You read that right, it’s the Top 9. Two qualifiers: 1) an album totally worth the price, your money will be well spent and 2) an album that’s stood up on replay, ad infintinum. Hence, there were only nine. Trying to squeeze in a 10th felt like a copout. And we can’t have that. So, just in time for your shopping lists, our faves around Outlandos HQ for the past year:
1. Michael Miller, I Made You Up 
Awash in a melodic swath of near-psychedelic ether, Miller’s sound teeters between that delicate dream state of newborn refuge and Milky Way haze. But don’t let the SoCal singer-songwriter thing fool you: Miller’s unassuming yet gumptious approach places him squarely alongside the likes of troubadours Pete Droge/Steve Forbert but with flecks of Supertramp/Bowie-style transcendental grandeur. No kidding. Which is why it’s my top pick. |
2. Chris Velan, Solidago
Solidago was on my tops last year because I had an early copy (the release was April 2009) but it’s so good I’m putting it on the list again. The scoop: cunningly disguised as jangly chill-lax pop, Solidago reveals whipsmart songcraft and no-bullshit guitar rockers juxtaposed amidst easy-going ditties. Think Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Wallflowers, Bob Marley. The kind of political/romantic moxie that makes me think hell yes, I too am a Hard Way Learner. |
3. Mike Gent, Mike Gent
A pop masterpiece. Seriously. It’s easy, it’s smart, it’s fun, AND it has balls. Like Wilco used to (think Box of Letters, Monday). Speaking of balls, Mike’s other band, the Figgs, has long been one of my favorite badass live outfits. |
4. Glasvegas, Glasvegas
Timeless Glasgow glampop at its uber-finest. Echo and the Bunnymen-esque, bigger drums. Shit-hot. |
5. Gidgets Ga Ga, The Big Bong Theory
Fountains of Wayne meets Cheap Trick meets Strawberry Alarm Clock. Lots of bouncy, chimey guitars, and an authentic garage sound. Plus the album has a million songs on it. Loads of bang for your buck. |
6. Contramano, Contramano
Argentinian chamber-punk. Go figure. It’s spectacular. Seriously, you need to own this record IMMEDIATELY. |
7. Roman Candle, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear 
The Bees (US) are easily one of my fave bands ever. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, they had to change their name to The Silver Seas. They should have a new album out soon (yay!). In the meantime, Bees’ cofounder Jason Lehning has been keeping busy. Roman Candle is his latest project and everything you would expect from a Bee. Smart, fun, shades Steely Dan, Pretzel Logic-style. |
8. Passion Pit, Manners 
A dance record! Who knew. Fun fun fun. Very Jackson 5. Plus a lot of synth. |
9. Gary Yerkins, Compass 
Gotta have a touch of blues in your list. Gary has a sweet Robert Cray sort of thing going on. Produced by guitar great Pete Droge who plays all over it as well. Total gem. xo |
Tags: Bob Marley, Cheap Trick, Chris Velan, Contramano, CUT THROUGH THE NOISE, David Bowie, Echo and the Bunnymen, Fountains of Wayne, Gary Yerkins, Gerry Rafferty, Gidgets Ga Ga, Glasvegas, Jason Lehning, KATE BRADLEY, Michael Miller, Mike Gent, NOW PLAYING, OUTLANDOS MUSIC, Passion Pit, Paul Simon, Pete Droge, Robert Cray, Roman Candle, Steely Dan, Steve Forbert, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Supertramp, The Bees, The Figgs, The Jackson 5, The Silver Seas, The Wallflowers, Tom Petty, Wilco —
I hate February — on a Leap Year, especially. Seasonal Affective Disorder, Cabin Fever, who knows? Let’s just say I’m ecstatic it’s officially March.
If, by chance your own February blues are still lingering, here’s a few songs that I had on replay last month which gave me solace:
There’s No Love in February by the Orion Experience
I actually found this in the catalog at Pump Audio last year. Talk about a hidden gem. Think Fountains of Wayne if they had a chick on co-lead vocals… in kind of a B-52s sort of way. Superfun! In fact, Cosmicandy is loaded with a ton of great songs and fully worth your dollars. I’m dying to see them live.
Somebody to Love by Jim Boggia
Anyone brave enough to cover Queen and do it this well is 5-stars in my book. You might know Jim from his other band, 4 Way Street (Jim Boggia, Ben Arnold, Joseph Parsons, and Scott Bricklin).
If You Were Here by Cary Brothers
I like to call Cary the “Lamb/Lion.” He’s got this romantic, tempered, passionate thing going that explodes into a one hell of a feral roar, exemplified in this Thompson Twins cover, as the song slowly builds from tender lullaby to all-out rocker. Pure genius. And a throwback to Sixteen Candles is always good. You’ll remember Cary from the Garden State soundtrack and if you haven’t yet seen his Hotel Cafe© Tour, you must, must, must.
Ragdoll by David Geraghty
Irish multi-instrumentalist for Bell X1, David’s solo work is stunning. This song reminds me of equal parts Nick Drake and Ray Lamontagne. March tour dates for Bell X1 are posted here and for added double bonus, try and catch them when The Submarines are scheduled as the opening act.
Save a Little Honey by Peter Himmelman
You know the lovely, legendary Peter. This is off his latest record, The Pigeons Couldn’t Sleep. This song in particular, I just can’t stop listening to it. It makes me happy 
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© Outlandos MusicTM 2008
3/3/08 | Comments (0)Tags: 4 Way Street, B-52s, Bell X1, Ben Arnold, Cary Brothers, CUT THROUGH THE NOISE, David Geraghty, Fountains of Wayne, Hotel Cafe Tour, Jim Boggia, KATE BRADLEY, Nick Drake, Orion Experience, OUTLANDOS MUSIC, Peter Himmelman, Pump Audio, Queen, Ray Lamontagne, Scott Bricklin, Sixteen Candles, The Submarines, Thompson Twins —
