The Indie Year End List
Josh Stinton
Issue date: 12/9/09 Section: Music
I'm well aware that my articles aren't read like they used to be. I get it. I'm losing my touch. I'm curious about many things, I'm trying to be less insular. I'd like to know about you-- like what your favorite albums were of the past year. Then again, I realize that people don't buy albums anymore. In fact, it would be a more successful study if I asked Frostburg students what their favorite singles were from the past year. But I won't. I'd like to do a year-end "favorite album list," but like I said, I realize that people don't have the attention spans to consume an entire album and love it for what it is. Sure, there are a few music nerds out there who do (who like myself) enjoy every component of the album. Instead I will rate albums based on their songs, rather than their mood or pace and let you all decide if they are worth the hype. Oh, and leave suggestions on thebottomlineonline.com about your favorite albums of the year! K, Thanks.
My number one album of the year would be Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix. The reason for this is simply because it is the only album with crossover appeal-in other words, it is an indie album that could crossover into mainstream music and make a big splash with anti-indie folks. Songs such as "1901" and "Lisztomania" are well written pop songs that are kept afloat by tasteful synth charges, supple basslines, sturdy drumbeats and moody, yet upbeat lyricism and singing. It is a charge of electricity for the indie world, one that could potentially resuscitate indie pop after The Shins and The Strokes made disappointing albums in recent times. It is available in Targets and Walmarts nationwide which would suggest that indie is going places-and fast.
Number two would be Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear. Everyone has probably heard "Two Weeks," a piano driven song that has creative melodies and a somewhat accessible sound. I happened to hear it in Food Lion the other day as I was picking up meet to make tacos-but that is neither here nor there. The point is the song is catchy and memorable. The album is full of pop nuggets like the stoner swag of "Cheerleader" and the whimsical "While You Wait For the Others." In fact, my friend and I decided that Jay-Z should use a "Two Weeks" or "Cheerleader" sample because musically, they are similar in structure to stuff from BP III, albeit a tad more arty.
My number one album of the year would be Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix. The reason for this is simply because it is the only album with crossover appeal-in other words, it is an indie album that could crossover into mainstream music and make a big splash with anti-indie folks. Songs such as "1901" and "Lisztomania" are well written pop songs that are kept afloat by tasteful synth charges, supple basslines, sturdy drumbeats and moody, yet upbeat lyricism and singing. It is a charge of electricity for the indie world, one that could potentially resuscitate indie pop after The Shins and The Strokes made disappointing albums in recent times. It is available in Targets and Walmarts nationwide which would suggest that indie is going places-and fast.
Number two would be Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear. Everyone has probably heard "Two Weeks," a piano driven song that has creative melodies and a somewhat accessible sound. I happened to hear it in Food Lion the other day as I was picking up meet to make tacos-but that is neither here nor there. The point is the song is catchy and memorable. The album is full of pop nuggets like the stoner swag of "Cheerleader" and the whimsical "While You Wait For the Others." In fact, my friend and I decided that Jay-Z should use a "Two Weeks" or "Cheerleader" sample because musically, they are similar in structure to stuff from BP III, albeit a tad more arty.
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