The Everyday Visuals "The Everyday Visuals"

You may not be familiar with The Everyday Visuals but I will tell you why you should be. By now, everyone knows about Passion Pit and the breakout year they are having. Understandably, they won the majority of the 2009 Boston Best Music Poll awards. But who came in 2nd place to Passion Pit nearly every time? The Everyday Visuals.

Not that awards are new to them. They were named "Best Band in New Hampshire" back in 2004. But listening to this record, it has a warmth to it. And it might just become my soundtrack to the winter of 2009.

Must hear: Limb From Limb (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RV2sk5vSpw)

(Release Date: 4/14/09)

Dirty Projectors "Temecula Sunrise (EP)"

It's difficult to separate good music and good marketing nowadays. Dirty Projectors put out one of the top albums of the year in Bitte Orca back in June. Now, to capitalize on their current popularity, their record label releases a "new" EP featuring 2 songs off Bitte Orca and 2 "new" songs (where "new" equals "new to us" and not "hot off the press new"). If the urge strikes you then find a way to listen to the new songs but don't worry about buying this release. Go get Bitte Orca instead.

Must hear: Temecula Sunrise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtXtgHGrL9E)

(Release Date: 9/28/09)

Jay-Z "The Blueprint 3"

This is the album I've been waiting for since Jay-Z's return from retirement. The finale of his Blueprint Trilogy, this record is exceptional. The original Blueprint was a classic, the Gift & the Curse was rushed, and III was well worth the wait. The real gem has to be "Empire State of Mind" with the vocal talents of Alicia Keys. Every city deserves a grandiose song, nay, opus, as this one.

Must hear: Empire State of Mind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8)

(Release Date: 9/8/09)

Girls "Album"

A diamond in the rough. No, I'm not talking about Aladdin. I'm talking about indie rock band Girls. Their debut album, appropriately titled Album, has the production quality of some of my home recordings. But what it lacks in breadth of production it makes up for in ideas. You can feel them bursting at the seams trying to get out. The term 'potential' is bandied about a lot but I think these guys have a chance of fulfilling it. And when they do it will be massive. A game changer.

Must hear: Lust For Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuoTjYYqe4c (PG version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNnJzKVd4ps (NSFW)

(Release Date: 9/22/09)

The Script "The Script"

I would assume the majority of bands I listen to are from the US or some crossovers from England. Let's step out of that status quo for a moment and take a look at an Irish band called The Script. This is their debut album, released in 2008 in the UK, where it made a big splash and eventually led to a US release this year. They make me think of a singer-songwriter like Daniel Powter mixed with a piano-fronted band like The Fray. Some great pop melodies. Nothing groundbreaking but a well-fashioned record.

Must hear: Breakeven (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMbgBpAIskA)

(Release Date: 3/17/09 [US])

Paramore "Brand New Eyes"

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There's just something about a rock band fronted by a girl that is music to my ears. It's not that I tire of male singers, it's just that women offer a different perspective on things. Almost like a southpaw in baseball. They change things up a little bit. And Hayley Williams is one of the great frontwomen. I find myself drawn to what she has to say. Very personal lyrics that you actually pay attention to. A big step forward for this band.

Must hear: Ignorance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhjsFWPXG2o)

(Release Date: 9/29/09)

Weezer "Raditude"

Raditude? Rainn Wilson? And that ridiculous cover? Yes, Weezer is pandering to the lowest common denominator. OK, fine. Let's get to the music.

With song titles like "I'm Your Daddy", "The Girl Got Hot" and "Can't Stop Partying" you can't help but think there's something else going on here. Maybe they're making a statement. About the music industry? About the consumer? Maybe everyone. A song like "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" is a classic pop song. But the title is intentionally long and jarring because it isn't easily marketable. It wouldn't surprise me if Weezer was just churning out these records to fulfill their contract and be able to move on.

Must hear: (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A7OruAFESw)

(Release Date: 11/3/09)

John Mayer "Battle Studies"

John Mayer is an interesting artist. Is he really the brooding, lyrical genius from his songs or just a poser who will say whatever he has to to get laid? Either way, he is successful with both critics and the masses.

This album isn't quite as good as Continuum but it's another solid effort. I feel like he made a more concerted effort to focus on his guitar playing. In the past it has gotten lost due to some massive orchestration, but this reminded me at times of the John Mayer Trio's Try!.

Must hear: Heartbreak Warfare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pro3bpx2SD4)

(Release Date: 11/17/09)

Julian Casablancas "Phrazes for the Young"

Warning: this sounds nothing like the Strokes. And I'm not sure how to feel about that. The album consists of only 8 songs but they average over 5 minutes each. The issue I have is that he had a good thing going with the Strokes. He has a very distinct voice and it is perfect for garage rock, singing dirty hooks over rocking guitars. This album is like a synthpop-blues blend. It doesn't work for me.

Must hear: 11th Dimension (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_h5DMHh5_M)

(Release Date: 11/3/09)

The Avett Brothers "I and Love and You"

The Avett Brothers have been recording since 2000 but this is their major label debut. They already have a huge following in the South, due to their mixture of musical genres: rock, folk and bluegrass. I initially was reminded of Kings of Leon, but that was more a jumping off point. They borrow the same southern rock influences but that's about where the similarities end. Whatever it is, it's good.

"They say young is good and old is fine and truth is cool but all that matters is you have your good times" -Ten Thousand Words

Must hear: Kick Drum Heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNvgNX3ZIV4)

(Release Date: 10/29/09)

Said the Whale "Islands Disappear"

Q. What's the toughest thing for bands trying to follow up their debut?
A. What else do they have to say?

Said the Whale's debut album Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia drew me in immediately. It was my soundtrack to the winter of 2008. When I heard they had a new album on the way, needless to say, I was excited. Then the first single was released. "Camilo (The Magician)" blew me away. Uptempo, fun pop song. Then I heard the rest.

What set their debut apart? It felt like they had something to say. They never hid from their Canadian roots but there was always more to the story. This album feels like it was written on a cross-country trip. Pointing out random locations on a map. Even some of the song titles are just Canadian towns and provinces. It's difficult to relate to unless you're from there. And they just don't hook you in anywhere else. That's what makes Sufjan Stevens' Illinois work and that's what this band still needs to learn.

Must hear: Camilo (The Magician) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar0bmGshhTs)

(Release Date: 10/13/09)