If you’re anything like me, a lot of the “must listen to” albums of 2011 won’t get a spin from me until like 2014 and then I’ll just be trying to catch up and let’s face it, we’re never going to catch up. I’m still giving first spins to some of the Best Albums of the 90’s. Oh well, here it goes…

1. Wye Oak - Civilian

After having heard “Take It In” from the album ‘The Knot,’ I put this band on my radar. I had never heard of them until a simple click of ‘play’ on a post on Hughbot’s tumblr post. Come to find they were releasing a new album soon. I bought it, I loved it, I went to see them at The Echo and I still listen to it often. I haven’t gotten into an album like I did this one in a long time.

2. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie

I gave myself the perfect opportunity to become a fan of this record. I’ll explain what that means. 

When a record label releases a record, by the time it’s release date comes along, everyone at the office has probably heard it about 60+ times. All sorts of demos and early versions start being passed along before the final version has been submitted. Usually, it’s neat to hear how a song started and it’s progression but I like to hear all that stuff after. I avoided all that. I have the luxury of working downstairs where I can play my own stuff at whatever volume I want, away from the shared stereo upstairs. When I would hear ‘Elsie’ play upstairs, I avoided being within close distance and remained neutral to comments such as “It’s sooooooooo good.” I decided that I wanted to listen to ‘Elsie’ when we got the first final version, which was the watermarked non-artwork promo copy. Everything on that CD was exactly what everyone who bought it would be listening to.

I tackled ‘Elsie’ like anybody who would have picked it up the day it was released in record stores. There was an excitement I felt putting it in the car stereo and listening to it for the first time, not knowing what to expect. I was a tiny bit nervous probably repeating over and over in my head, “Please, don’t suck. Please, don’t suck.” I popped it in and my car stereo displayed “Reading Disc.” I’d love to explain what happened after that but I’ll avoid a long album review and just say that since that day and until now, I’m a believer. I’ll forever spread the gospel of ‘Elsie.’ It’s an absolutely beautiful record.

3. My Morning Jacket - Circuital

I think I’ll forever be a fan of anything these guys put out. Seeing them live has made me love their albums more than I had originally did. That’s what happened with “Circuital.” After seeing them put on another great performance at the Pantages Theatre this year with Lissette, I’m convinced these guys are the real deal. Some of my favorite songs of the year are from this album: “Wonderful” and “Movin Away.”

4. Wilco - The Whole Love

Long story short: At first listen, I hated this album. I watched their Tiny Desk Concert on NPR and loved it. Came back to the album and now I’m into it. Simple as that.

5. The Smashing Pumpkins - ‘Gish’ and ‘Siamese Dream’ Deluxe Editions

I’m a little biased when it comes to The Smashing Pumpkins. As a fan of this band since when I was getting heavily into music, I’ve been waiting for these rarities to be released since I was 16 years old… so obviously, this had to be included.

6. Indian School - EP

This EP came to me in an unexpected way. Fake Problems was playing an acoustic show at the Atticus clothing store on Melrose in Los Angeles. Having gotten there early to see a friend’s band, I was killing time between other band’s sets & had a conversation with this guy named Hugo outside the store. Hugo ended up being the bass player for Indian School and he told me I should check them out after we exchanged a few bits of info on what we did for a living. Turns out that they weren’t bad at all. I hit up Hugo about shows and more music and I was sent a link to download this EP. After a few listens, it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. The amount of plays each of these tracks has on my iTunes is enough to not only embarrass me but enough to secure a spot on my list. Listen for free HERE

7. Title Fight - Shed

Title Fight come from a scene that I was/am not too familiar with. Let’s face it, I’m an older dude who’s more likely to pick up a Jeff Buckley Rarities album than whatever new record the Alkaline Trio put out. In working with Title Fight at SideOneDummy and having witnessed the energy that these dudes put into their music, their live shows and the response they get from their fans, it is mesmerizing. Every time I’ve seen them live, I stand there in awe on how hard it just goes off in frenzy. It reminds me of when I was “in it”…when I was THAT kid at a show and all that mattered was getting inside of the venue and belting out lyrics to songs that soundtracked my mornings, days and nights. You better keep an eye out for these dudes…”Shed” feels like it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

8. David Bazan - Strange Negotiations

I was late on the David Bazan/Pedro The Lion game. Better late than never.

9. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Do you ever have albums that you just like because they remind you of something, some place or someone? That’s this album for me. Aside from it just being a great album, it reminds me of my trip to England and my friend Guy who I miss a lot. That alone is worth including this record.

10. Charles Bradley & The Menehan Street Band - No Time For Dreaming

I’m not a musician but I do own a few guitars. To me, the guitar was and has always been simply a hobby. I never found “my sound” or at least could decide on what kind of music I wanted to play. The older I got, the more the style would change. One day, I stumbled upon James Brown’s “Live At The Apollo I & II” and fell in love with the guitar work on it. I would listen to those records non-stop and when James’ singing wasn’t captivating me, it was the guitars that would. I decided that THAT is how I’d like to play. But I got no time for that now so I just listen and do the next best thing: watch it live. James Brown is long gone now but with artists like Charles Bradley, Lee Fields or Sharon Jones who perform with bands like the Daptones and The Menahan Street Band, this is the closest you’re going to get to experiencing the vibe of Brown’s “Live at the Apollo” shows. Trust me when I say that Daptone Records will do you no wrong. Thomas Brenneck is a beast on guitar.

11. A.A. Bondy - Believers

I love the darkness that surrounds A.A. Bondy’s voice and the atmosphere that his albums create…at least when I listen to them.

12. Chuck Ragan - Covering Ground

I have much respect for Chuck. There are not that many artists that bring such ferocity to their music and performances. Chuck brings it EVERY SINGLE TIME. It’s great to be a part of Chuck’s music even if it’s on the business end of things. It all helps the wheels turning and to have his music hit fresh ears. Next year brings the Revival Tour to the US and I pray you don’t miss it if it’s coming to your home town.

13. Souvenirs - Sadder Days EP

Tim, singer and guitar player, interned at SideOneDummy.  He is really good friends with the dudes in Title Fight. He stopped interning because he went on tour with them to sell merch. We missed Tim and still miss him around the office. He’s silly but a very enthusiastic guy. He stands by what he says even if whatever he’s saying sounds kind of strange. There’s just something about him that I feel he backs everything he says or gets involved in. He backs music for all the right reasons and this is his band’s EP. I can respect a guy like him. I back this EP.

14. Adele - 21

When it first came out, I got really into it. I was grooving. I’d be working, getting shit together and listening to this like, “Saaaaang it, guurrrrrl!” That song, “Someone Like You”? Oh, man. That’s good pop music right there, ya’ll.

15. Restorations - S/T

I wouldn’t have found out about this if it wasn’t for ol’ FMQB Promotion Executive Of The Year 2010 AND 2011, Rob “El Chingon” Wilcox. Thanks, buddy. Loved it.

Honorable Mentions

Bon Iver - S/T

After having LOVED their first record and witnessing an amazing live show of theirs, I only had two critiques about this release. 1) I was a little disappointed by this album’s “punch” at FIRST and it kept me away from it. 2) A little too much auto-tune on an artist that just doesn’t need it. Other than that, I think this record was a strong release for Bon Iver and 2011.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I’m With You

Not gonna lie, I didn’t really like this album too much. This would have automatically made my list if John Frusciante was still in the band. Favorite Song though is “Brendan’s Death Song.”

Don’t Believe The Hype

Childish Gambino - Camp - This kid is a total joke.

sideonedummyrecords:

Brian Fallon and Chuck Ragan performing “Great Expectations” live on German TV Show neoParadise

The Revival Tour has allowed for some great collaborations. Performers include: Chuck Ragan, Brian Fallon, Ian Perkins (The Horrible Crowes), Dave Hause, Daniel Andriano, Joe Gingsberg and Jon Gaunt. With such an eclectic group of musicians, each night has been, without a doubt, a special and unique experience for everyone in attendance. Take a peek at this great rendition of a gem from The Gaslight Anthem’s “The ‘59 Sound” album.

Being a part of a label that puts out music like this here is definitely something special.

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Sad Tomorrows / Marvin Gaye / What's Going On

Marvin Gaye - Sad Tomorrows

I’ve been so busy these days that I haven’t had a chance to catch up on my blog. Not only do I try to keep my friends/followers up to date but family members as well as myself. I’ve mentioned over and over again that I like reflecting on where I was mentally at specific times in my life.

In all honesty, I blame work for keeping me away for this long. But it’s a good thing. For starters, at least you all know that I’m still employed. I’m very much so employed as a matter of fact working my butt off to make sure that I’m holding my own in a company where we’re about to release two of the most anticipated records in the independent music scene. In September we will be releasing new albums by The Horrible Crowes and Chuck Ragan. I’m still working radio and warehouse duties at SideOneDummy which is not an easy task but if it’s one thing I’ve learned in my 6 years there is that there’s no room for complaining at work. You do what you gotta do, hopefully it’s your best and you push on forward until the next project comes along. I’m excited about these two records. Having spent plenty of time dealing with releases that have become personal favorites and some that I really can’t understand why we put out, this Horrible Crowes record I think is very special. As a music fan and a big believer in music enhancing one’s life, I can’t wait to have this in the hands of anyone that is willing to listen to it with open ears and an open mind.

I recently attended the Warped Tour. I go every year because I usually need to drop off Warped Comps to our guy, Jon Cheese (nice pic, Emily), who’s out there selling the records for us on the whole tour. After having glanced over the list of bands playing, there weren’t any other bands aside from any SideOneDummy bands (Big D and the Kids Table, Brothers of Brazil and The Black Pacific) that I wanted to check out other than Lucero and Against Me! I checked out all of those bands but I caught a few glimpses of other bands. One of them in particular was a band called ‘Blood On The Dance Floor.’ I was not fond of their music at all. The nice person in me wants to say that they’ve done a great job of fooling tons of kids to give into their “joke.” The mean person in me wants to say that it is the most bullshit piece of shit music I’ve ever heard/seen in my life and it saddens me that they had a big group of young kids just stoked to be witnessing their cringing onstage performance. For those of you who have never heard this band you can check this and this out and I dare you to do so without uttering the words, “What the fuck?” It’s damn near impossible. This is the kind of music that makes people stupid for listening to it. When people refer to bad music rotting the brain, this is the perfect example of that. I was talking to a co-worker of mine about this and he told me that I sounded like “old-back-in-my-days” guy and while that is true, it’s really hard to ignore what kinds of things are getting kids ecstatic about these days. It saddens me, it really does. Anybody see that video of girls in Mexico sobbing over Justin Bieber tickets being sold out? It’s funny right? But when you’re done laughing, doesn’t it just make you a tiny bit sad that that’s the shit that is “devastating” our youth these days? Some bubble gum pop teenager singer that no one will care about in a few years. Yeah, I know The Beatles were stirring up crowds in such fashion many years ago, but you come find me in about 20-30 years and tell me if these Justin Beiber records are still holding up.

It’s a sad world we’re living in today, folks. Economy is a bust. War is never ending. Riots in London. Lately, in all the local news, there have been some crazy just inhumane type killings going on. Some of the stuff I read about happening around us in unreal. And it’s happening everyday, all around us whether the media is covering it or not.

Music and family are my saviors. Music like this Marvin Gaye song here. I was listening to KCSN 88.5 the other day and the DJ, Jim Nelson, wrapped up his set with “Inner City Blues” from the album ‘What’s Going On?’ It put me in a Marvin mood the rest of the day. I had been working on a project with Jim so I emailed him and asked him what he thought was a better record: “What’s Going On?” or “Let’s Get It On”? (Lets make peace Marvin or let’s make love Marvin). He replied that ‘What’s Going On?’ ends with “Inner City Blues” so that seals the deal right there. Another conversation I had was one in which I discussed with another one of our clients my love for the song “Objects In The Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are” by Meatloaf. Now, I’m not sure exactly what I meant to prove by mentioning these two scenarios other than pointing out the importance of having great discussions about solid good heartfelt music. Music that matters. Music that moves you. You know, music that enhances you. Music that makes you a better person. Music that goes beyond a physical attraction the artist. Music that makes you seek more of the same type of music. Most importantly, music that gives you hopes. Music that’s so good that you want to pass along and even if that person doesn’t get it, at least you brought it to their attention. I encourage you to pass along beautiful music to those who you feel will appreciate it. It’s just as good as buying someone a gift but you know, don’t let it replace an actual gift depending on the situation. An mp3 is not a suitable gift for let’s say a baby shower, right?

It’s getting late and finding a clever way to wrap this post up is going to probably take up another 45 minutes or 3-4 more paragraphs and I ain’t got that much time. So just listen to the song. Marvin Gaye gave this song as gift to the world, and if you haven’t had a chance to unwrap this one yet, I’m helping you do just that.

Good Night!

If Chuck Ragan thinks you’re “The Man” then that’s the equivalent of being able to claim you’ve fought 7 grizzly bears. I’m like manly n’ shit.

– Chuck Ragan

Chuck Ragan - Live From Rock Island (Daytrotter Sessions) 10”

Probably one of my favorite and sharpest looking releases here at SideOne. Homedude at Daytrotter rocked some nice artwork for this. I’m supposed to be getting a record player soon from my cousin so I can finally listen to these when we get them in and start collecting other titles as well. I’ve done waited way too long.

Chuck Ragan - It’s What You Will

I’m excited for tonight, the Revival Tour is tonight and I can’t wait to be there with drink in hand, that light buzz throughout my body listening to these heartfelt songs played right in front of me. Last year was excellent and this year i’m expecting bigger and better things. I wish my concert buddy was with me tonight, I know she’d back it. I’ll be enjoying it for both.

Chuck Ragan+Flannel+Acoustic Guitar+Harmonica+a Beard = A Monster.