What Are You Listening To?

[Iota]

You're welcome.

[CMB1888]

The XX - XX

The male/female dialogue like vocals are quite nice but it's a little light for me - thanks for the rec though JonG

(They are on the front of NME this week, I see)

[Music Head]

listened online



From North Carolin former music director for The Carson Daly show started his own band (Firstman) as a teenager in the mid 90's. Moved to Hollywood in 2001 to make his mark, and did. Started a new band and got gigs in the local clubs. Signed by Atlantic in 2003. After being offered the gig with Carson Daly show, Joe quit his band to take it in 2005. When that show changed formats in 2008, Joe started his own label and set out as a solo artist. Must have been a nice severance package. This is his fourth album overall, and he does everything on here. The album name is the coastal California town he now resides in. A very short album at 26 minutes. These live clips are not very good.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - 700 lb. Piano

Best Track - The One That Makes You Happy

1) Marlene And Her Sisters - 3.0 - live
YouTube - Joe Firstman-Marlene and Her Sisters
2) House - 2.5
3) The One That Makes You Happy - 3.0 - live
YouTube - Joe Firstman The One That Makes You Happy 11/21/09
4) Mr. Winston - 2.0 - live
YouTube - Joe Firstman 7-15-09 Nashville
5) The Candle Maker - 1.5 - live
YouTube - JOE FIRSTMAN w/Brian Wright
6) Only For A While - 3.0 - live
YouTube - Joe Firstman "Only For a While" Chicago 10/29/09
7) Crowded Town - 2.0
8) 700 lb. Piano - 1.0 - live
YouTube - Joe Firstman-700 Pound Piano
9) Today - 1.0
10) On A String - 1.5

Average Rating - 2.1

[JonG]

The XX - XX

The male/female dialogue like vocals are quite nice but it's a little light for me - thanks for the rec though JonG

(They are on the front of NME this week, I see)

I'm glad you kinda like it. They are one of the "it" bands of the moment. I have a hard time recommending music without some direction. Lately I've been listening to this stuff and then way out there music that is too weird for most.

[CMB1888]

Yeah - XX had that MGMT sort of feel to it as the music was extremely simple but I can see how it would grow on you.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

liked this, nice melodies, quite retro sounding - decent


Yeasayer - Odd Blood

The download site I use only had five tracks under this CD name so I'll have to wait a while for the full experience but I really liked this. Sort of Depeche Mode at their poppiest but a bit more random. Lots of fun music while the vocalist sang sad lyrics. Will definitely check out the full CD when I can get it

Thanks again JonG

[Iota]

Wavves - Wavves from Wavves

[JonG]

Yeasayer - Odd Blood

The download site I use only had five tracks under this CD name so I'll have to wait a while for the full experience but I really liked this.

Thanks again JonG

You're welcome. I don't think Odd Blood has a proper release yet. However, it is out there in the ether.

[Music Head]

listened online



California christian alt/rock band formed in 2001, out with their 4th release. Original lineup split in 2007 with leader Jeff Schneeweis starting a new band, North Pole Project, then changing the name to Number One Gun. No hard feelings guys. Billed as a christian album with secular appeal. lol. Doing most of the multi-layered tracks here himself, Jeff sounds a little like that Owl City guy to me. Now was that Journey cover really necessary, I mean note for note?

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Don't Stop Believing

Best Track - The People

1) The Victory - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - The Victory
2) Big Machines - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun Big Machines
3) Forest - 2.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - Forest
4) Noises - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun- Noises
5) Hey Stranger - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - Hey Stranger
6) The People - 2.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - The People (demo)
7) White Lies - 2.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - White Lies
8) Look To Pass - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - Look To Pass
9) Try It - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - Try It
10) Don't Stop Believing - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Number One Gun - Don't Stop Believing

Average Rating - 1.5

[recordist]

I've really been diggin fiona apple extraordinary machine lately...also, talking heads...

[Music Head]

listened online



Ok fine, so the album cover is stupid. It's what's on the inside that counts. Maryland duo of Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand got together in 2004 and this is their 3rd release, the first on their new Sub Pop label. Victoria has done some backup vocals with Grizzly Bear. She has been compared to Nico. These dreamy melodies good grow on a guy.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Real Love

Best Track - Take Care

1) Zebra - 2.5 - audio
YouTube - Beach House - Zebra
2) Silver Soul - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Beach House - silver soul
3) Norway - 1.5 - video
YouTube - Beach House -- Norway
4) Walk In The Park - 2.0 - live
YouTube - Beach House - Walk in the Park - Live at The Blue Note in Columbia, MO on 10/1/09
5) Used To Be - 2.0 - video
YouTube - SXSW 2009 Music Video: Beach House - Used to be
6) Lover Of Mine - 2.0 - audio
YouTube - Beach House- Lover of Mine
7) Better Times - 2.5 - audio
YouTube - Beach House - Better Times
8) 10 Mile Stereo - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Beach House - 10 Mile Stereo
9) Real Love - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - REAL LOVE
10) Take Care - 3.0 - audio
YouTube - Beach House - Take Care

Average Rating - 2.0