Episode 13 - Best of 2010 part 1

10/08/10

Download the AAC file here. It contains album artwork and chapters for each song for your iPod or Zune player. Just make a playlist and drag the file in. I can't figure out how to make iTunes recognize it as a podcast. Can someone help me with that??

The aim of this podcast is to highlight my favorite music of 2010. I did it again, track 10 is from 2009.

01 - Arcade Fire - Empty Room
02 - Violens/The Byrds - I See You”/”Only Shallow
03 - Mgmt - It's Working
04 - Love Is All - Kungen
05 - Metric - Gimme Sympathy (Daytrotter Session)
06 - Bart & Friends - Weave Your Name
07 - Karen Elson - The Ghost Who Walks
08 - Massive Attack - Paradise Circus Feat. Hope Sandoval
09 - The Hot Rats - The Crystal Ship
10 - Then - Anorak City (2009)
11 - Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday
12 - Vampire Weekend - Cousins
13 - Lucky Soul - Woah Billy!
14 - Dum Dum Girls - Blank Girl
15 - The Blanche Hudson Weekend - Grip Of Fear
16 - Mittens - Jaffa Cakes
17 - Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes
18 - The Love Language - Anthophobia
19 - Portrait Painters - Love Scar
20 - Husky Rescue - They Are Coming
21 - Health - Eat Flesh (Crystal Castles Rmx)

Notes

I've been listening to too many comedy podcasts lately, thus the delay in my own podcasts.

Share this podcast if you can. Leave comments here. I want to hear from you! Thank you for listening.

BigJB

Episode 12 - Best of 2009 part 2

01/01/10

Download the AAC file here. It contains album artwork and chapters for each song for your iPod or Zune player. Just make a playlist and drag the file in. I can't figure out how to make iTunes recognize it as a podcast. Can someone help me with that??

The aim of this podcast is to highlight my favorite music of 2009. I did it again, track 09 is from 2008. Track 35 is technically from 2008 but it was released in the US in 2009.

01 - Superdrag - Slow To Anger
02 - Amber Oak - Audrey
03 - Grass Widow - Cut It Off
04 - Vanilla Ride - Hilma
05 - Lissy Trullie - Money
06 - Dog Day - Rome
07 - Silversun Pickups - Substitution
08 - The Jezabels - Electric Lover
09 - The Wendy Darlings - Enormous Pop
10 - Tegan & Sara - Hell
11 - Sonic Youth - Poison Arrow
12 - Tiny Masters Of Today - Skeletons
13 - Lacrosse - We Are Kids
14 - Girls - Lust For Life
15 - Regina Spektor - Two Birds
16 - Camera Obscura - The Sweetest Thing
17 - Very Truly Yours - Reminders
18 - Lovers - Imaginary Women
19 - Karen O And The Kids - All Is Love
20 - The Wave Pictures - Bye Bye Bumble Belly
21 - Immaculate Machine - You Destroyer
22 - Liechtenstein - Roses In The Park
23 - Iran - Buddy (Feat. Kyp Malone)
24 - Cameron Mcgill & What Army - Minor Suite
25 - Marissa Nadler - Brittle, Crushed & Torn
26 - Clues - Haarp
27 - The Legends - Always The Same
28 - The Joy Formidable - Austere
29 - Yo La Tengo - Nothing To Hide
30 - The Maccabees - Kiss And Resolve
31 - Come On Like Gangbusters - Birds On The Power Line
32 - Dreamdate - Wait For You
33 - Cola Jet Set - El Sueño De Mi Vida
34 - Eat Lights Become Lights - Klustered (Part 2)
35 - Ida Maria - In The End

Notes
I've been a bit distracted since the last podcast. Anyway, these are some of the songs I've been listening for the past 7 months. I'm already working on part 3.

Thank you for listening.
Share this podcast if you can. Leave comments here. I want to hear from you! Happy New Year!
BigJB

Episode 09 - Best of 2008 part 7

The Soundtrack Of My Life
Episode 09
3/31/09

Download the AAC file here. It contains album artwork and chapters for each song for your iPod or Zune player. Just make a playlist and drag the file in.

The aim of this podcast is to highlight my favorite music of 2008. I did it again, track 10 is from 2009.

01 - Love Is All - Movie Romance
02 - Tilly And The Wall - Jumbler
03 - The Apples In Stereo - Stephen Stephen (for Stephen Colbert)
04 - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down - Travel
05 - Crooked Fingers - Luisa's Bones (Daytrotter session)
06 - Elbow - One Day Like This (Daytrotter session)
07 - Winterpills - Immortal
08 - Emiliana Torrini - Hold Heart
09 - El May - I Remember
10 - Washington - Guerre De Rue
11 - The Kills - Black Balloon
12 - The Bird And The Bee - Ray Gun
13 - Klaus & Kinski - Crucifixión, La Solución
14 - Sr. Chinarro - Timidos
15 - Bubblegum Lemonade - Susan's In The Sky
16 - Hotel Lights - Nobody Let You Down
17 - Misophone - Grey Clouds (Part 2)
18 - David Vandervelde - Cryin' Like The Rain
19 - One For The Team - What Are You Gonna Cry About
20 - Headlights - On April 2
21 - Dreamend - If Only For A Day
22 - Moscow Olympics - Safe
23 - Sigur Ros - Vid Spilum Endalaust
24 - The Organ - Even In The Night
25 - Lightning Love - Work Today
26 - Los Campesinos! - Sweet Dreams Sweet Cheeks
27 - The Light Sleepers - Panama
28 - The Passionistas - Righters Block
29 - The Wave Pictures - One Line At A Time
30 - Mates of State - Lullaby Haze
31 - Ida Maria - See Me Through
32 - Jenny Lewis - Love Hurts (Live On Radcliffe And Maconie)
Recommendations
There are enough good songs on these albums to recommend them:
Love is All - A Hundred Things Keep Me Up At Night
Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini
Moscow Olympics - Cut the World
Sigur Rós - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Klaus & Kinski - "tu hoguera està ardiendo"
Headlights - Some Racing, Some Stopping
One for the Team - Build It Up
Bubblegum Lemonade - Doubleplusgood
Tilly And The Wall - O

Still listening to (but liking):
David Vandervelde - Waiting for the Sunrise

Buy the other albums at your own risk but do search for the posted songs and support these artists.

Thank you for listening. Share this podcast if you can.

Leave comments here. I want to hear from you!
BigJB

June's Playlist on Channel 2

Tilly And The Wall

1. Cerys Matthews - Blue Light AlarmI love songs with bells, soft vocals, rising crescendos, and choral singing....hey this one has them all. Sweet!
2. Damien Rice - The Animals Were GoneHe's so depressing but I love it.
3. Depeche Mode - (Set Me Free) Remotivate MeA blast from the past. One of my girlfriends put this one on a mix-tape...ah memories. It brings me back to my high school years. It still hold up.
4. Erase Errata - Another Genius Idea From Our GovernmentGreat sound but not enough to recommend this album.
5. Imitation Electric Piano - Energy Is BeautifulI like this album. If you like this song. Buy the album.
6. Koop - Come To MeThe other song I like from this band. It has a cool retro sound. Remember most of the sounds are samples.
7. Love Is All - Turn The Radio OffOne of the best albums of 2006. It was in my top 5.
8. M Ward - Beautiful CarThere is always a gem on every one of his albums. I absolutely love his vocal style and his wonderful guitar sound.
9. Maria Taylor - Birmingham 1982Since I'm diggin' her latest album, I can't forget this and other gems from her other album.
10. Mazarin - For Energy InfiniteMy friend told me that this was in a Puma commercial. I never saw it but they picked a great song. This is what I saw on their website recently. "Mazarin is presently undergoing a transformation from it's former self... a transformation of name and direction. Details coming soon..." Interesting.
11. Of Montreal - Keep Sending Me Black FireworksThis is a great song, and it was a bonus track. This should have made a video for this song.
12. Piers Faccini - Walk Over To YouI have a thing with songs like these lately. I hope you do too.
13. Point Juncture, WA - Cardboard BoxI loved this song the instant I heard it. Do I like it better because the singer is playing drums? Bells!!
14. Quantic - Meet Me At The Pomegranate TreeI like the drum and bass sound but I haven't heard anything that I would like to hear again. This sound has a great soundscape so it's a keeper!
15. Rifles - Local BoyIt has a good melody. This is the only song I like from them.
16. Sean Lennon - TomorrowAnother good song from his last album.
17. The Concretes - SunbeamsA good way to start the summer.
18. The Pipettes - Pull ShapesOk, I admit it. I like this song. I know you do too.
19. Tilly And The Wall - Fell Down The Stairs2004's best album, in my opinion.
20. Neil Young - Only Love Can Break Your HeartWhat a classic!

June's Playlist on Channel 1

20 songs
Arctic Monkeys - If You Found This It's Probably Too LateThis is the other song I like from this group and it's not even on the album. It's a track off of the Brainstorm single. I wanted to like the album after I heard the Brainstorm single, but it was mediocre.


Celestial -Dream On
Celestial is comprised of one person, Andreas Hagman from Sweden. He gets help on the album from his friends. This album could have easily been released in the early 90's along with the likes of Ride, Boo Radleys, Pale Saints, and other bands influenced by My Bloody Valentine. It's nothing new but it's still good to hear new songs of this style. I recommend this album if you like this song.
Dora Flood - Humble High
Dreamy vocals carry this catchy tune until it takes a weird turn for the worse. I like the first part of the song.





Feist - Sealion
I'm confused why the difference in titles. Nina Simone's version is called is See Line Women and I've seen Feist's version written Sea Lion Women in different places. Anyway, I think this is the best song on a really good album. Buy it! She is truly an artist that does not shy away from trying something different. That is why I love her!


Fields - Skulls And Flesh And MoreIt's a very commercial sounding song that would do well if it received airplay.
Buy this album if you like this song.




Hey Hey My My - Belle & JulianIt's a good melodic song but it lacks that special punch. The cheesy-wavy guitar solo didn't do it. Don't buy the album.



Illinois - What Can I Do For YouI found another song from this album. It's still not enough to recommend the album. They have a good sound, I hope they get better on their next album.



Last Days Of April - MelbourneThe second song that I like from this album. I haven't heard their previous albums but I will definitely try to listen to them.


Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
...Ice cream sweet, but, like Saint Etienne or The Concretes, they lace it with ground shards of bleak heartbreak and sharp lyrics that'll have your heart bleeding... NME April 2007. This is such a cute song. A little too many "Shake, Shimmy Shimmys" but that's ok. Buy this album if you like this song.


Palomar - Our Haunt
"This Brooklyn quartet has been quietly making some of the most consistently wonderful indie pop around.... These three ladies and one dude have made one hoot of an album, jam packed with memorable melodies and tasty hooks that will leave you craving more."- The Tripwire
I do like a couple of songs from this album, but not enough to recommend it.

Peter Bjorn And John - 100m Of Hurdles
This song has that "Elvis Costello and the Attractions" sound. I think they make it their own and the melody is good.




Pauly Paulusma - The Woods
Her last name is pronounced "Palls-ma." She hails from the UK and this is her second album. I only like the mellow songs on this album. There is something special in the way she sings that compliments the darker mood of this song. You can listen to the entire album at her site. Take a listen.

Polytechnic - PepThe debut album from a five piece band from Manchester. You immediately know where this song's melody is going but you go along with it because it's a fun song. This is the best song on the album.



Ponoka - September
Ponoka is also the place where singer/songwriter Rick de Gier grew up. Hindsight’ is a fresh indie record that mixes typical singer/songwriter elements and laid-back lo-fi with unpolished rock and poppy electronics, seasoned with intimate lyrics. There are about 2 good songs on this album, not enough to recommend it.

Rufus Wainwright - Release The StarsI love Rufus! I wish that I could sing like him.





The Bicycles - Two Girls From Montreal
This Toronto quintet has the bubblegum sound nailed, but there is also a spiky D.I.Y. quality to their music that connects them to like-minded acts such as the Apples in Stereo or Of Montreal. inmusic.com There is a part that sounds like Fleetwood Mac, see if you can find it.

The Broken West - So It Goes Great song. Have I convinced you yet? You should have this album.




The Eames Era - Both Hands Full The second (and last) good song on this album. I need more! Maybe next time.




The Vinyl Skyway - Kitchen
Another good song from this album. Buy it!



Tom McRae - Sound of the City
Influenced by contemporaries that include Bruce Springsteen, Nick Drake, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Jeff Buckley, ‘King Of Cards’ is Tom’s most accessible work to date and follows two sold-out fanclub shows at London’s Cargo – his first of 2007, and the first to preview the new album. This follows the blueprint for a perfect song. It's got everything in the right place and he executes the song flawlessly. This is the only good song on the album.

May's Playlist on Channel 2 Pt. 2

Piers Faccini - The Taste Of Tears
A very nice song. I wished the album was better, but of course, this was the only good song.
Sean Lennon - Parachute
I was really surprised about this album. I loved it! It should be good because I think it took him 6 years to make it. Papa Lennon would be proud.
Tall Pony - I'm Your Boyfriend Now (live at BBC Maida Vale)
This song is hilarious! Take notes, girls. "We will talk about war!" I love that line. Thanks to Mostyn for this one. The actual single is horrible. It sounds really cheezy and electronic. This live version really emphasizes the creepiness and the humor of the song.
The Amphetameanies - This Boy
I haven't heard a good new ska song for a long while. Now I have.
The Bicycles - Gotta Get Out
Another band from Canada. Aren't they all lately? The song is cute and will get stuck in your head. I like 5 songs on this debut album. If you like this song, I recommend this album.
The Fiery Furnaces - Benton Harbor Blues
I like 3 songs from this band and this is one of them.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen - History Song
Damon's other band. The best song from this album. Don't believe the hype. Mediocre.
The Maybellines - Quietly
A cute song from a cute band. The only song I like from this band.
The Perishers - Pills (Featuring Sarah McLachlan)
I prefer the original version of this great song but I figured people would get a kick out of Sarah's guest vocal on this live version.
The Tellers - Second Category
I thought this was sung by a girl. I was wrong. This is the best song from this album.
Tom Waits - Never Let Go
Every now and then Tom Waits comes out with a great song. This is one of them. This album
has a bunch of good songs but you have to weed through this 54 song collection.

May's Playlist on Channel 2 Pt. 1

Cerys Matthews - Open Roads
I like the chorus. I woudn't be surprised if this is on the O.C. soundtrack. I just checked. It's not, but I bet you a billion dollars it will be.
Erase Errata - Cruising
Great sound from an all girl trio. I like a couple of songs off of this album.
Hotel Lights - Anatole
This is Darren Jessee's band, the drummer from Ben Folds Five. This is the best song on the album. Skip this album.
Imitation Electric Piano - What We Do We Do
I thought this was Stereolab when I heard it. When I learned more about this band I found out that some members of Stereolab are in the band. There a couple of good songs on this album.
Jeff Alexander - Come Wander With Me
This is from the "Late Night Tales" series of compilations by current bands. This one happens to be from the band "Air." It was also from the "Brown Bunny" soundtrack, so that's probably where they heard it. The song is actually from a "The Twilight Zone" episode of the same name in 1964. I'm a sucker for songs like these.
Kathryn Williams - Sandy L
A beautiful song. Go out and buy this album.
Koop - Koop Islands Blues
The singer does her best Billie Holiday impression. The interesting thing about this band is that the majority of the music is based on samples. Koop, themselves, play piano/accordion (Oscar), sampler (Magnus), and wear dresses.
Laura Gibson - This Is Not The End
Another delicate song with a gentle vocal. I can't have enough of them. The above picture is Laura. I think this is the only good song on the album.
Little Barrie - Yeah We Know You
The guitar work is wonderful. A good summer song. Sadly, the only good song from this album.
Little Birdy - Hollywood
I loved the last album. This album was a big disapointment. The songs on this album didn't have the magic I heard on the last album. This was the only song that I liked.
Loney, Dear - Hold Me
I love the steady, rising, movement of the melody. It starts with the main vocal, then the sparse piano and organ, and then the addition of a choral vocal. Then it slowly goes away.
Mando Diao - Welcome Home Luc Robitaille
It's a decent song.

May's Playlist on Channel 1 Pt. 2

12. Maria Taylor - Smile And Wave
Another wonderful song from her new album "Lynn Teeter Flower"
13. Moss - Me For You
A solid debut album of catchy tunes from a great new band.
14. Norah Jones - Little Moon
I just love her soulful voice.
15. Rubik - Bill Withers
An new Finnish indie band (following in the footsteps of Radiohead). This is the only song I like from their debut album. I love the driving melody but the lead singer's voice is too thin at times for this song.
16. Schwarz - Spit
The catchy guitar riff gets you hooked from the beginning and a couple of variations keep you entertained enough to the song's end. The other songs on the album, however, are not this interesting.
17. Shade - Forever
The only decent song on their second album. I have to check out their debut album because this band has potential.
18. The Apples In Stereo - 7 Stars
I had to re-evaluate my opinion of this album. I'm liking it now. Grab a copy of this album if you havent already. The distorted vocal on the chorus makes the song for me but the other vocal treatment really makes me sick.
19. The Broken West - You Can Build an Island
Another great debut album! This band from California have created an album of instant classics that would make any fan of melodic pop satisfied.
20. The Comas - New Wolf
It's a great song because it doesn't waste any time leading you to the catchy chorus.
21. The Eames Era - Last To Know
Just a fun song that will have you thinking happy thoughts.
22. The Sails - Let's Get Started
I was hoping to have hear more songs like this on their album. Sadly, this one was the only one. There is a part in the song that, to me, seems to be lifted from a Chris Bell song. The song rocks regardless.
23. Winterpills - June Eyes
A relaxing song. Nothing fancy.

May's Playlist on Channel 1 Pt. 1

Here are the songs playing on Channel 1
23 songs this month!

1. Arctic Monkeys - Brainstorm
I didn't understand the hype around this band last year. I still don't, but this song is a breath of fresh air. Look for the copycats to arrive soon.
2. Blonde Redhead - 23
I really loved the last album. This album doesn't do it for me. I like a couple of tracks, this being my favorite, on the album. People say it's their most accessible effort. I was really looking forward to this album, oh well. It sounds like a rehash of their previous material.
3. Coconut Records - Summer Day
A good song to relax on your deck while you sip on some iced tea. The only song I like from this group. I just found out that this song is also on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. Weird.
4. Dinosaur Jr - Been There All The Time
I was never a fan of their music. However, I kinda like this song.
5.Fields - If You Fail We All Fail
I like this song even if it reminds me of the Broken Social Scene.
6. Illinois - Screendoor
Another great song clocking in a little over 2 min. The only song I like from this band.
7. Julie Doiron - I Left Town
I love her wavering voice. Another good song from her latest album.
8. Julius Airwave - Broken Bells
A definite toe tapper! Woo wooo.
9. Klaxons - Atlantis To Interzone
This song would sound much better without the sirens and that repetitive noise. It's still a good song nevertheless. The only song I like from this band.
10. Last Days Of April - Hanging High
A good song but it lacks that extra punch to make it a great song. I like another song from this album which has a similar feel.
11. Lucky Soul - One Kiss Don't Make A Summer
I can't stop listening to this song this week. I will explain in another entry. The picture above is Ali Howard, the lead singer of this band.

New Music Internet Mixtape for April

Here is a quick mix of songs I've been listening recently. I plan to create themed mixes (all cover songs, seasonal, etc..). Do you any suggestions?? Enjoy. Tell me what you like or don't like.

Kathryn Williams-Stevie
I like her last album. This album doesn't disappoint. There are a handful of good songs on this album. I love her voice.
Of Montreal-Suffer For Fashion
The only song I like from the new album. Not the best song but it has a good sound to it.
Ooberman-Too Many Memories (live on Mark Radcliffe)
Thanks to Mostyn for posting this. I love the way her voice is so fragile. It almost sounds like she is singing this song alone in her room. It moves me.
Paula Kelley-Vapour Trail (Ride)
I found this on a Shoegazer cover album. This was the best song. All the others sounded exactly like the original songs. The female vocal makes the song.
Peter Bjorn and John-Young Folks (Punks Jump Up Special Disco Mix)
I like the original version better than this one but you've probably heard it already. I just heard it on a commercial. They have a handful of good songs dating back to previous albums, but not a band to go crazy over. This is as good as it gets. Get up and dance!
Sambassadeur-Kate
Thanks to Mostyn for this one. It follows the blueprint for a good song.
The Concretes-Chosen One
One of my top 5 favorite songs of 2006. Perfect song! The singer, Victoria Bergsman, left the band after this album. She sings on the "Young Ones" song by Peter Bjorn and John.
The Fratellis-Chelsea Dagger
The only song I like from this band. You've heard their song "Flathead" on those iPod commercials. The chorus is fun to sing along to.
The Orchids-Good To Be A Stranger
A staple of the Sarah records label back in the day. They got back together and recorded a new album. This is the title track.
The View-Wasted Little DJs
The only I like from this band. They are getting some buzz so you might here more about them.
Super Mario Bros-Select Your Character
Get up and dance!
The Apples in Stereo-Sunndal Song
Great song. I don't like the vocoder vocal treatment near the end. Elijah "Frodo" Wood, wanted the Apples to be the first release on his new Yep Roc-distributed label, Simian. There are only two good songs on this album.
Tilly and the Wall-Sing Songs Along
The best song from this album. The album was one of the biggest disappointments of 2006. After 2004's great album "Wild Like Children" I was expecting more. This song retains the spirit of "Wild like Children." No drums, just tap dancing.
Stuck In The Sound-You Ain'T For Me
I love this song. Beware, there is cursing in this song. I'm not a fan of that but I like it in this song. The piano ending that takes away from the momentum of the song.
Maria Taylor-Small Part Of Me
This is my favorite artist for the past month. The album is great!
Marissa Nadler-Sylvia (Maida Vale, 24 May 06)
My favorite artist of 2006. I was mesmerized when I first heard her voice. She sings and plays the guitar beautifully!
Softlightes-Black Skinheads In White Pants
The best song on the album and it's the shortest. Go figure?
Loney, Dear-Saturday Waits
This song has a good feelgood vibe to it. Read my review of this band in my blog below.
Julie Doiron-Dark Horse
I love her voice. The song is great. I liked a song from her last album. This album has a couple of good songs. She used to play bass in the band "Eric's Trip" in the 90's.