I haven't written nearly as much as I should this year and perhaps haven't listened to as many new albums as I'd like but that won't stop me from writing anything mid year. It's pretty funny as a lot of what I've been listening to is what I was listening to in 2003. Thursday, Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, Death Cab for Cutie, why it's 2003 all over again. I've been enjoying them quite a bit as well as some other stellar new discs so let's see what is good this year.
DOUG HOYER-WALKS WITH THE TENDER & GROWING NIGHT
Doug just dropped his new album last week but I've already played it numerous times. It's the catchy, witty pop music that I've known from Doug over the years but now in a crisp full length package. Check out this track off the disc with the delightful Jessica Jalbert and fall in love. I dare you not to.
CULTS-CULTS
For a band that's the first signed to Lilly Allen's new label, they definitely do sound like a band that is signed to her new label. But, that's not such a bad thing. This album is definite summer jams, and whenever I hear it I just want to be driving down some back roads with the windows down and these tunes blaring. Soft tunes with a hint of motown and old soul, check out their album stat.
THURSDAY- NO DEVOLUCION
Thursday will always be one of my favorites. My first trip ever to Vancouver was to see Thursday play with Minus the Bear as well as ISIS, but it was Thursday at the time I was most excited to see. I love the music, Geoff's vocals and lyrics, and with Common Existence their last effort they were looking very sharp indeed. This album though takes their music and drenches it in post-rock thanks to influences like Envy, and makes it one of their best yet. Constantly evolving, and no devolving.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE- CODES & KEYS
When I had heard that the new DCFC album would be a bit different, and would focus on synths, programming, even more keys, I was a bit excited. People were worried that it would be weird or completely different from what they knew, but since I love Postal Service so much, I wasn't too worried. This album from beginning to end is as good as Transatlanticism, and that is a fact. No duds, just great music being made, even if it's created differently from other DCFC. Great disc.
RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE- DEPARTING
First off, let me say that this is one of my favorite music videos in a very long time. It's ridiculously adorable and that's a fact. This album I've been waiting for, for quite some time it seems and it doesn't disappoint. The themes of love and the cold and all that Nils knows so well are conveyed brilliantly on this album, and the music writing overall is taken up a notch from Hometowns. Give this one a listen soon if you can.
MIRACLE FORTRESS- WAS I THE WAVE?
I've been a fan of Graham's tunes for some time now, but it's been a little while since he put anything out and I was worried that MF was over and done with. Then suddenly, Was I the wave? came out and I got excited all over again. Warm vocals blistered over synth-y numbers, this is another album that screams out summer jams. One of my favorites of the year and hopefully it'll become one of yours as well.
GIVERS- IN LIGHT
I saw Givers open for Ra Ra Riot earlier this year and fell in love. Their afro-percussion indie rock is super catchy and if you like your Vampire Weekend, BLCK JCKS or some Paul Simon then I think you will dig. The album beginning to end will put a smile on your face and it's been getting tons of play in the car whilst stuck in disgusting Vancouver traffic, so I would say definitely give it a chance, it's a gem that's for sure.
PAUL SIMON- SO BEAUTIFUL OR SO WHAT
Speaking of Simon, I'm completely in wondrous awe at his new album. That the man can still churn out some of the best music I've heard at this stage in his career is amazing to me. If you love Graceland, as really you should, then you need to check out this album. As I was saying with Givers, it's got a heavy afro-percussion vibe but his lyrics and voice are still tops in the music world I'd say. Add this to your collection immediately.
CHAD VANGAALEN- DIAPER ISLAND
While Diaper Island isn't too much of a departure from his last album, it seems more finely crafted and honed. The instrumentation seems far more elaborate and Chad's lyrics seem a bit more to the point and less imbued with wanderlust, even if upon casual listening that's what it seems. Great chill out disc though, and the new music video is Mr VanGaalen at his finest.
PASCALE PICARD- A LETTER TO NO ONE
This young girl from Quebec has one of my most favorite voices in Canadian music and this album is a pretty fantastic little number. While almost entirely in English, I'm not complaining. There's some really good songs here and they're quite catchy in general. I'm a big fan and this album continues to get more and more play in my iPod that's for sure.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY- TAKE CARE TAKE CARE TAKE CARE
Explosions always takes you on a musical journey, and this album does just that. Just listen to this song, and that's about all I need to say about them. Geniuses.
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