Nesto's Top 14 Albums from 2018

1. Peter, Bjorn, and John - Darker Days 

If you're feeling contemplative but want some pop, its PBJ's Darker days.

2. Sure Sure - Sure Sure

Stumbled on this album while searching for Talking Heads covers. That's one way to get your name out there!

3. Paul Cauthen - Have Mercy   

Minutes away from a full length album, so it counts! Have mercy!

4. The Bones of J.R. Jones - Ones of Keep Close 

A one stop shop for a some good shot poundin' and knee slappin' jams.

5. The Vaccines - Combat Rock 

I'm glad somewhere out there in the wide world, Brits are still making music like this.

6. Kurt Vile - Bottle In It

Let's road trip through America with Kurt Vile as our tour guide.

7. Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats - Tearing At The Seams       

  

Advice: If you visit Denver and say anything negative about NR, be prepared to get a beer thrown at you or have a dog piss on your leg.

8. Django Django - Marble Skies              

When someone figures it out, let me know what's going on with these guys please.

9. Andrés Calamaro - Cargar La Suerte  

Argentine rock is not dead... just aging!

10. The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Something Else      

Somehow these guys slipped into the rotation, again. I guess I'm too predictable.

11. Chemtrails - Calf of the Sacred Cow

12. Belle & Sebastian - How to Solve our Human Problems       

  

13. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Wrong Creatures        

14. Dawes - Passwords 

Howler - America Give Up (2012)

This is rock and roll... This is Howler. Their debut album, America Give Up, is vigorous and catchy much like one of my favorite bands of 2011, The Vaccines. The Drums, Surfer Blood and The Soft Pack (plug in other surf-rock influenced band name here) also come to mind, because the surf-rock trend is so hot right now. The 11 track album comes in at just over 32 minutes, which leaves each riff-laden, power pop track to come and go at a '70s punk pace. It is truly structured as an album from a different era. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised anymore due to all the musical virtuosos currently on the prowl, but I am still amazed by the fact that Howler is made up of mere kids. They pull together an amazingly mature and musically-educated sound, while keeping the songs and song-titles playful and carefree. This album is packed with singles, so take a half-hour out of your day, especially while the sun is shining here in California, and have a listen to some youthful summer jammy-jams. 

Outside Lands 2011 - Saturday Preview

There are bands to be seen and fun to be had, get your Outside Lands Festival on.


Saturday, August 13


Again the Sutro stage provides the early entertainment with one of my 2011 favorites, The Vaccines (2:10 - 2:55), kicking off what appears to be a sunny Saturday. The Londoners punk influenced summer-punk leads straight into a set by the danceable STRFKR (3:40 - 4:30).




The rest of the day should be spent posting up at the Lands End stage for rockers Arctic Monkeys (4:45 - 5:45) followed by the thunderous blues-rock duo, The Black Keys (6:15 - 7:25), and finishing off with the ever-epic Muse (8:10 - 9:55).



Unfortunately you will miss The Stone Foxes, Old 97’s, The Roots, OK GO and Girl Talk.

Young Buffalo - Young Von Prettylips EP (2011)

Young Buffalo popped up on my radar when I saw that they were opening for The Vaccines and Tennis on tour and specifically at MusicfestNW. They also keep with this week's emergent theme of writing about bands who have siblings in other rad bands (Guards/Cults); Young Buffalo’s Jim Barrett’s brother plays garage rock with Bass Drum of Death. Given their touring partners, no one should be surprised that Young Buffalo play catchy indie pop. In particular, their youthful energy and bountiful hooks remind me of the Givers and Little Ones. “Speak EZ” soars with vocal harmonies over a thumping drum beat, while guitars ring brightly. The alternating lines on “Full Metal Whacket” feed off each other, creating a boisterous call and response. Overall, it fun EP.

Although not on the EP, if you visit their webpage you can pick up their excellent cover of the Broken Social Scene’s “Anthems For A 17-Year-Old Girl” (mp3).


Young Buffalo - Catapilah from NAM on Vimeo.

NightraiN's Summer Short List

Light For Fire - Yes indeed, they have been mentioned already; however, this album is certainly good enough for more than one mention here. If I may make one suggestion: shoot a proper video.


The Shuffle (Dance) - Say what you want about LMFAO, but they know how to rock a vampire dance party with a very fun and ridiculously over-simplistic runningman-esque dance move that can turn even a trip to Ralph's into a fun outing. So easy it is brilliant. Every music group should incorporate an updated dance move into their persona.


Breezy Summer Jammy Jams - I feel like there has been a fantastic showing for the beachy / bbq tunes this year. The Vaccines, Tennis, Foster The People and Cults all released tracks that sound better with the warm sun on the back and a cold beer in hand. Granted, they all have their own sounds and styles, but I can't help but think of riding a cuiser to the beach when any one of those albums are on.


Dolorean's The Unfazed - Not to be confused with Delorean, the Portland-based band is a verifiable go-to for early mornings, quiet evenings and tender moments. The lyrics are perfect for a heartfelt singalong and the music pulls you in close with its soft sway.


The First Six Months of 2011 - In addition to the bands already mentioned, there have been many other artists that I have really been impressed with in the first six months. Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists are all names many people already know and have shown us impressive stuff thus far; however, bands like U.S. Royalty, Magic & Fur, Scotch Howard, The Cave Singers and The Rural Alberta Advantage have surprised me with amazing albums as well that need to be heard.

The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? (2011)

Sad-sack mopers beware, The Vaccines' new album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? is relentlessly upbeat and fun, so you might as well just slip on your shorts, grab a six pack, and head for the water. Released just in time for the warm weather, the album is packed with summer indie rock jammy jams. The surf rock vibe driven by the reverb-soaked guitar riffs and pounding toms recalls Surfer Blood's Astro Coast, which kicked off last year's summer, but with a touch more pop punk a la The Drums or The Soft Pack. Most of the songs are short, catchy and laden with enough surf and beach references to actually convince the listener that the band has spent a few summers away from London. The hook-filled "Westsuit" is the most obvious example. The album feels young and free-spirited, like on the opener "Wreckin' Bar," which mixes a propulsive beat with a bad ass high school fight song. Overall, they keep it simple and relatable on songs like "Post Break-Up Sex" and "If You Wanna," the later a playfully open offer to an ex-lover to reconsider her decision, creating a refreshingly laid-back and enjoyable album.

The Vaccines will be on tour with Artic Monkeys in May.