For about two years I have been
doing an assortment of things (College Radio Music Director, New Media
Press, Radio Promotion) in the music business and I have been lucky enough
to be constantly exposed to a massive amount of great music. Despite
having my ears pleased so often there are not a lot of albums that
completely capture my attention and then proceed to never let it go.
In fact I often find a "Top Songs of the Year" list easier to do then a "Top
Albums" list because with so much music being available for my consumption
it is just easier to latch onto one or two tracks and then move onto whatever else
is being talked about. It is a weird situation and I think that the
convenience the digital age has brought is what has done this too me
but nevertheless there are those special albums every year that I can't quit
listening too. Yesterday the debut album from Annuals titled Be He
Me arrived at my home and became one of those albums that I just
mentioned. Seriously, this is an insanely good debut and if
2006 ended today I would have no problem in calling this one of my top
albums of the year, every song is simply stunning.
Now obviously I can't post up the entire album so I picked two songs that I
think will inspire you to fall in love with this band as I have. For
another song scroll down to the Friday EP Vol. 3 post!
:Annuals - Carry Around:
In my earlier comments about the band I mentioned how they are being
compared to The Arcade Fire. I love and hate that comparison because
while The Arcade Fire is fantastic and the band does sound a tad bit like
them I think that Annuals are doing some things that deserved to be pointed
out and not just compared to another band. For the sake of the
comparison and the point that I am trying to make I give to you Carry
Around. The structure of this song is similar to something that
The Arcade Fire would do but take note at how this song is supported by an
assortment of electronic samples and upbeat vocals that give Annuals a
different edge. I love this song and it is one of my favorites from
Be He Me.
:Annuals - Father:
I was originally going to post up Brother because I love how it
explodes about half way through the song. Then I realized that I loved
the loudness that comes at the 1:53 mark in Father just as much and
since Brother is readily available on other blogs I went with the
lesser known track. Outside of my fondness for what comes later in the
song I also really like the subtle beginning with the ever-so-sweet sounding
vocals and the music that slowly builds with different layers until that
mark I mentioned up above. I think you would agree that all of this is
pretty amazing for a band that doesn't even have a member over the age of
22.
Be He Me drops October 17 on
Ace Fu Records and I highly recommend
picking it up. Also, remember to be their friend on
Myspace.
-
John Laird -
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