But it pours. Man, it pours.

I'll just leave this here...

Please, use this song

Jon Lajoie strikes back.

Five Star Songs: Care of Cell 44

I don't watch Mad Men. I'd like to, I find the show to be very appealing, but I didn't jump on the bandwagon before the seasons piled up and it was too late. Anyway, the latest episode featured a song by The Zombies and it immediately stirred some waves between the oldies lovers. Slate wrote a nice article about it and I encourage everyone to read it. The song is called This Will Be Our Year and is taken from the band's 1968 masterpiece album, Odessey & Oracle. For today's edition of Five Star Songs, though, I chose a different song from that record, Care of Cell 44. It's the album opener and, as such, sets an incredibly high standard. Luckily enough, the rest of the LP keeps up wonderfully.

The Zombies are one of the lesser known bands from the 1960s, but also one of the very best. They released only two studio albums in their first incarnation, that lasted from 1962 to 1968. The debut is mostly significant for containing their biggest hit, She's Not There, which was recently used in a Coco Chanel commercial. But that song was only a sign of things to come, because The Zombies' vastly superior sophomore album is what they will be remembered for.

The Zombies weren't breaking any new ground with Odessey, as the psychedelic era had already been a few years underway by the time they recorded it. Originally, the album wasn't even very succesful. But time proved to be very generous to its blend of baroque pop and jazz, and it has since become one of those endearing classics. Rolling Stone has it at #100 in its "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, it's included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and, above all, is a staple of my humble CD collection. I hope you enjoy it too.

The New Pornographers

If anyone asks, tell 'em I'm busy. But just between us, I can always find the time for discovering new music.

The New Pornographers are a Canadian indie rock band who have released five studio albums to date. The song Crash Years is taken from the last one, which came out in 2010. I must admit, though, that all of the albums are rather brilliant. I've been spinning them constantly for these past few days and honestly cannot get enough of them. Your thoughts?

You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive

I love Justified. It's one of the best scripted shows on TV. The penultimate fifth season has just finished, and while it may have been a little uneven in parts, the final episodes were once again nothing short of breathtaking. The best thing about the show is that you never know what's going to happen next. The writers have their way of coming up with completely unpredictable twists and solutions, thus keeping the audience constantly on their toes. The world of Justified is inhabited by a wide range of colourful, fascinating characters, most of whom don't get enough screen time, but the heart of the show lies in the relationship between U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens and his rival, criminal Boyd Crowder, the main duo portrayed brilliantly by Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins. Their chemistry is terrific, and so is every scene they share.

A lot of the show's plot takes place in Harlan, Kentucky, and so far, all seasons but one have ended with various covers of Darrell Scott's song You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive. It's a powerful song about the town's coal mining history, but it also sums up Justified perfectly. It has been covered by Brad Paisley or Patty Loveless, among others. Here's the original version.

Future Islands

I'm familiar with most US talk show hosts, though I don't watch regularly any of them. I wanted to share a video of Future Islands, who's brand new album Singles is rather brilliant, and this popped up. It was by far the most viewed musical segment on Letterman, and I can see why. Future Islands' frontman Samuel T. Herring dances way better than Thom Yorke. Your thoughts?

Fake Your Death

One more post today. My Chemical Romance released their greatest hits compilation, May Death Never Stop You, earlier this week. This is the first track on the album. It was one of the last songs the band recorded together, presumably some time in 2012. Last week, it had been a year since My Chem called it quits and, I hope I won't sound overly melodramatic, left a void that cannot be filled. Fake Your Death is their eulogy.

I Wanna Get Better

One of this year's big surprises. I was just wondering what fun. were doing, because I haven't heard about them in a while, and as it turns out, the members were keeping themselves quite busy. The band's lead guitarist, Jack Antonoff, for example, has been working on a solo album which is due out later this year. He's only released one song from it, but what a song it is. Your thoughts?

Fever

It's been over two years since El Camino came out, so it was about time The Black Keys released something new. Well, there it is. If you missed the the teaser for the new album, named Turn Blue, earlier this month, check it out here. It's worth it. Or you can just listen to the first song from the upcoming record, called Fever.

As for me, I think the song is pretty enjoyable and I can totally see some progress there; however, I guess I'm not as excited for it as I could be. Your thoughts?

Lost In The Dream

Best album of the first quarter of 2014? Well, I think I have a winner. If you're feeling any kind of nostalgia for the '80s, or even if you don't, dive right in.

Winter Hymns

To be honest, I haven't listened to Charlie Simpson for quite some time now. His debut album, Young Pilgrim, was great and all, but it got overplayed eventually. Nevertheless, there he is again with fresh material. Musically, it's nothing new, this road has been walked down many times before, but it's still quite pleasant, and as a long time fan of Charlie's, I'll always be interested in whatever he's up to. I only wonder if he's ever gonna release another album with Fightstar. Your thoughts?

Did somebody say "eclectic taste"?

Something for the friday evening -- a song from one of my playlists from the sixties. It used to be popular here in its czech version from a while ago by I don't know who, because we Czechs have the bad habbit of re-doing everything, which is painfully evident especially in music. But the original is, of course, miles better.

Why I'm posting this? I don't know. It has just come up on my playlist, I think it's a great song and I think they don't make them like that anymore. Enjoy.

Cuckoo!???

So the other day I was researching a band I like on Wikipedia, and saw that the lead singer was involved in another band, called Neon Horse. I had never heard of them, so I looked them up on YouTube. I have to admit, it's strange but intriguing. And I've been racking my brain trying to figure out who they sound like. The lead singer's voice during the first verse sounds so familiar! Any suggestions? At first I was thinking maybe Cage the Elephant, but that's not quite it. All I know is I like it.

FUCKMYLIFE666

Ha, it's been a long time since I posted something from vimeo. Against Me!'s latest album is without a doubt one of the highlights of early 2014. Here's a brand new music video for the song FUCKMYLIFE666. Thoughts?

Christian Music Corner: Stavesacre

Stavesacre seems all but forgotten nowadays. Although they were never big like Creed or P.O.D., they consistently put out excellent music from 1995 to 2009. Stavesacre was formed by members of the crossover thrash/punk band The Crucified, as well as members of hardcore punk bands The Blamed and focused. But their musical style doesn't really reflect much of the thrash or punk origins, instead going for more of a hard-rock sound more in the veins of Project 86 and... well, I'm not really sure. It's hard to categorize Stavesacre or offer a similar band for comparison. So, as with my previous posts, I'll just link to some of their songs and let you judge for yourself.

Here's a song from their first album, titled "Threshold":
From their second album, here's "Colt .45":
From their third (also my favorite) album, here's "Sundown Motel":
Also from their third album, here's "Gold and Silver":
From their 4th album, here's "Witch Trial":
From their 5th and final album, here's "The Trouble With Being Born":
Like with other posts, if you don't like one song, try another. There's quite a variety out there, and many of their songs are available on YouTube for your listening pleasure. Let me know what you think!

Everything Is Awesome!!!

Everytthing is awesome! Everything is cool when you're part of a team!

You guessed it. I went to see The Lego Movie over the weekend and words cannot describe how much excited I am about it. It's extremely funny, heartfelt, and all around perfect. I've been a fan of Phil Lord and Chris Miller ever since the first "Cloudy" movie, but they really outdid themselves this time around. All the cast did an amazing job voicing the characters, but Morgan Freeman gets to say the funniest lines. If you have ever held a Lego brick in your hand, do yourself a favour and go see it now.

Much has been also written about the insanely catchy main song, but what I didn't know was, that it was sung by Tegan and Sara and also featuring The Lonely Island. Whatever you think of it, you can't deny it has a certain brainwashing quality. I love it.

Your thoughts?

st. tropez Albums of the Year 2013

These days I know I don't make it around as much as I once did. Work keeps me pretty busy, but I still manage to check the site and read the posts from time to time, even if I am unable to contribute on the message boards or in the updating of new posts. However, as has become customary over the last few years, I still compile a EOTY list of my favorite albums. Being the member of n-a-r that has quite an eclectic taste in music, mostly stuff few people have heard of, I look forward to sharing with you yearly. Below you will find my top 20, with a more detailed message for the top 10. Enjoy.

EPs of the year: American Authors S/T EP, Magic Man You Are Here EP, Sir Sly Gold EP, Bear's Den Without/Within EP, Smallpools S/T EP, and Little Children Falling EP.

20. James Blake "Overgrown" (electronic downtempo singer)
19. Jason Isbell "Southeastern" (blues americana, former lead singer of drive-by truckers)
18. CHVRCHES "Bones of What You Believe" (electropop from Ireland)
17. Tunde Baiyewu "Diamond in a Rock" (singer/songwriter adult alternative from England. Imagine Aloe Blacc meets Tracy Chapman)
16. Air Review "Low Wishes" (indie rock)
15. Bastille "Bad Blood" (alternative/indie rock)
14. Andrew Belle "Black Bear" (singer/songwriter with moments of intertwined electronic sounds)
13. Justin Timberlake "The 20/20 Experience" (mainly part I)
12. Sleeping at Last "Atlas" (indie singer/songwriter)
11. Kacey Musgraves "Same Trailer Different Park (country/grammy winner)

10. Penny & Sparrow "Tenboom"

Easy listening folk duo from Texas. Reminds me of The Swell Season minus the accent, but deep, honest, and hurting lyrics. Great listen, and a band that is on the rise within the industry. 

9. Green River Ordinance "Chasing Down the Wind"

Americana, almost borderline country with some of their tunes, GRO is a band i've been fans of for some time, and as their sound keeps evolving, I continue to be infatuated with their sound. Nothing amazing about this album, just very well written and an album I can turn on during most any mood and connect with. 

8. John Mayer "Paradise Valley"

Mayer is Mayer. I love everything he puts out, and while i'm still waiting for another album to hold a light to the powers of Continuum, I welcome the grassroots change he's brought about. You look at musicians he admires like Clapton, and you see the growth and change during their career, and Mayer is experiencing that now. Before long, I think we all will get a revisit from the Mayer that made him great. 

7. J. Cole "Born Sinner"

I never claim to be a rap connoisseur, but I can usually listen to a rap album and tell if it's good or not in the context of flow/lyrics/etc. Born Sinner blew me away, mainly with the first track "Villuminati". All around, I thought this was the best rap album of the year.

6. Vampire Weekend "Modern Vampires of the City"

This album got a ton of love this year from everyone, and I agree with the love. I never touted myself as a VW fan, not really understanding the hype of the first albums, but I understood it with this. Infectious indie pop rock with hooks that are just great. Enjoyable album, and I think I am buying into the bands hype now. 

5. There Will Be Fireworks "The Dark, Dark Bright"

The bands first album was a top 10 album for me a few years back, and the sophomore album did not disappoint. From the second I heard the song/saw the video for "Youngblood", I knew this album was going to hit me just as well as the first album.

4. Gabrielle Aplin "English Rain"

Again, nothing special here. English singer/songwriter who broke out this year, touring with John Mayer and the likes . Infectious songwriter with crazy well written pop songs. This album came along to me at the right time and at the right place. Can't argue with fate. 

3. Volcano Choir "Repave"

I never really was a huge Bon Iver fan, but I enjoyed the first VC album. Not enough to become a huge fan, but enough to be excited about Repave. My excitement was blown away by this album, and I personally think it's better than anything Bon Iver ever released. Call me a cynic, or just call me someone who thinks Justin Vernon is great at his craft, but better when I can actually understand what the hell he is singing and saying.

New band on the block

2. The 1975 "S/T"

New band on the block, and I was absolutely blown away by the album. I'd been following their progression from EP to EP, but put them all together with a more polished sound and you hit a wonderfully mastered disc. "Success is brittle." Wise words spoken from a young man who, at the age of 18, was addicted to cocaine. The battle of life, love, drugs, rock & roll, and teenage angst shine through in the bands debut S/T, the band was given tour dates with Bastille and were even hand-selected to open some dates for The Rolling Stones. For a group of youngsters, that is a huge thing -- and for their overly enjoyable brand of pop rock, it's something that will take them a long way. 

1. Foy Vance "Joy of Nothing"

I realized this year that I pretty much love everything Glassnote Records puts out. From Mumford and Phoenix, to Two Door Cinema Club and CHRVCHES. Foy is another. Irish singer/songwriter just hit it out of the park in my opinion with this release. I caught wind of the first single, "Joy of Nothing" probably in March, and since that day I became obsessed with it. Once the album as a whole was released, I realized how much heart and soul this album had. Lots of outlets have been getting behind Foy and pushing him as the next big thing, with iTunes declaiming him of the best albums of the year for his genre, to websites saying he is a "must watch" in 2014. The album didn't really take off upon release, but thanks to songs appearing in movies and TV shows (namely "Feel for Me"), he continues to slowly climb the charts. Eerily similar to the road that The Fray took when they first launched their major label debut, and how it wasn't until 4-5 months after the release that they just blew up everywhere. 

That is all for now. I hope you enjoyed this little rundown, and I hope you check out some new music. Best to you all in 2014.

Five Star Songs: Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)

Tonight, I'm gonna share with you a song, that's been stuck in my head for these past few days.

When Melanie Safka, a twenty-two-year-old singer from New York and a prettier version of Carrie Fischer, was walking up the stage at Woodstock at 10:50pm on the first day of the festival, she was pretty much unknown. Half an hour later, she went down as a celebrity. During her set, people started lighting candles and lighters to fight the rain that had been falling. It must've been a powerful view to behold. Melanie later wrote a song about that experience and released it as a single from her third album, Candles in the Rain, in 1970. It became her breakthrough hit, reaching top ten on charts all around the world.

This is one of the best songs ever written about the festival. It's up there with Joni Mitchell's Woodstock and its cover by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The gospel chorus is what really gets me, I just can't get enough of it. Your thoughts?

Albums of the year 2013, part II

Let's move on to the second and final part of this list.

#10 AM
Arctic Monkeys

Long gone are the southern-ish experiments of Humbug, Arctic Monkeys are now striving to become everyone's favourite rock'n'roll band. While Suck It And See saw the band stranded somewhere in between, AM seems to be the album to get them all the way there. I have to admit this is the most enjoyable Monkeys' record in a while, and Knee Socks is one of the most fun tracks of the year.

#9 Trouble Will Find Me
The National

You should already know what to expect from The National come their sixth studio album, and you should also know they will take your breath away regardless of what you expect. Trouble Will Find Me is deeply atmospheric, painfully beautiful and seductive, expanding upon their past efforts in every way.

#8 Waking On a Pretty Daze
Kurt Ville

The feel-good album of the year. The semi-title track almost hits the ten minute mark, but don't let it discourage you, it's an absolute joy all the way through. Luckily enough, the rest of the record doesn't fall behind, and the word "mellow" gets a whole new meaning in its context.

#7 Damage
Jimmy Eat World

Constantly releasing good albums is a nice habit. And no one does it better than Jim Adkins & Co., bringing joy to all the emo souls out there for a good two decades. Saying that this was the most anticipated release of 2013 for me would be an understatement, but Jimmy Eat World proved times and times again they have little difficulty living up to the challenge. Damage is sort of a return to roots for the band, who tossed away the glitz of modern day studio production and took a surprisingly raw approach. The result is an album that could go down in history as one of their career highlights. Just wait till you see those songs played live.

#6 Opposites
Biffy Clyro

If Biffy wanted to step up from their previous effort, Only Revolution, releasing a double album was the only logical way. It was a bold move, but it proved to be the right one. Bigger in every sense, Opposites keeps rushing forward, never losing itself in meaningless self-indulgence, making up for those four years without any new material. Oh, and the songs make for a killer live show, too. Overall, Biffy Clyro are easily one of the best rock bands in the world today. (My review)

#5  Reflektor
Arcade Fire

Released to huge expectations by the end of October, Reflektor still leaves me puzzled two months later. It is perhaps due to the dancier nature that I haven't been able to connect with it on the same level as with the more guitar-driven Suburbs three years ago. However, it's definitely a grower, and it has its stellar moments, especially in the second half, that can compare with the band's most glorious achievements (Hey Orpheus, Afterlife).

#4 Rewind the Film
Manic Street Preachers

They may get older, but their music doesn't, and it certainly doesn't lose its punch, even in its mellow and quiet form. Or is it just a calm before the storm? (My review)

#3  Heartthrob
Tegan and Sara

In January, Tegan and Sara released their first full-on pop record, but to this day, many people still haven't come to terms with the change of style. Personally, I couldn't get enough of it. I was saying it then and I'm still saying it, this is the best album the twins have ever made.

#2 Bloodsports
Suede

Suede, one of those bands I always knew I should check out but never really got to it, until their first album in eleven years offered an opportunity I couldn't pass. I'm always eager for some good britpop, and, well, it doesn't get much better than this. It's the first three tracks that really shine, but fortunately, the rest of the album doesn't lag far behind. Suede manage to sell it with confidence, elagance and energy that bands half their age could envy.

#1 Random Access Memories
Daft Punk

Ever since RAM was released, I kinda knew it would end up seizing the top spot. For me, this album will probably symbolize "the perfect record" in the years to come. Perfected to the point of near absurdity, encompassing four decades of popular music while also looking forward, overflowing with ideas and compelling details, this is the closest albums come to being timeless. Get Lucky might be one of the biggest singles of the year, but the greatest accomplishment of RAM lies in utilizing the album format to its full potential, in a contrast to the single-oriented music world. It may seem cold on surface, but there's a warm, beating heart underneath. (My review)

Honorary mention: Conventional Weapons
My Chemical Romance

Though not a proper album, it's a rewarding parting gift and the last goodbye from a band that used to mean a great deal to me. (My lament)

Albums of the year 2013, part I

First of all, happy new year to everyone!

Since every respectable magazine has already revealed its end of the year lists long ago, it's my turn now. Looking at the last year's list, it got me thinking, which albums of those twenty stood the best the test of time? Which ones did I come back to this year? Well, as far as can I remember, I did spin Lonerism and Battle Born a couple times, but due to the sheer quantity and quality of the new releases, and due to my ongoing obsession with the 1960s, I haven't had the time nor the opportunity to go back to any other older albums. But I'm not complaining.

This year turned out to be very competitive, many great bands graced us with many fanstastic records. I guess it goes without saying that I haven't heard nearly as many of them as I would like to, and I haven't spent enough time with those that deserved it. Hopefully, there are still many waiting for me to discover. For example, I haven't listened to Donald Glover's or Chvrches' new albums yet...

Without further ado, here's the first part of my albums-of-the-year list, I hope You'll enjoy reading it and that You'll find it at least somewhat relevant, despite the fact that *SPOILERS* neither Beyoncé nor Kanye made the cut.

#40 Burials AFI
#39 Loud Like Love Placebo
#38 Comedown Machine The Strokes
#37 BE Beady Eye
#36 Sequel to the Prequel Babyshambles
#35 Real to Reel Sound City
#34 Anthems Pure Love
#33 Pythons Surfer Blood
#32 Static Cults
#31 Dear Miss Lonelyhearts Cold War Kids
#30 Conduit Funeral for a Friend
#29 Sempitermal Bring Me the Horizon
#28 Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action Franz Ferdinand
#27 MGMT MGMT
#26 Volume 3 She and Him
#25 Days Are Gone HAIM
#24 Desire Lines Camera Obscura
#23 New Paul McCartney
#22 Where You Stand Travis
#21 The Next Day David Bowie

#20 MCII
Mikal Cronin

These are some catchy tunes. Mikal Cronin churns out pretty melodies and heavily distorted riffs, creating an irresistible wall of sound on an album, that is over too soon and leaves you craving for more.

#19 Lysandre
Christopher Owens

I was spinning this album non-stop for a good few weeks during February and March. Running just shy of 30 minutes, it is the shortest concept album I might've ever heard. Powered by a beautiful central melody, it could just as well be a soundtrack to any Wes Anderson movie. (My review)

#18 Junip
Junip

This swedish band was completely unbeknownst to me prior to the release of their sophomore album. Then I heard the song Line of Fire, and today, they are one of those few psychedelic indie rockers I will keep a close eye on in the years to come. The self-titled album is a rewarding listen, refreshing in its subtlety, with songs that take time to truly unfold.

#17 Bankrupt!
Phoenix

To be honest, Phoenix's follow-up to the highly succesful Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix wasn't among my anticipated albums and it left me quite cold upon its release. The first time I got into it was after watching Now You See Me, which had the leading single Entertainment featured in its closing credits. I loved the movie and fell in love with the song as well, and it eventually made me appreciate the whole album. What a ride.

#16 ...Like Clockwork
Queens of the Stone Age

You know it's been a competetive year when QotSA are all the way down at #16. I always had an ambivalent relationship with the band's music. While I loved half of their songs, the other half was just "meh", and the albums as a whole were therefore pretty much disqualified from repeated listens. ...Like Clockwork is not the case, though. For me, it works on every level, it's their first record I like front to back.

#15 Modern Vampires of the City
Vampire Weekend

All these years, I had no idea what the fuss over Vampire Weekend was all about. Then the band released their newest record and it finally hit me. This was the kind of revelation Some Nights had been a year ago. It's pure pop, but it's not dull. It actually couldn't be further from that. And it's really fun.

#14 Holy Fire
Foals

Yeah, I didn't understand the appeal of Foals either until their latest album dropped on the shelves. Thankfully, they finally ditched that math-rock thing and moved to a more accessible sound, while still managing to maintain their indie credibility. Anyway, just listen to Inhaler, that song alone should win the album a spot on any list this year.

#13 Kveikur
Sigur Rós

...and I could say pretty much the same thing about Sigur Rós. Compared to their previous efforts, Kveikur is a lot less ambient, a lot more melodic, and an open arms invitation for any new fan who couldn't get involved the last time around (or the last six times for that matter).

#12 Tape Deck Heart
Frank Turner

Fantastic album. My favourite music to mow the lawn to. I know that doesn't say much, but it's kind of a big deal for me.

#11 We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic
Foxygen

Every year, there's at least a handfull of bands trying to win the Beatles comparisons. This year, none has been more succesfull at that than Foxygen. Of course, it would be useless if the songs themselves weren't any good. Which, luckily, they are. If you're not sure enough whether to check them out, just start with the incredibly addictive San Francisco. If that doesn't win you over, than I don't know what will.