The traveling continues! We got back from St. George on Saturday night. Most of the family went down to watch Dad run in the St. Greorge Marathon. Pretty incredible Dad if you tell me. We were all very proud of what he accomplished. I don't know too many guys that would run a marathon weeks after they had radiation treatment. Awesome, just awesome.
I would have pictures but guess what--no batteries, arrgh! Before we left home, Katie asked if we needed to bring extra batteries and clueless as I am said, "Ahh, we don't need any. We'll be fine." Shows what I know (or don't) So no pics this time.
I'm sure we will go next year. Hopefully, I'll get my butt in gear and train. A marathon has been something I have always wanted to do.
Cheers Dad!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Trips
I meant to do this much sooner. From August 14 to the 18th Katie and I went on seperate trips. Don't worry, everything is okay in paradise. Katie and Edward went to D.C. to spend some time with family she had not visited with for a long time and I went with a friend to Yosemite on a greuling backpacking trip. I'll post a recap of my trip soon. I have had the draft written for weeks, I've been lazy and haven't quite finished it yet. So in my attempt to keep this blog somewhat up-to-date here are some pics.
Us at Aspen Grove. We hiked to one of the many falls that can be seen as you hike up Timponogas.
Edward and his uncle Mike (Katie's younger brother) at Iwo Jima Memorial. Interesting fact: Edward is less than one year and has been to an amazing number of out of state locations for his age. Let's see......Nevada, California, Idaho, and D.C. in his first nine months? Go Ed!
Us at Aspen Grove. We hiked to one of the many falls that can be seen as you hike up Timponogas.
Edward and his uncle Mike (Katie's younger brother) at Iwo Jima Memorial. Interesting fact: Edward is less than one year and has been to an amazing number of out of state locations for his age. Let's see......Nevada, California, Idaho, and D.C. in his first nine months? Go Ed!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Ouch....This Could Hurt
As if Middle East concerns are already enough to send the price of oil spiraling, it was announced today by BP, one of the top three oil producing firms, they are shutting down their Alaskan plan "indefinetely." What is this going to do to gas prices and more importantly my wallet? A senior analyst at BP says:
"This latest setback to global oil production comes in the context of a relatively tight oil market," analysts at BNP Paribas said in a research note.
"In this environment we maintain our forecast for Brent crude of $77 a barrel this quarter, and so implicitly expect prices to move above $80 a barrel at some point this quarter."
In other words....ouch! I'm already a little on edge after watching Syriana over the weekend. The end of the summer could only get worse before it gets better too. Take into account the escalating tensions in the Mideast, coupled with an approaching hurricane season and summer driving, I wouldn't be suprised if oil spiked well aboe $80 before winter comes.
Hmmm....riding a bike to work seems temtping.
Update: It's already noon and oil has reached $77 per barrel. Here it comes....
"This latest setback to global oil production comes in the context of a relatively tight oil market," analysts at BNP Paribas said in a research note.
"In this environment we maintain our forecast for Brent crude of $77 a barrel this quarter, and so implicitly expect prices to move above $80 a barrel at some point this quarter."
In other words....ouch! I'm already a little on edge after watching Syriana over the weekend. The end of the summer could only get worse before it gets better too. Take into account the escalating tensions in the Mideast, coupled with an approaching hurricane season and summer driving, I wouldn't be suprised if oil spiked well aboe $80 before winter comes.
Hmmm....riding a bike to work seems temtping.
Update: It's already noon and oil has reached $77 per barrel. Here it comes....
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Take It Away Yorke!!
Any Radiohead fans out there? Well, I'm sure most of you have heard that Thom Yorke debuted with a solo album this past week entitled The Eraser. It is a great listen. Yes, most of it is electronica, which in my opnion is not a bad thing in anyway. If you are a huge fan of Kid A, this album will blow you away. There are so many influences from that album that make The Eraser solid.
A quick track favorite of mine, The Clock can be see in the video below. This version is different from the album version but was sent to me by a friend and its too good to pass up. Enjoy!
A quick track favorite of mine, The Clock can be see in the video below. This version is different from the album version but was sent to me by a friend and its too good to pass up. Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Reflection
It's late.....very late. I can't sleep. My mind has a million thoughts running through my head right now and I have no idea how to settle down. The events of today have caused me to reflect on life and relationships and that recurring age old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I hope by writing, somehow I'll be able to sort through my thoughts and relive some of the stress I have right now.
There have been few moments in my life that have really caused me to stop and think long and hard about where I am going, things I want to accomplish in life and where I need to better myself. Up until today however all these events were happy moments that gave me reason to positively reflect on life. First returning home from my LDS mission in Japan. Then came my wedding day to my beautiful, loving wife. Not too far behind was our first son, Edward, who has brought more joy into my life that words can express. And last graduating from college. All of these events caused me at one time or another, to stop, think, and assess where I was, where I wanted to go and how I was going to get there. From these events, I awaited with great anticipation for what the future would bring and look forward to the challenging and new adventures that I would soon be able to experience.
Today's event, however, feels completely the opposite. I feel sick. Tired. Heavy inside. And most of all scared. I realize that more than likely, I'm over rationalizing and shouldn't be thinking the way I am. I need to be focused and stay utterly optimistic without any doubt in my mind that things in the end will work to my families' advantage. But see therein lies the problem because what exactly does that mean? The future just seems so uncertain right now. Rather than a future of adventure and opportunity, its a future of worry and fear. I realize there are many steps in the next few weeks before anything can really happen but what exactly is going to happen? Maybe that is what I am so scared about. I nor anybody knows what exactly is, if anything going to happen. And there is where my fear lies. Uncertainty.
On the other side, this could be a great thing. I have no idea how or why but maybe that is something that I can look forward to the future. What good, if any will come of this trial? What benefits will come with it? But see there lies my problem again: uncertainty for the future. I have no idea or way of telling if any good is going to come from this.
I know that this entry makes no sense whatsoever. That's okay, ambiguity never hurt anyone right? Well, maybe only the reader. More than anything though, this post has been for me. A healthy way to sort through my thoughts and learn how to cope with this new challenge. I'm still very confused, have a billion feelings running through my body (are there a billion?), and still have no idea or methodology to take on this new challenge with. Life sure does know how to keep things interesting and exciting though. It's when you think you have things figured out and life seems to be going fine that Life decides to throw you to the ground and kick you in the stomach.
Lesson Learned: Be optimistic, find the good and be excited for the new challenges that will come our way. DO NOT worry about the future.
There have been few moments in my life that have really caused me to stop and think long and hard about where I am going, things I want to accomplish in life and where I need to better myself. Up until today however all these events were happy moments that gave me reason to positively reflect on life. First returning home from my LDS mission in Japan. Then came my wedding day to my beautiful, loving wife. Not too far behind was our first son, Edward, who has brought more joy into my life that words can express. And last graduating from college. All of these events caused me at one time or another, to stop, think, and assess where I was, where I wanted to go and how I was going to get there. From these events, I awaited with great anticipation for what the future would bring and look forward to the challenging and new adventures that I would soon be able to experience.
Today's event, however, feels completely the opposite. I feel sick. Tired. Heavy inside. And most of all scared. I realize that more than likely, I'm over rationalizing and shouldn't be thinking the way I am. I need to be focused and stay utterly optimistic without any doubt in my mind that things in the end will work to my families' advantage. But see therein lies the problem because what exactly does that mean? The future just seems so uncertain right now. Rather than a future of adventure and opportunity, its a future of worry and fear. I realize there are many steps in the next few weeks before anything can really happen but what exactly is going to happen? Maybe that is what I am so scared about. I nor anybody knows what exactly is, if anything going to happen. And there is where my fear lies. Uncertainty.
On the other side, this could be a great thing. I have no idea how or why but maybe that is something that I can look forward to the future. What good, if any will come of this trial? What benefits will come with it? But see there lies my problem again: uncertainty for the future. I have no idea or way of telling if any good is going to come from this.
I know that this entry makes no sense whatsoever. That's okay, ambiguity never hurt anyone right? Well, maybe only the reader. More than anything though, this post has been for me. A healthy way to sort through my thoughts and learn how to cope with this new challenge. I'm still very confused, have a billion feelings running through my body (are there a billion?), and still have no idea or methodology to take on this new challenge with. Life sure does know how to keep things interesting and exciting though. It's when you think you have things figured out and life seems to be going fine that Life decides to throw you to the ground and kick you in the stomach.
Lesson Learned: Be optimistic, find the good and be excited for the new challenges that will come our way. DO NOT worry about the future.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Concert Goodness!!
I have been a real slacker lately. My posts on this blog have been few and far between, not good. Especially when I am such a spoiled boy. Earlier this month in May, I attended two outstanding concerts in the same week that in my opinion (yes, my opinion means something, this is my blog), were the greatest pairs of shows I have ever been to. Period. Dare I say better than a U2 concert? Gasp! Possibly.
Concert #1
May 2, first show of the week. A friend and I went up to Salt Lake City to go to the venue early. Mogwai, easily one of my favorite post-rock bands were to play at The Depot. If you know nothing of this band let me tell you this: if you want to hear some serious guitar, I mean the kind of guitar that shakes your very soul, listen to this band. The sad thing is that to hear one of their albums through even a good pair of earphones does not even come close to doing this band justice. This music is MEANT to be heard live.
It has been a couple of weeks since the concert, I have had a hard time remembering the set list, so I'll do my best and only mention songs I felt were the best of the best. Don't get me wrong though, the entire show from beginning to end was outstanding.
The show kicked off with Glasgow Mega-Snake found on the new Mr. Beast album. This album has received a lot of grief when it came out. Critics referred to it as a shortened version of the capabilities of Mogwai. That Mogwai stunted their growth. The album is only 43 minutes long, their shortest by far. But you see, Mogwai proves a point with the songs found on this album. I had no idea that Glasgow Mega-Snake was meant to sound like that. Ear-splitting guitar combined with bass and pounding drums. Amazing. Short song, yes. But who else can combine that kind of power in such a short time? Point proven.
Mogwai continued to play songs from Mr. Beast. All sounded unbelievable. I cannot underestimate this enough. Sound for Mogwai is what makes the concert so enjoyable. It’s the lifeblood of the show. Without it, Mogwai sounds like any other band. See there is loud, louder and loudest but Mogwai takes loudest and do it in a way that isn't meant to be annoying but it honestly sounds good. Sure other bands might be just as loud but Mogwai combines loud and power in such a way that simply cannot be explained. You WANT it to be loud.
The song that stood out to me was without any question. New Paths to Helicon, Pt. 1. This was without a doubt one of the best live songs I have heard, ever. The guitars and drums slowly came together at the end to form one of the loudest, ear-piercing, beautiful songs that I have ever heard. It was as close to a musical religious experience that I think I will ever get to. Towards the end of the song, there is a part where the music quiets down and the guitars come back pounding. I was anticipating this part. The music quieted down and the guitars screamed back. It shook my body and literally scared me. I still get goose bumps thinking about it. I honestly yelled out loud, but no one could here my muffled cry though over the unseemingly loud music. I felt as if I was going to fall over.
That is exactly what Mogwai wants to have happen. They want their toys to bring you to your knees. They want the sound to penetrate through your body into your soul. I know that sounds crazy but if you were there, you would understand. They could have ended the show there but they quickly followed up with Mogwai Fear Satan. Another great song. There were a couple of times during this song that both my friend and I looked over at each other at exactly the same time and smiled. We both knew we were witnessing something special.
The show ended too soon. Two hours passes by quickly. It took at least 24 hours before the ringing left my ears and my hearing returned to normal. I will never listen to another Mogwai album the same ever again.
Concert #2
Sigur Ros. Period.
Sometimes that is all that needs to be said. Quite honestly, I cannot think of another band who's music has compltely changed the way in which I listen to music. Sure, some may call their music obscure and hard to listen to. Admittedly, I couldn't stand them the first time I listened to them. However, after multiple listens I began to appreciate the hidden talents of Sigur Ros.
For those who do not know, Sigur Ros (and Mogwai for that matter) are part of a genre of music that I have really enjoyed listening to lately called Post-Rock. This genre uses atmoshperic sounds, instruments and voices to create music that will almost likely reshape the way in which most people listen to music (for those of us who take the time to listen anyway). Mogwai, mostly concentrate on loud guitars and deep, brooding bass. Sigur Ros on the other hand, are on the opposite side of the spectrum. By using violins, drums, guitars (by the way, the lead guitarist plays with a violin bow. I know, it blew my mind too.), horns, etc, etc. A Sigur Ros track is simply amazing. This band has easily become one of my favorites within the past few years. No wonder, I was over estatic when I learned this Icelandic horde was coming to the far reaches of the world to the like of Salt Lake City.
I was somewhat curious to see what types of people would show up to a show like this and needless to say, I was suprsied. I found people of all ages, from early twenties to, honestly, a couple who looked to be in their mid-60's. The crowd made the experience that much more enjoyable. No one acting like a fool, tossing around their body, shouting idiotic phrases, or causing any distractions. This is the kind of music you listen to after a long day, slipping on headphones and lying on the couch. The concert, which I am gald to comment, was no different (except for the couch.....and the earphones......oh, and lying down...). Everyone was respectful and only wanted to sit back and enjoy the show so the music could be heard in its purest form; without any interuptions.
I only wish that I would have written this review a lot sooner. Seeing as how it has been a couple of months, I've forgotten the set list and other specifics that I wanted to mention. So I'll keep it short and say this: Sigur Ros was one of the greatest sounding concerts I have ever been to. The crowning moment of the show was the ending song, Hafsol, a track redone from Sigur Ros' first album Von.
The song opens with the lead guitarist/singer rythmically pounding his guitar with what looks like to be a drumstick. The crux of the song is an explosion of sound; drums, violins, horns, and singing all intertwine into one to form a sound that is uttelry hard to describe. Towards the end of the song, the lead guitarist is soley hitting his guitar with a violin bow in constant rythm with a drum and flute. It may sound crazy but it was far above amazing.
Bottom line, in reference to an old adage: "You have to hear it, to believe it." Sigur Ros has definite talent and that talent shines through in their shows. Only complaint is that it ended way toon soon.
Concert #1
May 2, first show of the week. A friend and I went up to Salt Lake City to go to the venue early. Mogwai, easily one of my favorite post-rock bands were to play at The Depot. If you know nothing of this band let me tell you this: if you want to hear some serious guitar, I mean the kind of guitar that shakes your very soul, listen to this band. The sad thing is that to hear one of their albums through even a good pair of earphones does not even come close to doing this band justice. This music is MEANT to be heard live.
It has been a couple of weeks since the concert, I have had a hard time remembering the set list, so I'll do my best and only mention songs I felt were the best of the best. Don't get me wrong though, the entire show from beginning to end was outstanding.
The show kicked off with Glasgow Mega-Snake found on the new Mr. Beast album. This album has received a lot of grief when it came out. Critics referred to it as a shortened version of the capabilities of Mogwai. That Mogwai stunted their growth. The album is only 43 minutes long, their shortest by far. But you see, Mogwai proves a point with the songs found on this album. I had no idea that Glasgow Mega-Snake was meant to sound like that. Ear-splitting guitar combined with bass and pounding drums. Amazing. Short song, yes. But who else can combine that kind of power in such a short time? Point proven.
Mogwai continued to play songs from Mr. Beast. All sounded unbelievable. I cannot underestimate this enough. Sound for Mogwai is what makes the concert so enjoyable. It’s the lifeblood of the show. Without it, Mogwai sounds like any other band. See there is loud, louder and loudest but Mogwai takes loudest and do it in a way that isn't meant to be annoying but it honestly sounds good. Sure other bands might be just as loud but Mogwai combines loud and power in such a way that simply cannot be explained. You WANT it to be loud.
The song that stood out to me was without any question. New Paths to Helicon, Pt. 1. This was without a doubt one of the best live songs I have heard, ever. The guitars and drums slowly came together at the end to form one of the loudest, ear-piercing, beautiful songs that I have ever heard. It was as close to a musical religious experience that I think I will ever get to. Towards the end of the song, there is a part where the music quiets down and the guitars come back pounding. I was anticipating this part. The music quieted down and the guitars screamed back. It shook my body and literally scared me. I still get goose bumps thinking about it. I honestly yelled out loud, but no one could here my muffled cry though over the unseemingly loud music. I felt as if I was going to fall over.
That is exactly what Mogwai wants to have happen. They want their toys to bring you to your knees. They want the sound to penetrate through your body into your soul. I know that sounds crazy but if you were there, you would understand. They could have ended the show there but they quickly followed up with Mogwai Fear Satan. Another great song. There were a couple of times during this song that both my friend and I looked over at each other at exactly the same time and smiled. We both knew we were witnessing something special.
The show ended too soon. Two hours passes by quickly. It took at least 24 hours before the ringing left my ears and my hearing returned to normal. I will never listen to another Mogwai album the same ever again.
Concert #2
Sigur Ros. Period.
Sometimes that is all that needs to be said. Quite honestly, I cannot think of another band who's music has compltely changed the way in which I listen to music. Sure, some may call their music obscure and hard to listen to. Admittedly, I couldn't stand them the first time I listened to them. However, after multiple listens I began to appreciate the hidden talents of Sigur Ros.
For those who do not know, Sigur Ros (and Mogwai for that matter) are part of a genre of music that I have really enjoyed listening to lately called Post-Rock. This genre uses atmoshperic sounds, instruments and voices to create music that will almost likely reshape the way in which most people listen to music (for those of us who take the time to listen anyway). Mogwai, mostly concentrate on loud guitars and deep, brooding bass. Sigur Ros on the other hand, are on the opposite side of the spectrum. By using violins, drums, guitars (by the way, the lead guitarist plays with a violin bow. I know, it blew my mind too.), horns, etc, etc. A Sigur Ros track is simply amazing. This band has easily become one of my favorites within the past few years. No wonder, I was over estatic when I learned this Icelandic horde was coming to the far reaches of the world to the like of Salt Lake City.
I was somewhat curious to see what types of people would show up to a show like this and needless to say, I was suprsied. I found people of all ages, from early twenties to, honestly, a couple who looked to be in their mid-60's. The crowd made the experience that much more enjoyable. No one acting like a fool, tossing around their body, shouting idiotic phrases, or causing any distractions. This is the kind of music you listen to after a long day, slipping on headphones and lying on the couch. The concert, which I am gald to comment, was no different (except for the couch.....and the earphones......oh, and lying down...). Everyone was respectful and only wanted to sit back and enjoy the show so the music could be heard in its purest form; without any interuptions.
I only wish that I would have written this review a lot sooner. Seeing as how it has been a couple of months, I've forgotten the set list and other specifics that I wanted to mention. So I'll keep it short and say this: Sigur Ros was one of the greatest sounding concerts I have ever been to. The crowning moment of the show was the ending song, Hafsol, a track redone from Sigur Ros' first album Von.
The song opens with the lead guitarist/singer rythmically pounding his guitar with what looks like to be a drumstick. The crux of the song is an explosion of sound; drums, violins, horns, and singing all intertwine into one to form a sound that is uttelry hard to describe. Towards the end of the song, the lead guitarist is soley hitting his guitar with a violin bow in constant rythm with a drum and flute. It may sound crazy but it was far above amazing.
Bottom line, in reference to an old adage: "You have to hear it, to believe it." Sigur Ros has definite talent and that talent shines through in their shows. Only complaint is that it ended way toon soon.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Best of 2005
Wow, it has been another unbelievably great year for music!
Each new year I feel my taste in music becoming more refined and that is in part, some reason for this list. So many albums, so many new bands. I have not even purchased all of the albums I wanted that debuted this year.
It is so difficult to keep up on all of bands I wanted to listen to, let alone purchase them all. So, while my list may not be inclusive of all the albums that came out this year, the list will review albums that I listened to throughout 2005, the ones that I purchased and took the time to really listen to. This list is entirely a matter of personal preference.
This list is for my enjoyment and for anyone else who has similar music interests. So, with all of 'that', let's get started!
10. Sleater Kinney--The Woods
The only all-girl band to grace the list! This was indeed an interesting album. Everything I read about the album had me excited. They were a new sound for me this year even though they have been around since the mid-90's. From my first listen I was absolutely hooked. Right from the opening song of the album I was sucked into Corin Tucker's, the lead singer, high shrilled screams and amazing vocal range. These girls definitely know how to fuse great vocals with funky guitar riffs. These gals know how to rock!
9. LCD Soundsystem--Self Titled
One of my favorite electronica albums of the year. Not too much needs to be said about these guys but be sure to turn it up on songs like"Daft punk is Playing at My House" and "Movement". So many fun, exciting songs. Great opening album guys, here's for more to come, I hope.
8. Death Cab for Cutie--Plans
Another great album by one of the best known, well-recognized indie rock bands to date. Some of the hard core fans will complain that Death Cab went to a bigger recording label and have grown out of the indie rock scene by having the album single being played on the radio. Whatever shall we do??!!Give them a freaking break, they're a band! They want to be well-known! Long time fans should be happy for their success. This CD has some unforgettable songs and great lyrics. I have found this to be one of their better albums, in my opinion. So called "hard core" fans should give this entry, one more listen and less complaining. There's so much good, classic Death Cab in this album!
7. Wolf Parade--Apologies to the Queen Mary
After I saw that this album received such a high score from Pitchforkmedia.com, I decided that it was at least worth a purchase. Thanks with help from Modest Mouse, Wolf Para was able to refine their sounds and this little gem of an album has received so much praise from critics. I was blown away with songs like "Its A Curse" and "Grounds for Divorce"--this band shows a ton of potential. Sure some of the songs can be considered a little poppy but sheesh, that's what they're good at. They mesh together simple drums and guitar so well that I've wanted to listen to this album multiple times already.
6. New Pornographers--Twin Cinema
While this record isn't vastly different from any of their previous albums, The New Pornographers concentrate on what they do best, making bright, hooky sounds that play throughout an entire album. While I find this album simple in its musical aspects, its lyrics always surprise me and make me smile. There is so much energy in this record that it is always great for multiple listens. Just as with their other albums, I also found this one an enjoyable listen throughout its entirety.
5. Wilderness--Self Titled
There is a lot that can be said about this new group. Upon first listening to the album you can tell the band spent awhile putting this one together--almost three years. It's solid! This is an impressive album with loads of different sounds that come together to form a great new style/genre of music. Most notable is the bands approach to vocals, what can we call it? Singing, shouting, what?? It's a combination of both but the vocals fused together with the clear cut guitar and solid drums make for a one-of-a-kind sound. Highly recommended.
4. Doves--Some Cities
Doves, what can I say? It's you third album and once again your diligence in making a solid album shines through to show the breadth of your talent. With each album, my love for this band has grown larger. From Lost Souls you showed how dark and mysterious you can be. From Lost Broadcast you showed that you can write catchy, ambient songs with grace and style. Now from Some Cities we see how honest your music can be which seems to be a union in sound from the previous two albums. What you hear is what you get. That is what this album is about. What a great shift in style from their previous albums. I applaud them for they're best album yet, with songs like "Snowden" who wouldn't be happy with this purchase.
3. Decemberists--Picaresque
Love them or hate them, you must admit that no other band does it better. They know how to play a song. On this album and previous ones, The Decembrists show that they can be great orators and musicians at the same time. Simple, straight forward guitar is complemented with a playful and sometimes serious lyrical tone that adds to the albums depth. From the thunderous opening of "The Infanta" to the closing lyrical ballad "Of Angels and Angels", The Decemberists show us the wide range of talent they possess. This album does not disappoint.
2. Sigur Ros--Takk
Every once in awhile a band comes along that will change the way how you think about music, Sigur Ros is that band. Their albums as an entire whole are so much more than the music that is put on them. To only download a single from this band and never listen to one of their albums from the beginning, I feel, is to put the band to an open shame. Most of the songs on this album by themselves do not disappoint and can stand on their own. Sigur Ros keeps on doing what they do best and deliver a more tightly, grounded album this time around. In other words, if you aren't familiar with this band, give this album a listen. I would assert that its the easiest to warm up to. And if you are one of those iTunes types that don't want to break down to buy the whole album, might I suggest "Saeglopur". This song will give you a glimpse of what this Icelandic band has to offer. If Takk is a glimpse of what Sigur Ros is capable of, beyond what they have already done, the future looks bright indeed.
1. Bloc Party--Silent Alarm
I hesitated to put this as number one. I honestly don't know what it is. This album from first to the last minute is extremely well polished and done so well that is just screams repeated listens. I've played this CD more than any other this year. So many of these songs are done extremely well. Bloc Party is able to showcase their various styles in just a brief amount of time that the entire CD just feels right. Its hard not to repsect this bands first attempt at a full length album. They honestly made sure that every song contained the lyrical and muscial content they set out to make. The entire album is honest and fun, while being poppy and bittersweet at the same time. Believe me, after the first listen you'll want to embrace this album for a long time to come. And if you can't get enough of this one be sure to check out the remixed version, which is just equally as good.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Franz Ferdinand--You Could Have It So Much Better
Cold Play--X&Y
Fiery Furnaces--Self Titled EP
Spoon--Gimmie Fiction
The Hold Steady--Seperation Sunday
The White Stripes--Get Behind Me Satan
--Plus many more, I should have expanded my list to be twenty albums instead of ten. Oh well, there is always next year........
Each new year I feel my taste in music becoming more refined and that is in part, some reason for this list. So many albums, so many new bands. I have not even purchased all of the albums I wanted that debuted this year.
It is so difficult to keep up on all of bands I wanted to listen to, let alone purchase them all. So, while my list may not be inclusive of all the albums that came out this year, the list will review albums that I listened to throughout 2005, the ones that I purchased and took the time to really listen to. This list is entirely a matter of personal preference.
This list is for my enjoyment and for anyone else who has similar music interests. So, with all of 'that', let's get started!
10. Sleater Kinney--The Woods
The only all-girl band to grace the list! This was indeed an interesting album. Everything I read about the album had me excited. They were a new sound for me this year even though they have been around since the mid-90's. From my first listen I was absolutely hooked. Right from the opening song of the album I was sucked into Corin Tucker's, the lead singer, high shrilled screams and amazing vocal range. These girls definitely know how to fuse great vocals with funky guitar riffs. These gals know how to rock!
9. LCD Soundsystem--Self Titled
One of my favorite electronica albums of the year. Not too much needs to be said about these guys but be sure to turn it up on songs like"Daft punk is Playing at My House" and "Movement". So many fun, exciting songs. Great opening album guys, here's for more to come, I hope.
8. Death Cab for Cutie--Plans
Another great album by one of the best known, well-recognized indie rock bands to date. Some of the hard core fans will complain that Death Cab went to a bigger recording label and have grown out of the indie rock scene by having the album single being played on the radio. Whatever shall we do??!!Give them a freaking break, they're a band! They want to be well-known! Long time fans should be happy for their success. This CD has some unforgettable songs and great lyrics. I have found this to be one of their better albums, in my opinion. So called "hard core" fans should give this entry, one more listen and less complaining. There's so much good, classic Death Cab in this album!
7. Wolf Parade--Apologies to the Queen Mary
After I saw that this album received such a high score from Pitchforkmedia.com, I decided that it was at least worth a purchase. Thanks with help from Modest Mouse, Wolf Para was able to refine their sounds and this little gem of an album has received so much praise from critics. I was blown away with songs like "Its A Curse" and "Grounds for Divorce"--this band shows a ton of potential. Sure some of the songs can be considered a little poppy but sheesh, that's what they're good at. They mesh together simple drums and guitar so well that I've wanted to listen to this album multiple times already.
6. New Pornographers--Twin Cinema
While this record isn't vastly different from any of their previous albums, The New Pornographers concentrate on what they do best, making bright, hooky sounds that play throughout an entire album. While I find this album simple in its musical aspects, its lyrics always surprise me and make me smile. There is so much energy in this record that it is always great for multiple listens. Just as with their other albums, I also found this one an enjoyable listen throughout its entirety.
5. Wilderness--Self Titled
There is a lot that can be said about this new group. Upon first listening to the album you can tell the band spent awhile putting this one together--almost three years. It's solid! This is an impressive album with loads of different sounds that come together to form a great new style/genre of music. Most notable is the bands approach to vocals, what can we call it? Singing, shouting, what?? It's a combination of both but the vocals fused together with the clear cut guitar and solid drums make for a one-of-a-kind sound. Highly recommended.
4. Doves--Some Cities
Doves, what can I say? It's you third album and once again your diligence in making a solid album shines through to show the breadth of your talent. With each album, my love for this band has grown larger. From Lost Souls you showed how dark and mysterious you can be. From Lost Broadcast you showed that you can write catchy, ambient songs with grace and style. Now from Some Cities we see how honest your music can be which seems to be a union in sound from the previous two albums. What you hear is what you get. That is what this album is about. What a great shift in style from their previous albums. I applaud them for they're best album yet, with songs like "Snowden" who wouldn't be happy with this purchase.
3. Decemberists--Picaresque
Love them or hate them, you must admit that no other band does it better. They know how to play a song. On this album and previous ones, The Decembrists show that they can be great orators and musicians at the same time. Simple, straight forward guitar is complemented with a playful and sometimes serious lyrical tone that adds to the albums depth. From the thunderous opening of "The Infanta" to the closing lyrical ballad "Of Angels and Angels", The Decemberists show us the wide range of talent they possess. This album does not disappoint.
2. Sigur Ros--Takk
Every once in awhile a band comes along that will change the way how you think about music, Sigur Ros is that band. Their albums as an entire whole are so much more than the music that is put on them. To only download a single from this band and never listen to one of their albums from the beginning, I feel, is to put the band to an open shame. Most of the songs on this album by themselves do not disappoint and can stand on their own. Sigur Ros keeps on doing what they do best and deliver a more tightly, grounded album this time around. In other words, if you aren't familiar with this band, give this album a listen. I would assert that its the easiest to warm up to. And if you are one of those iTunes types that don't want to break down to buy the whole album, might I suggest "Saeglopur". This song will give you a glimpse of what this Icelandic band has to offer. If Takk is a glimpse of what Sigur Ros is capable of, beyond what they have already done, the future looks bright indeed.
1. Bloc Party--Silent Alarm
I hesitated to put this as number one. I honestly don't know what it is. This album from first to the last minute is extremely well polished and done so well that is just screams repeated listens. I've played this CD more than any other this year. So many of these songs are done extremely well. Bloc Party is able to showcase their various styles in just a brief amount of time that the entire CD just feels right. Its hard not to repsect this bands first attempt at a full length album. They honestly made sure that every song contained the lyrical and muscial content they set out to make. The entire album is honest and fun, while being poppy and bittersweet at the same time. Believe me, after the first listen you'll want to embrace this album for a long time to come. And if you can't get enough of this one be sure to check out the remixed version, which is just equally as good.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Franz Ferdinand--You Could Have It So Much Better
Cold Play--X&Y
Fiery Furnaces--Self Titled EP
Spoon--Gimmie Fiction
The Hold Steady--Seperation Sunday
The White Stripes--Get Behind Me Satan
--Plus many more, I should have expanded my list to be twenty albums instead of ten. Oh well, there is always next year........
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