Favorite Albums Of 2008 So Far

So we're basically half way through the year and I've decided to fill you in on what my favorite albums have been so far. I'm not forsure if I will include the records technically released in 2007 on my final list of the year, but I do however, still dig them. Also, please feel free to share any thoughts and/or recommendations that I may be unaware of. Thanks.



25. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III

24. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

23. Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends

22. She & Him - Volume One

21. Sun Kil Moon - April

20. Santogold - Santogold

19. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

18. The Black Keys - Attack & Release

17. Sigur Rós - Með suð i eyrum við spilum endalaust

16. Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

15. Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity

14. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

13. Pattern Is Movement - All Together

12. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend (2007)

11. Mates Of State - Re-Arrange Us

---

10. Thao - We Brave Bee Stings And All

09. Beach House - Devotion

08. The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

07. The Acorn - Glory Hope Mountain (2007, 2008 US Release)

06. The Dodos - Visiter

05. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (2007, Re-Release)

04. Bowerbirds - Hymn For A Dark Horse (2007, Re-Release)

03. The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely

02. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

01. Colour Revolt - Plunder, Beg, And Curse

The Sea And Cake Announce Car Alarm

The Sea And Cake are set to release a new record, Car Alarm, on 10/21 via Thrill Jockey. Check the album art and tracklist out below, along with a few tunes off their 2007 release, Everybody.





Tracklist

01. Aerial
02. A Fuller Moon
03. On A Letter
04. CMS Sequence
05. Car Alarm
06. Weekend
07. New Schools
08. Window Sills
09. Down In The City
10. Pages
11. The Staircase
12. Mirrors


[MP3] The Sea And Cake – Crossing Line
[MP3] The Sea And Cake – Up On Crutches


[Myspace] The Sea And Cake
[Website] The Sea And Cake

Stars "Bitches In Tokyo"

Stars have a new video for "Bitches In Tokyo," a tune off the latest release, In Our Bedroom After The War, out via Arts & Crafts. Check it out below, along with an mp3 and some upcoming tour dates.




[VIDEO] Stars – Bitches In Tokyo

[MP3] Stars – Bitches In Tokyo


Tour Dates

06.28.08 at Furia Sound Festival (Cergy Pontoise, FR)
06.29.08 at Glastonbury Festival (Pilton, UK)
07.05.08 at Festival D'été de Québec (Vieux-Quebec, QC)
07.08.08 at Ottawa Bluesfest (Ottawa, ON)
07.20.08 at Summersonic (Halifax, NS)
08.24.08 at Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (San Francisco, CA)
09.17.08 at Pearl Street (Northampton, MA)
09.19.08 at Trocadero Theatre (Philadelphia, PA)
09.20.08 at Terminal 5 (New York, NY)
09.24.08 at The Riv (Chicago, IL)
09.25.08 at The Pageant (St. Louis, MO)
09.26.08 at The Granada (Lawrence, KS)
09.28.08 at Austin City Limits Music Festival (Austin, TX)
10.01.08 at Avalon (Hollywood, CA)
10.02.08 at House Of Blues (Anaheim, CA)
10.04.08 at Rio Theatre (Santa Cruz, CA)
10.08.08 at Wonder Ballroom (Portland, OR)
10.09.08 at The Showbox Theatre (Seattle, WA)


[Myspace] Stars
[Website] Stars

French Kicks on Daytrotter

French Kicks had a Daytrotter session posted today. Check it out here, along with the new release, Swimming, out now via Vagrant.


Tracks

01. Love In The Ruins
02. Over The World
03. New Man
04. Said So What


[Myspace] French Kicks
[Website] French Kicks

[Count Me Out] Album Review: French Kicks - Swimming
[Count Me Out] French Kicks Announce More Tour Dates
[Count Me Out] French Kicks "Abandon"

Blitzen Trapper "Furr"

Blitzen Trapper have shared the title track off the forthcoming release, Furr, out in September via Sub Pop. Check it out below.


[MP3] Blitzen Trapper - Furr


[Myspace] Blitzen Trapper
[Website] Blitzen Trapper

[Count Me Out] Blitzen Trapper on Fabchannel

Video: Coldplay on The Daily Show

Coldplay performed "Lost!" and "42" last night on The Daily Show. Check it out below, along with the new release, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends, out now via Capitol. Also, remember that a Chicago show is set for August 4th at the United Center.


[VIDEO] Coldplay - Lost!


[VIDEO] Coldplay - 42


[Myspace] Coldplay
[Website] Coldplay

[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on The Daily Show
[Count Me Out] Album Review: Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on Jimmy Kimmel
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on Jimmy Kimmel (Preview)
[Count Me Out] Coldplay "Lost!"
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on MTV Movie Awards
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay "Violet Hill"
[Count Me Out] Coldplay Announce Tour Dates
[Count Me Out] Coldplay "Viva La Vida"
[Count Me Out] Coldplay "Violet Hill"
[Count Me Out] New Coldplay News
[Count Me Out] Coldplay Reveal New Tracklist
[Count Me Out] Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends?
[Count Me Out] New Coldplay Tracks Explained
[Count Me Out] Coldplay Deny Prospekt

Brightblack Morning Light "Hologram Buffalo"

Brightblack Morning Light have shared a new tune, "Hologram Buffalo," off their forthcoming release, Motion To Rejoin, out 9/23 via Matador. Check it out below.




[STREAM] Brightblack Morning Light - Hologram Buffalo


[Myspace] Brightblack Morning Light
[Website] Brightblack Morning Light

A Few Videos From The Cotton Jones Basket Ride

So as you may know, I played a show with The Cotton Jones Basket Ride last night at Schubas, here in Chicago and man do I love these guys. Such good tunes and good people. I captured the last four songs of their set on video (posted below). I also just came across two fantastic videos from Instrumental Analysis, which I have posted below as well, however, I highly suggest that you head on over there to grab mp3's of them. As for Page France, Mr. Michael Nau stated that their may eventually be a future release, but this is what his main concentration is for now. The forthcoming full-length, Paranoid Cocoon, should be out towards the end of the year, along with another EP and of course more shows. Cotton's second EP of the planned three, The Archery [EP], is out now via Quite Scientific.




[VIDEO] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride - I Was 17 (Starflyer 59 Cover)




[VIDEO] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride - The Spinning Wheel




[VIDEO] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride - I Don't Suppose (Live at Schubas 06.23.08)




[VIDEO] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride - Chewing Gum (Live at Schubas 06.23.08)




[VIDEO] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride - ? / I Was 17 (Starflyer 59) (Live at Schubas 06.23.08)


[Myspace] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride

[Count Me Out] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride "Midnight Monday And A Telescope"
[Count Me Out] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride Announce Tour Dates
[Count Me Out] More New Cotton Jones Basket Ride Tunes
[Count Me Out] The Cotton Jones Basket Ride Posts Some New Jams

Video: Brooke Fraser "Arithmetic"

Brooke Fraser has a new video for "Arithmetic," a tune off the latest release, Albertine, out via Wood & Bone. Check it out below.




[VIDEO] Brooke Fraser - Arithmetic


[Myspace] Brooke Fraser
[Website] Brooke Fraser

[Count Me Out] Brooke Fraser "Shadowfeet"

Backstage Videos at Bonnaroo From Spin

I came across some backstage videos from Bonnaroo tonight, over at Spin. Check out the links below or find them all, right here.


[VIDEO] Broken Social Scene - Whatever, I Don't Know
[VIDEO] Nicole Atkins - Caught In The Way / Interview
[VIDEO] José González - Abram
[VIDEO] Battles - Interview
[VIDEO] Against Me! - Interview
[VIDEO] Gogol Bordello - 60 Revolutions
[VIDEO] Aimee Mann - Interview
[VIDEO] Drive-By Truckers - Interview
[VIDEO] Fiery Furnaces - Interview


[Count Me Out] Bonnaroo 2008 Starts Tomorrow

Fleet Foxes Black Cab Session

"Entertain Me" says J. Tillman to Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes as he begins a Black Cab Session. The song, "Crayon Angels," is a Judee Sill cover and it's quite beautiful. Check it out below, along with the new self-titled release, Fleet Foxes, out now via Sub Pop.




[VIDEO] Fleet Foxes - Crayon Angels (Judee Sill Cover)


[Myspace] Fleet Foxes

[Count Me Out] Video: Fleet Foxes on Fitchpork.tv
[Count Me Out] J. Tillman Joins Fleet Foxes
[Count Me Out] Album Review: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
[Count Me Out] Album Review: Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant [EP]

Damien Jurado "Gillian Was A Horse"

Damien Jurado is set to release a new album, Caught In The Trees, on 9/9 via Secretly Canadian. Here's a newer track, "Gillian Was A Horse," recorded with fellow bandmates, Eric Fisher and Jenna Conrad. I've also included a few older tunes, thanks to the kind folks at Secretly Canadian.


Tracklist

01. Gillian Was A Horse
02. Trials
03. Caskets
04. Coats Of Ice
05. Go First
06. Sorry Is For You
07. Last Rights
08. Dimes
09. Everything Trying
10. Sheets
11. Paper Kite
12. Best Dress
13. Predictive Living

[MP3] Damien Jurado - Gillian Was A Horse

[MP3] Damien Jurado - What Were The Chances
[MP3] Damien Jurado - White Center
[MP3] Damien Jurado - Texas To Ohio


[Myspace] Damien Jurado
[Website] Damien Jurado

[Count Me Out] Damien Jurado Touring With Jeremy Enigk

Bon Iver Take Away Show Pt. 2

La Blogotheque has posted a part two Take Away Show with Justin Vernon and gang aka Bon Iver. Check it out below, along with the new release, For Emma, Forever Ago, out now via Jagjaguwar.




[VIDEO] Bon Iver - Flume (Second Take)




[VIDEO] Bon Iver - Wolves (Act I And II)




[VIDEO] Bon Iver - Skinny Love


[Myspace] Bon Iver

[Count Me Out] Bon Iver Take Away Show
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver Black Cab Session
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver Interview on Pitchfork
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver Show on Pitchfork.TV
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver Announces New Tour Dates
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver "Re: Stacks"
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver "The Wolves (Act I and II)"
[Count Me Out] Bon Iver "Lump Sum"

The Walkmen "In The New Year"

The Walkmen have shared a new tune, "In The New Year," off the forthcoming release, You & Me, out this fall via Gigantic. Check it out below, along with some upcoming tour dates.


[MP3] The Walkmen - In The New Year


Tour Dates

08.18.08 at Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY)
08.19.08 at Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY)
08.21.08 at Troubadour (Los Angeles, CA)
08.22.08 at Troubadour (Los Angeles, CA)
08.27.08 at Doug Fir (Portland, OR)
08.28.08 at Richards on Richard (Vancouver, BC) *
08.29.08 at Rifflandia Festival (Victoria, BC)
08.30.08 at Bumbershoot Festival (Seattle, WA)

* w/ Man Man


[Myspace] The Walkmen
[Website] The Walkmen

[Count Me Out] The Walkmen Announce You & Me

Video: Andrew Bird (feat. Dianogah) "Lull"

Here's an interesting video for Andrew Bird's tune, "Lull," which is off his 2003 release, Weather Systems. The song also features the Chicago based band Dianogah and a Daytrotter session with this song can be found, here.




[VIDEO] Andrew Bird (feat. Dianogah) - Lull


[Myspace] Andrew Bird
[Website] Andrew Bird

[Count Me Out] New Andrew Bird Songs

The Broken West "Perfect Games"

The Broken West are set to release a new album, Now Or Heaven, on 9/9 via Merge. Check the album art and tracklist out below, along with the new tune, "Perfect Games."





Tracklist

01. Gwen, Now And Then
02. Auctioneer
03. Elm City
04. Ambuscade
05. Perfect Games
06. House Of Lies
07. The Smartest Man Alive
08. Got It Bad
09. Terror For Two
10. Embassy Row

[MP3] The Broken West - Perfect Games


[Myspace] The Broken West
[Website] The Broken West

Austin City Limits 2008 Schedule Posted

The schedule for this year's Austin City Limits has been posted. Check out the links below. Suggestions coming soon.


Schedule

- Friday, September 26th

- Saturday, September 27th

- Sunday, September 28th

Lollapalooza 2008 Schedule Posted

The schedule for this year's Lollapalooza, held August 1st - 3rd, was posted today. I'm still pretty sure that I will not be attending this year. I mean I'd like to and all, but the price, heat, crowds, etc. don't really excite me. Also, it seems that many of the bands I'd like to see have conflicting set times, meaning I don't want to watch a band for 10 minutes and head on over to another band for only 20 minutes. So yeah, I may head down Friday night to hear Radiohead, but other than that I can catch quite a few acts from the comfort of my home, thanks to the AT&T Blue Room. I've included my recommendations below and click the links for each days entire schedule. Also, Pitchfork has announced some amazing after-shows, that are definitely worth checking out.


Schedules / Recommendations


Friday, August 1st (Schedule)

12:15pm Black Lips
01:15pm Rogue Wave
02:15pm Yeasayer or The Go! Team
03:00pm Jeff Tweedy
04:15pm The Black Keys or Gogol Bordello
05:15pm Mates Of State
05:45pm Grizzly Bear
06:15pm The Raconteurs
08:00pm Radiohead


Saturday, August 2nd (Schedule)

12:15pm Margot And The Nuclear So & So's
12:45pm The Ting Tings
01:30pm Dr. Dog or Mason Jennings
02:15pm Foals
04:30pm Explosions In The Sky
05:30pm Okkervil River or Jamie Lidell
06:30pm Broken Social Scene or Battles
07:30pm Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
08:30pm Wilco or Rage Against The Machine


Sunday, August 3rd (Schedule)

02:15pm Nicole Atkins & the Sea or Brazilian Girls
04:15pm Iron & Wine
06:15pm Gnarls Barkley
06:30pm Girl Talk
07:15pm The National
08:30pm Kanye West


After-shows

07.31.08 at Metro | The Black Keys + Magic Wands
08.01.08 at Empty Bottle | Black Lips
08.01.08 at Double Door | Mates Of State + MGMT
08.01.08 at Metro | Gogol Bordello + The Ting Tings
08.01.08 at Schubas | Rogue Wave + Dr. Dog
08.01.08 at House of Blues | Brand New + Manchester Orchestra
08.01.08 at House of Blues Back Porch | The Whigs + The Blakes
08.02.08 at Metro | Broken Social Scene + Yeasayer
08.02.08 at House of Blues | Bloc Party + CSS + Does It Offend You, Yeah?
08.02.08 at Double Door | Battles + Foals + Magic Wands
08.02.08 at Schubas | Okkervil River + Octopus Project
08.02.08 at Empty Bottle | Margot & The Nuclear So And So's + White Lies


[Count Me Out] Lollapalooza 2008 Lineup Announced

Album Review: My Brightest Diamond - A Thousand Shark's Teeth

My Brightest Diamond - A Thousand Shark's Teeth


01. Inside A Boy
02. The Ice & The Storm
03. If I Were Queen
04. Apples
05. From The Top Of The World
06. Black & Costaud
07. To Pluto's Moon
08. Bass Player
09. Goodbye Forever
10. Like A Sieve
11. The Diamond





Standout Tracks: Inside A Boy / The Ice & The Storm / The Diamond


The new record from Shara Worden aka My Brightest Diamond is pretty decent. Definitely not an album that pumps you up, but a more relaxing collection of songs. Now I do have Shara's 2006 release, Bring Me The Workhorse, but I can't say I gave it the proper attention it may have needed. On this record, however, I can hear a slight (vocal) similarity to Annie Clark aka St. Vincent. I realize that they have both performed with Sufjan Stevens, but I don't know, I just hear it. Anyway, A Thousand Shark's Teeth, is out today via Asthmatic Kitty.


* Album reviews are composed only after a few listens. Yes, opinions may change over time, but most first impressions (fortunately or unfortunately) seem to stick/hold true.


[Myspace] My Brightest Diamond
[Website] My Brightest Diamond

Album Review: Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends


01. Life In Technicolor
02. Cemeteries Of London
03. Lost!
04. 42
05. Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love
06. Yes
07. Viva La Vida
08. Violet Hill
09. Strawberry Swing
10. Death And All His Friends





Standout Tracks: Viva La Vida / Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love / 42


As you may tell from all of the previous posts on Coldplay, I've been anxiously awaiting this record. Now that I've had a few listens, I'm kind of torn. I don't love it, but it is pretty good and definitely growing on me. The band have delivered a newer sound on this record, however, I'm not sure if that is all because of Brian Eno's doing. As of now, I do think "Viva La Vida" and "Violet Hill" are the more solid standouts, but who knows what a few more listens may bring. Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends is out today via Capitol.


* Album reviews are composed only after a few listens. Yes, opinions may change over time, but most first impressions (un)fortunately seem to hold true. I wish I was creative enough to write a proper review, but I've failed miserably in the past. Here's the next best thing, I hope.


[Myspace] Coldplay
[Website] Coldplay

[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on Jimmy Kimmel
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on Jimmy Kimmel (Preview)
[Count Me Out] Coldplay "Lost!"
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay on MTV Movie Awards
[Count Me Out] Video: Coldplay "Violet Hill"
[Count Me Out] Coldplay Announce Tour Dates
[Count Me Out] Coldplay "Viva La Vida"
[Count Me Out] Coldplay "Violet Hill"
[Count Me Out] New Coldplay News
[Count Me Out] Coldplay Reveal New Tracklist
[Count Me Out] Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends?
[Count Me Out] New Coldplay Tracks Explained
[Count Me Out] Coldplay Deny Prospekt

Bowerbirds "The Marbled Godwit"

The lovely Bowerbirds will be re-releasing their amazing record from 2007 tomorrow. The new copy features two bonus tracks, "La Denigración" and "Matchstick Maker," plus it will also be available on vinyl. Do yourself a favor, pick it up and go see these guys live. You will not be disappointed. Hymns For A Dark Horse, is out tomorrow via Dead Oceans.


Tour Dates

06.29.08 at Duke University Gardens (Durham, NC)
07.17.08 at University Of Wisconsin The Terrace (Madison, WI)
07.20.08 at Schubas (Chicago, IL)
07.21.08 at Crofoot Ballroom (Detroit, MI) *
07.22.08 at Lee's Palace (Toronto, ON) *
07.23.08 at Cabaret Music Hall (Montreal, QC) *
07.25.08 at Space Gallery (Portland, ME) *
07.26.08 at Museum Of Fine Arts (Boston, MA) *
07.27.08 at Cape Cinema (Dennis, MA) *
07.29.08 at Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY) *
07.30.08 at Music Hall Of Williamsburg (Brooklyn, NY) *
07.31.08 at First Unitarian Church (Philadelphia, PA) *
08.01.08 at Black Cat (Washington, DC) *
08.02.08 at Rex Theatre (Pittsburgh, PA) *
08.03.08 at Wexner Center (Columbus, OH) *
08.04.08 at Northside Tavern (Cincinnati, OH)
08.06.08 at Grey Eagle (Asheville, NC)
08.07.08 at Local 506 (Chapel Hill, NC)
08.15.08 at La Route Du Rock Festival (Saint Malo, FR)
08.16.08 at Greenman Festival (Powys, UK)
08.19.08 at Bush Hall (London, UK) ^
08.20.08 at Windmill (London, UK) #
08.27.08 at Knust (Hamburg, DE) +
08.28.08 at Brotfabrik (Frankfurt, DE) +
09.11.08 at Shepherd's Bush Empire (London, UK) *
09.12.08 at End of the Road Festival (Dorset, UK)
09.13.08 at End Of The Road Festival (Dorset, UK)
09.14.08 at Stad Als Podium Festival (Haarlem, NL)
09.15.08 at Paradiso (Amsterdam, NL)
09.17.08 at Rotown (Rotterdam, NL)
09.19.08 at Roepaen (Ottersum, NL)
09.20.08 at Tivoli-De Helling (Utrecht, NL)
09.23.08 at Cyprus Avenue (Cork, IE)
09.24.08 at Auntie Annies (Belfast, IE)
09.25.08 at The Roisin Dubh (Galway, IE)
09.26.08 at Crawdaddy (Dublin, IE)
09.27.08 at Le Grand Mix (Tourcoing, FR)
09.30.08 at Zapata im Tacheles (Berlin, DE)
10.01.08 at Beatpol (Dresden, DE)
10.02.08 at Feierwerk (Munchen, DE)
10.04.08 at Take Root Festival (Groningen, NL)

* w/ Bon Iver
^ w/ Damien Jurado
# w/ The War On Drugs
+ w/ Neva Dinova


[MP3] Bowerbirds – The Marbled Godwit
[MP3] Bowerbirds – Slow Down
[MP3] Bowerbirds – La Denigración

* removed by request


[Myspace] Bowerbirds
[Website] Bowerbirds

[Count Me Out] Bowerbirds Take Away Show
[Count Me Out] Bowerbirds Sign To Dead Oceans
[Count Me Out] Bowerbirds on Daytrotter