Let the Right One In

Vampires appear to be back in vogue this year. I can't keep track of how many times I've been hit over the head with HBO's marketing campaign for True Blood (The Complete First Season out now, by the way). And even people whose tastes I normally don't question are succumbing to the lure of the PG-13, Christian-mom-penned Twilight movie (and books). But the best piece of vampire lore of recent vintage is, without a doubt, an obscure little Swedish film, Let the Right One In.  A whole different kind of vampire movie, Let the Right One In still touches on the tried and true themes of innocence lost and eternal love. But the pre-teen protagonists and the stark, cold Sweden in the late '70s setting makes Let the Right One In a wholly unique experience. Relying little on horror and gore, Let the Right One In traffics in the loneliness of immortality and the chilling heartlessness of other people. A stunning film about what it is that makes us human, that just happens to involve vampires.

Whitefield Brothers / Death - In the Raw / For the Whole World to See

Best re-issues of the year. Whitefield Brothers...I always knew this album was too good to be true. When it first came out circa 2001, the Whitefield Brothers' In the Raw was a perfect slab of hard and dirty sounding Afro-funk. Minimal and raw, the bands tight but laid back rhythms dance around sampled tribal chants and syncopated beats. Mysterious in its lack of liner notes, I believed, or at least wanted to believe, that it was some lost album made by anonymous African musicians quietly re-issued to little or no fanfare. Years later, In the Raw has been once more re-issued. This time, liner notes reveal the truth behind the mystery. Those Antibalas/Dap-Kings/etc. jokers have pulled the wool over our eyes again. Oh well, sometimes fake can be just as good.

Death: Lately it seems there's always some 60's proto-punk band being (re)discovered and making record collectors go mental. Most of the time, it's just some BS regional garage band that managed one good song before they split up 'cuz the drummer had to go to college. Not so with Death. Three Detroit brothers, who just happened to also be "brothers," started this band and, after some timely exposure to The MC5 and The Stooges, coalesced into one badass rock outfit that could've been as much of a precursor to punk and hardcore as those other two Motor City bands. As usually happens though, things just didn't go right and it's only now, some 35 years later, that these tapes see the light of day.

Camera Obscura / Jarvis Cocker - My Maudlin Career / Further Complications

Best pop albums of the year: Camera Obscura...In my mind, everyone in Glasgow, Scotland is in a band and dresses like fashionable librarians. Of course, I've been there and I know this isn't true at all. However, let's put aside reality and instead maintain the belief that Camera Obscura really is representative of most of their native city. Because who wouldn't want to live in their fairy tale world of supremely catchy literary love songs? Filled with lush orchestrations, girl group production, and even hints of country and Americana (not bad for some Northern heathens), Camera Obscura's fourth album is both bookish and worldly in its pleasures.

Jarvis Cocker: To be honest, I'm not so impressed with Jarvis's sophomore effort. But his reinvention as a sort of renaissance man for the new millennium cannot go unheralded. Now relocated to Paris, Brit-pop's perennial outsider dabbles in performance art, social commentary, and rock stardom (also, don't forget being a husband and father). This man's a genius and will one day be canonized in the same halls as his idols.

Scott Walker: 30 Century Man

One of the most enigmatic figures in pop music finally gets his due. In regards to his journey from lusted-after teen idol to well respected avant-garde composer, so much has already been said about Scott Walker that there's not much to add. But not only does this documentary feature interviews with a myriad of well-known musical figures singing Walker's praises, but the filmmakers are actually allowed into the studio to document the notoriously reclusive pop star/songwriter/composer as he records his critically acclaimed 2006 studio album, The Drift. A rare treat about a rare talent.

Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs - Dirt Don't Hurt

This one continues in the bottles and cans, down-home feel of her last album, You Can't Buy a Gun When You're Crying, but it's even better!  Plus, the vinyl is a cool splatter with harvest colors.

The Misfits - Walk Among Us

Who doesn't like The Misfits?

Mirrors - Something That Would Never Do

This thing just magically fell into my lap one day. It was a really good day. This band from 1970s Cleveland really likes the Velvet Underground, which is cool with me because I do too! They even try to pass off a VU song for their own with "Hands in My Pockets," a sped up, chopped up version of VU's "Guess I'm Falling in Love." Almost every song is awesome, and the others are really cool too.  If you like this you should probably try to get your hands on Simply Saucer's Cyborg's Revisited and The Twinkeyz Aliens in our Midst.

The Hunches - Exit Dreams

These guys play badass music that they put together with some creative production techniques, like using a tea kettle. This album moves and shakes, then it gets really spazzy, and then it comes back a different person - kind of like a good friend who may or may not have a drug problem... but not the debilitating kind, more like the having a good time kind.

Sweet Movie / WR: Mysteries of the Organism

These films got released on Criterion a while back. Not exactly new but they are still amazing and will probably creep you out and/or get you really excited about making movies. He was doing this stuff when it was illegal, and he does it really well. Not to mention Carol Laure is a knockout as "Miss World 1984" in Sweet Movie.

Eat Skull - Wild and Inside

I like this album because it is much better than their first one. It's like they are trying out many of the same things but do them better and more successfully.  They are writing something that sounds more and more like a Guided by Voices album (in a good way, in case there was any confusion...). And any album with a song about cooking lots of good things is cool by me.

Abner Jay - True Story of Abner Jay/One Man Band

Abner Jay is one of my heroes. The CD from Anthology has some more talking parts where he tells you how everything is "trrrble!" If you are into people who play banjo, bass drum, hi-hats, harmonica, and sing at the same time (and do it well) this guy is for you. He's got the blues and he could probably give 'em to you if you want him to.

tip: You should check out BB and the Bop-Guns.  They will probably have played their first and last show before this gets printed.  Also www.ubu.com is probably the coolest/best site on the internet for experimental films from all over.  It's a growing archive of awesomeness.  And listen to more Billy Childish; he keeps getting better and better.  And Mississippi Records is always putting out good music.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

White Rabbits - It's Frightening

The Walkmen - You & Me

The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca

Deerhunter - Rainwater Cassette Exchange

Modest Mouse - Satellite Skin 7"

Cryptacize - Mythomania

Ganglians - Ganglians

Modest Mouse - Autumn Beds 7"

Port O'Brien - Threadbare

God Help The Girl - God Help The Girl

Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian.

Suset Rubdown - Dragonslayer

tip: A few local faves: Maus Haus, The Cerfs, The Super Cutes, and White Cloud.  Google them!

The Horrors - Primary Colours

Sure, this band gets a lot of hype, but they actually deserve it! I'm already hungry for the third album, but it'll probably be another two years until that one comes out. But like this one, I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.

Repo! The Genetic Opera

Where else can you see the likes of Skinny Puppy's Ogre, the main star in A Night In Paris (Hilton), Sarah Brightman, and Paul Sorvino all in the same movie? Well, a sci-fi/horror/musical of course! Also, once you hear the song, "Zydrate Anatomy," it will echo in your head for weeks.

The Crystelles - Sutras

One wouldn't really expect an album like this from a former member of Christian Death. However, even with the goth crowd, there will be some converts. Gitane Demone and her daughter, Zara Kand, play very stripped down swampy blues, garage rock, and gospel. Enthusiasts of all those genres will be pleasantly surprised. It's only available on vinyl, and maybe even a limited run! So go get one before they're gone!

Tosca - No Hassle

Has anyone coined the term "Krautronica" yet? (If not, then I'll take the credit now! But I'm sure it's been kicked around somewhere.) This is great late night music for zoning out or working on a project.

My Bloody Valentine

Finally, after all these years, a bloody version of MBV! Plus you have the option to watch the theatrical version, but why?! Haven't gotten around to the remake as I write this, but 3D is always cool in my book.

P.O.S - Never Better

Welcome to Hip-Hop’s demolition derby. P.O.S supplies a wrecking ball full of heated verses and beats, while the rest of Doomtree’s grade-A production squad bring along the extra dynamite. Basically, you know SOMETHING is going to get blown up… and it just might be your speakers. Never Better may not have quite as many stand out tracks as P.O.S’ breakthrough Audition, but it’s his most consistent record to date and another very solid offering from the always amazing Doomtree camp. Crazy interchangeable artwork and transparent packaging supplied by the quality folks at Rhymesayers Entertainment. Buckle up and listen.

Cecil Otter - Rebel Yellow

Cecil. Workin’ man’s poet. Deck of cards in one hand, six shooter cocked back in the other. Doomtree’s American Renaissance man Mr. Otter waxes poetic over 13 self-produced tracks, and manages to create a pretty unique atmosphere on his album Rebel Yellow. It’s like hearing Hip-Hop channeled through a darker version of Doc Holliday, with the music and lyrics evoking mythical images of the Old West. Cecil’s intriguing personality and excellent beats carry this very solid album into repeated listening territory, like the kind of American Hip-Hop fable you can never get enough of.  Rebel Yellow technically came out in 2008, but was re-released with better distribution by Strange Famous Records in 2009… just another way of saying “no more excuses for sleeping.”

Toki Wright - A Different Mirror

Minnesnowta swagger! “Hungry” is one way you could describe Toki’s rapping on his first official album, which arrives after years of grinding on the Minneapolis scene and touring with Brother Ali. “Talented” is another. Toki really demonstrates his versatility throughout the album by covering a wide variety of interesting topics, and has a particular talent for getting his moods across in the way he raps. He clearly knows how to manipulate a beat with his voice, and never drops the ball as far as cadence goes. Funky production provided mostly by Minneapolis mainstay Benzilla, with some guest verses from Brother Ali, I Self Devine, and Scarub of Living Legends thrown in the mix to spice things up. Special discounted price from Rhymesayers too. Did I mention that the track “Truth or Dare” is worth the price of admission alone?

Big Quarters - From the Home of Brown Babies & White Mothers

Are you one of those people who loves to hear the homemade DIY aesthetic reach its fullest potential? Who likes to see what sort of funk one can dig out of the lo-fi? Who just digs good old-fashioned Minneapolis Hip-Hop? Chances are, Big Quarters is for you. The love that this duo has for their music really shines through in the material, and it pays off. While Brandon Allday has some great topics and rhymes, the star of the show here is definitely Medium Zach, whose interesting take on production brings the album to life in its choices of lo-fi funk samples and live instrumentation. The resulting sound is original, without being too far removed from the traditions of old school Hip-Hop beat-making. Throw in the unfair advantage of having one of the catchiest hooks in ages with their track “Barter System,” and it amounts to a very high recommendation on my part.

Kill the Vultures - Ecce Beast

The odd one in. Kill the Vultures consists of MC Crescent Moon and DJ Anatomy, who some may remember as two members of the now defunct Minneapolis Hip-Hop group Oddjobs. It doesn’t take long to see why Oddjobs disbanded, as the sound of Kill the Vultures couldn’t be further removed from the bouncy funk that characterized their former group. Crescent Moon spits rhymes bordering on spoken word in his slow drawl over Anatomy’s noisy jazz instrumentals, which don’t always make for easy listening. Crescent’s soul-tinged voice is top notch, however, and Anatomy balances it very well with his off-kilter production. Like a drinking session between a poet and a jazz band gone right, conceptually focused on inner-city crime. Challenge yourself with repeated listens, and proceed to get rewarded for it.

tip: Also check for the amazing self-titled records by Doomtree and Heiruspecs (if you haven't already), and be on the lookout for new ones from Sims, Brother Ali, and I Self Devine.

Wendy and Lucy

Aaahhhh, Michelle Williams.

Various Artists - Last Kind Words 1926-1953

Michael Hurley & Pals - Armchair Boogie

Various Artists - I Woke Up One Morning In May

The Vaselines - Enter The Vaselines

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Chorusing, spirited flights of fanciful orchestrated chaos.

The Human Quena Orchestra - The Politics of the Irredeemable

Demon sounds full of: love-lust-power-kill kill kill-sloth-panic-hearts.

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Sweet confessional. This is the album I can't stop listening to. Like the first time I ever heard Boy With an Arab Strap by Belle and Sebastian. It's like that.

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

Heartfelt awkwardness.  Velvet voice of an angry, yet docile, raccoon...I mean fox!

P.O.S - Never Better

This dude is the sweetest.

Marianne Faithfull - Easy Come Easy Go

COVERS! One of my all-time favorite female voices working with contemporary music's finest, from Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons) to Nick Cave, performing songs by notables such as Morrissey and Merle Haggard. BRILLIANT.

Kylesa - Static Tensions

Wait, how many drummers? How many vocalists? Sweeet. Why, oh why do I keep missing you play?

Ordination of Aaron - Discography

Don't YOU miss the '90s? I sure do. Excellent packaging, beautiful and nostalgic sounds, and features the work of Amoeba's very own Billy Sprague!

Bottle Rocket - Criterion Collection

The first from a great.

Abrupt - Abrupt

Bay Area Punk at its ballistic brassiness. This album had more recommendation stickers on it than any other in Amoeba Berkeley history, or so I'm told. I think we may like it a little!

tip: Drink at Eli's Mile High Club. Dance at the Missouri Lounge. Eat at Cafe Colucci. Play in the park. Be kind to your friends. Pet puppies and kitties. Rub their noses with yours! Stay true to yourself. And buy me the Agnes Varda box set! I need presents! please?

Masshysteri - Var Del Av Stan

Melodic punk rock from Umea, Sweden that will make you want to shake your hips and move your feet. Ex-members of other great bands such as The Vicious, Gorilla Angreb, and Regulations.

Hjertestop - Vi Ses I Helvede

Melodic punk rock from Copenhagen, Denmark. Catchy while still pissed and totally raw. Best shows of 2009!

Surrender - Paper Thrones

Peace punk for the 21st century from Bay Area locals. Standard comparisons to old Crass Records' bands are fitting, but with a dash of riot grrrl for good measure.

Punch - Punch

New LP from these SF ragers. Fast, furious, brutal, heavy... you name it, they do it right.