Picture of the Day: Matt Berninger

of The National.

Song to Love: The Forms Feat. Matt Berninger - Fire to the Ground

This is my current favorite song. I've listened to it probably 30 times in the past two weeks.

The Forms (whose style Wikipedia considers "math rock"), are a Brooklyn band that formed in the early 2000's and have since released two albums with a third on the way.

The song features The National's Matt Berninger and the combination could not be better.

At just under three minutes, the song goes on for just the right amount of time to leave you wanting more.

Radiohead vs. The National

I absolutely adore Radiohead's new music video for their recent single "Lotus Flower" that, by the way, already has nearly 4 million views on Youtube and was only released 5 days ago(!) but I can't help but think it is too closely related to The National's video for "Bloodbuzz Ohio" that depicts frontman Matt Berninger awkwardly dancing around in black and white.

Although Berninger was better dressed and better bearded, I've been a longtime fan of Thom Yorke's crazy dancing abilities which puts me on the fence. On the 2009 Grammy Awards, Yorke danced his way through "15 Step" and it was rather awe-inspiring. It's the kind of thing you can't take your eyes off, whether you're enjoying it or not. There's something so odd about his face and tiny, little body that it keeps your attention. "Lotus Flower" as a whole is a great song but I'm disappointed it sounds so similiar to everything we've come to expect from Radiohead. Maybe that's not giving it enough credit, since it's definitely one of the best songs to come out recently, but without this fantastic video I'm not sure that I would even be paying much attention to it. The National's "Bloodbuzz Ohio" wasn't really a departure for them either. On music blogs last year the real discussion was whether or not the video was arrogant or humorous. Basically, it seemed like the conversation was mostly about the visuals rather than the song. Regardless, I still listen to it all the time over a year later.

I think the bottom line is no amount of sophistication and good looks are going to trump Thom Yorke's exceptional dancing abilities. Did he get inspiration from Matt Berninger? That remains to be seen.

Where For Art Thou, Amazon?

It has been about three weeks since I wrote anything on this blog. I'm not sure why to be honest. I've been listening to so much good music there really isn't an excuse. Although I'm still a devout believer in iTunes, my enthusiasm is waning. In weeks past, particularly with the legal elimination of Limewire, I've been searching for a reliable yet cheap method of acquiring mp3's. And then out of the corner of my eye I spotted Amazon.com, a friend that had always casually been there but suddenly our relationship was becoming something more...

I'm having a love affair with Amazon and their brilliant Digital Download department. I'm so angry at myself for not realizing it before. They have an unbelievable, almost guilt-inducing amount of free downloads (that are actually really good!). Like any passionate affair, I'm not sure of its origin. I think it was innocent at first - I noticed that Of Montreal's "Sex Karma" single featuring Solange was a "free download of the day". Since I'm the king of sexy music and I love both artists, I figured I'd use it as a sample download to see if Amazon was even compatible with my aging laptop. Surprisingly all Amazon required from me was to install a very small program on to my computer in order to automatically transfer any of my purchases on to iTunes and bam: I was the proud owner of free, legal music.

All at once I realized something in my heart was changing. I would wait with baited breath until I could get home each night and search for more free/cheap music on Amazon. As my laptop lay on my chest and caressed the skin of my fingertips with every new song I bought, I knew this was something good. It just kept going - the recommendations I was getting for FREE songs that I actually wanted to own were blowing my mind. An entire album of 2010 Merge Record hits? Yes. A new Badly Drawn Boy single? Don't mind if I do. Chaka Khan singing James Bond theme songs? Yes, yes, yes! Even my recommendations matched my quirky personality. It was a match made in heaven.

So we're up to date. As I sit here listening to a live track from Lambchop (the band, not the lovable puppet) that was free and completely unexpected, I feel content in my musical accomplishments - although I have not been sharing them. You know how it is with a new relationship, you want to keep all the love to yourself. But now I'm ready to talk about it. Amazon and I are together. I'm sorry iTunes, you tax all your overpriced songs. I wanted to buy Cee Lo's new record from you today but you insisted on $1.29 a song when Amazon was asking a flat fee of 0.99. What am I supposed to do? You would do the same thing.

It might seem a little silly to compare music sites to lovers but you know I'm starting to think they're not too far off. The feeling I get from a sensual song is somewhat similar to the sensual feeling in real life. Because I was in the loving spirit I bought a lot of songs from Amazon today in addition to my free downloads, one of which was "Private Eyes" by the incomparable Hall and Oates. I know it's embarrassing that I didn't own it before (although I have on vinyl for many years) but it always seemed less important than other H&O songs. Now I just want to complete my collections of every artist I love. ANYWAY, it is such a sexy song - and "Do What You Want, Be What You Are", also by Hall and Oates. I wouldn't even know this song existed if it weren't for Amazon. I've amassed 56 songs in the past week because of these people. I'm pretty excited for our future together.

If we're being honest though, my emotions have been shifting back and forth frequently over the past three weeks I have been absent from this blog. There have been so many incredible highs but mentally several lows that I'm not sure how to explain. Music is a great reliever of pain and tension but sometimes it accelerates it. When you're in compromising positions mentally certain lyrics set you off just so and you can't listen to them. Lately I've been unable to relate to most songs because I'm not sad or angry or anything very strongly (except romantically charged). I mean Usher's "Trading Places" and N.E.R.D.'s new single "Hypnotize You" are definitely working with that theme but I'm in a deeper state than that somehow. It's not worth explaining as I don't even need an explanation. Actually, I'm also in a recent quest to find songs that are completely unrelated to relationships/love. The National are always good for this as very often their themes are a bit larger than mere love, it's much more nationally (no pun intended) and economically charged with a lot of lyrics trying to decipher the woes of growing older and getting up just to work and "live". I'd like to find other bands like this. It's tough because even the greatest songwriters turn to love more than absolutely anything else. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to hear about it though.

I'll leave you with all of this brilliance below:

Video of the Day: The National - Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks (Live Unplugged)

My dear friend saw The National live last night at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN and while she said the entire show was incredible, she singled out an unplugged version of "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" as one of the best parts. Seeing the entire crowd softly singing along really affected her  - "not even a microphone!" she text me.

Well I didn't understand it until I saw this video. Have you ever seen a band do something like this before? This song is already an emotional segment of the show at a regular concert but to see it done like this is overwhelming. Seeing the entire crowd singing back up is unbelievable. The lyrics to this song are particularly poignant and it's strange how the diversity of the crowd doesn't change the fact that we all have these thoughts. There is a genuine feeling that lives inside this song that just resonates with people - any one of these audience members could've written these lyrics because they are truly that universal. Like I said in the last post, many of The National's songs can easily become anthems for people in their own lives. The repetition of certain lyrics bring out the truth in them somehow. It's also strange to hear the last line, "I'll explain everything to the geeks", without Matt Berninger's classic shouting. It all works though.

This is so impressive and a perfect depiction of how interactive and perceptive The National are as a band.



Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks Lyrics by The National

Leave your home
Change your name
Live alone
Eat your cake

Vanderlyle, crybaby, cry
Oh the waters are risin'
Still no surprisin' you
Vanderlyle, crybaby, cry
Man its all been forgivin'
Swans are a swimmin'
I'll explain everything to the geeks


All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love


Vanderlyle, crybaby, cry
Oh the waters are risin'
Still no surprisin' you
Vanderlyle, crybaby, cry
Man its all been forgivin'
Swans are a swimmin'
I'll explain everything to the geeks


Hangin' from chandeliers
Same small world
At your heels


All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for love


Vanderlyle, crybaby, cry
Oh the waters are risin'
Still no surprisin' you
Vanderlyle, crybaby, cry
Man its all been forgivin'
Swans are a swimmin'

I'll explain everything to the geeks
I'll explain everything to the geeks

The National, Wellmont Theatre - September 24, 2010

I don't know how many times I can say it: Matt Berninger is the greatest frontman in contemporary rock music.

After seeing The National six times this year I almost go to their shows hoping I won't like something so I'll have a shot at writing a different review. Of course, all I'm left with after the fact is a brilliant show that doesn't need my words slobbering all over it. There are only so many times I can start these reviews with "I can't express how much I love The National..." or "The National are the greatest band on earth..." Some people might get the impression I'm a little obsessed. I am.

Before I get into my usual gushing, I have to say that I've been to two concerts since I saw The National perform and although both were great in their own ways, I couldn't muster the excitement I thought was necessary to appreciate either fully. The National has ruined me for any other band. I go to a show knowing that the singer is not going to completely encompass the lyrics of the songs and I know they're not going to come into the audience and sing into people's faces half inebriated and half embarrassed. Maybe it's strange that I love Matt Berninger more than anyone in the world or maybe it's just that he is incapable of disappointing me - and everyone else in the audience.

And it's not just Berninger. Aaron and Bryce Dessner, Scott and Bryan Devendorf, and the occassional Padma Newsome make this band the greatest around. Their artistry and musicianship is unmatched by any I've seen.

Friday at the Wellmont was no exception. I've never been a fan of this venue but The National made it sound better than ever. Berninger came out drunker than usual with the requisite wine bottle and immediately went into "Runaway" which had been more of a closing number in their summer tour. While 50% of the show was dedicated to songs off High Violet, the other half managed to have a couple surprises, mostly in the form of "Daugthers of the Soho Riots" and "Available" which are songs I've seen this year but not recently.

It's always extraordinary to see a song start off calm and collected and end in a beautiful shambles. Songs like "Afraid of Everyone" and "England" begin in nearly a whisper with simple lyrics that set the scene and by song's end the anthemic lines begin in repetition with Berninger screaming at the top of his lungs and falling into microphone stands, Aaron and Bryce closing their eyes intently playing guitar all the while. There is no other band that could pull off a line like "Your voice is swallowing my soul" nearly ten times in one song and practically bring the crowd to tears. I clutch my heart every time I hear it.

After an exquisite performance of "Fake Empire" to close the set, the encore started with "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks", a song I had a difficult time appreciating since the new album came out. I think the title is corny and since it's near the end of the record, I just dismissed it more than I should have. Hearing it live gives it an entirely new life. The beginning lines "Leave your home, Change your name. Live alone, eat your cake" are basically just Berninger a cappela and it kills me every time. Hearing his deep voice trying to hit the high notes and faltering just enough to sound authentically painful is incredible. He makes himself so vulnerable on stage that I can't imagine the entire audience not falling in love with him by the end. He feels the lyrics with every fiber of his being - or at least makes it appear that way. His charisma is otherworldly.

In true National fashion, the show ended with Matt climbing on speakers and falling into the audience with his trademark, larger than life microphone cord trailing behind him. It's impossible to explain how it feels to watch him perform unless you're there to experience it. There are a lot of great musicians out there but it takes something a long the lines of magic to be the best.

The National Setlist - 9/24/10

Runaway

Anyone's Ghost

Mistaken For Strangers

Bloodbuzz Ohio

Slow Show

Squalor Victoria

Afraid of Everyone

Available

Conversation 16

Apartment Story

Sorrow

Abel

Daughters of the SoHo Riots

England

Fake Empire

Encore:

Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
Secret Meeting
Mr. November
Terrible Love

All photographs courtesy of me and my bozo camera.

Picture of the Day: The National (and Obama)

Video of the Day: The National - You've Done it Again, Virginia

All week I'll be posting about The National in one respect or another leading up to the concert on Friday. This particular video is a couple years old but I never get tired of it. I have an addiction and I love it. In this moment, there's nothing I love more in fact.

Why I Should be a Roadie for The National

You didn't think I wouldn't talk about The National this week did you? It's been too long. I do have to say that I shouldn't even be writing right now with my thoughts so jumbled but the greatest thought of all is seeing The National six days from now. It's slightly bittersweet because there aren't any more National concerts lined up for the rest of the year after this (!!!) but that's why I'm going to milk this for all it's worth. For the next six days I might only write about The National in anticipation for it.

Right now I'm listening to the painful "Geese of Beverly Road". For the past two hours I've just been listening to The National. I woke up with a rather somber, strange feeling and somehow that transferred into the need for The National. Everyone gets a little lost sometimes, I think some people are forever lost and it's hard to know where to put that mess. Simple is rarely simple. The National is not simple.

The other day I watched a great interview with Matt Berninger where he said that a lot of his songs have dark humor within them that people don't get. They think songs like "Conversation 16" in which he discusses putting his head in an oven ala Sylvia Plath are real. The interviewer went as far as asking him if that song was based in reality. Berninger obviously denied it and said it's meant to be silly. He's not afraid of eating anyone's brains and he's never tried to commit suicide. I'm not sure I completely buy that answer - maybe not to that extent but he's writing based in his own feelings for sure. I'd put a lot of money on it. He writes about the same recurring feelings and themes consistently.

Lately I'm starting to get a little lesson in things masquerading as something else and realizing that everything that seems like it means something might not but I'm damn sure that The National mean something. I have it tattooed on my body that it means something. More importantly, I feel it. I have seen Matt Berninger destroyed on stage while singing lyrics that obviously mean something to him. My best friend and I have joked about being jealous of his wife - then concluded that he must be a handful to deal with on a daily basis. Yeah, but imagine how incredible it would be to know someone who is so truly intense.

I don't want to sound like a 15-year-old talking about Justin Timberlake and how "Like I Love You" shatters her world but I do like the idea of having an external sound evoke so much internally. If I were a scientist I'd do some research on my brain and find out why I go back to The National every time I need something to surround me, almost like gluing everything together. Whether we love work or school or our friends, there are always those days when we want to get away from everything. We need a break from life. Sometimes I'd prefer to live out a day as someone else, not because I want to be someone else but because I'm exhausted. I'm older now so things are a little different, when I want a break I know how to shut off my mind and not care about anything. It's a little heartless but it's also necessary in order to not break your own heart. The National helps me with this. I think about Berninger's lyrics and genuinely believe that there's another ridiculously, stupid intense person in this world that doesn't know what to do too.

That's why I think I should just leave everyone I know, drop out of school, quit my job and travel with The National as a roadie - I don't know how to tune a guitar but I know how to duct tape a setlist to the floor and roll out a carpet. I know how to put a few Poland Spring waters on the ground and ice a nice bottle of wine. I could buy towels or carry microphones or really anything. I'll work for free - just a place to sleep and some food. I don't need any more material possessions, I don't need anybody else in my life, I just want the music. I just want to stand on the side of the stage every night and listen. If life is about finding something you love and surrounding yourself with it then this is what I should be doing. I'd miss my cat but it wouldn't be the entire year, just a few months.

I'm crazy. I'm crazy because I'm serious. I seriously would just drop everything if ever this was a possibility. I'm considering going online right now and searching for how one acquires jobs like this. I am just tired. I'm tired of seeing people give up and give in. I'm afraid it will happen to me too. When I say out loud that I see myself being successful, I'm starting to hear myself sounding like a child. Don't I know no one is successful anymore? How did I hang on to these childish, whimsical dreams for so long? I'm the only one left.

I believe it even more when I hear Matt Berninger sing.



"I'll do what I can to be a confident wreck." - M.B.



The Geese of Beverly Road Lyrics

We'll take ourselves out in the street
And wear the blood in our cheeks
Like red roses
We'll go from car to sleeping car
And whisper in their sleeping ears
We were here, we were here
We'll set off the geese of Beverly Road

Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius
Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome

We won't be disappointed
We'll fight like girls for our place at the table
Our room on the floor
We'll set off the geese of Beverly Road

Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius
Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome

We're the heirs to the glimmering world

We're drunk and sparking, our legs are open
Our hands are covered in cake
But I swear we didn't have any
I swear we didn't have any

Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius
Hey, love, we'll get away with it
We'll run like we're awesome

We're the heirs to the glimmering world

Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight

Serve me the sky tonight

Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight

serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon

We're the heirs to the glimmering world

Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight

Serve me the sky tonight

Oh, come, come be my waitress and serve me tonight

serve me the sky with a big slice of lemon

Matt Berninger is Perfection

Picture of the Day: The National on Their Favorite Musicians

I absolutely love this. Found on Tumblr via the brilliant http://fuckyeahthenational.tumblr.com/.

Something in the Air: Best Seduction Songs

I am a huge fan of songs that make you feel something. A couple years ago I created a top 25 list of the sexiest songs out of frustration from looking on the internet and finding nothing. In the years that have passed, I've been lucky enough to amass an additional 20 songs on to the list of perfect songs to seduce your lover (or lovers) to. I can't say that it always works but add a glass of wine and a starry eyed glare in the right direction and you might have yourself a fantastic evening, courtesy of these touching tunes.

00The National - Lemonworld*
01 The Rolling Stones - Beast of Burden
02 Hall & Oates - One on One
03 Chicago - No Tell Lover
04 Sade - Sweetest Taboo
05 Michael Jackson - You Rock My World
06 Joseph Arthur - September Baby
07 Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine
08 Bon Iver - Skinny Love
09 Corinne Bailey Rae - Closer
10 Dwele - Weekend Love
11 Elvis Presley - One Night
12 Norah Jones - Sunrise
13 Paolo Nutini - Last Request
14 Mary Wells - You Beat Me to the Punch
15 Todd Rundgren - Hello, It's Me
16 Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
17 Maroon 5 - Woman
18 Badly Drawn Boy - Silent Sigh
19 Sheryl Crow - My Favorite Mistake
20 The Shins - Sea Legs

*Lemonworld basically inspired this list. It is an otherworldy song.

Video of the Day: The National - England

As usual, thank you Matt Berninger for writing some of the most beautiful lyrics on paper and singing them even more beautifully.

The National makes everything right.



England Lyrics

Summer sent a runner
Through the weather that I'm under
For the feeling that I lost today
Summer sent a runner
For the feeling that I lost today


Summer sent a runner
Through the weather that I'm under
For the feeling that I lost today
Summer sent a runner
For the feeling that I lost today

You must be somewhere in London
You must be loving your life in the rain
You must be somewhere in London
Walking Abbey Lane


I don't even think to make
I don't even think to make
I don't even think to make corrections


Famous angels never come through England
England gets the ones you never need
I'm in a Los Angeles cathedral
Minor singing airheads sing for me

Put an ocean and a river
Between everybody else,
Between everything, yourself, and home
Put an ocean and a river
Between everything, yourself, and home


You must be somewhere in London
You must be loving your life in the rain
You must be somewhere in London
Walking Abbey Lane


I don't even think to make
I don't even think to make
I don't even think to make corrections


Famous angels never come through England
England gets the ones you never need
I'm in a Los Angeles cathedral
Minor singing airheads sing for me

Afraid of the house, stay the night with the sinners
Afraid of the house, stay the night with the sinners
Afraid of the house, 'cause they're desperate to entertain

Picture of the Day: Matt Berninger

The absolute best magazine cover I have ever seen in my life.

The National, Terminal 5 - July 29, 2010

Since I've written a lot of reviews of The National over the past few months and there's still one more to come for the year, I'll do this review in a list format. Here are ten facts from The National's concert at Terminal 5 that seem most important:

01. Suckers, one of two opening bands, was phenomenal. They managed to be both entertaining and talented. Kurt Vile (other opening act) was the opposite.

02. Matt Berninger has never looked better. His outfit, consisting of fitted black jeans cuffed at the bottom, worn in black boots, tucked in button down shirt, vest, and black blazer, was utterly perfect. He is my choice for best dressed person in music today.

03. The concert was way too short. At around an hour and a half, the time element was disappointing and very unlike The National who usually give their audience at least 30 minutes more.

04. I'm not the biggest fan of Terminal 5, particuarly their strange routine of lining everyone up against the wall of the roof like cattle until the doors officially open for the show. I had never experienced that before and it made me feel sticky and stupid - not a good combination.

05. Bryan Devendorf is my favorite drummer. His t-shirt that read "The Ultimate is Here" is not a joke. He IS the ultimate. He adds so much to the caliber of The National that I can't imagine another drummer doing what he can. There's so much personality and unique performance style mixed in to his playing. He came out on stage early to set up his drums and people in the front row immediately started snapping pictures. When I see him, I know great things are about to happen.

06. The sophistication and elegance of a National concert is never lost on anyone. The hush that comes over the audience when Matt steps on stage never fails to amaze me. It's a magical feeling.

07. I was disappointed by the lack of "Daughters of the Soho Riots" and "About Today" which have become frequent in recent set lists. There were no surprises whatsoever. 

08. Although the band joked that it's the hardest song to perform, "Lemonworld" has never sounded better and gorgeous lemon/lime lighting only added to the eerie feeling of the song.

09. "Conversation 16" was the other highlight of the set for me and has seemingly become an anthem among crowds at recent shows. "Squalor Victoria" and "Mr. November" were also standouts in a louder fashion. Unfortunately no stage diving or running across bars for the drunken Mr. Berninger though.

10. Every concert The National puts on is destined to be great. This one was no exception. It wasn't the all time greatest but I'd see Matt Berninger perform in a McDonald's wearing a Ronald McDonald costume if it meant I got to hear these songs live. They can do no wrong.

                        

All photographs courtesty of ME.

Twenty Songs For August 2010 Playlist

I feel like it's been awhile since we had a simple playlist post so here it is.

On a muggy summer day with a tiny purple fan and a hot cup of raspberry coffee (for some reason), I sit here hoping you will enjoy this music as much as I do. Some songs are old, some new, some corny, some blue, but all will have you moving your feet to the interesting beat.

That was stupid and these songs are not. Enjoy.

01 Janelle Monae - Tightrope
02 Sia - Clap Your Hands

03 Jack Johnson - At or With Me

04 The Doobie Brothers - You Belong to Me

05 The Bird and the Bee - I Can't Go For That (cover)

06 The National - You've Done it Again, Virginia

07 Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me

08 Josh Ritter - Southern Pacifica

09 Usher - There Goes My Baby
10 Hall & Oates - It's Uncanny

11 Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs - Beg Steal or Borrow

12 Norah Jones - Back to Manhattan

13 The Rolling Stones - Beast of Burden

14 The Black Keys - Howlin' For You

15 Leela James - Tell Me You Love Me

16 Kanye West - Flashing Lights
17 James Hunter - Carina

18 Eli "Paperboy" Reed - Take My Love With You

19 Raul Midon - About You
20 Darondo - Legs

Some listening samples:

Top Albums of 2010 So Far

Initially I was not going to make this list but the pressure of a helpful reader lead me to believe that it would be a fun idea. Although this is not as comprehensive as I would like it to be, here are my top 10 favorite albums of 2010.

01. The National - High Violet
It is no coincidence that the best band in the world also came out with the best album of 2010 so far. While it's their most melodic, accessible album to date, it's the emotion of each song that brings this album to life and lets me find new things with each listen. This Brooklyn-based, indie rock band also managed to get their highest ranking ever on the Billboard charts with this album during one of music's slowest weeks of the year. That alone proves their power. Soaring ballads like the gorgeous "Runaway" are balanced by poppy fare like the catchy "Anyone's Ghost" but really it's the entire album as a whole that will leave you unable to listen to anything else for the rest of the year. This is the best album I have heard in the past five years, forget the past seven months. I promise you will not be able to get Matt Berninger's voice out of your head.
Best Tracks: Conversation 16, Lemonworld, Runaway, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Anyone's Ghost (in that order)

02. Jack Johnson - To the Sea
Although I was a huge fan of Johnson's 2001 debut, Brushfire Fairytales, I was never overly impressed by his follow up albums until now. To the Sea continues Johnson's appreciation for relaxed, upbeat little songs but unlike some of his other recent work, you can't as easily picture Curious George singing along with them. There is a maturity on this album that makes his music much more lush and introspective. Somehow I believe him more on this record than any before and I have fallen in love with a few of these songs. A song will start off barely audible and turn into a fun, strange story within seconds. "Only the Ocean", the closing track, is a slow, painfully beautiful ode to the ocean that even has a non-swimmer like me relating to. Although "Flake" off Brushfire remains my favorite Johnson track, To the Sea has become my favorite Jack Johnson album overall.
Best Tracks: You and Your Heart, Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology, Only the Ocean

03. The Bird and the Bee - Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates

While this album came out in March, it was a recent, accidental discovery for me. I had been searching on iTunes for different versions of the Hall and Oates classic "One on One" when I noticed that The Bird and the Bee had done a cover. I had heard of the band before so I just listened to the 30 second sample and it blew my mind. A female voice singing these familiar radio mainstays was not only interesting but happily refreshing. It brought an entirely new perspective to the lyrics while their arrangements stayed very true to the original, only updating the sound slightly. After purchasing "One on One", I went on to get the best track - and probably best known - "I Can't Go For That" which far exceeded my expectations. As a big fan of Hall and Oates, I didn't anticipate appreciating a cover so much. I don't know why The Bird and the Bee thought a Hall and Oates tribute was necessary or if there will be a volume two focusing on a different band, but I am now a believer in this band's abilities.

Best Tracks: I Can't Go For That, One on One, Kiss on My List

04. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

This may be a biased choice as Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings are one of my favorite bands, but this particular album is so smooth and funky that in it's own genre there is nothing that has come out this year that can compare. There's been a lot of talk about Sharon Jones singlehandedly leading the soul revival of the past few years and while I believe that to be true, it has to be mentioned that Jones herself is 54 years old and in fact grew up with the music that these competing twentysomething bands are trying to mimic. Sharon Jones is the real deal and this album, like her other vintage-style classics, proves it once again. Unlike many, she is contributing to the '60's soul sound, not copying it.

Best Tracks: Better Things, I Learned the Hard Way

 

05. The Black Keys - Brothers

This is one of the only albums in 2010 that I was actually looking forward to ahead of time. There was an anticipation lingering in the air for several months before the record was released and airplay of the single, "Tighten Up", made it that much more exciting. Somehow it's come about that I still have yet to spend a lot of time with each of these songs but there are some tracks I've listened to more than any of their previous work. The album, released on May 18, marks the band's highest selling album to date with 73,000 copies sold in its first week and received almost unanimous praise from critics.

Best Tracks: Tighten Up, Howlin' For You

06. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

Also released May 18, Infinite Arms is Band of Horse's third studio album and released on their own record label after leaving Sub Pop. Although it received some of the best reviews of the year, I like it particularly because I don't think it strays very far from the band's other albums. The soothing rhythms and overall appeal of their specific style is still clearly intact and this record seems to serve as a continuation of 2007's Cease to Begin. In contrast to what a lot of bands seem to do on studio albums, Band of Horses is okay with staying one pace throughout and content to do what they do best - there is no experimentation or shocking bits. It's a great album for sitting in the dark.

Best Tracks: Laredo, On My Way Back Home, Blue Beard

07. Raul Midon - Synthesis

Mr. Midon has one of the best voices. It is like melted honey falling off a soft teddy bear's tongue. It astonishes me that someone like Michael Buble can attract a massive audience and yet only few know about a voice like Raul Midon. Blind from birth, it seems Midon has acquired supernatural musical powers that allow him to makes sounds with his mouth that perfectly mimic the entire family of woodwind instruments. He has successfully collaborated with living legends Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock and on his third studio album, Midon is at his finest both vocally and lyrically. These tracks are both surprising and familiar. They feel like coffeehouse songs you've been hearing for years with a mischievous twist.

Best Tracks: About You, These Wheels

08. Usher - Raymond v. Raymond

Definitely the most mainstream record on the list, Raymond v. Raymond, is not only undeniably catchy but rather inspired as well. Usher may be seen as a popular R&B star that dances and cheats on his girlfriends and wives but this record once again proves that he also makes long lasting pop music that falls under that guilty category despite genuine craftsmanship. With this record, Usher continues his trend of honestly confronting his own life through song while still maintaining a great high energy, rhythm-centric sensibility. As much as I don't want to, I really like this entire album.

Best Tracks: There Goes My Baby, OMG

09. Josh Ritter - So Runs the World Away

I am certainly not the first person to say that every Josh Ritter song sounds like a sweeping epic. The cover of this album pretty much says it all: with a dimly lit ocean liner and a bridge in the distance, the photograph is a 2D representation of the mood Ritter sets with his eerily serene voice and flowing arrangements. Luckily for me, this is one of the most loved records critically of the year so I have no problem recommending it. With a glass of wine and no one home on rainy day, you'll definitely thank me. Listen to the entire album twice.

Best Tracks: Change of Time, Southern Pacifica

10. Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea

This is Rae's first album since the untimely death of her husband Jason Rae following an accidental overdose at their home. Not surprisingly, compared with her self-titled debut album, the material on The Sea is much darker and deeper. There's a beautiful sexual undercurrent and a strange mix of love and pain that makes it a difficult yet worthwhile listen. Considering that a musician's sophomore album is usually known for being poorly received, it speaks volumes that Rae's album was not only critically praised but artistically lauded. Although it is just number 10 here, it's probably one of the album's most worth your time.

Best Tracks: Closer, I'd Do it All Again

One Track Mind

If you just happen to be glancing through this blog for the first time you might begin to wonder why I always write about The National. You might even think that you should stop reading because this person is crazy and only talks about one band when the blog itself pretends to be about music as a whole. For these reasons, I'd like to explain why I write so much about one band.

It's very difficult for me to be critical. I started this blog because I wanted to have some writing tucked away somewhere in case one day I apply to Rolling Stone and they ask me how often I write. I wanted to be able to tell them that I write nearly everyday - and here's the proof! Initially I thought it would be fantastic to literally be a music critic and review albums, concerts, etc. Lately, I realize that I am not equipped to do that (actually I think I am much more than others but emotionally I'm not good at it). The only things that really makes me passionate enough to sit down and write entire articles or posts are those songs or artists that I absolutely love. I'm rather young - or at least still a novice - so I'm trying to get over the gushing phase of writing about an artist I admantly admire but I do all my research before I brace a topic and go from there. To be honest, I'm probably not the greatest music writer in the universe because I never think objectively. I'm biased and a gigantic, loving fan of what I write about. I'm much better at writing about other things but that's also why music writing is so much more fun - it's the challenge added to the passion that equals the only thing I ever really feel like writing about (or talking about for that matter).

The National, of course, is the personification of everything I just said. They are the ultimate band that is so perfect it's almost as if the particles of everything I love in my brain came together and created them specifically for me to listen to. When I'm at work and put on a Youtube video of one of their recent performances, I get so riled up I immediately run over here and write a rambling, bumbling essay about how incredible they are and how I can't stop listening to Matt Berninger's voice. I work alone in a very large building so the companionship I get from music and video while at work is even more important. With The National, I never have to be critical or insensitive to someone's art - I always know I'll love it and I want anyone reading or passing by my blog to be a part of the greatness. To be honest as well, I like championing other people's artistic endeavors much more than my own. I'm able to write here, what I love doing more than anything, and yet also have the comfort of knowing it's the music people are coming to find, it's not my writing specifically, so the pressure is slightly off me.

ANYWAY, this was all brought on from this video:



Watching it just now brought memories of Radio City Music Hall to the front of my mind and this song particularly was a highlight for me that night. It's my favorite off High Violet and so incredibly different and emotionally charged that I have yet to get even a little tired of it. Every time I listen I expect the eerie feeling to finally wear off and it never does - the sign of a great song.

After watching that video I thought to myself, why do I suddenly feel like writing now when I had planned to write a Todd Rundgren post that I haven't had the energy to finish? Why do I always have to write about the same thing? It was driving me crazy so I figured I'd just get it out of my system and write about my feelings instead of trying to sound professional.

Thanks for reading.

I Love Pre-Concert Discoveries

I learned a long time ago that it's not okay to say you like something because it's "good". I guess that means it's also not okay to say you like something because it's the best thing on earth.

Of course I'm speaking of The National. What else? I'm thinking of changing this blog's name to Music Maven: Because The National Sounds Good but it's a little corny - and not correct. They sound way better than good and I never want to listen to anything else. BUT, when I do get around to putting some other music in my ears, it helps if they're slightly associated with my favorite band in the world.

Enter The Rolling Stones and Hall & Oates.

So far I've been fortunate enough to catch two concerts on The National's official summer tour and both times the pre-show music (hopefully selected by the band?) was phenomenal. I wish I wrote down every song played but two standouts were "Beast of Burden" - Rolling Stones and "Out of Touch" - H&O.  Particularly over the amazing sound system at Radio City Music Hall, these songs sounded so good I had to write them down and purchase them the next day. I should've already owned them. Both share a sexy, eerie quality that The National themselves master so well. "Out of Touch" particularly evokes this mood where the lights need to be low and shoulders need to be exposed if you know what I mean. It's an effortlessly cool sound that is perfect to open a concert like that.

I love pre-concert discoveries. I was really upset a couple years ago when I attended a She & Him show and the recorded music over the speakers was better than their real opening acts. It was this mixture of indie/classic country music that I desperately wanted to find out about. I went as far as googling some of the lyrics to one song and nothing came up. I searched online the next day to see if they had a list of the music they play before their set but no luck. If musicians have full official websites that give tons of information about their tour, their management, etc, the least they could do is add what music they play before their set! I know sometimes it's venue-chosen but when I hear the same music every time I see a band on tour, I start to grow fond of it and want to know who it is. John Mayer is another example of an artist who always has the best pre-set music but typically lame opening acts.

If you think about it, it takes a pretty bold musician to play something like The Rolling Stones before their own set. That's a lot to live up to. Once the audience who has been sitting (or standing) for two hours has "Beast of Burden" in their head, how can their songs measure up? The National has nothing to fear of course but other bands... on an unrelated note, in the film "Crazy Heart" Jeff Bridges' character is a country musician opening in a PNC Bank Arts Center-like venue for a younger, better known musician in one scene. During soundcheck, the sound guy is fighting with him saying that the sound is perfect while Bridges knows that his vocals are being drowned out. He then says that he'll stay on stage until the guy fixes it because he's been around long enough to know that technicians deliberately make the opening act sound bad so the main act sounds better. I don't know if that's true but it's something that is sort of stuck in my head now. Lately, I haven't seen many opening bands I've liked. Unfortunately.

But that pre-show music. Here's a sample of what I'm talking about. I'm now obsessed with these two songs. Next time I see The National I'm going to try to take note again and get some kind of full list of all the songs they play. Once again, I don't know who's choosing this music but they're rather remarkable. These songs fit the mood perfectly and get me into seeing a concert.

Photo courtesy of my Google image search. Sorry, don't know where it's from but I love it.

Music Video to Love: Bloodbuzz Ohio - The National

This is seriously porn for me: Matt Berninger. Trench Coats. Beards. Vests. Wine.

Is there anything else to say? I can't believe its taken me this long to post. I have probably watched it 50 times and it's the only video I bought for my iPod. It's hard to believe he looks like that and gets to have that voice. Lucky guy.