Future Islands - Singles

In 2011, I discovered a small band that by the name of Future Islands and listed their album On the Water as my favorite release of the year.

I had heard some rumors at the end of 2013 that their new album "Singles" would be something to keep an eye out for.   The album dropped a few weeks ago and it's been a staple of sorts in my listening rotation.

I fucking love this album cover

I managed to somehow get their upcoming Austin Show (Mohawk, April 23rd) confused with another show that I'm catching on the 22nd (Manchester Orchestra/Kevin Devine) and I passed up on getting tickets.

Fast forward a few weeks... they have a monstrous performance on Letterman and they killed it at Coachella last weekend.  They're now *the band* to catch live and I'm seriously considering paying 80 dollars on Stubhub to see them perform on Wednesday.

I spent a good part of my morning looking at #futureisland tags on Instagram and all I want to do right now is listen to this album between now and Wednesday and be in attendance for what I think will be one of the best shows of 2014.

But enough about the show on Wednesday, the thing that has surprised me most about the album Singles is how freakishly danceable it is.  That and the lead vocalist is so freakishly emotive that I can't have this album on in the background and not give it my full attention.  

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite albums of 2014.  Please seek it out!

Stand Out Tracks

Artists: Future Islands
Album: Singles
Producer: Chris Coady
Label: 4AD
Recorded: Dreamland Studios

Pixies - Doolittle

Full admission...  it took a really long time before I came around on the Pixies.   Their influence was inescapable in the 90's and I turned my back on them simply because everyone loved them.

PixiesDoolittle.jpg

It wasn't until I was dating Kathy nearly a decade ago that I began to really appreciate them. She purchased Surfer Rosa and Doolittle for me on CD for my 28th birthday and it didn't take long for me to realize that they were an incredible band.

Doolittle is my favorite release by the band...  I truly enjoy every track on the album, but there's songs like Hey on the second half of this record that are simply life altering.  

Wave of Mutilation - is another life altering track.  If you haven't listened to this album in a while, I highly recommend you dig it out and give it a spin.   I recently purchased it on Vinyl after discovering that my copy got lifted/borrowed and never returned.   It's one of three albums I hope to replace in the near future.

Stand out tracks: 

Artists: Pixies
Album: Doolittle
Producer: Gil Norton
Label: 4AD
Recorded: Downtown Recorders, Carriage House Studios

Red House Painters - Ocean Beach

One of the perks of living in Central Texas is occasionally getting a winter frost that completely brings the city to a halt.  Freeways by my apartment were closed by the Department of Public Safety at 4:00am so I effectively had no way to drive into work.

Working from the home office has a couple of perks.  I made breakfast while attending a mandatory conference call and I'm parading around the house in a full Adidas Track suit.   I need to pitch the idea of having themed casual friday where we all get to wear track suits in.

Anyhoo... thumbed thru the vinyl collection this morning in hopes of digging out a great Winter record and settled on Red House Painters - Ocean Beach.

I can't believe this album is almost 20 years old...  I've technically never dropped a needle on this record so I'm kinda stoked about doing that today for the first time.   I own the 10" double record release of the album which contains an all acoustic cover of "Long Distance Run Around" by YES.

I forgot how folksy this album was...  I rarely hear this album or band get referenced anymore so I think it sorta forgotten.  

Stand Out Tracks:

Artist: Red House Painters
Album: Ocean Beach
Producer: Mark Kozelek
Label: 4AD
Recorded: Coast Recorders