Radio Free Chicago

New Video: Deerhoof - "Super Duper Rescue Heads!"

Deerhoof are a really special band. And this song, from their upcoming Deerhoof VS Evil,  makes me feel way euphoric. It's super poppy and addictive, while singularly unpredictable and progressive. Like, it's a Deerhoof song!

The morning I watched this, I scoured the internet for a means by which to download the song (the MP3 is currently only available for streaming, and the video was only on pitchfork.tv) so I could loop and write to it. It was such a powerful, immediate reaction, the kind that we're always looking for when we choose to click on a random link or go to a show. Also, I really want her glitter. I know people say things like that and mean it as a joke, but soon enough you'll find out one way or another that I am not kidding in the least. Or at least my mom will.

 

 

Deerhoof VS Evil will be released worldwide January 25. Right now, the band is leaking the album track by track on a weekly basis so if you like/love what you heard hear you should maybe check that out!

Deconstructing Recording with The Builders and The Butchers' "Lullaby"

Something bothers me about lo-fi. It took me a while to put a finger on it, but I did. You see, there was this time when musicians could not produce a quality recording with clear fidelity because they were priced out of it; the equipment, the mixers, the engineers. Producing a fine recording was a badge of honor for some, while others just wanted something more than a basement recording to accurately capture their live sound. Nowadays, lo-fi feels artificial to its high quality, now comparatively cheap recording bretheran (alas of Garageband). Now, how do you capture that core essence of a live performance in a recording? Do as The Builders and The Butchers have done on their upcoming album, Dead Reckoning.

Captured with calculated care in practically solely live takes, with singer Ryan Sollee isolated to keep clear vocals, the Portland folk rockers aligned their cannons, roped up their ship of aspirations and take their live show sound under seige this recording time. Adam Selzer (who helped The Decemberists) helped wittle their songs with a precision you heard more on Castaways and Cutouts than The Hazards of Love. Take a listen to "Lullaby," then mount the crow's nest in hopes to see The Builders and the Butchers on the horizon of Lake Michigan soon.

 The Builders & the Butchers - Lullaby

Color Card Finally Release Debut EP

The guys from Color Card have been making music together for years, previously under the name Westerly. I’ve come across the experimental three-piece a few times now, opening for bands in various venues around Chicago; however, I was never able to bring their sounds home with me, because they’d yet to release an album. But this January, they’ll finally drop their first official release, Zegary.

Self-recorded and self-released, Zegary is a 5-song EP of dreamy, atmospheric experimental. "Tesseract," for example, opens with shaking maraca and a gentle synth melody, broken up by murmured vocals and calming mechanical hums and buzzes. And my favorite, “Champion,” features ethereal vocals and a delicate rhythm backed by choppy, off-kilter percussion and synth beats, ultimately ending in a mechanized clatter and an eerie quiet.

While the physical copy is set for release January 11, the digital version is available right now on Color Card’s Bandcamp. You can stream or download it for free, and if you like it, donate some cash and they’ll send you a physical copy.

Color Card - Champion

 

Sweden is more than Lykke Li and Ikea; Those Dancing Days and "I'll Be Yours"

 
A couple years back during my British and twee pop binge, I stumbled upon several bands from those isles that have since burst forth. One such did not come from England, but rather Sweden. Dominated by the likes of Peter, Bjorn and John, or Lykke Li, or Fever Ray, or Robyn, it is hard enough to break through that towering wall of talent. Those Dancing Days are just about to on the heels of their debut album. Less rock than "Run Run" off their debut, the next album's "I'll Be Yours" takes Britpop guitar and layers over some of the best female chorused vocals you'll find of any indie pop group. Think Eisley-quality harmonies over joyful ruckus indie pop. Or just listen to the track below. Sweden's Those Dancing Days will be hitting SXSW and America later this year.

Justin Bieber's Hatedom, Why It's Hurting The Music Industry, And What You Should Do About It

In 2008 Scooter Braun was surfing YouTube when he stumbled across then unknown Justin Bieber. Braun recognized this kid was a potential goldmine and quickly became his manager. Within a few weeks, Braun scheduled a meeting between Bieber and legendary R&B artist Usher. Bieber showed Usher his chops and Usher, who also realized this kid could make him some serious bank, helped Bieber get signed to Island Records.

Bieber’s first album My World was released on November 17th, 2009. Within a few months it went Platinum and Bieber became the first artist to have seven singles from a debut album peak on the Billboard Hot 100. On March 23, 2010 Bieber released an updated version of My World, the creatively named My World 2.0, which went on to achieve the same success as its predecessor.

Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris

Let’s get something straight, Justin Bieber’s music sucks harder than a Dyson vacuum. He’s yet another attractive, talented singer who isn’t so much an artist as he is a product that was created by his label. His lyrics are so banal I wouldn’t be surprised if he wrote them himself.

Normally I wouldn’t take time out of my life to write an article about an “artist” like Bieber, but something strange has happened in the wake of his success. Justin Bieber has amassed the largest hatedom I can think of in recent memory. Mere mention of his name on late night talk shows is enough for the crowd to erupt in a sea of boos. Endless Internet articles and TV shows make jokes about how he hasn’t hit puberty yet, his questionable sexuality, and why he deserves to die a slow, painful death. It’s a bit extreme, and it scares and intrigues me a little.

Here’s the thing, in the music world, Justin Bieber is nothing new. Throughout music history there have been countless attractive vocalists who become products of their label, have other people write their songs for them, and amass unprecedented amounts of success. Because to most people music is background noise. Rick Astley, Brittney Spears, any 90s boy band that wasn’t N*SYNC,  “artists” like these have been so frequent throughout music history that I’m surprised people bat an eyelash at Bieber. Let alone get so worked up they start spouting death threats.

For the love of common sense, he’s just a kid. What the hell did he ever do to you? Nobody is forcing you to listen to his shitty music. I have never heard a single Justin Bieber song, and don’t plan on starting unless Amber forces me to. Why get so worked up? It makes no sense. It’s not that hard to ignore him.

What annoys me is at the most basic level, Bieber is at least talented. Call him a flaming-homo-faggot-lesbian all you want, but the kid has got a golden voice. While on the other end of the spectrum, RFC writers whose taste and writing I respect put KeSha’s Animal on their top albums of 2010 list. Ke$ha is ugly, she autotunes every song, and her lyrics are somehow (impossibly) more banal and repetitive than Bieber’s. I’ve been unfortunate enough to hear “Tik Tok” at parties, viral videos, and even a Simpsons episode. Her music is so bad it makes me resent the fact I have ear drums and a brain to transpose vibrations into sound. Unlike Bieber, who at the very least has talent, she’s has absolutely zero redeeming qualities. Yet, when I ask my friends about her I get the response “she’s good party music” and absolutely zero death threats.

You do realize all this hate is only making Bieber richer right? In the music business, infamy is every bit as valuable as good press. For every death threat and viral video of him getting smacked in the face with a water bottle, yet another schmuck discovers his crappy music and becomes a fan. By all means continue to imagine you’re hurting his reputation while Bieber, Braun, and Island records drown in Olympic swimming pools of hundred dollar bills. If you really hate Bieber, here’s what you should do. Ignore him. Never mention him again. Pretend like he doesn’t exist. Then make Radio Free Chicago your homepage, read every article, download every MP3 we host, and tell all your friends about us. It’s our job to have good taste in music and spread it around. The artists we review on this site are toiling away in obscurity because they love what they do more than eating and having nice things. Put your love to good use and hit Bieber where it really hurts, his wallet.

I’m sure this article has pissed some of you off because I suggested that maybe Justin Bieber doesn’t deserve to rot in hell for making shitty music. Now, as a music blog I’m obligated to leave you with a free MP3. I don’t own any of Justin Bieber’s music nor would I be caught dead recommending it to you, so instead I’ll leave you with the opening track off Bad Brains debut album Bad Brains. They’re the best hardcore punk band to ever exist and really indie to this day. Consider it a reward for making it this far.

Sailin' On - Bad Brains

Help out Frontier Ruckus with Dessie's Retirement FUNraiser!

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting at my apartment in Portland, Maine. I was in the living room, the sun soaked floor casting glow back onto all corners of the room as I thumbed through the pages of the Portland Phoenix. The cool fall air filtered in through the window, filling my lungs with it’s refreshing aroma. That’s when the call came. It’s something I couldn’t have expected, something no one ever expects. My maroon 1989 Chevy Lumina Euro Edition, which was residing peacefully back in New Hampshire, had turned it’s engines over for the last time. There’d be no more late night 7-11 runs. No more Guns N’ Roses sing-alongs while the summer warmth stung our faces.

This is the pain I can only imagine the members of RFC favorite Frontier Ruckus also felt. Recently Dessie, their 15-passenger Ford Super Club Wagon, was sent into, as the band put it, “worn-out, early retirement”. The past year of the band’s extensive touring has taken it’s toll on Dessie, but Frontier Ruckus is determined to continue to spread their music throughout the country with the purchase of a new touring vehicle. And hopefully with your help, this goal can come to fruition sooner rather than later! You see, the guys are currently holding a “Dessie’s Retirement FUNraiser” to help gather the money needed to purchase a suitable vehicle. This is where YOU, the faithful RFC reader (and obvious Frontier Ruckus fan) can help!

The band is offering up rare Frontier Ruckus treats with SEVEN different donation packages. No matter how much you are able to donate, you’re getting a

Bundle 0 -$10 - Trinity Thaw demos (the recordings that led to Deadmalls & Nightfalls)

Bundle 1 - $20 - Trinity Thaw demos and two rare, live recordings (at Noordbroek and Eddie's Attic)

Bundle 2 - $40 - Trinity Thaw demos, the two live recordings, two tickets to an upcoming show AND dinner with the band! (One could only assume this includes delightful dinner banter! What a deal!)

Bundle 3 -$75 - Trinity Thaw demos, the two live recordings, two tickets to an upcoming show AND a live 30 minute live set on Skype where YOU get to choose the setlist! (It’s your chance to play God!)

Bundle 4 - $150 - Trinity Thaw demos, the two live recordings, two tickets to an upcoming show, a digital download of Deadmalls & Nightfalls and The Orion Songbook, The Orion Songbook vinyl (2xLP DROOL!), a Frontier Ruckus t-shirt, a personalized song written by Matt Milia with hand-written lyrics for the personalized song! (Seriously, that is a total steal at 150 bucks)

Bundle 5 - $300 - Trinity Thaw demos, the two live recordings, two tickets to an upcoming show, a digital download of Deadmalls & Nightfalls and The Orion Songbook, a limited edition I Am The Water You Are Pumping EP, The Orion Songbook vinyl (2xLP, still drooling…), a live 30 minute live set on Skype, a Frontier Ruckus t-shirt, a personalized song written by Matt Milia with hand-written lyrics for the song and, on top of that, your choice of banjo or saw lessons (Take it from me guys, chicks dig a dude who plays the banjo and saw).

Bundle 6 - $1000 - Trinity Thaw demos, the two live recordings, two tickets to an upcoming show, a digital download of Deadmalls & Nightfalls and The Orion Songbook, a limited edition I Am The Water You Are Pumping EP, The Orion Songbook vinyl (2xLP, still drooling…), a live 30 minute live set on Skype, a Frontier Ruckus t-shirt, a personalized song written by Matt Milia with hand-written lyrics for the song AND a house concert for you and your friends!

Think about it folks, there isn’t a bad deal in that whole list of options. Plus, it’s all win-win. Not only do you get to swipe some totally remarkable and rare Frontier Ruckus goods, you get to help them towards getting a new touring vehicle that will hopefully land in YOUR town sometime soon! Have a group of Frontier Ruckus fans? Pool your money and go in on a package together! At the very least, grab the Trinity Thaw demos. It’s a perfect addition to your music library. The band has made almost $1,500 so far, and there’s still a few weeks left to donate. Let’s honor Dessie in the best way we can, by ensuring the remarkable music of Frontier Ruckus can continue to make it’s way across the country in the years to come!

Netherfriends Release New Album and Videos

While we were lazing around this Christmas, throwing back egg nog and desperately awaiting Santa’s arrival, Chicago psych-pop project Netherfriends was busy recording a new album, Alap. The driving force behind the project, Shawn Rosenblatt, announced the new album last weekend on Netherfriends’ blog:

"This is not a typical Netherfriends release. This album is basically an improv album with elements of ambient and drone. It is entitled Alap, which is a term used in Indian classical music for a section that is improvised and free flowing. The recording of this album was something I did for a week during Christmas because I don't celebrate and I was bored out of my mind!!”

He goes on to say that he recorded one song per day and took inspiration from a set he played to accompany a Vinyasa Flow session in a Bucktown yoga studio. Each track is named after the day of the week it was recorded. Rosenblatt describes the album as “easy listening” and recommends enjoying it while chilling out or working. Rosenblatt’s also been creating some trippy videos to accompany the Alap tracks, like this kaleidoscopic footage for “Monday”:

 

 More videos are available at Netherfriends’ blog, and you can pick up the new album in its entirety for a price of your choosing (including free) at the act’s Bandcamp site.  

But recording Alap was just what Rosenblatt did in his free time, while taking a break from his 50 Songs in 50 States project. The endeavor involves trekking the U.S. and – you guessed it – recording a new song in each state, crashing couches and making new acquaintances along the way. Netherfriends will head off to finish the tour in February and wrap it up in early April, but not before playing another show in Chicago, this Thursday, January 6 at Subterranean.

Netherfriends - Saturday

Chris Bathgate Finds Gold With "No Silver"

There are a few artists that have such an impact on me that simply hearing news that a new release by them is imminent will move me to girlish squeals and find my eyes glistening with tears of excitement. It might not be cool to admit but I've found myself in this euphoric state of pure music geekery a number of times in the past few days, as the coming months will feature releases from such favorites as Okkervil River (Whose new song Clay previewed yesterday here), Fleet Foxes, John Vanderslice, RFC favorites Lightning Love, and from-my-own-backyard darlings Gun Lake, but perhaps none of these releases are as exciting to me as Salt Year, the newest release from Ann Arbor, Michigan's Chris Bathgate.

Chris Bathgate -  Madison House

 It's strange and sacrilegious for me to admit that Bathgate's forthcoming album is the 2011 release I'm looking forward to most. You see, were I to write an autobiography, an apt title would be "Confessions of an Okkervil River Superfan". To say I'm in love with the prospect of Gun Lake's debut is an understatement, as any of my friends can tell you that nary a day goes by that I don't champion the folk quartet. As for Lightning Love? Few bands have managed to encapsulate my life in lyrics like Leah Diehl has and that fact has found the blonde indie popsters perched high atop any and all lists of my favorite modern bands. That being said, at the end of the day, the ought-eleven release I'm most excited for is Bathgate's Salt Year. It might be the fact that I've recently moved to Bathgate HQ Ann Arbor, Michigan or it might be the fact that Bathgate's latest press materials call Salt Year "an album about love versus time" which has appealed to my better nature. For all I know, it might be the fact that the longer I live with Bathgate's music, the more I have, unbeknownst to myself, fallen in love with his works. Regardless of the why, the fact remains that Bathgate's latest shows all the markings of a musician about to gain notoriety on a national level. From his impossibly smooth voice to his remarkable folk arrangements that meld traditional influences with modern sensibilities, Bathgate is a musican who only gets better with age and the lead song off Salt Year, "No Silver", is undeniable proof of that. 

The heartbreakingly beautiful single can be downloaded here for free, via Bathgate's website. The story behind the song, which will give you an incredible level of appreciation for the track, is up on My Old Kentucky Blog and is a must read. As for Salt Year, the album will hit the shelves of internet music retailers everywhere on April 26th - A mere two weeks before Okkervil River's latest. Are you as excited as I am for 2011?

First Impressions: Okkervil River Performs "Wake And Be Fine" On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

When I heard that Okkervil River would be performing a new song on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, I quickly called dibs on writing the inevitable article about it. For the next 96 hours while I waited for it to air I shared many a pleasant conversation about how awesome Will Sheff is with RFC Editor In Chief Amber “Captain” Valentine.

Here’s the problem, Okkervil River’s sixth LP I Am Very Far could be a Creed cover album, and not only would I love it but I’d start un-ironically listening to Creed and enjoying them for their influence on one of my favorite bands. In my mind, Will Sheff can do no wrong. I own literally everything he’s ever recorded and there isn’t a single song of his I don’t thoroughly enjoy. With the exception of my beloved Bob Dylan and John Darnielle, Will Sheff is my favorite artist. Whenever somebody bitches about how music isn’t as good as it was back in the 60s/70s/80s/90s I force them to listen to Okkervil River and rant about how they’re the best band making music today (sadly John Darnielle’s releases have been weak since 2008s Heretic Pride and Bob Dylan’s last good album was 1997s Time Out Of Mind).

You see, dear reader, I take my job as a music journalist for Radio Free Chicago very seriously. With every article I write I do my best to leave personal bias out of the equation. I force myself to be open minded, and to love things for what they offer and not what I prefer. Because Will Sheff appeared on TV and played music, I just about pissed myself in ecstasy and made numerous all caps Facebook status updates about how excited I was. The point is, “Wake And Be Fine” could very well be mediocre and I’d write a glowing review about it here because of my bias, and I really don’t want to do that. So please, take this review with not just a grain but a shaker of salt.

The first thing that struck me when Okkervil River began playing was how many people there were on stage. Besides Will Sheff there was a male backup vocalist, a bassist, an electric guitarist, two drummers, a pianist, an oboe player, a saxophone player, a french horn player, two violinists, and a tuba player. As for the song itself, it feels like a gigantic leap forward from Sheff’s last LP, radio-friendly The Stand Ins. Sheff is no stranger to lush instrumentation as evidenced by 2007s The Stage Names, but with “Wake And Be Fine” Sheff appears to be cranking it up to eleven. Sheff ferociously attacks the vocals with passion. Ninety percent of the time Okkervil River songs start quiet with Sheff singing and playing by himself while the rest of Okkervil River slowly joins in, gradually escalating in dynamics and tempo. Instead, “Wake And Be Fine” kicks off at full volume, takes a short dynamic softening near the middle, then quickly launches into full volume again until the end. Honestly, I was hoping for something soft and intimate full of overwrought emotion like 2005s Black Sheep Boy so I could delve headfirst into Sheff’s lyrics. While “Wake And Be Fine”’s lyrics were still audible, there was so much going on instrumentally that I found it hard to focus on them.  

One of the toughest obstacles every musician faces is how to evolve from one album to next. Do you stick to the winning formula that earned you so many fans as the last record, or do you switch things up? Despite the sheer size of his ensemble, “Wake And Be Fine” is a refreshing variation on Okkervil River’s trademark sound while still feeling at home with the rest of the discography. It’s a thoroughly satisfying appetizer for my most anticipated LP of 2011. Now if only May 10th would get here sooner.

Get Ready For The Return Of Okkervil River

If RFC had an official band, it would probably be Okkervil River. I know one might suspect that RFC's across-the-board favorite is Frontier Ruckus, what with all the love they get from us, but the fact of the matter is that Fruckus remains second in the hearts of RFC writers, just slightly behind Will Sheff and his fellow Austinites. Okkervil River is counted as a firm favorite by not only myself, your fearless editor in chief, but also by Bill Baker and Clay Riedesel, as well as being the favorite band of former photographer Steven Kent. One might say that Bill and Clay's respective Okkervil River love is a good portion of why I coerced them into writing for RFC in the first place but hey, that's neither here nor there.

Sadly, RFC hasn't got to cover much of Okkervil River lately, if only for the fact that, despite Sheff's active twitter (which I would cover if I could, believe me!), the band hasn't been doing much of anything to cover. That is, until now.

Before too long, the Texans will release a 12" of a song Sheff's taken to performing live recently, "Walked Out On A Line" with accompaniment from an obscure b-side that only the crazy Okkervil River fans know by heart, "Mermaid". While there's no specific date known for the first Okkervil River release in two and a half years, there is a specific date for the band hitting Jimmy Fallon.

Okkervil River -  Pop Lie (One Man Band Version)

Monday, January 10th, Okkervil River will be performing two new tracks on Fallon's late night program. Don't miss it. Seriously.

 

Justin Townes Earle Hits Letterman, Girls Swoon

The thing about Justin Townes Earle is that he seems like he's stepped straight out of a different generation. Maybe he's from the turn of the last century, or the fifties, but most certainly they don't make guys like him anymore. Everything about Earle, from his overtly polite stage demeanor, to his physical appearance, to his music, evocative of days gone past, recalls a different era.

Justin Townes Earle -  Move Over Mama

Last night, Earle made his "network television debut" on David Letterman, performing the title track to his latest album while still giving his latest, fall's Harlem River Blues, a proper push to get it in the ears of people everywhere. I might be biased, as I did list Harlem River Blues as one of my top records of 2010, but the more time that passes since the album's release, the more I feel it necessary that more people hear the album and get exposed to Justin Townes Earle's wonderful music. Plus, ladies, just take one look at Earle. If that ain't a thinkin' girls heartthrob, I don't know what is.

Sadly, I had to miss Earle on Letterman due to the fact that... Television? Well, I don't got one of them. Thanks, however, to technology, that doesn't matter much and within a few hours, Earle's appearance on CBS had made it's way to youtube. Girls? Get swooin'.

 

Need more Earle in your life? Who doesn't! The fine folks at Daytrotter have you covered with not one but two stellar sessions from Earle! And check out my review of Harlem River Blues for sister site Mezzic while you're at it.

Radio Free Chicago Wants You To Go To The Liquor Store.

I feel like every generation is marked by one event of true greatness, an occurance that has so much impact that it goes on to define that point in time. This is particulary true when it comes to music. Elvis Presley shook his hips on Ed Sullivan and the whole world caused a commotion. The Beatles had a "mania" named after them. The early ninties unteased it's hair and took off it's spandex to scream their angst along with Kurt Cobain via "Smells Like Teen Spirit". But what does my generation have? What is the musical milestone that will be the "event" of intellectual-hipster-subculture in the 2000's?

Well, if there's anything holy in the world, I kind of want it to be this.

 

What is that? Well, it's Ben Collins and Aaron Diehl of RFC favorites Lightning Love. I don't really think it requires much more explanation than that.

What are you waiting for? ACCEPT YOUR OVERLORD.

Grass Widow Fry Their Eggs Responsibly

Another San Francisco-based female rock trio, although they won't stand to be type-cast as the prototypical angry girl group furious at the world and the men who wronged them. It is not a revolt rather it is a celebration of their collective passion for playing music.

"We acknowledge that movements of the past created by or affecting women in the art and music worlds are hugely influential, but there is potential for the original sentiments to lose potency if the meaning is misinterpreted or not redesigned for a modern context. Even the riot grrl movement is kind of antiquated. You never really hear people talk about that 'new riot grrl' band. We owe a great deal to that lineage but it's time for something new. We want to be portrayed as the responsible, thoughtful people that we are."

Impulsivity, intuition and heavily influenced by some greats, namely Black Sabbath, Hannah Lew and Raven Mahon, former members of Shitstorm, joined Lillian Maring and became Grass Widow. Their second album was recently released on Kill Rock Stars.

Grass Widow - Fried Egg from Kill Rock Stars on Vimeo.

 Grass Widow - Tattoo

Top Five of 2010: Five of Mylynda's Picks

Firstly, I know "Top Ten of Twenty Ten" has a nicer ring to it than "Top Five of Twenty Ten," but I had to spread my list around to TRACER, Indie College, and here at RFC. Secondly, I always feel a little too sheepish to be posting a "top albums" list - my scope of the music world is only so big, and I'll readily admit my tastes tend to shut out a large portion of what is going on in the music world at times. So, perhaps this is more like the top five slightly indie pop, bluegrass, and folk albums of 2010.

 My top five albums are featured below; if you are interested in reading about my favorite albums of the decade or checking out RFC contributor Clay Riedesel's thoughts on music-sharing over the past decade, take a look at Indie College...that is, after you read this, of course! Happy New Year!

  #5 Broken Bells – Broken Bells    

It’s no secret that Danger Mouse has sky-high ambition between his aspirations to mash the Beatles with Jay-Z and catapulting Cee-Lo to odd superstardom with Gnarls Barkley, and the dreamy songwriting from The Shins’ James Mercer has been wooing girls, boys, and Zach Braff for years. Production genius and storytelling prowess became delightful, slightly disco best friends for Broken Bells’ self-titled coming out, and I spent the summer playing it with the windows rolled down and getting odd looks from passersby as I dreamily swayed to and fro.

October - Broken Bells

 

Top Ten of Twenty Ten - Emanuel's Picks

  10. The-Dream - Love King

Even a slightly lackluster album from The-Dream can still handily take the spot as my favorite R&B release of the year. It doesn't feel as fresh as Love/Hate did, nor connect to an emotional depth as vivid as Love vs Money's but it's still a sonic tour de force(!) from one of the most consistently genius songwriters in the game. It also still has "F.I.L.A.," current frontrunner for best The-Dream song OF ALL TIME.

The-Dream - F.I.L.A.

9. Twin Shadow - Forget 

Forget is an exquisite album, the kind where depending on the week you'll have a completely different  song or hook stuck in your head all damn day. George Lewis Jr.'s singing first reminds one of Morissey on lead single "Slow," but his voice becomes unmistakable in the course of an entire album. Every song has its own soulful heart, stocked with gorgeously vibrant instrumental passages coloring in the spaces in-between (producer Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear probably had some hand in that). It's incredibly crafted, a quiet classic.

Twin Shadow - Slow