Savoir Adore - In the Wooded Forest (2009)

This album was, hands down, one of the best releases of 2009. The proper full-length debut of Brooklyn's Savoir Adore (following 2008's The Adventures of Mr. Pumpernickel and the Girl With Animals in Her Throat), In the Wooden Forest is a gust of wind that gives the listener's ears a breath of fresh air (if ears had lungs, that is... You get the picture.). This studio release is full of little nuances and idiosyncrasies that keep it fresh with each listen. Songs like "We Talk Like Machines," "Transylvanian Candy Patrol," "MERP," and "Space Travel" sound new with each and every listen. This record has been given a lot of care and nurturing, and the end result is something much more cohesive than the band's previous release, while still containing all of the defining characteristics that made your humble narrator fall in love with them in the first place. Fans of their first release will recognize the track "The Wooded Forest," (formerly titled "In the Wooded Forest, A Girl") now in an extended and much more finished version (not to mention where this album gets its name). If lights had sounds, this record would be home to the entire visible spectrum of color.

For fans of: The Submarines, Broken Social Scene, Mates of State, GIVERS, The Ethnographers

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Maria Taylor with Andy LeMaster - Savannah Drive (2008)

This record is wonderful for a myriad of reasons. First, it's a collection of good songs, which is essential for any good record. Second, it's a sampler of sorts of Maria Taylor's solo catalog thus far. Six of these seven songs are acoustic renditions of songs selected from all three of her releases. Third, it includes Andy LeMaster of Now It's Overhead, and for those of you who have never heard a Now It's Overhead record, you're missing out. Fourth and certainly not last, despite the fact that it is made up of material previously found on other albums, it is something new entirely. The first, second and fifth tracks ("Song Beneath the Song", "Birmingham 1982" and "Leap Year," respectively) were taken from 11:11, Maria's first solo record. Track 4 ("A Good Start") was taken from her sophomore release, Lynn Teeter Flower, and tracks 3 and 6 ("LadyLuck" and "Time Lapse Lifeline") were taken from my personal favorite album of hers, 2009's LadyLuck. The final track is brand spanking new, a lovely little number called "Tell Me." Enjoy, friends!

For fans of: Azure Ray, Orenda Fink, Jenny Owen Youngs, Damon and Naomi

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Discovery of a Lifelong Error - You Can Learn a Lot from a Pair of Black Lungs... (2007)

I went into this record with absolutely no expectations whatsoever, and that's exactly what I would recommend for all those who dare enter here to do. Listening to this record is like getting swept up into a tornado, and while you're up there, getting hit in the head with toasters and stop signs and cows and all sorts of other debris that the whirlwind managed to gather before getting dropped back down into completely unfamiliar territory. With screams that sound like a Frankenstein-esque monster made of parts of Dallas Taylor (while he was still in Underoath), Drew Speziale, Mike Hranica, and all the members of The Speed of Sound in Seawater and blood-curdling riffs all packed into short and sweet tracks (the longest track, "'Terra Firma' Might Be Inappropriate," clocks in at 3:18), you'd better kiss Auntie Em and the dog goodbye, because for the next 18 minutes and 54 seconds, you'll get blown right the fuck out of Kansas.

For fans of: Daughters, The Speed of Sound in Seawater, Circle Takes the Square, 2 O'Clock Girlfriend

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The Age of Rockets - Hannah (2008)

This album was atop my list of favorite albums of 2008. The sophomore release by NY's The Age of Rockets, Hannah is the group's We, the Vehicles. A wonderful palindrome of a record, it contains bits and nuances of melodies on opposite sides of its length. Their sound has been likened to "The Postal Service with a full orchestra behind it," and that's not an exaggeration. Songs like "Avada Kedavra" and "Elephant & Castle" are perfect blends of synth and programmed elements atop live instruments. Not too long ago, frontman and founder Andrew Futral posted the record on The Age of Rockets' website for the listening public to download for free, and personally, I can't thank him enough for the gift. Follow the link below and you'll see (well, hear) exactly what I'm talking about.

*As an added bonus, you can also download their cover of Tegan and Sara's "Hell." Isn't that nice?

For fans of: The Postal Service, Dntel, The Robot Explosion, The Depreciation Guild

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The Depreciation Guild - Spirit Youth (2010)

“You know how airplane cabins have a drone to them? Well, it’s like an A note, and I was singing melodies over it in the bathroom.” That quote, made by The Depreciation Guild's frontman Kurt Feldman last year was the jumping off point for Spirit Youth, the band's sophomore release. Let me just tell you friends, man... What a release it is. Fuzz, drone, pop, bleep, bloop and rock come together to form this Megazord of a record. The album opens with "My Chariot," a song whose synth-y beginnings and matter-of-fact style of lyric delivery draw the listener in and keep them entranced for ten songs worth of wonder, including (but not limited to) the album's single, "Dream About Me."

For fans of: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, MillionYoung, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Cocteau Twins

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Jeff Mangum - Live at Jittery Joe's (2001)

Recorded in 1997 by documentary filmmaker Lance Bangs (known for the awesomely spastic video for Death Cab for Cutie's "Talking Like Turnstiles," among many, many others), but released in 2001 to combat the gargantuan prices that bootlegs were going for on eBay, Live at Jittery Joe's is a recording of a solo performance by Neutral Milk Hotel frontman Jeff Mangum at Jittery Joe's in Athens, GA. It's a wonderful and intimate performance, as there was no official setlist prepared, so Jeff accepted and honored requests from audience members. Being that's it's Jeff Mangum and it's not a studio release by Neutral Milk Hotel, it of course includes the track "Engine," as well as a cover of Phil Spector's "I Love How You Love Me." The rest of the setlist is a captivating mixture of songs from both of Neutral Milk Hotel's studio releases. Get comfortable, plug in your headphones and give this a listen. It's really something else, and has that prodigious quality that a choice few records possess, and that is that it never plays the same way twice. It's unpolished and unadulterated, but as most of us know, some of the world's most prolific beauty can be found in imperfections.

For fans of: Neutral Milk Hotel, The Mountain Goats, The Olivia Tremor Control

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The Anniversary - Designing a Nervous Breakdown (2000)

The first full-length release by legendary Lawrence, Kansas emo outfit The Anniversary, Designing a Nervous Breakdown houses a sound that bridges the gap between classic second-wave emo and what at the time paved the way for third-wave emo. Let's be clear, I'm not blaming them for third-wave emo, I'm just saying that this record was among the first of the emo albums of the new millennium and its catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics still hold their own to this day. The band's sound had shifted by the release of their second (and final) full-length, Your Majesty, but this record, now being over 10 years old is a delightful pop classic that will be enjoyed for years to come.

For fans of: The Get Up Kids, Hot Rod Circuit, Hey Mercedes

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Chris Zabriskie - O Great Queen Electric, What Do You Have Waiting for Me? (2008)

Described by the man himself as "an album about failed love, lost religion and horror movies," O Great Queen Electric, What Do You Have Waiting for Me? is the sophomore solo release by composer and musician Chris Zabriskie. The record opens with "Time Life," a humorous recording of a voicemail (left by lo-fi legend Marc With a C) that brings the listener's guard down right before they get hit in the face with the awesomeness that is the second track, "I Can Be Your Love," a song filled with the fuzzy goodness that Neutral Milk Hotel and Sleep Station fans have come to love so much over space age synths that sound like they came straight out of the record store scene in A Clockwork Orange. The album is also home to a track called "I'm On a Talk Show" which sounds like it could've been taken from one of Ben Gibbard's solo tours. Intellectual listeners should be sure to check out the album's closer, "Joss Whedon." Long story short, this is nine tracks of sheer brilliance.


P.S.: All of Chris Zabriskie's records are available for free download on his website.

For fans of: Now It's Overhead, Ben Gibbard, Sleep Station

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The Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I (1999)

Hailed, revered and a third word with similar meaning, Emergency & I is the groundbreaking third record by Washington D.C. indie rock band The Dismemberment Plan. This record finds its home atop many top ten/twenty/fifty/one hundred/etc. lists of the 1990s, and rightly so. It changed the face of the indie rock record. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

For fans of: Q and Not U, Travis Morrison, Burning Airlines

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Various Artists - Guilt by Association Vol. 2 (2008)

This album can be summed up in three words, taken from a quote by a hip hop duo from Detroit famous for wearing makeup, "...pure motherfuckin' magic." Engine Room Recordings followed their 2007 release Guilt by Association with this, proving that lighting does indeed strike twice. They gathered up some of the most talented names in indie rock and had them cover their favorite guilty pleasure pop songs. I've posted the track listing below, items in bold are not to be missed.

1. My Brightest Diamond - "Tainted Love" (Soft Cell)

2. The Bloodsugars - "Self Control" (Laura Branigan)

3. Robbers on High Street - "Cool It Now" (New Edition)

4. Frightened Rabbit - "Set You Free" (N-Trance)

5. Matt Pond PA - "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" (My Chemical Romance)

6. Takka Takka - "In the Air Tonight" (Phil Collins)

7. Kaki King - "I Think She Knows" (Justin Timberlake)

8. Francis and the Lights - "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (Kanye West)

9. Lowry - "Africa" (Toto)

10. The Forms - "We Didn't Start the Fire" (Billy Joel)

11. Rafter - "If You Leave" (OMD)

12. Cassettes Won't Listen - "Need You Tonight" (INXS)

13. Jukebox the Ghost - "It's a Beautiful Life" (Ace of Base)

14. Max Vernon - "I Kissed a Girl" (Katy Perry)

15. The Bloodsugars - "Self Control (Acoustic)" (Laura Branigan)

For fans of: Toto, Katy Perry, Ace of Base, Phil Collins

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Watercolor Paintings - Open Your Mouth (2009)

Released in 2009 by sibling duo (don't confuse them as husband and wife, they'll ruin your weekend) Rebecca and Josh Redman, Open Your Mouth is ten songs chock full o' indie folk goodness. Rebecca acts as the primary songwriter as well as lead vocals and harp and Josh does some vocals while playing one hell of a baritone ukelele. With songs like "Indiana" and "Telephone Wires," this record is yet further proof that you don't have to be overly complex musically or have some juggernaut studio equipment to put out a great record.

For fans of: Elephant Parade, Kate Micucci, Erin Tobey

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The Knockdown - Test/Retest (2009)

I've said it once, I'll say it again: Pop punk doesn't have to suck. These guys haven't forgotten that. The first (and only) full-length release from Oneonta, NY punk outfit The Knockdown, Test/Retest is ten tracks of raw, heartfelt emotion filled with gang vocals, power chords and zero bullshit. This album went in the direction of the road not taken (at least anymore in today's pop punk scene), the road that steered clear of whining, guyliner and Pete Wentz. With vocals pleasantly reminiscent of John Nolan and Chuck Ragan, the balls to back up the right to wear that crown and songs like "Shit Went Down in the Italian Kitchen," "Squirrelaholic" and "It Never Goes Anywhere!," this album is a definite must-have to be kept next to your vinyl copy of "Through Being Cool."

For fans of: Hot Water Music, The Gaslight Anthem, Four Year Strong

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Strictly Ballroom - Hide Here Forever (1997)

Released in 1997 on the Waxploitation label, Hide Here Forever is the only album recorded by California emocore outfit Strictly Ballroom. It's eight songs that capture a sound that is all but lost in today's music scene. This band has gained a lot of posthumous attention due to the fact that their bass player is none other than Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel/Figurine/The Postal Service fame. Choice tracks include "Crickets," "Knots on a Counting Rope," and "A Sudden Interest in Nature."

For fans of: Sunny Day Real Estate, Braid, Snowing

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AM/FM - Getting into Sinking (2001)

This is a really great record by a really great and now defunct band, and yet they still don't get all the respect they deserve. Their second release, Getting into Sinking is hazier and more atramentous than AM/FM's first album, Mutilate Us. This album houses fuzz and horns reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel mixed with Beach Boys/Apples in Stereo ringing harmonies, and topped off with Joan of Arc guitar work and layers...and that's just the tip of the iceberg. This band's list of influences is as long as the horizon, and it certainly shows. With song titles like "If We Burned All the Assholes the Earth Would Look Like the Sun," "Virgins! Virgins!," and "I Was Never Here Two Seconds Ago," this one's not to be overlooked.

For fans of: Joan of Arc, Audible, Modest Mouse

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Mobius Band - Heaven (2007)

Heaven is the 2007 full-length release from Brooklyn-based electronic rock trio Mobius Band. After 2005's The Loving Sounds of Static, which focused heavily on the disillusionment that comes with age, they moved on to this record, which still carries an air of disappointment, but has also shown definite signs of maturity. Songs like "Hallie" and "Friends Like These" show discontent for situations like asymmetrical relationships with both lovers and friends respectively. There might not be a shining beacon at the end of the tunnel, but there's definitely a laser light show.

For fans of: The Broken West, Cassettes Won't Listen, The Notwist

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The Speed of Sound in Seawater - Blue Version (2009)

California's The Speed of Sound in Seawater released this EP last year, and it's pretty awesome as far as EPs go. With vocals reminiscent of a younger Placebo mixed with a little Metroid and a dash of 2 O'Clock Girlfriend and all the jazzy doodle-oos of bands like Cats and Cats and Cats and Algernon Cadwallader, these guys are headed for greatness in the very near future. Choice tracks include "The Scariest Room in the House" and "Amy Adams."

For fans of: This Town Needs Guns, Cats and Cats and Cats, Meet Me in St. Louis

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Modest Mouse - Baron von Bullshit Rides Again (2004)

Recorded on February 14 and 15, 2004, Baron von Bullshit Rides Again is the first and only live album released by Issaquah indie royalty Modest Mouse. It's a pretty good variety of songs originally released on earlier records, and contains one of the best quotes from lead singer Issac Brock ever to be said aloud on stage. After the band played their fifth song of the night, "Paper Thin Walls," an audience member heckled them and yelled, "FREE BIRD!" In response, Issac said this, "I know I've said this before; the odds of us actually playing 'Free Bird' are...there ARE no odds. It is not going to happen. I'll start with the first reason: we have NO idea how to play 'Free Bird.' The second reason is: in the lovebug's natural habitat, hearing that would just fucking kill him, wouldn't it? You wouldn't want that, right? He's adorable. He is cute. Thirdly: Even if some, like, pick your deity, whoever, came down from the heavens or the hills or wherever your deity lives, and just blessed us with this vast knowledge of 'Free Bird' and things, and we could play it backwards, sing backwards, we could do all that crazy shit, we still just wouldn't do it. If this were the Make-a-Wish Foundation and you were gonna die in 20 minutes, just long enough to play 'Free Bird,' we still wouldn't play it. And here's the end reason, the end reason is that life is just too fuckin' short to play or hear 'Free Bird.'" Issac: 1, Asinine Audience Member: 0.

For fans of: Ugly Casanova, Built to Spill, Pavement

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The Owls - Our Hopes and Dreams (2004)

The Owls (not to be confused with Owls), a folky four-piece from Minnesota released Our Hopes and Dreams back in February 2004 and with it, the world became a little lighter. Consisting of eight delightfully dreamy tracks, this record quickly finds a place in the heart of the listener. This album lives above the clouds and below the stars and that translates into songs like "Air" and "Drop Me a Line." Add this to your collection. Your ears will thank you.

For fans of: Laura Veirs, Noah and the Whale, Belle and Sebastian

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Sebadoh - Smash Your Head on the Punk Rock (1992)

Their Sub Pop debut, Smash Your Head on the Punk Rock compiles select tracks from two of Sebadoh's earlier EPs, Rocking the Forest and Sebadoh vs. Helmet. Despite that, this doesn't feel like a compilation record at all. It's a healthy serving of the lo-fi goodness that Lou Barlow and Sebadoh are so famous and loved for. The song "Brand New Love" makes yet another appearance in its latest form here, having been featured on recordings as early as Sebadoh's 1990 release, Weed Forestin'. Younger indie rock fans might recognize that song as the extended outro of "Blacking Out the Friction" on Death Cab for Cutie's live release, The John Byrd EP. If lo-fi awesomeness be the object of your search, look no further.

For fans of: Dinosaur Jr., The Folk Implosion, Lou Barlow

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Jason Choi - Leave the Night Behind (2006)

This is an album that only gets better with every listen. When singer/songwriter Jason Choi released this a few years back, he presented an example of what a good full-length record should be. It's 10 tracks, tracks that are substantial from beginning to end. There's not one second of filler to be found. No overly complex time signatures that change every time you turn around. No pretentious 40 second tracks of fuzz and static, and yet every note is deliberate and with meaning. From the moment he sings, "Wake up, O sleeper and rise from the dead..." on "Up Jumps the Devil," the album's opener, the listener is captured by the grace and power that can only be found on Leave the Night Behind.

For fans of: Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Maplethorpe, M. Ward

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