Now that July is here, here's my half-year half list.

5. Panic at the Disco: Pretty. Odd.
This album was surprisingly enjoyable as a whole. While there are not many songs that particularly stick out to me, there are still some precious gems, like Behind the Sea, which features guitarist/songriter Ryan Ross on vocals, and the eccentric closer, Mad as Rabbits.

4. Colin Meloy: Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke
Can I even put this here? This is a solo tour exclusive, and it's a shame. It's incredible. When I heard about it, I was pretty skeptical. Sure, he did wonderfully covering Morrissey, but Sam Cooke? I was not so sure.I'm glad that I was won over easily. The first track,Cupid, drew me in immediately, and the brief but lovely EP is an amazing little slice of Meloy's diversity.

3. Ballyhoo!: Cheers!
Addmittedly, I did not even know about this band like 4 months ago or so. But my best friend's brother told me to listen to them, so I did. This reggae rock album is purely wonderful. I don't really have words for it. Just, listen for yourself.

2. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend
I know, I know. They're the "it" band. This year's Artic Monkeys. But, unlike AM, or The Strokes, I really think there is substance behind the band. People constantly compare this record to Paul Simon's Graceland. But, in all honesty, is that really a terrible thing? I'd much rather a band sound like a musical genius than say, My Chemical Romance. I'd choose VW over bands that make terrible, generic music anyday.
The record is poppy, and catchy, and intricate. Gorgeous string arrangements, afrobeat drums, quirky keyboard riffs, yelping vocals. I think that all sounds like the makings of a truly classic modern record.

1. Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs
From the atmospheric opening of Bixby Canyon Bridge to the dreamy ending of The Ice is Getting Thinner, there is not one damn thing about this album that I do not like. I'd say I absolutely adore every millimeter of this record, but sometimes the 4 and a half minute long intro to I Will Possess Your Heart drags a bit. But, the rest of the song is beautiful in the creepiest of manners. No Sunlight is a catchy little number about losing optimism, and Cath... is amongst their finest. Talking Bird is a slowly winding path into the slow and slight You Can Do Better Than Me. The grooviness of Your New Twin Sized Bed is mesmerising. Grapevine Fires angelic chorus is one of the most gorgeous harmonies I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. The upbeat pounding of Long Division is a welcome refresher. Pity and Fear's tabla experiment worked out well, providing the band with a lovely little detour from their usual sound. And the slow, sad The Ice is Getting Thinner is one of the best closers in a very long time. All in all, a incredible record from start to finish.


-O

We've not been here in a while.

I guess I haven't had much to write about. The new Death Cab album came out, and it's great. Listen to it any way possible. Trust me on this. I can't wait to see this material performed live.

In Bonnaroo news, in case you weren't aware, David Cross had to cancel. Damn. I was looking forward to standing in line for hours to see him. He was replaced by Louis CK though, so that's cool. He's funny. Just ask Dane Cook. (OHHH!)

I haven't made another Roo mix, I know, but I've been having trouble listening to anything but Narrow Stairs.


-Orange.

It's a bit early still, but technically, it is the season.

2008 Spring Mix
1. The Elected: Fireflies in a Steel Mill (from Daytrotter)
2. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: Our House
3. Nick Drake: Pink Moon
4. The Flaming Lips: Do You Realize??
5. The Traveling Wilburys: Handle With Care
6. Panic at the Disco: Mad as Rabbits
7. Feist: I Feel It All (Remix)
8. The Good Life: Under a Honey Moon
9. The Grateful Dead: Friend of the Devil
10. Fleetwood Mac: The Chain
11. Fiona Apple: Across the Universe
12. Incubus: Are You In?
13. Iron and Wine: The Devil Never Sleeps
14. Guster: Fa Fa
15. Soul Coughing: Circles
16. Peter Gabriel: Games Without Frontiers
17. The Dandy Warhols: Bohemian Like You
18. Superdrag: Sucked Out

I started on a soft note, went out with a pretty rocking jam, I'd say (at least in comparison), and it flows pretty well, I think. I've been rocking it pretty frequently.

http://www.mediafire.com/?t4zm9du1yyd

Orange.

PS Sorry about there not being a clickable link. The link wasn't showing up when I posted it.

im getting myself in the mood for 'roo

someone asked for this on a community that i watch, so i figured id up it here, too.

i think we had it up once before, but either way, that link has expired.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/li73qv
radiohead, live at bonnaroo, 2006! (i forgot what year they played when i upped it, but i assure you its the correct set.)

hope someone enjoys this. its a huge file though, so beware!!!

~apple.

I've pretty much been a ghost here.

And everywhere else. On a good note, that's allowed me to listen to more new music.

Good: REM "Accelerate", Death Cab "I Will Possess Your Heart"
Okay: Vampire Weekend's self-titled (I definitely understand the Paul Simon Graceland comparison), (suprisingly!)Panic at the Disco "Pretty. Odd".
And lastly, I listened to Bon Iver. I don't really get the hype that's startng to build. Call me crazy. I could not get into it. I tried. :\


-Orange

and now

im swearing off music indefinitely.









just...no.

although i swore off american idol a few years ago, ive been sucked back in this season. i was watching the other night, and jason castro sang leanord cohen's "hallelujah" (most people know this song as covered by one jeff buckley.)




now, the jeff buckley version was released on "grace" which, according to my copy sitting in front of me, was released in 1994. (p.s. what a good fucking year for music!) this was 14 years ago, give or take a few months.

when i opened itunes two nights ago (ironically, to up "grace" to my ipod) i noticed the top-selling singles...number two was "hallelujah" by jeff buckley.


there's something really powerful in that. a tv show that almost wasnt has the ability to bring a song from the attic of indie back to the mainstream 14 years after the song was released. maybe in this is the answer to where the future of music lies.


just a thought.


~apple