Mix: Goodbye Summer

Here's a short and sweet mix to mark the end of what has been a great summer. Goodbye humid weather, hello.....schoolwork. I'm headed back to Minnesota on Saturday for another year of midwestern education - along with months of bone-chilling, teeth-rattling, snot-freezing cold. You won't hear from me until I'm settled in - until then, enjoy!

Haikuesque (When She Laughs) - Bibio

Eat Street - People Under the Stairs

In The Summertime - The Rural Alberta Advantage

Evelyn - Dabrye

I'm Not (Phaseone Remix) - Panda Bear

-Chris

The Rural Alberta Advantage @ Middle East, 8/5/09

(Nils killed it the entire night)

I have to admit that I expected the Rural Alberta Advantage to put on a good live show. I had read a few concert reviews which were all glowing and I have learned in my musical experiences to generally trust live reviews. I knew I loved the material as well, I can remember listening to the few songs I had on repeat constantly during studying (I know, I actually studied!) for finals semester one. A lot of people have gone through the same transfixion with their debut album, Hometowns, over the past eight months. I know this because I can remember when their MySpace had 8,000 hits, and now it's approaching 200,000. But I especially know it because of how many people jammed themselves into the Middle East club to see these guys. It was the first time in my personal concert going experience that I can truly say that I was front row, as I was reaching out and touching Paul Banwatt's drum set between songs.

(This is actually what he looks like when he's drumming!)

And I would have to say that the enthusiastic turnout was warranted, and then some. Simply put, and I think my two fellow blogmates would agree (Boobhead Bishop was absent), it was the best live show I've ever seen. Every beat of every song was flawless, and the band flowed with energy of a band that is overflowing with talent. In awe of the performance, we kind of forgot to take a setlist, and subsequently can't remember the exact order, but setlists are overrated anyway, right?! (Please say yes...) Their hour long set really seemed to fly by, and before we knew it they were out for their encore (not tremendously special) and then their second encore (tremendouly special) in which they played their "closer" which has yet to be recorded, entitled "Good Night." If you don't already know, the band comes down off the stage and finishes playing in the crowd, completely acoustic. I must say, being one foot from the band as they finished their set was a pretty special way to end the show. All in all, just the most solid, energy filled hour of music I've yet experienced.

(Amy sets the atmosphere with backing vocals and keyboards)

However, despite all the hoopla over the RAA, I would be seriously remiss if I didn't mention the artists that opened, and there were three opening acts. The first was Jennifer Greer, who I thought was very good. I will admit that I have never heard of her before this performance, but that's what opening shows is all about! She had almost a Tori Amos vibe about her, with complex piano based song structures and sudden tempo shifts. I really liked her, but I will give an unfortunate thumbs down to the bassist, who was rocking out like he was possessed despite laying down less than awesome beats. Oh well. Baby Teeth was.... strange. Really, everything about the performance was strange. There's not really much for me to say about it, they rocked kind of an 80's vibe and the lead singer had some pretty stellar moves up on stage. I don't think it was a bad performance, but I don't know if I was ready for it. Then came easily my favorite of the opening acts, Joshua English, accompanied by fantastic viola player (violist??) Lisa Molinaro. They played an incredibly solid set and really seemed to have a lot of experience and chemistry onstage. Joshua spun beautiful guitar driven folk songs, and while the songs certainly can exist without viola, it was always a welcome addition whenever it entered. Joshua claims to have only recently shaved his head, but it seems odd for me to picture him with hair after seeing the show. I was surprised to see that he seems to be out of the public eye, so look for f/k to keep you up to date on him, because I think a lot of people will find him worthy of their attention. For more pics, check out the f/k flickr!

(Joshua English with a harmonica and a shaved head.)

The Rural Alberta Advantage MySpace
Joshua English MySpace
Baby Teeth MySpace
Jennifer Greer MySpace
f/k flickr

-Donovan

Hometowns Re-Issue Today!

This is just a quick little reminder to pick up The Rural Alberta Advantage's Hometowns today, or whenever you're at a record store next (if you want the vinyl though, you'll have to wait until July 21st. Sorry). Hometowns was one of f/k's favorite albums of last year, and it's seeing a much wider release today, which is great. It's really a stunning record, so we can't recommend it enough. Also, try and see them now that they're touring extensively. Who knows, you may see the f/k gang there!

The Rural Alberta Advantage- Sleep All Day
iTunes / amazon / saddle creek

-Chandler

=[

The purpose of this post is to say that the fork/knife radio show will not be airing this week due to continuing technical difficulties. The media group that I air it through is poorly organized and so the station is still down. Hopefully sometime this weekend I'll be able to get in there myself and fix things myself. I apologize, I know everybody can't wait to hear my vocal chords come out of your radio, but you'll have to wait til next week. I will post a song that I was going to play tonight though.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - The Air

-Bishop

f/k Top Ten Albums of '08!

two-thou-sand-eight - \'tü-'thau'-z^ən(d)-'āt\ n.

1. full of spine-tingling debuts
2. containing or related to marvelous follow-ups
3. full of/pertaining to change or unexpected twists and turns

As we welcome the new year, we here at fork/knife can't help but reflect upon the great music that 2008 gave us. The following list was compiled by the four of us with minimal fist-fights and utmost respect for one another's musical taste. One must remember that this is a list of our favorite albums of 2008, and we understand that some people may disagree. We invite you to leave a list of your favorite albums of 2008 in the comment section at the end of this post, so we know how you feel. But, without further adieu we present to you, our top ten albums of 2008.

10. Deerhunter - Microcastle/ Weird Era Cont.

Bradford Cox is the man behind Deerhunter, and he looks weird. Now that that's out of the way, let's agree that the music is quite good. Channeling their best Pavement impression, Deerhunter turns in a washy, rockin' double album. Though Microcastle is stronger than Weird Era Cont., they serve as a fantastic one-two-punch for those looking for this kind of rock that is seldom seen this day and age in indie music.

Deerhunter - Nothing Ever Happened



9. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

We've seen a ton of hype surrounding this upcoming group. Some people were bold enough to claim Oracular Spectacular as the best album of 2008. Here at f/k, we don't quite agree. Sure, this is a great album, and it holds some of the best singles of the year without a doubt. Where this record falls short is that it isn't a cohesive unit, it seems more like a collection of songs thrown together. That being said, this is a quality effort. Definitely worth listening to.

MGMT - Time To Pretend



8. The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

The Helio Sequence just keep getting better and better. They've had multiple albums, each with it's own space-rock sound. You could never tell from their music that its made by just two guys. Using samplers and programmed bass lines, The Helio Sequence are known for putting on a loud and entertaining live show. Look out for more from this Portland duo in the future.

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead



7. Grand Archives - Grand Archives

Outside of Seattle, no one knew that ex-Band of Horses frontman, Mat Brooke, was starting up a new project, but all Seattleites alike were awaiting his new release for months. Grand Archives have lived up to the local hype and then some. Even though Brooke wants to keep this band on the smaller side and focus on running his bar, Grand Archives have released an album that combines the driving guitar parts from Band of Horses and the great vocal harmonies of Fleet Foxes; We all know that that sound can't be quarantined in Seattle. Look out for Grand Archives in 2009 also as they have been in the studio recently recording, and lets hope that this risk of releasing two albums in two years doesn't back-fire on them.

Grand Archives - Torn Blue Foam Couch



6. Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules and Love Affair

It's hard to imagine a better genre revival than this album. One listen to this album will thrust you into the disco halls of the 70's instantaneously. It's probably the most exuberunt album of the year, taking the listener on a ride that twists and turns through a bizarre amalgamation of funky beats and tragic heartbreaks. The star of the album is clearly "Blind", a six minute epic disco journey, sung by Antony of Antony and the Johnsons. This album really accomplishes a feat that could have been considered previously impossible, it brings back disco in a fantastic and completely unpredictable manner. This is truly an album you have to hear to believe.

Hercules And Love Affair - Blind

5. Sigur Rós - Með suð I eyrum við spilum endalaust

While supplying the world with one of 2008's best albums, the Icelandic group Sigur Ros also provided us with one of the worst interviews ever recorded. They were on an NPR music segment, and offered almost no worthwhile commentary on their musical process in what has become an infamous interview across the internet. Nevertheless, Sigur Ros puts out unique music, and this album may be their best. It's joyous and bright, unlike some of the more somber and quiet music of their past. Listen to Sigur Ros. Don't ever try to interview them.

Sigur Rós - Inní mér syngur vitleysingur



4. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

We know this was initially self-released in '07, but it reached the masses this year, so it belongs on this list. Bon Iver's frontman, Justin Vernon, made this in three months as he tried to hide from the world in a cabin in Wisconsin. The raw emotion shines through in every track in a way that can't be avoided. More of a headphone album than a speaker album by a long shot, this is a great choice for you when you bunker down to hide from the winter.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love



3. TV on the Radio - Dear Science

A great album and great follow-up, Dear Science is an example of a band experimenting with their sound and getting it right. TVOTR burst into the mainstream scene with this album, topping numerous end of the year lists, and deservedly so. This is their most accessible album due to the change in sound the band went through. Great hooks, great lyrics, and a great sound altogether lands TVOTR a high spot on our list.

TV On The Radio - Golden Age



2. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

This album is one of the most hauntingly beautiful creations in recent musical memory. And this band is certainly one of the most talented bands on the music scene today. That is the scope of this album, to convert someone who hasn't listened into lifelong fan in one listen. This album will undoubtedly be remembered as the starting point for one of the most powerful indie acts of all time. And given time, that's exactly what they will become. No one who has heard this album doubts this, the simple fact is that so few have heard it that they are a phenomenon in the smallest sense. Their greatness is measured not yet by the scope of their influence, but by the immense and unmistakable air of quality that surrounds every second of this recording. Nils Edenloff's vocals are harrowing, reminiscent of Jeff Magnum of Neutral Milk Hotel, but fresh and distinct at the same time. His vocals are accompanied occasionally by the gorgeous vocals of Amy Cole. And while both of them may be the most immediately accessible members of the band, the true standout of the group is the drummer, Paul Banwatt. The performance is almost too impressive to try and describe, it's simply something that must be experienced through hearing the record to understand. His drumming is a perfect part to a near perfect album. And there's only one album impressive enough to beat it.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Don't Haunt This Place

1. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

There was no discussion at fork/knife that this would be the best album of the year. No other album was as beautiful as the transcendent harmonies and magical melodies from this Seattle band. Lead Singer Robin Pecknold, awarded "Voice of the Year" by Spin Magazine, gives one of the most captivating vocal performances we've ever heard. Pecknold's voice is so stunningly brilliant, it's impossible to describe with words. The album shows surprising depth, always holding true to its genre while pushing its boundaries. The album's real standout is "White Winter Hymnal," a gorgeous harmonic baroque pop jam. This album was the soundtrack of the summer for us, later turning into soundtrack of the year. In addition to the Sun Giant EP, also released this year, there really was no real competition for Fleet Foxes for album of the year or band of the year for that matter. It's just too good.

Fleet Foxes- Blue Ridge Mountains
Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Honorable Mentions:

Foals - Antidotes
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
M83 - Satudays=Youth
She & Him - Volume One
Dr. Dog - Fate
Department Of Eagles - In Ear Park
Why? - Alopecia
Starfucker - Starfucker
Forest Fire - Forest Fire
Son Lux - At War With Walls & Mazes
Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds And A Sound
Sun Kil Moon - April
Kaki King- Dreaming of Revenge
Metronomy- Nights Out
Plants and Animals- Parc Avenue

-f/k

The Rural Alberta Advantage

Every once in a while, you hear a band that truly captivates you from the first second you start listening. One band that most certainly falls neatly into this category is The Rural Alberta Advantage. Hailing from Alberta, this Canadian band is currently so under the radar their myspace page has 58,000 views. Compare that number to 3,425,000 views for Fleet Foxes and The Shins with 6,773,000 views. The band's debut LP, Hometowns, was released early this year and enthralls from start to finish. Lead singer Nils Edenloff channels Jeff Magnum throughout the entire album, and while the similarity is something the band will probably try to avoid, but is undeniable. The band sounds like Neutral Milk Hotel and Arcade Fire combined, if that's possible. The real star of the show is Paul Banwatt, whose drumming may be among the most amazing performances I've ever heard on an album. His precision and energy is fantastic on every song, the standout being "Don't Haunt This Place." The RAA is unsigned, which is insane given not only their potential, but the actual material they've produced. If there's any justice in the world, this band is going to become huge, but for right now, consider them the best band nobody's heard of.

Don't Haunt This Place - The Rural Alberta Advantage

Frank AB - The Rural Alberta Advantage

-Donovan