Yeasayer Goes All Radiohead

Merry Christmas Yeasayer fans! The Brooklyn band, who landed on A&A's Top 10 Albums of 2010 list, have posted a full length live album from an October show in Brussels on their website. You can name your own price for the download or swipe it for the low, low price of on the house. I don't know why more indie bands don't go the In Rainbows route with live recordings. They've got the material that otherwise goes unheard, and indie fans are the type of people who still actually pay for music. Seems like a natural way to spread the gospel of a band's live performance prowess while picking up some ancillary cash. I'm especially a fan of "Tightrope" on this recording, which up until now was only available on the Dark Was The Night compilation. 

Head to their site for the download.

Top 10 Records of 2010

(Originally posted on the Facebooks on 12.3.10, now with commentary!)

10. Gorillaz- Plastic Beach

 

One of the most underrated albums of 2010, in my humblest of opinions. Gorillaz are one of those bands that most people know, yet few really get deep into their records. On Plastic Beach, Damon Albarn and his animated crew make sadness and detachment sound like a futuristic vacation. Of course, great collaborations abound and keep things interesting (See Little Dragon’s contributions, a surprising turn from Lou Reed, and the always appealing Mos Def). Favorite track: “Rhinestone Eyes”

9. The Morning Benders- Big Echo

Seeing that Grizzly Bear’s Veckatimest topped my best albums list in ’09, I had high hopes for this record as it drew early comparisons to GB and was co-produced by its bassist Chris Taylor. It didn’t disappoint. The standout tracks here are more accessible and hook tinged than GB’s sound, though less intricate and ambitious. Big Echo’s delicate melody carries you throughout and it will be exciting to see where these guys take their sound next. In a divergent pairing of acts they opened for The Black Keys at a one-off club gig during Lollapalooza; it was easily my choice show of the year. Favorite track: “Cold War”

8. Yeasayer- Odd Blood

It took me awhile to come around on Odd Blood. I loved 2007’s All Hour Cymbals and probably judged this one prematurely. I was initially drawn to Yeasayer’s weirdness- from their videos to the faraway sound that set them apart from other Brooklyn buzz bands. So, it took me awhile to digest the pure pop treatment of lead single “Ambling Alp” and the seemingly out of place positive vibes. But like all good records, it grew on me. It’s different than their debut; it’s not just more of the same and ultimately I see that as growth- weird and beautiful growth. Favorite track: “ONE”

Death to Jock Jams

(From "The Carter File" on GameOps.com, originally published on 10.27.10)

Let’s face it, most fans show up to your games and don’t ever think about how much work your team puts into its game presentation.  Attending your game is an escape for them. They’ve already left their own jobs for the day and a night at the ballpark, arena, or stadium is their chance to let loose with family, friends or coworkers. 

Of course, we know how much planning it takes to create an exciting and memorable game experience.  It always amazes me then that so many teams take for granted such a massive part of that game experience.  From the second a fan walks through the turnstiles to the celebration of a come from behind win, there’s one constant current pumping through your venue that keeps the excitement going. It’s music.  It’s the catalyst that reminds your fans that they’re there to have a good time. It sets the tone for everything you do.  It can be the difference between a stale environment and a fresh, can’t miss atmosphere.  It’s the lifeblood of your entertainment operation.

So why then would you ever turn over such an important aspect of your presentation to an intern armed only with some Jock Jams and worn out sound effects?  Every team should have a fully developed stadium music strategy.  Obviously every market is different and every organization is operating with disparate resources, but having a music strategy in place is a simple but essential step in creating an exciting game experience.  Ask yourself, is our music well thought out or is it an afterthought?