2009 Top 10 Tag Team: Andrew Beam & Stephen Harris
Posted 12/29/2009 05:01AM by Rick Gebhardt as Top 10
Andrew Beam's Top 10:
Getting right to the point of all of this, 2009 was a spectacular year of releases. It mostly could be seen in the independent scene, some in the metal scene, but overall it seems as thought a fair amount of bands tried something different where they stepped out of their comfort zone, played what they’ve always wanted to play, or just decided to get down and dirty and play something raw and unkempt.
CD’s that never left my rotation is what this list is compiled of, and they are releases that I felt have furthered my interest into why some albums can be so surprising by either letting you down, or almost bring you to the brink of an orgasm because that one note hit you hard enough. For me, most of these albums had me wanting nothing more from the disc, and to be honest, you’ll probably recognize most of them. CD’s, that when listened all the way through I could appreciate as a full album, not just a few mesmerizing songs. Anyways, I’m done dragging this along – let’s just get into the damn thing.
1. Brand New – Daisy
I really would like to say that there is no emotional bias involved in this choice, as they are a band that I have held so dearly to myself, but I would also have to admit to being in total denial. Regardless, I listened to this album nearly six times in a row upon first getting a hold of it, which probably annoyed anyone that lived near me. A monstrously raw effort, Brand New pushed the limits of its loyal fans as they drove some away, pulled them in closer, or scared off anyone who heard about them and decided to give this album a shot. Singer Jesse Lacey brings his voice to a shrilling scream throughout most of the album, as the entire ensemble produces their heaviest and spookiest disc to date with songs like “Vices”, “Sink”, and “You Stole.” This will only confuse fans even more when they think of what will come next.
2. Every Time I Die – New Junk Aesthetic
Thank God! Every Time I Die has finally created that disc we have all been waiting for since Hot Damn! I know, The Big Dirty was a great release, but it doesn’t even come close to the depth of New Junk Aesthetic. ETID goes heavy, with face crushing break downs, nasty, shredding riffs, and singer Keith Buckley’s ferocious scream takes center stage as it is more biting a fierce. It also highlights a more vulnerable Buckley, as he ditches his manly bravado and takes on a more confessional side in his lyrics. New Junk Aesthetic will certainly hold me over until the next release, and certainly has me chomping at the bit to see this album live (not meant to be a Gutter Phenomenon reference).
3. Phantogram – Eyelid Movies
While this album has only been released in Europe, I was able to get my hands on the tracks, as well as seeing all of these songs played live by the band. The duo of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel make me feel proud to live where I do, as they hail 15 minutes from my hometown in Saratoga Springs, New York. You know the place with the horse track where Seabiscuit was filmed? Yeah, that’s the place. Anyways, this genre trail-blazing group mixes hypnotic, bombastic beats, throbbing synth, and a little bit of guitar played by Carter. Making a sound that would make most listeners believe there are at least four members, Barthel’s heart-melting vocals and Carter’s panicked lyrics make for a very haunting release. Just try and pin down a description, as the refer to themselves as streetbeat/psych.hip-hop, because you might just be clawing for similarities to acts like Portishead, Radiohead , J Dilla, and maybe My Bloody Valentine. I highly recommend you check them out in their shoegaze glory.
4.) Arctic Monkeys – Humbug
All it took was one strange, life changing trip to the desert with Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme to get the Arctic to completely change their style, and I am very thankful for it. It might just be my affinity for Homme and the Monkeys, but Humbug takes you on a psychedelic journey that seems unusual for the group. Stepping away from the norm, the Monkeys put their dashingly quick punk flavor and add a more slowed down spaghetti western style with noodley guitars, and a heavier focus on the low-end. It is an album that has given the band more confidence in exploring a more spooky side as singer Alex Turner drops his vocals a few octaves, becoming more of a crooner every day.
5.) Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything to Nothing
Being a highly anticipated follow-up to Like a Virgin Losing a Child, there was a lot riding on Mean Everything to Nothing to be an epic release. Luckily enough, it proved to be just what a lot of people were looking for. Emotionally, this album grabbed me due to the conviction that could be heard through singer Andy Hull’s voice. His shrill overpowered each track and the music itself took a darker turn. His stories of his fear of being on the road, and the high octane intensity on tracks like “Pride” and “Shake it Out” make this album one of my most listened of the year.
6.) Kevin Devine – Brother’s Blood
I’m very happy that this was able to stay in my top 10, because after my first listen I was all ready in love. Tracks like “Time to Burn”, “Carnival”, and “Brother’s Blood” really set the standard for a quality album. Kevin Devine proves he is a fantastic songwriter and completely shreds on many of these tracks, proving he’s more than just an acoustic guitar guy. A highly diverse album, the range goes from barn burners, to ballads about dead pets. Did I mention how amazing this guy is when it comes to lyrics? His intelligence is constantly on display, as well as his passion. It is a disc that begs for people to give him more attention.
7.) He Is Legend – It Hates You
I really wasn’t sure about this album, whether I was sold on this new sound. Well I think the transition came subtly as I realized I was constantly playing this album and loving every minute of it. There were no room for fillers, and while many feel that the direction is all over the place, the mood of the album is kept intact track after track. Songs like “Everyone I Know Has Fangs”, “The Primarily Blues”, “Mean Shadow” contains that poppy, yet tumultuously grungy. Guitarist Adam Tanbouz impresses many with his sometimes trippy, but majorly crunching guitar tone, and singer Schuyler Croom finds a happy medium with his vocals as he hits those high notes but keeps a bit of rasp underneath. Let’s hope they somehow come back from this hiatus.
8.) The Temper Trap – Conditions
What an impressive debut from Australia’s very own The Temper Trap. While I was over in Australia, I heard “Science of Fear” constantly on their video music channel, and instantly was grabbed by the sound. Singer Dougie Mandagi possesses a very unique voice that is impossible to emulate. Best described as soulful, it is the staple of an all ready magnificent album. A few anthemic songs such as the euphoric “Sweet Disposition” and “Resurrection” keep things interesting, but that doesn’t mean one part of this album is boring. Be on the look out for these guys, they’re meant for big things.
9.) The xx – The xx
I’m kicking myself so much for not catching these guys on tour with Friendly Fires, but you can’t win em’ all. In the realm of the shoegaze tunes produced by Phantogram (whom they’ve actually played with), this band creates a very sensual yet eerie atmosphere. Vocalist Romy Madlry Croft keeps things quiet where she sings almost to a whisper as she does duets with Oliver Sim. The xx is a band known to throw samples into the mix in songs like “Heart Skipped a Beat” and “Infinity”, focusing heavily on the beat. This music is perfect for slow dancing in a dark room, and will be perfect for the moments you decide to brood in your room, or you know, have sex.
10.) Trophy Scars – Bad Luck
I wish this band was better known, because they have yet to put out a bad release, and their current is their most ambitious one yet. Alphabet. Alphabets. was by far their most inventive album, and somehow they found a way to top it with an almost lounger version of that disc. Singer Jerry Jones’s growl is littered all over the album, but he keeps the screaming to a minimum. The always impressive Brian Ferrara drives the songs along with his ever impressive drumming, as John Ferrara grinds out compelling solo after solo. There is so much creativity flowing out of this band, it is a shame their popularity hasn’t sky rocketed yet. Songs like the Spanish flavored “El Cowboy Red”, and the cabaret-like “Toronto” prove this band has the chops to stand up with the best of them.
Honorable Mentions:
Thrice – Beggars
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Portugal. The Man – The Satanic Satanist
Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 – White Lies for Dark Times
The Dead Weather - Horehound
Stephen Harris' Top 10:
1. mewithoutYou – It’s all Crazy It’s All False, It’s All a Dream, It’s Alright
This album got a lot of hate, and I can understand why some would be uncomfortable with the band’s mellower sound. But I can’t get enough of it. From the delicately layered guitar work, to the newly laid back percussion. to the deceptively brilliant lyrics, this album is one that I simply can’t hear enough times. Each time I hear it, I am inspired, I am intrigued, I am enraptured – and I can’t wait to listen to it again. I honestly feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t understand this masterpiece.
2. David Bazan – Curse Your Branches
This album isn’t one that makes me happy or makes me want to dance. Instead, this man’s heartbreaking tales of alcoholism, atheism, and fatherhood make this album like watching a lurid soap opera written by people who forgot to take their depression meds. Musically speaking, it is kept in the same minimalist style of Pedro the Lion, but with a new subtle bounce and swagger. Bazan’s voice has reached a new emotional peak, which is quite a feat for a person who was already proven to be one of the best songwriters of our generation. But sadly, this album is so understated that it will probably end up being one of the most underappreciated gems of 2009. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
3. .moneen. – The World I Want to Leave Behind
From my review: “Moneen has created another album that will leave serious music fans salivating. On The World I Want to Leave Behind, the band has created an infinitely compelling juxtaposition of heaviness and ambience, strength and fragility, muscle and beauty. The band is clearly in their stride, and has crafted one of the most gracefully lush and deep albums in recent memory. But as great as this album is, it is most likely too much quality for the average music listener to digest. It is a shame that Moneen most likely won’t get widely noticed for creating one of the best albums of the year. If there is any solace to be found in this sad reality, it is that the best-kept secret in rock music will still be “your” band for at least a little while longer.”
4. Frank Turner – Love, Ire and Song
(This album came out in Europe in 2008, but was released in America in Summer 2009.)
Because of this album (and his Poetry of the Deed also released in 2009), Frank Turner is about to break out. His second full-length is full of everything that he is known for: folk sensibilities, acerbic wit, believe-in-yourself-even-though-we’re-all-getting-old lyrics – and the album has them in spades. His voice has the rare quality of being ruggedly beautiful and terribly believable at the same time, and this album has enough songs that will make you smile, lift you up, or break your heart. Seriously – if you can listen to “Long Live the Queen” and not tear up, or “Love, Ire and Song” and not feel like taking over the world, you have no soul.
5. Fake Problems – It’s Great to be Alive
Fake Problems seemed to be on a search for their identity on their earlier releases, but they have most definitely figured out who they are on this album, and they are confident in themselves. They have successfully mixed punk, folk, rock, country and a myriad of other things (seriously – the singer clucks like a chicken in one song) to create a sound that decidedly defines Fake Problems as a band with an endless creative streak. This album is so full of ideas and exuberant moments that it is hard to imagine how Fake Problems can top it.
6. Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything To Nothing
Everyone knows that this band is the saviors of rock and roll, and this album only added to their scripture. Everything on this album shows the band improving. The guitars are heavier and more creative, the rhythms and percussion are crazier, the lyrics are more biting and singer Andy Hull is quickly moving into the territory of the best singers of all time who sounds like they need to be in an institution. A flawless album.
7. Thrice – Beggars
If anything, Beggars has proven that Thrice could write an album of Gregorian chant mixed with Flamenco-Polka-afrobeat fusion, and it would still be more compelling than most everything else ever released. After The Alchemy Index, most people wondered where the band could go next, and if they would resist burning out in the process. But the band soldiered on, adding a timeless feel to the music, and a new soulfulness to the vocals, creating one of the most listenable albums of the year.
8. Polar Bear Club – Chasing Hamburg
The fact that Polar Bear Club’s new album is on an end of the year list (and probably on many others) is no surprise. This hard-working band has yet to release even one bad song, and this album is one in a what is sure to be a long line of albums that get the sweat beading, the fists pumping and the beards growing. It is seldom that we get an album that rocks this hard, but is tremendously full of substance and depth. Polar Bear Club has done it again.
9. Andrew Jackson Jihad – Can’t Maintain
The two dudes in this folk duo are some the craziest, catchiest, funniest and most honest guys around. Their newest album has rocking Against Me! moments and some stuff that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Woody Guthrie record. It has moments that will make you laugh out loud, and some that will make you wonder how the vocalist is still alive. The guys don’t get enough attention (especially here at Decoy), and this album is a great place to start. Do yourself a favor and listen to this soon.
10. American Steel – Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts
I wrote this in my review earlier this year: “With the strength of their songwriting and the passion and skill of their performance, American Steel have created an album that begs to be listened to, and deserves to become a scene-wide favorite.” I stand by that remark. It isn’t very often that a straight-up punk album gains my admiration, but American Steel has done it with quality songwriting, can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head melodies and boundless energy.
Honorable Mentions:
Shook Ones – The Unquotable AMH
Ben Kweller- Changing Horses
Relient K – Forget and Not Slow Down
Fun – Aim and Ignite
The Swellers – Ups and Downsizing
Comments
Milwaukee, WI
Brand New is my #1 as well, so I love to see that. Beam has me really, really interested in Phantogram.
On Harris' list I did really enjoy Thrice, but not enough to get it into top ten territory. I tried to get into that Moneen album but couldn't do it. Most interested in Banazn's album from the description and American Steel sounds interesting as well.
Los Angeles
I couldn't really get into the new mewithoutyou, yeah it had interesting instrumentation but overall kind of boring. Glad to see Kevin Devin made someone elses list.
San Jose, CA
Interesting lists both of you. I definitely don't agree w/ mewithoutYou, Kevin Devine or RK making anybody's list lol (even though I love mwY's old stuff), but it's good to see Thrice and Arctic Monkeys getting some love.
last.fm/user/thetsaiguy
Los Angeles
Huge props on you giving Bazan's new disc a number two spot. More people need Bazan and Pedro in their lives.
West Haven, CT
It's sort of hard to write this stuff up Via-iPhone.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Raleigh, NC
YES to He is Legend. Listened to that album today.
San Diego, CA
Andrew-
Loved the inclusion of ETID. I don't think it's getting enough love.
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
West Haven, CT
Idknow...It was too mixed for me to really enjoy it.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
West Haven, CT
This was too mixed. I have no idea why it didn't save the quote.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Dubuque
ETID is definitely on my list.
Facebook / MySpace
View Chris Conlan's profile on LinkedIn
Boston, MA
I also don't understand all the hate for the new Mewithoutyou album. I thought it was pretty solid.
Stereo Typing
Tweet at me, bro
West Haven, CT
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
San Diego, CA
Excellent
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
Baton Rouge
Ditto!
Boobs
http://thenicsperiment.blogspot.com/
Washington, DC
"Standing still is where we've gone wrong" - The dingees
www.twitter.com/stephenharris09
http://www.last.fm/user/tunemyheart
Dubuque
Yeah I think Mumford already came out in stores overseas. Don't think it's out until March 2010 in the U.S.
Facebook / MySpace
View Chris Conlan's profile on LinkedIn