Best of 2014

It is the little things.  A warm cup of coffee on a blistery winter's day.  The smell of a Christmas tree after a shitty day at the office.  The sound of your daughter's voice after a particularly good test score or sporting event.  A shared laugh with an old friend.  When your head hits the pillow late at night and the eyes looking back at you are your soul mates.

This winter, and in particular this month, has sucked real bad.

But with all the moments described above littered into the mix, shit ain't half bad either.

We all get sick.  We all (well, most of us at least) have anxiety about money.  The Holiday brings about a special set of tension and hostility.

So, if we do not embrace those little things, however fleeting, what on Earth are we doing this for???

This space attempts to filter out the noise and show you some pieces of beauty you may have missed during your tumult, er, life.

Between my colleague Doc S and I we try to cover some film, television, literature, and music.

We ask that you join the conversation during the year, either here, or on our way more active Facebook page.  I know, I know...  what kind of blogger/social media person uses Blogger and Facebook? you ask?  An out of touch one, that's who.  We tweet and have dabbled with Instagram.

But who has the time?  This will have to do for now.  Sorry, not sorry.

In order to do a proper Best of 2014, it has to start with Philadelphia rockers The War on Drugs.  If you have been paying attention to this column, and many other publications, you would know their record, Lost in The Dream, was one of the most highly acclaimed records of the year.  Adam Granduciel's soaring guitar vibe record is high on energy, positive on vibes, and, according to my Spotify playlist, absorbed for nearly 20,000 minutes.  It is a glorious ode to 70s icons like Mark Knopfler, Don Henley and Warren Zevon.  No frills.  No fuss.  Maximum pleasure.

Start with "Under the Pressure", the albums' hypnotic opening track.  From there, pay close attention to other gems like "Red Eyes" and "An Ocean In Between the Waves".

My attention span prevents me from listening to many "records."  That is, a track, or a couple singles, are often my only exposure to a band or artist.  I wanna be exposed to many different styles and varieties.  Albums and long plays take time.  Sure, I could stop listening to The War on Drugs so much.  But I am also compulsive.  Each year I happen to latch on to a record and cannot put it down.  Given that, the other down times I cram in as much as I can.

The War on Drugs Lost in the Dream is my record of the year

There were a couple other records that got some extended play.

Runners up include First Aid Kit's Stay Gold.  

The New Pornographers: Brill Bruisers (which includes "Dancehall Domine" amongst others.)

Lana Del Rey's sophomore effort, Ultraviolence, was a nice early year surprise.

Any record by Ryan Adams, this year a self titled one, is worth a listen.  This record had more than a few memorable tracks.  Who knew a married and contented Adams would exist?  And who would have guessed his records would be this good???  Adams also produced  Jenny Lewis' excellent The Voyager.    Pay close attention to "She's Not Me" which brings both of their talents together in a very Linda Ronstadt/Don Henley 70s SoCal vibe.   It is also reminiscent to the work Eric Clapton did for Scorsese's The Color of Money. 

Spoon's They Want My Soul was the Austin's band finest effort since, well, their last effort.  This band is as formidable, consistent and entertaining as any American band making music today.  Sorry Weezer, Foo Fighters, and whomever the hell you might be thinking of.

Speaking of the Foo Fighters, they had a huge year too.  But it is not for their music.  Let's all be honest, Dave Grohl is the luckiest man in the music business.  Nirvana was a lightning in a bottle moment he happened to watch from the drum kit.  And no, this isn't shitting on Grohl's ability and song making.  He plays just fine thanks.  But many a drummer could have done what he did with Cobain's words and hooks.  His Foo Fighters are, sorry, a rather average rock and roll band.  Grohl's range is limited, as are his chords, and overall his songs.  Yes, "Everlong" is a classic.  And there are others.  But c'mon, enough already.  It's like letting Green Day in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

That said, his HBO show detailing his record, Sonic Highways, was a television wonder.  Grohl's travelogue through 8 cities as he records his new record was informative, well edited and highly entertaining.  What it lacked in detail, diversity and/or whatever else Pitchfork or Stereogum bitched about it more than made up with in heart and sincerity.

Back to the music...

Tove Lo's debut was special.  So too Alt-J's latest.  Merchandise, Beyonce, Interpol, Parquet Courts, Lykke Li, new Eels!, Cloud Nothings, and Walk the Moon also had records that were on heavy rotation in our executive offices.

Tove Lo produced a smart and sexy debut album

The band Strand of Oaks came from nowhere to critical acclaim.  Their album, Heal, is well worth the hype.  The title track and ode to the late nineties, Goshen '97 are highlights.  The fact that Tim Showalter, pretty much the entire band, spent some time living in Wilkes-Barre, PA makes this story all the more sweeeettt.   

The child band, Orwells, released their record Disgraceland earlier this year.  It had some great cuts and an overall positive vibe.  Their live show, witnessed by this author at Asbury Lanes, was far more rewarding.  As they are, like 20 years old, expect them to come around often over the next decade or so.  Do yourself a favor and see them.  Hell, I will drive.  Til then:  "Southern Comfort" recorded in The Live Room  and The Orwells Live at Letterman- Dave loves it- "Who Needs You?"

Speaking of Letterman, Baltimore journeyman Future Islands made the most of their appearance earlier this year.  Their version of the synth heavy "Seasons (Waiting on You)" was fine.  It was the lead singers, Samuel T. Herring performance that catapulted it into "viryl" status.   Herring is like a demonic, lovable cookie monster- and it all works so wonderfully.

We won't get too detailed.  You like what you like.   We like what we like.

However, 2014 was a fun and diverse year.  Artists as diverse as St. Vincent, Real Estate, Phantogram, Vance Joy, Taylor Swift, , and Lana Del Rey made memorable albums.  The definitive collection can be found on Best of 2014 and at our alternate home, GTS on FB.  

Truth is, things are freaking busy.

Not complaining, just stating facts.

There are no concerts on the horizon.  Songs, and albums, are listened to primarily going to and from.  Work, sport, school, HOLIDAYS wreak havoc on the social calendar.  Bands are often holed up for a few months too, which helps.

Let's all catch our breath as the New Year approaches.  Resolve to live a little.  Resolve to smile more.  

Earlier today, while crossing 23rd St and 5th Ave, I walked toward Bill Clinton.  Yeah, President Bill Clinton, smiling and shopping in midtown Manhattan, was standing right in front of me.  "Hello Mr President."  I said.  

"Hey" he replied.

Off he went, perhaps looking for after Christmas bargains.  I met my ladies for pasta and an espresso.

America, a country where former Presidents can share City streets with schlubs like me and exchange pleasantries.  That is what I prefer to think at least.

It is NOT the pussy whipped Nation that either a) succumbs to a dictator's request to scrap a movie or worse b) plays us for a bunch of fools and uses a canceling ploy to cover the fact their movie sucks.

It is NOT a country of hate mongers, racists, cop hating, con-artists.

It is NOT war hungry.  It is NOT corrupt.   

"I'm in my finest hour/Can I be more than just a fool?/It always gets so hard to see/Right before the moon."   *

Happy New Year all and...

* The War on Drugs "An Ocean In Between the Waves"

Rules of Summer (Best of June, 2014)

It's not really a summer "break."  In fact, you could argue these days are more aggravating, and fleeting.  Is it easier that your kid doesn't have a set place to be for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week?  Sure, some of you transition your children right into camps that last anywhere from 3 days or until September.  But that is hard work too.  You have to find the right fit, at the right cost.   And then get all the stuff you want to get done while they are away.  Don't kid yourself- that is a deadline.

Work hasn't stopped either.  (more) Deadlines, anxious clients, and the unhinged co-workers you would like to escape from, most likely never leave.

You try to expedite the minutiaa so you can enjoy all that sunshine.  We passed the longest day already, right?  Was it last weekend?  Damn.  The days are already getting darker,right.? I try not to think of November afternoons that darken around 4pm. But they are coming!!

No!  Seize the day.  I even managed a walk before the work day this morning.  Of course, a stranger pushing his infant boy felt compelled to inform me "It looked like I had a rough night."   Thanks random stranger!!

Um, I kinda didn't.  Home early, better than average sleep, early shower, and up and at em.

What is it I look like?  Felt pretty good actually.

the writer enjoys breakfast

Whatever, I'm still gonna rock this bitch.

But wait, this isn't a camp day.  How is she going to be emotionally when she wakes up?  Are friends around or will I have to come up with about 4 hours of activity?  And what about food?  Will I have enough?

The day to day struggles and many joys, aren't going anywhere.  Like all the seasons, summer is about time management and setting realistic expectations.

There are also rules.

1)  Get a third party opinion on your choice of swimwear.  I dig that you are confident and secure with your body.  But there are things that should not be seen in public.  Things you cannot unsee.  That goes for me too.  I plan on wearing the latest Haz Mat bathing suit.

2) Posting pictures.  Refer to rule 1) in particular.  But let's all be extra careful about oversharing.  New locations or the first day of your holiday are great.  We do not, however, need to see every breakfast, or every monument.  It's cool, you are away.  But I don't do the tour guide stuff when I go away.  Watch, I am going away next week and I am gonna be a total d bag over sharer.  *insert band pic here.  * dinner spot  * feet at the pool  * head in sand  * baseball stadium  * zoo/museum  * 3 generations of something  * 99% of people can't watch this video for 5 seconds  * shameless Buzz Feed poll  * onion headline.

3)  While we are talking about the beach, another reminder.  Boom boxes are off limits.   Its hard enough to find time to play music.  Now, with everyone having headphones, you decide to bring the Casio and play the Hits (n)one FM channel.  I would never force my shit on dozens of strangers.  Thats called a party.  And you didn't invite me...  and I didn't show up uninvited.  We are all here.  And sometimes we don't like what you like.

4)  No power tools til 9am.  Yeah, yeah, yeah...  I know what you are gonna say.  "Its the only time the landscaper can come." or "Its my only time off that week."  Probably both fair points.  But I am sleeping.  I get maybe 4 Saturdays a year I can stay in bed until 8am.  I will help you even, like 7pm or something.  Hell, you can pay me and I might have time to do it during the week- ya know, business hours.

5) No fireworks after 11pm.  Or whatever.  Do what you want.

Don't forget to build on your summer soundtrack too.  Iggy Azelea and Lil Jon don't need your help.  They have a young fan base and 30 somethings need not apply.  Take command of the Volvo's dial and check some of these tunes out.  The Best of 2014 (so far) can be found here.  Like the page, connect, join the conversation.  And whatever your quest is this summer make it amazing!

Happy Summer all.

GTS



Boy & Bear "Southern Sun"

Aussie Aussie Aussie.  Soft folk rock!!!  Formed in 2009 the South Wales rockers have 2 very successful albums- a World away.  They are making a name for themselves with this 70s California guitar inspired, smile inducing, road song.  It speaks of "waiting for the day/to be able to run."  If that does not define the first days of summer- at least for kids leaving school.

Lana Del Rey "Brooklyn Baby"

It is clear Ms Del Rey is a contrivance.  She burst onto the indie scene a few years back with her debut record, Born to Die.  She appeared on Saturday Night Live.  Critics in the alt world revolted.  It was in part due to her failed pop act Lizzy Grant (her birth name.)  They pointed to her transformation into moody, pout stricken ingenue.  "It wasn't authentic!" they cried.
They might still protest- but her follow up, Ultraviolence, is a wonderful record.  Like Boy $ Bear she borrows a lot from 70s LA- "West Coast" for instance is a blatant "Edge of Seventeen" ripoff.  Black Keys' Dan Auerbach produced the record in Nashville and its hillbilly roots are quite visible.  This song, a goofy mediation on millennial hipsters (yeah Williamsburg, she is talking to you) is just great.  Weird all that transformation works in the pop world (Madonna, Britney, Miley).  But when a girl goes from pop to alt- Fader and Pitchfork be trippin.

Milky Chance "Stolen Dance"

OK, German pop-folk, reggae, electronica.  Maybe that is why I protested this song so much.  After all, it was released about a year ago.  I like it way more than the German soccer team, that's for sure.  They better not win the World Cup!  But man, they are friggin talented.  Like a machine I tell ya.  But who can watch those games and think they are nothing more than WWE Mondays.  Men writhing in pain and grabbing each other for 90 minutes.  Refs who seem in on the joke and pull cards out of their pockets and send them to their room.  Expect them to make fair calls?  HA!!  Its cool the US moved on- but lets be honest, they should have won the damn group.  Bradley's play at midfield against Portugal cost us a certain win.  Then to back in after losing to said Germans.  That's kinda lame.  I.  I believe.  I believe we are still on the outside looking in.  Go prove me wrong!!

Big Data (featuring Joywave) "Dangerous"

I like the fact that Big Data wrote the content of their Wikipedia page.  It might be more original than this song.  Beeps and boops with a catchy hook.  Sometimes that is all you need.

Waters "Got to My Head"

San Francisco rockers who sound an awful lot like Grouplove.  That is all

Spoon "Rent I Pay"

Britt Daniel is a force.  And his Austin band, Spoon, is back!  In August they will release their 8th studio album, They Want My Soul.  That is very good news for those who like guitar music.  Its hard to find these days.  For every Jack White there are a dozen Jason Derulo's and Adam Levine's.  Not putting those guys down, just saying they are way more popular.  Ok yes, I am putting those guys down.  Why are they more famous???

OK Go "Writing's on the Wall"

At this point, Chicago alt-rockers OK Go are more known for their visual work, than they are their songs.  Their latest project, is an art nerd/film geek's wet dream.  They have come a long way from the treadmill video.    Take a look.

Grimes "Go"

Rhianna turned this one down.  Hmm.  Has Grimes lost her touch??  This is definitely a huge lead toward dub step, which should raise eyebrows.  What say you?

Parquet Courts "Black and White"

Post-punk rock from Brooklyn.  Their latest effort brings a bit more horn to the party.  The results are post-punk and ska, as evidenced here.  "Black and White" is an appropriate title.  There is little nuance here.  What you hear, is what you get.  If what you like is power chords, booming bass, and hastily shouted ramblings this is your scene.


Sam Smith Live at Letterman "Stay With Me"

As David Letterman begins his farewell tour it should be noted he has ALWAYS been a champion of the alt music world.  Kimmel and Fallon would be nowhere without him.  It is a big reason I could never take NBC seriously.  You hitched your wagon to uncool folks (Leno?  Really?)  His reactions to artists has always been fun.  Recently he gushed over the Orwells and asked the Dum Dum Girls if they could come back every night.  When Smith performed his mega hit Letterman was left fumbling for words.  This guy (Boy George's doppleganger, right?) can bring it.  What an amazing voice.