday October 18th; Cost: $15.50 adv/ $18 door)

My weakness for Japanese pop is something that I haven't revealed all that often on this here blog, but truth be told, I may not always know what they're talking about, but they always warm my heart anyway. Shonen Knife is one of my favourites, and their show at The Horseshoe is bound to be all kinds of fun.

[Myspaces: Shonen Knife; The Modern Superstitions]

Honorable Mentions:
As I alluded to at the outset, I could honestly be honorably mentioning my brains out, since the number of great shows in town is staggering. Bruce Peninsula and Sunparlour Players (Oct 1st @ Horseshoe); Built To Spill (Oct 6th & 7th @ Lee's Palace); The Horrors (Oct 15th @ Lee's Palace); Cuff The Duke (Oct 16th & 17th @ Horseshoe); The Dodos (Oct 17th @ Lee's) Elvyn (Oct 23rd @ Silver Dollar); In Flight Safety (Oct 29th @ El Mocambo); Bishop Allen (Oct 30th @ El Mocambo) and many many more. You add to that the Pop Montreal Festival that is taking place RIGHT NOW in Montreal, and this weekend's city wide art festival Nuit Blanche, and this month becomes more action packed than a Michael Bay movie. But with significantly more substance.

Where I'll Be:
I'm actually mildly prepared this time around since I'm holding a ticket to the Destroyer / Andre Ethier show this Saturday (after which I plan on attempting the all night thing again with Nuit Blanche.) I'll also be checking out Loney Dear for sure, and Wilco's first night as well. I hope to catch Elvyn's show at the Silver Dollar and I'm really hoping to go to my number one pick with Roky and The Sadies, although I don't actually have my ticket for that one yet. See you around!