The Beauty of the Sounds

I reviewed Bon Iver's new album a while back, but here's the quick summary. I expected a shift towards a mainstream sound, and although the brilliance and rawness of For Emma, Forever Ago was something that could not be replicated without being hackneyed, I was fearful of a poor sound. I was blown away. Since I'm lucky enough to see Bon Iver in concert when he visits Seattle, I've been listening a lot to all of his music, from For Emma, Forever Ago to the newest release, as well as the Blood Bank EP and the single from Dark Was The Night. I've listened to a lot of music, from all kinds of genres and time periods. The beauty of the sounds that Justin Vernon creates are unlike anything I've heard. When I think of some of my favorite songs ever: Slide by the Goo Goo Dolls, Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead, Dogs by Damien Rice, Beast of Burden by the Rolling Stones, the Temptation of Adam by Josh Ritter, they all have certain reasons why I love them so much, from specific lyrics to creschendoing choruses. But I'm rarely taken aback by anything. Yet every time I hear the initial notes of Holocene or Perth or Michicant I have to stop whatever I'm doing. I have to sit back and let the music wash over me because I'm incapacitated by the beauty of the sounds. Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah, Whitney Houston's F#5 in I Will Always Love You, Thank You For Hearing Me by Sinead O'Connor are a few rare examples of music that has the similar effect.

Best Music of 2010 (6-10) + 1

So I screwed up. I was listening to Jonsi last night and realized I absolutely love his album. So I surreptitiously moved it from 17 to 11. But that doesn't do it justice in my mind and I am rectifying that right now.

6. Jonsi-Go, 82

At first I though Go was Sigur Ros, but less so. But as I became enraptured with the final four tracks, I saw much more. They have wave after wave of crashing sound, glorious strings, and bright vocals. I simply cannot stop listening to Kolnidur and Hengilas. Hengilas makes me feel as if I'm standing alone in Sainte Chappelle, surrounded only by pure beauty. Truly wonderful stuff.

7. David Ford-Let The Hard Times Roll, 78

David Ford is one of my all-time favorites. His music is brutally honest and vulnerable. He exudes joy and passion on the stage. He's creative and unbelievably talented. "Panic" is a ripping diatribe of all sorts of things. "Making Up For Lost Time" is classically lovelorn, but littered with wry humor and an aw 'shucks attitude.' "Waiting For The Storm" is a personal cry, full of despair. "To Hell With The World" is one part separation from many things in this world and many parts an anthem to his girl, who's been 'crazy to stay by his side.' A favorite lyric: 'So let's stand and let's sing, and there are beautiful things, if you know the places they hide.' "Nothing At All" is full of personal reflection and probing questions. "Call To Arms" begins soft, and builds in both volume and emotion. It's a fitting way to end another great album.

8. Josh Ritter-So Runs The World, 77

Ritter is another one of my all-time favorites. I've had the privilege of seeing him in concert twice in the last year, both times amazing. This album did not measure up to his previous efforts, and even though his music grows on me more than almost any other, I don't see it rising too much. "The Curse" and "Southern Pacifica" mess up the flow for me; I can't seem to get into either one. I also didn't love love any specific track. That said, it shows the high standard and immense respect I have for Ritter, that I can write something seemingly negative and still love his album more than every album of 2010 but 7.

9. Hold Steady-Heaven Is Whatever, 77

Hold Steady is another artist I really hadn't listened to until this year. But prompted by the recommendations of two friends, I gave them a big try. Craig Finn's voice reminds me of the sound of Sum 41, American Hi-Fi, Stroke 9, Frickin A, and those types. Hold Steady produces a fun, fun sound that's easy to listen to. "Hurricane J" is a great song: 'but they didn't name her for a saint, they named her for a storm.' I also enjoy "The Weekenders."

10. Broken Social Scene-Forgiveness Rock Record, 76

I was first introduced to Broken Social Scene in London, where I listened to a bunch of their music in preparation for a concert that I never attended. (I think the terms "60£, and "sold out" nixed that plan). They write grand music that lasts for a while. Right off the bat "World Sick" catches your attention: 'We got a minefield of crippled affection.' The album flows really well and lends itself to seamless listening rather than jumping around the tracks.

11. Arcade Fire-The Suburbs, 76

I've always been a fan of Arcade Fire, but most of their albums fell in the 60's for me. The Suburbs had an advanced and more sophisticated sound, one that I loved. "Ready To Start", "Modern Man", "City With No Children" and "Sprawl" are my go-tos.

Josh Ritter

On Saturday night, I again had the pleasure of witnessing a fantastic musical performance; this time by Josh Ritter. Ritter is an incredibly talented lyricist in the mode of Bob Dylan and Jackson Browne, but of course original in his craft. Here's an interview I found with Ritter.

Chicago native Joe Pug opened for Ritter. Joe played at Hope College while I was there, but alas, I did not go see him. Joe is also a great lyricist and won me over quickly. His closing number, Hymn #101, is a deeply moving song, full of poetry, conjuring up vivid images.

Right of the bat, Ritter and his band brought tons of energy to the stage. Josh truly enjoys performing and shows it on his face, grinning like the Cheshire cat, jumping up and down, and profusely thanking the audience for their support, adoration, applause, and participation. He feeds off the crowd, using them to energize himself, which in turn frenzies the crowd even further. It makes for a fun show.

If I tried to highlight Ritter's lyrics that mean the most to me, this post would march on for eternity. Instead, I'll choose a choice few:

"every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied"

"the crickets all leapt up and met the moon in a standing ovation"

"i was singing without knowing the words"

"he plays piano with fistfuls, of broken Belvedere crystal, and he's trying to forget you, but the music's never loud enough"

Gotta restrain myself.

I didn't love, love So Runs The World Away at first listen the way I did with Ritter's other albums, or my favorite albums of the year, High Violet by The National and The WInter of Mixed Drinks by Frightened Rabbit, but it's already growing on me. Often albums I love at first listen recede in my mind over time (last year it was Muse, Dave Matthews Band, and Airborne Toxic Event), only the truly great ones get better. So Runs The World Away is already doing that.

During the encore, Ritter brought Joe Pug back on stage and let him play a song with the band. Rather than join him Ritter stood in the background and let Pug shine in the spotlight. Since the crowd mostly buzzed with their own conversation during Pug's opening set, it was a treat to hear everyone listen to him. The mutual respect between Pug and Ritter was evident; it's nice to see a star like Ritter not act above a lesser know musician. I never expected anything less.

Start with a talented musician who writes deeply meaningful songs, is a consummate showman, and loves what he does with all that he is, toss in a ridiculously talented band, a cool venue, an adoring audience, and you have a memorable experience. Go see Josh Ritter; as someone from the crowd shouted during an interim "You make me want to be a better man!", to which Ritter replied "You complete me."

Current music

I love music and listen to copious amounts. It guides me through moods and on occasion makes me think.

I recently fell in love with an unreleased Norah Jones song "Moon Song" from a 2004 DVD. It has easily become one of my favorites, capturing her stunning voice and soft jazz elements. Norah Jones is one of my very few favorite artists.

Bon Iver's new EP "Blood Bank." A great follow-up to tide fans over after "For Emma, Forever Ago", Blood Bank soothes. My favorite song is "Woods' followed by "Babys", "Blood Bank" and "Beach Baby."

Matt Peterson has an unreleased single "Something Good." It's catchy, jazzy, and sweet.

Brett Dennen's semi new disc "Hope for the Hopeless" is also good.

I'm excited for Ben Kwller's new CD "Changing Horses." I listened to three songs from it on myspace last night. Kind of more twangy sounding than past discs. Hopefully there isn't too much twang.

I'm also listening to the Jayhawks, Sara Bareilles, and Josh Ritter.