Sunday, November 22, 2009
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Picks from the Current staff
Barb Abney, HostMy annual tradition of copping out continues, as I list my top ten faves by release date, as opposed to preference.
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
*I have to admit, I always think of this as a 2007 release because it was available online late last year. But I was happy to be wrong about it's release, which was in January.* I really dig dancing to this record and this band, even with all of the "em-gee-em-tea vs. management" confusion. When their show with Beck was announced, I heard from a lot of people who were more excited with the idea of seeing them than Beck.
Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)
Remember that song you couldn't get out of your head? It was "Everybody Here Is A Cloud" from this album! I've been a big fan of this band for a while but during Rock The Garden I got to witness a beautiful moment as they huddled and cheered before taking the stage, making me feel even closer to them.
Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons...
Oh, how I wish I would have received one of those gold painted lemons that were sent out before the release! This album was a reminder that when I'm feeling depressed or broke, I'm NOT the only one feeling that way. It also left me with one of the greatest mysteries of the year… is the waitress the character's daughter?
Portishead – Third
Waited so long for this. So much so, that upon first listen I wasn't impressed. I refused to believe that this album, which was so hyped in my head, wasn't everything I wanted it to be. Fast forward a few dozen plays later and I am very happy with the harder, darker sound, which was not what I expected.
Takka Takka – Migration
New line-up, totally different more "chill" kind of sound, and I love it! Waiting for them to make another visit to The Twin Cities soon.
Verve – Forth
This was probably in my top 10 before it was even recorded. The moment that a reunion was announced, my heart skipped a beat! My only complaint is that the vocal loop in the "Love Is Noise" intro should have been cut after the intro
Kristoff Krane - This Will Work For Now
You may already know Chris Keller from Abzorbr, now check out this project. If this was the "song that has made you cry the most in 2008" list, the song "Miracle?" would very firmly be at #1 on my list. It is so cathartic. I have actually been heaving with sobs while talking about this one on air.
Kings of Leon – Only By The Night
To think that a year ago I thought "On Call" was the sexiest song this band could create. That was before "Sex On Fire." Wowza!
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul
This album reminds me of their older stuff and that's a good thing for me! There's a mélange of influences throughout this record. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Roxy Music even hints of Primal Scream and Wall Of Voodoo. Just listen to the transition from "(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady" into "Falling Down" if you need proof.
Solid Gold – Bodies Of Water
Admittedly the newest record on my top ten and currently the CD you can not pry out of my player! I feel like the song "Get Over It" is an old friend. It just feels that familiar. I've read there were only a few hundred of these printed, so if you want to be in the "I have one of first pressings" club, you'd better grab a copy soon.
Steve Seel, Host
1) Fleet Foxes, "Fleet Foxes"
This one was easy. Not only the freshest record of '08 to my ears, but a gorgeous, aural sunbeam that spills out of the speakers like a river of serotonin. Evokes the spacy harmonies and organic, analog warmth of certain Age of Aquarius album-rock (CSNY, The Moody Blues circa "In Search of the Lost Chord") and melds it all with a modern indie-rock aesthetic -- all without a whiff of irony or sarcasm. Light that Mateus-bottle candle, don the Koss headphones, and chill to this genreless masterpiece.
2) Ani DiFranco, "Red Letter Year"
Ani's latest is not only a lovely piece of wide-screen sonic cinema -- thanks to the production of her partner Mike Napolitano (Joseph Arthur, Andrew Bird, Twilight Singers) -- but possibly the most intimate, nuanced, emotionally textured entry in her catalog to date. And "Smiling Underneath" is easily the indie love song of the year.
3) DeVotchKa, "A Mad And Faithful Telling"
Nick Urata and company still haven't had a dud. Songs like "The Clockwise Witness" and "Transliterator" showcase the band at their melodic and arranging best.
4) Atmosphere, "When Life Gives You Lemons..."
Plenty of the pathos and grit that fans have come to expect are here ("The Waitress," "Painting" and "Guarantees," for example), while tracks like "Shoulda Known" and "You" may rank as some of the most infectious ear-worms the group has ever produced.
5) Wire, "Object 47"
File this one under "Most Pleasant Surprise of 2008": a British cult band that formed in the mid-1970s, fer cryin' out loud, puts out a disc that sounds stronger and fresher than practically anything their current generation of imitators could even come close to. It's pretty entertaining when one of the most kickass indie rock records of the year is made by guys in their 50s.
6) Cloud Cult, "Feel-Good Ghosts (Tea Partying Through Tornadoes)"
Twin Cities faves continue their streak of inspired brilliance. Their trademark mix of twitchy angst and melodic, anthemic catharsis is in peak form here.
7) Martha Wainwright, "I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too"
More proof, if any was needed, that Martha is one of the most entertaining singer-songwriters of the moment. Her lyrics are fragile, defiant, catty and funny, and her stunningly elastic voicebox moves from a pleading whisper to a Kate Bush-ian warble to an almost Marianne Faithful-like croak, all in one song.
8) Sigur Ros, "Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust"
The evolution of this Icelandic ensemble continues, from atmospheric drone-rockers to a much more playfully creative band. "Gobbldigook" may be the most original single of the year.
9) Blitzen Trapper, "Furr"
Like fellow travelers My Morning Jacket, Blitzen Trapper crafts a polyglot vocabulary that mixes rootsy and folky with ample helpings of quirky, jerky and odd -- only tailored more for the club (or barn, perhaps) and less for the arena. On "Furr," the band expands on the fanciful tapestry of last year's "Wild Mountain Nation," with subtler emotional nuances.
10) Sun Kil Moon, "April"
Despite its springlike title, it's more of Mark Kozelek's autumnal plaintiveness in ample amounts here, but this time taking his confessional lyrics to new levels of vulnerability. The hypnotic guitars, spare drumming, and Kozelek's cough-syrupy croon may be fairly unchanged from years past, but "April" simply reaffirms Kozelek's position as the reigning master of wistful loner-rock, forever looking out a Greyhound window as snowy landscapes pass.
Honorable Mentions: War On Drugs, "Wagonwheel Blues;" Haley Bonar, "Big Star;" The Heavy, "Great Vengeance, Furious Fire;" Calexico, "Carried To Dust;" Elbow, "The Seldom Seen Kid"
Update from Steve: Some have asked me why one of my favorite records, Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago" isn't on my list. My decision to omit it was based on the fact that I included it on my Top Ten list from last year, when it was originally put out as a limited-run independent release (albeit a very hard to find one). It's official release on the Jagjaguar label was this year, so it makes sense that most people are including it in their 2008 lists, but I had to go and be all consistent, which I kinda regret now. Ah well.
Mary Lucia, Host
1. Supergrass - "Diamond Hoo Ha"
This band could put out an entire cd of Joanna Newsome covers and I’d still buy it.
2. Michael Franti Spearhead - "All Rebel Rockers"
I have a crush on his brain.
3. Subways - "All Or Nothing"
I like this band so much it is inevitable they will break up.
4. Kills - "Midnight Boom"
I bet their label is probably afraid of them, in the best possible way.
5. Wolf parade - "At Mount Zoomer"
Love these Canadian yelpers. Who knew?
6. Little Joy — "Little Joy"
If the Converse Low top had a soundtrack.
7. The Kooks - "Konk"
Sonically they get in and get out. Works for me.
8. Delta Spirit - "Ode to Sunshine"
I bet they do laundry regularly on the road.
9. Death to Our Enemies - "Karate Bike"
This local band is what I’ve been waitng for
10.The Fratelli's - "Here We Stand"
Keep drinking it gets better I promise.
Mark Wheat, Host
Last year I boldly announced that the album is dead. So when it came to selecting a list of the Top 10 Albums of the Year, it felt ridiculous to do so. If only to prove my point, I selected 10 songs instead. It's just like creating the perfect mix tape playlist designed to be a document of my year in music. I enjoyed it so much I'm doing it again. All the songs do come from albums that would be in my Top 20 but it's sequenced as an album should be; The numbers are track numbers, not necessarily 'best to worst' and #7 is the best! The segues make it a pleasant listen as a whole set, which has two sides, a nod to one of the big music stories of the year, vinyl's resurgence. I couldn't make 10 songs fit the perfect length (45 mins) so two hidden tracks would complete it;
1. Bon Iver - Skinny Love - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
2. Fleet Foxes - Mykonos - "Sun Giant EP"
3. Kimya Dawson - Happy Home - "Alphabutt"
4. Cloud Cult - Everybody Here Is A Cloud - "Feel Good Ghosts"
5. Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook - "Med Sud i Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust"
6. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Hold on to Yourself - "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!"
7. The Hold Steady - Constructive Summer - "Stay Positive"
8. The Ting Tings - Great DJ - "We Started Nothing"
9. The Heavy - Coleen - "Great Vengeance and Furious Fire"
10. Atmosphere - You - "When Life Gives You Lemons..."
Hidden tracks:
M.I.A. - Paper Planes
Released last year but a huge hit this summer.
Moby - I Love to Move in Here
From a veteran artist who proved that it is still possible to make a real album!
Jill Riley, Host
2008 was a great year for new music. These are the 10 releases I most enjoyed, in no special order. That's all the explanation I've got to give.
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
Cloud Cult - "Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)"
King Khan & The Shrines - "The Supreme Genius of King Khan & The Shrines"
Magnetic Fields - "Distortion"
Martha Wainwright - "I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too"
Mates of State - "Re-Arrange Us"
MGMT - "Oracular Spectacular"
My Morning Jacket - "Evil Urges"
The Kills - "Midnight Boom"
The Ting Tings - "We Started Nothing"
Song of the year: Kings of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
Most anticipated album release of 2008 (aka the past decade): Guns 'N Roses - "Chinese Democracy" vinyl copy is pre-ordered.
Bill DeVille, Host
My 2008 Faves (in no particular order)
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
I suppose this is technically a 2007 release, but since label release date was in February I am gonna go with it. The stars were aligned perfectly for this album. A relationship gone bad, an isolated Wisconsin cabin, and a very talented musician with time to fool around with some songs…the end result is sublime!
Alejandro Escovedo - "Real Animal"
Alejandro made his rock n roll biography. An album inspired by his more than 30 years in the music biz & I believe his best yet! From the opening guitar lick, "Always a Friend" still sends shivers through me.
The Ting Tings - "We Started Nothing"
This album is a happy collision of disco & new-wave. It's fit for the dance party & a sunny summer day.
Jeremy Messersmith - "The Silver City"
This gent is fast becoming one of the Twin Cities finest songwriters. This is a very ambitious album without losing the lo-fi charm of his earlier works. Most of the songs are based on themes like transportation, the Twin Cities and growing up.
Dr. Dog - "Fate"
This is the best yet from one of the best bands out there! It's a more focused album than the previous work of this group from Philadelphia. It's full of their trademark sunshiny classic pop, strong on harmonies, hooks and soul!
Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
I just love how this band's music seems inspired by 70's artists like Garcia, Dylan & Young, but it doesn't live there. They add their trademark sound effects & assorted weirdness and it gives this Portland, Oregon band a sound all their own!
Ray Lamontagne - "Gossip in the Grain"
I had a feeling Ray's latest would be where I jump of the bandwagon. I was wrong from the first sound of those Memphis styled horns on the albums first track, "You Are the Best Thing!" This guy's voice can be tough, tender and soulful at the same time!
British Sea Power - "Do You Like Rock Music?"
The best yet from this Brighton, England group. It's full of articulate songs, big majestic guitars & choral harmonies. Must be listened to at very loud volume!
Justin Townes Earle - "The Good Life"
Usually the offspring of music icons don't quite measure up. It would have been easy to write off Steve Earle's son. This kid can write a song as evidenced on the albums highlight, "Who am I to Say."
The Black Keys - "Attack & Release"
One of my favorite bands of the 2000's branched out a bit on their latest. They enlisted Danger Mouse to produce the album. Ultimately, it gave their music some room to move without losing their deep blues roots.
Great albums were also made by: Calexico, Mates of State, The Dirtbombs, TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes, Chicha Libre, Chris Koza, Atmosphere, Foals, The Heavy, Caesars, & War on Drugs
Jade, Host
Dr. Dog – "Fate"
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
The Last Shadow Puppets - "The Age Of The Understatement"
The Broken West - "Now Or Heaven"
King Khan & The Shrines - "The Supreme Genius of King Khan & The Shrines"
The Heavy - "Great Vengeance and Furious Fire"
Department of Eagles - "In Ear Park"
Cloud Cult - "Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)"
Fleet Foxes - "Sun Giant"
Yeasayer - "All Hour Cymbols"
Ellen Lynde, Host
No order, except how they appeared on the list:
Beck - "Modern Guilt"
Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
Bitter:Sweet - "Drama"
Chris Koza - "The Dark, Delirious Morning"
Cloud Cult - "Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)"
Fleet Foxes - "S/T"
Jenny Lewis - "Acid Tongue"
Mates Of State - "Re-Arrange Us"
Supergrass - "Diamond Hoo Ha"
The Cure - "4:13 Dream"
The Hold Steady - "Stay Positive"
Mac Wilson, Host
1. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!"
One of indie rock's elder statesmen delivers the year's best album: a breathless mélange of cryptoreligious spoutings and gloomy pop hooks.
2. Beck - "Modern Guilt"
Beck examines the future of the soul of humanity in brief (34 minutes!) yet astounding fashion, in what is hopefully the first of many collaborations with Danger Mouse.
3. Fleet Foxes - "Fleet Foxes"
The best of the burgeoning "pastoral folkpop" trend...not bad for a debut release.
4. Wolf Parade - "At Mount Zoomer"
Their shifting time signatures and Bowie impressions leave me excited for what this band could possibly do next.
5. Okkervil River - "The Stand Ins"
I'd imagine Will Sheff to be the world's worst dinner guest, but he sure is a fine songwriter.
6. The Mountain Goats - "Heretic Pride"
Another year, another Mountain Goats record in my top 10, with more songs about sea monsters and assassinated reggae stars.
7. Jamie Lidell - "Jim"
In which our hero ditches the beatboxing and remakes Silk Degrees for the 21st century.
8. Ladytron - "Velocifero"
Their electronic flourishes are just window dressing to a great batch of pop songs.
9. Girl Talk - "Feed the Animals"
Not an ideal candidate for radio play, which is fine, because this is one record that works best as a singular, flowing piece.
10. Vampire Weekend - "Vampire Weekend"
Fluffy prep pop, but extremely well-crafted fluffy prep pop at that.
Honorable mentions: M83, Sloan, Stereolab, Deerhunter, Martha Wainwright, the Black Keys, the Raconteurs, and Benji Hughes.
David Campbell, Host
1. Magnetic Fields - "Distortion"
2. Dr. Dog - "Fate"
3. The Heavy - "Great Vengeance and Furious Fire"
4. She & Him - "Volume One"
5. The Black Keys - "Attack & Release"
6. Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
7. Roma Di Luna - "Casting The Bones"
8. Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lappelles - "Orange Peels and Rattlesnakes"
9. French Kicks - "Smimming"
10. James Hunter - "The Hard Way"
Chris Roberts, Host
The Local Show
1. Patches & Gretchen - "Music From Little Big Pink"
Lonely, heartbreakingly funny tales from Gretchen Siechrist about how the defeated among us can rise to face another day.
2. Private Dancer - "Trouble Eyes"
Songs of hotdogs, scented bovines and reverb-saturated instrumentals that make me wish I knew how to surf.
3. Jeremy Messersmith - "The Silver City"
An enchanted soundtrack for early 30 - "something, underemployed, slightly disillusioned Minneapolitans.
4. Unicorn Dream Attack - "Love bits"
Proof, in case you needed it, that Gameboys have feelings too. In fact, they're romantics.
5. Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapels - "Orange Peels and Rattlesnakes"
Enough about Lucy's Rudy Valee meets Billie Holiday croon and her trusty ukulele. The woman whistles better than Bing Crosby.
6. Rank Strangers - "Tucke des Objects"
This record still fills me with dread even after the election.
7. City on the Make - "$1,000,000"
Poetic, raw outsider rock from a blues band who's lead singer and songwriter combines Springsteen's passion with Joe Cocker's convulsive stage presence.
8. Tapes n' Tapes - "Walk It Off"
This beauty was dismissed way before it was released, but I haven't moved on, nor has my ipod.
9. Yer Cronies - "When I Grow Up"
This wailing, symphonic, haunting record is music to have a deju vu experience to or to play while lying in a field, staring at the clouds.
10. Army Defense - "Stratocaster Upon Avon"
A song for every Shakespeare play in a smorgasbord of styles from the dudes who brought you a song for every country in the world on "77 World Tour" and are planning to release an album of songs about Burt Reynolds.
Jacquie Fuller, Host
As a part-timer, I depend on The Current for new music as much as you probably do. Consequently, I never feel expert enough to proclaim my list The Ten Best of 2008. I can, though, tell you ten albums I found particularly refreshing this year, and name my favorite. So here they are, in alphabetical order, just like last year.
Beach House - "Devotion"
Gloomy, haunted, lo-fi pop from a band with a wonderfully ill-fitting name. This duo might hail from Baltimore, but the music they make is perfect for Minnesota winters. Did I say "haunted" already? This album makes me feel like I'm in a Nancy Drew novel, or an episode of "Dark Shadows." Put on Beach House and hang that black chandelier you sprung for at Urban Outfitters.
Department of Eagles - "In Ear Park"
Melanie Walker (The Current's music director) and I don't share the same taste in music. Often, she'll say "listen to this," excitedly, and I'll say, “that's nice." But I have to credit her this time with turning me on to one of my favorite albums this year. DOE is a side project of members of Grizzly Bear, and—in my opinion—more listenable. I've always loved Grizzly Bear, but I can only listen when my mental health isn't compromised in any way. In Ear Park is emotive, epic, melodic, and as sunny as you'll get from these guys. (Thanks, Mel.)
Fleet Foxes - "Fleet Foxes"
Hands down, my favorite release this year. Woodsy, soaring, crystalline as a winter morning. Remember what you loved about My Morning Jacket before—gak—the car wreck that is Evil Urges? That sweeping, recorded-in-a-silo sound? Take that and add a whole chorus of Jim Jameses. That's Fleet Foxes, and then some. This album makes me want to move out to the country and raise alpacas.
Hercules and Love Affair - "Hercules and Love Affair"
I spent a lot of time in gay clubs when I was too young to get into straight clubs. Consequently my dance music tastes remain frozen circa 1989—think Bronski Beat. Along come Hercules and Love Affair (Andrew Butler, with a lot of vocal help from Antony Hegarty of Antony and The Johnsons) to usher me into the present tense. Hercules and Love Affair borrow from every dance decade: the 70s, the 80s, and the 90s, and charge it with post-millennial (post AIDS) gravity (see M83, below). Gone is the hollowness and hedonism of disco. This album—warm, lush, and deep—will engage your brain and your booty.
M83 - "Saturdays=Youth"
Miss the 80s? Don't let the goofy cover fool you—this album is no retro joke. It is, in fact, everything you loved about 80s music, minus that weightlessness. M83 give it the post-millennial gravity (see Hercules and Love Affair, above) you wish it had had in the first place. This is the perfect album for a first date: save it for that late night moment between last call and first kiss, when the conversation turns to things that really matter.
Okkervil River - "The Stand Ins"
Thematically, a follow-up to last year's The Stage Names. Not as brilliant as that album, but still pretty solid. When this Texas band is old enough to release a greatest-hits record, it's gonna kill. And given the thematic leanings of these twin albums, it'll also be crazy meta. Will Scheff, in addition to being my favorite living rock'n'roll screamer, is a heck of a lyricist. We can thank Macalester College's Department of English for that.
She and Him - "Volume 1"
What's everybody got against She and Him? I'll start. Zooey Deschanel is my nemesis. Cute as a button, stick thin, and a voice that could've charmed the dungarees off your great grandpa—she's everything I'm not. And, oh yeah, M. Ward thinks she's awesome. Until Volume 2 comes out, I will listen to this refreshingly sweet little album. And keep belting it out at Grumpy's Sunday night karaoke in the hopes M. Ward will walk in and discover me.
Spiritualized - "Songs in A & E"
As the name implies, Spiritualized (aka Jason Pierce) tackles the Big Stuff. And this album—the recording of which was interrupted by Pierce's near-death bout with pneumonia—is no exception. It's what you've come to expect from Spiritualized: cinematic, gritty, soaring. This album—which takes its name from the UK's answer to the ER (Accident and Emergency)—will light you with the fire of just being alive.
Walkmen - "You & Me"
I've always appreciated The Walkmen and their weirdly tinny, hollow sound. They borrow melodies and rhythms from 50s and 60s pop, and strip them down to their skivvies. What you're left with is music that's naked and aching. When I listen, I ache, too. You & Me finds The Walkmen at their most cohesive.
The War on Drugs - "Wagonwheel Blues"
Sometimes everything old is new again. The first time I heard this band (on The Current, of course), it was love at first listen. The War on Drugs stood out from the pack. Funny then, to find that they're a couple of guys who really love Bob Dylan. With influences ranging from Dylan to My Bloody Valentine, The War on Drugs manage to create a collage of sound with indistinct parts—in the end this music is all their own. And so refreshing.
Also noteworthy: Calexico - "Carried to Dust," Blitzen Trapper - "Furr," Vampire Weekend - "Vampire Weekend," Shearwater - "Rook," Portishead - "Third".
Ali Lozoff, Marketing Manager
The Current
Another spectacular year for local music, from international hip hop superstars to guys who live up the street from me. Atmosphere produced a sophisticated, complicated and surprising record that once again redefines what hip hop really means. Bon Iver emerged from the nearby woods with a lovingly crafted evocative collection of songs that catapulted him into the national spotlight. Chris Koza and Jeremy Messersmith both came out with beautiful, hummable pop numbers that remind me of - but don't imitate - Elliott Smith, the Beatles, and Nick Drake. And Cloud Cult continued their streak by putting another emotional, orchestral recording that offers transcendent moments of pain and longing.
Former mostly-locals The Hold Steady continued their campaign to become the best guitar-driven rock band in America, with a message that seems just about right for the times: Stay Positive! The Raconteurs won my love based on their AM Gold sounding "Old Enough", a sing-along anthem that made me feel like a 'tween again. I started off the year completely dubious about a new (to me) band called the Ting Tings, and wouldn't you know it - they farmed more ear worms in my brain than any other single artist this year. DeVotchka once again killed me with their haunting vocals and eclectic, authentic mixture of sounds and influences, and Martha Wainwright delivered a pleading but not pitiful not-quite-love letter that pierced my heart. And the Walkmen took their sound to new heights and provided me with the theme song for my year: In The New Year, a grand sound and a grand promise.
Atmosphere – "When Life Gives You Lemons..."
Bon Iver – "For Emma, Forever Ago"
Chris Koza – "The Dark, Delirious Morning"
Cloud Cult – "Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)"
DeVotchka – "A Mad And Faithful Telling"
Jeremy Messersmith – "The Silver City"
Martha Wainwright – "I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too"
The Hold Steady – "Stay Positive"
The Raconteurs – "Consolers Of The lonely"
The Ting Tings – "We Started Nothing"
The Walkmen – "You & Me"
Derrick Stevens, Production Coordinator
Dr. Dog – Fate
The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
The Black Keys – Attack & Release
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
Jamie Lidell – Jim
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
M83 – Saturday = Youth
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Melanie Walker, Music Director
The Current
Midnight Juggernauts - "Dystopia"
TV On The Radio - "Dear Science"
Sigur Ros - "Med Sud i Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust"
Santogold - "Santogold"
Fleet Foxes - "Fleet Foxes"
Hercules and Love Affair - "Hercules and Love Affair"
Goldfrapp - "Seventh Tree"
Portishead - "Third"
The Kills - "Midnight Boom"
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
David Safar, Assistant Music Director
The Current
King Khan & The Shrines - "The Supreme Genius of King Khan & The Shrines"
The Roots - "Rising Down"
All The Saints - "Fire on Corridor X"
TV On The Radio - "Dear Science"
Hercules and Love Affair - "Hercules and Love Affair"
These New Puritans - "Beat Pyramid"
The Hold Steady - "Stay Positive"
M83 - "Saturdays=Youth"
The Kills - "Midnight Boom"
Fleet Foxes - "Fleet Foxes"
Mike Pengra, Producer
The Morning Show
In no particular order
"Washington Square Serenade" - Steve Earle
"The Dark, Delirious Morning" - Chris Koza
"Washboard Rope Guitar" - The Brass Kings
"Sundirtwater" - The Waifs
"Loaded" - The Wood Brothers
"Sunday Morning in Saturday's Shoes" - Richard Julian
"Simple Tunes for Troubled Times" - Steppin' In It
"Beautiful World" - Eliza Gilkyson
"Rattlin' Bones" - Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson
"Sex and Gasoline" - Rodney Crowell
Christina Schmitt, Public Relations Manager
1. King Khan & The Shrines - "The Supreme Genius of King Khan & The Shrines"
2. Ladytron - "Velocifero"
3. Fleet Foxes - "Sun Giant"
4. Sons And Daughters - "This Gift"
5. Alejandro Escovedo - "Real Animal"
6. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!"
7. Maps of Norway - "Die Off Birdsong"
8. The Kills - "Midnight Boom"
9. The Raveonettes - "Lust Lust Lust"
10. Santogold - "Santogold"
Steve Nelson, Program Director
The Current
As I sat down to pick my Top 10, I realized that a lot of my favorite CDs were also my favorite live experiences. So with apologies to the bands that put out great records but I didn't get a chance to see, here's my combined Top 10 CD/Live list in chronological order.
Jeremy Messersmith - "The Silver City"
Great CD. And watching Jeremy perform "Skyway" for a bunch of kids and their parents at Rock The Cradle was priceless.
Kid Dakota - "A Winner's Shadow"
There's nothing quite like hearing a song for the first time live and saying, "That's my new favorite song." That's what happened to me at Kid Dakota's CD release show at the Turf Club in March, where they also premiered the video for that song, "Stars."
The Heavy - "Great Vengeance and Furious Fire"
Each year The Current goes to South by Southwest and one of our favorite things to do is bring you live performances from bands that might not make it to the Twin Cities. Like The Heavy performing this unreleased track featuring a sick Screamin' Jay Hawkins sample.
R.E.M. - "Accelerate"
R.E.M. put out a strong release this year, though not necessarily Top-10-worthy. However throw in a solid concert at the Xcel with lots of old favorites and now you're talking…
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
I didn't know if Bon Iver's amazing CD would translate to Rock The Garden's outdoor festival atmosphere. Um. It did. And you can hear highlights from the entire concert here.
Mates Of State - "Re-Arrange Us"
I have small children, and I am inspired by Mates of State. They tour with their kids and make great music. Their performance at The Fine Line was the first of a two-show night for me that ended with….
The Wedding Present - "El Rey"
The Turf Club was less than packed on a Monday night in September, but David Gedge and crew were tight and fierce and played an amazing version of "Dalliance."
Alejandro Escovedo - "Real Animal"
Sometimes the best live experiences happen when you are all alone at your desk or driving in your car. Example? Mary Lucia's interview with Alejandro Escovedo in October.
The Hold Steady - "Stay Positive"
Drive-By Truckers - "Brighter Than Creation's Dark"
I can't say enough about the two-night stand with these two bands at First Ave. on the Rock and Roll Means Well tour. Too many highlights to list, but the night one encore featured both bands covering "Rockin' in The Free World." Amazing.
Lindsay Kimball, Assistant Producer
1. Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
2. Rachael Yamagata - "Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart"
3. Big Trouble - "Crescent Moon Is In Big Trouble"
4. Mates of State - "Re-Arrange Us"
5. Haley Bonar - "Big Star"
6. Kings of Leon - "Only By The Night"
7. Solid Gold - "Bodies of Water"
8. The Glad Version - "Make Islands"
9. The Heavy - "Great Vengence and Furious Fire"
10. Devotchka - "A Mad and Faithful Telling"
Michael Wells, Web Producer
In no particular order
Sigur Ros, "Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust"
Bon Iver - Skinny Love - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
The Heavy - Coleen - "Great Vengeance and Furious Fire"
Yeasayer - "All Hour Cymbols"
TV On The Radio - "Dear Science"
Sons And Daughters - "This Gift"
Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons...
Ray Lamontagne - "Gossip in the Grain"
The Black Keys - "Attack & Release"
Supergrass - "Diamond Hoo Ha"
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