St. Vincent - Actor

I'm posting a lot of my top 10 of 2009 already.

Oops.


St. Vincent, a.k.a. Annie Clark is the latest indie wondergirl this side of Marnie Stern. Not a second too soon either, because her record, "Actor" is fantasmical. Her compositions are quaint and melodic, but there's a heavy dose of noisy instrumentation from fuzzy guitars and blaring saxophones. The drums lock seamlessly with the percussive demeanor of her arrangements. Songs like "Marrow" and "Black Rainbow" are art-pop masterpieces that need to be heard. The leading single, "Actor Out of Work" is a marvelous pop tune with a gorgeous hook and a playful horn section.

This is the second St. Vincent record, and I can't wait to hear more. She has joined the sad list of bands I discovered AFTER they played at Bonnaroo. Oh well. This album is very nice.

St. Vincent - Actor

1. "The Strangers" - 4:04
2. "Save Me from What I Want" - 3:35
3. "The Neighbors" - 3:30
4. "Actor Out of Work" - 2:15
5. "Black Rainbow" - 4:11
6. "Laughing with a Mouth of Blood" - 3:01
7. "Marrow" - 3:24
8. "The Bed" - 3:43
9. "The Party" - 4:05
10. "Just the Same but Brand New" - 5:24
11. "The Sequel" - 1:53

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Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Occasionally I hear the genre doo-wop to be a very interesting genre to listen to and that there are many great bands to choose from. The way the genre has influenced music of the 21st century and the past is subtle. But the way vocal melodies are catchy and interesting are because of doo-wop vocal stylings. Whether or not you agree with that, the idea of doo-wop harmonization and vocal ethics have been stapled securely on to the backs of Brookyln-based band, Grizzly Bear.

The group has been together since around 2004 and have made three records, counting their latest release Veckatimest. Each record has had new members and new influences on them. Their latest effort is the collected ideas from those influences and creates something uniquely fresh and irrestible. The voice of Ed Droste is soothing, yet attractive. It's mysterious, while being approachable. And as noted before, his vocal melodies are lined with the debris of doo-wop ideals.

The actual compositions are reserved, but still very intricate and meticulously crafted. Multi-instrumentalist band member, Chris Taylor produced the album beautifully. The reverbs and space created inside the songs are masterfully sculpted. The sounds are warm and inviting and the music is sophisticated and adventourous.

Songs like "Two Weeks" and "While You Wait for the Others" are perfect examples of what makes Grizzly Bear so interesting to me. I highly recommend you download or BUY Veckatimest. Its contents are clearly in the top echelon of LP's released this year.

And by that I mean, this record is probably on par with Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

1. Southern Point
2. Two Weeks
3. All We Ask
4. Fine for Now
5. Cheerleader
6. Dory
7. Ready, Able
8. About Face
9. Hold Still
10. While You Wait for the Others
11. I Live with You
12. Foreground

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