CD Club - Top 20 of Summer '15 (or what I've been listening to)
Summer has come and gone, but I managed to listen to some good stuff while it was around. It was more of a case of rediscovering some artists I know well then finding a lot of new stuff. But in an age of come and gone, that’s pretty OK too? As always if you want to hear the track or see the link to a video or live performance, just follow the link and enjoy. Feel free to comment and share what you’re listening to? Long live CD Club:
1 & 2. Highway 1 (Interlude) & This Ain’t Me - Augustines - self-titled
This is both the instrumental into to their fantastic album, along with a fave song from it. The link actually doesn’t have either song, but is instead a KEXP live performance. They remind me of a blue collar American rock version of Mumford and Sons. Lots of emotional, anguished vocals, and this live performance in a dingy studio still gives me the chills. Great band and one of my favorite albums in a long time.
3. All of Me Wants All of You - Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
I could find several versions of this beautiful track performed live but none had the simple folky stripped down sound of the recorded version. A beautiful heartbreakingly sad album, dedicated to his parents. I’m glad after a really bad experimental album, Sufjan has returned to his roots and his signature sound. This is an album to drink to, maybe in the dark? No happy songs to be found here.
4. Catch Me - The Jezabels - Prisoner
A little late on this band, the album is several years old. The Aussies have a pretty standard pop rock sound. This live version doesn’t do Hayley Mary, the lead vocalist justice. Her powerful sound is what really makes the band kick, and in this video she needs more volume, come on audio guy?!
5. Flood on the Floor - Purity Ring - Another Eternity
Another of my favorite albums of the year, PR can do very little wrong. Their live show at 9:30 club this year was also my favorite show of 2015. Their lighting grid alone must have cost $$. Worth the price of admission. The link is to another fan video of another show to get a sense of the stage. Enjoy.
6. Precipitation - The Dodos - Individ
The Dodos are just a really solid sounding indie rock band, The duo of Meric Long and Logan Kroeber, looks a little like two young high school kids jamming out in their parents’ rec room. Actually these guys are experienced vets, considering Individ is their 6th LP?! The link is to a KEXP live version of several other songs off their album. Here’s a audio only version of Precipitation.
7. Jackrabbit - San Fermin - Jackrabbit
This is a song that’s just catchy as hell. Best of luck getting it out of your head. San Fermin calls themselves a a baroque rock band out of Brooklyn. Now I normally always buy the albums of the artists on my list, but I couldn’t bring myself to in this case. I really like the vocals of Charlene Kaye, but the truth is I just can’t say I dig the band as a whole, especially the other vocalists. Just my opinion, but this track is still strong.
8. Blockbuster Night, Pt. 1 - Run the Jewels - single
Cant lie. Heard all about the buzz on this rap group. It wasn’t until I was watching an episode of Silicon Valley, and this track came on over the closing credits. Great stuff. The whole album is pretty good, but by now everyone knows all about RtJ. Since I’m a parent, requisite warning that you’ll have to teach your kids some new words if you blast it around the house though?
9. I Love Lucy - Big Phony - Kicking Punching Bags
Just dig the lyrics in this sad little ballad. A story about a girl that losing it slowly. Maybe its depression, drowning in a bad relationship or just the monotony of life? BP is a singer/songwriter out of NYC who writes beautifully mellow music. The song also reminds me of my grandmother (RIP), who also watched Lucy, just to set the mood? Appropriately sad & odd video.
10. Dona Nobis Pacem 2 - Max Ricter - The Leftovers (Music from the HBO Series)
The funny thing is that the music, this track especially is the ONLY thing I like about this show. I think Max Richter is an immensely talented neo-classical composer, and this is his take on a hymn of unknown origin. Translated from the Latin it means, “bring us peace.” If only the overwrought, bland show was worthy of Richter’s beautiful composition?
11-20 (Honorable Mentions): Just a list and links.
11. Sprinter - TORRES - Sprinter
12. Blank Ocean - Meishi Smile - single
13. Strange Enough - Verite - Echo EP
14. When I Was Done Dying - Dan Deacon - Gliss Riffer
Awesome animation, no two Dan Deacon songs sound the same!
15. Echoes - Pillar Point - download
16. Lifted Up (1985) - Passion Pit - Kindred
Just no way you can be in a sour mood listening to this band.
17. Emperor (remix) - Wilsen - Magnolia remix EP
and finally 3 repeats by three great artists and great albums:
18. Prisoner - The Jezabels - Prisoner
19. Walkabout - Augustines - self titled
20. Should Have Known Better - Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell