It’s been almost two months since Chocolate Bobka took over the basement of the Lutheran Church of the Messiah, and brought the sweet un-amplified sounds of Mountain Man and Alex Bleeker to this holy place.  It was a truly surreal experience to see so many people sitting quietly while these bands played their music in such a  peaceful setting.  It was the type of thing that can only happen when the people at an event want to be there, and aren’t just there because it was the cool thing to do…and that is what made this night so special.

While I had heard “Animal Tracks” before this was my first real experience with Mountain Man.  If you didn’t already know Mountain Man is actually three ladies from Bennington, Vermont who make mostly acapella folk music with the occasional use of acoustic guitar.  Their performance at the Church was nothing short of magical. From Singing with Alex Bleeker and performing a cover of “Oh, Boy” by Girls , covering  “My Roots are Strong and Deep” by Phil Elverum’s The Microphones, and even Tom Waits….

Mountain Man- “Green Grass (Tom Waits cover)” into “Animal Tracks”

Ray Concepcioñ always does an amazing job capturing Chocolate Bobka’s events.  I also recorded their cover of “Green Grass,” and while I’m not a magician with a camera like Ray is (nor do I have that type of equipment) I feel that this video captures the setting and vibe of the church.  The complete lack of light, the politeness of the audience, and what it felt like to be at such a unique event.

Mountain Man- “Green Grass (Tom Waits cover)”

I’m honestly not a Tom Waits fan, but this version can make even a person that hates Tom Waits like this song. These covers were in addition to their own beautiful musical creations.

Mountain Man was selling limited edition copies of their self titled cd-r at the show.  The cd-r’s that Mountain Man had at the Church were all made by hand out of paper bags, sewn together, and then decorated.  Every copy was different.  This version, from my understanding, is different than what they released earlier in 2009 because it has two additional songs: “Loon Song” and “Buffalo.”  I’m really happy to have been able to get a copy of one of their releases after reading about them non-stop for for so long.

If I had just heard this record without seeing them live I would have thought the music came from another time.  It’s oldtime-y in a way that feels classic, and if knew nothing about these ladies I would not be able to guess when it was released.  If you haven’t experienced them yet I’m happy to share a couple tracks with you now…  “Animal Tracks” is already a classic:

[mp3] Mountain Man- “Animal Tracks”

“Buffalo” is one of the newest tracks to emerge from these ladies, and while it still keeps the same vibe as the rest it brings us much closer to the plains than the mountains.  An ode to this glorious beast, and so short and sweet at that.  I’ve listened to this track probably a dozen times today…. follow the buffalo:

[mp3] Mountain Man- “Buffalo”

If you are interested in hearing more Mountain Man and don’t mind having a digital copy you can buy their 7 song EP directly from the band here.   This website also allows you to stream the entire album, and has a complete list of their West Coast tour…which is currently going on.  If you are in San Francisco this weekend I highly recommend checking them out.

Many of these tracks will be seeing proper release on one of my new favorite record labels…the magnificent Underwater Peoples.  Keep an eye out…it’s going to be a 10″, and is sure to be a must have.

Previously posted mp3s featuring Mountain Man:

[mp3] Alex Bleeker w/ Molly Searle of Mountain Man- “Oh, Boy (Girls cover)”

[mp3] Alex Bleeker and the Freaks- “Animal Tracks (Mountain Man cover)”

• Buy Alex Bleeker’s self titled LP here.

Mountain Man is just one of the many reasons why Vermont is such a wonderful state…maybe I will live there one day.

Links:

• the photo above was taken by Rez Avissar at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah.  More photos taken by Rez from this show can be found here.
• more on Underwater Peoples can be found here.
• more on Alex Bleeker can be found here.

——————————

I was going to a Best Of Limited Releases for 2009, and figured my energy would be better spent making this post.  Mountain Man’s cd-r is everything I look for in a limited release…amazing music, and packaging made with loving care.

There were several other releases that have made my shortlist of Best Limited Releases of 2009, and all of those have been previously covered in my posts called This Week In Mail Order.  Here is that list, and links to the original posts:

• Mount Eerie- White Stag
• Karl Blau- Baby Nettles
• Karl Blau- 96
• Cloud Nothings- Turning On

more of my best of lists can be found here.

Last year I did a list of twenty five albums, and I began to think that the rank ordering no longer meant anything once I hit a certain number. This year I thought I was going to do a top ten with a not so short list of other albums, but then I decided that would be the same thing as a top twenty five.

I feel like I settled in the middle. I was able to narrow 2009 down to fifteen albums, and no short list. These are my favorites.  If you haven’t heard them check out the mp3, and if you like it buy the album…you won’t be disappointed. Cheers.

———————————————–

The Great Pumpkin’s favorite albums of 2009.

15.) Screaming Females- Power Move

Hearing this record for the first time was like the first time I heard Dinosaur Jr.  Power Move was released by Don Geovanni Records.

[mp3] Screaming Females- “Bell”

• buy it here.
• more on Screaming Females can be found here.

14.) Desolation Wilderness- New Universe

When I saw the cover and title of this album I hoped it would sound like it looked.   And it did.  A shoegaze master piece released by K Records.

[mp3] Desolation Wilderness- “Boardwalk Theme”

• buy it here.
• more on Desolation Wilderness can be found here.

13.) Alex Bleeker and the Freaks- Alex Bleeker and the Freaks

Classic Rock for my generation. This record gets more powerful with each listen. Released via the wonderful Underwater Peoples Records. Their cover of “Animal Tracks” is just as good as the original.

[mp3] Alex Bleeker & The Freaks- “Animal Tracks (Mountain Man cover)”

• buy it here.
• more on Alex Bleeker can be found here.

12.) Sonny and The Sunsets- Tomorrow is Alright

Sonny and the Sunsets made the perfect warm weather pop album that it transcends seasons. I find that even on a morning as cold as today Tomorrow is Alright can make me feel warm inside. Sonny is part of the Endless Nest Collective, and if you know what is good for you should have your eye on the nest…so many great records came out of this group in 2009. Tomorrow is Alright was released by Soft Abuse Records.

[mp3] Sonny and the Sunsets- “Too Young To Burn”

• buy it here (the LP is sold out…maybe get it here?).
• Sonny’s website
• Endless Nest’s website.

11.) Nite Jewel- Good Evening

This is an album of psychedelic dance jams  and not necessarily the dance music you would hear in a club, but more what you want to chill out with at the end of the night.  This record was released by Human Ear Music / Gloriette Records. 

[mp3] Nite Jewel- “Weak for Me”

• buy it here.
• Nite Jewel’s website// myspace

10.) BOAT- Setting the Paces

If there has been one album this year that can bring me out of dark times it is Setting the Paces.   Released by Magic Marker Records.

[mp3] BOAT- “Prince Of Tacoma”

• buy it here.
• more on BOAT can be found here.

9.) Julie Doiron- I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day

While she is known for her sad songs this album shows her lighter side, and that is something that I really enjoy…and she can totally wail on that guitar too.  Released by  Jagjaguwar Records.

[mp3] Julie Doiron- “Spill Yer Lungs”

• buy it here.
• more on Julie Doiron can be found  here.

8.) Ducktails- Ducktails// Landscapes

As far as I’m concerned these two should have been a double album.  I have a hard time thinking about them separately. Ducktails in a sense gave birth to Real Estate, and possibly this whole thing chillwave thing.  Ducktails came out via Not Not Fun and Lanscapes via Olde English Spelling Bee.

[mp3] Ducktails- “Landrunners” (off of Landscapes)

• buy Ducktails here // buy Landscapes here.
• more on Ducktails can be found here.

7.) Karl Blau- Zebra

This man is a constant inspiration to me.  This record is just one of three albums that he made this year that I fell in love with. Released by K Records.

[mp3] Karl Blau- “Dark Sedan”

• buy it here.
• more on Karl Blau can be found here.

6.) Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Like a time machine to the late eighties //early nineties.  Another great album from Slumberland.

[mp3] Pains of Being Pure at Heart- “Come Saturday”

• buy it here.
• more on Pains Of Being Pure at Heart can be found here.

5.) Ganglians- Monster Head Room

The first full length form this Sacramento band, and it was pretty much perfect.  The LP was released by Weird Forest and CD by Woodsist (who will be repressing the LP).

[mp3] Ganglians- “Crying Smoke”

• buy it here.
• more on Ganglians can be found here.

4.) TOM: WFMU’s the Best Show’s Tribute to Paul McCartney’s RAM (various artists)

The Best Show put together the best tribute album ever.  If you are unfamiliar with RAM it is the only album I have ever heard of by Paul McCartney refered to as dirty (and that is a very good thing). Released as a DJ Premium for donating to WFMU… Sad that it was so exclusive.  The moral of this story is…DONATE TO WFMU!

I haven’t really listened to Danielson over the past couple albums, but this cover makes me want to rethink that…one of my favorite tracks from this album, and one of the best covers I have heard in a long time.

Danielson- “Monkberry Moon Delight”

• The Best Show// WFMU
• Oh and if you don’t already have it…buy Paul McCartney’s Ram here (or used on LP here).

3.) Mount Eerie- Wind’s Poem

I am a long time fan of Phil Elverum, and on this album he took me to a place I never imagined I’d go.  Dark and beautiful…seeing it performed live gave me the best halloween I’ve had in years.

[mp3] Mount Eerie- “Between Two Mysteries”

• buy it here from P.W. Elverum and Suns.
• more about Mount Eerie  can be found here.

2.) Julian Lynch- Orange You Glad

After this record I will be on the look out for anything Julian Lynch ever releases.  Orange You Glad has moved me. Released on Olde English Spelling Bee.

[mp3] Julian Lynch- “Rancher”

• buy it here.
• more on Julian Lynch (mp3s, video, pictures, reviews, more) can be found here.

1.) So Cow- So Cow

By far the record I listened to most this past year.  The pop catches you, but the guitar and lyrics keep you. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Tic Tac Totally Records.  If you didn’t catch So Cow when they were in the states last year their 2010 American Tour starts in less than two week!  Tour dates can be found here.

[mp3] So Cow- “Casablanca”

• Buy it here.
• more on So Cow (reviews, posters, mp3s, pictures)can be found here.

———————————————–

Thanks for reading my best of lists.  I’m pretty sure this is the end of it…my goal was to get it up by February 1st, but I ended up one day late…I’m ok with that.

You can find more of mine, and some of my special guests, best of lists here.

Ok, so I’ve never really been sure the definition of the EP before, but I always “knew” inside what it was, but for this post I decided to go to the all knowing wiki to find out:

An extended play (EP) is a vinyl record [CD, or music download] which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as an LP. An intermediate format between EPs and full-length LPs is the Mini-LP, which was a common album format in the 1980s generally containing 20–30 minutes of music.

This is a very short list of my favorite EPs of 2009, and it was totally dominated by Captured Tracks and Slumberland.

The Great Pumpkins favorite EPs (12″s and 10″s) of 2009

5.) The Bitters- Wooden Glove

Captured Tracks and Ben Cook (of Fucked Up// Young Governor) both make this list with Wooden Glove. I mentioned in my best of singles list that I like pretty much all of Ben Cook’s projects except the main one.  The Bitters‘ self proclaimed cave pop is pretty blissful, and something that I keep going back to.

[mp3] The Bitters- “Warriors.”

• buy it here.
• gprecs posts on the Bitters can be found here.

4.) Deerhunter- Rainwater Cassette Exchange

I was a little bit of a late comer as far as Deerhunter goes…but now I’m always happy to see a new release (or digital release…watch their blog).  Always top notch.  This EP was put out by 4AD//Kranky.

[mp3] Deerhunter- “Rainwater Cassette Exchange”

• buy it here.

3.) Dum Dum Girls- Dum Dum Girls

Lots of lo-fi girl rock this year, and Dee Dee does it better than most. Captured Tracks really did have a great first year.

[mp3] Dum Dum Girls- “Yours Alone”

• this record is out of print.
• gprecs posts on Dum Dum Girls can be found here.

2.) Pains of Being Pure at Heart- Higher Than the Stars

This record really gives the authentic 80’s vibe.  Thanks Slumberland.  This one came out in too many formats for me to keep track of (cdep, 12″, 7″, 12″remix).

[mp3] Pains of Being Pure at Heart- “Higher Than The Stars”

• buy it here (i’m specifically talking about the normal 12″ version, but i’m sure they are all rad).
• gprecs posts on Pains of Being Pure at Heart can be found here.

1.) Liechtenstein- Survival Strategies in a Modern World

These ladies top the girl rock category in my book, and all I can say is that I wish this had been even longer than it was (this record actually has pretty many songs on it, but it is so short).  A wonderful 10″ put out by Slumberland.

[mp3] Liechtenstein- “Roses in the Park”

• buy it here.
• gprecs posts on Liechtenstein can be found here.
• Slumberland had an amazing 2009 (topping both my EPs list, and my 7″s list).
  • gprecs posts on Slumberland can be found here.

Links:

• more Best Of posts can be found here.

There is still something to be said about releasing a great single, and I’m not just talking about the A side…

The Great Pumpkin favorite 7″s of 2009

10.) Slumberland’s Searching for the Now Vol. 5 (Liechtenstein split 7″ w/ The Faintest Ideas)

Liechtenstein might be the show that I’m most disappointed that I missed this year, and this 7″ would have made my top ten for “This Must Be Heaven” alone.

[mp3] Liechtenstein- “This Must Be Heaven”

• Buy Searching for the Now Vol. 5 here.
• gprecs posts on Liechtenstein can be found here.

9.) The Mayfair Set- “Already Warm//Desert Fun”

One of many great 7″s released by Captured Tracks in 2009, and the combination of Dum Dum Girls and Blank Dogs. I can’t say that I liked the 12″ as much as the 7″, but I’m hoping this wasn’t their peak…a great 45.

[mp3] The Mayfair Set- “Already Warm”

• Buy it here.
• Mayfair Set’s website.

8.) Kurt Vile- Fall Demons

Released by Skulltones in an extremely limited quantity (375 copies, and 25 test presses).  Almost a proper EP at five songs.  One of many releases by KV that I loved this year.  Thanks to Permanent for saving me a copy.

[mp3] Kurt Vile- “Summer Demons”

• out of print.
• gprecs posts on Kurt Vile can be found here.

7.) Ganglians- “Blood on the Sand// Make it Up”

The second Captured Tracks release to make this list.  I couldn’t have asked for a better follow up to Monster Head Room.

[mp3] Ganglians- “Blood On the Sand”

• Buy it here.
• gprecs posts on Ganglians can be found here.

6.) Best Coast- Make You Mine

The first official release of Group Tightener Records, and a great one at that.  I was able to grab a copy right before it sold out.

[mp3] Best Coast- “Make You Mine”

• out of print.
• gprecs posts on Best Coast can be found here.

5.) Magic Kids- “Hey Boy//Good To Be”

These kids make pop from another time, and Goner Records is very lucky to have them.  Expect big things in 2010.

[mp3] Magic Kids- “Hey Boy”

• buy it here.
• gprecs posts on Magic Kids can be found here.

4.) Real Estate- Suburban Beverage

The record that started it all for both Real Estate and Underwater Peoples Records.  Nice people and good music.

[mp3] Real Estate- “Suburban Beverage”

• out of print.
• buy Real Estate’s self titled LP here (includes almost all of these songs).

3.) Young Governor- “Virginia Creeper// I’m A Mess”

Plastic Idol Records put out this great 45 of punk pop by Ben Cook of Fucked Up.  I don’t know why, but I seem to like everything Cook is involved with except for Fucked Up…at least he has enough projects to keep me busy.

[mp3] Young Governor- “Virginia Creeper [edit]“

• buy it here (this has to be almost sold out).
• gprecs post on Young Governor can be found here.

2.) Julian Lynch // Ducktails split 7″

Julian Lynch and Ducktails are two of my favorite discoveries of 2009, and I can thank Underwater Peoples for this.  Oh yeah, and Julian has to be one of the nicest dudes ever.

[mp3] Ducktails- “Parasailing”

• out of print.
• gprecs posts on Ducktails can be found here.
• gprecs posts on Julian can be found here.

1.) Sic Alps- “L Mansion// Super Lungs My Supergirl”

Another beautiful 7″ put out by Slumberland.  I have to say that I’ve seen Sic Alps, and when I did they were not a band I cared for, but after reading about this 7″ I picked it up and was totally blown away.  I can’t wait to hear what comes out of this band in the future…this is one fucking great 45.

[mp3] Sic Alps- “L Mansions”

• buy it here.
• gprecs posts on Sic Alps can be found here.
  • 2/10/10- sorry I just fixed the link to this song. it was another sic alps track until now.

Thanks for reading…I’m getting behind on these best of posts, and they are a little intimidating to do, but I’m going to keep with it…two more…EPs and LPs.  Bare with me while I deal with this last graduate application and the crazy awfulness that is my job…but more is to come.  thanks again.

Links:

• more Best Of posts can be found here.

Compared to other blogs I’m a little behind on posting my best of lists…but I’m not beating myself up about it, and in fact I’m right on par for my lists from the past two years (actually a little a head of last year). Now that all most my guest posts up I’m finally moving on to my own favorites.

First up is going to be my favorite songs of 2009.  While I loved many songs this year these tracks are by far what I think of when I think of 2009.  If you have been following me over the past year most of these will come as no surprise because most of them come from artist I have been obsessed with for years.  All songs in this short list have been covered on the Great Pumpkin in 2009, and below the track will be a link to buy the album as well as a link to the posts I’ve made about the artist.

the great pumpkin’s favorite songs of 2009

in no particular order.

[mp3] Karl Blau- “Dark Sedan”

• my posts on “Dark Sedan” can be found here (mp3) and here (live video).
• other posts on Karl Blau can be found here.
• “Dark Sedan” appears on Zebra (K Records)
  • Buy it here.

[mp3] Ganglians- “Crying Smoke”

• my post on “Crying Smoke”
• other posts on Ganglians can be found here.
• “Crying Smoke” appeared on Monster Head Room (Weird Forest/ Woodsist)
  • Buy it here.

[mp3] Mount Eerie- “Between Two Mysteries”

• my posts on “Between Two Mysteries” can be found here (mp3) and here (live video).
• other posts on Mount Eerie/ Phil Elverum here.
• “Between Two Mysteries” appeared on Wind’s Poem (P.W. Elverum & Suns)
  • Buy it here.

[mp3] Ariel Pink & the Haunted Graffiti- “Can’t Hear My Eyes”

• my post on “Can’t Hear My Eyes”
• other posts on Ariel Pink can be found here.
• “Can’t Hear My Eyes” was originally on a 7″ that is now out of print (Mexican Summer).
• oops.  this came out in 2008.  whatever…I was obsessed with it in 2009.

[mp3] Real Estate- “Beach Comber”

• My post on “Beach Comber”
• other posts on Real Estate can be found here.
• “Beach Comber” appeared on Real Estate (Woodsist).
  • Buy it here.

There will be a best of compilation to come that will include all of these tracks, as well as tracks from my favorite albums of 2009.  Keep your eye on the blog for the zip file.

Next up in my best of series will be my favorite 7″, 10″, and 12″ EPs.

Other Info:

• the photo above of Phil Elverum was taken by klk and I on halloween at market hotel on a holga.  one of the best shows of the year.
• the great pumpkin had lots of guests contribute best of lists… find those here.

Ryan from Mirror Universe Tapes Best of 2009:

————————-

When Tom asked me to do this I had already compiled a Best Cassette Tapes of 09 over at my blogging home thefmly.com and I hadn’t really planned on doing much else. I had to reconsider because this is such an honor I just couldn’t say no! I’m not sucking up to anyone with this list. This is stuff I listened to NON-STOP, I’m actually probably listening to some of it right now. So don’t hate, alleviate.

1. Julian Lynch – Orange You Glad (website/ album info)
-Seriously, my favorite album of the year. It makes me melt and feel all gooey and strange but in a totally rad and good way. Jamming this heavy through some head phones while throwing back something dark roasted will make your brain do things you weren’t aware that it was capable of.

2. Alex Bleeker & the Freaks – S/T  (website/ album info)
-I feel like I went through hell and highwater to get this album. I don’t own a record player (I have an original 1979 Refurbished Walkman though, so I feel that that makes up for not having a record player), and tracking down mp3s of this album proved to be more difficult than finding an original Bobb Trimble record. My suffering and turmoil came to an end though, and man oh man could this album be any better. If you’ve heard it you know what I’m talking about, if you don’t then you are missing out. Its all kinds of modern day Crazy Horse, Neil Young, Grateful Dead happening. I listened to it at least 50 times within the first day of having it in my possesion.

3. Surfer Blood – Astrocoast (website/ album info)
-No explanation needed, correct?

4. Emeralds – Emeralds (band info / album info)
-I’m a fan of drone music just as much as I’m a fan of pop music. I can listen to this and feel at peace like to the point where I am certain that this could be played over loud speakers throughout the world and everyone will forget their worries and troubles and just meditate and live and have no urge to kill, rape, or destroy anymore. Thank you Emeralds, you are the answer to World Peace.

5. Naomi Punk – Naomi Punk (website/ album info)
-This album is a mystery to me. You just have to hear it for yourself.

6. M. Pyres & The Skygaze Family Band – Apart the Echo (website/ album info)

7. Nirvana – Bleach Reissues (band info / album info)
-Sure, this album is 20 years old, and sure I’ve heard it 500 times in the last 2 years, but JEEZY YEEZY have you heard the remasters?! It sounds amazing and it just solidifies the fact that no matter how long this album has been around it continues to be a hard hitting masterpiece.

8. Thee Oh Sees – Dog Poison (website/ album info)
-These guys (and gal) can do no wrong. They have touched on everything from garage to folk to country and now onto psych pop? Damn, they are the masters of their domain and they do it with heart. This is much better than “Help” and I’m sure there are people who are thinking, “HELP WAS AWESOME,” but you know what, sometimes you just need to branch out or get out.

9. Wet Hair – Glass Fountain (website/ album info)

10. Double Dagger – More (website/ album info)
-Who cares about Post-Punk anymore? I do, thats for sure but not until I had listened to this. I didn’t care, “Post-Punk? Who cares Fugazi broke up. I need more Glo-Fi and Chillwave in my life.” BOY WAS I WRONG. This is a hard hitting, raw, nerve grating album. 6 years to late, but still an intense experience,

11. Ducktails - Landscapes (website/ album info)
-Ridgewood got it goin’ on, amirite?

————————-

and….Mirror Universe sent over a couple mp3s from two of their upcoming releases!

Dead Gaze is a band that Ben (the other half of Mirror Universe) told me about a couple months ago, and I have been following their myspace ever since.  It is the musical project of Ransome Cole Furlow, and he is based in Mississippi. This is one part of the country that I’m not so familiar with what is going on musically, but if Dead Gaze is any indication it’s sunny pop that has been sunk into a swamp of psychedelic haze.  Dead Gaze is preparing a kind of best of tape for Mirror Universe titled End of Days, Why Not You? that should be out sometime early this year.

[mp3] Dead Gaze- “Back and Forth”

Active Child hails from Los Angeles, and is the musical outlet of Pat Grossi. Active Child make haunting electronica full of synths, and drum machines…but the most unique part about Grossi is his voice which brings to mind R&B.  While I really enjoy the music that Grossi is producing I truly feel that his voice is what carries it, and not exactly what I would expect to come out of his mouth…it’s a welcomed and pleasant surprise.  Active Child seem to fit in well with the line up that Mirror Universe has already gathered, and I’m expecting to hear a lot more from him.  ”Wilderness” is a track from Sun Rooms that will be out on Mirror Universe soon, actually their next release TODAY!

[mp3] Active Child- “Wilderness”
buy Sun Rooms here.

In addition to Active Child and Dead Gaze be on the look out for upcoming releases on Mirror Universe by The Meanest Boys, Kid Trails, Truman Peyote, Sun Mantra, Sacred Harp, Pink Priest, Tapeworms Eat Bookworms…and in the future Deep Space Drum Circles (a fundraiser for OUTERSPACE) as well as many many more.  Lots of exciting stuff…I hope they start a subscription service (hint hint).

If you are in a touring band:

Ryan and Ben of Mirror Universe Tapes are both part of OUTERSPACE.  OUTERSPACE is an all ages show space and community center in Charleston, SC.  Get in touch, and bring your music to Charleston!

I would like to thank Ryan for contributing a best of list (and writing an introduction so I didn’t have to!), as well to Ben and Ryan (collectively) for contributing these awesome new tracks from their upcoming releases to the Great Pumpkin

Links:

• Mirror Universe Tapes blog / myspace / twitter
• Buy Mirror Universe releases here.
• more best of 2009 guest contributions can be found here.

So Cow is one of the many artists I found out about through the Somebody Come and Play podcast/blog, and when I stumbled upon the LP early in 2009 it instantly became one of my obsessions.  I got to see So Cow play many times while they were in NYC, and this first So Cow LP is by far one of my favorite things to be released in 2009.  If you haven’t already heard it go check it out at Tic Tac Totally!

Brian Kelly, the core of So Cow, was nice enough to contribute his best of 2009 list to the Great Pumpkin, and I am very excited to present it to you now:

So Cow’s Best of 2009

——————-

Things I’ve most enjoyed listening to this year:

1. Christmas Island – Blackout Summer (In The Red) (website/ album info)
2. Various Artists – ‘Tom – A tribute to Paul McCartney’s ‘RAM” (WFMU Best Show Premium)
3. Nobunny – Raw Romance (Burger Records) (website/ album info)
4. Amature Amplifier – Soo Sung Land (Self-released) (website)
5. Pigibit5 – EP (Self-released) (website/ album info)

Bands I most enjoyed seeing live:

1. Box Elders (Twisted Pepper, Dublin) (website)
2. Christmas Island (Casbah, San Diego) (website)
3. Chiquita Y Chatarra (Sidecar, Barcelona) (website)
4. Deerhoof (Roisin Dubh, Galway) (website)
5. Outer Spacist (Carabar, Columbus) (website)

Best cities/towns I visited for the first time:

1. Catania, Sicily, Italy
2. Philadelphia, PA, USA
3. Anstruther, Fife, Scotland
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. San Diego, CA, USA

Things I’ve most enjoyed watching this year, though not necessarily from this year:

1. The Micallef Programme (more info)
2. QI (more info)
3. Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe (more info)

Things I’ve most enjoyed listening to (that were not albums):

1. The Best Show on WFMU (more info)
2. Sunday Night Safran on Triple J (more info)
3. Guardian Football Podcast with James Richardson (more info)

——————-

There hasn’t been much talk about So Cow on this side of the Atlantic since he was in the states back in June, but last month he released another amazing free EP of cover songs (more on that here), and I have recently been obsessed with is cover of Del Shannon’s “Runaway”:

[mp3] So Cow- “Runaway (Del Shannon cover)”
download the whole EP here.

Hearing these new covers makes me excited to see what he does in 2010, and speaking of twenty ten…

So Cow’s 2010 (mostly) American Tour!!!

• 01.28.10- Dublin, Ireland @  Crawdaddy
• 02.11.10 -Thu Asbury Park, New Jersey @ Asbury Lanes
• 02.12.10 -Fri Philadelphia, Pennsylvania @ Kung Fu Necktie
• 02.13.10 -Sat Brooklyn, New York @  Monster Island Basement
• 02.14.10 -Sun Manhattan, New York @  Cake Shop
• 02.17.10 -Wed Boston, Massachusetts @ Obrien’s Pub
• 02.19.10 -Fri Providence, Rhode Island @ AS220
• 02.20.10 -Sat Montreal, Quebec @ Casa del Popolo
• 02.21.10 -Sun Austin, Texas @ Rancho Relaxo
• 02.22.10 -Mon W Hamilton, Ontario @ The Casbah Lounge (ontario)
• 02.23.10 -Tue Rochester, New York @ The Bug Jar
• 02.24.10 -Wed Cleveland, Ohio @ Beachland Ballroom
• 02.25.10 -Thu Columbus, Ohio @ Cafe Bourbon Street
• 02.26.10 -Fri Detroit, Michigan @ Lager House
• 02.28.10 -Sun Milwaukee, Wisconsin @ Eagle’s Nest
• 03.01.10 -Mon Minneapolis, Minnesota @ 7th St. Entry (first-avenue)
• 03.03.10 -Wed Missoula, Montana @ Badlander
• 03.05.10 -Fri Portland, Oregon @ East End
• 03.06.10 -Sat Seattle, Washington @ Comet Tavern
• 03.09.10 -Tue Santa Cruz, California @ Crepe Place
• 03.10.10 -Wed San Francisco, California @ Hemlock Tavern
• 03.11.10 -Thu Los Angeles, California @ The Smell
• 03.12.10 -Fri San Diego, California @ Bar Pink Elephant
• 03.13.10 -Sat Phoenix, Arizona @ Trunk Space w/ No Bunny
• 03.14.10 -Sun El Paso, Texas @ El Paso Block Party
• 03.16.10 -Tue Austin, Texas @ Mohawk
• 03.17.10 -Wed Austin, Texas @ SXSW
• 03.18.10 -Thu Austin, Texas @ SXSW
• 03.19.10 -Fri Austin, Texas @  SXSW
• 03.20.10 -Sat Austin, Texas @  SXSW
• 03.22.10 -Mon Oklahoma City, Oklahoma @ The Conservatory
• 03.23.10 -Tue Kansas City, Missouri @ Record Bar
• 03.25.10 -Thu Memphis, Tennessee @ Hi-Tone Cafe
• 03.26.10 -Fri Hattiesburg, Mississippi @ The Belafonte
• 03.30.10 -Tue Charlotte, North Carolina @ Snug Harbor
• 04.02.10 -Fri Grand Rapids, Michigan @ DAAC

Thanks again to Brian for contributing a best of 2009 list to the Great Pumpkin…I look forward to seeing you next month!

Links:

• So Cow’s website / myspace
• buy So Cow’s album from Tic Tac Totally here.
• more on So Cow (pictures, mp3s, reviews, ect) here.
• more best of 2009 guest contributions can be found here.
• Tay from Somebody Come and Play is now part of Outer Space.
  • if you are in a touring band, you should play Charleston, SC…contact Outer Space.

End Note: Hey Everyone….I know my best of lists are dragging out a bit, but I’m still letting 2009 settle in my head.  Mirror Universe Tapes have contributed a Best of List, and that will be up tomorrow…and I have a couple lists that will start either Friday or Monday.  Once those are done I’ll be back to my normal self with posts on music, beer, and what ever else I feel like writing about.  Here’s to twenty ten!

BOAT came into my life, and shortly after that I took the GRE…I totally bombed the first time I took it, but Setting the Paces was something that could always bring a smile to my face.  There is just something about these not-so-sloppy-pop / post-twee song-smiths that resonates deep in my brain, and bring to mind indie pop of yesterday…but with lyrics that make me want to press repeat over and over again.

I got to meet David Crane of BOAT when they played Bruar Falls in Williamsburg, and he was a super nice guy…so nice that he contributed his best of 2009 lists to the Great Pumpkin!

David Crane of BOAT’s Best of 2009

—————————-

I have been obsessed with these albums and researching dogs.  I am getting one in June….I am getting new albums all the time.  I am either searching Insound or the Humane Society website pretty much daily.

TOP MUSICAL RELEASES

• Dear Nora-Three States (website / album info)
• The Nightgowns-Sing Something (website / album info)
• Throw Me the Statue-Creaturesque (website / album info)
• The Fiery Furnaces-I’m Going Away (website / album info)
• Built to Spill-There Is No Enemy (website / album info)
• So Adult-Rookie EP (website / album info)

TOP DOGS

• Pitbulls

• Labrador/Pit mix

• Boxers

• New Foundland

• Beagle

—————————-

I’m really behind on posting videos that I have shot, and my videos of BOAT from Bruar Falls will surface sometime in 2010, but in the mean time Jenn of the Pelly Twins shot this amazing acoustic video of BOAT at Coney Island.  And guess what…they cover “A Salty Salute” by Guided by Voices and go straight into “Lately”!!! It’s totally rad, and I wish I could have been there.  Way to go Pelly Twins!

BOAT- “A Salty Salute (Guided By Voices cover)” & “Lately” Live at Coney Island

More video from the PellyTwins (including more BOAT) here.

I also discovered BOAT’s older, but still extremely wonderful album this year called Let’s Drag Our Feet… and while this song resonates in a different part of my indie pop past it still hits hard…I’ve really fallen in love with their entire catalog:

[mp3] BOAT- “(I’m a) Donkey For Your Love”
from Let’s Drag Our Feet. buy it here.

Thanks again to David and BOAT for contributing to the Great Pumpkin. NYC can’t wait for you to come back!

Links:

• BOAT’s website / twitter
• buy BOAT’s music here.
• more on BOAT here.
• more best of 2009 guest contributions can be found here.
• all dog photos via flickr.  click on the photo to be taken to the source.