NOTE: This is a significant listing, as this is the last month that songs can be eligible to qualify for our Top Spins of 2011 year-end poll.
- You can listen to the monthly Top 25 Spins each Wednesday evening on Jivewired Radio beginning at 8 PM EST.
Our mission at Jivewired Radio: Promote indie artists and their music. The music we play on Jivewired Radio (powered by Live365) is made available to you by artists and labels. If there's a particular artist or band you really dig on, show some love; click a link, buy a LP, go to a show and spread the word. You can listen by clicking on the following link: Launch Jivewired Radio
Songs and/or albums can be purchased by clicking on any album artwork and you can use the mini-reviews as a guideline. We've notated outside sources for content, and we hope those writers are cool with that. If not, going forward, we'll write up something for each artist.
Listener's Poll Top 25 Spins For October 2011
01. Hipster Kids/Sexy Beards by Dr. Pants
from the album "The Trip, Side1: Illusion & Truth"
Label: LITTLE WEASEL RECORDS
Before I get into specifics, let me tell you how absolutely addictive "The Trip, Side 1: Illusion & Truth" is. The song "Hipster Kids/Sexy Beards" is but one example. It's a song that will figuratively grab you, tie you down, beat you silly, hit on your sister, eat your lunch, steal your milk money and then have you begging for more. ~ Read Our Review!
02. Free My Mind by Katie Herzig
from the album "The Waking Sleep"
Label: DOWNTOWN/MERCER STREET
Katie Herzig has finally delivered the album she’s always hinted that she was capable of making since going solo in the early 2000s. The Waking Sleep is not just a step forward, because in many ways it’s a quantum leap into the territory of a maturing, talented singer-songwriter. This is her most consistent effort yet, and the process of building the songs up from programmed sounds reveals Herzig’s deft architectural hand, and the fact that she’s chosen bouncy, spirited and cathartic as her palette further bolsters the album. ~ Glide Magazine
03. Dum Dum Dah Dah by The Nghiems
from the album "The Pine Tree, The Mushroom & The End Of The World"
Label: RYAN LINDSEY MASTERS
By marrying atmospheric melodies with synthetic strings and hypnotic, carefully manipulated beats the band vastly overachieves for a first release. Think Flaming Lips meets Wilco with a touch of Yo La Tengo added for good measure. The best way to describe their sound is as a delicious ache. And when it all clicks for the band, it's deliciously good. ~ Read Our Review!
04. Long Road Home by Whitey Morgan & The 78's
from the album "Whitey Morgan & The 78's"
Label: BLOODSHOT RECORDS
The Flint, Michigan band combines the swagger and divine inspiration of Johnny Cash with the soulful southern boogie of Lynyrd Skynyrd to put the masculinity back into country music while at the same time restoring its life force. A combination of original music and classic covers that are so good they feel original, the self-titled release on Bloodshot Records is straightforward, no frills music that is every bit as bad-assed as it's attitude reflects. The band is absolutely stellar on every track and Morgan is equal to the task. "Whitey Morgan & The 78s" is the malediction to everything Nashville wants country music to be and the anathema to everything they want us to like about country music. We should all thank Whitey Morgan for that. ~ Read Our Review!
05. Before by Washed Out
from the album "Within And Without"
Label: SUB POP RECORDS
Washed Out's music will envelop and then swallow you, and shy of using words like ethereal and ambient, which are far too easy descriptives, just know that listening will make you feel like you are a better person; lights out, thoughts and soul cleared, headphones on. "Within and Without" is truly transcendental. ~ Read Our Review!
06. Breakin' The Chains Of Love by Fitz & The Tantrums
from the album "Pickin' Up The Pieces"
Label: DANGERBIRD RECORDS
Many recent students of old-school soul get the rhythms and vibe right, but what sets Michael Fitzpatrick and his L.A. crew apart is their mastery of Motown-esque melodies. Guitar-less but heavy on the organ, sax, and hands-to-the-heavens claps, this home-recorded debut swings like demos of actual '60s hits. Lyrically, it's less finessed, as the conscious but clunky "Dear Mr. President" makes clear. But Fitz and sidekick Noelle Scaggs can croon and wail like a biracial, male-female Hall & Oates, and with "MoneyGrabber," they've got their own "Maneater. ~ Spin Magazine
07. Instant Insanity by Dr. Pants
from the album "The Trip, Side1: Illusion & Truth"
Label: LITTLE WEASEL RECORDS
Before I get into specifics, let me tell you how absolutely addictive "The Trip, Side 1: Illusion & Truth" is. The song "Hipster Kids/Sexy Beards" is but one example. It's a song that will figuratively grab you, tie you down, beat you silly, hit on your sister, eat your lunch, steal your milk money and then have you begging for more. ~ Read Our Review!
08. Used To Get High by The John Butler Trio
from the album "Live At Red Rocks"
Label: ATO RECORDS
‘Live at Red Rocks’ highlights Butler’s prodigious guitar skills, powerful songwriting and the transcendental live performance he delivers with Byron Luiters (bass) and Nicky Bomba (drums.) It showcases the innovative, rhythmically complex, diverse and playful sound that has garnered the JBT a devoted fan base worldwide. ~ Jam Band News
09. Give It (Live) by Lambchop
from the album "Live At XX Merge"
Label: MERGE RECORDS
When Lambchop were first conceived as Posterchild in the late '80s, it was in the spirit of getting together to play with no discernible purpose. Anybody who wanted in could have in. There is still something of that spirit in the 11-piece edition of Kurt Wagner's venerable Lambchop that appeared at Merge Records' 20th anniversary festival in North Carolina in July 2009. Between horns and keyboards and multiple strummers, including the supremely tasteful lead guitarist William Tyler -- who embodies Lambchop's indie Nashville vibe to a T -- Wagner's project is still impossible to classify, and completely sublime. ~ www.allmusic.com
10. Take Your Medicine by The Quick & Easy Boys
from the album "Red Light Rabbit"
Label: PER CAPITA RECORDS
The bar is set ridiculously high by an opener that is infectiously catchy. Take Your Medicine is intense and relentless indie power-pop, and, despite a healthy dose of musical bravado, never overstated. Generally, the pace is fast and furious and a whole lot of fun. A combination of funk and upbeat honky-tonk with a punk demeanor added for good measure elevates this number to instant classic status. Electric, energetic and almost frenzied at times without any sense of self-indulgence, it's impossible not to become addicted to this song. ~ Read Our Review!
11. Usual Suspects by Ha Ha Tonka
from the album "Death Of A Decade"
Label: BLOODSHOT RECORDS
Ha Ha Tonka has been working since the turn of the century at a formula that marries lilting country harmonies (think Carter Family) and the muscular Midwestern swing of John Mellencamp to a folk-rock mainline. On this third record, the group manages this impressively: the Missouri quartet is not only authentically scruffy, it tears at the heart of American roots music with every chord like Mumford & Sons (to whom they are most often compared) only pretends to, and its new record, “Death of a Decade,” basically oozes passion for the craft. ~ The Washington Post
12. When You're Out Tonight by Cami Stinson
from the album "In The Morning"
Label: UNSIGNED
Cami is a vocalist and songwriter whose love of jazz is apparent throughout her work. Often collaborating with instrumentalist of various styles, Cami blends rich tone with technical control. She released a neo-soul single of her original song, "When You're Out Tonight". This was a remake of her jazz-inspired track which afforded her a nomination for "Best New Songwriter" at the 2009 Urban Music Awards in New York City. Her debut album In The Morning was released March 2009. www.camistinson.com
13. Record Store by Broncho
from the album "Can't Get Past The Lips"
Label: RYAN LINDSEY MASTERS
BRONCHO are one of alternative rock's big new hopes and they quickly live up to that hype with their debut album "Can't Get Past The Lips", an energized collection of garage and alternative rock anthems that bode well for a promising future. The album deserves classic debut status and is a strong and hugely likeable release that’s worthy of the hype now surrounding them. "Can't Get Past The Lips" is not a bulky record by any means, but it is certainly not a token gesture either. In fact, Broncho's debut demonstrates a strong songwriting acumen and stubbornly heightened emotions that feed their collective energies. ~ Read Our Review!
14. Somewhere Down The Line by The Big Strong Men
from the album "Don't Go To Far"
Label: THE BIG STRONG MEN
The first E.P. release, Don’t Go Too Far from the Minneapolis band The Big Strong Men is a small collection of genre destroying, bad mood crushing, real American music. This is the sound of a band having fun and doing it through really well written and perfectly performed roots rock music. ~ Kevin Hart, Hero Magazine
15. The Cassette Song by Dr. Pants
from the album "The Trip, Side 2: Breaking The Feel"
Label: LITTLE WEASEL RECORDS
The tight pop songwriting of “The Trip” contains excellent lyrics and a firm grasp on the line between irony and parody. If you’re not listening to Dr. Pants yet, you should be. ~ Stephen Caradini, Oklahoma City Gazette
**Jivewired review pending**
16. Come Visit Me by The Rosebuds
from the album "Loud Planes Fly Low"
Label: MERGE RECORDS
Yes, The Rosebuds look back with some traces of regret and even bitterness, but they also look forward to acceptance and rejuvenation. They have spilled their guts here, but they are fascinating, beautiful guts to behold. For her part, Crisp is just as contemplative and reflective. “I need you to save me, even if it makes it worse,” she sings on “Come Visit Me.” The song, along with the track, “Woods,” offers a bouncier touch that is very much needed. ~ Atlanta Music Guide
17. Bad News by Whitey Morgan & The 78's
from the album "Whitey Morgan & The 78's"
Label: BLOODSHOT RECORDS
The Flint, Michigan band combines the swagger and divine inspiration of Johnny Cash with the soulful southern boogie of Lynyrd Skynyrd to put the masculinity back into country music while at the same time restoring its life force. A combination of original music and classic covers that are so good they feel original, the self-titled release on Bloodshot Records is straightforward, no frills music that is every bit as bad-assed as it's attitude reflects. The band is absolutely stellar on every track and Morgan is equal to the task. "Whitey Morgan & The 78s" is the malediction to everything Nashville wants country music to be and the anathema to everything they want us to like about country music. We should all thank Whitey Morgan for that. ~ Read Our Review!
18. Home Is Not Places by Apache Relay
from the album "American Nomad"
Label: NOMADIC RECORDINGS
Grab your Birkenstocks and blankets, head for a meadow, set up under a tree, watch the clouds go by, and make sure your MP3 player is tuned to The Apache Relay's newest album, out tomorrow, American Nomad. The perfect energetic acoustic/electric combo will have you wanting to gather your friends around a campfire and sing along. There's something nostalgic about this record, something deliciously indie. ~ metronomereview.com
19. Til My Heart Quakes by Alyssa Graham
from the album "The Lock, Stock & Soul EP"
Label: SUNNYSIDE/WALRUS
"I'm not sure if I've heard another song this year that has instantly affected me like "'Til My Heart Quakes," the lead track from her new release, The Lock, Stock & Soul EP. It was like hearing Ray LaMontagne's "Jolene" or Iron & Wine's "Passing Afternoon" again for the first time --" ~ Speakers In Code
20. Baby Jeans by Wooden Birds
from the album "Two Matchsticks"
Label: BARSUK RECORDS
American Analog Set guest vocalist Leslie Sisson, another onstage guitarist/singer for the Wooden Birds, takes the lead on "Baby Jeans", a charming take on a high-school crush. Patient, generous, and smart, the song proves that while Kenny does well to maintain the Wooden Birds' solitary core, he does well to expand it occasionally, too. ~ Pitchfork.com
21. He Gets Me High by Dum Dum Girls
from the album "He Gets Me High EP"
Label: SUB POP RECORDS
Perhaps the most noteworthy development on He Gets Me High is how Dee Dee is using her voice. Shedding the rough filter of the band's earlier material, she sounds much more expressive and engaged. Whether investing a love=drug metaphor with new urgency on the title track or practically breaking down on "Take Care of My Baby"-- she wrings so much evocative pain out of the word "take"-- Dee Dee recalls the brassy authority of Chrissie Hynde and the sharp emotionalism of Kate Bush. She's a commanding presence on these songs, showing more poise and nuance than she has in the past. Rare is the EP that sounds so crucial to an artist's catalog and narrative, but it won't be surprising to look back on this release in a few years and see it as pivotal in Dum Dum Girls' career. ~ Pitchfork
22. Cool Kids by Natalie Walker
from the album "Spark"
Label: DORADO MUSIC
Formerly a member of the trip-hop troupe Daughter Darling, Walker debuted amongst a surge of fellow indie-pop songstresses that dominated the blogosphere (not to mention the soundtracks of nearly every trendy television show of the time, including Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and The OC)–songstresses like Imogen Heap, Rachael Yamagata and Bat For Lashes. Natalie Walker is one of those rare artists that manages to strike the perfect balance between consistency and a gradual evolution in sound. And judging by what we’ve already heard, Walker’s latest may just be her finest moment yet. ~ Muumuse.com
23. Amor Fati by Washed Out
from the album "Within And Without"
Label: SUB POP RECORDS
Washed Out's music will envelop and then swallow you, and shy of using words like ethereal and ambient, which are far too easy descriptives, just know that listening will make you feel like you are a better person; lights out, thoughts and soul cleared, headphones on. "Within and Without" is truly transcendental. ~ Read Our Review!
24. Flood Waters by Josh Garrels
from the album "Love & War & The Sea In Between"
Label: SMALL VOICE
The musical grooves would still be interesting and encouraging without the lyrics (there aren’t many musicians who can get away with five wordless tracks on an album), but it’s the poetry that really sets Josh Garrels apart, expounding upon oceanic themes to celebrate adventure, life, love, community, and home. Unless you just don’t enjoy folk music at all, I think you’re going to enjoy this album a lot. You have no excuse not to ~ Indie Vision Music
25. Whole Love by Wilco
from the album "The Whole Love"
Label: ANTI/EPITAPH
Amiably skronky, seven-minute kitchen-sink opener "Art of Almost" aside, there is a concerted effort to mothball the experimental tangents of recent years in favor of laconic twang, organ-driven garage pop, and tempered balladry. This is not to say there aren't moments of dissonance -- "I kill my memories with a cheap disease," goes the psych-lite lament "Sunloathe" -- but now Tweedy's showing off his journal, not his record collection. Dad's never cooler than when he's not trying to be. ~ Spin Magazine
Fifteen That Just Missed:
26. Like A Video by Rachel Pearl
27. Hey Love by Nappy Roots
28. Dirty Sex by The Bloody Hollies
29. Two For Flinching by Red City Radio
30. 7 Ways by The Quick & Easy Boys
31. Elevator by Crown Imperial
32. Generation Handclap by Library Voices
33. Find You by Brianna Gaither
34. It's Nice To Know You Work Alone by Silversun Pickups
35. Tear Me Back Apart by John Moreland
36. Weekend by Smith Westerns
37. 1981 by Graham Colton
38. Everything Will Be Fine by JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound
39. The World (Is Going Up In Flames) by Charles Bradley
40. Sunglasses by Crown Imperial
Previous In This Series: Jivewired Radio Top 25 Songs For September 2011
See Also: Jivewired Radio Year End Listeners Poll - Top 50 Spins For 2010
*Note: Listening statistics are provided by Live365 as part of our contractual agreement as a Pro Station Broadcaster. Jivewired currently has a total of 27,348 songs in our library that are played randomly at any given time, with about 2,500 songs programmed for airplay in any given month.
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