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 —
Has summer even happened? Good Lord, it’s almost over and it feels, with the recent swelter-fest (at least in the East Coast) that it just started.
Lots of good stuff cranked at Outlandos HQ to keep us feeling somewhat cool, see below.
But first, petite favor to ask you kids. This will literally take you 2 seconds, it’s super easy and you don’t even have to give a rats tail about SxSW but… would you vote for us? 30 seconds of your life. It’s a BIG deal in our world and would mean so much! How could we ever do it without you? Seriously. Thanks zillions. If we get in, not only do I get a free badge (let me tell you, those suckers are expensive) but we get some handy-dandy publicity.
Help me, help me? Just click the 2 links below and then click the “thumbs up” next to each one:
The Value of Emotional Value (Interactive Version)
VOTE HERE
Doing It like Trent: DIY for the Little Guy
VOTE HERE
Now on to the fun stuff:
1. Contramano, Contramano
Buy
Argentinian chamber-punk. Go figure. It’s spectacular. Seriously, you need to own this record IMMEDIATELY. In case you missed it, they were featured on the Dose last week.
2. Roman Candle, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear
Buy
The Bees (US) are easily one of my favorite bands of all time. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, they had to change their name to The Silver Seas. They should have a new album out this year (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 of the Dan.
3. Division Day, Visitation
Buy
Soooooo very Radiohead… not that there’s anything wrong with that. But there’s kind of a fresh twist. Really digging this one. Headphone listening for sure.
4. Passion Pit, Manners
Buy
Been loving this one for a while now, it’s dance music. Who knew. Fun fun fun. Featured on the Dose earlier this month.
5. David Mead, Almost and Always
Buy
He’s always wonderful. Not my favorite of his catalog but still worth it. And just a sweetheart of a guy with a crazy-lovely voice. It might take a little while to grow on you, more complex than you think on the first listen.
xo
8/17/09 | Comments (4)Tags: Contramano, CUT THROUGH THE NOISE, David Mead, Division Day, KATE BRADLEY, NOW PLAYING, OUTLANDOS MUSIC, Passion Pit, Radiohead, Roman Candle, The Bee Gees, The Silver Seas —
