my favs through august

More goodness is surely on the way, as it's only August. But I wanted to share what I've been listening to this year. These are my top eleven thus far.

11. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
I'm no wine connoisseur, but I'll go ahead and make the analogy: Cave & his bad seeds age like a fine cabernet sauvignon: rich, dark, slightly bitter, powerfully layered, and better with every dose. This album frolics far less than Cave's last double dose, Abattoir/Lyre, with plenty of gritted teeth and harsh strings, but still encapsulates his twisted charm.






10. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (and Sun Giant ep)
Perfect sunrise music; warm, bright harmonies over folk gems. Makes you want to live in the mountains, or in Portland. Seattle works too, obviously, but I think Portland wins.










9. The Avett Brothers - The Second Gleam ep
All hail bluegrass, and the Avett's long history therein! The only thing wrong with this Gleam is that it's only six songs long. They've taken a step back from punkgrassing and mellowed out, adding a cello to their somber tales, keeping this EP acoustic. Unless you buy the vinyl, in which case you get two more songs. One an electric version of "The Greatest Sum." Do see them live if they come through your town.




8. Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Lie Down in the Light
His quavering tenor, with Emmett Kelly's harmonies, somberly sung, always gorgeously composed - Will Oldham is an American staple.










7. Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
I suppose I could also refer to these gents as an Icelandic staple and no one would disagree. As far as I know, they've done no wrong, except never performing anywhere close to me. This album isn't as towering or atmospheric, but that doesn't mean it's lacking in grandeur. They've just relied more on grandpas guitars, a welcome change. And, um....buns!






6. She & Him - Volume One
Zooey has been a cinematic crush of mine since her singing in Elf. The crowd pleaser at the end, and yes, the singing in the shower. Her voice is sultry, and I love it. Along with Matt Ward's guitar and other backing band pep, this record hops with giddiness and swoons with longing. It even has some 50's throwback and a co-written Jason Schwartzman ditty. And Jodi loves it, so this one sees a lot of turntable time.






5. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
Another throwback, this one more in the vein of The Kinks and rock in the 60s, British obviously, since that's what these lads are. They've captured the flair. It's also epic, like Ennio Morricone's spaghetti western scores. If you're down with the Arctic Monkeys, you'll probably be down with this album.






4. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Three words: instant summer classic.
Now, let's go get some beers and have a party.












3. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Arguably the catchiest record of the year. If, for some odd reason, you hate them, you might also hate happiness, and you should immediately look into solving that.








2. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Easily my favorite band of all time, these Kentucky boys have made another solid album. Yes, there are strange moments. The first time I listened to Evil Urges was a burned copy my cousin gave me, with the warning that the first few didn't sound like them at all. He was right, and I was confused. Jim James' falsetto? Wtf? And, of course, "Highly Suspicious." Again, and even more so, wtf? But they work well within the whole; soft rock ballads to junk yard shredding to sappy love songs to the toe-tapping end. MMJ has upped the ante, and what can I say? I'm all in.



1. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
As much as I love MMJ, The Raconteurs have claimed the top spot for now, and I don't see that changing before the year is over. Jack White is a genius, and while he could overshadow his band mates, he's merely an integral part of the jaw-dropping whole. This album is flawless. I'm sure seeing them live only added to my amazement, but Consolers stands tall without that spectacle. I'm thoroughly energized whenever I hear it. It simply makes me want to be a better man. My one word summation: supremacy.