Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Animal Collective is a fluid group of musicians originally based out of Baltimore, Maryland, they are fluid in the sense that there are a number of contributers, and the makeup of the group is ever changing.  "Merriweather Post Pavilion" is actually their eighth album in ten years, a feat made possible by their large number of members and ever changing face, but only their last three albums (Feels, Strawberry Jam, and Merriweather) actually garnered any sense of recognition.  Their sound is truly unique and fairly impossible to pin down, but suffice it to say that if you have yet to hear an Animal Collective song, it will be unlike anything you've ever heard.  If I had to describe them I'd say electro psych folk, probably the most ambiguous description you've ever heard, but listen to a few songs and you'll get the picture.  Anyway, they're an awesome band, and definitely something new for someone just getting into new indie type music.  In my semi-professional opinion Merriweather Post Pavilion represents the group's most complete project, and definitely worth a listen. 

Track List:

1. In the Flowers

2. My Girls

3. Also Frightened

4. Summertime Clothes

5. Daily Routine

6. Bluish

7. Guys Eyes

8. Taste

9. Lion in a Coma

10. No More Runnin

11. Brother Sport

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Anyone who hasn't yet heard a song by Bon Iver is definitely missing something in their life.  Justin Vernon is the man behind the moniker "Bon Iver," meaning "good winter" in French.  The album was recorded by Vernon in an isolated cabin in Wisconsin during the winter of 2007, and was released by Vernon himself later in 2007.  The entire album was recorded using only what primitive recording equipment Vernon had with him in the cabin, but remarkably sounds fairly intricate, with a lot of dubbing.  The album was later re-released by indie label Jagjaguwar, and has since gained considerable critical acclaim.  The songs themselves are some of the most beautiful recordings I have heard, and resemble the ephemeral feel of Iron and Wine.  "Flume" and "Skinny Love" are the most well known songs from this album, but the entire album is truly a fantastic piece of work, and guarantees to leave you enthralled with the lyrical genius of Vernon.

Track List:

1. Flume

2. Lump Sum

3. Skinny Love

4. The Wolves (Act 1 & 2)

5. Blindsided

6. Creature Fear

7. Team

8. For Emma

9. Re: Stacks

The Dodos - Visiter

For my first album I decided on Visiter by the Dodos.  Visiter (2008) is the band's second actual release, but their first release, Beware of the Maniacs, was released under their previous name "Dodo Bird."  The San Francisco-based band consists of lead singer/guitarist Meric Long, and drummer/everything else guy Logan Kroeber.  This album was definitely one of my favorites of 2008, because of their incredible integration of unique drumming beats and guitar rhythms.  If you only listen to one song from this album, it has to be "Fools," but other great songs include "Jodi," "God?" and "Red and Purple."  This album is fantastic and a must for anyone.

Track list:

1. Walking

2. Red and Purple

3. Eyelids

4. Fools

5. Joe's Waltz

6. Winter

7. It's That Time Again

8. Pain the Rust

9. Park Song

10. Jodi

11. Ashley

12. The Season

13. Undeclared

14. God?

First Blog Post

This being my first blog post, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself.  My name is Elliott, and I'm a college student at Tufts University in Boston, MA.  I'm actually from Los Angeles, CA, but I decided to go back east for college just to see what it would be like.  I have a radio show on Tufts University's radio station WMFO Medford, but being a freshman they stuck me with one of the worst possible time slots, Wednesday morning from 3am to 5am.  Despite this time slot though, I very much enjoy having a live show on the air, and have received a warm reception for my music selection from a number of different people from all across the country.  Our website is www.wmfo.org if you want to check it out, and my show is called "Lights and Music."  Because of the positive responses to my music, I was inspired to create a blog showcasing much of the music I play on the air, and introducing people to music they would normally not come across.  I plan on showcasing a new album with every blog entry, at least once a day during the week.  Hopefully my blog will introduce you to music that is lesser known, but still amazing.