Chesapeake by Rachael Yamagata

Released:  October 11, 2011
Rating:  72.00

This is my second album by Rachael Yamagata's and her third studio release.  (She recorded this album utilizing the fan-funded music platform PleadgeMusic - another interesting side story you can read about at http://www.pledgemusic.com/site/about.)

Rachael Yamagata lists Carole King and Roberta Flack amongst her influences, and that comes through loud a clear on Chesapeake.    I also hear influences from Sheryl Crow, Nora Jones and others.  Lot's of great piano and a hip stand-up base on Stick Around.

A couple of my favorites are the Elton John-esque Piano Ballad Full On and the very cool Starlight.  (Click the song titles to hear full length recordings on youtube.com.)

Raised in New York City and Washington DC by divorced parents, she went to college, in the mid ‘90s, at Northwestern and Vassar where she majored in French and Italian Theatre, respectively. She returned to Northwestern for her Junior year where she joined a local band. They recorded three albums over 6 years and in 2001 Yamagata decided it was time to go out on her own and released her first solo album in 2004.

All Things Will Unwind by My Brightest Diamond

Released: October 11, 2011
Rating:70.91

This is Chamber Pop. Mixing elements of opera, cabaret, chamber music, and rock, My Brightest Diamond is the project of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Shara Worden (from Ypsilanti, Michigan.) This album, her fourth as MBD, is a collaboration with the acclaimed yMusic chamber ensemble - an interesting enough story in their own right (follow the hyperlink to learn more about them).

Check out the official videos for High, Low, Middle;  it has a sort of gypsy beat; or try my favorite, the sort of tribal chant Be Brave.

It's no no surprise she got part of her inspiration from one of my favorite quirky artists – Antony and the Johnsons.
Her career began with her 2001 release, under the name of Awry.

Metals by Feist

Released:  October 4, 2011
Rating:  70.00

This is my first album by Leslie Feist, though it's her 4^th solo studio release.  She's also been an active member of 4 different bands, starting with a herSchool punk band, that opened for the Ramones.  She was born in Novia Scotia,  relocated to Calgary and finally settled in Toronto.  

I would use the words sweet, smoky and gentle to describe this album.  My opinion seems to line up, in general, with the critics.  It's a really pretty album and much of it reminds me of Annie Lennox.

Give a listen to live versions of  Bittersweet Memories or Caught a Long Wind.

The Whole Love by Wilco

Released: September 27, 2011
Rating: 75.00

I'm still struggling to decide if I really like this album, or if I love it.  Every time I listen to it I like it more.  I think if I waited a few more weeks, it might climb into the top 10.

Wilco, formed in 1994 by Jeff Tweedy, after the break-up of Uncle Tupelo, has released their 10th studio album. I think this is the best thing they've done since 2004’s A Ghost Is Born and it's brought me back into the fold of Wilco fans.

Tweedy has never shied away from the influences of the 70's and they're here in abundance: hints of John Lennon and George Harrison, Gram Parsons, Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, Randy Numan, and any of a number of 70's power pop bands.

Check out the poppy I Might or the spacey Art of Almost.   (click the song titles for a link to live versions of the the full songs from Letterman on youtube)

As a side note, and it should not be held against the album, The Whole Love has been nominated (announced November 30) for the 2012 Best Rock Album Grammy.

The 2012 Grammy Nominations Are Out

And I am unsurprisingly underwhelmed.  Last year's Album of the Year nod to Arcade Fire was mind blowingly cool.  For this year, I'm left to root for:

Based strictly on the nominees:
Record of the Year:  Nothin' in this category I care about

1. Song of the Year:  Same here.
2. New Artist:  And again...
3. Album of The Year:  I'll be pulling for the Foo fighters Wasting Light, which made number four on my list for 2011.
4. Pop Solo Performance:  See number 1.
5. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.  This is a bit more encouraging.  I like both the Black Key's Dearest (which was from the Rave On Buddy Holly tribute album) and Cold Play's Paradise.
6. Dance Recording:  Nothing floated my boat at all this year, so I really don't much care.
7. Dance/Electronica Album:  See 7.
8. Rock Performance:  I'll be pulling for the Foo Fighters.  I like Coldplay, but rock performance?
9. Hard Rock/Metal Performance:  Again, go Dave Grohl!
10. Rock Album:  I'd be happy to see a sweep by Dave and the Foos, but I wouldn't be upset if the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Wilco took this home.
11. Alternative Music Album:  This should be my category, but...  Foster the People?  Alternative?  Really?  I would take, in order of preference: My Morning Jacket's Circuital (currently in a 5-way tie for tenth for 2011) Radiohead's King of Limbs or Codes and Keys by Death Cab for Cutie.
12. Traditional R&B Performance:  I loved Good Man by Raphael Saadiq!
13. And I almost missed that Danger Mouse is nominated as Producer of the Year for Rome!

I've only heard one rap album I've liked this year (A November release I haven't picked up yet).

Velociraptor by Kasabian

Released:  September 20, 2011
Rating:  74.55

So there's a bit disturbing about Kasabian, starting with their name (from Charles Manson's getaway driver, Linda Kasabian) to the demented expression repeated around the album cover.  On the other hand, there's a lot to love once you get the disc in the player.  In fact, it's one star from breaking the current tie for the final spot on my 2011 top ten.

Although this is the fourth proper album for the British band, it's my introduction to them.  A lot of different influences show up; Velociraptor reminds me of David Bowie and La Fée Verte feels sort of gypsy influenced to me.  However, in the end, it's good ole rock and roll: play it loud!

My favorite song is the electronic I Hear Voices.  I also love Acid Turkish Bath (Shelter From The Storm (the orchestra is a very nice touch.)  Click on the songs to hear them, in-full, on youtube.com.  Better yet, find full album and listen to it!

West by Wooden Shjips

Released: September 13, 2011
Rating: 70

Another San Francisco band (and no, the J in Shjips is not a typo).  Although they've been around since 2003, released 2 other albums and 10 EPs and singles, this is my first introduction to the band.

I'm not completely comfortable with the rating as the album is much more than the sum of the songs.  It should probably be about a 75.  This is 1960's psychedelic garage rock moved into the 21st century.  Lot's of organ and fuzzed out guitar with a vocal track obscured by the trance-like melodies.  If you were around and loved that sound, you'll love this.  If you weren't (and I barely was) you might love it any way.  Try the opener Black Smoke Rise or Flight.

Father, Son, Holy Ghost by Girls

Released: September 13, 2011
Rating: 74.55

This is the sophomore album for the San Francisco based duo (FYI, there are no girls in the band).  I loved their first album, 2009's eponymous release, and I like this one even better.  It's a little more approachable with some really pretty ballads (Just a Song and Jamie Marie) some straight ahead rock 'n' roll (Die) and a little R&B (Love Like a River).  My favorites (click to listen via youtube.com) include the bitter-sweet and simple, jangly-guitar pop Saying I Love You and the rocker, Die.

Sem Nostalgia by Lucas Santtana

Released:  August 30, 2011
Rating:  71.67

I struggle with anything that can be called World Music; torn between my general affinity for more traditional Alt Rock and a desire to appear sophisticated.  Lucas Santtana has made it easy, with his debut of pop music influenced by his Brazilian roots.

This is a terrific album.  It may be difficult to separate the title Sem Nostalgia (without nostalgia) from the clear influence of Brazilian Bossa Nova. However, after a few listens, it becomes clear: the idea is the learn from what's been, without being tied down by it.  This album has everything from traditional to electro, with reggae, afro-pop, and alt-rock thrown in to keep it interesting.

A couple of gems include Night Time In The Backyard (which reminds me of later Beatles) and the more traditional Amor em Jacumã. (This is a simple acoustic version of the song, lacking some of the electro affects of the album version.  They're both awesome.)

I'm With You by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Released:  August 30, 2011
Rating:  74.29

Two major league rock 'n' pop acts in a row.  I must be slipping, but heck, I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers!  The critics' knock on this album was that it sounded too much like the Red Hot Chili Peppers!  Isn't that like knocking chocolate cake for tasting like chocolate cake?

Although coming up just shy of the 2011 Top 10, this is still a great album, especially for a band that's been around for 28 years and is performing without guitarist John Frusciante for the first time in over a decade.  Of course, the heart and soul of the Peppers are vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, respectively, both of whom are just shy of 50 years old.

I can recommend the entire album; there is no filler; so let's keep it simple:  Here's a link to the official video for The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.

Black & White America by Lenny Kravitz

Released:  August 29, 2011
Rating:  67.50

I seem to be way off from a lot of the reviewers,  who gave this album a meta-score of 77.  AMG gave it a 90!  On the other hand, Rolling Stone gave it a 70.  In any event, it is a great album (with a few points,in my opinion, but I have no intention of dwelling on those.)

What I love about Lenny Kravitz is that he wears his influences on his sleeve.  I hear a lot of my favorites, including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Wild Cherry, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, '60s and '70s R&B, '70s funk, '80s hair metal, '90s alt rock and modern R&B. You can hear about three-fourths of those in Come On Get It (please forgive the NBA plug).  The Other quarter can be heard in Liquid Jesus.

(The song titles are hyper links to full length versions of the songs courtesy of YouTube.com)

Still Living by Ganglians

Released:  August 23, 2011
Rating:  71.67

Okay, their a hometown (Sacramento) band that's getting national attention, so I jumped on their bandwagon.  Turned out to be a pretty cool ride.  All jangly guitars, Beach Boy harmonies and lo-fi production (with traces of Pink Floyd riffs hidden throughout.)

The foursome has been together since about 2007 and released their first full length in 2009.  This, their second release, is my introduction to the band.  There are several excellent cuts.  Give a listen to Bradley (the official video), or my favorite, That's What I Want.  I couldn't find a studio copy of it, but what I did find was an awesome, live, acoustic version.  There's about a minute and a half of interview, followed by the song at 1:28.

(The song names are hyperlinks to the songs in full length on youtube.)

Obscurities by Stephin Merritt

Released:  August 23, 2011
Rating:  68.00

First, the "i" in Stephin is not a typo.  However, it is indicative of the eccentricities of the artist.

This album is a sort of B-sides collection from the 4 bands he's formed (The Magnetic Fields, the Gothic Archies, Buffalo Rome and the 6ths) along with several solo releases.

Stephin Merritt is someone you either get, or you don't.  He can't be categorized.  He's big into pop and electronica, but he also writes opera and musicals.  His bands range from very experimental to fairly basic pop.  His voice is described as an un-trained baritone (you can hear that) and he's been an editor for two different magazines.

Give him a try and see if he catches your imagination.  If not, you're not alone, if so, it's a fascinating experience.

For the moment, at least, you can stream the whole album at Merge Records
I suggest trying The Sun And The Sea And The Sky (a 2011 solo release), Yet Another Girl (a 1995 release from The 6ths), or Plant White Roses (2011 from the Gothic Archies.)

Shangri - La by YACHT

Released:  July 5, 2011

Rating:  76.00

This album was actually released in Europe in January, and digitally in June.  I first heard it streaming in January and have been waiting to pick it up ever since.  (I was too cheap to pick up the import.)

 

It's leapt into the top 10, in a 5 way tie for the 10th spot.

 

This is electronic music. Not just beats.I hear a strong influence from The Cars in the music.  The lyrics are decidedly darker.  The second song on the album is Dystopia (my favorite song on the album)  A post apocalyptic chant (with lyrics not appropriate for young ears.)  The opener is the flip side in every way, aptly named Utopia.  My second favorite song is I Walked Alone.

 

This is a great album from the Portland Oregon duo lead by Jonah Bechtolt.  Bechtolt is a classic workaholic and I'm not going to repeat his resume hear.  If you're curious, you can click the link here to AMG to read about him.  It's worth a few minutes...

 

This wraps up July.  It turned out to be a much better moonth than I expected.  August has a few real stellar moments, so keep coming back.

Pressure & Time by Rival Sons

Released:  July 26, 2011
Rating:  72.00

This is Rock 'n' Roll!

Nominated by Classic Rock Magazine as the best New Band and for Best Album.

This is the first major label release for the Southern California quartet - vocalist, guitar, bass and drums.  (They've also self-released an EP and a digital-only album.)  Most call it Blues rock, and I definitely hear the connection (ZZ Top, Aerosmith and Bad Company), but I think it's oversimplified.  I also hear a lot psychedelia.  (One song reminds me of Three Dog Night.)  And even some gospel.

Mayhem by Imelda May

Released:  July 19, 2011
Rating:  76.00

This is the best thing to happen in the US market this summer. 

Imelda May, from Dublin, Ireland, draws inspiration from Billy Holiday and American swing.  The album includes rockabilly, jazz, a little country and even a waltz. (I could have lived without the waltz).  The rockabilly and some of the jazz reminds me a lot of Gwen Stefani with No Doubt, but a lot of it is completely original.

There is so much here to check out.  My favorite is Psycho and this is the official video release.  She also does a fun cover of Soft Cell's Tainted Love and Let Me Out sounds sounds so much like No Doubt that I could picture Gwen Stefani doing it.  For a great example of her jazz arrangements, try Bury My Troubles.

This album joins a 4-way tie for my number 10 album of the year.

Last Summer By Eleanor Friedberger

Released: July 12.2011
Rating:  72.00

June is over.  It wasn't a great month in music for me.  I managed to pick up 5 releases and one of them was a compilation.  July looks even bleaker, musically (although it was a great month personally; I spent a week in Monterey with my wife and daughter.)  In any event, there were a few nice surprises, starting with this.

Eleanor Friedberger is better known as half of the brother/sister duo, The Fiery Furnaces from Oak Park, IL.  This is her first solo release and it's a real joy.  It's less frenetic than Fiery Furnaces, but just as much fun.  (Side note:  I got to see her perform live on August 19 at the Fox Theater in Oakland, where she opened for The Kills.)  I was absolutely blown away by Inn Of The Seventh Ray.  I also really like Heaven.  In fact, there's not a bad cut on the album.

I can't really compare her to anything (other than her own band with her brother.)  If you hear something else, let me know.

Taking Back Sunday by Taking Back Sunday

Released:  June 28, 2011
Rating:  72.00

This is a terrific album.  Although it's their seventh album, it's only the second with the original line-up;  which makes it sort of the sophomore album for the quintet from Amityville New York.  These guys fall under the Alt Rock category, but the sound (if not the band members) reminds me of the better '80s hair metal bands.  Not a lot of a back story here. Just some great music.

My favorite two songs can be heard by clicking on the titles:  Who Are You Anyway? or Money (Let It Go).  I could only find a 93 second streaming example of the latter.

Sound Kapital by Handsome Furs

Released June 28, 2011
Rating 71.11

I'm not sure what it is about this husband-and-wife duo from Montreal.  (He's the front man from Wolf Parade.) This is my second album by them (their third) and there isn't much that blows me away, but I really love the stuff as a package.  The previous album (Face Control) was based on Russian influences fro their tours in Eastern Europe.  This album is influenced by their two-year tour of Asia.  Given that this album (different than the two previous, is devoid of guitars and the percussion comes from a machine, only things I can compare them to is a lot of the cooler '80s stuff (Depeche Mode or the Thompson Twins). 

Try Damage or What About Us?  (FYI, the actual album cover, for reasons not completely clear, is a photo of a nude woman - full frontal.  It's not what I chose to put here, but it what's on the youtube version.)

Rave On, Buddy Holly by Various Artists

Released:  June 28, 2011
Rating:  72.63

19 songs by Buddy Holly, one of the greatest song writers of all time, covered by 19 very different bands.  Think about it:  His entire career lasted from May of 1957 (when That'll Be The Day was released) until he died in an airplane crash with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3, 1959 - "The Day The Music Died".  In less than two years he wrote and released 40 songs and had 8 top 40 hits.

My only challenge with the album is that so many kept the arrangements so close to the originals.  I mean, when The Black Keys play Dearest, I want to hear The Black Keys, not a Buddy Holly sound-alike.  Notable exceptions include Patti Smith's take on Words of Love (my favorite song on the album), Paul McCartney doing It's So Easy and Lou Reed's rendition of Peggy Sue.  You can stream every song (or the entire album) by clicking soundcloud.