MY 10 FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2012

By Sean Kayden

Another year, another top 10 list. They’re never easy to compile. With a plethora of favorite songs this year, it was very difficult to come up with my personal favorites. Quite a few records fell short of the eclectic list, but in the end the following ten bands released indelible, powerful, and thrilling albums.

10. The XX – “Coexist”

9. The Rest – “Seesaw”

8. Japandroids – “Celebration Rock”

7. The Gaslight Anthem – “Handwritten”

6. Twin Shadow – “Confess”

5. LORD HURON – “LONESOME DREAMS” - The aptly titled Lord Huron’s debut album really strikes a cord with the American people. In the age we live in, lonesome dreams are ever so apparent. “Lonesome Dreams” is a vast, ambitious, poignant piece of music. It echoes along the borders of Fleet Foxes with its harmonies, but they shouldn’t be restrained to just sheer comparisons. While Lord Huron may not be completely treading new ground, they’re at least carving their own path. It seems we’re all figuring how to do so and “Lonesome Dreams” may just be the soundtrack that leads you down it. There is this alluring attribute, a wistful sound that magically spans over the course of the 10-track album. The dreariness of long days and sleepless nights are alleviated thorough this tranquil resonance. It’s the epitome of a true American album and while the revelations exposed may not be all that new, it doesn’t mean they are any less true. The themes of immortality, impending doom, and helplessness blues can be discovered here, but also the whimsical cheerfulness in songs such as “Time To Run.” The record, an even keel of optimism and perennial caution, remains embedded in the blood that pumps out the veins of this album. “Lonesome Dreams” debuted back in October, but it still hummed along to a buoyant summer resonance, but also unequivocally finds itself in the melancholic autumn season. With this hovering layer of hope and idealism on “Lonesome Dreams,” it becomes a place where the heavy hearts, dreamers, and un-conformists can meet and unite as one. 

4. TANLINES – “MIXED EMOTIONS” - Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm, the dynamic duo behind Tanlines, have already been on the scene for a couple years. However, it’s not until now that the boys from Brooklyn have released their debut LP, “Mixed Emotions.” The influences range from pop, indie, dance and even world music. The aptly titled record is exactly what the record feels like—a collection of mixed emotions developed into one of the most vivacious sounding records thus far this year. Despite the customary lyrics, the real attraction is the band’s overall sound and how Emm’s sprightly vocals oscillate with each line. The music absolutely brings the listener to a completely new emotional elevation. The bending of genres is both brilliant and utterly alluring. There is something naturally genial about “Mixed Emotions.” The songs are constructed in such an effervescent, expressive, and earnest manner. I’m not sure if another album this year was filled with so much raw passion, vitality, and ebullience. It’s amazing how everything feels perfectly executed. Tanlines have composed a record with songs that will either have your feet moving to the beats, your mind contemplating whatever troubles you, or your heart finding much needed relief. In the end, “Mixed Emotions” is an outstanding achievement that ultimately makes for a truly incredible debut presentation.

3. PASSION PIT – “GOSSAMER” - Hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, electropop darlings Passion Pit find themselves bursting back onto the scene with “Gossamer,” the successor to their 2009 breakthrough album, “Manners”. Simply put, “Gossamer” is pure awesomeness for the summer season. It’s glorious, beautiful, amazing in every aspect. It’s brighter and bubblier than their last outing, which is saying a whole lot if you’re already familiar with their previous material. Passion Pit mixes synthesizers, tweaked post-production vocals, funky beats, the occasional R&B vibe and an overall pop sound that is exceptionally revitalizing. “Gossamer” is a smashingly high-quality record that should cater to both indie and mainstream fans equally. The fun seriously never stops for its 48 minutes of length. While some people may mistake the album for being grandiloquent in nature, I absolutely love the overblown sound. The high flowing energy “Gossamer” brings to the table is not only mind-blowing, but also commendable on Passion Pit’s part. They slow down a bit in the R&B inspired tune, “Constant Conversations”. It’s a welcoming small departure that’s smooth, sexy, and is easily superior to anything that’s been released by artists who are confined to that genre as their dominant stomping ground. Credit is due for Passion Pit for their tremendous efforts of not only expanding upon their artistic abilities, but also pushing the envelope even further. The record outdoes its predecessor in every imaginative way possible and ends up being the closest thing to a pop masterpiece in quite sometime.

2. BEACH HOUSE – “BLOOM” - Dream-pop aficionados, Beach House, have somehow managed to stay within the margins of their genre of expertise, but further expand their dreamy and hauntingly immaculate resonance on their latest record. “Bloom,” comes off the heels of their acclaimed 2010 opus, “Teen Dream,” which wowed critics and fans alike. “Bloom” dazzles and hypnotizes with its atmospheric haze that embodies the ten glorious tracks. The innately organic tone Beach House offers is a marvel to become fully immersed with. There is something truly remarkable to the weightlessness each track plays off. That’s not to say they don’t provide any substance because they do, but attempting to discover this kind of utter beauty anywhere else may as well be a futile task. Darkly layered rhythms and immensely personal, “Bloom” takes you on an ethereal journey. Composed of stunning melodies and a deep complexity of arrangements, the album is a passage to an unearthly reality. Seemingly flawless from start to finish, “Bloom” is exactly what it’s named after—a period of time which sparks the utmost exquisiteness and imagination. The real treat with “Bloom” is the voyage from beginning to end—one I may add, will stay with you far after your return back.

1. MOTORAMA – “CALENDAR” - Motorama are a band hailing from Rostov-on-Don (Southern river port), Russia. Their sound is considered to be post-punk rock, but you’ll unmistakably notice the ‘80s new wave style blended into their unique style. However, to lump them into any genre isn’t fair. “Calendar” features ten remarkable tracks. The consistency of the album is astounding. That’s not to say the band plays anything too safe because they hardly ever do. Their talent of crafting soothing and peaceful melodies is rather astonishing. Rarely can a group put you in a perpetual reverie state like the way this five-piece band does. There is no denying how their sound induces a strong presence, one that needs not to be ignored or freely dismissed. If you’re looking for some of the best music offered in any country, look no further than Motorama. These guys will shock you on how great they are. , Motorama will completely surprise you on every track. Their sound is sweet and while it gallops fluently, it will draw you in like a strong vortex. Listening to their sophomore album, “Calendar” is like heading to unknown terrain. You don’t know what you’ll discover, but when you do find that something, you’ll realize it’s exactly that very thing you’ve been missing all along. “Calendar” brings you an arsenal of pensively twee pop tunes. There’s no lack of warmth, heart, or soul. Everything found on the album was unexpected pleasure matched with unparalleled beauty. With some of the best sounding arrangements I’ve ever heard, Motorama’s follow-up album, “Calendar,” is an extraordinary accomplishment on all levels of production. This isn’t just the best album of the year, but one of the greatest albums in quite sometime.

Published by Mountain Views News on December 22nd, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n51/p11.htm

"Killing Them Softly" - Review

Written and Directed by: Andrew Dominik

Based on the novel “Cogan's Trade” by George V. Higgins

Rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language, and some drug use

Release Date: November 30^th, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

Have you ever been so amped up to see a movie after initially seeing its trailer? That was the case for me with “Killing Them Softly.” An apparently badass, old school crime movie destined to be a memorable one, if not a classic. On the contrary, I quickly found myself in a theater utterly disinterested by the political undertones, straightforward storytelling, and the way things were heighten so greatly, they simply came across as phony. When writers attempt to tell a tale about the enigmatic crime underworld with the involvement of gamblers, degenerates, and derelicts, most appear to have no real life experience with the potentially dark environment. That’s the problem with Andrew Dominik’s adapted screenplay. Perhaps, I’m being too critical, but something is awry when you’re shaking your head at characters’ choices and feeling a sense of bewilderment by the actions characters would take to solve a problem. “Killing Them Softly” looks beautiful, but physical appearance wears off thin. Underneath the aesthetics, you have a one-trick pony that’s riddled with clichés, buried with political drivel, and about as monotonous as watching paint dry.

“Killing Them Softly” begins with a man named the “Squirrel” (an owner of a dry cleaner) who hires two lackeys for an easy, “get in-get out” job. They are going to hit up a poker game hosted by Ray Liotta’s character, Markie. By the way, Ray Liotta is about as washed up as the cities Hurricane Sandy just pummeled through. He offered nothing and is only associated with this movie because Liotta is a perennial wise guy. As I digress, the reason it’s described as an easy, no strings attached job is because a few years ago Markie hired two guys to rob his own game. Not too long after, high on his own supply in a sense, Markie professes what he did at a random poker game to others. They all had a good laugh until word got back to a man named Dylan and his muscle, who apparently are the enforcers at these back alley gamers. They don’t take too kindly to the news and rough up Markie a bit. Therefore, if Markie’s game gets hit again, all fingers will point to him.

After these two lost souls do the deed, Markie gets some heat from the guys upstairs. This is where Brad Pitt’s character comes in. They realize Markie probably didn’t do it, but someone must pay. Shortly afterward one of the guys who part took in the poker bust, a heroin addict of all people, gloats about what he did to a guy who works for this mysterious man named Dylan (played by Sam Shepard). Dylan handles these dire situations where someone must pay for their wrong doings. Long story short, Brad Pitt’s too cool for school character must take care of the two guys involved as well as the “Squirrel” who orchestrated the heist. He brings in James Gandolfini, an old school hitman looking for work by figuring this is a two-man job. With recession prices to boot, they get Gandolfini for less than he normally would ask for. Anyway, his character Mickey is obscene, rude, and a perpetual drunk. He’s only in two scenes, but they are the longest and worst scenes in the movie. He goes on a tirade about his previous heydays, women he’s fornicated with, and whatever else that is still holding him together. Bottom line, Gandolfini’s outing is embarrassing and sadly one that’s reminiscent of his old alter ego, Tony Soprano. He’s gone from the movie rather quickly, but by that time, you’re already feeling the pain from sitting through the first hour or so.

You can argue all you want that the picture is a lot deeper than what appears at face value. However, if you want be reminded about the recession then just open up any US circulated newspaper or better yet take a hard look at your own financial structure if needed. Brad Pitt may be smooth as silk but even is strong presence can't overtake the barebones storytelling, incompetent character decisions, and serious lack of thrills and chills. The only redeeming quality of the film perhaps takes place in the final scene. Brad Pitt’s character Jackie goes on rant about Thomas Jefferson and his hypocrisy and President Obama's outlook on the American people. Jackie boldly states America not being a country but a business. It’s definitely a thought provoking claim on how what this country is transitioning into, which is a pitiful scenario nonetheless. This may cause ire for many viewers, but same thing goes for those anticipating a great 21st century crime film this holiday season and instead come away with a big lump of coal. I rather be killed off softly than sit through “Killing Them Softly” for another go around.

Grade: 1.5 out 5

Published by Mountain Views News on December 15th, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n50/p12.htm

"Silver Linings Playbook" - Review

Written and Directed by: David O. Russell

Based on the novel by: Matthew Quick

Rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity

Release Date: November 21^st, 2012 (limited)

Review by: Sean Kayden

When the first trailer debuted for Silver Linings Playbook, I had my reservations about it. It seemed too nice, too safe, especially for writer/director David O. Russell (The Fighter, I Heart Huckabees, Three Kings). I was also afraid of it being a formulaic quintessential Hollywood romantic comedy. While the ending was predictable, it was the finale you were rooting for all along. What separates this picture from others in the genre are the strong multifaceted characters, the impeccable balance of both drama and comedy, and keen sense of insight on the subject matter at hand. Silver Linings Playbook is a strong showcase in all aspects—intelligent writing, perceptive direction, and razor-sharp efforts from the talented ensemble of actors.
     Bradley Copper plays Pat Solatano, a substitute teacher getting released from state institute for beating up the man his wife was cheating on him with. Determined to turn his life around, Pat will do whatever it takes to win back his wife despite the circumstances that stand in his way. However, he isn’t allowed to speak to her because of a court-ruled restraining order due to his violent nature and temperamental mood swings. In the mean time, his mother and father want the best for their son and have him be a part of their obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pat’s dad, played by Robert DeNiro (seriously his best role in years and one worthy of a supporting Oscar nomination) is a superstitious bookmaker. His superstitions play a significant role in the film, but ultimately he just wants to reconnect with his son, who’s seemingly lost and driven to get his wife back that may not even love him anymore. However, Pat meets Tiffany, a girl with her own baggage and deeply ingrained problems after the death of her husband. The two individuals form an unconventional and rather unlikely friendship after Pat reluctantly agrees to team up with her for a dance competition. In return she gives a letter he wrote to his wife. With the Philadelphia Eagles season on the line, the dedication it’ll take for Pat to practice for this dance competition and the unreserved optimism in him that his wife will take him back, the movie’s storylines blend effortlessly together. Silver Linings Playbook is more than a character-driven story, it’s exceedingly far more gratifying than a typical rom-com, and with characters you actually care about and root for, the overall package is undeniably difficult to dismiss.

What easily could have been a tame and rather lame one-dimensional dud ended up being an invigorating, emotionally packed gem that is brutally honest, sincere, quite humorous and surprisingly uplifting. The film has everything you could possibly want: drama, laughter, romantic elements, family dynamics and the sense of authenticity within each and every supporting character. For a film that tackles the themes of changing your life for the better and finding that silver lining, it truly exceeds on nearly all accounts.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

Published by Mountain Views News on December 8th, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n49/p12.htm

Night Moves - "Colored Emotions"

Artist: Night Moves

Album: Colored Emotions

Label: Domino Records

Release Date: October 16, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

The Twin Cities natives Night Moves have a smooth take off on their first endeavor, “Colored Emotions,” but their flight has some turbulence along the way. Luckily, there’s no crash landing and come out of that rough patch in one piece. With the combination of 70s glam rock and pop-country flair of late 80s/early 90s acts to alternative rock of the early 2000s, Night Moves occupies a lot of style with a decent amount of substance to boot. At only ten songs, three of which are less than two minutes long, the album demands to be listened in its full entirety. Luckily, it’s a breezy and mostly consistent voyage from beginning to end. There are a lot of transitions that are powerful and moving, but the sum of the album is greater than its parts. Despite that, there’s a lot of fun to be had on the debut record. Not only does Night Moves connect to their generation, but also effortlessly evoke the sounds of previous one too.

A bit of country, a bit of soul, and a lot of soft rock, Night Moves feel like their from another era and I am perfectly content with that. You can’t really pinpoint the exact sound of the band since they have discernable influences that are all over the board. In today’s music Night Moves is a mix between glam-psychedelic rockers MGMT and freewheelin’ folk-rock aficionados, My Morning Jacket. The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac would fit the bill as the band’s earlier influences. Listening to “Colored Emotions” doesn’t require much attention, but if you do attentively take note, you’re actually in for quite a refreshing sound for today’s era. If you take it at face value, you may appreciate the sounds of the past three decades, but if you rather just listen to a band from those years, you might as well take heed and seek another different music outlet.

The best track is the opener, “Headlights.” It begins like a classic 70s jam and simply hooks you in with its build ups and drop offs consistently running through the track. Lead singer John Pelant has quite the falsetto range. There is something quite charming underneath those vocals. He may not use them to the fullest extent, but nascent vocals nonetheless. While there is so much personality layered under “Colored Emotions,” you start to wonder if it’s entirely original or just mimicking those of others it admires. Nevertheless, with a solid combination of sensitive pop melodies, solid songwriting, and seasoned sound, Night Moves could be your guiding light to the past. What I mean is that they may make you seek out the sounds of earlier days.

The album is full of mercurial hooks, warm undertones, and soulful vocals. The more you listen, the more you connect. It’s the kind of record you wish there was just a little more to put it over the edge. With only 7 normal duration tracks, the album is short-lived. However, with wonderful arrangements and effervescent choruses, the record has great depth despite the relatively limited length. Night Moves’ “Colored Emotions” is as compelling and tender as it is green and undercooked at times. Without a doubt it is a considerably solid first outing. Big ideas and mighty musical explorations leave the Minneapolis three-piece to be a gifted band seeking to ascend from the shadows and enter newfound light.

Grade 7.5 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Headlights”, “Country Queen”, “Only A Child”, “Family Tongues”

Published by Mountain Views News on December 1st, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n48/p12.htm