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April 12, 2011
Five Albums You Should Be Listening To Right Now
Great new records chosen by Lydia Simmons, founder and editor of Sunset in the Rearview.
Every week, titans of the mediasphere give Nerve their music recommendations. This week: Lydia Simmons, founder and editor of Sunset in the Rearview, a hip-hop and indie-rock blog that was voted Best Music Blog of 2010 in a poll of 200 music bloggers.
1. James Vincent McMorrow, Early in the Morning
Whether I'm in the best or worst of moods, Early in the Morning always seems to fit perfectly. My ears melt when I hear his whispery voice; my heart melts when I digest the lyrics. Pathetic, but true. He swept me off my feet with this album.
Listen: "We Don't Eat"
MP3
2. Perfume Genius, Learning
This was my favorite album of 2010. Singer Mike Hadreas' voice is filled with gut-wrenching emotion, in part because the powerful songs on this album are all based on true stories from his life.
Listen: "Mr. Peterson"
MP3
3. Alexander, Alexander
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have claimed a pretty secure spot as one of my favorite groups of all time. When I heard that lead singer and performer extraordinaire, Alex Ebert, had released a solo album, I jumped to buy it. I'm still playing this record on repeat. The song included here, "A Million Years," reminds me a bit of Paul Simon, and it takes a lot for me to compare somebody to the legend that is Paul Simon.
Listen: "A Million Years"
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4. K'Naan, Troubador
A fallback album that I can't ever seem to separate myself from. You know, I used to think I wasn't a music snob, but these days I'm pretty sure I'm among the worst of them. The second K'Naan's "Waving Flag" gained popularity among the masses (and I mean international masses — it was the theme song for the World Cup!), instead of being happy for his success, I felt bitter about everybody else discovering my secret obsession. Terribly selfish, I know. I'm interested in his socially conscious subject matter, and of course it never hurts that the music itself is amazing.
Listen: "Take A Minute"
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5. Sufjan Stevens, Illinois
You've already listened to it, I know, but listen to it again. Now, if you're not one for bold statements, cover your eyes. You still there? Okay, cool. Sufjan Stevens might be the greatest experimental musician of our day. Boom. I said it, and I'm ready to defend it. This album, though not his latest, is one I return to time and again if I'm in need of creative inspiration, a boost of happiness, a burst of sadness, or an incredible wave of triumph. If you can't tell, I'm a sucker for storytelling that can rattle your bones. Sufjan just might be sitting atop the throne of that category. He covered all the emotional bases, and six years after the album's release date, it's still on constant rotation for me.
Listen: "Chicago"
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Commentarium (18 Comments)
Not too shabby.
Thanks, Elle!
Although I don't care for the musical arrangements of any of these artists, I do agree they're powerful lyricists.
Thanks for your comment, PixieStick. What type of music are you into?
some old school picks.....internet-time I mean. good selection
Yeah...I agree, but I wanted to shine light on some older music, since this "internet-time" that we speak of doesn't give much music time to shine.
I completely agree with you on Sufjan. The "burst of sadness" part especially resonates with me; I think I've listened to "Predatory Wasp" more than any other song by any artist.
Glad to hear that. I really do get all of those when I listen to the album all the way through. Something about a parading sound of trumpets makes me feel as though I just conquered the world. But songs like Predatory Wasp really do drown me in sadness.
I just posted about Illinois on Facebook. That album is gorgeous in so many ways. The instrumentation is so bewildering; at once it is remarkably simplistic, yet it manages to be this lush, symphonic soundscape. I couldn't agree more!
Sufjan Stevens all the way
I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about Edward Sharpe and Alex Ebert is. Up From Below had a couple really incredible songs, a lot of filler, and some near intolerable crap-fests (like "Jade," which is maybe one of the most annoying songs I've heard in my life), and I'll admit that the band's carnival-like live show is definitely a worthwhile experience, but frankly, I don't need anymore bearded, patchouli-reeking Laurel Canyonites in my ears.
I've got a list of some of my favorite artists, but they are pretty underground. *adjusts thick- framed, prescriptionless glasses* You've probably never heard of them.
All excellent choices ....kodoos to u
No one says, 'WHATEVA! I DO WHAT I WANT!" quite like Sufjan. Me loves hims.
Totally agree about the Paul Simon comment and I, too, don't take that sort of comparison lightly! I know it's kinda cheesy, but I can't help but love it! Thanks for the songs - I have been meaning to get that Perfume Genius album for months, maybe this will finally make me do it!
www.soulecat.blogspot.com
Had never heard James Vincent McMorrow; thank you!!
ThatÂ’s really sehrwd! Good to see the logic set out so well.
We liked Alexander a lot, and the comparison to Paul Simon is apt. The rest, a little wishy-washy over all, though that's just our taste.