SubEx's Favorite Albums of '10

In a world driven by singles and iTunes downloads it is rare these days that we even make it all the way through an album, or even get around to checking out an album in its entirety. That being said, it is all the more special when we discover the rare gem, those diamonds in the rough not comprised of ninety percent filler, that we can subsequently ware out. These are those albums, our best of 2010 if you will.

9. of Montreal - False Priest
Kevin Barnes and Co. finally added a bit of bump to the trunk, and picked up a funkier sound along the way to boot.

MP3: of Montreal - Coquete Coquette


8. Morning Benders - Big Echo
60's pop disciple Chris Chu takes his sunny lo-fi pop out of the bedroom and flourishes it with broader arrangements to much success.

MP3: Morning Benders - Excuses (via)


7. Black Keys - Brothers
The only thing cooler than their album cover is the grimy indie blues that permeate this disc--the Black Keys' sixth full-length--which also finally sees them stepping out from behind the misguided tag of White Stripes clones that had been hampering them for so long. Admittedly it probably would have placed higher on our own list if we weren't so late jumping on their bandwagon.

MP3: Black Keys - Howlin' For You (via)


6. Sleigh Bells - Treats
Another one where the title says it all; the grating, VU-clipping mix of harsh electric guitars and hardline electro beats pushes the limits from the get-go and yet every minute we spent listening to it was a treat indeed.

MP3: Sleigh Bells - Crown on the Ground (via)


5. Das Racist - Shut Up, Dude
One of two bad ass, irreverent, stream of conscious hip-hop mixtapes the trio released this year. The first of the two being so full of pop culture references and old school hip-hop nods we just couldn't get enough.

MP3: Das Racist - You Oughta Know
MP3: Das Racist - Who's That Brown (via)


4. Vampire Weekend - Contra
Vampire Weekend have still managed to come up with an album that shows flashes of maturity, torrents of purpose, and floods of pop knowhow. More importantly though, it shows loads of promise and serves to prove that the band aren't so much one-album wonders as indie-pop wrecking balls who won't be disappearing anytime soon.

MP3: Vampire Weekend - White Sky (via)


3. Spooky Folk - Spooky Folk
Not just local-blog posturing here, we've seen these guys more times this year than pretty much any other band, and listened to their record more times than is probably healthy. Between “My Niagra Heart,” “Rare Bird,” “Polaroid,” and “Bible Belt,” the album also possesses the strongest opening four track sequence on an album since Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, the latter being a drunken fist-pumping sing-along able to win over even the most docile of crowds when the band plays it live. And although the disc drops off a bit from this point on, the strength of tracks 1-4 still make it a contender as being one of the year’s best album’s to date, or at the very least one of the most mature freshman efforts I’ve heard.

MP3: Spooky Folk - Bible Belt


2. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot...The Son of Chico Dusty
This album had been in the works for so many years that anything less than a monster effort would have seemed like a failure. Even with all the enormous expectations Big Boi delivered, even convincing a few non-believers he's not just 'that other guy in Outkast' either.

MP3: Big Boi - Shine Blockas (feat Gucci Mane) (via)


1. Harlem - Hippies
This album is like the lo-fi Beatles drunken and road wary, trapped in a garage for too long but not noticing due to a predisposition of being both easily amused and possessing a wicked sense of humor. That being said, we listened to this record so many times it probably borders on obsession, and the times we caught them live they completely delivered.

MP3: Harlem – Someday Soon (via)


*Bonus: Check out little-known DJ Wick-it the Instigator's mixtape, The Brothers of Chico Dusty, that mashes Big Boi and the Black Keys' latest efforts. Two of our very favorites from 2010 are pitted against each other to create a little something special worth checking into.

MP3: Wick-it the Instigator - You Ain't The Next DJ (full album download)

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Something Old In A New Light: The 1920's Radio Network

There has been so much good music that has come out this year that I've been feeling overwhelmed and needed a break here at the end of another year. To my rescue came The 1920's Radio Network. The early 1900's intrigue me beyond most other time periods. The world was changing rapidly, people were discovering their inner spirit on how to really enjoy life and electricity gave way to much passion, frivolity, dancing and a celebration of invention. Especially because of the music. This was the era of The Big Band. A whole ensemble of horns and drums and bass and electric guitars could be found on any radio station and in any night club at any given time. It brought a new breath of life into a shuddering society, as the turn of the century was still shaking off the dust and the blood from the end of the Civil War and the era of the Cowboy was quickly being replaced by the new, "motorized horses". The turn of the century was a new beginning of many possibilities and it is seen and felt in the music of the early 1900's. There is just something very soothing and almost nostalgic about the upbeat, jazzy, ragtime music styles from this era, even though I was far from a fleeting thought to this universe. It has a feeling of infinite connection to time, and therefore I feel like I'm in it too.

With over half of a million songs collected by The 1920's Radio Network from 1900 up through the 50's, it is rare that you will hear the same song twice; another refreshing aspect of this network. It also features genuine old ads played on the radio from things like different cigarette brand ads to WWII government broadcasts about shoe rationing in the U.S. It's a new adventure with every song featuring some famous names like: The Andrews Sisters, Doris Day, Phil Harris, Bob Wills And The Texas Playboys, Bing Crosby, Fats Waller, Margaret Whiting and Helen Cane. Most of those names might not sound familiar to many of you, but I am almost certain that you have been exposed to some of their music whether you knew it or not. It is something old, yet new to experience a different era of society and culture and music. Try something old this new year. Happy Holidays, SubEx-ers! Thanks for reading.

Click here to listen to the stream via iTunes

or

Check out this site to find out how to get a 1920's Radio Stream app for your iPhone.


-Cory P. Coleman [c]

Giveaway: Tickets to See The Adolescents at The Loft

The on-again-off-again Cali punk supergroup The Adolescents are apparently back on again, touring in support of another upcoming reunion album. 30 years after their formation the group that has at times included members of Agent Orange, Social Distortion, Bad Brains, Black Flag, Minor Threat, and several others is making a stop at The Loft tomorrow night.

Didn't get want you wanted for Christmas this past weekend? Let us make it up to you. Better yet, make it up to yourself with a present to yourself--one you are guaranteed not to regift--with a pair of tickets to the show. All you have to do is email us here with the phrase "I got were sticks and rocks" as the subject. Winners will be selected at random at notified asap.

MP3: The Adolescents - L.A. Girl

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Beans - Deathsweater

As contentious as Sleigh Bells' "Crown on the Ground" was around the Dallas Observer offices was earlier this summer, experimental hip-hop artist Beans has been just as divisive around my household. Either you find his unorthodox Kool Keith-esque style and near grating chorus on his new single "Deathsweater" refreshingly infectious or irritatingly overrated.

And there doesn't seem to be any middle-ground on the issue. Judge for yourself and let us know which category you fall under.

MP3: Beans - Deathsweater

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Danielson // Grow Up

You know you're pretty big time when a high-end shoe company creates a custom line of kickss based on your band's aesthetic. Anyway, thanks to the folks over at Good Records for hipping us to the fact that not only have Danielson wrapped their latest record--after a 5-year layoff no less--but they're sharing the disc's first single over at their site. Check it out if, like us, you're a sucker for their helium-filled goodness.

MP3: Danielson - Grow Up

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50 Songs From 2010

In no particular order here are 50 jams I rather enjoyed this year.

Bare Wires – Dancing on a Dime
Big Boi - Shine Blockas (via)
BRMC - Beat the Devil's Tattoo (via)
The Books - A Cold Freezin' Night
Burnt Ones - Gonna Listen to T. Rex (All Night Long) (via)
Harlem – Someday Soon (via)
Nervous Curtains – All Yesterday’s Parties (via)
Spooky Folk – Bible Belt (solo acoustic version)
Roy Robertson - Book Burner
Roy Robertson - In Your Way
Oberhofer - Awy Frm U (via)
Oberhofer – o0O0o0O0o
Dirty Projectors - Ascending Melody (via)
Besnard Lakes – Albatross (via)
Vampire Weekend - White Sky (via)
Liars – Scissor (via)
Worker Bee - No Dreams (via)
White Hinterland – Icarus (via)
OK GO - WTF? (via)
Man Factory - The Guile Profile
Slow Club - It Doesn't Have To Be Beautiful
Morning Benders - I Won't Share You
Mount Righteous - When Your Paycheck Comes
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way
Numerators - Rip It
Ludacris - How Low (via)
Fang Island - Life Coach (via)
Melvins - The Water Glass
Das Racist - You Oughtta Know
Das Racist - Who's That Brown (via)
of Montreal - Hydra Fancies (via)
Sleigh Bells - Crown on the Ground (via)
Wavves - Cool Jumper
The Zoltars - Party at the Batcave
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Good Enough (via)
Fergus and Geronimo - Powerful Lovin'
Dent May - That Feeling
Dead Twins - The Hanger
Sir Silky - Getchoo Bodee (via)
El Guincho – Bombay
Leg Sweeper - Sexy Weekend
separatysts - Doin' to Me
Rubblebucket - Triangular Daisies
Hunx and His Punx - U Don't Like Rock N Roll
Shilpa Ray AHHH - Venus Shaver
Mini Mansions - Crime of the Season
Lykke Li - Get Some
Cults - Go Outside
Happy Birthday - Girls FM

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Pujol // Too Safe

I like Jack White. Guilty as charged, I really do. But there I also realize that he's one of those artists that everyone's just "supposed" to like. And now advertisers and publicists and all sorts of folks in between are realizing this too and shoving it down our collective throats.

Like when a press release for an indie band comes and the big bold headline reads 'New Jack White-Produced Track' instead of 'Gritty Garage Band Chanel Replacements On Bratty New Single'.

I'm sorry Pujol, you deserve better. In all honesty the Tennessee-bred rockers (hence the Jack White connection) churn out some pretty irresistible hook-filled party punk, coming up just in time to fill the Jay Reatard-sized void in our lives. In even better news, the band will be appearing at Rubber Gloves this Saturday. Should be fun.

MP3: Pujol - Too Safe

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galleryCat // Indie Sampler Mixtape

Not two days ago I called up LehtMoJoe casually suggesting he think about sampling Flaming Lips' "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song," then just yesterday galleryCat sends over his latest indie-music-sample-heavy mixtape and turns out he's done just that. As a matter of fact, the wish-I'd-thought-of-it-two-weeks-sooner jam is the tape's opener, which was produced by Dustin Cavazos, and as it turns out it makes just as sweet of a sample as I had envisioned.

Peep the link below to grab the whole thing which contains samples from a whole slew of our fav indie heavyweights like Gogol Bordello, Cage the Elephant, Danielson, Ratatat, Dirty Projectors, *ahem Mount Righteous, and a few others.

Hats off once again Mr. Gonzalez, we always knew you were an indie kid at heart.


MP3: galleryCat - Yeah Yeah Yeah
Full Download: galleryCat - Indie Sampler

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LehtMoJoe // Christmas Swag (Paul McCartney vs Soulja Boy)

It's been a minute since I checked in on LehtMoJoe, but from what I gather he's working on an new synth-pop record. From the few snippits I've gotten to preview I'm gathering that every song on his new disc will feature vocals, and not just heavily Autotuned or rapped ones either --a huge departure from 2009's Spaghetti Western.

But his latest remix is more the focus of today's update. This holiday season Leht has revamped the hip-hop flavor of his 2007 Paul McCartney/50-Cent pairing in favor of a more electo take this go around. Oh yeah, and he's dropped Fitty in favor of Soulja Boy (no homo), which I think just proves that current pop music ages quickly while Sir Paul never seems to get old.

MP3: LehtMoJoe - Christmas Swag (Paul McCartney vs Soulja Boy)
Or: YouTube version

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Shake The Baron // Zodiac Name

I'm going to make this blanket statement; Shake the Baron is the best thing to come out of Connecticut College. Since I don't know anyone or anything (except in fact it is in Connecticut) about the college this statement becomes fact especially after hearing the release of their self-titled debut.

The indie rock band, currently based in Brooklyn, is composed of guitarist/vocalist Andrew Oedel, drummer Matt Addison, and bassist Max Currier and produced by Super Duper Records.

The album starts with the song "Tree House". From the first lyric of Oedel, it is hard not to compare his voice to Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses. The song sets the tone for the rest of the album creating a lively take on adulthood and romance.

The sixth track, "Telekinetic at Home", takes on a slower approach compared to the rest of the album which creates a nice change from bouncier rhythms like in "Zodiac Name" and "Sinking Sailor". The ten track album overall has a consistent sound from song to song. Which is great in establishing a style, but really becomes too consistent with no variation.

This being the band's first album is pretty impressive. They have a polished sound which really sets them up for great success in future projects.

MP3: Shake the Baron - Zodiac Name

-Laura Sliva

Fergus & Geronimo // Powerful Lovin'

Photo courtesy of TheNeedleDrop

Remember earlier this fall when these kids won a Dallas Observer Music Award for 'Best Funk/R&B' act? The Denton duo have wrapped up a four-month recording session for upcoming full-length debut Unlearn and released the album's first single earlier this week. Sounds to us like "Powerful Lovin'" keeps up that same vain of simple lo-fi 50's/60's-inspired punk jams that we've come to expect from the band's past efforts, and even some 70's-era backmasking thrown in to further expound upon the group's retro-rock history lesson --and we couldn't be happier about it.

MP3: Fergus & Geronimo - Powerful Lovin'

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Giveaway: Tix To See Mini Mansions w/ Man Factory At The Cavern

Last week the somewhat disappointing news came down that the Nightmare would be shutting its doors. But then we got to thinking, the sound system kind of sucked there, and really when we thought about it the stellar Parade of Flesh bookings were the only reason we ever went to that place anyway.

And no shows so far have been canceled; shows like next Tuesdays Mini Mansions/Man Factory show and a handful of others have simply been shuffled around to other venues (check the Parade of Flesh site for updated locations). The aforementioned, for instance, will now be taking place at The Cavern.

Which is excellent news, because we've really been looking forward to A) hanging out with our Man Factory buds again, B) taking in the side project of Queens of the Stoneage touring bassist Michael Shuman, and C) thanks to John over at POF we've got a pair of tix to the show to pass along to one lucky SubEx reader.

Email us with the phrase "Mini Mansions Make Me Feel Tall" and we'll pick a winner at random this evening.

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Over The Weekend Part Deux: The Spune Christmas Showcase @ Hailey’s in Denton, TX

After such a long few days on the road, it was nice to come home to an intimate showcase of some Denton’s as well as San Francisco’s greatest acts. With two alternating stages, the music never stopped all night.

First was an intimate set from Denton and SubEx’s own Glenn Faris. Next Came Seryn on the big stage, who didn’t bring the best of energy this time, but a more intimate and homely performance. Then came the great Doug Burr, whom, as for the past few years of being a part of this Christmas show, played a classic Christmas song for us all; something that no one else has done.

Then came San Francisco and also SubEx’s own Birds & Batteries. They put on the best show of the night to me, personally, who played everything from their new hit “Strange Kind Of Mirror” to my favorite, “Lightning”. Great effing band and really nice guys!

Then came The Monahans. This was my first experience with them, but they are a badass experimental band from right in our neck of the woods. Go see them if you get the chance. Lastly came Ft. Worth’s own Telegraph Canyon. They closed out the night with a very warm and energetic set that was worthy of the holiday cheer in ol’ Denton town.

Thanks, Spune, for putting together another great holiday homecoming.

-Cory P. Coleman [c]

Over The Weekend Part 1: Southern Tour W/ Whiskey Folk Ramblers, Hayes Carll and The Old 97’s

This has been quite the journey for us here at SubEx these past few days. I was cordially invited to join Ft. Worth’s own Whiskey Folk Ramblers as they set out on the beginning of a mini weekend tour with Dallas’ own The Old 97’s for the release of their new record, The Grande Theatre, Volume 1. Our first stop was at The Lyric Theatre in bustling little Oxford, Mississippi. I must say, that being from Denton, Texas, this little town was right up my alley. The Town Square was not unlike the little Square here in Denton, yet with an aura of history and stories of long ago; a classic southern square filled with southern architecture and southern hospitality. It is definitely a cozy town I could add to my short list of other places I could live in.

The Lyric was quite large for this little town, but upon noticing the Marquee, quite a few big names were coming through, such as the likes of MGMT and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. This was the first time through Oxford for WFR, but the Oxford crowd of over 400 people took to their blend of gypsy, country-folk with open arms and lively dancing. And though lead singer Tyler Rougeux was forced to sit in a chair due to having spinal surgery only days before the tour, he did not let that affect his sultry stage presence. The other Ramblers made an extra effort of liveliness to accompany him. It was a good beginning and welcome for WFR to little Oxford Town. Then came Hayes Carll, who is no stranger to the area. The crowd was surprisingly the largest of the night for Carll, who brought his southern drawl and intricate take on classic Country Music. A very enjoyable set from a very enjoyable young artist. Hanging out with him before and after the show, you wouldn’t think him any different than any other regular ol’ guy… Even joining me for a swig or two of Jameson out of the back of our van before the show. Great guy, Hayes Carll.

Then Came The Old 97’s. After viewing an intimate sound check of the 97’s, I knew I would be in for quite a show… Now this was extra exciting and nerve-wracking for me as this was going to be my first time to actually see them live, even though I’ve been an avid fan of theirs for over 10 years. I was not disappointed in the least. The energy and dynamics that the 97’s brought got me to dancin’ with everyone from the cutest little two-stepper to a drunken, old lawyer in a suit that put his arm around me and raised his whiskey during the chorus of one of my favorites, “Big Brown Eyes”. That Murry Hammond can really move, man! And Rhett Miller shakes around in such a way that reminded me of the erratic Mick Jagger. It was a great beginning to the weekend of what would become quite an experience. It was hard to say goodbye to Oxford Town.

For the second leg of our mini tour, we went to Little Rock, Arkansas for a show at The Rev Room. It was quite the change from little Oxford, but equally eccentric in it’s own way. Streetcars, bodegas, vagrants and even a black man in white face on a street corner, wearing a black leather trench coat and dancing to his blaring boom box, and whom at a later point in the evening even chased me down the street for some reason unknown, could be found all around us.

The Rev Room was a more intimate and cozy venue, with esoteric lights and interesting pieces of art all around. When WFR took to the stage, the crowd of over 350 was entranced by this new blend of music that was yet to be heard in Little Rock. The crowd moved like a turbulent sea as people danced all around, and WFR feasted on it. I will say that it was one of the best if not THE best show I have ever seen by WFR. Lead guitarist, Mark Moncrieff, had shredded the neck of his Telecaster into a toothpick by the time the show was over. Little Rock is definitely a fan of Whiskey Folk Ramblers. When The Old 97’s took to the stage, the crowd was at a pinnacle of energy to be released. They had just as much energy and excitement as ever, playing all the hits from Hitchhike To Rhome to The Grande Theatre, Volume 1 and brought down the house in smoldering flames of what is some of Texas’ two hottest acts to be seen.

This was an experience well worth the trip. I’d like to thank WFR for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the journey and thanks to The Old 97’s and Hayes Carll for being such cool people… Sorry for drinking all your beer! Here’s to the next time! It’s been quite a party.

-Cory P. Coleman [c]

Naxat, Hard Times, Papaya at Pause

Almost a full calendar year after it was announced, Alex Atchley finally releases the first full-length Naxat album, Chambers of the Naxat. According to Atchley, his new record is a "modern electronic album that has nothing to do with any music trends of the last decade". Download it free here, and check him out Monday night as he rocks the suburbs with my favorite local hardcore punk band, Hard Times, as well as Papaya, which is a side project of Houston punk band Somosuno at Pause in Grapevine.

Address is 420 S. Barton for all you big city folk.

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The Beatles vs Wu-Tang // Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers

A while back Tom Caruana put this astoundingly catchy Beatles/Wu-Tang mashup album together which A) makes me a little sad I didn't get the link sent my way until after the bandcamp page for the whole album was already taken down, and B) even sadder at the realization that the mystical Wu-Tang reunion about to go down at The Granada this month likely won't happen. No chance in hell.

And sure the sample from "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)" was already used in Disco Ruido's far superior track "Mrs. Love" it still sounds so fresh it could probably be paired with koala farts and still sound spectacular. But I digress. It is still insanely clever at the end when the track is spliced perfectly to sound like 'you know my name m.e.t.h.o.d. man'.

MP3: Beatles vs Wu-Tang - Got Your Money
MP3: Beatles vs Wu-Tang - WVBTUhHuh

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Review: Blonde Redhead at The Granada

Before last night’s Blonde Redhead show at the Granada, I knew very little about the band or their music. So I did my homework…I listened to all their tracks, read album reviews and watched interviews with the band.

But doing your homework isn’t always a good thing.

In this case, all it did was thoroughly intimidate. When Blonde Redhead started making music, "burning" an album meant your cassette tapes were actually on fire (that's twenty-ish years for all you youngins'). But as we all know, time on the job doesn't necessarily equal a gold watch. In fact, many great bands make just one or two albums and become so comfortable with their place in history that they fail to create anything of substance afterward (think Smashing Pumpkins).

But that's not the case with Blonde Redhead.

What makes them so unique is that they've managed to be successful without becoming what the media has so adamantly insisted they eventually would...the next Sonic Youth, the next Portishead, the Next. Instead they have carved a name for themselves that carries the weight of success all on its own. It has allowed them to remain true to themselves...to let the music come to them.

And Tuesday night's performance certainly demonstrated that. Wearing all white, Kazu Makino (vocals, guitar) and identical twins Amedeo and Simone Pace (vocals, guitar, and drums, keyboard) took the stage without a word, and began to play against a backdrop of studio umbrellas and flickering flash bulbs. Makino's effervescent voice filled the room, but despite all efforts, she failed to gain the attention of the audience who continued to text and chat through the second song of the show. Amedeo and Simone provided a human metronome as they moved back and forth like models in a Robert Palmer video.

But when song three, "Spring and by Summer Fall" began, the crowd seemed to perk up, and the hecklers began yelling their "I love you's" and "marry me's". Seemingly unaffected, Makino held her red head over her guitar and played flawlessly as Amedeo provided the lead vocals. The remainder of the show continued for about 35 minutes in this peak-and-valley fashion until Blonde Redhead finally left the stage with a wave and a quiet "thank you". They returned a few moments later for an encore performance of "23", and as the band began to play, the crowd rushed the stage and sang in unison with Makino.

Though Tuesday nights Blonde Redhead show began with a whimper, it certainly went out with a bang, and as all great bands know, the bang IS the gold watch, and a gold watch is always worth the effort.

-Jamie Linver