The Han Toshi

I haven't written in a long time, even though I really want to. I reached a point where I needed to divorce myself from the keyboard when I wanted to talk about school/work lest my thoughts devolve into angry musings that none would care to read. I try to stay positive. That's probably the best way I can sum up my state of mind: I try to stay positive.

Moving on, music is a great way for me to drown out the white noise and feedback loops of futility that have become my job. This year hasn't blown me away with any one release (yet), but there's a handful of things that I recommend people put on their radar. As always, until the year end best-of list, they are in no particularly order.

 Jamie xx - In Colour

Jamie xx is one half the duo called (not surprisingly) The xx. Apart

from an album he made with Gil Scott-Heron - just before he passed away, this marks

Jamie's debut solo album. He drops all notions of the subtlety that earned his former band

their well deserved acclaim, but retains his focused and calculating style, just bigger.

My jam: Seesaw [ft. Romy]

 Best Coast - California Nights

How was I not supposed to like an album and a band that is essentially 

themed around living in Southern California? Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno bring 

back their signature style of garage/pop enthusiasm for a third time.The 

edges have been softened a bit, but it still feels like something only they could have done.

My jam: Feeling Ok

 Jason Isbell - Something More Than Free

I'm new to Jason Isbell, so while I don't have much of a backstory on him

that informs my opinion of his work I probably wouldn't need it anyway. This is

a heartfelt album through and through. Even if country isn't your thing, I think there's

something that everyone can find enjoyable on this record. Check it out.

My jam: How To Forget

 Beach House - Depression Cherry

Bands don't get much more reliable than this. Depression Cherry might throw some

fans of "Teen Dream" era for a loop, but I promise you this is forward movement. 

Beach House has never sounded more sincere and intricate in their production even

when you take most of it away as they've done here.

My jam: Beyond Love

 Tame Impala - Currents

Everything about this band is cool. Their name, the name of their albums (Lonerism), and

the artwork. I don't even need to mention the music because their brand of Psychedelic Rock

does all the talking. It's replete with fantastic hooks and wonderful lyrics that only add 

to the discourse of the romantic break-up album. It was a welcome surprise.

My jam: Yes I'm Changing

 Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell

Sufjan is such a wildcard. It feels like he's either got a hat of ideas

for records, or he takes on dares - as in the case of  2010's electronically

driven, "Age of Adz." Whatever the case, he's a prolific lyricist and equally

powerful composer. The inspiration for the album (the death of his mother) might 

sound like a downer, but rather than a collection of brooding dark pieces it's more

of a joyful and fond send-off. 

My jam: The Only Thing

 

 Purity Ring - Another Eternity

I fell in love with Purity Ring upon hearing their first double A-side that 

combined the powerhouse tracks of "Lofticries," and "Ungirthed" together. Simply

describing Purity Ring as an electronic band wouldn't be doing them justice. It's electronic

pop infused with trip hop beats, and a more sinister undertone. It's good, that's what it is.

My jam: Bodyache

 Father John Misty - I Love You Honeybear

Father John Misty was new for me as well this year. I'll definitely be going back and

checking out his surprisingly huge catalog of solo work. The stage name (as you correctly assumed)

has only been in use for a few years however, with the bulk of his work having been created

under his actual name - Joshua Tillman. This album is at times emotional, sarcastic, and horribly romantic.

I don't want to get ahead of myself just yet, but this is probably the ringer for best of the year.

My jams: Bored In The USA / Holy Shit / I Went To The Store One Day 

Seriously, the last three tracks on this album are amazing.

 Sleater-Kinney / No Cities To Love

After a long absence Sleater-Kinney returns thrashing into the foreground of

everyone's consciousness. The sound is no less raw, the lyrics are no less memorable, and

their presence is never more desired. Sleater-Kinney returns in fine form with No Cities To Love.

 My jam: Hey Darling

 The Go! Team - The Scene Between

Despite the dissolution of the team in the band's namesake, Ian Parton has managed

to create a sound that supersedes anything The Go! Team has previously produced.

If I were going to declare any single album as the pop album of the year for me, this one would 

be it hands down. It's catchy, full of hooks, and will definitely find you hitting replay more than once.

 Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

Originally titled "Tu Pimp A Catterpillar," (TuPAC) Kendrick has been quoted as saying that Tupac is one 

of the rappers that he draws most of his inspiration from whether it be style, or in day to day life. 

Kendrick has certainly made a name for himself though with his unique style of rap. "To Pimp A Butterfly" is another link in that chain, which fuses hip hop, spoken word poetry, and even jazz - seamlessly.

My jam: King Kunta

 

 Passion Pit - Kindred

Passion Pit's music feels like the kind of thing one is supposed to eat rather 

than listen to. Their pop synths are all so fantastic, colorful, and vibrant that they feel

sweet to the ear. I haven't decided where this one places among their three releases, but

that I have that decision to make at all says something.

My jam: Where The Sky Hangs

 Natalie Prass - Natalie Prass

Newcomer and singer-songwriter Natalie Prass gracefully glides onto the music scene

with her melodic debut album. While it might feel a bit of a slow burn for the 'gotta have it now' 

generation, there's plenty to be enjoyed throughout this album. With elements of Chamber Pop, a 

twinge of Baroque, and an overall classic feeling, it's something to check out.

My jam: Your Fool

 CHON - Grow

Despite hitting a nerve for bands with names that are all caps - seriously - CHON is

pretty exciting. I know every once in a while I recommend something immediately off-putting

and this one will probably be it unless you are familiar with the exquisitely detailed 

sub-genre known as Math Rock. Noted for it's at first dissonant sound, Math Rock is hard

to describe but easy to recognize. "Grow" contributes a few great pieces to the style.

My jam: Book

 Belle and Sebastian - Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance

I was greatly anticipating getting my hands on this album. Earlier this year I saw 

them in Tokyo performing some highlights of this release and of course a ton of old standards. 

Any new Belle and Sebastian album is a cause for celebration, and this one is no 

different. Their occasional melancholic but always poppy songs have been injected with 

a more dance-worthy beat, as the title would suggest.

My jam: The Party Line

 Panda Bear - Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper

First off, the award for best title ever goes to? Panda Bear follows his previous solo

work with another album that will be on rotation for some time. Constructed as a kind of concept 

album that deals with exactly what you think it does, but not in the way you think,

PBMTGR packs a punch. It's chilling while catchy, psychedelic but poppy, and 

grabs your attention throughout.

My jam: Mr. Noah

 Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon

Okay, I lied. This is the crazy one. Haitus Koyote's "Choose Your Weapon" appears to be

an experimental album. Just by the sheer number of genres and styles that get mashed within

the course of this record (jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and so on) it's incredibly difficult to 

give it a singular label - which isn't a bad thing. They describe themselves as 

Neo-Soul, but I don't know if that helps.

My jam: Shaolin Monk Motherfunk

(How about that title, right?)

 Ratatat - Magnifique

Ratatat is a jam band. This album, like almost all of their work, features no vocals. On "LP3"

there was a jaguar-esque sound on a track called "Wildcat." That's the kind of band

that Ratatat is. Magnifique rolls with crunching guitars that constantly seem on

a path of out-cooling the other - much like their previous work. It has moments of

introversion, but that just means there's breathing room in between. 

My jam: Abrasive

 Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit

Seemingly in a competition with Fiona Apple for the longest album names ever, Courntey

Barnett delivers a resounding debut album. It rocks. She rocks. Her voice is amazing, and she 

shreds the hell out of more than a few songs here. I don't know much about her, but I'll definitely

be keeping my eye on her after this. Give it a listen if you care about rock at all. 

My jam: Pedestrian At Best

 

The Vaccines - English Graffiti

These guys came out of nowhere for me. Though they've been around since 2010

apparently, I hadn't caught wind of them until the single "Handsome" off this record 

was released earlier this year. It immediately became the song of the summer for me

and I had to investigate the rest of the album, where many more gems would lay.

My jam: Minimal Affection

Here's the list one more time, alphabetically:

Beach House - Depression Cherry

Belle and Sebastian - Girls In Peacetime Just Want To Dance

Best Coast - California Nights

CHON - Grow

Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit

Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear

The Go! Team - The Scene Between

Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon

Jamie XX - In Colour

Jason Isbell - Something More Than Free

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

Natalie Prass - Natalie Prass

Panda Bear - Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper

Passion Pit - Kindred

Purity Ring - Another Eternity

Ratatat - Magnifique

Sleater Kinney - No Cities To Love

Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowe

Tame Impala - Currents

The Vaccines - English Graffiti


Happy Listening.

-J

Single File: In The Flowers

Things have been tough lately. 

I thought I would try writing about that which has always lifted my spirits.

Single File is segment that analyzes a lone track off an album I enjoyed. The track being discussed isn't necessarily always a 'single,' but rather a song that I believe contributed greatly to the feel of the album in question.

The band: Animal Collective


The album: Merriweather Post Pavilion

The song: In The Flowers




In The Flowers is a great place to start with this new segment. Some albums are good, others are great, and the song for today hails from the latter. And in the pantheon of great releases there are those which leave a lasting mark after their first listen. Merriweather Post Pavilion earned the question, "Do you remember the first time you listened to it?" and it is well deserved. To understand the reason why I love this song, and especially as a part of a collection, it will help to expand the argument just a bit more.

Music is tricky. I would argue this is largely because listening to it is an investment of time few care to spend on things they aren't positive they will enjoy. With this in mind and admitting that the art form as a whole is extremely subjective, recommending songs (let alone entire albums) to people can be tough. Both parties have something to lose if the enjoyment doesn't transfer. Thus, the responsibility of an opening track is huge when suggesting an album to a friend.

With the influx of portable music came a shift to the way we actually listened to it. Take a look at any digital shop and it will be instantly apparent what has changed. I hopped onto the iTunes music store and clicked on the first album they were promoting as of today. As is obvious, the album (in its entirety) can be purchased at a base price. Apart from the single - which still exists - music was ultimately purchased as a whole. You couldn't piece out an album in other words. The trend for today is in the individual track selection. 

I could never buy a single track

I apologize for beating this quite obvious concept over your heads. I'm sure everyone reading is well aware of the current trends in the music industry; one would only need to check their smartphone and a handful of apps to find any number of examples. I only make this point so exhaustively because I feel that it has destroyed the concept of what an album should be: a collection of songs meant to be heard and enjoyed together.

I'm a record collector, and though that market is increasing (much to my excitement) it is still a relatively small area of industry. When listening to a record one can't simply skip a track, at least with the ease in which a portable player could. It is a physical process that's reproducing the sound and as such it is also a physical process to skip a track: getting off the couch and moving the needle to the song you want to hear. I don't bother with that (apart from the necessary side flipping) because I trust that these albums had blood, sweat, and tears poured into them. I believe there's a reason the tracks are in the order they are in. There's a reason they are in one collection. Having said that, I do realize that some albums seem to built of 'fillers' designed to couch one or two singles, but that's a topic for another day.

So, albums are important, songs matter as do their order, and listening to albums as self contained experiences is critical for me. This is why I suggested earlier that the opening track to an album carries such weight.

Luckily, In The Flowers handles this in strides.The track opens with a wave-like wash, as if to symbolize a cleansing of the palette before heading deep into uncharted territory. The downward spiraling, rhythmic plucking again reinforces this idea of descending towards the clandestine, an audible trip down the rabbit hole. It has a quality which is ever so slightly cautious, but equally curious. From out of this nebulous dream-space comes our narrator, who begins to describe a dancer he meets in a field. The dancer is spoken of as maintaining a trance over our narrator. Her movements seem to catch the narrator off guard, and incite a force deep within himself that cannot be controlled, noting that even her surroundings appear more joyful due to her presence. She presents a flower to him, an invitation. He adds later a sense of envy towards those such as the dancer who will "dance despite anything." Wistfully, he ponders what it would be like to live in such hedonism before ultimately giving into the temptation, at which point the song explodes into a cacophony of bliss.

Perhaps the most telling, and most important lines to the album overall come next from our narrator as he answers the hypothetical he proposed moments earlier.

Then we could be dancing
No more missing you while I'm gone
There we could be dancing,
And you'd smile and say, "I like this song"
And when our eyes will meet there
We will recognize nothing's wrong
And I wouldn't feel so selfish
I won't be this way very long

Suddenly everything has changed. Dancing now appears to be a metaphor for simply enjoying life, whatever form that pleasure takes. In this case, we might understand it to mean the album that we're about to dive right into. In a wonderfully earnest moment, the narrator admits that if they simply chose to enjoy themselves, nothing bad would come of it, and though it might be selfish to consider only one's happiness, he understands that it will only be for short time.

As an opening track for an album that falls well outside of 'mainstream' music, could you ask for a more honest start? It speaks to the innocence of enjoying music, as it should be enjoyed. Remove label, identity, associations, and listen to it for the sense of wonderment that we often find so hard to describe, yet easily recognize when around, and deeply miss when gone. It encourages the listener to let go, because as it argues, there's no harm in having a little bit of fun.

The album stays strong throughout, and stays true to the opening manifesto. There are songs more playful, and stronger, and probably more popular as it goes on, but none can replace the feeling of being guided slowly into a world of frivolity - if only for a while.


-J



"In The Flowers"

I'm a dancer

Met a dancer
Who was high in a field
From her movement
Caught my breath on my way home
Couldn't stop that spinning force I felt in me,
Everything around seemed to giggle glee
She walked up with a flower and I cared

Found a dancer
Who gets wild to the beats
of record rhythm
But I'm always away for weeks that pass slow
My mind gets lost
Feeling envy for the kid who'll dance despite anything
I walk out in the flowers, and feel better

If I could just leave my body for the night,
Then we could be dancing
No more missing you while I'm gone
There we could be dancing,
And you'd smile and say, "I like this song"
And when our eyes will meet there
We will recognize nothing's wrong
And I wouldn't feel so selfish
I won't be this way very long

To hold you in time
To hold you in time
To hold you in time
To hold you in time

While we were dancing
Early hours
Drunken days finally ended
And the streets turned for a pillowcase
Then I fumbled our good lock
Then the ecstasy turns to rising light
Through our windowpane
Now I'm gone
I left flowers for you there

The Year In Music (2014)

  

December is a magical time. It's when we all put aside our differences and celebrate the majesty of things that we most enjoyed throughout the year. 

In that spirit, let's not waste a beat; here's the music that I liked in 2014.

 25.

 Cloud Nothings - Here And Nowhere Else

24.

Angel Olsen - Burn Your Fire For No Witness

 

23.

 Spoon - They Want My Soul

22.

 Jack White - Lazaretto

21.

The Antlers - Familiars

20.

 Wye Oak - Shriek

19.

Brian Eno and Karl Hyde - High Life

18.

The War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream

17.

 Flying Lotus - You're Dead!

16.

 clipping. - CLPPNG

15.

Caribou - Our Love

14.

 Manon meurt - Manon meurt

13.

Strand of Oaks - Heal

12.

Ariel Pink - Pom Pom

11.

 Run The Jewels - RTJ2

10.

Perfect Pussy - Say Yes To Love

9.

tUnE-yArDs - Nikki Nack

8.

 FKA twigs - LP1

7.

Todd Terje - It's Album Time

6.

 Parquet Courts - Sunbathing Animal

5.

Perfume Genius - Too Bright

4.

Mac DeMarco - Salad Days

3.

Real Estate - Atlas

2.

 Lykke Li - I Never Learn

1.

St. Vincent - St. Vincent

HONORABLE MENTIONS 
  

Dum Dum Girls - Too True

Lydia Loveless - Somewhere Else 

Macross 82-99 - Sailorwave

(This technically came out last year December 31st... so...)

Cibo Matto - Hotel Valentine

ceo - Wonderland

Kishi Bashi - Lighght

Taylor Swift - 1989

(It was a strong pop album, but the lyrics prevent me from rating it too highly) 

What's on your list this year?

-J

The Music (So Far) Of 2014

     I'm a bit behind on my music listening. I'll just get that out of the way straight from the get-go. I'm also a bit late on this post, but this year has been unlike any other in my life - refer to episodes 01 to 03 of the podcast for that - so I think I get a bit of slack. In any case, I've put together a small list of what albums I've been into thus far. I've still got a whole bunch that I need to get through so it's not exactly an indication of what will be on my year end, "Best of" list but I imagine a good deal of them will make it. Without further ado, here's what I've been listening to so far:

This list is also in no particular order, so don't worry about that yet!

      

Perfect Pussy - Say Yes To Love

     I suppose we'll just get the elephant in the room out of the way. I wish I could talk about this album with my students, or recommend it, because I know they don't listen to stuff like this ever. The name alone is something I don't want to try and explain to anyone here. If I were able to recommend it, I'd tell them that "Interference Fits" is one of the best songs of the year.

Dum Dum Girls - Too True

      I remember seeing Dee Dee Penny when she still a part of Grand Ole Party at Coachella in 2008. This is quite different from that and every since she started Dum Dum Girls it would appear she's never looked back. Every release they do just gets better and better. A solid album through and through. You'll definitely want to listen to, "Trouble Is My Name".

Kishi Bashi - Lighght

     Kishi Bashi has been on many people's radar for a while, even if they weren't aware of it. He's toured as a backup performer with many big name artists. I've mentioned this before on a previous recommendation, which you can read about here. "Q&A" instantly became one of my favorite tunes to drive to. Give it a listen.

Cibo Matto - Hotel Valentine

      This isn't their best work. I'll admit that. But it's a lot of fun, and honestly if you were into Cibo Matto before, then you'll find something to latch into with this one as well. I was equally apprehensive and excited when I heard that the two of them would be getting back together. If quirky is what you're looking for, then they didn't disappoint!

Cloud Nothings - Here and Nowhere Else

      Cloud Nothings care not for sparing your ears. The whole album rocks from beginning to end. If crunchy, and distorted is your kind of thing, then look no further. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Cloud Nothings are an acquired taste, but you have to be very accepting of angrily shouted lyrics - which I am!

The Horrors - Luminous

     The Horrors and their brand of psychedelia are pretty welcome at any time for me. This one hasn't immediately latched on as quickly as "Skying" did, but it has plenty of memorable moments. It'll still take a few more rotations before I make up my mind entirely. "Chasing Shadows" is a killer opening track and the one I'd probably recommend as of right now.

Lykke Li - I Never Learn

      Lykke Li is never one to disappoint and this third effort follows up on her already impressive career thus far. Everything you need to know about this album can essentially be derived from the title and the cover. She's made no secret that these songs are about pain and suffering through a terrible breakup. Don't let that stop you though, because they're also quite beautiful. You can't go wrong, but try, "Silverline".

Mac DeMarco - Salad Days

      Mac is a character. There's no doubt about that. His devil-may-care attitude can oft be felt throughout the course of this album's consistently laid back tunes. His music has been described as a kind of "slacker" rock, but this is by no means a slam. Salad Days thrives in its twang and chilled aesthetic creating songs that are enjoyable and down to earth.

Manon meurt

     Manon meurt was kind of a strange find for me. I'd heard of it in passing and decided to check it out via their bandcamp. Though there's very little information on this band I can read - it appears they hail from the Czech Republic based on their profile - they've really caught my attention. If shoegaze means anything to you, then this is a band that you'll definitely want to check out. "Glowing Cityscape" has become one of my favorite songs of the year so far.

Jack White - Lazaretto

     You know who this guy is. You also knew this was going to be good. Jack White's follow up to his hugely successful solo debut is equally as sound. Jack sure seems like he's possesses a musical Hand of Midas because every project he comes into contact with is noteworthy.

Real Estate - Atlas

     Real Estate has been on my radar for a while, but they really jumped into the lead with this release. While it retains a sonic distinction that won't allow you to confuse this album for another group they tightened up the production delivering a truly great album. The whole thing is perfect for driving down an opening highway - at the speed limit of course, or not! Listen to, "The Bend".

The War On Drugs - Lost In The Dream

     This one gets a recommendation for being like Bob Dylan with a pulse. Lost In The Dream has a free spirited nature to its rock formula. The album seems almost halfway divided between the reserved and the energetic. There are some slow jams to be sure, but there are a great many moments that come alive. It feels like the kind of stuff that just makes you want to get up and move when you're not letting it wash over you. My favorite is probably, "Red Eyes".

St. Vincent - St. Vincent

     Self-titled unoriginality aside, Annie Clark has almost completely reinvented herself (having seemingly created another identity to go with it) this time around with one of the most exciting releases of the year. There's not a track I would skip on this album lest one miss out on the wit in songs such as, "Birth In Reverse," and the raw energy with others such as, "Bring Me Your Loves". Check those out immediately.

Strand Of Oaks - Heal

     This was my first exposure to Strand Of Oaks, and I'm definitely a fan. I've always been a fan of folk-tinged music and there seems to be a rise in popularity of folk infused, lyrically inspired music. Timothy Showalter is fascinating for he seems to bounce with the utmost ease between the worlds of folk and rock. For an emotionally charged time check out, "Shut In".

tUnE-yArDs - Nikki Nack

     Whether or not Merrill Garbus still stylizes her stage name as I have done just above seems unknown at this point. The cover of this title suggests otherwise, and it might be indicative of the direction that I see her taking. What started off as a lo-fi side project quickly evolved into a more carefully constructed and produced career. While I do miss the lo-quality aesthetic of her first album, I don't think anyone can complain about what she's done with her new set of toys.

FKA twigs - LP1

     FKW twigs was another release out of left field for me. I was not aware of her until this year, but she's surprised me with an incredibly diverse and rich album. In the vein of other modern day electronic driven R&B artists such as Janelle Monáe, Frank Ocean, and The Weeknd, FKA twigs has created an emotionally charged debut that is at times haunting but not worth missing.

Wye Oak - Shriek

     Wye Oak are simply on a roll. 2011's Civilian was such a fantastic album that it felt hard to beat by improving on the formula. The solution then is to change up the formula, which is what Wye Oak seems to have done. Rather than the melancholic and at times listless tone that their last effort had, Shriek seems to have entered a kind of dream-sphere. The wandering and drifting elements remain in place, but with the context change, Wye Oak have a new weapon in their arsenal.

Parquet Courts - Sunbathing Animal

     Parquet Courts delivers a pretty solid rock album through and through on Sunbathing Animal. It seems like these guys know that if there's not going to be any twist then it better be solid. At times, jangly, noisy, and even quirky, this album never diverges from being a rock album with interspersed punk affectation. Definitely not a boring time. Check out, "What Color Is Blood".

Macross 82-99 - Sailorwave

      This an album that I've recommended on an episode of the podcast. Despite its December 31st 2013 release date, I'll be considering this one for 2014's best of. Vaporwave appears to have largely disappeared as a quick internet based sub-genre (or offshoot) of Chillwave and Lo-Fi, but the ones left standing might just be on the verge of something special.


That should be enough to carry you over for a while. I've got a pile of my own to get through still.

Until next time!

-J