All right, you’s guys, I’ve got opinions about albums and since everybody likes to show off their super-important and highly-refined musical tastes by way of year-end lists, I’ve decided to join everyone…like a sheep to slaughter.  I’m gonna have some oldies which I’ve just been turned onto in 2008 sprinkled in there too, so please don’t be alarmed that I don’t only listen to new music.  In fact, it’s not healthy to only listen to new music.

After mine, you have to show me yours though…as creepy as that sounds.  So start thinking about everything you heard in this last great year of our unruly despot’s reign, and be ready to list ‘em by the time you finish looking at mine.

In no particular order…

Frances – All The While

Okay, yes, they are friends but this album is truly original and stands out in a sea of indie-rock music that is becoming more and more boring.  Hooks abound, beautiful harmonies, and amazing arrangements…all with a good sense of humor too.

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MGMT – Oracular Spectacular

Here’s an album I was all over when I got an advance copy.  It’s totally trippy and neo-psychedelic and totally up my alley.  Here’s me singing it’s praises last January…lalala.  The backlash is already present but isn’t it always there for bands who get any kind of recognition for actually being good?!  They sounded great at a super-packed McCarren Park Pool this past summer too!  I look forward to a second album from these cats.

Black Mountain – In The Future

Here’s another one that I got an advance of and I picked it for my year-end list last year even though it came out in 2008.  Trippy , heavy, ter’riff’ic!  These guys have a great loud live show too.  On the album, “Wucan” will hypnotize you…and live, “Wucan” will bewitch your skull.  You’ve been warned!

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If you’re in the New York tri-state area this Friday (November 21st), then you MUST go to the Mercury Lounge to see our good friends, Frances, play their energetic, super-tight live show for their debut full-length album release party.  The album is called All The While and it is absolutely brilliant, full of catchy hooks, amazing harmonies, and melt-in-your-mouth melodies.  If you can’t be at the show on Friday, you can get yourself a copy of the album from Amazon for under $10 or you can get the digital download at Amie Street for just half of $10!  Dig the cover/flyer for the show…

So, hopefully I’ll see you at the show, but if not, make sure to catch this band on the rise in the near future.  They’ll probably play in your town in 2009!

The after-party is at Stanton Public.

Listen to songs at the Frances website.

Download the song “All The While” for free at RCRD LBL.

Cheers!

FRANCES’ All the While album drops on Tuesday!  Check them out below and listen to the title track from the album…you’ll be hooked!  I’ve been seeing this band live over the last couple years in NYC and they are at the peak of their powers…just in time to tour this fantastic full-band debut.  All the While is filled with an eclectic blend of rock songs that vary between charming orchestral arrangements to power pop ditties to trance-like dirges to psych-rock style rave-ups.  Dig Frances…

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Pick up All the While here.  And if you’re in New York, check out Frances on one of their CMJ dates…

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Explore further at the Frances website

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