I didn’t begin this show well. Stuarto had a pre-recorded spot and, given it was only my fourth show, I didn’t realize the little button up top where it said “iPod” needed to be on. This led to a little stumbling in the beginning on my part; I mumbled a few words then played several promos. After I realized the error of my ways (kudos to Stuarto), the show went off without a hitch. And it was a good one.

Lots of great tunes, many from Sweden, most with an electronic vibe. I launched into everything with a few songs that I dubbed as “haunting.” Here we go.

“Silent Shout” by The Knife off Silent Shout
“Concrete Walls” by Fever Ray off Fever Ray

“The Dwarf and the Horse” by Sleep Party People off Regnsky
“Fail Forever (Nicolas Jaar Remix)” by When Saints Go Machine of Fail Forever
“Running Out Of You” by Keep Shelly in Athens off In Love With Dusk EP

“Cannons” by Youth Lagoon off The Year of Hibernation
“Black Hills” by Gardens & Villa off Gardens & Villa
“Arena” by Suuns off Zeroes QC
“Moon Child” by M83 off Before The Dawn Heals Us

“Unessa” by Regina off Soita Mulle
“Bad Street” by Twin Sister off In Heaven
“You And I” by Washed Out off Within And Without

“Round The Moon” by Summer Camp off Young
“Show Me Your Plans (Le Sport Remix)” by Unarmed Enemies off Show Me Your Plans
“Forget Me Not” by Thieves Like Us off Immersed In Waves

“Castles In The Snow” by Twin Shadows off Forget
“It’s Not The End Of The World” by Le Sport off It’s Not The End Of The World
“Come Rain, Come Sunshine” by Pallers off Come Rain, Come Sunshine

“Give You Everything” by Blackbird Blackbird off Give You Everything (7-inch)
“Mouth Cancer” by Daycare
“Heart” by The Legends off Facts And Figures
“In The Water” by Beat Connection off Surf Noir

I figured with my previous show being devoted to songs that remind me of sleep, this one would be the opposite. After a few bouts of standard indie rock, things got thick and loud.

A shout out to my buddy Brett, for tuning in from Sedro-Woolley. Next time I’ll have to add Tullycraft to the list in honor of how we met.

The show began with a song off one of my desert island top 5 albums, and ended with a track that’s nearly thirty years old. In between was great indie rock and garage rock from the past decade or so.

Click bold playlist entries to visit related content.

“Call It Ours” by The Legends off Up Against The Legends

“Rotten Hell” by Menomena off Friend And Foe
“Melectric” by Ramona Falls off Intuit
“Cold Feet” by Lost Lander off DRRT

“Vomit” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Collector” by PAPA off A Good Woman Is Hard To Find
“Hoop Of Love” by Dominant Legs off Invitation

“The Concept (Teenage Fanclub Cover)” by Blue Skies For Black Hearts
“I’m A Thief” by Fresh & Onlys off Play It Strange
“Hey Friend” by JEFF The Brotherhood off We Are The Champions
“Summer Solstice” by Crystal Antlers off Two-Way Mirror

“Burden” by The Mantles off The Mantles

“After The Call” by Electrelane off No Shouts No Calls
“Big Girl” by Darlings off Warma
“Weekends” by Teenage Reverb off Isolation Tape Night

“Punks In The Beerlight” by Silver Jews off Tanglewood Numbers
“Firedrill” by Sam Humans off Live Free & Let Loose
“Nerve Jamming” by Bass Drum Of Death off GB City

“I Don’t Wanna Know” by Shimmering Stars off Violent Hearts
“You Don’t Want Kids To Be Dead” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Bring Your Love” by The Cave Weddings off Bring Your Love (7″ Single)

“When I’m With You” by Best Coast off Crazy For You
“Into The Sea” by Seapony off Go With Me
“I Will Be” by Dum Dum Girls off I Will Be
“Dead Man’s Sister” by Tea Cozies

“You Make The Sun Fry” by Ty Segall off Goodbye Bread
“You Should Close The Door” by Craft Spells off Idle Labor

“No Doctor” by Virgin Islands off Ernie Chambers Vs. God
“Brave Dumb Face” by Unnatural Helpers off Cracked Love & Other Drugs

“Smile” by The Fall off Perverted By Language

I’ve been contemplating doing something for Valentine’s Day for years, and I finally settled on something good — a massive post packed with great singles from the past. Seems fitting, being the romantic holiday can be a bit alienating for the single person. Or that the seemingly comfy nature of the 7-inch single, with two (well, typically, with an occasional three or four) great songs placed back to back and stuffed in a typically well-designed sleeve, is a bit romantic in and of itself.

So for the past few weeks, I’ve been burying myself in my collection of singles, digging through to find a few rare (or at least little known) ones to share and others more familiar, some from long ago and others from fairly recently. Today I present them to you, my avid reader. One for almost every letter of the alphabet (with exception to a few of the more obscure letters). There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of several of these bands before, and others you may know well and love — all are, in my opinion, worth checking out.

* * * * *

Alaska’s Kings Of The Class

I discovered Alaska’s Kings Of The Class thanks to Jigsaw Records. The band originated in Hamburg, Germany, and Chris over at Jigsaw recommends them to anyone who digs Belle & Sebastian and Felt. I’d agree, although I’d slap an “early” in front of Belle & Sebastian. And possibly add in an early Acid House Kings name drop as well.

Listen: “Kings Of The Class” by Alaska

* * * * *

Busytoby’s The Unlonely Songwriter & A Piano Ablumbler b/w The Sun Is A Very Magic Fellow

Bouncy twee pop (with hints of lo-fi psychedelic pop) in the vein of a stripped down Beulah or super early Of Montreal, Busytoby consists of Jennifer Mangun and Joseph Ziemba, both members of the band Wolfie. I do not recall how this single came into my possession, but it is one of those hidden favorites you don’t expect. Every so often this Japanese import 7″ pops up and stuns, only to fade back into the collection to be rediscovered months or more down the road. All songs are worthy, but my favorite is the B-side, “The Sun Is A Very Magic Fellow”.

Listen: “The Sun Is A Very Magic Fellow” by Busytoby

* * * * *

The Cave Weddings’ Bring Your Love b/w Let’s Drive

The Cave Weddings find an excellent middle ground between raucous garage and gritty rockabilly. Both “Bring Your Love” and “Let’s Drive” are wild and fun. These are songs you’d expect to hear sitting around a campfire, as long as it was dry and there was a way to plug in. Yes, these songs get loud.

Listen: “Bring Your Love” by The Cave Weddings

* * * * *

Diee Soc’s’ Ready Steady Soc’s

When I lived in Seattle, I would visit the record store weekly and drop an average of about $60 with each visit. This was a bad habit, but it’s how I built a big part of my vinyl collection. There were plenty of times where I’d peruse the used section and pull out a bunch of random singles. This was snagged during one of those binges. No, it wasn’t the near naked woman on the cover did it — this had a “GERMAN INDIE POP/ROCK” label and it was pressed on clear green vinyl. I couldn’t resist. To tell you the truth, I’m kind of in love with “The Numbers Of Love”.

Download: “Numbers Of Love” by Diee Soc’s

* * * * *

Ego’s The Question Mark EP

This delightful three-song EP from 1998 was the debut release from this French jangle pop band. All three songs surround the topic of love; all are posed as questions. It’s enough to make you feel like a teenager all over again (that is, unless you are a teenager, in which then I’d assume it feels homely). “Will You Love Me ‘Till 1998″ is the A-side at 45 RPM and the track hints of Morrissey and Field Mice with piano and violin and, of course, highly lovable jangly guitars. The two B-sides require a drop to 33 RPM, but I don’t mind.

Download: “Do You Want To Be My Love ‘Till 1998?” by Ego

* * * * *

Fireflies’ Cherry Blossom Girl

I’ve been into Fireflies’ whisper-y bedroom-style pop since, I believe, Lisle Mitnik’s earliest releases under the moniker. I snagged this 7″ from Disque Paillons Noirs like I did the rest of the Fireflies release — as quickly as I could — not even realizing the title track was actually something I’d heard many times before. “Cherry Blossom Girl” is originally a song by Air and Lisle remakes it as a bedroom pop song, then backs it with a pleasant near-lullaby, music-box-like instrumental.

Listen: “Cherry Blossom Girl” by Fireflies

* * * * *

Gamma Rays’ Lovely b/w Forbidden on Teen Beat

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this used 99-cent Teen Beat single from the early 90s (in fact, further digging revealed it was the first single the label dropped!), but it turned out to be a pretty solid twee-pop girl group with lovable light pop hooks in the vein of, oh, say The Organ and Amelia Fletcher’s Tender Trap. Although primarily Fletcher’s work. Not a bad list of bands to join in a list, if you ask me!

Listen: “Lovely” by Gamma Rays

* * * * *

Heartworms’ Thanks For The Headache b/w Little Hands Of Concrete

This little single on bright white vinyl was the third release by the now famed Darla Records, released way back in ’95. My favorite is the A-side; it reminds me of those mopey jangle-pop songs by artists that would follow, like The Lucksmiths and The Lodger. Not only do you get two great (and very different) songs on white vinyl, the sleeve is a cool text-weight paper stock.

Listen: “Thanks For The Headache” by Heartworms

* * * * *

Javelins’ We Paid A Lot For Our Style

You may recognize this band’s sound, and if you do you get mad props. Swedish band Javelins bailed on their name years ago — possibly something to do with another band from the states with the same name, or not — and donned the moniker The Faintest Ideas. They released a record on Magic Marker Records, which was pretty damn good. This was a split release between Yellow Mica Recordings and Zenith Recordings — with their signature rapid percussion and European-style punk, this 7″ was well worth it!

Listen: “All Stars” by Javelins

* * * * *

Karate’s Operation: Sand/Empty There

I have a friend that swears by this band, and though I’ve collected a few of their records over the years (including this single) I haven’t really given them a good listen. Count me self-scolded. With a solid 90′s indie rock sound, thick with distorted guitar riffs and heavy drums, all of it precise and measured, they fit the era’s post-rock sensibilities perfectly. You can hear this sound on both tracks here, but my favorite has to be “Operation: Sand”.

Listen: “Operation: Sand” by Karate

* * * * *

The Legends’ Call It Ours on Little Teddy Recordings

If you know my music tastes, you’ll know that Up Against The Legends, the debut LP by Sweden’s The Legends, is one of my desert island top 5s. “Call It Ours” comes from that album and appears here as the lead single. Backed by three exclusive tracks, this single is to die for. “The Ballad Of The Band” is full-on fuzz more in line with the band’s 4th LP, Over And Over, while closing track “Change” may very well be my favorite non-LP song from the band thus far.

Download: “Call It Ours” by The Legends

* * * * *

The Make-Up’s U R My Intended b/w The Choice

If you’ve never listened to The Make-Up, you’re missing out. Don’t be dissuaded by their inclusion in the post-punk genre, or the fact that their vocals are more “spoken groans” than actually “sung.” These are the elements (along with lewdity, which is not really present in The Make-Up) that drew me to Seattle’s Partman Parthorse. This single appears to be an OOP one from K. Snag it if you find it! (That seems to be the trend in this post, eh?)

Listen: “U R My Intended” by The Make-Up

* * * * *

No Kids’ Cherry Trees b/w An Afternoon With The Pendleton’s

I’ve been into No Kids for quite some time. Krgovich, the main man behind the band, and his K cohort Rose Melberg join voices for both these songs, which match the rest of No Kids’ impressive library of unique pop music. This picture disc is on Aagoo Records and there are still copies available!

Listen: “Cherry Tree” by No Kids

* * * * *

The Organ’s Let The Bells Ring

“Let The Bells Ring” was given away as a freebie when the band released its posthumous EP of singles and rarities, Thieves. The song is pretty solid, and should have made it onto their solo LP, Grab That Gun. It was, however, released after that album dropped. The B-Side is a remix by Dustin Hawthorne of the Grab That Gun track “Memorize The City” and while I’m not the biggest fan of remixes, this one complements the track beautifully.

Download: “Let The Bells Ring” by The Organ

* * * * *

Poprace’s Clear

Poprace is from Sweden and features members of Acid House Kings (one of my all-time favorites), Club 8, the Legends (who we heard earlier) and Starlet. Four songs on clean white vinyl, I snagged this single a few years back and still get giddy about putting it on the record player. Poprace creates indie pop music in the vein of early AHK, but a little more lo-fi and twee. According to the Elefant Records shop, it’s still in print!

Listen: “All I Wanted” by Poprace

* * * * *

Red Letter Day’s Hibernation

Sarah Records and Go-Betweens-inspired indie-pop from Germany, Red Letter Day creates indie-pop using thumpy bass-lines, a violin, a jangly guitar and softly-sung vocals. The words “German Indie Pop” caught my eye when I snagged this single a few years back, and I was even more delighted to see it was released on Marsh-Marigold Records all the way back in 1989. An obvious nod to the twee movement!

Download: “Hibernation” by Red Letter Day

* * * * *

Sweater Girls’ Pretty When You Smile

I really enjoyed the first single by Sweater Girls, but I’m absolutely in love with this one. The guitars seem heavier without dropping any of the pop sensibilities; the drums have an increased playfulness. And the vocals and lyrics are just as light and twee. It’s like that first one times three. Grab a copy of Pretty When You Smile from HHBTM, and while you’re at it, pick up Sweater Girls’ other one!

Download: “Pretty When You Smile” by Sweater Girls

* * * * *

Tender Trap’s Face Of ’73

Amelia Fletcher’s deep, dark vocals have haunted the twee-pop world for decades and Face of ’73 is one of my favorites from her work under the Tender Trap guise. The A-side is an electro-infused twee-pop song that’s catchy as all hell, and it’s backed by “Fin (Downfall Mix)” which ends up being the dreamy, soft song. This particular single is on K, but you can find my favorite LP of hers on Matinee Recordings (6 Billion People).

Listen: “Face of ’73″ by Tender Trap

* * * * *

Unnatural Helpers’ Sunshine / Pretty Girls

One of the best songs out of Seattle last year was “Sunshine / Pretty Girls” by Unnatural Helpers. Here is the single, with three additional exclusive tracks including “Did the Lawn Get Mowed?”, “Shakes” and “Waiting Such A Long Time”. Hand numbered and limited to 500 copies, you can’t pick this one up in physical form anymore, but it’s still available digitally.

Download: “Sunshine / Pretty Girls” by Unnatural Helpers

* * * * *

Versus’s Bright Light b/w Forest Fire

Ringing with those enormous mid-90s distorted guitar riffs and fronted by dual male/female vocals, this Versus single was the band’s second release and dates back to ’92. It is gritty with occasional harmony and dissonance, sweet with epic chord progressions, and upbeat as you’d expect from a much lighter indie pop band. The combination is that only Versus could master. This is a truly great single — a simply must-have — for the lover of 90s indie rock and indie pop.

Listen: “Bright Light” by Versus

* * * * *

Wolfie’s Mockhouse

Look back to 1998 and you’ll find this little single by Champaign, Illinois band Wolfie. Their second single and third release overall, Wolfie included Joe and Amanda Ziemba who we heard from before under the name Busytoby (although Amanda apparently was not involved in that single). The duo also went on to record under the name The Like Young. This single on Mud Records is a wonderful little gem with three super poppy sings that blend that late 90s indie rock sound with the playfulness the duo has become known for creating.

Download: “Mockhouse” by Wolfie

Creating a music video, in my opinion, should be about creating art. There are so many intricate elements that should go into a video that are so often left forgotten or, at least, unattended. First and foremost is the song itself — a video must compliment the art to which it is expanding from audio to video. Connecting the two is extremely important. Second is theme. The best videos have some storyline, vague or distinct. Or at least something visually interesting.

What started below as a few of my favorites from the past year ultimately turned into a much bigger list of simply great videos both current and dated. Most are visually stunning, as noted in the title of this post. However, a few are impressive instead through the conceptual elements of plot and story (the first one is testament to that). That being said, if you know of some masterful videos from the past few years, feel free to drop a link into a comment — and don’t forget to let us know why you feel it is a “must see” video.

* * * * *

The Apples In Stereo

The song is great, but what really makes this a good music video is the storyline before and after the song. Featuring Elijah Wood as a teacher, he is whisked away into an alternate universe where Robert Schneider is not a scientist but a musician. This music video is quite nontraditional — it comes with a completely separate introductory video.

“Dance Floor” Part One

“Dance Floor” Part Two

* * * * *

The Black Keys

The story this video tells is quite entertaining and more than worthy of several repeat viewings. “Tighten Up” comes from their eighth release (counting both EPs), Brothers, and is the highlight track. Featuring Auerbach and Carney at the local park with two boys, both pairs spot the girl of their dreams and friendship loyalties stray in the most hilarious of manners. See for yourself:

“Tighten Up”

* * * * *

Casiokids

I really, really dig “Finn Bikkjen” by Casiokids. It’s a wonder I haven’t really spent time to seek out more by the band. What I did stumble upon, however, is their video for this song. 2010 appears to be the year everyone dresses up in animal outfits. (Chris Ewing, who’s featured soon below, also did a video featuring them for the band Seasons.) Here they’re playful, and they are creatures we have never seen. Very unique and fun.

“Finn Bikkjen”

* * * * *

Club 8

This video is a bit odd in that Johan Angergård tends to favor his other project, The Legends, for videos that feature dancing. He did it both in “Lucky Star” and “Seconds Away”, the latter of which you’ll see a bit lower. Yet “Western Hospitality” does just that.

“Western Hospitality”

Club 8 “Western hospitality” from Labrador Records on Vimeo.

* * * * *

El Perro Del Mar

First off, this video is flat-out strange. But it fits the music and it’s definitely unique. Makes me think of Rocky Horror Picture Show, though. And despite my predilection toward women and their scantily-clad-ness, it’s both an impressive physical feat and quite entertaining.

“Change Of Heart”

* * * * *

Fredrik

Fredrik’s music has always blended the ethereal with pop and folk, creating a surreal universe and their videos for “Viskra”, “Milo” and “11 Years” give us a glimpse into these so-called places. “Milo” is colorful and blurry, while “Viskra” (primarily in black-and-white) shows a snowy world with human like creatures. “11 Years” uses stop-motion photography to create a trippy world within a train car. All three work well with Fredrik’s dreamy folk-pop.

“11 Years”

Fredrik – ’11 Years’ from Iris Piers on Vimeo.

“Milo”

Fredrik – Milo from The Kora Records on Vimeo.

“Viskra”

Fredrik – Viskra from The Kora Records on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Tobias Froberg (NSFW)

Tobias Froberg’s “When We Go To War” is a play on good versus evil, documented theatrically via two professional dancers. And the video fits perfectly with Froberg’s masterpiece. The two individuals within appear normal enough, but when both enter onto the roof of a building, they turn into creatures ready for battle. There’s a hint of nudity in this one, so it may not be safe for work.

“When We Go To War”

Tobias Froberg – When We Go to War from Petter Ringbom on Vimeo.

* * * * *

[ingenting]

This song is so touching to begin with, it’s hard not to get emotional when watching this video. [ingenting] of Sweden is a rarity in that they sing in their native tongue — most Swedish bands we hear on this side of the ocean have adopted English as a standard for performing. Still, the emotion comes through easily in this tale about love and loss.

“Dina händer är fulla av blommor”

[ingenting] “Dina händer är fulla av blommor” from Labrador Records on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Jonsi

Jonsi of Sigur Ros is now creating music under the moniker Jonsi, and it’s pretty sweet. Honestly, I don’t much care for the vast majority of videos that just show a band performing their song, but Jonsi’s video for “Animal Arithmetic” is done at odd angles, which means it’s not your standard performance video. That makes it a rarity: totally worthwhile.

“Animal Arithmetic”

* * * * *

The Knife

Easily one of the creepiest music videos around is The Knife’s “Silent Shout”. Once the flashing lights fade, we begin to see odd, misshapen humans and hear The Knife’s equally mind-bending vocals. The result is nightmarish.

“Silent Shout”

* * * * *

The Legends

With each new album, Johan Angergård takes The Legends in an exciting new direction. Here you can hear and see three distinct sounds from three separate albums Still, I have a hard time discounting their first one — it has been a mainstay in my regular playlist since discovering shortly after its release (“There And Back Again” is from that release). Both “Lucky Star” and “Always The Same” find The Legends featuring a quirky, awkward dancer and it couldn’t be more fitting thanks to the dancey electro-pop of the former and the lovable pop vocals and crazy distorted pop guitars of the latter.

“Always The Same”

“Lucky Star”

“There And Back Again”

* * * * *

Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Letting Up Despite Great Faults is the band I referred to before, the one with a video by Chris Ewing. Like his work for Seasons, this one features a beautiful girl. Unlike that one, in which she’s plagued by animals, this one is a love story. And true to Ewing’s creations, there’s plenty of mixed media and surreal surrounds.

“Our Younger Noise”

LETTING UP DESPITE GREAT FAULTS: Our Younger Noise from Christopher j Ewing on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Radiohead

It’s hard to write about great music videos without at least mentioning “Rabbit In Your Headlights” by Radiohead. Technically, it’s a split between Thom Yorke and UNKLE. Aesthetically, thematically, and visually, this is one of my favorite music videos of all time… right up through the explosive ending.

“Rabbit In Your Headlights”

* * * * *

Seabear

As you’ll soon learn, Iceland’s Sindri Már Sigfússon like multimedia videos. Off Seabear’s latest release, We Built A Fire, of which I’ve been listening to a lot lately, “I’ll Build You A Fire” does just that. The good news is that Sigfússon does multimedia videos very well.

“I’ll Build You A Fire”

Seabear – I’ll Build You A Fire from seabear on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeroes

The concept behind this video is “Desert Song” itself, and in fact it is the first of many from Sharpe-and-entourage. Actually, they’re making an entire movie based on their hit album Up From Below.

“Desert Song”

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros “Desert Song” from benjamin kutsko on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Sin Fang Bous

Sin Fang Bous created an epic masterpiece in 2009. The solo project of Seabear’s Sindri Már Sigfússon. This video was directed by Ingibjörg Birgisdóttir of, I’m assuming, Iceland (that’s where Sin Fang Bous and Seabear are from). Mixing media is a difficult thing to do, but Birgisdóttir does it quite successfully here. Odd and filled with a unique style of electro-pop, Sin Fang Bous has a worthy and comfortable home on Morr Music.

“Clangour And Flutes”

Sin Fang Bous: clangour and flutes from morr music on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Small Black

Small Black created a bit of a masterpiece with their video for “Despicable Dogs” and they do it again with “Bad Lover”. It’s been a while since a video has seriously creeped me out; probably since “Silent Shout” by The Knife. “Bad Lover” does a good job thanks to people with odd masks on.

“Bad Lover”

Small Black: Bad Lover from Nick Bentgen on Vimeo.

“Despicable Dogs”

Small Black: Despicable Dogs from Yoonha Park on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Tame Impala

Reality and sanity are both focal points in Tame Impala’s video for “Solitude Is Bliss”. Whether or not there’s a deeper meaning behind the images displayed is up for debate; I’d argue for. It fits with the title — the “solitude” our protagonist sees. He is thwarted by the masses but seems aloof in his own world of destruction. Tame Impala is one of this year’s promising finds, for sure.

“Solitude Is Bliss”

tame impala – solitude is bliss from EL NINO on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Thieves Like Us

I love videos like the one for “Shyness” by Thieves Like Us. It shows the fleeting awkwardness of teenage love — the lust, the love, the heartbreak and the all too quickly forgotten memories. You almost feel naughty and guilty watching it.

“Shyness”

* * * * *

Chad VanGaalen (NSFW)

What makes “Molten Light” so special is that VanGaalen did the video himself. His art, just like his music, is highly original. This video too is disturbing, and probably not safe for work.

“Molten Light” (NSFW)

* * * * *

Warpaint

There is no other way to put it: What Adam Harding does in creating Warpaint’s video for “Stars” is absolutely stunning. Visually, it’s quite impressive; he perfectly captures the dreamy nature of their subtle shoegaze soundscapes, and the nuances of Warpaint’s playful darkness. Furthermore, he creates momentum that moves with the song — particularly in its final moments — a momentum that increases to a powerful climax as the song fades away.

“Stars”

Warpaint – Stars from Adam Harding on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Vitalic

All this video contains is flying dogs and laser beams. Brilliant! And that’s all I need to say about Vitalic’s “Birds”.

“Birds”

* * * * *

Washed Out

It’s amazing to think that Washed Out’s Ernest Greene planned to settle down after making his epic EP, 2009′s Life Of Leisure. After years of creating music under various bands and monikers, Greene was suddenly thrust into the spotlight with this project. And we finally get a music video to accompany the music.

“Hold Out”

* * * * *

Wolf Parade

They really should make more science fiction movies like this; “Yulia” by Wolf Parade is filled with interesting footage and great cinematography.

“Yulia”

Wolf Parade – Yulia from Sub Pop Records on Vimeo.

* * * * *

Yeasayer (NSFW)

This video is definitely not safe for work. That being said, it’s also quite interesting — it follows the path Yeasayer took with their sophomore album, one that heightens to a whole new level the experimental glam they started with their debut.

“Ambling Alp”

Yeasayer “Ambling Alp” from Team G on Vimeo.

2009 is a tough year to judge. I’ve checked out more albums this year than any year in the past. Well over 1,000. And there have been quite a few great ones as well. When this list began, it had 110 albums. I abandoned my top 33 and 1/3 for 45, and then said “screw it” and upped the number to an even 50. These are the top notch albums of the year, all worthy of praise.

Despite trouble all around, 2009 wasn’t all that bad. It forced us to hold our wallets a little closer, and by doing so allowed us to enjoy some simpler things in life. Living briefly in Edison before buying a house, I’d take walks around town with my camera in hand and my iPod in ear. The above photo was from one of those journeys.

It was the year of fuzzy pop, so it’s no surprise that the biggest standout label from the year would have to be Slumberland, who gave us a slew of phenomenal singles, a few great albums, and a number of excellent EPs. Hometapes also finds their artists sprinkled throughout the list. As usual, there are some local favorites, as well as a few obscurities.

Off we go…

* * * * *

50. Postcard by Elin Palmer

From Devotchka fame comes Elin Palmer, whose Denver by way of Sweden sounds blend multi-instrumental orchestral folk with angelic vocals. Title track “Postcard” is a mystic song that hits all the right notes, from beautiful echoing vocals to soft accordion and masterful strings.

Elin Palmer: Postcard [mp3]

* * * * *

49. Cosmic Clancy by The Nightgowns

The Nightgowns turned some heads in the Pacific Northwest this year, gaining momentum with their synth-based pop. It’s simple and catchy, but a dark base and vocal pairing keeps it from being overly twee.

The Nightgowns: Cosmic Clancy [mp3]

* * * * *

48. The Mountain by Heartless Bastards

Title track “The Mountain” is truly an epic, and it’s hard not to say the same about at least half the songs on Heartless Bastards’ latest LP. These songs are pure rock and hint at a greater 70s theme yet find themselves entirely modern. And the female-fronted vocal styling is deep and filled with a verbose vibrato, making Erika Wennerstrom one of the more unique vocalists around.

Heartless Bastards: The Mountain [mp3]

* * * * *

47. Letting Up Despite Great Faults by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Letting Up Despite Great Faults wears their influences on their sleeves. Listening to electronic beats and fuzzy keys and guitars, fronted by dreamy reverb-filled vocals, one can hear hints of The Radio Dept. in nearly every song on this album. That is far from a bad thing, as Letting Up Despite Great Faults picks up precisely where Lesser Matters left off.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults: In Steps [mp3]

* * * * *

46. Promenade by Grand Hallway

Combining Japanese classical sensibilities with orchestral pop isn’t all that common. Promenade, Grand Hallway’s second album, is much stronger than their debut and it finds the group gaining confidence in their songwriting abilities, both from an instrumentation and a vocal standpoint.

Grand Hallway: Blessed Be, Honey Bee [mp3]

* * * * *

45. Gather Form & Fly by Megafaun

An experimental style of folk, freak folk, and blend of fully orchestrated folk with minimalist folk, Megafaun does a great job infusing various styles of folk for an entirely unique sound that is fun, crazy, and beautiful all at the same time.

Megafaun: Kaufman’s Ballad [mp3]

* * * * *

44. Första Brevet Till Amerika by The Hartmans

Riding the fuzz pop train is Sweden’s The Hartmans, who remain underground but whose songs are absolutely worth checking out for fans of this year’s favorite sub-genre. Första Brevet Till Amerika is technically the US release of an album from one, possibly two years ago, but because Series II dropped it in ’09, I’ll consider it. The Hartmans focus is harmony backed by massive distorted harmony.

The Hartmans: Neptuni Orden [mp3]

* * * * *

43. March Of The Zapotec / Holland by Beirut

Beirut’s so-called third LP, March Of The Zapotec / Holland is technically a double EP. One half finds the balkan-influenced band matching their early sounds while the other sees Condon et. al adding in electronic beats.

Beirut: My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille [mp3]

* * * * *

42. My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura
“French Navy” is one of my favorite singles of 2009, and title track “My Maudlin Career” is pretty damn close to being an album favorite. This album nears the influence set forth in Let’s Get Out Of This Country.

Camera Obscura: My Maudlin Career [mp3]

* * * * *

41. Fan The Flames by Golden Bloom

With infectious pop songs like “Doomsday Devices” and “The Flight At The End Of The Tunnel”, Golden Bloom takes contemporary pop to a whole new level. Sure, this stuff is more than nerdy, but you can’t help falling in love with these songs.

Golden Bloom: Doomsday Devices [mp3]

* * * * *

40. Sunset / Sunrise by The Dutchess & The Duke
Aside from an overall higher production value, The Dutchess & The Duke exudes a greater level of comfort and confidence in the music they create. Sure, this album lacks that gritty lo-fi element so beloved in their debut, but it’s made up with this band’s new-found certainty in their abilities.

The Dutchess & The Duke: Hands [mp3]

* * * * *

39. Post-Nothing by Japandroids

Japandroids made waves this year with their album Post-Nothing. Many consider “Young Hearts Spark Fire” one of the best songs of the year. Sure, I’ll give them that, but my favorites are “Heart Sweats” and “I Quit Girls”.

Japandroids: Young Hearts Spark Fire [mp3]

* * * * *

38. Logos by Atlas Sound

I haven’t fully absorbed Logos yet. There are a few albums that haven’t quite fully garnered my attention, and these are the ones that are likely to see big movement when it comes time to compile my 2009 A Retrospective. I rather enjoy what I have digested quite a bit more than Atlas Sound’s last album. In particular is “Walkabout” which features Noah Lennox of Animal Collective/Panda Bear.

Atlas Sound: Walkabout [mp3]

* * * * *

37. Reservoir by Fanfarlo

Quite like Beirut, but with less emphasis on the obscure and a bit more on greater accessibility to a wider audience, Fanfarlo’s Reservoir is hailed by many as one of the top albums of the year. It’s a bit too much like Beirut at times, but there’s no question that these guys can create a pretty powerful tune. “The Walls Are Coming Down” and “Luna” are instant favorites, songs that aren’t likely to wane any time soon.

Fanfarlo: Luna [mp3]

* * * * *

36. Welcome Joy by The Cave Singers

Oh man, “At The Cut” rocked. Invitation Songs was pretty damn solid, and placed the band in a unique folk-rock place, hinting at a folk sound from an entirely different era. But Welcome Joy finds The Cave Singers blowing up that earlier sound, injecting some powerful riffs (as if they weren’t there to begin with), and pumping up volume levels a bit. Sure, not all songs are like this, but the right ones are, and that’s all that matters.

The Cave Singers: At The Cut [mp3]

* * * * *

35. In The Dream Of The Sea Life by Candy Claws

Thanks to a clever mixing in of lapping waves, In The Dream Of The Sea Life nears concept album greatness. Candy Claws mixes highly experimental electro-pop with folky traits common to artists like Animal Collective, but a thousand times dreamier. This music is pleasant and hypnotic.

Candy Claws: Catamaran [mp3]

* * * * *

34. Intuit by Ramona Falls

After Menomena’s Friend And Foe, I’ve been dying to hear more from the band. While we have yet to receive a follow-up, Intuit is pretty damn close. From Menomena’s Brent Knopf comes Ramona Falls and the music has a pretty strong similarity to one of Portland’s best groups. In the coming months, I’ll probably regret keeping this one so low on the list.

Ramona Falls: I Say Fever [mp3]

* * * * *

33. Vekatimest by Grizzly Bear

Vekatimest has made more of an impact on me than both Yellow House and Horn Of Plenty alike. “Two Weeks”, in fact, is one of my favorite singles of the year. As a whole, this album is more than solid and propels Grizzly Bear into a unique position; out there far enough to warrant lauding by supreme pretentious indie nerds and a more mainstream crowd as well.

Grizzly Bear: Cheerleader [mp3]

* * * * *

32. Waking Heat by Tempo No Tempo

It’s been a while since I’ve really been into a dub band, but that all changed in 2009. Tempo No Tempo became an instant favorite thanks to a hefty bass/drum part in songs like “The Rat (Part One)” and “Medicines”. Unsigned, I wouldn’t be surprised if this band doesn’t stay that way long.

Tempo No Tempo: Medicines [mp3]

* * * * *

31. We Bet Our Money On You by Daniel Francis Doyle

Math rock has always been a bit crazy, with pointed beats and riffs and wild lyrics. Daniel Francis Doyle is the most promising artist to fit the genre in a very long time. His abilities extend far, from erratic in-your-face experimental and fully math oriented tracks (“Old Lives”, for example, is quite wonderful, reaching a point between Don Cab and Dismemberment Plan) and soft melodic piano tracks (“Your Baby Is Speaking” is the best representation of that sound). Perfect.

Daniel Francis Doyle: Learning Things In School [mp3]

* * * * *

30. Keep In Mind Frankenstein by Grand Archives

The harmonies remain, both from an instrumental and vocal standpoint. In Keep In Mind Frankenstein, Grand Archives take it down a notch at times. While there isn’t that immense climax (“The Crime Window” off Grand Archives took that slot), these songs are still quite amazing. Grand Archives’ music is filled with pleasant folk-pop that truly sets this band apart from the crowd.

Grand Archives: Silver Among The Gold [mp3]

* * * * *

29. Everybody Come Outside by Pomegranates

With their sophomore LP, Everybody Come Outside, Pomegranates have soidified their station as the best creators of upbeat pop songs around. And I’m not just talking songs that will make you nod your head. Even their sadder, less happy songs are entirely bouncy. Prime example: “This Land Used To Be…”

Pomegranates: Corriander [mp3]

* * * * *

28. Family by Le Loup

The Throne, Le Loup’s debut, was an album wrought with strife; it was a tormented display of a mind torn between good and evil. And it leaned quite substantially toward the darkness. With their follow-up, Family, Simkoff seems to have found a pleasant peace among friends. This album lacks some of the minimalistic traits of its predecessor. There are still forays into that wild sound, but now it’s more tribal, connected to individuals outside Simkoff himself. And you can hear it in the music: it’s a positive progression.

Le Loup: Beach Town [mp3]

* * * * *

27. Tarpits & Canyonlands by Bombadil

Mixing a sound that can only be described as a folky rendition of Slaraffenland (or Efterklang) fronted by a Cat Stevens-ish character, Bombadil has produced an entirely unique album that is one of 2009′s must-hears.

* * * * *

26. Setting The Paces by BOAT

Setting The Paces, BOAT’s third album, sees the band progressing as a whole. Songs are more complex, yet they all maintain a fair share of those good ol’ traits that us fans fell in love with upon hearing their debut. D. Crane still has that overly joyous, sarcastic self-deprecating lyrics and that grinning throaty vocal style. These songs rock, and they rock harder than BOAT ever has before.

BOAT: Lately [mp3]

* * * * *

25. Psychic Chasms by Neon Indian

Take Animal Collective, drop in a notable and dark 80s influence. Then ship the whole package over to Europe and shove it into one of their electro thingies. An image should be forming, and the result is probably something along the lines of Neon Indian. By the way, this album cover speaks to this music more than practically all others in 2009.

Neon Indian: Deadbeat Summer [mp3]

* * * * *

24. Telekinesis! by Telekinesis

You wouldn’t expect this album from Telekinesis brain-child Michael Lerner, who is soft spoken and quite kind. Then again, this album isn’t hard hitting, nor is it pretentious. It hits the right pop hooks and injects the perfect amount of rock to achieve something better, more pure. One listen to “Great Lakes” and you’ll be saying Move over Death Cab – there’s a new boy in town!

Telekinesis: Coast Of Carolina [mp3]

* * * * *

23. Parade by Afternoon Naps

When it comes down to it, there is little I love more than a good indie pop album, and Parade by Afternoon Naps is just that. The band’s smokey and mysterious vocals are dark and seductive. There are plenty of somber pop hooks here, but this band isn’t beyond throwing a wrench in that – there’s also a lot of bouncy melodies.

Afternoon Naps: Beach Bums [mp3]

* * * * *

22. Summer Of Hate by Crocodiles

Summer Of Hate brought Crocodiles quite a bit of hype in the indie world upon its release. It took me a while to get around to checking these guys out but I’m very glad I did. The title track remains my favorite, but in truth this album is filled with favorites.

Crocodiles: Summer Of Hate [mp3]

* * * * *

21. Declaration Of Dependence by Kings Of Convenience

“Boat Behind” is one of my favorite videos of the year. It’s perfectly sunny and more than fitting. The title of this album is honest and revealing, and it fits the music this duo creates. Kings Of Convenience is back and I’ll probably kick myself later for not sticking this higher on the list. Oh well.

Kings Of Convenience: Boat Behind [mp3]

* * * * *

20. Beast Rest Forth Mouth by Bear In Heaven

From the dissonance of Red Bloom Of The Boom to the harmonious Beast Rest Forth Mouth, Bear In Heaven continues to be a gripping band despite a substantial progression. The first one emphasized space; this one creates the matter that fills space.

Bear In Heaven: Lovesick Teenagers [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Up From Below by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Epic folk comes in many forms and while Up From Below may not necessarily be a concept album in the true concept album form, it possesses the traits (albeit externally for the most part). As they continue to put out videos from the album, which will ultimately form a near feature-length film, this album’s brilliance will radiate brighter than ever.

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros: 40 Day Dream [mp3]

* * * * *

18. We’re On Your Side by Slaraffenland

Few bands have the efficacy of uniqueness than that produced by Slaraffenland. Their plush orchestral instrumentation, bordering on experimental pop, is simultaneously minimal and monumental. And the vocals that coincide with it are expansive. Beauty has nothing on Slaraffenland.

Slaraffenland: Meet And Greet [mp3]

* * * * *

17. Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective

In my opinion, Merriweather Post Pavilion is Animal Collective’s initial leaning toward becoming more accessible to a wider audience. Fall Be Kind is an even further progression into that realm, but when compared to that which came before, MPP has more songs that fit that classification. A favorite, you can totally hear Noah Lennox’s influence on “Guys Eyes”.

* * * * *

16. Over And Over by The Legends

At first glance, it may appear that The Legends have returned to their roots with Over And Over, the overly fuzzy basement pop distinct on Up Against The Legends. But in reality, they’ve merely combined many of the sounds over their past three quite distinct albums. This band continues to impress – again, it should be no surprise as to why I regard Johan Angergård as one of today’s most talented musicians.

The Legends: Always The Same [mp3]

* * * * *

15. You Can Have What You Want by Papercuts

Sometimes you’ll find that certain albums sound better on vinyl. On one hand, it’s the experience of sliding that beautiful piece of wax out of its sleeve and placing it gently on a record player, then watching the needle as it drops in the precise location for optimal listening. You Can Have What You Want by Papercuts is one such album. The good news: this album nears perfection no matter how you take it in.

Papercuts: Future Primitive [mp3]

* * * * *

14. There Is No Enemy by Built To Spill

This is, without question, my favorite Built To Spill album since Perfect From Now On. Filled with more radio-friendly hits, like “Hindsight” and epic rockers alike, this album nears their prior pinnacle of greatness. “Oh Yeah”, both lyrically and instrumentally, could have been on that earlier album. It has become an easy album favorite.

Built To Spill: Hindsight [mp3]

* * * * *

13. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band took a while to catch on for me, but eventually I came around. “Albatross, Albatross, Albatross” was one of my favorite videos of the year, and the album is packed with songs just as powerful. At times these songs hint at metal guitars, but the music is far from the genre – it’s entirely rock, with minor pop sensibilities.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Cheer For Fate [mp3]

* * * * *

12. Album by Girls

At first, Girls didn’t do much for me. Call it a youthful childish shun; a fear of cooties. But like most young boys, I quickly grew up and started to notice Girls in a way I never thought possible. At first it was subtle – the soft songs like “Hellhole Ratrace”. Eventually the “they’re OK” became a bit more of an intense desire, a longing, an infatuation. The harder songs like “Lust For Life”, “Laura” and “Summertime” all became favorites. Two months ago, I wouldn’t have thought it possible for Album to crack the top 20. Now it sits at #12.

Girls: Hellhole Ratrace [mp3]

* * * * *

11. The Banyans by The Banyans

Ask anyone about any band within the top, oh 15, and the one that the fewest people will know is The Banyans. This self titled album was self-released by this Seattle band, and done so not as a physical release but as a free download. “Grenade On Course” and “Neon Heat” are some of my favorite songs of 2009. As a whole, this album fits together quite nicely; not something you’d expect from a brand new band.

The Banyans: Grenade On Course [mp3]

* * * * *

10. Heavy Days by Jeff The Brotherhood

Not since The White Stripes’ early days has a lo-fi punk duo created such an impact (on me, at least). What you get: noisy distorted riffs and sloppy percussion fronted by grungy lyrics. This album might not strike you as anything fancy from the get-go, but give it time and the songs on Heavy Days will blow your fucking mind.

Jeff The Brotherhood: Bone Jam [mp3]

* * * * *

9. Rules by The Whitest Boy Alive

OK, if you thought Dreams was good, wait until you hear Rules. This album has everything you loved off The Whitest Boy Alive’s debut LP yet does exactly what you expect from a follow-up: it takes it to the next level. Seriously: it does so in every way possible. “High On The Heels” is the shining star here, but “Keep A Secret”, “Courage”, and “Timebomb” are right behind.

* * * * *

8. Clangour by Sin Fang Bous

In 2008, Sin Fang Bous gave us a teaser off their then forthcoming album, the Clangour 7″ single; both songs fit the experimental electro-pop Sin Fang Bous would come to be known by. Despite that being more than one year ago, the two songs, “Advert In Ives Garden” and “Clangour And Flutes”, are just as mesmerizing as the day I first heard them. Add to them ten additional songs that are just as powerful, and the result is astonishing.

Sin Fang Bous: Catch The Light [mp3]

* * * * *

7. Eskimo Snow by Why?

With lyrics that flow 1) like poetry, and 2) better than the best gangster rap, Why? has finally caught my attention by demonstrating they are one of today’s best bands thanks to lyrical prowess and masterful wordsmith-ery backed by an impeccable ability to instrumentally craft a great tune.

Why? – This Blackest Purse [mp3]

* * * * *

6. Yeah I Know by Darlings

Basement pop has never been as upbeat and party-centric as it is with Darlings. As we heard just the other day, “Eviction Party” is an entirely true story, packed with insane antics of the overly imbibed. I associate this album with summer (thanks to being released then, and also having an upbeat sound). “Teenage Girl” will have you falling in love with the young punk chick a few seats away on the bus, while “If This Is Love” is perfect for the moment that summer fling comes to an abrupt halt.

Darlings: If This Is Love [mp3]

* * * * *

5. Tree House Whispers by Anois

Louder than bedroom pop but not quite fit for the basement, Anois is left with the title King of Living Room Pop. The title, at least in my opinion, is one they are more than worthy of keeping. Tree House Whispers adds in experimental elements, drone, and rounds it all out with sexy foreign accents and all the beauty in the world.

Anois: Happy Holiday [mp3]

* * * * *

4. Reservoir by Ah Holly Fam’ly

The smokey, nasally vocals of Jeremy Faulkner are about as unique as vocals can get. When backed by the pop-tinged folk of Ah Holly Fam’ly, the result is one of the best albums of the year. Listening to the band’s old stuff, they’ve come a long way from their home-made CD-R days (when we both resided in the Palouse, them in Moscow and me in Pullman. Whatever this band is doing, they should absolutely keep it up. Reservoir is brilliant!

Ah Holly Fam’ly: All Unfolding [mp3]

* * * * *

3. Wind’s Poem by Mount Eerie

Until Wind’s Poem the two Mount Eerie albums I was most familiar with were Lost Wisdom and Dawn, both of which find Phil Elverum at his more minimal. Not once does he pick up an electric guitar on either album. Thus, Wind’s Poem was a bit of a change – much more in line with the stuff from Microphones – and, overall, this album is phenomenal.

* * * * *

2. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

I would say my #1 song this year is “Young Adult Friction” by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. This song and the album as a whole are both excellent. “Contender” and “Everything With You” are right up there thanks to massive distorted pop and seemingly insurmountable vocal pop hooks.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Everything With You [mp3]

* * * * *

1. AZAR by Venice Is Sinking

The difference between the first and eighth album on this list is, in fact, quite miniscule. These eight albums are truly very close in terms of the power they’ve held on me throughout the year, and their ability to be mainstays on my playlist in the years to come. Still, the decision to put AZAR at #1 wasn’t all that difficult. Venice Is Sinking possesses not only the ability to put out a great record, they are also very forward-thinking from an industry standpoint. I’m very excited to hear what their 3rd LP has in store for us.

Venice Is Sinking: Okay [mp3]

The summer of 2003 was a hot one in eastern Washington, and my concrete bunker of an apartment contained the heat like no other. Granted, the above image wasn’t shot by yours truly until 2004, but it sure seemed hot enough to ignite even the least combustible of items. I wrapped up my undergraduate that December, which was cold as Antarctica, and upon that milestone I moved to Seattle. It was a good year for the Northwest; many of my favorite albums came from Seattle labels like Sub Pop and Barsuk. As for the list, I’ve expanded it to 20. Couldn’t help it.

Do you have an album from 2003 not included below that would have made your best of list? Feel free to add a comment and include what makes it special to you. As all of these Retrospectives go, we’re reminiscing on good times. Here is my list of favorite albums from 2003:

* * * * *

20. Mouthfuls by Fruit Bats
Folk-pop tinged with a hint of back-country with highpoints “A Bit Of Wind” and “Seaweed”, and Mouthfuls by Fruit Bats gets the number 20 spot on my top albums of 2003. You just can’t lose with lyrics like It takes mouthfuls of Niagara Falls. It seems this album is a bit more centered around folk than their newer stuff, and these sensibilities keep the songs on the verge of subtlety; soft and subdued, they were perfect for unwinding after a long day. Grab a glass of wine, and let the good tunes flow.

Fruit Bats: A Bit Of Wind [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Hate by The Delgados
As much as I liked Emma Pollock’s 2007 solo release, Watch The Fireworks, revisiting The Delgados‘ old albums it’s easy to hear that there’s no comparing them. Hands down, The Delgados win. “All You Need Is Hate” tops the group’s library as one of their best songs, playing off The Beatles “All You Need Is Love”, giving it a super catchy chorus and packing the instrumentation with beloved strings.

* * * * *

18. Dusk In Cold Parlours by Norfolk & Western
Dusk In Cold Parlours may not be as hard-hitting as its dual 2006 successors, A Gilded Age and The Unsung Colony, but it is good melodic orchestral folk. Looking back, yes I do miss those freak-outs, those forays into loud instrumental breakdowns (“Barrels On Fire” and “A Porch Destruction”) that really defined the persona of Norfolk & Western. Dusk In Cold Parlours just didn’t have them, at least to the extent of those which came later. Instead, we got real orchestral folk pop, and that in itself is worth of lauding.

Norfolk & Western: Impossible [mp3]

* * * * *

17. Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle & Sebastian
There’s a reason I consider Belle & Sebastian one of my all-time favorite bands. Dear Catastrophe Waitress is, as a whole, one of my least favorite albums by the group, yet it’s still in the top 20. This is in part due to the fact that few songs are mainstays on my playlist. Exceptions exist, like “Stay Loose” and “If She Wants Me” and “Piazza, New York Catcher”; it’s also in part due to the fact that I haven’t listened to it in its entirely with much frequency.

* * * * *

16. No Culture Icons EP by The Thermals
Is it wrong to include EPs in lists of so-called Best Albums? I could put in More Parts Per Million but that album wasn’t quite as taking as No Culture Icons. The song, “No Culture Icons”, is my all-time favorite by The Thermals. The lyrics Hardly art, hardly starving may be what gave the Sub Pop spin-off label Hardly Art their name. True or not, it doesn’t discount the fact that the song, and album, are a stunning display of social and political commentary in the form of lyrical poetry. Backed by punk-pop noise, The Thermals’ fuzzy guitars and basement drums are the perfect accompaniment. Their more recent works seem to lose some of that crude early production, which fit so well with the topics at hand. What really set this EP apart from their debut LP was “Everything Thermals”, a self-anthem that fit their brand of wild but cohesive punk rock/pop.

The Thermals: No Culture Icons [mp3]

* * * * *

15. Down With Wilco by The Minus 5
I never could tell whether this album was titled sarcastically or not, at least from the songs held within. Knowing that the album actually included contributions from Wilco (something not entirely unheard of from The Minus 5) made complete sense as Down With Wilco has a very Wilco-esque nature to it. It also includes collaborations with Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) and Peter Buck (R.E.M.).

The Minus 5: The Town That Lost Its Groove Supply [mp3]

* * * * *

14. The Concretes by The Concretes
There’s something truly special about that Swedish accent, namely the accent sung in a female voice; it’s enough to make you wonder if the sirens from Greek Mythology hailed from Scandinavia. In my world, they do. Former lead singer Victoria Bergsman coos like no other on “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Lonely As Can Be”. Revisiting this album, as well as others by The Concretes, it’s easy to hear why this band deserves inclusion in these lists; their music is romantic and sad and heartfelt, yet not overly sappy. It’s pop music at its finest.

* * * * *

13. Son by Jeff Hanson
I met Jeff Hanson a few years after this album was released, shortly after the release of his self-titled follow-up. And what I remember of him is contrast. His music was that of mystery; the pleasant falsetto vocals and acoustic guitar was surprising coming from a burly man with thick stubble. But this man was gentle and kind, and his songs were true to his nature. We lost a great musician this year (he passed a few months back), but he won’t be forgotten. Nor will his music.

Jeff Hanson: Hiding Behind The Moon [mp3]

* * * * *

12. Lesser Matters by The Radio Dept.
“Where Damage Isn’t Already Done” by The Radio Dept. is one of my favorite songs of 2003. It contains a rapid percussion that doesn’t quite rival that of The Walkmen’s “The Rat” which would come soon hereafter, but the concept is similar. Backed by fuzzy, jangly guitar pop and an up-close-and-personal vocal style, Lesser Matters remains among The Radio Dept.’s best work yet. Many would side on the newer, more electronic side the band is taking on, but this early stuff totally takes the cake for me.

The Radio Dept: Why Won’t You Talk About It? [mp3]

* * * * *

11. Naturaliste by The Lucksmiths
The Lucksmiths have always written song lyrics as though they were poems with plots. Staring At The Sky neared perfection for the band and that trait lent much to the EP’s greatness. Still, one of their most admired songs, a cross-section of falling in love, is “Camera Shy”, the opening track off Naturaliste. The album doesn’t stop there, going on to give us greats like “Midweek Morning” and “There Is A Boy That Never Goes Out” (a play off The Smiths’ “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”, which the band covers on the Romantic & Square Is Hip & Aware comp).

* * * * *

10. The Long Goodbye by The Essex Green
The Essex Green have always put out great pop records, from the Kindercore release Everything Is Green (on wonderful green vinyl nonetheless) to The Long Goodbye. Where other artists rely on sad stories and homeless romanticism, The Essex Green always seemed to contain more purity. Those other things may have been there, but songs like “The Late Great Cassanova” and “Our Lady In Havana” just don’t sound like it. They’re upbeat and joyful.

The Essex Green: Our Lady In Havana [mp3]

* * * * *

9. Her Majesty The Decemberists by The Decemberists
For a very long time, “Shanty For The Arethusa” remained my favorite song by The Decemberists. Castaways & Cutouts was great, but this new theatrical element the group added in Her Majesty The Decemberists allowed their music to expand to new heights. As a whole, C&C may have been stronger, but Her Majesty had a few tracks that trumped their debut, like “The Bachelor & The Bride” and “The Soldering Life”.

The Decemberists: The Soldering Life [mp3]

* * * * *

8. Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone by The Unicorns
Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone was an album ahead of its time. Case in point is the popularity of post-The Unicorns group Islands. The songwriting style is no more mature than found here, and only a hair more produced and refined. The Unicorns were truly unique when it came to wacko tracks like “I Don’t Want To Die” and “Jellybones”. Odd as they were, you couldn’t help falling in love with each and every one of them.

* * * * *

7. The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place by Explosions In The Sky
The name Explosions In The Sky bears is so undoubtedly fitting; they always live up to the moniker and The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place is no exception. From the breathtaking gradual build in “First Breath After Coma”, continuing with “The Only Moment We Were Alone” and on through “Your Hand In Mine”, The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place remains EITS’ best album to date.

Explosions In The Sky: Your Hand In Mine [mp3]

* * * * *

6. Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins
Oh, Inverted World was pretty damn great. No question about it. But boy Chutes Too Narrow came close to being just as powerful and noteworthy as its predecessor. I’d forgotten just how great an album it was until just now, revisiting songs like “Kissing The Lipless” and “Pink Bullets” and “So Says I”. This is an album that really should never be forgotten, and its a travesty I haven’t listened to it, or anything by The Shins for that matter, in well over a year. Seriously.

The Shins: Kissing The Lipless [mp3]

* * * * *

5. When I Pretend To Fall by The Long Winters
Such a straightforward pop record, When I Pretend To Fall was The Long Winters‘ second album and it matched their debut stride for stride. The Long Winters have always succeeded in creating unambiguous pop-rock music entirely accessible yet just escaping the dreaded “contemporary” label. John Roderick is a rocker with a soft side, an educated songwriter with a sense of humor and whit. And it shows throughout When I Pretend To Fall.

The Long Winters: Stupid [mp3]

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4. Give Up by The Postal Service
I’d say 2007 was the last time I really gave Give Up by The Postal Service a good listen, maybe even 2006. In the time between its release and my last listen, I overplayed the album extensively. The hiatus in the time that followed is the curse of incessant repeat listens. Revisiting the album now, it’s easy to hear why it became such a regular for so long. Give Up really was a great album, and it is more than worthy of both praise and a high spot on any best of 2003 list.

The Postal Service: Such Great Heights [mp3]

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3. Electric Version by The New Pornographers
The New Pornographers really outdid themselves on Electric Version. The album is jam-packed with solid tracks, from the awkward-ish, title-track opener to the Dan Bejar-fronted “Testament To Youth In Verse”. Many would credit Mass Romantic, the group’s debut, as an all-time favorite; in my opinion Electric Version trumps them all. “Ballad Of A Comeback Kid” and “From Blown Speakers” round out some of my favorite tunes by the supergroup (yes, I called it that, despite knowing they frown on the association). Really, they are. Not because their members make up some of today’s most appreciated artists, but because they pack their albums with stellar tracks and because each member’s contribution refuses to go unseen.

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2. Echoes by The Rapture
When greatness occurs early on, it’s tough to live up to it in that which follows. That’s the curse of having a stellar debut. Echoes may not have been The Rapture‘s debut, but it was definitely great. Songs like “Olio” and “Sister Savior” were instant favorites, easily followed by “House Of Jealous Lovers”, “Heaven” and “I Need Your Love”. The inclusion of DFA, in hindsight, demonstrates perfectly the intricacies and influence this album possesses; and, in a way, you could almost say that early LCD Soundsystem gives Echoes a few healthy nods.

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1. Up Against The Legends by The Legends
Few records have had more impact on me as a person than that of Up Against The Legends by The Legends. Coincidentally, another such album is Sing Along With The Acid House Kings by Acid House Kings, also of Johan Angergård’s collection of groups. With Up Against The Legends, The Legends debuted with a gritty, raw album of distorted fuzzy garage pop well ahead of its time. To this day, this remains one of my all-time favorite albums, and one 2009′s garage-y fuzz-pop obsessives should get to know.

The Legends: Call It Ours [mp3]

On his fourth album under the guise The Legends, Johan Angergård surprises yet again. After three albums that each take the group in a different direction, it has become standard to expect no less from the next release, and thus it was on Over And Over. The first two singles demonstrated this aptly, drowning the listener in an all-encompassing guitar distortion that makes debut Up Against The Legends sound clean. While “Always The Same” and “Seconds Away” feature mind-numbing distortion in the guitar, the vocals are, for the most part, clean and wholesome.

Despite the oft indecipherable guitar, these songs are undeniably upbeat and filled with pop sensibilities. “Always The Same” features clashing male/female vocals that could almost be ripe for a Club 8 or Acid House Kings (Angergård’s other groups) reference. Yet giving Over And Over a first listen, there’s another surprise. Not all songs feature the wild distortion; some are soft and dreamy. What may be most astonishing is (despite the stark contrast in the sounds) how well the two styles go together.

Opening track “You Won” acts as somewhat of a midpoint; the distortion is lacking but so is the minimalist nature. The beats are heavy, tambourine consistent and synths encompassing. These songs, including the intense “Recife” and title track “Over And Over”, are exact opposites of others like the poppy yet dreamy “Monday To Saturday” and the super mellow “Heartbeats” and “Turn Away”. In the latter, added production elements can be heard it the vocals. It’s a clever play on an electronic nature.

It’s widely apparent that Angergård’s influences are about as widespread as they come. And while for any other artist this would be a detriment, it merely champions The Legends as one of the most well-versed, memorable and innovative artists in the world.

The Legends: Always The Same [mp3]

Labrador Records [CD, 2009]

1. You Won
2. Seconds Away
3. Always The Same
4. Monday To Saturday
5. Heartbeats
6. Dancefloor
7. Turn Away
8. Recife
9. Over And Over
10. Jump
11. Something Strange Will Happen
12. Touch

Over And Over by The Legends came out recently on Labrador Records, but when I attempted to order it from the local record shop they noted it wouldn’t be out for another few weeks. While this is likely due to an alternate US release date, or whatever, I was happy to hear The Legends, one of Johan Angergård’s many quality Swedish groups, gave us a little teaser to pass the time.

“Always The Same” is a unique track, one that finds Angergård returning to his roots so to speak. We haven’t heard this much fuzzed out guitar riffs from The Legends since their 2004 debut, Up Against The Legends, one of my personal favorite albums of all time. It also features a female vocalist, odd for The Legends but a commonality in Angergård’s other groups Club 8 and Acid House Kings.

“Always The Same” features similar awkward dancing as found on The Legends’ last video, “Lucky Star”. But this one has wild editing and a completely fresh storyline; rather than a vacant bar setting this one finds the protagonist in the privacy of his home lamenting over (we’re led to believe) a lost love. And there are eggs involved.

The Legends: Always The Same [mp3]

The following excerpt was taken from The American Heritage Dictionary: Fourth Edition (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001):

Legend: 1) An unverified popular story, especially one believed to be historical. 2) One of great fame or popular renown. 3) An inscription on an object. 4) An explanatory caption.

There is no telling which definition Johan Angergård chose when he named this group The Legends or even if he had a definition in mind, but he himself can be considered “one of great fame or popular renown” in the world of indie-pop. Also a member of the lovable Acid House Kings, Angergård can also be found alongside Karolina Komstedt in Club 8. Often dubbed “the hardest working man in pop music,” Angergård again brings forth an album that will go down in history as one of the pop greats.

The Legends initially swept the world in 2004 with their fuzzed-out debut Up Against The Legends. With a sound that included so much distortion it seeped into the vocals, drums, and peppy hand-claps, The Legends were sometimes a hard band to catch on. But if you did, you were hooked for life. 2005 saw the group’s second LP Public Radio on Labrador Records, also home of Angergård’s other groups. Additionally, June 27, 2006 marked the release of Public Radio in the United States.

The diversity between Angergård’s groups is an excellent portrayal of exactly why some dub Johan as the hardest working artist in pop music today. However, a similar diversity also exists between both full-length releases by The Legends. A telling tale of how The Legends progressed between Up Against The Legends and Public Radio can be found in the singles the group released between these albums. And in the singles released since that of Public Radio, we can speculate where Angergård is taking the group for the anticipated third album.

Up Against The Legends was an instant classic that produced singles such as There And Back Again and Call It Ours. Within these singles is the altered sound The Legends took for Public Radio. So, prior to Public Radio, Angergård was experimenting with a less distorted, more reverberated sound. “It’s Not Going To Happen” off There And Back Again possesses many of the changes Angergård would make for Public Radio. The drums have a more electronic quality while Angergård feigns his audience with reverb rather than fuzz. Also left behind are many of the poppy twee references such as hand claps (though some of these references reappear in tracks like “Something Good” and “Do You Remember Riley”). The reverb and electronic drums add to a much darker sound apparent in tunes like “Today” and “Hide Away” while complimenting upbeat tracks like “He Knows The Sun” and “Do You Remember Riley.” A third style can be seen in the slower ballad-like tunes (“I Want To Be Like Everybody Else,” “Heaven Will Wait” and “So Much For Tomorrow”) which shine as bright as the singles, utilize the albums signature reverb and electronic qualities, and round out the album with a few down-tempo tracks.

While The Legends’ debut album is one that is difficult to triumph, it is already apparent in Public Radio the success and quality of their sophomore release comes awful close. Three singles have been released featuring songs from the album and a fourth, exclusive single is due to hit the world this month. Within these singles is yet another altered sound. Take away the fuzz and take away the reverb and you will have the stripped down song. Add in peppy techno beats and you’ll find a whole new world created entirely by The Legends. Whether Angergård will take the group this route for a third full-length is yet to be seen, but for now it is easy to cherish and love Public Radio as the beauty behind each song is enough to die for.

That leads us to the end. A reminiscing of the album and hopes for the future. And it all comes back to a name: The Legends, a name that could easily refer to the future of the group. Pop songs are not unlike legends: each song tells a somewhat unverifiable story—often exaggerated and embellished—and each song is, in many ways, historical. Angergård may have, in choosing a name for his band, unknowingly described how this band will be revered in the years to come.

This review was originally published July 3, 2006 on the old version of FensePost.

The Legends: Hide Away [mp3]

The Legends: He Knows The Sun [mp3]

Labrador Records [CD, 2005]

1. Today
2. Hide Away
3. People Like Us
4. You’re Alive
5. Air
6. He Knows The Sun
7. Something Good
8. I Want To Be Like Everybody Else
9. Heaven Will Wait
10. So Much For Tomorrow
11. These Old Hearts Of Ours
12. Do You Remember Riley?

The Legends have been a favorite of mine since I discovered their debut LP Up Against The Legends in 2004. Since then, I have worked diligently to piece together a library of their recorded workings. I am close to succeeding, though for the final 7″ I’ll probably have to fly to Sweden. Most recently, I purchased the There & Back Again single.

“There & Back Again” is the type of break-up song that will have you dancing with a smile on your face. The Legends have become the masters of low-fi garage/twee. Hand claps and a persistent string of tambourines are thrown in amidst distorted vocals and guitars. Each song is crafted so that with each listen a new aspect is brought forth—be it the barely audible backup vocals on the chorus or the punchy organ during the verses. The distortion in the earlier Legends work of frontman Johan Angergård (Club 8, Poprace, Acid House Kings) brings out the lo-fi and the garage sounds and takes a little getting-used-to, but after a few listens the underlying strength behind each song will become vividly apparent.

The There & Back Again single consists of three additional songs—all exclusives. The middle two follow the distorted early sound of the group while the final track represents somewhat of a transition song between the sound of Up Against the Legends and the group’s second LP, Public Radio, where Angergård leaves behind the band to record and produce the entire album himself. This song, “It’s Not Going to Happen,” has electronic drums and is less distorted, thus following a more trip-hop sound.

This review was originally published June 20, 2006 on the old version of FensePost.

The Legends: There And Back Again [mp3]

Labrador [CDEP, 2003]

1. There & Back Again
2. Thanks For Nothing
3. Wish Me Gone
4. It’s Not Going To Happen

Written by Fense

One of my earliest forays into Swedish pop, which has come to dominate my musical obsession over the past few years, was my introduction to The Legends. The band consists of Johan Angergård, a key mastermind behind Acid House Kings and Club 8. Each new album by The Legends takes the band in a slightly new direction; with each release, the listener is treated to something completely new.

So it has been in the past and so it is again. Announced today, “Seconds Away” is the group’s new single from The Legends’ upcoming fourth LP (at least, in speculation), and the title track of a soon-to-be-released EP. In comparison to 2006′s Facts And Figures, the key elemental change can be found in the guitars, which instead represent a sound on par with their debut release, Up Against The Legends (2004).

Distortion runs rampant, but in guitars only. And while the distortion is even heavier than their debut, the song also shares something else with Up Against The Legends… it is super short at just under two minutes. But the vocals remain reverb heavy, as found on Facts And Figures. Labrador Records will release Seconds Away on November 4.

The Legends: Seconds Away [mp3]