Built on a Weak Spot

Well it appears that 2009 is about to come to a close and in preparation I’ve spent a portion of my time this weekend putting together that inevitable task of a year end list. After looking through it a couple times now, I feel like this was a pretty strong year for releases and it seems like a fitting list to cap off a decade or to kick off the fourth year of BOAWS. Either way, I hope everyone enjoys the list and possibly finds some more music to listen to along the way. However, to start things off here is a list of singles that came out this year that deserve some mention here:

Condominium – Barricade (Fashionable Idiots)
Drunkdriver – Knife Day (Fan Death)
Grids – PGCOBUIBQTAUWTCS (Lunchbox)
Kim Phuc – Weird Skies (Deer Skull)
Pigeon Religion – Dead Boss (Gilgongo)
Pigeon Religion – Scorpion Milk (Parts Unknown)
Pop. 1280 – Bedbugs (Self-Released)
Sleepwall – Is That Factual (Toxic Pop)
Sun God – (S)pain (Pizza Pants)
Watery Love – Debut 45 (Richie)

Now on to the albums…

20. Double Dagger – More
[Thrill Jockey]
Buy It!
Having Double Dagger’s third album More here opening the list has me realizing that this year was in fact a pretty decent year for music, at least for me. I obviously can’t speak for every other obsessive music listener out there currently compiling a list. But anyway, Double Dagger signed to Thrill Jockey and didn’t miss a beat in delivering an album that…well…sounded like Double Dagger but with some more rhythm and pop and that little bit of added flavor just made them that much better. One of Baltimore’s finest remained just that.

Double Dagger – The Lie/The Truth [MP3]

19. Black Cock – Robot Child With a God Complex
[Australian Cattle God]
Buy It!
Took a flyer on Robot Child With a God Complex and it paid off with a completely unexpected mixture of Jesus Lizard-ish riffing and a heavy dosage of synth. I know that doesn’t exactly sound appetizing on paper. Hell, if someone would have just told me that I would have had a much harder time of bringing myself to listen to this album, however thankfully I didn’t have any idea of what I was walking into and this band pulls it all off rather well. It’s an interesting spin on a familiar sound that is already good in its own right.

Black Cock – Harvey’s Machine [MP3]

18. Francis Harold & The Holograms – Who Said These Were Happy Times
[Going Underground & Square Wave]
Buy It!
First and foremost this has an excellent cover for what is an equally excellent album that delivers some seriously off the rocker lo-fi garage rock/noise. You don’t need to look at this album more than once to know that this is going to be a pretty large scuzzfest and it most certainly is. Lots of distortion, howling, and plain insanity. Coming off some fine 7-inches, this album easily lives up to the same sort of ugliness that preceded it. There is just nothing good natured about it at all, way creepy and entirely better for it.

Francis Harold & The Holograms – Glitter Girls [MP3]

17. TODD – Big Ripper
[Riot Season]
Buy It!
Here’s kudos to Riot Season for getting this album out there. I honestly didn’t expect to ever see another TODD album, but this came as a late ’09 surprise that I’ve been enjoying immensely. Due to the name I always picture TODD as a person who shows up to the party, drinks everyone’s beer, starts plenty of fights, and then starts throwing things around. Big Ripper sounds like the end result of all that, or really just things being thrown around. It’s blown out, nasty, and looking to take you down with it. For anyone that is already a fan of the band, then Big Ripper is only going to make you smile.

TODD – Happy Easter Florida [MP3]

16. Long Legged Woman – Nobody Knows This is Nowhere
[Pollen Season]
Buy It!
This probably came in the most outrageous package that I received all year in the mail. An oversized cardboard collage mess that I am sure the mailman thought better to leave on my doorstep rather than ring the doorbell in fear of who may answer. While the record itself isn’t of that sort of insanity, it does manage to provide a bit of a grungy riff rock throwback mixed in with some of today’s no budget rock sort of traits. The song “When I Was Asleep” was definitely up there in my favorite tracks I heard this year. The whole album is solid and takes on a few different styles as it progresses as well.

Long Legged Woman – When I Was Asleep [MP3]

15. Rusted Shut – Dead
[Load]
Buy It!
Another record I also had no idea was coming out. Anything new from Rusted Shut is more than welcome however. There really is no reason to go into great detail as to why this album is here on this list or, even more so, what it sounds like. Most people who stop by this blog every so often probably already know what the band sounds like and in fact have this record. But for shits and giggles I’ll put it simply as “very pissed off and noisy”. Rusted Shut assuredly has earned the right to be considered kings of hate fueled noise-rock and Dead does nothing to take away from that.

Rusted Shut – Feelin’ Weakened [MP3]

14. New Brutalism – Actual Record
[ABC Documentation & Rejuvenation]
Buy It!
It’d been awhile since I had heard from New Brutalism before this record came out. Actual Record continues forth with the sort of razor guitar shred that the band has treated us with during their previous releases. Song wise however, this is definitely the strongest of the batch I’ve heard yet and the lead track “063” is probably one of the best things they’ve laid to tape yet. The obvious comparison has always been Shellac and that sort of ilk, but New Brutalism does the style much justice and hopefully continues onward doing so instead of going dormant for a long period of time. These guys definitely need to be around and deserve any attention thrown their way.

New Brutalism – 063 [MP3]

13. The Sky Drops – Bourgeois Beat
[Fridabear]
Buy It!
A long time in the waiting, The Sky Drops got their debut album out this year after a largely praised EP back in 2006. The uncertainty of what direction the band was going to take after such a gap between releases and upon hearing early versions of a couple songs had my expectations for the release sort of down when it arrived in my mailbox. Bourgeois Beat erased many of those uncertainties within the first few tracks, capitalizing on the same rock driven shoegaze that graced their EP. This thing is full of great melodies and the vocal combination between Rob Montejo and Monika Bullette is top notch.

The Sky Drops – Truth Is [MP3]

12. Hawks – Barnburner
[Army of Bad Luck]
Buy It!
There is much to like about this record if the terms AmRep and noise-rock mean anything to you. Hawks are one of many bands that currently share adoration for such things, but rather than come off as nothing more than imitators the band as a whole revel in all of the perversity and noise. The vocalist Michael Keenan, between his mad howls and lyrics, make the music even more sinister due to his presence. Thus making Barnburner one of the more inspired and thrilling listens to make the rounds in recent years.

Hawks – The Thrust That Missed [MP3]

11. The Life and Times – Tragic Boogie
[Arena Rock]
Buy It!
This was certainly one of my most anticipated releases of the year. A record that had me crossing my fingers and hoping that the band would create something that realized their immense potential. In the end, I’d say it came very close. Tragic Boogie retains the characteristically large Midwestern sound while pushing it towards the sort of sonic territory that bands like MBV, Swervedriver, etc had explored at various points in their lifespan. Having as much time as needed in the studio was definitely benefiting to Allen Epley and crew, as the album unfolds in the sort of epic fashion that the band had always hinted at in their live settings with songs that remain highly memorable long after the record has finished.

The Life and Times – Let it Eat [MP3]

10. Pygmy Shrews – The Egyptian
[Wantage USA]
Buy It!
Judging from what I’ve heard come out of the east coast this year, I’m lead to believe just about everyone from that side of the country is pretty angry. At the very least, they sure give the impression as a vastly more irritated and antisocial part of the country. Of course I am probably wrongly basing this on a handful of bands similar to that of Pygmy Shrews that have been ushering in a bit of a noise-rock revival of sorts. The Shrews, whom share members of Drunkdriver, ZS, The Fugue, etc. released this smoking LP this year through the great Wantage USA and it rips through ten tracks in just around twenty five minutes. Those interested in some noisy rock with a bit more underneath the surface going on, would do well in checking this one out.

Pygmy Shrews – Xuxa [MP3]

09. The G – Hold My Gold
[Shdwply]
Buy It!
Seemingly a bit out of place on the Shdwply roster, this one took me a bit by surprise for that very reason. This isn’t some bedroom pop or heavy throwback garage rock stuff, this sounds like something that would have come out on a number of mainstay indie labels in the 90’s. It’s a bit grungy but at the same time carries far more emotion than that with some classic pop/punk influences scattered about for good measure. Really just a solid dosage of hazy throwback indie-rock that shouldn’t be missed by those wanting a bit of nostalgia of heavy drinking, working a dead end job, and then going out and having a blast all night. Rinse and repeat. Good stuff.

The G – Trouble in Heat [MP3]

08. Shelflife – Shelflife
[Self-Released]
Download It!
This album probably netted the most response of anything I posted about this year whether it was through comments, other web mentions, or just e-mails. I had the privilege of getting to write about the album upon it being first made available for free download earlier this year. The group, which play a brand of mostly instrumental mathy Midwestern rock, are oddly enough from Denmark. If anything it’s been a treat getting to hear many of the sounds and influences that have come out of this small area of the US make it all the way over to a bunch of twenty something’s in Denmark of all places. Even more impressive is that they created an album that represents it so well but are clearly not creatively hamstringed by it. The melodies are some of the richest you’ll find and since it was mastered by that of Carl Amburn, it was a nice big thundering sound to it as well. Remember, it’s free for download…so there is no excuse in not taking a listen to this.

Shelflife – Tape Song [MP3]

07. Traindodge – I am Forever
[Ascetic]
Buy It!
At some point I just need to start omitting these guys (that won’t happen) from lists, etc. Somehow, every year that they put out an album they find their way onto my list of favorite records and I imagine people are beginning to think I have some weird bias. I really don’t however, it’s just I REALLY like what they do and continue to progress into. Probably one of the only bands that as they’ve changed sounds, styles, and incorporated different influences into their music I’ve been on board for damn near all of it. They just do no wrong to these ears. Their fifth album in roughly a decade saw the band heading further down a progressive rock path that turned out to be the groups most fully realized album to date if you ask me. Recorded by John Congleton (of Paper Chase fame) for the first time, I must say I am a fan of the less booming and dryer sound especially with the drums, which has nice crispness to them. The stripped down production actually works quite well for the band. As always I will be eagerly awaiting the next batch tunes from one of the Midwest’s finest and unsung bands.

Traindodge – The Best Thing You Never Said [MP3]

06. Keith Canisius – Waves
[Quince]
Buy It!
Waves is the second solo album from Keith Canisius, who has been refining his vision of bombastic Cocteau Twins influenced dream-pop for a while now. First giving us a taste with his project Rumskib and then moving on to his solo work. Waves is more or less a progression of that and a very good one as well. There is a bit more emphasis on ambient textures to be found on Waves and the inclusion of a few segue pieces made for a wonderfully enjoyable and coherent listen from start to finish. As usual there are layers upon layers of melodies to be found here, along with Canisius’ signature big programmed drum beats. Although, I’d say they are considerably more toned down here than they have ever been, and much more so than what were found on the Rumskib releases. While it most likely isn’t for everyone, fans of dream-pop should give Canisius a chance whether it is on Waves or any of his other releases.

Keith Canisius – Waves [MP3]

05. Love of Diagrams – Nowhere Forever
[Remote Control]
Buy It!
Before this album I had never really given Love of Diagrams a fair shake. I’d listened to their previous couple albums and just kind of nodded and continued on. However, the bands third album Nowhere Forever really grabbed me as soon as the first track came blaring out of my stereo speakers. The band has suddenly become louder and honestly sounds like a nifty combination of Amusment Parks on Fire’s large guitars and early underrated British act Bleach’s chord progressions. The results are much more rocking than anything that I’d expected, that’s for sure. The band can also lay claim to recording one of my absolute tracks this year in “Lookout”. If you dig it, then this album has plenty more catchy indie-rock to go around with a bit of shoegaze influence mixed in here and there as well.

Love of Diagrams – Lookout [MP3]

04. The Men – We are the Men
[Self-Released]
Buy It!
One of two four song 12” EP’s to make the top five (the other following this one). The first here was released by The Men and is yet again another group making plenty of noise out of the Brooklyn, NY area. The EP seems to span across a few different genres, kicking it off with a noisy blast of post-punk while then venturing into a more melodic and catchy tune like “The Man”. They finish things off by heading back into the blown out post-punk territory on “Sketchy Pussy”. I can’t really do this thing justice here, but what I will say and I hope that you trust me on it is that this EP completely rocks and I certainly hope more people have a chance to hear it. In fact the band has it for download on their site although if you like the track below, I do urge you to pick it up from Insound.

The Men – The Man [MP3]

03. Mayyors – Deads
[Mt. St. Mtn.]
Buy It!
It’s weird to think that with just eight minutes of music this band managed to make something that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed more so than a number of other fantastic releases this year. That right there should say plenty as to how great these guys and the four tracks that make up this release are. I never got around to writing about it on this blog, however I think it’s rather known by this point as to how stunningly good they are. Judging by how fast the first pressing of this EP sold out, I’d say many out there certainly agree. Those who haven’t heard Mayyors yet, well think of some of the best noisy scuzz rock that you can think of and then think of the first time you heard it. It’s like that, all over again. It’s absolutely great.

Mayyors – Clicks [MP3]

02. Twin Stumps – Twin Stumps
[Dias]
Buy It!
This record floored me from the second the needle hit the wax all the way until the very end. I was pretty high on it to begin with, but I don’t think I was quite expecting the sort of uncompromising relentless noise that spans across the six tracks included here on the groups debut full-length. I can say with all honesty that it’s been quite awhile since I’ve heard a record that sounds this evil and nasty. Props to the good album art as well, however none of that really matters once you throw this on and proceeds to destroy you. Mr. Owings over at Chunklet recently tagged this as a “stone cold classic” and I couldn’t agree more.

Twin Stumps – Scar [MP3]

01. Polvo – In Prism
[Merge]
Buy It!
Oh where do I being with this record? This was hands down the most anticipated release for me and I’m assuming a few others out there for the year of ’09. The “reunion” album can be a dreaded result at times. In fact, I’d say it often results in bad. However, Polvo has safely and easily joined the ranks of a few others such as Dino Jr. and Mission of Burma as bands that buck that trend and come back to release some of their finest work to date. In Prism is in many ways different than what I’d remembered of Polvo over their discography in the 90’s. However, In Prism still manages to be Polvo, if that makes any sense at all. Is it more focused? I don’t know, but the songs on In Prism sound tighter than just about anything else I’ve heard the band do. Some of the ins and outs of these songs still boggle my mind when I listen to them, most notably the set of songs that make up the second half of this record (“Lucia”, “Dream Residue/Work”, “Pedlar”, and “A Link in the Chain”), which is where this album REALLY gets rolling. If you can’t listen to “A Link in the Chain” and not get completely lost in it, then I just don’t know what to say…to each their own I guess. What a way to cap off the decade. Thank you Polvo.

Polvo – A Link in the Chain [stream]

So a little over a month ago I accepted an invitation to be a part of a blog tour that would list their favorite albums from this decade. I figured why not and take a break to re-listen to some of my favorites over the past ten years. There have already been a couple lists posted as part of this project. Yesterdays featured the top 10 albums from The Album Project and tomorrows list will be provided by Can You See the Sunset?. For anyone wishing to see any of the previous lists and future lists to come, just visit this link http://10blogs1decade.tumblr.com/ for a complete schedule.

One thing I realized while doing this list was that it was a lot more difficult than I had originally anticipated. I figured I would have more contenders, but I really didn’t. I’d planned on doing 20; however that just wasn’t going to work. Keep in mind that these are my personal favorite albums of this decade and by no means should be considered some sort of definitive list of albums. There is just far too much music for something such as that and I am certainly not one to be considered qualified enough to do it. However, I hope this list does help some of you out there discover some new music that may have been overlooked at some point. So here are my 10 favorite albums from the 00’s (that’s how you say it right?).

10. Silver Jews – Bright Flight
[2001, Drag City]
Buy It!
Yeah, there is a Silver Jews album on this list and this is the album that made me a fan, which is partly why it’s on here. I don’t necessarily know which album of theirs is generally agreed upon as the “best”, but I’ve never liked the others any more than this one. Bright Flight seemed to strike a chord with me I guess, in that it seems to have a sort of downer vibe to it…most notably the song “Horseleg Swastikas”, which is just soul crushing. I remember listening to this album straight through on a long road trip through Arizona/New Mexico in the dead heat of summer and I probably shouldn’t have done that. While I can’t say I fully grasp what David Berman is trying to say in a lot of the songs, I end up respecting his odd lyrics anyway. I’ve never checked out the book of poetry however. It’s one of those deals where I’d rather not mess up a good thing and have my point of view changed. But if it’s good, please do…let me know.

Silver Jews – Horseleg Swastikas [MP3]

9. Morphine – The Night
[2000, Dreamworks]
Buy It!
The last album for the band, posthumously released after the sad and tragic death of singer/bassist Mark Sandman collapsed on stage and passed away due to a heart attack. They were easily one of my favorite bands throughout the 90’s, releasing a string of successful albums amongst college rock/indie-rock circles during that period. Their high water mark to me was the 1993 album Cure for Pain, although you certainly can’t go wrong with any of them I believe. I wouldn’t say The Night saw the band heading in other directions, but it was easily the most “different” sounding album the band ever put out. It was still very much Morphine, and in my opinion the most ominous sounding album they ever released which ultimately I fell in love with and rank it an easy second behind Cure for Pain, which may draw some mixed reactions amongst fans of the band…I don’t know. Coincidentally Rhino Records just recently put out a cool 2-disc compilation of some of the bands rarities and a bunch of live cuts. Check that out if you’re a fan, otherwise grab this album!

8. Craw – Bodies for Strontium 90
[2002, Hydrahead]
Buy It!
This album rocked me so hard when it first came out and it still has the same sort of effect whenever I put it on these days, so that has to count for something. But really, Craw is (were?) an amazing band that for whatever reason to this day still doesn’t get nearly enough props. What already seems like a reoccurring theme to this list, this was the last album the band released, however I can’t rule out that they won’t ever put anything else out as they very well could I suppose but I am not holding my breath on that one. Craw released three albums in the 90’s before this one, all of which are super good and should be owned by anyone that comes across them and enjoys their rock with a bit of complexity. They are out of print, but should be findable on Amazon and the likes. Bodies for Strontium 90 is the only one that is in print fortunately thanks to it being released on Hydrahead. They are really the only band that I can think of that made both the music and lyrics equally difficult and rewarding to listen to. In fact Joe McTighe may very well be my favorite lyricist of all time. Bodies for Strontium 90 holds up just as well to anything else in the bands discography, although I don’t quite know where I would place it. What I do know though is that it beats the pants off of just about anything else that came out this decade.

Craw – Caught My Tell [MP3]

7. Wicked Farleys – Make It It
[2000, Big Top]
Buy It!
Why Wicked Farleys and why at number 7 on this list? Because this is my list and it is probably the furthest thing from a definitive list of albums that anyone should own from the past ten years. If you’re wondering where Radiohead is at this point, well you’re looking in the wrong place and I certainly can’t blame you for heading towards the exit door as fast as you can. However, if you’re looking for an album that practically encapsulates what was so very good and dear to my heart about indie-rock during the 90’s then this one sums it real well. Odd that an album that primarily has itself rooted in a whole other decade makes its way on a list for the 00’s, however it just got in by the skin of its teeth being released in 2000 and was (once again) the bands last album before parting ways. The Farley’s were from Boston and it greatly showed in their music that burst forth with a minor experimentation similar to that of peers the Swirlies, numerous off-kilter rhythms, and songs that could seamlessly string together the full range of emotions. A band and a record that defies most labels you can throw at it, which I think says plenty. A great and highly underrated album if there ever was one.

Wicked Farleys – Dig the Ring [MP3]

6. Ulrich Schnauss – Goodbye
[2007, Independiente]
Buy It!
I can certainly understand the complaints that this album is too dense, busy, etc. I guess that sort of thing can happen when someone reportedly takes on and tries to orchestrate up to 100 audio tracks at once. In my opinion Schnauss did the absolute best he could with the extensive layering that took place on Goodbye and the results are an album that is absolutely beautiful and a perfect finale to what is part of a three album trilogy. There is certainly a lot going on when listening to just about any track on the album, however that’s part of the enjoyment of listening to what Schnauss manages create, which is an album that continually stands out on repeated listens of its chilled ambient/dreamy offerings. There is more and more to find as you listen to these tracks multiple times, discovering new random pieces and subtleties that in the beginning may have never even been apparent but in the end seem to so vital to the track and how it gets from point A to point B. Sure, it isn’t perfect…but the melding of electronics and shoegaze is far from derivative here. In fact Goodbye might just be one of the freshest sounding albums the genre has produced over the past few years.

5. Traindodge – On a Lake of Dead Trees
[2002, Ascetic & No Karma]
Buy It!
On a Lake of Dead Trees is the follow up to the bands debut About Tomorrow’s Mileage which is also a favorite of mine, however that was a completely different decade (although not by much). I’ve always kind of thought of On a Lake of Dead Trees as somewhere in the middle of what they did on their debut and what would follow on the bands massive double album The Truth, which started incorporating the use of synthesizers more predominately in their overall sound and steering towards a larger progressive influence. While I’m a fan through and through of what the band has done over their roughly decade long career, I can’t help but yearn for the big riffs and melodies that find themselves just about everywhere on this album. Also, it probably has the best album opener of any of their releases in “Beckon the Inferno”. Really a classic example of what rock of the Midwest sounds like. If I recall correctly I think they were still a three piece at this time, and if so, how they managed to sound this large is still somehow impressive. They’ve since scaled back down to a three piece after the release of their third album The Truth. Still out doing their thing, I highly recommend seeing them live if you get a chance. Rob Smith playing drums and a keyboard at the same time is pretty amazing really along with the band rocking in the process.

Traindodge – Beckon the Inferno [MP3]

4. Shiner – The Egg
[2001, DeSoto]
Buy It!
If you’re a regular reader of the blog then you probably foresaw this gem popping up on the list. That is if I had told anyone I was even making this list. My bad I guess. Anyway, The Egg was Shiner’s last album and quite possibly their most accomplished. If anything, it’s definitely one of the most definitive albums of Midwestern rock I can think of. There just weren’t that many bands that sounded as large as they did during their run together. The Egg definitely becomes an even more interesting and impressive release when listening to the bands progression starting with Splay and their meaty alt-rock beginnings all the up until the very end. The Egg is a classic example of a band at their sonic and creative peak. It was certainly a shame to see them break up after this album, but really in what direction could they have gone? Although, with the amount of bands doing one off reunion shows, full tours, and even albums I wouldn’t complain if a Shiner reunion were to happen. Nope, not one bit.

Shiner – The Egg [MP3]

3. Rumskib – Rumskib
[2007, Darla]
Buy It!
The bands self-titled record absolutely owes a heavy dept to the Cocteau Twins, but there is a difference between simply copying a sound and taking that sound and extending upon it. I am a firm believer that the latter occurred when Keith Canisius and crew set forth and made this record. I want to say I saw something written about this album around the time I initially discovered the group and it described the album as something like “Cocteau Twins on steroids”, which if that quote does exist…I apologize to whichever publication said it as I honestly forget. But I do believer that is a fairly accurate assessment of what takes place on the bands one and only full-length thus far (Canisius has since released two solo records of his own of similar material however). The formula for this albums success really seems quite simple when looking at it, take something good and give it a few tweaks. Not saying it’s better, but it’s certainly an interesting take and something that has rewarded me upon repeated listens since its release in 2007.

Rumskib – Think Eyes Away [MP3]

2. Oxbow – An Evil Heat
[2002, Neurot]
Buy It!
I can’t even begin to fathom the idea of how many times I’ve listened to this record since it came out. It’s just one of those ultimate listening experiences that once it clicks…it really clicks. It’s also quite a bit of fun to throw on for those uninitiated to Oxbow, which is always a sight to see the facial expressions that follow. An Evil Heat is an album that when described as being terrifying, one should probably believe it. While practically all of the bands albums operate on that same sort of level, An Evil Heat is a great accomplishment both musically and in developing a mood. There are very few other albums that come to mind, especially from this decade, that manage to convey the sort of torment and horror that Eugene Robinson manages to spew forth in just his vocals alone. The rest of the band backs up the theatrics with the sort of gnarled guitar churn that shatters and comes together just as much Robinson seemingly does. An amazing album, that’s about all I can say.

Oxbow – Stallkicker [MP3]

1. The Forms – The Forms
[2007, Threespheres]
Buy It!
This album completely blew me away when I first heard it in 2007. That feels a bit weird to say about an album that, while definitely rocking in its own way, has such a smooth and soothing quality to it. The Forms get so much out of forming melodies with vocal patterns that intertwine along with the other instruments that really in the end the vocals are probably one of the most important pieces to the bands sound. They definitely wouldn’t be the same without them, I know that much. The band has seemingly been labeled everything under the sun as far as indie-rock goes and really there is no great way to describe what the band does. Their approach is one that just drifts along in little two to three minute snippets that creates a sort of dreamy atmosphere that will undoubtedly suck you in. The instrumentation is just on a whole other level than most other indie-rock you hear these days and really The Forms are a band that truly can say they have a sound of their own…because I’ve yet to find something that even closely resembles it. Also, they are the only band that I’ve come across that can make a Billy Joel song listenable, check out their cover of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” if you don’t believe me.

The Forms – Bones [MP3]

The year 2008 is nearly to an end and already there are a number of best of lists out there flying about on the Internet that I will undoubtedly be combing through over the next two weeks or so. I don’t know if this year was as solid of a year for me musically. I get the feeling that it wasn’t, but if it wasn’t I don’t think it missed by a whole lot in comparison to last year. Despite that there were still plenty of great releases to be heard and to be newly discovered at the time. Before I get to the actual list though I want to thank everyone that has left comments and/or sent e-mails supporting BOAWS. So again, thank you very much! Now here are the 20 records I enjoyed the most this year.

20. Mouthbreather – Thank You for Your Patience
[Kiss of Death]
Buy It!
I was sad to see Wow, Owls! go when they called it quits a couple years back or so. However, the debut record from Mouthbreather makes up for that loss for the most part. The band, which contains former members of both Wow, Owls! and The Setup, took a bit getting this one out with only a demo in the meantime to stew over. The wait was worth it though and Thank You For Your Patience falls onto the list as one of the best post-hardcore records I managed to hear all of this year. Check this out for those that are seeking and inspired and old-school vibe to the genre. It’s a very well done record from this Richmond, VA outfit.

Mouthbreather – Best of Seven [MP3]

19. Five Dollar Priest – Self-Titled
[Bang!]
Buy It!
What happens when you gather up Ron Ward, Norman Westberg, George Porfiris, Patrick Holmes, and Bob Bert? Apparently this record is what you get, a bluesy garage rock inspired sound laced with a bit of NYC no-wave. It carries a bit of seediness and delivers with a nice helping of attitude thanks in part to the antics and over the top vocals courtesy of former Speedball Baby member Ron Ward. It’s definitely a throwback of sorts, but a welcome one.

Five Dollar Priest – Fingered [MP3]

18. Lavodrama – Zurich
[Bcore]
Buy It!
This band flew completely under my radar last year which really burned me considering they release material on one of my favorite labels and draw their sound from plenty of my favorite bands. Thankfully they released this EP so I could give them props on this years list. No, I didn’t slot them here solely for that purpose, Zurich definitely deserves to be here as it’s a rather well done piece of Dischord era post-hardcore in the area of Jawbox or Kerosene 454 maybe. Either way if you’re into bands on Bcore then you’re probably either already all over this. If not, you definitely should be. Check out their excellent full-length from last year as well that was also released through the label.

Lavodrama – Dear Friend [MP3]

17. Putiferio – Ateateate
[Robot Radio]
Buy It!
This is one of two releases from the Robot Radio label to make the list this year. At times I think I enjoy this album for its pure oddness. There isn’t really one good way to describe what Putiferio do as they merge electronics, noise, and math-rock to create an album that is largely unpredictable. Just to drive the point home they inserted a thirteen minute track smack dab in the middle of the album that flexes each and every one of their muscles. At least on their next record I’ll certainly be prepared for anything.

Putiferio – Carnival Corpse for Servers [MP3]

16. Valina – A Tempo! A Tempo!
[Trost]
Buy It!
I found out later this year after I wrote about A Tempo! A Tempo! on the blog that this will be released in the US of A in ’09 through Joyful Noise. I think the website said March, but that was awhile ago. Anyway, it was released somewhere in the world this year so here it sits. This is probably my favorite album that they’ve released yet, although whenever I play it on anything other than my home stereo the drums seemingly tend to be a bit too much for an ordinary speaker or headphone. That’s what I love about it though; it sounds powerful and contains a thick punch. As for the music itself, this is Valina at their best merging math-rock and post-hardcore with a swagger to some of the tunes that I don’t think I can really recall on some of their past releases.

Valina – Eye’s a Window [MP3]

15. Witch Hats – Cellulite Soul
[In-Fidelity]
Buy It!
I really hope Australians weren’t the only ones that enjoyed this fine release as Cellulite Soul deserves to be heard on a much larger scale. Reaching back into the depths of post-punk and with a dark Birthday Party-esque slant the band has ultimately developed a rather refreshing sound. Anchored by solid pounding bass lines and gnarled barbwire sharp guitars, this is sort of post-punk record I can fully back.

Witch Hats – Hellhole [MP3]

14. Torche – Meanderthal
[Hydrahead/Robotic Empire]
Buy It!
I imagine this one ended up on a lot of lists this year. It’s no surprise however as Torche manage to merge, dare I say, pop and the bottom heavy sludge of some of the members previous outfit Floor. I will admit I wasn’t much of a believer in the band to begin with. I remember listening to their first album and it leaving me a bit cold. It wasn’t until I saw them in concert earlier this year that I felt I probably should hop on the old Torche bandwagon and check out Meanderthal. Obviously I am very glad I did, as this album rocks in a completely unexpected but heavy way. It’s weird and really interesting at the same time to hear something that can remain this heavy while being this upbeat. It doesn’t seem likely, however Torche have pulled it off and to much more convincing effect than I would have ever imagined.

Torche – Across the Shields [MP3]

13. Young Widows – Old Wounds
[Temporary Residence]
Buy It!
Their first album Settle Down City, while pretty damn good, was basically one large nod to Jesus Lizard. They returned this year now on the Temporary Residence label with their second album Old Wounds. While still mining the past with such influences flowing from the big JL to AmRep to Big Black, Old Wounds ultimately sounds like a band that has decided to expand a bit on what they were doing previously and the results have paid off in a big way for them. Old Wounds rocks in that lumbering full of attitude way that just isn’t as commonly heard these days. If you’re a fan of what indie/noise-rock used to be, then I urge you to check out Young Widows.

Young Widows – Old Skin [MP3]

12. We Versus the Shark – Dirty Versions
[Hello Sir]
Buy It!
I sadly didn’t get around to mentioning this record on the blog earlier this year, but I imagine it had plenty of other positive things said about it elsewhere. This was actually the first time I’d listened to We Versus the Shark, I’d probably seen their name bandied about but never acted upon it as I sometimes tend to do unfortunately. Thankfully I gave Dirty Visions a whirl this year and was pleasantly surprised by what this record was offering. This is one spazzy blast of post-hardcore that I imagine if you’re already a fan of some of the bands on Hello Sir, then this will probably quench your thirst if you’re craving more.

We Versus the Shark – I am the Contempt Machine [MP3]

11. Citified – The Meeting After the Meeting
[Eskimo Kiss]
Buy It!
Stumbling across Citified three or so years ago is still one of the best fliers I took on a record. Their self-titled debut was a quick flash of delicately crafted lo-fi indie-pop that tugged at the nostalgia in me. Their EP from this year The Meeting After the Meeting is pretty much along the same lines. Although there is a bit of the endearing lo-fi quality missing from the album the songs absolutely do not need it to succeed. Singer/songwriter Chris Jackson is seemingly a master at crafting songs that are soaked in melancholy but yet still manage to put a smile on your face in the end. If you haven’t already, give this one a listen as it should still be available through Eskimo Kiss.

Citified – Read Like a Number [MP3]

10. Geisha – Die Verbrechen Der Liebe
[Crucial Blast]
Buy It!
Die Verbrechen Der Liebe is just a beastly album. From the shoegaze inspired opener “Prelude to Amber Pays the Rent” to the monolithic drone/noise driven half hour long “Theme From Diana”, this album doesn’t let up an ounce. This is definitely noise-rock with an emphasis on the noise, drowning the listener in wave after wave of distortion, percussion, and samples. While on the outside it almost seems like an uncontrollable mess, Geisha seem like they are doing two different pieces at the same time, letting them duel out in which one gets to take front and center stage.

Geisha – A Wilderness, Except by Sight [MP3]

09. Here Comes Conclusion – Oh La La!
[Salon Alter Hammer]
Buy It!
Despite being in Germany these guys have definitely gotten a hold of some DLJ records at some point or another and then decided to run with it a bit adding small bits of electronics and samples throughout the bands debut record Oh La La!. It may very well be one of the freshest sounding post-hardcore records that I’ve heard in awhile.

Here Comes Conclusion – Bad Habits [MP3]

08. D?ti Dešt? – Love and Piss
[Silver Rocket]
Buy It!
I would be very surprised if there is anything going on within this albums content that has anything to do with “love”. As for “piss”, well I don’t know…but I know this album at least sounds filthy and for noise-rock fans that’s a good thing. In my original write up for this album I likened them to Distorted Pony and I still stand by that. While maybe not leaning on it as heavily as DP did, D?ti Dešt? incorporate a bit of that industrial influence into their low end heavy brand of noise-rock. If you’re a fan of this sort of thing, then I’d be shocked if Love and Piss doesn’t get an approval in some way.

D?ti Dešt? – Odprostit [MP3]

07. Dead Elephant – Lowest Shared Descent
[Robot Radio]
Buy It!
Dead Elephant is a band that I had almost completely forgotten about until this year. Sad, but it’s the truth. I heard their first EP Sing the Separation a couple years ago and thought it was good and then never heard about them again. To my surprise they happened to come back this year with Lowest Shared Descent, which features re-recorded versions of every song on Sing the Separation along with some new material as well. The previous versions of this material pale in comparison to the re-recordings, every song on here now just sounds massive and are downright punishing. Attach that with a couple collaborative tracks featuring Eugene Robinson of Oxbow and Luca Mai of Zu and you have one very good album.

Dead Elephant – The Same Breath [MP3]

06. Thinking Machines – The Complete Record of Urban Archaeology
[TMVFM]
Buy It!
It says a lot about a record when it makes it practically a whole year and still manages to be one of my favorite albums of the year. I know at the beginning of ’08 when I heard this record I knew it would be surprising if it didn’t end up being one my favorites, however you never know. What I enjoy about the The Complete Record of Urban Archaeology is it reminds me of older riff heavy bands like Hum, Failure, etc. really just that whole solid grouping of 90’s alternative without falling into that kitschy area where it just sounds dated and cheesy. Thinking Machines seemingly know better than to do that and have updated it a bit for the better.

Thinking Machines – Waste of Time [MP3]

05. KEN Mode – Mennonite
[Arctodus]
Buy It!
This is the third album from KEN Mode and once again they manage to one up their previous effort by a considerable margin. The band has never been shy of working in a groove or two into their heavy riffing; however for Mennonite they’ve emphasized that aspect of their sound it seems. Although it shouldn’t, it always somewhat surprises me that KEN Mode is able to expand on what they’ve already done. However, the fact that they are able to speaks volumes as to just how good this band is. This is noise-rock at its finest, if you haven’t managed to check out KEN Mode yet then you are really missing out.

KEN Mode – Dear John Letter Crew [MP3]

04. Riddle of Steel – 1985
[Ascetic]
Buy It!
1985 ends up being the third and final album from St. Louis, MO’s very own Riddle of Steel. They decided to call it quits towards the end of this year. Being a fan of the band for quite some time now it’s a bit of a bummer, but to me they at least left on a high note. I know some wouldn’t necessarily agree, as it seemed fans were split digging RoS’s earlier stuff found on their first EP Burn and debut album Python or their later sound as it progressed on Got This Feelin’ and 1985. I typically enjoyed both, but I really was into the direction they ended up heading on this final release. It’s just an all around solid rock record that masterfully combines the melodic power of classic 70’s guitar rock and the riff heavy styling of Midwestern rock. For those that missed out on the band, then do yourself a favor and go back and check out some of their tunes. They’re a band that will definitely be missed.

Riddle of Steel – Who’s the Fella Own’s This Shithole [MP3]

03. Knife the Symphony – Crawler
[Phratry]
Buy It!
The more I listen to this record, the more I like it. How cliché eh? However, it’s true. For those that miss that mid nineties post-hardcore/emo vibe then you’d be doing yourself a favor by listening to Crawler. It basically sounds like a lost remnant from that era, which of course sits very well with me. While many bands surely come out trying to recapture this sort of feel and bit of nostalgic flavor, it’s not always done in the most tasteful manner or sounds even relatively close to anything like it did then. Knife the Symphony have every bit of passion within their music that made some of that music of the past decade so special to us and that’s a significant reason as to why Crawler is where it is on this list.

Knife the Symphony – Solemn Solon [MP3]

02. Drunkdriver – Born Pregnant
[Parts Unknown]
Buy It!
This album had me floored from the get go. Coincidentally it had me ducking and taking cover on the floor as well. Ok not really, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it had that sort of an effect on an unwilling listener. Born Pregnant is the sort of tapped out in the red noise fest that is likely to scare off more than it draws in. However for those that enjoy the pure forceful nature of this sort of thing, as I do, then Born Pregnant is a must have. Blown out beyond belief, Drunkdriver disregard anything and everything in favor of just being balls to the wall loud and obtrusive. You can practically feel the hatred for mankind just seeping out of your stereo speakers. Parts Unknown has a pretty good track record with this sort of thing, last year for me it was Snake Apartment and their throw back scuzz rock and this year they’ve delivered once again with Drunkdriver. I would suggest checking this out as it’s easily the best noise-rock related album I’ve heard all year destroying everything else.

Drunkdriver – Secret Eater [MP3]

01. Roma 79 – Praise the Divide
[Ascetic]
Buy It!
It really wasn’t much of a choice in the end. I’ve listened to this album, both at home and in my car, dozens of times this year. It took a few listens for it to really start taking hold as it’s a bit of different animal then their debut album The Great Dying that was released on Ascetic in 2005. Praise the Divide is an album that takes its Midwestern influences and begins to meld them more with some of the progressive touches that were found on their previous effort. Scaled back is the guitars in favor of more synth driven tunes. Roma 79 have never had trouble coming up with a memorable melody in my opinion, however they put their songwriting talents to work on Praise the Divide to write songs that don’t just rely on a single melody or riff and instead work in patience and pacing, and no…not in a long winded pretentious sort of way. Anyway, take a listen and if you like definitely pick up the album.

Roma 79 – Colorful Acts [MP3]

It’s that time again! End of the year means year end top album lists come flying from every corner of the internet. It would appear there are crap ton of lists that I will be sorting through over the last week of December to see if I missed in any true gems this year. As always, I am sure I have. I’ve discussed that pet peeve of mine time and time again, but it’s inevitable as you just can’t listen to everything right? Anyway, here are the BOAWS top 20 records of the year. The top ten proved to be a bit difficult to sort out, but in the end I feel good about it. Thanks to everyone out there for continually checking the blog and leaving comments. It’s always appreciated. Hope everyone has a good holiday, I’ll be back sometime shortly after Christmas with regular updates. In the meantime, enjoy the list!

20. Shellac – Excellent Italian Greyhound
[Touch & Go]
Buy It!
As with just about every Shellac album I’ve ever heard, each one seems to be a grower and eventually reveals itself to be completely solid. It proved to be no different with Excellent Italian Greyhound. Venturing further into minimalism than ever before maybe, the album delivers in the way Shellac can deliver I imagine. It’s full of Albini’s trademark sarcasm and is as jarring and uneasy sounding as ever before.

Shellac – Be Prepared [MP3]

19. The Austerity Program – Black Madonna
[Hydrahead]
Buy It!
Two men and a drum machine created one of the best albums of the year. Regains all the harsh dissonance found in all of those late eighties Touch & Go albums, although with a bit more of a human touch than one might expect for a band backed by a drum machine. And for those maybe wondering, it is pure coincidence that this follows the Shellac record in the list.

The Austerity Program – Song 17A [MP3]

18. Electro Group – Good Technology
[Clairecords]
Buy It!
I had been waiting for this album since the release of their first album A New Pacifica back in 2000; a long wait indeed. While not changing their formula hardly an ounce, I honestly can’t complain about that since I loved their debut anyway. Maybe a bit less gritty and bass heavy as the last record, but it doesn’t fail to deliver a solid thirty minutes of sun coated noise-pop for those that seek it out.

Electro Group – Bikini States [MP3]

17. Les Savy Fav – Let’s Stay Friends
[French Kiss]
Buy It!
This is one I’ll never really understand, and that is how I managed to never give Les Savy Fav much attention before Let’s Stay Friends came out this year. If it hadn’t been for someone urging me to listen to it then I probably would have continued that trend. Turns out they are pretty good and apparently have been for some time now. Shame on me for me not knowing and I promise it won’t happen again. Well, it probably will actually, so I hope there will be plenty of people around reading to set me straight in the future when the need arises.

Les Savy Fav – Patty Lee [MP3]

16. Bottomless Pit – Hammer of the Gods
[Comedy Minus One]
Buy It!
After the tragic death of Silkworm drummer Michael Dahlquist members Andy Cohen and Tim Midget reconvened in the form of Bottomless Pit to release their debut Hammer of the Gods. While it’s not unlike Silkworm in a lot of ways, both Cohen and Midget along with two other indie vets from Seam and .22 manage to spread out a bit more here on the album than they may have done so before. The feeling of melancholy and reflections on death are evident throughout the album, but the result is some fantastic songwriting and eight powerful songs.

Bottomless Pit – The Cardinal Movements [MP3]

15. Tulsa Drone – Songs from a Mean Season
[Perpetual Motion Machine]
Buy It!
Songs from a Mean Season is a record I wouldn’t have expected to like as much as I did. But I can’t deny the fantastic job Tulsa Drone did in painting such a vivid picture with their music, something that can’t be said by a number of bands that tend to lay claim to the genre of post-rock these days. As lame as it sounds, Songs from a Mean Season is one of those albums that honestly feels like it takes you on a journey if said journey was through an area with absolutely no civilization for hundreds of miles in every direction and completely at night. That’s my take at least. Buy it, listen to it, and form your own.

Tulsa Drone – Huntsman [MP3]

14. The Pope – Sports
[Wantage]
Buy It!
The Pope came out throwing punches with their album Sports. It’s one aggressive blast of noise-rock that chews through seventeen tracks in a little under thirty-two minutes. The Pope take the overpowering loudness of godheadSilo and pump it full of amphetamines to create this crazy distorted rush that is sadly over just as fast as it begins. However, those minutes in which I get to revel in its filth are some of the most satisfying to come from a record this year. Plus, I can just always hit repeat.

The Pope – Chocolate Babies [MP3]

13. No Doctors – Origins & Tectonics
[Self-Released]
Buy It!
Not only distancing themselves from the city they originally called home a few years ago of Chicago, making the move to the bay area, they’ve also been making a slow departure away from their noisy beginnings. It’s a very welcomed change however, as it allowed for the bands true musicianship to take full stage on their third album Origins & Tectonics. If I would have been up to the task of making a year end list of songs, “Invisible Clopes” would have easily been near the top. Essentially a more than suitable example for the skronked out rock n’ roll that the No Doctors bring to the table.

No Doctors – Invisible Clopes [MP3]

12. Ceremony – Disappear
[Safranin Sound]
Buy It!
Forming out of the remnants of the great Skywave, Ceremony continues to carry on the torch for the type of dark mood driven noise-pop that gets me moving. With the implementation of a drum machine and bit more use of electronics in general, Ceremony create a gothic tinged wall of sound that just soars while at the same time tugging at the hearts of the listener as it buries itself deep in sadness of relationships gone bad.

Ceremony – Dull Life [MP3]

11. Clockcleaner – Babylon Rules
[Load]
Buy It!
As I probably mentioned in my write up for Babylon Rules over a thousand times, this record just oozes filth. It sounds filthy and its lyrics only put a further emphasis on it. All of it makes for a record that is absolutely destined to be in my year end list. For an idea of where this albums roots lie, just think about all of the wonderfully trashy bands that were around in the late eighties and early nineties and apply it here but multiply the creepiness level by at least 2 or 3. It’s an absolutely fantastic album from a truly scary band.

Clockcleaner – Vomiting Mirrors [MP3]

10. Snake Apartment – Paint the Walls
[Parts Unknown]
Buy It!
Boy oh boy if there were only more records like this one these days. This is sludgey noise-rock done right. It’s the type of thing that could melt speakers if that were in any way possible from simply playing a record. If anything it will prompt anyone that is in the room with you to either break something or flat out leave. Loud as fuck and you’ll easily have to reach back and pull yourself off the wall when this one is finished.

Snake Apartment – Riffless [MP3]

09. The Angelic Process – Weighing Souls with Sand
[Profound Lore]
Buy It!
When it comes to creating a wall of sound, as it’s been put so many times before, The Angelic Process could probably go unrivaled in that department. For awhile now the duo has been putting out records that send that needle flying across into the red. Weighing Souls with Sand is no different as it presents a whole new portion of rumbling blissful beauty. Will I ever get sick of this? I’d say probably not.

The Angelic Process – Million Year Summer [MP3]

08. Dinosaur Jr. – Beyond
[Fat Possum]
Buy It!
I still can’t get over at how good of a record this is. It seems so unexpected but yet it shouldn’t be, I mean it is Dinosaur Jr. we’re talking about, the same band that released You’re Living All over Me and Bug. Listening to Beyond is about as close to stepping into a time machine as I’ll probably ever get. I don’t see that type of technology coming any time soon. The band plays as if they never lost a beat and J Mascis is doing some much guitar shredding all over this record it’s not even funny. Talk about a complete surprise, or maybe not, who knows?

No MP3

07. The New Flesh – Vessel
[Heart Break Beat]
Buy It!
The New Flesh return on Vessel with a type of noise-rock that ultimately beats and bruises the listener into submission. Vessel pounds and grinds its way through eleven tracks of pure buzzing noise that often times reminds me of the late Chicago band Mama Tick, however fueled by a Drunks With Guns type of absolute nastiness. This is definitely not a record to be taken lightly.

The New Flesh – Broken Glass [MP3]

06. Ulrich Schnauss – Goodbye
[Domino]
Buy It!
Maybe one of my most anticipated records for this year and it lived up to about any expectation I had for it. Ulrich Schnauss once again creates a lush soundscape on Goodbye that is the result of Schnauss’ almost Kevin Shields like obsession of adding layer after layer except it doesn’t take him over fifteen years to put out another full-length. Goodbye is often times soft to the touch, however manages to maintain the density/thickness of a full-fledged shoegaze album. No doubt in my mind that Schnauss has created an album of full dreamy haze that in my opinion is one the best in it’s genre, both past and present.

Ulrich Schnauss – Shine [MP3]

05. Rumskib – Rumskib
[Darla]
Buy It!
There has been a ton of great Danish music making its way to my ears over the past year or so. Rumskib’s self-titled debut just happens to contain some of the best however. Borrowing a bit from the early days of 4AD and the Cocteau Twins, Rumskib create a completely blissed out record that has been set on overdrive. Some of the melodies found on the album go above and beyond what was previously known as dream-pop to some. There shouldn’t be any argument for lack of creativity here because Rumskib might just very well be one of the most creative bands making music of this type.

Rumskib – Springtime [MP3]

04. Airiel – The Battle of Sealand
[Highwheel]
Buy It!
This is a record I had been waiting on for quite a while now. Ever since hearing Airiel and their series of Winks and Kisses EP’s, I have been frothing at the mouth for a full-length and this year it finally arrived. While at times focusing more so on a straight forward rock n’ roll approach to their music, somewhat like Mezcal Head era Swervedriver, Airiel still create some of the most moving and aurally pleasing shoegaze that is out there. It’s a definite step forward for the band, while at the same time remaining in a comfortable sound that hopefully kept past fans pleased.

Airiel – Thinktank [MP3]

03. Unsane – Visqueen
[Ipecac]
Buy It!
After being a bit disappointed with their last album Blood Run, I felt complete relief and at the same time a kick to the head upon my first listen to Visqueen. The move to Ipecac must have done something because Visqueen regains every bit of power as past Unsane records and more. While there is a noticeable change in clarity to Chris Spencer’s vocals, which is a bit of a hurdle to get over at first, Visqueen blasts out of speakers with an incredible force from start to finish. It’s one of the bands best, and easily their best album since Scattered, Smothered, & Covered.

Unsane – Only Pain [MP3]

02. The Forms – The Forms
[Threespheres]
Buy It!
The Forms could single handedly make indie-rock interesting again. That’s how good their second album is. Screw The Arcade Fire and any of that Pitchfork bullshit. It’s easily the catchiest album I’ve heard all year, while at times revealing itself to be an ethereal display of shimmering guitars and soothing melodies while at other times reverting back to the bombast approach of Midwestern rock. The only downside is its length, like its predecessor Icarus it is way too short. However with The Forms they can be counted on to make every single second of their songs count.

The Forms – Bones [MP3]

01. Oxbow – The Narcotic Story
[Hydrahead]
Buy It!
Really in the end, there was no doubt that this was going to be my number one record of the year. All I really had to do was think about how much I’ve talked about this record before and after it came out to just about everyone I know. Musically, this may be Oxbow’s most accessible album to date. However, I am using the term “accessible” very loosely there, this is Oxbow were talking about after all. Despite any of that, The Narcotic Story may very well be one of the most devastatingly painful and heartbreaking records I’ve heard. While that could be attributed to a lot of Oxbows material, it’s only on The Narcotic Story that I feel like there is a constant feeling of regret and sadness. The Narcotic Story is an absolutely beautiful piece of work that I hope everyone will eventually give a listen.

Oxbow – She’s a Find [MP3]