What I've been Listening to...

It's been a busy year for album releases, well at least if you like the same exact music that I do. In the last month alone there have been 5 releases that I keep in constant rotation, on top of some awesome gems from earlier in the year that I can't quite shake off.

So I thought I would share some of the highlights.

Paulson- All at Once

These guys came out of nowhere, and to tell you the truth I still can't say how I found out they even existed. What I do know is that this album so far is my album of the year. It was released back in March, and it's some of the catchiest, freshiest (yes freshiest) music I have heard in quite some time. It'll make you want to get up and move, or roll the windows down in the car and rock out. Paulson also puts on a fantastic live show, which gives credibility to any group if you ask me.

Key Tracks:
Calling on You
Just Shy
Ultra-High

Motion City Soundtrack- Even If It Kills Me

This album dropped just last week and it has been hard to take off the trusty Ipod. Motion City is one of my favorite bands of the decade, and I was worried this album would be a rehash of their last two (which wouldn't have been a bad thing). Instead was some of the old, mixed with some new, very grown up, well put together tracks. Right now I would call it their best album to date. It's that good.

Key Tracks:
Hello Helicopter
Can't Finish What I started
Last Night

Talib Kweli- Eardrum

From one of my favorite bands, to one of my favorite MC's. This was the first serious release by Kweli since the Beautiful Struggle (mix tapes don't count). Eardrum easily surpasses that album, and is right up their with Quality. Nothing Kweli does will ever touch the greatness that was/is Reflection Eternal, but Eardrum comes close. The writing is tight, the beats are unique, and on top of all that there are 20 tracks, 0 interludes. It's how all rap albums should be.

Key Tracks:
The Perfect Beat
Say Something
Soon the New Day

Minus the Bear- Planet of Ice

Menos el Oso was one of my favorite albums of 05', and while this one comes up a bit short compared to it, it still delivers. Minus the Bear make such a unique sound of music that it never gets old. Planet of Ice starts and finishes really strong, but there are a few tracks in the middle that hold the album back from being something really great. However, the closing track, Lotus, is one of the best Minus the Bear songs ever.

Key Tracks:
Lotus
When We Escape
Double Vision Quest

Kanye West- Graduation

I know so many people who think this album is the second coming. I've been a big Kanye fan since I first heard him on Quality, and I think this is the worst thing he has ever made. It feels to me like he just phones this one in. The beats feel like cheap retreads from Late Registration, to many horns, and to many uninspired lyrics. If I'm missing something here, then I have yet to discover it what it is.

Key Tracks:
Stronger
Homecoming

Mae- Singularity

This album bored the crap out of me the first time I listened to it, but when I gave it another shot a week later it was like I was hearing an entirely different album. I still can't explain how that happened. Singularity feels more focused than either of Mae's previous efforts, and while there are still a couple of the trademark sappy Mae songs, they've toned it down quite a bit, with the result being what I consider their best album.

Key Tracks:
Crazy 8's
On Top

Tokyo Rose- The Promise in Compromise

I'm surprised that Tokyo Rose isn't bigger than they are (which isn't big at all). They make very catchy pop-punk and they do it well. I would compare them to Fall Out Boy, with the exception that Tokyo Rose can actually play their music live. The bad has three albums out so far, and not to sound like a broken record, but this one is without a doubt their most complete. It flows nicely, and was a perfect end of summer album.

Key Tracks:
611 Life Session
A Pound of Silver is Worth its Weight in Blood

Sara Bareilles- Little Voice

This is my most unexpected album of all time. I normally have a hard time getting into female artists (mainly because most of the "famous" ones don't write their own music), but with this album I was hooked from the outset. I discovered her because she was one of itunes featured new artists one random week of the summer, and out of curiosity I gave it a listen. She sounds like a happier version of Fiona Apple if I had to compare it to anything. She also writes her own music, which is a big plus.

Key Tracks:
Morningside
Love on the Rocks
Vegas

Maroon 5- It Won't be Soon Before Long

I still have yet to hear Songs About Jane. Which is weird considering I love this album so much, and Songs About Jane has been out since the depression. I probably wouldn't have even heard this album if one of my friends hadn't of given it to me. I'm glad I did hear it, because this is one of the better albums of the year. It's well written, it's funky, and it is one of those that you can press play and listen all the way through. Also, ladies love Maroon 5.

Key Tracks:
Little of your time
Can't Stop
Infatuation

Dr. Dre- The Chronic 2001

How I missed the boat on this album I have no idea, and after getting into over the summer, I'm ashamed of my tardiness. This album is amazing, and will forever remind me of sitting by the freakishly small swimming pool at my apartment complex. That's right. I was gangster.

Key Tracks:
The Watcher
What's the Difference
The Next Episode


So that's what I've been listening to for basically the last 6 months. I highly recommend all of the above. You won't be disappointed.