Matt and Kim- Grand 2009 An interesting album I just got a hold of the other day. I don't know much about the band. The lead singer has an interesting voice that can be trying at times, but it's very enthusiastic and uptempo. It's a mix of post punk/rock/electro-pop. "Good ole fashion Nightmare" Will be stuck in your head instantly. It's a fun album that I could see getting old quick, but has a few gems that are good for an early morning rise. AHH AHH AHH AHH AHH AHH AHH Good ole Fashioned Nightmare!
Woods-Songs of Shame A haunting, lo-fi neo psyche album that sounds like it was recorded on a play-school microphone in the basements of an abandoned mental hospital. Yesshh. It's a great album with beautiful, simple vocals and songs that sometimes stretch into the depths of what sounds like an ether binge. Very chill and sometimes creepy album. I love it.CSS-Donkey 2008 A foul-mouthed, drunken Brazilian super pop, girl group shows they still have it after an awesome freshman album Canter Ser Der Sexy. Donkey is more of a rock album than their first album, but there are signs of electricity in their Talking Head's, "This Must Be The Place" homage, Move. It's a great album with several catchy dance songs that keep your head humming way after the final song feeds right back into the first track. Definitely one of my favorite albums of last year.
Arcade Fire- Funeral 2004 The best album of 2004 and possibly one of Canada's most promising acts to date. Arcade Fire put out Funeral in 2004 and blew people's minds. Their anthemic, war marching cries, hoots and hollers lead by 15 odd instruments makes every song by definition, Epic. I am sure most of you have heard this album, but I just recently revisited it and realized how solid of an album it is. A fresh breathe of air in indie music, it was. Start on track one and I dare you to skip a track. Great from start to finish- It's surely a record to be remembered over the next couple decades.
Why?- Alopecia My Favorite Album of 2008- A sketched-out all night binder mix of "indie hip-hop" flavored paranoia, dressed in organic guitar progressions and drums-this album from start to finish is something to write home about. It takes you to a dank, empty-stomached, glassy-eyed part of your mind that makes you feel every line that Yonnie Wolf says/sings. If Edgar Alan Poe was listening to anything while scribbling down, "Tell-Tale Heart", I think it was Why?- Alopecia. Best album of the year. Hands Down. If you don't like it the first time, play it again jerk.
Discovery- LP 2009An interesting endeavor for Vampire Weekend's keyboardist and RaRa Riot's lead singer. At times it feels like it might just be a crappy 2007 R&B tune because of it's over use of the autotune effect, but it has it's moments. It's nothing new, but it can be fun to listen to. I have a feeling some of you will hate it and some will enjoy parts of it. Either way, give it a listen. I don't have much to say about this one, I've only listened to it once, but two things I do know- The Jackson 5 cover, I Want You Back, is a good tune and the track "It's Not My Fault (It's My Fault)" is a blatant Hot Chip rip -off, but that's fine I still like it.
It was as I expected. A great set of early recordings by Jim James (Lead singer/guitarist or My Morning Jacket). Haunting Reverb circa Tennessee Fire, and George Harrison tunes prove to be an eerily beautiful combination. A must have for Yim Yames fans.
My Morning Jacket-ZA refreshing rock/soul album from 2004. The opening track gives me chills to this day. Jim James's angelic hooting and hollering in "Wordless Chorus" can bring you to your knees in the right situation. "Lay Low" boasts one of my favorite MMJ moments, the outro guitar riff, building on itself like a wave of piercing, reverberating dirtiness- rolling over each other to culminate into an Epic rock moment for 2004. I highly recommend this album. Try "Tennessee Fire" for a change of pace after "Z".
French Composer Yann Tiersen created a childhood flashback of sorts-to a fantasy world, where toys in the attic rise from their dusty trunks and come to life. At least thats what I picture when I listen to this album. It's subtle quirkiness is masterfully composed to put a smile on a child's face and impress elitists. It's truly a masterpiece that will surely leave you googling Yann Tiersen as you listen, smiling, like a child.
Girls-Album (2009)Camera Obscura- My Maudlin Career If your girlfriend always asks you why you don't listen to many female singers and you can't come up with a reason, maybe they aren't powerful enough singers, maybe its too cheesy, maybe I just can't get into female singers; this album will satisfy their queries. I once had a hard time listening to modern female singers, but the likes of CSS, Santigold and Camera Obscura amongst others have change my perception. This is a fantastic album, her neutral toned voice mixes perfectly with the lazy, dreamy sound of the band. This is their latest album, I had not given any of there older records a chance, but recently listened to an older one and liked it as well, can't think of the name right now. But this is a great album. Check it out.
I am reading! I just don't like being the only weirdo that comments on every post! glad you guys are doing well!
ReplyDeleteI'm having a ton of fun reading your blog Brock! I hope you guys are having as much fun as it looks like you are! :)
ReplyDeleteBeen keeping up with you via the blog. Sounds like you are having the time of your life and im so happy for you! You are so well written and I laugh at much of what you have to say. My most recent fav. is your description of the intensity of tennis! Laughed out loud at that bit. Much love! Stay safe and enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteSara M.
Yeah, we are reading your blog, enjoying your pictures and commentary (the music too) It looks like you are really enjoying yourselves and having a really great adventure. Keep the words and pics coming and most of all keep yourselves safe, secure and legal. Have seen too many episodes of locked up abroad. Hope you continue to explore and experience as much as you can while there. Will be something you never forget and something most of us will never experience. with love, your uncle Wade.
ReplyDeleteAs promised, I've been following your blog and really enjoying Thailand through your eyes. What an adventure so far! I love our commentary but my favorite aspect of your blog are the pictures! Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to reading more. :)
ReplyDeleteLauren Jansson
Brock, loving your adventure, living it thru you because I am not that brave..Your writing is such good story telling I feel as if I am there with you and the music I love.I can tell life is good there for you, I see it in your writings (what details).Live your dream, have fun, your only in this world one time around, just be careful....I love you and be safe. aunt karen
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! It's good to hear you all are reading. I will keep that in mind and make sure every blog is as epic as possible ;)
ReplyDeleteDon't feel weird being the only person that posts a comment! You gotta think, we are sending one way communication via the blog, so hearing ANYTHING back is good.
Thanks for the support and we miss you guys! Take care!
_Brock
I am one of thousands I'm sure reading your Blog (and Maris's) laughing out loud, LOVING the pictures and anxiously awaiting the next adventure! Both of you write very entertaining journals. I'm thinking a career in writing might be a great back-up plan in the future. About the Tennis, take lessons before you start to develop bad habits that will limit your playing skill in the future. I had plently of them to "unlearn." But it's funny to see Maris play! She NEVER wanted to play when I wanted to teach her-"It's too hot!It's too hard!" Brock you have gone where no man (or mother) has gone before! Congratulations! Also, keep the photographs coming. Nothing puts you "right there" like a photograph. I love them!Take Care-love you!Karen H (Maris's Mom)
ReplyDeleteI don't know for sure, but sounds like somebody is a little Jealous of Maris's comments! Of course we enjoy your blog. Everybody reads it, but the simple truth is, I'm not sure everybody even knows how to leave a comment. Karen's family prints it out, and passes it around to several family members(no computers). Its like a weekly ritual, as they await the next episode of their favorite soap opera. My mother loves it, but the music is a challenge. They can't figure out how to turn it down/off (technology challenged). Their PC volume was set on maximum, and they couldn't even hear me on the phone trying to tell them how to turn it down. It was a challenge.
ReplyDeleteWe're just so happy you guys are having a good time and staying safe. Keep the updates coming.
Hey Friends!!! Logan and I sure miss you guys. Booms day was this past Sunday--and quite honestly we were not even interested in the fireworks (so we didn't watch them at all). I actually reflected on memories of all of us together..having beers, laughter, and good conversations. Maris' bike has been a blessing, and I think about your adventures as I'm riding around the familiar streets of east Tennesse---hoping for a soon escape into the unfamiliar unknown..a.k.a. Thailand 2010...I'm counting quarters for a flight- ;)hopefully Logan and I can visit...when it isn't the monsoon season. Sorry I missed your skype call. I've been sick, so I passed out after the drowsining effect of two Benadryl. I want to chat with you and Mar-bear!!!! I want to see yall's beautiful sun-kissed faces!!!! Love you guys!!!!
ReplyDeletekwaam-sa-ngop-raip-roi,
kirby
I am now an official follower. I say official to myself as if it is italicized...but clearly because I have no options to change the font of my letters, i wanted to make it clear in writing that the lack of the italicize is not a oversight. Basically..i have been following the blog from the beginning and really enjoy it! Now you can know that i am following by the reassuring photo to the right of the screen...
ReplyDeleteokay..see what medicine can do to you when you have had no sleep...:)
p.s. dig the music...(of course)
Of Course I'm reading you're blog...You ole saber-tooth tiger you! Since I didn't go to Thailand, and I refuse to be outdone on anything...I went ahead and one-upped you. I adopted a little Thai boy and I'm going to raise him like he was from Dyersburg. Not sure yet what I want him to focus his life on, but whatever it is I want to be able to exploit it and live the rest of my life of his accomplishments. Keep the blog rollin and keep rockin' into manhood...I knew that you would...
ReplyDelete--Scott
When I need to laugh at all during the day, I close my eyes and imagine you indoctrinating Taiwanese children with the Brock B. vernacular and philosophy. Keep livin' the dream. The pics are great, keep 'em coming!
ReplyDelete~Dustin
Brock, I've been leaving you a comment every single time. I hope you've been getting them. You have quite a following. All my friends at home and at work are following along and anxiously await the next episode. Love to you both!!! Aunt Jo
ReplyDeleteI have been really enjoying the blog. I especially love the beach posts, but I also like hearing about all the different food and places and people. I usually read on bloglines because it, ahem, doesn't make my eyes bleed ;-) so that's why I never post comments.
ReplyDelete