Paul Mayne blogs here since 2003.

It’s been another great year of new music. I was disappointed by a couple albums I was looking forward to, but have been pleasantly surprised by others that turned out to be unexpected gold.

1. Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz

   It’s not the Sufjan Stevens you are used to. You won’t hear much banjo plucking on this album. Sufjan has never been one to follow a formula or continue with what works, he’s a creative interested in exploring new and interesting ways to express himself through music. (Amazon | iTunes | Music video “Too Much”)

2. LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening

   I purchased this album only a couple weeks ago, but it’s been on heavy rotation since. As only a partial fan of LCD before now, this new album made me a full-on fan. (Amazon | iTunes)

3. Dr. Dog – Shame Shame

   Was lucky enough to catch Dr Dog perform live last month. Solid performance and album throughout. Favorite track: ‘Jackie Wants a Black Eye‘. Note: the iTunes Deluxe Edition contains some great additional tracks. (Amazon | iTunes)

4. Spoon – Transference

   Spoon keeps it raw, new and exciting. Awesome band. (Amazon | iTunes)

5. Vampire Weekend – Contra

   A departure from their debut album, but it quickly grew on me as another solid album. I actually prefer the non-official album Weemix, a collections of Vampire Weekend remixes. (Amazon | iTunes)

6. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

   Aside from only a couple tracks, it’s avery solid album all the way through. Good stuff. (Amazon | iTunes)

7. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – The Social Network – Soundtrack

   A perfect soundtrack to an interesting and well made film. It reminds me of a modern day Weird Science soundtrack with all the techy blips and sound effects. Favorite track: ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ a remix of a song that’s been used as video game music. (Amazon | iTunes)

8. Norah Jones – …Featuring Norah Jones

   A collection of collaborations with great notable artists, most previously unreleased. Some favorites with Sean Bones, Q-tip, Outcast, Ryan Adams, M. Ward and Dolly Parton. (Amazon)

9. Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs – God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise

   Recorded in two weeks at LaMontagne’s home in the woods of western Massachusetts. Solid. (Amazon | iTunes)

10. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record

    Never been a fan of BSS before this, but something about this album sticks. (Amazon | iTunes)

Honorable Mentions:
The Apples In Stereo – Travellers In Space and Time
Roots – How I Got Over
Black Keys – Brothers
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Mojo
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
OK Go – Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
Eminem – Recovery
Band of Horses – Infinite Arms
Belle & Sebastian – Belle & Sebastian Write About Love
Jack Johnson – To The Sea
Girl Talk – All Day

Update: (new additions)
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Beach House – Teen Dream

— December 5th, 2010

There’s something about seeing a good band perform live that makes you appreciate their music even more. A couple of weeks ago my friends and I checked out Bishop Allen (photos | video) at the intimate venue, Kilby Court in Salt Lake City. They put on a fantastic and energetic set, they played most all the songs I love and a few new song from their upcoming album that sound really good. The new album is due in March ’09, Which I can’t wait for, and I think they said they are coming back to Salt Lake around that time.

After the show I discovered the lead singer, Justin Rice, also does some acting. He starred in this little black and white art house film called Mutual Appreciation. I checked it out. Rice does a great job playing a young musician moving to New York. It’s pretty funny, ironic and awkward at times. Director Andrew Bujalski, who also acts in this film, has a great style.

— November 30th, 2008

On Tuesday evening two of my favorite musicians, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper played full sets at Deer Valley resort in Park City, Utah. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything… except class. Unfourtunatly, I missed the first 7 songs of Jack’s set due to my detication to school. But after a 90 mph+ drive through Parleys Canyon, I got there just in time to see Jack play 5 incredible songs including a Sublime cover “Garden Grove.”
But the main event was definatly Ben as he came out wailing on his guitar and singing in the way that only Ben can. Ben is always so good at connecting with the crowd and building up an energy that is amazing.
A highly recommended show if you ever get the chance to see him.

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— August 26th, 2003