So I return yet again. After my sabbatical away for most of the previous seven months, I return from hiding in Brussels, Belgium. I am finishing my masters degree there, and will be stationed here for the four months. So I am back, and I wanted to do it in a kind of big way. Also, this is my way of saying that literally, The Yellow Stereo has gone international.

I have some fabulous opportunities here to see shows, and right now is the peak of the festival season here in Europe. Yesterday was my birthday, so what better way to see some great bands at a festival being held an hour and a half away from my place. This festival is Pukkelpop (poo-kuhl-pop), and is held for three days in eastern Belgium. It is one of the premier festivals in Europe (top 5 in Europe), and is probably comparable with Lollapalooza or Coachella. There are 8 stages for the festival, and roughly 140,000 people camp and attend. Bands from all over make Pukkelpop a main-stay on the festival grind through Europe.

Here is a list of the shows that I was able to see, the time (24 hour clock style) and length of the set, and a review of them. Pictures will follow in another post with just pictures!!

Lykke Li – 11:20 (35min)
The Whip – 12:35 (25 min)
Black Kids – 13:40 (40 min)
The National – 14:55 (50 min)
Anti-Flag – 16:25 (50 min)
MGMT – 17:55 (50 min)
Hercules and Love Affair – 19:35 (35 min)
Bloc Party – 20:25 (60 min)
Chrome Hoof – 21:20 (50 min)
M83 – 22:45 (55 min)
Crystal Castles – 0:10 (40 min)

Lykke Li – (Myspace)
She opened up my festival day with a nice bit of energy for late morning. The crowd was somewhat sparse due to the time, but Lykke Li definitely impressed me with her solid set, and ability to put some spunk into the morning. The sensual Swedish voice blared such favorites as ”I’m good Im gone” and “Little Bit”, and they sounded great transferred into the live setting. Some tracks were down tempo, others dancy, and naturally this is the nature with her music. She even COVERED Vampire Weekend’s M79, during which she then looked at the crowd and pleaded “Do you wanna fuck, like you know I do?” Everyone proceeded to blush, and look at the ground. I definitely recommend seeing her live.

The Whip – (Myspace)
I had heard of this band prior, but really could not tell you much about them. These UK four-piece play electro-dance synth-poppy music that is very catchy and definitely good on a late Friday night. But I was somewhat bored overall by their set, as there was nothing that I really had not heard before. The band itself really did not have much stage presence and so after about 25 minutes I decided to move on in order to get a prime spot for the Black Kids.

The Black Kids – (Myspace)
The other day I was in the supermarket here in Brussels, and The Black Kids came over the stereo system singing “I’m not gonna teach your boyfriend…” I was quite pleased to have this on my mandatory grocery soundtrack. So I assumed that this show would be busy with people trying to get a prime spot. Luckily (as with all shows but Anti-Flag and Bloc Party) I ended up in the front row. I have wanted to see these guys since I found out about them, and I had really high expectations. Overall, the band did not disappoint me, and they slammed through their hits and put on a solid set. It was interesting to watch the ladies (Dawn Watley and Ali Youngblood) of the band singing backup and dancing. It reminded me of the olden days when a band would have back-up singers just dancing and singing. However, both the ladies had Synths as well. I would definitely see them again, but it would be nice to get a solid opener with them or vice-versa (depending on who they are with).

The National – (Myspace)
The National followed The Black Kids, and I was unsure if I wanted to see them again, or see a new band, but I had been talking with a local Belgian during the Black Kids set about music, so I decided to stay and see these guys, knowing that they really do not disappoint. They are from my hometown (Cincinnati), and I have also had the opportunity to meet them. The cruised through such awesome hits as “Mistaken For Strangers”, and “Abel”, and ended with “Fake Empire” (They would have done “Mr. November”, but ran out of time). It is much much different seeing them in festival format, after seeing them in ultra-intimate settings back home. I really enjoyed their set, and they looked quite tired after being on the road for so long (near the end of their tour). The crowd was also quite large, so that made me happy.

Anti-Flag – (Myspace)
Let it be known, I did not expect to willingly see a punk band during my day at Pukkelpop. But, after seeing the National, I tried to see Yelle, but the dance hall stage was excessively crowded (she is French, and very known in Belgium), so I went back to the stage where The National played in order to try to set up for a prime spot at the MGMT show. So yes, I saw Anti-Flag, and YES YES YES, they did play right in-between The National and MGMT. I didn’t understand how this happened, as there was another stage for the metal/punk bands. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed their set, and was quite impressed. They livened the crowd that came up (as if they really needed it), and made crowd-surfing, mosh-pits, and punk circles the norm. I love lively crowds, and after going to so so many indie shows where people just fold their arms and act half-disgusted (even if they like it), it was an awesome spectacle to see. The music was your standard punk music, nothing more, or nothing less. I was surprised, and I really enjoyed watching the crowd. (PS. It has been a while since a warped tour for me)

MGMT – (Myspace)
Seeing Anti-Flag allowed me to be in the front for MGMT (barely). This show was incredibly crowded, and it certainly shows that MGMT are noted for good live shows and their music has gained masses of fans during the past year. I had not seen them before, and I was very impressed. The music is very psychedelic at times in rock format way, but they also have the massive favorites “Electric Feel” and “Kids.” They certainly played those, and the quality of music was quick nice. Frontman Andrew VanWyngarden looked like he had just woken up, threw on a t-shirt and jean shorts and tennis shoes, and brought a guitar. He was incredibly laid-back, and nonchalant about everything. They had a few technical difficulties, but ended their set with VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser singing to a backing track for “Kids” and then a guitar solo by one of the touring folks. I definitely would see them again, and it was quite the crowd.

Hercules and Love Affair – (Myspace)
The self titled release by these guys have been one of my favorites this year. I was hoping that their show would be really great, and in fact I had heard some good things. I was satisfied with the set, but I guess I was expecting more. However, Nomi, who is quite the good looking gal, took off a few clothes, and it was funny to see the photographers in front of me taking all sorts of photos. The music was much like their album, but I felt like I was listening to an old jock jams album mixed with a disco flair when it transferred live. However, It was really cool to see the variation of Nomi and Kim Ann Foxman along with Andy Butler. There were a number of backup people on synth, trombone, trumpet, and bass guitar.

Bloc Party – (Myspace)
Bloc Party was by far the biggest show I saw during my day, and arguably the biggest of the festival. If you have never seen Bloc Party, DO IT! They are always worth seeing, and for this being my third time, I love them each time. My personal live favorite is “This Modern Love”. I somewhat dislike where I think they are taking their new music, in the two tracks I have heard, but I love their shows. Needless to say so do a lot of other people. So I watched it from what seemed to be a half mile away behind thousands and thousands of people. It is always a great show. I wanted to set myself up for the night shows, because I knew they would be busy.

Chrome Hoof – (Myspace)
This show was the extreme oddball show of the day. Imagine a band that brings funk and jungle with disco, electro and death metal, and you have Chrome Hoof. The Essex, UK based group merges all of these genres together, and I honestly have never heard anything like it. It was also very artistic and experimental. Their front lady Lola Olafisoye was quite sassy, and really put on a good show. I imagined someone like Aretha Franklin and Santogold and Macy Gray all coming together as one, then quickly going to the dark side. It was just great to see, and she was spot on musically. There are altogether about 9 folks in this group, from interpretive dancers to bassoon player to sax player to guitar players and drummers. Musically, I enjoyed some, but I disliked some. Death Metal is not my thing, so it got a little loud and nasty at times.

M83 – (Myspace)
M83 (along with Crystal Castles) was the reason I saw Chrome Hoof. This was arguably my favorite set of the night. This show was also busy, partly due to the band coming from France, and they are well known by the local Belgian crowd (and all of the French people there as well). Their most recent release “Saturdays=Youth” is just brilliant, and front-man Anthony Gonzalez is equally brilliant as well. The group had all sorts of problems with one of their synths, but fellow member Morgan Kibby was slightly frazzled by it all, and it created an emotional atmosphere that ended up being focused into turning out some stunning music. Put all of that together with the visuals, and it made for a spectacular set. Please try to catch these folks on tour somewhere soon.

Crystal Castles – (Myspace)
Girl Talk, Dan Deacon, and now Crystal Castles. I have heard mostly great things about live shows from this Canadian Duo, and after loving their music, I had to see for myself. This was the final show in the tent I was in (Belgian DJ’s Soulwax closed the festival concurrently). The show was packed like sardines into a relatively small tent. I was in the front, and wanted to hear the glitchy music and see the thrashing about of Alice Glass. Here is how it went. Take a set up for the keyboards and effects etc. for Ethan Kath, a random drummer, and then a microphone and two huge strobe lights for Alice, and you have it. All the lights are off except the strobes, and Alice dances around and screams onstage, comes into the crowd to say hello after laying on the floor, hitting the drum kit with the microphone, and unplugging the wires for the strobes (Accidentally). It was quite the sight. All of this is occurring while glitchy dance music is playing, and people are dancing everywhere. I put it in the same category as my Girl Talk and Dan Deacon shows, because of the hype and nature of it. It was so different, and I felt like Alice had real issues and just took them all out on stage. Ethan Kath is amazing at what he does producing all the of the music and putting the effects in as well.

Overall:
I was able to see so many bands, and meet some pretty sweet people throughout the day. This was the largest festival I had been too, and with 8 stages, there were so many more bands I wish I could have seen in that day and the two previous days I missed. Bands I missed that I hope to see soon are Sigur Ros, Yelle, Soulwax, Jamie Lidell, and We are Scientists. There were a number of DJ’s I wanted to see, especially because I am one myself, but at a festival, bands are the way to go!

Stay Tuned for PICTURES!!!!!!

Not too long ago I sang the praises of Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat and her magnificent debut album, Oh, My Darling. The disc came out just yesterday, and Beggars Group USA has decided to give away a copy of the disc to one lucky Yellow Stereo reader… so the big question is, who will it be? So, from now until next Wednesday night just add a comment to this post with your email address and you’ll be entered to win a copy of this charming album! Remember, you HAVE to put your email in the post because that’s how I’ll let you know you won… So, start commenting away!

Also, to any of you lucky enough to live near one of these cities, go see her live. I hear she’s amazing, and if only I lived near one of these places, I’d be there too. Dates:

07 February 2008 Schubas, Chicago Illinois
08 February 2008 High Noon Saloon, Madison Wisconsin
09 February 2008 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis Minnesota
13 February 2008 Triple Door, Seattle Washington
14 February 2008 Doug Fir, Portland Oregon
15 February 2008 Sam Bond’s Garage, Eugene Oregon
16 February 2008 Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco California
17 February 2008 (((folkYEAH!))) presents @ The Historic Brookdale Lodge
19 February 2008 Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles California
22 February 2008 Walnut Room, Denver Colorado
23 February 2008 The Waiting Room, Omaha Nebraska
27 February 2008 Jammin Java, Vienna Virginia
28 February 2008 Tin Angel, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
29 February 2008 Bowery Ballroom, New York New York
01 March 2008 Middle East Underground, Boston Massachusetts

And, if you haven’t heard her yet, here’s an MP3 I posted earlier:

“In The Night” :: Basia Bulat

(Image via Metshead.blogharbor.com)

Sure, us folks here at The Yellow Stereo have given you our opinions on our top albums of 2007. But here is another twist on it all. Over the past two weeks, I have set out on an endeavor to gather top ten lists throughout internet-ville. My goal: to compile the ultimate top 25 albums of the year we call 2007.

Some background on the science of how I compiled this list. I first gathered top 10 lists. In fact, I compiled 67 of them (Random number, I know). I then ranked the album TWO ways. The first way consisted of giving each rank a score (ex. album is #1 on a list, it gets 10 pts, #2 gets 9 pts. etc…). I added the scores of these albums up and ranked them. I also ranked the albums according to the number of times they appeared on top ten lists (frequency of appearance). I then averaged the ranks and came up with an ultimate rank. For the most part the difference in ranks was minimal. Sorry if it sounds complicated. It was uber tedious.

So before I get to the list, here are some numbers for you. I used 67 lists of top 10. I am not going to list the sources, because it just takes too much room (you want them ask me). They ranged from blog top 10 lists, music publications and newspapers, and radio stations. I tried to stick to the general genre as much as possible (Indie genre). Out of all these lists there were 234 albums that appeared. I was baffled. So many albums. Altogether, the top 10 list is incredibly solid, and I feel it would stay the same if more lists were added. The rest of the top 25 I feel some of them could change with the addition of more lists. But overall I am satisfied with the list and fairly confident in the methodology (I work in science). I also give you my favorite tracks for top 10 albums.

So, enjoy the list, and I hope to do this next year as well. For the rest of the year look for the following posts: The year in remixes ; The year of electro music; My favorite tracks (mix style) ; Expectations for 2008.

1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
- This was by far the album that appeared most often, and rightfully so. Its an incredible piece of artwork, and my favorite since OK Computer. I don’t think anything will ever compare to OK Computer for me. Radiohead continues to impress, and who can complain with the “name your own price” internet antics of this major album.

Bodysnatchers

2. The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
- This album was a consensus number 2 in both rankings. Also, a great album, and while I don’t think it flows as well as “Funeral”, there are definitely some great hits. On a side note, seeing these guys in concert was awesome. I am wondering what sort of music these folks will continue to put out.

No Cars Go

3. The National – Boxer
- My personal favorite of the year. I liked Alligator, but this album puts it together for me. The use of the instruments blending perfectly with Matt’s powerful baritone voice, and his ability to get the emotion across literally brought chills down my back. This year has been incredible for them, as they have garnered much critical acclaim for this release.

Start a War

4. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
- This album was the consensus number 4 album. James Murphy does a great job in bringing and drawing in outsiders to this indie-tronica genre of music. While I felt “North American Scum” was a great track and the most single friendly, my favorite track on this album is “All my Friends”. In particular I enjoy the Franz Ferdinand remix.

All My Friends (Franz Ferdinand cover)

5. M.I.A. – Kala
- I will admit, I am still getting used to this album, and to M.I.A as a whole. This album appeared on many top ten lists, usually in the mid-range. I like it for its upbeat nature, and the unique brand of music that comes with M.I.A.. Its a kind of rough around the edges and at times I absolutely love it, but at other times it hits me the wrong way.

Jimmy

6. Of Montreal – Hissing Fauna, are you the Destoryer
- This album along with “Boxer” is in my opinion above the rest. Of Montreal tells a story through the music, and the emotion is packed. My favorite track is “The Past is a Grotesque Animal”, and I would post it, except it is 11 minutes, and a huge file. The Guys blend synth music and instrumentals with Kevin Barnes lyrics (SEE THEM LIVE)

Grolandic Edit

7. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
- This album was one of the most successful of the year in my opinion. Each year there a couple of bands that manage to cross into the mainstream music spectrum. Spoon was one of those bands this year. It seemed like as this album came out I was seeing pictures of these guys everywhere. I like a number of tracks, and this is very pop-friendly.

You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb

8. Panda Bear – Person Pitch
- This album was a surprise on this list. I admit, I do not know much about this album, or have I listened this music much as a whole. I didn’t look at this, but I wonder how many folks who enjoyed this album also enjoyed Animal Collective. They are very similar, and “Person Pitch” is experimental, and somewhat futuristic.

Comify in Nautica

9. Feist – The Reminder
- This album was amazing, and Feist’s voice continues to impress with it being kind of a raspy mesmorizing voice. I will admit I got sick of seeing the I-Pod commercial, but the music for some reason never got old. The album as a whole is incredibly solid, and I found myself listening to it all the way through. I also like the remix-ability of Feist’s tracks.

Sea Lion Woman

10. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
- This was another album I was not able to get ample exposure to listen. I have a feeling I would enjoy this album, and what I have heard I enjoy greatly. The track I have enjoyed is a good brand of Indie-pop. It is very appealing, and for a first track really seems to get you ready for the rest of the album. I hope to listen to this one more.

Our Life is not a Movie or Maybe

SO that wraps up the Top 10… Now Enjoy the rest of the top 25+1.

11. The White Stripes – Icky Thump
12. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
13 (tie). Band of Horses – Cease to Begin
13 (tie). Jens Lekman – Night Falls over Kortedala
13 (tie). Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha
16. Bruce Springsteen – Magic
17. Beirut – The Flying Club Cup
18. Iron and Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
19. Battles – Atlas
20. Burial – Untrue
21. (tie) Kanye West – Graduation
21. (tie) The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
23. Amy Winehouse – Back in Black
24. Rilo Kiley – Under the Blacklight
25. Menomena – Friend or Foe
26. Justice – Cross

This completes the list. I made it plus one because Justice was barely outside the top 25. After that it drops off a bit. Hope you enjoy this list, as I feel it is a good reflection of the year in music. If you feel there may be a better methodology then let me know, I love the feedback. It took a lot of time to search and compile all the lists, and I would like to thank the blog Largeheated Boy because if they did not compile their master list, I don’t think could have been done, due to lack of response via emails. Thanks also to those who responded.

First I want to apologize for everyone for my lack of posts. I started back to school last week, and on top of that I work two jobs. So I’ve been slammed big time.

For todays issue of the Wednesday rewind, we ditch the boombox and cardboard, and grab our friendly synth, and make sweet music. We also get personal… but not in the “in your face” sort of way. While I dig 80’s music in general, I particularly like synth music, and especially New Wave 80’s. So I hope you thoroughly enjoy listening to my mini-mix (if it were a tape it would be Side-A) .

Today is also a special issue because each track has a classic video to go along with it. The “Take on Me” video is one of my favorites of all time, and “Maniac” just makes me want to run in place. You will also see Simon le Bon rocking out with the ladies in the video for “Rio”, and the boys from Devo cracking that whip in “Whip it”.

There will surely be another Wednesday Rewind focused in this genre of music. Til then cheers.

A-Ha – Take on Me | Link to Video

Michael Sembello – Maniac | Link to Video

Gary Numan – Cars | Link to Video

Duran Duran – Rio | Link to Video

Devo – Whip it | Link to Video

Via (metsheads.blogharbor.com)Somewhere inside the heart of every man or woman is a soft spot for 80’s music. At least I feel this way about anyone born after 1970. So I’ve decided to start what I call the Wednesday Rewind, a post that may or may not be weekly (also kind of depends of feedback, so if you like it, let me know). We will dive headfirst into the 80’s to bring back some classics tracks (five), some you may know, and some you may not. However we will not be alone, we will have our boombox to hoist onto our shoulders as we blast the music through the streets of (Insert your city here).

Today I bring you the groundbreaking hip-hop work of Grandmaster Flash, the father (grandfather really) of modern hip-hop. I bring you the wondrous hair from A Flock of Seagulls. I give you David Bowie post Ziggy Stardust. We travel with Starship (and one of my favorite annoyingly awesome songs) after the days of psychadelic Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. This post is also sponsered by the letter “M”. Enjoy!

Grandmaster Flash – The Message

A Flock of Seagulls – I Ran

David Bowie – Modern Love

Starship – We Built this City

M – Pop Muzik

Compiling my list of favorite songs for the mid-point of 2007 proved to be a difficult task compared to last year. This time around I wanted to narrow my list to just 10, compared to the overload of songs that I chose in 2006. I asked Pablo and Eric to do the same, and though i’ve had their lists for a few weeks now, it’s taken myself a considerable amount of time to come up with my own. The idea in your head always seems so simple until you actually sit down to compile such a measly list from what seems like an unlimited pool of songs.

I gave myself the same guidelines in choosing tracks as the previous year, which were the following:

A. One song from each artist only.
B. No remixes
C. Nothing that hasn’t been released yet
D. Nothing from around this date

Here are our choices, in no particular order because I don’t think any of us were very interested in ranking everything. Hope you enjoy the lists, and feel free to chime in with your own favorite tracks! We’d love to hear them.

These tracks will probably only be up for a week just because there are so many, so get them while you can.

PJ’s Mid-2007 picks:
“I Was A Daughter” | Basia Bulat
“No Comply” | Studio
“My Punishment For Fighting” | The Rosebuds
“The Magic Position” | Patrick Wolf
“Plasticities” | Andrew Bird
“Ain’t Never Been Cool” | Lucky Soul
“Don’t Lose Yourself” | Laura Veirs
“Mistaken For Strangers” | The National
“A Sentence Of Sorts In Kongsvinger” | Of Montreal
“Left Foot Stepdown” | The Bees

Pablo’s Mid-2007 picks:
“Imitosis” | Andrew Bird
“(Antichrist Television Blues)” | The Arcade Fire
“Ray of Zdarlight” | The Avalanches
“Sleepdriving” | Archives
“Elephant Gun” | Beirut
“2 x 2″ | Get Him Eat Him
“Sunday Morning” | K-os
“Mistaken for Strangers” | The National
“Talking With Fireworks/Here It Never Snowed” | The Twilight Sad
“Paris is Burning” | St. Vincent

Eric’s Mid-2007 picks:
“Green Gloves” | The National
“Time to Get Away” | “LCD Soundsystem
“Hunting for Witches” | Bloc Party
“In Transit” | Albert Hammond Jr.
“D.A.N.C.E.” | Justice
“The Bomb” | New Young Pony Club
“Starlett Johanson” | The Teenagers
“Young Folks” | Peter Bjorn and John
“Gronlandic Edit” | Of Montreal
“Fa Fa Fa” | Datarock