I’ve already divulged my Top Albums of 2011, but some of you might be thinking, “Hey LDD, let’s get specific.  I would really love it if you were to highlight the exact tracks that created cavalcades of emotion for you in the past year; from the boogie in yer underwear hits to the introspective think pieces that leave you tingly.”  Well lucky for you (and thanks to a recommendation from Ryan O.) I’ve done just that.  The best 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 52 seconds of music from 2011 according to some random internet guy with too much free time on his hands.

Now that it’s almost 2013, here are….

The Top Songs | 2011 Continue Reading

I have found more than one occasion this year to applaud The Antlers most recent album, Burst Apart.  Currently sitting atop my 2011 list of Top Albums, it proves a dense fusion of melancholy, yet powerful musicianship.  Start to finish, the NYC trio tender deep emotion for audiences listening below the surface of already brilliant sound waves. Continue Reading

While eternally youthful in name and spirit, the Beastie Boys have long since become men.  Having over 25 years of experience in hip-hop, the boys’ opportunities for reflection are plentiful.  Instead of selfishly hoarding these memories, they have graciously bestowed upon us a jam-packed feature-length film that doubles as the video for “Make Some Noise” (off the forthcoming album, Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2; out May 3rd) and also delivers a hysterical look back on the song/video/lifestyle that set the music industry on its ear way back in 1985. Continue Reading

I love it when good bands get paid.  Or as Beck might say, “get real paid.”  Moreover, I love it when said bands use that money to deliver even higher quality product(s).  Traditionally more money is associated with more production, more marketing, and more radio play, but there are other avenues for bands to channel their new monies and not all of them result in Mo Problems. Continue Reading

Better known for folk ballads that drip like molasses, Sam Beam switched up the formula for this year’s Kiss Each Other Clean.  Sporting a more “in your face” sound, his fan base has been experiencing a degree of shock and to a lesser extent, disillusionment.

Sam?  Is that you??  Are you there?…under that beard? Continue Reading

Cheers to New Years.  It doesn’t have to be December 31^st (slash) January 1^st to reminisce about the good times you’ve had at the turn of each New Year.  More specifically, this video highlights the fact that it’s never too soon to recall NYE shenanigans that should have been forgotten long ago. Continue Reading

I have mixed feelings about Lenny Kravitz’ music, but this awesomely creative video, featuring the likes of Justice, puts all that trepidation in check…for at least 4 minutes, 9 seconds.  This gem from 2009 kicks off with a rooftop duel featuring what appears to be Marty McFly capping David Carradine* right between the eyes in order to save his babe.  Super sweet. Continue Reading