(Put on Your) Summertime Clothes

Animal Collective was live on David Letterman last week. They killed it, as usual. I'm still holding out for them to do something with "Lion in a Coma" single-wise. It may not be as radio-ready as others, but it's bottom-line brilliant.

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes [mp3]

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love is a slight throwback. I've loved on Animal Collective's latest for months now, but it's Panda Bear/Noah Lennox's 2004 release, Young Prayer that's been occupying my ear buds lately. Recorded shortly after the death of his father, the soft-spoken electronic meditation of Young Prayer is a pitch-perfect audio eulogy. If you can't get enough, check out Noah's greatest solo effort to date: 2007's Person Pitch.

Panda Bear - Track 1 [mp3]
Panda Bear - Track 3 [mp3]
Panda Bear - Track 9 [mp3]

LtK

I Just Want Four Walls

Official


Unofficial


I love on them both.

It's a Deal, It's a Steal

Just a heads up that Animal Collective's latest genius, Merriweather Post Pavilion is currently available on Amazon for only five bucks! You may have read my album review (where I once again expressed my disdain for Pitchfork), but if not I'll summarize. BEST RECORD OF 2009 SO FAR. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are threatening that title with their upcoming release It's Blitz!, but that's a few months off. If you haven't bought your copy of MPP yet, please treat yourself to a masterpiece today.

Animal Collective - Brother Sport [mp3]

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels Soundtrack - It's a Deal, It's a Steal (Dialogue) [mp3]
The Field - The Deal [mp3]

Lion in a Coma: An Animal Collective Review

Animal Collective's ninth album, Merriweather Post Pavilion hit stores January 20 to a slew of positive reviews. Hate to bandwagon the masses on this one, but I completely agree. After eight years together, AC is still inspiring the kind of enthusiasm and overt curiosity in listeners that made 2005's Feels such a success. Creepy and comforting, pulsating and yet hauntingly smooth, MPP is even knocking Strawberry Jam off my record player for awhile.

The first single, "My Girls" opens to some call and response vocals by bandmates Avey Tare and Panda Bear, paired perfectly over one of AC's more infectious, uplifting pop beats (courtesy of mixmaster Geologist). Don't be deceived by your foot tapping and head swaying however, this track is far from an unsentimental smash. Lyrically crafted with care, "My Girls" is the expression of one father's devotion to his wife and daughter; a man whose selfless determination to provide the necessities of love and shelter for his family warms your heart.

Is it much that I feel I need /A solid soul and the blood I bleed

With a little girl, and by my spouse / I only want a proper house

I don't care for the fancy things / Or to take part in a precious race

Children cry for the one who has / A real big heart and a father's grace

I don't mean to seem like I care about material things

Like a social status

I just want four walls and adobe slabs for my girls

Other favorites of mine include "Guy's Eyes," "Summertime Clothes," and "Lion in a Coma." Though it must be said that every track stands alone as stellar. I thought "No More Runnin" seemed like a mellow place for the boys to close out, but instead they concluded with a much more appropriate jubilant burst of soundscape, "Brother Sport." If you're not convinced it's buzzworthy after the first listen, allow yourself a couple more spins for the creativity of this masterpiece to penetrate.

Animal Collective - My Girls [mp3]

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes [mp3]

Animal Collective - Lion in a Coma [mp3]

Animal Collective - Brother Sport [mp3]

Now that I've given Merriweather a very large stamp of approval, I can tell y'all there are a few (positive) reviews I took issue with. I enumerated my objections, but tell me if you disagree.

Pitchfork writes: "It's of the moment and feels new, but it's also striking in it's immediacy and comes across as friendly and welcoming."

I yell in objection: Animal Collective has never been an "of the moment" group. Although their experimental sound has become somewhat a formulaic success after several albums, I've always considered AC beyond the zeitgeist. They are destined to be the band we look back on, gasp, then reprimand ourselves for our former under-appreciation. How could we not have realized they were actually light years ahead in symphonic composition? They are the future, not the present, in music.

Entertainment Weekly writes: "Merriweather Post Pavilion won't land the band the opening slot on a Coldplay tour, it cleaves closer to 'Pitch's' more listener-friendly aesthetic, abandoning the self-indulgent impulses that sometimes muddied last year's Strawberry Jam..."

I yell in objection: First, Chris Martin should be so lucky. Second, I fail to see a single tarnish on the immaculate Strawberry Jam. That release was such a testament to Animal Collective's creative evolution. I understand that in juxtaposition to the odd intricacy of MPP, Jam may appear inadequate. Still that in no way "muddies" the unique accomplishments of the previous album.

Now that I'm ready to do some fighting / throw some bows, I'm going to turn on Pineapple Express and mellow out. Memorizing lines from that movie comes so naturally to me it's scary.

P, L, and "Feeling like a slice of butter meltin' on top of the ... big ol' pile of flapjacks... yeah",

LTK

First Love

Ahhh... first love. Really it was tetherball, kicking boys I liked, and eating Kool Aid straight from the packet.

Adele - First Love [mf]

But just for today, Animal Collective is my real first romance. Not only did Strawberry Jam rock my freaking world last year, but AC is shaping up to take me (and you) by storm in 2009. One song is proof enough for me. Drop whatever you are doing and go listen to this stream.

Animal Collective - My Girls [Streaming]

Bonus: Animal Collective - Fireworks [mf]

Peace, Love, and Peacebones,

LTK

Bitch, I'm Special!

So I know Ri Ri's newest hit is already all over the blogosphere thanks to PMA, but I just HAD to not-so-subtlety incorporate that into a post title. I mean come on. Come on!

Rihanna - Bitch, I'm Special [ysi]

I don't know about y'all but I'm spending a considerable amount of my time anticipating the last two months of music releases left in 2008. Although the more I hear of Beyonce ("Single Ladies," "If I Were a Boy," "Sweet Dreams," and "Broken-Hearted Girl") the less I want anything to do with I Am... Sasha Fierce,

I am HYPED for the following:

1. Britney Spears - Circus
Say what you want America, you know you can't get enough! I've made no attempt to hide my love for Brit-Brit, and I think you shouldn't try and deny yours either. The second single off the album has leaked and boy is it making me want to Kill the Lights. Release Date: December 2, 2008


2. Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks
Most of my anticipation for this release is absolute curiosity. Whether he's rapping, pop making, or (god forbid) country-music twanging, I will always always go out for K West. I've got my complaints about the voice box vocals too, but critics need to take a step back and relax. If we don't allow artists to experiment with their creativity they'd never evolve. As many spins as The College Dropout has logged on my player, I wouldn't want Kanye making ten more albums just like it. Release Date: November 25, 2008

Rumored Tracklist:
1. “Welcome to Heartbreak”
2. “Heartless”
3. “Love Lockdown”
4. “Robocop”
5. “The Wrong Thing”
6. “In the Streets”
7. "Anyway"
8. “Real Bad News”
9. “So Amazing” featuring Young Jeezy
10. “That You Know” or “Tell Everybody” featuring Lil Wayne
11. “Coldest Winter”

3. Jay-Z/Sean Carter/Self-Proclaimed Best Rapper Alive - The Blueprint 3
Retired, Working, or on Social Security, I couldn't care less. Just keep producing the hits Jay - and don't disappoint us with more Kingdom Come crap. Make your umpteenth return to the game memorable. Release Date: Unknown

4. Common - Universal Mind Control
Wow I just realized how much of a hip-hop whore this list is making me sound. I'm well rounded I swear. The first single off UMC is less than outstanding, but the days of One Day It'll All Make Sense and even as recent as 2005's Be, make me excited for any new Chi-town material. Release Date: December 9, 2008


5. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
OMG how Ah-mazing was Strawberry Jam. I have never listened to songs more obsessively than "Fireworks" and "Peacebone" and I can't wait to see what's in store for AC's latest release. Suddenly I want a PB&J sandwhich. Release Date: December 23, 2008 / January 20, 2008 (Different Source Reports)

I would rather be on the LOST island with a crazed Ben than listen to these:

1. Beyonce - I Am... Sasha Fierce
I think her new songs speak for themselves. If you can suffer through them. Boring, boring, and oh-so-not-FIERCE. In my heart I know B is the biggest Yoko around; keep any and all successful bands away from her. Release Date: November 18, 2008

2. Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux
Sorry FOB, even after hearing Patrick S do a cover of "Love Lockdown" on his computer, I don't want to go near this record with a ten foot pole. Whatever indie-punk charm this band used to possess was dead and buried with Infinity on High. I don't really feel like going gravedigging 6 feet under to revive a band who compensates for subpar tracks by stuffing more words into confusing song titles. Seriously, it was funny once... maybe. Release Date: December 16, 2008

3. David Archuleta - ST
David Cook - ST
Aren't these the same person basically? I haven't paid much attention to an American Idol since Kelly, and I actively block out Carrie Underwood. Ever since she made those stellar comments about how celebs shouldn't voice their political opinions, it's just getting easier... I think we all know what sorority sister from Alaska she was rooting for. Release Date: November 11 / 18, 2008 respectively

4. Guns n Roses - Chinese Democracy
Take another ten years to refine this album G&R, and I still wouldn't torture my ears for it. You weren't that great in the eighties, and I'm going to stay away from the wine/cheese analogy here: you're not getting better with age. Release Date: November 23, 2008

5. 50 Cent - Before I Self-Destruct
Pulling a Ben Affleck as I like to call it, Curtis Jackson seems to have saved his best for first. It's all been downhill, and way too much self-posturing from there. Release Date: December 9, 2008

Still Making Up My Mind About:

1. The Killers - Day & Age
I will say without prejudice, the jury is still out on this one. I didn't care for The Killer's last two releases, but Hot Fuss was so good I'm still holding out for a hero. "Human" makes me think they can turn it around, while "Spaceman" has me less than enthusiastic. In this game of cards, that's what I call an artistic draw. I'm still hoping for a Royal Flush on the river... Release Date: November 25, 2008

Love It / Leave It / Don't Know What to Think About It Mixtape

Britney Spears - Kill the Lights [ysi]
Kanye West - Anyway
Jay-Z - History [ysi]
Common - Universal Mind Control
Animal Collective - Peacebone [ysi]
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl [ysi]
Fall Out Boy (Patrick Stump) - Love Lockdown [ysi]
Guns n Roses - Sweet Child of Mine
50 Cent - Ayo Technology
The Killers - Human (Christian Vorbau Remix) [ysi]

Love It, Leave It. Time and a few spins are the ultimate deciders...

Peace, Love, and (for some) Artistic Evolution,
LTK

Albums to Write Home About

Besides obsessing about my newest Radiohead fix, I've spent much of the last week perusing my usual top 20 twenty music blogs. The message is clear: there an overwhelming amount of new (and QUALITY) releases flooding the music scene this moment. Sidenote: Is it wrong with all this great music surrounding me I'm still excited to hear the newest release (10/30) from guilty pleasure Britney Spears? Probably. But in the interest of complete honesty I must praise Brit Brit for taking shitty vocals, a synthesizer, and performing the crap out of both. Sans one VMA performance.

That being said, lets get to the paydirt. Audio Orgasms as I like to call them.
First off is actually an older release:

Audio Orgasm One
Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam
Released: September 11, 2007

Sounds Like: Grizzly Bear, Sunset Rubdown, Les Savy Fav

Climax Tracks: Fireworks, Derek, Peacebone



If you've been a fan of the quirky quartet since their 2000 inception then you've jammed along to their less accessible efforts Here Comes the Indian, (personal fav) Feels, and Hollinndagin. Fans of this genre-transcending band know that their music is both eclectic and uncomfortable, radical and familiar. Just as fans become accustomed to a particular effort, AC shocks us with something unexpected; transcultural, euphoric, technological, abstract, then direct.

A chamleon of a band, AC's newest, more mainstream effort Strawberry Jam is just as sweet as it sounds. Die-hards will once again be taken aback by the new mixture of synth ambiance and psychedelic vocals. And newcomers whose earlier impressions of AC efforts would include "cacophony of noise" or "rambling lyrics" might be pleasantly surprised with just how engaging and relatable this release is. That's not to say this album is easy listening. Like many-a-favorite album, Strawberry Jam has the ability to frustrate and confuse before enjoyment or appreciation can follow. However, if you like a small challenge this album is a MUST have. Though I can't say the album artwork makes me fire up the toaster, I will say this album satisfies the sweet tooth with more vigor and perseverance than any condiment ever could. Strawberry Jam has enough appeal to keep you entertained and enough substance to keep you curious on that inevitable 30th listen.


Audio Orgasm Two
Band of Horses, Cease to Begin
Released: October 9, 2007

Sounds Like: Matt Pond PA, Rogue Wave, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins

Climax Tracks: No One's Gonna Love You, Windows Blues, Ode to LRC, Is There a Ghost, Marry Song

If you know me, you know I love this band. Maybe their humble Seattle beginnings give me a little of a hometown bias. Though its much more likely that my love affair with Ben Bridwell's vocals, being the longest and most committed relationship I've had, keeps their newest release on repeat. Ben draws repeated comparisons to My Morning Jacket singer Jim James. Another torrid love affair that I can't get into now. Don't want Ben getting jealous.

Though the band is really a baby in terms of musical heirarchy, it is obvious to fans that their music transcends only two releases. Ben, Creighton, and Rob have been around music for much longer than the four years they've played together. In fact, original founding members Ben and Matt Brooke, who left the band last year, were part of the now-deceased Carissa'a Weird before organizing the group that would catch critical acclaim and cult-like followers opening for Iron and Wine.

Cease to Begin has the similar ambiance and instrumentally haunting elements of its outstanding predecessor, Everything All the Time. The loss of Matt has effected neither the poignant lyrics or powerful vocals. And although some critics claim the album is less than thrilling, I think fans will be pleasantly surprised by the band's personal growth. I myself admit to feeling trance-like after Cease to Begin ceases. However, I must chastise those who were underwhlemed by this latest effort. Band of Horses has not only solidified their talent by conquering the ominous sophomore slump, but also surmounted a challenge many musicians fail at, adaptability. Despite losing a founding member, Band of Horses has remained true to their original sound and core audience, simultaneously incorporating new and pioneering sounds. Get back "Nay"- sayers, this band has enough Horsepower to take you to take you around the track infinitely.


Audio Orgasms Three - Six

• Stereophonics, Pull the Pin

Sounds Like: Bush, Jimmy Eat World, Kaiser Chiefs

Climax Track: It Means Nothing, Bank Holiday Monday

• Beirut, The Flying Club Cup

Sounds Like: Iron and Wine, Sunset Rubdown, Sufjan Stevens

Climax Tracks: La Banlieu, Nantes

• Boys Noize, Oi Oi Oi

Sounds Like: Justice, Digitalism

Climax Tracks: Lava Lava, Oh!

• Keane, Little Broken Words

Sounds Like: Mutemath, Snow Patrol, Josh Rouse

Climax Tracks: To the End of the World, Emily, What a Wonderful World


Stay tuned for Tomorrows Review (Surprise) and for a new mixtape in the LTK series!

In the meantime check out the latest LTK playlists to get "chosen" over at FIQL; both are currently displayed on the front page of the website.

Lounge Music

Old Favorites... New Light

Austa.