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.

Monday night Julian Lynch played, as far as I know, his only New York City show during his short stay in the north east.  The night would have been special if Julian took the stage by himself, but he came with a full band…consisting of 3/4 of Real Estate and Brody of Family Portrait/Underwater Peoples.  It was a magical performance, and was the perfect way for me to start off my year with live music.

Orange You Glad has been in my head for months, and I was really happy when Julian said that he would contribute a list of his favorite things from 2009 to the Great Pumpkin.  Since his album is one of my favorites I was really excited to see what he loved last year:

Julian Lynch’s Favorites of 2009

Favorite movie:

• Up (more info)

Favorite filmmakers:

• Amy Ruhl (more info)
• Richard Law (more info)

Favorite recorded music:

• Pill Wonder (website/ keep an eye out for an LP on Underwater Peoples!)

Favorite live music:

• Peaking Lights (website)
• Mountain Man (website)

Favorite record labels:

• Underwater Peoples (website)
• Olde English Spelling Bee (myspace/ blog)

Favorite home-cooked pastry:

• Yugoslavian Christmas cookies from my girlfriend, Eileen

Favorite TV series:

• Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 7) (more info)

Favorite new blog writer on the internet:

• Emilie Friedlander (visitation  rites)

Favorite online social networking:

• Twitter (tweet)

Favorite Youtube series:

• rickytic3’s Wizard Alibrataries (watch)
• Vantabill Bertaba Saga (watch)

———————-

Chocolate Bobka was able to capture some of the magic from Monday night at Bruar Falls.  Chocolate Bobka has been doing amazing videos, and if you haven’t checked out their Vimeo channel you most definitely should.

The Underwater Peoples Winter Review was released on Christmas, and there is a new Julian Lynch song on it… as well as wonderful tracks by Pill Wonder, Fluffy Lumbers, Big Troubles, Family Portrait, Mountain Man, Alex Bleeker, Real Estate , and many more.  Get it free for a limited time here:

[Limited Time Free Download] VA- Underwater Peoples Winter Review (via Chocolate Bobka)

Oh if ya’ll didn’t already know…Julian Lynch is PopJew’s pick for the Cutest Boy in Rock n’ Roll!

I took some pictures of Julian and Big Troubles at the show on Monday, and believe it or not…I used a camera with actual film!  When I get those back I hope to post them.  Fingers crossed.

Thanks again to Julian for contributing his favorites list to the Great Pumpkin.  I’m truly looking forward to whatever he releases in twenty ten.

Links:

• Julian Lynch’s myspace / blog / tumblr / twitter
• buy Julian Lynch’s music here.
• more on Julian Lynch here.
• more on Real Estate here.
• more on Underwater Peoples Records here.
• more best of 2009 guest contributions can be found here.

Today, January 7th 2010,  also marks the birthday of the Great Pumpkin!  We are One year old as of today, and I can’t wait to see where I am in 2011!

Day 2. Friday.

I had a schedule all planned out for this evening, and overall things went as expected (with one mishap).

We started the evening off with a wonderful dinner at Diner, and then headed to Pete’s Candy Store.  I was kind of asking myself: “If I have a badge why am I going to a free show?” but the answer was easy: Franklin Bruno.

Franklin Bruno played about a 45 minute set which included songs spanning his entire career (even one written for his band when in high school).  The crowd wasn’t huge, but extremely attentive.  Bruno holds a place in my heart, and his lyrics will stick in my head for ever.  And “no, I won’t wear that flag pin” either.  It really surprises me how few people know who Bruno is without out jogging their memories (even music writers), but that’s ok…Franklin, thank you for playing Pete’s it was a pleasure to see you preform.

Next up was Real Estate at Death By Audio.  This happens to be the mishap.  We took a little longer than we thought getting over to DBA, and when we got there we were told that the show was not sold out, that Real Estate was about to play, but no more badge holders were allowed in until some of them left.  I think this is a flawed system…how did the people at the door know if badge holders left?  I know I sure as hell wasn’t telling anyone when I left a venue.  Whatever…we moved on.

Next was Public Assembly.  Which I must say is a super strange space.  We walked in during Dinowalrus who I’m not sure I totally understand. Sat through Sisters…which wasn’t my cup of tea.  Then on the the main attraction: SCREAMING FEMALES!  As expected, after seeing them the week before, they blew out my ears, and made my eyes bleed.  Totes amazing:

Picked up the first two Screaming Females LPs (What if Someone Is Watching Their TV and Baby Teeth), and both happened to be on colored vinyl.  A delightful addition to the collection.

Since we had the badges we hopped on our bikes, and headed to Bruar Falls.  We got there right as The Beets were setting up around 1am, and that was our goal.  Honestly I have never seen Bruar Falls that crowded before…and I have been going there a lot lately.  The Beets played, and were really impressive. And graceful while undressing too (one of them took off his shirt in the coolest manner possible, almost theatrical).  They played the only song of theirs I knew too:

[mp3] The Beets- “Happy But On Our Way”
(via i guess i’m floating. off of The Beets Spit in the Faces of Those Who Don’t Want to be Cool (I think?).  Buy it here.)

The Beets were awesome considering no one should ever have to followed Screaming Females.  I’m looking forward to seeing the Beets again tomorrow when Screaming Females haven’t already set a benchmark for the night.  I really need to pick up that album…kind of can’t believe I don’t have it yet.

I have been covering some of these bands a lot:

More on Franklin Bruno here.

More on Screaming Females here.

More on Real Estate here.

Next up day 3, well maybe not next…

I have been talking about Real Estate a lot over the past couple months.  They have had several really wonderful 7″s come out, a great tour EP, and are gearing up for (I think ) two 12″s this year.  One on Mexican Summer and one on Woodsist.

Underwater Peoples, who released Real Estate’s first 7″,  just put out a really great label sampler and I just haven’t been able to get one of the Real Estate tracks out of my head (this track also appeared on their Atlantic City Express Way Tour CD-R).  “Beach Comber” has been pretty much been on repeat, and I’m having a hard time not making everyone I know listen to it.    The Grateful Dead influence is coming through strong on this song, and I think it really shows this bands ability to jam.  This band is one that brings good vibes, and when I hear them, and specifically this song, I feel like the summer is going to be infinite.

[mp3] Real Estate- “Beach Comber”
(via Stereogum)  Buy the Real Estate’s 7″s from Woodsist and Underwater Peoples (click though to buy)

The Underwater Peoples Comp has a pretty stellar line up including tracks a couple Real Estate (including “Beach Comber”), Ducktails, Frat Dad, Julian Lynch, and more.   Buy the Underwater Peoples Comp here.  It’s a CD, but it’s only $4.50…that is the right price for a CD.

Real Estate are also playing North Side Festival this weekend!

Tomorrow, June 11th:

These Are Powers @ midnight
Javelin @ 11pm
Real Estate @ 10pm
Air Waves @ 9pm
Organs @ 8pm
Death by Audio
Doors at 7:30pm
$10

More Real Estate tour dates can be found here.
More on Real Estate here.
Photo via The Trip Wire.

This time there are two new releases from the wondrous realm of New Jersey.  The first has had quite a bit of fan fair on the internet, and the other, as far as I can see, has been released silently…but people need to take notice!

First off comes by way of Brooklyn’s own Woodsist Records with the release of a new Real Estate 7″.  The boys in Real Estate have been turning heads since the release of the first 7″, and their live shows have been getting great reviews.  This 7″ is titled “Fake Blues,” and I assume that it is the song we have all heard floating around on the web…as well as a B Side or two titled “Poolswimmers.”

This 7″ might or might not be the domestic issue of the Real Estate 7″ that is being released on Half Machine Records in Europe?  Anyone with info on this please let me know. See the comments for the differences between the 7″s (thanks Martin).

If you aren’t familiar with Real Estate yet, you should be…their sweet sounds of Galexie 500 meets Pavement meets Grateful Dead psychedelic jams all with a  bit of country twang mixed in just might make them your new favorite band.  And don’t worry if these few 7″s aren’t enough Real Estate has a big year planned…with a 12″ EP coming out on Mexican Summer in June (500 Copies only.  Take note of this now.), and a full length due out on Woodsist as well.

Buy Real Estate’s Fake Blues 7″ from Woodsist Records here (PayPal info at the bottom of the page).

for more on Real Estate (including mp3s) click here.

Now for the this week’s quiet thunder….

Matt Mondanile, who also happens to be a member of Real Estate, has had his solo project Ducktails for quite a while now.  Ducktails has been ultra-prolific releasing many tapes, cd-r’s, and several 7″ singles…but as of this week Ducktails gets it’s first proper LP release on Not Not Fun (actually it appears that it was released yesterday)!

Ducktails psychedelic mostly (if not all) instrumental tropical jams are the perfect medicine for a rainy day (I listened to some this morning)…think a more atmospheric sensory overloaded version of High Places minus the vocals….While Ducktails might be over shadowed currently by Real Estate, Mondanile really brings Ducktails into it’s own, and I’m very excited to hear this new LP.

Not Not Fun describes it tantalizingly as:

Plastic palm trees. Beach scene snowglobes. Airbrushed neon sunset hotel paintings. All shining examples of potent Fake Escapism at work, in real life. And if you’ve ever wondered what the audio equivalent of this kind of cheap coastal utopian simulacrum is, take a good listen to the recorded works of Mr. Matt Mondanile aka Ducktails, a crazy talented suburban New Jersey post-teen who serves up masterpiece after blasterpiece of shimmering, smoke-and-mirrors exotic fantasia, rainbow psych-pop muzak for imaginary helicopter rides over crystal lagoons and lost waterfalls…  (this for description goes on… for more click here and scroll down).

As far as the small print about the release (also from Not Not Fun):

Black vinyl LPs mastered by Graham Lambkin (of The Shadow Ring) housed in matte jackets with cover artwork by Jan Anderzen (of Kemialliset Ystavat/Tomuttontu), plus a photocopied insert. Edition of 600.

With only 600 copies of this thing out there I’m ordering mine today.  Maybe you should too.  If your not into vinyl (I’m guess there are people who aren’t), you can buy the CD…limited to 500 copies (more limited than the LP!)…with a bonus song not on the LP.

Buy Ducktails’ s/t LP or CD from Not Not Fun Records here.

Listen to Ducktails:

[mp3] Ducktails- “Beach Point Pleasant” (via the Fader)

GP News: For those of you that have been flowing the Great Pumpkin, and specifically the segment: This Week In Mail Order we are going to have a treat for you next week.  You might remember a while ago when I posted about Jail’s self released album…when I was making this post I emailed the band and asked for some mp3’s.  They didn’t get back to me until after I posted, but offered to send me an LP to give away off of the Great Pumpkin!  So sometime next week the Great Pumpkin will have it’s first Give Away!  Stay tuned…you just might win a copy of Jail’s  There’s No Sky (Oh My My)!

Apparently every time I tweet about this band some real estate broker starts following me on Twitter.  I don’t understand it…I guess they don’t read the context only use the search, but either way I hope that they find their way over to Real Estate’s myspace and check out their music.

Real Estate has been blowing up the podcasts I listen to, and rightfully so…their debut 7″ is great.  I still haven’t been able to catch this band live yet, but it will happen….and maybe this weekend.

They have a bunch of shows coming up…and all in NYC!:

4/10/09 (Tonight!)- Brooklyn, NY @ the Monster Island Basement w/ TK Webb, Skeletons, Vaz, Necking

4/11/09 (Tomorrow)- New York, NY @ Pianos w/ Friendly Foes, Prussia, and Glass Ghost

4/17/09- New York, NY @ Cake Shop w/ Boo and Boo Too, Liam The Younger

4/18/09- Brooklyn, NY @ The Shank w/ Bear Hands, The Tony Castles, Das Racist

5/7/09- Brooklyn, NY @ Public Assembly (Crashin’ In)

5/9/09- New York, NY @ Santos Party House w/ So So Glos, Cybals Eat Guitars, Cale Parks, Host/ DJ Andrew WK

5/27/09- New York, NY @The Annex w/ Your Nature

If you haven’t already checked these guys out I highly recommend it:

[mp3]Real Estate- “Suburban Dogs” (via  RCRD LBL)

[mp3]Real Estate- “Fake Blues” (via  RCRD LBL)

If you dig these you should pick up the Suburban Beverage 7″ out on Underwater Peoples.  Even if you don’t have a record player it comes with a CD of the tunes…so it’s win win. Buy it here!

So it looks like the Wavves will be hitting NYC again for the second time in 2009 with a string of shows this coming weekend.  I haven’t had the opportunity to catch these guys yet, but I’m hoping to this time around.

This is a video recorded for They Shoot Music of Waves preforming “So Bored” acoustic.

“So Bored” is off of the Wavvves LP.  You can buy it here.

The upcoming NYC dates are:

You might want to get there early…these shows are going to be crowded.