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 —
Been digging through the holiday stacks here at Outlandos HQ, getting ready to program THE DAILY DOSE for December. I tell you, it nearly killed me trying to figure out what to play next to the McKenzie Brothers doing the 12 Days of Christmas. But it’s my favorite holiday song so I have to play it for you guys. Be sure to check in each day to see what we’ve got cookin’ for the holidays along with our hand-picked wine and cheese recommendations to go with each song. Yes, we are bonkers.
That said, if you haven’t already, join THE DAILY DOSE on Facebook and become our friend (it still always feels sooooo high-school asking that). We’ll look forward to checking out pictures of you when you were 12… or whatever it is you’ve got posted there.
Now for what’s been playing at Outlandos HQ so far this month:
1. WDST’s Unleashed
One of the best new music shows out there. Mostly new but they pipe in some older gems as well. Sound familiar? Ida and Dave have killer taste and a great on-air presence. It’s my new Sunday night must-listen. You can catch whole episodes by clicking here.
2. Gary Yerkins, Compass
Totally reminds me of Robert Cray/Gerry Rafferty. Produced by guitar great Pete Droge who plays all over it as well. Total gem, you should own it. Hear Gary on THE DAILY DOSE December 3.
3. Sam Prekop, Who’s Your New Professor?
Wow, wow, wow. Thanks to NEXT Music‘s Chris Bro for the intro to Sam, of The Sea and Cake. Is it electro-jazz rock? I don’t know how to describe it, except to say smart. Hear Sam on THE DAILY DOSE 11/24.
xo
11/16/09 | Comments (0)Tags: Cris Bro, CUT THROUGH THE NOISE, Gary Yerkins, Gerry Rafferty, KATE BRADLEY, OUTLANDOS MUSIC, Pete Droge, Robert Cray, Sam Prekop, The Sea and Cake, Unleashed, WDST —
