Team Sisson's Best of 2013

Happy holidays from Team Sisson, and congratulations on receiving Chris Schuck's 12th Annual Surprise Birthday Bash for Jesus, this year featuring artwork by our staff graphic designer, and two selections made by the newest member of Team Sisson.  As always, we've picked and exquisitely sequenced tracks from 20 of our favorite records of 2013 for your listening pleasure.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

1. Villagers  - "The Waves"
Album: {Awayland}
We first heard {Awayland} early in 2013 and it has remained one of our favorite albums throughout the year.  Villagers are an Irish folk band that, as you can hear, are not shy about using modern music technology to enhance their songs.  I am a big sucker for any song that starts out pretty and swells to a loud conclusion which describes multiple tracks on {Awayland}.
Also check out: "Earthly Pleasure", "The Bell"

2. Jonathan Boulet  - "You're a Animal"
Album: We Keep the Beat Found the Sound See the Need Start the Heart
We had to bend the rules on this one a little bit.  We Keep the Beat actually came out in June of 2012, but we didn't hear it until this year, and we're betting that you've never heard it.  "You're a Animal" first caught our ear as the definite standout track amongst a huge SXSW sampler.  The rest of the record is pretty great too.  Jonathan Boulet is Australian, and honestly that's about all the info I can find on him.  Here's the opening paragraph of the bio from his online store: "A precociously inspired 21 year old skate rat from Northwest Sydney, Jonathan Boulet makes a brand of ceremoniously uplifting, deeply colourful pop that sounds like something for which you’ve been inadvertently searching but never dreamed you’d find."  Birthday Bash listeners....you've found it!
Also check out: "This Song is Called Ragged"

3. Chance the Rapper - "Good Ass Intro"
Album: Acid Rap
Early in 2013 a Chicago teenager I'd never heard of, Chance the Rapper put out a free album that was getting amazing reviews, so naturally I downloaded it hoping to jump on the bandwagon of the next big thing.  Initially I was not sold.  I didn't care for the nasally sing-songy flow and the constant yelping, although after several listens these are some of the things that make Chance stand out against some of the other young rappers in contention for the bash this year (A$AP Rocky, Earl Sweatshirt).  One thing that gave me a new appreciation for Acid Rap was the amazing two episode series This American Life did on Harper High School in South Chicago (download them here & here).  I thought I had some idea of what it was like for kids growing up in our inner cities, mostly because I've seen Boyz N the Hood and Menace II Society a hundred times.  Those two episodes opened my eyes to the fact that a) I have no idea and b) it is so much worse that whatever idea I though I had.  Now I'm listening to Acid Rap with a much greater appreciation for the stories within, and a new found respect for anyone who can make something so beautiful coming out of there....and then giving it away for free!  Speaking of which, download your own copy here.
Also check out: "Everybody's Something"

4. Typhoon - "Dreams of Cannibalism"
Album: White Lighter
I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard Typhoon.  I was walking Flanders down Cherry St in KC listening to Jim and Greg on Sound Opinions who were doing a show about unknowns from Portland.  They had some local personality on talking about all these bands and when she started describing Typhoon I became very excited.  Basically I was expecting Arcade Fire, but cooler since they were from Portland.  Then they played a song from their most recent record at the time, Hunger & Thirst, which confused me because I didn't like it at all.  I went home and listened to the whole album and hated it.  What I wanted to like about them initially was the amount of people in the band (11) and the presence of horns, but the songs just didn't click with me.  So this summer when I heard there was going to be a new Typhoon record I was ready to be disappointed.  Boy did they turn things around.  If you were to force me to pick my #1 record of 2013 I think it would have to be White Lighter.  Here they are playing an NPR Tiny Desk Concert.
Also check out: "Young Fathers"

5. Laura Mvula - "Green Garden"
Album: Sing To the Moon
OK....let me level with you.  There is a little bit of a formula to the Birthday Bash.  We always try to have a couple hip-hop songs, something heavy, something light, something folky, and a little soul.  Here my friends is your soul.  Laura Mvula is the latest in an ever growing line of English soul singers with serious chops.  This pick is largely due to our love of the track "Green Garden," but the whole record is solid.  It's a nice sunny Sunday afternoon listen.  Here she is doing a Tiny Desk Concert.
Also check out: "She"

6. James Blake - "Retrograde"
Album: Overgrown
Team Sisson was first exposed to English producer, James Blake when the track "Limit To Your Love" appeared on one of Leanna's mix CD's back in 2010.  It sounds like a boring guy and a piano song until the bass kicks in at 0:56.  Her old car used to have pretty good speakers so we would frequently blast that song into the Kansas City air.  Well..maybe not "we".  Anyway, Overgrown is more of the same; fragile vocals, pianos, strings and synths over a superb low end.  And what can I say about "Retrograde"?  I mean just listen to it!  How great is that?  In fact, Overgrown won the 2013 Mercury Prize, which is England's top music award...sort of like our Grammy awards, only not a complete joke.   I believe they "shortlist" 12 Albums every year, and out of those 12 one is crowned the winner.  In fact, a whopping five of the artists on this year's Birthday Bash were on the Mercury Prize "Albums of the Year" list.  Hmmmm....that might make a good trivia question.
Also check out: "Overgrown"


7. Ólafur Arnalds - "Old Skin"
Album: For Now I Am Winter
My obsession with Iceland continues.  Not only is it one of the most beautiful places on Earth, some of the most beautiful music you've ever heard comes from there. Just listen.
Also check out: "For Now I Am Winter"

8. Arcade Fire - "Normal Person"
Album: Reflektor
Arcade Fire made another record and once again it's great.  Big surprise.  Wake me up when they make something that isn't great!  When I heard that James Murphy was going to produce the new Arcade Fire, I thought it could either be a wild success or a spectacular disaster, and the reviews have pretty much followed suit.  Either you love it or you hate it, but it seems like people generally love it.  There are a lot of great songs to choose from, but I picked "Normal Person" because my favorite part about Arcade Fire is when all ten of them go berserk on stage, and this song has the most "berserk potential" (trademarked) on Reflektor. In the spirit of the holidays, here they are as the musical guest on the Between Two Ferns Holiday Spectacular!
Also check out: "Afterlife", "Reflektor"

9. Fury Things - "Vapors"
Album: Fury Things
Fury Things are a Twin Cities three-piece band I first heard this summer listening to The Current at work.  I actually got busted for streaming music in my office so now I have to record long chunks of internet radio using audacity and bring them in on a flash drive.  That probably seems like more work than it's worth right?  Well spend a week in my department without bringing in your own music and you'll be ready to put your head in a vice.  How is it possible that EVERY song on country radio is about drinking beer and driving pickups?!?  Don't believe me?  Watch this.  Anyway, I really don't know much about Fury Things other than they're named after a Dinosaur Jr. song and their brand of loud, fuzzy rock provides sweet relief from the never-ending country "music" which blares just outside my door.

10. Parquet Courts - "Donuts Only"
Album: Light Up Gold
Parquet Courts have been critical darlings all year, and are peppering several best of 2013 lists.  At first I was very suspicious.  It seemed to me this was yet another case of a band becoming popular based solely on a single lyric.  For example, I would bet the farm that if Marcy Playground's hit song was called "Chex & Candy" rather than "Sex & Candy" none of us would have ever heard of them.  In the case of Parquet Courts, the song everyone initially played from Light Up Gold is called "Stoned and Starving."  It seems to me that the only thing stoners love more than smoking weed is hearing songs about weed.  Popularity explained.  However, after several listens, (easy to listen several times when the album is only 39 minutes long) I've come around.  Light Up Gold can be enjoyed not just by potheads, but everyone including sportos, motor heads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, and even dickheads.  They all think Parquet Courts are a righteous band!
Also check out: "Stoned and Starving"

11. Yamantaka//Sonic Titan - "One"
Album: UZU
By a slim margin, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan may have been Team Sisson's favorite band comprised of Japanese-Canadians in 2013.  I checked them out based on the description of their sound in a Pitchfork review and then proceeded to blast UZU on repeat during one of my many trips to and from Springfield. These Canucks have quite an interesting thing going.  Evidently the have two live shows; one a drag rock opera and the other a "full on rock show."  According to their website, "YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN are a psychedelic noh-wave opera group fusing noise, metal, pop and folk music into a multidisciplinary hyper-orientalist cesspool of 'east' meets 'west' culture clash in giant monochrome paper sets."  There are only two ways something like this can go, but I think UZU is very, very good, so we hope you enjoy "One"
Also check out: "Windflower"


12. Danny Brown - "Side A"
Album: Old
Danny Brown started making some noise that made it to my ears two years ago, although evidently he's been on the fringes of the rap game for so long he's feeling old, hence the name of the album.  It's easy to laugh him off as some crazy person who got some attention because he looks and sounds different.  I mean he has this crazy hair and is missing some front teeth, but my goodness is Old great.  He has it arranged into two sides, with side A chronicling his life in inner city Detroit, and side B bringing the party jams, although not the kind of party I in my rapidly advancing age will ever attend.  What got me excited about Old was hearing an early release of "Side A."  I must have listened to it ten times in a row.  I just love how the song starts with a drawn out cymbal crash, a simple ominous tone, then Danny coming in almost as soon as the beat kicks in, as though he has a lot to say and he's not going to waste any time.  There are so many other great tracks.  "25 Bucks", "Torture", "Side B", "Kush Coma".  Do yourself a huge favor and check out Old.  I'm telling you......this thing is unfreakingbelievable.
Also check out: "Dope Song", "Dip"

13. Arctic Monkeys - "R U Mine?"
Album: AM
This is actually the second time the Arctic Monkeys have been featured on the Bash. I believe we put their first hit, "I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor" on the 2006 edition.  They've been making solid music ever since then.  The track "Do I Wanna Know" has been all over the top tracks of 2013 lists, but I love "R U Mine?"  Do U Like?
Also check out: "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?"

14. The National - "Graceless"
Album: Trouble Will Find Me
Here's some dad rock for you!  The National is actually the first pick by the newest addition to Team Sisson, Charlie.  During his first couple of months with us, we struggled to find a bedtime routine that put him to sleep.  We discovered cradling with butt patting seemed to do the trick.  One night I was playing Boxer during this routine and what a revelation!  I had always thought of The National as a quiet band, so good for putting a baby to sleep right?  But I had never really appreciated the frenetic rhythm of those songs, until I was butt patting along to them.  You should really try it!
Also check out: "Sea of Love", "Don't Swallow the Cap", "Pink Rabbits"

15. Kurt Vile - "Snowflakes Are Dancing"
Album: Wakin On a Pretty Daze
We first became acquainted with Kurt Vile when we heard "Jesus Fever" off his Smoke Ring For My Halo record and included it in the first run of our other mixtape project, Baby Hipster (yes yes yes....Toddler Hipster is in the works...turns out when you actually have a baby, it takes longer to make these things).  Here's something I'll bet you didn't know; Kurt Vile is huge in his hometown of Philadelphia.  So huge in fact that August 28th of this year was officially named Kurt Vile Day in Philly.  The men of Team Sisson love all of Pretty Daze so picking a song to feature was a bit of an adventure, with "Snowflakes" making a late move at the buzzer.  "Wakin on a Pretty Day" may be the best song, but it's over 9 minutes long which doesn't work when we try to get as many tracks on The Bash as possible.  We thought it was going to be "Never Run Away", but at the last minute Charlie decided we needed to bring you "Snowflakes".  You're welcome.
Also check out: "KV Crimes"

16. Laura Marling - "Master Hunter"
Album: Once I Was An Eagle
Last one in.  I actually heard "Master Hunter" for the first time listening to a 2013 wrap up show. I have since familiarized myself the the rest of Once I Was An Eagle and am quite fond of it.  This is also Charlie approved listening.  I've been hearing about Laura Marling for what seems like ages (she's only 23), but just now discovering her music.  Hope you like it.
Also check out: "Devil's Resting Place"

17. Deltron 3030 - "City Rising From the Ashes"
Album: Event II
There were several records we here at Team Sisson were really looking forward to in 2013, like Queens of the Stone Age with the re-united Songs for the Deaf lineup and the new Thom Yorke led Atoms for Peace.  Unfortunately, the only record that actually met our expectations, and in fact far exceeded them was Event II.  We have been big fans of Deltron 3030 since the self-titled debut in 2000.  In fact, the only speeding ticket I've ever gotten from a cop in a car (I've gotten two from cops on foot....true story) was due to me leadfooting it to Deltron on 71 highway near Harrisonville, MO.  Deltron 3030 is comprised of Del the Funky Homosapien, who you may know as the rapper on the first Gorillaz record, Dan the Automator, who is the legendary Bay area producer responsible for several classic albums including Dr. Octagonecologyst, and turntablist Kid Koala. Event II is a continuation of a quasi-futuristic concept.  Whereas Deltron 3030 was set in the year 3030, Event II is set in the year 3040, and chronicles the return (?) of the "dynamic" Deltron who will save the planet maybe?  I don't really know what's going on.  It's about the future.  What I do know is there are some killer guest spots.  There is an opening monologue by Joseph Gordon Levitt, two skits featuring David Cross complaining about the kids these days (in 3040), an appearance by chef David Chang talking about the food in 3040, and best of all, the Lonely Island contribute a hilarious song called "Back In the Day".   The best and most surprising thing about Event II though is just how bouncy the music is compared to what you may expect from Automator.   For my money this is pound for pound the best sounding rap record of the year. There...I said it.
Also check out: "Melding Of The Minds"

18. The Front Bottoms - "Twin Size Mattress"
Album: Talon Of The Hawk
As soon as I heard the track "Au Revoir" on All Songs Considered I knew we would be putting it on the Bash.  Then I listened to the rest of Talon Of The Hawk and suddenly there were a few other contenders, with "Twin Size Mattress" standing out.  So anyway, here's my apology for leaving off what would have probably been your favorite Birthday Bash track this year. On the same All Songs Considered, the host Bob Boilen talked about seeing The Front Bottoms on a whim, having never heard of them and he was the only person in the room that didn't know every word to their songs.  Pretty sure the exact same thing would happen to me if I went to see them play The Holiday here in Olney.
Also check out: "Funny You Should Ask"

19. Eels - "Wonderful, Glorious"
Album: Wonderful, Glorious
I first heard the Eels in high school.  High School!  They actually had a song on the radio back then.  Since then I have heard practically nothing about them.  Imagine my surprise this year when I found out that not only are Eels still a band, they're making excellent music.  I don't know how I've missed them this whole time.  In fact, just yesterday I heard "Fresh Blood" off of a record they released in 2009, Hombre Lobo, and it blew me away.  Hope you like it too.
Also check out: "Kinda Fuzzy", "Peach Blossom"

20. Sigur Rós - Rafstraumur
Album: Kveikur
As I said before, my obsession with Iceland continues.  I have it marked as my #1 fantasy vacation destination, but Leanna states she will NEVER go to Iceland.  Looks like I'm going to have to go with someone else.  Who wants a free trip to Iceland?  Well....not free....you'll have to pay your own way...but we can sit next to each other on the plane.  Ok, Sigur Rós....prior to making Kveikur they lost a member whose name I have no chance of remembering or spelling...but anyway...he was described as their multi-instrumentalist, which reminds me of when Wilco lost (fired) Jay Bennett.  In both cases the subsequent music was more guitar based and lost some of the magic.  This however is not necessarily a bad thing, as you can hear.  I actually thought Sigur Rós was a goner when they went on indefinite hiatus a couple years ago and Jónsi made that amazing solo record.  But they're back baby!  I think I've told this story on this thing before, but waaaaaay back when I was living in Columbia I saw Kurt Loder on MTV news talking about this band from Iceland that had people passing out at their concerts (something about being overwhelmed with emotion?).  That day I went to Streetside records and picked up a copy of Ágætis byrjun, just thinking about buying it (yes kids, buying music).  As I was browsing, some rando who didn't work there (I was there a lot so I knew) asked if I was going to buy it.  I said I was thinking about it.  He then said kind of breathlessly, "It's like...the best thing ever."  That was all I needed to hear.  After some initial confusion (when am I supposed to listen to this?) I was hooked....apparently for life.
Also check out: "Hrafntinna", "Brennisteinn", "Stormur"

Wow....that was awesome!  Could anything make this multimedia experience more interactive? Ummm....only a little thing called THE 5th ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH TRIVIA CONTEST!!!!

Last year was a bit of a disappointment as yet again there was no winner.  As you may recall, the question was as follows.  One person pulls double duty by actually appearing in two different tracks on this year’s Bash. Who is it?  Of course the answer was Ronald Reagan, who appeared on the track "Reagan" by Killer Mike (duh), as well as in the intro to Aesop Rock's "Zero Dark Thirty."  You all must be kicking yourselves at this reveal.  Fear not, a new question awaits.  First, the fine print....enlarged for ease of viewing.

To be eligible to participate in the 5th Annual Birthday Bash Trivia Contest:
-You must have yourself received or have had an immediate family member receive the Birthday Bash.
-You may not have any past or present affiliation with the "University" of Kansas. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Now, the question.  Five of the twenty artists included in the 2013 Birthday Bash were on the "Shortlist" for the 2013 Mercury Prize.  Who are those artists?

The first person to submit a correct response will win a personalized prize-pack of 2013 Birthday Bash artist band merch (t-shirts, mugs, hats....whatever we can find that looks cool).  Please e-mail your responses with "Birthday Bash Trivia Contest" in the subject line to csisson11@hotmail.com. Good luck and have a great 2014!

*****UPDATE*****
1/15/14 15:12 CST
We have a winner!  Adam Zentz-Tron is well on his way to having a great 2014 as he has correctly identified the five Birthday Bash artists on the shortlist for the 2013 Mercury Prize!  Those artists, in order of appearance are Villagers, Laura Mvula, James Blake, Arctic Monkeys & Laura Marling. Join me in congratulating him!

Chris Sisson's Best of 2012

Happy holidays from Team Sisson, and congratulations on receiving Chris Schuck's 11th Annual Surprise Birthday Bash for Jesus.  We've selected 19 tracks from our 18 favorite albums of 2012 for your listening pleasure. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

1. Now, Now "The Pull"
2. Now, Now "Prehistoric"
Album: Threads
We kick things off nice and gently with the opening two tracks from the very lovely Threads.  "Prehistoric" is the star of the show, but "The Pull" bleeds into it so nicely we had to give you both.  Formerly Now, Now Every Children, Now, Now is a trio based in Minneapolis.  They've recieved some nice buzz this year and were recently featured on a Windows 8 commercial.  Here's the title track, "Thread" and "Separate Rooms".

3. Adam Arcuragi "The Well"
Album: Like a Fire That Consumes All Before It...
Adam Arcuragi has what doctors call, "a fantastic voice."  He's also the inventor of a genre he calls Death Gospel.  Based in Philadelphia, he hails from Georgia, which makes him the first of three Birthday Bash participants from the Peach State (that would make a great trivia question...hmmm).  Here's "Oh I See" and "President's Song".

4. Murder By Death "Lost River"
Album: Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon
We at Team Sisson have become increasingly aware that The Birthday Bash has become somewhat predictable over time.  Early in 2012 we decided that this year we would only include artists that have never been included.  This rule turned out to be pretty easy to follow since really none of the usual suspects (Wilco, Spoon, Black Keys, etc.) released any new material.  However, there were two records from previous participants that were just too good to leave out, and Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon was one of them.  MBD first appeared on the 2008 Birthday Bash with Red Of Tooth And Claw, which remains in heavy rotation at Team Sisson headquarters.  Bitter Drink features the usual dark themes and baritone vocals of Adam Turla, but also includes several welcome vocals from cellist Sarah Balliet.  That's right, cellist.  If there's one thing rock music couuld use more of, its the cello.  Also check out "No Oath, No Spell"

5. The Polyphonic Spree "What Would You Do?"
Polyphonic Spree isn't really in the running for album of the year.  They did put out a record of Christmas music, but "What Would You Do?" was released back in the spring, and appears to just be a one-off single.  Since it just may be our favorite song of the year, we'll bend the rules and include it on the Bash.  We haven't really heard much from The Polyphonic Spree in several years, and frankly were never all that impressed to begin with.  You may remember hearing about a band that had like 30 members and wore choir robes when they performed.  That was them.  I almost always like bands that have a ton of people on stage, but this was gimmicky, and more importantly I just didn't dig the songs.  Of note, 2011 Bash participant, St. Vincent was in the band prior to making a go of it on her own.  However, whatever I used to think about this band went out the window when I heard "What Would You Do?"  It is such a great, rocking, uplifting song!  We love it, and we bet you will too.

6. Japandroids "The House That Heaven Built"
Album: Celebration Rock
Our favorite song of the year sets up what is hands down, no question about it our favorite record of not just this year, but maybe of the past 5 years.  It is impossible for me to listen to Celebration Rock without wearing a big goofy smile.  It begins and ends with audio of a fireworks display and in the middle are 8 tracks of sweaty guitar and relentless drums with sing along choruses, remember the good ol' days lyrics and so much noise it's hard to believe Japandroids is just a two-piece.  On their end of the year wrap-up show, one of the NPR music guys called this the most appropriately titled record of the year.  He also mentioned how the theme of the record appeals to 30-something guys nostalgic for the youth of their not too distant past.  Maybe that's why I like it so much.  Or maybe it's just damn good.  Here's "Fire's Highway", "Adrenaline Nightshift", "Younger Us" and "Evil's Sway".

7. Killer Mike "Reagan"
Album: R.A.P. Music
Altlana rapper and Dungeon Family associate Killer Mike rhyming over El-P beats?  Hell yes!  This is exactly what is missing from rap these days.  El-P's production hits like a sledgehammer and Killer Mike puts on a lyrical clinic on R.A.P. Music.  El-P, who appeared on the 2007 Birthday Bash also released a solo record this year (Cancer 4 Cure) that is peppering best-of 2012 lists.  While I like Cancer, I am in love with R.A.P. Music.  Looking at the total plays on i-tunes, it appears this record wins the "Most Listened To" prize at Team Sisson HQ.  As with several of this year's artists, it was very difficult to pick which track to include on the Bash.  We went with "Reagan," because more than any other track I think it showcases how on point both of these guys were making this record.  Also check out "Big Beast" (featuring Bun B, T.I., and zombie strippers) and "Untitled".

8. Alt J "Fitzpleasure"
Album: An Awesome Wave
Big thanks to Mike Kallenberger for making "Fitzpleasure" one of his songs of the day back in the spring.  I was pleasantly surprised when An Awesome Wave finally came out in September that the whole record was worth a spin.  The sound is fresh throughout, and while the vocals could be grating, I think they fit the music nicely, becoming another instrument creating intersting noise.  These guys won the Mercury Prize this year, which I would compare to our Grammy's, except the Mercury Prize seems to always go to deserving artists.  Here's "Tessellate", "Breezeblocks" , and here they are doing a Take Away Show at a Parisian cafe playing "Matilda/Dissolve Me". 

9. Lost In The Trees "Red"
Album: A Church That Fits Our Needs
We stumbled on North Carolina's own Lost In The Trees after innocently clicking a link on the All Songs Considered blog early in the year.  "Red" may be in the running for both prettiest song of the year and prettiest video of the year.  If you like what you hear, why don't you innocently click on the links for "Icy River",  "Villain" or "Garden"?

10. Sharon Van Etten "Serpent"
Album: Tramp
Sharon Van Etten's Epic was an epic miss for the Birthday Bash back in 2010 (see "Save Yourself" and "Don't Do It").  Our apologies.  "Serpent" was released as a single ahead of Tramp in December of last year and immediately set the bar for the 2012 Bash.  At the time it seemed like a lock for song of the year, although it was eventually beaten out by the one Polyphonic Spree song and every song on Celebration Rock.  It almost didn't matter how good the rest of the album turned out to be since it was such a great tune.  Luckily for all involved Tramp revealed itself to be worthy.  Sharon is a singer/songwriter based in Brooklyn (surprise!) and a lot was made of the super cool brooklynite indie cameos on the record.  Tramp was produced  by Aaron Dessner of The National and features appearances by members of Wye Oak and the Walkmen.  Honestly, I never would have noticed the star studded guest list if I hadn't read about it.  What I did notice is the more fleshed out sound.  While her previous work was mostly her and an acoustic guitar, Tramp comes complete with electric guitars, keys and even drums!  If you liked "Serpent", please enjoy "Give Out" and "Magic Chords".

11. Jack White "Sixteen Saltines"
Album: Blunderbuss
Unbelievably, The White Stripes never made it on to a Birthday Bash.  That's not to say we weren't fans.  I think it was more that we assumed everyone had already heard enough of any White Stripes album since they all seemed to have 4-5 singles.  These days it's hard to know what people have heard since we're all getting our music from places other than the radio.  For all I know, you're already heard Blunderbuss, learned to play it on a keytar, and included it on your own Best of 2012 list.  But if you haven't.....you should.  Well listen to it at least, and maybe the keytar thing.  While "Sixteen Saltines" sounds awfully White Stripesy, the rest of the record is much less so.  There are keys, melodies and backup vocals all over the place here.  Check out "Love Interruption", "Freedom at 21", or  "I'm Shakin'" and tell me that's not awesome.  Go ahead.

12. Aesop Rock "Zero Dark Thirty"
Album: Skelethon
Aesop Rock has been a Team Sisson favorite since we first heard "Daylight" back in 2001.  Skelethon, out on the Rhymesayers label, makes this something like the 5th year we've featured a Rhymesayers artist (I honestly haven't listened to the new P.O.S. or Brother Ali records yet, but as stated above, we're trying to keep the Bash free of previously included artists).  Aesop used to be on El-P's Def Jux label in Brooklyn until it folded, and has since moved to San Francisco and teamed up with those afforementioned Minnesotans.  I think this is the strongest Aesop Rock record from top to bottom from both a lyrical and production standpoint.  Our favorite track may be the closer, "Gopher Guts" where in between giving pep talks to baby snakes, green frogs and ghost crabs he puts aside his impossible to follow metaphors to spit one of the most unbelievably introspective verses I've ever heard in a rap song.  "Ruby '81" paints a vivid picture of a July 4th party that narrowly avoids tragedy thanks to an alert dog.  Here's "Homemade Mummy", "Cycles To Gehenna", and "ZZZ Top".  Basically, if you like "Zero Dark Thirty" you'll like the whole record, and probably Aesop's whole calatog.....which we celebrate.

13. Baroness "Take My Bones Away"
Album: Yellow and Green
This one may surprise you.  I took a listen to Yellow and Green (which is actually a double album, one Yellow, one Green) after reading a favorable Pitchfork review this summer.  Since then I've thought many times about how much different it is to be a metal fan now versus being a metal fan 20 years ago.  We like Yellow and Green because it take the heavy sound and ridiculously technical musicianship required of today's metal artists, and adds melody and decipherable lyrics.  The end result is something really beautiful, and something I haven't really heard in a long time.  I'm not saying there aren't other bands that sound like this, but this one caught my ear, and now it's catching yours.  In some sad news, this August while on tour in England, Baroness' bus crashed sending nine people to the hospital.  All involved survived, but the band and crew are still recovering.  Here's the gorgeous "Eula".

14. Cloud Nothings "Stay Useless"
Album: Attack On Memory
Attack On Memory came out pretty early in 2012, and despite being on near constant repeat all year, we here at Team Sisson HQ have yet to tire of it.  I wasn't too familiar with Cloud Nothings prior to 2012, but apparently it started out as a bedroom recording project for Cleveland's Dylan Bialdi.  Memory seems to come as somewhat of a surprise to the indie music media based on previous work.  Produced by Steve Albini, I've heard some people talk about how 90's this record sounds.  I'm not sure if I agree with that.  The lo-fi nature of the production and sometimes screaming vocals disguise the fact that for the most part, this record is chock-full of super catchy songs that really really rock, with "Stay Useless" maybe being the catchiest.  These guys are also reputed to be fantastic live.  Why don't you also enjoy "Fall In", "No Future/No Past" and "No Sentiment"?

15. Drop Electric "Empire Trashed"
Album: Drop Electric Sampler Platter
I really know very little about Drop Electric other than I heard "Empire Trashed" and loved every second of it.  Their website (linked above....you know all of these things are linked right?)  says "Drop Electric is an experimental rock band based in Washington D.C. and NYC. Based in melody and distortion and deeply inspired by cinema, their live show is a combination of evocative music, unique vocals and narrative film."  OK, sounds good to me.  Of all the great tunes on the Bash in 2012, this one may the one you're still humming the next day.  The rest of the EP is pretty killer too.  Here's "Santo Domingo"

16. Of Monsters And Men "Dirty Paws"
Album: My Head Is An Animal
Special thanks goes out to Derick "The D-Man" Miranda for bringing Of Monsters And Men to my attention, then keeping it there.  In the end, it wouldn't be a Birthday Bash without hearing something from Iceland.  These guys are like a cross between Arcade Fire, Sigur Ros and Los Campesinos, so of course I like them.  You've probably heard "Little Talks" at some point this year, but for my money, "Dirty Paws" is the best song on the record.  I love the casual lyric, "the son was an ok guy, he had a pet dragonfly."  You may have noticed Team Sisson enjoys a slow build to an exuberant crescendo, as well as songs detailing wars between animals.  Here's "Mountain Sound".

17. Kendrick Lamar "m.A.A.d city"
Album: good kid, m.A.A.d city
One of the early favorites to make the Bash was "There He Go" off of Schoolboy Q's Habits and Contradictions, but one listen to good kid and there was no doubt as to which member of LA's Black Hippy crew was getting the nod.  Frankly, Team Sisson has been a little obsessed with good kid these past few weeks. This is a record that over 11 tracks tells the story of one night in a teenage Kendrick Lamar's life, as he and his homies deal with gangs, girls and above all, peer pressure in South Central LA.  While these themes aren't new territory exactly, the descriptions of internal struggle with various influences are so vivid, you're really able to sympathize with he and his peers.  As someone who wore out The Chronic and Doggystyle in high school, it occurrs to me that we haven't really heard anything of any artistic consequence coming out of that area since then.  After listening to good kid, it seems that not much has changed.  Track 12 is "Compton," which is sort of a celebration about making it in Compton, complete with a guest spot by Dr Dre.  In addition to the superb production and jawdropping lyrics, nearly every track begins or ends with interludes featuring either Kendrick and his buddies or voicemails from his mom and dad which actually help to propel the narrative rather than simply acting as filler.  Do yourself a favor and check out "Swimming Pools".

18. Jason Lytle "Dept. Of Disappearance"
Album: Dept. Of Disappearance
There will be no gushing over Dept. Of Disappearance here.  I will say that this is a very nice record with some really catchy tunes, and it absolutely deserves to be here.  It's just that I just got done writing about the new Kendrick Lamar, and I still have it rocking in my headphones.  While I'm still in Kendrickville (somewhere on Rosecrantz) entertain yourselves with "Somewhere There's a Someone" and the exquisitely pretty "Matterhorn."  You know what?  I may be a while.  Here he is doing a Tiny Desk Concert a couple of months ago. 

19. Mount Eerie "Ocean Roar"
Album: Ocean Roar
Just as we began, we gently close what has turned out to be a phenomenal Birthday Bash with a lovely track from Mount Eerie.  Mount Eerie is the project of Phil Elverum, a very talented musician from Anacortes, WA.  Team Sisson first heard Mount Eerie on a best of 2009 rundown when they played "Wind's Dark Poem" from Wind's Poem.  This year he released two mostly instrumental EP's, Ocean Roar and Clear Moon.  Obviously we preferred Ocean Roar, but if you like one, you'll like both.  Here's "The Place Lives" from Clear Moon.

Now, what you've all been waiting for.  It's time for the Fourth Annual Birthday Bash Trivia Contest!

To quickly recap the 2012 trivia contest, we did not have a winner.  As you may recall, the question was,  "One artist pulls double duty by actually appearing twice on this year’s Bash.Who is it?"  I thought this was a pretty easy question, but in hindsight it probably would have required a little research.  The answer was Gillian Welch, who made the Bash with both her record The Harrow and the Harvest as well as by singing backup vocals on the Decemberists track "Down By The Water." 

To make up for the bad question, this year we will accept two winners. 

To be eligible to participate:
-You must have yourself received or had an immediate family member receive the Birthday Bash.
-You may not have any past or present affiliation with the "University" of Kansas. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Here's the similar yet much easier question:
One person pulls double duty by actually appearing in two different tracks on this year’s Bash. Who is it?

The first two people to correcty identify the person and the two tracks in which he or she appears will win an as yet to be determined prize. To give you an idea of how awesome your prize might be, the 2011 winners received prize packs containing Birthday Bash band merch, including t-shirts and a Spoon prayer candle! Our 2010 winner received a wallet that said "Bad Motherfucker" carrying a value of: priceless! Please e-mail your responses with "birthday bash contest" in the subject line to csisson11@hotmail.com. Good luck and have a great 2013!

Chris Sisson's Best of 2011

 

 

 

Happy holidays from Team Sisson, and congratulations on receiving Chris Schuck's 10th Annual Surprise Birthday Bash for Jesus.  As always, we've selected 18 tracks from our 18 favorite albums of 2011 for your listening pleasure.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.




1.  Wye Oak “Civillian”
Album: Civillian
I can’t remember if I bought (yes bought) this on a whim or if I’d heard some of it before, but either way, Civillian was one of my best finds this year. Another boy/girl duo, this one from Baltimore, that makes up for their small lineup with killer songs and slick production. Recently Jim & Greg from Sound Opinions suggested Paul Krugman (I know right?) try them out in one of their “Rock Doctor” sessions. There were several great tracks to choose from, but you get "Civillian" because it starts out awesome, then gets super awesome at 2:38.  Also check out “Holy Holy” (also goes from awesome to super awesome in the middle)

2.  Decemberists “Down By the Water”

Album: The King Is Dead
We started to hear some buzz about King back while putting together the 2010 Bash.  Fortunatley we were not disappointed.  Cory, Jack and I attended the Decemberists/Mountain Man show at the Uptown Theater back in January and a good time was had by all, despite being a bit confused by Mountain Man's performance (we had expected burly bearded dudes to rock us out, not 4 women singing acapella).  Sadly, in May it was announced that accordian/keyboard player Jenny Conlee had developed breast cancer.   Then in October it was announced that it was already in remission.  Here's hoping she sticks around for a very long time.  There are a slew of worthy tracks to pick from here, but after a whole year of music, nothing tops “Down By the Water.”  Also check out "Calamity Song" and "This Is Why We Fight"

3.  Foo Fighters “I Should Have Known”

Album: Wasting Light.
This marks the Foo Fighters first appearance on The Birthday Bash which is actually quite surprising considering the impact Dave Grohl has had on my life.  I remember listening to the original Foo Fighters record on my Sony Walkman on the bus headed to basketball games back in high school.  At the time I couldn't believe that a guy who was the drummer in my favorite band, could then play guitar and sing in another band.  What a talent!  Since then the Foos have put out a bunch of records and had a ton of hits.  I actually saw them open up for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Hearnes Center in college.  What caught my attention about Wasing Light was the documentary, Back and Forth that came along with it.  Really interesting look into a real live arena rock band.  Then Cory and I saw them blow the roof off Sprint Center.  As if that wasn't enough, before the Sprint Center show they did this in response to the Westboro Baptist Church members who were protesting for some reason.  Apparently our friends Blondie and Beardo were out there when it happened and are somewhere over there in the vicinity of Pat Smear.  There were many fine candidates, but you get "I Should Have Known" because it's the first song Dave and Krist Novoselic have played on together since Nirvana (Krist provides the gnarly bass that kicks in at 2:56).  Also check out "Alandria," "Bridge Burning," and "Rope."

4.  TV On The Radio “Will Do”

Album: Nine Types Of Light
Ever since we heard "Staring at the Sun" way back when, Team Sisson have been big fans of these Brooklynites.  We saw them at VooDoo Lounge in KC when they were touring on Return To Cookie Mountain, and it is still on of the best shows we've seen together (Leanna preferred the Roots show we saw in the same room just 3 days later....that was some week!).   It didn't get the ususal critical love they've received in the past, but I personally think Nine Types of Light is on par with, if not better than anything they’ve ever done.  Also check out "Second Song"

5.  Rockwell Knuckles “Silly Human”

Album: I’m Fucking In, You’re Fucking Out
Do you really wanna live forever?  I’m Fucking In, You’re Fucking Out (a variation on the title of Kenny Powers’ excellent self-help book) comes to you thanks to one of my many song of the day podcasts.  This is a concept record about a robot factory or something.  Y'all know I'm a sucker for a good concept record, especially a good hip-hop concept record.  This will also be the closest thing to a local artist we bring you this year as it turns out Mr. Knuckles is based just across the state in Cardinal country. As for my friends who like to memorize choruses this one will challenge, yet reward!  The best part? You can download the whole record for free here.

6.  Iron & Wine “Rabbit Will Run”

Album: Kiss Each Other Clean
2011 was jam packed with challenges, none more vexing than choosing which song from Kiss Each Other Clean made it onto the Birthday Bash.  Iron & Wine, aka Sam Beam makes his first appearance on the Bash since sharing the spotlight with Calexico back in 2005.   He is known for essentially whispering over lightly played acoustic guitars and huge beards.  We here at Team Sisson are fans of both (well at least one of us likes huge beards), but Sam gets a little more adventurous with each new release.  Also check out "Tree By The River".

7.  Beirut “Santa Fe”

Album: The Rip Tide
Beirut is back baby! After penning perhaps my favorite song of the birthday bash era (“Elephant Gun”), Beirut has been long on hipster indie credibility and short on delivering the goods.  Flying Club Cup was enjoyable, while March of the Zapotec was pretty forgettable.  The Rip Tide gets back to the sound that we loved on the Lon Gisland EP.  Horns, horns, and more horns.  Santa Fe is actually Zach Condon’s hometown, a fact that would surprise me if I didn’t already know it.  I've always been impressed that a kid (well, I guess he's not a kid anymore) from New Mexico can make this kind of music.  Here they are doing "Santa Fe" on Fallon.

8.  Delay Trees “Gold”

Album:  Delay Trees
This was a late entrant, only getting a listen after hearing it on one of the early December year in review shows.  Delay Trees, a Finnish band, was billed as Sigur Ros-lite, meaning it takes them 4 minutes rather than 9 to build to a crescendo.  I guess you could say that about "Gold", but the rest of the record is nice, poppy, hummable tunes.  We here at Team Sisson have long had a fondness for Scandanavian acts (the aforementioned Sigur Ros, Kashmir, Blackstrap, Soudtrack of Our Lives, The Hives, etc.) so Delay Trees are a natural fit.  Also check out "Cassette 2012" and "About Brothers."

9.  Wilco “Dawned On Me”

Album: The Whole Love
Loyal Birthday Bash listeners will not be surprised by this selection.  You may know that I recently graduated from pharmacy school, and as a result received several graduation gifts.  By far the best gift was the personalized, autographed picture of Wilco Leanna managed to wrangle out of the band.  Actually maybe the autographed picture is tied with the beautiful sounding Marantz 2275 Leanna's dad found for me.  Anyway, the point is we love this band.  Since A Ghost is Born though, their output has been good, not great.  The Whole Love gets them back to greatness.  It opens with the craziest, most "experimental" track they've made since YHF, then follows with a bunch of textbook Jeff Tweedy ballads and bangers.   Unfortunately we missed them in KC earlier in December as I was in New Orleans at the time, but here's the review.  Also, here's a neat video for the opener, "The Art of Almost,"



10.  Adele “Someone Like You”
Album: 21
Loyal Birthday Bash listeners WILL be surprised by this selection.  We here at Team Sisson can’t deny good music when we hear it, even if it's considered "Top 40."  Please watch her Tiny Desk Concert.  It's funny that a woman with such a beautiful singing voice has such an annoying cackle.  21 is littered with hits.  I'm sure you've all heard “Rolling in the Deep” 1000 times this year as it was played on every radio station in the country, so instead you get the beautiful “Someone Like You” which you may have only heard 500 times!  “Someone Like You” was actually written and co-produced by Dan Wilson who formerly fronted Team Sisson favorite, Semisonic.



11.  Gillian Welch “The Way It Goes”
Album: The Harrow & The Harvest
Over the summer I was making a Zee Avi inspired ladies only mixtape for Leanna when I happened upon “The Way It Goes.”  That refrain stuck with me for days so I bought the record.  There's nothing else as catchy as "The Way It Goes," but it is a solid effort overall.  I'll bet the day after you listen to the Bash, this song is the one you'll be humming.  Also check out "Hard Times."

12.  The Black Keys “Little Black Submarines”

Album: El Camino
Last one in! I didn’t really know what to expect out of this one.  I did however know the ad they made for it (if you only click one of my links, click this one...seriously!) was hysterical. After a few years of putting out solid to excellent records that were mostly ignored by the public, last year’s Brothers struck a chord, mostly because of the super catchy “Tighten Up.”  Thankfully, instead of chasing further mass adoration they got back to being gnarly.  Dangermouse came back to produce this one (he also produced Attack & Release) making this the 6^th  year in a row we’ve included a Dangermouse production.  Also check out the first single, "Lonely Boy."

13.  The Rural Alberta Advantage “Stamp”

Album: Departing
I had Hometowns in my emusic que the majority of last year but didn’t get around to downloading it until January of this year.  Holy smokes, is it good.  Luckily for you they put out Departing this year which is also quite excellent.  I love rhythm section of this band.  Earlier in the year my co-worker Elhadji was trying to convince me that African music is better than the music Americans listen to because our drummers play way too fast ("It's just noise"), and used this song in particular to make his case.  So I guess if you hate "Stamp" you might want to try  some Ali Farka Toure.  Also check out "Muscle Relaxants."

14.  Radiohead “Little By Little”

Album: The King of Limbs
As James Murphy once said, I’m losing my edge.   Radiohead announces 10 US dates and Kansas City gets one of them! I’m jacked! Say what you will about Sprint Center and P&L. We never would have gotten this show without a state of the art arena. Then, in classic Sisson fashion I completely forget to buy tickets. Anyway, The King of Limbs didn’t seem to get the end of the year love a normal Radiohead record should receive, but it is still very solid. Maybe it didn’t get to as many ears because they didn’t give this one away for free? 
Check out the video for "Lotus Flower" featuring the fancy footwork of Thom Yorke.  Also, here's a bunch of videos from their week of Colbert appearances.

15.  Tune-Yards “Gansta”

Album: W H O K I L L
I first heard W H O K I L L on the NPR first listen (download that app…lots of cool stuff) while I was killing time during my last ever day of official pharmacy schooling.  Conceivably I would have loved anything I heard that day, but this has stuck with me.  Her (Merrel Garbis) first record, Bird Brains, got a lot of buzz back in 2009, but all I heard was noise.  This one passed my test though.  Interestingly, I probably listened to this record 10 times before she started getting interviewed on all the shows I listen to.  Only then did I find out she makes all these crazy sounds with a ukulele and a looping pedal (and a bass and a couple of brass players).  Now I will say I found the gushing over her use of the looping pedal to be a bit ridiculous since this thing has been around forever, but I’m still impressed by the sounds she can make.  I mean seriously, you tell me where the ukulele is in this song.  Also check out "Bizness," and "Powa."

16.  Sims “Burn It Down”

Album: Bad Time Zoo
This is the 3^rd year in a row we’ve included a member of the Minnesota hip-hop collective, Doomtree (P.O.S. in 2009, Dessa in 2010).  For me, you can not go wrong with rhyming over horns.  Interestingly, of these three artists, Sims is the first I've discovered by listening to the Current on Minnesota Public Radio, even though it has been my go-to internet staion for years now.  If you like what you’ve heard from Birthday Bash approved Doomtree releases, you may want to check out their recently released mixtape, No Kings.   Also check out "LMG" (Love My Girl)

17.  St. Vincent “Cruel”

Album: Strange Mercy
Yet another female artist!   You finally got your wish Caryn with a K!   Maybe I'm becoming less misogynistic in my advancing age.  I really liked her previous record, Actor, so I thought Strange Mercy would be a slam dunk. Maybe it didn't blow me away at first, but it certainly has grown on me. St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) has had a pretty interesting career so far, including a stint as a member of Polyphonic Spree. She's developing a reputation as an outstanding guitar player, and it doesn't hurt that she's pretty good looking too!  Oops, guess there's still some misogyny left in there.  Also check out the humorous video for "Laughing With A Mouthful of Blood" from Actor featuring pre-Portlandia Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.

18.  Drive-By Truckers “The Thanksgiving Filter”

Album: Go-Go Boots
Making a triumphant return after a year off the list, Team Sisson favorites bring you another textbook DBT's record with expertly told darkside-of-the-South stories told over greasy guitars and steady rock & roll beats.  If I'm ranking my favorite DBT records, this one doesn't crack the top 3, but probably comes in around #4-5, which is still merits inclusion in the 2011 Bash.  I have always wondered why I love this band of southerners so much.  Now that I'm a graduate of an SEC school, it's starting to make sense.  In other news for DBT die hards, Shonna Tucker has left the band and will be replaced by David Barbe.  Shonna has been with the Truckers since 2003 and has written some of the songs (luckily none the good ones) on the past three records.  She was a fan favorite and will be missed.  Also check out "Used To Be A Cop"

Others in consideration:
Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo
Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin
Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Pt. II
Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
Bright Eyes - The People's Key
The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
The Antlers - Burst Apart
Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
Eddie Vedder - Ukelele Songs
Death Set - Michel Poiccard

Finally, it's time for the Third Annual Birthday Bash Trivia Contest. 

To be eligible to participate:
-You must have yourself received or had an immediate family member receive the Birthday Bash.
-You must not be a current student or alumnus of the "University" of Kansas.  Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Here's the question.

One artist pulls double duty by actually appearing twice on this year’s Bash.  Who is it? 

The first three people to correcty identify the artist and the two places he or she appears will win an as yet to be determined prize. To give you an idea of how awesome your prize might be, last year's winners received prize packs containing Birthday Bash band merch, including t-shirts and a Spoon prayer candle!  Our first winner received a wallet that said "Bad Motherfucker" carrying a value of: priceless! Please e-mail your responses with "birthday bash contest" in the subject line to csisson11@hotmail.com. Good luck and have a great 2012!

Chris Sisson's Best of 2010

Happy holidays from Team Sisson, and congratulations on receiving Chris Schuck's 9th Annual Surprise Birthday Bash for Jesus!  As always, we've selected 18 tracks from our 18 favorite albums of 2010.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.  Let's begin.


1. The Morning Benders “Excuses”
Album: Big Echo
Let’s ease into things this year with the opening track from Big Echo. These guys, originally from Berkley and now in Brooklyn (like every other cool band on the planet) have a nice dreamy, orchestral, California sound that was one of my favorites over the summer. I’m told they opened up for Grizzly Bear last year on the road and were opening up for Broken Bells this year. Big Echo spent a considerable amount of time in my CD player this year. Also in consideration for the Bash were their version of a banger “All Day Day Light” and the very pretty “Stitches”.



2. Janelle Monáe “Cold War”
Album: The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe absolutely blew up this year. This record is all over the map, with guest spots from Saul Williams, Big Boi, and Of Montreal, who she toured with in the fall. ArchAndroid is one of those great records that doesn’t really fit in anywhere on the radio dial, but fits in my ears like a glove, or maybe like a Q-tip. I guarantee once you see her perform live you’ll fall in love with her too. She wears this feminine tuxedo get-up and dances her freaking ass off. Check her out here when she played “Tightrope” on Letterman (apparently P Diddy is a fan as well). Doesn’t she seem way too young and cute to be doing the whole James Brown thing on stage? Maybe, but it works for me.  This girl is going to be a star.



3. Broken Bells “The High Road”
Album: Broken Bells
Broken Bells is James Mercer from The Shins and now super-mega-producer Dangermouse. Ever since The Mouse & The Mask, the Birthday Bash has had somewhat of a love affair with Dangermouse produced works. We here have been fans since hearing the infamous Grey Album way back in college and his output has remained pretty impressive ever since. In 2011 he’s set to release some sort of an homage to spaghetti western music featuring Jack White and Norah Jones. Here’s betting that it will be pretty excellent. As far as Broken Bells, it’s 10 tracks of nice and easy head bobbing music with James Mercer (the modern day James Taylor) singing over acoustic guitar and typically awesome Dangermouse beats. You’ll like it.  Also check out "The Ghost Inside."



4. The Black Keys “Tighten Up”
Album: Brothers
Speaking of blowing up, the Keys have been getting bigger and bigger with each record they put out.  I’ve heard “Tighten Up” all over modern rock radio and I just saw that they'll be the musical guest on SNL January 8th.  Plus they’ve been nominated for a couple of Grammy’s.  I got to see them at Crossroads KC this summer with Zentz, Cory, and Jacqueline Onassis Wilson. They were fantastic. I was amazed at how the opener had like 7 or 8 pieces, yet just Patrick and Dan sounded more complete. Actually they did have a second guitar player and a bass player come out on stage for a couple of the new songs, but had them standing way off in the background. Brothers was recorded down in the historic Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama which Birthday Bash listeners may associate with the father of Drive-By Truckers’ frontman Patterson Hood as he was a session musician at that facility for many a great record. Apparently Rolling Stone ranked Brothers as their #2 album of the year. Check out the video for “Tighten Up” as it is quite humoroous.  Also check out “Next Girl", “Too Afraid to Love You”, and “Howlin’ for You”.



5. Earl Greyhound “Ghost and the Witness”
Album: Suspicious Package
Earl Greyhound is a three-piece Brooklyn band made up of an obese black drummer, a black female (who I am not 100% sure is not a transvestite.....click on the link below and see what you think) on bass and a stringy haired bearded white hippie on guitar and lead vox who looks like he should have been playing on Yes albums in the 70’s. I discovered them when they managed to get “Ghost And The Witness” on the KEXP song of the day podcast. Upon hearing it I immediately sought out Suspicious Package, which I ended up having to buy from their website since it was not available in stores, or even on iTunes (just checked and it is on iTunes now). A few days after I ordered it I got a manilla envelope with my handwritten address on it and my life was never the same! I don’t know if I would call this my #1 record of the year, but it is without a doubt the record I have been most excited about. Also check out “Shotgun”.



6. Bilal “Cake & Eat It Too”
Album: Airtight’s Revenge
Whoa! You weren’t expecting that at all were you? Me either. I don't remember how exactly I got clued into this one, but I found it on emusic and have been loving it ever since. Why doesn’t modern R&B sound like this again? I've heard his name several times in the past as Bilal has seemingly made a career out of doing guest spots, but Airtight’s Revenge is his second proper album, with the first (1st Born Second) coming out way back in 2001.



7. Sujan Stevens “Vesuvius”
Album: The Age of Adz
The first track on Adz (rhymes with "odds") sounds like any old Sufjan song would; whisper quiet and exquisitely pretty. Then “Too Much” comes on and hits you with these unexpected blips and gurgles and squeals that you'd be more likely to associate with something Trent Reznorish, but certainly not Sufjan. I guess you’d say this record is an experiment to see if Sufjan can combine his delicate sound with somewhat jarring electronic elements. I, for one, think it was a success although at times the blips and knocks sound somewhat tacked on. The electronics do add depth but the songs are still there front and center and still very pretty, even with all the other sounds swirling around. I wanted to give you the title track, “Age of Adz”, but the length of it was a limiting factor. “Vesuvius” gives you a little taste of both old and new Sufjan.  Check him out here playing "Too Much" on Fallon.



8. Kanye West “Lost In the World” featuring Bon Iver
Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
I always try to stay away from all that “I don’t like him as a person so I don’t like his music” stuff that I hear from a lot of people, but I did sort of write Kanye off after 808’s, which I didn’t like at all. Plus Us Weekly says he’s a jerk so…… As a result, when MBDTF came out I didn’t really think much of it. Then I saw that Pitchfork gave it a 10.  A freaking 10!  That’s their highest score possible, which in itself was enough to send me immediately down to my beloved, and soon to be shuttered Streetside Records in Westport to buy a copy.  I have seriously been playing it on a constant loop in my car ever since. On the All Songs Considered best of the year show, Carrie Brownstien said that it sounded more like an event than an album which I think is the perfect way to describe it. Tons of guest spots (Jay Z, Kid Cudi, Raekwon, RZA, Nicki Minaj), and every song on it is a kitchen sink production. Not a weak track in the bunch. I picked the closer, “Lost in the World” because it takes its hook from the beautifully autotuned "Woods" from Bon Iver’s Blook Bank EP, which loyal listeners may remember made the Birthday Bash last year. "Power" has been all over the year end lists too.



9. Arcade Fire “Ready To Start”
Album: The Suburbs
Not quite the same Arcade Fire as on Neon Bible or Funeral, but still very very good. The theme of this one is the glorious benefits/horrors of growing up and living in the suburbs.  Having formerly been a short term resident of Johnson County Kansas, some of it rings true with me. I mean it’s nice that there’s a Target every four blocks, but then again…. Apparently The Suburbs debuted as the #1 record on the Billboard charts, which was supposedly a big success for “indie” bands, but made me wonder if it was more of a commentary on who is still purchasing physical media. I think I’m way more likely to drive out to Streetside and cop (that’s a hip way of saying obtain…I think) a joint (that’s a hip way of saying CD….I think) than a tween who just heard Katy Perry on the radio. So anyway, there’s not as much bombast on The Suburbs, but so what? The tried and true Arcade Fire formula of starting slow but building to a point where everyone on stage is losing their minds is still intact.  Make sure you check out the title track, “The Suburbs.”



10. Liars “No Barrier No Fun”
Album: Sisterworld
Wow. This record came out pretty early in the year and has been creeping me out ever since. Leanna and I saw them open up for Radiohead in St. Louis a couple of years ago and I was far from impressed, but Sisterworld has me second guessing myself.  The one word that kept popping up in reviews was "intense."  Definitely a good option to crank up when you’re angry. Also check out “Scissor” and “The Overachievers.”



11. The Hold Steady “The Weekenders”
Album: Heaven Is Whenever
Spoiler Alert: The Hold Steady will make the Birthday Bash every year they’re eligible as long as they keep making songs that sound as good as “The Weekenders."  Before Heaven came out, Franz Nicolay left the band which was big news in the music press.  Apparently he was their mustachioed keyboard player, but since I've never seen them live, I didn't even know he existed.  I didn't really notice much of a difference on Heaven, so maybe their live show is suffering, but they sound as good as ever on wax.  Also check out "Hurricane J" and their performance of "Rock Problems" on Craig Ferguson.




12. Dessa “Mineshaft II”
Album: A Badly Broken Code
I first heard about Dessa on Tim Finn’s Back to Rockville blog this spring when she was set to play somewhere in Lawrence. She’s a former spoken word artist who got hooked up with the Doomtree Collective in Minnesota, which also produced 2009 Birthday Bash includee P.O.S. You would assume a white girl from the suburbs wouldn't have much to say, and frankly I sort of rolled my eyes when I was originally reading about her, but she really brings it.  Also check out "Dixon's Girl" and "Alibi."




13. Spoon “Written In Reverse”
Album: Transference
I’ll bet you forgot about Transference! I think it came out on the first or second Tuesday of 2010. The knock on it was that it wasn’t as melodic as Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, but I don’t think that's such a bad thing, especially for a band like Spoon.  I guess you might say this is a more stripped down version of Spoon which is kind of hard to believe when they already have such a bare bones approach. 



14. The Black Angels “Bad Vibrations”
Album: Phosphene Dream
This is probably more of a lifetime achievement inclusion as I have really dug the slow droning sludgy spacey sound of the Austin's own Black Angels for a few years now.  If you like this track then you like The Black Angels because all of their songs sound like this.  Well, they don't all have that psychadelic warbly keyboard part.  As an aside, I didn't look at a single Best of 2010 list before I made my own this year, and I was sure that nobody else would include Phosphene Dream on theirs.  On the contrary!  Looking at the KC Star's rundown, it is listed on the "best of" lists of at least 4 different local luminaries, including that of Mr. Sonic Spectum himself, Robert Moore.  I guess this city is really into The Black Angels!  Also check out "Telephone."




15. The Roots “How I Got Over” featuring Dice Raw
Album: How I Got Over
How could anyone possibly not enjoy The Roots? Actual instruments. Killer live. MC generally regarded as one of the top 5 in history. Backing band to the world. Plus they’ve added an element of cool to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Seriously, that show is 10 times better than I thought it would be. You should check it out sometime (I hope they’re doing “Wheel of Carpet Samples” when you do!). How I Got Over is just a really solid, head bobbing sort of summer driving record. No all-star tracks, but no filler either. Tons of guest spots too like Monsters of Folk, Joanna Newsom, John Legend, etc.



16. Titus Andronicus “Theme from ‘Cheers’”
Album: The Monitor
First things first, The Monitor is presented as a concept record based loosely (very loosely) on the Civil War, featuring readings of the Gettysburg Address, drum & fife type snares, and lots of lyrical references to that dark period in our history. I was intrigued by their ambition, but I have to admit, it took me most of the year to come around. In the end, the unbridled exuberance of this New Jersey band won me over while I was raking leaves a couple of months ago. “A More Perfect Union” was the obvious choice to give you, but at 7:10 I couldn’t fit it on the Bash. Plus “Theme” is just an awesome drinking song, and while I’m not much of a drinker (wink) I might be moved to imbibe someday if this song is played loud enough.  Also check out "The Battle of Hampton Roads."



17. Menomena “TAOS”
Album: Mines
This was a last minute switch, from the Drive-By Truckers’ The Big To Do (some of you may have received a copy of the Birthday Bash with artwork from The Big To Do featured on the cover....I assume these copies will become highly valuable collectors items). No band, not even one of my all-time favorites, gets a rubber stamp from the Birthday Bash! That’s not to say The Big To Do isn’t Bash-worthy. This was just an excellent year for music and I decided to give you a little variety. But anyway, we’re here to talk about Menomema aren’t we? I’ve been digging this “experimental rock trio” from Portland for awhile now and I was really excited to hear Mines. Honestly I did hope for a little more, but it is still a solid effort and they really do have a unique sound. I mean really, how many rock bands feature the baritone sax?  Make sure to check out the very cool video for "Dirty Cartoons" as well as the fabulously earworming "Five Little Rooms."

…..Also, "Evil Bee" from Friend and Foe (2007) is one of my all-time favorite videos.



18. Jónsi “Go Do”
Album: Go
Loyal birthday bash listeners will recognize Jónsi as the frontman/lead singer for the Icelandic band Sigur Rós. On this his first solo album he really opens it up and puts the hammer down (your welcome Chiefs fans.....playoffs baby!). Whereas most Sigur Rós tracks start whisper quiet and progressively rock more and more (rock is a relative term mind you), Jónsi skips the whisper quiet part on a lot of Go and keeps it uptempo while setting the joy-meter (I just made up this term!) at 9.5, occasionally spiking out at 10. Check out "Animal Arithmetic."  Jónsi played at Liberty Hall in Lawrence back in April. Here is a snippet of the review posted on Back to Rockville: “When bands play Liberty Hall, they usually park their bus on Seventh Street, on the south side of the building. Prior to Jonsi’s show on Thursday night, that space was conspicuously empty except for two huge generators with power cords running inside the theater. The generators only hinted at the energy Jonsi, lead singer for the atmospheric indie rock band Sigur Ros, would pour into his 80-minute set. The performance culminated with “Grow Till Tall” and the most powerful emotional moment I’ve experienced at a concert……… With a forest scene projected around the band, it felt like the performance was coming from the home of “Where the Wild Things Are.” As the song shifted, autumn settled on the forest and falling leaves swirled around the musicians. The leaves gave way to a gentle snow, which warmed into a hard rain. As the rain intensified so did the performance. Jonsi was bent over at the waist, singing into the floor and the rest of the band flailed as if caught in a terrific wind. Like a roller coaster car inching its way to the top of a hill, the music kept ratcheting in intensity, building past any release point until it became a dense sheet of white noise, and even then it continued to swell. It seemed the only thing that kept the audience from being engulfed by the sound and the building from being torn apart was the fragile magnificence of Jonsi’s voice that penetrated the noise.” Having seen Sigur Rós once (sadly only once) I can say that this guy was not exaggerating. You…all of you….should go see Jónsi the next time he plays within two hundred miles of you, even if you don’t like this track at all. I promise you won’t be disappointed.



Others Deserving Recognition

Drive-By Truckers
Album: The Big To Do
Almost made the Bash. Like I said earlier though, I can’t give them a rubber stamp, no matter how much I like them. This is their second album since Jason Isbell left the band and neither the Truckers nor Mr. Isbell have been as good since. In case you were wondering, I was going to give you “This Fucking Job”, but “The Fourth Night of My Drinking” and “Birthday Boy” would also have been good choices too.  Just checked their website and it looks like they already have a new record set to come out on February 15, 2011. 

The Walkmen
Album: Lisbon
I’ve liked The Walkmen for a long time, but I’ve never loved them. They’ve always been just ok for me. I thought maybe Lisbon would change my mind. It didn’t. Good tunes. Nice tempo. Just not my favorite. Anyway, check out “Angela Surf City” if you know what’s good for you.  To give you an idea of why I want to love this band, check out "The Rat" from Bows & Arrows (2004)and "In the New Year" from You & Me (2008).

Bonobo
Album: Black Sands
“Chillwave” shit that I thought I would play nonstop after the first time I heard it. Turns out I didn’t have a whole lot of chill out and listen to Bonobo time in my life this year. Still good though.  Here's "Eyesdown."

Four Tet
Album: There Is Love In You
I’ve never found an artist that enhanced the study experience like Four Tet. Usually bringing the ipod to a study session was a recipe for disaster, but not when I played Four Tet. I always went to him during finals week when I would camp out at the library and cram pharmaceutical information into my brain. Now that I’m finally finished with didactic classroom work I wanted to give him a shout out for helping me out so many times. Also, “Angel Echoes” came in #27 on Pitchfork’s best tracks of 2010 list.

Big Boi
Album: Sir Lucious Left Foot…. The Son of Chico Dusty
This really really really belongs on the Bash, but with what turned out to be an absolutely jam packed field, tough decisions had to be made. Plus the song I wanted to include, “Tangerine” featuring T.I. is soooooooooo misogynistic…..I could just see Caryn with a K’s disappointed expression and I wanted no part of it.  In case you were wondering, yes, Big Boi is one half of the legendary Atlanta duo, Outkast.  You may have heard "Shutterbug" on the radio at some point this year.

Hearts of Darkness
Album: Hearts of Darkness
This was probably KC’s hottest local band in 2010, but despite four different occasions of me trying to get out to see them I still have not witnessed the amazing show I’ve heard they put on. Luckily they put out a self-titled recording. Think afrobeat combined with hip-hop, or better yet, think of The Budos Band featuring the rhyming skills of J Guevara from one of my college favorites, 2 Skinnee J’s. 

Two Seconds To Midnight
Album: Architecture
I found out about this Brooklyn band from someone who called in to Jim and Greg on Sound Opinions after one of their hidden treasure shows.  The song "Opt1m1sm" is fantastic.

Typhoon 
Album: Hunger and Thirst
This is another band I first heard of on the KEXP song of the day podcast. They put “White Liars” on and I thought I would love the whole record. It was not to be, but I am looking forward to more from these dudes.

The Gaslight Anthem
Album: American Slang
Let’s be honest here. American Slang is a fine record, but when you’re comparing it to their previous release, The’59 Sound, it, along with almost everything else falls way short. By the way, let me apologize to recipients of the 2008 Birthday Bash. I completely missed the best record of the year. Please do yourself a favor and check out “The ’59 Sound” and “Great Expectations” from The '59 Sound.  "American Slang" is definitely worth checking out though.

Blitz the Ambassador
Album: Stereolive (EP)/Stereotype
Stereotype came out in 2009 but I didn’t discover it until midway through 2010 and I lovvvvvvvvvved it. Stereolive is a 2010 release but I really don’t know what it was supposed to be. It’s just crappy versions of the awesome tracks that were on Stereotype. Whatever, you should check him out. He’s a Ghanaian-American who came to America, went to Kent State of all places, and then moved to NYC after graduation where he got a band together and made some beautiful music.

Pearl Jam
Album: 5/3/2010 Kansas City MO (Official Bootleg)
Cory and I saw this show at Sprint Center and I was blown away. I guess in all these years since high school I forgot how much I loved this band. They’re still tight as a drum and my Gary, those songs still stand up to anything being made today. It was such a great show I had to buy the bootleg and I’m glad I did. You should have been there.

Sleigh Bells
Album: Treats
A bunch of critics went bananas for this record, but I had the same problem with it I had with The Go! Team a few years back. Looks good on paper but there isn’t really much there. It is fantastic workout music though. You will always speed up if any of these tracks come on your ipod when you’re running. Or powerwalking. Or bobsledding.  Here's "Infinity Guitars."

Finally it's time for the Second Annual Birthday Bash Trivia Contest.

To be eligible to participate:
-You must have yourself received or had an immediate family member receive the Birthday Bash.
-You must not be a current student or alumnus of the "University" of Kansas.  Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Here is the question.

One of the 18 artists featured on this year's Bash has a strong historical connection to Kansas City.  Can you tell me who and what it is?  The first person to correcty identify the artist and the connection will win an as yet to be determined prize.  To give you an idea of how awesome your prize might be, last year's winner received a wallet that said "Bad Motherfucker" carrying a value of:  priceless!  Please e-mail your responses with "birthday bash contest" in the subject line to csisson11@hotmail.com.  Good luck.

Update:  We have a winner!  At 10:20 am on January 1, 2011, Jack Wilson sent in the correct response of Janelle Monáe, who was born and raised in Kansas City, KS before moving to Atlanta for college.  We also received the correct response from Jessica Sand at 11:06 am on December 30, 2010.  However, as an alumnus of the "University" of Kansas, Ms. Sand was not eligible to compete.  Per contest rules, an exception was made for her in the form of a 72 hour penalty.  While we received the correct response prior to the expiration of said penalty period, in the spirit of the holiday season the prize committee has decided to award both Mr. Wilson and Ms. Sand equally awesome, and as yet undetermined prizes.  Contratulations to both and have a great 2011!