Lord Huron

musicforants.com's Best Albums of 2012

We’re quickly approaching the end of 2012 and/or the world depending on your interpretation of Mayan prophecy, and that can only mean it’s time to reflect on the best albums of the year. For me, one record stood head and shoulders above the rest in 2012, so album of the year was an easy decision, but there was much deliberation for the other 24 positions (plus, honorable mentions). This was one of the most diverse years of music in recent memory, with pop, guitar-oriented rock, folk music, indie-pop and electronica all being represented just about equally. It was also a year where lots of debut albums and new favorites dominated my listening, with 3/5 of the artists making their first appearance on one of my year-end album lists.

I want to thank you guys for continuing to read and support this blog. Next year, musicforants.com will be making some changes / transitions. I’m dedicated to continue sharing my music recommendations, mixes, lists, musings and whatever else, but for a variety of reasons, that won’t look the same in 2013 as it does now (stay tuned for more info on that). As always, feel free to leave a comment if you like what you see on this list and let me know if you have any of your own favorite albums to add. Have a wonderful holidays!

25. Father John Misty – Fear Fun

MP3 Nancy From Now On
MP3 Hollywood Forever Cemetary Sings

24. Hospitality – Hospitality

MP3 Eighth Avenue
MP3 Friends of Friends

23. Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan

MP3 Gun Has No Trigger
MP3 About To Die

22. Allo, Darlin’ – Europe

MP3 Capricornia
MP3 Tallulah

21. Jessie Ware – Devotion

MP3 Wildest Moments

20. Bowerbirds – The Clearing

MP3 Tuck The Darkness In
MP3 In The Yard

19. Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory

MP3 Stay Useless
MP3 Wasted Days

18. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar

MP3 Emmylou
MP3 King of the World

17. Bat For Lashes – The Haunted Man

MP3 Laura

16. Titus Andronicus – Local Business

MP3 Still Life With Hot Deuce On A Silver Platter
MP3 In A Big City

15. Shearwater – Animal Joy

MP3 You As You Were
MP3 Breaking The Yearlings

14. Lord Huron – Lonesome Dreams

MP3 Time To Run
MP3 Brother

13. DIIV – Oshin

MP3 How Long Have You Known

12. The Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth

MP3 Cry For Judas
MP3 Harlem Roulette

11. Sigur Rós – Valatari

MP3 Ekki múkk

10. Twin Shadow – Confess

MP3 Five Seconds
MP3 When The Movie’s Over

9. Hot Chip – In Our Heads

MP3 Don’t Deny Your Heart
MP3 Flutes

8. Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself

MP3 Eyeoneye
MP3 Danse Carribe

7. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart, Sweet Light

MP3 Hey Jane

6. Japandroids – Celebration Rock

MP3 The House That Heaven Built
MP3 Younger Us

5. Jens Lekman – I Know What Love Isn’t

MP3 I Know What Love Isn’t
MP3 The End Of The World Is Bigger Than Love

4. Chromatics – Kill For Love

MP3 Kill For Love
MP3 Lady

3. Beach House – Bloom

MP3 Myth
MP3 Lazuli

2. Grizzly Bear – Shields

MP3 Speak In Rounds
MP3 Yet Again

1. Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE

MP3 Pyramids
MP3 Thinking About You

Honorable Mentions:

Moonface – with Siinai: Heartbreaking Bravery
Grimes – Visions
The Tallest Man On Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
Tame Impala – Lonerism
Chairlift – Something
Kindness – World, You Need A Change Of Mind
Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
Porcelain Raft – Strange Weekend

Spotify Playlist: musicforants.com’s Best Albums of 2012

Thanks again to everyone for reading! Stay tuned…

musicforants.com's Best Songs of 2012

(photo by cubagallery)

These are 50 tracks that delighted, inspired and fascinated us in 2012 and that we think are worthy of remembering long after the year is over. We present them here in highly unscientific ordered list form, with Matt’s songs marked with a “-MG” and my choices with a “-TJ” next to them. To better spread the love, we’ve stuck with the one song per artist rule. Click here to download all the tracks in a zip and subscribe to our Spotify Playlist to stream them all. Enjoy y’all!

50. Porcelain Raft – Unless You Speak From Your Heart MP3

Porcelain Raft’s Strange Weekend is one of my favorite debut albums of the year, and this swelling synth-pop anthem is the shining moment. -TJ

49. Sharon Van Etten – Give Out MP3

“Give Out” is Sharon Van Etten exploring the tension of exciting possibilities that she knows will inevitably lead to resentment. It exists in this weird space of breakups that haven’t actually happened yet. -MG

48. Moonface – Teary Eyes and Bloody Lips MP3

One of our generations’s most gifted songwriters delivers this soaring new-wave guitar anthem that sits as one of the best (and most explosive) tracks in Spencer Krug’s extensive catalog. -TJ

47. The xx – Chained [stream]

Even if “Chained” wasn’t really indicative of the rest of The xx’s new album, it proved that their first round wasn’t a fluke. They sound even more sure of themselves here, stripping away their sound until we’re left with something simple and pure. -MG

46. Hundred Waters – Me & Anodyne MP3

Hundred Waters have proved to be one of the most promising new bands of the year with tracks like this otherworldly gem, filled with layers of vocals, synth textures and bubbling electronica. -TJ

45. Dirty Projectors – About To Die MP3

The best part of any Dirty Projectors song is trying to figure out why they put these particular sounds together, and “About to Die” provides plenty of puzzlers. It’s simultaneously weird and accessible, a combination few pull off as well. -MG

44. Bobby Womack – Please Forgive My Heart MP3

Soul legend Bobby Womack delivers a passionate, heartfelt vocal performance in this electro-soul confessional produced with gorgeous sonic flourishes by Damon Albarn. -TJ

43. Nite Jewel – One Second Of Love MP3

“One Second of Love” sounds homemade, but not lo-fi. It’s intimate, but still gives off the vibe that it could pour out of speakers if it needed to. -MG

42. Eternal Summers – Millions MP3

The Virginian indie pop duo, Eternal Summers captivate with this dreamy, sunkissed power-pop tune that captures the very essence of summer in a brisk 2 minutes and thirty seconds. -TJ

41. Death Grips – I’ve Seen Footage MP3

“I’ve Seen Footage” was Death Grips’ shot across the bow of 2012, and by the end of the year the band had courted more than their share of controversy. It’s a reminder of a simpler time, when they were just assaulting eardrums instead of offending eyeballs. -MG

Follow the jump below to see the rest of the list!

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Pygmalion Festival – Day Two (Dirty Projectors / Best Coast / Lord Huron / Tennis / Hospitality / Hundred Waters)

One of the great things about this year of Pygmalion Music Festival is that since it was condensed to three days instead of the normal four days (or five, the case of ’10), the festival organizers were able to fit a ton more of amazing bands into one night, all killer no filler if you will. Friday night was the best example, starting with great sets by Tennis and Dirty Projectors at the outdoor stage in downtown Urbana.

All due respect to Best Coast, but as far as band’s that play retro, sunny pop music, Tennis were clearly the winners on Friday night. The band played a fantastic set, drawing from the band’s debut Cape Dory and their latest album Young and Old, that was carried by Alaina Moore’s mesmerizing vocals and charismatic stage presence. Highlights included some old favorites like “Marathon” (the first Tennis song I heard, and still my favorite) and “South Carolina” and some dreamy tunes from their new album including “Origins” and set closer “High Road”. On a chilly night in late September, Tennis made the whole crowd feel warm and fuzzy.

MP3 Tennis – High Road

After just seeing Dirty Projectors at Pitchfork this summer, I knew what to expect (lots of angular guitar, odd time signatures and vivid, alluring harmonies), but that didn’t make the experience any less engrossing. Dave Longstreth has lept up to become one of my favorite indie rock frontman, when he wasn’t pulling off the band’s super-intricate art-rock jams, he was cracking jokes about being able to see the Walgreens sign poking through the trees from the stage and discussing with the crowd whether the moon was waxing or waning. Again, the tracks from Swing Lo Magellan like “Gun Has No Trigger” and “About To Die” were the highlights for me although the extended noisy jam on “Useless Chamber” was up there as well.

MP3 Dirty Projectors – About To Die
MP3 Dirty Projectors – Gun Has No Trigger

I headed out during the last couple Dirty Projectors songs, just in time to catch the beginning of Hospitality‘s set. The Brooklyn band put out one of the best debuts (and best indie-pop records in general) of 2012 with their self-titled album earlier this year, and even though they were relegated to the small stage, they completely rocked it. The band worked through some of the ultra-catchy, jangly pop on the record like “Eight Avenue”, “Friends of Friends” and “All Day Today”, while emphasizing their impressive guitar-work to make up for the lack of horn section from the album. They even played a couple new songs, that showed just why they’re one of the most promising new bands working today.

MP3 Hospitality – Friends of Friends

If you had asked me what my most anticipated act for Friday night at Pygmalion Festival was, my answer would have been Lord Huron, hands-down. The band has been on my radar for over a year and a half when they released two amazing EPs, Into The Sun and Mighty. It’s been a long wait, but they are finally releasing their debut album, Lonesome Dreams next week and I was thrilled to be able to hear them perform a bunch of new songs and a couple old at the Canopy Club.

Singer / songwriter Ben Schneider and his fellow troubadours played an enthusiastic set of their unique, tropical-inflected rhythms and upbeat afro-pop percussion, immersing the crowd in their lush, breezy sound. The band has a knack for writing melodies that stick with you and that was certainly on display throughout their set, especially on their 1-2 punch to close of set of “Time To Run” and classic “The Stranger”. I only wish they had some more time, because I could have easily watched Lord Huron play all night.

MP3 Lord Huron – Time To Run
MP3 Lord Huron – The Stranger

To borrow from one of Best Coast‘s most overused lyrics, the band seemed a bit “lazy” on stage at their headlining Canopy Club set. Bethany Cosentino didn’t waste any time mentioning her displeasure with their late time slot, complaining that it was way past all their bed times, and the band generally gave off the vibe that she didn’t want to be there (in heavy contrast to the rest of the headliners, who seemed absolutely elated to be playing). Yeah, it was still decently fun singing a long to tunes like “The Only Place” and “When I’m With You”, but overall the band was flat and non-engaging. The very young crowd didn’t seem to mind too much, but I, for one, gave up after a few songs to check out Hundred Waters next door.

MP3 Best Coast – When I’m With You

It turns out the decision to give up on Best Coast early and catch Hundred Waters, was the best one I made all night. Even though the band were moved last-minute from the larger Channing-Murray venue to the Red Herring cafe (essentially a basement), they still managed to put on a captivating set and sounded incredible. The band’s experimental folk/pop was the perfect late-night chill/dance music with their rippling synths, syncopated electronica and inventive harmonies create their full, complex songs. Just watching the percussionist produce the lush soundscapes by twisting knobs and clicking colorful buttons was one of the most rewarding experiences of the festival for me.

MP3 Hundred Waters – Me & Anodyne

Follow the jump for lots more Pygmalion Festival Day Two photos. Click here to see the full set.

Continue reading “Pygmalion Festival – Day Two (Dirty Projectors / Best Coast / Lord Huron / Tennis / Hospitality / Hundred Waters)” →

MP3: Lord Huron – Time To Run

Ever since hearing Lord Huron‘s fantastic Mighty EP back in December of 2010, I’ve been hugely anticipating their debut album and although it took almost two years, it finally has a release date, plus a debut single! “Time To Run” is our first taste of the album (entitled Lonesome Dreams) and I can’t imagine a better introduction. With it’s galloping rhythm, exuberant bursts of tropical instrumentation and soaring harmonies, it transports the listener on an exhilarating journey. After this breathtaking track, I can’t wait to hear what else Benji Schneider has up his sleeves.

MP3 Lord Huron – Time To Run

Lonesome Dreams will be out 10/9 on IAMSOUND Records. Also, Lord Huron will be playing Pygmalion Festival on September, 28th! MUST-SEE!

Lord Huron @ Outside Lands (8/14)

(photo by Morgan Schlesinger)

Lord Huron have easily been one of my favorite bands of 2011, and despite having only released two EPs, there isn’t a single song on either Mighty or Into The Sun that I don’t love. Naturally, I was thrilled to hear that they would be performing at Outside Lands, making it the deciding factor as to whether or not I was willing to venture up to San Francisco from Los Angeles in order to attend. The four-man group performed extremely early on Sunday afternoon, and much to my surprise, after rushing to get there on time, there was hardly anyone in the audience which I had expected to be packed. Due to the small number of people in attendance, we were able to walk straight up to the front, giving me the creme de la creme of viewing experiences.

The band started off slow with a song that I had never heard before titled “The Man Who Lives Forever”. Despite being unfamiliar with the song, it was no surprise who hear the quintets practically perfect instrumental skill. Unfortunately, the volume on the mics were a tad too low (a general complaint I had with almost every show throughout the entire weekend) so it was difficult to make out the lyrics. Regardless, the band had the audience clapping along in no time.

(photo by Morgan Schlesinger)

As the audience began to grow, the band then played fan-favorite “Into The Sun” as frontman Ben Scheneider took a quick break from his black acoustic guitar that he nursed throughout the entire performance to play with what I can only describe as gold jingle bells. Scheneider decided to bring out the snare drum for “We Went Wild” as all the members of the group began to dance along with the Carrribean-style melody. Throughout the performance the audience remained entirely captivated, not only with the music but also with how completely adorable the members of Lord Huron seemed to be.

“She Lit A Fire”, a song found on neither of the bands EPs, gave Schenider an opportunity to showcase his raw and buttery vocals against a backdrop of perfectly placed windchimes. Despite consisting of three guitars, the music never seemed guitar heavy, and surprisingly managed to maintain a tropical tone throughout the show. Closing the set, the band hit you with the ultimate-trifecta of “When Will I See You Again,” “The Stranger” (my personal favorite) and “Mighty” which had the audience singing and dancing the entire time along with the bands amazing energy. Overall the group of young men put on a truly tremendous performance, converting both of my friends who had never heard of them before into ardent fans, no doubt due to the undeniably outstanding thought and creativity put into each of their songs, making them almost magical to listen to. Although their somewhat mellow music may deter fans from seeing Lord Huron perform live, I would advise anyone with the chance to see them to go, as they surely won’t regret it.

MP3 Mighty
MP3 Into The Sun

(photo by Robert Redfield)

Video: Lord Huron – The Stranger

You may remember Lord Huron from my particularly enthusiastic artist spotlight on them last month. As far as new artists in 2011, they’re yet to be topped, in my book. One of my favorite tracks is “The Stranger” which I previously mentioned transported me to a place warm and breezy. It’s safe to say the video directors had another plan in mind, taking it to the opposite extreme with a cinematic video shot in the cold snowy wasteland of North Michigan. Watch above and download the blissful track below.

MP3 Lord Huron – The Stranger

Lord Huron have a couple EPs you can check out at their bandcamp and will be playing some dates with The Rural Alberta Advantage later this year.

2011 has arrived and I’ve been spending the first couple days of the year catching up with some new music. The band that stands out the most to me the most is Lord Huron, the moniker of a Michigan-via-L.A artist otherwise known as Ben Schneider. He has a two excellent EPs out, Into The Sun and Mighty, and will presumably be releasing an album sometime in 2011. After hearing a couple songs from the latter of his EPs, I was immediately compelled to download everything the artist has done and I have a feeling I’ll be listening to them for a long time. I think it’s safe to say, if you’ve enjoyed music by Panda Bear, Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, or Local Natives you’ll dig this as well.

There’s no easy way to describe Lord Huron that doesn’t make it sound like a million and one other indie bands from the last couple years, but take a listen before you say “do we really need another…”. The results are impressive enough to silence any charges of unoriginality. “Mighty”, the glistening title track of his second EP is a great primer, an exuberant rush of a song that’s lush tropical instrumentation, upbeat afro-pop percussion, and soaring, layered harmonies are sure to induce dance outbursts and beaming smiles on every listen. A close second would be “The Stranger”, which again hits the melodic jackpot, utilizing acoustic guitars, bongos and fuzzy vocals to transport you someplace warm and breezy. You can download both songs below and grab the rest at the Lord Huron’s bandcamp.

MP3 Lord Huron – Mighty
MP3 Lord Huron – The Stranger