It usually takes me months to put together my year-end best list, so coming up with two half-year bests is no easy feat. I spent much of the weekend deliberating, and decided that while I have a pretty good idea of what records are making my year so far, putting them in order is something I don’t feel quite up to yet. So — with no kind of preference — here are five of my favorite pieces of recorded music of the last six months. More to come tomorrow.
The National, Boxer. I was sent this record back in February, and haven’t stopped listening to it since. Given my usual burn rate, that’s saying something. I think I might be all talked out on it, but to my (admittedly lengthy) record review I’ll add that Boxer’s subtle power is still working on me.
My Teenage Stride, Ears Like Golden Bats. This is another record I’ve been talking to death, so I’ll keep it brief. This is a perfect distillation of all of my favorite qualities in guitar-based pop: big hooks, silvery jangle and self-deprecating lyrics. I’ve seen this band live three times now, and never once have they disappointed. And if you’re still on the fence, eMusic is giving away the first single, “To Live & Die in the Airport Lounge,” for free.
New Ruins, The Sound they Make. This was another pleasant surprise — two guys from Chicago turning out moody, yellowed rock songs that, admittedly, sound kind of like The National. This hasn’t quite had the staying power of the two titles above, but in the instances when I do return to it I find I’m never let down.
Tranzmitors, Tranzmitors. The Tranzmitors are a Canadian band from the aughts that sound like a British band from the ’70s (specifically, The Jam). Comprised of members of a whole bunch of bands I know nothing about, The Tranzmitors work up peppy, pouty mod/power-pop driven by towering harmonies and herky-jerk guitars. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it sounds spectacular in the summer heat.
Killed by 9V Batteries, Killed by 9V Batteries. Marvelously aggro, snarling, chewed-up low-fi from Germany. These songs are still grounded in sturdy melodies, but the music surrounding them is so jagged and nasty it nicely undercuts the more conventional impulses. In the mid-90s every other indie record sounded like this. Killed by 9V Batteries made me realize how much I miss that.
Non eMusic
Miranda Lambert, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Probably my second-fave record of the year: big, proud pop-country story-songs as wry as they are affecting. This record just keeps giving and giving and giving.
Paramore, Riot!. Hook-laden pop-punk from Tennesse sold with charisma and buckets of charm. Hayley Williams is a firecracker, and these songs are so instantly winning I’m wondering if someone slipped William’s & Co. the KLF’s famous book.
Fall Out Boy, Infinity on High. Smartass lyrics and super-huge hooks; despite a dud first single, Infinity has endless growing power. I played this an awful lot more than I expected to.
Rihanna, “Breakin’ Dishes”. I didn’t love this record quite as much as I wanted to, but this song is a monster — synths going haywire, huge club beats and a chorus that corkscrews downward over and over and over again.
Have to agree with Boxer. Great album. I know Alligator was widely praised, but I think Boxer is better. Maybe it’s the way Boxer’s sound has such a uniform feel to it without getting boring. It’s been a long time since I’ve gushed about an album the way I am with Boxer.
Ears Like Teenage Bats – To me, it was two or three songs too long. Maybe I haven’t given it enough close listens, but I start to tire of it by the end. The first few songs, especially “Airport Lounge,” are very fun.
i can see what you’re saying about Golden Bats — that’s kind of how I feel about New Ruins, actually. For some reason, though, Bats keeps me right to the end.
I’m with you on My Teenage Stride and Miranda Lambert. I’ve listened to those two records more than anything else this year. Both are solid from beginning to end. Lots of good hooks and lyrics between ‘em.
And we have the same name, to boot!
I never thought i would see the day an eMusic reviewer praise a pop star like Rihanna, but “Breakin’ Dishes” is a truly brilliant piece of electronic pop. Good call.
I must confess, I have a total, total soft spot for mainstream pop when it’s done right. Really glad you gave the song a chance!
Joe so do I. I am especially susceptible during the summer months. Amerie’s latest effort is catching my attention as well.
In addition to the My Teenage Stride and Miranda Lambert jams, I’m really diggin’ that Blitzen Trapper record “Wild Mountain Home.” It’s worth a spin if you haven’t heard it yet.
You know, I keep meaning to grab Blitzen Trapper and keep forgetting – I’ll do that today for sure. And Kinqaid, great call on the Amerie — i’m loving that one, too. It still hasnt been released in the US for some reason…
Thanks, I enjoyed reading your post. Keep up with the good work. I’ll definitely be back for more.