Year end lists are in full sprung mode with everyone chiming in on the music and recordings of 2007. Seattle’s Light In The Attic Records (Blakes, Black Angels, Saturday Knights) have put together a list of their own, but it is a list that features the best of 2007 from a myriad of characters in the industry. Everyone from musicians, record shop owners, record label employees, retail store employees, and more have complied their list of the best of 2007 and it’s not all about music. It’s just about the best. You’ll find some very interesting participants in this list, and a little photo by myself included.

Light In The Attic Year End Extravaganza

Radiohead have packaged everything that has happened with the band over the last few months into one convenient widget. Kinda makes reporting anything new Radiohead obsolete. It’s cool and it concerns me.

Have fun!

Thanks to Daily Swarm for this one.

Tis the holiday season, and as we prepare for the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, Ghostland Observatory closes out their amazing year with the airing of their Austin City Limits taping. Granted the DVD of the taping has already been released, and chances are most Ghostland fans have in their possession, but those who are still curious as to what the buzz is about, can determine for themselves this Saturday night.  A little band from across the pond called Bloc Party starts the show off, while Ghostland dances it out into the end.

Tune in Saturday night @ 7 p.m.

Time Warner Cable Channel 9

Ghostland MySpace

I know that almost all of the “Best Of” lists have been put out, and as I have been deliberating a bit on this one, I’m glad that I waited as long as I did because I came across a gem recently that somehow has managed to escape quite a few folks in the industry apparently. Being my first year in the music blog scene, I listened to much more music than I used to previous, although not as much as some others in the scene do, but am working on broadening my horizons and digesting more and more as I go along. Most of my list is pretty predictable and mainstream, but there are a few surprises included as well. Some of my list is influenced by the local scene, as I find it necessary to support the home team. I hate the idea of assigning a number to all of my favorites, determining what should be number 4 as opposed to number 6. I’ll list the top 3, as that seems easy enough and then the rest will all inhabit the remaining spots randomly in no particular order.

1. The National: Boxer

Being a fan of the previous release Alligators, I much anticipated this release although it took me awhile to get into it, once I did, it secured me a National fan for awhile. The boozy poetic baritone storytelling of city life and its characters by Matt Beringer takes me to this mysterious place that I love to visit and relate to on some level. Maybe the boozy part.

Brainy

2. Radiohead: In Rainbows

I’ll have to admit that after being a Radiohead fan for years, since the beginning, I drifted off and stopped paying attention not too long after Kid A. They have my attention once again. Everything that is great about the bands creativity and sound all mashed up in a recording that has everyone paying attention once again. Aside from the pure marketing genius behind this release, the album deserves high praise.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place

3. Feist: The Reminder

A lot of things have changed with me over this past year as far as my music listening approach is concerned, and Leslie Feist opened up the female vocalist listening experience for me in a way that couldn’t have been more rewarding. Having a huge year, becoming the darling of the indie rock world, only to slide in the consciousness of mainstream society via iPod commercials and a Today Show appearance.

The Water

Cave Singers: Invitation Songs

Modern minimalist folk rock that sketches characters and events that could have taken place today or in a time long forgotten. Hypnotic live, and the album cover with all three band members hugging in the middle of some field, I like.

Cold Eye

Manchester Orchestra: I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child

Front-man Andy Hull breaches the emo tag so fitting for some of his previous touring companions as his song crafting skills secure him as a young songwriter to be experienced as he explores subjects as dark as death and as compelling as relationships with loved ones and some higher power that escapes his full understanding of, while still believing. The band is pretty good as well.

Alice And Interiors

Minus The Bear: Planet Of Ice

Many in the blog scene failed to appreciate the pure epic rock quality of this album, and unfortunately may have deadened the impact it should have had. In an age of indie, minimalistic, experimental rock, it’s great to hear a recording that embraces the true sense of experimental/psychedelic/prog rock that draws from early days of Pink Floyd while maintaining it’s modern edge. Maybe I’m living in the past through the current, but I thought this album solidified Minus The Bear as a band secure in their talent, yet unafraid to explore the limits of said talent without having to pacify the current critical critics.

When We Escape

Monahans: Low Pining

Who knows much about Monahans? I just recently discovered the Austin/San Francisco based band, and can’t manage to pull myself away from the slow rolling sonic Neil Young influenced sounds on this recording that deserves a wider audience than it has captured. They are mysterious and seem to be laying low for some reason that I’m not aware of, but am soon to figure out as to why.

Monahans in their own words:

The Austin-and-San Francisco-based band Monahans began in the spring of 2006 as a new project by Milton Mapes collaborators Greg Vanderpool, Roberto Sanchez, Jim Fredley, and Britton Beisenherz. The band’s first release, Low Pining (Undertow 6/12/07), weaves anthemic melodies in-and-out of ambient tranquility and rhythmic intensity. The songs have a distinct nautical theme, decisively apolitical, with strands of nostalgia and spiritual longing stretched across vast sonic landscapes.

The Answer To All Our Prayers

When You’re Down

St Vincent: Marry Me

Annie Clark appears so damn cute and innocent, yet her music and lyrics flirt with the dark side of relationships and life in a way that is uncomfortably comfortable. Chalk up another one for the female vocalists.

landmines

Blonde Redhead: 23

I’ve held this band at arms length for years for whatever reason, and absolutely couldn’t deny that this album was filled with layers and layers of layered sweetness.

SW

Wilco: Sky Blue Sky

It’s Jeff Tweedy and Wilco, how can you not place them in the year end list? I imagine someday they will fall out of grace, but with songs like “Impossible Germany” one would hope that it doesn’t happen any day soon.

Impossible Germany

The Rosebuds: Night Of The Furies

Kelly and Ivan went a bit dancy on this recording as to previous, and it feels good to relax a bit, not be too serious, and shake your ass. Takes you back to the early days when bands like New Order ruled the alternative rock scene. Well…. takes some of us back.

Hold on to This Coat

And 4 more to make it a solid 15:

Andrew Bird: Armchair Apocrypha

The Blakes: The Blakes

Dappled Cities: Granddance

Explosions In The Sky: All Of The Sudden I Miss Everyone

It’s been a couple of quite weeks on the Radiohead news front, so one would figure it’s time for something new from the band, and here it is. Current TV and www.current.com will be broadcasting in the U.S.A, a taping of the band performing all the tracks from it’s latest In Rainbows. The showing will happen at several different times on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, giving you plenty of opportunity to catch the showing which will be commercial free and run for a full hour.

Here are the important details:

Broadcast times:
Current TV* (see below for distribution channels):
* December 31, 2007:
o 9 p.m. PST / 12 a.m. EST
o 10 p.m. PST / 1 a.m. EST
* January 1, 2008:
o 5 a.m. PST / 8 a.m. EST
o 6 p.m. PST / 9 p.m. EST

Webcast times:
www.current.com
* December 31, 2007: 9 p.m. PST / 12 a.m. EST

“As a leader in new media innovation, Current is proud to serve as Radiohead’s exclusive US broadcast partner for the band’s New Year’s performance,” said David Neuman, President of Programming for Current TV. “With a ground-breaking network and revolutionary band both serving as visionaries in the new media and music landscapes, this partnership is a natural fit.”

For those of you in the Austin Area using Time Warner Cable, you can find Current TV on channel 341.

About Current TV

Launched August 1, 2005, Current, the world’s peer-to-peer news and information network, recently honored with an Emmy® Award for its interactive television service, is the first fully integrated 27/7 online and television network that helps users determine the news and information that is relevant to them. Current connects young adults with what’s going on in their world through its unique blend of citizen journalism and viewer participation, offering programming and content that’s authentic, often surprising and consistently compelling. Current pioneered the television industry’s leading model of interactive viewer created content (VC2) that comprises roughly one-third of Current’s on-air broadcast. The network has also advanced advertising models via Viewer Created Ad Messages (VCAMS).

Current is now seen in the U.S. and U.K. in more than 51 million households through distribution partners Comcast (Channel 107 nationwide), Time Warner (nationwide), DirecTV (channel 366 nationwide), Dish Network (channel 196 nationwide), BSkyB (channel 193) and Virgin Media Cable (channel 155). For more information, please visit the website:www.current.com

Jigsaw Falling Into Place

It’s hard not to love the politically charged punk outfit Against Me! Boys just wanna have fun, and the fun is infectious. One of my favorite live shows of the year for sure.

I know that it seems a little bit early to start thinking about SXSW 2008, but it’s time to start getting geared up. The list of confirmed acts is starting to rear it’s pretty head and these are the latest additions:

Vampire Weekend

The current queen of music blog site buzz.

The Breeders

Kinda saw this one coming.

Black Mountain

Caught part of their recent show @ Emo’s and wished I had the time to witness the entirety. Heavy.

A Place To Bury Strangers

I know nothing.

The Ravonettes

Girls I’m assuming.

The Cribs

Not the gang I hope

And of course, we have confirmed Dead Confederate for the first annual Sonic Itch Music Day Party taking place during SXSW 2008. Lucky us.

check it:

There’s rarely a shortage of live music to check out on any given night in Austin, Tx, but occasionally you have those nights where you have several good options, forcing you to make decisions that you don’t really want to make. Tonight would be one of those nights.

Local talent in live abundance:

@ Emos
101x Homegrown Live w/Tacks The Boy Disaster, Brazos, & Til We’re Blue or Destroy

$5

9:30p Til We’re Blue or Destroy

10:30 Brazos

11:30 Tacks, The Boy Disaster

Tacks, The Boy Disaster: Better than a handful of Zoloft to chase the doldrums away. Lush piano infused indie pop generated at the hands of front-man Evan Jacobs (ex Polyphonic Spree and Midlake) is sweet enough to woo the girls and make the hardest dude feel a little emo.

Tacks, The Boy Disaster Myspace

Frozen Feet

Brazos: Singer-Songwriter Martin Crane’s new project expands on the hypnotic songs and stylings of Crane with the full band sound.

Read a recent interview with Crane: Brazos Brazos Brazos

Brazos Myspace

Mrs Virginia

@ Stubbs Inside

Zookeeper w/Frank Smith and The Rosewood Thieves

Doors @ 9 & Tickets $8

Zookeeper: Chris Simpson’s (Mineral & Gloria Record) latest project that finds him breaching new territory much different that you might find with his previous projects. A modern western interpretation of emo. Whatever that means.

Zookeeper: Live on My Old Kentucky Blog Radio

Trumpets

As always, what to do in Austin: Do512.com 

I don’t know much about Jay Reatard, but have heard some of the recorded material recently,  and along with some thumbs up approval from some reputable sources, it sounds like further investigation is warranted. Congrats to the Jay Reatard and the recent signing to Matador Records. No more waiting for something to happen.

Waiting for Something

Fading All Away

Credit to Covert Curiosity for the Jay Reatard turn-on and tune sharing.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Although Silversun Pickups haven’t released any new material since the summer of 2006, their performance @ Emo’s last Thursday, and the reaction of the crowd, indicated that they are still growing their following and adding new fans along the way. As it is with most bands that grow into radio darlings, my interest tends to fade the bigger they become. I have been a Silversun fan since the band completely rocked my ass on several occasions during 2006′s SXSW and I have yet to see a performance from the band since that equals that of those I experienced that week in March. That is…until last Thursday.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Local acts The Lemurs and What Made Milwaulkee Famous started off the evening, along with a solo performance by Spoon front-man and mastermind Britt Daniel, but the crowd clearly indicated their focus of attention this night was reserved for L.A.’s Silversun Pickups. From the first note, Brian Aubert and company launched into a furious rock set of tunes from both their full length Carnavas and their EP Pikul. The Emo’s stage can be tough on bands with complex sounds, and Brian’s sound, which includes a 2 amp setup with dozens of guitar effects, some of which are manipulated by keyboardist Joe Lester, doesn’t translate well in certain situations. This would not be the case on this night. Brian moved around the stage with a smile on his face like a small child discovering the power of his sonic instrument, seemingly energized by the enthusiastic response from the crowd. The band itself seemed responsive to the crowd’s reaction as they delivered a solid set of powerful rock, delivering selections “Rusted Wheel”, “Waste It On”, “Lazy Eye”, and the radio friendly “Kissing Families,” along with many others. Whoops and hollers throughout the set, even during songs, added to the festive atmosphere and the enjoyment of the show. I can’t say that there was a highlight for me, as everything they have recorded I have found to be solid. The show was the highlight in itself, and as much as I am glad to see that interest in the band continues to grow, I start to wonder when the new material is going to start emerging. It’s been a year and a half since the last, and although they are still growing their fan base, some of us older fans are starting to thirst for new tunes.

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Silversun Pickups Live @ Emos: Audio Recording by Josh Finklea

“Kissing Families” Live @ Emos 12.13.07

“Little Lovers So Polite” Live @ Emos 12.13.07

Continue on for more photos: Read more

You Am I @ SXSW 2007

The end of the year draws closer, and as most have put their Year End lists out, I’m slowly working on mine. The first compilation is of my favorite photos that Sonic Itch Music photographer Valerie Fremin shot for the site over the course of the first year of our existence. I can express how fortunate I have been to have such a talented photographer and friend along working hard to bring you some of the best live music photos on any music blog around. Here ya go:

Murder City Devils @ Fun Fun Fun Fest

The Rosebuds @ SXSW 2007

keep going there’s more

Read more

I get quite a bit of mail loaded with mp3′s, and most I try to get to and occassionaly something will surprise me, but this showed up in my inbox today, and I like. I don’t know much about the band, other than that they are a duo from Baltimore. Their sophomore effort Devotion comes legal 2.26.08 on Carpark. They have a spring tour to be announced soon. And I really like this song. I love the reverb and organ.

“Feeling lonely tonight?  Turn off the TV and lower the lights.  Baltimore duo Beach House have returned with their sophomore full length titled Devotion.  Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand have written eleven delicate pop tunes about love, feeling, and, of course, devotion.  Their new album is a surefire antidote to the winter blues.”

Beach House Myspace

Gila

It’s a new week, which means more Radiohead news. Actually these days, it seems that every other day features Radiohead news, but I hold back on posting every little detail as much as possible. There’s only three new dates added, but to those living in Dublin, Milan, and Aras, France, it’s hella big news.

And for those of you who didn’t seize the opportunity, the chance to pay what you want for In Rainbows has come to an end. I could’ve warned you, but if you hadn’t taken advantage of this golden opportunity already, it was probably a lost cause. Sorry.

In Rainbows Jigsaw Falling Into Place

The Tour

06-06 Dublin, Ireland – Malahide
06-07 Dublin, Ireland – Malahide
06-09 Paris, France – Bercy
06-10 Paris, France – Bercy
06-12 Barcelona, Spain – Parc del Fòrum
06-14 Nimes, France – Arenes
06-17 Milan, Italy – Civica Arena
06-18 Milan, Italy – Civica Arena
06-20 Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany – Southside Festival
06-22 Scheeßel, Germany – Hurricane Festival
06-24 London, England – Victoria Park
06-25 London, England – Victoria Park
06-27 Glasgow, Scotland – Glasgow Green
06-29 Manchester, England – Lancashire County Cricket Club
07-01 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Westerpark
07-03 Roskilde, Denmark – Roskilde Festival
07-04-05 Werchter, Belgium – Rock Werchter Festival
07-06 Arras, France – Main Square Festival
07-08 Berlin, Germany – Wuhlheide

photo : valerie@fremin.net

Explosions In The Sky had to cancel most of their 2007 tour dates due to a family emergency, so chances are most of you out there didn’t get your Explosions fix this year. Never fear, 2008 has the band back out on the road covering parts of Europe, Australia, and North America. The live show is much recommended from us over here @ Sonic Itch Music.

It’s Natural To Be Afraid

Jan 23 – Concorde 2 Brighton
Jan 24 – Anson Rooms Bristol
Jan 26 – The Village Dublin
Jan 27 – Barrowland Glasgow
Jan 29 – Acadamy 2 Manchester
Jan 30 – Astoria London
Feb 2 – An Club Athens
Feb 11 – Kings Arms Tavern Auckland
Feb 12 – San Francisco Bathhouse Wellington
Feb 14 – The Zoo Brisbane
Feb 15 – Manning Bar Sydney
Feb 16 – The Corner Melbourne
Feb 17 – Perth International Arts Festival Perth
Mar 14 – Rialto Theatre Tucson,AZ
Mar 15 – Soma San Diego,CA
Mar 17 – Wiltern Los Angeles,CA
Mar 24 – In The Venue Salt Lake City,UT
Mar 25 – Belly Up Aspen Aspen,CO
Mar 26 – Ogden Theatre Denver,CO
Mar 28 – Granada Theatre Lawrence,KS
Mar 29 – The Pageant St. Louis,MO
Mar 30 – Pabst Theater Milwaukee,WI
Apr 1 – Congress Theatre Chicago,IL
Apr 2 – Calvin College Grand Rapids,MI
Apr 3 – Beachland Ballroom Cleveland,OH
Apr 4 – Tralf Music Hall Buffalo,NY
Apr 6 – Crazy Donkey Farmingdale,NY
Apr 8 – Terminal 5 New York,NY
Apr 9 – Starlight Ballroom Philadelphia,PA
Apr 11 – NorVa Norfolk,VA
Apr 13 – Variety Playhouse Atlanta,GA
May 16 – All Tomorrow’s Parties Minehead, South
May 17 – All Tomorrow’s Parties Minehead
May 18 – All Tomorrow’s Parties Minehead

St. Vincent captured my attention a bit after Feist convinced me that I should spend more time with the female artists of today, as I have somewhat ignored their contribution to the scene for awhile. As we all should be aware of at this point, Feist has planted her foot well into the conscious of today’s intelligent listening audience while seeping into the minds of the mainstream audience, whether they acknowledge it or not. St. Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clark) will probably find herself skirting the mainstream notoriety that Feist has been dressed with, although her talent may reach the depth, the content and delivery might not be as suited for the audience. Talent is of no short supply with this woman and lyrical content floats the river of the dark side of love and admiration with a confound sense of purpose and understanding. Her guitar playing skills matched with her panache for writing songs both beautiful and haunting are unmatched.

Check out this video of St. Vincent in Paris

St Vincent Apocalypse Song