hey megaphones, i believe i've had it up to here with and will hence forth review the following at the same time: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat" and The Elected "Sun Sun Sun". The same time means: my heap of sense got went from deceptively common to a baseball broke the window. Anyhound- they both do their stand apart from the Rilo Kiley, which is what we all wanted them to do, staking themselves deep in a thicker genre to show off their talent asses. First, J.Lew- the first time I listened to this album, it was all a stage for her voice. Which isn't a bad thing, but its not a charming thing. The second listen I found the charm, its in how smartly she uses her voice-- which sorta emphasizes the point its her voice charging the album, but now its a realy good thing. She doesn't slay you with that voice, she just shows you she can and doesn't want to. Theres something to be said for that. And a Traveling Wilburys cover with those heartthrobs!!!! Goolord, Jenny, you go and get paid. Its a solid album. Now for the second album from the Elected, which is Blake from Rilo Kiley's band, which I assumed you knew that but said it anyway,- its a second album. I'm not ganna use the sophomore album cliches here, because I never took the time to learn them. But I think I mentioned before- theres no Jimmy Tamberello- and he sorta elevated that album. Which isn't saying I wouldn't have liked that album without that man, the best song on that last album didn't use that man, this album seems vague without that man... thats all. I still listen to it. Shucks. Both these albums are sixes. If you like them- check out Biirdie. If you're intrigued twine use- check out Biirdie.

And for the hell of it- check out Pet Politics.

Someone asked me, without foreplay first, what are my favorite bands. I usually say Mates of State to that to avoid a long drawn out conversation. But for the sake of that dong lawn out conversation- there are so many bands out there that if they put something out I'm at the least going to download it- its not a definitive list because people put out weak albums (M. Ward), or let themselves sit around (Theo Leo...aw check that- Sons of Cain is pretty indulging). But anyway-  in format- the bands, lets say 10, the Ten Artists who are Classicaly considered to be my favorite:

10. CocoRosie

I was pretty above average fan before Noah's Ark, but really Noah's Ark blew me more away both musically and perversely. As in how only CocoRosie can do that, and thats flexin some pecks.

9. The Kills

The Kills didn't even make my top 70 albums. Maybe becuz they're so entwistled in a straight sound for me that its not going to be special to me. Axtually I think it came out last year, either way it was just there. Not impressive, but not ignored. Add to that Alison is my 10 thru 12th grade crush and how cool it was to hear my email address in one of their songs ("THEY stole something from ME"). Plus the best video of the year for The Good Ones.  Yeah I'm a lifer.

8. The Blow

If I were good enough to start a band, I guarentee you it would be exactly like The Blow. Where my cuteness doesn't outshine my toughness. So I'm saying The Blow has everything I like in a band.

7. Sufjan Stevens

Oh gold- take away his talent, his humor, his intelligence, his sincereity, his up keep... he's still the only Christian artist who doesn't spoon feed it to you. That alone is worth goodies.

6. Noise For Pretend

One album. That was in 2002, and Esperanza Spalding was 17, so what shes 20, 21 now... shes should be settled down by now. It might be the worst thing in the world if Noise for Pretend doesn't release another album, but that one album is the best thing in the world. Li-trally.

5. S Prcss

I even have the S Process LP. I sometimes judge people on whether they've even heard of S Prcss. I used to listen to Spring Garden Drive By all the time. I still say huh-huh. I still listen to the whole dayum album. Also- best song titles in the world.

4. Fiery Furnaces

I don't care how disappointing Rehearsing My Choir was, it just went on even more to show how adventurous they are. Remember when I used to quote Birdie Brain all the time? And how I always played Quay Car in the background? All this never gets old. and oh- March 1st in pumpburgh.

3. Mates of State

By now- me and them- are like finger signals. Just listen to me whistle.

2. Joanna Newsom

Just because I went and downloaded all her older EP songs, and unreleased new songs, and listened to Milk Eyed Mender more than anything ever, and download live performances of her cuz I like how wide her mouth opens. Yeah shes, number 2.

1. Animal Collective

Not only is it an affirmation type music, it makes you look deep for getting into it. And not to mention their side projects. And not to mention their light years are ahead. And then mentioning all that while every album they expand in some way. Seriously by 2019, this will replace sex will replace watching football.

Not not mentioning: Sleater-Kinney, Bishop Allen, Azure Ray, Ladytron, Rainer Maria, Jason Forrest, Bobby Birdman, Blonde Redhead, Pink Nasty, The Books, Phil Elvrum Bands, Camera Obscura,  John Vanderslice, Regina Spektor, and Broadcast are all right there, but hey 10.

For futures, these will probably be around the list, the well on their way are: David Thomas Broughton, Hello Saferide, Nervous and the Kid, Unbunny, Hanne Hukkelburg, Jordan O' Jordan, Au Revoir Simone, Islands, Bodies of Water, Thanksgiving... thats in order from 10 to a 1, Thanksgiving is already a probably already an all timer, but hes like my age, so youth is truth.. and i wish old rhymed with lies. Go get em Sluggers.