This week we'll take some time to talk about the things we liked and the things we didn't, the things that we learned about ourselves (hopefully something) over the course of the last 55+ weeks (when you work in break weeks and whatnot), and where we might like to take this thing next year.
Whether you're a part of our rotation or not, feel free to throw out some ideas and suggestions. (And let us know what you've liked/didn't like thus far as well).
One more thing, David thinks the last week of the year, instead of taking a week off for New Year's, that we could do an optional week where we just talk about our favorite music of 2010. I like it. Since there's no specific listening that week, I think it's doable. What do you guys think?
ReplyDeleteAre you meaning music that came out in 2010, or music that we were introduced to over the year. My problem is that I have not listened to hardly any new music that came out this year, so I may have a hard time coming up with anything to say.
ReplyDeleteStuff that came out in 2010. That's no problem. That's why it's optional. It's also mostly because David does a list anyway, so this is a chance to share it with everyone.
ReplyDeleteOK I will start my review week with my top 10 since we started Music Togetherness (in order). NOTE: You do not have to do this if you don't want, it's just what I felt like doing for review week.
ReplyDeleteHonorable Mention: Rise Against - I don’t have any of Thomas’ artists on my main list, but Rise Against just about made the cut. Had I not had other conflicts (I’m pretty sure the conflict was Phoenix), I may have stuck it out for the show when they played Bonnaroo this summer. Mostly, I really liked what the group was all about, and their music wasn’t all bad either ;)
10. Pixies – I learned that there's a whole lot more to this group than “Where is My Mind?” and I was happy to see it. Although “Where is My Mind” is forever badass. And I love it. That's not gonna change.
9. Jimi Hendrix – is just cool. The end.
8. DJ Shadow- I did not expect to like that week at all, but DJ Shadow really pulled it out. For me, “Entroducing” was the standout. It was super creepy, which I loved. “Stem/Long Stem” was my favorite track. I even put it on the Halloween playlist for this year’s party.
7. Daft Punk – We’re getting ready to go to a trivia night this weekend, after which I hope to bust out “One More Time.” It’s probably unlikely, but no one can deny a desire to dance and party with Daft Punk in the room. If only “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” had actually been in reference to Daft Punk being at Bonnaroo 2010 instead of LCD Soundsystem, I might have died a happy person.
ReplyDelete6. Arcade Fire – “Funeral” was absolutely amazing. Probably among the best we've studied altogether. It was so mellow, yet such a big sound at the same time, I fell in love. That’s all I have to say about that.
5. Radiohead – They may not be my favorite band like it is David's, but there were quite a few gems that week. Although I still consider "In Rainbows" their strongest effort, I loved "OK Computer more with every listen. I will say the experience is quite unforgettable live, as a side note. I didn’t really learn too much that was new, but I appreciated the week nonetheless.
4. Paul Simon – I was surprised at how much Paul Simon I actually was NOT familiar with going into that week, but since then I’ve been impressed with my uncanny ability to pick him out of a musical crowd. And the fact that I can see some of where my beloved Vampire Weekend came from in his sound. Look at that, I actually learned something. And who doesn’t love a week that forces us to listen to Simon and Garfunkel? I've been listening to it on repeat for weeks, recently event. Though I must say, S&G is still by far superior to Simon as a solo artist, but I still give Justin props for a great pick.
ReplyDelete3. The National – This week was an incredible warm up for an incredible show, probably a top 3 highlight at Bonnaroo this year – and it spawned my most favoritist ringtone of all time, the Sufjan Stevens breakdown in “Fake Empire.” Never gets old. “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is still a hard-fought second place for my favorite song from that week.
2. Animal Collective – It was interesting to take another look at Animal Collective through David’s pick. First, I hated them. With “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” I thought they could do no wrong (even with this opinion, I was a little surprised at how excited I actually WAS to write about that album. Can we say “rant”?) If you enjoyed this week at all, check out their EP “Fall Be Kind.” I’m not sure if that was out at the time or not, but it's awesome.
(drumroll please)......
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I'm sure Beth didn't think she was going to see herself on this list, but I am proud to announce my favorite week (outside of my own) since we started this blog award goes to:
1. Imogen Heap – My top honor goes to Beth for putting me onto Imogen Heap. I did have a headstart (my former obsession with Frou Frou’s “Let go” and David’s and my OC habit featuring “Hide and Seek”), and I wasn’t into her new album very much – but this hands down is my most listened to album that came to me via Music Togetherness. “Speak for Yourself” has even landed itself on my top albums of all-time list. Good job.
My favorite weeks of me have been The Decemberists and The Avett Brothers. I started both weeks familiar with only one album in each of their collections, and grew to love each so much they've both landed in my favorite bands list. Go me.
I got into this blog not because I wanted to be schooled in musical history and progression, but because I wanted to find some artists I could love. I definitely found that in the above bands, most notably Imogen Heap, Simon and Garfunkel, The National, The Decemberists and The Avett Brothers.
ReplyDeleteI learned that I tend to like artists that I've heard of briefly before, I guess because I go in with a positive mindset (even though I TRY to do that with every group we do). My musical tastes most closely align with David, which isn't surprising really since most of the music I love that isn't on pop radio was introduced to me in some way or another by him.
In 2011, I'd like to see fewer rules and restrictions on the blog. If everyone else wants to keep reviewing every album each week, they can, but I am not going to have time and I'd prefer to spend what time I do have listening rather than listening for something to write about. I still want to share my opinions each week and discuss the music, but I want what I write to be more driven by how I felt about the music and not how I have to prove that I listened to the required tracks and albums. No calling Shenanigans. No judging.
I also don't mind the idea of theme weeks, or even focusing on an album each week instead of an artist. I don't know, just throwing ideas around. OK I'm done commenting for now.
I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this blog over the last year or so. While at times I may complain about a certain artist, or may not feel like I have enough time in my day to day life to really get a chance to enjoy each artist each week. It has given me a much deeper appreciation of music in general, and in some cases introduced me to artists that I have come to enjoy a lot.
ReplyDeleteAs I was looking at the list of artists we have covered seven artists/groups really stuck out in my memory for me. One of those weeks being an artist of my own choosing which was Ray Lamontagne. I had actually prior to doing that week on Music Togetherness had just become acquainted with him as an artist. It was a week for me to learn more about him as well, and I have to say I was not disappointed; he is now one of my favorite artists.
The next week that really was a standout for me was Jimi Hendrix. While I never had given his music another thought when I would hear it on the radio, (other than to think this guy really knows how to play the guitar). It was quite impressive to think of the skill that he was able to accomplish over his short life span, and how many who may practice for year and years will never be even close to his genius. This was a great week for me to listen to an artist I never really have another thought and really appreciate what he did for Music.
Paul Simon week was a week I remember thinking was going to be easy for me, as I grew up on Simon and Garfunkel. When the week came around I was surprised to see that only one Simon and Garfunkel record had been picked. That being said I was a newbie to any of Paul’s other works beyond that point. I sort of went into each of Paul’s solo works with a little bit of a grudge, as how could he be any good without Art along side of him. Surprisingly enough I was shocked at what a master storyteller he is, and that he can definitely hold his own.
ReplyDeleteMy all time favorite Justin pick has to surprisingly be Bjork. When I saw that we were having a Bjork week I remember thinking how awful it was going to be. To be honest when the week started off it was much of what I expected, with her strange dialect and strange sounds going on. However the beauty of this program is to keep listening, just when you think you can’t listen to another song a twist will come your way, or that thing that was annoying you two seconds ago suddenly sounds awesome. I have come to really enjoy Bjork’s music, and I definitely think she is a great listen when you feel like reflecting on something.
Surprise, Surprise, I have a Thomas pick on my list! Poor Thomas, I am sure he thinks that everyone hates his weeks, but thankfully that is not the case and once in a while he all surprises us with someone we may have second guessed before. Mutemath was surprisingly another of my favorite weeks. I remember thinking that I couldn’t believe my ears and how much I was enjoying song after song. It also brought me happiness to know that this was an artist that he and I could enjoy together, as they seem to be far and few between anymore.
Now my two all time favorites would have to be The Decemberists, and The National. Maybe I have a thing for bands that start their name with the word “the.” The Decemberists were a band I had given a shot in the past and at the time didn’t really do too much for me. Having given them a second go around, thanks to Laura I was very impressed. I remember them being one of the earlier artists we did, and thinking that this was exactly why I wanted to do this blog, to find great music that I may not have ever listened to otherwise. I still have a ton of their songs on my I pod and look forward to their future albums.
ReplyDeleteThe National were my summertime obsession, as I am sure Thomas will testify to. They are definitely an acquired taste, but I truly believe that if everyone gave them a chance they would see the beauty behind their music. I remember David saying that they may be hard to get into, as the lead singer’s vocals are very deep, and almost odd sounding. At first this held very true for me, but as I delved deeper and deeper into their catalogue I was shocked at how moved I was by their music and the beautiful atmosphere they created. Once Christmas is over they will definitely be back to my regular listening agenda.
I look forward to what artists/groups lie ahead for the blog, and how many more times I will end up being surprised by what I end up liking and disliking about Music in general.
My favorite artists to date have been;
ReplyDelete10. Stevie Wonder, while I had always enjoyed what I heard on the radio, it was great to hear the rest of his collection. Most notably ‘For Once in My Life.’
9. Santana, very similar situation to Stevie Wonder only ‘Abaxis’ is the notable album.
8. Ella Fitzgerald, has of the smoothest and beautiful voices I have ever heard out of a crooner.
7. The National, as Beth has gotten more and more into them, I have had the pleasure of the additional listens to acquire the taste that is Matt Berninger’s voice.
6. John Williams, I don’t know if any week made me any happier than John Williams week. I instantly had to run out and purchase a Star Wars soundtrack for the week’s commute.
5. The Heavy, both albums were solid from top to bottom and did not require multiple listens to get into them.
4. Jimi Hendrix, wasn’t aware of how incomplete my life was without ‘Electric Ladyland’ in it.
3. Radiohead, knew for awhile I would probably like them, but their week was better then I had ever expected, most notably 'Ok Computer.'
2. The Decemberists, their song style is right up my alley with a lot of dark themes and Colin’s hybrid vocals of Ben Gibbard and Brian Molko are my cup of tea.
1. Bjork, my only previous exposure of Bjork was the Saturday Night Live skit which gave me the wrong impression. Knowing my love for the female vocal, I had really high hopes and was still blown away. I only have 1 album left to find.
It is also worth noting Imogen Heap and Jamie Cullum would have made this list had I not already been familiar with their repertoires.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked, Arcade Fire’s ‘Power Out’ and ‘In the Backseat’, Dave Matthew’s Band’s ‘Before These Crowded Streets’, DJ Shadow’s “Entroducing” and “Stem/Long Stem”, Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘Small Talk at 125th and Lenox '70’, Mos Def, Travis’ ’12 Memories’, and the first two tracks on Phoenix’s ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’.
And what a review would be incomplete without a least favorite’s list.
5. The Pixies, perhaps re-listening after listening to the rest of our artists could bump this group up a few slots.
4. The Avett Brothers, ‘Die, Die, Die’ is my least favorite song of Music Togetherness, annoying yet catchy = in my head for hours.
3. Parliament, probably knew this would end up hear before listening
2. Jamie Lidell, ‘Multiply’ might be my second least favorite album of Music Togetherness.
1. Girl Talk, perhaps due to the headphones effect.
One other item I have come to appreciate about Music Togetherness is related to my own choices. Prior to this group, I used to just like music…because I just did. I never stopped to think about why. As a result, I have come to appreciate a lot of the artists I follow. Most notably The Action Design and Thrice.
It is also worth noting Cradle of Filth surprisingly has my third best composite score under David’s rating system, which completely blows my mind. Not sure if that means they were that good, or if my picks in general have been that bad. On that note, I have to be the leading candidate for most improved next time around. I have a couple lined up which will be directed towards Laura in our next few ‘normal’ cycles.
As a lover of basically all things musical, this blog has been one of the greatest things that I've taken part in during my lifetime, I think. I got proof of just how much I like this thing earlier tonight, when I tried to get on here to see if anyone had written anything and it said that the blog had been shut down. It turns out that it was just that Laura's email account had been hacked, but for those few minutes I was crushed that all of the work that we've done over the past 14 months might have been lost. While Justin and I have similar tastes in music in that we basically have no boundaries in what we listen to, it's nice to be introduced to something that I might not generally listen to by the other members of the group. No matter how we approach this blog in the future, my only wish is that it goes on for a long time. I think the best is yet to come, as pretty soon we might have to move out of our comfort zones in regards to our picks, due to running out of artists that we love enough to HAVE to choose. In the meantime, though, we've already had a great start, and I feel like I know everyone in the group better than I did before it started. Now for my Top 10 of the first year plus....
ReplyDelete10. Cradle of Filth - This is here due to the fact that it's the biggest pleasant surprise that I've received during Music Togetherness. Based on the (very) limited exposure to the band before Thomas' pick, I was dreading listening to them, which really happened for the first time. Everything changed when I listened to the first album, though, and I realized there was more to the band than just pretending to be pure evil.
ReplyDelete9. Jamie Lidell - Jamie was an artist that I had listened to before, but this was a great week to re-visit one of the best pure yet original vocalists working in music today. Jamie's able to make his music sound inspired by the great soul singers, yet somehow fresh and original at the same time.
8. Ray Lamontagne - Ray was an artist that I had honestly never even heard of before Beth picked him, but I'm definitely glad that she did. Ray's definitely an old spirit for the most part, but he hearkens back to the golden days of r&b and mixes in a bit of folk....both things that I love.
7. Girl Talk - This week was nothing new for me, but I always love listening to Girl Talk. It's the perfect thing for a music nerd like me, because I love to try and pick out each little bit of music that he used to create his piece...right down to the 2 second drumbeats.
6. Gil-Scott Heron - Gil was a guy I'd heard of many times, but had never sat down and listened to. It was really awesome to spend time hearing his thoughts on the condition of the world, and "I'm New Here" has definitely become one of my favorite albums of 2010.
5. The Avett Brothers - These guys have become a band that I've grown to like more and more as time has gone on. While I really enjoyed them during their week, I've listened to them a few times since, and I like what I hear more and more each time. Plus, their show at Bonnaroo this year was awesome...definitely one of the highlights of the festival.
ReplyDelete4. Thrice - I loved Thrice after hearing their first few albums, and after being introduced to their later stuff, I love them even more. 'Vheissu' and 'The Alchemy Index' were better than the stuff I'd heard before. They are definitely the prime example of how to make a heavy rock album sound good.
3. Nick Drake - Once again, this wasn't a new find for me, but Nick Drake is one of my favorite musicians of all time. His guitar playing is some of the best in the folk genre, and his ability to paint a picture is second to none.
2. Rod Stewart - Rod's here based on one album. While the early albums in his career were very good, I just wasn't prepared for the greatness that is 'Every Picture Tells a Story'. It's easily my favorite album that I've been introduced to here, and completely changed my opinion of Rod from just a washed up dude with a couple of good songs to a true artist.
1. Mos Def & Talib Kweli - Going into this week, I had always underestimated Talib Kweli. I loved Black Star, but I really thought that Mos Def outshined him on every level. I still prefer Mos on the album, but listening to 'Reflection Eternal' again for the first time in many years was like a revelation. Maybe getting older has allowed the album to sink in in a way that it never did before, but I had to completely re-evaluate my opinion of Talib after this one. Looking at my last.fm profile (last.fm is a website that keeps track of every song that you listen to either on your computer or on your iPod, and gives you a statistical breakdown of what you listen to the most, based on time-frame, artist, and track), I see that I've listened to "The Blast" more times than any other song in the past 6 months. I definitely expect to see more hip-hop on this blog in the future, but this was a fantastic way to get that genre started.
I guess what I learned from these comments was that Thomas and my tastes are the farthest from one another, which is actually surprising to me. We'll see what these picks geared toward me will bring ;)
ReplyDeleteMusic is such an important part of my everyday life; I want to be immersed in as much of it as possible. The internet provides seemingly endless ways to access and discover new bands and new sounds from everywhere in the world. My hopes with this blog was to expose everyone to music and sounds they weren’t aware of or never gave much of a chance. I always have a plan when I select an artist for my weeks on Musictogetherness, whether its giving due to musical pioneers like Santana, or putting you on another planet with DJ Shadow; maybe I want to give a different perspective to artists you thought you already knew like Paul Simon. Ultimately I want you, the listener, to have brand new sonic experiences; I certainly don’t expect everyone to enjoy the artists I pick as much as I do, the goal is to merely be exposed. You all have done that for me, and I’m thankful. This blog has been a complete success, in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite surprises have come via Thomas. Thrice was certainly a band I thought I had a clear grasp on, pop-punkers with a flair for hardcore tendencies. That went out the window when I listened to The Alchemy Index and discovered a group of fantastic musicians who could make very sophisticated and rewarding music. I never EVER thought I would ever say that I loved a Panic At The Disco album, but I did. Pretty. Odd is an album that destroyed perceptions and expectations and made me think about how many other bands I had maybe unfairly despised and if I should visit their catalogs; that week was a game changer.
I could no longer ignore the greatness of Arcade Fire and Bruce Springsteen, thanks to David. The Boss is a national treasure that I had ignorantly written off as a panderer of American ideals. I now own Greetings From Asbury Park on vinyl. Arcade Fire are great storytellers, in the vein of The Boss, they possess potential that makes me extremely excited about the future of music. The Suburbs is an incredible album.
Ray LaMontagne is fantastic; he’s such a throwback to the great singers of decades past like Van Morrison and Sam Cooke. He’s genuine and he oozes soulfulness that makes you believe every verse he belts out. “New York City’s Killing Me” from his newest album, currently made it onto my most recent road trip cd and makes me really want to see him perform live. His ability to blend blues, country, and r&b so well, sets him apart from nearly every other artist out today.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, The Decemberists week for me was a memorable and great one. Like Arcade Fire, I shunned them because of the embarrassingly ridiculous praise that was heaped upon early in their career. I now understand why they received such accolades. Their use of so many different instruments and sounds really enhance the terrific storytelling of Colin. You really have to listen to one of their albums all the way through in order to get the optimal listening experience; you can really hear and appreciate the work they put into their albums and we the listener are the recipients of fantastic musical landscapes.
My favorite artist from our journey so far, has become one of my favorite groups of all time. The National’s music somehow continues to be more rewarding the more and more I listen to it. I have obsessively listened to them since their introduction to the blog. My journey with them has been a strange one; I still don’t understand how I could not have completely fell in love with them after seeing them perform at Bonnaroo 3 years ago. This music evokes such strong emotions within me that 95% of all other music cannot. Matt’s voice and lyrics paired with the incredible arrangements by the Dessner brothers is so dynamic that it seems unfair to be any other band on the planet. They are giving Radiohead a run for their money.
I really wanted to focus on my most pleasant surprises from the blog. There were so many artists that I already loved that I’m glad some of you were exposed to like: Animal Collective, Jimi Hendix, TV on the Radio, and The Flaming Lips. Here’s to more wonderful exploration and discoveries!