Off the Record: Paul McCartney's 'New'

...Aaaaand we're back. 

After my unfortunate spill of coffee onto our computer, we have upgraded and I'm ready and equipped to get back to blogging. When I haven't been grappling with Bach and his Brandenburg concertos, Paul McCartney and his new (and somewhat shockingly quite good) album, 'New' have been distracting me quite a bit. I feel kinda bad being surprised that Paul's record is actually pretty awesome, but it really is engaging and more sonically and lyrical daring then you would expect from your average 71 year old rock and roll legend. In 'New', McCartney doesn't rest on his musical laurels and the results are often quite fun. The video below for the second single, Queenie Eye, is a good introduction to the album and also features quite a number of very famous people. See if you can spot them all!

Off the Record: Kate Bush's Studio Albums - From Worst to Best

Recently one of my favorite music blogs, Stereogum, did a feature where they ranked Kate Bush's (one of my favorite artists) studio albums from worst to best. I saw the article, excitedly clicked the link, read the feature and was immediately like:

And many of the comments on the post echo my sentiments. "This is list is completely wrong!!! 'The Dreaming' is miles better than 'The Red Shoes'!!! RAWR!! etc. etc," I thought. But then I thought some more and realized that the mass difference in opinion between myself, the article, and commenters is part of what makes Kate Bush's discography so wonderfully rich. There is something for everyone in her work and we all like different elements of her music. So then I thought even more about how I personally would rank her albums and I came up with the following list, ranked from worst (though worst is a little too strong of a term because there are parts of these albums that I enjoy very much) to best. Enjoy!

10. The Red Shoes (1993)

Commonly considered Kate's worst album and most of the blame is placed on the production. It hasn't aged very well and it gives much of the album a bloated, dated feel (Which Kate Bush tried to rectify in her later release, 'Director's Cut'). But there are still some great songs to be heard and I find that the more time I spend with it, the more I enjoy it.

Stand-Outs: Rubberband Girl, Eat the Music, Lily, Top of the City

9. Lionheart (1978)

'Lionheart' had the unfortunate honor of being the follow up to Bush's outstanding debut (released only 9 months after her first LP) and much of the record pales in comparison; with many of the songs feeling unfocused and unfinished. But the tunes she does nail are splendid.

Stand-Outs: Wow, Symphony in Blue, Fullhouse 

8. Director's Cut (2011)

Kate Bush is ever the perfectionist and 'Director's Cut' is an album-long manifestation of that quality in her. Taking a handful of tracks from both 'The Red Shoes' and 'The Sensual World', Kate brings their production into a more modern, subdued sphere and tries to make them sound as she originally envisioned them. Definitely an album for fans to dig into and enjoy but not essential for newcomers.

Stand-Outs: Deeper Understanding, Lily, The Red Shoes

7. Aerial (2005)

'Aerial' is really two albums. 'A Sea of Honey' is the first disc containing unrelated songs about everything from Kate's son Bertie to the number pi to learning how to become invisible; and, unfortunately, some of the tracks tend to drag. Disc Two, titled 'A Sky of Honey' is a 42 minute suite describing the passing of a day, from sunrise to sunset to sunrise; and it's beautiful and nearly flawless. Definitely a "grower".

Stand-Outs: King of the Mountain, Sunset, Nocturne, Aerial 

6. Never for Ever (1980)

The first album where Kate's very weird side started to shine through and she began to take control of some of the production. A great bridge between her early, piano-based work and the more experimental, complex stuff that would come in the following years.

Stand-Outs: Babooshka, Delius (Song of Summer), All We Ever Look For, Army Dreamers

5. 50 Words for Snow (2011)

This albums captures all the wonder and beauty of winter like nothing I've ever heard. One of my favorite musical memories involves me walking in the snow and listening to this record; truly magical and transporting. It's a long album that requires your attention to unpack it (the shortest song clocks in at nearly 7 minutes), but it is well-worth the effort.

Stand-Outs: Snowflake, Wild Man, Among Angels

4. The Sensual World (1989)

A natural progression of Kate Bush's music in the 80s, The Sensual World is an album that a few years ago would have been much lower on my list. With each listen to its intricate, overwhelming, and, yes, sensual production I find myself enjoying it more and more. Plus it contains Kate's most beautiful song, This Woman's Work. Solid songs, solid production, solid Kate.

Stand-Outs: The Sensual World, Love and Anger, This Woman's Work, Deeper Understanding

3. The Kick Inside (1978)

A confident and fully formed debut; made all the more impressive by the fact that Kate was only 19 when the album was released and wrote many of the songs as a 13-14 year old. Wuthering Heights has got to be one of the most unique number 1 singles of all time. This album also serves as a good starting point for those interested in Kate's earlier, piano-based work.

Stand-Outs: Wuthering Heights, Oh to Be in Love, Moving, Kite

2. The Dreaming (1982)

'The Dreaming' represents Kate Bush at her most out-there. For the first time, she had complete reign over the entire making of a record and none of her ideas went to waste. An embarrassment of kooky riches, 'The Dreaming' is brimming with ideas, characters, and interesting songs that sometimes get away from themselves. A record that I love for its weirdness, experimental production, and wonderful songs.

Stand-Outs: Suspended in Gaffa, Night of the Swallow, Sat in Your Lap, The Dreaming, Leave It Open

1. Hounds of Love (1985)

A truly perfect album in my book with all sides of Kate represented. I try my best to recommend this album to as many people as I can because it serves as an excellent gateway into her body of work as well as the towering achievement that is her discography. More focused than 'The Dreaming' but just as creative, it truly is one of the greatest albums of all time. It's so good, guys! 

Stand-Outs: THE WHOLE THING. Really. But if I have to choose - Hounds of Love, Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God), Waking the Witch, Jig of Life

So that's what I think. What about you, Kate Bush fans? What is your favorite release? Your least favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Off the Record: AlunaGeorge

2013 has been a pretty fabulous year for really strong electronic/pop debuts with Disclosure's 'Settle', Rudimental's 'Home', and London Grammar's 'If You Wait' being some of the highlights for me (The fact that they are all British is a bonus). I can now add AlunaGeorge's debut 'Body Music' to that list. I discovered them through their feature on Disclosure's record and I have been throughly enjoying their album this past week. With inventive and fresh production from George Reid always anchored in Aluna Francis' strong and unique vocals, 'Body Music' is good times. So here is a single from AlunaGeorge that gives a sampling of the goodies I've been enjoying this week.

Off the Record: The Field

The Field is a minimalist electronic artist (real name: Axel Willner) from Sweden and since 2007's 'From Here We Go to Sublime' he's been releasing excellent electronic records pretty consistently with his latest, 'Cupid's Head', coming out this past week. With every album he's been building on his micro-loop, blanket of sound approach to electronic music with pretty spectacular results and this new release is no different. So I thought that I would share one of my favorite tracks from his newest record today, A Guided Tour. It's is a wonderful track to get lost in and has been distracting me quite a bit from King Crimson this week. Enjoy!

Off the Record: Talk Talk

Along with John Coltrane this week, I've been listening to a lot of Talk Talk. I've had their greatest hits collection (Natural History) for a while now but never really given it a good listen. So for whatever reason I've found myself listening to it quite a bit this week and really, really enjoying it. It is very 80s art pop in its production but has a lot of little songwriting/instrumentation quirks that set it apart from your average 80s pop record. Anyhow, I'm liking it so much that I might make one of their albums a featured one soon; we shall see. Till then enjoy one of my favorites:

Off the Record: London Grammar

Though Rudimental has been keeping me occupied this week, I have also been throughly enjoying London Grammar's debut album 'If You Wait.' It reminds me a lot of The xx mixed with a little more piano, strings, and absolutely gorgeous vocals from Hannah Ried. It's a quiet record full of beautiful moments and spacious instrumentation. Anyhow, I'm really digging it so I thought I would share one of my favorite tracks from the record today. Enjoy!:



See you Sunday with Rudimental!

Off the Record: Arcade Fire 'Reflektor'

This has been everywhere so I'm sure it's not going to be news to most of you but Arcade Fire has released the debut single, 'Reflektor', from their new album of the same name coming in October. And, boy, is it a doozy! A totally awesome, mind-blowing, 7 minute, James Murphy-produced, trippy video having, David Bowie featuring, indie-disco-thumping doozy! I think I've watched the video 8 times in the past couple days and I like the song more each time. So please, partake in the goodness:

Off the Record: September Records!

I'm pretty stoked for September. So many records are coming out this month that I am quite excited for and I thought this Friday I would share a few songs from some of the LPs that I'm looking forward to. First off, Janelle Monáe's new record 'The Electric Lady comes out on the 10th. She is responsible for one of the best records of 2010, 'The ArchAndroid', and I have high hopes for her second album. Here is the second infectious single off of the album, Dance Apocalyptic: 



Next up is the fifth LP from one of my favorite bands, Arctic Monkeys, simply titled 'AM' (also out on the 10th). If the first few singles are any indication of what to expect, we are in for a real treat from a band that continues to morph and grow with each record. Here's the wonderfully stomping & chugging single, Do I Wanna Know?:



It's seems like I've been waiting forever for the debut album of an awesome little outfit called Haim (rhymes with 'time') and come September 30, the wait will be over. If you have never heard of them, check out the video below for the single, The Wire, and you'll see what sweet delights you've been missing from these three sisters.


Also excited for Holy Ghost!'s second record, 'Dynamics', and, of course, Part 2 of Justin Timberlake's 'The 20/20 Experience'. Anything I'm missing? What upcoming records are you excited for?

Katy Perry & I will see you Sunday!

Off the Record: Desert Island Discs

So my wife had the wonderful idea that for this week's 'Off the Record' I should let you all know what I consider to be my favorite albums to give you a better idea of where I'm coming from musically. It will also give you a glimpse of auditory horizons that I haven't yet explored. And on top of all that, I love making lists so I couldn't say no. So I'm pleased to present this week's Off the Record: Desert Island Discs!

I've found over the years that my favorite albums change and that this list looks quite different from one I would have made even 5 years ago. Some of the records that at the time I thought I could never be without (Animal Collective's 'Strawberry Jam', for example), I hardly ever listen to anymore. Not that I don't enjoy them, but I've discovered others that, for one reason or another, I enjoy more. But as of August 30, 2013, these are the 10 records (presented in alphabetical order) that I would take with me to listen to forever and always on my lonely desert island. They are records that I consider to be basically perfect and ones that I listen to on a regular basis and enjoy more and more with each listen. I wholeheartedly recommend each and every one of these albums and if there are some that you haven't heard, I've linked a video to a song from each of the albums so you can give it a sampling. So without further ado:

1. The Beatles - Revolver (1966)

The Beatles are my favorite band and its always a challenge for me to pick my favorite of their records but 'Revolver' is really the cream of the crop for me. It hits the perfect balance of earlier 'I love you-ya-ya-ya-wooooh!' Beatles and their later more "mature" stuff. It never gets old for me.

Choice Cut: I Want to Tell You

2. Blur - Parklife (1994)

This is the Blur album that I find myself returning to the most. A great 90s British album with solid tunes wall-to-wall. It's a shame that to most American's they are just the group that did Song 2. This is a great place to start if you are new to Blur.

Choice Cut: To the End

3. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Catch a Fire (1973)

'Catch a Fire' is Bob Marley & the Wailers' overall strongest album in my opinion; probably because Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh were still with Bob and sharing vocal duties. I also prefer the original Jamaican version of the album (which is the one that I heard first) to the touched-up more Westernized version that was release originally by Island Records. A great place to go once you've worn out Marley's best-of collection 'Legend'.

Choice Cut: High Tide or Low Tide

4. Daft Punk - Discovery (2001)

This is my go-to feel-good record. Inventive, fun, and full of energy. It's a modern day classic. If you are looking for a good time, you can't do much better than 'Discovery'.

Choice Cut: Digital Love

5. David Bowie - Hunky Dory (1971)

This is the record where Bowie really clicked for me. A lot of people say that 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' is Bowie's best early record (and it is a great one) but for me 'Hunky Dory' just edges it out. It's packed with so many great songs: Changes, Life on Mars?, Oh! You Pretty Things, and more. So very good.

Choice Cut: Changes

6. Joanna Newsom - Ys (2006)

Oh, Joanna. This is the only record on this list that I would recommend with slight reservations. At 56 minutes and only 5 tracks, it's a bit dense and overwhelming. Then when you mix in Joanna Newsom's "acquired-taste" vocals, it can turn many people off to the whole thing. But if you sit down with it and follow along with her wonderfully complex, literate lyrics and her beautiful harp playing; it reveals itself to be a truly magical album. Plus it taught me the differences between meteorites, meteors, and meteoroids.

Choice Cut: Emily

7. Kate Bush - Hounds of Love (1985)

Kate Bush rules. Plain & simple. One day the whole world will come to realize it. And 'Hounds of Love' sums up pretty perfectly everything that is great about her. Side 1 of the record contains great pop songs and Side 2 contains crazy, weird, experimental Kate. It's all there and it's all good.

Choice Cut: Hounds of Love

8. The Knife - Silent Shout (2006)

My favorite electronic album. Both insanely catchy and incredibly bizarre and spooky all at once. The opening track, Silent Shout, is probably my favorite opening to an album ever. It sets the mood and captures your attention and The Knife keep you fully engaged until Still Light fades out 48 minutes later.

Choice Cut: Silent Shout

9. Super Furry Animals - Rings Around the World (2001)

After the Beatles, Super Furry Animals are my second favorite group (though they are currently in a turf war with Blur; I'll let you know how it turns out). And like so many of the records on this list, 'Rings Around the World' captures every element of the band that I love. It has great storming rockers, beautiful ballads, and loony electro numbers. They really go all out on this one. Heck, it even features Paul McCartney eating a carrot and celery on one of the tracks.

Choice Cut: Juxtapozed With U

10. XTC - English Settlement (1982)

Out of all of XTC's wonderful records, this is the one that has given me the most mileage thus far. While it may not contain the pastoral perfection that you see on 1986's 'Skylarking' (which most consider their best album), 'English Settlement' has plenty to offer. 70 solid minutes of XTC goodness without a dud on it; a real treat. 

Choice Cut: Senses Working Overtime

Honorable mentions (if the universe saw fit to provide me with another bag):
Radiohead - Kid A; Gorillaz - Plastic Beach; Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures; ABBA - Gold; Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not; Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues; Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense (Live); Arcade Fire - The Suburbs; Kraftwerk - The Man Machine; Burial - Untrue

What about you? What are your favorite records? What couldn't you live without? Let me know in the comments, if you like!

Off the Record: Franz Ferdinand

This week the stream of Franz Ferdinand's new LP, 'Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action', has been side-tracking me quite a bit. Their break-out hit Take Me Out was a very big musical moment for me. It lead me to purchase their debut album which, in turn, served as a sort of gateway drug to all sorts of music and bands that I would have never found otherwise. I've been a huge fan ever since. I wouldn't say they are my favorite band, but they will always hold a very special place in my heart. I'm especially digging the opening track Right Action and its equally awesome video. Check it out and I will see you all Sunday!

Off the Record: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Since I'm imperfect human, I often find myself listening to things that aren't the weekly record. So I thought I would give into temptation on Fridays and start posting other musical stylings that I have been enjoying when not giving my undivided attention to the assigned album. So welcome to: Off the Record.
This week, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's (of PONPONPON fame) new LP, 'Nanda Collection', has been distracting me quite a bit; especially the single, Invader Invader. Yes, it's Japanese. Yes, it's insane. Yes, it has a girl singing in a high-pitched-cutie-voice. And yes, it is also a killer pop record. Inventive, fun, bright, shiny, and totally loony. It's a wonderful time. Un-ironically wonderful. Don't believe me? Check out the single below and I promise (or I at sincerely least hope) that by the time the chorus hits at 1:20, you will be totally on board. If you are still interested after that, check out Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop's excellent review of the album here. Enjoy and see you Sunday!