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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Epic Review of 2010 Part I

This year will be remembered as the year my I-pod gave out. I lost over 80GB of music most of it from 2009 and 2010. The better part of it, is that my external hard drive is not functioning correctly either. If I can get that up and going then all will be fine, but I have spent the past 2 months buying, tracking down, and re-downloading as much of my music as I can find. It hasn't been all bad because in the process I have found 2 new music blogs that I really like that put up some great mix tapes (TSURURADIO and ATG). I am sure I will overlook some song or band that I (or you) really dug this year, but here is my attempt to cover the music that rang through my ear buds most often or got turned up to 11 in the swagger wagon. Not sure how many parts this will take; I have tried to include a couple mp3s, official videos, and live footage of each of the bands, but because of the epic nature of the coverage I'll have to break this up into parts. There is probably too much music here to digest in one sitting, but good luck.

Now on to the countdown:
16. Beach Fossils - Beach Fossils
A lot of the music this year had that surfer garage sound and I was glad for that. I'm sure I'll use the terms over and over in these reviews but I loved the garage revival. I'm a fan of the Nuggets box sets, punk rock, Buddy Holly, the Modern Lovers and early Beach Boys.In terms of sound these guys are poppy. Hailing from Brooklyn they were NYC's version of the garage revival. Listened to this all summer long, was a great soundtrack for the beach.

Favorite Tracks:
Youth
Golden Age
Vacation
Daydream








Standing drummer = kool with a "k."




15. Crocodiles - Sleep Forever
The Crocodiles have that retro garage sound and when I hear Sleep Forever I think of Jesus and Mary Chain, and early Stone Roses. Everything sounds muddy and beautiful. I love the echo of the vocals.

Favorite Tracks:
Sleep Forever
Hollow Hollow Eyes
Mirrors
Billy Speed
Hearts Of Love






14. The Walkmen - Lisbon
Lisbon has the same moody feeling that the Walkmen have had since their first album. There are quiet reflective moments throughout the album and a raucous crowd pleaser in Angela Surf City.


Favorite Tracks:
Angela Surf City
Blue As Your Blood
Stranded
While I Shovel The Snow






The Walkmen || Angela Surf City [1 of 3] from Ray Concepcion on Vimeo.

13. The Strange Boys - Be Brave
Lead singer Ryan Sambol sounds drunk and deranged, but it goes perfectly with the loose ramshackle sound of the band. This was a great E-music discovery before E-music went sour. These guys should go on tour with The Crocodiles.

Favorite Tracks:
A Walk On The Bleach
Be Brave
Night Might
Friday Night In Paris












12. Hot Chip - One Life Stand
I have liked everything Hot Chip has done and this album is no exception. One difference I see from past albums is One Life Stand has fewer stand alone dance floor hits, but is a more cohesive album. The band seems to be reflecting on having families and getting older and being content with it. I just enjoy seeing videos with these old guys still kicking.  My wife is also a big fan.

Favorite Tracks:
Thieves In The Night
I Feel Better
One Life Stand
Alley Cats
Take It In




One of the best videos of the year. Goes from funny, to weird, to disturbing, and back to funny.






11. The Black Keys - Brothers
These guys have been making that garage blues sound forever. Same gritty blues sound as always, but this is the first Black Keys album I have been repeatedly going back to.  Tighten Up and Howlin' For You I play on weekly basis.

Favorite Tracks:
Tighten Up
Everlasting Light
Howlin' For You
Next Girl





Another top video for the year









I'll be back later tonight or tomorrow with more of the countdown.