I’ll admit. Up until recently I haven’t been much of a podcast listener myself so I tossed around with the idea and wondered if I should even put my feet in these waters. I did and I have to say, it felt good.

I’ve luckily been raised with tough skin so please, I’d LOVE to hear feedback. Good or bad. The format is really loose on this first episode and will be evolving as I go along. I have some really good guests lined up to come in so I promise you won’t just be hearing my thoughts on music.

I’d love for you to listen and let me know what you think. Don’t hold back.

In the words of Jon Brion, here we go!

11. Woods – Sun and Shade

Woods are a group who crank out quite a fair bit of music. Their latest Sun and Shade might be easily called their most accomplished. Read into that however you’d like. But it’s one that I now always reach for when I want to put some Woods on the turntable. And side note, that’s another great thing I love about the group. It’s pretty much a given I can get every release on wax. Even if it does come with a single glued on white sheet of paper as the album cover.

10. Breakfast in Fur – Breakfast in Fur EP

I love everything that comes from Analog Edition. But this Breakfast in Fur EP is one that has gotten spun and spun in the dyson household. Quirky yet palatable songs fill this EP and the pressing is perfect. It’s by far my favorite 10″ and will be spun many more times as we head into 2012. I can guarantee that.

9. Vanaprasta – Healthy Geometry

If you’ve been following the site or my twitter this year, this one must come as no shocker. 9 may equal 9 to the Vanaprasta boys, but for me it equals my 9th favorite record of the year. This record was no easy task to make but the final product made it well worth it. From start to finish, nothing disappoints on here. Keep an eye out on these guys, I think 2012 will bring many great more things for this group of fantastic guys.

8. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

When I want to hear Fleet Foxes, I still lean towards the Sun Giant/Fleet Foxes combo vinyl. But Helplessness Blues  is nothing to shy away from. When I first listened to the record, I thought it sounded like Robin Pecknold wrote a bunch of songs and the band filled in parts around it. Nothing like their previous material which was incredibly well put together and polished. But after many many more listens, I stood corrected on this initial impression. There are some really deep songs on here and it has stood up over the test of time. I think the next album from this group is going to make or break their position in musical history.

7. Girls – Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Again, if you follow the site and my twitter, this should be no shocker to you. Girls are one of my favorite groups and they’ve done little to disappoint over their years. They’ve clearly grown as musicians and it really shows on this record. But the one staple that really makes the group for me are the honest, heart wrenching lyrics written and sung by front man Christopher Owens. This record got some negative feedback for not pushing musical styles forward, but relying too much on old school styles. I had no issue with this and welcome the influences from the classics that have impacted so many musicians out there.

6. Middle Brother – Middle Brother

What can I even say about this record. You put 3 of some of the greatest artists and songwriters together and this is what you get. An amazing record from start to finish that keeps your ears listening with the wide but targeted range of songs you’ll find on here. I’m keeping my fingers crossed this trio will put out another but I’m not sure if that will happen. If this is all we get from this ‘supergroup’? Fine. But I’d greatly welcome another.

5. Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring for my Halo

Kurt Vile gets a lot of hype and has been described as our modern day (fill in the blank). But it’s well worth it. Nothing I’ve heard come from this man has been bad. I caught him at a small in store performance and he was captivating. Smoke Ring for my Halo is his most polished record and some may fault him for that (kind of Elliott Smith style) but they’re completely wrong. It’s polished but still has everything people have grown to love about Vile. He put out an EP later this year that was also fantastic. I can’t wait for more music from this gem of our time.

4. Beirut – The Riptide

I’ve listened to everything Beirut has done and even compared him to our modern day Brian Wilson. I’m a fan of it all and he didn’t let me down with The Riptide. This album has gotten some feedback as being ‘safe’ and ‘taking a step back’ but I’d disagree. It’s a great mixture of everything Zach Condon is capable of producing. It’s very palatable and if there are people who are just getting their taste of Beirut, I think this is a pretty good showing of what he’s all about. Years from now kids are going to pick up this record, love it, and go back to his previous work and be blown away. But that’s just my opinion.

3. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Departing

These Canadians know how to make some badass music. And also put on badass shows. Departing is a fantastic follow up to Hometowns and I highly recommend going in and making a playlist with both records in it. It’s pretty short in length but continues on with their distinctive sound first heard on Hometowns. As with most records, I highly recommend grabbing the vinyl. The kick drum on both of these will pack a punch in your chest if you have the right speakers. If the group creates LP3 as a continuation of both of these, I’ll be one happy man. It’s a group I want to grow but remain the same, if that makes any sense.

2. WU LYF – Go Tell Fire to the Mountain

If you had told me this would be my second favorite album of the year when I first heard it, I would have laughed in your face. And I love that. This group of Brits managed to create something incredibly unique and incredibly pleasing to my ears. I feel like the recording could have been better but that doesn’t bother me one bit. I love this record like you can’t imagine. I have NO clue what the lyrics are to pretty much all the songs but still that doesn’t get in the way. If you haven’t listened to this one, give it a shot, no matter what your taste in music is. You might be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

1. The Beach Boys (aka Brian Wilson) – The SMiLE Sessions

What is there to say about the album that almost never happened. People have waited their lives for this to be released and this year it finally came to life. The 2004 attempt was nice but this is as close to the real deal as we’ll ever get. The funny thing is that the thing I love most about this record is hearing the real recordings come to life in their proper album form. And the weird thing is that digital tools have made this possible. It has the uniquely distinct sound we heard on things like Smiley Smile but takes the shape of what Wilson and crew put out in 2004. And what can I say about the second disc and bonus features. Normally those are throw away additions to albums you could care less about but not on this release. Solo versions of arguably one of the greatest songs ever written (Surf’s Up), random studio takes of the boys working out the album opener (Our Prayer). The bonus disc is almost as interesting as hearing the album in it’s full glory. But with the news of a Beach Boys reunion and new album for next year, I’m glad this came first. And sadly, I’ll probably not attend a show or even listen to the record. Weird for a guy who put this Brian Wilson release as his #1 favorite record of the year, right?

I say this every time I try to muster up something to write about a band or artist, but Kurt definitely can not be genre defined. If you come up with one, well then shit, he’s sitting alone in it. But with the amount of aural pleasure that’s coming from that genre, I’m sure it’s not much of a lonely place.

I’d really like to post my favorite track but I’ll make you hold out in suspense until you get your hands on the record. Just like Girls did with “Vomit”, Kurt made a standout track and titled it “Pussy”. Although a bit shocking and potentially offending to women who take themselves too seriously, I couldn’t think of a better title for the track.

But for now, have a listen to “Codify”. You’ll quickly hear that it’s a bit different than what Kurt gave us on his last record Pyramid, but definitely is a nice progression and mixes things up while being distinctly, Kurt von Stetten.
mp3: Kurt von Stetten – Codify

I’d say his last record Pyramid was a bit more playful and pop oriented, but with tracks titled “Unclothed Art Students Screaming in a Circle” and probably my favorite closer ever on an album, “Indie Rock Kids”, you know that humor and playfulness has to come through just like it did on Pyramid. And it does. The arrangements and production are a little more of a throwback to an underground rock scene of the 90′s where hip youth would gather around and relate with the rocking beats and creative lyrics Kurt throws at you.

As with everything Kurt von Stetten related, you can find all you need on him over at the fantastic Boston based label, Static Motor. You know me, I’d highly recommend the 10″ vinyl. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of it and have already had it on the table many times. BUT the coolest part? It’s custom printed with the Cyclops giving a little love to dysonsound. Check out the photo below and be sure to check out this record. I promise as always, zero disappointment. Maybe if you sweet talk Kurt enough, he’ll be crazy enough to print you your very own custom vinyl. Who knows.

Even better news? It’s going onto my favorite medium. You can head here to pre-order the 7″ of it. This is their first vinyl release and one that’ll sit well in any collection.

Have a listen. The B-side will be be another awesome track titled “Puzzle Pieces”. It’s sexy.
mp3: Saint Motel – At Least I Have Nothing

For the most part, lyrics are meant to mean something different to everyone who listens to them. You can analyze away at what the artist was trying to get across, but really they’re meant to be unique to our own interpretation.

This is no different for “At Least I Have Nothing”. But at least we’re given a little nudge with help from the group:

In some ways, “At Least I Have Nothing” is a fucked up
look at the bright side of utter despair.  When you have nothing, maybe
that nothingness is actually something…freedom.

There you have it. Some new wax to get your hands on. I for one and pumped and I hope you are as well. Pre-order it here.

Released November 15th here in the States, this record is quite a trip. It’s got a wide range of sonic glory on here that is packed neatly in a 13 track album.

Check out the closing track, “Parkade”. Gorgeous vocals lay on top of a bed a smooth sounds that settle into a larger moment of, well, something. Use your imagination during that part. I can’t do all the thinking for you!
mp3: Rah Rah – Parkade

The group has had lots of love touring around the States, Canada, and Europe. Keep up on their site to find out more details regarding upcoming gigs and also to buy the killer record Breaking Hearts.

Here’s also a video for “Parkade”. Enjoy!

This is no exception with Ryan Traster and his track ‘Junkie Bones’ from his latest EP Good Hearts. It’s an amazing mix of raw rock, folk, and bit of that sweet spot that makes it sound current. A catchy hook definitely doesn’t hurt the likability of the track either.

Have a listen to ‘Junkie Bones’ and see what you think.
mp3: Ryan Traster – Junkie Bones

I love listening to records while I write. And if you like the sound of that track, you’ll be super pleased with the whole EP. Every song keeps a similar vibe but has enough different elements to keep it interesting.

Ryan’s been out touring as a solo artist for the past 2 years. Prior to that he played in a Minneapolis group called Small Towns Burn a Little Slower. Good Hearts will be released Oct. 25th. Be sure to catch a show as he travels from NYC to LA promoting the record.

Grab the track here and be sure to head over to his site to keep up on tour dates and where to snag the EP.

I’m not one to muster up hip, quotable, new ways to describe a sound or a record. I know what I like and all I want to do is share it with you in hopes you’ll dig it too. The record Stolen Voices from White Label is the latest I’ve come across that really got me excited.

A trio originally from Scotland, these fellas are now located in London and Berlin. They pieced together this record over the air via Skype from the UK to Germany and then mixed the beauty in London.

You can download the record from their site but what fun is that? The real fun is in spinning it on some wax. Definitely can’t wait to hear it for myself. Pick it up from their site as well.

For now, check out the album opener titled ‘Jean 1′. May seem like an odd name for a song. But I’ll explain after you give it a listen.
mp3: White Label – Jean 1

Each song is pieced together from rare, unreleased, or demo cuts of songs ranging back from when music was undeniably awesome. The cut you heard was described like this: “Jean 1 is a Northern Soul reworking of 5.30 Plane by The Supremes, sung by Jean Terrell and taken from the 1972 LP The Supremes Produced And Arranged By Jimmy Webb. The version here was lifted from a scratchy seven-inch recorded onto a hissy C60.”

Each song follows the same guidelines. You get some Todd Rundgren, Beatles, Billie Holiday, and many others. It’s a total music nerds paradise. Do yourself a favor and snag this one. Even if it is just for the mp3s, you’ll dig it. I definitely did. But I can’t stress enough that the wax is the way to go. But this is me, your man dyson here. Would you expect me to push mp3s over vinyl?? If you do, clearly you’re not reading enough.

New Shouts are a group from Pittsburgh who have recently released their LP/EP (not sure, it’s a group of 7 songs) titled Sing New Shouts. Wanna pick her up? Head over to their bandcamp page and grab it.

But “hold the phone”, you say! “I haven’t even heard anything by them yet! Why would I want the album!?” Hold tight and check out this beauty of a track. You’ll get why I went email diving to dig this one back up.

Here’s the stellar opener from their album Sing New Shouts titled ‘The Reins to Your Heart”.
mp3: New Shouts – The Reins to Your Heart

Digging that, huh? The guys formed the group in hopes of it being a girl or soul group. The girl thing never worked out but they definitely got the soul vibe down.

The rest of the tracks on the record range but each one is a blast and I guarantee that if you throw this one at a party, it’ll be a hit. It just better be a cool party, not one with humpin and grindin going on. But who knows? People might get the urge and do so. I wouldn’t stop it but I also wouldn’t recommend it. People can get hurt doing that sort of thing!

If you’re in Pittsburgh on Oct 14th they’ve got a show at the Brillobox. I can only imagine how much fun this live show would be.

‘Nine Equals Nine’ is nothing short of perfect. After hearing this and ‘G -’, all I can say is that I’m even more excited for this record to come out.  These guys are incredible live but these studio cuts we’ve heard are really capturing the fullness of their sound.

Have a listen to ‘Nine Equals Nine’. It’s a slow burner so give it a chance. I can absolutely guarantee it’s worth the wait.
mp3: Vanaprasta – Nine Equals Nine

If you don’t wanna make sweet love to the vocals that Steven lays down then maybe you can find some turn on from the drum track thumping away from Ben. Not a fan of either? Well why don’t you wait til the breakdown when all you get is some sweet ass vocals and drum grooves. Seriously, if you can’t find anything to love in this track, well… god have mercy on you.

I can’t stress to you enough how excited I am for Healthy Geometry to be released. This album is gonna blow the scene away and pave the way for Vanaprasta to make their claim as one of the best bands out there right now.

They make me want to live in LA. Screw Hollywood, screw the nice weather, I’d move to LA just to be able to catch regular shows from these guys.

You can grab both EPs they’ve put out from bandcamp and all proceeds go to the America Red Cross Relief Effort in Japan. That’s pretty cool in my book. Plus they’re pretty solid EPs. Name your price folks.

Check out ‘Ghost Departure’ from their latest EP. It’s a tight rocker that among some of the indie mess that’s out there today, well, it’s kind of nice on the ears. But maybe a night time track. Might not be the best thing bright and early in the morning. That may just be me, we all have our moods and tastes.
mp3: Eolune – Ghost Departure

Formerly known as Poster Child, Enzo Tiano has created something new on this latest LP. He’s the man who does it all. And I couldn’t be excited to share the video for ‘Night Runner’ directed by Jhovany Quiroz.

Wait no more, watch the contrastly visually stunning video for ‘Night Runner’ off of Red Eye Fugu’s latest LP, Watchers.

Check out a few words from both director Jhovany Quiroz and the man behind Red Eye Fugu, Enzo Tiano while they speak a little bit about the video.

Jhovany Quiroz: (Director)
Inspiration for this video really came from the music itself. I took some time and really listened to the layers and the depth of the song and did my best to represent it visually. Thematically we wanted the video to be ambiguous.

Night Runner was an exercise in organic film making with an emphasis on creating a visually stimulating experience directly inspired by the music of Red Eye Fugu. The ambiguousness of the project has much to do with the subject matter of the entire Watchers album which dealt with ideas of the paranormal, conspiracy theory and cult followings. Inspiration really came from listening to Night Runner and honing in on the mood that the track evoked and physically attempting to recreate that visually. I’ve been influenced by Darren Aronofsky and David Lynch visually and Gabriel Garcia Marquez otherwise.

Enzo Tiano: (Red Eye Fugu)
After watching a David Lynch film, three questions come to mind; One, is there a meaning to all this? Two, why do characters morph just when you’re getting to know them? Three, what the hell did I just watch, a dream from a waking life or a memory that never happened? Collectively, the visual and lyrical inspiration for Night Runner seem to dash its way towards the obscurity of life after death and the acceptance of things we cannot understand.

As a valiant attempt to replicate this concept, Jhovany Quiroz and Enzo Tiano ventured on to capture the delicate nuance between a man searching for himself and the night that cloaks the road ahead. Quiroz mentioned, “ We both wanted to make a video that enables the viewers to interpret the meaning in their own way. For the most part, the character is in search of something we can’t put our finger on. I believe this is parallel to who we are as people”.

mp3: Red Eye Fugu – Night Runner
mp3: Red Eye Fugu – Prophecies (I Don’t Mind)

From the sounds of it, this record is going to be one to impatiently wait for. Raw, rootsy, and pure Filligar. These young guys are bringing us back old school and laying down nothing but some good old fashioned stomp your feet and clap your hands rock and roll.

Can someone get me a Bud please?

I’m not going to string you along any further. Give a listen to ‘Knock Yourself Out’.
mp3: Filligar – Knock Yourself Out

How’s that make you feel? Anyone get me that Bud yet??
And just because the Filligar guys and myself like you so much for giving the track a listen, we’re going to share a second cut off of the new record for you. This one’s titled ‘Dead Wrong’ and it’s one hell of a barn burner. Enjoy!
mp3: Filligar – Dead Wrong

I’m not sure if you caught them on their recent tour. But they definitely did some damage out there opening for acts like The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, and Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights. They’ve got a handful of gigs coming up this October so make sure to head over to their site and see if you can catch them in your area. As always, if I’m pointing you to go out and catch a show, it comes with the dysonsound stamp of approval that it’s gonna be a good one.

And keep an eye out for the early 2012 release of their next full length album. I sure as hell can’t wait.

Met City have a whopper of an album out right now titled Patient Patient. I’m going to give you a small taste of the title track in a bit and if you dig it, I can safely say you’ll be into the other 13 tracks. Although I’m slightly partial to the 21 sec opener titled ‘Godrich’s Orange’. Check it out, you’ll probably see why…

Here’s the title track ‘Patient Patient’ from the album Patient Patient. I dig. Hope you do too.
mp3: Met City – Patient Patient

I definitely hear a little Jukebox The Ghost in this group. Not just because it’s piano led, it just has that similar vibe. And while I normally hate comparing artists to others, it’s really the only way you can gain some interest. You’ll say, “oh! I like those guys!” and probably listen rather than push them aside because you’ve never heard of the group.

In the words of Forrest Gump, “And that’s all I have to say about that”. Keep an eye on this group from Indiana. I’m sure this won’t be the last place you’ll be hearing about them.

You can go grab the album here. And if it’s not blatantly obvious, I think you should.

Coming to us from Austin, TX, Graham has definitely been through some tough times in his life. One of the main things must have been losing his brother. I can’t imagine a loss like that. But why not turn that into some positive form of great music?

That seems to be just what he did.

I’m on my third viewing of this video and it’s something I had to share with you all. Hope you enjoy it and if you dig the track, head to his site and pick it up for a buck. Seriously, it’s just a dollar. Help the dude out.

“FOCUS” by Graham Wilkinson www.grahamwilkinsonmusic.com from Graham Wilkinson on Vimeo.

I remember vividly being at an Arcade Fire show during the Neon Bible tour and they put on one of the most rocking sets I had seen in my life. Only not to close out the set with an anthem banger, but leave us all blue balled (male and females alike) with their down tempo closer ‘My Body Is A Cage’.

For that show, I hated them and the song. They walked off the stage without everyone being in the palms of their hand like they should, but with people literally booing them.

Enter Anna Rose to fix things for me.

She’s taken ‘My Body Is A Cage’ and done what Arcade Fire should have done, written the song but given it to an artist who would do it justice.

By now you’re saying “alright Dyson, just give us the damn song to listen to”. Keep your britches on. Here she is:
mp3: Anna Rose – My Body Is A Cage

Emotionally gorgeously packed vocals sitting on top of dampered drums and one of the most ear pleasing guitar tracks I’ve heard recorded in some time. Now THIS is the way the song should have come out. I put on the Arcade Fire version just as a comparison and I don’t think I can even listen to it now. Anna, you’ve ruined it for me in the most perfect way possible.

This is the first I’ve heard of Anna Rose but word is that this 26 year old beauty is currently in the studio working on a follow up to her 2010 album Nomad. Clearly I’m gonna have to go pick that one up.

Also she kicks off a pretty cool 3 part deal in Boston on Sept 2oth. The Ames Sessions are 3 consecutive Tuesdays of live music at the Ames Hotel. Morgans Hotel Group, The MuseBox, and The Weekly Dig have all teamed up to put on this mini series. I know I’m going to try to get my ass down there to catch Anna and her set if not all of them.

Here’s the lineup:
September 20th – Anna Rose
September 27th – The Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players
October 4th – Kim Boekbinder

Head over to Anna’s website (which if you put a blue background on would remind me a lot of Jens Lekman’s…) and see what she’s up to.

Well, Nerves Junior was definitely something I wanted to put up. This album was just released today and I finally got around to listening to it. Why the hell did I wait so long? Pretty sure it’s been in my inbox for some time now. Put it this way, these dudes are breaking some new ground and it’s such an amazing thing to hear. Best $8 you’ll spend if you want to hear some killer new music.

Check out the title track ‘As Bright As Your Night Light’. It’s a pretty solid but small taste of what this album has in store for your ears.
mp3: Nerves Junior – As Bright As Your Night Light

This is not the sound I’d credit to a group from Louisville. Why? I don’t know, I just don’t see Louisville as a happening scene. Call me a musical racist or something, but I was/am wrong. Or maybe I’m just being turned around to finally gather my senses together.

This album definitely is experimental and might not groove you in the right way on first listen. But trust me, it sinks in and next thing you know you’ll be shouting at your dog, “Are you listening to THIS??”. Mine didn’t give me much of a response but I think he’s a bit jaded on new music. He hates Bob Dylan. And his name is Dylan. Punk…

Like I said, head over to bandcamp and grab this thing. You have my money back dysonsound guarantee that if you don’t dig it, I’ll send you a link to download some other crappy album.

Get yourselves ready to hear a great track. And probably want to shell out some money for a pretty awesome 7″. Just giving you a heads up before you go any further…

Spirit Animal are a group that are definitely busting their ass. And from my point of view, it seems to be paying off. Tonight they kick off a residency at Pianos in NYC, and anyone down in the NYC area should get your ass over there. Wish I could make it down for a night.

Have a listen to their latest track titled I’m Around’. I warned you earlier, it’s pretty damn good.
mp3: Spirit Animal – I’m Around’

Apparently this one had a lot of involvement from friends. In my humble opinion after years of producing and engineering records, these types of songs always come out the best. Sections were recorded, tossed out, added in, they ran the gamut with this one.

Another exciting bit is how it will be released (aside from heading to their FaceBook page, site, or other places you can grab the boring old mp3 version. This will be put on some sexy wax with a B-Side from my friend and idol, Chris Garneau. Pick up that vinyl with the pre-order link on their site.

And now some viewing. Check out the video for ‘Broken Paradise’ Directed and edited by Ben Fee.

Brad and Andrew Barr are some talented dudes. Dip diving all around the country and into the great state up north (Canada) these guys have been making music for some time now. Their self titled release was tossed around to local fans, friends and hopefully family… But now it’s made it to Secret City Records and will be available to the world on Sept 27th.

Have a listen to the purest song I’ve heard in a long time. If you’re disappointed, stop reading and go listen to some Wham! (ok ok, you know I love Wham!. sorry for the dig…)

mp3: The Barr Brothers – Beggar in the Morning

Joined on their self titled release are Sarah Page and Andres Vial. If you haven’t heard of this group by now, I’m kind of surprised. And if you haven’t heard of them a month or two after the release of the record, I’ll be even more surprised.

Apparently I met these guys at a Kurt Vile/Woods show in Boston one night? This is according to my girl Jess over at New Music Collaborative. Apparently I might have had a few too many that evening and it’s a shame. Or I just meet so many damn musicians I can’t keep them all straight. No matter what it is, these guys should have stuck in my head. But I may have also been a little occupied by the tunes coming off of the stage…

Pick up the record from Secret City Records once it comes out on Sept 27th. If you’re disappointed, I have a dysonsound guaranteed return policy that I’ll send you some shitty CD back you may actually like. And good news? It’ll be released on vinyl as well. You know that gets me going.

Want a little live action? Yeah ya do. Stunning…