"Pumped Up Kicks" is a Fraud

Photo Courtesy of South Brooklyn Post

The first time I listened to "Pumped Up Kicks" I heard a distinct similarity to Peter Bjorn & John's 2006 song "Young Folks". At first, I ignored the blatant borrowing Foster the People had done because I didn't think much of the song and figured it would just go away; I was dead wrong. The song has absolutely blown up and Foster the People's popularity has grown right along with it. After seeing Foster the People open for Cut Copy at Prospect Park this past Thursday and witnessing all the tweens dancing and singing along to "Pumped Up Kicks", I realize this song is here to stay and feel compelled to speak on the subject.

The Best Albums of 2011... for now

I have loved every minute of 2011 so far. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of great music that has come out, and it doesn't seem anywhere near of stopping. Though there were unfortunately bad releases from Cold War Kids and Friendly Fires, everything else has been amazing. This will definitely change by the end of the year, as Incubus and Portugal. the Man have yet to release their albums, but here is what I have so far:

Honorable Mentions:

White Denim – D

Fucked Up –David Comes to Life

Manchester Orchestra – Simple Math

Smith Westerns – Dye it Blonde

Okkervil River – I Am Very Far

Best Albums of 2011 (So Far)

This year has been a phenomenal year in music so far. It’s pretty crazy to think that releases such as Okkervil River’s I Am Very Far , Smith Westerns' Dye It Blonde , and Cut Copy’s Zonoscope couldn’t sneak their way onto my list. I also haven’t given some key albums a listen yet, mainly the new Man Man…I know, shame on me. So as I catch up and the staying power of certain albums either grows or fades, this list will change, but as of now, here are my favorites from 2011:

Honorable Mentions
Dawes – Nothing Is Wrong
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
August Burns Red - Leveler
Curren$y - Covert Coup EP
William Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow
Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean

2011 Review (So Far): Foster the People

Foster the People are a 3 piece electropop band from Los Angeles, CA. Earlier this year the band released a 3 song, self-titled EP and are scheduled to released their debut full-length on May 24th. I've had their song "Houdini" on repeat for the last couple of days. Check it out and keep your eye out for the debut Torches. They will also be opening for Cut Copy at the Prospect Park Bandshell on August 11th. Come enjoy upbeat music and beautiful weather in Brooklyn!