Songs That Didn't Make the Cut

I hate picking favorites. I'm one of the most indecisive people you'll ever meet. I believe this stems from growing up as an only child and always being asked which parent was right in the latest pointless argument. How can you choose one parent over another?

Similarly, how can you reduce an entire year of great music to ten great albums? Well, Kyle and I did it, and I still like our list quite a bit. However, that stubborn egalitarian in me just won't rest until I also write about some of the other awesome songs, bands, and albums that I loved in 2009.

The first of those that didn't make the cut is Bon Iver's Blood Bank EP, which was released last January. Despite the snowy cover and wintry release date (not to mention, I suppose, that "bon iver" means "good winter"), the EP has a more upbeat, warmer feel than the beautifully somber For Emma, Forever Ago of 2007.

Originally a one-man band, Justin Vernon has been joined on the EP by two more musicians, and the additions seem to have been an excellent decision. This isn't just For Emma, Forever Ago part two--Blood Bank is fuller and richer and, somehow in just four songs, demonstrates new sounds and new variety that For Emma didn't have. That being said, some fans may long for the acoustic aching of a lonely man in his Wisconsin cabin and see Blood Bank as a betrayal.

Some of what fans of For Emma loved is still there--Vernon's eerie, layered vocals and his reminiscent lyrics shine on the title track--but there is also the addition of electric sounds, pianos, and slide guitars throughout the EP, as well as the love-it-or-hate-it vocoder (think Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek") on the last track, "Woods."

Blood Bank is different, to be sure. But then, how could the brilliance of that first break-out album be repeated? I say kudos to Bon Iver for experimenting and giving us an EP to enjoy while we wait for the next album, whatever it may bring.

You can listen to (and download for free) "Blood Bank" (and several other songs) on Bon Iver's website.

RIYL: Fleet Foxes, Jose Gonzalez

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 -- #1 Strict Joy by The Swell Season

I have this thing for sad songs. After all, as Elton John said, “Sad songs (say so much).” It might be no surprise, then, that my favorite album of the year is The Swell Season’s Strict Joy. An album filled with songs written by partners in music and ex-partners in life is bound to be filled with some powerful emotions, and listening to Joy can feel a bit like a rollercoaster. Irish singer-songwriter (of The Frames) Glen Hansard, half of the duo, explains that the album is a bit like a diary, and I think that description is accurate.

Perhaps it’s really more like two diaries. Hansard and Czech singer-pianist Marketa Irglova became romantically involved during the filming of 2006’s Once (in which they played, oddly enough, musicians who fall in love but then part ways). Since then, their romantic relationship has ended, and, listening to joy, you can feel each artist grapple with the loss of love, sometimes with sadness, sometimes with anger, and sometimes with relief.

One of the most beautiful things about the album is the transition between songs. The quiet simplicity of “In These Arms”—where Hansard wonders if “maybe I was born to hold you in these arms—gives way to the angst of “The Rain:” “I know we're not where I promised you we'd be by now, but maybe its a question of who'd want it anyhow.” Whether the songs are inspired by the real-life break-up or a prescribed narrative that functions as a sequel to their film, as one reviewer suggested, the result is lovely.

Each track on the album is honest—sometimes painfully so—and, together, they form a truly beautiful piece. The combination of Hansard’s energetic folk rock and fiery voice and Irglova’s honeyed vocals and peaceful piano lends the album variety. Irglova is at her best on the dreamy and melancholy “Fantasy Man,” while “Back Broke” demonstrates that, even on a softer song, Hansard’s voice and lyrics can make you want to laugh and cry all at the same time (“Back broke and dancing, cause you’re here beside me”). “The Verb,” “Two Tongues,” and the bonus track “Somebody Good” showcase the vocal chemistry of the pair perfectly.

The duo also recorded a live session at Daytrotter, which features three songs from Strict Joy, as well as a beautiful rendition of “Star Star.” While I’m not sure if Hansard and Irglova will continue to make music together or choose to pursue their individual projects—I certainly hope Swell Season will continue on.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 - #2 Far by Regina Spektor

I've found that some albums are catchy at first but lose their shine after the first few listens (like for example, Matchbox Twenty's More Than You Think You Are). Others are not so exciting at first but grow on you over time (like Duncan Sheik's Daylight). Regina's latest album, Far, is one of the rare gems that is both immediately satisfying and worthy of repeated listens. The first two tracks, "The Calculation" and "Eet", are instant hits that rope you in to the album, like "Fidelity" and "Better" did in Begin to Hope. They're fun, upbeat and ever-so pop-y. As usual, Regina uses her voice like an instrument, which for me, is one of her strongest appeals; the layering she's able to create with her voice and the other instruments is unlike any other artist I've listened to. After the second track, the album becomes more mature; that is, the music is more deliberately-paced and the lyrics become more introspective and abstract.

It's likely that some songs on Far will hook you right away. When I wrote my original review for this album they were: "Dance Anthem of the 80's", "Eet", "Human of the Year" and "Laughing With". I still love "Dance Anthem"; it's ridiculously infectious. I dare you not to like it. But some songs which were definitely not my favorites at first have grown on me and I see this album as a well-rounded and deep piece of musical art. Songs like "Blue Lips" and "Genius Next Door" have become more fulfilling with every listen. There were many great albums that came out in 2009, some may be fads, but I predict that Far will have long-lasting appeal.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 -- #3 Noble Beast by Andrew Bird

If you've listened to Noble Beast already and didn't love it right away, I suggest putting on a pair of headphones and trying it again. In some ways, Bird's newest release is less overtly dramatic than his previous albums. That's not to say he doesn't still whistle like the wind and a saw and anything else a whistle can sound like. And he still shows off his beautiful violin skills and his impressive vocabulary. Even so, the theatricality of songs like "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" (from Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs) and "Fiery Crash" (from Armchair Apocrypha) aren't to be found here.

The subtlety of Beast should not be confused for boring, however. The album opens with "Oh No," which begins with dreamlike strings and whistles but quickly transitions to a catchy, pop number. "Masterswarm" features a latin-inspired rhythmic feel while "Effigy" begins with some amazing, eerily layered violin. "Not a Robot, but a Ghost" is noisy in a way that is unusual for Bird but is undeniably catchy. For me, the album's real high point (and the point at which you should really put on those earbuds if you haven't already) is "Anonanimal," which features Bird at his wordplay best: "I see a sea anemone, the enemy. See a sea anemone, and that'll be the end of me." Honestly, how can you not love a man who uses the phrases "tenderest of tendrils underneath her tender gills," "anomalous appendages," and "innocuous plecostomus though posthumous."

I would marry him for his alliteration and assonance alone. You know, were he to propose. I read one review that complained that Bird’s lyrics didn’t make any sense and left her with a headache. I say, just enjoy the sound and don’t over think it too much. Sometimes Bird’s lyrics make sense; sometimes it’s okay to just appreciate that “proto-Sanskrit Minoans to porto-centric Lisboans; Greek Cypriots and Hobis-hots who hang around in ports a lot, uh huh” (from “Tenuousness”) sounds really cool and leave it at that. Think of Andrew Bird as the Lewis Carroll of music and enjoy the whistling, catchy, alliterative ride.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 - #4 Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King by Dave Matthews Band

I've said a lot about Dave Matthew's Band latest album in my original review of Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. From the first time I heard the lonely saxophone in the opener "Grux", flamboyantly followed by the energetic "Shake Me Like a Monkey", I knew I would be writing about this album on our Top Ten of 2009. Big Whiskey is pure and unadulterated DMB in all its pre-Stand Up glory: soaring, innovative melodies, varied and intricate drum beats, fantastic musicianship all-around.

In my opinion, the comeback album of the year. The band returns to form in every number, delivering songs with multiple parts and melodies (not the same boring chorus repeated over and over and over, a la "Louisiana Bayou"). Even in the radio-friendly single "Funny the Way It Is", Dave's vocals seem to have more spark and life than they did in half of the songs from their previous release. On other songs, Dave's vocals and the backups really come alive, like "Why I Am" and "Seven"; I missed DMB at the Gorge this year, but I can imagine these songs performed live. The whole sound of this album is bigger, not the sound of a cramped recording studio. Big Whiskey is a timely reminder why we still listen to DMB albums like Under the Table and Dreaming fifteen years later. I would wager that Big Whiskey will still be making its rounds on my iPod playlist fifteen years from now.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 -- #5 Stockholm Syndrome by Derek Webb

Derek Webb’s newest album isn’t for everyone. Stockholm Syndrome is the former Caedmon’s Call singer/songwriter’s fifth solo studio album, and, musically, it is a stark departure from his previous efforts. After my first couple listens, I couldn’t decide if I liked the new, techno-fied Derek Webb. However, Stockholm is an album that grows on you—if you’ll let it—and I’ve since been won over by the thumping beats paired with Webb’s gorgeous vocals.

One of the great things about Webb is his ability to surprise listeners—each of his solo albums has had a distinctly different feel, from the simple acoustic sound of She Must and Shall Go Free to the more experimental sounds of I See Things Upside Down. Stockholm is the first album that reflects a heavy electronic influence, and, while it doesn’t work perfectly on every track, overall, I think Webb pulls it off well, especially when violas mix with heavy bass on “Cobra Con” and with Bollywood-esque flutes on “I Love/Hate You.”

Aside from the new sound, one thing about Stockholm isn’t new to Webb—controversy. An open Christian, Webb’s lyrics are filled with religious references and marketed primarily within the Christian music market. However, since his first solo release, Webb has faced resistance in that market. Some Christian retailers refused to stock Go Free because of its “strong language.”

Over Stockholm, Webb and his label disagreed sharply, especially over one song in particular, “What Matters More.” The song is a strong criticism of the church’s condemnation of homosexuals, and opens with the lines, “You say you always treat people like you’d like to be. I guess you love being hated for your sexuality.” Apparently, Webb crossed the line by including two expletives in the song. Eventually, he and his label reached an agreement—they released a censored version of the album, while the full version was available only through download on Webb’s site (You can download the controversial track for free here: http://www.derekwebb.com/).

The rest of the album is filled with Webb’s usual mix of introspective, political, and honest lyrics. Both lyrically and sonically, Stockholm is a daring attempt, and Webb deserves accolades for that, even if the album doesn’t gain him any new fans.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 - #6 Taller Children by Elizabeth & The Catapult

Taller Children is Elizabeth & The Catapult's debut album. They are a trio from Brooklyn consisting of Elizabeth Ziman, Dan Molad, and Pete Lalish (are Dan and Pete "the catapult"?). I've been listening to the group for a while now; their self-titled EP came out in 2006 and features a few numbers that later appeared in Taller Children. Their sound is a little bit folk, a little bit pop, and a smattering of jazz, rock and soundtrack. As a whole, the album is quite eclectic, where one genre's influence takes the forefront in one song and all but disappears in another. "Apathy" and "Complimentary Me" are delightfully and shamelessly folksy. "Rainiest Day of Summer" and "Right Next To You" are mesmerizing, ethereal ballads that escape categorization. The vocals, wonderfully led by Elizabeth, are the mortar that connects the unique songs and sounds into a consistent and expressive album.

Most of the songs give me a feeling of nostalgia and sentimentality, but the title track is decidedly cynical in its assertion "in the end, we're all just taller children": cynical yes, but not in a brooding, loathing sort of way... the upbeat kind of cynicism (?). A few songs remind me of KT Tunstall (which in this author's opinion is a good thing), particularly in the soulful vocals and the use of strong beats like those in "Everybody Knows" and "Race You". Though not always in the form of a drum set (sometimes claps, guitar strums or backup vocals), rhythm is invariably an essential part of their music, cluing the listener into the mood and tone of each song. Taller Children is one of the most varied albums I've heard this year and its range of sound and tone is without a doubt one of its strong suits.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 -- #7 3 Rounds & a Sound by Blind Pilot

Blind Pilot is from Portland. I am from Portland. Those two sentences should warn you that this post may be less than objective.

I first heard of Blind Pilot from two music-savvy locals and actually intended to see the band live at the Crystal Ballroom a few months back. I ended up missing the show, having made the mistake of thinking I could buy tickets at the door

I don’t know if Blind Pilot is selling out shows outside of Portland, but, if they aren’t, they likely will be soon.

3 Rounds & a Sound is the group’s first album, and an excellent first album it is. Lead singer Israel Nebeker’s voice has a warm, emotive quality that feels reminiscent yet new. Maybe that doesn’t make any sense. What I mean to say is that the album feels somehow familiar, but not hackneyed or uninteresting.

Overall, the sound is mellow (perfect for rainy Portland Januaries). At times it is melancholy, like the pitying “Poor Boy,” which tells of hard labor, bondage, and graves. At other times, the sound is more upbeat (albeit a mellow upbeat), like the title track, which rounds out the album. Sometimes rustic, sometimes whimsical, 3 Rounds takes listeners on a captivating, folky journey through beautifully written lyrics accompanied by acoustic guitars, dulcimers, and violins with a Northwest feel.

It’s not just Blind Pilot’s sound that is so distinctly Portland. In 2008, when the band was just a duo (Nebeker with Ryan Dobrowski)—they’ve since added four members—they completed a bicycle tour from Bellingham, Washington, to San Diego, California.

If you aren’t ready to purchase 3 Rounds & a Sound yet, consider checking out the free Blind Pilot tracks available on Daytrotter. They also released an EP on December 29, and it’s available on iTunes.

RIYL: The Avett Brothers, Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine

Standout tracks: “The Story I Heard,” “Go On, Say It,” and “I Buried a Bone”

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 - #8 Go Easy Little Doves by Brooke Waggoner

Go Easy Little Doves is not the same as Brooke Waggoner's other two releases: Heal for the Honey and Fresh Pair of Eyes. It is not as whimsical. There are not as many virtuoso piano riffs and solos. That being said, it is no less brilliant, though it may take some more time to grow on listeners - Brooke fans will probably connect with it immediately. Go Easy Little Doves is slower and quieter than its predecessors creating a pensive and tranquil mood - some of the songs evoke feelings of movie soundtracks, like "Meek; Wild"and "Wish for Bridges". Where Brooke primarily used piano parts to carry the melody in Heal for the Honey, in her latest album Brooke expertly arranges stringed instruments for the main melody and the piano is used as an accompaniment or embellishment to specific parts.

One of my favorite songs, "Find Her Floods", begins with two violins, one playing a smooth, fluid line, the other plucking the song's rhythm. Brooke begins singing. Eventually the staccato violin transforms into a rhythm of cascading triplets. It's enthralling and the sort of ingenuous songwriting that makes Go Easy Little Doves a fantastic listen like all of her albums. I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing Brooke perform this year at the Service Station in Spokane and meeting her afterward. She was impressive on stage and humble in person, just the type of musician I like to meet. Her short discography has already made me a lifelong fan and I eagerly await her next masterful songwriting.

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 -- #9 Forget and Not Slow Down by Relient K

I’ve been listening to Relient K since 2001. I was a sophomore in high school, worried about geometry tests and homecoming dances. They were singing about Thundercats and Sadie Hawkins Dances. We were a perfect fit.

Thankfully, the band—and I—have matured since then. While I loved singing “Sadie Hawkins Dance” as a fifteen-year old, I have enjoyed watching the band evolve in the four studio albums—as well as EPs—Relient K has released since I began listening to The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek.

Since the Ohio-based Christian punk-group group was formed by Matt Thiessen, Matt Hoopes, and Brian Pitmann in 1998, band members have come and gone, and both their sound and lyrical content has undergone significant change.

Their most recent album, Forget and Not Slow Down, which they released under their new label, Mono Vs. Stereo, an imprint of Gotee Records, has been described as a break-up album. With lyrics like, “I met the devil and I stared her in the eyes… I took the fire escape and made it out alive” off the bonus track, “(If You Want It),” it’s hard to argue with that assessment. Clearly lead singer and songwriter Thiessen’s recent break up had a serious impact on the content of this album.

But Forget is a lot more than just a break-up album. The record is proof that Relient K is more than just a ’90s poppy punk band for church kids. The band has progressed into a dynamic rock group with witty lyrics and a complex sound that is less synthesizer and continues to show the range of influences that have been affecting Relient K’s sound since 2004’s Mmhmm, which brought banjo (played by Jon Schneck) to the band.

Forget may be a break-up album, but it’s also an album that displays a mature sound and mature songwriting about life and faith and relationships in a way that is relatable and enjoyable (and still at times displays the spunkiness that RK fans have been enjoying since the beginning). There is sadness here, for sure, but there’s also hope, as the reminiscent “I Don’t Need a Soul” proclaims: “Without you I’m still whole; you and life remain beautiful.”

Stand-out tracks: “Savannah,” “Therapy,” and “Sahara.”

RIYL: Switchfoot, Something Corporate, Jimmy Eat World

The Top 10 Albums of 2009 - #10 Declaration of Dependence by Kings of Convenience

Happy New Years faithful kharmonious readers! Your unfaithful bloggers have come out of hibernation for the second annual Kharmonious Top 10: a celebratory recap of these two pseudo-critics' favorite albums of 2009 (which by the way, was a fabulous year for music lovers). Check our blog each day up to the 10th as we count down to our #1 album of 2009 (hint: it's not Jonas Brothers). Without further ado, here's Declaration of Dependence by Kings of Convenience, our #10 pick for best album of 2009:

Kings of Convenience are two guys: Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe. They're from Bergen, Norway and they play some of the most mellow, soothing and invigorating acoustic guitar I've had the pleasure of listening to. It may seem counter-intuitive to use the words "soothing" and "invigorating" in the same description, but that's the exact effect their music has on me. It's calming and relaxing, but never crosses the line over to uninspired elevator music. One listen to songs like "Mrs. Cold" from Declaration of Dependence or their hit single "I'd Rather Dance With You" from Riot on an Empty Street and you'll know exactly what I mean. Their sound is undeniably mellow, but never boring or unexciting; there always seems to be some guitar riff or vocal harmony that piques the ear's interest.

A good friend introduced Kings of Convenience to me this year on a mix CD along with several other artists I hadn't heard before, and Kings instantly stood out to me as an artist I would be following for years to come (figuratively speaking). I immediately fell in love with their sound and recording style. I don't know what they do to make their guitars sound so imminent, but they reverberate and resonate as if they're actually in my computer when I listen to their songs on iTunes. I can hear their fingers slide across the guitar strings and pluck each and every note. Make no mistake, just because these guys aren't shredding it out on electric guitars AC/DC-style, doesn't mean they can't play; their skill and precision is immaculate. This isn't the muddled, messy music of rock stars who use feedback or drum beats to cover their sins; this is clean, precise folk music that will relax and energize you simultaneously. The title of their debut studio album seems extraordinarily fitting: Quiet is the New Loud.