31. Kiss Kiss- The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left
I don't often like to describe bands by comparing them to others. However, I can't help but do it with this release because I every time I listen to it I can't help but think this is what a lovechild between Radiohead and System of a Down might sound like. Well crafted, heavy minded songs with beautiful melodies, massive orchestrated sounds (helped by the fact the band features an electric violinists), and weird, but awesome moments. (video)
32. Mouse on the Keys- An Anxious Object
This is the first full length release by Mouse on the Keys, a Japanese post-rock/instrumental/jazz tro that features two keyboardists and a spectacular drummer that seems to ignore the regular tendencies about rhythm and time signatures. The band is at its best when the drummer is going off and the keyboardists almost seem to dual (i.e. Spectres de Mouse, Unflexible Grids). (video)
33. Black Moth Super Rainbow- Eating Us
Weirdness can be a good thing and in the case of Black Moth Super Rainbow it is. An insane mix of analog keyboards, vo-coders, psychedelic pop melodies make this strange record very enjoyable. (video)
34. Bygones- by-
This release is by a duo featuring Zach Hill (Hella, Marnie Stern) and Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos). If you know anything about either of these artists you can pretty much guess what this music sounds like: choppy, insanely chaotic drumming over technical, screechy guitars. The vocals are back in the mix and used more to accent the music. Its not an easy listen so its not recommended for fans of easy listening. (video)
35. The Invisible- s/t
A indie rock album that blends in the perfect amount of jazz, fusion, pop, and electronic elements to make it unique without being over the top. (video)
36. DM Stith- Heavy Ghost
Layers upon layers of instruments and vocals that take you to another world. DM Stith knows how to create an alternative universe with his incomparable sounds. (video)
37. Cymbals Eat Guitars- We Are the Mountains
This is what indie rock sounded like in the 90s. A great record with pop sensibilities coupled with pounding sections of pure joy. (video)
38. Regina Spektor- Far
Many threw out Regina's follow up the successful Begin to Hope. But those who did missed out on a playful yet serious record. Regina again brings exactly what you'd expect her to: bouncing melodies, beautiful vocals, and enough quirkiness to make Napoleon Dynamite jealous; all while discussing and tackling some very serious topics. (video).
39. Volcano Choir- Unmap
A great, albeit subtle record from the man behind Bon Iver. Great songs with very interesting song structure and a good blend of electronic and acoustic elements. (video).
40. Portugal. the Man- The Majestic Majesty
This recording is the acoustic sister release with Portugal's album The Satanic Satanist. The songs are all re-done with acoustic instruments. It shows off how great songs sounds awesome in different mediums. I love the interesting and unique percussion use throughout. (video)
I don't often like to describe bands by comparing them to others. However, I can't help but do it with this release because I every time I listen to it I can't help but think this is what a lovechild between Radiohead and System of a Down might sound like. Well crafted, heavy minded songs with beautiful melodies, massive orchestrated sounds (helped by the fact the band features an electric violinists), and weird, but awesome moments. (video)
32. Mouse on the Keys- An Anxious Object
This is the first full length release by Mouse on the Keys, a Japanese post-rock/instrumental/jazz tro that features two keyboardists and a spectacular drummer that seems to ignore the regular tendencies about rhythm and time signatures. The band is at its best when the drummer is going off and the keyboardists almost seem to dual (i.e. Spectres de Mouse, Unflexible Grids). (video)
33. Black Moth Super Rainbow- Eating Us
Weirdness can be a good thing and in the case of Black Moth Super Rainbow it is. An insane mix of analog keyboards, vo-coders, psychedelic pop melodies make this strange record very enjoyable. (video)
34. Bygones- by-
This release is by a duo featuring Zach Hill (Hella, Marnie Stern) and Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos). If you know anything about either of these artists you can pretty much guess what this music sounds like: choppy, insanely chaotic drumming over technical, screechy guitars. The vocals are back in the mix and used more to accent the music. Its not an easy listen so its not recommended for fans of easy listening. (video)
35. The Invisible- s/t
A indie rock album that blends in the perfect amount of jazz, fusion, pop, and electronic elements to make it unique without being over the top. (video)
36. DM Stith- Heavy Ghost
Layers upon layers of instruments and vocals that take you to another world. DM Stith knows how to create an alternative universe with his incomparable sounds. (video)
37. Cymbals Eat Guitars- We Are the Mountains
This is what indie rock sounded like in the 90s. A great record with pop sensibilities coupled with pounding sections of pure joy. (video)
38. Regina Spektor- Far
Many threw out Regina's follow up the successful Begin to Hope. But those who did missed out on a playful yet serious record. Regina again brings exactly what you'd expect her to: bouncing melodies, beautiful vocals, and enough quirkiness to make Napoleon Dynamite jealous; all while discussing and tackling some very serious topics. (video).
39. Volcano Choir- Unmap
A great, albeit subtle record from the man behind Bon Iver. Great songs with very interesting song structure and a good blend of electronic and acoustic elements. (video).
40. Portugal. the Man- The Majestic Majesty
This recording is the acoustic sister release with Portugal's album The Satanic Satanist. The songs are all re-done with acoustic instruments. It shows off how great songs sounds awesome in different mediums. I love the interesting and unique percussion use throughout. (video)
1 comment:
as much as i'm fascinated by your musical choices, i'm also baffled that you found 50 albums worth writing about. It would be hard enough for me to find 20 I bought this year, and some of them i only mildly enjoyed as opposed to loving enough to write about.
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