Mixtape #9: My Favorite Music Of 2011

Well, it's been quite a year hasn't it? This week, I'm going to bombard you with my favorite music of this year. I've split it up into four categories: Favorite Discoveries, Favorite New Artists, Favorite Surprises, Favorite Albums. Lets get started, shall we?

Favorite Discoveries

This is where I pick out bands or musicians who've been around for awhile, but I haven't heard about yet.

Track 1. Pearl And The Beard - "Douglas Douglass": When I first heard these guys, I was instantly hooked. Their songwriting is pretty simple, but they beef it up with whatever they can. (Including bell sets, cellos, and three way harmonies.) This band just makes me feel great. This album has songs that make you laugh, and songs that may make you tear up (at least inside).

Track 2. Josh Garrels - "White Owl": I'm honestly surprised that more people don't know about this amazing guy. With this album he partnered with an astounding music organization called Mason Jar Music,  They recorded his songs by adding simple stringed instruments and a lot of color to his soft voice. (Not in a bad way, of course. But in a beautiful way.) Oh, and I should also mention that this album is 100% free. You can download it here. This album just beautiful, what else can I say? It's has everything; short songs, epic songs, soft songs, loud songs, instrumentals . . . everything. The whole album sort of unfolds into this striking piece of art.

Track 3. The Wood Brothers - "Stumbled In":  This is another band that I just fell in love with the first time I heard them. One of the best kept secrets in the world of music. I really do need to ask the strange question: why don't a lot more people like this band? Their music is accessible, but in no way "half-baked" or only skin-deep. Great, fun, solid music.

Favorite New Artists

There were a lot of great, new ideas brought to the table this year. Here are some of my favorites. I can't wait to hear more from each of them.

Track 4. Givers - "Up Up Up": Whenever this band is summoned, it immediately pumps me up, and makes me smile. The first time I heard them, I was sold. I bought the whole album shortly after. Just an exploding band with huge sounds and epic songs. I also love how much fun they're having while playing their music. It's always nice to hear musicians that believe in what they're playing. And I cannot WAIT to see them live! (Just as a random not, I did see them live. IT WAS AMAZING. I even got the whole band to sign my ukulele!)

Track 5. James Blake - "I Never Learnt To Share":  A strange and challenging artist to listen to, this song also being one of the most challenging on this record. A lot of people compare him to artists in the dub-step genre, another popular music scene emerging this year. What he thought of that, along with his opinion on dub-step you can read here. (Read this next section after listening to some of the song first.) This certain track I was curious about the meaning behind it. After some research I actually discovered that he was actually an only child, which he always resented. Just thought that was an interesting note to share. This guy's been getting a lot of attention this year, and I can't wait to hear more from him.

Track 6. Alabama Shakes - "Hold On": I love this band. Her voice is just outstanding. Not even that word describes it. It's flawless. Her voice is like Billie Holiday-meets-Janis Joplin. I really could go on more about her voice, but I won't. They are very new to the scene, but I can tell you now: these guys are going to be huge. They were picked as Paste Magazine's New Band Of The Year, and also one of All Songs Considered's favorites of 2011.

 My Biggest Surprises

Track 7. James Blake & Bon Iver - "Fall Creek Boys Choir": When I first heard that James Blake & Bon Iver would be collaborating to make a single, I was (of course) surprised. I really didn't know what to expect. I think you probably have a bit of a background on each one. Both artists are very ambitious, and extremely talented people, but you wouldn't really think of putting the two together. When I first heard it, I was challenged. I can honestly say it was like nothing I've ever heard before. But after a few listens, I was in love. So I guess I challenge you to try and like it also.

Track 8. Hugh Laurie - "St. James Infirmary": This is the polar opposite of the last track. You will not have a hard time listening to this one. In fact I'm almost positive that you will instantly love it. I admit I was NOT expecting something as good as this from Dr. House. I did know for a while that he was a musician, but I definitely didn't see this coming. This album is awesome. It has some originals like "Let Them Talk","You Don't Know My Mind" and "Tipitina". But it also has some traditional songs like the one you're about to hear, "John Henry" and "Six Cold Feet". To sum everything up, this album is a lot of fun, easy to listen to, but also very musical and filled with talent.

My Top 3 Albums

Album #3: Peter Bjorn & John - Gimme Some - "Dig A Little Deeper":

Who knew that three Swedish guys could make music as awesome as this? This is one of the only records I got this year that my whole family likes. In fact, we were just singing along to it earlier today. I saw these guys about three months ago, and they were AMAZING. They played their music with energy and excitement, but they also kept their cool. There is not one song on this record that I don't love. I would say that the meaning of the whole album is just having fun, and living life. This record has a knack for putting a smile on my face. Hats off to these guys for this phenomenal album.

Album #2: Bright Eyes - The People's Key - "One For You, One For Me": 

I love it when artists take on huge subjects, and that's exactly what this album is. You can probably tell by the title, "The Peoples Key" that this album will revolve around humanity, and the meaning of life. This album brings up enormous questions, then either tackles them, or leaves them how they should be: unanswered. The album kicks off, and is constantly riddled throughout with advice and secrets regarding the meaning of life and lizard aliens by Denny Brewer.  (In order to understand the full artistic scope of this, you must listen to the entire album.) This song you're going to hear is the closing song and really just wraps it up by saying that in the end, we must love one another. There have been a few times when I've cried listening to this song. I really can't sum it up any other way besides saying that I love this song; it has changed me.

Album #1: (Drum roll please . . .) Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues - "The Shrine/An Argument":  

I've heard it said many times that the second album of a band is the hardest album ever. With the first album being 20 years (or more) in the making, it's hard to make something that will, again, please your fans who are expecting something you're not sure you can deliver. So, you can imagine the huge pressure for this band, their first album getting tons of attention all over the place. Well, I can say with confidence that this album blows the last one right to pieces. It takes on similar themes as The People's Key but with a much more personal feeling. The album deals with lead singer Robin Pecknold's struggle to find meaning in this huge world, filled with people. His lyrics are soaked with personal conflict and nihilism. In the first track "Montezuma" he croons, "So now I am older, than my mother and father, when they had their daughter, now what does that say about me?" This track you will hear is the biggest song on the record, about him and a past complicated relationship. Also, to this date this music video is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. I would say to best express the meaning of this record is this: the meaning of life is to serve something bigger than you.

On a final note, I want to take the time to say that I am not saying that this music here is "the best" or even that "you should like this music". (At least I hope I'm not communicating that.) These are just my favorites, as indicated in the title. Also, I don't consider myself a music critic in any sense, in fact I extremely dislike music critics. To me, music is all in the eye of the beholder. If the artist thinks that what they are offering is the best they can give, I respect that, whether I like it or not. I don't believe that some guy sitting in his office has a right to have universal rule over whether or not you should like a band, album, or song. I'm just a music junkie, that's all. If you don't like the music on here, that's okay with me. I just hope you find something you enjoy as much as I enjoy these.

Peace,
Hunter

P.S. In the new year, I'm going to be making some changes, bloggely speaking. I'm still trying to get a hold of this "music blogger" thing. So stick with me here, I'm really excited for what's to come next year!

Mixtape #8: Christmastime Is Here

This week I have some good news: This mixtape you can actually download and listen to yourself! You don't have to watch old YouTube videos . . . the music's right there!

Here's the link: you're welcome!

P.S. I'm taking a little break over the holidays, but brace yourself! For my first mixtape of the new year, I'm going to bombard you with "My Favorite Music Of 2011".

Peace And Happy Holidays,
Hunter

Mixtape #7: Love, Love Love

Can't you just feel the love? This week I'm putting up my all time favorite love songs. In fact, now that I mention it, any song marked with an asterisk will be playing at my wedding. (So this gives you a little peek into the future.)

Track 1. The Beatles - "When I'm Sixty-Four"*: A very sweet and simple song, but has a huge place in my heart. Another one of my all time favorites (you're going to hear this a lot on this post.)

Track 2. Bright Eyes - "First Day Of My Life"*: I could think of a thousand words to explain this song. Sweet, vulnerable, honest . . . the list goes on.

Track 3. Billy Joel - "Just The Way You Are"*: No, don't expect this to be a different song by that other guy . . . is Barny Mars his name? Anyway, this was the first song on my list of wedding songs. (Is it weird that I've already planned all of this out?) This song explains true love in five minutes.

Track 4. The Killers - "Romeo And Juliet" (Originally done by Dire Straits.)*: One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Enough said.

Track 4. Foo Fighters - "Statues": This album has a very dear place in my heart. They took a bit of a different and softer change in this record, and I love it.

Track 5. Guided By Voices - "Teenage FBI": A very simple song. It brings up a problem that so many people can relate to. (Including me.)

Track 6. The Darkness - "I Believe In A Thing Called Love": This is a one hit wonder from a few years back. This song always makes me smile and laugh, but I do think it's also very musical. They remind me way too much of hair metal bands of the 80's.

Track 7. Stephen Sondheim - Company - "Being Alive"*: Without a doubt this is my favorite musical. The whole story of the musical is actually about marriage. And this song is sort of like the grand finale.

Mixtape #6: When It's Sleepy Time Down South

I fall asleep to music every night. It's a habit I've had for almost a year now. Usually when I fall asleep, I have all these thoughts floating around my head, taking my mind hostage, so I can never focus on just sleeping. These songs have always cleared my mind, and helped me out TONS.

Track 1. Louis Armstrong - "When It's Sleepy Time Down South": This was kind of the obvious choice, being that I live in the south, so that's usually where I am sleepy. (Wink wink.)

Track 2. Bon Iver - "Brackett, MI": This is an amazing artist. His music is so intricate and deep. This guy is definitely a keeper. I'm sure of one thing: you'll be hearing about about this guy for years to come.

Track 3. Iron & Wine - "Half Moon": The video doesn't do the song justice so I apologize. Sam Beam really took an interesting turn on this album, but it still has that old Iron & Wine charm. Also, the album art is absolutely fantastic. You can't see it very well in the video, so I'M BEGGING YOU to go to Google or something along those lines and look it up. It's AMAZING.

Track 4. The Ember Days - "Emergency": Half of their songs are instrumental, and totally beautiful.

Track 5. mewithoutYou - "Cattail Down": I don't think anyone would mind me saying that this band is . . . outlandish, but also amazing. One of my all time favorite albums. It's filled with folk instruments and food analogies . . . you'll just have to buy it and see what I'm talking about.

Track 6. Death Cab For Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart": This song is intense. I love how much it builds up and then just tears down. Probably the longest intro to a song, but it really erases your mind and you can just zone out. 

Track 7. Fleet Foxes - "Grown Ocean": I've actually stayed up all night listening to this album, so I guess this isn't exactly sleeping music in my case. But I do still find that it always soothes me. This whole album is phenomenal. Absolutely flawless. (Not to mention this beautiful video.) This also might turn out to be my favorite album of 2011 . . . Blog about that coming up soon!

Mixtape #5: Good Ol' Rock n Roll

Get ready for some head boppin' today. This may be my best mixtape so far. If you're like me, you can't resist just good, classy rock music. And that's what this mixtape is full of.

Track 1. The Hives - "Hate To Say I Told You So": This song is straight up in your face. I also think the video is hilarious for some reason. Extremely classy band.

Track 2. The Golden Dogs - "Yeah!": Please excuse the strange video. Apparently this amazing song has been on an extremely crappy TV show, but it was the only video I could find. Oh well, these guys are still awesome.

 

Track 3. Spoon - "Finer Feelings": I'm bopping my head while listening to this song. It's beat is contagious. I was introduced to this band by my cousin (you know who you are), and have loved them ever since then.

Track 4. The Strokes - "Juicebox": Their songs are so simple, but are still really complex and fun. These guys really fit into that "too cool for school" category. Turn it up and jam out.

Track 5. Arctic Monkeys - "From The Ritz To The Rubble": I put these guys right next to The Strokes being that they've actually covered a few of their songs. This particular band I was introduced to by my sister when I was maybe . . . 9 years old?

Track 6. Peter, Bjorn & John - "Second Chance": Such great rock music. And if you like this song, you HAVE to buy the whole record. It's one of my all time favorites.

Track 7. The Black Keys - "Tighten Up": These guys are straight up rock and roll. Period. Also, this video is pretty darn funny.

Track 8. Wolfmother - "Dimension": They remind me SO MUCH of Led Zeppelin for some reason. (I hope I won't get any haters from that statement.) The first time I heard this song I think I was 8 years old?  I think?

Track 9. Wilco - "I Might": Bob Boilen (from NPR All Songs Considered) described this band as the "best rock band in America." To be honest, I don't think he's to far off with that statement. Listen and you'll get what I mean and what he means.

Mixtape #4: Nostalgia

Memories. Good or bad, we all have them. They always implant some sort of influence in our lives. This week is a little bit shorter for a few reasons: one being that I procrastinated, and two being that time ended up being a lot shorter than I thought. But then of course, your mind can only hold so many memories. This week I'm going to share some songs that have a lot of meaning in my life. Along with that, I'll share some personal stories of why these songs mean a lot to me.


Track 1. "Girl" - Beck: Now, I know what you're thinking. This is the third Beck song I've put on here, and you're probably a bit annoyed by now. But I think it just goes to show how much of an influence he's had on my life. This album Guero I got when I was about 12 years old. (SO LONG AGO.) I remember it being one of the first albums I bought for myself, and really liking it a lot. And of course I still listen to it all of the time these days.

Track 2. "Kaya" - Bob Marley: Ever since I can remember, my dad would always sing this to my older sister (who's name is Kiah). Bob Marley has always been a huge influence in my life.

Track 3. "The Fool On The Hill" - The Beatles: I cannot put into words how much of an influence The Beatles have had on my life. I listened to them for as long as I can remember being in existence. I know it's kind of cliche to "love" The Beatles, but I do think that there people that have a certain spot in their heart for The Beatles. They are timeless.

Track 4. "All By Myself" - Green Day: I remember the first time I heard this song I was nearly crying laughing. I think I might have been 9 years old, but I've never forgotten it.

Track 5. "Suddenly Seymour" - Little Shop Of Horrors: I know it's not exactly manly to listen to showtunes, but oh well, I embrace it! I can recall my dad singing this to my mom all of the time.

Track 6. "Goodnight My Angel" - Billy Joel: This may be my favorite childhood song. I remember my parents singing me to sleep with it, and now I will sing it to my kids. Which is exactly the meaning of the song. That's just beautiful.

Track 7. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen: If you asked me to sing you this song right now, I would sing it for you word for word. (though it might be a little rusty around the edges.) It has also been used rather conveniently in various family gatherings. One time, my family and my uncle's family were out boating, when all of the sudden, it starts storming like crazy. the waves were huge, and we were all scared to death. But then we all started singing this song, and it definitely brought us comfort. Another time, we were at another uncle's house with all of my mom's side of the family. Then the power goes out. We couldn't see a thing, and everyone was freaking out. But then we sing this song, and right at the end of it, the lights come on.

Mixtape #3: Jazz, It's Not Just For Old Folks

I love jazz music. It just makes me feel good. This week, I'm picking out some of my favorite jazz artists. Most are y'know . . . older. But that doesn't mean we can't still love 'em. With this mixtape I'm going for a bit of a different style. I'm selecting a few of my favorite artists, singers and composers, then choosing three songs for each artist.

Artist 1. Billie Holiday - "Strange Fruit", "Lover Man", "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm": The song "Strange Fruit" is one of the most haunting songs I've ever heard. It was written as an anti-lynching poem in the late 1930's. I actually got chills the first time I read the lyrics. And then when you turn over to "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", your mood totally changes. I love that.
Artist 2. Duke Ellington - "Sophisticated Lady", "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", "In A Sentimental Mood": I love this guy's work. His fingers seem to move so effortlessly across the piano keys. He was always having the time of his life on stage with his music. You can tell he was home.
Artist 3. Frank Sinatra - "Girl From Ipanema", "New York, New York", "Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)": He's probably one of the most popular jazz singers ever. And also one of my favorites. He had a very classy style, something that is lacking in the world today.
Artist 4. Louis Armstrong - "When You're Smiling", "Kiss Of Fire", "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans": I can honestly say (straight up) that Satchmo is my favorite jazz artist of all time. And I do not say that lightly. His music has never failed to make me laugh, cry or just feel good. When I first came across his music, I was hooked. He opened my mind to a whole new world of artistry. His music oozes with contentment and pure joy.



Now people, don't forget that there are so many other great jazz artists out there. Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Krupa, Max Roach and so many others that I didn't mention. So don't limit your pallet to what you find here.

Also, next week's mixtape: "Nostalgia".

Peace,
Hunter

Mixtape #2: You Broke My Heart

You know what's coming . . . the tissue box. There are those days (in which I have experienced a few times in my life) where you have that knot in your chest, your brain's rushing with thousands of different thoughts, and you need some time alone. Well folks, here's my playlist for those times in your life. I hope it doesn't bring you down too much.

Track 1. "You Broke My Record (You Broke My Heart)" - Glib: I found this song (which [as of now] is the only song I know by them) through some sort of strange coincidence. It mysteriously landed on a Weezer mixtape my sister's boyfriend gave to me. This song is sad, but for some reason it also makes me smile. I'm just warning you though, I looked everywhere on YouTube, and I couldn't find it anywhere. You can find the song here.

Track 2. "Good Morning Heartache" - Billie Holiday: The title of the song says it all.

Track 3. "Title And Registration" - Death Cab For Cutie: Death Cab has this unique way of somehow putting all of my thoughts into words.

Track 4. "Lonesome Tears" - Beck: This album is in my top 5 albums of all time. Most people describe it as Beck's "breakup album". It's definitely soft, but by far his most emotional work. I love it.

Track 5. "Someone Great" - LCD Soundsystem: If you've ever lost someone, this song is yours.

Track 6. "Sometime Around Midnight" - Airborne Toxic Event: This song gave me chills the first time I heard it.

Track 7. "If It's The Beaches" - The Avett Brothers: The words and instrumental in this song are equally moving.

Track 8. "Someone Like You" - Adele: For me, this is THE sad song of the decade. It just breaks your heart. And who among us hasn't been in a situation at least almost exactly like hers? She puts heartbreak into words.

Well, I hope that I gave you some tunes to help nurture your blues.

Next week's mixtape? "Jazz, It's Not Just For Old Folks".

Mixtape #1: Stuff To Dance To

I started a blog where every week I'm going to make a mixtape of ten (give or take a few) songs. Every week will focus on a certain genre or style of music. My whole mission is to give you bands or music or songs that you've never heard before! This week's mixtape is a fun one: dance music. For me, dance music doesn't have to include thumping bass or strange, ear-splitting fax machine noises. It just needs to have that groove, and that feel. You just have to be able to dance to it. So, ladies and gentlemen, prepare to start jigging. LETS DO THIS.

Track 1. "Dancing Shoes" - Arctic Monkeys: This song actually takes place in a club, and of course is about dancing. So really, it wouldn't make sense not to start off with this song. These dudes have an interesting british-indie-meets-surf rock sound. Check it out! (A little warning so some listeners, there is some cursing in this song.)
Track 2. "Change Your Mind" - The Killers: These guys have a great mix of techno and alternative. This was an interesting pick for me, as it may be their least electronic song on the whole album. Either way, this song has a great feel.
Track 3. "Mack The Knife" - Louis Armstrong: Louis is the toe-tapping master, no questioning that. And this song is classic jazz at it's finest.
Track 4. "Young Folks" - Peter Bjorn & John: Once you listen to the song, you'll understand. The beat is so simple, and yet I can't sit still.
Track 5. "Nausea" - Beck: This whole album (The Information) is a must for head boppers. This guy has an authentic sound. He seems to look at everything differently than everyone else. 
Track 6. "Can't Stop" - Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Chili Peppers just have that gift of funk. This song has a great melody and beat, not to mention an awesome guitar riff.
Track 7. "Up Up Up" - Givers: This is one of my favorite new bands of the year. They have a really fun and earthy feel. You can't help but dance.
Track 8. "Tomorrow Never Knows" - The Beatles: What would a mixtape be without at least one Beatles song?
Track 9. "Gangsta" - tUnE-yArDs: Interesting song. Fascinating artist. It's outside of the box, and I'm bopping my head this moment.
Track 10. "Us V Them" - LCD Soundsystem: I chose this song to be last for a few different reasons. One, it's the longest on this whole playlist. (A wopping eight and a half minutes!) but this also happens to be my favorite song on here. This band without a doubt has "the groove". Not to mention a good sense of humor. The bad news is, apparently, they seemed to have just released their last album. (Sadface.) Oh well, these guys are still a great jam, and so much fun. Dance away!

P.S. I want to give a shout out and a huge TENK YOU VEDDY MUCH to Mr. Seth Thompson for designing the logo/heading/art for the blog. I personally think it's amazing! If you want to check out any of his other amazing stuff (as I have multiple times) go here.

P.P.S Also, if you ever want to suggest ANYTHING to me (whether it be a band, a mixtape subject or you just wanna talk!) you can email me: huntrbrown@gmail.com. (I promise it isn't a typo.)

Peace,
Hunter