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[SKOA Presents] Record Store Day 2011 Official Afterparty!
New York Vinyl Lovers!!!! Are you ready for Record Store Day or WHAT!? We know we are! In addition to making our list and checking it twice to make sure we didn't miss any sweet exclusives, we already planned out what you're doing after you scoop up all those delightful records.
Please join us with our friends from Looney Tunes, Consequence of Sound and Rock It Out! Blog at Fontana's (105 Eldridge Street) on Record Store Day (4/16) from 3-7pm and continue your musical love fest with the help of Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, The Kickdrums, Midnight Spin and The Pass with their delightful musical stylings all for the actual retail price of $10.
Not a bad way to wrap up the perfect Record Store Day, huh? Yeah, that's what we thought.
Come one come all to the most vinyl-loving afterparty of them all!
[SKOA Presents] SXSW 2011 Or Bust!
We are counting down the hours until Shey, Rocko and I hop on our respective planes from our humble homes and hit the hip streets of Austin, TX for SXSW. While we are all n00bz to the pure mayhem and insanity that is SXSW, we think/hope we have appropriately prepped our livers, iCals, eardrums, etc. for the days ahead of us. Although it is hard to tell how our days in Austin will actually pan out, we have carefully combed through every party, panel and showcase and prepared the following agenda in case you care to follow along or even follow us around. Mind you, we all have a few bands here and there that aren't playing a specific party that we'll be checking out as well, but this is a pretty good idea of where to find us.
If you don't see something on our list that you think we should check out, please drop us a comment!
Here we go!
We are counting down the hours until Shey, Rocko and I hop on our respective planes from our humble homes and hit the hip streets of Austin, TX for SXSW. While we are all n00bz to the pure mayhem and insanity that is SXSW, we think/hope we have appropriately prepped our livers, iCals, eardrums, etc. for the days ahead of us. Although it is hard to tell how our days in Austin will actually pan out, we have carefully combed through every party, panel and showcase and prepared the following agenda in case you care to follow along or even follow us around. Mind you, we all have a few bands here and there that aren't playing a specific party that we'll be checking out as well, but this is a pretty good idea of where to find us.
If you don't see something on our list that you think we should check out, please drop us a comment!
Here we go!
Wednesday March 16th
Day:
The Rise of the Music Vlogger (our boy Sami from RockItOutBlog's panel!) [badge]
Fader Fort : Toro Y Moi, Dom, Young The Giant, Yelawolf [RSVP]
Brooklyn Vegan & Feed The Beat's Day Party @ Emos: Anamanaguchi, A Place To Bury Strangers, Darwin Deez, Chiddy Bang, Surfer Blood [$FREE.99]
All Saints Spitafield/I AM SOUND Party @Shangri-la: Dom, Foster The People, Theophilus London, Local Natives (DJ Set) [RSVP]
Paste Day Party @ The Stage on 6th: Sondre Lerche, Eisley, Ezra Furman & The Harpoons, The Civil Wars, Futurebirds [$FREE.99]
Terrorbird Media & Forcefield PR Day Party @ Red 7: Screaming Females, The Death Set, Toro Y Moi [$FREE.99]
Night:
Vans Showcase @ Emo's Main Room: Bad Brains, The Black Lips, Talib Kweli [$FREE.99 w/ badge or wristband]
Doomtree Showcase @ Flamingo Cantina: Lazerbeak + Paper Tiger, P.O.S., Sims, Astronautalis, Dessa [$FREE.99]
Rolling Stone Showcase @ La Zona Rosa: The Black Anges, Queens Of The Stone Age [RSVP]
Thursday March 17th
Day:
Paste Day Party @ The Stage on 6th: Seryn, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr [$FREE.99]
Moby's Vegan BBQ @ Cheer Up Charlie's: James Yuill, Chateau Marmont, RAC djs, Moby [RSVP]
MTV Garage @ Red River Garage: Theophilus London, Foster The People, Tinie Tempah [RSVP]
Rawkblog & Twentyfourbit Present: Waynestock @ The Liberty: Sondre Lerche, ARMS [RSVP]
Pitchfork #Offline Day Party @ East Side Drive-In: Dom, Mount Kimbie [$FREE.99]
France Rocks! @ West Tent, Brush Square Park: Chateau Marmont [RSVP]
Night:
Levi's Showcase @ Auditorium Shores Stage: The Strokes [$FREE.99]
Rolling Stone + Atlantic Records Showcase @ La Zona Rosa: Lupe Fiasco, Cee-Lo Green [$FREE.99]
Village Voice Showcase @ Austin Music Hall: Yelawolf, Wu Tang Clan, Low Down Loretta Brown aka Erykah Badu [$FREE.99]
Spinner Showcase @ Stubb's: Foster The People, Portugal The Man, TV On The Radio [Badges Only?]
Friday March 18th
Day:
Fader Fort: Brother, Odd Future [RSVP]
Pitchfork #Offline Day Party @ East Side Drive-In: Toro Y Moi, Yuck, Baths, Gold Panda [$FREE.99]
Windish Agency Party @ Emo's & Emo's Jr.: The Naked and Famous, Toro Y Moi, Foster The People, Braids, Givers [$FREE.99]
Under The Radar Party @ Flamingo Cantina: Okkervil River, Menomena, Surfer Blood [$FREE.99]
Night:
Bella Union/Zeitgeist Showcase @ Central Presbyterian Church: Sondre Lerche, Menomena [$FREE.99]
Dickies Party @ Lustre Pearl: Noah & The Whale, GAYNGS, Black Lips [RSVP]
Green Label Sound Showcase @ La Zona Rosa: MDNR, Classixx, The Cool Kids, Chromeo [badges only]
Saturday March 19th
Day:
Axis Of Audio Party @ The Rumbler Lounge: The Greenhornes, A Place to Bury Strangers, P.O.S. + Astronautalis, Jukebox the Ghost, & Ezra Furman & the Harpoons, Dirty Ghosts [RSVP]
Filter Day Party @ Cedar Street Courtyard: The Naked and Famous, Datarock [RSVP]
Fader Fort: The Cool Kids, James Blake, Trash Talk [RSVP]
MOG Party @ Mohawk: Big Boi, TV On The Radio, Theophilus London, Yuck [RSVP]
MWTX @ East Side Drive-In: The Oh Sees, Odd Future, Surfer Blood [RSVP]
Night:
Polyvinyl Showcase @ The Parish: Starfucker, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Asobi Seksu, & Casiokids [limited tickets, mostly badges/wristbands]
Stereogum's Last Night In Texas @ Purevolume House: Das Racist, Gold Panda [RSVP]
VEVO Power Station: Kanye West - More info TBA
Rumor has it Death From Above 1979 will be performing at 1am. Uhhhh YESSSSSS!
[SKOA Presents] SXSW 2011 Axis of Audio Party
With a lovefest that could only have ignited courtesy of the internet, Some Kind of Awesome, Antiquiet, TwentyFourBit, Rock It Out! Blog and Consequence of Sound have joined forces under the moniker Axis of Audio with help from Knuckle Rumbler to throw an [unofficial] SXSW 2011 party of epically awesome proportions.
That's right, friends! If you'll be in Austin and want to catch the big event, mark your calendars for Saturday, March 19th 2011 from 12pm - 8pm at The Rumbler Lounge, located at 402 E. 6th Street. This party has been in the works for quite awhile and we think our hard work has really paid off.
We are jumping up and down in excitement to announce this ridiculously awesome lineup, which includes:
In addition to all of these insanely great bands, we'll also be giving away two pairs of passes to San Bernardino, CA’s Paid Dues Festival, which features P.O.S. and the highly anticipated reunion of Black Star.
So if your head has finally stopped spinning, make sure you head over to do512.com and RSVP if you wanna go!
Celebrate Valentine's Day The SKOA Way! Enjoy These 14 Valentines From Your Favorite Artists
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Since we know the average SKOA reader isn't necessarily into Hallmark cards, we decided to make our own just for you! Some of these were reader inspired, so if you suggested a Valentine idea make sure to drop us a comment and let us know what you think! We hope you enjoy these as much as we enjoyed making them for you! We've provided links so you can share these and they're also available on our Facebook page.
Check out the Valentines after the jump!
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Since we know the average SKOA reader isn't necessarily into Hallmark cards, we decided to make our own just for you! Some of these were reader inspired, so if you suggested a Valentine idea make sure to drop us a comment and let us know what you think! We hope you enjoy these as much as we enjoyed making them for you! We've provided links so you can share these and they're also available on our Facebook page.
Check out the Valentines after the jump!
[SKOA Presents] [Premiere] Heypenny - "Purple Street"
We told you to keep an eye out for Heypenny when we caught them during CMJ last year. We weren't kidding.
We're honored to present to you, "Purple Street", from Heypenny's upcoming album A Jillion Kicks. True story: these guys are insanely dedicated to bringing forth the awesome.
The album is now three years in the making. The band had originally crafted a record with multiple producers in two different studios and felt that they ultimately didn't capture the essence of the band, so they scrapped that record. Giving it another go, the band reached out to their fans via Kickstarter to fund the album and were able to re-track everything with close friend/musician/producer Charles Allison (who tracked Heypenny’s first full length Use These Spoons). Then with the help of talented mixing engineer Craig Alvin (Colourmusic, The Features, Hanson) the band was able to put the finishing touches on the record.
A Jillion Kicks features guest performances from 15 other Nashville based musicians including Byron House (Nickel Creek, Robert Plant), Kevin Teal (Cerys Matthews), Natalie Prass, Mikky Ekko and many more.
Check out "Purple Street" below. If you're in love with the song as much as we are, you can go download it for free on their website.
Heypenny -"Purple Street" by Some Kind of Awesome
A Jillion Kicks is due to drop on February 22nd, 2011. First string of tour dates after the jump!
We told you to keep an eye out for Heypenny when we caught them during CMJ last year. We weren't kidding.
We're honored to present to you, "Purple Street", from Heypenny's upcoming album A Jillion Kicks. True story: these guys are insanely dedicated to bringing forth the awesome.
The album is now three years in the making. The band had originally crafted a record with multiple producers in two different studios and felt that they ultimately didn't capture the essence of the band, so they scrapped that record. Giving it another go, the band reached out to their fans via Kickstarter to fund the album and were able to re-track everything with close friend/musician/producer Charles Allison (who tracked Heypenny’s first full length Use These Spoons). Then with the help of talented mixing engineer Craig Alvin (Colourmusic, The Features, Hanson) the band was able to put the finishing touches on the record.
A Jillion Kicks features guest performances from 15 other Nashville based musicians including Byron House (Nickel Creek, Robert Plant), Kevin Teal (Cerys Matthews), Natalie Prass, Mikky Ekko and many more.
Check out "Purple Street" below. If you're in love with the song as much as we are, you can go download it for free on their website.
Heypenny -"Purple Street" by Some Kind of Awesome
A Jillion Kicks is due to drop on February 22nd, 2011. First string of tour dates after the jump!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Feb. 16th @ The Bishop (Bloomington, IN) *
Feb. 17th @ The Melody Inn (Indianapolis, IN) *
Feb. 18th @ Cosmic Charlies (Lexington, KY) *
Feb. 19th @ The Duck Inn (Evansville, IN) *#
Feb. 20th @ Off Broadway (St. Louis, MO)
Feb. 25th @ JJ's Bohemia (Chattanooga, TN)
Feb. 26th @ Mercy Lounge (Nashville, TN)
Mar. 16-19 @ SXSW (Austin, TX)
Mar. 26th @ Caledonia Lounge (Athens, GA)
* = w/ Andy D
# = w/ The Features
[SKOA Presents] The 25 Best Albums of 2010: 5-1
Tied for 5. Air - Love 2 [Buy CD]
I had approached this record with caution because Pocket Symphony had fallen so flat of what I expected to follow up an album like Talkie Walkie from a band as epic as Air. Thankfully, what we got this time around was an album that picked up right where TW left off. Love 2 is an album that you love to love. It's romantic and dreamy in all the good ways that TW was but takes it to the next level. You will find your mind drifting away to a better place courtesy of songs like "Sing Sang Sung", "So Light Is Her Footfall" and "Do The Joy". This French duo have truly mastered weaving wispy electronic melodies into a breathtaking 46 minutes of pure bliss. - Kibbe
Tied for 5. Air - Love 2 [Buy CD]
I had approached this record with caution because Pocket Symphony had fallen so flat of what I expected to follow up an album like Talkie Walkie from a band as epic as Air. Thankfully, what we got this time around was an album that picked up right where TW left off. Love 2 is an album that you love to love. It's romantic and dreamy in all the good ways that TW was but takes it to the next level. You will find your mind drifting away to a better place courtesy of songs like "Sing Sang Sung", "So Light Is Her Footfall" and "Do The Joy". This French duo have truly mastered weaving wispy electronic melodies into a breathtaking 46 minutes of pure bliss. - Kibbe
4. Deftones - Diamond Eyes
After scrapping the work they’d previously worked on following the tragic departure of Chi Cheng, Deftones set to work on a new record which materialised as the beautifully rounded and ferocious Diamond Eyes. From the offset this album comes at you and it’s evident this album is an evolution not an album to mourn a missing component. Chino’s vocals soar to new levels as he screams the end of the opening 2 tracks “Diamond Eyes” and “Royal”. A standout for me is the slower tempo “Sextape” which is a beautifully dark track that progresses into a melodic chorus and bridge. “This Place Is Death” serves as a nice perspective and look at the bands future, or what might of been and closes a stellar record from Chino and Co. This album serves as a progression and sets the bar higher for them in future endeavours but also puts them firmly in out top 5 albums of 2010. - Rocko & Shey
3. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach [Buy CD | Vinyl]
Plastic Beach hands down was one of the most anticipated and exciting releases of 2010. After Albarn's 2nd Gorillaz album Demon Days, many weren't sure if the animated fab four would make another LP as rumors spread around that Damon and Jamie were ending the final phase on the note of a film. Damon later announced on Radio 1 that a third LP was in the works and previewed some early works in progress. Then early last year the single "Stylo" hit us all in the chest out of nowhere leaving us all wanting more. With Albarn now handling the production duties himself, fans including myself were left wondering how this 3rd LP would turn out. Fast forward to mid 2010, after months of viral promotion and previews Plastic Beach was finally in our hands and it did not disappoint. With its wide array of multi genre guests and with creative Standout tracks like "Stylo", "Superfast Jellyfish", "Rhinestone Eyes", "On Melancholy Hill" and pretty much the entire album it's a no brainer that Plastic Beach was one of 2010s Top albums of the year. This a must have album for any good music collector. - Rocko
2. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs [Buy CD | Vinyl]
An album for a generation is the best way I can think to start off with this album. Whatever your mood, wherever you are, whatever the weather, Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs is a modern day classic that will be talked about for years to come. From the offset it takes you on a journey from title track “The Suburbs” which sets the scene onto one of my songs of the year, “Ready To Start” which is a raucous in your face track that starts off with a snare being hit repeatedly before becoming an uptempo thigh slapper. Every song on the album is a beauty. I could reel for hours about them. The layering of tracks, how they have gone back to basics and taken a step back in some aspects of creating tracks, in the sense of instruments, as well as taken huge leaps forward in music making from previous albums Neon Bible and Funeral. The fuzz filled “Month Of May” is a stand out as it’s the most brash and in your face from start to finish. The album clocks in at just over 60 minutes long with the closing song “The Suburbs (continued)” being a breath taking slowed down, string filled version of the albums opener. Win’s gentle vox just bring a chill to my spine every play. I’ll play this to my kids one day, that’s how good this album is. - Shey
1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Buy CD | Vinyl]
Wake up Mr. West! How loudly Kanye West woke up and once again entered the spotlight over the course of the last year will go down in music history. After being one of the most hated, arrogant figures in hip hop, ‘Ye managed to redeem himself with hard work and dedication, all the while capturing the attention of countless numbers of music lovers. Whether it was his G.O.O.D. Friday series, or his decision to tap into his pre-808’s roots, or the sheer wonder that was his “Runaway” short-film, it all brought me into Kanye’s beautiful, dark, twisted fantasy, and I fuckin’ love it. Every song on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the hard hitting opener “Dark Fantasy,” or the guest heavy “All of the Lights,” or the ever beautiful and ethereal “Runaway,” it all comes together to create a near perfect product that I believe is Kanye’s masterpiece. Yes, he may be an asshole, and he may not be the best rapper out there, but what makes him, and his work on this album, so unique is the fact that he’s willing to take risks, try something new, and set out to redefine the hip hop genre and music as a whole. It’s not hard to see why Kanye West is such an important figure in music, and why he will be remembered for a long time as a pop culture icon. - Adrian
[SKOA Presents] The 25 Best Albums of 2010: 10-6
10. Maps & Atlases - Perch Patchwork [Buy CD | Vinyl]
Intricate fretwork paired with Dave Davison’s unique and intriguing voice Maps & Atlases full length debut showed a growth from their previous EP releases. Tracks like “Living Decorations” had you at the first drum beat, and by the second play of the album you’d be singing along to the chorus of ‘Pigeon” and “The Charm”. The opening track on the album starts with a harmony sang by Dave, Shiraz Dada, Chris Hainey and Erin Elders and sets the pace for the album and as the album progresses the lyricism is a wonder to behold and has elements we can all relate to on some level or another. This album manages to put together intricate guitar lines and Daves voice perfectly in a way that will have you constantly dipping your toes back in for another listen. The album ends with the band doing an a capella which fades into nothingness. A beautiful ending to a stunning debut with the last lyrics being “we will take what we can get”, and that boys is two huge thumbs up from me. - Shey
10. Maps & Atlases - Perch Patchwork [Buy CD | Vinyl]
Intricate fretwork paired with Dave Davison’s unique and intriguing voice Maps & Atlases full length debut showed a growth from their previous EP releases. Tracks like “Living Decorations” had you at the first drum beat, and by the second play of the album you’d be singing along to the chorus of ‘Pigeon” and “The Charm”. The opening track on the album starts with a harmony sang by Dave, Shiraz Dada, Chris Hainey and Erin Elders and sets the pace for the album and as the album progresses the lyricism is a wonder to behold and has elements we can all relate to on some level or another. This album manages to put together intricate guitar lines and Daves voice perfectly in a way that will have you constantly dipping your toes back in for another listen. The album ends with the band doing an a capella which fades into nothingness. A beautiful ending to a stunning debut with the last lyrics being “we will take what we can get”, and that boys is two huge thumbs up from me. - Shey
9. Tobacco - Maniac Meat [Buy CD | Vinyl]
Tobacco's Maniac Meat is one of the most unique albums of the year. If you have ever followed the band Black Moth Super Rainbow you learn to expect the unusual but beautiful and MM does just that with it's horrifying synths and beautiful melodies. With stand out tracks like the heavy distortion opener "Constellation Dirtbike Head", "Mexican Icecream", "Sweatmother" and the two Beck features "Fresh Hex" and "Grape Aerosmith", MM has a lot to offer to more than just the average BMSR/Tobacco fan. The diversity in this album crosses multiple genres in a way that can warm the hearts of indie, electronic, hip hop or psychedelic music fan. - Kibbe & Rocko
8. Broken Bells - Broken Bells [Buy CD | Vinyl]
After all the controversy swirling around Dark Night Of The Soul last year, this Danger Mouse project with The Shins' James Mercer is nothing but a drama-free delight. After working together on "Insane Lullaby" for DNOTS, the two teamed up to create this dreamy upbeat record. As ethereal as this album is overall, it still manages to pack a big punch. It also must be said that this record wouldn't be what it is without either member, with the vocal stylings of James Mercer and the elegant production by Danger Mouse. In addition to being a beautiful sounding record, it must be said that the limited edition deluxe packaging for this album went above and beyond the call of duty complete with music box-like effect where a Broken Bells song would begin playing if the package was opened. This is from packaging to playing on your speakers an incredible experience. - Kibbe
7. Darwin Deez - Darwin Deez
It’s only been a year since this New York indie band even appeared in the on the music scene, and that was in the UK! But, despite that, the release of their debut album Darwin Deez back in May created an unbelievable amount of popularity for the band around the world. It’s no question that they deserve the popularity they’ve received, due to the fact that the band has managed to capture a wonderfully unique middle ground between rock and electronica that is so damn catchy it’s just impossible not to keep listening. Pulling the strengths from both genres, the minimalist sounds that Darwin Deez produces are strikingly simple and effortless, so much so that it is extremely difficult not to find yourself alone singing “Up in the Clouds,” “Constellations,” or any of the other eight songs on the album. With such a strong debut, there’s no doubt in my mind that Darwin Deez is only going to get bigger and better. - Adrian
6./Tied For 5. Black Keys - Brothers [Buy CD | Vinyl]
What a year Dan and Patrick have had with their sixth full length studio album, now has the whole world interested in this highly talented duo. Brothers is a masterclass in garage rock, barn riffage and playful lyrics about wayward girls. Album opener “Everlasting Light” starts slower than you might expect, yet eases you into the what is to be a journey through Dan’s guitar skills and fret work paired with Patrick’s retro drum beats. Together the result is just magnificent. “Sinister Kid” ensues with a grunt from Auerbach and you can’t help but shake your hips to each and everyone of these tracks. Sexiness and mojo wrapped into a neat little package and titled Brothers! It gains more love each time you play it and once the needle reaches the end of the record you want to return it to side one immediately and begin again. The love for this album is still growing and I’m howlin’ for this album on a regular basis. That’s why it has a place in our top 10. - Shey
[SKOA Presents] The Top 25 Albums of 2010: 15-11
15. RJD2 - The Colossus [Buy CD | Vinyl]
On his fourth album, Dj/Producer RJD2 combines all styles of his previous efforts to create one of his greatest album yet. From the sample rocking opener "There Will Be Horns" which brings back fond memories of the Since We Last Spoke era to tracks like "The Glow", "Games You Can Win" and my favorite track "Giant Squid", each track's sound is different but fits the overall feel of the album. This album is definitely a banger for old and new RJ fans or people looking for something fresh. We highly suggest picking this one up along with the outtakes and Instrumental album, Inversions of The Colossus. - Rocko
15. RJD2 - The Colossus [Buy CD | Vinyl]
On his fourth album, Dj/Producer RJD2 combines all styles of his previous efforts to create one of his greatest album yet. From the sample rocking opener "There Will Be Horns" which brings back fond memories of the Since We Last Spoke era to tracks like "The Glow", "Games You Can Win" and my favorite track "Giant Squid", each track's sound is different but fits the overall feel of the album. This album is definitely a banger for old and new RJ fans or people looking for something fresh. We highly suggest picking this one up along with the outtakes and Instrumental album, Inversions of The Colossus. - Rocko
14. The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards [Buy CD | Vinyl]
A quick follow up to last year's debut, Horehound, Jackie White and friends gave us this sophomore offering that continued to bring forth the awesome with jams like "Blue Blood Blues", "Die By The Drop", and "Jawbreaker". With Sea of Cowards, it was slightly less balls to the wall rock and a bit more experimentation, as seen in songs like "I'm Mad" and "Old Mary". I think if they had waited a little bit longer to release this album that I would have been able to enjoy it more, but I hadn't finally taken the needle off of Horehound yet, so it was hard to shift my focus on to Sea of Cowards with the attention that it deserved. However, with every listen to Sea of Cowards I find myself enjoying it more and more. - Kibbe
13. Spoon - Transference [Buy CD | Vinyl]
Although Spoon's latest may not be their best effort, it definitely one of the most catchiest albums released in 2010. The band doesn't stray away from the formula of their previous releases but for new listeners it's a nice introduction to the band and encourages them to check out their earlier works as well as catching them perform these tunes and others live, in which Spoon's live performances are always amazing. - Rocko
12. Pulled Apart By Horses - Pulled Apart By Horses [Buy CD]
When I first heard these guys I was shocked that they’d only been making music for 2 years and made one hell of a racket! Their debut grabs you by the balls and only let’s them loose a few times on the 35 minute raucous album. Opening track “Back To The Fuck Yeah” will have your attention from the offset and the album is full of catchy riffs and sing along choruses. Single “High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive” got some major Radio One airplay and had crowds the nation over singing along. The mix of in your face, tongue in cheek lyrics paired with heavy guitar chugging riffs and thumping drums makes this album one of the most intriguing and highly played this year. It’s brash, it’s energetic and most of all it’s ballsy, they went all out and it paid off. An astonishing debut and a definite one to watch with their 2011 follow up looking likely. “Yeah Buddy” also deserves a mention and the final RATM like track “Den Horn” is a 7 minute opus of guitar and noise. I was worried the band couldn’t transfer their live sound onto an album, yet they’ve near on nailed it! - Shey
11. Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard [Buy CD | Vinyl]
What makes Ra Ra Riot so unique is their ability to blend each of the six band member’s abilities and turn it into something that flows effortlessly and beautifully. Their second studio album The Orchard is a fantastic continuation of the style that the New Yorkers have been perfecting over the last four and a half years. Each song on the album comes together in an extremely well-paced, flowing way that, for me, creates a mood only found on those perfect, sunny, summer days. Starting with the highly instrumental “The Orchard,” moving to more energetic songs like “Boy” and “Too Dramatic,” and slowing down with the magnificent “You And I Know,” The Orchard is a beautifully paced album that shows the increasing maturity and perfection of Ra Ra Riot’s abilities as a band. - Adrian