frapping my ears in oh10

The first two full months of 2010 have been all about alot of great discoveries and re-discoveries.

First and foremost, Animal Collective.

I avoided listening to Meriweather Post Pavillion for so long because I just really didn't get all of the hype. I'd been marginally aware of a few older songs for awhile, but it wasn't until I actually sat down and listened to "My Girls" on repeat that I was ready to delve into the magic that is Animal Collective. I've played the hell out of Meriweather now and, thanks to a friend who gladly shared his entire collection of Collective, I've been slowly penetrating their older stuff. I think it's going to be a long, unforgettable process.

Another band who was previously only a peripheral interest of mine, Wilco, has also been frapping me in a major way lately. After listening to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot on repeat for a couple of weeks I became convinced that it is one of the most beautiful and cohesive albums I've experienced. ("I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" is beyond haunting.) Similarly, a renewed interest in and heart re-frapping by Sufjan Stevens's Illinois has made me nostalgic for the days of good, solid ALBUMS.

One newer band that has kept me from losing faith in the art of the album is Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Up from Below is like a wonderful trip through mountains and deserts with 8-10 of your best friends that, by the end of it, results in you becoming a family. This band really feels like a throwback to the days of travellin', dancin', peace lovin' music groupes. "Home" is by far the best new(ish) song that sounds like an old song that I've heard in forever. It's striking me "Skinny Love" -style. The lyrics, the whistling, the clapping, the contrast between the male and female voices, the adorable, cheeky spoken interlude: it's all magic.

-T.Dawg