hotspotmusic:

I heard this at the top of the latest All Songs Considered podcast and knew I had to instantly track it down and reblog it.  It is one of the most fun and unique tracks I’ve heard in a long time - a completely bonkers and yet utterly charming hip-hop song inspired by showtunes from a bygone era, telling the story of a man, perhaps the Mitch behind the -matic, trying relentlessly and unsuccessfully to court a girl.  It’s hilarious, funky and fresh. Go buy it on his Bandcamp.

Just because retrospection seems to be a fun thing this time of year, and because I have some free time as I cycle through my iTunes library, I decided to put together a list of some really awesome songs from 2011. 

It’s become evident that any jerk with access to the internet/ a blog/ social networking sites, has the ‘omnipotent’ authority to make definitive lists. And so, in order to clarify things: Yes, it is possible (in fact, likely) that I am one of those jerks with access to the internet/ a blog/ social networking sites; but, no, this list is neither definitive, nor do I want any kind of omnipotent authority (at least, not at the moment).

I have selected what I think are the 7 best songs of the year. They’re ranked in order, but really, outside of the song which occupies the top spot, the rankings are not especially fixed.

Of course, you are welcome to disagree. And, if I missed something, let me know.

see the list below…

1: Alabama Shakes - Hold On

Brittany Howard is a soul-spewing caldera. Howard leads the ‘Shakes; the group’s music broils with her effusive, gut-gripping, fist-clenching energy.

This is, absolutely, the best song of the year.

2: Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

This song bursts forth with an opening snare; an up-tempo beat joins and horns and accordions envelope and press it onward. The alternating female/male vocals and the lyrics wrought with internal struggle and a frantic search for truth make this one of the most exciting songs of the year.

3: Beirut - East Harlem

Beautiful song with a vividly orchestral sound - the accordion and piano imbue a warmth that belies the lyrical yearning to traverse those “thousand miles” separating uptown and downtown.

4: Wilco - The Whole Love

WILCO is BACK!!! Finally - with its most lyrically and sonically interesting album since A Ghost is Born. Title track, “The Whole Love” is a pop-folk tune that channels lead singer Jeff Tweedy’s prior works - portraying a sense of sentimentality and idealism flecked with imperfections.

(For a heavier and more-layered sound, a few cool lyrical flourishes, and a “damn the torpedos” attitude see also “Born Alone“… oh, as a bonus, it’s set to a great video)

5: Luke Rathborne - Dog Years

This song - folk-rock with hints of soul - draws forth a sense of youthful idealism. Rathborne’s raspy vocals strike, claw out against losing love, losing dreams in the face of time that moves at the pace of dog years. 

6: Unknown Mortal Orchestra - How Can U Luv Me

This is a funky slice of backbeat, bass-beckoning magic. (conclusion: we will all, ineluctably, be dancing to this)

7: Givers - Up Up Up

A piece of jangly afro-pop that, yes, could be somewhat of a guilty pleasure. Nonetheless the xylophon-ing and handclapping really inspire one to burst out to the world and do something awesome…amazing…mind-bending.

Hey all,

My previous work maintaining a blog lasted for almost a year, as I tried to document my Peace Corps experience in Moldova. 

For various reasons, I felt that blog to be kind of restrictive…so really, the whole thing kind of fizzled. I don’t regret it though, and am still proud of some of my posts.

This tumblr thing however, will be managed as an optional outlet for commentary, creativity, pondering, and the like. There will be no rules, no specific theme, and no scheduled updates (for now).

Anyway, I’m going to get started…..so, enjoy….and comment if you are so compelled…

matt

me, in my apartment, in chisinau, moldova, in front of a lovely rug