top 21 songs and albums of 2011

Who doesn’t love a good list?

It’s one of my favourite times of year, reading year-end round ups and finding out what, and more importantly why, certain songs have made the list. I think this list is fairly predictable this year, and most of you will already have these songs, so I’m not going to upload them. If you can’t find them in a simple Google Blog search, you’re doing it wrong.*

Also, this is my first of the “year end song lists” – still to come; Top 5 local artists of the year and Top 5 album letdowns of the year. Honourable mention must go out to Foster the People (Helena Beats), Radiohead (Good Morning Mr. Magpie) and Low (Especially Me), who didn’t make the cut.

Now, without further ado… My Top 21 songs of 2011.

21. Young Galaxy (Shapeshifting) - We Have Everything

First, the video for this song is one of my favourite of the year. This was really the year of animation in music videos. More on that later. This song will get you to tap your foot, and wonder why these Vancouver indie rockers haven’t taken the rest of the world by storm.

20. Adele (21) - Someone Like You

She’s on nearly every list this year, isn’t she? I heard a few on her songs so much when I was England last December, I was certain it came out in 2010. Nope. This song reminds me of the summer and long bike rides. And in case you missed it, SNL did a funny skit about this song.

19. The Rural Alberta Advantage (Departing) – Barnes’ Yard

I went back and forth of choosing a favourite song from this album. I almost picked Tornado ’87, but the lyrics in Barnes’ Yard coupled with the upbeat tempo of this song won me over. Favourite part of the song is around 1.50 “Your parents they say there’s beautiful things in this whole place. Your parents they say there’s beautiful things in this whole place. Now your parents say there’s nothing for us in this old place. Don’t leave me to stay and dream of how you’re going…“ Click over here to hear a lovely acoustic version of the song.

17. We Are Augustines (Rise Ye Sunken Ships) - Book of James

I first heard about this band on KEXP and I just caught the end of their name, and thought they were that alternative band, Augustana my brother used to play, and was perplexed as to why KEXP were playing them.. Finally I heard their full name, and all was well. They kind of remind me of a rocker version of The National. Favourite lyric, “And here lies my green eyes, rolled back in my head, but they’re alive…”

16. Blind Pilot (We Are the Tide) - We Are The Tide

I was completely unaware of this band, and then all of a sudden they were all over the radio. I would describe them as a west coast Beirut meets The Head and the Heart. This was the first song I heard from them, and remains me favourite. Not only because of the handclaps. Well, that’s certainly a large part. Mainly, it’s just a get uplifting tune.

15. M83 (Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming) - Midnight City

This is one of those tunes that just gets lodged in your brain and you either love it or hate it. The beat wins me over more than the lyrics here. I’m a sucker for synth, what can I say. Favourite part of the song is just after 3 minutes in when there is a great saxophone break.

14. Tom Waits (Bad As Me) - Hell Broke Luce

There are always artists that you just never get around to listening to until late in the game. It happens. Sometimes it comes as a shock to others though (really? omg, how you you not have listened to…). Up until this past spring I’d never really listened to Tom Waits. I’d heard of him, but never really knew where to start. So after a recommendation to start with Franks Wild Years, I dove into his discography. After the introduction to his work, I was quite excited to listen to Bad As Me, which was released this fall. Hell Broke Luce was the stand out for me.

13. Dum Dum Girls (Only in Dreams) - Coming Down

This song had me from the first ”Woah, oh, woah.” I love the lyrics, and the music is quite soothing. My favourite lyrics are, “If you want to tell me something, you had better make it strong” and “You abuse the ones you love you, you abuse the ones who won’t. If you ever had a real heart, I don’t think you’d know where to start…” It reminds me of The Replacements Bastards of Young. And any song that can do that is tops in my book.

12. Beirut (The Rip Tide) - Santa Fe

Honestly, Zach Condon could sing my grocery list and it’d probably make this list. I just love his voice. I will admit, I’m partial to the live version of this song over the one that appeared on the album, which you can listen to over here. My favourite part of this song is near the end when he sings, “This day undone, the kind that breaks under. All day at once, for me for you. But I’m just too young…” Put me in a car, in the summer with the radio turned up.

11. PJ Harvey (Let England Shake) – The Words That Maketh Murder

This is a clear standout on the album for me. The chorus is the definition of an earworm. I don’t even need to listen to the song as I’m typing this to remind me of my favourite parts, I think that speaks volumes.

10. Handsome Furs (Sound Kapital) - Repatriated

The first I listened to this record I loved it, then that faded quickly, and when I revisited it in the summer I realized there were great little gems within the record that just needed some room to grow. I was really disappointed I miss seeing them when they played Vancouver. Favourite part of the song is around 3.40 “I’ve seen the future and it’s coming in low…”

9. Cave Singers (No Witch) – Black Leaf

I went to see the Fleet Foxes this past April and Cave Singers were the opening bad. They blew me away (and honestly put on a better show than the Fleexes). I’d never listened to any of their music before, so it was great to hear everything live for the first time. They have great stage presence. Favourite part of the song is around the 1 minute mark, “My mind wakes me up every night…”

8. Wilco (The Whole Love) - Dawned On Me

This song had me from the first verse, “…I been lost, I been found. I been taken by the sound of my own voice. Voices in my head…” Saddest upbeat song of the year. Includes whistling, too.

7. Radical Face (Family Roots) - Ghost Towns

Can Ben Cooper and Zach Condon do a duet? I think that would be a handclap explosion and would satisfy my music needs for at least a year. Radical Face has always been about the lyrics for me, I find the music to be very similar in most of the songs, but that doesn’t necessarily bother me, which is why I keep going back to it. Favourite parts of the song are just before the 1 minute mark, “I see the world from the world from rusted trains, and always know I won’t be back because all my life is wrapped up in today…” and around the 2 minute mark “It ain’t the truth we chase, no it’s the promise of a better place. And all this time I’ve been chasing down a lie, and I know it for what it is, but it beats the alternatives, so I’ll take the lie…” Nomadic anthem or something.

6. Fleet Foxes (Helplessness Blues) - Grown Ocean

They may not have blown me away with their live performance, but this record was one of my most played this year. I went back and forth when trying to figure out a favourite song on the album and even though this is the last song on the record it still had me hitting repeat, not wanting the record to end. Favourite parts of the song are at 1.45 “In that dream moving slow through the morning time…” and 2.35 “All these voices I’ll have someday have turned off them. And I will see you someday when I’ve woken, I’ll be so happy just to have spoken, I’ll have so much to tell you about…” I read a great article in Uncut where Robin went through the tracklist, giving insight on each song and I wish I could find it online, but he said this song had to do with friendship and that’s always how I heard it.

5. Timber Timbre (Creep On, Creepin’ On) - Woman

This song grips you from the opening bars and then the piano drags you further into the spin. I love the video, and my favourite lyric is “Do you forgot what you try to remember, and do you remember what try to forget?”

4. Crystal Stilts (In Love with Oblivion)– Through the Floor

Shoegazy earworm if I ever heard one this year! I love the low-fi pop sound (similar to The Black Keys) but a bit darker.

3. Of Monsters and Men (My Head is an Animal) - King & Lionheart 

Who doesn’t love a bit of Icelandic folk music? Actually, before this band I wasn’t really a fan of many things that were coming out of Iceland (sorry!). The first song I heard was “Little Talks” and I eagerly awaited the full album. Not since Arcade Fire’s Funeral have I been this excited about a debut album. Favourite lyric, “And in the sea that’s painted black, creatures lurk below the deck, but you’re a king and I’m lionheart. And as the world comes to an end, I’ll be here to hold your hand, as you’re my king and I’m your lionheart. A lionheart.”

2. Black Keys (El Camino) - Lonely Boy

Best video of the year? So simple, yet so addictive. At first listen I must have pressed the repeat button at least 10 times. “I got a love that keeps me waiting…” There are definite other gems on this record, but I’ve still played this one the most. Kick it!

1. Papercuts (Fading Parade) - Do What You Will

Papercuts are one of those bands I’ve somehow become very protective over. I’ve introduced them to a few people who haven’t taken to them, and that’s honestly bummed me out a bit. So be gentle…

*if you really can’t find a particular song send me an e-mail

these, these, these are the words

Hard to believe it’s already June. Well, technically almost July. Perfect time for me to do a mid year song list.

Let’s be honest, this year started off smashingly, music wise. Yet, it’s kind of plateaued. I say that hoping that as soon as I hit publish I’ll be flooded with new music. I mean, there’s still a Beirut album in the wings.

One band and album I don’t think is getting enough press this year;  Crystal Stilts - In Love with Oblivion. Brilliant album. Really. If you like shoegaze, dream/noise pop, this one is made for you. I’m still bummed I missed their gig here. Anyway, shall we get to it? Here are my Top 15 songs of the year so far…in order. Kind of predictable, I must admit. Not going into full detail, save that for the year-end list. Shall be interesting to see how this list changes in the next few months.

15. Foster the People – Pumped Up Kicks

14. Adele - Someone Like You

13. Radiohead – Morning Mr. Magpie 

12. RAA – Tornado ’87

11. Smith Westerns – The Weekend

10. The Naked and Famous – All of This

9. Joy Formidable - Whirring

8. Crystal Stilts – Through the Floor

7. Mountain Goats - Estate Sale Sign

6. PJ Harvey – The Words That Maketh Murder

5. Fleet Foxes – Grown Ocean

4. Cave Singers – Swim Club

3. Timber Timbre – Woman

2. Handsome Furs - Repatriated

1. Papercuts - Do What You Will/Marie Says You’ve changed

What are your favourite songs so far this year?

top songs of 2010: part 2

Last but not least, the second part of my year end song list.  Shall link them up soon. I’m sure most of you already have them already.

10. Spoon – Nobody Gets Me Like You (Transference)

One of my favourite vinyl purchases this year was at the Spoon concert this spring. It was painful to have to wait 7 months to be able to play it. Although I didn’t love this album as much as their last, I felt lyrically the record spoke to me a bit more. This tune is the last on the record and I knew from just the title alone I would like it. Favourite parts are the lyrics “Nobody gets what I say. Those who know, those who lose. Those who look through. Do they get me? I thought they get me like you. Oh no! Nobody.” and the last minute of piano and guitar…makes me wish it wasn’t the last track.

9. The Morning Benders – Excuses (Big Echo)

This track had me at hello with the pops and hisses at the start. This is an excellent Sunday morning song, reminiscent of 1950s rock, and the orchestra is perfect for wrist twirling. Favourite part is around 2.30 with the subtle ‘Da dums…’

8. Arcade Fire – Month of May (The Suburbs)

I almost chose ‘We Used to Wait’ for my favourite track off The Suburbs, but I just love the line ‘The kids are all standing with their arms folded tight…I know it’s heavy, I know it ain’t light, but how you gonna lift it with your arms folded tight?’ I remember the first time I heard that and just smiling. If you have been an Arcade Fire fan from the start, you’ll love this album, even if thematically it does get a bit repetitive. If you also grew up in the suburbia (first they built the road, then they built the town), it will pull on your heartstrings. I especially love listening to this song, and album in the car.

7. Frightened Rabbit – Living in Colour (The Winter of Mixed Drinks)

A little bit of shoegaze guitars, a little talk of oceans, and a peppering of that Scottish accent makes this one of my favourites of the year. I literally have not taken this record out of my car in 4 months. Favourite lyric is the line ‘Am I dancing, or am I spinning my own grave?’ This track is foot tapping and handclap friendly. What more can you ask for, really?

6. Tokyo Police Club – Bambi (Champ)

I still remember seeing TPC in a tiny little basement in Kingston and just being totally gobsmacked. I think whenever I listen to them now I picture them like that, so it makes me enjoy things even more. I was a bit disappointed with their first full length LP a few years back, but this album totally makes up for it. There were a few songs I could have added here, but I chose this one primarily for the lyric ‘She painted pictures with the tips of her fingers…’ but ‘Big Difference’ was a close second, ‘I could get to know you better and never know you well.’

5. LCD Soundsystem – I Can Change (This Is Happening)

No better song to describe a modern romance than this one. Best bit; around 2.45 with the lyrics ‘And love is a murderer. Love is a murderer. But if she calls you tonight, everything is all right…And love is a curse, shoved in a hearse. Love is an open book to a verse of your bad poetry. And this is coming from me…’

4. Radical Face – Doorways (Touch the Sky)

I think Ben Cooper has a bit of the midas touch. For my ears at least. I love the piano at the start of the song, which leads into the lyrics ‘I like to drink the rain to taste the sky…’ and building to 1.20 when more instrumentals kick in, and then at 1.50 with the ‘I believed the skies were doorways…home.’ Whenever I hear this song now I think of the video, which is my favourite of the year. I also love “A Little Hell”, specifically for the line ‘And some of the time you gotta loose what is right, for you know what is really worth the fight…’ I cannot wait for a full LP from him next year.

3. Wolf Parade – Cave-O-Sapien (Expo 86)

Not going to lie, I was quite sadden to read that WP are going on indefinite hiatus. I am so happy I was able to see them in Van this summer, and that they went out on such a strong album. I am also chuffed that I received all their albums on vinyl this Christmas. I love watching a band grow into their sound, and they really hit the nail on the head this time around. It’s going to be interesting to watch what the WP spin offs Handsome Furs and Sunset Rubdown get up to next year. Favourite bits of the song are around 1.30 with the lyric ‘And you look like the sunrise…purple, lemon, baby blue and gold…’ and love the guitar around 2.30 that leads into ‘I had a vision of a gorilla…he was a killer, a killer.’ This is a perfect final track; leaves you wanting more.

2. Electric President – Safe and Sound (The Violet Blue)

I first heard this song around this time last year, and it made the hair on the back of my head stand up. The lyrics just really get to me. Favourite part of the song is at 1.10; ‘When there’s no way out, I’ll let you build your home in me till the clocks run down. When your lucks out, call me and I’ll come and fix you. Get your feet on the ground… All this time, you’ve been drifting out with the tide, my friend. But you can have what’s mine, if it helps you stay afloat…’ We could all use a few people in our lives you do such things. Did I mention this song contains handclaps? Go, listen already.

1. The National – Lemon World (High Violet)

My concert high of the year was getting to see these guys live again. Even though I was a bit gutted they didn’t play this tune, I was happy to have been invited regardless. I think 20 years from now, I will still be listening to Matt Berninger’s voice. The way he weaves storylines in a soft mumble will always be a great comfort.  Favourite bit of the song is around 2 mins in ‘Takes me a day, to remember a day…lay me on the table put flowers in my mouth…’

***

Off the top of your head, lyrics that stood out to you this year?

top songs of 2010: part 1

You’ll have to excuse my tardiness, but due to circumstances beyond my control this list is a little late this year, it’s going to come in two parts as well.

As I’ve been musing about a lot lately, I really tried to not dispose so quickly of records this year. As a result, I was not always sussing out new music, so this list might be a bit more mainstream than years past, but hopefully you’ll find a song or two you haven’t heard.

First, I want to give some honourable mentions. I started this list as a Top 20 and then bumped it up to a Top 25, however the songs I was adding weren’t totally keeping in tradition to how a listened to records this year, so I decided to stick with my original list. Still, they deserve a shout out:

Sufjan Stevens – Vesivus; The Zolas – You’re Too Cool; The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Heart in Your Heartbreak; Vampire Weekend – Taxi Cab; Liars – Scarecrows on a Killer Slant.

Now without further ado, here are my top songs of 2010…20 through 10.

20. !!! – Jamie, My Intentions Are Bass (Strange Weather, Is It?)

This was a latter entry to my list, but one of those songs you hope from just the title that it’s witty and funky, and well, it is. I love the lines, “I just wanna kiss the look on your face” and “This seems like a story from one of your songs…” Tongue-in-cheek with slinky guitars and excellent build ups, this is.

19. Diamond Rings – Something Else (Special Affections)

The first few times I heard this song I was driving in my car at night and I kept missing them announce who was signing. So I cemented the lyrics “I know you know just what you like, and I am really not your thing. But just in case you change your mind, I wrote this song for you to sing…” into my brain and did some Google magic and before I knew it I was immersed into the wonderful world of John O’Regan (aka Diamond Rings), Toronto indie rocker. I had seen him perform years before in the The D’Urbervilles but was not aware of his new project, that has been described as “Imagine Britt Daniel decided one day that he really wanted to be Lady Gaga” (Pitchfork). Best part of the song is around 1.25 when he starts in on the above mentioned lyrics. I’m a sucker for synth, but this album is more than that. Full of brilliant slow-jam arrangements that will have your foot tapping, and one for the repeat button.

18. Crystal Castles - Not in Love {remix}(Crystal Castles)

Speaking of the repeat button. The first time I heard this song I listened to nothing else that entire day, it sucked me right in. I know this is partially because of the use of Robert Smith’s voice, but there are also other parts of the song that get me with each listen. Undoubtedly, the freshest thing to come from the Crystal Castles (in my opinion). My favourite parts of the songs are the repeated “not in love” lines, and around 2.45, which just makes me wish I was on a dance floor.

17.  Villagers – Becoming a Jackal (Becoming a Jackal)

The best thing about the interweb is that it is a rabbit hole. It is in fact the reason you are reading my words right now. I was able to discover this band through a fabulous music blog called The Needle Drop (also one of my favourite musical podcasts, too). There is something quietly calming, yet a bit mysterious about this band. I love the subtle use of the tambourine/bells in this song especially.

16. Perfume Genius – Learning (Learning)

If you are a fan of piano, falsetto and minimalistic lyrics, this album will destroy you. Mike Hadreas’s lo-fi sound and heartbreakingly haunting voice will win you over by the time you’ve reached the third track on this album. This is in part how I chose the song. Also the lyrics “And you will survive me…” up against “Blah, blah, blah, you” around the 2 minute mark really captivate me. I honestly can’t say enough about this album. Go, listen.

15.  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Beat the Devil’s Tattoo (Beat the Devil’s Tattoo)

“Everyone is king when there’s no one left to pawn” makes my top 5 lyrics of the year. I was lucky enough to see these guys in concert at the Commodore Ballroom in March. I had seen them before in Newcastle, and again, they put on a stellar show. I however will probably not see them again, unless they stop using strobe lights at their gigs. I digress, back to the song. I love the ‘Ah ah ah ah’s’ littered throughout the song, but the best part for me is the end of the song with the repeated ‘I thread the needle through, you beat the devil’s tattoo’ – there is so much going on, you just don’t want the song to end.

14. The Lonely Forest – Live There (The Lonely Forest)

I think this song should be the anthem of Vancouver.  As a nomad, it takes a lot for me to settle and as such, I often find myself relating to music that defines my literal place. I’m not sure if that makes sense. Anyway, the lyrics “Give to me miles of tall evergreens, the smell of the ocean and cool mountain breeze…” kind of melts my heart every single time I hear it. Favourite part (besides those lyrics) is around 1.35 when the piano kicks in, and the end “never fade, never fade” line is repeated.

13. The Black Keys – Tighten Up (Brothers)

Who doesn’t love a song that starts with a bit of whistling? This has become of one my favourite driving discs. Favourite part of the song is around 2.30 when the lyrics fade away and then at the 3 minute mark, “I don’t need to get steady, I know just how I feel…” I also love the guitar on “Howlin’ For You”.

12. The Extra Lens – Programmed Cell Death (Undercard)

Sometimes when I’m feeling down, I will head over to YouTube and watch John Darnielle’s version of “I Saw the Sign”, and it restores my faith in humanity just a little bit. He is a master storyteller, so it’s no surprise this side project of his is just tops. It was hard for me to pick a favourite from this album. I almost always have to hit repeat on the first track to this record “Adultery”, but ultimately the line I will find myself repeating for days is in “Programmed Cell Death” “How much longer are we supposed to stay alive gathering by the Portuguese sardines in aisle five…”

11. Menomena – Queen Black Acid (Mines)

I believe this album leaked on my birthday. Or at least around then, as I remember speeding along the 401 to the airport on a brilliantly sunny day listening to this song and getting a bit choked up. Favourite bit, around 1.40 when the bells start for the first time, and I love the lyrics “I walked right in through the rabbit’s door and walked right into the rabbit’s hole. I made myself an open book…” Also adore the piano at the end.

Stay tuned for the top 10 next week!

now we’re screaming sing the chorus again

Surprisingly, this list did not take me long at all to compile. It took me longer to link up all the tracks then it did to think of my favourite tracks of the year thus far. I think that says something of the wealth of great music we’ve already been hit with this year, and it’s still only July. I suspect my final year-end list to read a bit differently, but not too much. The greatest thing about the records that have been released this year (for me at least), have been their staying power. It’s taken me weeks (months even) to get through albums. This is how I used to digest music in years past, but recently in the last few I’ve been consuming so much I haven’t been truly listening. Sure, I’ve been listening, but I haven’t been listening.

The music this year has shaken me up a bit and made me slow down. Summed up nicely in this verse for Arcade Fire’s track “We Used to Wait”…

It seems strange
How we used to wait for letters to arrive
But what’s stranger still
Is how something so small can keep you alive
We used to wait
We used to waste hours just walkin around
We used to wait…

My list so far:

Electric President – Safe and Sound

LCD Soundsystem – I Can Change

The National – Lemon World

Tokyo Police Club – Bambi

Wolf Parade – Cave-o-Sapien

Radical Face – Doorways

Arcade Fire – We Used to Wait

The Morning Benders – Excuses

Beach House – 10 Mile Stereo

Spoon – I Saw The Light

Barr Brothers – Beggar in the Morning

Said the Whale – Emerald Lake, AB

The Zolas – You’re Too Cool

Tunes that would make your list?

top 25 songs of 2009

Well, it’s that time of year again. In the coming weeks, you’ll soon be stuffed full of shortbread, spiked eggnog and best of lists.

To get the ball rolling, here are my top 25 songs of 2009.

25. Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard  (‘Em Are I) - Broken Broken Broken Heart

Who would have thought that a broken heart came equipped with handclaps? This tunes wedged itself in my head for most of the spring. I especially loved that lyric “I wondered what would happen if I tested it, and then I tested it again. How strong really is it really? Can I step on it? Can I leave it standing it in the rain?” Go on, I dare you not to tap your foot to it.

24. Silversun Pickups (Swoon) – Panic Switch

It was around this time in 2006 that I was California, and my friend forwarded me a song from the Silversun Pickups saying you have to hear this. So even over dial-up internet I managed to download, listen, and I was hooked, so I was excited for their latest album. Unfortunately, this was one of the only standout songs (I thought) on Swoon, but it’s a good one. It’ll hook ya. Favourite lyric “I still sleep on the right side of the white noise.”

23. Florence and the Machine (Lungs) – Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)

A new discovery this year for me was Florence and the Machine. I’m glad they’re getting a lot of radio play on the indie stations here. This is one of the only tracks I’ve actually seen the music video for, and fell for because of the Alice themes. The chorus has a bit of an anthem quality, and I’m looking forward to see what this band gets up to in the future.

22. Grand Duchy (Petits Fours) – Come On Over To My House

“Come on over to my house, I’ll make you buckets of tea.” If Frank Black is making tea, I’m there.  I love the urgency in which he sings the chorus on this song and what’s going on in the background.

21. Papercuts (You Can’t Have What You Want) – Jet Plane

Jet Plane is one of those dreamy songs that if you hear at the right (or wrong) moment it can stir up a lot of emotion. I no longer have Papercuts on my ipod while traveling, because customs officers don’t take kindly to sobbing girls at airports. I call it pre-emptive listening. See that jet plane in the sky…la la la la la…

20. The Wooden Sky (If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone) – (Bit Part)

Toronto indie rockers Wooden Sky, hit the ball out the park with this album. I can’t listen to it without putting it on repeat and listening at least three times. My favourite line “You know I don’t have time to play a bit part in your life, thinking you can change my mind…”

19. White Rabbits (It’s Frightening) – Percussion Gun

I love the start of this track. It reminds me of the summer and walking to work, down dirt roads and I’d always have a smile when I got there listening to this.

18. Tegan & Sara (Sainthood) – Hell

Pow! The Canadian twins are back at it again. This is the first single off Sainthood, and grabs you from go. I love the line “I know you feel it too, these words get overused…” I love listening to this while driving down the freeway on a rainy day.

17. The Antlers (Hospice) – Two

File this song, and album under ones that grip onto that little part of you don’t normally show to others. It’s quite an emotional listen but worth the journey it takes you on.

16. Au Revior Simone (Still Night, Still Light) – All Or Nothing

“Can’t you see we’re in the middle of somewhere?” Seems to be a theme for me this year, and this song reminds me of my nomadic ways, and going in, all or nothing.

15. The Big Pink (A Brief History of Love) – Velvet

Another surprising discovery this year. Feedbacky guitars and British accents, with the right lyrics and I’m sold. This song now reminds me of my road trip from Smithers to Vancouver, where we had but one CD and no radio stations. Without even trying, I can see the setting sun in the valley, “Found her in a dream…”

14. Bob Dylan  (Together Through Life) – I Feel A Change Comin On

“I feel a change comin on, and the fourth part of the day is already gone…” I really took to this track, off Dylan’s latest and it stayed in my stereo for most of the spring. Gotta love that harmonica.

13. Camera Obscura (My Maudlin Career) – French Navy

Camera Obscura’s “Let’s Get Out of This Country” is one my personal anthems and came into my life at the perfect time, so I was excited for this release, and the first lines of this album (and song) had me hooked, “Spent a week in a dusty library, waiting for some words to jump at me…”

12. Wilco – Wilco (The Album) – You and I

I like the simplicity of this song. And as always, it really comes down to the lyrics for me and this song really pulls at the heartstrings. “You and I, we might be strangers, how ever close we get sometimes, its like we never met. But you and I, I think we can take it…” I’m sad the only Wilco concert here is for the Olympics, no chance of braving the crowds for even Wilco.

11. Yeah Yeah Yeahs (It’s Blitz!) – Skeletons

I love Karen O. I hope the YYY’s keep doing what they’re doing, because they keep topping themselves. This is one of their softer, slower tracks on It’s Blitz! but it’s not without bite. I love around the 1.45 mark when the drums tap in and everything just swells and then is soothed by Ms. O’s voice as she tells us to “Spin the sky…”

10. Eels (Hombre Lobo) – Prizefighter

I debated between Fresh Blood and Prizefighter, but ultimately this song one out, and was my song of the summer and got me through some rough patches. I cannot wait to see what Eels has in store for us next year. And if you haven’t already, do check out Mr. Everett’s autobiography Things the Grandchildren Should Know.

9. The Flaming Lips (Embryonic) – See The Leaves

I’ve made it my goal for 2010 to see The Flaming Lips live. I am willing to travel to finally be able to see Mr. Coyne and Co. onstage. I’ve been a fan for far too long, it’s time, and what an album to see live, eh? A truly sensory experience, you have to listen to this song, and Embryonic on 11 and through headphones. Trust me.

8. Great Northern (Remind Me Where The Light Is) – Story

A song that got me through this last cold winter, and is a staple driving CD now. The chorus always gets stuck in my head for a few hours after listening. “It’s in all those things we won’t ever say, and it’s in all those things we won’t ever be…”

7. Great Lake Swimmers (Lost Channels) – Pulling on a Line

I don’t think this was a single for Lost Channels, because they keep playing track 9 on the radio but this one is my favourite. Ah, that voice. Those lyrics. Perfection. “The line it inks across the freshly drawn snow…”

6. The Mountain Goats (The Life of the World to Come) – Genesis 30:3

Who doesn’t love a good story, and John Darnielle tells it best, when he’s not singing along to Ace of Bace that is (I heart that clip). I almost picked track 3 Genesis 3:23 because it admittedly hooks you, but this track (Genesis 30:3) really grew on me and soon became a favourite.

5. Metric (Fantasies) – Gimme Sympathy

I love when questions are asked in song (really, who would you rather be the Beatles or the Rolling Stones…seriously). I’ve been loving on Metric for many years now, and seen them in many transformations, so it’s great to see them get a lot of commercial success with this album. “Got no time to take a picture, I’ll remember someday…” Still, I’d be lying if I didn’t scream a bit inside when Combat Baby comes on the radio though…

4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart) – Young Adult Fiction

Speaking of songs that make you scream inside, this one had me tapping my foot, hands and any other free moving body parts. Reminds me of the summer I spent in England at the library writing my  dissertation, and the moment in my day when I got to leave, cross the motorway and head to the pub.

3. Handsome Furs (Face Control) –Radio Kaliningrad

Oh come on, did you think we’d get this far without seeing some WP spin-offs? Do you know me at all? I have to play this song loud and repeat at least twice. Whilst doing the Molly Ringwold, but only during the chorus. “We’re all just waiting for it. The future is uranium and sleeping on an orange sky…”

2. Sunset Rubdown (Dragonslayer) – You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)

I almost picked Idiot Heart. Almost. I really do love them both, but for different reasons. I would make my second goal for 2010 to see Mr. Spencer Krug & Co. in concert, but I think I missed their west coast tour whilst up north, so I will wait. One day. Anyway, this song, it’s the lyrics really. I first heard it sung in the back of a black cab and was sold. “And I’d like to watch the white flash of your heels as they take turns breaking the desert heat to beckon me in languages I’ve never learned…” I especially love the second part of this song when Camilla joins in.

1. Woods (Songs of Shame) – Rain On (Acoustic)

The non-acoustic version of this song is fabulous as well, but I heard the acoustic first (I think) and it just spoke to me more. The lyrics really hit home on this track as well, and if you can swing it make sure it’s raining and put this on a CD whilst driving. Or just move to Vancouver and you won’t have to worry about the weather part.

Okay, wow that was a lot of writing. Hope you made it through. I was going to link the tracks…but I got lazy. I’m adding the mp3 as I get time today. So check back later on for a full listing.

words…

Fascinate me.

I am captivated by the meanings, sounds and when the fun not used everyday kind of words make there way into conversation, I get excited.  And I care not if that makes me a geek.

I did some searching and the word of the year seems to be either bailout or hypermiling.

In 2007 my favourite word was, woot. Last year, huzzah…and now I need a replacement. It must follow seamlessly with a fist shake.

Anyway, without further ado…my most used words of 2008.

Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresent.

Copious &
Abundance: an extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply.

Perturbed: to disturb greatly; make uneasy or anxious.

Confuddle &
Discombobulate: to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate.

Aesthetic: pertaining to, involving, or concerned with pure emotion and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality.

Facetious: not meant to be taken seriously or literally; amusing.

Myriad: a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things.

Stumblebunny: to trip over air, and fall flat on your face.

Cusp: a point at which a curve crosses itself and at which the two tangents to the curve coincide.

Favourite phrases I left England with:

“Well good”
Instead of our more grammatically correct, “Very good”

“Come round to yours”
I’ll be over at your house.

“Heya, alreet?”
Hello, how are you?

“That is massive!”
As in that’s brilliant, awesome.

Phrase I know now not ever to use in England:

Shitdisturber.

That has a very different meaning across the pond, and I stunned my friends when I used it once.

Words I plan to use more of in 2009:

Hullabaloo: great noise or excitement; uproar.

Quixotic: extravagantly chivalrous or romantic.

Lackadaisical: lacking spirit, liveliness, or interest; languid.

Scalawag: scamp; rascal; reprobate.

Cacophony: jarring, discordant sound.

What about you? Favourite words or phrases of the year?

my top 25 albums and songs of 2008

So here goes my favourite albums and songs, on said albums, of this past year.

It was really hard to narrow down to 25, and so I feel I must give credit to these albums, that did not quite make the list; Tegan and Sara: I’ll Take The Blame, The Airborne Toxic Event: The Airborne Toxic Event, Oasis: Dig Out Your Soul, David Byrne & Brian Eno: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, Travis: Ode to J. Smith, Calexico: Carried To Dust and Girl Talk: Feed the Animals.

Notables, but not my tops.

I did not include mp3s as I figured most of you have the tunes already, but if you are not familiar with a selection and would like to hear it, let me know I can I send you the songs via email. Without further ado…

25. The Gutter Twins: Saturnalia (Idle Hands)

24. The Cure: 4.13 Dream (Only One)

23. Deerhunter: Microcastle (Nothing Ever Happened)

22. Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping (Wicked Wisdom)

21. The Constantines: Kensington Heights (Trans Canada)

20. Kat Flint: Dirty Birds (Anti Climax)

Her music is folk-inspired and contains saloon-like piano, as I like to describe it. I especially love the song “Anti Climax” for the lyrics, “As stories go, I don’t know/ I could be your anticlimax/ I could disappoint you slowly but surely/ And you won’t know ’til you try/ ‘Til you dare to waste your time/ If I could be the anticlimax of your life.”

19. Los Campesinos!: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed! (Ways To Make It Through The Wall)

You first heard me talk of Los Campesinos! last year when I saw them in the basement of my university. I was hooked, and eagerly awaited their first full album studio release. They did not disappoint. With their eclectic assortment of instruments, peppered handclaps and dual lyrics, it is almost impossible not to tap your foot to the beat.

18. MGMT: Oracular Spectacular (Kids)

Handclaps and keyboards! Need I say anymore? I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you to look out for these guys. I am intrigued to see what they do next, as this record was mighty catchy.

17. Geographer: Innocent Ghosts (Can’t You Wait)

I happened upon this song kind of by accident at work, whilst trying to find something to listen to, but it was a happy accident. It has really nice build-up, with good beats. I especially like the line “I lost your name, but I hear your laughter cowering…”

16. The Last Shadow Puppets: The Age Of The Understatement (My Mistakes Were Made For You)

This duo is comprised of Arctic Monkeys lead singer Alex Turner and lead singer The Rascals, Miles Kane.  This, their first album, has strings arranged by Owen Pallett, too! Modern day 1960s pop…is the best way I can describe this sound, although it is the lyrics for me that set this record apart from past projects of Turner.

15. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! (Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!)

Nick Cave makes me laugh. I love his voice, but cannot really take him too seriously despite his gritty guitar and vocals because the lyrics just make me smile. This is the title track, and first song on the album, and I had it on repeat for days. After a few weeks, I eventually moved onto the second track.

14. Chad VanGaalen: Soft Airplane (Willow Tree)

13. Conor Oberst: Conor Oberst (Get-Well Cards)

12. Tapes ‘n Tapes: Walk It Off (Hang Them All)

11. Ray LaMontagne: Gossip in the Grain (Winter Birds)

10. British Sea Power: Do You Like Rock Music? (All In It)

A 2008 release that made its way onto the interweb this time last year, and for that I am very grateful. As it was one of the only albums I had on my ipod whilst traveling last holiday season, and it got me through a rough patch. The song, All In It (really a prologue to the album), with the repeated drumbeat and lyrics, “We’re all in and out, we close our eyes” drifts me into safety comma of comfort. Especially after the 1 minute mark, when the tambourine meets feedback guitar. Oh yes.

9. Tokyo Police Club: Elephant Shell (Tessellate)

One of the earlier releases of this year, and what a grand way to kick start the year! This album really showed a growth in these boys from Newmarket, Ontario and also reworked old favourites like “Your English Is Good.” With a nice layering in arrangements, I choose “Tessellate” for my top pick, because, well, I like the handclaps and the line “Dead lovers salivate/ Broken hearts tessellate tonight.”

8. Beck: Modern Guilt (Gamma Ray)

One of my favourite albums and songs of the summer…perfect for skipping down the street, or driving with the window down on the highway. Clocking in at less than 40 minutes (if I recall correctly) this album is simply put, good pop.

7. My Morning Jacket : Evil Urges (Librarian)

The lyrics are what sell me on this song. I love the story-telling. Also helped that I spent most of the past seven years in a library, people watching, through the stacks. My favourite verse: “So I watch you through the bookcase imaging a scene/ You and I at dinner, spending time, then to sleep/ And what then would I say to you lying there in bed/ These words with a kiss I would plant in your head.”

6. Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs (Cath)

I think I’m always going to have a soft spot for Death Cab, as they were quintessential to my university listening. My favourite part of the song is the line, “And you closed the door on so many men who would have loved you more.”

5. The Verve: Forth (Sit and Wonder)

This album is tied to my final weeks in England. So its bittersweet whenever I play it, but there is no denying that this much hyped album was well worth the wait. It was hard to choose a song from the album, mainly because I feel like the album has such variation, and each song its own richness, and as is the case, I chose Sit and Wonder for its knock-out punch to set the journey, onwards.

4. TV on the Radio: Dear Science, (Dancing Choose)

This song just makes me want to dance, contains the word palindrome, and hello, handclaps that make their presence known. Huzzah! Definitely a stand out tune on the album and I love the rapid-fire lyrics.

3. Portishead: Third (The Rip)
Reminds me of all the thoughts you think to yourself on those really low days, when you’re out walking, to no place in particular…set to music. And the video is amazing.

2. The Raconteurs: Consolers of the Lonely (You Don’t Understand Me)

Dare I say, but I enjoyed this album more than the last White Stripes record. I could hear Jack White’s (as well as Andrew Bird and Spencer Krug) voice sing anything and enjoy it. Around 3.40 this song totally hooks me. Yay for piano!

1. Wolf Parade: At Mount Zoomer (California Dreamer)

I had been waiting for this album to come out for three years…and it seemed like it was never going to be released. Sure we were treated to the awesomeness of Sunset Rubdown and the Handsome Furs in the meantime, but I need a new Wolf Parade album and thankfully, this spring, my ears wishes were happily answered. California Dreamer was the first song I heard off the record and at 4.30 this song blows my mind…“And I think I might have heard you on the radio, but the radio waves were like snow.”

Brilliant…so I did include this song.

Now, bring on 2009!

snakecharming the masses

I want Morgan Freeman to be the voice on my answering machine. Million Dollar Baby is on in the background. Normally I watch television on mute, but I always unmute to listen to his voice. It’s like waves lapping on the shore. I’ve never seen this movie before; I have a suspicion its not going to end well. Clint Eastwood scares me, even with old man pants.

Oh dear he just snapped a broken nose back into place. Blah.

I was talking with Ali this evening and she made mention of lists. I know I’ve made mention of cultural to-do lists and such, but I don’t know if I’ve ever talked about life lists. Have you ever made a list of things you want to accomplish? I suppose we all have running lists in our minds of the things we want to someday do, but it is helpful sometimes to write these things down.

Or maybe it’s just a procrastination technique.

A few things on my list…

Pay off my student loans

Knit a pair of mittens

Buy a typewriter, type out a short story, and bind it for myself

Curate a performance based exhibition

Travel to Prague and Paris

Finish reading Atlas Shrugged

Adopt a dog and name it Milo.

Oh, and finish my Masters.

You?

i save coupons for packets of tea

I have so many things to write about but my lids are drooping and the purple that shines under my eyes desperately wants to change to a lighter shade. So instead of writing a proper post, a list of the random things off the surface of my brain to clear my head so I can sleep.

My favourite Clash song is Hateful. Especially at 1.29 in.

I sometimes smile/mumble to myself while I’m walking.

My arm, especially my elbow is killing me at the moment. I tried to switch my load bearing arm from right to left to help relieve the pain while walking home today. I then started walking on a slant. Couldn’t deal with the change. I wonder what would happen if I switched my watch from right wrist to left?

Sliced cucumber with salt is superb.

I went to a book launch today, the author read a chapter from her book. Such a dry and witty humour in her delivery. I hope I retain some of the funny when I’m 80. Having the right wheels will help, methinks.

I was talking computer geek with a co-worker today and it lead to one of the directors of the museum asking my opinion on their website which is under development, I’m supposed to make notes and get to bring them to the design meeting next week. I knew buying that dot com domain and learning how to do things myself would come in handy (more on that another day).

I ordered nachos the other day and the plate arrived with 10 chips, spread out, coated individually with cheese. My old roommate used to individually put cheese on each chip but I’d never seen it done in a restaurant before. Kind of anti climatic. Half the fun of nachos is the hunt for the good chips, its like trail mix. Who cares for the peanuts? I’m on hunt for the raisins, and no, its not the same just buying a package of raisins.

Yet the best part of my day – more good news from home. Everyone was holding their breath this weekend, but things really do seem to be improving. I hope things stay that way.

***

Favourite word as of late?

Mine would be confuddle.

Although I am not, I just enjoy saying words that sound like puddle.