Best Songs of 2010 - Chasing The Sirens' Favorite 30 Songs

2010 was an epic year and that doesn't even adequately describe it. A ton of great albums of a wide assortment. Picking my Top 20 albums (listed in sidebar to the right) was very tough and there are some omissions no doubt.

Picking my top songs was even more challenging. Nonetheless, I made my obligatory list of favorite songs. Let me know your thoughts on these and anything else I may have missed this year.


1. Deerhunter - Desire Lines

2. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Round and Round

3. Arcade Fire - Spawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains

4. Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo

5. Deerhunter - He Would Have Laughed

6. Toro Y Moi - Low Shoulder

7. The War On Drugs - Comin' Through

8. The Walkmen - Stranded

9. The Moondoggies - It's A Shame It's A Pity

10. Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait

11. Girls - Carolina

12. Janelle Monae - Tightrope

13. Wild Nothing - Chinatown

14. Surfer Blood - Anchorage

15. The National - Lemonworld

16. Twin Shadow - Castles In The Snow

17. Glasser - Apply

18. The Hold Steady - The Weekenders

19. Futurebirds - Battle For Rome

20. Belle & Sebastian - The Ghost of Rockschool

21. Toro Y Moi - Minors

22. Keep Shelly In Athens - Cremona Memories

23. Reading Rainbow - Wasting Time

24. S. Carey - In The Dirt

25. Freelance Whales - Enzymes

26. Woods - Blood Dries Darker

27. Arcade Fire - Suburban War

28. Lower Dens - Hospice Gates

29. Best Coast - Crazy For You

30. Tennis - Marathon

Surfer Blood - "Swim (To Reach The End)

Continuing with my recent surf theme, the name of this band should strike a chord with my brother Chip. During his last PA rotation in San Diego, Chip's was enjoying a nice break on the left coast. However, after a fall, his surfboard decided it was quitting time and came out of nowhere to split open his head. Needless to say with head wounds, there was much blood.

The band, Surfer Blood, is actually from the right coast, West Palm Beach, Florida. Their first proper album, Astro Coast, is due out on January 19th. They take that 80's sound, which is still gaining momentum amongst indie band these days, and drench it with a fair amount of reverb. This cut is instantly gratifying and I anticipate hearing more from Surfer Blood.

Artist: Surfer Blood
Label: Kanine Records
Style: Surf Rock
Fact: "None of us surf"




Song: Swim(To Reach The End)

Welcome To: Chasing The Sirens

Welcome All My Fellow Indie Music Lovers!!!

As you should have now noticed, I have recently changed the name of this blog to Chasing The Sirens. In an effort to relieve any confusion, I wanted to let you know why I have changed the name of this blog and the inspiration behind 'Chasing The Sirens'.

As early as I can remember, one of my favorite sounds was that of the siren. It sparked in me a want to know what the sirens were for and find the action. I have very distinct memories as a boy of hearing sirens in the distance grow in intensity, multiply, and move ever closer. Ask my mom about this and she will tell you the same stories....as she was just like me! With my Radio Shack plug-in scanner by my side, I would listen intently for all the details of this emergency call.

But it did not stop there. In my mind, the logical next step was to find the action or more accurately find the fire. Many times my mom and dad and I (and my brothers) would jump in the car and chase the sirens. I remember driving all over our surrounding neighborhoods doing just this. One expression often heard in these moments was "I think I smell smoke!" Although many times we came up empty in our search, I have vivid recollections of chasing the sirens and finding fires. On one particular New Year's Eve, our neighbor's house caught on fire when a log rolled off their basement fireplace. Not even the shin-high snow nor the sub-zero temperatures could keep us from chasing across the big field that separated the houses. We would not be denied all the particulars of this unexpected incident.

So now, as a 30-something adult, I still love 'chasing the sirens'. In many ways, my love for music (specifically indie music) leads to similar encounters. A great song is heard and immediately the chase is on to know more about the song, the band, the style, etc. I don't stop until I 'Find the Fire'. I want and need to know all the particulars of great music that is so unknown to the majority of people.

So there it is...Chasing The Sirens.

My hope is that after visiting my blog you will be onto your own 'chase' after hearing some really great and under-appreciated music.

Thanks for stopping by!

Derek

The Cave Singers - "At The Cut"

It has been over 5 weeks since my last post so it is high time we get back to some good indie music!

















 


Here is a brand new song from Seattle indie folk band, The Cave Singers. The song is "At The Cut" and is from there newest album, Welcome Joy, which was released on August 18th. Often described as a type of neo-folk, The Cave Singers' songs build upon themselves: simple guitar work and drums combined with unique and often intensifying rhythms make for a very interesting listen. It is certainly a group to check out if you are not familiar. I have my brother to thank for introducing me to The Cave Singers.


So take a listen and enjoy!


The Cave Singer - At The Cut

Bibio - "Ambivalence Avenue"

When I have the fortune of chancing upon very innovative artists such as Bibio, I am thankful for the indie music blogging world in which we live.

Bibio is the recording moniker for England music producer, Stephen Wilkinson. Bibio's fifth album, Ambivalence Avenue, was released on June 22nd. So very idiosyncratic and diverse, Bibio's sound defies classification. The best way to describe it from what I have heard is a style that slants towards a fusion of electronic and folk music. Although you can find Bibio listed under the genre folktronica in Wikipedia, I'm not a huge fan of classifying, er, pigeon-holing artists. Regardless of what you call it, the music being generated by Bibio is impressive. One of Bibio's central influences is experimental electronica band, Boards of Canada. If you are familiar with Boards of Canada, you will certainly hear similarities in the sounds Bibio incorporates. But further than just this resemblance, Bibio has developed a distinct style by combining field recordings, found sounds, electronically tailored guitar melodies, and monotonous synthesizer sounds. He also does sing and it fits wonderfully with the nature of this album.

Bibio's love for sound and noise led him to the study of Sonic Arts at the University of London and ultimately to an unparalleled way of shaping music. Do not miss Ambivalence Avenue!

The first song on the album is title track, "Ambivalence Avenue". Upon first listen I was immediately engaged, and the momentum carries through the rest of this exceptional album.


Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Driving to work this morning, I heard a sweet song on sirixmu by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros called "Janglin". This sparked a memory of a March NPR podcast in which they reviewed the days spent at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. It was during this podcast that they significantly hyped Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros. So I quickly typed (not while driving) the band's name into The Hype Machine and came across an even better song called "40 Day Dream". To this point, I don't know a lot about them except that they are led by IMA Robot's Alex Ebert. What I do know is that the music is seriously infectious. Reminds me of a mix of Gnarls Barkley and Arcade Fire. Can't stop listening to these songs!

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros have an EP out now entitled Here Comes. Their full length debut, Up From Below, comes out on July 14th.

Here are the two great songs I mentioned above.


Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - 40 Day Dream

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Janglin

The Low Anthem - "To Ohio"

On The Low Anthem's third album, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, this Providence, Rhode Island outfit cover an impressive gamut in terms of both style and instruments. The music is a broad brush of Americana, with harmonious folk songs reminiscent of Fleet Foxes ('To Ohio', 'Charlie Darwin') and Appalachian style stomp songs you might have heard during the Civil War era ('Home I'll Never Be', 'The Horizon Is A Beltway'). Whether the songs are trickling gently or erupting there is no shortage of instruments employed. From banjo to mandolin, tongue drum to Tibetan singing bowl, every device enriches the listening experience. Despite the diversity of the songs, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin has a beautiful flow that is more fully realized with each repeated listen. On Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, this trio that makes up The Low Anthem continues to lay the groundwork for what I expect will be an exceptional future.


















Here is one of the best tracks on the album 'To Ohio':

The Low Anthem - To Ohio

The Gaslight Anthem - 'The '59 Sound'

The Gaslight Anthem is a band that is most certainly on the rise. They hail from New Jersey which also happens to be home to one of rock's greatest icons, Bruce Springsteen. However, it appears that this is more than just a fun fact when the band describes their sound as "Bruce Springsteen singing for a Cure cover band, with a tinge more aggression." As someone who acquired a deep passion for The Boss while growing up, I can certainly hear his influence in the music of The Gaslight Anthem. I also hear a touch of Arcade Fire in their sound. Considering The Gaslight Anthem to be a mix of these distinct but brilliant artists is no knock in my book. I guess the only question that remains is will my 2 year old son find this song as danceable as he did 'House of Mirrors' by Doves.

Their second album, The '59 Sound, released in August of last year.

Here is the video for the title track. The mp3 version of the song is directly below the video.





The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

New Doves - "Kingdom of Rust"

One of the most under-appreciated bands to come out of the UK are England's own Doves. They steadliy follow in the wake being left by fellow UK bands Radiohead and Coldplay. Yet what separates them is their distinct blend of atmospheric sounds and melody. The environment their music creates puts you in almost a magical place.

It seems like another lifetime when I initially heard their first album, Lost Souls, in 2000. However, with their exceptional and incomparable sound, I clearly recall being convinced that they would be a band to watch as the years marched on.

Nine years and three albums later Doves have added another outstanding LP to their repertoire in Kingdom of Rust. I had been passing up this album for a couple months and my avoidance is now proving to be one of ignorance. The more I listen to Kingdom of Rust, the higher it ascends my 'Best of 2009' list.

Here are two excellent songs from Kingdom of Rust:

Doves - Kingdom of Rust

Doves - House of Mirrors

Ears, Just Hear: The National - "So Far Around The Bend"

The National - So Far Around The Bend

New Magnolia Electric Co. - "Josephine"

Somewhere along my musical journey, my Neil Young phase went from cool to perhaps cliche'. When Pearl Jam and Nirvana reigned during my college years, listening to Neil Young was another way to showcase to your friends a prowess of all things grunge. However, the coolness faded and his music became part of your typical playlist that can be heard on any Classic Rock radio station. Listening to Neil Young will never have the same impact on my ears as it did in the early 90's.

I mention this because Jason Molina, singer-songwriter and frontman of Magnolia Electric Co, has a voice and musical style which is eerily similar to Neil Young's. Before you assume that this would negatively affect my thoughts of Jason Molina, realize that it works in the exact opposite way. Jason Molina has always remained a very unique and ever-evolving artist. Yet, like with any good artist, the sound is always clearly identifiable as Jason Molina. Whether recording as Magnolia Electric Co. or formerly as Songs:Ohia, the fact remains that Jason Molina is a prolific songwriter who has a first-rate ability to blend the styles of lo-fi, folk, and alt-country. It is music that continues to provide the listener with added details on each successive listen. In 15 years, I foresee my ears still craving Jason Molina's music.















The new Magnolia Electric Co. album comes out in July and is titled Josephine. Here is the title track.


Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine

The Wooden Birds

So I am driving home the other day and I hear this song on SiriXM U. The acoustic rhythm is laid back and the singer has a very subtle but cool voice. The steady beat is in no hurry to get anywhere and I don't mind. Part of the chorus is one of those "oh ohhh-oh ohhhh ohhhhhh" that always seem to get me. Right away this song has me hooked. When it was over I was immediately petitioning my brain to remember the band name. OK, I admit, this happens often for me with new music. But with this song my curiosity was very much rapt and I wanted some more. Here is the more:

The band is The Wooden Birds. They are led by singer-songwriter and former frontman of American Analog Set (aka AmAnSet), Andrew Kenny. The song is "Sugar" from their debut album, Magnolia. From The Wooden Birds website, "The arrangements on Magnolia are more vocal and percussion heavy than anything he's done before." This album is a keeper!





















The Wooden Birds - Sugar

New Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks"

One band that continues to impress me more and more is Grizzly Bear. Their last album, Yellow House was an amazing listen and continues to reward to this day. For this reason, I am really anticipating the release of their third full-length album Vectamist.




















The atmospheric nature of the songs is truly something to behold. I would highly recommend a nice set of cans (aka headphones) when listening to Grizzly Bear. Your ears will certainly thank you. Grizzly Bear's genre has been classified as many including lo-fi, anti-folk, and freak-folk. After now hearing three of the songs from Veckatimest, I anticipate this to be high on my list come the end of 2009. Oh by the way, one of the members of Grizzly Bear, Daniel Rossen (songwriting/guitar), is also a member of the excellent band Department of Eagles.

Veckatimest will be released on May 26th. Here is track number two from Veckatimest, "Two Weeks".

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

Woods - Rain on (Live Video)

Fresh out of hiatus, I am back with a strong recommendation for the band Woods. Woods is a lo-fi group I just discovered. I cannot say enough about their new album Songs of Shame...It is that good. I anticipate it will be in my top 3 of 2009.

The album really ingrains itself to you and you will find yourself wanting to hear it over and over again. I cannot sum up Woods sounds any better than this quote from Pitchfork: Woods created a distinctive blend of spooky campfire folk, lo-fi rock, homemade tape collages, and other noisy interludes, all anchored by deceptively sturdy melodies.

Seriously now, I am trying to figure out how I am now just hearing about these guys. Their two other albums are amazing too. Well have a listen. Also, check out the new lala player on the right side of the blog. In there you can check out some more songs by Woods. Lots of lo-fi ear candy!

Here is their song 'Rain On', performed live:

New Video - Bonnie "Prince" Billy: I Am Goodbye

Singer-Songwriter Bonnie "Prince" Billy (aka Will Oldham) will release his latest album, Beware on March 17th. I am a big fan of his music and would highly recommend giving a listen. Here is the video for his new song "I Am Goodbye".

J. Tillman Video - "Firstborn"

J. Tillman (aka Josh Tillman) is a Seattle-based artist who is also the drummer for Fleet Foxes. This is the video for J. Tillman's song "Firstborn", which is on his 2008 album Vacilando Territory Blues. Very cool, laid-back sound. I will have to soon check out the rest of J. Tillman's album!

Oh by the way...You'll notice that J. Tillman's Fleet Foxes band mates were part of the effort on "Firstborn".

New Song By Great Lake Swimmers

One of my most anticipated album releases of 2009 is Lost Channels by Great Lake Swimmers. Lost Channels is the 4th full-length record from this Canadian band who craft melodic folk rock songs. I cannot recommend them enough...just superb music all around. A few weeks ago, I posted one of their new songs from the upcoming album. Here is another song from Lost Channels called "Everything Is Moving So Fast".


















Lost Channels will be released on March 31st.

Great Lake Swimmers - Everything Is Moving So Fast

Bon Iver Covers Feist

If you are a fan of Bon Iver, then you will enjoy this. During a recent interview in Austrialia, Justin Veron (aka Bon Iver) covered Feist's song 'The Park'.



















Bon Iver - The Park (Feist cover)

The Welcome Wagon

The Welcome Wagon's debut album Welcome To The Welcome Wagon is one of my favorites of 2009. If you are a fan of Sufjan Stevens then you should definitely check out The Welcome Wagon (Sufjan produced and helped arrange the album). I love the lyrics and the sincerity of this album.

The Welcome Wagon is comprised of a pastor, the Reverend Thomas Vito Aiuto, and his wife Monique. Here is how their label Asthmatic Kitty Records describes the music of The Welcome Wagon:


"They execute a genre of gospel music that is refreshingly plain. Their hymns are modest and melodic takes on a vast history of sacred song traditions, delivered with the simple desire to know their Maker—and to know each other—more intimately."


Here is the first single from their excellent album:


The Welcome Wagon - Sold! To The Nice Rich Man

'Nothing To Worry About' Video - Peter Bjorn and John

Peter Bjorn and John's newest album Living Thing comes out on March 31st. The first single on the album is 'Nothing To Worry About'. The song has been getting a good amount of playtime on SiriXM U. This song is very unique and I particularly like the sounds of the drums. It also features backup vocals by a bunch of kids. Very cool! Here is the just released video for 'Nothing To Worry About'. The video, while amusing, fits quite nicely as the song does give you the feel of being in a different culture.



Peter Bjorn and John "Nothing To Worry About"