Hey, it’s me. J. Stone. The guy who writes wrote That’s So Fetch everyday for a year and a half.

Good to see you again. Looks as though you’re doing well. I started this blog in July of 2008 with an audience of zero. As an up-and-coming blogger, I devoted my life to entertaining you people. You’d awake every morning with an email from That’s So Fetch at 7am Central Standard Time … then one day, you wake up, and it’s over … Oh how spoiled you were.

Then the blogger moves to New York and writes for various publications. I guess you could say I’m a sellout. Blame it on the man. Blame it on a rent payment or the fact that I buy my Golden Retriever $600 in cashmere sweaters a month.

Enough banter, more list. Don’t you ever think I wasn’t paying attention in 2009. Just because I dropped off the face of the earth does not mean I wasn’t planning this list all year.

Album, movies, and more lists coming soon…

THE TOP 10 SONGS OF 2009

10. CAGE THE ELEPHANT

“Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked”

“Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” is a song with an identity crisis: an un-categorizable mashup of genre-crossing awesomeness. A song with a strong Jack White influence and just enough country, folk and rock to satisfy your musical taste buds.

9. NEKO CASE

“People Got A Lotta Nerve”

Neko Case is an artist you’ve probably never heard of and her 2009 album Middle Cyclone is probably an album you’ve never listened to — how unfortunate for you. She’s a brilliant songwriter and her voice is angelic. She has a diction that would allow her to interestingly sing the alphabet without the slightest hint of incurring boredom upon the listener.

8. THE AVETT BROTHERS

“The Perfect Space”

I was contemplating writing down every song from The Avett Brothers‘ major label debut, I and Love and You, onto tiny pieces of paper and drawing one out of a hat, but this song sticks out on the best record of 2009. Two songs in one: a soft ballad collides with a lil’ up-tempo folk ditty. The most musically appealing song from the album, but not necessarily the most entertaining — that distinction goes to “Kick Drum Heart”.

7. EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS

“Home”

By far one of the most unique songs released in the decade-ending 2009. A song driven by infectious whistling partnered with just the right amount of high school band instruments. Two simple vocalists are perfect for this folk tune, making it the 3rd best duet of the year (see nos. 5 and 1).

6. ZAC BROWN BAND

“Toes”

Just about every song on this list was an immediate addition to my iPod within minutes of hearing it, and “Toes” is no exception. It’s a song that - on first listen -  by the end of the second chorus, you feel like you’ve been listening to it your entire life. Nothing is better than a hook that’s fun to sing-a-long to, and “Toes in the water, ass in the sand / not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand” might be the best of the year. “Toes” is my number one most played song of 2009.

5. KID CUDI

“Soundtrack 2 My Life”

Kid Cudi is the best thing to happen to hip-hop in years. I knew from the first 60 seconds of his winter ‘08 smash hit “Day N Nite” that his subsequent debut album, Man On The Moon - The End Of Day, would be incredible. Stocked with great singles, the #2 track on the album is the standout. If you like hip-hop, you must have this song in your collection.

4. WHITE LIES

“E.S.T.”

The best and most original rock song of 2009. White Lies has finally released a rock album worth listening to, and one of the better rock albums of the latter ‘00-’09 decade. Sonically impressive and a song that can but put on repeat … and repea … and repe … and rep … and re … and r …

3. EMINEM

“Beautiful”

Eminem = best solo rapper of all time
“Beautiful” = top 3 Eminem songs of all time
“Beautiful” = one of the best rap songs of all time?

2. LADY GAGA

“Speechless”

“Speechless” is Lady GaGa’s coming out party. And no - not out of the closet. This song is 100% proof that she’s an amazing talent and can write one hell of a song. If you haven’t heard this song, then you don’t know Lady GaGa. This isn’t “Poker Face” … it’s a maturation, a statement and a masterpiece.

1. JAY-Z FT. ALICIA KEYS

“Empire State of Mind”

I would put the top 3 songs of 2009 up against any songs from the entire decade. “Empire State of Mind” is easily one of the best songs released in the last 15-20 years. If you don’t like this song, you don’t like hip-hop. If aliens came to earth and asked for one song from each genre to define our race, I’d have no problem with “Empire State of Mind” representing the entire hip-hop genre.

(HONORABLE MENTION)

(11) WEEZER FT. SARA BAREILLES

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)”

Coming in as an honorable mention, “If You’re Wondering…” is the only curveball to make the list. Explanation: this song is different from the Rivers Cuomo-only version from Weezer’s latest album, Raditude. I found this version on YouTube and it’s unbelievably better than the song on the album, yet it’s not available to purchase…anywhere.

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LUPE FIASCO
“SHINING DOWN”

“Shining Down” is the latest track from Chicago-based rapper Lupe Fiasco. A song that further solidifies him as one of the best rappers in the game right now. Get it and add it to your summer mix and play it for your friends. They’ll think you’re cool. I promise.

 

 

 

THE AVETT BROTHERS
“I AND LOVE AND YOU”

The Avett Brothers are the best folk band of the 21st century and it’s a shame that you aren’t listening to them. Saying that you are missing out would be an understatement. “I and Love and You” is from their July 7th EP release of the same name. I could only find a live version for this post, but do yourself a favor and download the studio version. If you enjoy folk music at all, this song should be on your iPod.

A more polished sound doesn’t distract from the raw talent of this North Carolina-based trio. This is definitely one of the better songs they’ve recorded. Discover more about The Avett Brothers on TSF here.

 

GET MORE TSF RECOMMENDED NEW SONGS FOR YOUR iPOD.

 

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At the end of 2008, I plan on doing “best of 2008″ lists with movies, music, TV, etc. 
A “TSF Awards” if you will.

Until then, I think there are 15 songs that you should be listening to - that way when December rolls around, you will be able to identify with some of the songs I mention.  That’s assuming that you download some of these songs that you don’t have.

in no particular order:

15. “Handlebars” by Flobots
14. “You Know What” by N.E.R.D.
13. “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
12. “Tear Down This House” by The Avett Brothers
11. “Everybody Get Dangerous” by Weezer
10. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
09. “Amsterdam” by Shane Alexander
08. “Derty” by Ronald Jenkees
07. “Attention” by The Raconteurs
06. “The Longer I Run” by Peter Bradley Adams
05. “Wild International” by One Day As A Lion
04. “Steal Away” by Murder By Death
03. “Bye Bye” by Mariah Carey
02. “You Don’t Know Me” by Ben Folds
01. “Hometown Glory” by Adele

Here is the list as an iMix on iTunes:

 

 

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Album of The Week

The Avett Brothers
The Gleam II

The Avett Brothers have done it again and released a sort-of-EP, sort-of-full-length Album consisting of 8 new songs.  An eight song release would be frowned upon pre-internet download era.  This album was released last Tuesday and I already love every song on it.  If you are reading this sentence right now and you haven’t listened to The Avett Brothers, please do it.  Like now.

Best songs:  “Murder In The City“, “Bella Donna“, “The Greatest Sum”

Picture of The Week/News Story of The Week

If you aren’t understanding this at first,  read it again.  You’ll get it soon enough…

Reality TV Update of The Week

You may not have cable, you may not care. Oh well. Aaron McCargo Jr, 36, of Camden, New Jersey, (top middle of picture, orange shirt) has won The Next Food Network Star competition on The Food Network. He was the last standing of 10 average joes hoping to be the next Rachael Ray. Aaron is cool but Rachael Ray is attractive. Here’s what I like about Rachael Ray: she’s got a little pudge on her. If someone is going to cook for me I’d like to see some pudge. It means they know how to eat.

Ass of The Week

Amy Winehouse and husband Blake Fielder-Civil need to be quarantined by some governing power (British, US, UN, I don’t care) and kept away from each other for the sake of the progression of the human race. I can’t imagine a more mutant human being spawning from this upstanding couple. Long story short: Amy Winehouse has been told by Doctors (what do they know, right?) that she will die if she keeps up her drinking and drug habits. Death isn’t a threat…is it?

Movie Trailer of The Week

The Watchmen.  Release date: 3.9.08.  One of the best previews I’ve seen.  The song in the trailer is called “The Beginning Is the End Is the Beginning” by Smashing Pumpkins.

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1999’s boy band infestation and the pop explosion infiltrated the 2000s with full force. Groups like ‘NSYNC and Destiny’s Child were at the top of the charts at the beginning of 2000, but luckily, this pop trend began to lose steam and just like anything else, what goes up must come down.

I decided to allow only one album from each band. This rule was put in place to insure the list wouldn’t get stale. 2 or 3 albums from the same band is boring. I want people to read these lists and see not only albums they haven’t heard, but bands they’ve never listened to.

Every album on this list is incredible. I will be giving you the best 2 songs from the album so you know where to start. If you haven’t heard an album from this list, get the songs I recommend. You will not be disappointed.

Oh and I’m not one of those list makers who puts albums on a list because everyone else likes them. For example, I think Wilco is overrated. So is Radiohead (sorry).

THE TOP 15 ALBUMS
OF THE 2000s
(As of July 2008)

15. TOOL
10,000 Days
Best Songs: “Vicarious“, “The Pot“

TOOL is known for their excellent instrumentation, unique time signatures, and great vocals from lead singer Maynard James Kennan and nothing has changed on this album. TOOL’s first studio album in 5 years does not disappoint.

14. Muse
Absolution
Best Songs: “Apocalypse Please,” “Hysteria“

British rockers, Muse, have a unique and sonically wide sound. When you listen to this album with headphones you feel like you are literally inside of the music. This album is epic.

13. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift
Best Songs: “Our Song”, “Should’ve Said No”

I know what you’re thinking. “Taylor Swift…really…?” Yes, really. You have to take into account what this album has become and how young she was (16) when it was made. She is the FIRST female country artist to have written or co-written every song on a Platinum-selling album. Show some respect…

12. Third Eye Blind
Out of The Vein
Best Songs: “Crystal Baller“, “Good Man“

The best song on this album is the last song. There are a lot of albums that are this way and I have no idea why (Taylor Swift’s album as well). Third Eye Blind is one of the best rock bands of my time and they have never swayed from their mid-90s alternative rock sound.

11. The Avett Brothers
Four Thieves Gone
Best Songs: “Denouncing November“, “Famous Flower of Manhattan“

The best band of the 2000s. This album is Folk/Bluegrass perfection. Not every song is The Avett’s at their best, but there are so many great songs on this album. The Avett Brothers are what Old Crow Medicine Show wishes they were…

10. System of A Down
Toxicity
Best Songs: “Science“, “Toxicity“

I saw System of A Down open for Limp Bizkit (yes, Limp Bizkit, sue me) in 1999 and knew that they were going to take the Hard Rock genre by storm. This album kicks your ass and leaves you begging for more. Serj Tankian is an incredible vocalist.

9. Rooney
Rooney
Best Songs: “If It Were Up To Me,” “Simply Because“

Every song on this album is Pop-Rock perfection. These guys are swell. I think they were like 19 when they recorded this album? Anyways, it’s outstanding. Every…single….song. It was hard to pick the best two.

8. Cory Branan
The Hell You Say
Best Songs: “Tame“, “Crush“

As noted in a previous post, “Top 5 Bands You’ve Never Heard Of”, Cory Branan is the best singer/songwriter of my generation. This album has a great folk/rock/singer-songwriter/country vibe and some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard.

7. Lucero
Tennessee
Best Songs: “Slow Dancing“, “Chain Link Fence“

Country-Alternative-Rock. Ben Nichols is the best out there. His voice takes some getting used to and upon first listen you will want to offer him some decongestants, but once you realize the greatness of this band … you’ll be happy you did. If you are thinking about starting a country rock band, listen to this album first.

6. Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
Best Songs: “Two“, “Pearls On A String“

Ryan Adams is one of those artist that if you haven’t listened to his catalogue you don’t really know what he’s about. He has many different types of songs. If you have never listened to him, get this album. It’s very very very good. From the beginning to the end.

5. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Once Soundtrack
Best Songs: “Falling Slowly,” “When Your Mind’s Made Up“

“Falling Slowly” won an Oscar for best song. It was 100% deserving. This album is beautiful. Their two voices blend together amazingly.

4. Foo Fighters
Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace
Best Songs: “Summer’s End“, “The Pretender“

Let’s put this album in perspective: 6 of the 12 songs are in my iTunes Top 25 Most Played Songs. So good. It is the best Foo Fighters‘ effort, hands down.

3. Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
Best Songs: “From The Ritz To The Rubble“, “A Certain Romance“

The best British invasion since The Beatles. This album came out of nowhere in 2005, just when all of the Fallout Boys of the world were beginning to fade out. Their follow up album, Favourite Worst Nightmare would be on this list, but I had to choose one or the other.

2. Rage Against The Machine
Renegades
Best Songs: “Pistol Grip Pump“, “Microphone Fiend“

This is the only all cover songs album I ever listen to. They did an amazing job of taking great songs and making them even better. Each song they made their own. Everything Rage touches turns to gold.

1. Ben Folds
Rockin’ The Suburbs
Best Songs: “Not The Same“, “Fred Jones Pt.2“

I bought this album the first day it hit stores. Not only the day the best album of the 2000s was released, but also September 11, 2001. A terrible day, but this album is a happy, fun, and exceptional piece of music. Ben Folds’s best work.

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Discovering a new band is equatable to being invited into an innocent, attractive young lady’s apartment. You are unsure of the situation and try to compare her to other girls you’ve been with, but once you get past the awkward conversation and boxed wine, it’s smooth as silk. She hasn’t been with many other guys and none of your friends know about her … until you give them lowdown and you feel oh so suave because you found her first.

When I am told about a new band, I immediately want to know two facts: What familiar bands are they similar to? and What song and album are the best? With that said, I have designed this post to cater to that ideal.

Whenever I use the term “…you’ve never heard of”, I’m not saying these are bands that have never crossed your musical radar; it simply refers to bands that don’t receive any sort of mainstream airplay (in the U.S.). Oh, and this list is pretty exclusive to 20-somethings generation. I give you:

THE TOP 5 BEST BANDS
YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF:

5. Beulah
(1997-2004, official website)
I saw this band open for Cake in 2002. That’s really the only time I ever saw or heard about them with the exception of an appearance on TV show, The O.C., soundtrack. They have 3 exceptional albums and 1 album with a few gems. A very positive, major-key band with great production and talented instrumentalists.

Who are they similar to? Cake, Guster
What’s their best album? The Coast Is Never Clear
What’s their best song? “Gene Autry”

4. Lucero
(1998-present, official website)
A band that is hard to warm up to, but you’ll be glad you did. I like to refer to Lucero as a alternative country rock band that sounds like it’s fronted by Kurt Cobain. A great live show and 5 outstanding albums make this Memphis band the best alt-country outfit of my generation.

Who are they similar to? “Kurt Cobain fronting an alt-country band” just about sums it up.
What’s their best album? Tennessee
What’s their best song? “Raising Hell” (up tempo), “Slow Dancing” (down tempo)

3. Cory Branan
(2000-present, official website)
THE BEST singer-songwriter of my generation. No ifs, ands or buts. This guy will blow your mind in a live concert. His charisma is infectious and his voice is set apart from everyone else on the planet. His songwriting is on par with Lyle Lovett and his delivery rivals John Prine.

Who is he similar to? John Prine, Ryan Adams
What’s his best album? The Hell You Say
What’s his best song? “Tame“

2. Arctic Monkeys
(2001-present, official website)
The four-piece rock band is becoming a dying breed. It seems like nowadays, people can’t form a rock band without a goddamn keys player. Give me rock. Give me four bad asses. Arctic Monkeys are the best true rock band since Foo Fighters. They are huge in England, but Americans just don’t seem to get it. Well, you need to get it.

Who are they similar to? No modern bands are worthy enough to put here. So let’s just say they’re Brit-Rock with heavy The Clash and Sex Pistols influences.
What’s their best album? Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
What’s their best song? “From the Ritz to the Rubble“

1. The Avett Brothers
(2003-present, official website)
If The Beatles were born in America in the 1970s and were heavily influenced by folk and alternative country, they would be The Avett Brothers. That’s not an insult to The Beatles (they are the best band of all time), It’s a huge compliment to the brothers from North Carolina. Amazing melodies, perfect harmonies, world class instrumentation, folk domination. The Avett Brothers ARE folk.

Who are they similar to? Whiskeytown, Old Crow Medicine Show
What’s their best album? Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions
What’s their best song? “Denouncing November Blue” (up tempo), “Famous Flower of Manhattan” (down tempo)

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