top five albums of 2005 [list]

note: if this top five seems a little early to you, that's because it is - as part of canta mgazine's top five page, i had to contribute my picks. they will probably change before the year is out. so this is my "unofficial" top five albums. please post yr own (early) top fives in the comments section at the end of this post. but here's what i wrote, anyway.

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Every year, music geeks like myself rejoice at the chance to compile “best albums of the year” lists. And we write these little bits about how we like to compile these lists. It’s getting a little too idiosyncratic, but that’s okay. I’m like High Fidelity - without the irony. This year has been particularly good as far as great albums go, so now that list-assembling time has come, I find myself worried – almost dreading the fact that I have to reduce it to five records. Five! It falls desperately short considering the great amount of music that has come out this year. Torn between my personal favorites (albums that personally affect me and bring me close to them) and albums that are undeniably good on a more universal plain, I find myself somewhat stuck. The following list tends more towards the former, as partially concede defeat against the barrage of fucking terrific records to see release this past year. So here goes:

5. Serena-Maneesh – Serena-Maneesh
Any band can play on influences like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine and The Velvet Underground, but few embrace what these groups pioneered the most – noise. They take the densest and loudest elements of all of the above and add even more layers to that. The advantage of this is that the melodies hidden within become even more rewarding in their juxtaposition with distortion. The album is very creative considering their influences. It’s long, sprawling and easy to get lost within, just like the aforementioned classics. Shoegaze is probably the best genre to slot these Norwegians into, but as usual, it’s not enough – they supercede this, and manage to rock out in the process.

4. The Most Serene Republic – Underwater Cinematographer
On the same label as Broken Social Scene, the number two entry on this list, Arts & Crafts, this group have been described as sounding very similar. At times unabashedly happy but at others taking the time to dwell in less cheerful areas, they have dynamics and variance in spades. Their aesthetic is that of ascendant pop with shout/sing-a-long choruses and clever lyrics that ooze energy and vibrancy. It’s symphonic, and definitely a little cheesy, but unashamed. Crafting songs with such beauty is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and that’s what makes this Canadian group so good. It’s so exuberant and invigorating. And sentimental as well – but these kids actually mean it.

3. Wolf Parade – Apologies to the Queen Mary
This clashes completely with the niceties of the rest of the albums on this list. The hype and anticipation surrounding this release nearly swallowed it whole, but it easily speaks to itself. Even if they encapsulate the fervor and energy of The Arcade Fire and craft beauty from the unattractive like Modest Mouse or Frog eyes, these comparisons fall desperately short. Because that’s only half the sound. The other is made up of pure passion and sincerity – melodies that through contrast are so overarchingly beautiful that the more dystopian sounding moments are either soon forgotten or soon cherished. This is indie-rock at it’s most inventive; at a time where it is clear that reinvention is what is constantly needed.

2. Broken Social Scene – Broken Social Scene
In 2003, these ten kids from Montreal released a record called You Forgot it in People. It’s one of those albums that seemed impossible to ever better, and my personal affliction for that record filled me with anticipation when considering their next effort. And this year, they managed to do just that – make an even greater, even more well-rounded and interesting record. Building on the already passionate, vigorous indie-pop/rock that louder moments of their previous album was renowned for, this new release is even more ambitious and momentous. Joyous girl vocals intermingle with dense, organic guitars and triumphant drumbeats, alongside other diverse ranges of instruments, while at other moments taking time to lay-low. Song structures are particularly interesting and keep the album refreshing. But the best thing about it is how much it grows on the listener. Like it’s predecessor, the sound exhibits so many facets that while it sounds good the first time, it can be cultivated into something all the more rewarding through repeated listen. And that’s exactly what it encourages – one listen after another, no matter what the situation.

1. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! – Clap Your Hands SayYeah!
The do-it-yourself success story of 2005, CYHSY! blew the indie world away by self-releasing and self-recording an album capable of furthering the genre of indie-rock with . Of course, that’s not the reason why this album is number one. This four-piece restore passion to indie-rock in a similar way to how The Arcade Fire did last year. It’s unbridled, but it still works within the indie-rock genre. They have the added edge of real passion, and real emotion – sincerity is what speaks wonders on this album. Of course, there’s the plain beauty of their chord changes and riffs. They’re into the subtitles of music – each of their instruments reflects this. People have dropped some pointless comparisons to Talking Heads (the lead singer’s voice only slightly echoes David Byrne’s, and that’s as far as comparison goes), but otherwise they are hard to reference. If they aren’t as inventive as Wolf Parade, they certainly have the songwriting skills – and the eagerness – to carry themselves more capably than any other band this year.

Other Noteworthy Albums:

The Lucksmiths – Warmer Corners
Architecture in Helsinki – In Case We Die
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
Tom Vek – We Have Sound
Devendra Banhart – Cripple Crow
Sigur Ros – Takk
New Pornographers – Twin Cinema
Edan – Beauty and the Beat
The Decemberists – Picaresque
M83 – Before the Dawn Heals Us
Of Montreal – The Sunlandic Twins
The Phoenix Foundation – Pegasus
The Robot Ate Me – Carousel Waltz
Sufjan Stevens – Illinois

Forthcoming Albums of Significance:

Boards of Canada – The Campfire Headphase
Animal Collective – Feels
The Clientele – Strange Geometry
Gang of Four – Return the Gift

and now, here's tom with the weather (playlist 11/10)

good evening laydeez and gentlemen, timmy d, shea, and richard mf are in the hiz-ouse.

let's kick out the jams.

1. Iggy & The Stooges, Raw Power (Raw Power on Vinyl)
2. Wire, Ex Lion Tamer (Pink Flag)

That's a dman fine start if I do say so myself. Iggy at the Big Day huh? Count me in...

3. Calexico, Wave (Alejandro Escovedo cover, Por Vida A.E. Tribute album)

One of the all time alt country legends, a true pioneer of texas punk/ rootsy americana, this album is a tribute by many of the biggest stars of the scene as Mr Escovedo has been struck down by hep c (methinks?!) so this is a bit of a fundraiser...

4. Palaxy Tracks, Clarion Way (Twelve Rooms)

Richard has a little knitting patch that was knitted. It's red, like a fire engine.
And now, because if I don;t play it who will (and it's nearly summer after all)...

5. Manu Chao, Bixo/ El Dorado 1997 (Proxima Estascion Esperanza)
6. Buttersprites, Fever (Buttersprites)

Strange couplet full of crunchy music goodness. Mmm, nougat.

7. OOIOO, Niko Niko Niko (Kila Kila Kila)
8. Numbers, The Fuck You Garage (We're Animals)
9. Coco Rosie, Brazilian Sun (Noah's Ark)
10. Messer Chups, Fntomasofobia (Crazy Price)

I've always said Guitar Media is more about an attitude than a sound. So yes, there wasn't many guitars amongst that lot, but hey, if you like what we normally play you may have liked those... or maybe not.

11. Tim Rogers & The Temperance Union, I'd Rather Be Krund (Dirty Ron/ Ghost Songs)

Check that T Rex rip and the femal back up singers at the end... Still gotta say that this album is sensational. You need to give it a go if you love classic rawk and the singer songwriter savoir-faire...

12. Broken Social Scene, 7?4 Shoreline (Broken Social Scene)
13. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead, Baudelaire (Source Tags and Codes)

This album is so much better than their latest... honestly.... this album kicks your ass.

i like your sleeves. they're real big.

GOSH!

14. The Radio Dept, Deliverance (This Past Week)

It's the mutha trucking pet shop boys. do not buy this album. Just remember in the time it takes to download this album you could get a life.

15. 63 Crayons, Rocketship (Good People)
16. Miniskirt, Be Here With Me (Woody Allen Likes Guitar Pop)
17. Teenage Fanclub, Did I Say (4766 Seconds Best Of)
18. Maritime, Tearing Up The Oxygen (We, The Vehicles)

get out your best chucks cause it's shoe gazing time! waves of guitars... mmm... instrumentals and spacey vocals... i'm in love

19. Slowdive, Sing (Catch The Breeze)
20. Saxon Shore, With A Red Suit You Will Become A Man (The Exquisite Death Of Saxon Shore)
21. Explosions In The Sky, Glittering Blackness (How Strange, Innocence)
22. The Bell Orchestre, The Upwards March (Recording A Tape The Colour Of The Light)
23. Pelican, Aurora Borealis (The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw)

The cream of the post rawk crop is in full effect. From Canadia to Jagjaguaria it's allgood. And no I don't have a clue what I'm saying but it's a good excuse to buy some headphones and disconnect from everything around you and become weightless... and then the song ends and we're still swimming in samsara.

wtf?! anyhoo, nice guitars methinks...

24. Drop Nineteens, Winona (Delaware)
25. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Don't Fail Me Now (Jacksonville City Nights)

Oooohh. Ryan versus Timmy Rogers.I want them both but who can win the best of the year?! Check this blog for Richard's (unofficial) top five albums of this year...

lost, in the woods picking flowers

just a short post because i'm procrastinating (big essay due soon) and because i stumbled across a link to download a really beautiful frank black song. it's from his new album, honeycomb - the lead single, in fact. i like it lots, and if you click on the link below then you can download it. and then listen to it. and then maybe like it.

frank black - i burn today.mp3

downloading lots of interesting new stuff at the moment. this week i'll be posting two or three reviews, as well as my unofficial top five albums of the year (!!!). in that post you can post yr very own top fives, if you want. it's a bit early for top anythings though, really. but canta needed an article to go on their two-page spread of people's top fives, so i had to oblige. my list wil undoubtedly change a lot by the end of the year, when tim and i will obsess over our official top tens or whatever.

rdu roundup band competition finals - 1/10/05 [live review]

Band competitions are often pretty cringe worthy. Shitty high school bands with shitty high-school band names are normally the type of act that inhabit these types of contest But not Roundup – oh no. Well, at least the finals weren’t. They showcased some of the best bands in Christchurch on Saturday night. The Dux de Lux was full to the brim, and so was the level of quality music being performed.

The New Originals played a solid set of dense (but messy) jangly/sloppy indie rock. There was an obvious improvement from previous recent shows As is usual with the local four-piece, the drums need to be pushed back in the mix (a lot) and the bass needs to stay in time. But I’m always a sucker for this messy sound – the keyboards add a particularly nice touch. If better paced and more subtle, their sound would work a lot better. Plus, Tim Moore’s theramin was not only well placed but of course had huge indie-geek appeal. It sounded terrific – the Neutral Milk Hotel influence was clear.

The much tighter sound of Happy Palace then highlighted any inadequacies in The New Originals sound. Their layered shoegaze style recalls both the density Bailterspace and the upbeat guitar riffs of Bike or The Stereobus. Like these bands, their penchant for melody is at the forefront of their music. But after half their set, the repetition that was at first rewarding became a little overused – the keyboard especially in some parts. Their aesthetic doesn’t give way for much variation. It’s all about sounding meticulous. Waves of meticulously played chords and upfront, feel good vocals. The latter usually work in a good way If they embraced the use of noise and distortion the way My Bloody Valentine, Ride or Serena-Maneesh do, then a far more intricate, subtle and generally more rewarding sound would be easily achieved.

Third band House of Dolls certainly had the “X-Factor”. Compared to the previous two acts, their sound was exciting and exhibited elements of fashonista that were more refreshing than the standard indie-rock fare of other bands of the night. But that’s probably a little beside the point. Their sound, though, was as sharp was their dress. They were the most professional sounding band of the night. Their previous experience in overseas music was clear – in terms of instrumentation and depth of sound, they were the most professional band of the night. Consisting of only a guitarist, synthesizer and drummer, they are sparse and angular – the loud/soft and danceable/stagnating dynamics sound mature and assured. Reminiscent of Joy Division, their 80’s nostalgia was matched by a forward-thinking enthusiasm that was encouraging of some explosive dancing.

The Undercurrents pleased with their now-renowned brand of confident and solid indie-rock. Slightly branching out from the traditional four-strong guitar band lineup with a violinist adds another successful dimension to an already good sound. Their strongest facet is probably how well-paced they are. They take their time, embracing the more unassuming elements of indie-rock and reclining within them, exploring intricate melodies and structural features to strong effect. Louder and most overt moments work just as well as those of a more subdued nature. They work between these contrasting elements to exhibit depth, range and musicianship. It’s like the slackness of Pavement and the emotion of Sebadoh combined and built upon. They love lo-fi. Oh yeah, and they won the competition. (Yeah, they won. All the other bands came last!). And deservedly, too. They’re polished without pretension, and can show how to craft solid indie-rock with self-assurance and skill. I was kinda gunning for House of Dolls, though.

Last band of the night was Christchurch rock mainstays Orkid. Combining post-punk guitars with more quirky and eccentric vocals and song structures, they sport a diverse style. And sure, they’re pretty good. But their sound can be a little one dimensional, and ultimately pretty boring. They’re the sort of band who, like someone such as Tool, keep the melodies close together, in the sense that they sound quite monotonous and gray. The Dismemberment Plan provide an excellent comparison, except they tend to branch out from the same notes a little more. Their sound sports the type of eccentricities that are interesting for a while but ultimately too devoid of passion to be engaging enough. Stunted and spastic guitar stabs and bouncy bass lines are confident but their irony-steeped aesthetic oppresses any real emotion or fervor. Which is probably the point, really. It comes down to personal taste more than anything.

Such a fine selection of bands isn’t often seen in one evening in Christchurch. It’s very encouraging – hopefully all the bands that competed will escalate their live outings. It must have been a tough decision for the judges. Each of the five is worthy of attention at independent gigs and on recordings – make sure you show them some.

wolf parade - apologies to the queen mary [album review]

[Subpop, 2005]
*****

Wolf Parade are the most hyped band around right now. They’re from Montreal, Canada, just like every other indie band making it big. After months of anticipation, their first album, Apologies to the Queen Mary is finally unleashed on the all-too-suspecting public (it has also been highly downloaded). Their earlier EPs were pretty much submerged in brown, swampy sludge; but here, they are cleaned off a little. Probably due to more money (this is their Sub Pop debut) and also thanks to Modest Mouse front man, Isaac Brock’s production on this record. Still, the swamp idea is suitable – Apologies is one thick, discordant record that finds beauty in ugliness, just as Modest Mouse is renowned for. I’d like to put this name-checking aside, but it’s pretty important – at least in terms of contextualisation of this review, if not the record itself. Being good pals with The Arcade Fire (the indie-kid favourites that are taking the world by storm) certainly helps, but the majority of press surrounding Wolf Parade’s debut is preoccupied with this link. Not only that, but Wolf Parade feature members in Frog Eyes and Sunset Rubdown, two other more obscure but critically acclaimed artists who’ve garnered attention lately. They’re probably the most talked about band of the moment, but for once, it’s actually warranted. This album is amazing.

Even if they encapsulate the fervor and energy of The Arcade Fire and craft beauty from the unattractive like Modest Mouse or Frog eyes, these comparisons fall desperately short. Because that’s only half the sound. The other is made up of pure passion and sincerity – melody’s that through contrast are so overarchingly beautiful that the more dystopian sounding moments are either soon forgotten or soon cherished. For instance, “It’s a Curse” is pure exposition. For the two minutes, it chugs along (or around in circles) only to give way to the most anthemic, serene and emotional climax that goes for the remaining one minute. Soon, though, one learns to appreciate these more stagnant moments. It’s easy to find joy from such an aesthetic of such repulsiveness, because not only is it rewarding and interesting, but it has some killer riffs and terrific hooks. Shrieky vocals and dirty guitars are matched with blissful synth lines and ornately diverse instrumentation. This is indie-rock at it’s most inventive; at a time where it is clear that reinvention is what is constantly needed. Bands that generate this much hype are generally soon consumed by it. But not Wolf Parade, oh no. It’s safe so say that this will be the first of many great albums.

the evolution will not be televised [playlist 3/10]

1. Rogers Sisters, 45 Prayers (Three Fingers)
2. Ryan Adams, The Hardest Part (Jacksonville City Nights)

I've been mystified by troooooooooo luvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv... ah, ryan can testify! another great album followingon from cold roses and possibly one more to come this year.

and now for richard's favourite new song of the moment...

3. The Kingsbury Manx, 10008 (I still don't know the album name)
4. Goblin Mix, The Winter Song (Goblin Mix and the Exploding Budgies)

The latter,a Shea pick, and a Flying Nun classic which will no doubt sit well with our stationmanager Hat. richard's on the bloddy phone again. interactive radio-e-o.

5. tim rogers & the temperance union, my brother's room (dirty ron/ ghost stories)

this album really is that good but none of you will listen. i hate you all.

no, honestly, give it a go. ps. i love you all.

and now for the ads which you don't have to listen to which is a very very good thing.

6. Maritime, Tearing Up The Oxygen (We, The Vehicles)

7. The Byrds w/ Gram Parsons, The Christian Life (Sweetheart of the Rodeo Legacy Edition)

One of the foundational albums in any americana/ kountry kollection. Mmmm, Twangy!

8. Rogue Wave, Bird On A Wire (Descended Like Vultures)

A very very nice Sub Pop album.It's getting to the point where you can almost buy anything with Sub Pop on it and be safe in the knowledge that things are going to be a-ok... and a glockenspeil! Ohhhh, so subtle...

9. Neil Young, Alabama (Harvest)

Shea's been modelling knitwear. Mmm, breathable fabrics. That shine that only man made fabrics can give is a sure sign of quality. That's a tip for the indie kids. If yra little bit kountry then beards are where it's at man.

10. The Action, Strange Roads (Rolled Gold)

Think of the mainstream and shit.

11. Devendra Banhart, I Feel Just Like A Child (Cripple Crow)

Freak folk's very own poster boy releases single, makes video and next thing you know he'll have his own clothing label. Get on the wagon now before it becomes cool to hate him and you'll discover one of the most vital artists of the last however many years. Enough to excite the most cynical and jaded listeners....

12. Deerhoof, Wrong Time Capsule (The Runners Four)

click here to download a covers album with tracks contributed by fans and friends of the band.

13. Mission of Burma, Dead Pool (Vs.)

14. Serena-Maneesh, Selina's Melodie Fountain (Serena-Maneesh)
15. The new Strokes, no Interpol, No Franz Ferdinand.Or Joy Division's Interzone (Unknown Pleasures)

Perhaps thenext band once Rockstar INXS is over? JD wins by the way. Ha ha.

16. Tom Vek, A Little Word In Your Ear (We Have Sound)
17. Bright Eyes, Road To Joy (I'm Wide Awake It's Morning)
18. Bats, Bells (At The National Grid)

19. Yo La Tengo, Upside-Down (May I Sing With Me)

20. Pavement, Flux = Rad (Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain Disc 2 from latest reissue)

21. Go Go Go Airheart, Heart On AChain (Rats! Sing! Sing!)

22. Ryan Somebody. Something. Some album.

How cantankerous am I? Arguing about musick as usual. PS. Richard hates spiritualized but shea and I think "Ladies And Gentlemaen WeARe Floating In Space" is an absolute must have (especially for those of you who have had some difficult relationships!)

23. Malcolm (In The) Middleton, Loneliness Shines (Into The Winds)
24. Dungen, Panda (Ta Let De Like De Prog Psych Rawk)

so yer. you can;t imagine how strange it can be in the studio sometimes. maybe you can.have you ever thought you were in a david lycnh film? um, it's like that bitin the cafe in mullholland drive.

except we all wear white chucks and argue aboutthe merits of vinyl versus cd. it's like hi fidelity without the irony. which would make me jack black. cause i'm fat and grumpy. hey ladies.......

25. Flotation Toy Warning. Pop Star Researching Oblivion, (Bluffer's Guide To The Flight Deck)

26. Test-Icicles, Boa Vs. Python (Boa Vs. Python 7")


c u c u later.

love shea, richard mf.

timmy dodgers



14.

terrestrial tones

this thursday night (the 6th), canterbury university music students present with sound: a concert featuring new, original music by all of the department's composition students. it's upstairs in the school of music department in room 205. it's free entry and starts at 6pm. it will feature some quite interesting experimental stuff, as well as more conventional classical works.

afterwards you can go and see bachelorette with thomas:parkes at the dux, for the former's the end of things ep release gig. this is going to be terrific - i can't rave about bachelorette enough. thomas:parkes are good too. oh, new zealand music! i'm such a nationalist.

good night at the dux on saturday with the roundup band competition finals. all bands really out-did themselves. congratulations to the undercurrents, who were the winners on the night.

oh, some other good bands are playing at creation this friday. food not bombs is a benefit gig that costs $5 (which go to the charity) and features house of dolls, the new originals, a million lights and the pickups. starts at 9pm.