7 Pop Albums No Dude Should Be Ashamed to Love

Pop music gets a bad wrap these days, and for good reason. The majority of modern pop music is just the same song, regurgitated and sprinkled with an extra layer of glitter. Click here if you don’t believe me. But there is some good stuff out there too. The problem is, your average dude’s perception of modern pop music is that it’s girly, chick music made for preteen girly-chicks; which isn’t an entirely invalid assessment. The flipside is that most dudes are also going to think that the only music out there for them is going to be the macho-man, power chord-filled (POWER!!! RAWR!!!) nonsense that gets played on modern rock stations. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with loving pop music as long as it’s good! After all, a dude who only listens to Nickelback isn’t really a dude at all. He’s just a douche.

7. Yelle: Pop-Up (2007) – Don’t think I would set out to compose a list like this without giving your manliness a little bit of a challenge. The country of France is like one big inside joke to us in the States, especially when it concerns issues of masculinity. So if you’re going to give pop music an honest shot, why not put yourself out there by listening to a little bit of French pop music. That’s right, Yelle is a French pop band with songs sung entirely in (you guessed it) French! If that alone makes you want to pop in your Staind CD and drink a Keystone, you may want to skip ahead. However, if you’re down for some inventive, catchy dance-pop, grab a copy of this album and get ready to experience something unlike anything you’ve ever heard on American radio. Definitely download: “A Cause Des Garçons”

6. Ellie Goulding: Lights (2010) – Now that we’ve left France behind, why not make a stop in the U.K. to introduce you to Ellie Goulding? Goulding is fairly well-known in her home nation for her own form of pop music, which relies heavily on dancy, club beats and better-than-average lyricism. The lyrical prowess could stem from her oft-referenced folk background, but don’t let that throw you off because Lights is a pop album through and through. So why should you, a dude amongst dudes, listen to Ellie Goulding? Simple. It’s really good. It’s what Miley Cyrus would sound like if she weren’t spoonfed ridiculous lyrics. It’s what Katy Perry would sound like if she didn’t rely on producers whose only goal is to make her sound pander to the lowest common denominator. And she’s super cute. Which is cool too. Definitely download: “Guns and Horses”
 

5. The Bird and the Bee: Ray Guns are Not Just the Future (2009) – The Bird and the Bee is a boy-girl pop duo from California whose sound is pop for sure, but also draws heavily from jazz and lounge music. Ray Guns is their sophomore album and ended up getting a respectable ranking among my Top 15 Albums of 2009. There’s a little bit for everybody here; from straight-up dance songs, to more bubblegum fare. One of the great things about this album is its diversity, so if you’re not immediately sucked into its web of awesome pop goodness, give it a few more tracks before you dismiss it entirely. Definitely download: “Ray Gun”
 

4. Fiona Apple: Extraordinary Machine (2005) – The only thing more agonizing then wait for Fiona’s 2005 masterpiece is the wait that many are enduring in anticipation of the follow-up. Why? Because Extraordinary Machine is one of the most perfect pieces of pop music to arrive in this century! Fiona may still reside in the body of a small white female, but she’s got the soul and vocal capacity of Aretha or Gloria! Listening to her pour out her heart on ballads is like witnessing a tragedy of Shakespearian gravity. At the same time, Fiona’s not one to shy away from her playful side, which she does magnificently on “Tymps” and “Not About Love.” As an artist, she arguably possesses more talent than any one else on this list, and for that alone you should listen. Definitely download: “Tymps”

 

3. Cibo Matto: Viva! La Woman (1996) – Because pop music is rarely timeless and usually only relevant during for a short period of time after its creation, the majority of the music listed here was made within the last seven years. Why then do I include Cibo Matto’s debut, which is now more than 14 years old? Because Viva! La Woman is an album that was so ahead of its time that, even now, it sounds like nothing else on this planet. Pop is only one genre to which this album could be pinned, but if you find yourself famished for trip-hop, rock, or just music about food in general, then it works well there too. That’s not to say that Cibo Matto is in any way accessible. There are very few people who will throw this album on and immediately fall in love with it. But it features some of the most creative production and unique lyrics that I’ve yet to hear in my 26 years! Cibo Matto’s approach to creating music is something that continues to perplex people to this day. If part of being a dude is being adventurous…this is about as adventurous as pop music gets! Definitely download: “Birthday Cake”

 

2. The Postal Service: Give Up (2003) – There are a few dudes out there who still hold to the tried-and-true caveman method of bagging a classy lady. However, there are also those of us who prefer to inject a little emotion into our relationships with the fairer sex. For us, The Postal Service’s one and only album serves as an excellent companion. It not only serves as this writer’s personal favorite pop album, but my top album of the last decade and of all time as well! Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard teamed up with Dntel’s Jimmy Tamborello to create an electronic pop album that was unlike anything ever heard before, and better than any wannabe that has come since (lookin’ right at you, Owl City). At its most cliché, pop music is about love. The great thing about Give Up is that it takes love and presents it in an entirely non-clichéd way. Countless pop artists have written about a love that “looks and sounds like a movie,” but only The Postal Service has actually described the making of a home-movie in which Gibbard tries to recreate that idealistic love. I only wish I were man enough to try to pull that off! Definitely download: “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight”

 

1. Wallpaper.: Doodoo Face (2009) – For the uninitiated, Wallpaper is a pop/funk duo from Oakland, California that makes songs about partying, drinking, sex, and not paying utilities. Yes, Wallpaper takes the top spot here because unlike every other album on this list Doodoo Face seems specifically crafted for a male audience. There are songs that mention throwing up in the bathroom stall, sex with celebrities, pre-partying, and dating models; all stuff that any self-respecting dude can certainly appreciate! But beyond lyrical content, Doodoo Face also contains some of the freshest production and catchiest melodies to ever grace pop musicdom. It may take you some time to get past the heavy auto-tune, but it’s worth it. Totally worth it. Definitely download: “ddd”

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Review: The Bird and the Bee: "Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates"

If, to you, the neo-jazz/pop stylings of The Bird and the Bee seem like an unlikely fit for the music of Hall and Oates, welcome to the club.  My first thought when I saw that one of my favorite new groups of the last few years would be covering an entire album of "the masters'" music was one of complete bewilderment.  But once I began listening to the end result, my fears were put to rest.  The first few notes of "Heard it on the Radio" say it all: this is a Bird and the Bee album!  Simply put, the duo has done a fantastic job of taking these classic and instantly-recognizable songs and filtering them through their own unique style.

The lead-off track is a gorgeous song that is just as catchy as one would expect.  It's bouncy digital production is reminiscent of some of Bird and the Bee's earlier stuff, but the 70s disco vibe sets it apart from the band's other tracks.  It eases any fears that a skeptical listener may have and proves that even though many may not understand why the group chose to make this album, they at least know what they are doing.  "Rich Girl" is just as exciting.  I could easily see a bunch of teen girls (or hipsters for that matter) singing along to this song and not realizing that it's a cover of a much older song.  That says a lot about how perfectly a lot of these songs are constructed and presented.

"The duo has done a fantastic job of taking these classic and instantly-recognizable songs and filtering them through their own unique style."

For the most part, Interpreting the Masters is a flawless cover album, if such a thing can even exist.  Still, some songs, though good, can't hold their own to the original recording.  Specifically, "She's Gone" lacks the earnestness and power of the original.  Instead, it comes off as plastic and unassured - the standard trappings of a cover song.  Truthfully, this could just be how Hall and Oates' ballads come off because the same can be said for "Sarah Smiles" and "One on One," which just come off as ineffective.   Are they solid covers?  Sure, but they still leave a lot to be desired.

The best tracks on the album are the upbeat songs that we've all heard before.  "Private Eyes" and "Kiss on My List" are just as awesome as they have always been and - depending on your generation - just as corny as well.  Listeners, whether new or unaccustomed to the music of Hall and Oates should find most of their enjoyment out of these and the other fun songs on the album.  As the title suggests though, Interpreting the Masters is very much a passion project for The Bird and the Bee, so it should be taken more as a casual diversion than an actual addition to the group's catalog of quality music.  With that in mind, it's hard to be disappointed with what we're presented with here.  The group has done Hall and Oates proud while simultaneously making something enjoyable for generations who have no idea who those two dudes are.  Not bad.

Key Tracks:
1. "Heard it on the Radio"
2. "Rich Girl"
3. "Maneater"
4. "Kiss on my List"
5. "Private Eyes"

7 out of 10 Stars

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The Top 15 Albums of 2009

#15. Tegan and Sara: Sainthood - Tegan and Sara's best album is still 2007's The Con. I doubt many people in the know would argue this point. Still, Sainthood does have its moments; like the punk rock influenced "Northshore," or the delightfully catchy "Alligator." I'm still not sure what "Alligator Tears" are, but I can manage without. Look, the bottom line - whether you like Tegan and Sara or not - is that Sainthood beat out a lot of great albums to make it to this list. Respect.

#14. Muse: The Resistance - Seems as if Muse peaked way back on 2003's Absolution, because every subsequent album has been worse than the one before it. That's not to say that The Resistance is awful; it's just the band's worst. Somewhere along the line the band fancied themselves a poor-man's U2 and decided to write songs almost exclusively about conspiracy theories and government coercion. Small doses, guys. Small doses. While The Resistance does suffer much from the weight of its own bullshit, it's still the best mainstream rock album of the year. Easily.

#13. Headlights: Wildlife - Headlight's second album was a critical success even though I found it miles behind their debut. On their third album, Wildlife, the Champagne, Illinois trio recaptures the charm of Kill Them With Kindness while staying true to the sound that they established on Some Racing, Some Stopping. Sticking with the lo-fi, indie pop/rock mood, Wildlife is a definite improvement and shows the band maturing into their own unique sound.

#12. Julian Casablancas: Phrazes for the Young - Even though the second half of this album drops off in quality, the first half more than makes up for it. Casablancas has always been a great vocalist and songwriter, and Phrazes for the Young is the perfect outlet for his creative talents. I totally dig the heavy-handed synth stylings of this album, as well as his ability to blend that with his staple rock sound. It's definitely not an album for everybody, but surely every will find at least one song that they can admit to liking.

#11. Monsters of Folk: Monsters of Folk - If there is one piece of criticism that I could level on this album, it would be that there are just too many songs on it. Most of those songs, mind you, are great, but as an album, the whole thing simply falters under the weight of its own aspirations. "Dear God," "Say Please," and "Man Named Truth" are all instant classics in the indie world, and whether or not these guys ever get together again is irrelevant. They did it once, and it worked. For that, they deserve a bunch of credit.

#10. Clues: Clues - Clues' debut is a strange thing. Some songs, like "Remember Severed Head" or "Ledmonton" are instantly catchy, and accessible. And then there are other songs that seem to be purposefully difficult ("In the Dream"). It's not the easiest thing to sit down and listen to, but I'm glad I did; because after I got over the weirdness and difficulty of songs like "Perfect Fit" I discovered that Clues is actually one hell of an album, especially for a debut! No, I'm still not sure why "Remember Severed Head's" lyrics are recycled on "Cave Mouth," but I also don't care. Both songs are awesome! Just like the album, itself.

#9. Passion Pit: Manners - Passion Pit's debut LP is a hit or miss affair, for sure. One good song, one bad, two good, one bad, etc…The great thing about Manners is that the good songs completely negate the few that are a little rough around the edges. By this point, I've already named "Little Secrets" as my favorite song of 2009, but there are other great tracks on here as well. "Let Your Love Grow Tall," "Eyes as Candles," and "The Reeling" stand out as some flat out amazing tunes. If it weren't for the few duds, this would easily be a Top fiver.

#8. The Bird and the Bee: Ray Guns are Not Just the Future - B&B's debut wasn't all my friends made it out to be. With that in mind, I reluctantly checked out Ray Guns and was surprised by how awesome it is. I seriously jammed out to "Love Letter to Japan" for weeks before I decided to move on to something else. I'm a dude, people. That's something! Beyond that though, Ray Guns is stacked full of great tunes that don't get old, and other songs that reveal their greatness over time. If you haven't checked this one out yet, do yourself a favor and snag a copy. You won't regret it!

#7. Discovery: LP - LP sure has its flaws. But as difficult as it can be, it's also incredibly rewarding. It's a quaint little record filled to the brim with relentlessly catchy songs. The only one that really doesn't do a thing for me is "Carby," but hey, it's not really all that difficult to hit the skip button is it? This one got ripped pretty hard by the critics, and I can see their collective point despite my obvious affection for it. It's a download first, buy later, for sure. Just be sure to give it a fair shot. You may be surprised.

#6. St. Vincent: Actor - Is there any denying that Annie Clark is one of music's most-talented females? Besides the fact that she's making some of the most inventive and awesome songs out there, she's also doing so with a grace and style that is completely unique to her. While I still feel that her debut has more staying power than Actor, her 2009 follow-up still packs one hell of a punch. I've been re-listening to it for the past week now and, whoah, it's just fantastic! St. Vincent is officially my favorite female artist at the moment, and Actor is officially the best female album of 2009!

#5. The Flaming Lips: Embryonic - When Embryonic came out, it quickly made it to the top (#1) spot on my Most Disappointing Albums list. How it made its way up to the #5 album of the year is a long, strange tale. Well, not really. Essentially it boils down to this: I kept listening to it. My first 2 times through I was completely dumfounded and upset that it didn't sound like any of their last 3 records. I was pissed, to be honest. As I kept listening, however, I eventually set aside my preconceived ideas about what a Flaming Lips album should sound like. It was only then that Embryonic revealed itself as an amazingly complex and meaningful album. Wayne Coyne has seemingly let the darkness creep over him, and it shows in both his lyrics and the musical compositions that surround them. I can understand why people would be turned off by this album, really. But I'm glad I decided to tough it out and figure it out. It truly is one of the year's best.

#4. Wallpaper: Doodoo Face - I got my hands on Wallpaper's T-Rex EP in the summer of 2008. I was still listening to it in the summer of 2009, right around the time I found out that Ricky Reed was releasing a full-length album. I was pumped. I spread the word - the Gospel of Wallpaper , if you will - to all my friends, and played for them the songs I had. By the time Doodoo Face came out, I was set up for disappointment. But Wallpaper didn't disappoint; in fact, they exceeded my expectations! I was expecting another synth-heavy, collection of short 'n sweet pop songs. I got the heavy synths alright, but the saxophones, trumpets, female vocals, and funk influences came as a complete surprise. Doodoo Face sounds like a silly album, and at times it can be. But it's also one of the most impressive debuts of recent-memory, and something that I'll be listening to until the next LP drops!

#3. Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca - Most albums that I listen to take time for me to get into. This is true for pretty much every album on this list, with the exception of a few. One of those exceptions is Bitte Orca. This album was my first run-in with Dirty Projectors after reading about the band for some time. I was instantly captivated by all the things going on at any given moment. Even now, I'm still amazed by some of the harmonies and guitar riffs that seem too complex to be written, but too perfect to be improvised. It is a very impressive album, and probably the one I've listed to with the most consistency since its release. Is it one of the best of 2009? Easily. It can also be considered for one of the best of the decade!

#2. The Decemberists: The Hazards of Love - Forget the mixed reviews and the haters! The Hazards of Love is a beautiful and affecting piece of art. If there's any knock against it, it's that it can't really be listened to one song at a time. It's something that must be digested as a whole. That's important, because in an era when much of the music industry seems to be about the single, Colin Meloy & Co. have created the exact opposite! When it is experienced as it is meant to be, you'd be hard-pressed to find an album more poetic, more astounding, or more poignant in 2009!

#1. Loney, Dear:  Dear John - In 2007, Loney, Dear's Emil released his U.S. debut, Loney, Noir to much acclaim. It was this blog's #4 album of that year, and I was still listening to it when Dear John released early this year. Dear John is one hell of an album! Every song helps to create an atmosphere of doubt, regret, and depression that is both haunting and refreshing. Even the album's more upbeat tracks are tinged with the sentiments that make the rest of the album so dark. Hopefulness, an idea that was prevalent on his last record, has largely been dismissed on Dear John, and while I'm normally a guy who is into pop music (see the rest of this list), there is something about Emil's music that speaks to me as an individual.

Dear John is more than just the best album of 2009, it is one of the best male solo albums of the last decade; easily comparable up against Sufjan Sevens' or Conor Oberst's best work. Loney, Dear doesn't get the same kind of press coverage as those two dudes, and it's a shame, because when it comes to writing powerful, deep, meaningful songs, he blows Sufjan out of the water and gives Oberst a run for his money. Without question, Dear John is the #1 album of 2009. It is a perfect record, and one that I will never take for granted.

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Best of 2009: Top 5 Pop Albums

There was a time in my life where I was consumed by the darker side of life. Now, when I did make an effort to stay away from razor blades and hair dye, I was really into music that spoke about the human condition and did so in a somewhat depressing manner. Bright Eyes…the older stuff….was like a gift from god to me. Recently though, I've been really into the brighter, more upbeat side of life. If it's fun and I can sing along to it with a smile, I love it! 2009 was an okay pop music year. Not the best, but solid. With that in mind, I give you the list of the Top 5 Pop Albums of 2009.

#5. Tegan and Sara: Sainthood - The Quin sisters have been at it for years now, and despite approaching each of their new albums with a slight sense of trepidation, I always walk away pleased. It's crazy really, because the last thing I would think I'd be into is really poppy girl rock, despite the fact that I always did have a soft spot for The Bangles. Sainthood is the Canadian duo's latest record and it continues where their last left off - with infectious indie jams delicately paired with lighter, introspective gems. Sainthood may not be as instantly captivating as 2007's The Con, but it surely pays off over time.

#4. Passion Pit: Manners - Why thank you iPhone. Back when I purchased my shiny new toy in July, I had never heard of Passion Pit. And then one day while coming home from work, listening to my Last.fm app, Passion Pit came on. The song was "Cuddle Fuddle" from last year's Chunk of Change EP. I loved it. The rest is history. Manners is a surprisingly solid and unique album from such a young group of musicians; kind of like this year's Vampire Weekend, though I don't encourage you to make any further connections. The album has a few rough spots that are to be expected, but the good songs are wonderful. "Little Secrets" is the best song of 2009, "Sleepyhead" is bizarrely catchy, while "Let Your Love Grow Tall" is truly inspiring. This is one hell of a pop CD, and you're stupid if you don't at least give it a chance.

#3. The Bird and the Bee: Ray Guns are Not Just the Future - I feel bad. I had compiled this list several days ago and left this album out entirely. Then I had my iPod on random and on comes "Love Letter to Japan" and I came to the realization that I had not given this album the props it deserves. The Bird and the Bee is a very talented duo, and the music on this album is some of the finest they've done yet. It ranges from stadium pop anthems ("My Love") to jazz pop ("Ray Guns"), humorous dance tracks ("Polite Dance Song") to love confessions to 80s rock gods ("Diamond Dave"). It's a very well-rounded, and well executed record. I wasn't really a fan of much of their earlier stuff, but this one is very solid.

#2. Discovery: LP - What the hell is this album? A bedroom R&B, reggae, new wave pop album with members of Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot and Dirty Projectors? So it's a joke album, right? Wrong. Well, I guess that depends on who you ask. LP wasn't exactly the strongest-received album of the year, and I can see why it would turn some off. There are times all across the album where it sounds like synth lines are improvised and vocal effects are thrown in to hide an apparent lack of direction. But for what it's worth, I find LP to be a truly captivating pop record with strong hooks and rather inventive compositions. I can't get enough out of it.

#1. Wallpaper.: Doodoo Face - On any other year, it would be hard for me to imagine an album called "Doodoo Face" to make it on my, let alone anyone's, top ten list. But Wallpaper's debut album is more than just the best pop album of the year, it's one of the decade's finest as well! Pop music too often gets bogged down in the songwriting process - oh, let's put a ballad here, or make this song instantly relatable to the heartbroken. Wallpaper ignored all that mess and made Doodoo Face an incredibly fun album in the process. You won't hear music this light-hearted, this funny, any other place in 2009! No, not even with The Boy Least Likely To (surprising, I know). The fact that it can be those things and still be one of the best records of the year is a testament to how awesome Doodoo Face really is. It's a difficult acquisition, sure. You won't find it at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and hell, even Amazon is low on copies. But it's worth it! Trust me.

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Perfect Summer Soundtrack - Week 7

Again, I'd like to reiterate that unless you have all of these songs on your iPod or have rigged up some ingenious contraption that allows you to carry your laptop on your bicycle, this playlist may just be a waste of time for you.  At the very least, you can close your eyes and imagine the scene while sitting at your desk.  Totally your call on that one.

The Bike Ride Through the Country Playlist

Allow me to preface this playlist by noting that while I have been through the country, and have in fact ridden a bike, I have yet to combine the two into one awesome, soothing experience.  But having knowledge of both parts of this one activity gives me enough of a reason to post this playlist.  It's got the predictable highs to keep you going, as well as some accompanying lows that will hopefully allow you to better appreciate your surroundings.  

Week 1 - Rooney's Self-Titled Debut (Beach Trip, Road Trip, Skateboarding)
Week 2 - The Picnic Playlist
Week 3 - Of Montreal: The Sunlandic Twins (Road Trip Sing-a-longs, House Parties, Frisbee Tossing)
Week 4 - The 4th of July Party Playlist
Week 5 - The Pump Me the F*** Up! Playlist (Mountain Climbing, Fight Clubbing, Wakeboarding, Kayaking, Parachuting, Murdering, Running)

Week 6 - The Elected: Sun Sun Sun (Road Trip)

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