(photo by cubagallery) We’re quickly approaching the end of 2012 and/or the world depending on your interpretation of Mayan prophecy, and that can only mean it’s time to reflect on the best albums of the year. For me, one record stood head and shoulders above the rest in 2012, so album of the year was [...]

Posted by Taylor in Lists 8 Comments »

(photo by cubagallery) These are 50 tracks that delighted, inspired and fascinated us in 2012 and that we think are worthy of remembering long after the year is over. We present them here in highly unscientific ordered list form, with Matt’s songs marked with a “-MG” and my choices with a “-TJ” next to them. To better [...]

Posted by Taylor in Lists 8 Comments »

After arriving at Union Park and catching some bits and pieces of Olivia Tremor Control and A$AP Rocky, I took my place for my official kick-off to Pitchfork Music Festival weekend, Japandroids. Being a 3-time veteran of the Vancouver garage-rock duo’s shows, I knew what to expect: relentless energy, lots of guitar fuzz, thrashing drums [...]

Posted by Taylor in Festival, Live No Comments »

(photo by gege.gatt) After taking its sweet time last year, summer has struck back with a vengeance. At least here in the midwest, 90+ degree temperatures and clear, sunny skies are quickly becoming the norm. Of course, with summertime not only comes trips to the beach and increased slushie sales but exuberant, feel-good summer jams. As is [...]

Posted by Taylor in Mix 6 Comments »

Yesterday was a pretty huge day for music news, Sigur Ros announced a new album (and released a beautiful new track), The Morning Benders changed their name, new tracks from Best Coast and Moonface and, perhaps best of all Jet announced they were dunzo. So I’d forgive you if you overlooked Vancouver garage-rock duo, Japandroids [...]

Posted by Taylor in MP3 Comments Off

About a month ago, I was at the Polyvinyl Records 15th Anniversary show in downtown Champaign, IL and I had a blast. It was the first time that Pygmalion Festival has done an outdoor stage and it turned out fantastic. I wanted to do individual reviews for each band but other things kept coming up [...]

Posted by Taylor in Festival, Live Comments Off