local other music collective Aether Everywhere have issues their year end mixtape. have a listen below!

Here’s my list – I decided to narrow it down to 5 albums. It was hard to do as this year was a very good year for music, the influential rise of Witch House & Dubstep alone could populate a top 10 list with fantastic albums. This year though the more i’ve thought about it, the more i want to highlight the albums that have really resonated with me emotionally. So many arguments can be made the anthropological or technical value of an album like the universally loved Cosmogramma – but what matters for me is how it works as a soundtrack to my daily life, and though i’m sure there are no hard feelings, Flylo ain’t got nothing for me. These albums however do.

5. Salem – King Night

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that feels like shooting a big bag of heroin after listening to this gargantuan sludge beast of an album. If Kanye’s latest is the emotional 8ball (complete with moments of hysterical crying), King Night is the massive dose of Ketamine and heroin that finally brings me down. Wayyy down. To the point where blood red subbass rolling it’s uglies all over the screaming face of Oh Holy Night or lyrics like

“It’s like people say, we all gonna die
But me is different Im not tryin to be alive
I just try to get high
Baby I just I just I
pull the sheet over my face before I die”

Slurred and menacing over molasses-slow dirty south beats held under water by an industrial freezer synth bass and punctuated by samples of cars crashing. These are just what the good doctor ordered.  It’s a sound that always feels like it’s on the verge of it’s eyes rolling back up into it’s own head and passing out with a Malborough 120 in its hand, but somehow manages to be not only the soul transcendent offering from the whole Witch House scene to date, but one of the best albums of the year.

(See also Balam Acab, OOooOo, White Ring, etc)

4. Zola Jesus – Stridulum II

Zola Jesus’s Nika Roza Danilova is the voice of the over-mother. Cold, powerful, emotionally and physically all encompassing – her drums pound like a determined heart and her synths continually rise and wrap round with thick blankets of cold, stifling love. (What? Me?Mother issues? Nah…)  I’m just saying, Stridulum II is the best sequenced, mixed and mastered version of Zola Jesus to come out yet. When Zola finally uncovered her voice and melodies from behind the wall of noise she showed us she was ready to take it all on, and showed us what was really there – angst, sure, but anger and violence turned out to be love, strong determined love – A woman hell bent to shield her lover from harm, to offer protection, to assure them of the end of suffering.

Stridulum II soars with leaden inevitability, there’s a deep core of strength, and even when she sings “You gotta help me out” on Manifest Destiny, you know she’s gonna make it regardless, and on the way she’ll rescue you, the kids, and anyone else she sets her love to.

(see also Zola Jesus)

3. Twin Shadow – Forget

This album was so close to being my number one, and depending on my mood, how much I’ve had to drink, how sentimental I let myself get – it can quickly run up the charts and stay on the top of my playlist for days.  Tight, melodically dazzling songs about romantic young love, dancing, ghosts, a voice that takes me back to everything that’s great about Morrissey but minus some of the whine and none of the falsetto yelping, shimmering synth lines, lean, choppy guitars, funky bass lines, swinging drum machines – everything in it’s right place. A true gem of an album that on every listen gives you a new favorite track, new favorite lyric ( “As if it wasn’t enough to hear you speak, they had to give you lips like that.”), and new favorite reason to let this one just roll on repeat.

(see also Wild Nothing, The xx)

2. The National – High Violet

The National are my boys – I wanna sit in the back of a bar in a button-up shirt and jacket, tie askew, hair-line receding (faster and faster) – Whiskey in hand and listening to this album on repeat with these guys. They’d pick it and each other apart, laugh at it, downplay it, there would be quiet moments and deep draws, we’d go out and smoke cigarettes even though we shouldn’t – we’re getting older and there are fewer of us around these days…

Some have argued that it’s the same album they’ve been making for the last 3 or so, but that’d be ignoring the subtleties, the small but important changes, new skills learned, melodies refined – much like the common person’s life, when viewed from afar, seems the same, unchanging, monotonous – but we all know that upclose and person, we’re all constantly in flux, growing and straining.

The National are the soundtrack to my everyday, while the rest of the albums on my list are part of my escape from it, High Violet is the sound of the working week, driving to the doctor, the grey skies, late to bed, late to rise weekdays that bleed into weekends, domestic disagreements, quiet insignificant resentments, things we forget to do, things we wish we’d never done.

It’s an album about the cold, uncertain world and its uncertain people making uncertain decisions and its little, wiry special power is that it makes it all feel ok.  In fact, The National’s music lifts up all those moments in our mundane lives and drinks a sad toast to the secret drama and magic we give them.

(see also The Walkmen)

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Here it is folks, Kanye’s latest massive blast of Id – and maybe it’s just me and maybe i just haven’t had my coffee yet (yes i know it’s past noon…)and my critical faculties aren’t what they should be… but… damn this is good. Production values, the tunes, sexy bird girl, kind of corny, a bit self aware (but not as much as i think it’d like to be.) but over all fresh, fun, incredibly stylish, sexy, and the tracks are very interesting, incredibly catchy – and even heartfelt.

Warning, sort of NSFW…

A lot of us at Pure Pop have been in this music game for a while. When you spend as much time following the news and watching the trends as we do, you develop a sixth sense for what’s coming next. Don’t believe us? Bookmark this page and look at it again in one years’ time. You will be shocked by how accurate these predictions turn our to be. (Note: The following is strictly a piece of comedy. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.)

5. Kanye West Mauled by Bear

During a visit to the San Diego Zoo, the contentious Kanye West will misinterpret a grizzly bear’s scratching of an itch as a personal affront. In retaliation, West will enter the cage and confront said bear, only to be mauled and disfigured. Surviving the incident, West will post a poorly-written and insincerely-self-deprecating post on his blog acknowledging that his hubris has once again left him with egg on his face.

4. Tom Waits Experiences Career Renaissance Due to Tonsillectomy

Gravel-voiced icon Tom Waits will undergo a necessary tonsillectomy this spring. Consequently, Waits’ gruff, growling vocal delivery will be forever changed. His growling tenor will transform into a smooth alto croon. Invigorated and inspired by his new Rick-Astley-esque voice, Waits will release a series of lively big-band arrangements of his most beloved songs. His initially skeptical fan base will embrace Waits 2.0 as will mainstream audiences as never before.

3. Phish Break Up and Get Back Together

During their spring tour, Trey Anastasio will tearfully announce that Phish have once again reached an impasse and decided to go their separate ways. During the summer, each former member of the band will embark on various unsuccessful projects, including six instrumental solo albums by Trey, a collaborative album between Mike Gordon and Living Colour’s drummer, an anthology of limericks by Page Mcconell and a new album from Jon Fishman‘s Pork Tornado. This fall, on Phish’s website, the band will issue a statement saying they’ve realized they are at their happiest and most creative when working together. The subsequent early winter tour will be their most well-attended since the previous reunion tour.

2. Scarlett Johansson Records 2pac Tribute Album

Undaunted by the universal scorn that greeted her album of Tom Waits covers, Scarlett Johansson will continue to pursue her musical ambitions. Setting her sights on martyred hip-hop legend 2pac, Johansson and producer Daniel Lanois will release an album of down-tempo  interpretations of 2pac’s songs. The album sells poorly, becoming a a synonym for celebrity excess and pop-culture vapidity. It’s greatest condemnation will come from 2pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, who says of the album, “It’s the worst thing to happen to my son since he got shot.”

1. Bono Reveals Indifference To Injustice and Suffering

In a candid interview with Playboy, U2′s Bono will confess his various altruistic endeavors are part of a series of publicity stunts that, as the singer will put it, “…have paid off handsomely.” The Irishman will go onto admit that he “couldn’t really care less about other people’s problems. Have you seen my massive house? It’s bigger than most high schools. I’m not going to mope around over some starving people I’ll never meet when I’m living like an Egyptian emperor, am I?” When pressed for anything that does bother him, Bono will admit that, “Sometimes my personal chef will behave a little informally around me. That irks me to no end.”

In 2007, during the golden age of Myspace, DJ A-Trak released a single from a loud mouthed Chicago babysitter with acrylic nails that even the most stylish Harajuku girl would die for. In fact, Kid Sister‘s single was an addictive, manicured mix of her precocious flow and house-y Chicago style club beats,  devoted to the prestige of her “Pro Nails.” It even had a top coat of post-Graduation, pre-”Imma let you finish” Kanye West to give it more pop credibility. I had nothing but high hopes for a Kid Sis full length. After the release of two more singles “Control” (remixed by Chromeo) and “Beeper” (remixed by The Count and Sinden) the interweb was buzzing. Ultraviolet was originally slated to be named “Dream Date” and included “Beeper” but was changed during the recording process in favor of the resulting clubby Fool’s Gold flavor. Despite this decision (for marketability?) there are still a number of  gritty hip hop tracks on the record that put current auto-tuned fembots to shame.

“She’s a bit nasally and predictable, but the focus isn’t on her rhymes as much as it is on her ability to MC. These tracks are meant to get you hyped up and dance, not just stand there and nod your head.”

She’s been heralded as Kanye’s protege, but that is a bit of a short-sell of her individual talent. Kid Sister applies her refreshingly carefree finesse throughout the album in a way that Kanye’s ego wouldn’t allow him. On “Let Me Bang 2009″ she isn’t rapping about bogus wads of borrowed industry cash or designer jean endorsements, she’s rapping about “doing her laundry with pockets of change.” The closest she even comes to mentioning her new-found fame is on “Life On TV” which is more advice of keeping it cool in front of the cameras (“don’t pat your weave”) than a jaded starlet cursing the paparazzi. “Switchboard” is a juke anthem throwback to her Chicago roots where she started MCing parties hosted by her brother’s DJ duo Flosstradamus. To be fair Kid Sister does not have a legendary flow. She’s a bit nasally and predictable, but the focus isn’t on her rhymes as much as it is on her ability to MC. These tracks are meant to get you hyped up and dance, not just stand there and nod your head.  My only complaint about this album is that they cut “Beeper”  (“you ain’t gonna get none, cuz you paged me 69!”) which had one of my favorite music videos of the year (provided below). You need this album for all of your cabin fever parties this winter.

This weeks pop list asks and answers the question : Who are some of the greatest bands and artists and why do you hate them so much?

	10. Ani Difranco pros- uncompromising and empowering lyrics, prolific output, aggressive yet highly listenable music. cons- Angst-ridden and overwrought, Albums that sound the same, lyrics that seem to be inspired by a hormonally challenged teenager’s journal entries. see also: any artist with an acoustic guitar and a “‘Poetry for Dummies” book on their tour bus
	9. Ween pros- a chameleon-like ability to mimic countless genres and eras, Gene and Dean’s dynamic, hilarity. cons- silliness, novelty music isn’t music, a lack of earnestness. see also: They Might Be Giants, Dead Milkmen
	8. The Doors pros- Jim Morrison cons- Jim Morrison
	7. Morrissey pros- witty and intelligent lyrics, that indelible Morrissey croon, he was in The god-damn Smiths cons- overwrought lyrics, repeated focus on morbid or bleak themes, that excruciating Morrissey croon see also: The Cure, Joy Division etc
	6. Kimya Dawson pros- adorably sweet persona, personal and honest songwriting devoid of hubris, classic melodies and chord structures under-produced in contrast with modern overcooked production cons- a grating childlike affectation, half-baked songwriting, an apparent lack of any real talent
	5. John Cage pros- advanced conceptual and avant-garde music greatly, epitomized the “think outside the box” mentality cons- behind his concepts there’s little of substance, more interested in his legacy than his music see also: anything that sounds like a three year old playing a piano that your friend tells you is genius
	4. Yes pros- sophisticated compositions as influenced by classical music as rock, virtuosic musicianship cons- esoteric songwriting, overindulgence, pretentiousness, silly lyrics see also: any given prog rock band
	3. Kanye West pros- he’s produced dozens of great tracks for other artists, charismatic delivery, a gift for composing infectious songs that transcend the genre cons- a repulsively massive ego, vacuous lyrical content, 808′s & Heartbreaks see also: any MC with delusions of grandeur
	2. Metallica pros- Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …and Justice for All cons- The Black Album, Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic see also: any metal band that’s ever gone mainstream
	1. Phish pros- virtuosic musicianship, first-rate improvisation, an ability to bring something new to a song each time it is performed, a playfulness bands often lack cons- over-indulgent performances, tediousness, mediocre songwriting, annoying fans, interminably long songs, they’ve never put out a good studio album see also: Grateful Dead, every Jam band ever

File this one under, “Jesus it’s 2009, way to stay on top of current events.”

Found this nice little breakdown of Kanye’s video for “Stronger”. Generally not considered one of his better tracks from 2007′s Graduation; i’d go as far as to say it sounds like a clunky fan mashup than never really gets off the ground. Regardless, someone went through the video and took stills out and put them up side-by-side with some from Akira to help point out the homage he was paying to the film. I didn’t notice this the first time i watched the video, but i blame that on being blinded by the stupidity of lyrics like “you could be my black kate moss tonight” ah shit, i did it again.

The Whole Kit and Kabootle

I seem surprisngly in-tune with the latest top 10 sellers at the store this week, so I thought I’d drop a line of knowledge on 6 that I’ve been rocking heavy.

Department of Eagles – In Ear Park – Featuring a couple of the guys from Grizzley Bear, it isn’t hard to get it mixed up with their other band, but the lengthy driftoffs are traded in for more concise tunes. Takes 3 listens to get hooked.

Ryan Adams – Cardinology – The guy releases friggin’ 17 albums a year so it’s definitely hard to keep up, but this one has some of the best tracks he’s released since Heartbreaker.

TV on the Radio – Dear Science - The most popular indie band in the world seems to have finally realized that people are paying attention and decided to batten down the hatches a little bit. I feel it lacks, but have gotten into serious debate about it. Definitely a must-hear.

Kings of Leon – Only By the Night – I don’t care if teenage girls think they’re dreamy and older fans bitch about them giving up their southern roots, this album is amazing. Huge, catchy, rock songs. They’re the biggest band in the world right now, except nobody in the U.S. has realized it yet. Probably in my year’s top 3.

Of Montreal – Skeletal Lampings – You’re either in or out with this band, and if you’re in then this album will only bring your passion deeper. Kevin Barnes is a nut, and has a way of turing his lunacy into logic. You gotta see em’ live, but this album is a good place to start.

Kanye West – 808 + Heartbreak - Ok, I haven’t heard it yet, but Herb’s poste intrigues me. My open minded love for music urges me to push past Kanye’s pompous b.s. and give it a shot. Hey, I finally stopped thinking about Chris Martin being in Coldplay, and now I love the new album! So anything’s possible. Except for my ability to post youtubes, let’s try again…

My initial reaction to the opening track of 808s & Heartbreak, Kanye West’s new album, was something along the lines of, “Oh great. Another pseudo-pop song on a hip-hop album with glaring pitch-correction on the vocals. Vocoders sound more natural than this. Why is Kanye opening his album with an annoying, tired cliche?” To my utter amazement and bafflement, the technique was not just employed on the opening track but the entire album.

Kanye West has just released an entire album where he doesn’t rap! He “sings” with the help of a lot of auto-tuning. What’s more, this rather silly approach was inspired by the man’s suffering and turmoil.

I immediately warmed to the album. Not only is it stylistically interesting, the context is fascinating for a number of obvious reasons. An established hip-hop super-star has made an album that really isn’t hip-hop. He’s using this uncharted territory to express his devastation. He’s the biggest megalomaniac in popular music.

I love this kind of stuff. There’s nothing more compelling or an engaging than an artist who totally side-steps expectation to pursue something different. Of course, what really matters is whether or not the album’s any good. The jury’s still out on that one, but I’m going to be spending some time with it.