I am a slacker...

I know what you are thinking, What kindof Album of the Month blog doesnt actually post an Album of the Month?...and I apologize.

I have been super busy lately and it has lead to a lack of posting.

That doesnt mean there hasnt been some albums of the month, cause there have. And I have been keeping record of them. Hopefully I will get around to posting them soon...but alas I wouldn't hold my breathe.

I will definitely make it up to you readers at the end of the year, with a 'Songs of the Year' mix that I am already adding to. Its been a great year for music, and I havent even scratched the surface.

Anyways, sorry again for not updating...just keep listening to good music!

Album Of The Month: April 2007

Bob Dylan/The Band: Before The Flood


I bought this album as a gift for my brother one year, and then it turned out he already owned it, so I kept it. It was in my collection for a while and then I started to listen to it, and it is one of the main things that drove me into the singer/songwriter direction of musical appreciation.


Before I heard this album I was into the whole jam band thing, and never cared much for lyrics and music in terms of 'the song' rather then just the music.


If it weren't for this album as well as a few others, I would not be the songwriter I am today.


It is also one of the best live albums you could ever listen to, so listen to it.

Random Mix 1

So this last month has been pretty random when it comes to listening to my tunes. I have mostly been listening to my collection on random to try and catch songs I wouldnt normally think of listening to. So its been fun and a learning experience.

So that is how I made this mix. I randomized play and the first fifteen songs that came up made the mix. Just be glad no live Phish made the list. Haha.

1. Gigantic - The Pixies - Off of their album 'Surfer Rosa'.
2. Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix - I got this version off of the 'BBC Sessions' album.
3. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling - Robert Sean Leonard - I got this from the 'Chelsea Walls' Soundtrack.
4. The Thin Ice - Pink Floyd - Off of their album 'The Wall'.
5. Don't Worry About It - N*E*R*D - Off of their album 'Fly Or Die'.
6. Arizona Skies - Los Lobos - Off of their album 'Kiko'
7. See You Sometime - Joni Mitchell - Off of her album 'For The Roses'.
8. You Are What You Love - Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Off of the album 'Rabbit Fur Coat.
9. Inside and Out - Feist - Off of their album 'Let it Die'.
10. Alison - Elvis Costello - Off of his album 'My Aim Is True'.
11. The Shape I'm In - Bob Dylan/The Band - Off of the album 'Before The Flood'. This is the Album of the Month as well.
12. Don't Be Surprised - Candid - Off of their album 'Misinterpreter'.
13. Singapore - Tom Waits - Off of his album 'Rain Dogs'.
14. Ground On Down - Ben Harper - Off of his album 'Fight For Your Mind'.
15. Cool Blue Reason - Cake - Off of their album 'Prolonging The Magic'.

Album of the Month: March 2007

Modest Mouse: We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank

This album rocks. And why shouldn't it with an appearance from James Mercer (The Shins) on three tracks, and new Modest Mouse guitarist Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smiths.

After first appearances this album may seem as long-winded as the title would have you believe, but it doesn't fail to continuously rock.

Honestly for me 'The Parting Of The Sensory' alone is worth the purchase of this album.

This year is turning out to be one hell of a year for music, and its only March.

Successful Completion Mix

This mix should be playing when you open this page.

Or you can listen to this mix while you browse by following the link at the top of this page. If the audio player fails to load be sure and disable your pop-up blocker.

1. Nothing Up My Sleeve - Wilco - I got this off of the 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' B-sides and demos collection I have.
2. Cocoon - The Decemberists - Off of their album 'Castaways and Cutouts'.
3. After Hours - The Velvet Underground - Off of their album 'The Velvet Underground'.
4. Cymbal Rush - Thom Yorke - Off of his album 'Eraser'.
5. Habit - Pearl Jam - Off of their album 'No Code'.
6. One of these Days - Pink Floyd - Off of their album 'Meddle'.
7. Assessment - The Beta Band - Off of their album 'Heroes To Zeros'.
8. The Iliad - Tapes 'n Tapes - Off of their album 'The Loon'.
9. This House Is Not For Sale - Ryan Adams - Off of his album 'Love is Hell'.
10. Where Is Home? - Bloc Party - Off of their album 'A Weekend In The City'.
11. Parting Of The Sensory - Modest Mouse - Off of their album 'We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank' which is the Album of the Month.

Album of the Month: February 2007

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - Some Loud Thunder

One of the newest additions to my collection and I haven't been able to turn it off since I pre-ordered it in January and was able to download the tracks immediately.

The album starts off with a bang with the title track 'Some Loud Thunder' and continues from there without a dull moment.

I haven't been this pleased about an album purchase in a long time.

This is a must listen.

My Head Mix

This month we have a special guest who provided the mix. My best pal Sparky was in town this last week, and he put this mix together for you listeners out there.

He hopes you like it, as do I.

1. Little Acorns - The White Stripes - Off of their album 'Elephant'.
2. Untitled - All Time Quarterback - Off of the album 'All Time Quarterback!'.
3. Anything You Want - Spoon - Off of their album 'Girls Can Tell'.
4. I Felt Like Smashing My Head Through A Clear Glass Window - Of Montreal - Off of their album 'The Bird Who Continues To Eat The Rabbit's Flower'.
5. Shadow Stabbing - Cake - Off of their album 'Comfort Eagle'.
6. Im In No Mood - The Fiery Furnaces - Off of their album 'Bitter Tea'.
7. Satan Said Dance - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - Off of their album 'Some Loud Thunder' which is the Album of the Month.
8. Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird - Off of his album 'The Mysterious Production of Eggs'.
9. Cold Brains - Beck - Off of his album 'Mutations'.
10. Oh Lately It's So Quiet - Ok Go - Off of their album 'Oh No'.
11. Turn A Square - The Shins - Off of their album 'Chutes to Narrow'.
12. Where Is My Mind??? - Pixies - Off of their album 'Surfer Rosa'.
13. Two-Headed Boy - Neutral Milk Hotel - Off of their album 'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea'.
14. Paper Thin Walls - Modest Mouse - Off of their album 'The Moon and Antarctica'.
15. Wake Up - Arcade Fire - Off of their album 'Funeral'.
16. The Weakest Part - Yo La Tengo - Off of their album 'I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass'.

Album Of The Month: January 2007

Death Cab For Cutie - The Photo Album

Death Cab For Cutie has always been one of those bands I have had in my collection (thanks George) but was never able to really get into. Even when the album 'Plans' came out, I wasnt that impressed at the time, and kindof put this band on hold.

Then, due to my recent love affair with 'The Postal Service' and Ben Gibbard's lovely singing voice, I decided to really sit down and give them a listen. I haven't really stopped since.

This album inparticular has been haunting my stereo lately. I can honestly say I love everything about it.

I am ashamed of my false judgment.

Don't you wish I knew what I was talking about?

Fresh Mix

To start off the new year, I decided that not only am I running out of ideas for mix themes, but I also decided to make the Fresh Mix. Whatever that means.

1. So Fresh, So Clean - Outkast - Off of their album 'Stankonia'.
2. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - The Animals - Off of the album, 'The Best of The Animals'.
3. Fixing A Hole - The Beatles - Off of their album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.
4. Prove It - Television - Off of their album 'Marquee Moon'
5. Days Of Being Wild - And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Off of their album 'Source Tags & Codes'.
6. The Idiot Kings - Soul Coughing - Off of their album 'Irresistible Blues'.
7. I Was A Kaleidoscope - Death Cab For Cutie - Off of their album 'The Photo Album'. This is the Album of the Month, so give this track a listen.
8. I Want a New Drug - Huey Lewis & The News - Off of their album 'Sports'.
9. This Wheel's On Fire - The Band - Off of their album 'Music From Big Pink'.
10. I.O.U. - The Replacements - Off of their album 'Pleased To Meet Me'.
11. Long Time Ago - Golden Smog - Off of their album 'Another Fine Day'.

Album of the Year: 2006

The Eels: With Strings, Live at Town Hall

(In order to win Album of the Year for my blog, the album must be released in that year - which is unlike the criteria for my Album of the Month.)

Of course I haven't heard everything released this year (including Tom Waits' 'Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards'), but the year is coming to a close and its time for me to post what I think is the best listen of the calendar year 2006.

This album is a new side of the Eels that came through to us slightly in last years release of 'Blinking Lights and Other Revelations'. Only this takes it to the most personal and beautiful level that I have ever imagined the Eels could play.

Instead of trying to make your ears ring, Mister E swings us through his extensive library with string arrangements that will sometimes make you smile, and other times haunt you. I have been a big fan of the Eels collection for at least a couple years now, and never have I heard it presented this way. Its is one of the best live albums I have ever heard.

Honorable Mention: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, 'Rabbit Fur Coat'.

Album of the Month: December 2006

Brian Wilson - SMiLE

Sometimes when I think of my childhood, I think of listening to my Dad's old Beach Boy records all the time throughout the house. Of course it was more of the post-Wilson insanity surfer records during their brief stint of touring with Uncle Jesse, but I still managed to take something away from it.

Call it nostalgia, but lately this Album has taken over my listening schedule.

The vocal harmonies on this album are amazing, as is the overall arrangement of the entire pieces. I also like the cohesive feeling of the album and its repeating melodies and whatnot. While this is one of the most hyped up and praised releases in the history of records I feel it lives up to every expectation. Just imagine if it had been released in the 60's when Wilson first dreamt it up.

This is one of those albums that teaches you what music really is all about. If you sit and listen to it, it will take you in directions you'd never thought you'd enjoy. Thats the only way I can describe it.

Holiday Mix

Well, since I don't have any Christmas music (despite my overwhelming urge to buy 'Twisted Christmas') I have decided to fashion myself a mix to get me through the holidays.

And here it is;

1. What's This - Danny Elfman - Off of the 'Tim Burton's - The Nightmare Before Christmas Soundtrack'.
2. On A Holiday - Brian Wilson - Off of his album 'SMiLE'. This is the Album of the month, so you can give this track a listen to get a little taste.
3. Wind Chimes - Brian Wilson - Also off of 'SMiLE' which is the Album of the Month.
4. Christmas - The Who - Off of their album 'Tommy'.
5. I'm In No Mood - The Fiery Furnaces - Off of their album 'Bitter Tea'.
6. Black-Hearted Boy - The Fiery Furnaces - Off of their album 'Bitter Tea'.
7. Christ For President - Wilco/Billy Bragg/Woody Guthrie - Off of the Mermaid Avenue Vol. 1 Album.
8. Holidays In The Sun - The Sex Pistols - Off of their album 'Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols'.
9. One Big Holiday - My Morning Jacket - Off of their album 'It Still Moves'.
10. Styrofoam Plates - Death Cab For Cutie - Off of their album 'The Photo Album'.
11. So Much Wine - The Handsome Family - Off of their album 'In The Air'. This is my favorite folk song right now. It is one of the best songs ever in my opinion.
12. Living Life - The Eels - Off of their album 'With Strings, Live At Town Hall'. This is the Album of the Year so you can listen to this track to get a little taste of that.

I normally wouldnt put two songs from the same album on a mix, especially twice in one mix, but both combinations were perfect for this mix and the mood I was trying to capture throughout. So it was worth it.

Album of the Month: November 2006

Yo La Tengo: I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your A**

I never found myself too into this band, until I purchased this album after researching some of the best reviewed albums of this year so far, and I couldnt have been happier with this purchase.

I have listened to this album over and over since I bought it, and it has even caused me to retrace my steps through Yo La Tengo's collection, even though nothing can even touch this album in my opinion.

It captures their sound ideally and it is as close to perfection as Yo La Tengo can get. I am still discovering things that I love every listen and it really has a little bit of everything.

Whether you are a Yo La Tengo fan or not, I highly recommend this album.

Rain Mix

This is a mix I slapped together in the period of time where I had just come back to California from Syracuse, where it was raining the entire time I was there. Then when I returned to the wonderful town of Vacaville, the skies opened up here and it rained for a couple days straight. So I made this Rain Mix.

I can honestly say I havent been putting super amounts of thought into these mixes lately cause I have been so busy, but for the most part you can get a pretty good idea of what I am listening to, since the mixes reflect that these days. Instead of adding a lot of diversity to the mixes I have been sticking to mostly things I have been listening to at the time or the type of mood I am in. Of course that also has to do with the busy-ness and the slacking on my part...cause its just easier that way.

I don't know how long I will continue to do a mix every month, I'm not even sure if anyone actually reads this page.

1. Venus Stop The Train - Wilco - I got this from the 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' Demos.
2. Train Under Water - Bright Eyes - From their album 'I'm Wide Awake It's Morning'.
3. Black Rain - Ben Harper - Off of his album 'Both Sides of the Gun'.
4. A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall - Bob Dylan - Off of his album 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan'.
5. Rain on Tin - Sonic Youth - Off of their album 'Murray Street'.
6. Everybody Thinks I'm a Raincloud (When I'm Not Looking) - Guided By Voices - Off of their album 'Half Smiles of the Decomposed'.
7. Raining in Darling - Bonnie Prince Billy - Off of his album 'I See A Darkness'.
8. Flowers Never Bend With the Rainfall - Simon and Garfunkel - Off of their album 'Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme'.
9. City Rain, City Streets - Ryan Adams - Off of his album 'Love is Hell'.
10. And It Stoned Me - Van Morrison - Off of his album 'Moondance'.
11. Woodgrain - Wilco - Off of the 'More Like the Moon EP'.
12. Another Song About the Rain - Cracker - Off of their album 'Cracker' or 'Brand'.
13. I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo - Off of their album 'I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your A**'. This is from the Album of the Month. Check this track out to get a taste of this album.

Album of the Month: October 2006

Candid - Misinterpreter.

The sixth installment from the local Syracuse band Candid, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It is their second and (unfortunately) last (for now) release with producer and engineer Pete Walker formerly of Syracuse, NY.

It was Candid's first release with Walker that really put them on the map for me. I mean I have always been a supporter and fan, but it was 'A Comforting Thought' that really allowed these four guys to release their full potential, and made them sound one hundred times more professional on record.

And it was this album, where they had already harnessed this potential and professionalism and made this great record. Corey once again brings his great sense of melody, and catchy intelligent lyrics to the table. Combined with the collaborated efforts of all the members musically, the end result is one great listen.

Candid has always made great records to me...but there are always a few soft spots in my opinion. This album does not have these soft spots. I could listen to this album over and over again and not get sick of it, despite the fact that the version of 'Termites' pales in comparison to the live version.

I am excited to see what else these guys are capable of. They have been one of my biggest influences, and have provided more musical memories for me then anything else.

If you would like to get this whole album, email me or go to www.candidmusic.com.

Green Mix

In sticking with the color themes, I decided to go with the 'Green Mix' this month. I know you were probably expecting the 'Orange and Black Mix' because of the wonderful upcoming holiday of Halloween that we all love so much, but I'm sorry. October is officially the green month from now on. Thats right, I have authority over months. Booyah.

Moving on, here is the mix...It will make you feel green. I promise.

1. The Last 8 Seconds - Candid - Off of their album 'Misinterpreter', which is also the Album of the Month. So check out this track to get a glimpse of that album.
2. Better Version of Me - Fiona Apple - Off of her album 'Extraordinary Machine'.
3. Hash Pipe - Weezer - Off of their 'Green Album'.
4. Evergreen - The Fiery Furnaces - Off of their EP.
5. Ingrid Bergman - Billy Bragg/Wilco/Woody Guthrie - Off of Mermaid Avenue Vol. 1.
6. Little Green Bag - George Baker Selection - I got this one off of the 'Resevoir Dogs' soundtrack album.
7. I Remember California - R.E.M. - Off of their album 'Green'.
8. Big Green Country - Neil Young - Off of his album 'Mirrorball'.
9. Please Tell My Brother - Golden Smog - Off of their album 'Weird Tales'. This is one of my favorite songs.
10. Green Onions - Booker T. & The MGs - I got this off of The Very Best of...
11. Green Grass - Tom Waits - Off of his album 'Real Gone'.
12. Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens - Off of his album 'Illinoise!'.
13. Vege-Tables - Brian Wilson - Off of the album 'SMiLE'. So much to say about this album.
14. Neighborhood #2 (Laika) - Arcade Fire - Off of the album 'Funeral'.
15. Good Guys & Bad Guys - Camper Van Beethoven - Off of their self titled album.
16. Green Disease - Pearl Jam - Off of their album 'Riot Act'.

Album of the Month: September 2006

Beck: Mutations

Lately I've been getting really into Beck again, and this album has been the dominating factor. I used to be a huge Beck fan back in his 'Odelay' days. I still managed to get my hands on all his albums after 'Odelay' but never really got into any of them.

But time has brought Beck back into my life. And this album has dominated my ears this last month. It has everything you could ever want, or expect from Beck.

Its filled with a lot of folk and blues influences, but at the same time is filled with Beck's individual creativity and sound. Its quite the album considering it was recorded in a two week period.

Blue Mix

Listen to this Mix by Clicking Here and Following the Link.

Ive decided to start going with the color themes, and what better color to start with then Blue. Everyone knows the blues, or has felt blue and turned to music. There's nothing more blue then a lot of the music out there...every shade possible...even periwinkle.

1. Invitation to the Blue - Tom Waits - From his album 'Small Change'.
2. Yer Blues - The Beatles - From 'The White Album'.
3. Disco - Mike Gordon and Leo Kottke - From their album 'Clone'.
4. Cancer for the Cure - The Eels - Off of their album 'Electro-Shock Blues'.
5. Railroad Blues - The Beastie Boys - I got this one off of 'The Sounds of Science'.
6. Bottle of Blues - Beck - Off of the album 'Mutations' (which is also the album of the month).
7. Hear My Train A Comin' - Jimi Hendrix - I got this acoustic version off of the album 'Jimi Blues'.
8. Come on in My Kitchen - Robert Johnson - I took this from 'Martin Scorsese presents Robert Johnson'. No Blue Mix can be complete without him.
9. Blue Orchid - The White Stripes - Off of their album 'Get Behind Me Satan'.
10. True Blue - Bright Eyes - Off of the 'Lua' EP.
11. Pale Blue Eyes - The Velvet Underground - Off of their self-titled album.
12. Rollercoaster - M. Ward - Off of his new album 'Post War'.
13. Have You Forgotten - Red House Painters - Off of their album 'Songs for a Blue Guitar'.
14. It's All Over Now Baby Blue - Bob Dylan - Off of his album 'Bringing it All Back Home'.

I decided that I am going to include one track from the album of the month in each mix from now on, so you can get a slight taste of that album, and maybe it will peak your interest to check out the rest of it.

Cause you should.

New Mix of the Month Feature!

I have decided to make it possible for you to listen to the Mix of the Month online. You can do so by clickin here.

Follow the links and you will get an audio-player that pops up which I got from www.wimpyplayer.com. Be sure and turn off your pop-up blocker if the audio player does not load. You can continue to browse the World Wide Web while listening, so you have nothing to lose.

I will be making the current months mix available to listen to, so you have about a month to listen to each one and check out all the songs/artists contained within. I will still be posting the content of each mix in a tracklist on this blog, and will also continue to post my album of the month. I am still debating posting a couple sample tracks from the album of the month. I am not sure how I will approach this if at all. And to avoid any major legal implications I am not making any of the tracks available for download.

I tried to post the audio player directly on this blog, but had some problems with this site accepting the html code. If anyone can help with this let me know. But its no big deal, and is really a few minor clicks away. So now you can see what I am listening to!!! Aren't you thrilled?

Album of the Month: August 2006

Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral

This might come as a surprise again to those who know me well, but I have been listening to this album non-stop for most of this month. No matter how many times I listen to it, there are still times when some of the arrangements kick me in the face with the direction they take. This album has influenced my own approaches towards some of my songs musically, and has really allowed me to come at things from a different angle.

There are times when the lyrics in this album can be kindof juvenile, but there are other times when they can be just as powerful as the music behind them. Its a great listen if you want something to dissect, or if you just want something to give your ears a swift kick in the gut.

I have always known about this album, and it wasnt til recently that I really sat down with it, and I couldnt be happier with what I heard. I highly recommend it if you havent listened to it, it will catch you off guard. And if you have listened to it, I highly recommend listening to it again. Just because.

And if you havent, listen to it with headphones on...you'd be surprised what type of interesting things are there that you would never notice on your boombox CD player.