05/09 -- 05/13.

Frightened Rabbit, The Midnight Organ Fight
Still my favorite of their albums, in no small part because of the fantastic wordplay. I believe this is my favorite set of lyrics on the album, if not my favorite song as a whole.

Frightened Rabbit, "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms"

Bad Brains, Bad Brains
I Against I is considered the masterpiece, but I have to give it to the self-titled album. Pure, uncompromising energy, even in the reggae songs.

Bad Brains, "Attitude"

Now, Now, Neighbors EP
Now, Now (formerly Now, Now Every Children) is a band I randomly discovered browsing new releases one night and latched on to. From what I understand, they had some trouble with their former record label, but they reemerged last year with a fine EP of great new tunes. Their songs have wonderful atmosphere, vast and mysterious even as they perform a pretty great rock song.

Now, Now, "Giants"

Now, Now, Every Children, Cars
This came after the EP and I just let it run. Their first full-length, the material that got me hooked. They have two earlier, also cool EPs. The below video is for the EP version of my favorite song on this album. It's slightly different, but still great.


Now, Now, Every Children, "Friends With My Sister"


Mirah, (a)spera
The 2009 album is probably her most cohesive. It really maintains a tone and feeling, whether on slower songs or an up-tempo number like the one below. I've come to like it the most out of all the albums in her quality catalog. Every song is a winner, but I think this is my favorite.

Mirah, "Country of The Future"

Andrew WK, Mother of Mankind
Last year's truly bizarre collection of outtakes spanning Andrew WK's three albums is, unsurprisingly, a mixed bag. Some really insane, essential songs, some really not-so-good songs, and some obviously unfinished ideas. But when it's good... it's weird.

Andrew WK, “I'm A Vagabond”

Marvin Gaye, Trouble Man
Marvin's less-known entry to the even less-known film from the blaxploitation craze of the 70s, it's very interesting to hear the legendary singer's mostly instrumental compositions here. Even most of the vocals on the album are non-verbal, using his voice as an instrument instead of singing words (with two notable exceptions). Also, the hero of the movie was called Mr. T (no relation), which gives you the chance to chuckle as Marvin sings, “Don't mess with Mr. T!” near the end.

Marvin Gaye, "Trouble Man"

Beastie Boys, License to Ill
I was revisiting segments of their career in anticipation of the new album. Still goofy fun.

Beastie Boys, "It's The New Style"

Yup.

--D