Leonard Mynx is one of those rare folk-singers that manages to suck you into his music at the first listen. It would be easy for me to compare him to other such artists. He is capable of the quiet story-telling of Bob Dylan, the atonal rantings of Tom Waits, and even the twang-tinged melodies of John Prine. But I’ve always found such comparisons to be kind of empty, and always a bit off target. To say that he has qualities of each of these artists only highlights his uniqueness from all of them.

Leonard Mynx – “Sing Radio”

[See post to listen to audio]

Leonard Mynx’s first album, Vesper, is a collection of quiet, story-telling songs each brimming with soft guitar, sobbing harmonica, and subtle horns occasionally interrupted by raucous drum-beats and well-placed feedback. All woven together with vivid lyrics and lively vocals. Recorded with his friend Adam Selzer (who has also worked with M. Ward), Vesper is one of those albums that is impossible to listen to just once. And just to make sure that everyone listens to this album at least once, Mynx is giving away downloads of his songs. All you have to do is email him at leonardmynx@gmail.com…so get on it!

Leonard Mynx – “Northwest Passage”

[See post to listen to audio]

And for as good as Vesper is, I find myself more excited to hear the tracks from his upcoming album Le Petit Mort. While Vesper maintains an air of quiet folk, Le Petit Mort is a demonstration of the artist’s depth and development. Recorded again with Selzer, this album is a veritable playground for Portland-based folk artists (i.e. Rachel Blumberg, Laura Gibson, etc.), and it is clear that Mynx has let his imagination, and his creativity run wild. Whether it’s the lovely vocals of “Miss You,” the engulfing noise of “Maybe,” or the quiet mystique of “Song With No Name,” each song presents the listener with something entirely new…something entirely unique…and something always exciting.

Leonard Mynx – “The Bones”

[See post to listen to audio]

It is clear that Leonard Mynx has only just begun to experiment, but he has shown a willingness and an enthusiasm to do so, and this is what makes Le Petit Mort so exciting. The album is set to come out sometime in the late spring, and judging by the fact that the snow has finally melted and the sun is out, that can’t be too far away. Keep an eye out!

Leonard Mynx – “Ball Of Fire”

[See post to listen to audio]

Don’t forget to vote…and as always, spread the word!

Posted by the Needle

(1) “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

[See post to listen to audio]

Tabbed as my favorite track from Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 upon first listen, “Empire State of Mind” has since blown up on the radio and heard worldwide.  The perfect balance of quality music with commercial success – the only thing working against the track is the fact that it might be played out to many at this point.

(8) “I’ll Be in the Sky” – B.o.B a.k.a. Bobby Ray

[See post to listen to audio]

One of my favorite surprises of the summer was the mixtape release of B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray.  As someone who has little respect for most southern artists, I expected this to be no different.  Instead, B.o.B delivered a refreshing, alternative hip-hop track.  Despite its quality, I doubt it can pull of the upset against one of the most successful albums of the year.

(4) “Grown Simba” – J. Cole

[See post to listen to audio]

In the 4-6 Matchup, we have the two newest artists to the scene.  J. Cole blew me away when I first heard him at Cat’s Cradle in April.  I have never seen an unknown opening act get as much crowd support as he did…instantly got the respect of the room.  This track – Grown Simba, is definitely one of my favorites from his second mixtape – The Warm Up.

(6) “The Opposite of Adults (Kids Remix)” – Chiddy Bang

[See post to listen to audio]

Chiddy debuted on the scene at the beginning of the summer with this MGMT Remix.  In the successful dance/electronica/hip-hop cross-over genre, this is definitely a track that sticks out to me, and its apparent it stuck out to others as Chiddy signed with EMI Music this week.

(3) “Alive” – Kid Cudi featuring Ratatat

[See post to listen to audio]

This matchup features two songs I never wrote about on here, but both are clearly deserving of their spot here in the bracket.  Cudi’s debut album was incredibly unique, and definitely toed the line between alternative and hip-hop.  This track, featuring Ratatat, is easily my favorite on the album – though I know it is not for many.  I find the hook amazing and the Ratatat added instrumentation is instantly recognizable.

(5) “Watch My Shoes” – Lil Wayne

[See post to listen to audio]

Though I don’t put Lil Wayne in my upper echelon of rappers, his work on No Ceilings can’t go unrecognized.  Returning to his critically acclaimed form, Wayne goes in on a number of tracks – “Watch My Shoes” being one of them.

(2) “New Soul” – Wale

[See post to listen to audio]

Easily my favorite tune of the year.  I recognize my stannery, and couldn’t bring myself to make it the one seed.  Though Wale’s Attention Deficit was a disappointment to me, this track reaffirms all my positive feelings for Wale’s future.

(7) “Casa Bey” – Mos Def

[See post to listen to audio]

Mos Def released his Ecstatic this summer.  Though I am a big Mos fan the album didn’t completely do it for me.  This track, however, stuck out to me as an ultimate display of Mos’ talent – both lyrically and in flow.  Awesome track all around.

Posted by the Groove

(1) “In The Flowers” – Animal Collective

[See post to listen to audio]

The Animal Collective are the clear favorite for this half of the bracket. Their most recent album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, was picked as album of the year by many music critics, and while “My Girls” is more commonly considered the best song on the album, I can’t help but disagree. “In The Flowers” is that perfect mix of moving lyrics, and more importanly, moving sound.

(8) “Julian Of Norwich” – Bombadil

[See post to listen to audio]

Bombadil is definitely the sentimental favorite…a real Cinderella story. Not only were they fellow Duke students, but they seem like all around nice guys. There music mixes a broad spectrum of sounds (including a minstrel break in “Julian of Norwich”) and great lyrics. Their win may be a long shot, but what is March Madness without a Cinderella story?

(4) “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

[See post to listen to audio]

It’s hard to believe that Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros jumped to the 4th seed so quickly, but their first album, Up From Below, was pretty amazing, and I just heard this song on the trailer for some movie. There aren’t a lot of “love songs” worthy of the sweet sixteen, but there aren’t many love songs as impressive as this.

(6) “When They Fight, They Fight” – Generationals

[See post to listen to audio]

If there is any song that will give the upbeat, cheery “Home” a run for it’s money, it is the equally catchy, even more rambunctious “When They Fight, They Fight” by the Generationals. Picking just one song from their debut album Con Law was tricky, but in the end, this is the clear choice. Just try to listen to this without singing along, and while you’re at it, listen to the rest of the album as well.

(3) “Ambling Alp” – Yeasayer

[See post to listen to audio]

There was no question in my mind that Yeasayer’s “Ambling Alp” would make this bracket and with a high seed. I never would have imagined that their follow up album, Odd Blood, could have surpassed their debut album, All Hour Cymbals, but here we are. And with lyrics like these, it’s not hard to see why:

Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their complement of highs
And if anyone should cheat you, take advantage of, or beat you
Raise your head and wear your wounds with pride

(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer

[See post to listen to audio]

I was blown away the first time I heard Vandaveer’s “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old,” and every time I listen to it, it just gets better. Vandaveer is definitely the local Roanoke favorite, and you can’t help but have a little hometown pride. So to Mark, Rose, and their worn out boots, best of luck.

(2) “Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time” – Fanfarlo

[See post to listen to audio]

Fanfarlo’s “Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time” is without question the most listened to song I have ever posted. This song comes from the band’s debut album, Reservoir, and once again, it was hard to pick just one track to use. The entire record is fantastic, and the band dangled a man in a straight jacket from the ceiling during their show in New York! If that doesn’t earn you a 2 seed, nothing will.

(7) “222″ – Those Darlins

[See post to listen to audio]

The saddest day of my year so far was not getting to see Those Darlins live in Charlotesville because of the crazy snow storms in Virginia. I can only imagine how much fun they would be live, but this song should give you all a pretty good idea. Just be sure to turn it up loud, and always remember, you have to have respect for a band that releases their music on a hot pink vinyl.

Oh, and this is our 100th post! So to all of you that have kept us going with your support, we thank you…and we look forward to the next 100!

Posted by the Needle

We’ve put together a sweet sixteen of songs leading to the final contest between me and the Groove. Each song has been ranked, but the victors will be determined by our readers. To vote for which song you think should win each matchup, simply leave a comment on the post. Vote early and vote often…and of course, get as many people involved as you can!

So, download the Bracket and get the office pool started! Official matches start this week!

Posted by the Needle

“LoveWorthWaitingFor”

Patience.
NowDontGetMeWrong,
ICanWaitForYouForever.
ThingIs,IDontHaveThatKindOf”Time”.
Plus,IWouldRatherYouShareThePrimeOfMyLife,WithMe.
IWantYouToSeeMeAtMyBest.
IWantYouToBeTheReasonIStriveToBe.
WhoWouldntThough?
OrShouldIAsk,WhoHasn’t?
IMean,AtTheEndOfTheDay,
AnyAndEveryGuyWillGiveAnythingTheyHave,
InExchangeForYourDevotionToThem.
OrAtleastAnyAndEveryGuyWouldSayTheyWould,
InAHeartBeat.
IKnow,AsWellAsYou,
ThatMostMenWouldGladlyDitchTheSoCalled,’LoveOfThereLives’,
ForYou
Why?
MaybeBecauseYouLoveLife
NotJustYours,ButTheLifeWeAllShare.
MaybeBecauseItSeemsYouDontNeedLoveToLove
MaybeYouAreTheLoveOfLife.
TheSignificanceOfGod’sGiftToMan.
NotAllMen,
ButMan.
HowSpecialCouldOneManFeelToSayImInLoveWithLoveItself.
GuysWouldKillToBeThatMan.
GuysWithJealousyInThereBlood
WouldBoilDailyWatchingThemWatchYou.
KnowingDeepDownHeDoesntDeservePerfection.
ForNoManIs,Perfect.
YetWeStubbornlyBelieveYouAre.
WhoAreYou.
InMyIntoxicatedDaysYouAreFictitious.
TooGoodToBeTrue.
Angelic,
IFeelAsIf,IOnlySeeYouForTheAngelYouAre.
AreYou?
OnSoberDays,ThingsAreEvenMoreMythological.
ThoseDaysBecomeNightsSpentTalkingToGodAboutLoaningMeHisGoddess.
“JustForTheRestOfMyLife”I’dSayToGod,
“AfterThat,She’sAllYours”.
AlwaysWas,
AlwaysWillBe.
Patient

I really don’t want to mess that up by adding commentary – I just love that poem.

Common – “The Light”

[See post to listen to audio]

Now onto more classics.  Erykah Badu has had famous relationships with a plethora of rappers – dramatically altering their artwork in the process.  One such case is “the Light” by Common.  Produced by J. Dilla, “the Light” was one of those songs I knew I loved the first time I heard it.  The line is filled with ‘cute’ lines and really could appeal to girls as easy as guys in a generally misogynistic genre.

Method Man – “All I Need” featuring Mary J Blige

Just another great song.  Not nearly as adorable as “the Light” – “All I Need” is revealing of the sensitive side of the typical ‘gangster’ rapper, in this case Method Man.  Despite its grittier nature, the message is still the same.

The Roots – “You Got Me” featuring Eve & Erykah Badu

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I’ve fallen in love with this song over and over again – each time I’ve heard it performed live not only by the Roots but covered by multiple bands as well.   Featuring a younger Eve and Erykah Badu, Black Though speaks to the long distance relationship aspect of being an artist, but also the necessary trust within a relationship…pretty sweet stuff.

Jay-Z – “Song Cry (Unplugged)”

[See post to listen to audio]

Unfortunately, relationships don’t just consist of the great times – they end as well.  Jay-Z’s “Song Cry” is a tremendously soulful record rehashing his mistakes in a past relationship and getting caught up in money and women.  The live version from MTV’s Unplugged is even better, as he’s backed by the Roots and adds some commentary towards the end.

Hope these songs could change some perspectives out there.

Posted by the Groove.

Perhaps this isn’t overly surprising. After all, the description of the album, which was released by Merge, begins like this:

Shout Out Louds are back at work. It only just dawned on them what the rest of us have known for a long time: they were born to do this. This is what they do. They write songs, record them, and tour. Thats their work. Hence Work, the title of their third album.

Why should it have ever dawned on them that what they do is simply “work?” Why can’t they have continued on in the delusion that what they do is fun? That they are actually getting paid to do something they love? And this seems to be the problem with Work. The album isn’t bad, it’s just a little flat. It lacks the enthusiasm and energy of their first two albums, Howl Howl Gaff Gaff and Our Ill Wills. Gone is the rambunctiousness and energy of songs like “100 Degrees:”

Shout Out Louds – 100 Degrees

[See post to listen to audio]

Instead, the songs feel somehow burdensome…they sound just fine, but they are missing that spark of excitement that made the Shout Out Louds so endearing:

Shout Out Louds – Four by Four

[See post to listen to audio]

This, of course, doesn’t mean that Work isn’t without its high points. There are certainly songs that leave the toe tapping, that seem as though the band was having as much fun playing them as the listener has hearing them:

Shout Out Louds – Walls

[See post to listen to audio]

But these songs are few and far between. Taken as a whole, the album merely moves along. It sounds good, but it doesn’t excite…I guess this shouldn’t be too surprising. Afterall, even the album art makes it seem as though the Shout Out Louds have about a hundred places they would rather be:

Posted by the Needle

The Vampire Weekend stormed onto the scene with the release of their self-titled debut album in 2008. The quirky lyrics and catchy beats made that album a whole lot of fun to listen to…kind of like a perpetual spring break. The band’s newly released follow-up album, Contra, lacks a little of that playfulness…that inescapable air of youthfulness (for example, you won’t find anything quite so silly as “who gives a f#@% about an oxford comma?”). But this isn’t a bad thing at all. The band seems to have matured and grown a little, and their sound has matured with them.

Vampire Weekend – Horchata

[See post to listen to audio]

There is still the ghost of the jovial in this album, but it has been tempered. And despite this, it still works. The sound is familiar, but the effect is completely new and exciting. Now, this isn’t to say that the band has forgotten how to have fun, they are now just having a more grown up good time.

Vampire Weekend – Cousins

[See post to listen to audio]

And Vampire Weekend isn’t the only band to have outdone itself with their sophomore album. I’m always a little nervous when a band’s first album is almost too good, and Yeasayer’s All Hour Cymbals was just that. It always leaves me wondering where the group could possibly go…how they could possibly make great better. Yet with the release of Odd Blood, Yeasayer has done just that. The album’s first song, “Children,” is a distorted, atonal, noisy song that seems to announce to everyone that this album is going to be different. Yeasayer doesn’t try to hide that fact…they shout it from the rooftop! And Odd Blood is different. The strong beats and percussive repetition of All Hour Cymbals gives way to the lyrical, almost ballad-like tracks of Odd Blood…and the change is refreshing.

Yeasayer – I Remember

[See post to listen to audio]

Again, the band has managed to hang on to just enough of the familiar to remind us why we loved them in the first place, but they’ve taken it further…or if not further, in an exciting new direction. I can’t say that it’s better, but it is most definitely not worse…it is equally great, and that is saying something.

Yeasayer – Ambling Alp

[See post to listen to audio]

Posted by the Needle

It’s been a while since our last official mixtape, but better late than never, right? You can check it out here and here. The tape is a mix of songs we have written about since the last mixtape, so sit back, enjoy, and remember the good times…and as always, let us know what you think.

The Needle & The Groove, Mixtape Vol. 2 (Pt. 1) (Pt. 2)

1. So Many Ways to Die – Bombadil
2. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
3. Night and the Revolution – These United States
4. Baby Boomer – Monsters of Folk
5. A Mighty Leviathan of Old – Vandaveer
6. I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked – Ida Maria
7. Puppets – Atmosphere
8. Run – The Urban Sophisticates
9. This Way (featuring Median) – Tab-One
10. Hold on (featuring Erykah Badu) – Pharoahe Monch
11. Slow Down (featuring Black Thought) – Chiddy Bang
12. Prescription – Wale

Posted by the Needle

The Urban Sophisticates – “3 Minute Promo Video”

At a Talib Kweli show my senior year of high school I was able to catch the group open and was captivated by their unique, professional sound.  Live, the group brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to their performance – some songs are outright dance parties, others become much jazzier, smoother and mellow.  After the performance, I picked up both a cd and a t-shirt – in large part because I was hooked by their song, “Chapel Hill.”  As a proud Chapel Hill/Carrboro native, I loved the song dedicated to marrying a girl from my hometown.

The Urban Sophisticates – “Chapel Hill”

[See post to listen to audio]

On disc, their sound is much more laid back and darker – but equally addicting.  The album I picked up, “Coward’s Anthem,” is my favorite output of theirs and truly deserves acclaim.  Each song fits well within the sound of the album and its completely void of filler.  Refreshingly, Benton’s lyrics are not laced with arrogance and anger like stereotypical hip-hop lyrics – but rather speak to insecurity, struggles, and topics more relateable to a wide-spectrum audience.  Since being put on to the group I’ve tried to make the majority of their concerts at the Cradle – and traveled to Greensboro to see them open for Talib Kweli a second time.

The Urban Sophisticates – “We Can Watch It All”

[See post to listen to audio]

By far the most impressive part of the band to me is they are truly great people.  I don’t know them at all personally – though I did have a run in prior to a show.  I had shown up much earlier than the band was supposed to perform, early enough that the club they were performing  at was still serving dinner.  Recognizing I was out of place and there for the show, the band invited me to eat dinner with them before they performed.  Needless to say, their hospitality was much appreciated.  Its obvious from their shows that this large group of diverse musicians truly just loves making music together – and the crowd definitely feeds off it.

The Urban Sophisticates – “I’m Feelin’ It”

[See post to listen to audio]

I’m not going to post too much of their music – as you can buy it on iTunes – so I greatly encourage you to pick it up.  Also, for local readers – they’ll be playing a show February 17th with other local hip-hop acts Inflowential, Kaze, & the Beast.

Posted by the Groove

The Wye Oak is Andy Sack and Jenn Wasner, and for all of you who are wondering, they took their name from the state tree of Maryland (I may have learned that during my oh so pleasant drive through the ridiculous Baltimore traffic). The group started out as The Monarch and independently released their first album, If Children, in 2007. Soon afterward, though, they picked up a label and a new name. In 2008, Sack and Wasner signed with Merge and became the Wye Oak…and for the life of me, I can’t tell whether this is a good or a bad thing. Believe me, it pains me to say anything bad about Merge…after all, they are the home of the Rosebuds, M. Ward, the Shout Out Louds, and oh so many more great bands…but in this case, I feel as though the Wye Oak has lost a little of what made them unique and exciting.

Wye Oak – “Please Concrete”

[See post to listen to audio]

If Children is a rough and gritty mix of folk sounds with ambitious ventures into harsh psychedelia that come together in sweeping, moving, and entrancing ways. The surprising and abrupt jumps from quiet folk to screaming guitars and pounding drums is strangely effective, and never distracting. And the album is successful because these occasional trips into psychedelic folk are tempered by songs oozing with sweet vocals and pleasant piano backing.

Wye Oak – “Keeping Company”

[See post to listen to audio]

Merge re-released If Children in 2008, and the band has since released their follow up album, The Knot. But The Knot lacks the creativity and grittiness of the band’s debut album. The sound has become noisy and heavy…and for lack of a better term, normal. The album seems less fanciful and somehow more oppressive. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its moments (the song “Tatoo,” for example, is fantastic), but on the whole, it lacks the vitality and energy of If Children.

Wye Oak – “Siamese”

[See post to listen to audio]

I’m not sure what this means for Wye Oak, and I’m not sure which direction they will go with their next album…but I do know that I’ve barely been able to put down If Children in the past week. The album is a showcase of the band’s talent, and well worth a listen…or four.

Posted by the Needle