By Alex Brenner

Although I must say 2012 has been pretty good musically so far, I always find myself digging up some older records. When I say older I’m talking about late 90′s and up, not the classics. Talking with fellow A-Lister Rube, the other night we did a little reminiscing and it got me thinking about some great records of the past. The ones where you say “Oh man, I have not heard that in forever!” I do listen to tons of new music too, however, these are some you may have forgotten about or never really checked out. This is my first installment of what I hope may be a new column highlighting some of what I consider to be the new classics.

The Rentals – Return of the Rentals

When bassist Matt Sharp left Weezer in the mid-90′s I was curious as to what his next move would be. In 1995, he really topped Weezer in my opinion with this record. Talk about one of the most ripped off records: poppy melodies, girl boy vocals, fuzzed out bass and Moog driven melodies. If you want to know where the indie synth bands of today are getting most of their material check this record out. Stand out tracks “Friends of P” (which I’m sure you’ll all remember) and the pummeling opener “The Love I’m Searching For”. You can hear his influence on Tegan and Sara’s So Jealous and The Con (and he played on both). File under hidden treasure.

Refused – The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombation In 12 Bursts

Refused made an announcement they would be reforming to play several shows this year. The press release read as such:

We never did The Shape of Punk To Come justice back when it came out, too tangled up in petty internal bickering to really focus on the job. And suddenly there’s this possibility to do it like it was intended. We wanna do it over, do it right. For the people who’ve kept the music alive through the years, but also for our own sakes… See you in the pit.

For those of you not familiar with this Swedish hardcore outfit, this band has been influential to many of today’s punk acts. In 1998 they released The Shape and sadly it would be their last. Nothing sums up this record better than the song “New Noise”; a song that challenged existing punk sounds with new ideas and aesthetics. Punk could no longer be just about the revolution. They experimented with drum and bass and added elements of jazz and math-rock. This was miles away from the current bands of the time, like Blink 182 and Green Day. Bottom line, this record kicks really hard. I have dents in my steering wheel from drumming to this record in my car.

Pedro the Lion – Control

Some of you may be fans of David Bazan but never really got into his previous project Pedro the Lion. I’ve been a super fan of this band since 1998′s It’s Hard to Find a Friend, but 2002′s Control really hit me. I’m not usually a fan of concept albums, and honestly you can’t really tell it is unless you listen to it closely, but this record is such a strong commentary on “The American Dream”. Bazan has such as talent for writing about tragedy which is possibly why he is one of my favorites. Control is basically the story of a successful business man who cheats on his wife and in the end she stabs him to death. It’s also a fantastic look into the American values such as greed, vengeance, death and how we raise our children. Only Bazan could sing brilliant lines like “The experts say you ought to start them young. That way they’ll naturally love the taste of corporate cum.” This probably my favorite Pedro record, it’s nothing short of amazing. The indie rock equivalent of Radiohead’s OK Computer.

HUM – You’d Prefer An Astronaut

Where do I even start on this record? In 1995 HUM really came out of nowhere (even though this was their third release) and delivered this hard driving album. It was the first time I really noticed the heavily detuned guitars which would later be a huge trend amongst post-hardcore and metal bands. This is really one of those classic records I remember having on cassette – great songs mixed with sludgy Sabbath-like riffs and soaring melodies. Check out the pounding drums in “The Pod” or the killer riffage in the middle break of “Stars”. This record is spectacular.

The Menzingers – Chamberlain Waits

This record just came out in 2010 but it reminds me of everything that was good about real punk rock. I listen to this record just about everyday in its entirety which is rare for any record. There is screaming, gang choruses and enough chunky chords and thrashing to give you a black eye. What I think sets this band apart is that they are such great songwriters as well. Sort of that mix between Fugazi and Jawbreaker. If you like your music sung from the heart, this one will certainly do the trick.

[just as I was dozing off, Alex woke me up to bug me about this review he needed to write so here it is. back to sleep for me -Rube]

By Alex Brenner

I’m a big fan of bedroom bands. A year or so ago I started reading about this boy wonder, 18-year-old Dylan Baldi who had just released a collection of lo-fi pop that bloggers could not get enough of. As you know, I’m never buying into the big indie hype machine but I could not resist checking this stuff out. It was pretty decent. Not amazing, but it showed a lot of promise. Earlier this month the first single from Attack on Memory premiered – a catchy pummeling rock number called “Stay Useless”. It blew my mind.

Now a full band, Baldi and Co. have made probably one of the best rock records I’ve heard in a long time. I’m not sure when rock music became so unpopular and all this indie folk garbage came in but thank god for this record. The production (recorded at Steve Albini’s studio) is raw and everything is loud. Not only are the songs great but the band itself is downright amazing. Sonically this totally reminds me of 90′s early indie/emo such as Silkworm, Seam, Braid and Promise Ring. My only complaint is that this record is short, only about 8 or so songs. This is another one already slated to hit my best of 2012 list. A must listen for those of you who want to rock.

By Alex Brenner

I must admit when I first heard Kathleen Edwards’ new record was being produced by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon I was a bit worried. That’s me, the indie snob, but then I heard his work on Land of Talk’s stellar Some Are Lakes and my worrying subsided.

What you get with Voyageur is much more adventurous and focused sound that is bound to break her out of the Americana mold. It’s not so out of left field, it’s just not so singer songwriter and more akin to David Bazan or Feist. Believe me, I love all her records but Americana (in my opinion) can be limiting and I always thought she had that extra something; Voyageur is that something. She still is one hell of a songwriter with a great sense for melody, and sometimes humor and wit, as found in “Cheapest Key” from her last album: “A is for all the times I bit my tongue, B is for bullshit and you fed me some. That preceded by “F is my favorite letter as you know”. Edwards also knows how to pick some great guests on her records. Last time it was members of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and this time it’s Norah Jones and the Long Winter’s John Roderick.

So the songs are still fairly acoustic driven but it’s the bubbling synths and the broken cable noise in the album’s strongest track, “Side Car”, that add so much. The production is done very well, not too polished and not too indie to make her sound like something totally different. It’s not like she is trying to go out of her way to be different. It’s just good solid songwriting and her voice is downright amazing. What really makes Kathleen Edwards such a great artist is that she is always consistent. All her records are great all the way through; this record probably the most.

I don’t want to focus on the fact that this is supposed to be her “divorce record.” Honestly, it does not add anything to the record to think of it that way. It’s an amazing record. I’ve had it heavy rotation in the car for a week or two and it will be on my top of 2012 for sure. Maybe you are not too familiar with her previous work or maybe like me you’ve been a fan since Failer broke your heart. If anything Voyageur should get Kathleen Edwards the mainstream (not top 40 Katy Perry Mainstream) success she deserves.

Ten Best Albums of 2011

So, the thing with my list this year is that I’ve been fortunate enough to have either shared a stage, been on a movie soundtrack together, recorded an album with, spent many quality years as close friends, or at the very least, created some memories over some good times with all but two of the bands represented here. However, none of these disclosures swayed my opinion in naming their recordings as the best to come out this year, they’re just all that damn good, and I just happen to know them.

Sincerely,
Richard Parsons
http://goodshipmates.bandcamp.com/

Big Black Delta – LP1
Jonathan Bates, you might know him by his work under the name Mellowdrone, if you don’t then you should check that out too. This project is more electronic, slightly more experimental, and just as solid as anything else he’s ever put out. His voice slays me, but that goes for everyone on this list.

The Dears – Degeneration Street
Becoming part of the Dangerbird family seems to have been good for The Dears, I’d have to say this is my favorite release of theirs yet, and that’s saying a lot. If you’ve never seen them live, you should (and that, as well, goes for everyone on this list).

Fran Capitanelli – Kave Talk
If you missed The Tom Collins, then well, you’re shit out of luck. But hey, because of that breakup we have the songwriter/vocalist/guitarist left to record an album on his own, and personally, I think it all turned out for the best. Because of that, what we have here now is pure Fran at his best. This album will blow your mind even if you didn’t know that Fran played everything on it, through a Shure beta 57 direct to a Yamaha MT8X (that’s an 8-track cassette recorder, FYI). This just goes to show that so long as you’ve got great songs, great talent, and actually care enough about what your are doing to make the best of what you have to work with, then you don’t need to kill your vibe in some fancy pants studio with some tool that thinks he knows more than you do, sucking Benjamins out of your wallet.

Tristen – Charlatans at the Gate
Damn I love this girl. The first time I met her, we were going to the opening night of the Newport Beach Film Festival to see 5 Star Day. We were both on the soundtrack, there was a crazy after party with an open bar, Cirque du Soleil performers, strange conversations with Yeardley Smith and the Real Housewives of Orange County (I had no idea who they were, they had orange skin though and I found that very amusing, if not fairly disgusting), and for desert, Danny gave us a huge brownie to split that kept us both awake all night until I had to drive back to LAX to catch a flight the next morning.
Oh, I remember what I was saying, LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM, IT’S F#@*ING GREAT!

The Other Also – Fires
Boy did we have to wait a while for this collection of gems, and boy was it worth it. George Lewis III really shines bright with his songwriting, heart-breaking poetics and a voice as warm and cozy as your favorite winter blanket. Masterfully recorded, mixed and produced by Jake Gideon (The Breakups, The Californian), who also played many of the accompanying instruments on the album along with the help from other members of The Breakups, The Californian, and The Henry Clay People.

The Californian – The Californian
The voice, the reverb, the songwriting, the wonderful musically-incestuous west coast friends that I love (a Henry Clay person and a Breakup play in this band as well). Seriously, if John Graney’s voice doesn’t make your heart explode with love for what he’s singing and how he’s singing it, then you are dead inside.

John Vanderslice – White Wilderness
This album maybe should be illegal, because it is a beautiful trip with every listen, and you just want to listen to it again when it’s over. John’s approach to recording isn’t exactly the same every time, but it’s exactly perfect for the project. Every time. Just wait until you find out how he’s recording his new album!

HoneyHoney – Billy Jack
Suzanne’s voice is one that simultaneously makes you feel strong, and makes you weep. We both sing backup on the Breakups song Run From Rock & Roll, which is on their new album that’s not out quite yet, but you know, fuck it, I’m putting it on my list this year anyway…

The Breakups – Running/Jumping/Falling/Shouting
That’s right, it’s not out yet, but it’s one of the best albums from this year, and it will still be one of the best albums of the year, next year, when it has its official release.

Death Cab for Cutie – Codes and Keys
This album totally makes up for their previous lackluster release. Unlike a bunch of folks that did like DCFC, but don’t now (citing the change in their sound as the reason) I truly appreciate the growth that’s taken place due to studio experimentation. This album is a collection of really good songs stretched over a tight and intricate sonic canvas; it’s one that you definitely hear some nuance (that you’ve missed before), every time you listen to it.

The Breakups – Run from Rock n Roll
Big Black Delta – Betamax
Fran Capitanelli – My Favorite Jeans
Tristen – Eager For Your Love
The Other Also – Max
HoneyHoney – Turn that Finger Around

By Alex Brenner

Best of 2011 (in no particular order)

Well it’s been a pretty good year for music I guess. Some real strong releases and of course some real turds, thanks Metallica. So here is my list of what I liked about 2011.

1. Wye Oak – Civilian.
This band is phenomenal, live they are amazing. Great songs but also very dynamic and sonically always surprising. I guess a great mix between country and shoegazing if you can put that all together. Check out their live shows on nyctaper.com. They do a version of Danzig’s “Mother” that will blow your mind.

2. Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Belong
Always been a big fan of power pop bands. Way more Smashing Pumpkins-esque this time around. The Pains get heavy yet remain truly catchy.

3. Yuck – Yuck
One of the best releases this year for me. Everything about 90′s indie rock and Brit pop wrapped into one record, what more can you ask for? Very cool songs and great feedback guitars. A must if you have not heard it.

4. Surfer Blood – Tarot Classics
Technically an EP but still pretty cool. The single “I’m not Ready” is super catchy. The band seems to be growing, very cool arrangements and once again really throwing back to late 90′s indie rock without plagiarizing.

5. David Bazan – Strange Negotiations
A record that really had to grow on me, it did not really sink in until I saw him perform it live. One of the best songwriters of our time without a doubt, he has put out consistently great records for the last 10 years. If you have not really checked him out before very worth it.

6. Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire
As much as you want to hate this guy, Ashes & Fire turned out to be pretty good. Even at his most douchiness (is that a word?) the dude can write a hook and a few words that will just slay you. It’s not Heartbreaker but its pretty damn close. Backed by Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers does not hurt either. If you had given up on Adams maybe you should give him one more shot.

7. Cymbals Eat Guitars – Lenses Alien
This one slipped by a lot of people; a very strong second record for this band. Most bands that come out of the gate with this much hype pretty much fall into the sophomore slump but not these guys. The perfect mix of Built to Spill and Swervedriver but still sounding fresh and exciting.

8. Wilco – The Whole Love
Finally on their own label, Tweedy and Co. release yet another solid effort. These last few Wilco records have been growers but very worth the time to listen. This band seems to have no bounds what so ever, they can go from soft folk and jazz to Sonic Youth inspired mayhem all within the course of 4 minutes. Very exciting to listen to, they could be the Zeppelin of our time.

9. We Were Promised Jetpacks – In the Pit of the Stomach
A very fitting title, this band can play so hard at times it feels like you’ve been popped in the gut. Getting even harder on this sophomore effort these Scottish lads blast sonic anthems without being too hooky. I guess if Snow Patrol were trying to kill people this is what you would get. Killing is their business and business is good.

10. tUnEyArDs – w h o k i l l
I’ll tell you, I’ve seen and heard a lot of music but this band really impressed me. It’s so organic, raw and fully of energy. Who would have thought you could make all that music with just one looper pedal? While this is not my go-to record I was really taken back by it and the single “Bizness” is pretty catchy without being a shtick. I watched a bunch of their live performances to see if the showers of adulation were well deserved and all I can say is yeah, they deserve it. It’s just something totally fresh, something no one is doing. Worth checking out for sure.

I would also like to take this time and say Thank God for the reissues. Some great stuff to check out.

1. Archers of Loaf – Icky Mettle
2. Smashing Pumpkins – Gish and Siamese Dream Deluxe Editions
3. U2 Achtung Baby Deluxe Edition
4. Megadeth – Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?
5. SeBADoh – Bakesale
6. Suede – Suede Deluxe Edition
7. Ride – Nowhere

We Were Promised Jetpacks – Act On Impulse
Wye Oak – Civilian
Megadeth – Wake Up Dead

We have once again invited some folks whose opinions we trust to share their favorite releases of 2011. Check out the artists on these list and the folks recommending them (most of whom are in bands of their own). You should be able to purchase each record through the attached link or visit your local independent record store and buy it there.

Matt Jarrard of Oryx and Crake and Book Club is the first to share his list with us which makes it the first we will share with you. Check back for more. Enjoy.

By Matt Jarrard

Best of 2011 (in order of awesomeness)

1. T.W. Walsh – Songs of Pain and Leisure
TW and former Pedro The Lion bandmate David Bazan have both always worn their mutual admiration and relationship challenges on their sleeves, this album is no different. His love of classic rock arrangement and sound textures are also evident here…fans of Jason Molina, Will Oldham, and Neil Young will quickly fall in love with this record.

2. Androcles and the Lion – As Far As Blindness Could See
This is my “dark horse” pick. These guys are based in Athens now, but met while studying music at Lagrange College. Musically, this EP moves seamlessly from droning guitar noise to an intimately picked acoustic. These songs affected me when I first heard them, and they continue to do so. Producer/Engineer/Athens-stalwart Drew Vandenberg probably had something to do with that as well.

3. My Morning Jacket – Circuital
Normally not a huge MMJ fan, always thought they were a little too “jammy” for my taste. But this record stuck with me. Holding On To Black Metal is my favorite song title of the year.

4. David Bazan – Strange Negotiations
Pretty direct statement to post-financial-collapse America, politicians, money managers, Bernie Madoff, and all the folks he pissed off by making “Curse Your Branches”.

5. Girls – Father, Son, Holy Ghost
This one took awhile to grow on me, mostly because I think Girls are a band that are playing to about 60% of their potential. At their best they’re incredible, but some of the tracks on this record strike me as mediocre. I fully expect the next album to rock my world.

6. tUnE-yArDs – w h o k i l l
Merrill is a musical maniac/genius. Everything about this album is fun.

7. Okkervil River – I Am Very Far
Their best since Black Sheep Boy.

8. The Antlers – Burst Apart
Bono loves them…so it must be the right thing to do.

9. Bon Iver – Bon Iver
Very cool about the Grammy nod, hopefully he’ll turn out to be the Arcade Fire of the 2012 awards. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have BMX bikers whirling around him during his performance.

10. Sprits and the Melchizedek Children – We Are Here To Save YOU!
This will probably be on everyone’s “local best of” list. It’s one of the most cohesive and well thought out records I’ve heard ANYWHERE in awhile.

Honorable Mention
Reptar – Oblangle Fizz Y’all
Manthester Orchestra – Simple Math
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
Wilco – The Whole Love
Bill Callahan – Apocalypse
Black Lips – Arabia Mountain
Efren – Rise On Up and Melt
Radiohead – King of Limbs

Antlers – Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out
Bon Iver – Calgary