Sunday, January 15, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 in Music
So many exciting albums this year. It really was a turning point, and I have renewed my faith in the industry. Many artists are seeking independent means of releasing their material (just see Louis C.K. and his $5 a pop stand up comedy). There were handfuls of artists that released good albums, but it takes something special to create new and varying arts from previous works. There are too many to mention, so here's a couple of my faves for 2011:
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Annie Clark is always improving with age, but that's a wine I can't keep my hands off of. Her solo debut Marry Me had our attention, with her unique song writing. Marrow, composed through Garageband, was a knocked out of the park with her pairing of "gnarly" guitar and distorted sax tracks, and orchestration of brass and winds. Strange Mercy is another masterpiece, combing the tenderness of her first album with the rock energy of the second, delivered through ambient lenses. Her 4AD session shows the raw energy she exudes in her performances. "Northern Lights" is another standout track.
Slothpop - Kokoro
So much love and respect for our Indianapolis friends, Slothpop. They helped kick off 2011 with their release of Kokoro in January. The whole album is a journey of euphoric sounds, tempting you to place it on endless loop. The group released some video teasers the month prior in 2010, also worthy of mentioning.
Emily King - The Seven EP
This is everything I hoped alternative R&B would be. The innovative Emily King has taken the genre to a new level. King has stepped back from the mainstream, independently releasing her new album, with more authentic, sweet, sultry sounds. She is definitely ahead of her time, and I can't wait to see what more she does.
King - The Story
Another glimmer of hope for R&B meets electronica. I about geeked when I first heard this song on Nick Austin's WDET show. WHY DON'T THEY PLAY THIS MUSIC ON MAINSTREAM RADIO. Ugh, anyhoo. I really look forward to seeing more of this trio in 2012. They have toured with Janelle Monae, and Prince is starting to check them out.
Take Away Show: Lianne la Havas - No Room For Doubt
La Blogotheque's Take Away Shows are always pleasant (Beirut's are often fun, with their orchestration). However, this video was just something else entirely. I literally dropped everything I was doing, mesmerized by her honest smile and voice. She's finally getting some good press, with her performance on Jools Holland costarring with Bon Iver.
Gun Lake - Balfour
Mark Fain, Mark Fain, Mark Fain. Ahh, yes. My favorite lyricist of the year. Once you are drawn in by the the sweet melodic timbres and harmonies, you are taken for a ride of stories. Listening to Balfour from start to finish is like reading a good book. Fain caters tracks in a traditional singer/songwriter feel meets indie-folk Michigan sound.
The Smoots - demos
Very much under the radar, Alyse Schneider cuts personal tracks from her Brooklyn residence. A great treat for those who have stumbled across these mixes.
right around the corner by The Smoots
Home recording feel: Holly Mae & The Painted Room - I Am Dark Sided
Ex-patriate Holly Mae's Berlin debut with new team of players. A great soundtrack to a quiet night at home (think bottle of wine, and personal handy DIY or craft project).
Best Video: Adele - Rolling In The Deep
No end of the year list would be complete without Adele's 21. I tried vehemently to not let this song be spoiled by radio overkill. I faired well, with rationing my number of album listenings, sticking to her live recordings, and saving it all for her appearance at Royal Oak Music Theatre in May.
Nod to Aretha Franklin
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, Aretha had canceled her U.S. tour, only to return shortly into 2011: I originally was devastated that I may never see the powerhouse of soul live, but to my luck she delivered a stellar performance in August (with wardrobe changes!). Not to mention, her orchestra was tight, laying down the Motown. Anita Baker was also in attendance, giving props to her singing colleague.
So many great independent artists. Exciting things going on in Michigan and surrounding states. I didn't even really touch electronic/dance music or other mainstream artists. With 2012, I look forward to more releases from friends and new faces. If anything, I would request some more soul/funk revival (thank you Mayer Hawthorne for trying to revive out great export).
If you are looking for new tunes, just browse bandcamp for independent artists. Check out the lineup for 2011's Mitten Fest for great local groups (e.g. Stepdad). I also recommend Sunday as a good radio day full of music: WDET's Modern Music right into New Soul Sunday, then Ann Arbor's 107.1 for Sonic Bliss 9pm-12am.
St. Vincent - Strange Mercy
Annie Clark is always improving with age, but that's a wine I can't keep my hands off of. Her solo debut Marry Me had our attention, with her unique song writing. Marrow, composed through Garageband, was a knocked out of the park with her pairing of "gnarly" guitar and distorted sax tracks, and orchestration of brass and winds. Strange Mercy is another masterpiece, combing the tenderness of her first album with the rock energy of the second, delivered through ambient lenses. Her 4AD session shows the raw energy she exudes in her performances. "Northern Lights" is another standout track.
Slothpop - Kokoro
So much love and respect for our Indianapolis friends, Slothpop. They helped kick off 2011 with their release of Kokoro in January. The whole album is a journey of euphoric sounds, tempting you to place it on endless loop. The group released some video teasers the month prior in 2010, also worthy of mentioning.
SLOTHPOP : SAILING BIRD // a one-take show from One-Take Shows on Vimeo.
Emily King - The Seven EP
This is everything I hoped alternative R&B would be. The innovative Emily King has taken the genre to a new level. King has stepped back from the mainstream, independently releasing her new album, with more authentic, sweet, sultry sounds. She is definitely ahead of her time, and I can't wait to see what more she does.
King - The Story
Another glimmer of hope for R&B meets electronica. I about geeked when I first heard this song on Nick Austin's WDET show. WHY DON'T THEY PLAY THIS MUSIC ON MAINSTREAM RADIO. Ugh, anyhoo. I really look forward to seeing more of this trio in 2012. They have toured with Janelle Monae, and Prince is starting to check them out.
Take Away Show: Lianne la Havas - No Room For Doubt
La Blogotheque's Take Away Shows are always pleasant (Beirut's are often fun, with their orchestration). However, this video was just something else entirely. I literally dropped everything I was doing, mesmerized by her honest smile and voice. She's finally getting some good press, with her performance on Jools Holland costarring with Bon Iver.
Gun Lake - Balfour
Mark Fain, Mark Fain, Mark Fain. Ahh, yes. My favorite lyricist of the year. Once you are drawn in by the the sweet melodic timbres and harmonies, you are taken for a ride of stories. Listening to Balfour from start to finish is like reading a good book. Fain caters tracks in a traditional singer/songwriter feel meets indie-folk Michigan sound.
The Smoots - demos
Very much under the radar, Alyse Schneider cuts personal tracks from her Brooklyn residence. A great treat for those who have stumbled across these mixes.
right around the corner by The Smoots
Home recording feel: Holly Mae & The Painted Room - I Am Dark Sided
Ex-patriate Holly Mae's Berlin debut with new team of players. A great soundtrack to a quiet night at home (think bottle of wine, and personal handy DIY or craft project).
Best Video: Adele - Rolling In The Deep
No end of the year list would be complete without Adele's 21. I tried vehemently to not let this song be spoiled by radio overkill. I faired well, with rationing my number of album listenings, sticking to her live recordings, and saving it all for her appearance at Royal Oak Music Theatre in May.
Nod to Aretha Franklin
After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, Aretha had canceled her U.S. tour, only to return shortly into 2011: I originally was devastated that I may never see the powerhouse of soul live, but to my luck she delivered a stellar performance in August (with wardrobe changes!). Not to mention, her orchestra was tight, laying down the Motown. Anita Baker was also in attendance, giving props to her singing colleague.
So many great independent artists. Exciting things going on in Michigan and surrounding states. I didn't even really touch electronic/dance music or other mainstream artists. With 2012, I look forward to more releases from friends and new faces. If anything, I would request some more soul/funk revival (thank you Mayer Hawthorne for trying to revive out great export).
If you are looking for new tunes, just browse bandcamp for independent artists. Check out the lineup for 2011's Mitten Fest for great local groups (e.g. Stepdad). I also recommend Sunday as a good radio day full of music: WDET's Modern Music right into New Soul Sunday, then Ann Arbor's 107.1 for Sonic Bliss 9pm-12am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
