Happy New Year! – Albums I Loved in 2011

Hi, Everyone!  Well, it’s that time of year again!  The time when I get to pontificate about the top releases of the year.  However, as usual, I have a really difficult time ranking things.  This is something that carries over from my work as a professor.  After all, what is the difference between a 93 and a 94?  I know it when I see it, but just how to explain?  So, I’m just going to wimp out present some of the albums I loved in no particular order.  For those of you looking for a more ordered (and possibly comprehensive) list, I would recommend checking in with Pitchfork, Slowcoustic, or NPR Music.  All right, let’s get on with the show!

Continue reading “Happy New Year! – Albums I Loved in 2011”

Things I Should’ve Mentioned…

Hi, Everyone!  I’m finally back from the dissertation-/conference-/bacon-hangover-induced departure from blogging, and I’ve decided to catch up old-school.  So, in the spirit of the blog’s past, here’s a quick round-up of some of the things we missed while I was away.  Come on in to see and hear Wye Oak, Telekinesis, St. Vincent, and more!

Continue reading “Things I Should’ve Mentioned…”

First Listen: Telekinesis – “12 Desperate Straight Lines”

My birthday might be tomorrow, but NPR already gave me a sweet present… as of right now, you can hear all of Telekinesis‘ forthcoming album – 12 Desperate Straight Lines – over on their site.  I urge you to head on over, now!

(And hey, thanks, NPR!)

Recommended: Telekinesis

In a month of blizzards that blanket my house in snow and ice, it’s hard to feel like the Spring is ever going to come back – let alone the Summer.  Yet, two minutes into Telekinesis! – the 2009 release by the band Telekinesis – and it’s all sunshine, road trips, and slush puppies.  The band – whose only permanent member is Michael Benjamin Lerner – writes smart, hook-filled pop that Michael describes as “heart on my sleeve” type songs.  The result for the listener is pure joy… it is, I feel, fundamentally impossible not to feel good while listening to Telekinesis.

Continue reading “Recommended: Telekinesis”