Favorite Albums:

10. Death Grips – Niggas on the Moon
I’m not going to lie. I wept deeply when I heard they were breaking up this past July. I hate to see a truly groundbreaking band die prematurely, but at least we’ll never have to listen to a crappy Death Grips album. Niggas on the Moon popped up out of nowhere for free, and boasted a slightly tamer side of the band, while maintaining all the psychotic ferocity that they’re known for.

9. Ty Segall – Manipulator
If you follow Ty Segall’s career at all, you know by now that his most recent release, Manipulator is the anomaly in his discography. Segall spent nearly a year and a half meticulously recording the 17 track mega album, and his precise attention to detail on this record is a refreshing break from his otherwise warp speed prolificacy. The album is full of nods to 70s glam and guitar driven hard rock, and Segall’s trademark Bolanisms are better than ever.

8. Flying Lotus – You’re Dead!
Flying Lotus has found a seamless amalgamation of avant-garde free jazz and electronic production. When it was revealed that the experimental beatmaker was teaming up with the likes of Herbie Hancock on his next release, many were excited for what would come out of such an unlikely collaboration. The result is a beautiful collaboration between a host of high profile contributors, in one of the year’s weirdest yet most immersive concept albums.

The post Guest Post: Pat Butler first appeared on buffaBLOG.

In 2013, things were looking grim, but the local music, like the city of Buffalo, knows a little something about overcoming adversity. This year saw the (re)opening of Mohawk Place, the debut of the Studio at Waiting Room Studio, and finally gave the nomadic Sugar City a place to call their own after being baseless for close to two years.

Over the last couple of days, we have been highlighting our favorite 25 songs from 2014. We had 66 different songs that went into consideration for our writers favorite tracks, not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of songs coming out of the Queen City this past year.

We could have easily done a top 50, but in order to keep your attention, we are keeping with our annual top 20 list with our five close calls.

Here is the second half of our Buffalo Top 20 countdown, the cream of the crop, songs 10 – 1.

10. SHEDS – “HPBG”
It’s only got one set of lyrics (and I’m still not sure if this song is about LeBron James or not), but “(H)igh (P)ressure (B)asketball (G)ame” was easily one of our favorite songs to come out of WNY this year. We buffaBLOGGERS aren’t accustomed to surprises – but despite the fact that there’s no “left field” on a basketball court, that’s exactly where Lancaster’s SHEDS came from earlier this year. We were blessed with a two-song demo that sounds like a mix between Animal Collective and Wild Nothing. Like their contemporaries in Ignorant Owls, SHEDS specializes in chorus laden guitars and big synth sounds. We’re definitely looking forward to their first full-length – keep an eye out for it in the spring. – Nick A. Sessanna

9. Newish Star – “Bats”
There was a minor debate within the office as to which Newish Star song would make the top 20 countdown. Fortunately for me, my favorite Newish Star song, “Bats,” was able to sway an undecided voter (sorry “Mars Won”). Newish Star’s debut album, Look Both Ways, is a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the most literal song writing style that it almost seems effortless, and “Bats” is a prime example of the effortlessly identifiable way Newish Star writes. The song is about a negligent person leaving their door open all of the time and will probably get bats. That’s it. But beyond that “Bats” backing melodies, friend-telling-you-a-story delivery by lead singer Jordan Nittoli, driving bass, and tight percussion all wraps into one great share worthy song.  – Michael J. Moretti

8. Zak Ward – “Who You Really Are”
With his group, Son of the Sun, quietly calling it a day near the tail end of 2013, primary singer/songwriter Zak Ward dropped one of this year’s most underrated releases in That’s What You Get during the back end of 2014. Full of alt-country tunes with hazy melodies, the EP’s autumnal, M. Ward (no relation) esque stand out track “Who You Really Are,” is that Sunday morning cup off coffee, a perfect wake up call to a new day and a fresh start. Ward almost makes it sound too easy as slinky guitars, confident and assured vocals, and a laid-back chorus guide the song to its pleasing conclusion. Not to mention, the tune has just a touch of swagger, something that really stands out when you catch him perform the song live. – Mac P. McGuire

7 . Smart House – “Let’s Skip”
Alex Ogadzhanov’s Smart House project makes its second straight top 10 appearance with “Let’s Skip.” Formally released under Ogadzhanov’s Brat’ya moniker, “Let’s Skip” received a maserati-pop (a term we coined for any song that could appear on the Drive soundtrack) revision, going from tense and nervy to heavy and lush. Like last year’s fantastic and nostalgic “Car Ride,” Ogadzhanov has a way of capturing emotions like few other musicians in Buffalo. Smart House’s new rendition of “Let’s Skip,” has little in common with the Brat’ya’s besides the lyrics/title. It’s a totally new reworking that is hypnotic, dream-like, and powerful. – MPM

6. Del Plato & Kujawski – “We’ve Been Here Before”
Delplato & Kujawski made our April a little bit brighter when they released the Death Cab flavored math rock that filled Strings & Chords. Album highlight and our top 20 pick is the gentle ebb and flow of “We’ve Been Here Before.” Delplato is no stranger to our best-of lists, but we’re happy to welcome Kujawski into spotlight. “We’ve Been Here Before” combines both men’s complimentary voices into a Minus the Bear meets Copeland-inspired mood rocker. Whether it’s the lyrics about hard times or the prominent electric piano, there are many reasons to ride this one out… Take it from us, the soaring outro is worth a full listen. – NAS

5. Wooden Waves – “Big Wheel”
The indie rock kings (and queen) in Wooden Waves have really outdone themselves with their long-awaited LP, Wilder Dreams, which was finally released earlier this month via One Percent Press. The whole album is a scorcher, but “Big Wheel” will burn you right to the ground. This track is high-energy at its finest—an appropriately raucous drum beat and bass shreddings lay the foundation for a rapidly-strummed guitar progression and vocals that are sung with fervor and a profound authenticity. All of this gets thrown in the pot, and the resulting stew is a head-banging, fist-pumping, and overall get-off-your-ass blast off. If you’re looking to burn some calories, grab your headphones, put “Big Wheel” on repeat, and just start running. – Ronald S. Walczyk

4. Applennium – “Let’s Not Take So Much Time”    
I’m just going to go ahead and say that Applennium is one of Buffalo’s best bands. After catching both (yes, only two) of their shows this year, I’ve come to the conclusion that the four piece have complete control over dynamics. That skill is readily evident on “Let’s Not Take So Much Time,” a simmering, piano-laden tune that locks into a strong rhythmic guitar and never lets go. It’s almost like Applennium has the ability to play with the space in between notes. Not to mention, hearing Mohawk place go silent during the harmonies at the end of this song was pretty surreal (hint hint). – NAS

3 . Mapmaker – “Stretched Thin”
Mapmaker’s Critical Path is a rush of adrenaline, a straight shot of whiskey, and a downed 5 Hour Energy, Redbull, and Monster cocktail all in one. Released by both Salinas Records and One Percent Press, the entire album has zero weak points and could arguably be the strongest all-around album coming out of Buffalo in 2014. The stand-out track for Mapmaker’s only release is without a doubt the fist-pumping track, “Stretched Thin.” Fast paced raucous punk guitars, muffled vocals that comes across half anthemic, half cry of desperate urgency, “Stretched Thin” is a packed Saturday night at your favorite DIY show after you finally told your significant other what was really on your mind. Unfortunately, much like everything in this world, all good things must come to an end, and the same happened with Mapmaker. Critical Path was Mapmaker’s swan song.  – MJM

2 . Mooses – “Bette Davis”
While other Fredonia-bred bands – Well Worn Boot, Mr. Boneless, Zealot – may have been more visible through Buffalo in 2014, no band released anything as exciting and exhilarating as the psych-rock foursome, Mooses, did with swirling “Bette Davis.” Not wasting a second of its 6 min long running time, the second track off of the band’s May EP titled, Tales from the Elephant’s Nest, simply explodes out of your speakers led by one of the best riffs you will hear in years. While I tend to love more serious and introspective songs, “Bette Davis” reminded me how fun music can be. It doesn’t hurt that the chorus is arguably the most catchy thing to come out of Buffalo in 2014. – MPM

1. Damian – “I My Own”
Here we are. Buffalo’s music scene had an incredible 2014 and with words of new material coming out from various promising musicians, we are excited for 2015. The song we are naming this year to join past title-holders The Tins and Del Paxton to claim “best Buffalo song of the year,” is Damian with his song “I My Own” off of his March 2014 release, You Don’t Need It. 

Released, recorded, and written with Brandon Schlia of Steak and Cake Records, You Don’t Need It offers the listener a glimpse into a mind that seems to be one of the most delicate, sweet, and aware talents within the local scene. Part mumble-core indie delight, part diary entry you were never supposed to see, Damian’s music comes across more as an internal dialogue or a hum that you weren’t supposed to hear, but luckily the genius was recorded. “I My Own” is about emerging from a break-up and becoming your own, accepting person. Playfully tinkering keyboards, Damian’s bass-y grumble-soul singing, a drum beat that perfectly compliments the entire song, a compelling bass line, and a dreamy, oceanic guitar makes this song absolutely perfect.

You Don’t Need It is one of the best albums I’ve ever come across period. Not geographically, not genre-wise, just in general. Listen to “I My Own,” then stick around for You Don’t Need It and try not to get the feels. I dare you. – MJM

For songs 20 – 11, please click here.

The post Top 20 Buffalo Tracks: 10 – 1 first appeared on buffaBLOG.

In 2013, things were looking grim, but the local music, like the city of Buffalo, knows a little something about overcoming adversity. This year saw the (re)opening of Mohawk Place, the debut of the Studio at Waiting Room Studio, and finally gave the nomadic Sugar City a place to call their own after being baseless for close to two years.

Over the next couple of days, we’ll be highlighting our favorite 25 songs from 2014. We had 66 different songs that went into consideration for our writers favorite tracks, not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of songs coming out of the Queen City this past year.

We could have easily done a top 50, but in order to keep your attention, we are keeping with our annual top 20 list with our five close calls.

Here is the first half of our Buffalo Top 20 countdown, songs 20 – 11.

20. Radarada – “DayQuil Nyquil”
Earlier this summer, the hip hop/jazz collective known as Radarada released the summer’s best veg out album in First Edition, seven tracks of laid back hip hop from a group of busy and versatile local musicians and MCs. On the album’s best cut, “DayQuil Nyquil,” the soulful Little Cake delivers a mellow, head bobbing refrain while Tommy Too and wZa trade verses filled with self medicative rhymes and three-some dreams. Add a smooth rhythm section to the mix and “DayQuil Nyquil” becomes one of Buffalo’s best come down songs, no matter that time of day, of 2014. – Mac P. McGuire

19. Difficult Night – “Butterflies & Crocodiles”
Difficult Night has been on our radar for a while now; their March release Difficult Nights EP is a goldmine of slacky folk jams. The songs are minimalistic, accessible, and subsequently very endearing.  “Butterflies and Crocodiles” is a relatively unanimous favorite among the blog writers, with its piano hooks a-plenty and cheerful demeanor. Personally, it reminds me of something I might hear on the set of Cheers—a kind-spirited piano cut that brings everyone in the bar together by some unspeakable bond. The fact that it calls up such a wacky vivid image should speak for itself. Quality stuff. – Ronald S. Walczyk

18. Ignorant Owls – “Space Invaders”
Ignorant Owls spent much of 2014 playing with their synths and delay pedals, only to come out of nowhere this summer and suck us in with an impressive debut. “Space Invaders” is a swirly and catchy electronic number with a surprisingly warm, lo-fi feel. It’s full of soaring vocals and big, colorful synth lines, exactly what I want to hear out of music like this. If anyone else has been missing Canary Girls, Ignorant Owls might be the perfect band to finally fill that void. – Nick A. Sessanna

17. The Lindbergh Babies – “Medicine of the Lonely”
The former Girlpope battery of Mark Norris and Brandon Delmont is the most seasoned pair of Buffalo music veterans on our countdown. The duo’s debut album, released under the moniker of the Lindbergh Babies, was chock full of influences, from Wilco to Thom Yorke to the Flaming Lips. And with the unassuming “Medicine of the Lonely,” even J Spaceman himself would be proud. Tackling one of mankind’s most fundamental issues, Delmont checks in from space and attempts to offer the cure as a sly, backing harmonica and funky, tribal beats add a world weary feel. – MPM

16. Passion in Constellation ft. Cara Doyle – “We Want It All”
There is no denying the surge in popularity electronica has seen over the past few years, and our list just wouldn’t be complete without some quality pop music. Passion in Constellation, the solo electronic project of Buffalo producer Chris Alan, has teamed up with local singer Cara Doyle to bring us this diamond of a track—an indie pop gem to rival the likes of Passion Pit or Charlie XCX. “We Want It All” boasts lush synth stylings and a danceable mid-tempo beat that serves as the perfect backdrop for Doyle’s euphoric vocal prowess. And the uplifting mood of this one matches it thematically, as it was “written for a generation of kids who want everything… including love, serenity, and unity.” as stated on Passion’s Facebook page. This track could sit unwaveringly on a shelf next to much bigger names and higher profile artists, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Passion in Constellation was Buffalo’s next electronic export.  – RSW

15. JOHNS – “Palace of Ill Control” 
JOHNS are the go-to band that I always show my friends when they ask what is going on in Buffalo’s music scene. Fronted by Johnny Toohill’s brooding vocals while accompanied by driving guitars and an aggressive rhythm section give JOHNS their own special identity in western New York’s growing music scene. This past September, the band announced  plans set to release a full LP in 2015 via local tastemakers, Peterwalkee Records, giving us a small taste of whats to come with their single, “Palace of Ill Control.” JOHNS are brash in the best way possible, making intense indie rock songs some post hardcore leanings, making an intense sound that you can’t help but fixate on. Cure the wicked, cure the wicked, cure the wicked.  – Michael J. Moretti

14. The Tins – “They Aren’t Evil”
One of Buffalo’s next great hopes returned this year with the good from start to finish EP, Young Blame. The release’s lead off single, “They Aren’t Evil,” continued to see the three-piece move away from their early garage-pop (anyone remember “Green Room?”) into post-punk/new wave territory. With piercing synths and the band’s signature harmonies teetering on the edge of anthemic, “They Aren’t Evil” is a song that flirts with several different genres. The Tins never settle on just one influence, and that constant reinvention continues to keep fans on their toes. – MPM

13. Nelson Type – “Cycles”                
2014 saw the joyous return of Nelson-Type. Although buffaBLOG was half-and-half split between this and the infectious “Daydreams,” the inquisitive “Cycles” eventually won its way into our top 20 this year. “Cycles” is lyricless but does include “ohs” in typical Nelson-Type fashion. The not-so-hidden genius in this song is the gently finger picked melody supported by a buzzing delay effect and twinkling piano keys. Truthfully, this song speaks best for itself – it’s that beautiful. – NAS

12. Fourem – “I Hope You’re Well, Brother”
Rumored to have been floating around for years, the latest single from Chris Groves’ (Applennium) bedroom electronic project finally saw the light of day on the Harvestsum 10th anniversary compilation released earlier this summer. Beginning slowly and calmy until an absolutely startling synth ushers in, the song recalls of some of M83’s more tranquil moments (if that is even a thing), not so much in terms of sound, but rather its universal grandiose. “I Hope You’re Well, Brother” could be the soundtrack for the end of time, the sun setting over Lake Erie, or any important moment in one’s life. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter. You make what you want of emotions from music, and this song certainly leaves many options. – MPM

11. Bryan Johnson & Family – “Dead Fox”
In all seriousness, this is probably the catchiest local song I’ve heard all year. I include “local” in that sentence because there is something to be said about TSwift’s infectious “Shake It Off,” but I digress. “Dead Fox” is a close second. This surfy indie treat just plain rips; that riff alone makes my feet want to move. Reminiscent of something from Vampire Weekend or Cults, this two-minute banger has a death grip on those warm summer vibes, and hearing it brings me right back to getting stupid sunburnt on the soft(ish) sands of Bennett Beach. BJ&Fam had a pretty successful 2014, from signing with Admirable Traits, who put out their excellent Cool Your Jets EP, to packing the Studio at the Waiting Room earlier this year for their hell-of-a-good-time release party with Del Paxton and Mallwalkers. If you didn’t catch them then (and even if you did), mark your calendars for January 2^nd—the boys are bringing it to Mr. Goodbar for another night of fun. – RSW

For songs 10 – 1, please click here.

The post Top 20 Buffalo Tracks: 20 – 11 first appeared on buffaBLOG.

In 2013, things were looking grim, but the local music, like the city of Buffalo, knows a little something about overcoming adversity. This year saw the (re)opening of Mohawk Place, the debut of the Studio at Waiting Room Studio, and finally gave the nomadic Sugar City a place to call their own after being baseless for close to two years.

In the next couple of days, we’ll be highlighting our favorite 25 songs from 2014. We had 66 different songs that went into consideration for our writers favorite tracks, not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of songs coming out of the Queen City this past year.
We could have easily done a top 50, but in order to keep your attention, we are keeping with our annual top 20 list with our five close calls.

Here are our five close calls that ALMOST made the top 20.

A Hotel Nourishing – “Gracewood Groves”
This two-part instrumental from the noise rock duo’s long-awaited Empty Gesture EP offers up gut-busting explosions of sound followed by a melodic grand crescendo to calm it all back down. Duo Sonny Baker and Cameron Rogers share an undeniable musical understanding of one another, and work well together to craft lush sonic landscapes such as this one. If I were dreaming, “Gracewood Groves” would be the song that was playing while I ran around a junkyard trying to escape the bloodthirst of a snarling Doberman. If that doesn’t warrant a listen, I don’t know what does. – Ronald S. Walczyk

Zealot  – “Blanket Forts”
Indie rock three-piece, Zealot, were a must-have for our 2014 close-calls. The band emerged from the Fredonia basements into being one of our favorite up-and-coming acts in 2014. At the beginning of the year, we listed them as one of the top five bands to watch and they surely did not disappoint, sharing bills with Wooden Waves, Mr. Boneless, and Aircraft. The only disappointing thing about Zealot this past year is they only managed to sneak us one song.  Listening to “Blanket Forts” is kind of like an alcoholic sneaking a shot of travel-sized mouthwash, anxiously awaiting the full bottle. With a proper EP set to be released in early 2015, expect Zealot to find a spot in the top 20 around this time next year. – Michael J. Moretti

Brother Keep – “Windy City”
As far as straight-up good songwriting goes, “Windy City” is nothing short of an A+. It’s well-structured, the instrumentation is seasoned just right, and the ever-clever (and rather scathing) lyrics are sung with a tangible passion. The indie pros in Brother Keep went out with a bang this year with the contemptuous To You & Yours, a full-throttled four song tribute to the unforgiving shitstorm that follows a love gone sour. And on a human level, that shitstorm is pretty much a universal misfortune, making “Windy City” the essential feels-good-to-feel-bad song. Let the story be told. – RSW

The Get Money Squad – “June666”
One of the more refreshing and care free (sounding) projects to come out of Buffalo this year was the Get Money Squad. Featuring Network  members Quinton Brock and Jon Bap, the group dropped its self proclaimed “urban surf” EP, Nothing’s Wrong, led by the stand out number “June666,” earlier this summer. With mellow yet off beat riffs, Shuggie Otis esque vocals from Brock, and dashes of soul, psych, and dream pop, the laid back track became a slacker summer jam that fans of Mac DeMarco and Real Estate could burn one down to. – Mac P. McGuire

The Slums – “The Devil”
Buffalo got a little scummier this summer after The Slums made their debut in the back room of Frizzy’s. The four piece sounds like a combination of 50s rock n’ roll, hardcore, and Adderall, and singer Steven Floyd’s distinct delivery is the cherry on top of it all. “The Devil” is the first song I’d play on a reckless drive down a long desert highway. From the lyrics behind the screams (“She feels like asphalt, she smells like tar”) to the guttural bass tones, this song is sludgy all over. You’ll get your chance with The Slums at this year’s buffaBLOG Holiday Party – they’re performing. – Nick A. Sessanna

The post Top 20 Buffalo Tracks: Five Close Calls first appeared on buffaBLOG.

2014 was a a big year in my life. No, it was not impacted by any of the major world or current events. Nor were there any major, life changing events in my personal life for that matter. 2014 is the first year that I can not say for certain that, in all my years of music fandom, I don’t have a favorite record. It was much easier when I was younger and much of the music I listened to in high school had a bigger impact on me as a person. However, with the music industry shifting everyday and diversifying, for better or worse, it’s becoming very difficult to pick and choose which band, album, or single has stood out. Even though that obstacle is becoming more and more pronounced, it’s still worth pointing out what mattered and what big things are to come.

For me, as a Rochesterian, I have seen our music community only strengthen over the past five years or so. If you told me ten years ago that there were Rochester bands that were even worth going to see at places like the Bug Jar, for instance, I would’ve laughed at you. Now, as the national music industry has diversified and the internet has become a much stronger utility in giving the smaller, lesser known bands a way to communicate to the masses, I think it’s safe to say that there’s a lot of optimism on the horizon for the music community as a whole—more so than in the early days of digital music. With all that in mind, I’m going to break down what I have observed to be the most significant records/concerts of the year, and I’ll share who or what I’m looking forward to in 2015.

Favorite (or notable) Albums (no special order)

Interpol – El Pintor
As much as buffaBLOG did NOT like this record, I will stick up for it and say that it’s a pleasant return to form for a band that I fell madly in love with in high school. I have a love-hate relationship with Interpol’s last two records (especially their 2010 self-titled crapfest of an album). After spending a few years away from the spotlight, the NYC post-punk wunderkinds got back together, now as a trio after longtime bassist Carlos D left in 2010 after recording the fourth record, and made their strongest set of material since their 2004sophomore LP, Antics. Tracks like “All The Rage Back Home” and “Twice as Hard” prove that the band is still capable of writing dreary and dreamy melodies and hooks that pull you in and leave this emotional strain that lasts for quite some time.

Real Estate – Atlas
After the one-two punch of their first two records, I was unsure whether or not Real Estate would deliver another album worthy of 40 minutes of a road trip. From the opening guitar lines of “Had to Hear,” the band has clearly made sure that their fans would not be disappointed, continuing their late ‘80s, early ‘90s callbacks to bands such as Galaxie 500, (I.R.S. era) R.E.M., and, most importantly, Mazzy Star. I was hoping to catch them in Ithaca back in September, but kick myself everyday for not doing that. Hopefully, they’ll go much further the next time around.

Future Islands – Singles
I first heard of Future Islands when my friend Josh Netsky (pre-Maybird) played a show with them at the Bug Jar. I didn’t seem to be interested in their rather off-beat new new-wave style for a while. Flash forward a few years later, after they triumphed big time on Letterman earlier this year performing “Seasons (Waiting on You),” they’re the new darlings of the indie rock world. And the hype around them is absolutely justified. While Singles is an album fully rooted in mid-80s new wave stalwarts like Depeche Mode and New Order, the band shows that it’s capable of experimenting with their sound, especially Sam Harrington’s unique and expressive vocals (“Fall From Grace” shows off his inner metal head vocal style), while essentially staying true to their form that they established on their earlier records. Albums like this continue to show the trend of a diversifying music atmosphere, and soon, we’ll probably be talking about the next Future Islands.

Mac Demarco – Salad Days
Mac Demarco played at the Bug Jar in Rochester in July 2013, and at the time, I had no idea how big he already was in the indie community. I wasn’t necessarily impressed with his music at first, but upon hearing his latest LP, he has certainly found his groove that has been much more appealing. Like Real Estate, Demarco gleans a lot from our dream pop forefathers, from the title track to songs like “Let Her Go.” If he comes back to our neck of the woods, I’ll take a second chance.

Skaters – Manhattan
Even though I’ve fallen in and out with this record over the year, it’s still worth talking about how Skaters were a band that could’ve been huge. I was fortunate enough to see them at the Town Ballroom in June 2013 when they opened for Portugal. The Man. after
being told constantly about how great they were from certain people (who of course knew the band personally). Though Manhattan tends to sound very commercial at times, channeling all the big early 2000s bands like The Strokes and The Libertines (which sells anyways), it’s still quite distinct in how it presents itself. You can even hear some of the influence of the Replacements’ mid-80’s period on this record (“To Be Young in NYC”). Skaters probably got brushed aside as another wannabe act, but at least they’re not to be terribly forgotten.

Favorite Rochester Bands of 2014

The Demos
Power pop kings of the Young Lion of the West. Always good buds that never fail to impress. Do pay attention to what they have in store for the new year.

Joywave
This was their year, period. I’ve known them all for a long time and I can’t think of a band from this town that’s gone on to have the success that they’ve had. Their show in August at the Bug Jar was one of the highlights from that venue this year. Can not wait for their debut album in 2015.

Joywave – Tongues ft. KOPPS (official music video) [NSFW] from DANIELS on Vimeo.

Maybird
Even though some of the members live in Brooklyn, they’re still very active and
making unbelievable, lush music. “Call You Mine” live and their namesake track are forces to reckon with.

KOPPS
The sister-band of Joywave have clearly made their own strides aside from being
sampled on said Joywave’s hit single. Recently, they headlined their own show on Black Friday at the Bug Jar to which not one person was standing around not dancing (even doing a nice shout out cover of “Tongues,” too). Can’t wait to see what’s around the corner for them.

Hawker M. James (or Admirers, or whatever he calls himself tomorrow)
Mike James is truly a force to be reckoned with. From his days as the drummer of ROC/NYC’s Longwave, to drumming for The Demos, Mike has proven to be a strong songwriter on his own, crafting neo-glam tunes that pay homage to his love of Lou Reed, Bowie and Marc Bolan. “Love Like A Hurricane” was even dedicated to Lou at a recent show. Hopefully more will be coming soon.

Harmonica Lewisnki
Every time I see Harmonica Lewinski (sic) live, its always a new, rather wild experience. True, they’re very much rooted in surf rock, Cramps-esque punk, but I feel like there’s always something fresh to take away from it, even some traces of Ariel Pink’s adventures in lo-fi. Either way, HL put on some of the best live shows in Rochester.

Buffalo Sex Change
BSXC reminded me that you don’t need to have a full piece band to pull off shoegaze. The band also cleverly mixes that style with dark, post-punk tendencies that gives them quite a distinct sound to brand them a two man powerhouse. Definitely looking forward to what they’re doing next.

Routine Involvements
The one band we’ve featured twice on Genesee Live, it’s taken them a while to find their footing, but now its safe to say that RI are, like BSXC, taking the popular two person band concept to another level. The obvious callbacks to 90’s icons like Pavement, Dinosaur Jr, and Weezer are there, though somehow they’re still firmly rooted with 2000’s rock ala The Strokes, Modest Mouse, The Libertines, and so on. If you didn’t get a chance to see their incredibly well done music video for their song, “UFO”, please do so.

Routine Involvements “UFO” from Michael Schifino on Vimeo.

Final thoughts:
As with any other year, there’s a lot to anticipate for 2015 as far as music in
WNY goes. While Rochester is blooming in it’s music community, I’m also very excited to see what our neighbors in the Queen City have to offer. Bands like Sleepy Hahas, Brimstone Blondes and Made Violent show that Buffalo is emerging as a big music town as much as Rochester is, so hopefully that trend isn’t bucked anytime soon. I’m really grateful that Buffablog has featured Genesee Live in posts and I hope that our friendship will continue to grow over the next year. Thank you all for supporting Rochester and I look forward to working with many more exciting bands for Genesee Live in 2015!

Photo Credit – Gerry Szymanski

The post Guest Post: Mark Czelusniak first appeared on buffaBLOG.

So originally I told myself that I was going to keep this list to 10 songs BUT THEN I REMEMBERED THAT ITS ALMOST 2015 AND I CAN DO WHATEVER THE F*CK I WANT…just kidding but really. Here’s my favorite 15 songs of 2014 IN NO SPECIFIC ORDER SO CALM DOWN EVERYONE.

SZA ft Kendrick Lamar – “Babylon”
SZA’s hypnotizing voice and K Dot’s fire verse over a sexy ass beat make this one a no brainer.

Pharrell  -“Gush”
Certified panty dropper with an ultra slick up beat throwback feel. Pharrell still got some gas in the tank.

Drake – “How Bout Now”
WHAT YOU THOUGHT YOUR BOY WAS GONNA MAKE A BEST OF LIST AND NOT PUT DRAKE ON IT?! Some new new to close out the year from the 6 God got the club goin up…..on a Tuesday.

PARTYNEXTDOOR ft. Drake – “Recognize”
One of my go to pre-game turn up jams right here. When in doubt, turn up the auto-tune and sing like you mean it……about drank….and girls. GIRL I SEE YOU.

Iamsu! – “I Love My Squad”
ANOTHER one of my go to pre-game turn up jams, enjoyed best while intoxicated surrounded by your best buds. West Coast Stand Up.

Chance the Rapper ft. the Social Experiment – “Wonderful Everyday”
So Chance covered the damn Arthur theme song and its pure feel good wonderfulness.

WestSideGunn – “Never Coming Home”
The only local cat to make my list and thats saying something. GULLY personified. Turn this one up and put somethin in the air.

Spooky Black – “Without You”
An incredibly smooth white boy (in a du-rag) singing about love (with an angelic voice) over mellow trap production in the middle of the woods. Another “nuff said” moment.

Beck – “Heart is a Drum”
BET YOU DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING. Honestly tho, picking just one song off of his album Morning Phase is damn near impossible. They are all fantastic.

Tune Yards – “Water Fountain”
IF THIS SONG DOESN’T MAKE YOU WANT TO DANCE OR NOD YOUR HEAD, YOU PROBABLY ARN’T HUMAN AND WERE INSTEAD DESIGNED TO BE AN EMOTIONLESS ROBOT.

The post Guest Post: Dr. Ooo first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Adriana Lang
Favorite Album
Chet Faker – Built on Glass
I was scrolling through somebody’s blog over the summer, and to my annoyance, they had a self-starting playlist. My initial annoyance quickly passed as I actually tuned into the song, pleased within the first few seconds of listening. After a quick Google search, I realized I was listening to Australian musician, Chet Faker. I bought the album quickly after, and was not at all disappointed. Built on Glass embodies everything that electronic music needs right now; it’s a balanced mixture of the synthetic and the soulful. This album is completely genuine, and asserts itself without any contrivance. It’s also one of the few albums I can listen to without skipping any songs. 

I was personally pleased when I realized that he featured Kilo Kish, an underrated female rapper, on my favorite track, “Melt.” By virtue of mixing radio-friendly elements with ample jazzy-weirdness, this album absolutely works at any occasion. I spent most of my time making crafts while listening to it…but, I digress. I see Chet Faker as an up and comer in 2015.

Honorable Mentions
Phantogram ‘s fourth album, Voices, reminds us of how rad co-ed duo can sound (just look at Stars and the XX!), while Sam Smith’s debut album, In the Lonely Hour, is a much-needed revival in the contemporary pop-music scene.

Favorite Song
Young the Giant – “Mind Over Matter”
After Young the Giant’s self-titled 2010 album, I was waiting, for what felt like centuries, to hear some new music from them. For a point of time, I was unsure if they would ever make anything new. One day, while listening to Pandora, I heard the self-titled single off their latest album, Mind Over Matter. It’s an irrefutably catchy song. I’ve always been a fan of Sameer Gadhia’s vocals (he’s excellent live!), and his vocal ranged is show-cased in this song. Apparently, they used their four year absence wisely. “Mind over Matter” proves the band has not at all fizzled out.

Nick Muldoon
Favorite Album
Sun Kil Moon – Benji
It seems weird to think of what’s happened to folk music over the past 5 years. Once the premiere genre for storytelling has increasingly become a mere aesthetic for pop bands. Once a raw powerful vehicle for the emotional and social truths it was in the 60s has become an excuse for bands like the Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men to wear silly hats and play an acoustic guitar. Which is perhaps why Benji feels like gamechanger in this era.

Mark Kozelek is hardly a new face in the indie music scene, but never has he made such a definitive statemen. This is his magnum opus. Over the course of 13 songs, Kozelek builds linking narratives that outline real-life tragedy stretching back to his childhood. Yet, what’s most surprising about Benji is how Kozelek uses it’s dark subject matter to create a beautifully complex celebration of life. Each song using death as a catalyist to explore Kozelek’s childhood, family, inspirations, coming-of-age, and how those experiences still affect him today.

The album’s ambience and lyrically hyper-detailed world create a sense of place so specific that listening to it feels like  being immersed into the best of classic American short stories. To listen to Benji is not so much a musical experience as it is an emotional journey, one that takes you through so many varying personal experiences only to leave you looking at the world through different eyes. And so the strange irony of 2014,  Sun Kil Moon has breathed new life into a seemingly dying genre by crafting the year’s masterwork, about life through death.

Honorable Mentions
Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels 2
While many great albums were released in 2014, only one felt like the voice that encompassed what the year truly was, and that was Run the Jewels 2. The follow-up to Killer Mike and EL-P’s mixtape from last year brought all the rap braggadocio, but more than that, brought the sociopolitical commentary that’s previously characterized their solo efforts. In a year rife with social injustice El-P and Killer Mike arrive as arbiters for truth and wishful fulfillment, calling out a corrupt system that has failed our poorest, profited off our least fortunate, and waged war on those in the minority.

On “Early,” Killer Mike recounts a story of a police officer arresting him for a minimal marijuana possession in front of his son while holding a gun to his wife’s head, while El-P matches his verse with one that details the hypocrisy of a system that monitors it’s citizens, but turns a blind eye to it’s police force. On “Close Your Eyes and Count to Fuck,” the duo act out wishful fulfillment with the venom of an early N.W.A. Or Chuck-D with lines like “”Where the fuck the warden?/And when you find him, we don’t kill him, we just waterboard him/We killin’ them for freedom cause they tortured us for boredom“. With the futuristic production of EL-P, flow that has made them gods in the undergroup rap game and lyrics that have never been more relevent or potent, Run the Jewels 2 is not just a hip-hop masterpiece, but a near essential account of America in 2014.

Future Islands – Singles
While Future Islands have been working on making a name for themselves for awhile, it’s taken a long time for the Baltimore trio to truly find themselves amongst the elite of modern indie rock bands, which is what makes Singles such a wonderful surprise.

Synthpop has long been one of the most popular trends in the indie landscape and yet the latest album from Future Islands leans harder on electronics than before sounds the most original. There are echoes of their contemporaries and 80s new wave bands of the past here and there, but Singles finds the band balancing their synthpop sound with great restraint, letting Sam Herring expansive vocal range buoy the emotions of their lyrics. It might have taken a lightning in a bottle performance for Future Islands to make their impact, but to stand-out musically in a landscape of like-minded contemporaries is pure talent.

Favorite Song
Perfume Genius – “Queen”
After two quietly beautiful and lush albums that previous touched on gay identity, Seattle-based singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas returned to announce his new album with the release of Too Bright, which featured the booming gay pride anthem, “Queen,” that landed with a force unmatched by anything in 2014. Hadreas willfully embraced effeminite characteristics reaffirming them not as something delicate but as a force of strength and bravery. As the song builds to it’s immense chorus, Hadreas openly mocks and raises a middle-finger to right-wing social critics, declaring “No family is safe, when I sashay” leaving listeners with one simple message: All the forces of the hateful and ignorant can battle to keep you quiet, but nothing should ever stop you from expressing who you are.

Honorable Mentions
Charli XCX – “Boom Clap”
While Taylor Swift might be breaking sales record after sales record, I argue that 2014 will still be remembered as the year of Charli XCX. After having previously writing Icona Pop’s popular “I Love It,” and providing the hook on Iggy Azelia’s 2014 mega-hit, “Fancy,” Charlotte Aitchison finally earned the long deserved US hit of her own with “Boom Clap.” The single arrived during the summer as a piece of irresistible bubble-gum pop perfection. While other pop stars have embraced heart-on-their-sleeve songwriting or the trends of indie rock, Charli XCX has made a name for herself by simply being unafraid of how her music is perceived: gleefully smashing pop, electronic, and punk music into one another till the lines between genres become indistinguishable. “Boom Clap” might not be the most powerful statement ever made by Aitchison, but it is wake-up call to the public of a supremely talented young artist who will only continue to grow and evolve, dominating radio pop for year’s to come.

Flying Lotus – “Never Catch Me” (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Sometimes music gives a moment that can’t be duplicated, with two artists working at the absolute prime of their careers. “Never Catch Me” provides us with just that. With a smooth jazzy R&B beat provided by Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar riffs on ideas of mortality, death, and afterlife. The more the beat stutters, twists, and turns, Lamar’s rhymes only gain steam perfectly riding along with Flying Lotus’s rollercoaster ride production. A meeting ground between commerce and the avant garde, between hip-hop and electronica, between existentialism and entertainment. “Never Catch Me” becomes the centerpiece of Flying Lotus’s You’re Dead, a moment that it feels as if the whole album builds to and almost has to come down to. There were many magical moments in hip-hop in 2014, but few felt as special as this partnership.

Scott Mancuso
Favorite Album
Angel Olsen – “Burn Your Fire for No Witness”
I’m going to stay with the album that I picked as my favorite from the first half of the year as, after another six months, it is still the collection of songs that I enjoy and appreciate more than any other that was released in 2014. Angel Olsen’s cleverly-titled Burn Your Fire for No Witness is filled with well-written songs that all perfectly balance wistfulness with guarded optimism and are all sung with a voice that is forceful and haunting and sounds like it is threatening to break into our world from some alternative universe. Olsen uses it to get more emotion out of three chords and a couple verses, on a song like “Unfucktheworld” for example, than some artists can manage out of a whole album. “What’s so wrong with the light?” is a question that Olsen repeatedly asks (to increasingly eerie effect) on the album’s last song, “Windows,” and the double meaning in that line (a subtly sarcastic suggestion that, “of course, there’s nothing wrong with the light,” to a honestly terrified inquiry as to, “oh God, what is actually wrong with that light”) is a perfect example of the way that the songs on Burn Your Fire seem to exist simultaneously as tributes to swaggering confidence and doubt-filled solitude.

Favorite Song
Avi Buffalo – “Memories of You”
For my favorite song. I’m going with Avi Buffalo’s “Memories of You” off of Avi Zahner-Isenberg’s really enjoyable second album, At Best Cuckold. I find this song to be eminently joyous and re-listenable, and the melody is one of the most tightly focused and uplifting that I’ve heard all year. Lyrically, it’s a dreamy mix of nostalgia and awkwardly-forward sexual references that somehow come off as deceptively charming in the context of such an earnestly light-hearted folk-pop number. This song is also a great example of the excellent guitar work that was more present on the first Avi Buffalo album, with an extended instrumental outro that nicely balances the more overtly intimate first half of the song.

Ronald Walcyzk
Favorite Album
Tweedy – “Sukierae”
Jeff Tweedy is the most dependable musician of contemporary rock music. His releases are perpetually free of disappointment, and this year’s Sukierae (pronounced sue-key-ray) makes no exception. This 20-track solo effort, featuring Jeff’s eldest son Spencer on drums, is dedicated to Jeff’s wife—who is currently battling cancer—and navigates the plethora of emotions that follow such unfortunate news. From the pensive stroll of “Nobody Dies Anymore” to the sassy strut of “Low Key”, Tweedy and company walk a line of effortless dynamicity, filling the spaces in between with beautiful acoustic confessional and a caliber of songwriting that, in my opinion, goes widely unparalleled this year.

Honorable Mentions
Most honorable of mentions go out to The War On Drugs for their soaring new record Lost In The Dream, which has picked up a well-deserved abundance of recognition, and Cloud Nothings for the unstoppable force that is Here And Nowhere Else.

Favorite Song
Father John Misty – “Bored In The USA”
The ever sharp-witted Joshua Tillman, AKA Father John Misty, champions my top track spot with his mildly satirical yet alarmingly accurate “Bored In The USA,” off of his forthcoming sophomore album I Love You, Honeybear. At its core, the song blasts the various shortcomings of modern American culture, from materialistic obsession to mindless organized religion, and everything in between. The song is painfully insightful despite Tillman’s penchant for satire, and sung beautifully over a Nilsson-esque piano progression and orchestral accompaniment. If the rest of I Love You, Honeybear turns out to be as good as “Bored,” I might have myself a 2015 pick as well.

Honorable Mentions
Runners up for best track include the feel-good jangle gem “Talking Backwards” from Brooklyn dream rockers Real Estate, and “Forgiveness,” a droning dissection of emotions from the art-rock punks in Ought, based out of Montreal.

Michael Torsell
Favorite Album
The War on Drugs – Lost in the Dream
Despite coming out early in the year, War on Drugs was the band I kept returning to throughout the year. It was just so ambitious and realized an album that it overshadowed everything this year. Lost in the Dream had too many hair raising moments to count, a sprawling journey with no low points. 

Honorable Mentions
(Tie): Todd Terje – It’s Album Time/FKA Twigs – LP1. I am a sucker for music that makes me feel like i am traveling in a luxurious spaceship or bullet train so I had to pick It’s Album Time. On the other hand, how can you deny the genius of FKA Twigs at this point?

Favorite Song
FKA Twigs – “Two Weeks”
This song is a near religious experience and everything I wanted from pop music in 2014. A grandiose R&B anthem that trumped everything I heard this year. Like I said, how can you deny the genius of FKA Twigs?

Honorable Mention
Craft Spells – “Nauseau”
A moody song about isolating yourself and general malaise was my other favorite song this year. I swear I am a somewhat emotionally stable person!

Cliff Parks
Favorite Album
D’Angelo And The Vanguard – Black Messiah.
You kind of get all of this sorted out but procrastinate until the deadline is set by the boss for albums like this to happen. Twitter goes off on a Sunday night that the long talked about but elusive third album from 90’s soul recluse D’Angelo is getting released at midnight, and while you’re excited about it there was a lingering suspicion that the unorthodox release strategy might’ve been another U2 fiasco waiting to happen, I needn’t have worried. Black Messiah is an overpowering triumph, a delirious rush of soul, gospel, funk that is the past and present of American music simultaneously. Beautiful, sweetly melancholic, insurgent, and ecstatic, it really is all that.

Honorable Mentions
The War On Drugs – Lost In The Dream.
Poor Adam Granduciel and Co. had it locked down with this excellent slice of modern American rock.

St Vincent – St. Vincent.
If she wasn’t an art rock heroine before her eponymous fourth solo album and first since her 2012 collaboration with David Byrne, this exquisitely considered and rendered sonic adventure put Annie Clark over the top.

Caribou – Our Love.
By focusing on concise jams, Dan Snaith unlocked the code, and managed to surpass his utterly sublime 2010 album, Swim.

Favorite Song
Interpol – “Everything Is Wrong.”
Interpol snapped back into focus on El Pintor, and this dark and strident cut managed to sum up 2014 perfectly. Everything was wrong in 2014: injustice, lousy elections, natural disasters. This year was OFF, and this song from the restored NYC post punkers seemingly railed against it all even though it really wasn’t. Hopefully the band’s nightmarish multi day odyssey stuck on the thruway south of Buffalo doesn’t put them off returning to the city to play here next year.

Honorable Mentions
Father John Misty – “Bored In The USA”
When Tillman debuted this on Letterman, it landed on the Earth like the Ten Commandments. Elegiac, hilarious, and scathingly true, it’s another song that summed up the zeitgeist of 2014 to grim perfection. I can’t wait for I Love You, Honeybear in February.

Caribou – “All I Need”
Sweet r&b tinged electronic perfection that wraps you up in a big sonic kiss.

Jon Krol
Favorite Album
Beck – Morning Phase
In early 2014, Beck dropped his masterpiece. Morning Phase is a sprawling, expansive journey into the heart and mind of a man who grew up worshipping Neil Young, Nick Drake and Simon and Garfunkel.  A more-than worthy companion piece to Sea Change (a classic in its own right), Morning Phase occupies a rare space in today’s quick fix music culture. It is an album that demands a start to finish listen, as thematically the songs unfold as a whole before dispersing at their final calling bell. Much like an early Pink Floyd record, it is at once airy and off, yet restrained by the pop folk Beck has come to embrace; tempered by atmosphere and the notes that are not played. It sounds old and familiar, yet fresh and vibrant. The songs are songs you’ll remember. And they’ll find a place in your heart the more you give them a listen.

Honorable Mentions
At the Gates – At War with Reality
Swedish Death Metal pioneers return with their first album in nearly 20 years and prove yet again that they still hold the crown

The Pixies – Indie Cindy
Another album released over 20 years after its predecessor, Indie Cindy is the perfect example of an album that is interesting, unique (and often weird) art rock, yet unabashedly pop. Every songs a killer here.

The post Staff Picks first appeared on buffaBLOG.

It seems as though some of the industry shenanigans in 2104 are as noteworthy as the music itself.  As music evolves, I feel it is only fair to summarize a “year in review” as moments, in addition to concerts, songs and albums.  Let’s start with the most unfavorable and work our way to a few of the sweet spots this year had to offer.

U2’s iPhone Pillage
I feel as though a majority of the population was super pissed off about this. It’s because it was U2. I remember as a younger music fan I couldn’t be more excited to have a compilation CD/tape handed to me at a show, or come as an insert in a magazine. I even have vague memories of getting flexi-discs is cereal boxes. This generation is so hesitant to pay for music, whether it be physical or digital and this band lets you have their record, not a teaser or single, but the entire record for free and it causes a series of rage? If Radiohead had done this (which they sort of already did- see In Rainbows), the world would have been ecstatic. It was a novel and innovative idea, and while I found the material itself to be mediocre at best, I can’t help but applaud them for their unique approach. Cue black sunglasses, leather jacket, and high octave delay saturated guitar.

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This is by no means an ordered “Best Of” list of 2014 for me. Much of 2014 is actually a blur, a whirring jumble of things I can’t really put time stamps on. Maybe it’s a hard realization that I just don’t have any super defining moments (yet?). The last two months of 2013 may as well be the beginning of 2014 for all I care. When I was asked to put together this list, I thought it might be an afternoon and a beer type thing…I was mistaken. I’m sure there’s a bunch of things I have left out…certainly not on purpose. Is the sound ok?

Albums

Damien Jurado – Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Sun
What can I say? The album was produced by the one and only Richard Swift. He is a man. The songs are next level shit. I admit, I am possessed by this record. Everything about it it gorgeous, haunting, and downright job quitting good. That is all I have to say.

Spoon – They Want My Soul
I’m sure this record is on everyone’s list for 2014, and with good reason. I wake up singing parts to my morning coffee ritual. It gives me the sounds and smells of summer in November. It also sounds awesome when you turn it up on the Hi-Fi. Educated folk singers want Britt Daniel’s soul.

On Beta – Singles Series
Early in the year, they released a new song every two weeks through their website. It’s wonderful when the songs your friends write give you chills. You know the feeling when you hear something that blows you away and you want to share it with everyone just to get that feeling back? That.

Shows

St. Vincent @ Asbury Hall (4/12/14)
Annie Clark is a woman. She might be part robot, but I’m not sold. Strobe lights, the color pink, smoke, dancing and the feeling that you know you’re seeing someone and something truly special is pretty rad. Put that all together in a great place to see a live performance and where else would you rather be at that moment? Can’t wait for the next.

Tweedy @ Town Ballroom (10/1/14)
There’s a reason I have a poster of Wilco in my living room. In front of my face stood that man, his band, and his son on drums. They put on a truly spectacular show that I feel grateful to have witnessed. This was a story teller show, one of the greats you saw when you were young. I was in a trance the whole night.

Man Man @ the Tralf (7/8/14)
You want to know where electricity comes from? The goddamn stage at a Man Man show. Its raw and pure energy bound in song and dance. If you like to get weird and get alive, go see them. They should be back soon as they are perpetually on tour.

Events

Bring Me Your Vultures – Mohawk Place Documentary Screening @ Town Ballroom (1/11/14)
Yep. There is a venue we all know or know of, and some of us quite well. A few friends made a documentary about 47 East Mohawk’s importance and what it meant when it was lights out on that chapter of Buffalo history. It was great to see everyone that night. A perfectly cold and windy January day. Rest In Peace, Pete.

Herd Fest – Harvest Sum 10th Anniversary @ Nietzsche’s (6/21/14)
First, way cool to you dudes for making it the thing happen. It is, in my opinion, one of the coolest ideas around for showcasing the immense musical talent across our city. Second, I can’t believe its been a decade+ since the whole Harvest Sum thing started. It was a great night for everyone…all being in the same room together, playing songs and doing what we love most. I hope there is another in planning.

Christmas Wishes

For 2015 to slow the fuck down.

For amazing babies to be made.

To catch up on all the stuff I missed in 2014.

For new socks.

Thats it.

Photo Credit – Nate Peracciny

The post Guest Post: Chris Groves first appeared on buffaBLOG.

BEST LOCAL BANDS
These are the bands that I would go to see even if I’d just worked 10 hours and it was a snowstorm and I had to walk.

1. Hot Tip
2. Space is Haunted
3. Softlines
4. Cal Dripken
5. Newish Star

BEST RECORDS

1. Celestial Shore – Enter Ghost
I always liked them until Mink played with them at Mohawk and I realized that I actually loved them. I guess there might be a few Animal Collective comparisons to make, but I think of them as a modern day, Gabriel-led Genesis. For music that appears free form, in hindsight, every move is intensional. Their ability to control dynamic, both tempo and volume, bending it to their purpose, makes for an exciting listen and keeps things interesting on repeats. Plus, they’re all very nice people who don’t possess one ounce of the pride they most certainly deserve to have for their skill and effort.

2. Deep State – Bein’ Mean EP
Sounds like a mirror universe version of The Malones with a bonus side serving of brit-pop. The bass sound on tittyboyz is enough to put them in my top ten. But if you listen to the lyrics, which I often don’t, you get the impression that this dude is pretty pissed off. Happy sounding music and bummer themes create that perfect feeling of polarity, like two magnets in the moment before they slide off from the resistance.

3. TOPS – Picture You Staring
I always imagine this band playing a show in Prague in 1997. They blend a weird brand of euro-pop with sharp guitar noodles and Stax style warmth. At the same time, a few of these tracks could have been the hit single from the Top Gun soundtrack. Some bands work hard to sound new, but TOPS perfects the nostalgia element and lets your brain do the rest; summery and effortless.

4. Extra Spooky –  Tap Into Your Secret Power
Had the pleasure of meeting these gentleman while they were on tour this fall. Odd sounds, innovative choices, and posi-vibes are what propelled this into my best of the year. I think of Extra Spooky as Celestial Shore’s weird younger brother. Actually, like a band made entirely of weird younger brothers who laugh in the face of convention. This is “good-trip” music.

5. Hands and Knees – American Cheese
There’s something to be said about discovery in the age of discovery. With so much shit to wade through, rarely do I find a band that I’m motivated to follow. Its sad because you miss out on band-evolution when you’re single-focused. But Hands and Knees has captivated me since the moment I heard their 2011 release, Wholesome. Followed by 2012’s ripping Red Hot Minnow and now American Cheese, I’ve graduated to lame fanboy status. This record extends the extremes they’ve been exploring. More post-indie, more americana, more guts and glory, more weird sounds like The Band challenged Oasis to a fight and Willy Nelson broke the whole thing up with a joint.

6. Williams Thomas Lawrence – The Doghouse of Yer Dreams
Normally I really don’t like this kind of music, it can be so boring. I’m a studio rat so a record that sounds like a bunch of hungover guys recording live in a living room in Asheville, NC isn’t a big seller. But even still, something drew me in. The voice sounds honest, the production so understated that it thrives, and the album flows like a sunny day in the yard between Nixon and Chautauqua Hall in Fredonia. Credit to Hunter Davidsohn for bringing this guy to my attention.

BEST SONGS

Dwight Twilley Band – “Looking for the Magic”
Chief Scout – “Oh Shit”
Sales – “Getting It On”
Marnie Stern – “Year of the Glad”
Disco Doom – “Deadeye”
Comeback – “Blood of the Bull”
Celestial Shore – “Gloria”
Jason Martin – “Alpha Dog”
Jawbreaker Reunion – “Empire”
The Irenes – “James Baxter”
Bent Shapes –  “86’d in ’03”
Neat – “I Want to be an Ice Gator”
Stay Gold Pony Boy –  “Bad Team”
Oh, Rose – “Prom”
Download mix here.

BEST NEW DISCOVERY

Dwight Twilley Band – Twilley Don’t Mind
“Looking For Magic” has a big part in the indie-horror classic, You’re Next

BEST NEW LABEL

Gray Cake Tapes

WEIRDEST SHOW

Pariah & Couples Counseling @ Northrup (6/8/14)
To sum up: bloody teeth-brushing

Photo Credit – Candace Camuglia

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