I'm The Best Seventeen Year-old Ever

There are some bands out there that just rock no matter what they do. The Wrens are one of those bands. Hailing from New Jersey and putting out a mere four records and a shared EP in the last thirteen years, they are regarded by their fans as one of the most underrated bands in indie rock today. In 2003, the band released perhaps their best album to date, Meadowlands.

I was fortunate to attend my second Wrens show on Friday night at Hailey's in Denton. I saw them two years before at the same venue and the show was one of my favorites of that year. As expected, the band did not disappoint. The show opened with singer/guitarist Charles Bissell singing and playing a solo version of This Boy Is Exhausted, before the band kicked in midway through the song to finish it out. Most of the show included songs from 2003's Meadowlands, such as Faster Gun, Happy, and Everyone Choose Sides. I was especially happy when they played my favorite song of theirs, Boys, You Won't. During the song, they invited members of the audience up, handed each a drumstick, and asked them to bang on the stage with them. As I moved closer, I noticed the drummer Jerry MacDonnell coming towards me. He handed me a drumstick and told me to get on stage. I gladly did and began banging on the stage while singing every word of the song. I got to keep the drumstick as a memento. The band played one encore and closed it with what I think is their best song, She Sends Kisses. They are done touring for the year, but I am hoping that they come around next year.

The first opening band was Austinites The Midgetmen. I found their rhythms to be quite good, especially their lead guitarist. However, the vocals from all three vocalists left much to be desired. The next opening band was Get Him, Eat Him. I had heard a little of their music before, but this was probably the most I had heard from them at one time. I was impressed with how well composed their songs are. I will most likely find an album or two soon and give them another listen.

July! July!

I remember when I first discovered the music of The Decemberists. It was early in 2004 when B had given me a copy of The Tain and Five Songs. I instantly fell in love with their music and would get to see a less-than-sold-out show at Trees just a few months later. Since then, I've seen the band something like seven times including Monday nights show at Summerstage in Central Park.

The sold out show lasted hour and forty minute show and included one very long encore. I was surprised how little they played from their most recent album, The Crane Wife. The suite called The Island sounded incredible and I was happy when they played Summersong. I was happy to get some of the older songs like July! July! and Oceanside. The first set closed with Sons & Daughters. It was awesome to hear and sing along to, "Hear all the bombs fade away".

The second set included what may be the bands two most fun songs in their catalog. First was Chimbley Sweep, in which Colin puts all the band members to sleep and then asks the crowd to sit down. And when they sing, "I'll shake you from your sleep", the crowd rises again. Then, to close the show, they played the crowd favorite Mariner's Revenge Song, asking the crowd to scream as if they had been swallowed by a whale. Both songs are fun to sing along to.

The Decemberists are one of the best live acts around. Singer Colin Meloy really knows how to entertain a crowd by getting them involved in sing alongs and other activities. The band always brings along a host of instruments such as a stand-up bass, melodica, and accordion. I highly recommend seeing them on tour.

Now Hear This

With the year just about half over, I thought it might be a good idea to write about some of the albums that have been released this year that have had my iPod spinning like crazy. Not included in this list are albums by some of the more well known bands like The Shins, The Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, and Wilco. Those bands have all put out extraordinary albums this year, but I am sure that you are all probably listening to them already. So, without further ado...

Loney, Dear - Loney, Noir (Sub Pop)
I've written much about this Swedish band throughout the year. Their most recent release is perhaps their best. This is one of those albums where there is not a single weak track on it, with I Am John topping the list of great songs.

The Postmarks - s/t (Unfiltered)
This Miami band has a soft, melancholic sound mixed with a dream pop melodies. I fell in love with their music at this year's SXSW music conference and festival.

Blonde Redhead - 23 (4AD)
I've known about Blonde Redhead for years but never really listened to them. I picked up their latest album the day that I saw their show for the first time. I really dig this album as it has a consistent vibe the whole way through. My favorites right now are 23, Dr. Strangeluv and Silently.

Menomena - Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
This Portland-based trio really knows how to create a full sound going beyond just the traditional guitar, bass, and drums with horns and keyboards. The album is solid from start to finish with such great tracks as Muscle N' Flo and Wet and Rusting.

Low - Drums and Guns (Sub Pop)
I recently discovered this band despite knowing of them for years. I bought older albums of theirs and really enjoyed them. This latest offering is just as solid and chalked full of slo-core sounds as albums past.

Brandi Carlile - The Story (Sony BMG)
How dare I put someone on a major label on this list. However, I do believe that the lovely Ms. Carlile is quite a talent. In her latest release, she embraces her country roots to produce one excellent album.

A Good Laugh

If you need a good laugh, these two videos from Funny Or Die with Will Ferrell should do the job. Pearl rocks!

The Landlord

Good Cop, Baby Cop