New Fleet Foxes

It's been over 2 years since Fleet Foxes amazing self titled debut album. They're back, and

on May 3rd they will be releasing a brand new, 12 song LP, titled "Helplessness Blues" via Sub Pop. The title track is available for download here. Enjoy.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues via subpop

Video of the Day

HOW TO DRESS WELL - WAKING UP TO LIFE SOMETIMES SEEMS WORSE

To put it simply, this is one the more beautiful songs I have heard in awhile. Tom Krell of How To Dress Well does a gorgeous cover of R. Kelly's "I Wish" in the dark of his cold Chicago living room. Krell pulls out all of the stops, including a toe curling falsetto. This is wonderful music at it's peak.

via Yours Truly

Song of the Day

Diamond Rings - All Yr Songs

Diamond Rings is an acquired taste. But out of all of his music I would say "All Yr Songs" is the most universally friendly. It's been stuck in my head all morning. Enjoy.

Cake - Showroom of Compassion - a Review

Cake - Showroom of Compassion

I have been a fan of Cake for a very long time. Since 6th grade to be exact. Comfort Eagle is one of my favorite albums of all time. So I was incredibly excited when I heard they would be finally releasing a new LP. Then, I heard the single "Sick Of You", and to be honest I was disappointed. It didn't catch my attention at all. It actually made me apprehensive about buying Showroom of Compassion. But I decided to put some trust in my history with them and purchase it anyways. (The physical copy of Showroom comes with a temporary tattoo, by the way. Which is such a Cake thing to do.)

The first 5 or 6 tracks were decent.. I wasn't blown away or drawn in, but it felt good to hear new Cake nonetheless. I was starting to worry that I had paid fifteen bucks for a temporary tattoo when, after the single "Sick Of You", the album TOOK THE EFF OFF. The rest of Showroom was exactly what I had been hoping for, if not more. John McCrea's voice has gotten noticeably better. He belts it this time around. He still has that lovable singing/talking quality, but on Showroom there are a few different places where he really lets it all out. The guitar riffs, bass lines, and percussion have always been money for Cake. They still are. The horns are still present in a big way, as is the classic rattling noisemaker that seems to slip its way into every Cake song.



The best way I can sum up my experience with Showroom is to draw upon the similarity of reuniting with an old friend. You run into them in the airport or bump into them at the store; time has taken its toll, and you've drifted apart. But you sit down for a chat anyways, for old times sake. The first little while they tell you their stories, and to be honest you aren't that interested, but you nod your head and listen to be courteous. But then they say something or show a mannerism that reminds you why you loved them and their company in the first place. After that, the talk comes easy and naturally. You start to rebuild the bridge. Cake closes with "Italian Guy" -- Showrooms version of their classic song "Opera Singer". It's the perfect way to send you off. And as with that old friend, in the end you are reminiscing old times, laughing until you have tears in your eyes.



The Showroom of Compassion is showcasing an older, wiser, more mature Cake. They have experienced more, and they are more weathered. But the underlying charm they have always had is still there. It just has a more emotional twist to it. Both the album and the band, are better for it.

-- Aj de Lisle (January 26th, 2011)

Scott Avett - Murder In The City

The Avett Brothers are one of my favorite bands and,
this is one of my favorite youtube videos I've ever come across. enjoy.

--Aj de Lisle (January 25th, 2011)

2010 top 10 albums

1. Dom - Sun Bronzed Greek Gods

Why? Out of every EP/LP of 2010 - Dom's - Sun Bronzed Greek God's - had the most replay-ability to me. I STILL listen to it almost daily. I STILL walk around humming the catchy hooks that pervade each and every song. Dom was a new find for me and they were a breath of fresh air. I was in San Diego the week after I had purchased the work and I can look back and fondly remember cruising the streets blasting "Living In America".. /It's so sexy to be livin' in America/It's so sexy/Baby, we're livin' in America./
Favorite Song(s): It's a tie between Living In America, Rude as Jude, and I Wonder.

DOM - Living In America

2. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt

Why? This year was the year of The Tallest Man On Earth for me. I found him through this album, but it isn't my favorite of his work. But I must confess, he is my favorite musician of all time. Therefore even when he releases something that isn't one my favorites of HIS, it is still one of my favorites nonetheless. Every listen through of The Wild Hunt, makes me love it even more. It grows and grows on you. As does The Tallest Man On Earth. He is already my favorite, yet I am baffled by new things in his music each and every listen.
Favorite Song(s): Burden of Tomorrow or Drying of the Lawns

Burden of Tomorrow — The Tallest Man on Earth

3. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

Why? Gorilla Manor was a huge surprise for me. The songwriting is incredible. The spirit of the band is felt on each and every song. When I first came across them, I had no idea that my next few months would be consumed by a sheer love for their music. So of course I went and saw Local Natives as soon as they came to town. Wow. I have never been to a better show. Suckers opened and I'm sorry to say I was wildly disappointed. Baffled is the word that comes to mind. Their front man was a mix of drunk/high out of his effing mind. But Local Natives literally saved the night. My group of friends left in unanimous agreement: Best show any of us had ever been to. More than any other band I found this year, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Local Natives.
Favorite Song(s): Who Knows Who Cares is my favorite song of 2010.

Who Knows Who Cares

4. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Leftfoot; The Son Of Chico Dusty

Why? This is my favorite rap album I have ever come across. It is unique in so many different ways. It feels as if Big Boi recorded this album just for fun and then later though "eh what the hell?" and released it. It is so lighthearted and easy to listen to. No matter what song put on, you can dive right in and get lost in the music. He changes his flow (again, presumably for the shits and giggles) on every single song. The samples he raps over are incredible. Instrumentally the album is just as strong as his actual rap, which is really saying something. It's funny, witty, and completely mind blowing in all the right places.
Favorite Song(s): Shutterbug or The Train pt. 2

Big Boi - Shutterbug

5. Glasser - Ring

Why? To be quite honest, I usually have trouble getting into a girl singer. That wasn't the case at all with Glasser. Ring is wonderful. Cameron's voice is beautiful and she uses it as if it were just another instrument to build on her massive sounding songs. Lets be frank - her songs kick ass. As I said in my review of Ring, It sounds as though Fever Ray and Animal Collective made hot love and had one helluva kid. Its sound lands somewhere between tribal/techno. It makes you want to let go and be free of everything.
Favorite Song(s): Apply

Glasser - Apply

6. Matt & Kim - Sidewalks

Why? This album was completely snubbed in my opinion. Most underrated album of 2010. Everywhere I went all I saw was negative press about Sidewalks. I honestly wasn't a huge fan of Matt & Kim back in the day. This album completely changed my opinion of them. The biggest complaint I came across was "They aren't the cute and bubbly pair we all know and love anymore! (lulz)" What? How can that possibly be a complaint about a band? They grew. They became more serious (and quite frankly more talented) in their music. I found nothing to complain about with this album. I thought that the big production sound suited the duo perfectly. With Sidewalks, they took someone who wasn't a fan, and made me excited about everything they have done, and are doing.
Favorite Song(s): Tie between Cameras, Red Paint, Where You're Coming From, Good For Great, and Ice Melts.

Cameras by matt and kim

7. The Black Keys - Brothers

Why? Because it's The Black Keys. Because Dan Auerbach has more soul in his left kneecap than most people have in their entire body. Because Patrick Carney plays the hell out of the drums each and every song. They are the most powerful duo I have ever come across. Actually in this album, they use more instruments than they normally do. And I love it. I have been a big fan of The Black Keys for a long long time now, and this is my favorite release they have had since The Rubber Factory (which is my favorite Black Keys album). Dan Auerbach's new found falsetto is amazing. When I first him sing on Everlasting Light, I literally said NO WAY!! aloud. In fact the majority of the songs on Brothers leave you saying NO WAY to whoever is with you.
Favorite Song(s): Everlasting Light, Next Girl, Too Afraid To Love You, or Tighten Up.

Everlasting Light - The Black Keys

8. Brandon Flowers - Flamingo

Why? I have been a Killers fan right from the get go. Particularly front man Brandon Flowers' showmanship. So I was very excited when I heard he was releasing Flamingo. Actually, I kind of greeted the album with low expectations. I wasn't sure how he would be without the band backing him. So when I listened to it I was surprised to find that he can more than pull it off on his own. It almost makes me wonder how much he writes for The Killers because Flamingo sounds incredible. His lyrics and melodies are always on point, but I was shocked at how well it came together instrumentally as well. Brandon Flowers has proved to be an incredible musician throughout his career and I am excited about the future of The Killers as well as his solo work.
Favorite Song(s): Magdalena, Swallow It, Jacksonville or Right Behind You

Brandon Flowers - Right Behind You

9. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Why? As much as I love this album I can't bring myself to say that it was the best of the year. I think the Kanye West story is the best of the year but that's it. Anyway, I have always been a fan of Kanye. Although I didn't purchase 808's and Hearbreaks because it didn't appeal to me at all. Other than that I have all of his work, and I must say, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is my favorite Kanye album so far. He shows why he is regarded as one of the best producers in the game. Instrumentally this album is incredible. Of course the rapping is phenomenal as always. Kanye came through in a huge way with this work. It feels truly epic.
Favorite Song(s): Dark Fantasy, Devil In a New Dress, or Blame Game.

Kanye West - Dark Fantasy

10. Twin Shadow - Forget

Why? This album snuck up on me. I read some favorable reviews and I liked what I had heard enough that I decided to go ahead and buy it. After my first play through I thought that it was alright.. nothing too special. But it pulled me in enough that I listened through again, and the second time around I truly fell in love with Forget. I was drawn in by every song. It has a subtle catchiness that I had missed on that first play through. Yellow Balloon really opened me up to the rest of the album. It reminds you of being a child but in a really creepy way. And by the time I had gotten back around through the album again I had already decided it was one of my favorites of the year.
Favorite Song(s): Yellow Balloon, Forget, or I Can't Wait

Twin Shadow - Forget

--Aj de Lisle (January 24th, 2011)

Glasser - "Ring"

I first came across Glasser (Cameron Mesirow), around the beginning of this year. But all that I listened to were a few remixes she had done. I didn't think to much of it. What a mistake that turned out to be! When I found out she was releasing an album "Ring" I decided to have a listen. It was good. It was REALLY good. I must say I was more excited about this album than anything else I have heard this year. So obviously when it came out I purchased it as soon as possible. I'm happy to say that it didn't let me down in the slightest.

I can't describe the feelings I felt when I first heard "Apply" or "Home" or any other song on the album, for that matter (seriously, pick one at random, they are all phenomenal). But I would have to say that album opener "Apply" is my favorite at the end of the day. It is the - would be - byproduct of Fever Ray and Animal Collective having a sweet, sweet baby.



Among the many standout tracks this album provides, another favorite of mine would have to be "Mirrorage". Cameron has you moving with the music without even realizing it. Whether you are bobbing your head, bouncing your feet, or dancing like an ass in the middle of your room, your body begs you to groove to this album. Her voice floats over the complex rhythms that she makes seem so effortless.



It is truly hard for me to choose only two songs off of "Ring" to share with you, as I find it to be a total masterpiece. Glasser's music (vocally, instrumentally, lyically) is so complex and startlingly beautiful, it feels as though she has painted you a visual image. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her. Cameron Mesirow truly captured me with "Ring" and I would recommend it to anyone with ears.

Glasser - "Ring" released September 28th, 2010 via True Panther Sounds.

Ayar'd - (November 8th, 2010)

Best Coast - "Crazy For You"

I'll be honest. While I have been hearing hype about Best Coast for a long time now, all of the little snippets of them I was hearing/reading weren't catching my interest. Eventually I decided to delve a little deeper into their music catalog and I came across the song "Boyfriend". It opened my eyes a little more and led me to start appreciating their sound. I decided to purchase their latest work "Crazy For You" and I was not disappointed.

The album opens with the previously mentioned, and my personal favorite song by Best Coast - "Boyfriend". Bethany Cosentino's voice soars and dives, in one of the hook(-iest) vocals I have ever heard.



Lyrically "Crazy For You" isn't challenging. The songs all land somewhere between missing you, being lazy, and smoking weed. But as an album to wrap up your summer, you couldn't ask for anything better right? I usually am not too keen on a girl singer with a rock format but something about Bethany's voice and Bobb Bruno's riffs leave you feeling like rock was meant to be this way.



In a few places some of the songs start to blend together, but considering that only 1 song on the entire album breaks the 3:00 minute mark (and it does so by just 2 seconds), you can treat those songs as if they were meant to be one. It's a perfect summer album, the rhythms and melodies are carefree, while the lyrics deliver a odd mixture of seriousness and playfulness. A perfect example being: /I lost my job/I miss my mom/I wish my cat could talk./Every time you leave this house/Everything falls apart./ In the end, "Crazy For You" is definitely worth the money and Best Coast is definitely worthy of the hype.

- Best Coast - "Crazy For You" released July 27th, 2010 via Mexican Summer.

-Ayar'd - (October 16th, 2010)

I will be reviewing soon! (I promise)

Sorry I have not delivered those album reviews as quickly as promised, I came across a cold this week and it got the better of me. I will still be doing them... as soon as I feel better. Also add Sufjan Stevens - "Age of Adz" to that list, because I'll be reviewing it as well. But for now, please accept this picture as a token of my sincere regret.



- Ayar'd - (October 15, 2010)

Big Boi - "Sir Lucious Left Foot:The Son of Chico Dusty" Review

I had always figured Andre 3000 to be responsible for the wacky portion of Outkast. This album blew that theory (and my mind) to pieces. It's ridiculous. It's completely off the wall. It's perfect. In fact, everything falls into place with such ease and style that I am forced to wonder if it was luck, or if Big Boi is a complete genius. I'm going to assume that it's a healthy dose of both.

With a songs like "Shutterbug" it's near impossible not to be in love with the album. Big Boi uses beat's and rhythms that are unlike anything you have ever heard.



The album also has a huge lineup of guests, featuring acts like T.I., Jamie Foxx, and Janelle Monae. It's not just straight music. A few places in between songs Big Boi does some detective work, busting a drug deal. Other songs start off - like "Be Still" (ft. Janelle Monae) - with some dialogue. Most of it, like the majority of the album, have sexual undertones.



In the end, you're left feeling upset that the album is over. You want more. But the beauty of it is, every time you listen to a track from "Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty", it feels like the first time. I must say that this album's wittiness, originality, and sheer genius - land it in the number 1 spot for my favorite rap album of all time. Big Boi changes his flow in nearly every song, proving that he isn't just your every day rapper. /It's that nigga the B.I.G. B.O.I. O.U.T./

"Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty" released July 6th, 2010 via Def Jam.

-Ayar'd (October 8th, 2010)

Upcoming Reviews

I may have been slacking on doing posts, but I have not been slacking on listening to good music. I will be doing a review of the following albums that have plagued my speakers these past months:

Best Coast - Crazy For You


Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot, The Son of Chico Dusty

Brandon Flowers - Flamingo

Glasser - Ring

Twin Shadow - Forget

I'm gonna try to post a review each day, for the next five days.

Active Child - When Your Love is Safe

via Yours, Truly.

The Morning Benders - Stitches

via Yours, Truly.

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks

Gayngs - The Gaudy Side of Town

Chromeo - Don't Turn the Lights On

Tennis - Marathon

\We didn't realize, that we had arrived\At high tide, high tide, barely made it out alive.\

Tennis is a husband and wife duo, which is awesome. Alaina Moore has a unique voice, which is even more awesome. They recorded their album while sailing on their sailboat around the ocean, which is the most awesome thing I have ever heard of.

The song feels good, and is a great summer anthem. The vocals are obscured to the point where you can't recognize lyrics, but it doesn't bother you. The song just works. The woah's and oh's touch your brain and release endorphins, and we all know what that means.

The "Marathon" 7-inch drops 7/31 via Underwater Peoples

How To Dress Well - Ready For the World

How To Dress Well

If you liked the post about Washed Out, then you should love HTDW. This song flows naturally and gracefully, and makes you feel a wide range of emotions.

I can't think of a single scenario that this wouldn't be a great soundtrack for. Walking down the hall at school, at a funeral, winning the championship, making top ramen, it all works. And coupled with this song, it all has a little bit more emotion behind it. Entitled 'Ready For the World' it could be one of the most appropriate song names I've ever heard.

Keegan DeWitt - Say La La

Keegan DeWitt




I am in awe of this song. I don't even know what to say about it. I know firsthand that it is incredibly easy to bob your head to it. That's about all I can think of. I am sort of at a loss for words right now. This is amazing.

Well done, Keegan. Well done.

Bill Callahan - Jim Cain

A Young Bill Callahan


\I started telling the story\Without knowing the end.\

When I first heard this I loved the music -- but I wasn't too keen on Bill Callahan's voice.
Now I see the error of my ways.

This song is so hypnotically beautiful and pure, it's absurd. Lyrically it's magnificent, musically it's genius, and vocally it's gorgeous. Bill's voice is simple and perfect for the song. I find myself wanting to sing along every time I hear it.