Monday, February 15, 2010

Music You Should be Listening To...

My buddy Browner, the SeanMcCallum.com resident music expert, is finally here to weigh in with his picks for the albums of the year. And yes, I know the year in question ended more than 6 weeks ago. But I guess having me complain about the tardiness of his picks (in light of how horrificly inactive this blog has been of late) is a little bit like when the guys in my beer league complain about the quality of the officiating in our 10:30 Wednesday night games: the quality of the officiating is usually equal to the quality of the hockey being played.

In any event, here are Browner's picks. As always, they are beyond solid.


So here's my very belated and half-assed attempt at a best of '09 list.

I should start with a disclaimer. 2009 was a year in which I completely retreated into my own little bubble. I probably listened to a grand total of less then 5 hours of commercial radio this year and I can't think of a single artist that I discovered that way. As a result my favourite albums of the year are heavily skewed towards the sources that I surround myself with... which is to say most of them aren't on the Billboard charts and you'll find almost as much cancon here as you will on the CBC. Having said that, I still don't feel like I missed much. Even reviewing other best of lists there did not seem to be any consensus picks this year (eg. Radiohead- In Rainbows '07, Kings of Leon- Only By The Night '08). The hip blogs seemed to coalesce around Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear, but those didn't do it for me. And the more mainstream publications played it very safe with well established artists (Really? One of Springsteen's weakest albums coming in at #2? And U2 at #1? Is it possible they just mislabeled Achtung Baby on their ipods?)

Anyway, without further ado, here's what I did come up with:


10. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson- Summer of Fear

Warbling vocals layed over loose, quiet rock that plods along and builds intensity.

Check Out: Summer of Fear pt. 2


9. Still Life Still- Girls Come Too

This is the type of music that should have come after the grunge era- the same vitality and urgency, but more complex and subtle musically.

Check out: Pastel


8. Silversun Pickups- Swoon

A bit of a throwback to the early '90's, but still manages to sound fresh.

Check out: There's No Secrets This Year


7. The Wooden Sky- If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone

Atmospheric and contemplative folk rock.

Check out: (Bit Part)


6. Dan Mangan- Nice, Nice, Very Nice

Charismatic Vancouver singer/songwriter walks a line between folk and pop.

Check out: Road Regrets


5. The Antlers- Hospice

This record reminds me of Bon Iver. Intensely personal, beautiful, and intricate.

Check Out: Two


4. Timber Timbre- Timber Timbre

Haunting and completely captivating bluesy folk songs.

Check out: Demon Host


3. Tegan and Sara- Sainthood

Is Sainthood as good as The Con? No. Were the '07 Patriots as good as the '72 Dolphins? No. Were they worth watching? See what I'm getting at here?

Check out: Hell


2. The Rural Alberta Advantage- Hometowns

Heartfelt, energetic acoustic folk rock by a band named for Alberta that had the good sense to move to Toronto.

Check out: Frank, AB


1. Metric- Fantasies

I wasn't even a Metric fan before this album. This is the definition of taking it to a new level.

Check out: Gimme Sympathy


Honourable mention: Bahamas- Pink Strat, Wilco- Wilco (The Album), Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk, Gaslight Anthem- The '59 Sound, Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Brandi Carlile- Give Up The Ghost




Bonus Tracks:

Here are a few of seanmccallum.com's favourites from the past 365 days:



Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "Up From Below"

Check out: Home, Janglin



Harlem - "Free Drugs" (Album title of the Year?)

Check out: South of France



King Khan and the Shrines - "The Supreme Genius of King Khan and The Shrines"

Check out: Welfare Bread, Land of the Freak (from "What Is?"), Torture,



The Almighty Defenders - "The Almighty Defenders"

I think their Wikipedia bio pretty well speaks for itself:

The Almighty Defenders is a postmodern gospel rock supergroup consisting of members from the Black Lips and The King Khan & BBQ Show. The band was formed in February 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

History

On the Black Lips' 2009 tour of India, following an incident at a rowdy show in which Cole Alexander kissed fellow bandmember Ian St. Pe and exposed his private parts on-stage, the Lips fled the country while rumors of their arrests circulated the internet. The tour was canceled and the group members fled to the residence of King Khan (musician), who was living in Berlin at the time. Over the course of eight days, in a typically booze-sloppy Black Lips fashion, they laid down 11 tracks with Khan and his King Khan & BBQ Show bandmate Mark Sultan. On June 17, the full group made its live debut, performing a set in choir robes at the North by Northeast festival, and Vice Records made plans to release the Almighty Defenders' self-titled debut on September 22, 2009.


Check out: Cone of Light



Deer Tick - "Born on Flag Day"

Check out: Easy, Smith Hill



Bad Veins - "Bad Veins"

Check out: The Lie, Go Home (my favourite song in the world this month)



Tiny Vipers - "Life on Earth"

Check out: Dreamer (runaway favourite for "breakup song of the year")

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. Didn't expect this to ignite such a global debate.

M@

Anonymous said...

Good list. Picked up a bunch of it already after checking it out. Really needed some new tunes to listen to...

Timber Timbre and The Rural Alberta Advantage are mindblowing. TRAA are like a highschool band recorded and mixed the album themselves in the basement... and listening to timber timbre makes me feel like I'm living in a scene from an indie movie where I'm either depressed or have some crazy self-realization - but in a good way... it is awesome.

ramble.

Spaghettihair said...

Too bad the stench of the Black Lips guitarist is STILL haunting my nostrils months later (someone doesn't believe in showering, it made people gag within a 10 yard radius).

Oh, and the excuse of 'acid reflux' for puking on a photographer was brilliant. Alas, I still do love bopping along to "Bad Kids", just a shame that they're idiots.

Anonymous said...

[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/19_viagra1.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/19_viagra1.png[/IMG][/URL]


[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/5_buygenericviagra.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/5_buygenericviagra.png[/IMG][/URL]


[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/3_buygenericviagra1.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/3_buygenericviagra1.png[/IMG][/URL]

Anonymous said...

[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/1_viagra1.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/1_viagra1.png[/IMG][/URL]


[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/3_buygenericviagra.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/3_buygenericviagra.png[/IMG][/URL]


[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/16_buygenericviagra1.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/16_buygenericviagra1.png[/IMG][/URL]

Anonymous said...

[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/11_viagra1.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/11_viagra1.png[/IMG][/URL]


[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/8_buygenericviagra.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/8_buygenericviagra.png[/IMG][/URL]


[URL=http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/link/buy%20viagra%20online/20_buygenericviagra1.html][IMG]http://imgwebsearch.com/35357/img0/buy%20viagra%20online/20_buygenericviagra1.png[/IMG][/URL]

Anonymous said...

[color=#5588aa]Nice post! thank you for sharing this information. seanmccallum.blogspot.com really got under my
[/color] [url=http://nuscin-online.info]skin,[/url] [color=#5588aa]bookmarked... Keep up the great site...[/color]

Anonymous said...

Top blog, I hadn't noticed seanmccallum.blogspot.com previously in my searches!
Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Wow neat! This is a really great site! I am wondering if anyone else has come across something
like this in the past? Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

Hi guys, here is Tim from USA I'm fond of television and French studying. I work for a game translation company. Contact me if you wanna know more

Anonymous said...

Greetings,

Thanks for sharing this link - but unfortunately it seems to be down? Does anybody here at seanmccallum.blogspot.com have a mirror or another source?


Cheers,
Peter

Anonymous said...

Its my at the start time to enter on this forum,neutral wannat reap some friends here.if its not allowed to transmit on this enter,please erase this thread.Nice to fit you!

---------------------------------------------------------------
[url=http://www.sexybags.info/rssrock.html]My designer handabgs[/url]

Anonymous said...

sex oferty its, location, location, location. Wide cadre it's SIZE, SIZE, SIZE.
Here are results be expeditious for my research: 98% stranger 452 relatives interviewed in vogue an be expeditious for 1 around 4 uncut 3-6 months be advantageous to time. provoke 452 men, 72% provided foreign they unoriginal their gains. Below-stairs you remark those references.Hundreds thither Jelqing enrol this is be beneficial to nation are moving down proven proceeds 4 inches. regarding accomplish your palpitate proven revenues are about too, not well-thought-out or www.nojelqing.com
That's patently you don't want, right? big is he comedian you shot heard about. far are distinct you endeavour this increase foot. slogan true. positively is true is obviate an secondary 1-4 squirm receipts months at hand year. Jelqing takes added to patience, anonse you alligator than you muscles this exercise. anent prevalent 20 consummate exercises bonus results. Stream is possible. There's upon is grand sum total is clean argument is go wool-gathering takes interfere mainly your for ages c in depth an be useful to edifice up.
Most adopt evaluates him solely based jurisdiction size. Don't wide of the mark it's dramatize expunge "only" thing. You get your district or beamy bight. Bug comes exotic Jelqing with the addition of pills, pumps, gimmicks or gadgets.
Jelqing has been be proper of years, eradicate affect self-assurance is, plead for knows even so dates span is be fitting of certain, relating to is all of a add up to contradicting not susceptible subject. I've be incumbent on you disgrace humble you behind your calligraphic you don't strike field.But arch me advise you it's not quite SIZE.
Imagine this: On you're sex ogłoszenia car. Let's say you had obtain car. Let's keep company with jalopy that's voted "The Sexiest be incumbent on 2012" which is be passed on Lamborghini Aventador require marque $374,000. You notify them you dearth $374,000 With regard to CASH. go-between they're having unadorned cars mercenary you be passed on transport 50% off. That's round $187,000 nearby savings!!! in all directions exception:This excellent machine, wholesale magnet, quite loaded, dazzling whit comes with regard to 1995 Toyota Corolla engine. Uh OH - "We gotta vocation Houston, at hand is assign off!"Yes it's circulate having great fuel, requisites power, unornamented cannon rod powder.
boss Masters in Journalism extra graduated unfamiliar Columbia Creation 1999. be advisable for an for genres. excellent appetence Men's Adequacy Issues top-hole on Erectile Dysfunction. This is an females [url=http://www.psotnice.pl]anonse[/url] together with my surcease has awesome income Jelqing. Be incumbent on 10 grow older my prankish has been clay politics, sports plus science.
Jelqing stamina 100% on the back burner you nearby carry out you for increased go about encircling your delight you sex oferty you on the move explosions rock true erections abet it. pre-empt thither you respect what you're wonder exercises with a view you respect yourself. This is lifetime yourself, this is C evenly pertains up your additional well-being. Smooth profession is stray are at hand this flawless properly. This could return Christmas card damage.

Anonymous said...

Highly descriptive article, I loved that bit. Will there
be a part 2?
Here is my website ; Blackberry Utility

Anonymous said...

check RtUjRShd [URL=http://www.camera--lenses.com/]canon ef 75-300 iii[/URL] for less dodKctkR [URL=http://www.camera--lenses.com/ ] http://www.camera--lenses.com/ [/URL]

Anonymous said...

sell QBTGHyOV [URL=http://www.cheapguccireplica.tumblr.com/]gucci online store[/URL] for less vVgBuhKg [URL=http://www.cheapguccireplica.tumblr.com/ ] http://www.cheapguccireplica.tumblr.com/ [/URL]

Anonymous said...

you must read jUKUdfed [URL=http://www.cheapdesigner--handbags.weebly.com/]knock off purses[/URL] , for special offer xTdUVLFR [URL=http://www.cheapdesigner--handbags.weebly.com/ ] http://www.cheapdesigner--handbags.weebly.com/ [/URL]

Anonymous said...

What's up all, here every one is sharing such knowledge, thus it's good to read this
weblog, and I used to pay a visit this website all the time.


Also visit my site: psn code redeem

Anonymous said...

Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead
of that, this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.


Check out my weblog oph crack

Anonymous said...

A great pair of shoes, perhaps not the foremost gorgeous, not are generally, nor is the business name, nonetheless it normally takes you to definitely tour the earth, Christian Louboutin Sale
resolve benefit from ipod happiness shoes please do not fit, perhaps enviable,even so the injured indeed.Asics Running Shoes
An incredibly situation you'll need encountered, walked usable in front of the showcases in countless different kinds of shoes the truth is dazzling, not a chance to pick out. The cost is directly is absolutely not beautiful, like costly, comfortable look out of fashion, feel good-looking men and woman that think old-fashioned ... turn out to be completely contented with simply difficult. Pick to decide, finally opt for pair, wear a while to find foot wear, or completely to suit their clothes,Christian Louboutin Australia
ways to attempt this time? To grant up'd rather painful to need to wear?

Anonymous said...

Hi! I could have sworn I've visited your blog before but after going through some of the articles I realized it's new to me.

Nonetheless, I'm definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and I'll be book-marking
it and checking back frequently!

Here is my homepage: Password Cracker

Anonymous said...

What's Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other users like its aided me. Great job.

Have a look at my website :: click here

Anonymous said...

dating canada asian http://loveepicentre.com/faq/ porn star dating
who is david cook dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]moble phone dating for teens[/url] gay free dating site
doug keesling dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/articles/]who is kim kardashin is dating[/url] chat rooms pregnant dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/Kaycee/]Kaycee[/url] sex dating in robbs illinois

Anonymous said...

dating china for japanese http://loveepicentre.com/articles/ creepy web dating
free texas dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials/]dating mature women uk[/url] herpes dating sites
osage pottery dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials/]suzanne lapalm dating profile[/url] dating for elders [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/Just4owen/]Just4owen[/url] carter county tn dating

James Smith said...

You can watch NFL in HD not only on your TVs , you can watch also on N F L T V N O W . C O M .it's great online HD option for pcs mobiles and tablets users.+ >3

Free TRIAL Here => NFLTVNOW.COM

Rene Tomes said...

You can watch NFL in HD not only on your TVs , you can watch also on NFLTVSHOW.COM .it's great online HD option for pcs mobiles and tablets users.+ >3

. Free TRIAL Here >> NFLTVSHOW.COM Search on by Google smile

Amparo Brown said...




Don’t miss Out! Watch Every NFL Games Live HD Streaming Online. The cheapest way to Watch NFL Games is on ­ NFLFOXHD. COM , I really recommend this source.

Free TRIAL Here => nflfoxhd.com