Meena Khalili
Richmond, VA / Designer + Illustrator
They Might Be Giants
Star Hill Music Hall, Charlottesville, VA
It was the final TMBG show ever at the Charlottesville, VA brewery/venue that held enough significance to them that they wrote a song about it {See “Star Hill Music Hall” on the album “Venue Songs”}. The idea that they’d never play there again hit home on a few levels (for the giddy fans as well as the band) and they really cranked it out...
“Fake Empire”
The National / The Boxer
His voice is so deep and laid back, it’s a sadly beautiful song laced with languish that is deeply alluring.
Rilo Kiley / Under the Blacklight
This album shows their maturity as they tried something different from their first album. They’re hitting new territory and it’s working by keeping the same melodic tunes but switching instrumentation. The future promises a lot more to be seen and heard from the talented Miss Jenny Lewis. The opening track, “Silver Lining,” really catches you at the beginning, demanding that you listen to Lewis’ voice and the chorus of common-timed clapping behind her.
The New Pornographers / Challengers
The opening track, “My Rights Versus Yours,” gives us advanced insight to the band and their capabilities. As with the previous albums, this one continues their heritage of crisp, clean percussion and harmonies. With Challengers we see a compilation of tighter, more cohesive and less abrasive songs than in past albums... Though I wouldn’t say that’s a positive or negative criticism... The band simply seems to be getting better at what they do. Oh, and Neko Case’s voice is like butter.
Favorite Track: “Myriad Harbour”
Foo Fighters / Long Road to Ruin
Here’s my weakness: His name is Dave Grohl and I think that about says it all for me.
Stars / In Our Bedroom After the War
I first saw this band open up for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at DC’s 9:30 Club. The second track off of In Our Bedroom..., entitled “The Night Starts Here,” gives me the unmistakable feeling of a soft, comfortable pillow to allow my head to fall on after a particularly intense day. In fact the entire album seems to have that same charm.
The Shins / Wincing the Night Away
As an early fan of this band, I was not as impressed with the follow up to Oh, Inverted World, Chutes Too Narrow. I thought my love for the Shins to be forever lost. Ah, but then a little birdie brought Wincing the Night Away from Plan 9 straight to my door and my love was reborn. The melodies that I loved in Oh, Inverted World are very much back and with (gasp!) a refinement? Their sound is ever-evolving and they continue to be a band that always has me waiting for the next album. James Russell Mercer is another modern singer with what seems a deceivingly unpolished vocal range... He’s only joshing you—This man knows how to use his warble better than most...
Modest Mouse / We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Oh, the melodic sounds and the off-beat guitar on “Dashboard” don’t leave your head for days. The shakey and uneven voice of lead singer Isaac Brock shine more than ever as it’s flanked by the concordant tunes that run rampant throughout this album, weaving between the display of harmonious shouting and heavy marching percussion.
Wilco / Sky Blue Sky
Stripped down, this album goes back to the basics of Wilco. The entire compilation feels like one whole song, really. Good prescription for a rainy day or a nice, long drive somewhere you’ve been before.
“1, 2, 3, 4”
Feist / The Reminder
Sure, iPod commercials really ran out of control with this one, but I believe they’d have been remiss not to. The lyrics are telling of a love unrequited and undone, still scratching at the weary heartstrings of someone in the midst of maturing. Her soft voice, that ever-sensual tone and her delivery never cease to command my attention.