One through five

5. Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis

Oh, Jenny Lewis. Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to figure out whether my opinion of Jenny Lewis' music has perhaps been unfairly influenced with how enamored I am with her. To be totally honest, my love for Jenny probably makes me look at her music in a little more positive light on the whole. But what am I supposed to think about a woman who looks like that, writes songs like she does and also has the voice of a slightly Southern angel? Seriously. That is pretty much the equation for Anthony's perfect wife. Tonight I have attempted to write this entry while actually referencing the song but I do not think it does any justice to just how much I sweat her. This album was nothing all that special on the whole, but "I went to a cobbler to fix a hole in my shoe. He took one look at my face and said 'I can fix that hole in you." What's up double entendre? Enough said. For whatever reason, I am particularly enthralled by "To be lonely is a habit, like smoking or taking drugs. And I quit them both, but man was it rough." My love for Jenny has further blossomed this year and I can only hope she decides to play Richmond again sometime in 2009!

4. A Ghost to Most - Drive-By Truckers

The Truckers are extremely high on my list of bands that I rediscovered in 2008. I had listened to them years ago and saw Jason Isbell (former member) last October. But for whatever reason, they seemed much more important this year than in years past. Maybe it is because I am living in the (fake) South. Regardless, A Ghost to Most is a spectacular track. Both musically and lyrically, it captures a mood perfectly. I had a hard time deciding between this song and Three Dimes Down. In the end, it was really the pedal steel that put A Ghost to Most over the top. It is entirely possible that this song intrigues me because I do not totally understand it. "And beside you're a ghost to most before they notice that you ever had a hair or a hide." I am pretty sure that it implies that people just are not paying attention to someone, but I still cannot totally wrap my mind around the whole ghost idea. Most of the time, when you think of a ghost, you think of something that haunts you. So is "The Stroker Ace" Mike Cooley trying to say that you end up haunting someone before they even really pay attention to you or that just you end up dead? I am starting to lean towards the second one, but who knows. It is a great track and really made me go back to examine the Trucker's catalog again and I am pretty glad that happened.

3. Crying - TV on the Radio

Here is where my list really got impossible. These top three songs each were my number one depending on the time of day and my mood. The song has already been discussed once on this blog and I am not sure that I have a whole lot more to add to the analysis. Then again, that was two months ago. Feels like it was 10 minutes ago. Anyway, "Crying" is a spectacular song on a spectacular record. There are few songs that I have heard in the last few years that truly manage to mix multiple genres and seemingly multiple music eras within a single track without coming off as inauthentic. This song somehow blends Prince with early to mid-1980's new age/R&B thrown in with a little modern indie rock. It sounds like it should not work at all. And yet it does. And in rather impressive fashion. Dear Science is something special in its own right. But this single song is really an example of how sometimes there are single songs that can elevate an album to a different level. Without a track like this, the album is a collection of pretty good songs. But "Crying" makes Dear Science an absolute classic. Some people still have not heard TV on the Radio. And some people have, but have not paid close enough attention to them. This song should change that.

2. Strangers - The Dutchess and the Duke

I am not sure why this is not my number 1 song of 2008. Suppose that just speaks to how highly I hold my actual favorite song of the year. But that should take absolutely nothing away from The Dutchess and the Duke. This is another song that I have talked about on here previously. Back in early September, I saw this band at a tiny venue in Charlottesville. It was one of the more interesting concert experiences I have witnessed in the last few years. And I have seen a lot of shows at a lot of different venues. But this song makes me feel like it is the 60's and CD's are non-existent. The fact that the show was in a basement just makes sense. As with a lot of the songs in my top ten, the lyrics of "Strangers" just suck me in. "But after my digging was done. I realized that just because you lose don't mean that I have won". I know I am not the only one who gets that line. The last few lines of the song are really the ones that get me to be totally honest. I have recited these lyrics in this space previously, but I think they deserve another appearance. "Well I've added up all the things you've done and I've taken a good look at the man that I've become. And maybe we're not strangers after all..." In the context of this track, if that does not make you think of some important decision in your life, I do not know what will. If just evokes a lot of introspection for me. Maybe this is just another example of me being too far in my own head. Ha.

1. You Don't Have To (If You Don't Want To) - Gentleman Jesse

Finally. Best track of the year, hands down. The fact remains that in any other year, "Crying" or "Strangers" would be my favorite song. But for some reason, I could not stop listening to this perfect example of pop punk out of Atlanta. The first I heard of Gentleman Jesse was in 2007 as he released a 7" single that pretty much changed my mind about what music had to be. For those of you that really know me, I tend to gravitate towards music that is somewhat complicated. Whether it was intricate music or lyrics that make you question your own existence, that was pretty much the sort of thing I stuck to in the past. With the introduction of Gentleman Jesse, I found a return to something I could enjoy immensely without having to spend any time thinking about it. There is really something to be said for a perfect pop song released in 2008 that sounds like it should have come out in 1963. This song might not even have words outside of the chorus but I cannot help but sing it. While The Dutchess and the Duke evoke feelings of old folk music, Gentleman Jesse is music ripped straight out of that time. Rather than just making you feel like you could be there, this song transports you to that time. I listen to "You Don't Have To" and I am some 18 year old guy in the 1960's waxing my brand new Chevrolet waiting to take out a cheerleader. I cannot find any better way to describe the way I feel when I listen to this song. Everyone needs to listen to this song and realize that good music does not have to be anywhere near the radio or even close to the radar of most indie rock outlets. Just crack a beer and soak it all in.

OneThroughFive



So honestly, writing about the top five in a more objective manner was much more difficult than writing about the six through ten tracks. Maybe it just so happens that I love these fives songs for reasons that are much more difficult to articulate. Or maybe I just do not want to explain myself for loving certain things. But regardless, I hope that at least one of you listens to one of these ten songs and finds something that interests you. More so than not, the music that I enjoy is really a window into how my life is going and these ten songs are no exception. Enjoy.

Ten through six

All right. Here are songs ten through six. Breaking it up means less work for me tonight. There are plenty of honorable mentions for this list, but I don't think they are going to get much time on here.

10. See/Saw - Jay Reatard

This was a seriously late minute addition to the list and I have to say that I kicked off Bon Iver for it. But as I listened to the Bon Iver album one last time, I realized that I like song better. Sorry white guy with an acoustic guitar. You have been traded in for a white guy with an electric guitar and an ear for pop/punk hooks. My lists in past years would be comprised of too many sad bastard tracks and this year is just a totally reverse of that. My pick of this Jay Retard song is proof positive that my tastes are shifting. That and I just like screaming, "SHE CREEPS ME OUT! SHE CREPT ME IN AGAIN!" Most of you will probably find this one annoying, but it makes me want to chug a can of Bud Diesel and play air guitar.

9. Suffering Jukebox - Silver Jews

"You got Tennessee tendencies and chemical dependencies. You make the same old jokes and malaprops on cue." This is the type of line that only works when delivered in David Berman's perfect monotone. Admittedly, this album pretty much fell off the radar for me. The Silver Jews have made better albums in the past, but Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea was pretty solid in its own right. When I started thinking about my favorite songs from the year however, this one track jumped out at me. Oddly enough, this is the only song on my list that does not come from an album I actually own on vinyl. So I suppose that says something about its staying power. Anyway, this song is pretty much classic Jews for those of you that are familiar with them (probably not anyone who reads this). They are one of the few bands that can pull off the subtle dark humor so well within the context of the music. Not sure if that has more to do with Berman and his delivery than the music itself, but it just works. Probably just something about their sarcasm that attracts me. All in all though, I happen to think this has one of the more clever choruses that I have heard in years. "Suffering jukebox, such a sad machine. You're filled up with what other people need. And they never seem to turn you up loud. Gotta a lot of chatterboxes in this crowd." I am not sure I expect anyone else out there to actually like this song. Well, maybe Colin if he ever reads this.

8. Slapped Actress - The Hold Steady

There have been stretches of nights where this was absolutely my number one song for the year. But as I started thinking more rationally (and sobered up), I realized some things. While it is a good song, I think I get a little tricked by The Hold Steady some time. Their songs just tend to be so anthemic and suck you in so quickly that they can be deceiving. If you are a fan of the band, then you are a fan of this song. Not sure how else to really put it. But does that mean it is great by any means? Not really. The opening crunchy guitar line is really the best part of this song in particular. Lyrically, it is more of Craig Finn's usual, self-referential while stealing from pop culture, subject matter. The song is centered around a John Cassevetes film called Opening Night and the singer and his band become the cast of characters. I think what I initially liked about this song is what eventually led me to put it so low on my list. Listening to the song for pure enjoyment without paying attention to the words is great. But for whatever reason any time I listen to what is actually being said, I'm left thinking, "Why the hell can't this guy stop talking about himself?" In the end, it is the blessing and the curse for The Hold Steady as far as I'm concerned. They have a lot of great music, but Craig Finn ends up talking about them way too much. So much for trying to Stay Positive, eh?

7. All I Ever Wanted - Black Keys

Hammond B3 organ. That instrument alone pretty much put this song on my list over another Black Keys song from Attack & Release. To be totally honest, I know some of the words to a bunch of Black Keys songs. For a dude who admits to being all about words, I probably could not care less what they sing about. The wall of noise that envelops you when the organ wails on is just so viscerally impressive that I cannot help but crack a smile. This song encapsulates everything I love about their music: the dirty Delta sound, the rapid changes in dynamics and the fact that you can feel the songs in your chest under the right conditions. This song really deserves being heard out of some big speakers from about five feet away. It might make you a different person. Or it might make you deaf. Either way, you will be changed!

6. Unforgettable Season - Cut/Copy

Over the last few years, this genre has probably gained the most ground as far as my listening habits are concerned. I always had a little bit of what I guess could be called "electropop" or "dance punk" in my rotation, but these last few years have seen an increase in my interest, thanks to bands like Cut/Copy and The Avalanches. I can think of few better spring time albums than this year's In Ghost Colours. Cut/Copy has been a big favorite of mine since I was introduced to them a few years back with Bright Like Neon Love. Their albums just seem to have a feeling that either makes sense for you or does not. If that makes any sense. Ha. In other words, you get them or you do not. As far as I am concerned, they are not the sort of band you can really grow to love. You either like what they are doing or you hate it. Unforgettable Season is really them doing what they do best. The melodies are built so lavishly and in such an intricate manner. The layers of samples become the light blues, greens and yellows in the album cover. I have a really tough time putting this song above my favorite Cut/Copy song, Time Stands Still, but it is a really close second.


And to download the five track above, click on this and follow the instructions:
TenThroughSix

One through five will be up either tomorrow night or Friday night if I'm feeling particularly lazy tomorrow. Enjoy and give me your thoughts, good or bad.

Coming soon...

I have decided that I need to put together a little list of my favorite songs from the year so far. Honestly, being that we are almost halfway through November, I don't think anything is really going to sneak in by the end of this year. So coming in the next couple of nights is going to be my list with some writing about each song. And don't worry, you will be able to download the songs. As I can figure it right now, there is a good chance that all 10 songs will come from albums that I have on vinyl. Maybe that means I have more of an affinity towards those albums? Who knows. Either way, expect something definitely by the end of this week if not sooner.

And this is why I supported the guy

Obama Positions Himself to Quickly Reverse Bush Actions on Environmental, Social Issues

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/08/AR2008110801856.html?hpid=topnews

For those of you who don't want to register to read this article, it is included at the end of this post.

Science, energy and climate change. Three of the biggest reasons that I supported Barack Obama this election. And three of the issues that I think George W. Bush got all sorts of wrong. For anyone who says, "How can he possibly come up with a list of these things to address within four days of being elected?" I will have to tell you that he has had a team working on this very subject for weeks if not months. Now, I'm sure that some will believe that this sort of thing displays a level of arrogance at assuming victory. But I will vehemently counter that argument with the argument that this is someone who displays preparation. Sorry if that term has been absent from the mind of our leading executive in the last eight years, but some people are capable of it.

By Ceci Connolly and R. Jeffrey Smith

Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, November 9, 2008; Page

Transition advisers to President-elect Barack Obama have compiled a list of about 200 Bush administration actions and executive orders that could be swiftly undone to reverse the president on climate change, stem cell research, reproductive rights and other issues, according to congressional Democrats, campaign aides and experts working with the transition team.

A team of four dozen advisers, working for months in virtual solitude, set out to identify regulatory and policy changes Obama could implement soon after his inauguration. The team is now consulting with liberal advocacy groups, Capitol Hill staffers and potential agency chiefs to prioritize those they regard as the most onerous or ideologically offensive, said a top transition official who was not permitted to speak on the record about the inner workings of the transition.

In some instances, Obama would be quickly delivering on promises he made during his two-year campaign, while in others he would be embracing Clinton-era policies upended by President Bush during his eight years in office.

"The kind of regulations they are looking at" are those imposed by Bush for "overtly political" reasons, in pursuit of what Democrats say was a partisan Republican agenda, said Dan Mendelson, a former associate administrator for health in the Clinton administration's Office of Management and Budget. The list of executive orders targeted by Obama's team could well get longer in the coming days, as Bush's appointees are rushing to enact a number of last-minute policies in an effort to extend his legacy.

A spokeswoman said yesterday that no plans for regulatory changes had been finalized. "Before he makes any decisions on potential executive or legislative actions, he will be conferring with congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as interested groups," Obama transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said. "Any decisions would need to be discussed with his Cabinet nominees, none of whom have been selected yet."

Still, the preelection transition team, comprising mainly lawyers, has positioned the incoming president to move fast on high-priority items without waiting for Congress.

Obama himself has signaled, for example, that he intends to reverse Bush's controversial limit on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, a decision that scientists say has restrained research into some of the most promising avenues for defeating a wide array of diseases such as Parkinson's. Bush's August 2001 decision pleased religious conservatives who have moral objections to the use of cells from days-old human embryos, which are destroyed in the process.

But Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) said that during Obama's final swing through her state in October, she reminded him that because the restrictions were never included in legislation, Obama "can simply reverse them by executive order." Obama, she said, "was very receptive to that." Opponents of the restrictions have already drafted an executive order he could sign.

The new president is also expected to lift a so-called global gag rule barring international family planning groups that receive U.S. aid from counseling women about the availability of abortion, even in countries where the procedure is legal, said Cecile Richards, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. When Bill Clinton took office in 1993, he rescinded the Reagan-era regulation, known as the Mexico City Policy, but Bush reimposed it.

"We have been communicating with his transition staff" almost daily, Richards said. "We expect to see a real change."

While Obama said at a news conference last week that his top priority would be to stimulate the economy and create jobs, his advisers say that focus will not delay key shifts in social and regulatory policies, including some -- such as the embrace of new environmental safeguards -- that Obama has said will have long-term, beneficial impacts on the economy.

The president-elect has said, for example, that he intends to quickly reverse the Bush administration's decision last December to deny California the authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles. "Effectively tackling global warming demands bold and innovative solutions, and given the failure of this administration to act, California should be allowed to pioneer," Obama said last January.

California had sought permission from the Environmental Protection Agency to require that greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles be cut by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016, effectively mandating that cars achieve a fuel economy standard of at least 36 miles per gallon within eight years. Seventeen other states had promised to adopt California's rules, representing in total 45 percent of the nation's automobile market. Environmentalists cheered the California initiative because it would stoke innovation that would potentially benefit the entire country.

"An early move by the Obama administration to sign the California waiver would signal the seriousness of intent to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil and build a future for the domestic auto market," said Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Before the election, Obama told others that he favors declaring that carbon dioxide emissions are endangering human welfare, following an EPA task force recommendation last December that Bush and his aides shunned in order to protect the utility and auto industries.

Robert Sussman, who was the EPA's deputy administrator during the Clinton administration and is now overseeing EPA transition planning for Obama, wrote a paper last spring strongly recommending such a finding. Others in the campaign have depicted it as an issue on which Obama is keen to show that politics must not interfere with scientific advice.

Some related reforms embraced by Obama's transition advisers would alter procedures for decision-making on climate issues. A book titled "Change for America," being published next week by the Center for American Progress, an influential liberal think tank, will recommend, for example, that Obama rapidly create a National Energy Council to coordinate all policymaking related to global climate change.

The center's influence with Obama is substantial: It was created by former Clinton White House official John D. Podesta, a co-chairman of the transition effort, and much of its staff has been swept into planning for Obama's first 100 days in office.

The National Energy Council would be a counterpart to the White House National Economic Council that Clinton created in a 1993 executive order. "It would make sure all the oars are rowing in the right direction" and ensure that climate change policy "gets lots of attention inside the White House," said Daniel J. Weiss, a former Sierra Club official and senior fellow with the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

The center's new book will also urge Obama to sign an executive order requiring that greenhouse gas emissions be considered whenever the federal government examines the environmental impact of its actions under the existing National Environmental Policy Act. Several key members of Obama's transition team have already embraced the idea.

Other early Obama initiatives may address the need for improved food and drug regulation and chart a new course for immigration enforcement, some Obama advisers say. But they add that only a portion of his early efforts will be aimed at undoing Bush initiatives.

Despite enormous pent-up Democratic frustration, Obama and his team realize they must strike a balance between undoing Bush actions and setting their own course, said Winnie Stachelberg, the center's senior vice president for external affairs.

"It took eight years to get into this mess, and it will take a long time to get out of it," she said. "The next administration needs to look ahead. This transition team and the incoming administration gets that in a big way."

Staff writers Juliet Eilperin, Spencer S. Hsu and Carol D. Leonnig and staff researcher Madonna Lebling contributed to this report.

History in the making

My goodness. This has clearly been one of the best nights in recent memory. John McCain just gave the greatest concession speech that I have ever seen. This election was absolutely dirty. But it is now over. Obama carried VA and I could not be more happy at this very moment. This country is going to face challenging days ahead. I want everyone to realize that. But we will have a President in office who is not afraid to admit that he made a mistake. And that is really all we can ask out of any human beings. Seriously. American really did get it right this time around. Hate all you want. I don't care!!!

Get out and vote

Today will be an historic day. My vote has already been cast. Please go out and do the same, regardless of who choose. Thank you.