Now that Santa is done checking off his list, it’s time for me to do the same.  The votes have been cast (all by me) and the results are in for the Top 10 Albums of Winter 2011.  Those lucky enough to make this list then went on to contend with the veterans of my Top 40 Albums of 2011.  When all was said and done, it was a tough decision paring the list down to a Top 10 overall, but I reached deep within and summoned the strength to….oh who am I kidding, I chose the music that kept my iTunes chugging and put the biggest smile on my face.

Hopefully you have found some great music in 2011 and are as excited as I am for more to come in 2012.  Cheers to all and on to the lists!! Continue Reading

Tired of reading the same old cookie-cutter album reviews? Are you forced to reach for the dictionary just to understand those pompous wordsmiths with their syllables and thesaurii? Looking for a fun, new take on the craft? Here is a poem I scribed in honor of The Black Keys’ newest full-length release. No reason, just rhyme.

El Blues Cruise
There are two men from Akron named Patrick and Dan
In two thousand one they started a band.
With Dan on guitar and Pat pounding the drums
Blues rock poured out in infinite sums. Continue Reading

In light of their recent inclusion in my Top 10 Albums of 2011 and the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s worth giving more praise to Givers, the Lafayette, Louisiana quintet that has taken my iPod hostage.  Their debut full length, In Light, dropped in early June and thus their ascent to the top began. Continue Reading

Fall is fast approaching.  Leaves are changing color and soon the branches will bare themselves for the coming of a new year.  At least that’s what I hear.  I live in San Diego, so the four seasons are the stuff of grade school textbooks.  I’ve also heard of a “water cycle”.  I think I’ve seen people riding one on a lake.  Anyway, it’s time for a top albums update. Continue Reading

Kanye has come a long way since his early days of beat-making and dodging death.  While unquestionably talented and (in)famous the world over, the long time Roc-A-Fella Records producer turned contentious and volatile MC has previously existed on an echelon below his boss, Jay-Z.  On Graduation’s “Big Brother”, Kanye depicted this relationship and spelled out the envy and frustration between himself and the messianic HOVA.  Now 11 years after the college dropout made Jesus walk, he’s finally achieved savior status alongside his mentor. Continue Reading

Bon Iver translates to “good winter,” and having waited since 2009’s Blood Bank EP, music fans are eager welcome Wisconsin’s favorite son back from hibernation.  With the June release of the self-titled album Justin Vernon has officially emerged from his cabin and walked directly onto the red carpet.  Now an A-lister in the biz, his talent and celebrity have proven Midas-ian.  Side projects (e.g. Volcano Choir, GAYNGS) and other band members (Sean Carey) are feeling King Justin’s golden touch and rising in the ranks. Continue Reading

Summer has now been breached but the spring sprang some great tunes that shan’t be overlooked.  The top 3 spots on my Albums of the Year list were all replaced by more recent releases and some less obvious shuffling also took place.  Sneak a peek at the music that has carried me beyond Independence Day and place your bets on who will remain through the end of December. Continue Reading