Music, technology, burritos, hockey, social media, and craft beers
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor modified by Scott Auth
#1
Japandroids
“The House That Heaven Built”
This recent 90s revival in music and “Cheap Beer” by FIDLAR (pick #3) made me look back and feel nostalgic for my early 20s, but Japandroids prove to me that great times don’t live and die with your youth. I’m turning 30 in a few days and that’s pretty scary, but here’s to having a blast with my girlfriend, raising a puppy, hanging out with friends, more partying, vacations, beer, tacos, and all the things that I have no idea are coming in the future!
When they love you and they will / Tell them all they’ll love in my shadow / And if they try to slow you down / Tell them all to go to hell
#2
Cloud Nothings
“Stay Useless”
I initially got into Cleveland’s Cloud Nothings because they pumped out raw catchy pop-punk tunes like “Understand At All” and “Leave You Forever” — but after their breakthrough record released this year I fell in love with them. Attack on Memory is a more mature and polished sound for Cloud Nothings, but the punk rock is still there and the record’s highlight “Stay Useless” really showcases how a band can grow up and still have a ton of fun. One of my favorite memories of the summer was standing in the rain while the band ripped through this song at Pitchfork Festival.
#3
FIDLAR
“Cheap Beer”
There is nothing fancy about this track and I’ve heard a ton of songs just like it, but this thrasher hit me with a wave of nostalgia. Every time I listen to this song I’m transported back in time a few years ago where every night I was hanging out at a show, The Plex, or a dive bar drinking crappy beer and having the time of my life with the greatest people on earth. I can smell and taste PBR and feel my shoes sticking to the dance floor at Belvedere’s just by listening to this song. Life is a little different now, I have an amazing girlfriend, I have a puppy to take care of, I own a house, and my tastes in beer have changed. But you know what? Fuck you, I’ll have another cheap beer!
#4
Metz
“Headache”
This song makes me want to run through a wall. Everyone should check this band out live too, they really bring it. “Wet Blanket” is another choice cut from their self-titled debut on Sub-Pop.
#5
TNGHT
“Higher Ground”
Bwom bwom bwom bwom bwom bwom bwom
#7
M.I.A.
“Bad Girls”
The music video says it all.
Jahbreaker
http://jahbreaker.bandcamp.com
1. Hotboxcar
2. Bad Weed, Dealer’s Fault
This is brilliant and hilarious!
#8
The Walkmen
“Heaven”
A song celebrating friendship, I can behind that.
Remember, remember / All we fight for / Remember, remember / All we fight for
#9
Frank Ocean
“Pyramids”
If you would have told me 10 years ago that one of my favorite songs of the year would be an 10-minute long R&B song about Egypt and strip clubs I would have smacked you in the face.
