quote:

And hasn't ANYONE except onFire below (...Bless your intelligent and discerning heart!!!) bothered to consider HOW WE OPERATE by GOMEZ??? It's such an incredible, incredible album that is being sorely overlooked in favor of all these other inconsequential "flavor of the moment" bands, and records. GOMEZ is a musical TREASURE that we should cherish.

I haven't heard the new Gomez album. I own one Gomez album, Liquid Skin, and aside from a couple tracks, I find it pretty lame. A few people around here seem to like their new album. Have they grown musically? Are they doing something new and different, or is it pretty much in the same vein as their earlier work?

I like my Gomez singles and b-sides comp, but I can't take a full record by them. Small doses on that one.

And, by the way, Topman: try not to assume you're the only musical free spirit in the world simply because you don't like Newsom, TVOTR, and the Knife. I don't like them either, but I don't have to disparage the tastes of others (and essentially call them liars or poseurs) to let the world know that I don't. Sounds like someone is just as concerned with how he is perceived as the people he's calling out.

quote:

Originally posted by TOPMAN:
C'mon kids...

Just between us grownups (...who really SHOULDN'T be concerned with impressing others...), let's be honest. The records by Joanna Newsom... and even most of TV On The Radio are virtually unlistenable. And I GUARANTEE you, you will not be listening to any of them with regularity when you are 50...

This must be a joke. If you want to win anyone over to your way of thinking, you're going about it all wrong. You can't insult people (calling us kids, for example) and expect them to agree with you.

For me, I try to take logical steps with my listening. The reason I like Ys so much is as follows. A few years ago, someone (most of us has this person) gave me a burned copy of Pet Sounds. I hated it. Listened to it again...hated it. Sat it on the shelf for a year or so, dusted it off, listened again...loved it, immediately went and bought a real copy. Then I started collecting Beach Boys albums (Summer Days, Today!, Surf's Up, Sunflower, etc.). Each album came with booklets that filled me in on what it was like to grow up with this music. Then, I got a copy of Smiley Smile...WOW! This got me into thinking about how amazing Smile would have been if it were ever completed. I listened to Smiley Smile all the time. Then, finally, SMiLE was released, and WOW!...how could it be this good? I loved it, it sounded so lush. I started reading up on Van Dyke Parks contribution to the more avant garde stuff....which led me to seek out a copy of his album, Song Cycle. I love Song Cycle...it is just so different, yet so pleasant to listen to.

Which leads me to Joanna Newsom's album. I heard Van Dyke was doing her arrangements. I heard Jim O'Rourke (arguably the most talented musician/producer working today) was producing (and I love what he did for Wilco on YHF and AGIB). I love the music. Her voice doesn't bother me and if there's one thing that is argued the most about this album, it is the lyrics. The lyrics aren't what brought me here in the first place.

So, if I'm not listening to this album when I'm 50, I also won't be listening to Van Dyke Parks or the Beach Boys. I can only assume I will still listen to these things.

Anyway, I know this is a long explanation, but I want TOPMAN to know that a lot of us like these albums for real reasons...and not just to fit in with some people on line. Maybe going from listening to GOMEZ to Joanna Newsom isn't a logical step. Therefore it makes no sense to you, while it makes sense to all the people who followed logical steps to get here.

If someone told me one of their favorite bands were Gomez (or Sterophonics, etc), I would only assume they would not enjoy Ys, Cookie Mountian, Silent Shout, Drums Not Dead or any other release that could be considered "difficult". But no need to tell us that we've formed an alliance that you're not part of (The COOL CREW!). We're not trying to trick you. Honest.

RL... can we get an update anytime soon?

I took me a few listens to really appreciate Return to Cookie Mountain, but I'd hardly classify it as difficult (at least in comparison to Newsom, the Knife, and the Liars). Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone can actually sing...very well. "Wolf Like Me" was probably the most instantly likeable song I heard in 2006.

quote:

Originally posted by onFire:
RL... can we get an update anytime soon?

Seconded. Get busy with that calculator RL. Or we're docking your pay.

quote:

Originally posted by ericg75:

quote:

And hasn't ANYONE except onFire below (...Bless your intelligent and discerning heart!!!) bothered to consider HOW WE OPERATE by GOMEZ??? It's such an incredible, incredible album that is being sorely overlooked in favor of all these other inconsequential "flavor of the moment" bands, and records. GOMEZ is a musical TREASURE that we should cherish.

I haven't heard the new Gomez album. I own one Gomez album, Liquid Skin, and aside from a couple tracks, I find it pretty lame. A few people around here seem to like their new album. Have they grown musically? Are they doing something new and different, or is it pretty much in the same vein as their earlier work?

Yeah... I thought it was a great, highly consistent, contagious pop record. I think people might look at Gomez as being college radio fodder but regardless, they put out a great album with How We Operate

20) Anaal Nathrakh - Eschaton
19) Azarath- Diabolic Impious Evil
18) Beck- Information
17) Isis- In the Absense of Truth
16) Kalmah- The Black Waltz
15) Tom Waits - Orphans
14) Zyklon - Disintegrate
13) Devourment- Butcher the Weak
12) The Faceless - Akeldama
11) +/- - Let's Build A Fire
10) Deicide- The Stench of Redemption
9) Califone- Roots and Crowns
8) The Legion - Revocation
7) Ghostface - Fishscale
6) The Thermals - The Blood, the Body, the Machine
5) The Decemberists- The Crane Wife
4) Martyr- Feeding the Abscess
3) Squarepusher - Hello Everything
2) Tapes N' Tapes - The Loon
1) TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain

Don't care if it doesn't get counted.

quote:

Originally posted by MattD:
Good call on the Rainer Maria. There were a couple slow spots on the CD, but they are a great band - can't wait for their next CD.

don't hold yr breath, dooder... they disbanded a few months ago

quote:

C'mon kids...

Just between us grownups (...who really SHOULDN'T be concerned with impressing others...), let's be honest. The records by Joanna Newsom, The Knife ... and even most of TV On The Radio are virtually unlistenable. And I GUARANTEE you, you will not be listening to any of them with regularity when you are 50...

Does anyone actually know other people who listen to these albums? Aside from my wife, who I introduced to the band, I'm the only person I know who likes TV on the Radio. I won't even get into the likelihood that I'd actually meet someone who likes Liars, Newsom, or The Knife. Maybe it's just where I live, but there's no way I'm going to impress anyone around here by liking these artists. I've never understood how someone can accuse people of trying to be impressive for listening to music that most people don't even know (or care) exists.

quote:

Originally posted by TOPMAN:
C'mon kids...

Just between us grownups (...who really SHOULDN'T be concerned with impressing others...), let's be honest. The records by Joanna Newsom, The Knife ... and even most of TV On The Radio are virtually unlistenable. And I GUARANTEE you, you will not be listening to any of them with regularity when you are 50...

And hasn't ANYONE except onFire below (...Bless your intelligent and discerning heart!!!) bothered to consider HOW WE OPERATE by GOMEZ??? It's such an incredible, incredible album that is being sorely overlooked in favor of all these other inconsequential "flavor of the moment" bands, and records. GOMEZ is a musical TREASURE that we should cherish.

BUT....of course, the BEST record of 2006 was ZEROES AND ONES by Chicago's own ELEVENTH DREAM DAY - their first album in six years - and worth every day of the wait! I would normally cut you guys some slack on EDD, but ZEROES AND ONES was actually pretty widely - and VERY favorably - reviewed by almost all print and web media worth their salt. And it has actually been selling pretty damn well.

And... ELEVENTH DREAM DAY have been making records for almost [U]25 years[/U], not with the expectation of becoming "stars", or selling millions, but because of their clear and simple love of making and sharing their art.

THANKS to THRILL JOCKEY Records for making it possible for a band of their starture and integrity to continue to find an outlet for their work!!!

OK... Here's my TOP 14. Fire away... I can take it...

1. ELEVENTH DREAM DAY - ZEROES AND ONES
2. GOMEZ - HOW WE OPERATE
3. YO LA TENGO - I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU AND I WILL BEAT YOUR ASS
4. TOM VEK - WE HAVE SOUND
5. THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES - GET USED TO IT
6. LUPÉ FIASCO - LUPÉ FIASCO'S FOOD AND LIQUOR
7. FORM OF ROCKET - SE PUEDE DESPIDIR A TODOS
8. THE RADIO DEPT. - PET GRIEF
9. PRINCE - 3121
10. HOT CHIP - THE WARNING
11. ARCTIC MONKEYS - WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT'S WHAT I AM NOT (...despite the smothering HYPE, it's just a DAMN fine record!)
12. THE RAPTURE - PIECES OF THE PEOPLE WE LOVE
13. GUILLEMOTS - THROUGH THE WINDOW PANE
14. AEREOGRAMME - SECLUSION

DUDE,

calling the knife unlistenable is like calling depeche mode unlistenable. it might not be up your alley, but thats a pop record with very little murk to get through. you want difficult? try scott walker's record on for size. theres a little gem that takes some work.

as for TVOTR, i'll buy their record as being a bit obtuse but you only need a couple of spins through cookie mountain before the payoff. theres alot of hook and sweet melody there. ALOT.

ys certainly is an unlikely candidate for the crossover phenom status it has earned, but you have to realize that not every indie record is meant for every indie fan. this is a VERY divisive record, as are most works of art "worth their salt," as you might say.

i have to say though, do you think anyone will remember gomez in 50 years? i reckon not... the only legacy they will command will be amongst a faceless pocket of bland british post-radiohead alterna rock with the likes of elbow and travis.
if gomez ever do become the "flavor of the month," it will probably be sugar-free vanilla.

Deeming a critically popular album as the best of the year is not a ploy to be called "cool." It's the opposite, really. Picking an obscure album and gloating about your superior tastes, that's trying to be cool. I picked Newsom as album of the year because if I was asked to donate a CD to a 2006 time capsule, that's the one I'd pick. If Gomez had made a better album, I would have picked them instead.

My list, humbly:

1) Islands - Return to the Sea
2) Belle and Sebastian - This Life's Pursuit
3) Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
4) Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
5) The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
6) Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat
7) Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country
8) Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
9) The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
10) Mastodon - Blood Mountain

Other good stuff - Bonnie Prince Billy, Califone, Gomez, PAS/CAL's EP (looking forward to LP this month). Does Deerhoof's EP +81 count - I love the crap outta that tune.

I really, REALLY tried to like Joanna Newsome's new one - I've given it many listens. It just comes off as self-indulgent and I feel like I'm stuck at some hideous renaissance fair. I feel the same way about her that I feel about Tom Waits - I "appreciate" their music, but I can't listen to it for more than a song or two. Also, TV on the Radio never got me excited.

Peace,
"Sugartastic" Willis Silk

quote:

Originally posted by less_success:

quote:

C'mon kids...

Just between us grownups (...who really SHOULDN'T be concerned with impressing others...), let's be honest. The records by Joanna Newsom, The Knife ... and even most of TV On The Radio are virtually unlistenable. And I GUARANTEE you, you will not be listening to any of them with regularity when you are 50...

Does anyone actually know other people who listen to these albums? Aside from my wife, who I introduced to the band, I'm the only person I know who likes TV on the Radio. I won't even get into the likelihood that I'd actually meet someone who likes Liars, Newsom, or The Knife. Maybe it's just where I live, but there's no way I'm going to impress anyone around here by liking these artists. I've never understood how someone can accuse people of trying to be impressive for listening to music that most people don't even know (or care) exists.

That's funny. And true. I live in the Midwest, in a mid-sized city, and I can count the number of actual people I've met with similar musical tastes as me on one hand. Most of my friends, coworkers, and family aren't any more impressed that I like TVotR than they would be if I liked Linkin Park.

quote:

Originally posted by less_success:
Does anyone actually know other people who listen to these albums? Aside from my wife, who I introduced to the band, I'm the only person I know who likes TV on the Radio. I won't even get into the likelihood that I'd actually meet someone who likes Liars, Newsom, or The Knife. Maybe it's just where I live, but there's no way I'm going to impress anyone around here by liking these artists. I've never understood how someone can accuse people of trying to be impressive for listening to music that most people don't even know (or care) exists.

Excellent point. Where I live you can't even get stuff like that anywhere in town--and I mean anywhere. We have zero stores with obscure music that is difficult to find and the only few places that are in my town that have stuff like Joanna Newsom or The Knife is FYE or Barnes and Noble. Then again the album prices at those respective stores are hardly affordable. Here is a good example:
I have wanted a tangible copy of Destroyer's Rubies ever since it was released (which I believe was late Feb.) and NOBODY in my entire town has ever carried it, nor ever heard of it. Imagine the people's perplexity at Best Buy (which actually has 2006 albums by TVotR, Islands and Neko Case) when I asked if they had or ever had or were ever going to get any albums by a guy/group known as Destroyer. One of the people I asked even asked me in return, "So you are a metal fan huh?" Another proclaimed, "This kind of heavy rock has a lot of bad words in it." You can imagine my startled response as I said, "Umm....no, it isn't anything like that at all." So to say that people buy stuff just because they want to seem cool or liked is ridiculous. I also don’t know anyone (except of course my girlfriend who I show a lot of stuff I like and don't like to) that would ever know who TVotR, The Knife (imagine how many assumptions of their music people make up just because of their name?), Destroyer, Joanna Newsom, Islands or even more mainstream acts like The Hold Steady or The Decemberists are.

Now I have a legitimate question: I am finally going to order the Destroyer album (already bought it a while back from I-Tunes.) And have some questions on it. How is the packaging? Does it come in a jewel case or digi-pak? Are the liner notes filled with lyrics or is it just a small book with a few pictures and thank yous? Thanks, it is greatly appreciated.

Every year, we get into these bun fights about why people have chosen things they have and so on. I just find it amusing.

I loved TVOTR's "Desperate Youths" so I was very excited about the new record. I've listened to it at least ten times and just cannot get into it on any level. It just seems like a totally rambling mess. But I accept that others love it, and wouldn't dream of suggesting people are trying to show off by picking it. The Joanna Newsom is in the same category. Again, I loved "The Milk-Eyed Mender", and the new one just strikes me as a highly intelligent and admirable disaster. Newsom is a great talent with a hugely impressive way with words, but she needs someone to focus her talent.

On the other hand, I loved the Liars album (my #4) and had no trouble with it from the first listen, while others I am sure would say about it the same things I said bout TVOTR above. There's no accounting for taste.

The Knife, on the other hand, is truly just empty to me. It strikes me as all preening attitude and adolescent cool -- glacial, alienated, faux-moody nonsense. I'm sure everyone in the band wears black all the time, looks bored as hell with the world, and blames everyone else for how shitty their lives are. Pitchfork always falls for that kind of thing.

quote:

Originally posted by ericg75:
Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone can actually sing...very well. "Wolf Like Me" was probably the most instantly likeable song I heard in 2006.

Very, very true. This makes me sad that the whole album isn't as good as this song or a few others on there.

Also, I can't get over just how good The Crane Wife is. I think that The Decemberists have finally made their best album and I hope they only get better from here. You have to love the first four songs--especially the second one--so much.

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:
Now I have a legitimate question: I am finally going to order the Destroyer album (already bought it a while back from I-Tunes.) And have some questions on it. How is the packaging? Does it come in a jewel case or digi-pak? Are the liner notes filled with lyrics or is it just a small book with a few pictures and thank yous? Thanks, it is greatly appreciated.

Somebody ought to start a thread with this kind of info in it. I'm now at a point where I prefer to get albums electronically rather than a hard copy. It's easier, since it's going to end up on my PC or MP3 player anyway. But, if an album had really cool packaging and liner notes, I might buy a hard copy.

20. At War With the Mystics - The Flaming Lips
19. Safety In Numbers - Umphrey’s McGee
18. Return to Cookie Mountain - TV on the Radio
17. Pearl Jam – Pearl Jam
16. Broken Boy Soldiers - The Raconteurs
15. Highway Companion - Tom Petty
14. Magic Potion - The Black Keys
13. Putting the Days to Bed - The Long Winters
12. The Letting Go - Bonnie Prince Billy
11. [Roots & Crowns] - Califone
10. Eisenhower - The Slip
9. Everything All The Time - Band of Horses
8. St. Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkley
7. Post-war - M. Ward
6. Wolfmother - Wolfmother
5. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists
4. Modern Times - Bob Dylan
3. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood - Neko Case
2. Boys and Girls in America - The Hold Steady
1. The Animal Years - Josh Ritter

quote:

Originally posted by less_success:
Does anyone actually know other people who listen to these albums? Aside from my wife, who I introduced to the band, I'm the only person I know who likes TV on the Radio.

But the Interweb makes the big world much smaller, doesn't it? Maybe in the 70's and 80's listeners had to feel isolated by their musical tastes (this is probably how and why scenes developed), but now, kids in rural Kansas can share their love of Danish electro-pop and avant-garde Swedish deconstructionist dance-rock with like-minded folks in mainland China.

I don't know how many people who live in my neighborhood in suburban Atlanta listen to, say, the Pernice Brothers, but if I go into any of a dozen record stores in Atlanta, I'll bet 9 out of 10 people in there know TVOTR, Joanna Newsom, the Knife, or all three. You just have to look for like-minded folks.