Best of 2009: Top 5 EPs

I figured I'd start us off slowly by starting with 2009's best EPs.

Lost? Here's the EP Wikipedia Entry.

Keep in mind: If the band released an EP and THEN an album in 2009 (Passion Pit, Devendra Banhart), I didn't count it.


5. Extra Cheese - Ryan Adams



Nicknamed "The Valentine EP" because (a) it was released on Valentine's Day and (b) this was right before Adams tied the knot with Mandy Moore, so yes, there's some mushy content. But, surprisingly, it's also a LOT more intense than your average Ryan Adams. With 7 tracks, it probably qualifies as a mini-LP, and I'll be honest, Adams' announcement that he's taking an indefinite hiatus from music immediately after releasing Extra Cheese does make it a little more special. It also wins best EP cover award.

"Two" - Ryan Adams


4. Falling Elevators - The Early Hours



Eric James, the frontman of The Early Hours, makes really good music, with whatever band he forms. So, when I found out Eric James and the New Century broke up, I was at least relieved to find out he's still playing. This is the group's first release, and I hope there are many more to come.

"Good Day Radio" - The Early Hours


3. Coast to Coast - Hit the Lights



I had the pleasure of seeing Hit the Lights live this year, and they put on a really great show. Their EP, Coast to Coast is packed with fantastic songs and embodies what I love best about this band.

"Pulse" - Hit the Lights


2. Midsommar - U.S. Royalty



Another first-release for a band, and this is BIG. U.S. Royalty has the look of a stereotypical indie-folk band, but they produce some solid pop songs. Definitely give these guys a listen

"Where Are You Now" - U.S. Royalty


AND THE BEST EP OF 2009 IS...

1. Lady Luck - The Cab



The Cab is known to make really catchy pop songs, and I continue to support and love them because they're good AND because they still aren't getting the attention they deserve. The boys have been touring all year and I also got to see them in 2009 with the Maine and We the Kings. And don't get me wrong, We the Kings is a great band, but the Maine and the Cab stole the show. Let's hope 2010 has a full LP from the Cab in store for us!

"Lights" - The Cab

Awesome Track: Gabriel Ríos

Gabriel Ríos is one hell of a package. A Puerto Rican singer-songwriter living in Belgium and married to a Belgian supermodel is hard to beat. Especially when he makes songs like "Broad Daylight." We're currently waiting for his 3rd album.

Also, you know Michael Franti? The "Say Hey (I Love You)", social activist Michael Franti? He features Ríos on his album Yell Fire!. Just a fun fact.

"Broad Daylight" - Gabriel Ríos from his first album Ghostboy released in 2005.

New: Girl Power Pop

Allison Iraheta, 17, placed 4th in American Idol in the most recent season. I don't watch AI, but you'll want to hear this.

"Friday I'll be Over U" - Allison Iraheta


She's like Kelly Clarkson...in that she doesn't like to spell out "You".

New Music Video: Julian Casablancas

The Strokes frontman came out with a successful solo album this year and the lead single off Phrazes for the Young, "11th Dimension" comes with a killer and entertaining video. Talk about a smorgasbord of allusions and nods to classic icons. That Julian Casablancas -- he's all right.

"Forgive them, even if they are not sorry" - J.C. (haha)



"11th Dimension" - Julian Casablancas


P.S. 2009 Best Ofs and Superlatives are in the works.

Merry Christmas All

Wishing everybody a safe and Merry Christmas.

"Santa Stole My Girlfriend" - The Maine


THE BEST CHRISTMAS CAROL EVER
"Carol of the Bells" - Vienna Choir Boys (By no means the Best/Only version [i have 7 version of this song in my library])

New EP: The Rocket Summer

The Rocket Summer, comprised of just Bryce Avary who plays every instrument, couldn't be doing better. The festival junkie is done for 2009, but will be starting up again in 2010 with buddies from the Warped Tour. Maybe SXSW is in the plans for 2010 as well? Here's hoping. Bryce recently released

"Hills and Valleys" - The Rocket Summer

A Good Excuse to Post a Snow Patrol Song

Let's be honest, do I NEED an excuse?

I always get excited when movie trailers feature good songs. And this one is just so fitting! Snow Patrol's "Just Say Yes" for a movie about a girl going to Ireland to find her boyfriend so she can propose?! Also, I sort of, kind of like Amy Adams.

Here's the trailer for leap year:



Which features the single "Just Say Yes" from Snow Patrol:

The Next Big Dance Craze?

Ok, ok, I know the Jerk has been around awhile, but perhaps these guys will push the movement a little further.

Audio Push, as this emcee duo (Oktane and Price Tag) call themselves, put together an exciting, danceable track in "Teach me How to Jerk". They're about to hit big, and the best part is, they don't need a high profile name to co-sign. I sense a Soulja Boy-esque YouTube phenomenon in the making with this video:



And here's the official music video, which is a lot of fun:



Check out their Twitter for links to free downloads too!

For now, here's the audio for "Teach Me How to Jerk" by Audio Push

You'll Have to Pull My Heart Away from Jack Peñate

I love any guy who can mix soul, rock, pop well AND can play the guitar with his own hands.

Jack Peñate, the 25 year old Londoner who released his second LP in August, has proven that he can make a guitar driven album in 2007's Matinee whose songs he wrote when he was 19-20 years old. Now, with his most recent album Everything is New, Peñate has proven he can make a musically well-rounded album too. With a few synth beats (I should emphasize that he doesn't overdo it), some emotionally gripping songs and a great, mature voice Jack Peñate has produced a 9-track novel of an album, with a really great story. NME Magazine recently said, "He used to sound like the past, now he sounds like the future."

Personally, I'm looking forward to more collaborations with Jack and his best buddy Adele (she's featured in "My Yvonne" on his first album and "Every Glance" on the new album).

Plus, who can resist those eyes on the cover of Everything is New!

Two fun facts before I get to the actual song:

1. His full name is Jack Fabian Cassius Bethany Louise Peñate. Yeah, Bethany Louise.

2. There's a traditional stage invasion at his gigs for the song "Torn on the Platform". During one such event, his distortion pedal was stolen. His reaction? “D’you know what? Whoever’s got it…keep it! Just make sure you play a Telecaster through it and not a Gibson!”.

Now for the song!

"Pull My Heart Away" - Jack Peñate from his second album Everything is New




P.S. He's got a pretty entertaining Twitter. Apparently he loses his wallet a lot.

As SOON as Finals are Over...

...I'll be updating non-stop. I can't wait.

Here's a 505 remix of "Get Shaky" by the Ian Carey Project to hold you over. Or not.

"Get Shaky the Click Click Bang Remix" - Ian Carey Project