By my count, “twitter famous” John Roderick, with his ever-shifting band the Long Winters, have released a total of two new (non-Christmas-themed) songs since 2006’s Putting the Days to Bed. Long-time fans like me have been satiated through various solo and makeshift group live-show appearances, along with other non-musical endeavors. And while I could probably subsist on a never ending line of shows with just John and a guitar performing the same great songs and covers over and over and over again, I still have a strong desire to hear something new.

And that’s where the video above comes in. While participating in last week’s JoCo Cruise Crazy 3, John performed a third new song, never before heard, on stage for the lucky people on the ship with him. When I first listened to this song, I didn’t expect the reaction I had. The song was new, but it wasn’t. It had John’s buttery voice and common Long-Wintersian chord structures, but it had new lyrics, a new story to tell. And it felt so familiar and unexpected, I didn’t know whether to cry or smile. It was the kind of emotion I find myself feeling more and more since having become a father. In the end, I sat motionless for just over three minutes, relishing every moment of it. It was beautiful. It was moving. It was home. And I don’t ever again want to leave.

Frightened Rabbit’s newest video, for their song “Backyard Skulls” from their newly released album Pedestrian Verse, is a tad on the funny side.

Been listening to this song for a while now, and only now, having seen the video, did I realize they were saying “backyard skulls.” I love how music works.

I’m not quite sure I am still equipped to handle the extreme hipster-dom that is Darwin Deez, but I can definitely get behind any video that takes bad stock video, edits it together in a way to show aging in the treacly light that only stock can give you, and then inserts Darwin into each shot. Presenting the video for “You Can’t Be My Girl” in all its glory.

Thom Yorke and company’s Atoms for Peace are streaming their debut album, Amok, set to release next week. Listen above, or go check out the crazy full-window player if you dare (and if it actually loads).

Yet another Canadian band I know nothing about, here’s Young Rival with a CRAZY video for their song “Two Reasons.” Mind blowing.

I saw this Grimes video a few months ago, but failed to post it then. Totally awesome video. Still not sure I’m either annoyed at Grimes or very much into Grimes. One of the two.

I don’t know Rich Aucoin, but this video for his song “Brian Wilson is A.L.i.V.E.” is awesome, walking through Brian Wilson’s entire life on film in the span of four minutes.

Here’s Colin Meloy, Jenny Conlee and Nate Query from the Decemberists, along with Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, and Peter Buck from R.E.M. performing R.E.M.’s “You Are the Everything” at a fundraiser held in Portland this past Wednesday night. It’s safe to say I would have killed to have been at this event, had I known about it.

I’ve severely underestimated the popularity of The Postal Service. It’s been ten years since Give Up was released, and Sub Pop is releasing a 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the seminal album. But apparently in that time the band has lingered in many heads or has moved into many, but either way, I’m pretty sure that even though this video only came out today, most everyone has already seen it.

Putting it here for archival purposes only. :)

One more for good measure: The Deer Tracks with “Lazarus” from their upcoming album The Archer Trilogy Pt. 3, set to release February 12. Just discovering this duo, but I like what I‘ve heard so far.

Oh, and btw, they’re coming to the Sunset on February 20. Watching this video and knowing what the Sunset is like, I can’t really put the two together. But I don’t see how I’m going to be able to miss this one.

And then there’s Bonobo, with their song “Cirrus” from their next album The North Borders, due April 2. Holy moly this video is mind bending.

Slowly growing to love this new band that’s about to burst onto the scene. Daughter, from London, have their debut album, If You Leave, coming out here in the states at the end of April. They’re definitely in the dream pop, XX/Beach House realm, but at least with three people there’s a little more interest happening on stage.

My current favorite musician, Shugo Tokumaru, who I’ve been listening to non-stop for the past month, has launched this new, mind-blowing video for his song “Katachi.”

And not only has it been featured on Pitchfork, it’s also being picked up in non-music circles, such as the awesome technology blog The Verge. The blow up is happening faster than I expected, but I’m excited that others are finding this awesome musician. His new album, In Focus?, came out this past Tuesday in the US. Buy it now — it is great, even if you can’t understand a word he’s singing.

Lastly, Shugo opens for Kishi Bashi at the Croc on February 22. I have a hunch this is going to sell out, so get your tickets now.

update: The video was created by Polish director(s?) Kijek/Adamski, who appear to have some amazing video-making chops.

I’ve been in love with this song for a very long time, thanks to one Windows 8 commercial in which the song prominently features. And I’ve only just stumbled upon it now.

You see, my current favorite, Shugo Tokumaru, whose album In Focus? has been in constant rotation since I wrapped up the 2012 Calendar, is going on tour with Kishi Bashi, the person responsible for the song above.

Catch Shugo Tokumaru and Kishi Bashi at their first stop together here in Seattle, at the Croc, on February 22. See you there! This is going to be one hell of a show.

merlin:

Queen and David Bowie - “Under Pressure” (isolated lead vocal tracks)

Haunting.

Listen for Freddie’s ungodly range on the bit from 1:58-2:10.

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UPDATED: In honor of Mr. Bowie’s birthday—and, in deference to your Stressful Modern Lifestyle—here’s a relaxing ringtone I made for you.

God damn.

David Bowie has a new album coming out in March called The Next Day. The first single from the album, titled “Where Are We Now?” is featured in the strange video above.

Like all David Bowie songs, this one will probably take a while to sink in, but in the end will be loved like all the rest. There are some classic Bowie videos on the “Vision” page that you should also watch. CANNOT WAIT for the tour announcement.

Another song from the forthcoming Atoms For Peace record Amok: “Judge Jury and Executioner.”

Pretty damn excited for this one.

Thom Yorke’s side project Atoms For Peace has launched a pretty amazing side-scrolling website to announce the launch of their upcoming album Amok, coming February 25. The song above, “Default,” is pretty good and falls right in with Yorke’s solo work as well as some Radiohead stuff, too.

The band has a pretty stellar lineup (as spelled out here):

Thom Yorke: Vocals Keyboards Programming and Guitars
Nigel Godrich: Production & Programming
Joey Waronker: Drums
Mauro Refosco: Percussion
Flea: Bass

And apparently they’re going to tour very soon. Strangely, this post just showed up in my RSS feed, but it’s dated December 4. Not sure if I’m the only one receiving it late, or if it was back-dated and truly posted today for some reason. Strangeness. Loving the music, though.

#1 on the 2012 Musical Bacon Calendar

The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw & Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do by Fiona Apple

The #1 album of the year, Fiona Apple’s crazily-named The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw & Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, is the most perfect 43 minutes of music produced this year. If you’re not familiar with anything Apple has done since she pranced around in her underwear in that video back in 1997, this selection may feel like it’s out of left field.

While I definitely had a crush on Apple because of that video 15 years ago, my musical maturity helped me recognize her amazing songwriting ability when she released her third full-length, Extraordinary Machine, in 2005 (after much controversy). That album caught me totally off guard, and is definitely one of the best albums from the first decade of this millennium. (Check out Zach Galifianakis in the awesome song “Not About Love,” from that album.)

But The Idler Wheel… is better than that. After eschewing the limelight for six years (except for a few notable moments, including one where she performed Elvis Costello’s “I Want You” and made me feel like she definitely wants to kill someone, if she hasn’t already), Apple has released an album that is so sonically different from where she started, she’s practically creating a new genre of music all for herself.

This album is raw emotion, performed on piano and sung by the most scorned person on earth. Apple’s ability to channel her stories, her feeling, her gut into the form of song is unmatched by any other current musician. This is not the music of some emaciated 19-year-old in her underwear, this is the sound of a woman whose emotional state is not quite sound, whose medicine is her ability to pour it out of herself, unfiltered and without abatement.

The sound of the record is best described as sparse. There are very few instruments, some found-object sounds, and Fiona and her piano. And it’s a hard-hitting thing of beauty, like a rainbow seen over an area devastated by tsunami. If you’ve not listened to Apple in the past ten years, you owe it to yourself to pick up this album. The only familiar piece of the puzzle will be Apple’s profound voice. The most stark difference will be the lack of instrumentation. It’s not just raw lyrics, but raw sound. And it’s something everyone should feel and hear.

And with that, I wrap up 2012. It’s now 5 minutes before midnight on the last day of 2012; I’m making it just under the wire with my final post of the year. This has been a phenomenal year for music. SO many good records, so many albums that will remain with me well into the future. There are already a number of albums on the horizon that I’m looking forward to (you can follow my utility Twitter account @BaconTunes to see what albums and upcoming Seattle-based shows I’m specifically looking forward to, if you’re interested). If it’s anything like 2012, this is going to be a doozy.

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2. An Awesome Wave by ∆
3. Gossamer by Passion Pit
4. Lion’s Roar by First Aid Kit
5. Maraqopa by Damien Jurado
6. Shallow Bed by Dry The River
7. Valtari by Sigur Rós
8. The Heist by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
9. Heaven by The Walkmen
10. State Hospital EP by Frightened Rabbit
11. A Thing Called Divine Fits by Divine Fits
12. Some Nights by fun.
13. Tramp by Sharon van Etten
14. Fear Fun by Father John Misty
15. Love This Giant by David Byrne and St. Vincent
16. To The Treetops! by Team Me
17. The Master: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood
18. There’s No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man On Earth
19. Transcendental Youth by The Mountain Goats
20. A Church That Fits Our Needs by Lost In The Trees
21. Hospitality by Hospitality
22. Free Dimensional by Diamond Rings
23. History Speaks by Deep Sea Diver
24. A Different Ship by Here We Go Magic
25. Negotiations by the Helio Sequence
26. Moms by Menomena
27. The Sound of the Life of the Mind by Ben Folds Five
28. Shields by Grizzly Bear
29. Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun by The Wooden Sky
30. Fragrant World by Yeasayer
31. Reign of Terror by Sleigh Bells

What is the Bacon Calendar?

2011 Musical Bacon Calendar
2010 Musical Bacon Calendar
2009 Musical Bacon Calendar

#2 on the 2012 Musical Bacon Calendar

An Awesome Wave by Alt-J

Sometimes you hear a song and your immediate reaction is mixed. On one hand, “this song is AWESOME.” On the other, “something is off. I’m going to hate this in 6 months.” You know those bands. The ones that create an absolutely of-the-moment song that sounds great, gets tons of airplay, burns everyone out on their work, and then falls off into obscurity never to produce another good song. The signs pointing to “one hit wonder” are many and bright, so I’m rarely wrong when I have this feeling. But I’m also not afraid to admit when I’m wrong.

∆, pronounced “Alt-J” — named after the keyboard combination you type on a Mac to make a Greek Delta symbol: “∆” — certainly seemed like a flash in the pan. Their song “Something Good” was in daily rotation on KEXP, and I did like the song quite a bit. But at the same time, the negative backlash I was hearing from my local circle of trusted music critics was influencing my desire to listen to the band. Hearing great things about the band in other places finally pushed me over the edge. I bought the album, and quickly fell in line with the others who were heaping positive comments on the band. When an album causes wild fluctuations in opinion, like “#1 of the year” to “4.8 out of 10,” you know they’re doing something right.

Alt-J is made up of four guys from Leeds, England, who met in college in 2007. They worked and perfected the songs on An Awesome Wave over five years before releasing it in May 2012. Their music is most easily described as techno indie pop, although most of the music is actually created by traditional analog instruments. The music is very personal at times, so it is surprising to me to see that the recorded work is not the result of one person tinkering away in Pro Tools, but is truly a collaboration of the four musicians working in a Brixton-based studio.

There are hints on many other bands in their sound, but the vocals of lead singer Joe Newman are distinct, sounding something like an affected Sting. The songs on the album are diverse and infectious, nearly every song on the album could be a hit, imminently listenable. There are a number of videos available for viewing and listening:

• “Breezeblocks,” is my favorite of the bunch, but be warned: this is disturbingly violent. It’s interesting because it’s slow-motion, in reverse, showing the slow-reveal of a domestic dispute gone horribly awry.
• “Tesselate,” featuring a room full of thugs having strange conversations and making random triangular symbols.
• “Fitzpleasure,” with strange, digitally-enhanced dancing, shown above, and a French video version that is entirely different and not NSFW.
• “Matilda,” showing a slow blend of faces.

I do like An Awesome Wave quite a bit, but I couldn’t put it at #1. There’s one more album out there that I listened to more than any other album this year, and it’s a doozy. Stay tuned for the best album of the year, to be posted tomorrow.

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3. Gossamer by Passion Pit
4. Lion’s Roar by First Aid Kit
5. Maraqopa by Damien Jurado
6. Shallow Bed by Dry The River
7. Valtari by Sigur Rós
8. The Heist by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
9. Heaven by The Walkmen
10. State Hospital EP by Frightened Rabbit
11. A Thing Called Divine Fits by Divine Fits
12. Some Nights by fun.
13. Tramp by Sharon van Etten
14. Fear Fun by Father John Misty
15. Love This Giant by David Byrne and St. Vincent
16. To The Treetops! by Team Me
17. The Master: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood
18. There’s No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man On Earth
19. Transcendental Youth by The Mountain Goats
20. A Church That Fits Our Needs by Lost In The Trees
21. Hospitality by Hospitality
22. Free Dimensional by Diamond Rings
23. History Speaks by Deep Sea Diver
24. A Different Ship by Here We Go Magic
25. Negotiations by the Helio Sequence
26. Moms by Menomena
27. The Sound of the Life of the Mind by Ben Folds Five
28. Shields by Grizzly Bear
29. Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun by The Wooden Sky
30. Fragrant World by Yeasayer
31. Reign of Terror by Sleigh Bells

What is the Bacon Calendar?

2011 Musical Bacon Calendar
2010 Musical Bacon Calendar
2009 Musical Bacon Calendar