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

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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

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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

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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

The Lovely Sparrows have a way of putting together words and music that make the band one of today’s leading folk-rock and folk-pop artists. With Tall Cedars of Lebanon, the Sparrows continue the trend they began as early as their debut EP, Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint. The musicianship remains just as tight and focused as was on Bury The Cynics. But Tall Cedars isn’t without its difference from the band’s prior work.

Where Tall Cedars stands out is in its heightened intricacy. Always one to tout ornate instrumentation, The Lovely Sparrows utilize this ability in full force on their new EP. Each song is best taken in with headphones or high-quality speakers. It’s the only way to truly capture the layered detail in “We Take Flight” or the beautiful harmonies in “National Monuments”.

Tall Cedars Of Lebanon may not be as pop-ridden as was found on songs from The Lovely Sparrows’ prior releases, but do not fret. There is not a weak song to be found within. And, better yet, this EP is vast in its beauty, elegant and educated in both instrumentation and vocal prowess, and a perfect compliment to an already impressive library of outstanding music.

Download: “National Monuments” by The Lovely Sparrows

Abandoned Love Records [CDEP, 2011]

1. While I Was Out Sailing
2. We Take Flight
3. If Love’s A Sparrow
4. National Monuments
5. A Fire Escape

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

When I compiled my original Best Of 2008 list last December, it was a snow day. The sky dropped about a foot, maybe a foot and a half of fluffy white stuff and we lowly sub-compact drivers could go nowhere. Between ranking albums and locating album art, I took a stroll around town with my camera. The above image comes from that trek. Overall, I was pretty happy with last year’s list but, in revisiting all the albums from 2008, I now see quite a few that I left out.

Sub Pop dominated the year with a total of 4 albums in the top ten with a fifth just outside. A few albums are now on this list that weren’t on my radar last year, or that I left off for some reason or another. And because of that, some albums have dropped in rank; but that’s not because they’re no longer as valid. All albums on this list are great, and you should check them out. I’m going to begin with a few honorary EPs (in alphabetical order). Three to be exact.

Let’s begin…

* * * * *

Honorary EP #1. Crystal Antlers EP by Crystal Antlers (Previously #17)

Influenced, in my opinion, by bands like Comets On Fire, Crystal Antlers blend experimentation with psychedelic noise. Wild solos and epic squeals made their self-titled EP more than worthy of checking out.

Crystal Antlers: A Thousand Eyes [mp3]

* * * * *

Honorary EP #2. Weepy EP by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band (Previously #26)

Four powerful songs which ultimately led to one of 2009′s most anticipated debut albums, Weepy EP is brilliant in every form possible. Plus it features an outstanding homemade cover.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Dull Reason [mp3]

* * * * *

Honorary EP #3. Love Yourself EP by Thunder Power

Love Yourself is without question bouncy mid-western pop. Songs like “(Why Don’t You Go) Take A Hike?” and “Cassanova” launched Thunder Power into one of the year’s most promising acts. Yeah, we’re still waiting for that debut LP, but this EP is worthy of keeping us company until that happens.

Thunder Power: (Why Don’t You Go) Take A Hike? [mp3]

* * * * *

1/3. Topps 7″ Single by BOAT

Topps remains the top single of 2008. It’s hard to beat with trading cards and 80s-style baseball card chewing gum. “Topps” and “Three Beds For Boat” are both excellent portrayals of the band and their dreams.

BOAT: Topps [mp3]

* * * * *

33. Who Killed Harry Houdini? by I’m From Barcelona (Previously #19)

In last year’s Best Of list I noted that this album held together better than I’m From Barcelona’s debut, and that statement holds. I also mentioned that it didn’t have those standout tracks like “We’re From Barcelona” and “Oversleeping”. Also true. Still, I’m pretty obsessed with the track “Andy” for obvious reasons.

I’m From Barcelona: Music Killed Me [mp3]

* * * * *

32. Partie Traumatic by Black Kids (Previously #28)

In many ways, the best parts of Partie Traumatic were the songs that were originally released on Wizards Of Ahhhs. Still, revisiting the album there are plenty of new tunes that were just as enjoyable (well, almost).

* * * * *

31. Moonbeams by Throw Me The Statue (Previously N/A)

Of all the bands that dub themselves tropical, none hold the weight as well as Throw Me The Statue. For the longest time, I didn’t care for “Lolita”, but the song grew on me. Moonbeams is a strong debut from one of Seattle’s most cherished new groups.

Throw Me The Statue: Lolita [mp3]

* * * * *

30. Glistening Pleasure by Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head (Previously N/A)

A local hype band of sorts, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head took Seattle by storm. Especially the young. It’s easy to hear why – songs like “Me + Yr Daughter” and “Iceage Babeland” are easy songs to obsess over with their glam-like dance-worthiness.

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head: Me + Yr Daughter [mp3]

* * * * *

29. In Case We Lose What We Have by Letters (Previously #23)

I just found out my neighbor knows the parents of one of Letters’ members. It’s an odd coincidence. In Case We lose What We Have is one of this list’s more eclectic artists, and one of the least known. But they should be known, as the songs on this album are pretty astounding.

Letters: Ode To Yr Medicine [mp3]

* * * * *

28. Trouble In Dreams by Destroyer (Previously #33)

Following power albums like Rubies and Your Blues is a damn near impossible feat. Trouble In Dreams didn’t achieve the greatness of those albums, but it had plenty of excellence to drop it right behind them as Destroyer’s third best album.

Destroyer: Dark Leaves Form A Thread [mp3]

* * * * *

27. Cove by A Weather (Previously N/A)

Portland’s A Weather brought back bedroom pop with their debut LP Cove. Soft lullabies and whispered harmony vocals can lead a band to bore, but A Weather never approaches that point thanks to songs like “Oh My Stars” and “Spiders/Snakes”.

A Weather: Spiders, Snakes [mp3]

* * * * *

26. Falling Off The Lavender Bridge by Lightspeed Champion (Previously #25)

Acoustic guitars, light strings, and bouncy melodies aren’t exactly what you’d expect from rock music, let along rock music fronted by a hefty British accent, yet here they are. Lightspeed Champion made rock music beautiful.

* * * * *

25. First Frost by The Lucksmiths (Previously #22)

In 2009, after a decade-and-a-half tenure as Australia’s greatest pop group, The Lucksmiths called it quits. First Frost was their final full-length and, in reality, it is one of their best.

The Lucksmiths: Good Light [mp3]

* * * * *

24. The Stand Ins by Okkervil River (Previously #12)

Over the past few years, Okkervil River has really grown into their sound, and with it they’ve strengthened their abilities, from the instruments they perform to the songs they write. This rang true throughout The Stand Ins just as it had in 2007′s The Stage Names.

Okkervil River: Lost Coastlines [mp3]

* * * * *

23. Forfeit / Fortune by Crooked Fingers (Previously N/A)

After their self-titled debut, Crooked Fingers seemed to lag a bit. I didn’t really get into the albums they released after that outstanding debut. It wasn’t until Forfeit / Fortune was released that I began to see merit return to the Eric Bachman-fronted group. And there is plenty here to enjoy, from the Tilly & The Wall-esque “Luisa’s Bones” to the Ricky Martin (WHAT? Yes!) musical styling in “Phony Revolutions”.

Crooked Fingers: Phony Revolutions [mp3]

* * * * *

22. Fear Of Flying by David Karsten Daniels (Previously #21)

“Falling Down” is one of the coolest songs of 2008. David Karsten Daniels is a storyteller that has the uncanny ability to translate narrative into song, and he does so perfectly on Fear Of Flying

* * * * *

21. Huggable Dust by Okay (Previously #20)

A curious mix of Electric President, Page France, and Bright Eyes for its oft electro-pop meets psychedelic-pop with simple mopey lyrics, Huggable Dust is truly a unique piece of work. A wonderful album!

Okay: Beast [mp3]

* * * * *

20. The Plum Album by Haakon Ellingsen (Previously #18)

Looking back over the past year, there have been a few truly underground artists that have made a splash with folks at work. These artists are ones that deserve an exponentially greater audience. Two from 2009 include We Swim You Jump and The Banyans. From 2008, the most prominent of the artists is Haakon Ellingsen. The Plum Album could have been how The Beatles would sound had they originated in Scandinavia.

Haakon Ellingsen: Sunshine Girl [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea by Silver Jews (Previously #32)

2008 was really my introduction to Silver Jews. It’s sad, really, as they recently called it quits. Like David Karsten Daniels, Silver Jews’ David Berman is a phenomenal wordsmith whose ability to craft a damn good song nears par none.

* * * * *

18. If Children by Wye Oak (Previously #13)

Simplicity and complexity are both descriptive terms you can associate with If Children by Wye Oak. From minimalist moments to insanely epic heights, this duo’s modern version of post-shoegaze rock-pop demanded to be heard. Listening again to songs like “Please Concrete” and “Family Glue” I’m reminded at just how great this album is.

Wye Oak: Family Glue [mp3]

* * * * *

17. She’s The Dutchess & He’s The Duke by The Dutchess & The Duke (Previously N/A)

Another shocker in that it wasn’t on my original list, The Dutchess & The Duke’s lo-fi sounds were fit for the 70s. The male/female vocals and heavy guitar strums put forth a sound that is as infectious as the swine flu, but without need for vaccine.

The Dutchess And The Duke: Reservoir Park [mp3]

* * * * *

16. In Field & Town by Hayden (Previously #10)

What makes In Field & Town such a great album is it’s shock value. Similar to that found in Hayden’s video for “Where And When”, this album was startling. No longer were Hayden’s lyrics and songs utterly depressing. He had matured and with it was able to craft a wonderful album; not that the prior albums weren’t excellent on their own, just that this new direction was what Hayden needed in order to continue in the path of progression.

* * * * *

15. Second To The Last Frontier by Feral Children (Previously #15)

One of the few albums to keep its ranking outside the top 10, Second To The Last Frontier is truly wild. A local favorite, Feral Children effortlessly translates these crazy sounds into one of the best live performances around.

Feral Children: Spy/Glass House [mp3]

* * * * *

14. Everything Is Alive by Pomegranates (Previously #11)

Pomegranates’ Everything Is Alive is so unbelievably catchy, it has the instant ability to put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face. This is an easy band to love, one with graceful pop melodies and outstanding songwriting to boot.

Pomegranates: Thunder Island [mp3]

* * * * *

13. We Brave Bee Stings And All by Thao With The Get Down Stay Down (Previously N/A)

This is a hard album not to love. Entirely made of bouncy pop riffs, but inundated with folk sensibilities, Thao With The Get Down Stay Down really proved with We Brave Bee Stings And All that they are one of today’s most promising artists. “Beat”, “Bag Of Hammers”, “Geography” – this album has so many great tunes, it’s hard to pick a favorite.

Thao: Beat [mp3]

* * * * *

12. Hospital Blossom by The Wailing Wall (Previously #9)

A unique songwriter, Jesse Rifkin deserves indie fame. Hospital Blossom is an experimental folk album like no other, featuring plenty of eccentricities and a fair share of praise-worthy lyrics. The performances all around are near perfect.

The Wailing Wall: Hospital Blossom [mp3]

* * * * *

11. At Mount Zoomer by Wolf Parade (Previously N/A)

How At Mount Zoomer didn’t make the list last year is beyond me. The year’s best lengthy track goes to album closer “Kissing The Beehive”. Once thought not possible, Wolf Parade topped their debut with ease. At Mount Zoomer is a must-have album.

Wolf Parade: Call It A Ritual [mp3]

* * * * *

10. Eight Golden Greats by The Old Believers (Previously #8)

Listen to The Old Believers and your first impression might be that it’s something both you and your grandparents would enjoy. Eight Golden Greats fits that old-time-y sound perfectly, yet has a strange modernity to it that makes it more than appropriate for today’s youthful music fans.

The Old Believers: Granny’s Song [mp3]

* * * * *

9. Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us by Death Vessel (Previously #14)

What I like about these retrospectives is that I can re-categorize the albums in a way they should have been organized originally. In the months after creating my original Best Of 2008 list, Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us took on a new light. “Peninsula” remains one of my favorite songs from 2008, and the album remains an integral part of my playlist.

Death Vessel: Bruno’s Torso [mp3]

* * * * *

8. This Is Ivy League by This Is Ivy League (Previously #7)

This album, in my opinion, channels four historic artists: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and Kings Of Convenience. Blending the best parts of each artist and concocting various recipes of these influences, This Is Ivy League progressed folk-pop while giving a hefty nod to the genre’s past.

This Is Ivy League: London Bridges [mp3]

* * * * *

7. Grand Archives by Grand Archives (Previously #6)

Grand Archives’ debut LP was easily my most anticipated release of 2008 and it lived up to all expectations. “George Kaminski” was reworked beautifully and “The Crime Window” was the epic album climax. Few weak points on the album and several phenomenal live performances, Grand Archives quickly rose to be one of my favorite bands.

Grand Archives: Torn Blue Foam Couch [mp3]

* * * * *

6. A Certain Feeling by Bodies Of Water (Previously #5)

A Certain Feeling remained a constant on my playlist for quite some time after I discovered it in 2009. These songs are filled with the perfect amounts of vocal harmonies and plush instrumentation, all of it anthem-worthy. Truly one of 2008′s most cherished releases.

Bodies Of Water: Under The Pines [mp3]

* * * * *

5. Soft Airplane by Chad VanGaalen (Previously #4)

Soft Airplane remains an obscure but brilliant album. You just cannot deny the power of “TMNT Mask”, with its erratic solo and the outstanding cartoon video of “Molten Light” that VanGaalen did himself. Truly a master of odd things; odd but brilliant.

Chad VanGaalen: Willow Tree [mp3]

* * * * *

4. Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes (Previously #5)

When they debuted on the national scene in 2008, Fleet Foxes could do no wrong. Their sound brought all the great elements from the folk-rock of the 60s and 70s into modern times. With four-part harmonies and epic instrumentation, this self-titled release may ultimately go down as one of the all-time greats.

Fleet Foxes: White Winter Hymnal [mp3]

* * * * *

3. Lost Wisdom by Mount Eerie (Previously N/A)

On Lost Wisdom, Mount Eerie strips down his occasional dissonant distortion and wild erraticism for a fully acoustic sound. Title track “Lost Wisdom” is a true masterpiece. Phil Elverum has proved over and over again that he is one of most clever and brilliant minds when it comes to modern songwriting.

Mount Eerie: Voice In Headphones [mp3]

* * * * *

2. Bury The Cynics by The Lovely Sparrows (Previously #2)

Also no movement in The Lovely Sparrows’ Bury The Cynics. This album remains a folk-pop masterpiece, filled with some great tunes like “Wraith” and “Bury The Cynics”. Just this past week we posted a new video from the band; it is with great anticipation I await Shawn Jones’ follow-up to this album.

The Lovely Sparrows: Department Of Foreseeable Outcomes [mp3]

* * * * *

1. Na Na Ni by Fredrik (Previously #1)

Fredrik remains at #1 with Na Na Ni, my favorite album from 2008. Words cannot describe how excited I am for their follow up, Trilogy, due out early next year on The Kora Records. “Black Fur” and “11 Years” top this album, chalk full of great tunes. Close behind are “Evil And I” and “1986″.

Fredrik: Black Fur [mp3]

Originally recorded in 1974 by Big Star, Alex Chilton’s “Take Care” wasn’t released until 1978 on their Third/Sister Lovers LP. In 2003, Yo La Tengo included a rendition of track on their album Summer Sun. Finally, in 2009, The Lovely Sparrows laid down their version of Yo La Tengo’s version while recording demos for their upcoming sophomore release. A video was made.

Writes The Lovely Sparrows’ front-man Shawn Jones about how the video came to be:

I recorded this song (Take Care) quickly in down time between recording sparrows songs for the new album, just for fun-to blow off steam. I’ve only listened to this song maybe 5 times ever. Perhaps (probably) not even that many. The Big Star version only once I believe. I accidentally put it on the demos disc that I burned for Eric Power to work on ideas for the forthcoming video (for the forthcoming album-get it?). He called and asked if he could make a video for it. How could I say no?

This beautiful mixed media video hits all the right notes. The song is melancholy and borderline depressing, and the imagery that appears on the screen compliments that tone almost perfectly. It’s a peek into an alternate universe of one-eyed clay creatures. Despite having very little in common with the human race, Power conveys their longing and misery seemingly without effort.

“Take Care” may unintentionally be one of the year’s most unique and rewarding music videos. See for yourself.

Above photo by Fense

The Lovely Sparrows – Take Care from Eric Power on Vimeo.

Once again Austin delivers, this time with the recent release of The Lovely Sparrows‘ Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint on Abandoned Love Records. And with this five-song debut EP, the Texas town continues to pump out quality artists. The Lovely Sparrows take folk music in a new direction, adding a unique abundance of percussion and a few non-traditional instruments, like the flute. I raved about “Chemicals Change” when I wrote the feature article on The Lovely Sparrows, and the rest of the EP continues with more cymbal heavy, orchestrated folk-pop.

“Chemicals Change” remains at the forefront as the group’s catchiest and most celebrated tune, though many other songs round out the EP more than adequately. “Your Flowers Will Bloom” adds more orchestration, including banjo, xylophone, tambourine, and what sounds like a melodica. The song builds from the group’s light folk pop roots in the beginning to a more folk-rock style ending. “The War Has Seen The End Of Me” follows “Chemicals Change” as one of the most catchy, most memorable tracks on the EP, adding a chorus of vocals and a mix of knee-slaps and finger snaps. The percussion is reigned in and virtually non-existent — the tambourine keeps much of the beat while flute continues to break the boundaries of traditional folk-pop for a very refreshing and unique sound.

Shawn Jones occasionally possesses the vocal stylings of Ben Kweller, but only in “Attention Disorder Kid”—though Jones, in my opinion, remains a more innovative songwriter. “Attention Disorder Kid” includes much heavier piano than the previous songs on the EP, with punchy choruses and a pleasantly soft conclusion that leads directly into the beginning of the album closer, “Let’s Watch The Tourists”. The piano use continues in this final song, though softer and less punchy. Not only is the conclusion a mix of the group’s somewhat signature cymbal-heavy percussion (have I not emphasized that enough?), it also has a major focus on the snare toward the end.

Throughout, “Let’s Watch The Tourists” grows and builds to a climactic and satisfying end. The Lovely Sparrows do this well throughout Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint, and their ability to innovate and experiment beyond traditional folk-pop is unbounded. Pulling Up Floors is well worth the purchase. You’ll be missing out if you don’t check out The Lovely Sparrows, one of the best new bands of 2006.

This review was originally published October 18, 2006 on the old version of FensePost.

The Lovely Sparrows: Chemicals Change [mp3]

Abandoned Love Records [CDEP, 2006]

1. Chemicals Change
2. Your Flowers Will Bloom
3. The War Has Seen The Last Of Me
4. Attention Disorder Kid
5. Let’s Watch The Tourists

Written by Fense

The Lovely Sparrows (MySpace) embark on an exciting journey with Bury The Cynics, and while they loose much of the excessive percussion I loved so much on their EP, they replace it with heightened production value and an array of additional instruments. Or, rather, the additional instruments are brought to the foreground and allowed to shine.

The instrumental emphasis on Pulling Up Floors was a steady presence of sharp flutes and cymbal heavy percussion. Frontman Shawn Jones strays from this early pleasure on Bury The Cynics, adding more focus on his skillful finger plucked guitar parts and widening the instrumentation to include a heavier emphasis on the lead guitar. Take the stripped down “Larks And Owls”; the song is quite minimal, even in comparison to others on Cynics, yet the song’s beauty rings forth with ease.

There are more backing vocals here, too, seen as early as opening track “Wraith”, which debuted on tape as an on-air performance from Jones’ Austin hometown station KVRX then appeared again on the Sparrows’ Daytrotter Session. Multi-instrumentalist Lauryn Gould also adds backing vocals to a few songs, giving a female touch to several tracks—though Meaghan Perry may take her place at various times on the album.

To tell you the truth, I was initially skeptical when Bury The Cynics first spun in my CD player—I wasn’t sure how I felt about the softer side of the Sparrows. But, overall, the album is extremely well thought out, with every part concise and purposeful. And while I occasionally miss those cymbal heavy tunes, there is plenty of greatness on Bury The Cynics to keep me more that satisfied. And, as Shawn noted to me last week during a visit to Seattle, “It is a patient album.”

He’s right: it’s a grower. The more you listen to it, the more you’ll hear new parts, and the more you’ll dig it. Bury The Cynics will ultimately go down as one of my favorite albums of 2008; I have no doubts about that.

I know frontman Shawn Jones and I know label head Jon Rooney, but I doubt either of them knew that pushing back the release date for Bury The Cynics would land it on my 28th birthday. (That’s today, September 9th, by the way.) This is the best present I could ask for!

The Lovely Sparrows: Year Of The Dog [mp3]

The Lovely Sparrows: Department Of Foreseeable Outcomes [mp3]

Abandoned Love Records [CD, 2008]

1. Wraith
2. Living Room
3. Larks And Owls
4. Bury The Cynics
5. Department Of Foreseeable Outcomes
6. Rene, Your Country
7. Teenage Viking
8. Year Of The Dog
9. Devil In The Details
10. Prairie

Written by Fense

Spin recently took the exclusive debut of The Lovely Sparrows’ (MySpace) video for “Year Of The Dog” and I initially found it astonishing that they related the Sparrows to Neutral Milk Hotel—I mean, The Lovely Sparrows are distinctly folk-pop and while NMH included some of these traits in their music, the emphasis was almost always on the pop.

But, in investing more time with “Year Of The Dog”, I can begin to hear why they made this claim. Check out the handclap breakdown in the middle—that’s not something The Lovely Sparrows would have included on Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint, the group’s phenomenal debut EP. And while the flutes and melodica and awkward changes are, they’re more distinct here.

The video is, in a way, reminiscent of the recent one for “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes. Both have an element of folk-driven animation. Where Fleet Foxes use clay, The Lovely Sparrows use paper. In “Year Of The Dog”, the two dimensional element is given depth through The Lovely Sparrows’ skilled songwriting.

For your listening pleasure, I’ve included an mp3 of single “Department Of Foreseeable Outcomes”, also off The Lovely Sparrows’ upcoming LP, Bury The Cynics, out September 9 (my birthday) on Abandoned Love Records.

Also, the group will be in town next week to rock Seattle. Catch them August 26 at Chop Suey here in Seattle and on August 27 at Exit Only down in Portland with my good friend Meyercord.

The Lovely Sparrows: Department Of Foreseeable Outcomes [mp3]

Above photo by Fense.

The Lovely Sparrows – Year Of The Dog from Eric Power on Vimeo.