College Is Over

That's right Ryan lean your head back and take a deep breath...I can't believe it myself. My undergraduate collegiate career has finally come to a close. Today was my official last day of school and was in some cases a day of lasts. For example, I rode Marta to school for the last time, I took my last final ever, I returned books to Library North for the last time without any fines. Damn, all of that kinda sounds depressing except the part about the lack of library fines. Who am I kidding today was amazing. I finally got out of that hell hole I mean school (no disrespect). When I turned in my exam one thought ran through my mind, "Damn, I'm an adult." In honor of me having my day of lasts I have compiled a few tracks that I've been listening too. Enjoy.

Mr. Smartypants - Ryan Adams
Lyrical highlights: "Going to the gym...rocking bandannas and t-shirts with no sleeves...Yeah, Mr. Smartypants whose eating chicken at night." I love this song and it shows a truly insane comical side of the alt. country king.

My Love For You Is Real - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
If a guy sat me down and quoted verses from this song I might just believe him. Nah, I probably wouldn't, but seriously this song embodies with the Cardinals are all about, well whatever it is, sounds amazing.

Lions - Jonquil
A great song with a memorizing accordion and verses sung repeatedly in unison. I find myself wishing this song were longer. The rest of their album titled Lions is defiantly worth a listen...you'll get hooked.

Dark Horse - Bowerbirds
Here is a three piece band that creates melodies that are intoxicating. Their album Hymns for a Dark Horse is stunning. Every instrument and vocal is stripped down and played with warmth.

Flake - Mystery Jets
For some reason this song reminds me of Jeff Buckley. I just searched for this song on Stereogum and they agreed that it is "Buckley-ish"...very cool. This is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. The harmonies and its melancholiness are gut wrenching, exposed, and worthy of being placed on repeat.

Polite Dance Song - The Bird And The Bee
The vocals and harmonies are well put together and the last couple of seconds of the song (keyboard/synth/guitar part) brings a force that doesn't need to be reckoned with.

Publisher - Blonde Redhead
It was really hard picking out just one track from 23 because all of them standout. This is one of the best albums of 2007 and this is one of my all time favorites. Compositionally I find it extremely difficult to understand how a band formulates a song this fascinating. Even with so many pieces to this song its still addictively dreamy.

The Apocalypse Song - St. Vincent
If you blink you might miss how the beats in the beginning have a little soul. The Marry Me album is also difficult to pick just one "good" song, but this one is full of captivating guitar riffs/rhythms, uncanny yet pretty vocals, and decent effects. If you want to check out Anne Clark solo and acoustic go here.

One Second & I'll Take All the Blame - Tegan & Sara
These lovely ladies are showing some more of their experimental tunes that were dropped from The Con, but they are still just as catchy. They're Canadian, twins, make good music, and have mullets...what more could you ask for? Two of the hardest working women in music and one of the best albums of the year.

Lake Michigan and Like I Needed - Rogue Wave
This band offers up an eclectic mix of music to get you moving. How could a song about pollution sound so good?

Rain - Priscilla Ahn
I don't think I've ever heard someone sing about actually enjoying the rain with such a beautiful voice. The reverb and echo on the vocal at the end of the track is ghost like.

Knights - Minus the Bear
Cool name and even cooler song. The screeching guitar riffs and solos should keep you attention. More scales with extra bends please. I've got a feeling Planet of Ice is decent.

Lullaby - Grizzly Bear
This song really does resemble a children's lullaby in the beginning but smack dab in the middle and the continuation of the track is freaking crazy in the most chill way. The Friend EP is equally amazing. I've never heard a band like this and I hope they stick around for a long time.

Gay Sons of Lesbian Mothers - Kaki King
Your looping, impossible chords, and alternate tuning cravings will be fulfilled with this one women show. She can go down in history as one of the best guitar players of all time. You probably didn't know she started on the drums...go figure.

Weird Fishes (Ampulative Remix) - Radiohead
What can you say about Radiohead? Well, for starters here is a band that released their album In Rainbows digitally without the help of a record company and you had the option to name your own price. Sadly, the download is no longer available, but the box set is still up for grabs. The beats on this track are nasty and I mean that in a good way.

Well Thought Out Twinkles & Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups
I'm loving this band. End of story.

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