Music Monday 6.1.09

Dude, it's June. You need some music. Amazon has some new $5 album deals. Here are some of the best...

• Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago -my #1 album of 2008
• The Wrens: The Meadowlands - Pitchfork 95/100, Delusions of Adequacy 100/100
• Black Mountain: In the Future -my #20 album of 2008
• Antony & the Johnsons: The Crying Light - Paste 88/100, Pitchfork 86/100
• Akron/Family: Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free - Popmatters 90/100
• Other Lives: Other Lives - "...is going to be one of the big surprises in 2009." (link)

Stream or download the Dark Was the Night concert. If you don't have the album, Dark Was the Night (download, CD), you need it. It's really good.

Manchester Orchestra's album, Mean Everything to Nothing (download, CD), has been burning up my iPod. Still blowing me away, especially as they continue to put out videos for all the tracks.  Here's the just released "I Can Feel a Hot One"...

And I'll leave you with the consistently wonderful Grizzly Bear with new high quality videos up. Here's "Cheerleader." More videos at Stereogum.

Comments

[steve carr]

Thanks for the heads up on Manchester Orchestra. You were correct— amazing stuff.

[Rob Freire]

Thanks again for the heads up. Anyone who doesn't own Meadowlands would do well to drop the $5 Amazon is asking. Great rock from the musically fruitful suburbs of New Jersey.;) This really is a good record.

[nathan]

Steve -

I love these music updates. It's great to find music that is poetic and beautiful, musically.

I was wondering if you had listened to Jars of Clay's newest album - and also Who We Are Instead? Musically, I'm not sure if they're your taste, though I think the latter would suit, considering the music I've seen you post. But, the lyrics to these albums absolutely touch me. Somehow, Jars of Clay is able to capitalize on the honesty of their lyrics, so I've found them to be one of the best artists ever.

Concerning other Christian albums, some of the best lyrics I've ever discovered in one of the most heartfelt Christian albums is from the City on a Hill collection. All three of their normally released CDs capitalize on good theology well-penned for the average man, like myself. --As well as most things by Steve Taylor. Though typically the shock-value of 80s Christian music, he's actually unbelievably poignant.

What do you think?

peace,
nathan

[Steve McCoy]

Thanks for the comment Nathan. I have most of the older Jars, including Who
We Are Instead. I don't listen to them much, though they have a place. I
have some of the City on a Hill stuff, but nothing too recent.

[paul merrill]

LOVE the Wrens.

Check out my poor-quality video of a show I saw them at in 2005: http://paulmerrill.blip.tv/

Saw Manchester Orchestra a few weeks ago. Great show.

Keep up the good taste, Steve. It's refreshing to encounter a believer who isn't restricted to Christian music.

[Steve McCoy]

Thanks Paul. I'll check the vid.

[Todd]

Hey Steve, gotta check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExkWicvA3L8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhome.php&feature=player_embedded

[Steve McCoy]

Thanks Todd. Will check it out.