I really wanted to make a Top 10 albums of the year list. I considered all the full length albums i liked, got them organized, listened to them again… but then I realized that anyone who might care about what albums I liked this year almost certainly already knows. Here’s a summary:

My favorite album this year is undoubtedly Hawnay Troof’s “Islands of Ayle.” Every song is amazing and Vice is at the top of his form. It also comes with a CD of really great remixes. High Places self-titled full length is great positive music. Ratatat’s “LP3” is my favorite release by them, and sees them branching out. “mcchrisisdead” was definitely in constant play this past spring, and he really has excelled beyond the point of gimmick. The Ting Tings “We Started Nothing” is basically exactly what I want from a mainstream pop album, and reminded of Blondie in a good, non-ripoffish kinda way. RZA’s “Digi Snacks”, N.E.R.D.’s “Seeing Sounds”, CSS’s “Donkey”,POLYSICS “We Ate the Machine”, and The Kills “Midnight Bloom” probably round it out.

What I spent most of the year hyped about, however, was not the albums, but the smaller releases. The weird non-albums and blog hits that roared in 08. Here is my TOP 10 NON-ALBUMS OF 08 LIST:

10. Blogs

I really got into music blogs this year for the first time, probably because I tried blogging myself for the first time. A new post on 20 Jazz Funk Greats (http://www.20jazzfunkgreats.co.uk/wordpress/) is something I get very excited for. Most of my new favorites have come from posts on this blog, and it is visually perfect. Possibly the best looking website ever. Indispensable.

Much later in the year, Impose Magazine (http://www.imposemagazine.com/) found me. I received a strange MySpace message about being featured on their Bytes section, and wanting free publicity, I said yes. But I really started looking at their site, and the articles were 1. consistently good, 2. supported by consistently good photography, and 3. about music that I cared about. Impose is a good place to be.

9. School of Villainy [The Originals]- The Dead Science

So, in general, I am not a fan of The Dead Science. But this was good. They released this as a free-to-download, hip-hop style mixtape promotion thingy and it is much more accessible to me than any of their more “serious” work. I guess they are huge hip-hop fans, and it genuinely shows. Put on your gasoline boots and walk through hell indeed.

8. (untitled 7”-split)- Dan Deacon, Future Islands

I saw Future Islands this summer and for my money, this is their best song, and their only recording that holds up to their great live show. The Dan Deacon side is insane. Like, way crazier than Spiderman of the Rings. Very cool split.

7. Shred Yr Face 7”- Los Campesinos, No Age, Times New Viking

Impose had a link to a download of this pretty rare, summer tour EP. “Death To Los Campesinos! [Napoleon III Remix]” is a great pop song, “Revolving Credit For Kitty” (No Age) is a good noise jam, and “Anything Could Happen” (TNV) is a great lo-fi reconciliation of both. Great EP!

6. ZOCK ON!- Teriyaki Boyz featuring Pharell & Busta Rhymes

Are you kidding me?! This song is ridiculous and amazing and crazy and mental and everything. I already liked all involved parties and got pretty hyped when I found out this single was dropping the week I was in Japan!! The song itself is great. If you don’t know, the Teriyaki Boyz is something of a super-group foursome (is there a new member?) of Japanese rappers (most notably featuring Nigo and Verbal). Busta Rhymes has this great legacy of playfulness that helps his first verse really sell the song. The beat is tight, Pharell tries his hand at some Japanese lyrics (and doesn’t butcher them) and all is well. My favorite CD I bought in Japan. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqJUCTVNbwM

5. The End of Irony Sneak Peek- Captain Ahab

This CD-R was sent out with the second Captain Ahab Fan Club package and it is utterly stunning. 38 tracks between 7 seconds and 2 minutes 45 seconds long. They run the gambit from white noise to looped pop song samples to synth lines to everything else. Tracks 5, 10 15, 16, 22, and 25 all jump out. Also good from Captain Ahab this year “The Power of HEALTH” remix they did that mashed themselves, Foot Village and HEALTH into something amazing; and the widespread internet release of their older tour Eps.

4. (untitled cassette split)- Pens, Graffiti Island, Male Bonding

This self-released cassette from the UK is Herculean in a DIY, lo-fi kinda way. Graffiti Island is the obvious star of this 2-two-songs-each release, but the others are great as well. “Demon Cat” is hot. 666 lives. Brilliant.

3. Clubtraxxx 7”- Foot Village (B-Side remix by Anavan)

Clubtraxxx I-III is probably the thing from Foot Village that I have gotten into the most. The remix on the B-Side (of “Crow Call”) is my next favorite. I love this so much. The album art is crazy, the tracks are great, it’s numbered, its cheap, its currently available, and it comes with a button. There is no reason not to get this. There is no reason not to love this.

2. EU Tour EP- Caldera Lakes

Caldera Lakes is an amazing noise duo that has brought emotion and breadth of scope to the genre in a way that is so much more tremendous than anything else. This 4 track EP is so great and big and beautiful. The first song I heard from Caldera Lakes was on 20JFG and it is called “Did You Expect The Gods To Tread Lightly When They Came Among You.” I think that song title perfectly sums up the feeling of this music. Why this release out of CL’s handful this year? Because everything else sold out instantly! I want those tapes!!!!!

1. Live in Nurnburg- Vice Cooler

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=6547994&blogID=348481860&Mytoken=C31C96ED-4079-420C-81CD62F6050B2EED79588328 Download it NOW! It is still free and it is the most fun DJ set ever! This came out in January and it was a long time before anything took my attention away from it. Super fun, very exciting, ultimate party. Also from Hawnay Troof was RMX 2008 and Remix Projection. This was the year of VICE COOLER!

What am I looking forward to in 2009? Puppy Dog will have a release on DBA that I can’t wait for. I think the recordings at http://www.myspace.com/killpuppydog are going to be on the release (a cassette, i think). Captain Ahab’s “The End of Irony” WILL AMAZE. Foot Village has a new full length “Anti-Magic” coming soon. Matt & Kim have a full legth coming out at the end of January that promises great things based on the early single “Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare”. I have no idea what else is coming, but I can tell 2009 will be amazing.

SPECIAL FIRST FRIDAY AT MTS GALLERY

Come join us Friday, January 2nd for our monthly
First Friday after hours salon OPEN/CLOSE.

This month’s event is in support of the FREEZE Project.

Three short films from the 2008 Anchorage International Film Festival
will be screened.

Music by Reverse Retro

Catering by Tap Root Cafe

7:00 - 9:00 PM

MTS Gallery

3142 Mountain View Drive

This Friday is the MTS winter Solstice Party!!!

With improv/jazz from The Junta, sets from DJ Curtis Vodka, as well as live performance art pieces!!!!

Catering by Tap Root Cafe

Music by Reverse Retro

People who just want to come for the party and not the gift exchange can pay a cover of only $10!!

If you have a table in your house made just for coffee
If you have some thoughts that you want other people to see
If you like music or Alaska
If you just feel like it

Samuel Bair has returned from New York city and has begun collecting and designing Reflector #4

Reflector is a publication printed semi-regularly in Anchorage, Alaska. A place for showcasing a record of what you do and think.

send submissions to
Samuel Bair @
sjbair@gmail.com

!*!ITEM!*!
local hype-ism

PLUS reverse retro djs tonight at MTS
!*!ITEM!*!

!*!ITEM!*!

!*!ITEM!*!
You could never say this boy’s an amateur

This Friday is chock full of arts events.

Here’s a helpful hint….

Come to the MTS Gallery for our First Friday
OPEN/CLOSE after hours salon (doors open at 7:00).

See Vlad Basarab’s final one-time only performance
art piece (he’s leaving us) (8:00 Sharp!)

Catering by Tap Root Cafe
Music by Reverse Retro

Then go to the Anchorage International Film Festival
Opening Night Gala at the Aviation Heritage Museum (9:00 PM).

IMPORTANT FILM FESTIVAL ALERT!!!!!!!!

You will want to see the feature film that this year’s Film Festival
Jury awarded the Top Prize. Please go to the screening
of it at the Bear Tooth on Saturday, December 13th at 8:00 PM.

It’s Important.

ANNOUNCING WORDS AND PICTURES
The works of twenty-three writers and twenty-three visual artists have been
paired up and will be exhibited together beginning with this Friday’s opening reception.

Friday, November 21st
5:00 - 7:00 PM

MTS Gallery
3142 Mountain View Drive

Admission Free
Catering by Tap Root Cafe
Music by REVERSE RETRO!!

For More information: http://mtsgallery.wordpress.com/

Also at the Friday opening:

Book Signing Nov. 21, 5-7pm, MTS Gallery
Now available: the recently published book by Hal Gage:
“Ice: a passage through time”

Just in time for Christmas Hal Gage will be on hand to sign books at the MTS Gallery one night only.
Full color reproductions of Gage’s split toned B&W photographs from his Ice series that toured Alaska 2004-2006.
76 pages, softcover, with introduction by Bruce Farnsworth
$38.95 (checks or cash only please).

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“I had no choice, but to hear you”
“you’ve already won me over in spite of me” -Alanis Morissete

How do you make something counter culture when popular culture has assumed counter culture? Arguably the most interesting and or inspiring works of counter culture music and art are realized after they are produced. They are created without the intent of bringing down any sort of established culture, maybe just as a reaction to it.

Soloing over Alanis Morissetteis the project of Illinois/Chicago/Woodridge area David Gerhard, Jessica Ebarb, and Ed Byla.

It’s hard to tell whether or not SOAM has any relevance in this sort of discussion. It’s a Steven Colbert type of serious approach to sound making, and it’s funny. Without going into a lengthy discussion of why, let’s just say it’s interesting and has been gaining attention from people who seem to “get it”.

SOAM performs with HEALTH and oakeater in Chicago on November 12th, 2008

Here is my interview with David

T: Who are you?
DG: I am David Gerhard, I am 165 lbs. blue eyes blonde hair, student, want face pix?

T: Please describe where you live.

DG: Woodridge illinois, we had really nice pool (they just knocked it down) and we have one of the IMAX theaters.

T: Brian Blomerth recommended I interview you. How do you know Brian?

DG:Kennel Club Of America

T: You met Brian at Kennel Club? Seriously? It could happen, but did you meet on myspace? or in person?

DG: We met through funspace!

T: What do you do for work? Hobbies?

DG:mooch of my parents, i also go to an art school, art school is really hard..

T: What is your favorite art?

DG: don’t really know. every time were forced to go to the museums during class i cant stand looking at paintings, so definitely not paintings.

T: Why are you in art school if you don’t like art?

DG: i should of been more specific, I’m going to school for “audio arts &acoustic.” I like that type of art.

T: What is soloing over alanis morrisette? what are the concepts behind it?

DG: Its really just a vehicle for my thoughts and ideas. i basically sat down and said, how can i bring this kids something new? and bam! i thought, disguise it with something old. So i took my ideas(the solos) ad combined it with something old(alanis morissette), that they liked: and viola!

T: If you go to your myspace page you can see that a lot of people making music seem to be entertained by this project. Why do you think this is? Like besides the new vs. old aspects?

DG:You Know It really didn’t surprise me that this band has got the attention it has. We don’t fuck around. You get what you see. Were not going to lie to you. we don’t put are vocals through auto-tune. and we play our instruments live.
thats all kids want these days, honest musicians.

T:Who are the other two in your band? What do they do? Where did you meet them?

DG: Jessica Ebarb- she is 16, 190 lb. brown hair and hazel eyes
she is in choir at school, Fav. movie- titanic
Jessica handles all our interactions in public and stuff. (Im really awkward to talk to) and she handles backing vocals and helps Ed with music stuff.

Ed Byla- he is 18, 170 lb. brown hair and brown eyes.
he was born in Lithuania. he is homosexual.
Ed handles music live.

Me and jessica met at an AA club in 2003. our mothers had problems.
I don’t really remember how i met ed.

T: When was the first time you heard Alanis Morisette? How did you feel about her music?

DG: I think the time she came out with the video of her walking naked was like the Kennedy assassination or 9/11. every one remembers where they were. i was getting ready for school with my backpack on and the video came on in the kitchen.

T: Do you play music besides SOAM?

DG:I play a lot of music all the time. The first band i was ever in was a death metal band called “Gothedral” in 8th grade, its been downhill since then. Right now though i really want to focus on SOAM cause i know if i try hard enough this sound could explode onto the scene.

* David is also part of the bands Kill us on TV and Girl Factory.

T: What is SOAM like live?
DG: I know its cliché to say but you really have to SEE TO BE=LIVE

T: Can music have genre? If so what genre does SOAM fit into?

DG: I don’t really know. i think SOAM would be more of easy listening/adult alternative/classic rock

T: What are you listening to right now?

DG: I think an even mixture of the pixies, and HEALTH

T: What’s your dream?
DG: want to work for steve albini

T: Steve Albini is a pretty approachable and accesible figure. What do you want to do for him? Why especially Steve Albini?

DG: It would be ideal to record things with him or in is studio. I would just like to witness some of his sessions. His got a crazy way of capturing things. Why A? The breeders, Pod album.

T: Movies?

DG: jessica just saw pirates of the Caribbean. “it was good, orlando bloom looks a lot older and sexier then before”

ORLANDO BLOOM cir. 1998

ORLANDO BLOOM cir. 2008

YOU DECIDE!

This month is the 2 year anniversary of the very first Reverse Retro show ever. Hawnay Troof w/ Katie Salas and High Places played at the Wilda Marston Theater at the library and the Brown Bear Saloon in Indian. (Let’s face it, the Brown Bear IS Indian)

video document

For me, this was a life changing experience. I think right now a lot of people have a newfound hope for America, but I felt the same hope on that November weekend. Both Hawnay Troof and High Places have released full-length albums this fall and both of them are amazing. If you don’t have them buy them here and here.

And then there was this:

From the HT website:
When Islands Of Ayle came out in September 2008 Hawnay Troof put out an open call encouraging the people who listen to his music, regardless of “skill”, to remix three of the songs for his next record, Remix Projection. The idea was creating an instant collaboration between listener and the composer, merging the two, to form this amazing, exciting, and free album for everyone to own.

Much respect and thanks to everyone involved.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE!

Tracklisting for Remix Projection
1. Front My Hope (Lady Jess Remix)
2. Connection (Geocash Remix)
3. Connection (The Wolfblitzer Twice In 2:26 Remix)
4. The Gods Are Crazy (Sex With Robots/ Magical Teri Remix)
5. Connection (HW/ GM Remix)
6. The Gods Are Crazy (The Wastland RMX by Lester And The Hoax)
7. Reconnect (Tonfang Remix)
8. The Gods Are Crazy (Simo Soo Remix)
9. Connection (Nathan Rich Remix)
10. Front My Hope (Lisa Ling Remix)
11. Connection (Paraffins Remix)
12. Connection (Drew Swinburne Remix)
13. The Gods Are Crazy (Scid Find Remix)
14. Connection (Sex With Robots/ Magical Teri Remix)
15. The Gods Are Crazy (The Population of Penelouxx Remix)

That’s right! Lester and the Hoax take a doomy turn on The Gods Are Crazy, while The Wolfblitzer bring the mediocre heat to Connection!

I think I’m going to a better place…