IA Honored

No, IA did not win indie site of the year from any prestigious news organization. Instead, we won something a little more personal. I have always had sort of a mutual admiration society with Jesse, These United States and most of The Fed. Lately, it has gone sort of public. Earlier today, I named them regional band of the year. In return, Jesse and the crew named us the winner of their first ever semi-annual "Blog That Loves Us Of the Year" Award! Thanks, guys. Hilarious stuff. Their quote is below, or you can read the whole thing here.

Congratulations, IA, on winning These US’s First Ever Semi-Annual “Blog That Loves Us Of the Year” Award!! We hope you will love us more in the Coming Years, lest your title be brutally and publicly stripped from you in humiliating fashion, leaving you naked and sobbing in the middle of the proverbial super information highway! Good luck!

Joe's 2007 In Review

Alright, so I am last like always. However, I do promise that this is it. Finally, the end of our 2007 retrospectives. After this one, we move forward and start talking about some music from 2008. Anyway, here is my Best of 2007 post. For my list, I decided to stick to the Baltimore/Washington region. Enjoy...

3 Best Regional EPs

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3. Bellman Barker - Anise & Anisette

Last spring, I was putting together the bill for the site's anniversary show in DC. Around the same time, Aaron e-mailed me to see if I would give him some promo for their EP release. When he heard about the show, he immediately campaigned to be on the bill. A couple of weeks later, I had a couple of bands drop out and the rest is history. As far as this release goes, Bellman Barker's debut EP hints at great things to come. It's much more polished than their live shows, but it works.

Charles Kil
Molly Maroon

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2. Telograph - Little Bits of Plastic

Telograph released this on January 1st, 2007. Yet, it has managed to continue as the most played release of the year on my iPod. Catchy songs, relentless hooks and stellar musicianship pretty much define this release. Their latest EP is out this week.

We Won't Settle Down
Eye For An Eye

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1. Jukebox The Ghost - EP

Sometime around last January/February, I was searching the net and I was on an NYC indie site. There was an article on there about a DC band called Jukebox The Ghost. My initial reaction, was who? I'd never heard of them or even seen them listed for any local shows. Around March, I met Tommy and he sent me a copy of their EP. A couple of months later, they graduated college and started touring relentlessly. Now, everybody that is interested in DC's indie scene knows who they are. They seem to be everywhere in the northeast these days and the buzz is about to increase, as their debut full length drops later this month. Anyway, this 5 song EP is spectacular. Great song writing and fantastic execution. If you get the chance to see them live, they are even better in that setting.

Good Day
Hold It In


5 Best Baltimore CDs


5. Squaaks - Rock Control

This album is full of fun 3 minute pop gems. It's a great, fun debut and Squaaks has only become a better band since they added Charles Cole in late summer to solidify their rhythm section. I expect even better things from them in the future.

Be Dry My Bleeding Heart
Hot Tub


4. AVEC - Lines

This CD is exhausting to listen to. Brooks and Shawna sing their asses off and it's about as sound as you can get instrumentally. AVEC is definitely a band at the top of their game.

Albina Krobata
Dysplasia


3. Celebration - The Modern Tribe

This album is filled with great musicianship and powerful songs that are a natural progression from 2005's self-titled debut. However, Celebration's greatest asset is the voice of Katrina Ford. That definitely shines through here.

Heartbreak
Evergreen


2. Wye Oak - If Children

This band makes a lot of noise for a 2-piece. You expect a cute little folk group and many of the songs start out the way that you would expect. Then they break into a wall of sound and blow you away. In a live setting, Jenn Wasner's vocal cut right through you, yet soothes. Andy Stack holds down the fort, drumming with one hand playing bass keys with the other. When this album was released, they were known as Monarch and recently changed their name to Wye Oak. Regardless of what they are called, this is a band on the rise. They just signed to Merge and will be nationally re-releasing this CD on April 8.

Family Glue
Please Concrete

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1. Thrushes - Sun Come Undone

We are in the midst of a major shoegaze revival and Thrushes have managed to single handedly put the genre on the map in Baltimore. Lush vocals, lavish soundscapes... they are all here. It's obvious that the band paid excruciating attention to detail and went out of their way to make every sound exactly the way they wanted it. This is a fine debut and if you have seen them live, you know that they have more great songs on the way. If you haven't seen them live yet, you are missing out.

Heartbeats
Into The Woods


5 Best DC CDs

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5. Lejeune - For Club and Country

Lejeune is not the kind of band that blows people away. What they do instead, is craft infectious pop songs that get stuck in your head for days. They have a knack for creating hook-laden gems and this album is a testament to that, as it is jammed full of them. They are probably the best DC band that you are not listening to and that is sad, because this CD really deserves to be heard.

The Latest Greatest
Bizarre Histrionics

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4. Le Loup - The Throne Of The Third Heaven Of The Nations' Millennium General Assembly

They haven't even been around for a year, but Le Loup's debut is forever entrenched in DC lore. Sam recorded the whole thing on his computer and after he received label interest, he put a band together. They started playing out in March, were signed to a Sub Pop imprint about a month later and dropped this beauty in September. The songs sound even better live and there is much more to come.

Le Loup (Fear Not)
Planes Like Vultures


3. Jette-Ives - In The Deep

Jette-Ives played about 3 shows to support this February release and broke up in March. Due to that, it did not get anywhere near the attention that it deserved. It's really a shame, because it recalls bands like Portishead and was one of the best trip-hop CDs released in recent memory.

Darker Than You
Proximity

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2. Greenland - Call Message

I didn't know a whole lot about Greenland before they sent me a copy of this debut. Once I received it, I was blown away by this 3-piece. They have managed to create a sound entirely their own, yet it still sounds completely familiar. This CD is full of sing-a-longs, dual vocals and one of the best rhythm sections in DC.

Forward Frame To Frame
Shipwreck On The Watery Eye

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1. Vandaveer - Grace & Speed

If Vandaveer being my choice for DC's Best CD of 2007 is a surprise to anyone, join the club. It shocked me too. This album came out in early spring to little fanfare and I finally got a copy in September. Sure, this is a subtle folk album. The dynamics of it's subtleties are what makes it great.

However Many Takes It Takes
Marianne, You've Done It Now


Best Regional Video

Squaaks - "Everything Twice"

This starts out as an innocent concert video, then it changes. Low budget flight sequences, band members blowing up their evil alter egos, Voltron moments, cheap effects... this video has it all and it manages not to suck. In the end, Baltimore's Squaaks made the best video the region had to offer in 2007.

Squaaks - Everything Twice



Best Live Show

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The Shackeltons

It was a couple of weeks before Christmas and we were in the middle of a snowstorm, but Chambersburg, PA's The Shackeltons delivered the most vital set that I have ever seen. There was a feeling that I had seeing them. I was like, "I am really going to gloat about seeing these guys so early in their careers one of these days." They take the best parts of music from the past 20 or so years and shape into one package that just works. It's mesmerizing really. You really have to see them live to understand this pick. The band drapes their amps in Christmas lights and there are flowers everywhere. Mark Redding runs around the stage in a tight cadence, when he is not flopping on the ground. He might command your attention, but the great musicianship from this very young band is what allows the package to work. Their debut CD comes out later this month and they will be touring, so you will have the chance to see what I am talking about.

1/26/08: World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA
1/27/08: The Red and The Black, Washington, DC
2/02/08: Gullifty's, Camp Hill, PA
2/15/08: The Abbey, Harrisburg, PA

Your Movement


Regional Rookie of The Year

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Le Loup

This is a no brainer really. As recently as March, pretty much nobody ever heard of Le Loup. They quickly rose to the top of the DC scene and now they are everywhere. If you haven't seen them, they will be coming to a town near you really soon.


Regional Band of the Year

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These United States

They never did manage to release their debut CD, but it really didn't seem to matter. They were a force to be reckoned with. Between DC, 25 states and 5 countries, they played somewhere around 130 shows in 2007. Everywhere you turned, there they were and I have never met anyone that wasn't touched by their music. They are a true do it yourself success story. 2008 will finally see the release of their debut album and there will undoubtedly be more touring. Know them, love them, they are about to explode.

Burn This Bridge

Chris' 2007 In Review

Keeping with tradition, it's time for my favorite albums and EPs of 2007. This list is culled from every album I listened to this year and the ones I liked the most are represented here. If you have followed my mixes for any extended period of time, you should be able to guess most of the albums that will appear on here. Enjoy!

LPs:

Pela - Anytown Graffiti

My favorite release of the year is from one of the greatest bands around. These guys put their heart and soul into every song and it shows on the record that is amazing from start to finish. It got even better after I saw them live this summer and they were some of the nicest guys I've had the chance to meet. Their live show is amazing and it just gives the album that extra polish to solidify it at the number one spot. I look forward to the next album and seeing them live once again.

Waiting On The Stairs
Song Writes Itself

SOFT - Gone Faded

This is an album that I was introduced to by Joe in early fall and I have not stopped listening to it since. The band worked on it for a long time and it really shows. Their synth rock sound is perfect on just about every song.

Ten Times Strong
Droppin'

Holy Fuck - LP

This release really compliments the band's name well. A heart pounding electronic thrill ride is really the only way to describe an the album that has you dancing from the first beat to the final clash of sound. I saw these guys briefly when they opened for !!! and was blown away. This album is the best electronic album released all year, hands down.

Royal Gregory
The Pulse

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

Baltimore's Animal Collective is the first of the regional bands to find their way on to my list. Strawberry Jam gets better and better with every listen and puts these guys at the top of my list for Baltimore/DC bands this year. They traveled all over the world and one of the members, Panda Bear, even had an amazing solo release. The electronic rock sounds that these guys put out are just mind blowing.

Winter Wonderland
Peacebone

AVEC - Lines

Another local band that really put themselves on the map (in my eyes at least) is AVEC. This album really encapsulates what it means to rock. Brooks and company are really making some great music up in Baltimore and this is one of my favorite rock releases. It is hard not to feel the emotion put forth in the release.

Dysplasia
In Character

Wu-Tang Clan - 8 Diagrams

This CD barely made it into 2007, but it got in right before the end. Although the group itself isn't as thrilled with the direction RZA took with the release, I find myself enjoying it almost as much as 36 Chambers. There were some great tributes to their fallen comrade ODB and just solid hip hop overall. Not following the trend of making "club hits," Wu Tang just makes some great rap for all to enjoy.

Underworld - Oblivion With Bells

Another group that has waited a long time for another release, Underworld makes up for it with this one. I didn't even realize these guys had been back in the studio until I read on Pitchfork that they were working on an album and I was excited waiting for it to come to fruition. Reminding me of their previous album Beaucoup Fish, this release just cements them as one of my favorite bands of all time. Here's hoping we don't have to wait as long for the next album.

Crocodile
Beautiful Burnout

Radiohead - In Rainbows

The third in a string of bands waiting a long time to put out their albums, Radiohead storms back with an album that shows they are just as talented as ever. With songs that had been previous released on solo albums or on singles in Japan, In Rainbows goes to show that Radiohead is one of the best bands on the planet right now.

Reckoner
House of Cards

Beirut - The Flying Club Cup

Zach Condon cannot stop making good music. He was born to make music and thankfully, he has accepted this fact and put out songs that are as original as they are nice to listen to. With his solid band backing, the master of Balkan music gives us songs with great lyrics and great sounds. The beautiful ballads are matched perfectly with the drums and strings accompanying them and The Flying Club Cup really shows off what this 21 year old is capable of.

In the Mausoleum
Forks and Knives

Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight

After almost breaking up, Rilo Kiley stormed back with their newest release and Jenny Lewis showed why she is such a great vocalist. The album had a subtle seductiveness to it, which made it more endearing overall. The great guitar styling helped back up Jenny's vocals.

Silver Lining
The Moneymaker

Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer

With one of the earliest releases on this list, Of Montreal proved once again why they are at the top of the indie-pop world. Kevin Barnes is a fantastic musician and proved it with this disc. I got to see these guys early this year and I have to say that it was one of my favorite shows of 2007.

She's A Rejector
Suffer For Fashion

Zulu Pearls - Zulu Pearls

After the band finally got a solid group together this summer, they released their debut, self-titled album. Even thought it is a quick release, the album packs a lot of great music into those songs. Getting to see them play again on New Year's Eve along with The Epochs was a delight as well.

Ways To Wind You Up
Dancing + Drinking

!!! - Myth Takes

!!! are another electronic rock group that does the genre justice. After I became a fan of Ghostland Observatory, I had to seek out all of the other groups that sounded similar. After stumbling upon these guys, I was hooked. They basically have a great rock sound that I can dance to. I saw them at the 9:30 Club and ended up on stage dancing with a few other fans.

Heart Of Hearts
Break In Case Of Anything

Yeasayer - All Hour Symbols

Even though this album came out a few months ago, I only recently had a chance to get my hands on the whole thing. Now that I have it, I really wish that I would have heard it sooner. Mixing African sounds and beats with modern rock and roll works really well for these guys. I really like the direction this band is going in and can't wait to hear their next release.

Sunrise
Waiting for the Summer

Pelican - City of Echoes

Probably the most hardcore rock on this list, Pelican released a perfect album for guitar heads everywhere. The album is metal without words and even has a few mellower songs. I am always a fan of instrumental albums as I usually appreciate the musical aspects of songs more than the singing. I am always surprised at how talented musically some metal bands are, but cannot stand the hardcore singing. Pelican gives me the best of what I want.

City Of Echoes
Winds With Hands


EPs:

Jukebox The Ghost - Jukebox The Ghost

Possibly my favorite release of the year, it's too bad that it wasn't a full length. This is definitely my EP of the year, as all five songs from this DC trio are just remarkable. The scary thing, is that they are even better live. I'm highly anticipating their full length that will be released in late January.

Good Day

Tokyo Police Club - Smith EP

I love Tokyo Police Club and everything they put out. This EP was only a short 3 song release, but you can't really fault them when they keep putting out solid music without ever actually having an official debut album. Quick songs, great music, great lyrics and catchy as hell.

Box

Grizzly Bear - Friend EP

Even though there were very few original songs on this album, the remakes and covers more than made up for it. The only label that is really needed for the album is 'great sounding'. I still believe that "Knife" is the most covered song in the indie scene and I love every new version of it.

Knife (Atlas Sound Cover)

WakeThisDay - In The Shadow of Paper Mountains

This is a band that I discovered on MySpace (or rather they discovered me) and couldn't get enough of. It's hard to love everything about a band when they only have a limited amount of songs released and no official album to speak of. I asked them for a demo to preview for the blog and they graciously handed over their demo. They have since released more songs on their page and promised a release for 2008.

Signal Lost

The Airborne Toxic Event - Does This Mean You're Moving On? EP

These LA guys sure are great. Not yet having made their way east other than for CMJ, I see 2008 as a big year for them. Their debut album finally comes out and they will be hitting the road. This EP is also only three songs, but it's a nice appetizer. If you want some pure indie rock and roll, this is the band for you.

Does This Mean You're Moving On?

Middle Distance Runner - Middle Distance Runner EP

I started the EPs with a local band, so of course I had to finish with one. This EP was the first release since 2006's Planes In Flames and evnethough only half of the songs are new, it shows great growth. The songs sound more professional and polished. This has only increased the attraction of a great band putting out good music. They also happen to be some of the funniest and nicest guys in DC. I hope that this EP is a sign of things to come, because I personally am very excited with the direction the band is going.

The Sun and Earth

Mike's 2007 In Review

It's almost mandatory to do one of these. If you write about music, people always ask what's your favorite, who broke out, who sold out, who fizzled. I'm doing things a little different. This isn't just a list of my favorite's. I decided to encompass the whole of music, regional and national. Not just releases, but music found in other media and the live shows that accompany the recently released albums and EPs. Now, these are not the opinions of Joe or Chris, but mine alone. I am sure that they would both cringe at some of these, but their individual posts are on the way. Let the flaming begin!

Albums of the Year: Pretty simple, these are my favorite nationals released this year, in no particular order.


Neon Bible - Arcade Fire

I have been waiting for this album since I saw them at the 2005 ACL Fest and bought Funeral and the original EP the next day. Dark, brooding, and much more polished. Lyrically and instrumentally, the songs grab you and never let go.

Black Mirror


Cease to Begin - Band Of Horses

Although I enjoy their previous work more, it is still a great album. Indie rock at it's finest. These guys should be around for a long time.

Detlef Schrempf


The Shade of Poison Trees - Dashboard Confessional

Chris Carrabba gave up the electric guitar and over-the-top production and is back to his old tricks with angst and an acoustic guitar. It reminds me of his earlier albums, and that is a great thing.

I Light My Own Fires Now


The Shepherd's Dog - Iron & Wine

Sam Beam is one of the greatest singer-songwriters alive. This album just continues what he started with his previous releases.

Boy With A Coin


Under The Blacklight - Rilo Kiley

Moving to a 'newer' sound is always difficult, but Jenny Lewis and friends take the 70's rock sound of Fleetwood Mac and make it their own.

The Moneymaker


The Stage Names - Okkervil River

Emotional indie-rock tinged with southern style, they are slowly taking over Spoon's place as Austin's indie-gods.

Savannah Smiles


A Weekend In The City - Bloc Party

Much like Arcade Fire, saw them at ACL 2005, fell in love, and waited with much anticipation. Though some of the b-sides are better, I was not disappointed.

The Prayer


Wincing The Night Away - The Shins

Ever since Garden State, these guys have been the buzz. Most people will forget this album, because it was released way back in January. I'm making sure people remember.

Phantom Limb

Live Album


Live - R.E.M.

Yeah, I'm partial. They are my favorite band, but nothing has made me feel more charged up than a live show by Stipe and the boys. This takes me back to the 5 times that I have seen them. Now if only they could make a good studio album again.

Box-set/Reissue


Oh, By The Way - Pink Floyd

Recently released, this is THE Pink Floyd set for anybody who has an interest in listening to the greatest psychedelic rock band ever.

Reissue That Should Have Happened


Disintegration - The Cure

It is the next logical step in the progression of double-disc reissues that Robert is doing. After three straight in 2006, there were none in 2007. Darn it, it is the best album ever! I am waiting with an-ti-ci (say it!) pation.

Welcome Comeback


Duran Duran: Losing Andy Taylor led Simon and the others to re-create the entire album that was originally slated for summer 2006, using the talents of Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. My take is it was for the better.

Welcome Comeback, but Good Lord, You Guys Look Old

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Led Zeppelin: All rockers wanted this to happen, but maybe 10 years ago or so. See that Rolling Stone cover? Jimmy Page, nice hair. Robert Plant's face is melting. John Paul Jones actually looks pretty good. But hey, its always a good time to get the Led out.

Nice Try, Hot Shots (Least Welcome Comeback)

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Smashing Pumpkins: Trying to recreate lost glory, eh, Billy? Some liked it, I sure didn't.

Sell Out! (Music in Ads)

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Click Click Click Click - Bishop Allen (Sony Commercial): It works and its catchy, I'll give it that.

In Local News (The Best of The Philly Region)

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Jukebox the Ghost: Now claiming Philly home, originally from D.C., they leave one of IA's regions to come to the other. Thank God we didn't lose these guys. Great songs, catchy melodies, piano rock at its best. And the thing is, the energy from the studio work carries over into their live shows. The full length will be out in late January and I cannot wait.

Hold It In


Creeping Weeds: One of the few Philly-based bands to play Indie at The Abbey, they are indie-pop incarnate. Another band that is worth the price of admission.

Billy Pilgrim

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The Sky Drops: I love a good shoe-gaze sound and this duo produce just that.

Now Would Be

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Papertrigger: Sound, sound and more sound! See these guys live, buy their EP, do whatever you have to do to hear them!

We Are Nations Now!

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Hoots and Hellmouth: A religious experience in concert.

Want On Nothing

Honorable Mention (not quite in our area, but they play here enough)


Shade (from Pittsburgh): Their album Arms Raised on Rooftops is stellar and their live show is a sonic experience that must be heard. If you are near Pittsburgh this weekend, go see these guys play with Creeping Weeds on 12/29!

Broken Ribs

Up Close and Personal (Live Shows)

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Best National Tour: Morrissey. Yeah he cancelled some shows, but he did his best to do those shows at a later time. If you saw him, you know what I am talking about. Philly show started with "The Queen Is Dead!" Holy Hell! Always the showman, he ripped through new and old, giving a fan of whatever period of his career, a reason to smile and sing along.

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Best Local Show: Jukebox The Ghost. It is just a fun show. They chat up the crowd, give little insights about the songs, and they sound great live.

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Close Second Local Show: Middle Distance Runner. Another fun band to watch. They sure seem to have a good time up on stage.

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Most Anticipated Show of '08: The Cure. This would rival Morrissey, but much like Moz, Robert and the gang changed dates on their tour from late 2007 to early 2008. May cannot come soon enough.