Ears Are For Feeling

March 2014 Top 20

Here are, with some delay, my twenty favourite tracks from march, with no less than 4 Dutch acts, (Krach, Hello Venray, Solitary ZEBRA, Apneu).

Best song of the month:

   

full March playlist: here

1. The Orwells – Dirty Sheets

2. Roosevelt - Sea

3. The Horrors – So Now You Know

4. Cloud Nothings – I’m Not A Part of Me

5. Psychic Twin – Dream State

6. Krach – River Phoenix

7. Big Data Ft. Joywave – Dangerous

8. Hello Venray – Two Feet

9. Childhood – Solemn Skies

10. Solitary ZEBRA - forward

11. Mas Ysa – Look Up (Yes)

12. Sisyphus – Take Me

13.  Broken Bells – Medicine

14. Perfect Pussy - Driver

15. Hunters – Undone

16. Apneu – Hard Feelings

17. White Lung – Drown With The Monster

18. Damon Albarn – Lonely Press Play

19. Drowners – Well, People Will Talk

20. Timber Timbre - Hot Dreams

enjoy!

The Sound of 2013 Pt.3

We have arrived at my 20 most listened to/favourite/addictive albums of 2013. This time around, numbers 20-17.

I must say it has become a really nice list when I look at it. It gets better and better. I'd like to add that this is (ofcourse) mainly based on my personal flavour and that it contains what I like so much about these bands and albums and why you should listen to them yourself as well.

Most of all, enjoy the music:

20. Herrek – Waktu Dulu, Snowstar Records, February 11^th, Folk/Neo-Folk/Singer-Songwriter

                Gerrit (Herrek) van der Scheer’s new music project, which he already started in 2008, but the debut album was only released last year. An album full of feeling, reflecting on his past as a young boy growing up in Indonesia. This is folk like you’ve never heard before, dreamy and dark flavoured but also really with a tropical feel to it. A quick taste: 

 

Sounds great right? For me, this was the Dutch album that has grown the most on me, you can hear the stories, you can even feel like you are in Indonesia. The vibes on this LP are absolutely amazing. Songs like The Dark and Drown are absolute gems for the Dutch schene. But as so often with many great Dutch folk acts, Herrek has remained in the dark. Unfortunately.

So start listening now:

 

 

19. Dope Body – Natural History, Drag City, June 6^th 2012, Noise Rock/Experimental/Alternative

Probably one of the hardest-to-define bands around, Dope Body definitely has their own identity. While chilling out from their previous work, still being invited to Metal-ish-like festival says a lot. Although I wonder if the programmers even knew what they were inviting.

I will try to explain to you, what I like so much about this album (already released in 2012, hitting Europe somewhat later). This explanation is necessary, simply because….. this music is uncomfortable, spine-twisting and perhaps confuses the untrained listener.

 

Deep, complicated and heavy rhythms with intense vocals, giving the song an atmosphere that changes every 0.5 seconds. This is the kind of music that simply takes time understand, but when you do the reward is there for the taking. Music that intrigues, excites that, for me, is ideal for letting go of frustration but also just when lying on the couch.

From Road Dog to Twice The Life, the songsshow that, on the one hand the band knows their own identity and how far can they go, on the other, they show the diversity of the band. And the diversity is definitely one of the strengths of this LP, which I have been almost listening to for 12 months now, and it has not bored me one second.

 

 

18. Thee Oh Sees – Floating Coffin, Castle Face Records, April 16^th,Garage/Indie-Rock/Neo-Psych/Alternative Rock

One of the most outstanding Indie bands of the last few years, unfortunately went on hiatus this year, but not before going off the stage with a bang. For a band that is characterized by releasing large amounts of material in short time, this LP might be the first one that is consistent in providing high quality songs. And I mean real high quality songs.

photo from: kickingthehabit.nl

 

This is one of my favourite tracks from the LP, since it is one of its kind. The rest of the album is packed with the more hyperactive tracks that we are used of getting from the band. There is no slowing this band down, I mean…. It is their 7^th LP since 2008. But this one is their best one, for sure. From the first track onwards, just one after the other, the ultimate garage jams with psychedelic flavours are coming at you. I’m not complaining.

 

17. Speedy Ortiz – Major Arcana

This is definitely the most underrated album in Europe. It has it all, grungy guitars, raw garage songs, poetic lyrics. Speedy Ortiz is one of the revelations of 2013 for me. A band that has come on the radar in the US this year and they prove to be one of the acts to watch in years to come, with a stunning debut LP.

 

photo from kickingthehabit.nl

That was some rollercoaster ride huh? The album is full of these songs, the band sounds good going fast and slow, going loud and slow. But most of all, the bounds sounds edgy and raw on the right way. No song is too polished, too slick. Everything is just right, the vocals are spot on, the voice of ….. is simply amazing. Everytime I read the lyrics of the songs, I’m can’t help but feel total awesomeness. Total 90ies sound. What’s not to love?

 

4 more albums will follow soon.

Links to playlists and the youtube channel on the right.

December 2013 Top 20

Somewhat late, but here are my favourite 20 tracks from december.

Links to the youtube channel on the right:

Enjoy!

1. The Black Angels – Evil Things
2. Metronomy – I’m Aquarius
3. St. Vincent – Birth in Reverse
4. Menace Beach – Fortune Teller
5. Pear Shape – Carousel
6. Night Panther - Fire
7. Fuzz – Loose Sutures
8. Logos - Seawolf
9. Wimps – Repeat
10. Superfood - Melting
11. Danny Brown Ft. A$AP Rocky – Kush Coma
12. Thomas Azier – Ghostcity
13. Birds of Tokyo - Lanterns
14. Rita Zapora – Wasem
15. Yellow Red Sparks – Mr. Wonderful
16. Vincent van Gogh – Resistor
17. Fanfarlo – A Distance
18. The Black Angels – Holland
19. Suburban Living – Always Eyes
20. Ra Ra Riot – Binary Mind

The Sound of 2013 Pt. 1

 

For me ‘listing time’ is Januari, not around Christmas. I mean, the year is not even over. So...... here we go. 2013, musically for me was a year of many different flavors. Hip-hop’s resurrection continued, with the increasing popularity of decent Hip-hop acts like A$AP Rocky, Lamar and more experimental work from Kanye, Death Grips (which are hardly Hip-hop anymore). Dutch alternative music in general, has improved somewhat. And with improved I mean, I got the feeling there was a little bit more room for ‘real’ alternative music in the Dutch music industry. But we still have a long, long way to go. Also, the 80ies returning more than ever, as a decade which we are only just discovering. Synths everywhere.

To show what I think is the best music of 2013, I’ve made a list of, according to my humble opinion, the best 50 albums of the year. Be aware there is a bias in this list. I am biased towards bands that deserve my attention and yours, since they are, by far, not getting enough. So I’d like to state that for completeness the LPs from bands like Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Sigur Ros, Disclosure, Haim, MBV, Atoms for Peace or  Kanye (and I can name a few more, it was a good year), should and can be in there somewhere. But still the list is filled with albums I’ve listened to for ages.

Below is the first part of the list. These are the albums 50 till 36. After the band and title (italic), are in the following order: Label, Release Date, Genre and the titles to a few highlight tracks.

Some of these tracks are added to the blog's main playlist.

For the most impressive 20 albums, I will post a more extensive description on the blog soon.

Enjoy.

50. The Black Angels – Indigo Meadow, Blue Horizon Ventures, May 17^th,Neo-Psych/Garage/Alternative Rock,

-     Holland, Love Me Forever, You’re Mine

One of my all-time favorite bands returns with a LP with many flavors. They still have their dark Neo-Psych sound, but a large step in direction of more catchy pop songs, was a very smart move.

49. California X – California X, Don Giovanni Records, January 20^th, Hard Rock/Punk Rock

-          Pond Rot, Spider X, Curse Of The Nightmare

While the name suggests they are from Cali, this 3-piece Hard Rock outfit origins in Massachussets. All I actually have to say is, this is one of the most explosive LPs of the year.

48. Hundred Waters – Hundred Waters, OWSLA, September 21th 2012, Indie/Art Rock/Electronica/Neo-Folk

                -      Boreal, Thistle, Visitor

Released on Skrillex’s label this is not one for bro-step lovers. Combining electronic minimalism with folky vocals, these harmonious songs will take you to the sky.

47. Applescal – Dreaming in Key, Atomnation, February 5^th, Electronica/Ambient/ Techno

                -       Boys, Spring and Life, Thanks for Fun

So there is actually talent for some more than decent alternative electronic music in the Netherlands.

46. Forest Swords – Engravings, Tri Angle Records, August 26^th, Experimental/Electronica/Triphop

                -        The Weight Of Gold,  Friend, You Will Never Learn,  Ljoss

After a stunning EP, a more stunning debut album. This man is pushing the boundaries.

45. Purling Hiss – Water on Mars, Drag City, March 19^th, Alternative Rock/Rock/Blues Rock

                -        Mercury Retrograde, Lolita, Mary Bumble Bee

An album that had to grow on me. But hell it did. From gnarly and heavy to clean and poppy and back, but most of all: amazingly strong tracks.

44. Porcelain Raft – Permanent Signal, Secretly Canadian, Augusth 20^th, Indie-pop/Electronica/Indie-Rock

-            The Way Out, Think of The Ocean, Cluster

Mauro Remiddi has hit gold with his second LP. Hitting the right atmosphere on every single track.

43. Still Corners – Strange Pleasures, Sub Pop, May 7^th, Dream Pop/Indie-Pop/New Wave

                -       Berlin Lovers, Fireflies, Future Age

The 80ies are reborn on this dreamy masterpiece by this London-based duo. 

42. Some Ember – Asleep in the Ice Palace, Crash Symbols/Night People Records, April 4^th, New Wave/Electronica/Dream Pop

                -       Flowers Open, Asleep in the Ice Palace, Revelation

More New Wave greatness, from another duo. But more intense, with a deeper melancholic feel to it, like a dark Depeche Mode.

41. Autre ne Veut – Anxiety, Software Recording Co., Februari 26th, Alternative R&B

                -      Play by Play, World War, A Lie

I thought I was done listening to R&B forever, till last year(2012) something called alternative R&B emerged. This might be ‘the’ genre-defining LP. These songs about love and death hurt, but are among the most beautiful, that I’ve heard in 2013.

40. Automatic Sam – Sonic Whip, Quadrofoon Records, August 17^th, Indie-Rock/Hard Rock/Punk Rock

                -       Set It Right, I Island, Sonic Whip

Best piece of rough rock’n roll from Dutch soil. Explosive, high-paced and catchy, this LP is a rollercoaster ride.

39. Woodkid – The Golden Age, Green United Music, March 18^th, Neo-folk/Experimental/Baroque Pop

                -         I Love You, Iron, Conquest of Spaces

French producer that should stick to making his own music. These folky pop songs would fit in any epic drama movie.

38. Spilt Milk – Funeral Blues, Subbacultcha!, May 8^th, Folk/Indie

                -         Tea at The Palaz of Hoon, A Late Walk, All The Tired Horses

What started out as a gimmick album to me (using relatively unknown poems as lyrics for a folk song), has grown to be one of the most impressive Dutch folk albums this year. Hauntingly beautiful at times.

37. The Leisure Society – Alone Aboard The Ark, Full Time Hobby Records, April 16^th, Folk/Indie/Pop

                -          The Sober Scent of Paper, A Softer Voice Takes Longer Hearing, Tearing The Arches Down

This 7-headed English band has made a breakthrough LP. Poppy folk songs that lyric-wise are among the best of the year.

36. Mikal Cronin – MCII, Merge Records, May 7^th, Power Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Garage, Indie-Rock

                -           I’m Done Running From You, Weight, Shout It Out

Singer and songwriting wonderkid Mikal Cronin has delivered an amazing LP again, with more power and more pop, but still absolutely packed with high quality songs.

 

 

So that was it for this time, the next 15 albums, will follow soon. Listen to these amazing bands and enjoy!

November 2013 Top 20

It's almost christmas, but here are still the best 20 new tracks i've come across on the world wide web from november. Indie from all corners and genres. On first place is Sunboy. An american duo, giving off a Tame Impala-like feel, combining neo-psych with typical indie rock, to end up with a sublime and magical song.

Furthermore, I've listened the amazing Speedy Ortiz, Jagwar Ma and Death Grips LPs. Broken Bells, Los Campesinos and Fuck Buttons have gloriously returned, as well as two new dutch acts popping up. Bart van der Lee and Meitje (lead-singer from Wooden Constructions) are becoming great additions to the Dutch indie scene.

Full playlist here: November 2013

 

Also for many more great music and videos, visit the youtube channel.

Subscriptions and views are very much appreciated.

 

top 20:

1.Sunboy – Highway Screamin’

2. Speedy Ortiz - Gary

3. Skaters – I Wanna Dance (But I Don’t Know How)

4. Broods – Bridges

5. Death Grips – Whatever I Want (Fuck who’s watching)

6. Throwing Muses - Static

7. Destroyer – El Rito

8. Meitje Ft. Awkward I – Rainy Days

9. The 1975 – She Way Out

10. Bart van der Lee – Drown In These Arms

11. Connan Mockasin – I’m The Man That Will Find You

12. Fuck Buttons – Stalker

13. Jagwar Ma - Uncertainty

14. Gambles – So I Cry Out

15. The Dirtbombs – Sugar on Top

16. Ladytron – White Gold – Tarsius Remix

17. Revere – I Won’t Blame You

18. Four Tet – Aerial

19. Los Campesinos – Avocado, Baby.

20. Broken Bells – Holding On for Life

 

Enjoy!

October 2013 Top 20

It's time for twenty of the best new tracks again, this time of last October. So what's in it? First off let me talk about Mas Ysa. This canadian electronic artist, who learned the tricks of the trade in Brazil, has after touring with Purity Ring, Wu Tang's RZA and Deerhunter, decided to finally bring release his own music on the internet. The result: a shockwave of positive responses on the internet. The mix of on the one hand, classic dancefloor and the emotional load of folk music. It's crazy to think about it even when you've already heard it. Music is ever-evolving.

Check it out:

 

 

So what else is on the list: Son Lux's (another somewhat experimental electronic artist) album has been the absolute favourite of this month when it comes to full LPs. Definitely an unique sound. Wilson, Pins, Wampire and Findlay (see London Calling) are some of the other best newcomers. 

The returns of Warpaint, Islands and Anna Calvi are worth mentioning. And yet again, they don´t dissapoint one bit. Warpaint has evolved their sound in a way that it is not as accessible anymore at first listen, but this song ranks with the best by them. Islands is still a band that for me shows what American Indie is all about, but unfortunately still remains largely unknown in the Netherlands. So make sure, you´re not missing out any longer.

Before i forget, like halfway through this last October I had a honest OMG-moment. New material by the Pixies. I rest my case.

So here´s the full list:

1. Mas Ysa - Why
2. Jonathan Wilson - Her Hair is Growing Long
3. Son Lux - Lost It To Trying
4. Wampire - The Hearse
5. Warpaint - Love is to Die
6. Islands - Becoming The Gunship
7. PINS - Girls Like Us
8. Son Lux - Pyre
9. Asgeir - King and Cross
10. Gesaffelstein - Hate or Glory
11. Elephant - Shapeshifter
12. Jungle - The Heat
13. Findlay - Greasy Love
14. Pixies - What Goes Boom
15. Anna Calvi - Eliza
16. Broods - Bridges
17. Agnes Obel - Aventine
18. Arcade Fire Ft. Peter Gabriel - Games Without Frontiers
19. Circa Waves - Get Away
20. Amason - Went To War

Full playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4PtUv7fStCjA0txMgSpOXDz_T-x-_B5&feature=mh_lolz

more playlists on the right...

Views and Subscriptions are really appreciated.

You mis anything? let me know.

photo from: brooklynvegan.com

 

 

September 2013 Top 20

Here we go, the twenty best tracks of the past month. Somewhat later than usual, I have been somewhat busy this last week, so please bear with me, more posts, album reviews, artist highlights are on the way.

So anyway, september was packed. With some mayor alternative releases (Arctic Monkeys, singles by Arcade Fire, Yuck) and some definite breakthroughs: No Age, Julia Holter. But my mind has mostly been blown to bits by the album Comfort by Splassh. I heard Feels like You already a few months ago, but then for some reason dismissed it, as nothing special. How wrong was I? Might be one of the best albums of the year. So check that out.

Furthermore debut records by Pinkunoizu, Earth Mk. II(dutch), Churches, King Krule (first full lenght album), and many more in the playlist. I feel like this should've been a Top 40. but I guess this will do.

Enjoy!

1.Splashh - Feels Like You
2.Pinkunoizu - Tin Can Valley
3.No Age - Circling With Dizzy
4.Factory Floor - Here Again
5.Arcade Fire - Reflektor
6.The Dodos - Confidence
7.Holograms - Flesh and Bone
8.Earth Mk. II - Together
9.Julia Holter - This Is A True Heart
10.Yuck - Middle Sea
11.Arctic Monkeys - Arabella
12.When We Are Wild - 'scuse me
13.Such Hounds - Sold My Soul
14.The Clean - Dunes
15.Moderat Ft. Lykke Li - I Follow Errors (Lazarus Bootleg)
16.Cave - Shikaakwa
17.Pinkunoizu - Necromancer
18.Churches - Tether
19.King Krule - Neptune Estate
20.Mazzy Star - California

 

Full playlist is on the right, views are appreciated, but above all, I hope you discover some more than decent new tracks.

 

image from: theguardian.co.uk

August 2013 Top 20

August proved to be an interesting month. I Discovered lots of new artists including a new (dutch) favourite of mine (Kleinindustrie), while some other great acts returned and somewhat changed their sound(Eefje de Visser, MGMT, Death Grips). Indie-Rock, Indie-Pop, Post-Punk, Hiphop, Electro it's all there, lined up as the 20 best songs of last month, to my humble, humble opinion.

Link to the full playlist of the blog, can be found in the right column

1.Porcelain Raft - The Way Out
2.Kleinindustrie - Dirt (She is)
3.TV Ghost - Elevator
4.Julia Holter - Horns Surrounding Me
5.St. Lucia - Elevate
6.Death Grips - Birds
7.Okkervil River - Down Down The Deep River
8.The Vaccines - Do You Want A Man? (John Hill & Rich Costey remix)
9.Ski Lodge - Boy
10.Bosnian Rainbows - Turtle Neck
11.Tijuana Panthers - Boardwalk
12.Jon Hopkins Ft. Purity Ring - Breathe This Air
13.Eefje De Visser - Ongeveer
14.MGMT - Your Life Is A Lie
15.Anna Calvi - Eliza
16.Juveniles - Fantasy
17.CUb Sport - Paradise
18.YC The Cynic - GOd Complex
19.Barbarossa - Pagliaccio
20.Uncovered QOTSA Ft. Inara George - No One Knows

Enjoy:

Porcelain Raft - The Way Out:

Porcelain Raft will be playing their so-called 

"Nightmare-Pop" on 

London Calling Festival this near future 

in Amsterdam.

 

July 2013 Top 20

Here it is again, the chart with the 20 best new tracks (to my humble opinion) I have come across.

So what's on there this month? Well Moderat for me had to claim #1 spot. Amazing single, amazing, video, amazing album (titled: II). A breakthrough is at hand for them.

Superfood, if there ever was a promising Britpop band.... Their first track is simply amazing and is very, very promising. 

Money, a band I discovered beacuse of Best Kept Secret festival, makes hauntingly beautiful ambient-like indie-rock track with absolutely stunning vocals. Be sure to check that one out.

Also on the list: the Dutch indie scene has gained a boost with two new interesting acts, namely, Spilt Milk, forgotten poetry transformed into classic folk music and Postmodem, an alternative rock band Postmodem, bringing a sound that reminds me of QotSA, just a little darker and heavier sometimes. This is definitely a band to keep in mind.

Full Playlist of July here:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv4PtUv7fStAS6PVY30UvaR5K3UvHG6li&feature=mh_lolz

Top20:

1. Moderat – Bad Kingdom

2. Superfood - Superfood

3. Money – Hold Me Forever

4. Spilt Milk – Tea at the Palaz of Hoon

5. Porcelain Raft – The Way Out

6. Forest Swords - Miarches

7. Cold War Kids – Lost That Easy.

8. Postmodem – Another Summer.

9. Saint Rich – Officer

10. No Age – An impression

11. Indians – Magic Kids

12. Oceáan – Need U

13. Adventure – Alone

14. Franz Ferdinand – Right Action

15. Washed Out – Don’t Give Up.

16. Menace Beach – Drop Outs

17. MAPS – A.M.A

18. Jorge Elbrecht ft. Ariel Pink– No Real Friend.

19. Bill Ryder Jones – Wild Swans

20. Lonelady – Nerve Up

 

missing something?

let me know.

Enjoy!

June Top 20.

From one of the most underrated bands around(Austra) to a dancefloor killer, from a Bergpop artist to the Monkeys. It's All here. Full playlist with more: here, subscribe to the youtube channel for even more great, great music. MIssing something? let me know.

Enjoy!

1.Washed Out – It All Feels Right

2.Hooded Fang – Bye Bye Land

3. Austra – Hurt Me Now

4. Sic Alps – Carrie Jean

5.Junip – Line of Fire

6.Kid Cadaver - Stable

7.Waxahatchee – Coast to Coast

8.Pond – Xanman

9.Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know?

10.Palms – Future Warrior

11.Mount Moriah - Lament (Uff Légère Edit)

12. Gauntlet Hair – Bad Apple

13.Ghostpoet – Them Waters

14. The XX - Fiction

15.Sophie – Bipp

16.Moderat – Bad Kingdom

17.Amber Arcades – Sit Stiller

18.Money – Bluebell Fields

19.Nightlands – To The Moon

20.Ashley Apollodor - Because

April 2013 Top 20

So here's my latest chart, of April, for you. I suppose it's not as rich as March was, but still above average, with Akron/Family taking the top spot, with an absolute beauty of a song, one of their best.

The Savages album has finally dropped, and it's simply amazing, might be exactly my taste of music, by the way. It is nice Bibio is dropping a new album soon.

Wild Nothing is getting better and better, wow.

Three dutch artists are in here this time around, you may find out, which ones that are, for yourself.

Enjoy!

(All tracks can be found on the youtube channel, the link can be found on the right.)

1.Akron/Family - Until The Morning

2.Savages - Shut Up

3.Drowners - Long Hair

4.Torre Florin & Roos Rebergen - Discotheek

5.Drenge - Bloodsports

6.Les Enfants - Celeste

7.Wild Nothing - A Dancing Shell

8.Ofei - London

9.Pien Feith - Oh Radical Me

10.Most Unpleasant men - Man

11.Tessa Rose Jackson - Again and Again

12.Bibio - You

13.A Place to Bury Strangers - Don't Burn The Fires 

14.DJ Koze Ft. Apparat - Nices Wolkchen

15.Infinity Ink - Infinity

16.Bleached - Next Stop

17.Dawes - From A Window Seat

18.Houses - The Beauty Surrounds

19.Gauntlet Hair - Human Nature 

20.Flak N' Birds - Whatever

March 2013 Top 20

 So spring has finally started, but before we go out and enjoy the sun, here are the twenty best new tracks out there on the world wide web from this march. This is the kind of list where 20 spots is just not enough, what a month.

So we have quite a few new acts here: Jagwar Ma, Blaue Blume Orlando, Earth Mk. II, Natalie McCool, and some of the actual best bands on the planet have dropped new material: Phoenix, Sigur Ros, Vampire Weekend. And this Vampire Weekend song is a special for me, I was never much a fan of their work, but this song has been able to completely turn me around, and the song to be honest is nothing quite like their earlier work. And it was confirmation time for Beach Fossils and Wavves, and they delivered.

The playlist can be found through the link on the right.

 

Here's the list, enjoy!

1. Wavves - Demon to Lean On
2. Jagwar Ma - The Throw
3. Blaue Blume - On New Years Eve
4. Dutch Uncles - Bellio
5. Beach FOssils - Caustic Cross
6. Natalie McCool - Dust & Coal
7. Phoenix - Entertainment
8. Dope Body - Leather Head
9. Vampire Weekend - Step
10. Night Beds - CHerry Blossoms
11. Mary Onettes - HOw It All Ends
12. Earth Mk. II - FOrever Yesterday
13. Phosporescent - A New Anhedonia
14. Orlando - Show Me Where The BUllets Go 
15. Four Tet - FOr These Times
16. MMOSS - Hands
17. Sigur Ros - Brennisteinn
18. Soldier's Heart - African Fire
19. Kapok - MIssing Link
20. Tyler The Creator - IFHY

 

 

 

February 2013 Top 20

So here are again, the twenty most impressive new tracks from last month. With some great albums released last month, this list is pretty amazing.

1. Herrek - Drown

2. Parquet Courts - Borrowed Time

3. Local Natives - Mt. Washington

4. Born Ruffians - With Her Shadow

5. Ducktails - Under Cover

6. Gary Clark Jr. - Ain't Messin' Around

7. Atoms for Peace - Judge Jury and Executioner

8. Applescal - Onetasker

9. Local Natives - Heavy Feet

10. The Leisure Society - The Sober Scent of Paper

11. Kirk Spencer - Kukcu

12.Jim James - A New Life

13.Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Sacrilege

14.Coasts - Oceans

15.My Bloody Valentine - She Found Now

16. Clipping Ft. Baseck - Bout That

17. Wolf Alice - Fluffy

18. Claw Boys Claw - Hammer

19.STRFCKER - Atlantis

20. Crocodiles - No Black Clouds for Dee Dee

All tracks can again be found in the youtube February playlist, you can use the link to the right.

Enjoy!

The Sound of 2012 Pt. 4

With my mind mostly on new music this month, I almost forgot to share my best/favourite 5 albums of 2012.
I must say, it is a crazy mix of albums, going from retro, to mind-blowning hiphop, to semi-electronic folk music.
Are you curious? Can you feel the tension rising?

Let start of with number 5.

5. Balthazar - Rats

First off, I would like to mention that the Belgians have defeated the Dutch, once again.(it is no surprise really, but still.)
And they did it with a band named Balthazar, gotta love the irony huh?
Anyway, This 5-piece band from Flanders has somehow perfected creating easy-going indie-pop songs, with which the album is filled to the roof. A little comparison, The XX have released an album this year, which for me was a bit of a disappointment. BUt this band showed me that making songs in that style, can still be done with so much class and passion.
I mean at first hand, you might think there is not much going on here, but something tells me they do exactly what they aim for, and that.... you can hear.The background singing still gives me the chills, The instrument use is almost experimental at times and the lyrics are still very intriguing, after a few months of listening to this, i'm not done yet.

Photo from: Pias.com

My Key tracks:
The Oldest of Sisters
Sinking Ship (Rats)
Later
Do Not Claim Them Anymore

 

4. Death Grips - The Money Store

If you would've asked me a year ago, what I think of Hiphop right now, I would've claimed it was dying.
But looking at where I am a year later, hiphop has started to catch my attention again, all because of one band, with their own new style of Hiphop.
Even before the release of The Money Store, Death Grips was coming some buzz with their live act. I mean, Power-Hiphop with both balls and brains, played live by a 3-headed band? Yes, please.
They have maybe even created a new genre, but who cares about it, if it could possibly set the rest of the hiphop scene on fire. I hope it already did.
I can imagine the buzz surrounding the live act, is completely true, since, listening to the songs at home, you can already feel the energy.
And when you're mind is blown away by these beats, it's time to check the lyrics. Insane really, one of a kind. And if nothing happens to the mainstream hiphop, then I'll listen to this for another year.(the band has claimed new material is on the way, some is already available on the web.)
Watch out, they might be coming for your brain next.

Warning: not for the faint of heart.

Key Tracks:
Hacker
I've Seen Footage
Lost Boys
The Fever(Aye Aye)

 

 

3. Allah-Las - Allah-Las

Being a music blogger, the hardest thing to do, is convincing the classic music listener (Kinks, Beatles, Stones and so on.) that there are bands that are sort of in the same style,
and that they are just as good, this will cause at least some sort of reaction. Stubborn as they are, stubborn as I am, I claim to have another band for them.
I'm talking about Allah-Las, and at the end of this year, finally, their first-time LP came out. Alot of the tracks were already known, but still the album hit like a bomb.
Still, I guess I should've put this a little lower, since it is only out for one month or so, and that's way too short for an album like this. But then again, they have hit-sensitive songs, deep tracks, and the right attitude, which is more important than you might think.
You have to ask me at the end of 2013 how good this really is, but for now amazing will do. Who cares about not having lived in the 60ies. Well I don't, not anymore at least.

Key tracks:
Catamaran
The Busman's Holiday
Vis-a-Vis
Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)

 

 

2. Django Django - Django Django

How many people even live in Scotland? I mean, how can a country like that produce so many good acts. By far the most impressive from this year was new band Django Django.
Talking about creating your own style. It's definitely alternative that's for sure. A crazy mix of acoustic-sounding guitar, electronic effects/synths, a lot of multi-vocaling and strange lyrics give most tracks an exotic feel.
Don't ask me how, but this has from the day it hit the web, been in my mind. Creativity of the next level, perhaps? Take for example the song firewater, it has all the previously mentioned aspects,
and then a acoustic interval sets in, and you know, you just know it's right. For me the most fascinating thing is, that while they seem to do everything to fall out of line, mos of their tracks are insanely catchy,
and make you want to move and sing, and what not. These guys from Edinburgh have certainly hit the right note on their first album.
You might have noticed the lack of comparisons, well that's because there is none. It serves no purpose, to give you reasons to listen to this. This is one band, that you just have to try out.

My Favourite Tracks:
Firewater
Waveforms
Life's A Beach

  

So what's the only album of last year, that has impressed me more, than every single one mentioned before. In a year like this, with so much new styles and ideas, it had to be an album like no other.
An album full of interesting, long-lasting, beautiful tracks. Django Django was so close.

 

1. Yeasayer - Fragrant World

I guess this is the time, I have to convince you folks, why this is the best album of 2012.
Well it's actually pretty simple, considering what i said before about this year for alternative music.
'Normal' isn't going to cut it anymore. And for me Fragrant World by Yeasayer, is the only album that had it all on every single track. the catchyness at first glance, the originality written all over it and songs that are still beautiful after 200 spins, probably even more beautiful than before.
Also, this album is for me the perfect example, that electronica and in this case folk music, can go hand in hand. And there is always room for sme mroe psychedelic vibe.
Yeasayer was always a bit of a typical outsider, but they have perfected their own style, at least that is what it sounds like.
The singer has improved massively and they are way more creative with especcialy the electronic part of their sound. And that while they already were counted among most creative of bands.
When listening to this album, it is easy to forget, that before this album, they were mainly known for a folky song in the form of 2080.
But still the mix between these two styles, is what still fascinates me, when listening this album, a long time after release. sometimes clearly switching within a song from one style to another, and they all do it in style. Labelling of a certain genre, doesn't cut it.
It's also been a good year for lyrics, and this album might be one of the best examples of just that. Songs about Henrietta Lacks and a weird connection with Reagan? Sign me up!
For me, and that is not what i had expected to say at the beginning of the year, Yeasayer is now one of the top alternative bands alround, that is absolutely vital for New York's electronic rock scene.
Anand Wilder and companions, thank you.

Key Tracks:
Henrietta
Demon Road
Damaged Goods
Reagan's Skeleton
Folk Hero Schtick

 

 This also means, that the complete playlist on my youtube channel is online.

For now, I can only hope 2013 will be even better.

Cheers!

The Sound of 2012 Pt. 2

Down below are the next 5 albums, that belong (according to me) to the best 20 albums of 2012. Showing once again, how good a year 2012 was.

Check it out.

15. Burial - Kindred

Number 15 is a bit of a cheat on my part, it is not a full length album, but just an EP, but then again, the three tracks on here add up to over 30 mins of new and delicious material

SO what's up with this Burial-guy? Since his second LP Untrue, which is a personal gem of mine, he has gone in hiding, at least so it seems. During that period artists that have clearly gained inspiration from him have hit the charts massively, think Skrillex and so on.
Well for me it was like: finally, he's back. And better than ever. These three tracks are among his best material so far, and by this time we also his identity: William Bevan. (he decided to stay anonimous until somewhere in 2008, remarkable for an artist to do this, in this day and age.)
His tracks are like long electronic symphonies from the future, mixing styles all the way from disco to dubstep, of which he is seen as a founding father. The power of these songs is in the length, while a lot of people may be reserved in listening tracks that are this long, but in this case it makes them better,
and the process of the song unfolding is fascinating. Also outstanding are the vocals, in most early-dubstep the vocals are a bit, all over the place, and it seems hard to put them in sync with the song, but this album excels in it.

 

Key Tracks for me:
Well there are only three, so just listen the whole thing, and decide for your own, which is most fascinating. For me: Ashtray Wasp.




14. The Explorers Club - Grand Hotel

All the way at the beginning of 2012 was this amazing (indie-)pop album that reminds me of the old days. This is a reminder how good old-fashioned pop-music can be.
With comparisons to The Beatles, and The Beach Boys, that are not far off, this album contains a whole set of hits basically, almost all very catchy. And with this band being a six-man formation, there is a great diversity in the overall sound of the tracks but also in the use of instruments.
Take for example the instrumental title  track Grand Hotel. Just an amazingly all-round album, and there are bound to be some cool tracks for everyone.

 

Key Tracks for me:
Forever
Summer Days, Summer Nights
Run Run Run
Grand Hotel



13. Husky - Forever So

When this album surfaced, the overall opinion was, that this album was so good, that eventually some people had to take notice. And this album is so good, it almost was the best folk-rock album of the year, and that in a year with a Grizzly Bear album coming out, that's impressive.
Every track on this album, is hitting exactly the right tone. Their sound is very delicate, and the songs contain very subtle surprises, they never go too fast or too slow.
Definitely one of the more surprising hits that came out of nowhere, well... out of Australia(There are some great bands coming from there these days.) And again this is only the debut album.

 

Key Tracks for me:
Dark Sea
The Woods
Fake Moustache

12. Miniature Tigers - MIA PHARAOH

Sometimes it is good to realise that sometimes music just needs to be fun to listen to. That is what made me listen to MIA PHARAOH, this year's album by Miniature Tigers.
They got me hooked with songs like Flower Door and Female Doctor, and besides their great indie-pop style, the lyrics made me smile. But then listening to this album, I found out that there is more to this band.
They go from catchy synth tunes to acoustic guitars, to classic sounding piano, all in one album. This leads to an unique sound which can be described as modern-day ballads with a twist. Wrong in the good sense. One of a kind album.

 

Key Tracks for me:
Flower Door
Female Doctor
Sex on the Regular
Angel Bath

11. DIIV - Oshin

Just outside the top 10 comes DIIV and they released their debut LP Oshin this summer, and what an album it is. With their high tempo dream riffs and with the vocals being up there with the best of em'.
These tracks have a certain attitude hanging over them, they are bigger than the band is right now. I have never listened to a debut album which such majestic songs, they sound very mature in a way that is not common for a first-timer.
The single Doused is the best example of this, one of this year's best tracks. period. The album as a whole is a magnificent one to sit down for and go through it in one stretch, mindblowing in its own fashion.
They are the talent of the year perhaps, let's just see what happen with the next albums. Can't wait.

 

Key Tracks for me:
Doused
Sometime
Past Lives

So that's it for this time, any idea of what's coming next?

 

 

The Sound of 2012 Pt. 1

So I guess it is time for me to talk about what kind of year it has been for alternative music, and what's a better to do this than by making a list of my favourite 20 albums of this year. And what a year it has been.
For me these are the albums that made the year, by being just simply outstanding, or revolutionary, and sometimes unique. Most importantly these albums all delivered a great experience, while listening to it.
I'm going to post this list in 4 steps of 5 albums, since it might be a bit much to swallow. And at the end, all of it will be molded into one playlist, also with some live performances.

So let's go! first up: 20-16.

20. Divine Fits - A Thing Called Divine Fits
Just made the list on number 20, is the album: A Thing Called Divine Fits by new formed-band Divine Fits, for more info, check out my artist highlight: Here

This album is just great all around, there are simply no tracks that don't excite and it contains a wide array of flavours. This album delivers a great listen-through from start to end. From dance-like synth tunes to a heavy bass back to a britpop guitar sound, it's all there, and that for a debut album.
Most interesting fact about the album may be that some songs seem to be about the members themselves or about the process of forming a band.

 

Photo from: consequenceofsound.com

My Key tracks:
Would That Not Be Nice
Baby Get Worse
Flaggin a Ride
Salton Sea

19. Six Organs of Admittance - Ascent

This one, is a very special one, since this has opened my eyes when it comes to mixing styles. This album has a nice mix of classic rock influences and folk influences, mixing very intens with very subtle.
Although this is incredibly hard to do, on this album it worked like a charm, feeling retro and fresh at the same time. And while listening to this great album, you can almsot taste the fun the band had playing/making these songs.
This album has a lot to offer for a wide range of listeners, the psychedelic touches are a bonus. This one is still getting better every time I hit play.

There is no full playlist available on the internet, but single tracks can be found, enjoy!

My Key Tracks:

Close to The Skk
Your Ghost
Waswasa

18. Grimes - Visions

The creative work of Claire Boucher is quickly becoming too good to contain, this Canadian lady is bringing a mix of electronical influences with her huge talent for songwriting, to produce some huge tracks.
These tracks have jet to be club-hits in my region, but honestly I don't see what's stopping it. And remember folks, this is a solo-project, which is hard to imagine listening to this album. While this kind of music appears more and more, this might be a milestone in the genre, when we look back in a couple of years. And with Circumambient being one of my favorite tracks of the year, I hope for a new album by her in 2013.
Close your eyes and enjoy the ride, it is over, far too soon.

 

My Key Tracks:

Circumambient
Symphonia IX (My Wait is U)
Genesis
Be a Body


17. The Dirty Projectors - Swing Lo Magellan

Will I ever understand these guys, probably not, that is, for me, what fascinates me about their music, how do they come up with this? And they have been doing it for quite some time now, but this might be the album, that puts them on the top.
It might even be better than Bitte Orca from 2009. With the use of creative and sometimes silly tunes, put in a funky folk wrapping, it is hard to sound boring, and the lyrics are at times incredible. They switch problemlessly from one mood to another with the next track. Guess at the end of next year I can tell you how good this album really is, but for now it deserves a spot, because this has been on repeat for quite some time now.


 

My Key Tracks:
About to die
Gun Has No Trigger
See What She Seeing

16. Alt-J - An Awesome Wave

If this list would be about the most talked about album of the year, or most influential(probably), this would be on number one, no doubt. While some people claim that there is no way to describe how good this is, others claim that the hype has taken a walk of its own. For me it is somewhere in between.
The strength of the album is in it's originality, for good reason there is still some discussion about the genre of the album. I guess there is no appropriate genre.
About the album I can tell you a few things, the use of instruments is amazing, the parts with multiple voices are beautiful, the lyrics are deep, very deep, their source of inspiration is phenomenal, but most importantly it feels like it is completely their own style, that is what all the songs have made clear to me. It says enough, that I feel like I do not have to explain why this album is on the list, but why it isn't on a higher position.

 

My Key Tracks:
Fitzpleasure
Ms
Tesselate
Something Good

So that's it for part one. Have a blast! (And a merry christmas)

What christmas can be

Look, christmas is great and all, but the quality of the music on the dutch radio takes a turn for the worst. And if you are just as tired of hearing those tracks over and over again, as I am, then I might have something sweet for you. Cause all I want for christmas is some good music, and well, I found it.

So here is a playlist for y'all with some examples of what christmas songs can be. (some are just tracks that 'sound' like christmas to me, while others are actual songs about christmas.)

Christmas 2012 Playlist

Take Care!