2011 First Half Top Ten Albums (Joey D)

Here's my take on the best of first half 2011's albums. Sorry I didn't post links to the songs, but you can youtube em! Top 10 after the jump.

Honorable Mentions:

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
The Antlers – Burst Apart
Moving Mountains - Waves
Atmosphere – The Family Sign
Middle Brother – Middle Brother

Okkervil River, Titus Andronicus & Future Islands at Terminal 5

When I first saw this show announced, I had mini-orgasm at the line-up. I had never listened to Future Islands before but the thought of Okkervil River and the almighty Titus Andronicus on the same bill was enough to make my shorts sticky.

I showed up early to catch Future Islands' set and was very impressed with both their sound and energy. Their sound can be likened to fellow electronic artists like Gang Gang Dance or even Passion Pit but with one huge difference; the vocals. Sam Herring's deep growl wouldn't be out of place in a hardcore band but it seamlessly blends with the music as he hops around the stage thumping his chest and slapping his face to the beat.

I was really curious about seeing Titus in this sort of scenario. Every time I had seen them in the past, they were the headliner in a much smaller venue. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from their set or the crowd given that most people were there to see Okkervil River. Needless to say, Titus brought the house down and definitely gained quite a few new fans (at least my friends Bryant & Odin).

With Okkervil River, just having released their new album I Am Very Far, I was expecting a set full of new tracks but there were only 6 including albums highlights "Wake and Be Fine" and "The Valley". The rest of the set was full of fan favorites from previous albums Black Sheep Boy, The Stage Names and The Stand-Ins. The crowd was into it, the band was energetic and everyone was clapping and singing along. An all around great performance worthy of your attendance.

For Titus Andronicus' (short but sweet) and Okkervil River' set lists, Future Islands' video for Tin Man and the rest of the dates for this tour keep reading.

The day that was May 10, 2011...

It might have been too much to handle, but yesterday was a pretty stellar one in terms of records released. Most of us here at A Brief Intermission have done our best to listen to them all, but if you didn't notice, there were quite a few that were released. Well, we all got together this past weekend and chatted about what we were most excited about. So, here is a list of some of the albums that came out yesterday that we feel you should be checking out:

Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

"Simple Math" Album Premie

re by Manchester Orchestra

So, how do you follow up a release as grandiose as Mean Everything to Nothing? Well, Manchester Orchestra took the route of toning down the aggression and focusing on more cohesive songwriting. Most people might be looking for that signature Andy Hull howl, but with Simple Math, the band shows their prettier side by adding strings and more lighthearted music. This doesn't mean the topics Hull chooses aren't dark as hell, by covering a marriage that almost ended because of his excessive time spent on the road. If there's anything you need to listen to, give "Virgin" a chance. It has a children's choir that adds more of a creepy factor to the track.

The Felice Brother - Celebration, Florida

The Felice Brothers - "Celebration, Florida" by Loose Music

This boozy folk-rock band has returned with a bit of a surprise since 2009's Yonder is the Clock by going electric. Sure, that doesn't sound like much, but if you take a listen to their earlier releases you would understand. This album, though, still has some voids to fill. But it's nice to know The Felice Brothers are getting there. They keep it interesting, though, with synthesizers, electric barn burners and, this time, a make-shift kids choir. Exactly!

Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

There is so much soul packed into this 37 minute album that the Blues Brothers may need to make another movie around it. After 2008's The Way I See It, Raphael Saadiq turned it up and cranked the electric guitar on this one. It's an album packed with some impressive riffs and Saadiq's soul-filled voice that prove if you haven't given him a chance, now is the time. Because this is the album that will shut up our elders who say, "Man, they just don't music like the used to."

Man Man - Life Fantastic

The madness that has been wrapped up in this Philadelphia band's past records has oddly been contained. And that seems to be the only thing people can mention about this album. Maybe it's because Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis was able to calm them down? Who knows, because whatever it was it has helped Man Man to release their most impressive record to date. The positive that has come from the toned down sound is the ability to not be distracted so you can listen into Honus Honus's emotionally revealing lyrics. This just might be their most accessible record to date, so give it a try and go catch them live. You won't be sorry.

Tyler, the Creator - Goblin

Did you know Odd Futue leader Tyler, the Creator was releasing Goblin on May 10? You didn't? Well, apparently you weren't paying attention. As Corey mentioned, it is a lot like Bastard, but it evolves from it with some darker beats and even darker topics. It keeps the theme of Tyler talking with his therapist going, except with Goblin, he tends to revisit the theme more often. So much, that at the end he ends up losing his mind and killing all of his friends. But there is genius to Tyler's twisted thoughts, and from them we get lines like "The Devil doesn't wear Prada/ I'm clearly in a fucking white tee." He thankfully tones down on the rape references, but still is raunchy and as violent as ever. Listen at your own discretion. And if you want a taste, here's "Tron Cat."

Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

This album actually impressed me the most. The band went from the very poppy The Stand Ins to a much darker place. It's a beautiful record full of stomping rhythms and fluttering string instruments. The album opens up with a bang with "The Valley" the slowly fades into more piano laden tunes. But don't let the quick change of pace throw you off, stick around, because the album will only get better.

The Antlers - Burst Apart

This album thankfully meets the expectations that many of its fans had after the release of 2009's Hospice. It still keeps that same spacey, indie-rock feel, but lays off on the heart crushing emotional aspect. Really, it just means The Antlers have the ability to evolve.

Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

Okkervil River are releasing their new album I Am Very Far tomorrow and the early word is all positive. Before you buy, you can stream the album over at NPR.

Okkervil River - I Am Very Far