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Ina 10 ans

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Hello Saferide, Hello #1-2008

«People are like songs, it’s true».

With that statement Annika Norlin and her Hello Saferide start this set. And I think she is quite a song herself. Her tales are all small (honest?) stories, with narrative twists and turns - and they have a very direct feel to them. They are in fact almost painfully open. After listening very quietly (sic) to «I Wonder Who Is Like This One» it was the opening chords of the second track «2008» that made me understand this would be a sweet experience. Sweet as in affectionate, mind you; not at all as in sticky and sugary.

The melodies are (primarily) light-hearted, but the lyrics add unusual depth. Some of these Modern Short Stories remind me of «Luka» by Suzanne Vega, a song which still reminds me of a carefree summer (before I actually started listening to its lyrics), and which I then learned was not supposed to fill me with the joy the melody surrounding its words had offered. (However, I admit hearing «Luka» these days still makes me pleased that sad songs can be wrapped in such joyful music.) And Annika Norlin has the same ability as Suzanne Vega, providing uplifting music accompanied by stories about the more strenuous parts of life. The mentioned «2008», together with «Lund», «Anna», «Parenting Never Ends» and «X Telling Me About The Loss Of Something Dear, At Age 16» are all songs that more than qualify with me – songs that jolt the grading system provided by iTunes. (Like Mr. Yan Friis, when he in a state of euphoria handed The Waterboys «Fisherman’s Blues» approximately 40 out of 6 possible stars in his review in the Norwegian magazine «Det Nye» back in 1988.)

I’m aware of that there may have been released other albums this year that will stand the test of time better than «More Modern Stories From Hello Saferide», but this – my choice – is about which album that reached me most notably in 2008. And there are no doubts about which album that is.

Hello Saferide and Annika Norlin at Wikipedia.

Hear her here at LastFM and MySpace.

Tracklist:
01. «I Wonder Who Is Like This One» – 3:01
02. «2008» – 4:04
03. «Overall» – 2:47
04. «Lund» – 3:15
05. «X Telling Me About The Loss Of Something Dear, At Age 16» – 3:30
06. «Middleclass» – 3:53
07. «Parenting Never Ends» – 3:31
08. «Anna» – 3:10
09. «25 Days» – 4:04
10. «Sancho Panza» – 1:49
11. «Travelling With HS» – 2:40
12. «Arjeplog» – 4:25

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes#2-2008

Fleet Foxes almost made it to the top of my list (as they certainly did – and almost did – on so many other round-ups from 2008 as well). This band have conquered critics and music-lovers with their debut, and it is well deserved. (They are quite pop over at Pitchfork’s offices too...)

Not much more to say, but here are the usual links I provide. You can visit their homes on the internet; at MySpace, LastFM and you can read more about the guys at Wikipedia. Well, I’d like to add that out of many it is «White Winter Hymnal» which is my favourite song on the album.

Tracklist:
01. «Sun It Rises» – 3:12
02. «White Winter Hymnal» – 2:27
03. «Ragged Wood» – 5:07
04. «Tiger Mountain Peasant Song» – 3:29
05. «Quiet Houses» – 3:32
06. «He Doesn’t Know Why» – 3:21
07. «Heard Them Stirring» – 3:02
08. «Your Protector» – 4:10
09. «Meadowlark» – 3:12
10. «Blue Ridge Mountains» – 4:26
11. «Oliver James» – 3:24

Albums of 2008 - #1-10

My favourite albums of 2008:
#01: Hello Saferide – «More Modern Stories From Hello Saferide»
#02: Fleet Foxes – «Fleet Foxes»
#03: Rachael Yamagata – «Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart»
#04: Titus Andronicus – «The Airing of Grievances»
#05: Kathleen Edwards – «Asking For Flowers»
#06: The Big Sleep – «Sleep Forever»
#07: Vampire Weekend – «Vampire Weekend»
#08: Marit Larsen – «The Chase»
#09: Goldfrapp – «Seventh Tree»
#10: Elbow – «The Seldom Seen Kid»
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See the list of albums from #11-20 here.

Rachael Yamagata - Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart#3-2008

That sweet Rachael Yamagata released «Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart» in October 2008, and it’s an album [aah, well it’s two albums actually...] filled with songs that at least warm up a snow-filled, Norwegian winter. Her voice reminds me slightly of Cat Power’s; it is deep, balm-like and jazzy, without the performed music actually being jazz – mind you. As mentioned this album is actually two – and the first ten tracks touches the listener slowly and delicately; tracks like «Elephants», «Sunday Afternoon», «Duet» [with Ray LaMontagne, another of my favourite artists] and «Horizon» stand out to me, but these are all fabulous songs. On the second part – which contain the last five songs – called...Teeth Sinking Into Heart, she speeds up the tempo, and proves that she can sound angry, however though, in a very appealing manner too.

I am the first to admit that I’m overjoyed having discovered Rachael and her music.

Read about Rachael on Wikipedia, check out a review at AllMusic – and another one from a (fellow) blogger in Malaysia. And she is just clicks away on MySpace and at LastFM.

Tracklist:
01. «Elephants» – 4:14
02. «What If I Leave» – 5:03
03. «Little Life» – 4:07
04. «Sunday Afternoon» – 9:04
05. «Elephants (Instrumental)» – 1:46
06. «Duet» – 4:01
07. «Over And Over» – 5:25
08. «Brown Eyes» – 3:46
09. «Horizon» – 8:15
10. «The Only Fault» – 4:04
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11. «Sidedish Friend» – 3:00
12. «Accident» – 4:09
13. «Faster» – 3:50
14. «Pause The Tragic End» – 4:42
15. «Don’t» – 3:09

Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend#7-2008

Vampire Weekend’s self-titled album sounds much more like weekend than vampires. Like a successor to Paul Simon’s «Graceland» in a (rhythm) way, but still totally different. Playful, danceable songs – joyful and happy moods, and most of all a that quality-sign written all over it. Mentioned Paul Simon-comparisons kicks in on track 3 «A-Punk», where instruments, beat and vocal sip inspiration from the same source as Garfunkel’s old partner. The underlying beat, choice of instruments, choir bare all resemblance to African rhythms and music – and it is done in a fab manner. Think driving a 2CV, rolled-back roof and on your way to the beach; with this music in your head you’d be deliberately extending that drive. And you will bring the music with you down to the sand and shores.

(I still can’t believe the choice they made by calling themselves «Vampire» though... «Weekend» would have sufficed!)

Listen to them here at MySpace, check out more here at LastFM and check out background-info at Wikipedia.

Tracklist:
01. «Mansard Roof» – 2:07
02. «Oxford Comma» – 3:15
03. «A-Punk» – 2:17
04. «Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa» – 3:33
05. «M79» – 4:14
06. «Campus» – 2:55
07. «Bryn» – 2:13
08. «One (Blake’s Got A New Face) – 3:13
09. «I Stand Corrected» – 2:40
10. «Walcott» – 3:42
11. «The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance» – 4:03

Marit Larsen - The Chase #8-2008

«The Chase», the second solo–album from little Norway’s pop-princess Marit Larsen is like a box of sweets. Naturally, the artist herself is such a likeable person, I have mentioned previously how she reminds me of the great actress Liv Ullmann, though that point [merely being behavioural traces between the two] has of course nothing to do with this album. The songs are catchy, filled with enjoyable, quirky sounds, containing some untraditional instrumentation and Marit’s own ability to make great pop-songs. It’s exciting to witness this artist develop into becoming such a great songwriter, in addition to that really charming way she inhabits when performing her work. She seems like a cool human being – and she’s hot...

You can read more about her at Wikipedia, be a fan here [Facebook] and listen to her at MySpace or LastFM.

Tracklist:
01. «The Chase» – 3:33
02. «If A Song Could Get Me You» – 3:30
03. «This Is Me, This Is You» – 4:07
04. «Ten Steps» – 3:31
05. «Steal My Heart» – 3:48
06. «Is It Love» – 4:51
07. «Fuel» – 2:07
08. «Addicted» – 3:43
09. «I’ve Heard Your Love Songs» – 3:38
10. «Fences» – 4:44

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree #9-2008

Goldfrapp wondered off to popland with their «Seventh Tree». Beautiful melodies, soft and tender vocal, melodic and warm. This album has served as mental therapy and as a tool of relaxation for me the last year. And – even though this is more pop than the material they have created previously, there is never any doubt about that it is Goldfrapp performing. They have just developed their sound in – to me – an even more accessible form. «A&E» is in my top-15 list with songs from 2008, but some of the other tracks from this album are not far behind. Trés bien!

Goldfrapp at Wikipedia.

Tracklist:
01. «Clowns» – 4:10
02. «Little Bird» – 4:26
03. «Happiness» – 4:18
04. «Road To Somewhere – 3:53
05. «Eat Yourself» – 4:08
06. «Some People» – 4:42
07. «A&E» – 3:15
08. «Cologne Cerrone Houdini» – 4:27
09. «Caravan Girl» – 4:07
10. «Monster Love» – 4:22

The Big Sleep - Sleep Forever #6-2008

The Big Sleep and their «Sleep Forever» is a somewhat slow set of songs, but I really like that. They can be loud and rough in one tune, then settling for the slower build-up in the next. Most of the songs are without vocal, or with a sparse amount of it, so I guess tunes are the more correct term here. I’ve seen reviews that don’t favour this groups slow efforts, but this kind of music is my cup of tea. I particularly like «Chorus of Guitars» and my favourite «So Long», but have no problem listening through the whole set. The Big Sleep deserves a good-morning-greeting from all of us.

Listen at MySpace.

01. «Intro» – 1:21
02. «Slow Race» – 3:11
03. «The Big Guns» – 3:01
04. «Bad Blood» – 4:02
05. «Pinkies» – 4.34
06. «Little Sister» – 3.59
07. «Chorus of Guitars» – 5.13
08. «Tigers in our Hearts» – 2.04
09. «Undying Love» – 3.09
10. «Organs» – 4.07
11. «So Long» – 2.57
12. «Sleep Forever» – 4.50

Albums of 2008 - #11-20

I will probably finally get there, presenting these albums from #11–20, but I must fill in the «blanks» in the coming period. However, for the meantime, this is how it looks:

#11: The Hold Steady – «Stay Positive»
The Hold Steady is going full throttle. First stand-out track to me was the slightly calmer «Lord, I’m Discouraged», which is a beautiful ballad. This record is a safe choice if you’re into rock’n roll (à la...ok, let’s say Springsteen too). Classy story-telling accompanied by piano and guitars. Quality. •••
#12: MGMT – «Oracular Spectacular»
MGMT has two really great songs up their sleeves – and then some. «Time to Pretend» and «Kids» are as good as it gets. Even people with no clues on concepts involving dancing will move their feet to this. •••
#13: The War On Drugs – «Wagonwheel Blues»
The War On Drugs is pleasant new company (even though they have self-released one album before this one). Lyrics and sounds come in a noisy, though melodic landscape. Among many lovely tracks: «Buenos Aires Beach» is the highlight for me, deserves attention – and plenty of repeats. •••
#14: Bob Dylan – «Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol 8»
#15: TSOOL - «Communion»
#16: Kings Of Leon – «Only By The Night»
Kings of Leon is slowly becoming some sort of favourites within their genre. I found their previous album to hold a few stronger songs, but this set ends up on a slightly higher average. Slick and catchy. Guitars, drums and backing-choir-practice for the whole band. •••
#17: Ane Brun – «Changing Of The Seasons»
[To me] A sincere attitude towards «real» music supports Ane Brun’s song-writing. Acoustic, the sounds’ emphasis on string-instruments, guitar-picking – and she sings like an angel. Stand-out tracks; «Changing of the Seasons» and «Linger With Pleasure». •••
#18: Calexico – «Carried To Dust»
Now this is tex-mex in perhaps the original meaning of the word. Calexico is an orchestra that draws upon musical traditions from both sides of the border [between Mexico and the States]. It is folk-music, swinging, Spanish (Mexican) and Am-English lyrics. •••
#19: Bonnie ’Prince’ Billy – «Lie Down In The Light»
Somehow Mr. Oldham starts off sounding less down than usual; (if only an inch or so). But don’t let that put you «wanna-be-miserable» ones off – there are also serious issues to be dealt with here. His finish «I’ll Be Glad» is a masterpiece, and one of my favourite-tracks from 2008. •••
#20: Balmorhea – «River Arms»
Read more here.•••

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2009-01-24:
Status, saved as «published draft» [...to be continued...]

Kathleen Edwards – Asking For Flowers #5-2008

Released; March 4 2008 under Zoë Records.

Kathleen Edwards have delivered a beautiful set of songs. Listen to «Alicia Ross», which is a song with lyrics based on actual events, expressed by Edwards in such a sincere way. But before that she has opened with three strong pieces. I admit; I like her voice [actually, I love her voice], but alongside that, she makes music that I fall for - it’s among the music that I really like.

«Buffalo» is a sweet, calm song with Kathleen weaving words that make out the story. The second one «The Cheapest Key» is faster, lighter – more upbeat. But already on the title-track Edwards is back to what she does best, telling stories about more quiet, hushed moments in life.

And then comes «Alicia Ross»...

«Asking For Flowers» is Kathleen Edwards third studio album.

Tracklist:

01. «Buffalo» – 5:15
02. «The Cheapest Key» – 2:42
03. «Asking For Flowers» – 5:02
04. «Alicia Ross» – 5:06
05. «I Make The Dough, You Get The Glory» – 4:37
06. «Oil Man’s War» – 4:01
07. «Sure As Shit» – 4:09
08. «Run» – 3:43
09. «Oh, Canada» – 3:59
10. «Scared At Night» – 4:09
11. «Goodnight California» – 6:28
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12. «Lazy Eye» – 3:29 (bonus track with online album purchase)

MySpace; Kathleen Edwards

Review «Asking For Flowers» at Pitchfork.

Balmorhea – River Arms #20-2008

Balmorhea – «River Arms»

This one is such a treat. You might call it classical indie-music, or you might call it «whatever» you like. Nevertheless, there are string instruments, piano and a certain longful mood throughout the album, and the result is beautiful. Slow arrangements, intense melodies, occasional vocals [without singing any actual words], merely sounds – all carefully intergrated in the final result.

This album has [probably] been overlooked. Surely. Someone should take on the task of waking people. I’m quite sure I’m not the right person to do it, but this is my contribution. If you like classical music, you have a lot to discover by listening to this collection of songs. Grab a beer, no actually, just find a comfortable chair and sit down with this music. Then grab that beer... Stare at the sky, gaze out on the sea, study the waves or the movement of clouds, try listening to trees giving in to the storm – and you won’t find anything to complain about with this as the soundtrack. You just need time. Time to listen.

[This review was written under the influence of amounts of Carlsberg – and the aftermath of good company, following a night out.]

Tracklist:
01. «San Solomon» – 3:43
02. «Lament» – 3:35
03. «The Summer» – 3:56
04. «The Winter» – 5:51
05. «Greyish Tapering Ash» – 3:41
06. «Baleen Morning» – 3:44
07. «Barefoot Pilgrims» – 4:53
08. «Context» – 4:02
09. «Process» – 6:20
10. «Divisadero» – 3:09
11. «Limmat» – 3:22
12. «Theme No. 1» – 5:11
13. «Wind And Sea» – 3:56
14. »San Solomon (Reprise)» – 3:30

Myspace: Balmorhea

Titus Andronicus - The Airing of Grievances - #4/2008

Titus Andronicus / «The Airing Of Grievances»

It was released by Troubleman Unlimited in 2008. The band is from Glen Rock, New Jersey (US), and was formed in 2005. «The Airing of Grievances» is their debut-album. These guys are building blocks of sound with their guitars, drums and loud singing (read: screaming vocal). However, the «noise» they make is of the melodic kind – and is probably suitable when working out in a gym, fighting your way onto public transportation or anything else that makes you sweat. One thing I’m sure of is that it would work well contrasting a quiet Sunday walk.

Tracklist:
01. «Fear and Loathing in Mahwah, NJ» – 5:56
02. «My Time Outside the Womb» – 2:55
03. «Joset of Nazareth's Blues» – 2:30
04. «Arms Against Atrophy» – 5:16
05. «Upon Viewing Brueghel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus» – 4:25
06. «Titus Andronicus» – 3:13
07. «No Future» – 7:39
08. «No Future Part Two: The Day After No Future» – 6:54
09. «Albert Camus» – 6:25

This is how they present themselves on their own blog:
«Titus Andronicus like to scream and carry on at excessive volume. Titus Andronicus like songs which are fast more than songs which are slow. Titus Andronicus think slow songs are okay sometimes. Titus Andronicus never sing about love, only hate. Titus Andronicus have no hope for the future. Titus Andronicus believe only in nothingness. Everyone in Titus Andronicus was born to die. Titus Andronicus crave your approval but will settle for your utter disdain.»

http://titusandronicustheband.blogspot.com

MySpace | Pitchfork (review) | Wikipedia

Label as: Shakespeare, Albert Camus, «...your life is over...»