Here’s what we’ve got in the queue right now:

TOM SPINS:

Jim O’Rourke – Mizu No Nai Umi
Story goes that O’Rourke found a box full of old tapes of drone experiments. Two long drone pieces that rank right up there with Disengage.

Yes – Relayer
I was given a copy that a friend of a friend found in the trash umpteen years ago. Just recently picked up the vinyl reissue.I had no idea what I was missing out on. Gates of Delirium is a prog masterpiece.

Pavement – Quarantine the Past
A “best of” from one of my top five favorite bands. They could easily release 4 more “best of” sets as far as I’m concerned. Still waiting for the Terror Twilight Deluxe.

CHRIS SPINS:

The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You
My buddy Erik introduced me to this band, and as some call it the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, I began to hear them everywhere, even on my favorite TV show (which is Brothers & Sisters if you were curious.) Anyway, I am smitten with their basic approach to music making. It’s a bit Appalachia mixed with rock I guess. I dunno. I just like it. And their lyrics are awesome.

Rufus Wainwright – All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu
I can’t say I love their new Rufus album right off the bat, but if he’s taught me anything it’s that you have to stick with it. His last two records took a long time to sink in, but once they did they repaid the investment handsomely. This album finds him with just a piano accompaniment. It’s heavy. My favorite tracks open and close the set, but I’m warming up to all the songs in between.

Atom™ featuring Tea Time – XXX
My friend Chris turned me on to Uwe Schmidt (aka Atom™) and this particular album cover was the least offensive to post here. But it wasn’t a concession, I genuinely enjoy the music. This particular album has an odd mix of really deep bass beats, clicks and latin hip-hop. It’s weird in a good way.

JOEL SPINS:

Jim O’Rourke – The Visitor
I recently got hooked on Jim O’Rourke’s acoustic albums, this being the album I cut my tooth on. The instruments on this album appear and disappear, in and out like a great idea: quick, colorful, and inspiring. I could listen to this album on repeat all day.

Talking Heads – Remain in Light
I’ve always been a huge T.H. fan. Dad introduced me early on. They are a group that I always forget how much I like them until I hear any of their albums. Tom and I didn’t know that both of us were big fans until I played this album for the first time in the shop when we looked at each other and asked, “YOU like the Talking Heads?” Sometimes you have more in common with the guy next to you than you think… you just have to make the connection. Life lessons from David Byrne? Hm, who would’ve thought.;)

Sufjan Stevens – Greetings from Michigan
When he first hit the scene a couple years ago, I was anything but a Sufjan fan. But, over the years of listening to his music, it’s definitely grown on me exponentially. He has the power of juxtaposition, mixing lullaby like songs with disturbing and depressing lyrics. For some reason, I’m really diggin’ that right now. He’s surely confirmed his talent to me lately.

WENDY SPINS:

Jakob Dylan – Seeing Things
Up until the last few days, the weather has been gloriously warm and summer-like. This always makes me want to roll up my sleeves and dig into a project. Unlike the boys in the office, I work best with a more subdued soundtrack, and this is perfect selection to play out on the patio as I’m repotting plants or sweeping up the winter debris. Who knows, maybe I’ll even get it together enough to go check out Dylan’s new album.

When my friend Heather said she’d love to use this photograph for her upcoming percussion recital, the gears started turning.

After lunch I got with Tom and we decided to try pushing some ink through a screen using the image. (He did all the hard parts, I just tried to be helpful and complained we didn’t have enough shop towels.)

A few hours later we had a handful of off-center posters with minor alignment issues. Overall? A big win. Very excited. And looking forward to Heather’s recital!

And last but not least, hidden in the corner, a little picture of one of Heather’s kitties, because cats make everything better.

Fast forward to 2010. Now I am not one to hide under a rock when it comes to technology. I love gadgets. Lots and lots of gadgets. I think the iPod is an amazing piece of electronics. I like the convenience of being able to preview an album before buying it. I love that I can make a mix CD. That being said, there is an emptiness when it feels like only part of the story is being told. Where’s the visuals? Where’s the tactile pleasure of holding the music? Where’s the weight?

In 2007 a small record label in Minneapolis was started and answers all of these challenges: Taiga Records. Taiga’s commitment to music is amazing. They choose music that is outside the box, they only print high quality vinyl using the best methods, and their packaging is nothing short of excellent. Every single one of their releases is a story amongst itself. Now I should be upfront and say chances are you won’t find yourself humming a chorus, but if you can carve out a bit of time and let yourself get involved, the payoff is worth it. Do yourself a favor and check out some of their offerings:
http://www.taigarecords.com/

Here’s what we’ve got in the queue right now:

CHRIS SPINS:

Four Tet – There is Love in You
Whenever someone plays Four Tet (Kieran Hebden) at the studio I always ask, “Who is this?” because it’s got great energy; totally good-for-working music. This new release adds another solid mix to the library. Good in whole doses.

Ox Tails: Songs from 2009
I admire Khoi’s aesthetic and perspective in design, so it was a pleasure to see him post a collection of favorite music from 2009. There were several songs on the list I already knew and loved, but the real joy was discovering new artists.

Mika – The Boy Who Knew Too Much
Bright, layered pop that I’d say mixes a bit of Queen with Jellyfish and Scissor Sisters; a guilty pleasure I listen to on headphones.

JOEL SPINS:

Know Better Learn Faster – Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
The quintessentially fun album. Sometimes when I come in to the shop and am feeling down, I put this on and it completely gets me in the mood to be positive….and when I’m happy, it makes me happier. Complete with an appearance from Andrew Bird and catchy hooks, this album keeps the foot tappin’ and mouth whistling.

Dosh - Dosh
The first album from a man that constantly amazes me with what he can do with two hands and feet. Electronic program beats meets organic loops and a propensity for improvisation. Dance numbers meets the odd time signature. This is a super chill album that makes you forget that what he’s doing IS complicated.

Flight of the Conchords – I Told You I Was Freaky
Normally, I dislike pop music and parody albums for the most part. I rejected the idea of even listening to these guys due to their being parody/comedy musicians. That was until this album. The songs on this album REALLY nail the style that is being parodied. From R & B songs about a girl with a lazy eye that lost her epileptic dog in the park to dance tunes about ladies wanting a taste of Jermaine’s sugarlumps. Hilarious.

TOM SPINS:

Aidan Baker – Liminoid/Lifeforms
Just got this in. Already my favorite solo release from Nadja’s Aidan Baker. Slow and evolving without getting lost. A perfect soundtrack for the snow covered ground outside.

The Antlers – Hospice
Loving this indie rock album. Sounds like Grandaddy and “Deserter’s Songs”  Mercury Rev go on a camping trip.

Boston Spaceships – 0 to 99
I am a huge Guided by Voices fan (check out the video for Soundburger for some evidence). After a long time (and test of hopefulness) the sound that I love is back. Super hooky and loaded with many earworms. This combination of Pollard, Slusarenko, and The Decemberists John Moen is a pleasure and relief. A+.

WENDY SPINS:

Middle Cyclone – Neko Case
During these snowy winter days, I need to find something that has a mellow sound that pairs well with the soft snow, but doesn’t lull me to the couch for a long nap. This album strikes that happy medium. Plus, she mentions killer whales, which are really big around here these days.

* Wendy gets a pass on recommending three albums since she’s generally under a pile of children demanding to watch Noggin.

Shake It Records in Cincinnati has worked hard to pay tribute and honor Eddie’s work. They’ve lined up some great musicians to record Eddie’s songs. First up? Drive By Truckers and Greg Dulli.

Tom designed a visual system that can be used for future releases. Chris topped it off with an illustration of the famous Muscle Shoals studio for the insert. First out of the gate in The Dangerous Highway Series:

Vol. 1 Greg Dulli – “Hard Luck Guy” / “Cover Me” (Shake 770)
Vol. 2 Drive-By Truckers – “Where’s Eddie” / “Everybody Needs Love” (Shake 771)

Much of the common thread of Eddie Stems from the Muscle Shoals Sound. (Those words might sound familiar… Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote in the Sweet Home Alabama: “Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers/And they’ve been known to pick a song or two.”)

As a session guitarist he played on records by played on records recorded by Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, The Staple Singers, Elvis Presley, The Box Tops, R.B. Greaves, Boz Scaggs and Otis Redding (to name a few).

These super limited edition 7″ vinyl records are available at Shake It Records.

Here’s what we’ve got in the queue right now:

TOM SPINS:

King Crimson – Lark’s Tongue in Aspic
For some reason I’m on a journey to find a lot of new in a lot of old. Just got hold of the 1973 prog mammoth. Super heavy grooves with a little flute thrown in.

Risil – Non Meters Volume One
I buy a lot of stuff from Important Records. They are one of the few labels willing to take chances, and those chances almost always pay off. Risil is a super underground collective given room to freely collaborate. Songs are loose and not hooky, but there is definitely some magic going on. This is the first volume of three.

Def Leppard – High ’N Dry
Released before breakthrough Pyromania, this album rocks. Super hooky, ballad free musicians scraping together enough money to buy a corndog. Highlight is “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” going into “Switch 625” instrumental. If you need an early metal fix, this will not disappoint.

WENDY SPINS:

The Swell Season – Strict Joy
I give Chris full credit for recommending this album. I loved the movie, Once, so this was an excellent addition to the collection.

The Beatles – Yellow Submarine
The kids adore this movie and the accompanying soundtrack. I love putting laundry away and hearing a four-year-old singing “When I’m 64” at the top of his lungs. The stars must be aligned, since as the kids were listening to the soundtrack, I noticed swissmiss had just blogged about it.

TMBG – Here Comes Science
I’ve always been a fan of the music They Might Be Giants do for kids, but this is by far my favorite.  After a few listens, my pre-schooler was telling me all about the DNA in his cells and that most things are made up of four basic elements. In a few more listens, they will have exceeded all my science knowledge. An added bonus is the delightful animation in the DVD version of the album.

JOEL SPINS:

Mahavishnu Orchestra – Between Nothingness and Eternity
Full throttle live 70′s rock. Music so fast and loud it is a must for when I’m in a hurry to get orders out the door.

St. Vincent - Actor
Annie Clark is brilliant. A ferocious set of tunes that makes the musician in me say ‘I wish I rocked that hard.’ Aggressive and colorful from beginning to end.

Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
A ingeniously complex and simply beautiful album that’s almost perfect for any situation.

CHRIS SPINS:

Imogen Heap – Ellipse
Well, since Wendy stole my Swell Season pick and I used up the New Moon soundtrack earlier this week, I’m going down the list of what gets played the most. I start off this joint with the single “First Train Home,” play that a couple times, then I let the rest of the album ride out and loop around.

Ray LaMontagne – Gossip in the Grain
I first saw this dude on SNL. This fact alone means I’m totally out of touch. But man, I loved his approach and delivery. He’s got one of those sounds that seems like it’s from another time, when soul was in fashion.

Ben Folds – Cologne
I love this song. I don’t think it’s a single or anything, but it’s where I start off Ben’s “Way to Normal” album. I love the deadpan humor and pining in the lyric. You’ve probably figured out by now that I’m a big emotional marshmallow.

After the sale of the FM signal a few years back, WOXY has moved to an online format, and more recently, a new home in Austin, TX. Even though they’ve moved the office, we’re still happy to be selling their schwag, including this year’s Top 100 Bands of 2009 shirt.

Like every year, we do these top 100 shirts as a pre-order to keep overhead low. They’re no longer available, but the rock lives on.