Top Albums of 2012

Frank Ocean "Channel Orange" - I kind of hate to agree with, well, everybody, but Ocean’s record was an achievement in poetic, thought provoking, and relatable songwriting as well as a throwback to the sort of unpredictable, adventurous R&B I grew up with. It’s weird, but still accessible. 

IAmDynamite “Supermegafantastic” - There is nothing catchier or more consistent than this duo who I’ve watched win over audiences opening for bands as disparate as Sum 41 and Blue October. With bright harmonies and stunningly infectious pop-rock songs, they are one to watch in 2013.

Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun “Wildfire” - From the opening notes of “We Were Wild” this Atlanta indie-rock quartet conjured ghosts of bands like Lush and Whirlpool with female vocals that hinted at the Breeders and Belly. It easily stayed on repeat.

Shovels and Rope “O’ Be Joyful” - The South Carolina couple’s record is one of the best-sounding albums of the year. Its crisp folk and lively spirit simply jumps from the speakers. I knew from the first listen in June it would make the list come December.

Diamond Rings “Free Dimensional” - The musical alter-ego of Canadian John O’Regan created some of the catchiest old school dance tunes of the year with new wave synth-meets-guitar-rock tracks that recall a mix of Depeche Mode and Interpol at their bounciest.

Bad Veins “The Mess We’ve Made” - Another pair doing more than you’d think a duo capable of. Its second album is full of lovely harmonies and quirky, loveable pop songs.

Sleigh Bells “Reign of Terror” - I bought this after hearing it over the sound system at Manifest while I was shopping with my kids. With its strange marriage of clunky dubstep distortion and ethereal pop vocals this duo made one of the easiest, yet harshest listens of the year.

Japandroids “Celebration Rock” - With the urgency of Superchunk and the working class energy and delivery of Avail, this duo (another duo?) lit up the rock world with some of the best tracks of the year in “The House that Heaven Built” and “Fire’s Highway.”

Marina & the Diamonds “Electra Heart” - On the surface she’s a Welsh pop diva whose voice does sometimes (annoyingly) merge Shakira and Florence and the Machine. But listen closer and there’s a feminist layer of intellectualism and social concern beneath the bubblegum dance tunes.

Beach House “Bloom” - This chill collection paints a mood that reminds me of Cocteau Twins with more discernible lyrics or my beloved Siouxsie Sioux at her gentlest. 

Twelve for '12. Top songs of 2012

I've never made a list of top singles, but after hearing SiriusXM in my mom's new CRV I decided I no longer wanted to live without it in my own car. For the first time in years I found myself buying albums after hearing a song on the radio (how novel). While I didn't hear all of the following on SiriusXM first, I did hear many of these on repeat there.

Favorite Songs of 2012

Japandroids “The House That Heaven Built”

Gaslight Anthem “45”

Best Coast “The Only Place”

Magnetic Fields “Andrew in Drag”

Oberhofer "Away Frm U"

Solange "Losing You"

 J.D. McPherson “North Side Gal”

M.I.A. “Bad Girls”

Sons of Bill “Santa Ana Winds”

Electric Guest “This Head I Hold”

Bob Mould “The Descent”

Lee Fields & the Expressions - “Faithful Man”

More with the Avett Brothers' Bob Crawford

The following is a continuation of the interview with Avett Brothers’ bassist Bob Crawford that appeared in Friday’s CLT section. Crawford rejoined the group in August (his daughter Hallie, 3, has been being treated for brain cancer). In addition to the Avetts’ Grammy nominated 2012 album “The Carpenter,” Crawford has another project in the works. The Overmountain Men - his cross-Carolina group with Gaston County songwriter and band leader David Childers - will release its second album in January. He’s with the Avetts at Greensboro Coliseum Monday.

Did you still feel like you were a part of the band during the time away? We were always in contact. They came to see us every time possible. Scott (Avett’s) family came to see us. We felt plenty of support and love. Still you walk out there (on stage) and think do “I even belong here anymore?” These are all the things I went through.

How close in age are your and Scott’s children? Hallie is a year younger than Eleanor. And then my son Sam is two months younger than Scott’s son.

You had an infant while you were going through this? He was born June 7, 2011. Two and a half months before Hallie got sick.

What was that like? Really, really nuts. When Hallie got sick she wasn’t going to make it. My wife and I were there 24 hours a day. My wife would come home one hour a day to breastfeed. I only bonded with Sam when we got home because I was always with Hallie. We took a woman that volunteered to be our nanny to Memphis with us. She and Sam lived in one place and Hallie, my wife and I lived in another. We felt like we had to do it for Hallie, but there’s a whole period of Sam’s life we weren’t there.

When did you have time to do another Overmountain Men record? That was also before Hallie got sick. My part of it was finished and then I asked David last year, “Can you just give me a little time?” He wanted to put it out Spring of last year. I was like, “Give me a little time and let’s see what the world looks like.” I love the first one. This one has a different character to it. I just love David and we’re talking about more songs. It’s out January 22 and it’s called “The Next Best Thing.” We’re going to shoot some video for it to go along with the release. I hope it continues to introduce people to David Childers. The Avetts play Childers’ “Prettiest Thing.” It’s become a staple of our set. People ask me who he is. I tell ‘em get “’Room 23.’ It’s a great album.” Hopefully these videos will help to introduce more people to who David is; to let the world know about this great artist that you guys have there in Mt. Holly. He’s a wonderful man and very creative and very thoughtful.

Also I produced a Christmas album (“My Favorite Gifts”) that was a benefit for (longtime Avett tour manager) Dane Honeycutt’s mother, who died of cancer. She was a teacher. The Vickie Honeycutt Foundation gives money to families of school teachers who have cancer. We’d also completed that before Hallie got sick. One of the little boys we met at Saint Jude’s - Carter - his family got money from the Vickie Honeycutt Foundation. Teachers don’t make very much money. When someone in your family gets cancer, the whole family gets cancer. The Vickie Honeycutt Foundation helps people in North Carolina. We’ll continue to do that.

I also noticed you playing fiddle in one of the online videos. Is that something you’re incorporating into the shows? A little bit. One of the things I did at St. Jude’s when I got a moment to help me relax and do something musical - I started playing the fiddle. There’s a room for the patient and then there’s a parent room. I’d go in the bathroom and play very quietly and then I’d do it at the apartment we were staying at. I’d play the fiddle and have the neighbors complain. That was something that was cathartic.

We have been introducing fiddle to the live show since August. Some nights it’s more successful than others. I always say you’re not going to learn how to play something unless you do it in front of people and make a lot of mistakes. When the song “Sorry Man” was being written, Scott wanted to do this high harmony. Every night we’d play it and his voice would crack and he’d fall on his face a lot, but in six months he could do the high harmony.

For me to walk out on stage with a fiddle when I know how to play it about twenty percent - that’s a credit to the guys I get to travel with.

Why don’t the Avetts play Charlotte more? I think we have it in our mind that we can only play North Carolina so many times a year. We try to spread that out. We may be in Wilmington one year and Greensboro and Raleigh and Charlotte the next.

You’re scheduled to go to Europe in 2013. How do you feel about it? I don’t want to go. I would rather not go, but I have to. As long as Hallie’s doing well I’ll go and we’ll have it arranged where I have constant contact at home. I would prefer not to go on this trip, but I and the guys feel like I need to do it. Hopefully it’ll go smoothly and it won’t be scary.

Have you had a lot of support and outpouring from the fans? I know there was a website at St. Jude’s in Hallie’s name. Oh yeah. Hallie raised $60,000 on that website. You can still go to that link. In Raleigh we did a walk. Hallie’s team raised another $15,000. It’s not just financial support. We’ve gotten a lot of cards and letters. When I got out I always hear, “Hey Bob, we’re praying for Hallie” when I’m on stage or people stop me all the time and ask me how she’s doing. We always ask for prayers.

Many musicians don’t have health insurance. Did this happen at a time after the band was on a major label where you were in a better position to handle it? There are people in the band that still don’t have insurance. It’s the one thing I listened to my parents about. When I moved to Charlotte in 1996 from New Jersey and started working in the film business the first thing I did was get myself personal health insurance. It really paid off this time. We also got a lot of support from the band and from other organizations and charities. St. Jude is a place where if you can’t pay, you don’t pay. That’s what is so important other than research and the fact that its child-centered. They only began taking insurance 15 years ago and they will only take seventeen percent of your maximum. They have housing and transportation. They treat the kids so well at Christmastime. Santa comes and brings toys for everyone. They have a great Halloween there. They go as far as you can go to allow the child to have fun and excitement and to get to feel like a child.

When Danny Thomas established St. Jude in 1960 the most common survival rate was twenty percent. Today it’s over eighty percent. Now they’re trying to do that with brain tumors. It costs 1.5 million dollars a day for St. Jude’s to function. That’s why it’s important for me to continually be out there trying to raise money for them.

So what does Hallie like? What’s she enjoy? She loves people. She loves music. She loves dancing. She’s not standing on her own or walking. You hold her up and play music. We take her to kindermusic classes. She actually goes crazy for that. In her therapy in Charlotte they realized that she responded very well to music and they brought in a music therapist. She loves to shake the shaker. And she loves (the 1982 movie musical) “Annie.” I could quote the whole movie. 

(Photo of Crawford and Hallie presenting a check to St. Jude's last year is courtesy of the Team Hallie Prayer Chain Facebook page)

Hear Widespread, Avetts' NYE shows on SiriusXM

Can't make it to Greensboro? Missing out on the festivities at TWC Arena Monday? SiriusXM will air live concerts on many of its channels Monday including the Avett Brothers' annual NC New Year's Eve show at Greensboro Coliseum on The Spectrum (Channel 28) and Widespread Panic's concert at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte one click up on Channel 29's Jam On.

Other concerts airing Monday include Willie Nelson from Austin City Limits Live on Willlie's Roadhouse (Channel 56), Gregg Allman from the House of Blues in New Orleans on Classic Vinyl (26), the Lumineers from Denver (also on The Spectrum), Southside Johnny on E. Street Radio (20) from Red Bank, New Jersey, Little Feat from DC on Radio Margaritaville (24), and Further featuring Bob Weir and Phil Lesh in San Francisco on (where else?) the Grateful Dead Channel (23).

SiriusXM will also air live NYC DJ sets from Afrojack, R3hab, Quintino and Arty on BPM (Channel 51), Armin van Buuren on Electric Area (52) and Dada Life, Deniz Koyu, and Bassjackers on Tiesto's Club Life Radio (Channel 340) as well as Avicii and Eric Prydz from Las Vegas on BPM and Electric Area, respectively.

For a full schedule of all Sirius/XM NYE goings-on click here.

Top local releases of 2012

Here are my ten favorite local releases of the year. 

Justin Robinson & the Mary Annettes “Bones for Tinder” - If the former Carolina Chocolate Drop wasn’t from Gastonia he would’ve likely made the best overall release list for his strange combo of Prince-like funk and acoustic music. His “Bright Diamonds,” for instance, is like cello rock trio Rasputina collaborating with the purple one himself.

Mr. Invisible “It’s On Us” - The Mount Holly hip-hop duo seems to be leading the charge for underground hip-hop locally, but it also has the musical skills to back up the buzz. I’m told this EP is just the start of where Justin Aswell and Blake Matthews are headed.

Mark Crozer & the Rels “Mark Crozer & the Rels” - The former Jesus & Mary Chain guitarist made Charlotte his home (thanks to his wife and child) and recruited locals for his live band. On record he combines elements of the JAMC with earlier, less distortion-heavy fellow Brits like the Beatles with pop songs like “Killed by Karma,” “Put Those `80s Records On,” “War Drum” and “I Need a Vaccination.” He gets bonus points for the “Doctor Who” reference.

My Captain “EP”- From the ashes of my favorite Charlotte band the Lights, Fluorescent came this fitting follow-up, which featured bassist/singer Robby Hartis and guitarist Andre Francois (and for a time guitarist Craig Friday) at its core. Hartis is now with Sugar Glyder, but as with the Lights I feel fortunate that they found the time to record so we’ll have something to remember them by if they don’t regroup.

Jon Lindsay “Summer Wilderness Program” - This Charlotte songwriter, who is moving to Nashville, grows on me a little more with every release. He has a knack for pop songwriting, a voice that’s nothing short of pretty, and an overall feel that seems to have a direct link to `70s AM pop and songwriters like Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, and his beloved Big Star. 

Temperance League “LP” - The all-star garage rock quintet reached farther back in its pool of influences on recent EPs and this debut full-length (released exclusively on vinyl). But the girl group-meets-British invasion-meets-old school soul feel of songs like “But I Have To” works for them.

Grown Up Avenger Stuff “Alive” - This female fronted rock quartet rests somewhere between art rock and more accessible alternative, but with the assistance of producer Bruce Irvine (Anthony Hamilton) their chops and complex arrangements are more fully realized.

Sinners and Saints “Stupid Little Songs” - Perry Fowler’s songs aren’t so stupid, actually. These rootsy acoustic tracks are heartfelt, no frills, and (sometimes) boot stomping in a way that reminds me of early Avett Brothers.

Lindsey Ryan “The Divers” - Formerly known as Lindsey Horne, this Charlotte singer-songwriter returned to the local music scene as a solo artist after years spent studying poetry and working as a music teacher backed by a group of local all-star musicians. The time was well spent.

Groove 8 “Curious Poses” - The long running Charlotte octet went through some lineup changes, but it returned with an album that pushed the band forward by introducing vocals while still maintaining its anchor in cinematic, old school funk and jazz.

This week's hot concerts

Steel Standing

7:30 p.m. Friday, December 28, Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St. $8. 704-377-6874.

Following the release of its second album, “Wreckage,” this local heavy rock outfit is calling it quits. It’s farewell concert sees the group return to its original trio format.

Keller Williams/That 1 Guy

9 p.m. Friday, December 28, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $23-$33/$48 VIP. 704-358-9298.

Williams foregoes New Year’s Eve at the `the hood this year in favor of a holiday weekend show that features a set by one man band That 1 Guy - a musical anomaly of funk, rock, and invention, a solo, looping set, and his new six-piece R&B/funk group More Than A Little.

Nipsey Hussle

8 p.m. Saturday, December 29, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $18-$20. www.ticketfly.com

This cleverly named Los Angeles’ rapper’s buzz has been building for years with seven mix-tape releases (some available for free on his website) and prime guest spots. The latest news has his next mix tape pushed to 2013. So will 2013 be the year the indie emcee makes his official label release? 

Drivin’ N’ Cryin/Blue Dogs

8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 29, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $15-$25/$30 VIP. 704-358-9298.

Two Southeastern staples. The former - a Georgia outfit - had a string of early `90s hits and a career that seamlessly blends Southern rock, grunge, blues and country. The latter is a Charleston institution that has long packed clubs with its modern twist of bluegrass and many strains of rock.

Gigi Dover and Big Love

9 p.m. Saturday, December 29, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $8-$10. 704-376-1446.

Boasting a full, hearty voice, this veteran Charlotte songwriter has evolved over her last two records moving from roots-rock and bluesy Americana to a sound that includes layers of world music.

Widespread Panic

9 p.m. Monday, December 31, Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. $81.55. www.ticketmaster.com

The Athens’ jam rock fixture has taken most of 2012 off the road, but as in 2011, it returns to TWC Arena for a New Year’s Eve Blowout that hints at surprises and another marathon set.

The Spongetones

9:30 p.m. Monday, December 31, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $10-$15. 704-376-1446.

Approaching its 34^th year together, what started as a `60s throwback remains steeped in the Beatles but also grooves on psychedelic pop, new wave, and jangle pop.  

Elonzo

10 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. Free. www.ticketfly.com

The Rock Hill roots music foursome begins its month long residency at Snug Harbor, which leads up to the January 29 release of its new album “Salt in the Wound, Flesh on the Bone.” With Sinners and Saints.

Top concerts of 2012

It's that time again. Time to reflect on the past year. Over the next few days I'll post what I consider my favorite albums, singles, concerts, and local releases of 2013. 

Usually coming up with an end of year best of list is easy, but so much of the time I would've spent listening to my favorite new albums was spent listening to what my children wanted to hear. Thinking back on the great concerts I witnessed was easier. Sometimes you instantly know when an album or concert will rank among the best you've heard or seen all year. In other instances it takes time for a album to grow on you through repeat listens or by reflecting on a concert experience. We'll start with the latter. 

Foo Fighters Rock the Vote, The Fillmore, September 5- I felt fortunate to even get in to see the Foo Fighters in a club, but to witness what Dave Grohl and company estimate was their longest set ever (which their publicist later confirmed) at three-plus hours? That was really special. And if there’s one band I can stand to listen to for three whole hours, I’m glad it was this tireless rock n’ roll work horse especially knowing a hiatus was in the near future. 

Miranda Lambert, Bojangles’ Coliseum, January 25 - While this probably won’t make the country singer’s top shows - ever - the vulnerability and strength she displayed playing a rescheduled show just a week after her father-in-law’s death endeared her to fans. She struggled through some tear-stained songs, but was in prime voice on others and demonstrated that a real pro doesn’t storm off stage in a huff when things don’t go her way. This show felt special because there was a true connection between Lambert and her empathetic fans.

The Killers, The Orange Peel, Asheville, July 19 - It was our first time seeing them since a tent at Coachella in 2004 and the club was probably smaller than that tent. They were every bit as charismatic and exciting, but this time we actually knew most of the songs.

Of Montreal, Neighborhood Theatre, June 12 - From costumes to music to pure entertainment value this lively, colorful set was one of the most memorable of the year. And it helped introduce other fine acts - Chappo and Kishi Bashi, whose members were both touring with Of Montreal - to the Charlotte audience.

Bad Veins, Snug Harbor, June 8 - There was just something special about this duo, whose bouncy indie-pop cut through the bustle of the late night crowd. It topped off the adorable Dan Sartain’s punk set at The Milestone earlier that night. (It’s always great and economical to hit more than one good show in a night if you're paying a babysitter).

Lee Fields & the Expressions, Tremont Music Hall, Dec 7 - Although I didn’t see the entire set, this 1970’s soul veteran on the gradual comeback trail drew a diverse crowd and was all the buzz via Twitter that night. With sets by locals Yardwork and the O’Getters with Antiseen’s Jeff Clayton guesting and a crowd that filled the entire front room, it felt like Tremont circa 1999.

Coldplay, Time Warner Cable Arena, July 3 - Though I was a bit disappointed in Robyn who made my best lists in 2010 and 2011 (I thought a more upbeat set list would’ve served to better win over the US audience), Coldplay is just a phenomenal live band. You can accuse them of being too mainstream, too predictable, too vanilla. Whatever. I once thought those things too. But on stage they’re a force whose shows feel like a sort of religious experience (except maybe for my friend Tina, who was eating crackers during the encore).

Die Roten Punkte, Duke Energy Theater, August 1 - There is nothing quite like this hilarious German mock rock band. Brother and sister Astrid and Otto’s relationship issues come to a head through song, dance, and banter (conflicting tales of how they were orphaned for instance). What’s more, the songs are actually as catchy as they are funny.

Jane’s Addiction/The Duke Spirit, Ovens Auditorium, May 23 - Nothing can compare to the first time I saw Jane’s Addiction. I was 15 and it was my first non-hair metal, non-teeny bopper show. However having seen them a few years ago with Nine Inch Nails, my expectations weren’t high. But in the intimate setting of Ovens with Perry Farrell’s wife Etty playing some sort of dancing S&M goddess, Farrell not appearing nearly as old and pervy as at Verizon, and the group completely on, it turned out to be the best slice of junior high nostalgia since the Pixies reunion stopped by in 2010. They even won over my husband who is by no means a fan.

Justin Townes Earle and Tift Merritt, McGlohon Theater, November 16 - I’ve always liked Steve Earle’s son for his honesty and passion for the history of American music. I was delighted to see such a large crowd clue into what he’s been up to for the last three albums after seeing him with maybe twenty people at the Muse a few years ago. He was funny, honest, and I couldn’t have chosen a better set list myself (although I might’ve added a cover of one of his dad’s songs). Merritt was bouncy, fun, and genuine singing mostly new tracks from her “Traveling Alone” album. I didn’t even mind not hearing some of my old favorites. And that voice!

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few that just missed the cut.

Ours, The Milestone, July 17 - Jimmy Gnecco’s voice is just absolutely amazing and this intimate set seemed to be as much fun for the band as it was for the crowd.

Roger Waters, Time Warner Cable Arena, July 10 - While I’m not a huge Pink Floyd fan (gasp!), this would probably top my husband’s list and seeing the revival so close (third row) certainly ranks on the list of milestones.

The Hunters with A Place to Bury Strangers, Tremont, July 25 - The best surprise of the year. I went on a whim and found opening duo the Hunters like a volatile marriage of dissonant art punk and my beloved riot grrrl. Then headliners A Place to Bury Strangers blew me away with its nod to Jesus and Mary Chain in the way that I had hoped She Wants Revenge would a few years ago.

Stars with California Wives and Diamond Rings, Visulite, September 27 - The most consistent lineup I saw all year.

Wolf Gang with Atlas Genius and the Royal Concept, Booth Playhouse and the Whigs, Visulite, November 3 - What a birthday weekend. Sweden’s Royal Concept was a revelation. Definitely one to watch. The environment of Booth - not a traditional rock club - was comfortable and the sound was good. Cap that with the always riveting live rock show of Athens’ trio the Whigs. I could watch them for hours.

Lydia Loveless, Double Door, February 2 - This Ohio roots singer-songwriter is at her best when letting the off-the-cuff, unfiltered banter fly. Her stories and awkward asides are almost as good as her killer songs of heartbreak and struggle and a voice that sounds like a less refined, less depressing Neko Case.