Ok guys... here is my top ten albums of 2008 list. Included are 10 artists whose albums I may or may not have listened to in their entirety, but I have at some point and for some length listened to. Please remember to be gentle and limit your musings as this is my first ever attempt at creating such a stamp of individual coolness. Some may say I'm doing this only for the free beer, and to you I say, " yes ". But... I am also looking to sincerely broaden my horizions and be taken under a couple wings to hopefully one day be able to cast my glare upon a fresh new face as such as mine with quizzical skepticism and a disbelief that they have never heard of the newest, latest, and greatest thing. One last apology, this will be a very boring looking list as I don't know how to do all those cool things like add album covers, and youtube vids. Here goes... in no particular order either (it took me long enough to think of, and qualify, these).
10) Coldplay - Viva la Vida: Honestly I heard that main single at work this summer so freakin much I felt I'd be remiss if this didn't get on here.
9) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend: See above, except instead of Roman conqueror theme, insert funky guitar playing.
8) Atmosphere - When Life Gives you Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold: Heard this beginning of summer and freakin loved it. The rhymes, the beats, it's a great rap album.
7) Radiohead - In Rainbows: Yeah, yeah, ok.... I'm a little late to be cool with this pick. But technically it was released in '08. Took me back to the days of Scotty constantly playing Kid A in the dorm room... eventually it just grows on you.
6) Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III: Seriously, where wasn't this guy this year?? I still remember gettin into his flow when he was doing tracks with the cash money millionaires.
5) Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple: Picked up the album before I saw him at summerfest. Didn't quite get into it like St Elsewhere but it still got good time in the cars cd changer.
4) Flogging Molly - Float: Classic flogging molly sound, tempo, and feel. Good drinking music for a night out excercising one's Irish pride.
3) Fiction Plane: Heard them first at work but didn't know who they were (Sirius sat radio reciever was in back closet). Saw them open twice for 311 this summer though. Amazing live performers and the song 'Two Sisters' is infectious.
2) Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreak: When I first saw the album cover I thought it read '80's and Heartbreak'. Anywho.... I agree the audio-synth thing is excessively played out (thank you t-pain), but the beats are rediculous and since that I come from a drummer's perspective this warrants a listing.
1) Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin: Yup, so what can I say, dude's re-invented the proverbial hip hop wheel. I mean, 'My Medicine' with a country themed beat and Willie freakin Nelson?! C'mon man. Saw him live too this summer, (Snoop, not Willie) opened for 311, f-in amazing.
There ya have it. Guess it did sort of go in rank of personal preferance too... heh, alrighty then. Hope you guys enjoy shredding this apart and see you all Sunday!!
Crazy
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sara's Top Ten Albums of 2008
1. Bon Iver: “For Emma, Forever Ago” -- This fellow Sconnie has got talent. He may sing notes higher than I can and live in a cabin like a hermit up nort’, but “For Emma, Forever Ago” ranks as one of the top 5 albums of the last 5 years. 
2. Girl Talk: “Feed the Animals” -- Turn it on and you have an instant house party. BLAMO!
3. Fleet Foxes: “Fleet Foxes” -- Lots of rich folk reverb going on. It takes a while to absorb all the layers, but it’s worth the listen. 
4. Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s: “Not Animal/Animal!” -- So technically this is two albums, but to me they count as one. With seven members and a band room’s assortment of instruments really add a rich depth the sung stories.
5. The Felice Brothers: “The Felice Brothers “ -- This pick may be the result of too many Saturdays listening to Bruce Winter on the radio. It’s gritty whiskey stained country (the only kind of country I’ll listen to). 
6. MGMT: “Oracular Spectacular” -- I guarantee if you’ve shopped at Urban Outfitters this year you have heard this album. It’s bright and energetic. I’m sure the Riverwest kids eat it up.
7. She & Him: “Volume One” -- Who doesn’t love M. Ward? However, I was skeptical of this Zooey Deschanel movie star girl. In the end (and I after I listened to “Why do you let me stay here” like seven times), I am sold. It’s a good album. But she’s no Jenny Lewis. 
8. Mates of State: “Re-arrange Us” -- I loved the song “The Goods” from several years ago and thought that the cute couple of Kori and Jason were really evolving their shout-singing and mini organ playing into something really likeable by the greater indie crowd. It’s gotten only better. Their fun, quirky and mischievous sound that I liked in high school has grown into a cheery domestic sound with all the same quirks.
9. Blind Pilot: “3 Rounds a Sound” -- Sunday mornings and this kind of music go hand in hand. Very smooth and mellow with melancholy and sweetness; similar to the Shins in a way. 
10. Ting Tings: “We Started Nothing” -- “Shut up and let me go” is a gem: A purple crystal glittery gem that matches tight acid wash jeans and a Blondie haircut.
It's Gary's... Music that knocked my block off in 2008
So much music to discover - in so many ways.
Online radio, blogs, friends, magazines, old school radio (yes, we have a couple of stations in MKE playing cool, new music... man, have things changed) and of course, the ever-reliable amazing stuff that surrounds me daily in our office!
FIRST, HERE ARE Some of the Artists/Records that I want to spend more time with:
Dungen: 4
Beach House: Devotion
Bowerbirds: Hymns for a Dark Horse
The War on Drugs: Wagonwheel Blues
Phosphorescent: Pride
Little Joy: Little Joy
AND HERE IS What makes my top 10... well, today anyway.
1. The Cardinals: Cardinology
What if a band turned away from the circus that the writers & critics (and even their own fans) had projected upon them and instead toured and toured, focusing on developing the relationship between band members/instruments/voices & songs? When all of the bullshit stops and the song begins, live or on record, these guys have matured to become the best. Check out this passionate performance of Fix It on Letterman.
2. Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago
A quiet, lonely recording that announced and demanded a new direction in closeness to the listener in the world of alternative music. And what a Pabst show it was.
3. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
Pretty overwhelming and overwhelmingly pretty. Such an instinctive & triumphant return to the power and sound of real voices during an age of over-processed shit. The record business can die quietly now. Again, what an amazing Pabst show.
4. My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges
The greatness of this band is the capacity of their reach that permits their willingness to explore the music that inspires them... and to scare away many of their so-called fans in the process.
5. David Byrne and Brian Eno: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
How many really important new bands have waived their Byrne/Eno freak flags/influence in the last few years? Familiar, yet not nostalgic.
6. Rachael Yamagata: Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart
Lots of people were so scared away by the sequencing of this 14 track cd that they never experienced its overall beauty. Thank god for shuffle because Rachael Yamagata rocks ala PJ Harvey here, in addition to the expected ballads. For me, Elephants eclipses Happenstance.
7. Dr. Dog: Fate
Like a really comfortable old shoe, this band just feel good. Warmed by the glow of tubes.
8. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend
Familiar beyond their years, this music hits your ears running on the first play. Like your favorite candy that just always tastes good.
9. Blitzen Trapper: Furr
The loose freedom of 60's/70's era Gram Parsons and The Byrds. Hooray for the return of real bands.
10. Benji Hughes: A Love Extreme
Innocent, simple and beautiful. Unlike the artist, these songs are neither heavy or bearded.
Thanks to Matty! Gracias por su amor de música y cerveza. Puedele vive largo y se queda curioso.
Dr. Moshe's Top 10 Albums Of 2008
Greetings Friends,
Thankfully work is a bit slow today, so I had time to put together the below list of my Top 10 Albums of 2008. It took a lot of thought and there are some surprising omissions - No Lil Wayne (sorry to disappoint, Aaron) and No Chinese Democracy (no apologies to you, Axl, but I'm waiting for mine from you). The albums are listed in no particular order and aren't the 10 albums I think are the best - they just are my favorites. I can't wait to see everyone on Sunday. So without further ado - Dr. Moshe's Top 10 Albums of 2008
Spiritualized - Songs In A&E
Jason Pierce could have recorded 50 minutes of himself farting and I would been hardpressed not to put it on my top ten list. Thankfully, he didn't go that route and I was treated with a fantastic collection of songs. It seems like this album meshed a lot of ideas that he'd be working with over his past 2 or 3 albums, and finally found the right mix of sounds. The fact that rockers don't all sound like rewritten version of Electricity is great and Soul On Fire has a chorus that I swear should be sung by Liam Gallagher - some real anthemic shit. And here is what is my favorite song on the album - Death Take Your Fiddle....gotta love the ventilator being used as an instrument.
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
Not a very unique pick or very surprising. I think its a tribute to the quality of music TV On The Radio releases that I could have confidently placed this album on my Top 10 list months before I had even heard it. Dear Science is probably the most solid album, from Halfway Home to Lover's Day, that was released in 2008. If you haven't seen this youtube video for Family Tree used as the soundtrack to Flowers & Trees, check it out:
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Every year, NME and the rest of the English press pick a band they like to throw obscene amounts of hyperbole at. Is Glasvegas this generations Definitely Maybe? Can it cure cancer? I'm thinking the answer is 'no' to both of those (sidenote: does anyone else feel old that Definitely Maybe is considered to be from a 'generation' ago?) - but it still a damn good album. I think its still an import-only release, so I'm not sure how many of you hipsters have checked them out, but check out this video for their song It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry and decide if the hyperbole is worth it:
The Walkmen - You & Me
As much as I enjoy musically ambitious bands like Radiohead and TV On The Radio, sometimes I just want some simple rock 'n roll. Thats what I love about You & Me. There aren't a lot of bands around that have the energy and excitement that The Walkmen exudes. Its a pretty basic concept, but they pull it off with You & Me. This album has a timeless quality to it - many of these songs could be played on a classic rock station and listeners wouldn't blink. In The New Year is up there for my favorite song of the year and their concert in Madison was one of my favorites of the year - they play the shit out of their songs and I love how their lead singer holds nothing back, I just hope his vocalcords hold up. Here's a link to an Last.fm performance of In The New Year....stupid last.fm disabled embedding code for this video, so just click and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8imSXoHL4xU&feature=related
Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
Feed The Animals goes hand-and-hand with You & Me for me as far as enjoyability goes. This album is just a lot of fucking fun. I could go on and on about the fantastic juxtapositions between the songs and the technical aspects of this mash-up album, but I'm not a fucking nerd. This album gets the party started and that's all that really matters. Here's a youtube video of some dude who actually took the time to hunt down various video clips of the songs used and created some pretty cool montages.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
I was a little hesistant to give this album a shot when it first came out. There had been so much hype that I didn't really think it could live up to my expectations. I decided to throw the expectations aside and just enjoy it for what it was - and I'm glad I did. I'm a big fan of Vampire Weekend's sound...its what I imagine Paul Simon's Graceland would sound like if he had some punk rock influence in his music. Plus, I had to put this album on my list after hearing A-Punk being played at Miller Park during Brewers games.
Bob Dylan - The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs
I was a bit torn on whether or not I should include this on my list. I had to re-read the rules of the Top 10 lists to make sure this compiliation qualified, but I believe I'm ok with this. 80s to present Bob Dylan has never been the era I've considered to be a favorite of mine, but this collection of demos, alternate takes, and unreleased songs really provided me with some additional appreciate for the songs. This compilation really shows the strength of songwriting and I was surprised that many of the songs I overlooked on these studio albums were eclipsed by these alternate versions. There were also many songs that I loved (Mississippi) that I was shocked that they could get better. Here's one such example - Most Of The Time
Kanye West 808s & Heartbreak
There's a lot of reasons not to like this album. Kanye doesn't rap. He sings with autotune. Some of his lyrics are cheesy at best (please see: Welcome To Heartbreak). The accapella 6 minute long closing track is awfully self-indulgent. But I've got to admit that this album has gotten a lot of spins in my car. The production is top notch, as per usual, and I've got to hand it to emo-Kanye - he put out an album that is out of the comfort zone of him and hip hop listeners in general. I'm convinced that the below song, Street Lights, is going to blow up once its released as a single. Love it.
Portishead - Third
The reason why this album is on my list, well besides the fact that its a great album, is because they pulled it off. Portishead made a great album after a long hiatus. This album made me stop making excuses for other bands that put out mediocre comeback albums and just accept the fact that their albums weren't that great (GnR, Verve), and gives me hope for other artists that may release comeback albums in 2009 (My Bloody Valentine, Dr. Dre). Heres the video for Machine Gun...another video I wasn't able to embed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoz41FUzciE
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Sorry Bon Iver, For Emma... is a fantastic album that I enjoyed very much, but I spent way too much time writing this list up and really need to get back to work so I can't do your album justice. Thanks for the great music, though!
Thanks for reading and I'll see ya Sunday night!
Brian
Thankfully work is a bit slow today, so I had time to put together the below list of my Top 10 Albums of 2008. It took a lot of thought and there are some surprising omissions - No Lil Wayne (sorry to disappoint, Aaron) and No Chinese Democracy (no apologies to you, Axl, but I'm waiting for mine from you). The albums are listed in no particular order and aren't the 10 albums I think are the best - they just are my favorites. I can't wait to see everyone on Sunday. So without further ado - Dr. Moshe's Top 10 Albums of 2008
Spiritualized - Songs In A&E
Jason Pierce could have recorded 50 minutes of himself farting and I would been hardpressed not to put it on my top ten list. Thankfully, he didn't go that route and I was treated with a fantastic collection of songs. It seems like this album meshed a lot of ideas that he'd be working with over his past 2 or 3 albums, and finally found the right mix of sounds. The fact that rockers don't all sound like rewritten version of Electricity is great and Soul On Fire has a chorus that I swear should be sung by Liam Gallagher - some real anthemic shit. And here is what is my favorite song on the album - Death Take Your Fiddle....gotta love the ventilator being used as an instrument.
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
Not a very unique pick or very surprising. I think its a tribute to the quality of music TV On The Radio releases that I could have confidently placed this album on my Top 10 list months before I had even heard it. Dear Science is probably the most solid album, from Halfway Home to Lover's Day, that was released in 2008. If you haven't seen this youtube video for Family Tree used as the soundtrack to Flowers & Trees, check it out:
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Every year, NME and the rest of the English press pick a band they like to throw obscene amounts of hyperbole at. Is Glasvegas this generations Definitely Maybe? Can it cure cancer? I'm thinking the answer is 'no' to both of those (sidenote: does anyone else feel old that Definitely Maybe is considered to be from a 'generation' ago?) - but it still a damn good album. I think its still an import-only release, so I'm not sure how many of you hipsters have checked them out, but check out this video for their song It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry and decide if the hyperbole is worth it:
The Walkmen - You & Me
As much as I enjoy musically ambitious bands like Radiohead and TV On The Radio, sometimes I just want some simple rock 'n roll. Thats what I love about You & Me. There aren't a lot of bands around that have the energy and excitement that The Walkmen exudes. Its a pretty basic concept, but they pull it off with You & Me. This album has a timeless quality to it - many of these songs could be played on a classic rock station and listeners wouldn't blink. In The New Year is up there for my favorite song of the year and their concert in Madison was one of my favorites of the year - they play the shit out of their songs and I love how their lead singer holds nothing back, I just hope his vocalcords hold up. Here's a link to an Last.fm performance of In The New Year....stupid last.fm disabled embedding code for this video, so just click and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8imSXoHL4xU&feature=related
Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
Feed The Animals goes hand-and-hand with You & Me for me as far as enjoyability goes. This album is just a lot of fucking fun. I could go on and on about the fantastic juxtapositions between the songs and the technical aspects of this mash-up album, but I'm not a fucking nerd. This album gets the party started and that's all that really matters. Here's a youtube video of some dude who actually took the time to hunt down various video clips of the songs used and created some pretty cool montages.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
I was a little hesistant to give this album a shot when it first came out. There had been so much hype that I didn't really think it could live up to my expectations. I decided to throw the expectations aside and just enjoy it for what it was - and I'm glad I did. I'm a big fan of Vampire Weekend's sound...its what I imagine Paul Simon's Graceland would sound like if he had some punk rock influence in his music. Plus, I had to put this album on my list after hearing A-Punk being played at Miller Park during Brewers games.
Bob Dylan - The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs
I was a bit torn on whether or not I should include this on my list. I had to re-read the rules of the Top 10 lists to make sure this compiliation qualified, but I believe I'm ok with this. 80s to present Bob Dylan has never been the era I've considered to be a favorite of mine, but this collection of demos, alternate takes, and unreleased songs really provided me with some additional appreciate for the songs. This compilation really shows the strength of songwriting and I was surprised that many of the songs I overlooked on these studio albums were eclipsed by these alternate versions. There were also many songs that I loved (Mississippi) that I was shocked that they could get better. Here's one such example - Most Of The Time
Kanye West 808s & Heartbreak
There's a lot of reasons not to like this album. Kanye doesn't rap. He sings with autotune. Some of his lyrics are cheesy at best (please see: Welcome To Heartbreak). The accapella 6 minute long closing track is awfully self-indulgent. But I've got to admit that this album has gotten a lot of spins in my car. The production is top notch, as per usual, and I've got to hand it to emo-Kanye - he put out an album that is out of the comfort zone of him and hip hop listeners in general. I'm convinced that the below song, Street Lights, is going to blow up once its released as a single. Love it.
Portishead - Third
The reason why this album is on my list, well besides the fact that its a great album, is because they pulled it off. Portishead made a great album after a long hiatus. This album made me stop making excuses for other bands that put out mediocre comeback albums and just accept the fact that their albums weren't that great (GnR, Verve), and gives me hope for other artists that may release comeback albums in 2009 (My Bloody Valentine, Dr. Dre). Heres the video for Machine Gun...another video I wasn't able to embed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoz41FUzciE
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Sorry Bon Iver, For Emma... is a fantastic album that I enjoyed very much, but I spent way too much time writing this list up and really need to get back to work so I can't do your album justice. Thanks for the great music, though!
Thanks for reading and I'll see ya Sunday night!
Brian
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Top 10 Party FAQs!
Hi Everybody
The Top Ten Party is THIS SUNDAY at 8pm upstairs at Fat Abbey here in Milwaukee!! I'm really looking forward to talking music, sharing cold beverages, posting our giant sized lists & listening to some of the years best albums with everybody!
Some really amazingly good lists & write ups this year! Check em out at http://lettershomefromcamp.blogspot.com/ Thanks once again for helping keep the listing alive!! (if you haven't posted yet, for directions go here: http://lettershomefromcamp.blogspot.com/2008/11/top-10-albums-of-year-lists-listening.html )
People nervous & on the fence about this always have questions about what a "Top Ten Party" is and what it's all about....so in true PSA fashion....i'd like to offer answers to:
Top Ten Party Frequently Asked Questions 2008
1. Q: Yo dude...What's the beverage situation?
A: Free Lakefront Fat Abbey Ale all night with your list!! (while supplies last...)
Here's how it works... you make a list on the giant post-it notes...you hang up your list on the wall for the world to see.....I give YOU a wrist-band to drink from the barrel of Fat Abbey Ale that's behind the bar! (tremendous....right?)
2. Q: So come again.... What's a Top Ten Party again?
A: It's a chance to talk about & listen to great music with like-minded individuals!
Music geeks unite! Giant post-it notes up of our lists gallery style, discussion, listening, guest DJ sets, mix CD exchange, comparing of notes & reflection on your favorite musical moments of the year with people !
3. Q: What should I bring?
A: A few recommended items include:
-Your list of favorite albums of 2008
-A few copies of mix CDs with songs from your favorite albums to give away for the "Mix CD Exchange"
-An iPod or CD's loaded with your favorite songs for your "Guest DJ Set"
4. Q: What's with the guest DJ sets?
A: Fat Abbey has graciously agreed to let us control the music & DJ booth for the night....& that means you!
Bring your iPod or loaded CDs & you can blast your favorite songs of the year for our special guest DJ sets! Never heard Deerhunter played in a bar before? well.... now you will
5. Q: ...and the Mix CD Exchange?
A: You bring the love....we share the love...
This really does work much better if a lot of people do it.... bring in copies of mix CDs with your favorite songs (AND TRACK LISTINGS!) and trade em up.....
I recommend 4-5 copies or so (but if you want to do more or less....totally up to you dude).
6: Q: Who's invited & what if i'm not a music geek?
A: EVERYBODY & if not a music geek... fear not!
All friends & friends of friends welcome--(yes...even if you don't know me!) The great thing about this for the non-music-geek is that this really is a great opportunity to catch up on all of the great albums you missed out on!
7. Q: So then...does that mean I don't have to make a list?
A: NO!
Ya gotta try.... that is the one thing....do you have to do 10 albums? (probably not)... but we need to see something so we at least know where you're at. (your punishment for no list will be....drum roll....no wristband for free beer)
8. Q: So where's Fat Abbey?
A: 134 E Juneau Ave Milwaukee WI
GO UPSTAIRS when you get there!! Fat Abbey is the tremendous bier cafe that was previously "The Lodge" right off of Water St.
corresponding map-age.... http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=134+juneau+milwaukee&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.371289,75.761719&ie=UTF8&ll=43.046672,-87.912126&spn=0.007057,0.018497&z=16&g=134+juneau+milwaukee&iwloc=addr
9: Q: Is it Free?
A: Yes! (but there's a catch....We're now listener supported...)
With the change of location & natural expansion of the "Top Ten Party", we are moving to the "Listener Supported" model. Fat Abbey has graciously donated the space. (which we are very grateful for) However- beer, giant post-it notes, sharpies & mostly beer... all cost money (not a ton of money...but still takes a few bucks to put this together...). I am shamelessly asking for a small donation for those who feel this is valuable enough to keep alive for future years.... OK, end of shameless plea.
10: Q: My head is spinning....I have other questions that weren't covered here.... help me!
A: No biggie....just drop me an e-mail at matthewberinger@yahoo.com or gimme a buzz at 414-333-6634 with anything further.
Don't worry too much about the "What do I Bring", "I don't have a list" & "What's this gonna be" kinda stuff....Just think of it as a great place for a music fan to finish off the year & a fun way to spend a sunday night.
See you there!
The Top Ten Party is THIS SUNDAY at 8pm upstairs at Fat Abbey here in Milwaukee!! I'm really looking forward to talking music, sharing cold beverages, posting our giant sized lists & listening to some of the years best albums with everybody!
Some really amazingly good lists & write ups this year! Check em out at http://lettershomefromcamp.blogspot.com/ Thanks once again for helping keep the listing alive!! (if you haven't posted yet, for directions go here: http://lettershomefromcamp.blogspot.com/2008/11/top-10-albums-of-year-lists-listening.html )
People nervous & on the fence about this always have questions about what a "Top Ten Party" is and what it's all about....so in true PSA fashion....i'd like to offer answers to:
Top Ten Party Frequently Asked Questions 2008
1. Q: Yo dude...What's the beverage situation?
A: Free Lakefront Fat Abbey Ale all night with your list!! (while supplies last...)
Here's how it works... you make a list on the giant post-it notes...you hang up your list on the wall for the world to see.....I give YOU a wrist-band to drink from the barrel of Fat Abbey Ale that's behind the bar! (tremendous....right?)
2. Q: So come again.... What's a Top Ten Party again?
A: It's a chance to talk about & listen to great music with like-minded individuals!
Music geeks unite! Giant post-it notes up of our lists gallery style, discussion, listening, guest DJ sets, mix CD exchange, comparing of notes & reflection on your favorite musical moments of the year with people !
3. Q: What should I bring?
A: A few recommended items include:
-Your list of favorite albums of 2008
-A few copies of mix CDs with songs from your favorite albums to give away for the "Mix CD Exchange"
-An iPod or CD's loaded with your favorite songs for your "Guest DJ Set"
4. Q: What's with the guest DJ sets?
A: Fat Abbey has graciously agreed to let us control the music & DJ booth for the night....& that means you!
Bring your iPod or loaded CDs & you can blast your favorite songs of the year for our special guest DJ sets! Never heard Deerhunter played in a bar before? well.... now you will
5. Q: ...and the Mix CD Exchange?
A: You bring the love....we share the love...
This really does work much better if a lot of people do it.... bring in copies of mix CDs with your favorite songs (AND TRACK LISTINGS!) and trade em up.....
I recommend 4-5 copies or so (but if you want to do more or less....totally up to you dude).
6: Q: Who's invited & what if i'm not a music geek?
A: EVERYBODY & if not a music geek... fear not!
All friends & friends of friends welcome--(yes...even if you don't know me!) The great thing about this for the non-music-geek is that this really is a great opportunity to catch up on all of the great albums you missed out on!
7. Q: So then...does that mean I don't have to make a list?
A: NO!
Ya gotta try.... that is the one thing....do you have to do 10 albums? (probably not)... but we need to see something so we at least know where you're at. (your punishment for no list will be....drum roll....no wristband for free beer)
8. Q: So where's Fat Abbey?
A: 134 E Juneau Ave Milwaukee WI
GO UPSTAIRS when you get there!! Fat Abbey is the tremendous bier cafe that was previously "The Lodge" right off of Water St.
corresponding map-age.... http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=134+juneau+milwaukee&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.371289,75.761719&ie=UTF8&ll=43.046672,-87.912126&spn=0.007057,0.018497&z=16&g=134+juneau+milwaukee&iwloc=addr
9: Q: Is it Free?
A: Yes! (but there's a catch....We're now listener supported...)
With the change of location & natural expansion of the "Top Ten Party", we are moving to the "Listener Supported" model. Fat Abbey has graciously donated the space. (which we are very grateful for) However- beer, giant post-it notes, sharpies & mostly beer... all cost money (not a ton of money...but still takes a few bucks to put this together...). I am shamelessly asking for a small donation for those who feel this is valuable enough to keep alive for future years.... OK, end of shameless plea.
10: Q: My head is spinning....I have other questions that weren't covered here.... help me!
A: No biggie....just drop me an e-mail at matthewberinger@yahoo.com or gimme a buzz at 414-333-6634 with anything further.
Don't worry too much about the "What do I Bring", "I don't have a list" & "What's this gonna be" kinda stuff....Just think of it as a great place for a music fan to finish off the year & a fun way to spend a sunday night.
See you there!
Erv's Best Of '08
I want to just preface this by saying this has been an interesting year for me, musically speaking. I have taken my "seeking" to new heights this year. I have legally bought almost 4gb worth of music this year, and most of it wasn't new. This year has expanded my tastes to the point where freaking Hans Zimmer made it on my list. hahaha....
With that being said here is my list in some type of better to best order!
Enjoy, make-fun of me, check it out, whatever:
10. Hans Zimmer/James Newton Howard- "The Dark Knight"
I think the only reason this one is so low on my list is because I've spent the least amount of time with this album. I only bought it about a week ago but I have already listened to this about a dozen times (which is saying something when this album clocks in at about 1 hour 15 minutes). Put your thoughts of the movie aside when listening to this. This has a very Nine Inch Nails feel to the whole album. It makes me wish Reznor would do more movie scoring. This CD opens with the Joker theme, that single note (just pitch shifted) played on the Cello. Creepy.... From that point it draws you in to a mixture of technology meets Orchestral scoring. I am not really all that great at describing Scores or anything so just check it out!
9. The Alkaline Trio- Agony And Irony
I probably will receive some crap for this pick, and deservedly so. I do have a soft spot for Pop Punk still, and I got this album at a very interesting time in my life where a lot of the songs just hit me really quick and mirrored what I was feeling at that time.
That being said, Jerry Abrams really helped Alk3 bring it home on this one. 11 finally crafted pop songs done is classic Alk3 style, but with great production and phenomenal vocals (something which seems to allude these guys some times). Songs about being lonely forever, songs about being single surrounded by a world full of "couples" being all in love and that bull shit. Most of Dan's songs on this CD are essentially just saying "Fuck it, I give up" but presented in a way that alludes that he's not really losing hope at all.
This album over-all is a bit different then your normal Alkaline albums musically speaking. They seem to have focused more efforts on crafting a well balanced song, instead of falling into the Punk Trio curse where you either play way to simple or way to much. The bass playing is what struck out to me first. It has been toned back on this album compared to their previous efforts. Usually Dan is all over the place (which I enjoy, and he's good at), however this ablum he's sticking closer to just the root notes. Matt's guitar playing sounds like he might have taken some lessons and really practiced hard on hitting those notes (that's not meant to sound the way it does, he just plays waaaay better now). The drumming is stellar, like normal.
I dunno, I don't have to keep justifing my pick to you guys, it's my pick! hahaha!
8. Deerhunter - MicroCastle/Weird Era Cont
This is my first introduction to Deerhunter. I approve. I think Matt wrote something about an interview where they were really listening to a lot '60s music but he couldn't really see it reflected in the music. I certainly can however. It has hints of the more experimental stuff that came out. I'm thinking things along the lines of the Beach Boys - "Pet Sounds" and albums like that. Now please don't misunderstand me and by this thinking you are going to receive a modern day "Pet Sounds", 'cause you won't.
This album is more about tones and creating moods than it is about "pop" music in my mind. One of those albums to be listened to as a whole. There are few stand-out tracks (Nothing Ever Happened To Me, for example). This is a good album to put on while browsing through the books at your favorite book store. It doesn't really get all loud and in your face, but it doesn't really get very quiet either. It's like drinking some Shiner Bock, it just goes down smooth!
7. Common- Universal Mind Control
I've been getting more into hip-hop this year, among other things. Commons new disc just came out a few weeks ago, but it has already made its way into heavy rotation for me. Produced by Common and The Neptunes (some others in there too), it's a very danceable disc. The sexual energy on this is through the roof though. I honestly don't have to much to say about this disc 'cause I don't have a lot of knowledge about the genre. Its just full of great beats, and Common's rhymes, like always, are well thought out and constructed.
6. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
What can I say about Girl Talk that Matt and Alex already haven't.
Party Recipe: 1 Part Girl Talk, 1 part dance floor, 2 parts booze, 1 part dudes, 3 parts chicks.
5. Kid, You'll Move Mountains - Loomings
I really like this band A LOT!!! I don't given a flying flip if they are "local" or whatever. This disc is brilliant and makes me excited to see what they will be comming up with in the future.
I'm not 100% sure if this disc qualifies for this list or not because they were giving people free downloads of it at this show in the video below (I think if you look close enough you might even see me there, haha). The disc officially comes out in Jan '09 I believe.
This is what I consider to be good indie rock. In my mind Indie should be more about experimentation with the "pop" styles/structures then trying to fit into a certain niche or trying to sound like what everyone else is doing (which in my eyes tends to be the case now-a-days).
First off, their bass player doesn't even really play a bass (most of the time). Then they have a guitar player whose pedal board has so many lights on it, it feels like you are looking down on a city from a plane, hahaha. Jim's lyrics are very coy and thought provoking, without ever being overly discriptive, leaving just enough to the imagination for your own interpretation.
If you get a chance, check these guys out or book'em a show!
4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
This disc seems like its been around forever. A lot has already been said about this disc. I don't know if it's really worth expanding on all that much.
This is just another calm, smooth disc. Everyone, young to old, seems to find something about this disc to like. It makes me wish for more music along these lines, it also really makes me wanna listen to the English Beat a ton too.
Oh, and apparently Scott Baio's son is the bass player....
3. NERD - Seeing Sounds
My old manager gave me a copy of this disc this summer and said "Listen to this and thank me later." When someone hands me a disc and says something like that (happens more than you would think) I usually accept the disc, look at them and smile politely and say thanks and expect the worse. Into the 2nd song I sent my manager a text saying "Holy shit this is amazing!"
It's awesome when artists as big and influential as The Neptunes are given carte blanche to make whatever they want, because they end up making albums like this. Soulful, thought provoking, well structured, a glimpse at the future of hip-hop, a bit silly at times, but overall a great album.
Their track "Sooner Or Later" has been one of my favorite tracks (new or old) of this year. Goes from a slower R+B track to an insane guitar solo at the end, all while keeping soulfully sung choruses.
If you don't like hip-hop, buy this disc, if you love hip-hop, buy this disc!
2. Kings Of Leon- Only By Night
This was a total impulse buy. I have never really listened to this band, or payed much attention to them. Sort of that pretty indie rocker boy image or something, who knows why. This disc has a very groove orientated '70s feel to it. Bass lines just suck you into songs like "Crawl." I find myself putting this disc on a lot and just getting lost into it, whether I'm at work or warming up before band practice, or kicking everyones ass in the game Soul Caliber II, haha..
The vocals are the highlight of this disc to me. He is one of those singers that makes you FEEL what he's dropping on you. The amount of soul in his voice is something that I'm not all that used to hearing in my mere 27 years of life.
This is another one of those albums this year that I bought and hit me like a freight train. Right album at the right time of my life.
I really wish I was a much more skilled writer so I could actually convey my appreciation and understanding of this album, but I lack the vocabulary and the writing prowess. So just come and talk to me about it and see my face light up with joy and that should say it all!
1. Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
This is another album that many people, many better people, have written about that I can't really expand to much on.
First off, let me say that I don't think enough credit is being given to Brian Eno on this one. A lot of the "sonic landscapes" of this album are coming from him. In my mind that is what is making this album truly a work of art. The songs are amazing, don't get me wrong, but with the help of Eno it just catapults this album into a whole new level that very few bands will ever achieve, and seldom achieve twice.
Now I'm probably gonna get a lot of flack for the following statement, but I'm going to say it anyways. I honestly, and whole heartedly feel that this album in about 20 years will be looked at the way our generation looks at the Beatles' "White Album." It will be one of those albums that people can't believe you've never heard, or if you speak ill of it people ridicule you.
Like the Kings Of Leon CD, I also tend to get totally and utterly lost inside of this album. Songs like "Strawberry Swing" and "Cemeteries of London" have literally stopped me in my tracks because I forgot what I was doing. This is one of the very few albums I have that I can literally do nothing and just sit and listen to it. I don't have to read a book or be working or driving. I can just be sitting in an easy chair and be lost in the ethereal sounds.
Lyrically it's what to be expected from Coldplay, but with a broader view and more knowledge of the human psyche it seems.
I honestly don't know what else I feel equipped to write about on this one. If you don't have it, just buy it, or I'll give you a copy. I am honestly more surprised that this didn't make more lists. I feel as if a lot of people don't want to put it on because it's "Coldplay" but fuck that jazz and get over it. This is an amazing album!
Honorable Mentions
Cruiserweight - Bold Letters: Pop punk with chick vocals. This band always puts me in a good mood. This one was on my first draft of this list, but The Dark Knight sorta bumped it out along with Alk 3.
Thrice - Alchemy Index Vol III-IV: The continuation from last years "Alchemy Index Vol I-II". Also on the first draft of my list and bumped for the same reason, although a much harder bump. Vol III is titled "Air" and has a lot of ambient and sweeping tones throughout, a good one to drive to. Vol IV is titled "Earth" and is all acoustic. So imagine a once hard-core band turned arty hard-core turned indie, then the acoustic version. Pretty good actually.
Biggest Letdowns
The Fireman - Electric Argument: I really really really want to like this one more, just don't see it happening. The latest project from Paul McCartney with some dude named Young. No idea. A handful of the songs are good by themself, but as a whole this album is a snooze and hard to listen to front to back. Booo...
The Jealous Sound - Got Friends EP: The song "Got Friends" = amazing. The other 2 songs and the remixes of "Got Friends" are a let down. I've been waiting soooooo long for some new Jealous Sound stuff and heard their song "Got Friends" i had such high hopes (and still do sorta). I just hope the full length (whenever/if ever) comes out, it delivers the goods!
Thanks for taking the time to read my rambles. I could go on and on, but I'll save you all from that!
With that being said here is my list in some type of better to best order!
Enjoy, make-fun of me, check it out, whatever:
10. Hans Zimmer/James Newton Howard- "The Dark Knight"I think the only reason this one is so low on my list is because I've spent the least amount of time with this album. I only bought it about a week ago but I have already listened to this about a dozen times (which is saying something when this album clocks in at about 1 hour 15 minutes). Put your thoughts of the movie aside when listening to this. This has a very Nine Inch Nails feel to the whole album. It makes me wish Reznor would do more movie scoring. This CD opens with the Joker theme, that single note (just pitch shifted) played on the Cello. Creepy.... From that point it draws you in to a mixture of technology meets Orchestral scoring. I am not really all that great at describing Scores or anything so just check it out!
9. The Alkaline Trio- Agony And IronyI probably will receive some crap for this pick, and deservedly so. I do have a soft spot for Pop Punk still, and I got this album at a very interesting time in my life where a lot of the songs just hit me really quick and mirrored what I was feeling at that time.
That being said, Jerry Abrams really helped Alk3 bring it home on this one. 11 finally crafted pop songs done is classic Alk3 style, but with great production and phenomenal vocals (something which seems to allude these guys some times). Songs about being lonely forever, songs about being single surrounded by a world full of "couples" being all in love and that bull shit. Most of Dan's songs on this CD are essentially just saying "Fuck it, I give up" but presented in a way that alludes that he's not really losing hope at all.
This album over-all is a bit different then your normal Alkaline albums musically speaking. They seem to have focused more efforts on crafting a well balanced song, instead of falling into the Punk Trio curse where you either play way to simple or way to much. The bass playing is what struck out to me first. It has been toned back on this album compared to their previous efforts. Usually Dan is all over the place (which I enjoy, and he's good at), however this ablum he's sticking closer to just the root notes. Matt's guitar playing sounds like he might have taken some lessons and really practiced hard on hitting those notes (that's not meant to sound the way it does, he just plays waaaay better now). The drumming is stellar, like normal.
I dunno, I don't have to keep justifing my pick to you guys, it's my pick! hahaha!
8. Deerhunter - MicroCastle/Weird Era ContThis is my first introduction to Deerhunter. I approve. I think Matt wrote something about an interview where they were really listening to a lot '60s music but he couldn't really see it reflected in the music. I certainly can however. It has hints of the more experimental stuff that came out. I'm thinking things along the lines of the Beach Boys - "Pet Sounds" and albums like that. Now please don't misunderstand me and by this thinking you are going to receive a modern day "Pet Sounds", 'cause you won't.
This album is more about tones and creating moods than it is about "pop" music in my mind. One of those albums to be listened to as a whole. There are few stand-out tracks (Nothing Ever Happened To Me, for example). This is a good album to put on while browsing through the books at your favorite book store. It doesn't really get all loud and in your face, but it doesn't really get very quiet either. It's like drinking some Shiner Bock, it just goes down smooth!
7. Common- Universal Mind ControlI've been getting more into hip-hop this year, among other things. Commons new disc just came out a few weeks ago, but it has already made its way into heavy rotation for me. Produced by Common and The Neptunes (some others in there too), it's a very danceable disc. The sexual energy on this is through the roof though. I honestly don't have to much to say about this disc 'cause I don't have a lot of knowledge about the genre. Its just full of great beats, and Common's rhymes, like always, are well thought out and constructed.
6. Girl Talk - Feed The AnimalsWhat can I say about Girl Talk that Matt and Alex already haven't.
Party Recipe: 1 Part Girl Talk, 1 part dance floor, 2 parts booze, 1 part dudes, 3 parts chicks.
5. Kid, You'll Move Mountains - LoomingsI really like this band A LOT!!! I don't given a flying flip if they are "local" or whatever. This disc is brilliant and makes me excited to see what they will be comming up with in the future.
I'm not 100% sure if this disc qualifies for this list or not because they were giving people free downloads of it at this show in the video below (I think if you look close enough you might even see me there, haha). The disc officially comes out in Jan '09 I believe.
This is what I consider to be good indie rock. In my mind Indie should be more about experimentation with the "pop" styles/structures then trying to fit into a certain niche or trying to sound like what everyone else is doing (which in my eyes tends to be the case now-a-days).
First off, their bass player doesn't even really play a bass (most of the time). Then they have a guitar player whose pedal board has so many lights on it, it feels like you are looking down on a city from a plane, hahaha. Jim's lyrics are very coy and thought provoking, without ever being overly discriptive, leaving just enough to the imagination for your own interpretation.
If you get a chance, check these guys out or book'em a show!
4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire WeekendThis disc seems like its been around forever. A lot has already been said about this disc. I don't know if it's really worth expanding on all that much.
This is just another calm, smooth disc. Everyone, young to old, seems to find something about this disc to like. It makes me wish for more music along these lines, it also really makes me wanna listen to the English Beat a ton too.
Oh, and apparently Scott Baio's son is the bass player....
3. NERD - Seeing SoundsMy old manager gave me a copy of this disc this summer and said "Listen to this and thank me later." When someone hands me a disc and says something like that (happens more than you would think) I usually accept the disc, look at them and smile politely and say thanks and expect the worse. Into the 2nd song I sent my manager a text saying "Holy shit this is amazing!"
It's awesome when artists as big and influential as The Neptunes are given carte blanche to make whatever they want, because they end up making albums like this. Soulful, thought provoking, well structured, a glimpse at the future of hip-hop, a bit silly at times, but overall a great album.
Their track "Sooner Or Later" has been one of my favorite tracks (new or old) of this year. Goes from a slower R+B track to an insane guitar solo at the end, all while keeping soulfully sung choruses.
If you don't like hip-hop, buy this disc, if you love hip-hop, buy this disc!
2. Kings Of Leon- Only By NightThis was a total impulse buy. I have never really listened to this band, or payed much attention to them. Sort of that pretty indie rocker boy image or something, who knows why. This disc has a very groove orientated '70s feel to it. Bass lines just suck you into songs like "Crawl." I find myself putting this disc on a lot and just getting lost into it, whether I'm at work or warming up before band practice, or kicking everyones ass in the game Soul Caliber II, haha..
The vocals are the highlight of this disc to me. He is one of those singers that makes you FEEL what he's dropping on you. The amount of soul in his voice is something that I'm not all that used to hearing in my mere 27 years of life.
This is another one of those albums this year that I bought and hit me like a freight train. Right album at the right time of my life.
I really wish I was a much more skilled writer so I could actually convey my appreciation and understanding of this album, but I lack the vocabulary and the writing prowess. So just come and talk to me about it and see my face light up with joy and that should say it all!
1. Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His FriendsThis is another album that many people, many better people, have written about that I can't really expand to much on.
First off, let me say that I don't think enough credit is being given to Brian Eno on this one. A lot of the "sonic landscapes" of this album are coming from him. In my mind that is what is making this album truly a work of art. The songs are amazing, don't get me wrong, but with the help of Eno it just catapults this album into a whole new level that very few bands will ever achieve, and seldom achieve twice.
Now I'm probably gonna get a lot of flack for the following statement, but I'm going to say it anyways. I honestly, and whole heartedly feel that this album in about 20 years will be looked at the way our generation looks at the Beatles' "White Album." It will be one of those albums that people can't believe you've never heard, or if you speak ill of it people ridicule you.
Like the Kings Of Leon CD, I also tend to get totally and utterly lost inside of this album. Songs like "Strawberry Swing" and "Cemeteries of London" have literally stopped me in my tracks because I forgot what I was doing. This is one of the very few albums I have that I can literally do nothing and just sit and listen to it. I don't have to read a book or be working or driving. I can just be sitting in an easy chair and be lost in the ethereal sounds.
Lyrically it's what to be expected from Coldplay, but with a broader view and more knowledge of the human psyche it seems.
I honestly don't know what else I feel equipped to write about on this one. If you don't have it, just buy it, or I'll give you a copy. I am honestly more surprised that this didn't make more lists. I feel as if a lot of people don't want to put it on because it's "Coldplay" but fuck that jazz and get over it. This is an amazing album!
Honorable Mentions
Cruiserweight - Bold Letters: Pop punk with chick vocals. This band always puts me in a good mood. This one was on my first draft of this list, but The Dark Knight sorta bumped it out along with Alk 3.
Thrice - Alchemy Index Vol III-IV: The continuation from last years "Alchemy Index Vol I-II". Also on the first draft of my list and bumped for the same reason, although a much harder bump. Vol III is titled "Air" and has a lot of ambient and sweeping tones throughout, a good one to drive to. Vol IV is titled "Earth" and is all acoustic. So imagine a once hard-core band turned arty hard-core turned indie, then the acoustic version. Pretty good actually.
Biggest Letdowns
The Fireman - Electric Argument: I really really really want to like this one more, just don't see it happening. The latest project from Paul McCartney with some dude named Young. No idea. A handful of the songs are good by themself, but as a whole this album is a snooze and hard to listen to front to back. Booo...
The Jealous Sound - Got Friends EP: The song "Got Friends" = amazing. The other 2 songs and the remixes of "Got Friends" are a let down. I've been waiting soooooo long for some new Jealous Sound stuff and heard their song "Got Friends" i had such high hopes (and still do sorta). I just hope the full length (whenever/if ever) comes out, it delivers the goods!
Thanks for taking the time to read my rambles. I could go on and on, but I'll save you all from that!
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