After a week away, it was nice to be back in the studio. This week I played several folk-related tunes, a few garage-based ones, and a small handful of indie pop tracks. With the amount of indie-folk I’ve played of late, I’m thinking we’re in store for another dreamy mix and maybe even a garage rock mix in the near future.

Andi and I have been on a DIY kick of late and a recent project has been homemade laundry detergent. With the three ingredients displayed in the photo above, along with water, we won’t have to purchase detergent for a few years. How’s that for cost cutting, hipsters?

I’ve highlighted a few tracks below (i.e. the bold ones) for sampling purposes. Download and enjoy!

Here’s the playlist:

“No Retro” by Basemint off No Retro b/w Basemint Theme 7″
“The City Still” by Bears off Greater Lakes

“Late Night Bikes” by Capybara off Dave Drusky
“So Long” by Fruit Bats off Tripper
“Song of the City” by Isidore off Life Somewhere Else

“Serpents” by Sharon Van Etten off Tramp
“Shallow” by Beach Fossils off Shallow b/w Lessons 7″

“In The Yard” by Bowerbirds off The Clearing
“Squawk” by Y La Bamba off Court The Storm
“Chasing Crows” by The Horde And The Harem off A Long Midwinter

“Bigfoot Camero” by Bel Air off Fall
“Switch” by Guy Capecelatro III off North For The Winter
“Lungs, Dirt & Dreams” by Damon Moon & The Whispering Drifters off Lungs, Dirt & Dreams

“Bet You Never Thought It Would Be Like This” by The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir off I Bet You Say That To All The Boys

“Weekend” by Smith Westers off Daytrotter’s Big Orange Studios Session
“I Am The Assassin” by Dag för Dag off Boo

“Doing As I Do” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Girl” by Milk Maid off Yucca
“Vizcaya” by Jacuzzi Boys off Glazin’

“When I See You Again” by Shimmering Stars off Ghosts Past EP
“Come Monday Night” by God Help The Girl off God Help The Girl

“Forgiveness” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Mona Lisa” by Atlas Sound off Bedroom Databank Vol. 3
“Unfaithful” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV off Unfaithful

It’s hard to imagine that just a few short months ago we were enjoying sunny summer days. 2011 was my best year yet, having achieved a few milestones: four and a half years running FensePost, riding my bike from Seattle to Portland and logging over 1,000 total on those two wheels between January and December, enjoying life with the love of my life (Andi), and a few defining mindset changes that put the two of us on a path to minimalism and frugality.

All of this has led to happiness. That the year saw the release of hundreds of great songs, singles, EPs and LPs was just an added bonus.

Over the holiday, I sat down and compiled a list of my top EPs of the year. It was in advance of my Friday radio show, for that show, so the list is a bit longer than would be otherwise. I present my top 24 EPs of the 2011, two dozen extended plays of pure bliss… with a few added 7″ singles to flesh out the list.

* * * * *

24. Goethe Head Soup by Crystal Swells

Crystal Swells is a raucous post rock meets slightly sloppy garage-y punk band out of BC. Loud and fun, this band has plenty of hooks to maintain high interest. Get ready to have your face melted off; these guys are intense.

Download: “Mellow Californian

* * * * *

23. Spirit Home by Ryan Trott

Ryan Trott creates some very interesting lo-fi beach pop. As one third of the band Family Trees (and the vocal counterpart at that), it should not be surprising that his solo stuff lines up pretty well with that band. Here he produces yet another solid release.

Download: “Gentle Eyes (For Daisy)” by Ryan Trott

* * * * *

22. New Brighton by Said The Whale

The first time I heard “Sandy Bay Fishing Song”, I had to do a quick search on this band to see if the head vocalist was also a member of They Might Be Giants. This band has that vocal sound without being weird, childish, and bat-shit crazy. In fact, take TMBG vocals and put behind them clever lyrics, excellent pop-rock hooks, and you’ll have Said The Whale.

Download: “Lines” by Said The Whale

* * * * *

21. Paint The Town by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels

With a modern twist to an 80s synth pop vibe, David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels was a bit of a surprise. Yet the songs this band creates stick with you and are thoroughly enjoyable.

Download: “Paint The Town” by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels

* * * * *

20. Parlours EP by Parlours

Parlours is a lovely little band from Des Moines and their self-titled EP blends an earnest style of indie pop with the intimate nature of indie folk. “I Dream of Chicago” is an easy favorite, with harmony male/female vocals and a backing chorus of strings.

Listen: “I Dream Of Chicago” by Parlours

* * * * *

19. Among Friends by Suturee

Honestly, it took me quite a while to get into this five-song EP. I really enjoyed the first album the band sent me, and Among Friends should have been an instant favorite, but it wasn’t. After several listens, it finally clicked and the powerful tracks like closer “Name Remains” became eventual favorites.

Download: “Name Remains” by Suturee

* * * * *

18. Summer Demos by The Novel Ideas

For some reason, The Novel Ideas remind me of bands like The Lucksmiths and Math & Physics Club. I think it’s because they sound like they could be a US-based or southern-hemisphere based band on Matinee Records. I really enjoyed this all-too brief four-song demo EP, enough for it to come in at number 18.

Download: “On Fire” by The Novel Ideas

* * * * *

17. Take My Hand by Orca Team

From Seattle comes Orca Team, a band that creates super infectious lo-fi dance-worthy beach pop. This band has the sound of 1960s pop written all over it, and this single is a perfect example of how that sound continues to thrive. Take My Hand is the second single I’ve grabbed by these guys and gals and it’s my favorite one yet.

Listen: “Take My Hand” by Orca Team

* * * * *

16. From Silence by Exitmusic

Dreamy and mystical, Exitmusic creates songs perfect for those moments in the early morning when the light is dim and the fog is heavy. Blast any of these songs at that time of day, when the coffee is just hitting your veins, and I’d bet money that you’ll shiver in delight.

Download: “The Sea” by Exitmusic

* * * * *

15. Pink Information by The Mantles

I struggled at first with Pink Information. The Mantles’ self-titled LP was among my favorites the year it was released, and remains a mainstay in my playlist to this day; the EP just doesn’t have that same sound I fell in love with on that album. It has grown on me, though, and comes in at #16. Many will dub “Lily Never Married” as the highlight, but closing track “Waiting Out The Storm” is what does it for me.

Download: “Situations” by The Mantles

* * * * *

14. Whatever I Want by Jeff The Brotherhood

Granted, Whatever I Want is not an EP, but I decided to slip in a few singles. Employing some of the techniques from the days of 90s grunge, and taking it to a new level of epic-ness, Jeff The Brotherhood has dominated in creating excellent rock anthems over the past few years. The A-Side on this 7-inch was not on the band’s 2011 LP, which makes its appearance on this list notable.

Watch: “Whatever I Want” by Jeff the Brotherhood

* * * * *

13. An Argument With Myself by Jens Lekman

Oh, the always quirky Jens Lekman. Always a favorite, and his 2011 EP, An Argument With Myself is no exception. Not quite as poppy as the last LP, this is still more than worthy of your time and money.

Download: “An Argument With Myself” by Jens Lekman

* * * * *

12. (I’ll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong by BOAT

It’s hard not to like BOAT. The band is so fun, off-the-wall interesting and unique. Even though I’m now in my thirties and weird songs rarely find their way into my playlist, BOAT has never had a problem getting on there. I guess we all need to feel like a kid sometime, and they make it so easy and fun.

Watch: “(I’ll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong” by BOAT

* * * * *

11. Earth Division by Mogwai

Earth Division is one of two releases Mogwai gave us in 2011. I love its simplicity, it’s classical leanings, and, of course, post rock sensibilities. It begins soft with “Get To France” and continues that trend in “Hound Of Winter”, where the band adds vocals. Then “Drunk And Crazy” explodes with loud guitars. And it concludes with a song just as soft and melodic as the opening track. This is one cohesive piece of music with four movements. Brilliant!

* * * * *

10. Alabama Shakes by Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes have and old soul sound, one that hints of Daptone and the 60s. Of late we’re getting a lot of reissues of these records, which is great, but Alabama Shakes show that this style lives strong today.

Download: “I Found You” by Alabama Shakes

* * * * *

09. Via Flamina by Futurebirds

I’m new to Futurebirds. This is their most recent release, and one of two EPs they put out in 2011. In 2010, they gave us an LP, of which I too have not heard. But boy do I love Via Flamina! Futurebirds have easily cracked the top 10 with this one!

Download: “Wild Heart” by Futurebirds

* * * * *

08. The Years by Memoryhouse

I love the mystical dreamy nature of Memoryhouse. And that they sampled a main theme from one of my favorite films, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, for “Lately”. The Years is the band’s solid debut on Sub Pop, and I cannot wait to hear what this band has in store for us in 2012!

Download: “Quiet America” by Memoryhouse

* * * * *

07. What A Pleasure by Beach Fossils

Beach Fossils stunned with their 2010 self-titled release. What A Pleasure is their stellar follow-up and has been a mainstay in my playlist all year. The beachy, lo-fi pop music trend may have slowed this year, but I still dig it!

Download: “Calyer” by Beach Fossils

* * * * *

06. Begin Again by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

Some music just makes you happy. To me, that’s Charles Leo Gebhardt IV. Everything about this artist makes me smile. The curled orange mustache he sported during this last EP, saying his name out loud (especially that one), but most importantly the music he creates. Begin Again is the perfect follow up to Unfaithful.

Download: “Chapel Of Roses” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

* * * * *

05. Warma by Darlings

Darlings have the 90s written all over them. Those heavy rock guitar riffs, hints of garage, plentiful vocal hooks, and hefty drums. I loved their debut LP, but I think Warma is even better.

* * * * *

04. Tall Cedars of Lebanon by The Lovely Sparrows

There will always be a special place in my heart for The Lovely Sparrows. Not only are they among the most friendly, humble musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, Shawn Jones and company are immensely skilled musicians and songwriters. This was proven on their earliest of EPs, followed through on their LP from a few years back, and continued in full force here.

Download: “National Monuments” by The Lovely Sparrows

* * * * *

03. Paper Crush by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

The debut LP from Letting Up Despite Great Faults should really have been much higher on my end of year list from a few years back, but it wasn’t. So I made sure to give their new EP a good listen well in advance of this year’s list. From “Sophia In Gold” to “Teenage Tide”, this EP easily deserves a top 3 spot.

Download: “Teenage Tide” by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

* * * * *

02. A Good Woman Is Hard To Find by PAPA

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the year, A Good Woman Is Hard To Find by PAPA is a collection of 5 powerfully strong tracks by a band that consists of Darren Weiss and Daniel Presant, two supporting members of the hyped up band Girls. It should be no surprise, then that the two front a project just as hype-worthy as the band they support.

Download: “Ain’t It So” by PAPA

* * * * *

01. A New Kind Of House by Typhoon

Opening track “The Honest Truth” by Typhoon comes in as #1 in my most-listened-to songs of 2011, logging nearly 200 digital plays in iTunes, at least a dozen on vinyl, and I’m sure plenty more on my iPods that were never recorded. As a whole, A New Kind Of House is a powerful folk-pop EP packed with great songwriting, supported by expert orchestration, and filled with full vocal harmony. This EP easily deserves its pedestal position.

Download: “Summer Home” by Typhoon

I entered the studio at about 9:35pm, meeting up with Stuarto, who has the time slot before mine. A quick interview about 15 minutes before my show, another few songs, and I was up. It was requested that I attempt a transition, and as indie music is my theme, and world music is his, I figured I’d kick things off with an oldie, but goodie: “The Gulag Orkestar” by Beirut.

The theme of the evening, loosely, centered around folk. Indie folk, folk pop, folk rock, orchestral folk, experimental folk… you name it. Below is the playlist from the night. Look for the bold track names to grab an mp3 of select songs from the show, including a personal favorite, “Golden Friends” by Leopold And His Fiction…

“The Gulag Orkestar” by Beirut off Gulag Orkestar
“Louise” by Norwegian Arms off Louise EP
“Chesser” by Ramona Córdova off The Boy Who Floated Freely

“The Birds” by Folklore off Home Church Road
“Bullfrog Blues” by Donkeys off Born With Stripes
“Love The Way You Walk Away” by Blitzen Trapper off American Goldwing

“The Shrine / An Argument” by Fleet Foxes off Helplessness Blues
“The Hurricane” by The Migrant off Amerika
“Free’s” by Bill Callahan off Apocalypse

“The Honest Truth” by Typhoon off A New Kind of House
“Gasworks” by Hey Marseilles off To Travels & Trunks
“Falling Down” by David Karsten Daniels off Fear of Flying

“Wraith” by The Lovely Sparrows off Bury the Cynics
“Bugs” by O’Death off Outside
“It’s A Shame, It’s A Pity” by The Moondoggies off Tidelands

“While You Were Sleeping” by Elvis Perkins off Ash Wednesday
“Favourite Colour Blue” by Tom Brosseau off Posthumous Success
“Meal of Dreams” by Book Club off Ghost

“Slowdown” by Vanish Valley off Get Good
“Cave Country” by Quiet Life off Big Green
“Moon See, Day See” by The Heligoats off Live Free & Let Loose

“Bad Luck” by Royal City off 1999-2004
“Golden Friends” by Leopold & His Fiction off Golden Friends / Throne 7″
“Too Afraid to Love You” by The Black Keys off Brothers

“Teach My Heart” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV off Begin Again

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Seattle’s Charles Leo Gebhardt IV. Well, that’s not entirely true, as last year we got a debut full length from Unnatural Helpers. But his solo project under his own name has been quiet since the release of Unfaithful, the delightfully raw and fun EP from 2008. Begin Again is the new release and it maintains much of what we heard from that previous EP, albeit with a tiny bit more production.

Listening to Begin Again, I tried to pinpoint exactly what it is I dig about Gebhardt’s music. It’s a tough task, not because I’m stretching to find the answer, but because I don’t want the answer to discredit his music’s greatness. It’s playful and catchy, filled with traits common to pop, folk and maybe even a hint of old-school, early country. It has a nice twang, is a little lo-fi, and has plenty of grit. And there’s more, but I’ll let you discover that yourself.

In Begin Again, we hear Gebhardt’s first take at quieting it down. There are plenty of tracks that match his previous work’s volume and pace, like “Chapel Of Roses” and “Lonely You”, but there are also a few ballad-esque tracks like “Stand By You” and “Tell Her That You Love Her”. Gebhardt also seems to add more back-up vocals, which are quite welcome.

I guess my main point is that Begin Again encompasses all the things I loved about Gebhardt’s first EP, and that makes it a major success in my eyes. I loved that EP and was a bit sad that it was so short, because it was just so damn good. We now have eight more tracks to add to the collection, and there are a few on Begin Again that top the best from Unfaithful. Just listen to “She Won’t Be Far” and “Chardonnay”.

Begin Again just arrived via ggnzla records.

Download: “Chapel Of Roses” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

ggnzla records [2011]

1. Chapel Of Roses
2. She Won’t Be Far
3. Teach My Heart
4. Stand Behind You
5. Good Things
6. Chardonnay
7. Lonely You
8. Tell Her That You Love Her

Fronted by Dean Whitmore, Unnatural Helpers‘ percussionist and lead vocalist, the band released their LP Cracked Love & Other Drugs this week on Hardly Art. This band of musical misfits have a pretty impressive past and present, having performed in local Seattle acts as Idle Times (Brian Standeford), Charles Leo Gebhardt IV and Catheters (Leo Gebhardt), Intelligence (Whitmore himself), and Hardly Arts very own The Dutchess & The Duke (Kimberly Morrison). Collectively, they go by Unnatural Helpers, and frankly, they rock!

Aside from various releases here and there, Unnatural Helpers dished out two notable singles within the last year — one on Hardly Art about a month ago for their stellar track “Sunshine / Pretty Girls” and an infamous Sub Pop Singles Club release dubbed Dirty, Dumb & Comical. The Singles Club was rough around the edges and good in the underground lo-fi sense, packed with hefty guitars and plenty of powerful indie-rock hooks.

Cracked Love & Other Drugs follows suit, but rather than the lo-fi-ish element of the Singles Club, it has a greater element of production which fleshes out the tunes consequently. The LP opens with the edgy and noisy “I Don’t Belong To You” before launching into the single “Sunshine / Pretty Girls”, taking it up a notch. Cohesive and ripe with hooks, the song stands out among the others on the album, not because the others aren’t worthy, but because the others have a bit more grit to them. Grit that maintains the edginess of the opener. “Brave Dumb Face” has a constant bass-hook that matches the percussion perfectly, while the guitar acts almost singularly at times, freaking out on its own accord.

From the get-go, Cracked Love & Other Drugs impresses greatly, and it’s when those guitar freak-outs ring steadily (“Wayward Eve”) or between hook-y vocal phrases (“Claim It Mine”), the band is at their best. Yet the same can be said about the moments when the guitar develops an epic, strummed chord progression between the chaos (“She Was Your Girlfriend”) or the bass-line swings wild (“Head Collector”), or the percussion has that extra fill. It’s one-hundred percent, in your face awesome; and that’s a quote you can attribute to the entire album. After a few listens to Cracked Love & Other Drugs, the conclusion is simple: these guys have a pretty bright future as well. Seriously.

Download: “Girl In The Window” by Unnatural Helpers

Download: “Sunshine / Pretty Girls” by Unnatural Helpers

Hardly Art [CD, 2010]

1. I Don’t Belong To You
2. Sunshine / Pretty Girls
3. Brave Dumb Face
4. Brainstroke
5. Girl In The Window
6. Our Most Entitled
7. Claim It Mine
8. She Was Your Girlfriend
9. Head Collector
10. Vox Humana
11. Useful Things
12. Wayward Eve
13. The Truth About You
14. Tell Me That You Wanna
15. Every Record Straight Tonight

So this is it, the first FensePost Podcast. A few weeks ago I sat down and compiled a mix of various songs; some new, some old, most finding some relation to garage rock or garage pop. Hence the title, From The Garage. The theme is loose, so some bands fit and some don’t. There are sixteen songs total here, stemming from local Seattle and Portland acts on across the world. New Zealand, Sweden, Canada… you get the picture. Enough banter — listen to the FenseCast already.

Download: FenseCast Volume #1 Issue #1: From The Garage

1. “Bad Bands” by Capgun Coup from Maudlin
2. “Unfaithful” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV from Unfaithful
3. “Mysterious” by The Splinters from Kick
4. “Johans Val” by The Hartmans from Sportman Demo
5. “Strolling Past The Old Graveyard (featuring Karl Blau)” by Gigi from Maintenant
6. “Face Inside The Sun” by The Bats from Don’t You Rise 7″ Single
7. “When The Sun Falls Down” by Double Dan from At Dawn
8. “Paper Airplanes” by The Glasses from Story Problems
9. “Baked Brown” by The Golden Hours from Spooky EP
10. “The Girl Who’s Above Us” by Tullycraft from Songs From The Bigtop
11. “In Sunless Seas” by Vells from Vells EP
12. “Safe At Home” by Eternal Summers from beko_16
13. “Sisters Are Forever” by Sexy Kids from Sisters Are Forever 7″ Single
14. “Apple Disaster” by Wet Confetti from This Is (So Illegal)
15. “Growing” by Jeff The Brotherhood from Heavy Days
16. “Breaking The Ice” by Jeremy Jay from Breaking The Ice 7″ Single

As I’m new to the whole podcast thing, if any songs are being used in a manner deemed not appropriate, please contact me and I will rectify the situation as soon as possible.

Not surprisingly, this list is filled with EPs by quite a few bands you know and quite a few you probably don’t. Of the ones you don’t know, many are likely from Washington; a quick count leaves me with five bands, or 1/4 of this list. Many of these bands I consider among the most promising artists to surface in 2009. All are worth checking out, and you’ll want to keep an eye on them as we head into 2010.

I titled the above image of my cousin Danny “Over It: 2009″, which is a pretty good summation of the year. It’s been a rough one all around thanks to a shoddy economy, a poor real estate market, and rampant unemployment. But looking back, 2009 was jam-packed with great tunes. And I bought a house, which has been pretty sweet. So, when it comes down to it, 2009 wasn’t half bad.

Here it is, my top 20 EPs of 2009.

* * * * *

20. The Age Of Anxiety by Virgin Islands

The newest of the EPs on this list is The Age Of Anxiety by Virgin Islands. Following the path of Mike Jaworski’s prior group The Cops, this Seattle band is one to keep an eye on in 2010. They are sure to quickly become a local favorite. Also, this release is a limited print one on 12-inches of vinyl, so snatch it up before it’s too late!

Virgin Islands: The Age Of Anxiety [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Eering, Creaky EP by The Smile Brigade

With Eering, Creaky EP, Seattle’s The Smile Brigade began to redefine their folk-y sound with pop sensibilities and clever lyrical twists. As they have yet to give us a full LP, The Smile Brigade remains a powerful underground force waiting to be heard beyond the borders of the Pacific Northwest.

The Smile Brigade: Smile And Smile [mp3]

* * * * *

18. Cathedral With No Eyes EP by Railcars

In the vein of Jamie Stewart’s Xiu Xiu, San Francisco’s Railcars is experimental noise pop at its most eccentric and ferocious. Cathedral With No Eyes is the band’s second EP and it finds them solidifying their now signature freak-out noise-pop sound.

Railcars: Castles [mp3]

* * * * *

17. Blood Bank EP by Bon Iver

Bon Iver continues Justin Vernon’s pleasantly falsetto folk-pop. A brief four songs, Blood Bank (in my opinion) surpasses For Emma, Forever Ago as the group’s strongest work yet. This EP is a must-have for any collection.

Bon Iver: Blood Bank [mp3]

* * * * *

16. Early Morning Risers EP by Dinosaur Feathers

Unique harmonies often in falsetto with a front-man that sounds like an early Rivers Cuomo and backed by an electro-freak-folk sound not entirely unlike a mellow Animal Collective, Dinosaur Feathers are easily one of today’s most promising new acts.

Dinosaur Feathers: Cold Arabella [mp3]

* * * * *

15. Tiny Dots by Yarn Owl

Yarn Owl continues to impress with Tiny Dots, featuring an early favorite “Yarn Blues” and introducing some new ones like “This Old Yarn” and “Without You”. 2010 promises more great things from this Pullman-based band; an EP dubbed Stay Warm. If you missed it, we featured an exclusive track from that forthcoming EP and it’s pretty damn good. To demonstrate this band’s greatness, this cassette release of (I believe) 300 recently sold out.

Yarn Owl: Yarn Blues [mp3]

* * * * *

14. Higher Than The Stars EP by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart released one of my favorite albums of the year, so it only makes sense that their follow-up EP also be worthy of high praise. “Higher Than The Stars” lacked some of the fuzzy greatness of their self-titled LP, but that title track is just as sweet and sensual as “Young Adult Friction” or “Come Saturday”.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Higher Than The Stars [mp3]

* * * * *

13. Rainwater Cassette Exchange EP by Deerhunter

As usual, Deerhunter delivers. Five songs of immense impacting delight. This album picks up where Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. left off, or joins in just before it starts (I cannot decide which is more appropriate). Noise is the new pop and noise pop, for Deerhunter, reigns supreme.

Deerhunter: Rainwater Cassette Exchange [mp3]

* * * * *

12. Exquisite Corpse EP by Warpaint

These three ladies know how to create a good tune. “Stars” is my favorite shoegaze-y track from 2009, and “Billie Holiday” is close behind. The video for “Stars” is one of my favorites of the year and, with sole exception to “Beetles”, this EP is flawless. Anticipate great things in 2010 from Warpaint.

Warpaint: Elephants [mp3]

* * * * *

11. Phantogram EP by Phantogram

Phantogram’s debut EP hits all the right notes. After being discovered this year, the group was signed to Barsuk. Keep an eye out for Phantogram’s debut EP, Eyelid Movies early next year. Think Ratatat (they hail from the same small New York town) with lyrics.

Phantogram: When I’m Small [mp3]

* * * * *

10. OKAY by Venice Is Sinking

This extended single includes the two of the most appreciated tracks off Venice Is Sinking’s AZAR. “OKAY” is one of my favorite tracks of 2009, and they revisit it and “Ryan’s Song” in the Henslee Sessions. Along with the album version of the title track, the band rounds out the EP with “Compass” and “Give Up”, both covers of the band OKAY.

Venice Is Sinking: Okay [mp3]

* * * * *

9. Dear Furies by Virgin Of The Birds

It had been a few years since Virgin Of The Birds gave us Mixed Choir, but 2009 saw them putting out two EPs. Both are outstanding, but Dear Furies took the cake for me. Jon Rooney’s tracks “Spanish Accusations”, “Baby Let Me Trace You” and “Magic & Sincere” were what did it, though Every Rival has some great tunes as well (“I Loved John” and “Ilona, You Should Still Be My Vampire Attendant”).

Virgin Of The Birds: Spanish Accusations [mp3]

* * * * *

8. Fall Be Kind EP by Animal Collective

Fall Be Kind finds Animal Collective again becoming more accessible to a wider audience. Without the dissonance and grating shrieks of their early work, Animal Collective has tamed and matured, but still carries a ferocious bite.

Animal Collective: What Would I Want? Sky [Stream]

* * * * *

7. Life Of Leisure EP by Washed Out

A single session of songs as a band, and that may just be all we get from Washed Out due to settling down. The primary man behind this quite mesmerizing group set out to make music a bit different from what he had before, and the result was one of the year’s best EPs.

Washed Out: Feel It All Around [mp3]

* * * * *

6. Survival Strategies In A Modern World EP by Liechtenstein

There was a void in music after the demise of the short-lived Vancouver, BC group The Organ; that being a Smiths/Morrissey influenced indie pop girl group. Liechtenstein fills that gap (kinda) and includes lead vocals as deep as those of Katie Sketch. Liechtenstein’s music isn’t nearly as pointed as that by The Organ, but it’s just as good (if not better).

Liechtenstein: Roses In The Park [mp3]

* * * * *

5. EP by Air Waves

They may be from New York, but Air Waves has that sunny California sound. Their acoustic pop made waves (heh) this year and it’s easy to hear why – these songs are pure and fun and easy to love. “Keys” is a quick favorite, but given time you’ll find a special place in your heart for every song on this EP.

Air Waves: Keys [mp3]

* * * * *

4. Hollow Home EP by Bagheera

Listening to Hollow Home, I’m reminded of Grizzly Bear. But where it took Grizzly Bear three albums to really make an impact on me (outside a track here and there), Bagheera does it with a single four-song EP. This is an absolute must-hear.

Bagheera: Skeleton Leaf [mp3]

* * * * *

3. Unfaithful by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

Like me, this dude sports a big red mustache. Charles Leo Gebhardt IV is, along with The Banyans, Seattle’s best underground artist. Unfaithful proves it with powerful tracks like “Look Out, Look In”, the title track, and “Lake Serene”. Hopefully 2010 will see Gebhardt giving us his debut LP, because I for one cannot wait to hear more.

Charles Leo Gebhardt IV: Unfaithful [mp3]

* * * * *

2. Heatwave EP by Total Babe

What a great new band! Total Babe gets my vote as one of the most promising bands of the year. These kids are young and filled with promise. For their seemingly super young age, their musical abilities and lyrical crafts are par none. Every song on this EP gets an A+++.

Total Babe: Bearbones [mp3]

* * * * *

1. We Swim You Jump EP by We Swim You Jump

This is an easy pick for EP of the year – We Swim You Jump has dominated my playlist since I discovered the band many months ago. There’s not much more to say about this band that I haven’t already. I’ll reiterate: perfect pitches, passionate harmonies, and some of the most mellow yet moving pop you’ll hear from 2009.

We Swim You Jump: Sharks [mp3]

In defining folk rock, one rarely sees an association made with rockabilly. But it’s a pertinent inclusion in the music Charles Leo Gebhardt IV makes. On his recent GGNZLA Records EP, Unfaithful, it’s the jangle in his guitar – that almost country sound that definitely fits the rock genre (as opposed to jangle pop). “Look Out, Look In” and “Better At Love” have that old-time 50s rock feel, which fits the rockabilly persona, but it’s not nearly as rockin’ as some of those artists tend to be, hence the folk.

Five tracks chiming in at just over twelve minutes; that’s what you get, at the most fact-based of levels. But as aesthetics go, Unfaithful is a marvelous display of easy-to-love, well-written tunes. These songs have a certain currency, yet they’re rooted in the origins of rock music. You can hear their modernity in title-track “Unfaithful”, yet “King Of The Mountain” could just as easily have been released half a century ago. Bridging that gap is what makes Charles Leo Gebhardt IV such a true artist.

Charles Leo Gebhardt IV: Lake Serene [mp3]

GGNZLA Records [CDEP, 2009]

1. Look Out, Look In
2. Lake Serene
3. Better At Love
4. King Of The Mountain
5. Unfaithful