My Blog's Namesake: The Jeopardy of Contentment

I meant to post this a while ago but couldn't find an Mp3 of it. This is the song that I named my blog after, 'The Jeopardy of Contentment', by a band called What Made Milwaukee Famous. My first exposure to them was seeing them open for TV on the Radio at an aftershow for the Austin City Limits festival last year. I was also lucky enough to catch them again opening for Dr. Dog at the Bottleneck this past March. I absolutely love this song. It's just so heartbreakingly beautiful and it may be the best "break-up" song I have heard in years. I hope you enjoy it.

New Music: Band of Horses

Just a heads up, you can download the first single, 'Is There A Ghost', off Band Of Horses new album, Cease to Begin, here on their Myspace page. The album is officially released on October 9th.

New Music: Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild Soundtrack

I am getting more and more excited about this movie every day. If you aren't familiar with Jon Krakauer's fabulous book about the disappearance of Chris McCandless, please do yourself a favor and read it. It is one of my favorite books of all time. Sean Penn is bringing it to the big screen on September 21st with Emile Hirsch as McCandless. To add to my excitement Eddie Vedder wrote songs for the soundtrack. You can hear the first song from the soundtrack, 'Hard Sun', here. I really like it and think most of you will too.

Also, just for good measure, here is the trailer. Hope the movie is as powerful as the preview.

Tonight on TV: Feist plus special guests (most likely someone from a indie-rock band you like)

This evening, on The Late Show with David Letterman, Feist will be performing along with special guests. The guests include: Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene), Carl "A.C." Newman (The New Pornographers), Aaron Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, and Scott Devendorf (The National), Nicole Atkins, Grizzly Bear, and Mates of State. After seeing M. Ward play on Conan with guests Neko Case and Jim James (My Morning Jacket), it appears that Indie-Rock is taking a cue from Hip-Hop and featuring as many guests as possible, although I'm not complaining.

Feist Myspace

The 100 Greatest Albums of the 90's: 21-40

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21. R.E.M. - Automatic For the People (1992)

This was R.E.M.'s darkest and the most melancholy album at the time of it's release. There is a great amount of orchestral arrangements that give their songs much more depth than ever before. Also, it's the R.E.M. album that has aged the best.


Favorite Songs: Sweetness Follows, Nightswimming, Try Not to Breathe

22. Bjork - Post (1995)

Although Debut is a great album as well, I think Bjork really found more of her own sound on her second solo effort, Post. The production and songs are much more complex and ambitious than almost anything else she's done.


Favorite Songs: Army of Me, Hyper-Ballad, Isobel

23. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

Even considering the fact that I absolutely hate everything they have done in the past ten years, I still had to include Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Even considering all the shitty rap-rock bands they spawned (Linkin Park, Kottonmouth Kings, etc), this album still kicks a lot of ass.


Favorite Songs: Breaking the Girl, Suck My Kiss, Blood Sugar Sex Magik

24. Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes (1992)

Tori's debut album is a piece of greatness that she never quite topped or equalled. Her most intensely personal and emotional lyrics are what really make this record so good.


Favorite Songs: Silent All These Years, Winter, Tear in Your Hand

25. Beck - Odelay (1996)

After Mellow Gold came out and the song 'Loser' was all over the radio I was 99% positive that Beck would be a one-hit wonder. I was very wrong, and, in my opinion, he ended up being more like the David Bowie of our generation. The Dust Brothers and Beck created a wholly original sound during a period when it was hard to find anything original on the radio.


Favorite Songs: Lord Only Knows, Novacane, Devil's Haircut

26. The Afghan Whigs - Gentlemen (1993)

Gentlemen is a masterpiece of raw emotion. Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks might be the only other album that deals with the bitterness and beauty of heartbreak as well as Gentlemen. One warning, it might not be a good idea to give your girlfriend this album as a gift. Just a suggestion.

Favorite Songs: Gentlemen, Debonair, When We Two Parted

27. Sonic Youth - Dirty (1992)

Listening to this album now, it may seem like Dirty was Sonic Youth's attempt to cash in on the grunge trend at the time. But the album can stand up with Sonic Youth's best records.

Favorite Songs: 100%, Sugar Kane, Wish Fulfillment

28. Hum - You'd Prefer An Astronaut (1995)

I always thought that if Weezer had any balls whatsoever, they might sound like Hum. This record contains a lot of heavy, distorted guitars but still manages to be melodic.

Favorite Songs: Suicide Machine, The Pod, Stars

29. Pearl Jam - No Code (1996)

Although No Code didn't receive much critical acclaim, it still ranks very high with die hard Pearl Jam fans. No Code is definitely a departure from the sound they perfected on their first three albums. It seems that Eddie Vedder's work with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on the soundtrack for Dead Man Walking influenced quite a bit of this album.

Favorite Songs: Hail, Hail, Who You Are, Off He Goes

30. Nirvana - In Utero (1993)

When this album came out it alienated a lot of the fans that Nirvana had gained when 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' became the biggest song of the decade. With Steve Albini producing the record, that might have been the point. This album aged so much better than Nevermind that it's not even close.


Favorite Songs: Scentless Apprentice, Dump, All Apologies

31. Frank Black - Teenager of the Year (1994)

This is one of those rare double albums where you don't want to skip any tracks when listening to it. Frank Black continues to break away from the Pixies sound towards more of a pop route, yet still weird enough to please Pixies fans.


Favorite Songs: Headache, Thalassocracy, Freedom Rock

32. Air - Moon Safari (1998)

Air's debut album is a electro-lounge pop masterpiece. Although it is only #32, Moon Safari would probably be one of a handful of albums on this list that I still listen to on a regular basis.


Favorite Songs: La Femme d'Argent, All I Need, Ce Matin La

33. Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine (1992)

Rage is another band I sort of resent for creating a brand of rap-rock that inspired the lowest common denominator of bands to follow. I don't think any of their following albums hit the high note that their self-titled debut did. It's also odd that, no matter how big of a fan I was of them in High School, I still have no desire at all to see them on their current reunion stint.


Favorite Songs: Killing In The Name, Know Your Enemy, Freedom

34. Pavement - Slanted & Enchanted (1992)

Just like Nirvana's Nevermind (but on a much smaller scale), Pavement's debut album created a whole new sound in rock music. Sort of a lo-fi masterpiece, this album really defined the terms College and Indie Rock. If you're a fan make sure you pick up the 2002 reissue of Slanted & Enchanted because it has a whole crap-load of demo's, other recording sessions, and a live show for you to geek out on.


Favorite Songs: Summer Babe (Winter Version), In the Mouth A Desert, Zurich is Stained

35. Jane's Addiction - Ritual de la Habitual (1990)

Jane's Addiction's second album is also the one that really broke them into the mainstream with the success of 'Been Caught Stealing'. Even the worst songs on this album are better than most of the stuff Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro have done since.


Favorite Songs: Stop, Ain't No Right, Of Course

36. Gomez - Bring It On (1998)

It is pretty hard to believe that this won Britain's coveted Mercury Music Prize in 1998 over Radiohead's OK Computer. Bring It On isn't as good but it definitely isn't over-hyped. Gomez does bluesy rock better than most American bands but they never quite improved upon this debut.


Favorite Songs: Get Miles, Here Comes the Breeze, Get Myself Arrested

37. Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (1994)

Stone Temple Pilots debut album was criticized for being a rip-off of the grunge bands of that time. Those criticisms were perfectly valid until they released this follow-up. As much as STP are dogged by critics and music fans, I still love this album and think it deserves its place on this list.


Favorite Songs: Interstate Love Songs, Pretty Penny, Still Remains

38. Pulp - Different Class (1995)

This record is Pulp's enthralling masterpiece. 'Common People' is one of the top 5 songs of the entire decade. Not nearly as appreciated in the States, Pulp became superstars in Europe with this album and deservedly so.


Favorite Songs: Common People, Mis-Shapes, Disco 2000

39. A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders (1993)

A Tribe Called Quest abandoned the jazz influences from The Low End Theory to create a more mainstream sound on Midnight Marauders. Along with De La Soul, Tribe is responsible for creating a conscious style of rap that flourished throughout the rest of the decade.


Favorite Songs: Award Tour, Sucka Nigga, Electric Relaxation

40. The Breeders - Last Splash (1993)

Just like Frank Black, The Breeders never did anything as good as the Pixies, but they came close. The only problem: 90% of this album is absolutely brilliant, but that other 10% can be pretty mediocre.

Favorite Songs: Cannonball, Invisible Man, Divine Hammer

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Concert Announcemen: Spoon

10/03/07 Liberty Hall, Lawrence

I was very excited this morning to see that Spoon is coming back to Lawrence to play at Liberty Hall until I realized that it was the same night as Midlake at the Jackpot Saloon. Spoon is an excellent live band and this will be a great show, especially since their new album, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, may be their best ever.

Spoon Myspace

New Music: Animal Collective

Well, if you didn't like Animal Collective before, you probably won't dig them now either. They certainly didn't try to be anymore accessible after the success of 2005' Feels. This is the first video for the song 'Peacebone' off their new album, Strawberry Jam, which comes out on September 11th.

It's kind of disturbing, but so are Animal Collective's albums. That was directed by Timothy Saccenti, who also directed one of the best videos i've seen in a long time, 'Atlas' from the band Battles (which also happens to be one of my favorite songs from this year). Enjoy!

Concert Announcement: Bright Eyes

10/23/07 Lied Center, Lawrence

If you would have told me 4 years ago that I would be excited about Bright Eyes coming to town I would have told you that you're full of shit. I can't think of any other artist I went from hating to loving in such a short time. I finally got over Conner Oberst annoying voice and realized that (especially on his last three albums) he is an amazing songwriter. Conner's most recent album, Four Winds, follows the template left by 2005's I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning and is full of great country-tinged folk songs.

I've never seen Bright Eyes in concert before so I don't really know what to expect but I have read a decent amount of positive reviews for his show. And always, the Lied Center is an enjoyable place to see a more laid-back show like this.

Bright Eyes Myspace

Just A Little Update...

I was originally working on posting sample mp3's of the bands I talk about but now I don't think I'm going to. I did however put a playlist that you can stream at the very bottom of this blog that features most of the artists I mention. It also features some of my other favorite songs from this year so far. I will try to keep it updated with every post...we'll see how that goes.

The New Pornographers - Challengers

It was bound to happen eventually. The New Pornographers sound was going to have to develop past the power-pop perfection that Carl Newman had brought for three albums in a row. When I say power-pop perfection I mean that The New Pornographers packed enough great, catchy pop tunes on one album to last most bands an entire career. If you don't already own their first three albums (Mass Romantic, Electric Version, and Twin Cinema) already, please do yourself a favor and buy all three. I promise that you will discover one of your new favorite bands.

On their most recent effort, Challengers, The New Pornographers have continued more down the path tread by Carl Newman's solo album, The Great Wonder. Their guitar fueled tunes are rounded out with horns and strings but never delve into orchestral or chamber pop at all. In fact, the songs are just as addictive, it's just a bit more of a "grower" than their previous albums. Once again, Carl Newman is joined by fellow indie superstars Dan Bejar (Destroyer, Swan Lake) and Neko Case. There is just enough Dan Bejar on NP albums for me to not get tired of him (Destroyer albums can grate on me after a while). Also, if Neko Case is one of your lead vocalists on a few tracks and backup on the rest, you already have an advantage over every other band in existence. Challengers isn't as immediately engaging as their previous albums, but as a long time fan, I'd rather have an album from them that I can sit with for a long time to fully appreciate.

The New Pornographers will be playing in Lawrence at Liberty Hall on November 4th and the show will feature Neko Case.

Movie Trailer: Walk Hard

I wouldn't normally post movie trailers here but this seems like an appropriate one for a music blog. Paul Rudd as John Lennon and Jack White as Elvis: brilliant!

Concert Announcement: Wilco

10/13/07 The Crossroads, Kansas City

This is a very exciting moment for me as I get to tell you about another one of my favorite bands ever that is coming to Kansas City. I haven't had a chance to see them live since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot came out but their new album, Sky Blue Sky, makes me very happy they are coming back to town. Always one of the most consistent live acts around, this concert is not to be missed.

Wilco's Website
Wilco Myspace

Concert Announcement: The Hold Steady/Art Brut

11/13/07 The Granada, Lawrence

After the Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem pairing, this might be the next best tour of the year. The Hold Steady are coming back through Lawrence after playing an amazing (and poorly attended) concert at the Bottleneck last December. Their last album, Boys & Girls In America, was my number two album of the year for 2006. They are joined by Art Brut who just released their second album, It's A Bit Complicated.

I've never seen Art Brut live but on record singer Eddie Argos is one of the few front men that can rival The Hold Steady's Craig Finn as far as lyrical cleverness and humor goes. If you like Rock 'N Roll, don't miss this show.

The Hold Steady Myspace
Art Brut Myspace

New Music: Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight

No review this time, I just wanted to let you know you can stream the entire new album on their Myspace page. It's officially released on August 21st. Also it gives me an excuse to post some pictures of Jenny Lewis.

Enjoy!

Concert Announcement: VHS or Beta

12/06/07 The Record Bar, Kansas City

I have been a big fan of Louisville, Kentucky's VHS or Beta ever since their fantastic 2004 album, Night On Fire. Night On Fire took their already danceable beats and added a rock element to it. Apparently their keyboard player has left the band and their sound has had to adapt a bit for their new album, Bring On The Comets (out August 28th). Expect of review here of their new album and check them out in December at The Record Bar.

VHS or Beta Myspace

The Brunettes - Structure & Cosmetics

My first exposure to The Brunettes was seeing them open up for The Shins at Liberty Hall in 2005. I was immediately impressed with their cute pop tunes and especially liked the boy/girl vocal aspect. I picked up their 2005 import-only album Mars Loves Venus at that show and really liked a few of the songs on the album.

With their new album, Structure & Cosmetics, they take a huge leap forward both musically and vocally. Their album opens with what sounds like a Polyphonic Spree song with a choir of voices and a whole lot of instruments that were previously foreign to the Brunettes. It just gets better from there. Their sound has matured so much but they are still creating really sweet and pretty summer-esque songs. You can catch them at The Record Bar on September 21st at 10pm.

The Brunettes Myspace

The Greatest Albums of the 90's: 41-60

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41. Wilco - Being There (1996)

Wilco's second album finally moves past the Uncle Tupeloesque alt-country sound quite a bit. Not my favorite Wilco album but it contains some of their very best songs.

Favorite Songs: Misunderstood, I Got You (At the End of the Century), Far, Far Away, Monday

42. PJ Harvey - Rid of Me (1993)

PJ Harvey is always emotional and frantic, but here Steve Albini brings a new energy out of her. My only complaint is this one has a bit of filler.

Favorite Songs: Rid of Me, Rub Till It Bleeds, Man-Size

43. Black Star - Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are (1998)

This was smack dab in the middle of what I consider the golden age of underground hip-hop. Talib Kweli and Mos Def are at their finest, and while Talib went on the release many more notable albums this is Mos Def's musical peak.

Favorite Songs: Definition, Brown Skin Lady, K.O.S. (Determination)

44. Tom Waits - Bone Machine (1992)

Tom's most consistently great work since Rain Dogs. It's dark, scary and pretty all at the same time. Although you can probably say that about a lot of Tom Waits records.

Favorite Songs: Earth Died Screaming, Goin' Out West, I Don't Wanna Grow Up

45. Belle and Sebastian - If You're Feeling Sinister (1996)

Almost annoyingly pretty and sweet, B&S's second album is a batch of precious pop tunes. I still can't think of Belle and Sebastian without thinking of "sad bastard" music.

Favorite Songs: The Stars of Track & Field, Seeing Other People, Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying

46. Modest Mouse - The Lonesome Crowded West (1997)

This is the beginning of a streak of fantastic albums by Modest Mouse. They really perfect their jangly, ferocious brand of indie rock with Issac Brock's unmistakable yelps and shouts. I really miss old Modest Mouse.

Favorite Songs: Jesus Christ was an Only Child, Doin' the Cockroach, Bankrupt on Selling

47. Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (1995)

This album barely wins the title of best Wu-Tang solo release over Liquid Swords. Cuban Linx is so classic because of the stunning production from RZA.

Favorite Songs: Knucklheadz, Can It All Be So Simple, Ice Cream

48. Ween - The Mollusk (1997)

Ween's ocean concept album (sort of) is fantastic album from start to finish. It's all over the map like any Ween album; from prog to punk to Irish drinking songs and everything in between.

Favorite Songs: The Mollusk, Mutilated Lips, The Blarney Stone

49. Sleater-Kinney - Dig Me Out (1997)

This is another band that released a long string of damn good albums. Sleater-Kinney has always had great melodies and intense vocals, and here they only improve.

Favorite Songs: Dig Me Out, One More Hour, Words and Guitar

50. Temple of the Dog - Temple of the Dog (1990)

A "Supergroup" between Soundgarden and Green River (what would become Pearl Jam) that was put together in memory of Andrew Wood (of Mother Love Bone). It only got popular when Pearl Jam blew up, even though Eddie Vedder only sang on "Hunger Strike" and back-up on a few others. When I die if anyone is inspired to write a song for me half as good as "Say Hello to Heaven", I must have lived a good life.

Favorite Songs: Say Hello to Heaven, Times of Trouble, All Night Thing

51. Wilco - Summerteeth (1999)

This is Wilco's "happy" record. It is definitely their most focused and poppy batch of tunes as well. Despite that it might contain the darkest lyrics that Jeff Tweedy has ever penned.

Favorite Songs: She's A Jar, I'm Always in Love, Pieholden Suite

52. GZA - Liquid Swords (1995)

A slight second place for best Wu-Tang solo project but fantastic nonetheless. GZA is by far the best lyricist from Wu-Tang and it definitely shows here. Once again the album is carried by RZA's perfect production.

Favorite Songs: Liquid Swords, 4th Chamber, Shadowboxin'

53. PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love (1995)

PJ Harvey toned down the guitars on her follow-up to Rid of Me but amped up the songwriting. A little less bluesy than her past albums and her lyrics improved a lot. It also got her on the radio quite a bit.

Favorite Songs: To Bring You My Love, C'mon Billy, Long Snake Moan

54. Massive Attack (1998)

Although most people like Blue Lines better I don't think it holds a candle to Mezzanine. The music is Massive Attack's best and the voices of Cocteau Twin's Liz Fraser and Horace Andy just add to this Trip-hop masterpiece.

Favorite Songs: Angel, Teardrop, Man Next Door

55. The Verve - Urban Hymns (1997)

This one makes the list because it contains three of the best songs in 90's Brit-pop.

Favorite Songs: Bittersweet Symphony, The Drugs Don't Work, Lucky Man

56. Stereolab - Emperor Tomato Ketchup (1996)

Sterolab uses the kitchen sink method as they compile every style of music they may have experimented with in the past. The songs are as catchy as ever, though. By far this is Stereolabs best album.

Favorite Songs: Metronomic Underground, Cybele's Reverie, Tomorrow is Already Here

57. Built To Spill - Keep It Like A Secret (1999)

Built to Spill's pop album. The hooks and guitar brilliance are still there but the songs are shorter and less jammy. One of the best produced albums of the 90's.

Favorite Songs: The Plan, Carry the Zero, You Were Right

58. Sebadoh - III (1991)

To be honest, I don't think I really dug this album very much back in the day. I remember hearing it because I liked Dinosaur Jr. but I really didn't realize how amazing it was until it was re-issued last year. Along with Slanted and Enchanted this is lo-fi indie rock at it's best.

Favorite Songs: Sickles and Hammers, Violet Execution, Truly Great Thing

59. The Jayhawks - Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995)

The Jayhawks went a bit more eclectic and upbeat than their previous albums and it worked. Tomorrow the Green Grass contains some of the best songs they ever played.

Favorite Songs: Blue, I'd Run Away, Real Light

60. Hieroglyphics - 3rd Eye Vision (1998)

Another classic album from my golden era of underground hip-hop. Del tha Funkee Homosapien is the most notable MC here but he is surrounded by a lot of other talent. Having a rap group with eight people can sometimes get a little exhausting (late period Wu-Tang) but it never does here.

Favorite Songs: You Never Knew, Mics of the Round Table, Miles to the Sun

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Show Review: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit/Centro-matic

8/11/07 The Bottleneck, Lawrence

If you know me, you know that this was one show I wasn't going to miss. The Drive-By Truckers are one of my favorite bands and Jason Isbell was arguably the most talented member of the band before he left. He most certainly has the best voice of the three singers and I looked forward to hearing a whole set of him at the microphone. I don't love his album but it's good. The songs are a little more straight-forward pop rather than the storytelling type songs he wrote with the Truckers. Either way he is still a talented songwriter and guitarist so I knew this show would be good.

I might have had a few beers before and during the show so my recollection of the show probably isn't the greatest. Jason played most of his new album and included a few Trucker songs: "Never Gonna Change", "Danko Manuel" and set closer "Outfit". The highlight of his set was a searing cover of Talking Heads "Psycho Killer". As long as Jason Isbell keeps putting out albums and playing shows, i'll be there.

I had seen opener Centro-matic last year at Austin City Limits festival on the main stage so it was a bit odd to see them all crammed on the Bottleneck's stage. I am also a big fan of their latest album, Fort Recovery, and was happy to hear a handful of songs off it. They don't have a lot of stage presence but Will Johnson's voice is so mesmerizing you don't even notice.

The 100 Greatest Albums of the 90's: 61-80

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61. The Beta Band - The 3 EP's (1998)

This album gained serious popularity after the use of it's best song ("Dry the Rain") in the movie High Fidelity. There are many moments on this album that show you why huge UK bands like Radiohead and Oasis were such big fans.

Favorite Songs: Dry the Rain, She's the One, It's Over

62. Portishead - Dummy (1994)

Portishead's debut is a brilliant mix of trip-hop, hip-hop, old spy movie beats, and Beth Gibbons haunting voice. One band I seriously regret never seeing live. All their albums are worth owning.

Favorite Songs: Sour Times, Strangers, Glory Box

63. The Flaming Lips - Clouds Taste Metallic (1995)

The last Flaming Lips album to feature second guitarist Ronald Jones finds The Lips playing their last album of true guitar pop. Psychedelic Brian Wilson inspired tunes are all over the place. The Flaming Lips may have gotten a lot better since Clouds Taste Metallic but there is still a lot of great stuff on here. Favorite Songs: Abandoned Hospital Ship, Evil Will Previal, Bad Days

64. Ani Difranco - Little Plastic Castle (1998)

Ani's sound came full circle on Little Plastic Castle to incorporate bits and pieces of all her styles on one album. Her most well produced album to date and some of her best songs ever.
Favorite Songs: Little Plastic Castle, Gravel, Swan Dive

65. Beastie Boys - Ill Communication (1994)

There is quite a bit of filler on this record, but, once again, it contains some of the groups best songs. The one thing I always noticed about Ill Communcation is the fact that it's the one Beasties album where they seemed to improve their rhyme skills.
Favorite Songs: Sure Shot, Root Down, Get It Together

66. De La Soul - Buhloone Mind State (1993)

Easily the most underrated De La album, Buhloone Mind State finds them at their most creative. This album makes the list alone because of the two best De La songs ever: "Ego Trippin' (pt. 2)" and "I Am I Be"

67. Mercury Rev - Deserter's Songs (1998)

A symphonic, psychedelic pop masterpiece, Deserter's Songs is also Mercury Rev at their most beautiful.
Favorite Songs: Tonight It Shows, Endlessly, Opus 40

68. Pavement - Crooked Rain Crooked Rain (1994)

Not quite as great as Slanted and Enchanted but this record is a much more accessible album overall.
Favorite Songs: Cut Your Hair, Range Life, Elevate Me Later

69. Yo La Tengo - I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One (1997)

By far the most focused and best songwriting on any Yo La Tengo album. There are so many great pop gems here even if the album does run a little long. Favorite Songs: Sugarcube, Autumn Sweater, Green Arrow

70. Whiskeytown - Stranger's Almanac (1997)

Whiskeytown's first major label debut might sound a bit overproduced but Ryan Adam's songwriting, like always, is excellent.

Favorite Songs: Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight, 16 Days, Houses on the Hill

71. Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)

I had to include this one on influence alone. I feel this albums greatness is a bit overrated but it did so much for the music industry in general that I couldn't leave it out.
Favorite Songs: Drain You, Stay Away, Something In The Way

72. Ween - Chocolate and Cheese (1994)

Ween's pop sound finally came to the forefront here enough to earn them loads of new fans. Still weird enough to be a Ween album. Everyone wins.
Favorite Songs: Take Me Away, Freedom of '76, Baby Bitch

73. Sonic Youth - Washing Machine (1995)

Sonic Youth's return to their SST era sound. Probably their most aggressive and greatest album since Daydream Nation.
Favorite Songs: Washing Machine, Little Trouble Queen, Junkie's Promise

74. Ice Cube - Amerikkka's Most Wanted (1990)

Ice Cube abandoned the traditional west coast style of rap for his first solo album. Mostly produced by Public Enemy producers Bomb Squad, this album still sounds as raw and fresh as it did in 1990.
Favorite Songs: The Nigga You Love to Hate, Amerikkka's Most Wanted, Endangered Species

75. Pearl Jam - Ten (1991)

No matter how bloated and overplayed this album may sound now, the second half of it is pure brilliance.

Favorite Songs: Oceans, Porch, Garden

76. Buffalo Tom - Big Red Letter Day (1993)

A bit poppier than anything they had done before, Big Red Letter Day was definitely influenced by the rock sound on the radio at the time. Still a great record.

Favorite Songs: Soda Jerk, I'm Allowed, Late at Night

77. Son Volt - Trace (1995)

When Uncle Tupelo broke up, Trace and Wilco's AM were shortly released after. I thought that Son Volt would far surpass Wilco in talent and output. I think Son Volt might have peaked with Trace.

Favorite Songs: Windfall, Drown, Tear Stained Eye

78. Spiritualized - Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space (1997)

Spiritualized best album to date and easily their most accessible. Included for the title track alone.

Favorite Songs : Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, I Think I'm In Love, Electricity

79. My Morning Jacket - The Tennessee Fire (1999)

My Morning Jacket's debut album is a very low-fi affair. You can see hints of Jim James' brilliance all over this album. They only get better.
Favorite Songs: They Ran, The Bear, I Will Be There When You Die

80. Billy Bragg & Wilco - Mermaid Ave. Vol 1 (1998)

When Woody Guthrie's daughter contacted Billy Bragg to compose music to some of her fathers old lyrics Bragg brought Wilco on board to help. Genius ensues.

Favorite Songs: California Stars, Ingrid Berman, Eisler on the Go

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Show Review: Rufus Wainwright/Neko Case/A Fine Frenzy

8/09/07 Voodoo Lounge, Kansas City

We arrived at the Voodoo Lounge Thursday night and A Fine Frenzy had already started. Besides the singer, Alison Sudel, being strikingly beautiful she also has a really strong voice. I suspect with the Alison's aesthetic appeal and the non threatening radio friendly music they play that A Fine Frenzy will probably end up being relatively popular, they just didn't do it for me.

To be honest, I could listen to Neko Case sing just about any song ever written and enjoy it so her song selection doesn't matter a whole lot to me. She played a few songs from her last two albums, a cover, and closed with a fantastic new song. Her set was a little short but, once again, I am never disappointed when I see Neko live.

Neither my girlfriend or I are big Rufus Wainwright fans but we both appreciate his talents. We ended up leaving a bit early because I had a headache but we did stay long enough to hear him dedicate a couple of songs to Toby Keith who has a bar & grill inside the same casino as the Voodoo Lounge. I think almost everyone can appreciate the humor in that.

Concert Announcement: Peter Bjorn & John

11/26/07 Madrid Theatre, Kansas City

Okay, okay yes their hit single "Young Folks" is catchy and fun but it's also been overplayed so much that it has gotten quite annoying. Don't worry though because if you haven't heard the rest of their album, Writer's Block, it is excellent. I haven't seen a show at the Madrid before but with Peter Bjorn & John it will be entertaining at least.

Peter Bjorn & John's Myspace

The 100 Greatest Albums of the 90's: 81-100

Next 20 (80-61)>>>>>

Okay, so I like to make lists. I realize that most of the time they are pointless and arbitrary and just someones opinion but I like 'em. I like reading them and I like making them. This is one that I took off of my old blog on my Myspace page. So without further ado...

81. Ben Harper - Fight For Your Mind (1995)

Ben Harper hit the height of his career with his fabulous second album, Fight For Your Mind. Unfortunately he has gone spiralling out of control since. I thought after hearing this album that we were going to get the next great songwriter of our lifetime (Dylan, Lennon, Waits, etc.), boy was I wrong.
Best Songs: Oppression, Ground on Down, Excuse Me Mr.

82. Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998)

Lucinda Williams' return after a six year hiatus was well worth the wait. Car Wheels may be her most produced album but the songs are great regardless.

Favorite Songs: Right in Time, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Drunken Angel

83. Queens of the Stone Age - Queens of the Stone Age (1998)

Queens of the Stone Age's debut album is about as sexy as hard rock music can get. QOTSA debut album is a bit more subtle than it's followers and the vocals almost blend in rather than stand out. Favorite Songs: Regular John, Avon, Walkin' on the Sidewalks

84. Tori Amos - Under the Pink (1994)

Tori Amos took her formula from Little Earthquakes and expanded her sound a bit on her second album, Under the Pink. Not as personal as Earthquakes but still an absolutely gorgeous collection of songs.
Favorite Songs: Pretty Good Year, Baker Barker, Cornflake Girl

85. Dr. Dre - The Chronic (1992)

What more can be said about The Chronic? To be honest, I was never a huge fan of the west coast style of rap back in the day. Still I can't dispute the greatness and importance of this album.

Favorite Songs: Let Me Ride, Nuthin' But A "G" Thang, Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')

86. Oasis - Definitely Maybe (1994)

Oasis really are jackasses aren't they? Regardless, this album is a 90's rock classic. "Supersonic"might be the best song out of the UK that decade.

Favorite Songs: Supersonic, Rock 'N' Roll Star, Live Forever

87. Daft Punk - Homework (1997)

This is still the only Daft Punk album I can listen to all the way through without getting bored.

Favorite Songs: Revolution 909, Da Funk, Burnin'

88. Public Enemy - Apocalypse '91 the Enemy Strikes Black (1991)

Public Enemy continued a sting of absolute classic rap albums with Apocalypse 91. This is the first rap album I ever go into so it's got quite a lot of sentimental value for me. Favorite Songs: Nighttrain, By the Time I Get to Arizona, Shut 'Em Down

89. Urge Overkill - Saturation (1993)

It always killed me that Urge Overkill weren't huge. A return to the stadium rock of Thin Lizzy with the pop sensibilities of Big Star.

Favorite Songs: Sister Havana, Stalker, Positive Bleeding

90. Sugar - File Under: Easy Listening (1994)

Bob Mould's most melodic and poppy songs to date. Although now I may enjoy Copper Blue more, File Under: Easy Listening deserves a spot on this list.

Favorite Songs: Your Favorite Thing, Gee Angel, Believe What You're Saying

91. Faith No More - Angel Dust (1992)

Faith No More's second Album disproved any worries that they were another band riding in on the rap-rock coattails of The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Favorite Songs: Midlife Crisis, Everything's Ruined, Smaller and Smaller

92. Paul Westerberg - 14 Songs (1993)

Westerberg's first solo LP following his fantastic career with The Replacements continues his tradition of great songwriting. Favorite Songs: World Class Fad, Knocking on Mine, First Glimmer

93. Foo Fighters - The Coulour and the Shape (1997)

The song "Everlong" gets this album included on the list alone. Favorite Songs: Everlong, February Stars, My Hero

94. Teenage Fanclub - Bandwagonesque (1991)

Power-pop at it's finest. The combination of catchy tunes coupled with distortion and fuzz is perfect. Favorite Songs: What You Do to Me, The Concept, Alcholiday

95. Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend (1991)

Matthew Sweet reinvents that classic rock sound. "Girlfriend" is by far the greatest guitar song on any album on this list. Favorite Songs: Girlfriend, Winona, Evangeline

96. Social Distortion - White Light, White Heat, White Trash (1996)

Social Distortion may have "rocked up" their sound to get on the radio in the midst of the grunge era, but the tunes are still there. Favorite Songs: Dear Lover, I Was Wrong, When the Angels Sing

97. Tool - Undertow (1993)

Tool may be responsible for two things: Helping kill grunge by bringing metal back to radio; and spawning a long list of horrible wannabe's (Godsmack, Korn) Favorite Songs: Prison Sex, Sober, Undertow

98. Weezer - The Blue Album (1994)

Catchy-as hell mixture of The Pixies and Pavement. Also the only album of theirs I think is worth a damn. Favorite Songs: In the Garage, My Name is Jonas, Only in Dreams

99. Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness (1995)

If you cut about half of the songs on this double album to make it a single LP, it might have been in the top 20. There is just way too much filler on these two discs. Favorite Songs: Tonight, Tonight, 1979, Thirty-Three

100. Soundbombing II (1999)

Once again, if you cut out all the skit's, phone calls, and crap that can fill a lot of rap albums you would have a serious classic. Appearances by Eminem, Talib Kweli, El-P, Common, Brand Nubian and Pharoahe Monch. Favorite Songs: B-Boy Document '99, 1-9-9-9, 7XL

Next 20 (80-61)>>>>>

Okkervil River - The Stage Names

Okkervil River's newest album, The Stage Names, came out Tuesday on Jagjaguwar records. I have always enjoyed their records and they even have a few songs I would consider great ("Black", "A Stone"). The Stage Names however might be their first great album and easily one of the best albums of the year so far. Will Sheff's voice can convey more emotion in one song than most singers can muster for a whole album. The lyrics are still dark and the music is still all over the place at times but they have reached some level of contained chaos on this record and it works perfectly. This is one album I really would recommend to almost anyone and I'm sure it will find it's way up pretty high on my albums of the year. By the way, you can stream the entire album here on their Myspace page. Enjoy!!

Show Review: Modest Mouse & Band of Horses

8/03/07 City Market, Kansas City

I think I might have been a little late seeing Modest Mouse. I have been a fan of theirs for a long time. I always thought they were a little weird and a little fucked up and I really liked that about them. Then they released Good News For People Who Love Bad News and became wildly successful when Float On became a huge single. There were still bits and pieces of the Modest Mouse I loved still in there but overall it seemed watered down. Then came their most recent album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, and I realized that they just weren't the band that I originally came to know and love. Now I am not hating on them for "selling out" and I have never been that guy that dislikes something just because it gets popular. I am really glad of their success and am impressed they drew about 10,000 to the concert in Kansas City. Their music anymore just isn't for me. My friend and I were hoping to hear anything off Building Nothing Out of Something but all we got were one tune from The Lonesome Crowded West ("Out of Gas") and a couple of tunes from The Moon & Antarctica. I'm sure all the new teenage Modest Mouse fans loved it, they were everywhere. All of a sudden I am just the old guy who wishes they would have played some old songs.



Band of Horses opened the show and luckily saved it for me from being a pretty bad night. This was my second time seeing them and they are much more polished. The new songs they played really sounded good but the songs from 2006's Everything All the Time sounded great. Their new record, Cease to Begin, comes out on October 9th. I'm really looking forward it and you can expect a review on here.

Band of Horses Myspace

Modest Mouse Myspace

Show Review: The Veils

8/01/07 The Replay Lounge, Lawrence

Seeing a band like New Zealand's The Veils in a place like The Replay Lounge is just one of those instances where you wonder, "what in the hell are these guys doing HERE?" According to the bands Myspace page, they are spending a couple of months living in an empty warehouse in Oklahoma City. While there the band went on a mini tour of the midwest and luckily, Lawrence was one of those stops. The show started almost two hours later than planned because The Yeah Yeah Yeah's were playing only a half of a block away at around the same time. It was definitely worth the wait. The band sounded perfect, playing mostly songs from their excellent new album, Nux Vomica. Lead singer/songwriter Finn Andrews is one of those rare people who have the ability to captivate a room with his voice alone. Comparisons to Jeff Buckley are rightfully deserved. It will be hard to not include this show in my list of favorite shows of the year. Seeing someone so criminally unappreciated as The Veils in a tiny room like The Replay Lounge is just one of those shows that will be hard to top.

Concert Announcement: Arcade Fire & LCD Soundsystem

9/28/07 Starlight Theatre, Kansas City

This might be the best news I have received in a long time. Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem announced some time ago that they were going out together on a fall tour. I noticed that neither band had been through the KC/Lawrence area on their summer tours so the only conclusion is they would make it through on this one, right?? I can happily announce the news is true!! Altough it seems to be a weird pairing musically both bands released two of the better albums of the year so far. This is a must see show, tickets go on sale Saturday August 11th at 10:00 A.M.

Arcade Fire Fansite
Arcade Fire Myspace
LCD Soundsystem Myspace