Recommended Listen: In Colour by Jamie xx

I was excited for this album to be released in June, if only to tide me over to the next release from The xx-- the group Jamie xx is a member-- but I've come to love it on it's own merit. While this CD isn't nearly as stark or moody as The xx albums, this should still please existing fans and perhaps gain some new ones due to his expanding repertoire. Three tracks feature vocalist Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim, both members of the xx. So, even though this is a solo album, he's still got one foot planted in the group. The track that diverts the most is the hip-hop and dance-hall inspired I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times), featuring Popcaan and Young Thug.

What makes this album different from previous efforts is that it's not as cohesive from track to track. It's more diverse: this disc oscillates between house and more-laid back compositions and the aforementioned hip hop/dancehall track. You can dance, or just plain relax to this disc, which isn't true of all electronic albums. My standouts include Sleep Sound, Obvs, Hold Tight, The Rest is Noise, and Girls, which is my favorite of the pack. This is a definite step forward for Jamie.

In Colour by Jamie xx
Find it in the catalog

Audio Obsession: The xx

British band, the xx, have two beautiful albums to their name. At the Library we have their debut album, titled the xx. They exemplify indie-rock with an atmospheric, dance beat bent - there are no extraneous notes to be found on the albums. The beauty of the xx is that you can listen to them repeatedly and find different songs to like each time, and you can play them as background music or listen attentively. Basically, they're all-purpose listening.

One quality that sets the xx apart are the vocals. The vocal duties alternate between two members, Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. Sometimes the two alternate on the same track with clever calls and answers. Neither is a perfect singer, but both have a haunting quality to their voice.

The xx are also masters of the electronic crescendo (listen to Reunion, from Coexist). I can't think of another band of the top of my head that is this skillful at creating tension in songs that are so stark (if you can think of another band, let me know in the comments).

I would encourage you to listen to either disc, and eagerly await their next.

What we're listening to: Master of My Make-Believe by Santigold

I'm still catching up on music from last year, so I'm just now listening to Santigold's album Master of My Make-Believe, which was released last spring.

Drawing obvious comparisons to M.I.A., Santigold is less aggressive in her style and delivery, but still has something to say. Her influences are abundant and eclectic. Karen O. and Nick Zinner of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, were quite involved in this record, from Karen O.'s vocal and writing contributions to Nick's handling of guitar work on several tracks. Diplo, Switch, Q-Tip, and Dave Sitek from TV on the Radio, among others, all produced at least one track. She also mentioned in an interview that she gains visual inspiration for her live shows from artists such as David Byrne and Bjork, but I would go as far to say that she is influenced by them musically because those two artists come to mind when I hear Santigold's record-- it has that worldly and genre-bending vibe to it.

Two tracks in particular stand out to me: "Disparate Youth" and "This Isn't Our Parade." They're nothing alike. The former is more straightforward and perhaps her more representative sound, the latter is laid-back and as close to a ballad as she gets. Track 9, "The Keepers," has a bouncy beat, but damning lyrics. It's all about the contrast. A great record for repeated listens because different elements come forward each time. This disc would be perfect for parties.

Side note: "Disparate Youth" is featured in the current Honda commercial.

Music Roundup: My Top 10 Albums of 2012

Top Ten

The Seer - Swans
The music on The Seer is far more sophisticated than the Swans recordings of the early-'80s, when the band was about brutal noise and confrontation at the expense of all else. Michael Gira has refined his songwriting and expanded his thematic concerns throughout his long career, most notably with his Angels of Light project. But the dark drama and punishing intensity are still integral to the band's vision. The Seer is a sinister, droning masterpiece.

'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! - Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Certain artists inspire devotion, and GY!BE have had a devout following since their 1997 debut. 'Allelujah! is their first new record since 2002 (Yanqui U.X.O.);  a record comprised of two relatively long compositions and two shorter works that have been part of the collective's live repertoire. (The Guardian published a statement from the group coincident with the release of 'Allelujah!, providing some genuinely moving sentiments about the group's ambitions.) If you're unfamiliar with GY!BE, the ideal introduction is "The Dead Flag Blues," the legendary first track from the group's debut record. There's simply no better encapsulation of the what Godspeed You! Black Emperor is about. Follow that with the 'Allelujah! track "Their Helicopters' Sing" for further evidence of the visceral beauty of this group's music.

The Sun - Cat Power
Chan Marshall's career has had distinct musical phases that aren't always appreciated by the same audience; her stark, guitar-based recordings from the '90s often go unappreciated by those who favor her Southern soul influenced work. As a fan of her entire catalog, I'd like to think that The Sun represents yet another break/innovation. The soulful horn section has been replaced with warm synthesizers and electronic beats. There isn't much precedent for this type of production in Marshall's work, though it may have some superficial similarities with her guest spot on Handsome Boy Modelling School's 2004 record. The appeal of any Cat Power album is Marshall's voice, and it's invigorating to hear her sing with such directness on The Sun.

Four - Bloc Party
Bloc Party have always excelled at combining the best elements of  late-90s Blur and Radiohead with intense post-punk angularity. Those expected strengths are very much on display on the band's fourth record, but, really, nothing could have prepared me for the monster riffs of "Coliseum."

Cancer4Cure - El-P
The music of El-P is so idiosyncratic and distinctly his own that it's almost instantly identifiable. Forever at the margins of whatever can be considered "mainstream" hip-hop, El-P has consistently crafted innovative and intriguing music that reveals a profound appreciation for classic sampling. C4C is unquestionably one of El-P's finest records; a wild melange of samples and sounds that is, strangely, the most focused he has ever sounded.

Key to the Kuffs - JJ DOOM
You can pair MF DOOM with just about anyone and the results will, at the very least, be interesting. But his recent collaboration with MC/producer Jneiro Jarel is considerably more than a curio. Key to the Kuffs isn't a perfect record; and it suffers by comparison to Madvillainy, DOOM's beloved 2004 collaboration with Madlib. (To be fair, every recording suffers by comparison with Madvillainy.) Taken on a track-by-track basis, this is some of the best work DOOM has done in years. "Guv'nor" is almost certainly the standout, with its woozy production and lyrics that range far wider than DOOM's typical concerns.

awE naturalE - THEESatisfaction
I first heard TheeSatisfaction as guest artists on one my favorite records of 2011, Black Up by Shabazz Palaces. awE naturalE is the Seattle duo's debut full-length, and it easily exceeds all expectations in its seductive beauty and the seemingly effortless interplay between the singer (Cat) and the emcee (Stas).

Don't Be a Stranger - Mark Eitzel
My appreciation for this record may, to some extent, be tinged with nostalgia for the magisterial dolorousness of classic American Music Club. (Along with Red House Painters, A.M.C. were the demigods of slow-core.) But, taken on its own terms, Don't Be a Stranger is a beautifully crafted record that makes the most of Eitzel's unique voice and songcraft.

Between the Times and the Tides - Lee Ranaldo
As guitarist and co-founder of the band Sonic Youth, Lee Ranaldo's legacy as a rock innovator is secure. But, like his band-mates Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore, he has pursued various solo projects throughout has career. While the numerous side projects by Gordon and Moore are still pretty recognizable as Sonic Youth recordings (to the extent that Sonic Youth can be said to have a recognizable template), Ranaldo is pursuing musical ideas far afield of his full-time gig. From the darkly pulsing opening track, "Waiting on a Dream," to the gentle lyricism of "Stranded,"Between the Times and the Tides is a beautiful record that displays Ranaldo's maturation as a songwriter.

Mature Themes - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Mature Themes is as strange as Ariel Pink himself. You just need to accept that Pink is working on another level, and the more time you spend with his songs, the more resonant they become. (Though I'm not sure there's any way to make sense of the almost unbelievably odd "Schnitzel Boogie.") Mature Themes isn't all experimentation and obfuscation; "Only in My Dreams" is as direct and charming a pop song as you could ask for, and the album's closer, "Baby," is a surprisingly soulful cover that just may be my favorite track of the year.

Other Highlights

2012 featured new music from some of my longtime favorites: Deerhoof (Breakup Song), Sun Kil Moon (Among the Leaves), Spiritualized (Sweet Heart, Sweet Light), Nas (Life Is Good), Mount Eerie (Clear Moon), and a late-entry from Big Boi (Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors). There were also a handful of newcomers who made an indelible impression: Frank Ocean (Channel Orange), Death Grips (The Money Store), and the surprisingly divisive pop singer Lana Del Rey (Born to Die). Say what you will about Del Rey's debut album, her single "Video Games" is an evocative song that feels emblematic of its moment in time, an impression that is only enhanced by its accompanying video.

What we're listening to: Born This Way

Born This Way by Lady Gaga
CD Pop/New Age Lady Born
Find it in the catalog!

Lady Gaga's album Born This Way does not disappoint. Since its release in May this CD has been on repeat in my stereo (and in my head). My favorite songs change from week to week, because there are that many good ones. Lately my favorite is the slinky electronica-esque "Heavy Metal Lover." Just as on previous albums Fame and The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga continues to make fun dance songs filled with energy, including "Marry the Night," "Scheiße," "Judas" and "Born This Way."

Born This Way also includes several songs heavily influenced by the '80s. "Hair" and "Edge of Glory" both feature the late Clarence Clemons of The E Street Band on saxaphone, and "Bad Kids" and "Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)" sound like they could have been released 30 years ago. I think this album shows the chameleon-like abilities of Lady Gaga as a singer and songwriter. She sounds different on each song, even singing in Spanish on the mariachi-tinged "Americano" and speaking in German over the addictive track "Scheiße." And by addictive I mean, just try to play that song only once.

While Gaga can always be counted on for catchy dance songs, she also writes emotional ballads like "You and I." This song, about a lost love, is one of my favorite Gaga songs ever. I first heard this song at Gaga's February 28 concert at the United Center. Hunched over the piano attacking the keys, she was on fire singing: "It's been a long time since I came around / Been a long time, but I'm back in town / This time I'm not leaving without you." Her February concert was one of my favorite memories of the year, and this album ranks as one of the best of 2011.

What we're listening to: Burlesque soundtrack

NEW CD-POP NEW AGE AGUILERA BURLESQUE
Find it in the catalog!

You are better off skipping the movie and just checking out the soundtrack to Burlesque. The music (and Stanley Tucci) are the best parts of the film, which has confusing editing choices and over-the-top dialogue and acting. Christina Aguilera sings 8 of the 10 songs and Cher performs "Welcome to Burlesque" and the Golden Globe-nominated "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me."

I am a fan of Christina's music and I actually enjoy the songs from Burlesque much more than those from her album Bionic, which was released this past summer. The retro sound on much of Burlesque reminds me of Christina's excellent 2006 album Back to Basics. I love her covers of "Something's Got a Hold on Me" and "Tough Lover" by Etta James and "A Guy What Takes His Time" by Mae West. Christina also co-wrote the dance songs "Express," "Show Me How You Burlesque," and the gorgeous ballad "Bound to You," which has been nominated for a Golden Globe and is my new favorite song of Christina's. "Beautiful People" reworks the Marilyn Manson song of the same name, and Christina gives the lyrics an aggressive edge with her vocals. Although Burlesque is not one of the best movies I've seen this year, its soundtrack is probably one of my favorite CDs of the year. I had the songs on repeat in my car until I had to return it back to the library.

Music Roundup: Best Tracks of 2010

 Song rankings are determined by the following (highly scientific) factors:

• Essential awesomeness
• Personal zealotry
• Number of repeat playings
• Perceived technical difficulty

1). Dance Yrself Clean- LCD Soundsystem

Found on: This is Happening (Find it in the catalog!) 

Comments:  Throw your little hands up!

2).  Bloodbuzz Ohio- The National

Found on:  High Violet (Find it in the catalog!) 

3).  O.N.E.- Yeasayer

Found on: Odd Blood (Find it in the catalog!) 

4). Everlasting Light- Black Keys

Found on: Brothers (Find it in the catalog!)

Comments: Dan Auerbach proves that he is finally man enough to sing like a girl .  

5).  Closet Astrologer- Ruby Suns

Found on: Fight Softly (Find it in the catalog!) 

6).  Wanderin’- Justin Townes Earle

Found on: Harlem River Blues (Find it in the catalog!)

7).  Dancing on My Own- Robyn

Found on: Body Talk, Part 1 (Find it in the catalog!) 

8). Take it Easy-Surfer Blood
Found on: Astro Coast (Find it in the catalog!)  

9).  Core of Nature- Midlake
Found on: Courage of Others (Find it in the catalog!) 

10).  Boyfriend- Best Coast
Found on: Crazy for You (Find it in the catalog!) 

Runners Up (unranked): 

Norway- Beach House
Found on: Teen Dream (Find it in the catalog!) 

F*** You- Cee-Lo 
Found on: The Lady Killer (Find it in the catalog!) 

Lark- Josh Ritter 

Found on: So Runs Away the World (Find it in the catalog!) 

Comment:  Best Paul Simon song not done by Paul Simon. 

Laughing Hieroglyphics- Avey Tare

Found on:  Down There (Find it in the catalog!)

Comment:  Recent discovery, otherwise would probably be in top 10.  

LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip at the Aragon Ballrom, 10/25/10

New York City-based indie dance punk outfit LCD Soundsystem played a sold-out show at Uptown's Aragon Ballroom this Monday.  UK electropop band Hot Chip opened for the show. I like both bands and their music seemed complementary, so I was excited to get to see them both together.

I hadn't been to the Aragon Ballroom in several years and I was surprised by how much bigger it is than most of the other indie rock venues in Chicago.  It is at least four times as big as my most frequently visited venue, the Metro.  Aragon is somewhat dubiously known for having poor sound quality.  This was more apparent during the Hot Chip set, where the bass seemed to overtake the rest of the music. Parking was also more expensive than most other venues, a hefty 20 dollars for a spot at any of the nearby private lots.

Hot Chip took the stage almost immediately at 8 PM and played for about an hour.  Their set started out somewhat low-energy and with a bass-dominated, muddled sound.  However, their performance improved greatly through out the evening.  Standouts included "Over and Over" from their 2006 album The Warning, and "A Touch Too Much" and "Ready for the Floor" from Made in the Dark (2008). The highlight of the set for me was the fancy footwork by the band's sharply dressed multi-instrumentalist Owen Clarke.  He is truly the Justin Hammer of Hot Chip.

It was uncomfortably warm during the Hot Chip set, and once people had packed in for LCD Soundsystem, it became practically a sauna.  However, lack of room and high temperatures did not stop anyone from dancing.  LCD Soundsystem opened with an awesome rendition of "Dance Yrself Clean."  Their set list drew equally from all three of their albums and they played pretty much every song you could expect or want.  Their sound fared much better than Hot Chip; it was super loud, but the guitar and drums stood out as much as the bass.  However, singer and band leader James Murphy's onstage comments were barely audible.

What we're listening to: Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue

NEW CD POP-NEW AGE MINOGUE
Find it in the catalog!

"Dance, that's all I wanna do," Kylie Minogue sings on "All the Lovers." Minogue's new album Aphrodite is full of upbeat, fun dance music. Aussie singer Minogue is probably best known in the States for the songs "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and "Love at First Sight" from 2002's Fever. If you haven't listened to Minogue since then, you've been missing out. With Aphrodite she shows she has plenty more addictive pop songs in her arsenal. On all the tracks Minogue makes sure the dance beat continues. Current single "Get Outta My Way" finds Minogue singing about leaving an inattentive partner ("I don't recognize the zombie you've turned into") to go out on the dance floor with someone else: "This is what'll happen if you're not giving your girl what she needs." Minogue's positive energy and outlook on life is felt in the songs "Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)" and "Everything is Beautiful." The title track "Aphrodite" is one of my favorites. The clapping in the background is really energetic; to my ears I think the song sounds like something out of the '80s or early '90s. "Illusion" is another fun song with an '80s vibe. Minogue sings about the connection between people, music, and emotion in "Can't Beat the Feeling:" "When I'm with you my heart plays a rhythm in my head / I can't help but move."

Aphrodite contains songs celebrating the joy of music and dancing, and I recommend this CD to anyone looking to be in a better mood or in need of some dance music. Minogue sums up what she is about in the song "Better Than Today." She wonders, "What's the point in livin' if you don't wanna dance?"

What we're listening to: Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits by Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera rose to fame in the summer of 1999 when her hit "Genie in a Bottle" joined other pop songs' domination of radio. In 2000 she won the Grammy for Best New Artist and since then has taken more creative control over her albums and worked with a variety of collaborators. The songs on this greatest hits CD are arranged by album, in the order they were released as singles. As you listen to the CD you hear the changes occurring to Christina's sound. You hear the pop songstress the record company was trying to mold her into on songs like "What a Girl Wants" and Come on Over Baby" from Christina Aguilera (1999). Then you hear Christina let loose ("Dirrty," "Fighter") while still reserving an emotional side to belt out ballads ("Beautiful") on songs from Stripped (2002), an album that found Christina battling demons and also finding her voice as a songwriter. As the CD advances to songs from the double album Back to Basics (2006), you hear a mature, retro-soul vibe on "Ain't No Other Man" and "Candy Man," where I think Christina is absolutely in her element. Two new songs written by Christina and Linda Perry, "Keeps Gettin' Better" and "Dynamite," and new re-recorded versions of previously released singles ("Genie 2.0" and "You Are What You Are [Beautiful]") are also included. Christina melds "Genie in a Bottle" with 1980s electronica on "Genie 2.0," phrasing the lyrics so they are filled with both longing and seduction: "I feel like I've been locked up tight a century of lonely nights / Just waiting / Waiting for someone." I have seen Christina change up her hits in concert, and I am glad she put a couple new versions on an album. As a fan of Christina's for over a decade (yes, I watched her on The Mickey Mouse Club), I already have the singles on this compilation but I still think the CD is worth picking up.

Find it in the catalog!

What we're listening to: The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga

Filled with catchy dance hooks also found on Lady Gaga's debut of The Fame,  the songs from The Fame Monster have themes that lean toward the dark side. On the single "Bad Romance" Gaga passionately sings about the desire to stay in a potentially harmful relationship: "I want your ugly / I want your disease." "Monster" compares members of the opposite sex to inhumans: "He's a wolf in disguise / But I can't stop staring in those evil eyes." In another song, Gaga names several specific monsters she doesn't want to be involved with, like "Alejandro," Fernando, and Roberto. My favorite, "Teeth," is about being involved with a vampire. With an intense, southern-influenced beat this song always makes me think of the images in the opening credit sequence from the Louisiana-set TV show True Blood. I think all of the songs on the album are strong and worth multiple listens, including "Telephone," which features Beyonce. The one ballad included on The Fame Monster is the piano-driven "Speechless" where Lady Gaga opens up about the pain caused by an ended relationship. I feel that the songs on this album share the idea that despite the pain and darkness that sometimes accompany relationships we still crave to have a partner in our lives.

I must note that the album's lyrics are censored. I did not realize this until I opened my personal copy and listened to the songs. I am very disappointed that the record company did not allow fans to pick whether or not they wanted the censored versions of the songs. As far as I can tell an uncensored version is not available in CD form; the uncensored album is available as an MP3 download on Amazon or iTunes (let me know if I'm wrong!).

Find it in the catalog!

Check out the 2010 Grammy nominees from the library

The Grammys air tomorrow night at 7 PM on CBS. Here are some nominated albums and artists you can check out from the library (click on the album title).  I put the albums nominated for multiple awards at the beginning of the list. Note: if you're looking for a nominated album not listed here, you can still search ALL LIBRARIES in the catalog and request the material be sent to Dundee for you to pick up.

X by Trace Adkins
"All I Ask For Anymore"- Best Male Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Song

I Am... Sasha Fierce by Beyonce
Album Of The Year, Best Contemporary R&B Album; "Halo"- Record Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance; "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"- Song Of The Year, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
 
The E.N.D. by The Black Eyed Peas
Album Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Album; "I Gotta Feeling"- Record Of The Year, Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals; "Boom Boom Pow"- Best Dance Recording, Best Short Form Music Video

Live From Madison Square Garden by Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
Best Rock Album; "Can't Find My Way Home"- Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King by Dave Matthews Band
Album Of The Year, Best Rock Album

Sounds of the Universe by Depeche Mode
Best Alternative Music Album; "Wrong"- Best Short Form Music Video

So Far Gone by Drake
"Best I Ever Had"- Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Song

Together Through Life by Bob Dylan
Best Americana Album; "Beyond Here Lies Nothin'"- Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance

Relapse by Eminem
Best Rap Album; "Beautiful"- Best Rap Solo Performance; "Crack A Bottle" (featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent)- Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group

Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3 - Africa Sessions by Bela Fleck
Best Contemporary World Music Album; "Throw Down Your Heart"- Best Pop Instrumental Performance

Intuition by Jamie Foxx
Best Contemporary R&B Album; "Blame It" (featuring T-Pain)- Best Male R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, Best R&B Song

The Fray by The Fray
Best Pop Vocal Album; "Never Say Never"- Best Pop Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals

21st Century Breakdown by Green Day
Best Rock Album; "21 Guns"- Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals; Best Rock Song

Ellipse by Imogen Heap
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical; "The Fire"- Best Pop Instrumental Performance

 The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z
"D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)"- Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Song; "Run This Town" (featuring Rihanna and Kanye West)- Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, Best Rap Song

The Fame by Lady Gaga
Album Of The Year, Best Electronic/Dance Album; "Poker Face"- Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Dance Recording

BLACKsummers' Night by Maxwell
Best R&B Album; "Pretty Wings"- Song Of The Year, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song; "Love You"- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance; "Phoenix Rise"- Best Pop Instrumental Performance

Oracular Spectacular by MGMT
Best New Artist; "Kids"- Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

The Ecstatic by Mos Def
Best Rap Album; "Casa Bey"- Best Rap Solo Performance

We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. by Jason Mraz
"Make it Mine"- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance; "Lucky" (featuring Colbie Caillat)- Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Funhouse by Pink
Best Pop Vocal Album; "Sober"- Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Soul by Seal
"If You Don't Know Me By Now"- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance; "A Change is Gonna Come"- Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)

Working On A Dream by Bruce Springsteen
"Working On A Dream"- Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance; Best Rock Song

Twang by George Strait
Best Country Album; "Living For The Night"- Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Fearless by Taylor Swift
Album Of The Year, Best Country Album; "You Belong With Me"- Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance; "Breathe" (featuring Colbie Caillat)- Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals; "White Horse"- Best Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Song

Paper Trail by T.I.
"Dead And Gone" (featuring Justin Timberlake)- Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, Best Rap Song

No Line On The Horizon by U2
Best Rock Album; "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"- Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, Best Rock Song

Carnival Ride by Carrie Underwood
"Just A Dream"- Best Female Country Vocal Performance; "I Told You So" (featuring Randy Travis)- Best Country Collaboration With Vocals


Defying Gravity by Keith Urban
Best Country Album; "Sweet Thing"- Best Male Country Vocal Performance


Call Me Crazy by Lee Ann Womack
Best Country Album; "Solitary Thinkin'"- Best Female Country Vocal Performance; "Everything But Quits" (featuring George Strait)- Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

The Foundation by Zac Brown Band
Best Country Album; "Chicken Fried"- Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals; Best New Artist

19 by Adele
"Hometown Glory"- Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Breakthrough by Colbie Caillat
Best Pop Vocal Album

The List by Rosanne Cash
"Sea of Heartbreak" (featuring Bruce Springsteen)- Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Fantasy Ride by Ciara
"Love Sex Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake)- Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

All I Ever Wanted by Kelly Clarkson
Best Pop Vocal Album


Universal Mind Control by Common
Best Rap Album

R.O.O.T.S. by Flo Rida
Best Rap Album


The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again by John Fogerty
"Change in the Weather"- Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance

Evolver by John Legend
"This Time"- Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

Celebration by Madonna
"Celebration"- Best Dance Recording

Shine by Martina McBride
"I Just Call You Mine"- Best Female Country Vocal Performance

One of the Boys by Katy Perry
"Hot N Cold"- Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
Best Alternative Music Album

LotusFlow3r by Prince
"Dreamer"- Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Best Rap Album

Circus by Britney Spears
"Womanizer"- Best Dance Recording

808s & Heartbreak by Kanye West
"Amazing" (featuring Young Jeezy)- Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Best Alternative Music Album

Fork In The Road by Neil Young
"Fork In The Road"- Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance

Gaga oh la-la: Lady Gaga at the Rosemont Theatre, 1/9/10

Over the weekend Lady Gaga was in town for three concerts of "The Monster Ball Tour" at the Rosemont Theatre. Performing songs from both The Fame (2008) and The Fame Monster (2009), Lady Gaga put on an incredible show. I attended the second concert on Saturday and had an awesome time. Before Lady Gaga even took the stage her fans enjoyed themselves dancing to the Michael Jackson songs being piped over the sound system after opening acts Semi Precious Weapons and singer Jason Derulo performed. Impromptu dance parties sprouted up all over the theater and soon a conga line of dancers snaked up and down the aisles. It was so fun listening and dancing to the music and checking out the dance moves of the other Gaga fans. I've never seen anything like that occur at a concert!

Gaga finally took the stage around 9:30. She began with "Dance in the Dark," performing behind a light display that made it appear as though the stage was caged in. For the next song, "Just Dance," Gaga emerged playing a keyboard slung over her shoulder standing on top of a giant transparent cube while the backdrop screens projected a ton of bright colors. The next group of songs came from Gaga's The Fame Monster: "Alejandro," "Monster," and the inspired-by-vampires "let's go to church" Southern stylings of "Teeth" ("Take a bite of my bad girl meat... Show me your teeth!").

Taking a break from the choreography, Gaga sat at the piano and sang a few bars of "Cell Block Tango" from the musical Chicago before singing the emotional "Speechless," at one point stopping to let the audience sing the lyrics. Remaining at the piano Gaga then playfully sang some of her hit "Poker Face," injecting the dance song with some undeniably powerful notes and soul. Returning to her dance songs, Gaga performed a big chunk of cuts from The Fame, including "LoveGame," "The Fame," "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich," "Paper Gangsta," "Boys Boys Boys" and "Paparazzi." "So Happy I Could Die" (from The Fame Monster) was also performed, but I can't remember which part it was in the set list. For "Paparazzi" two of her dancers held up a beam that was attached to Gaga's hair by two large hooks. She also performed the popular "Poker Face," this time with her dancers instead of the piano. She closed the show out with "Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" followed by the hit "Bad Romance."

Gaga changed costumes several times throughout the concert but didn't make the audience wait too long for her reappearance. She also talked to the audience quite a bit between songs, remembering how when she performed at Lollapalooza a couple years ago she had just been dropped by a major record label. Gaga often emphasized how much she appreciates her fans (Little Monsters, she calls us); she said that she doesn't exist until she steps on stage to perform. She also brought attention to the RE*Generation campaign to raise awareness and money for youth homelessness. Fans that volunteered through the FREE.I.P program received free tickets to her tour, and Gaga pledged to match each $1 donation at ladyvirgin.com, up to $25,000.

During the entire concert Gaga continued singing live as she performed choreography for each song with her back-up dancers. She has a powerful voice and is a crazy-creative performer, and the high-energy of both Lady Gaga and her fans was constant throughout the concert. I felt the music vibrating on my arms, had a blast dancing the whole night, and really felt like I was a part of an extraordinary experience with all the other Little Monsters (insert monster claw hand here).

All photos by Danielle

What we're listening to: The Fame by Lady Gaga

I know I'm a little behind the times, as The Fame came out in 2008, but I only recently got a copy from the library after being on the hold list since late March. That's how popular Lady Gaga's music is, and I can see why. The Fame is full of fun, addictive dance songs you'll want to play over and over again. Lady Gaga often gets attention for her crazy outfits and awards-show performances. Focus on her music and you'll see she is a powerful singer and songwriter; she co-wrote all the songs on the album. Her creative music videos and outfits are just icing on the cake. My favorite songs on the album include "Poker Face," "Just Dance," "Lovegame," and "Starstruck." The Fame was recently nominated for several Grammy awards, including Album of the Year and Best Electronic/Dance Album. The undeniably catchy song "Poker Face," produced by RedOne, received nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Dance Recording. The Fame has also recently been re-released in a deluxe edition called The Fame Monster, which includes 8 new songs, including "Bad Romance." Lady Gaga is currently on "The Monster Ball Tour" and will perform at the Chicago Theatre January 8, 9, and 10.


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What we're listening to...

Blackout and Circus by Britney Spears:

Twelve dance songs, leading off with "Gimme More," comprise Blackout (2007). My favorites on this album include "Break the Ice" ("I'm gonna hit defrost on ya / Let's get it blazing") and "Toy Soldier" ("This time I need a soldier / I'm sick of toy soldiers"). I have been listening to Blackout lately because the music is very fun to dance and move to; I put the songs on to get my energy pumped up before I leave the house on my daily run.

Circus (2008) includes the hit singles "Womanizer" and "Circus." I really like "Unusual You," which is from the point of view of someone hurt by guys in the past: "Baby, you're so unusual / Didn't  anyone tell you / you're supposed to break my heart / I expect you to / So why haven't you?" This album concludes with the sweet and heartfelt "My Baby." Britney still has her punch and swagger when she sings, and then on songs like "My Baby" reveals a vulnerable side. I have been a fan of hers for a long time and I'm still listening.

Britney performs tonight at 8 PM at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Blackout Find it in the catalog!
Circus Find it in the catalog!

What are your favorite songs of the 2000s?

We have just over four months left in this decade, so that means it must be time to look back and reminisce about the past ten years.  Pitchfork Media has released a list of the Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s, and the number one spot belongs to OutKast's "B.O.B."  Check the list out for yourself: Pitchfork's Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s  

I will admit that I have not heard of some of the artists or bands included in the list.  I'm going to look up the ones I don't know and maybe I'll discover some new music.  As for what I would include in my personal Best of the 2000s list, I just tried to think of songs released during the 2000s that have strong connections to different points in my life.  As a result my song picks may not be the "coolest" choices, and that's fine by me.

My best of the 2000s list includes (ordered by year):

2000: "Yellow" (Coldplay), "Bye Bye Bye" ('N Sync), "Faded" (Soul Decision)

2001: "Fill Me In" (Craig David), "What It Feels Like for a Girl" (Madonna), "I'm a Slave 4 U" (Britney Spears)

2002: "Cry Me a River" (Justin Timberlake), "Beautiful" (Christina Aguilera), "Gotta Get Thru This" (Daniel Bedingfield), "Love At First Sight" (Kylie Minogue), "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (Kylie Minogue)

2003: "Maybe Tomorrow" (Stereophonics), "The Scientist" (Coldplay), "Toxic" (Britney Spears), "Follow Through" (Gavin DeGraw), "Feel" (Robbie Williams), "Somnambulist" (BT featuring JC Chasez)

2004: "Take Your Mama" (Scissor Sisters), "Love Profusion" (Madonna), "Somewhere Only We Know" (Keane), "Trouble" (Ray LaMontagne), "Hey Ya" (OutKast), "Yeah" (Usher), "Let Me Love You" (Mario), "Take Me Out" (Franz Ferdinand), "The Force of Gravity" (BT featuring JC Chasez)

2005: "Dakota" (Stereophonics), "We Belong Together" (Mariah Carey), "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" (KT Tunstall), "The Way" (Daniel Bedingfield), "You're So Right for Me" (Rooster), "Chicago" (Sufjan Stevens)

2006: "Ain't No Other Man" (Christina Aguilera), "I Bet That You Look Good on the Dance Floor" (Arctic Monkeys), "Promiscuous" (Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland), "SexyBack" (Justin Timberlake), "Chasing Cars" (Snow Patrol)

2007: "Rehab" (Amy Winehouse), "Falling Slowly" (Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova), "The Underdog" (Spoon), "She Moves in Her Own Way" (Kooks), "Ruby" (Kaiser Chiefs)

2008: "Cobrastyle" (Robyn), "Use Somebody" (Kings of Leon), "Electric Feel" (MGMT), "Burnin' Up" (Jonas Brothers), "Paper Planes" (M.I.A.)

2009: "Ulysses" (Franz Ferdinand)

Check out Pitchfork's list and let us know what you think.  Are there any songs you're surprised are not there?   Which ones would be included on your Best Songs of the 2000's list? 

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

The King of Pop: 1958-2009

A short-list of Michael Jackson's acclaimed musical career:

Invincible
Find it in the catalog!

Bad
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Thriller 25: The World's Biggest Selling Album of All Time
Find it in the catalog!

Off the Wall
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Gold, a two-disc compilation of Michael's solo hits
Find it in the catalog!

The Ultimate Collection, a compilation of Michael's early work with the Jackson 5
Find it in the catalog!

Triumph, a 1980 "reunion" for the Jacksons
Find it in the catalog!