Top 37 & 1/2 Albums of 2010!

The year seemed to kick off slow.  But, when summer finally hit, it became obvious that it was actually going to be a pretty decent year.  Of course, there are also 5 repeat offenders from last year's list, (as well as a solo project of one member that was last year's number one spot holder, No Go Know) who came back this year and rocked it even harder.  And maybe it was the recission, but 2010 seemed to be a great year for EP releases, (check out "Recission Proof Music" for my favorite EP's at musicgeek.org) so the 1/2 spot was a pretty tough one to fill.  But, in the end, out of probably 100+ candidates, here are my official Top 37 1/2 Albums of 2010. 

***Note:  The Band Name, Album Title is a link to my past reviews of said album (or a single or video from the album), My dear friend and editor Andy Fensetermaker's review, fellow Fensepost contributor Cyndi Kimmel, or a website pertaining to that particular album.  Enjoy!***

37 1/2.  The Fenbi International Superstars: The Fenbi International Superstars EP

37.  Andy Gassaway - Hellfire

36.  Jews and Catholics - Who Are?  We Think We Are!

35.  J Minus - Devil Music

34.  Jack James - Quarter Life Crisis


33.  Johnny Bertram and The Golden Bicycles - Days That Passed

32.  Retribution Gospel Choir - 2

31.  We Read Minds - We Read Minds

30.  A Fine Day For Sailing - Sand Box

29.  Menomena - Mines

28.  Trances Arc - TA

27.  Paul Turner - Another World

26.  Some Beans - Fear and Loathing In Tipton St. John

25.  Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

24.  Gunslinger - Early Volume 1

23.  The Jesus Rehab - The Highest Highs and The Lowest Lows

22. Alan Cohen Experience - Space and Time

21.  Feral Children - Brand New Blood

20.  Neil Nathan - The Distance Calls

19.  The Winebirds - Seance Hill

18.  Noise Annoys Simon - You Say It, I'll Know It

17.  The Gentle Guest  - Cast Off Your Human Form

16.  The Atlantic Manor - The World Beneath This World Is Brightening

15.  Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse present Dark Night Of The Soul

14.  Simon Bish - You Get To Live A Few Good Days

13.  Lindsay Fuller - The Last Light I See

12.  Transient Songs - Cave Syndrome

11.  SSS - This and Not That

10.  Y La Bamba - Lupon

9.  David Minne - Pop Sarcastic

8.  Strength - Mind-Reader

7.  Hosannas - Together

6.  Portugal The Man - American Ghetto

5.  Menhirs Of Er Grah - From Here To You

4.  Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of The Void

3.  Bobby Joe Ebola and The Children MacNuggits - F

2.  The Ascetic Junkies - This Cage Has No Bottom

1.  Robin Grey - Strangers With Shoes

So there you have it folks!  What I consider to be the most glorious of the gloryful in the year of your Lord 2010. 

Kickstarting Children Of Mercy!!

So the biggest news as of lately would have to be my fundraising efforts to get Children Of Mercy funded and off the planning room floor.  The efforts have had a great start, but the pace needs to keep moving in order for this thing to be a success.  I am calling on everyone I know to help out.  There are lots of prizes to be had for donating.  Basically, THIS IS THE PRE-ORDER OF THE BOOK AND THE COMPILATION ALBUM.  Yes, for a 25 dollar donation, you can recieve the book and the compilation album!  Add on some more change and things such as autographs and personal thank you's come along.  And not to mention being on the front list to recieve the second compilation absolutely free!  There is so much good to be done and fun to be had.  Check out the Kickstarter Page to contribute.

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Because of the time and effort I have been putting into the COM project, my work on the blogging circuit has been a bit minimal.  But, I did manage to join forces with a new colleague Matthew Montgomery and his brilliant blog MusicGeek.org.  I attended a  live showing of The Gracious Few, and had that coverage go up live.  Check it out HERE.

And of course, Fensepost showed love as usual:

Gunslinger:  Early Volumes 1 [Album Review]

Hosannas: Together [Album Review]

Strength:  Mind-Reader [Album Review]

Alexipharmic:  Good Side Of Bad Vol. 3 [Album Review]

Golden Bloom: Magic Words [mp3]

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With the end of year coming soon, that inevitably means one thing.....Lists!  Yes, the end of year lists are one their way.  Save for the next three weeks of releases, I think I have my list in order for the Top 37 1/2 Albums of 2010.  I am hoping to do up a list of my favorite EP's this year, since there were so many, but not sure if that will come around.  Fingers crossed I guess. 

That is all I have for you good folks today.  Remember to get yourselves over to the Children Of Mercy Kickstarter page, and help make the dream a reality.  And tell every damn soul you know!

Newsbites

So another week has passed, and while there is always much to be thankful for, there really isn't much going on.  I am still working diligently on the Children Of Mercy project.  Watch for a compilation album coming very soon to support the cost of the book. 

I've also managed to actually write a bit as of lately.  But, just when I realize that I might have the urge to write, I find Keith Richard's autobiography staring me down in a store, and I am intrigued.  But, the work shall continue, this I know. 

Had one review over at Fensepost, a nice little album sent along by the good folks at Team Clermont.  Check it out:

Clean Equations: People/Variables [Album Review]

Also had somethings go live at ComfortComes that I was very excited for:

Soul Distraction: Raining In Paradise [Video Review]

and one from my new pal Andy Botterill (watch for his poetry to appear in Children Of Mercy), and one of his projects:

National Pastime: Bookmarks [Album Review]

But, what might be even more exciting....a live review.  My dear friend Rodney Carr has recently picked up bass playing duties for a band in my hometown of Longview, Washington.  They are Lylah Crying, and they are pretty good.  Although I have never really followed too much modern rock, there is something special about these guys.  I also used the free space to spread a few points about the dispair of growing in Southwest Washington.  So, without further adue, I present to you:

Lylah Crying: Live at The Carousel 29.10.2010

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Well, that is about all I got for you fine people today.  Time to pour another cup of coffee and enjoy the frosty Sunday air.  Take care all!

Word Loss

So I have fallen into a relm of routines that have lead me astray from The TART Productions Word as of lately.  But, the end of the year is coming soon, and I will definitely need my outlet for all the end of year lists that are involved.  But, really, I don't have much to say.  This blog really does seem to be not much more than a consolidated spot to check out whatever reviews I have written.  And that's cool with me!  So here are a few more:

Soul Distraction: Raining In Paradise [Video] (at ComfortComes.com)

We Read Minds: We Read Minds [Album Review]

Falling Trees: Youth Club Disco EP [Album Review]

The Rest: John Huston [mp3]

The Ascetic Junkies: This Cage Has No Bottom [Album Review] (one of the finest albums of 2010)

Andy Gassaway: Hellfire [Album Review]

Lowell: The Ten House and The Falling Leaves [Album Review]

Jared Mees & The Grown Children: Live at Baby Bar

and that is about it folks.  I am still working diligently on making Children Of Mercy a real possibility.  I have several contributions, and am gathering a fair amount of buzz for the project.  I shall try and keep things updated here when more information becomes available.  Watch for the compilation album coming very soon.  Take care all.  Much love all around!

September's Eggs, One Basket

So September came and went.  And what a month it proved to be.  I don't think more things have happened to distrupt/enlighten my life than this ninth month of 2010.  So many things have happened, it's almost intimidating to try and cover them all.  But, I will most definitely try for you, the few good readers I might have left after a month long hiatus.

First off, I have been writing less and less for Fensepost, yet still had more posts this month than probably ever before.  I guess the idea of building a solid backlog has finally paid off.  But, now I must get back to work.  The reason for a hiatus from The Word and Fensepost?  Well, that is to come.  Before I explain, let me show you what September had in store:

The Gentle Guest: Cast Off Your Human Form [Album Review]

Proud Simon: Anchors Aweigh [Albu Review]

Simon Bish: You Get To Live A Few Good Days [Album Review]

J Minus: Congratulations, You Suck! [Video]

Jared Mees & The Grown Children: Cocklebrs & Hay [mp3 review]

Bobby Joe Ebola & The Children Macnuggits: F [Album Review]

Hosannas [Feature]

Finn Riggins: Live At The Empyrean

Discover America: Future Paths [Album Review]

I saw Finn Riggins at The Empyrean earlier last month.  I am so glad I chose to stick with these Boise natives rather than moving towards Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band.  The show was absolutely fantastic.  And the band were absolutely cordial and compellingly cool.  I will definitely be attempting  to see every show they do in Spokane.  Yes, they were that great.

Next show on the list, Finn Riggin's label mate/frontman Jared Mees & The Grown Children at Baby Bar in the heart of downtown this coming Wednesday, October 6th.  It is sure to be a rocking good time.  I am a bit nervous though, as Jared Mees is just as compelling to me as say, Steve Eeley or Rocky Votalato.  His talent exceeds the latter, and is damn near equal to the first.  Their new single "Cockleburrs and Hay" might just be one of my favorite tracks of the year.

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The real impacting news, is still to come.  But, the news that has truly impacted my life beyond the art, is this:

I am getting fired, in a manner of speaking.  The Air Force has decided that there are too many people currently doing the same job as I am, Electrical Systems Craftsman (earned the "Craftsman" part after my two week stay in Wichita Falls, Texas that was forementioned back in August), so they are requiring that I move on.  What will I be doing?  Well, this coming June, I will head to Biloxi, Mississippi to begin a 6 week technical school to become a Command Post Apprentice.  Yes, I will be assisting an installition commander in...well, whatever the hell he wants.  It really is an exciting oppurtunity to move out of my element a bit....and move out of the dirty trucks and even dirtier construction sites, and begin a career involving coffee, e-mails, and water cooler conversations.  And the chances of not having to leave my favorite city of Spokane are looking pretty good, although i do not wish to get myself all worked up, and be entirely disappointed when I am shipped off the Bumfuck, North Dakota.  No matter where I end up, I am pretty excited to try this job out for size. 

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So, what is the biggest news of all --- Ladies and Gentlemen:

CHILDREN OF MERCY: TALES AND TEACHINGS OF FROM THE WORLD OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC.
Yes, I briefly mentioned a book for charity project I was considering back in August, and now the plan is in motion.  It took off like a blazing hay barrell fire.  I simply put the hook out to several artists/promoters/label owners/listeners, and so many beautiful people bit on.  In essence, the book is a collection of folks involved in some form with the world of independent music telling their stories and giving a bit of advice on the industry as it is today.  Thus far, I have over 30 great folks actively persuing the time to give me a few good words on this subject.  What I have recieved thus far has been absolutely outstanding.  I have been playing a coordinator, behind the scenes sort of role in the whole project, and so many of the contributors have stepped up to take on extra roles as well.  There are also going to be 3 different CD compilations coming soon in order to raise funds for the physical printing of the book.  And what charity have I decided to use as a platform...as of right now, I plan to donate all proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the U.S. and The Cystic Fibrosis Trust in the UK.  Head over to the Facebook Fan Page to learn a bit more.  And watch for the official blog and website for Children Of Mercy coming very soon!

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I shall leave you here my merry pranksters!  Much more work to come, especially with Children Of Mercy well underway.  It's good to be back folks!

Post #111

Nothing new to report.  Spend the weekend rearranging the basement to be a sweet man cave.  Been caught googling Rush Tour posters.  Discovering the beauty of 100 proof vodka and WIC approved orange juice from concentrate.  Been thinking about writing.  Thinking about publishing a book on music for charity.  Waiting to see Finn Riggins at Empyrean this Saturday, but might ex out to see Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band on next Wednesday instead before they get super famous after touring with Portugal. The Man.  Becoming addicted to free stuff on Craigslist.  Wishing Glenn Beck would combust spontaneously, then I might believe in an interventionist God.  Here are a few things I am excited about:

**  New Menhirs Of Er Grah record out now, watch for review soon ** **  Fenbi International Superstars in the Willamette Weekly - and - fined for accordin sex show**
**  Fense created a mid year list of Must Hear Albums, including works of Avi Buffalo and Spoon**
**  I am headed to Wichita Falls, Texas for two weeks next month**
**  Christopher Eaves in the midst of a serious writing spree, which includes a full length and web series**
**  Atlanta's finest MC and producer Yung Temp is headed to Germany.  Gonna smash on Europe**
**  I opted out of eating at Taco Bell tonight**

So there you have it folks.  Gonna take a break for a while.  Probably right from Texas next time.  Rock!

Struggles & Coffee

Finding it hard to do any of the real writing I would like to do.  Finding it very easy to tour through the latest DVR recordings (started watching Arrested Development, I have really been missing out).  So, in order to feel at least a bit productive, I'll do a few updates.

Had a stream of great music to review lately.  Take a look at these, and remember them.  Because you might just see them at the end of the year when list seasons hit.  Check it:

The Jesus Rehab: The Highest Highs and The Lowest Lows [Album Review]

The Winebirds: Seance Hill [Album Review]

Cleeman: Ambitious (Spejderrobot Remix) [mp3 review]

Neil Nathan: California Run [Video]

(interlude:  started a second episode of Arrested Development, dammit this is a hilarious show)

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An old friend from high school has turned out to be quite the talented pop artist.  Kathie Bayne has a wonderful collection of work on her on line gallery, at deviantART .  Check it out, I think you'll dig.

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Fense has compiled his mid-year collection of 20 Must Hear Albums of 2010.  It is a great sign of things to come.  Check it out HERE.

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Amanda Gonser has been keeping it local lately, but it doesn't make it any less interesting when local means visiting Spain or France.  Check out Oppurtunity Knocks for all your traveling needs.

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I've decided to break into the world of volunteering.  I'm scheduled to to some ushering work for the Spokane Civic Theatre in their productions of The Buddy Holly Story and White Christmas.  Should be a good time. 

I'm also looking into finding the right oppurtunity to support KYRS - Thin Air Community Radio.  I only recently discovered this community based radio station based in Spokane.  Check them out, and if you find yourself with a few extra bucks, the station really needs a new tower, and has been desperately raising funds for the last year, with hopes of getting the tower up by the end of the year.

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Hopefully more updates to come soon.  We'll see.  Take care all!