Hello there, DJ Michele here. Every week I choose an artist to feature on my Saturday show (from 3-6pm) on KEXP. And this week I’ll put the spotlight on my top 10 records of the decade, playing one song from each record.

This was a very difficult list to make. I went with the “desert island” approach… Thus the position of the Verve Remixed series at the top. It’s a whole series, so would be a goldmine if you were stuck on a desert island. I just hope the desert island also has a CD player and some food and shelter.

1. Verve Remixed (series) by Various Artists - I picked this record as the top, not only because there are 4 volumes (all of them top quality through and through), but also because it includes some of the top DJ work of the decade, paired with vintage performances from my favorite vocal jazz divas like Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Volume 1 is my favorite of this series. And then there’s the Verve Unmixed collection - a companion set of 4 volumes that has all the original tracks before the DJs got hold of them.

Of the whole collection, my favorite track is Ella Fitzgerald’s “Wait Till You See Him” remixed by (soundtrack guru) De-phazz. The original recording done of the song is incredibly velvety, especially when you consider that Ella probably only got one take to do it in. And effects were not on the table at that point to make a singer sound lush. She does it all with her voice. Amazing. And the lyrics are poetic, romantic, sincerely sung… (the dude talking at the start of this vid is not on the record.)

2. White People by Handsome Boy Modeling School - Honestly this record should probably go at the top. I saw Prince Paul and Dan the Automator do their HBMS schtick live once and it was awful, but this album is pretty much on permanent rotation for me. Warm loops and basic, optimistic hip hop are mixed with a variety of genres and artists. Jack Johnson sings Breakdown with added beats. Chan Marshall (otherwise known as Cat Power) sings a song so sexy and R&B it’s hard to believe it’s her. Del the Funkee Homosapien sings “The World’s Gone Mad” — one of the best dubby pop songs ever. There are skits on here in between songs too, I think they’re extremely funny. I even find the CD cover hilarious.

3. Back to Black by Amy Winehouse - Say what you will about Amy Winehouse, she’s a brilliant artist and this honestly-written album emits sparks of real soul. She’s also got a sense of humor. Soul music sometimes has lyrics that are way too basic for me, but every track on here is a complex scene of details strutting around a set furnished with love and loss. Also, Amy’s songs are contemporary, where most soul is just a re-baked version of the past.

Since it’s the blog, I’m going to put an FCC-unfriendly track up. I think the backup vox on this song are really funny. Here’s to Amy feeling lots better and doing something like this record again soon.

4. Everybody Got Their Something by Nikka Costa - Again, it’s lyrics that make a record stand out for me. “Mr. Nothing’s got a lot, he’s got a lot to say…” Most of the songs on here are a mix of rock, funk and pop, plus some ballads. From raucous start to mellow finish it is completely satisfying. Her show at Chop Suey a few summers ago was the best show I’ve ever seen. She was layin’ it out so hard the sweat dripped down her face, her make-up running like Madonna in that bullfighter video. I’ve never seen a Seattle crowd dance so hard.

5. The Mouse and The Mask by Dangerdoom - This collaboration between the trippy producer Dangermouse and rapper Doom (AKA MF Doom) is a festival of pop culture references, laid out over loungey, funky riffs. There’s a feeling of mystery and depth, so I’m always finding something new. Somehow Doom can rasp out a line about Judy Jetson getting some booty, and it sounds brilliant. Doom somehow rhymes so effortlessly, poetically. I don’t have a TV at home, and if I ever have a craving to be absorbed by media, this baby hits the spot.

6. Joao Voz E Violao by Joao Gilberto - This Brazilian singer, guitar player, composer is THE master of the samba. This album has a warmth to battle even the most rainy, gloomy day. The softness of his playing and singing makes you lean in to hear. Absolutely gorgeous, flawless, present and pure.

7. Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem - In the tradition of Kraftwerk, these electronic pioneers have brought dance music further into pop. These songs not only make you dance, but the lyrics are thoughtful and you walk away humming the memorable melodies. They are great to see live too, much less serious than your average indie band. I love that this song is built on a Kraftwerk sample.

8. Standing In The Way of Control by Gossip - In 2009 British mag NME voted Beth Ditto “the coolest person in the world”. I have to agree. Not only are the words in these songs original and heartfelt, but they are sung with unashamed passion. Studying her for the KEXP Documentary series Music Revolutionaries made me love her more. She said “In my hometown the gay pride parade is me, my friend Freddy and a mylar ballon”. Their concert this year was a highlight and this record is (in my humble opinion) their finest.

9. Later That Day by Lyrics Born - Originally Tom Waits’ Glitter and Doom Live was in this spot, but I have to say I like this album better. One of my favorite hip-hop albums, it works as a story from beginning to end. Unfortunately his stuff after this seems more riffy and watered-down. But this collection is a potent revelation of self, and I’ll always admire him for that and his flow of poetry. This record is dark and hopeful, with lots of grainy detail and I hope he does something like it again someday.

10. Richest Man In Babylon by Thievery Corporation - In my first few years at KCMU (now KEXP), I discovered trip-hop. And after a decade of fascination this album is the standout. Also, as an electronic act no one is more fun than these guys. They continue to bring 5-8 different lead singers to the stage, a whole band of live instruments and the words on this record are political and smart. Leaning into the genres of dub, reggae, dance, international and pop, Eric and Rob are the real deal.

Catch Michele Myers every Saturday from 3-6pm on KEXP. She also produces KEXP Documentaries, short radio stories on musical subjects and hosts “Wake Up” 6-9am Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Radio New York 91.5FM in NYC.

Greetings KEXPeeps. It’s that time of year… after weeks of agonizing over thousands of choices, each KEXP DJ is supposed to come up with their favorite albums of the year. Which presents the question… Do I choose the ones I think are the most accomplished musically? Or do I choose the ones that I listen to at home and in the car every day?

I went with the ones that are my soundtrack to everyday life. Each record has a different purpose. Is it a headphone record (nothing else is happening but the listening, best done lying on the floor with a pillow and giant headphones)? Is it a car album (for road trips, traffic and general neighborhood disturbance)? A cleaning record (very valuable, underrated really)? Or one that changes my living room into a dance club?

Let’s start with number one:

1. Glitter and Doom Live by Tom Waits
I don’t know if I’d recommend this for the general public, but if you’re a fan of Tom it’s a must have. I’d categorize this baby as a “best friend record” – meaning the record takes you right up next to one of your favorite artists. Best heard on headphones on your living room floor. Tom is by far my favorite living artist. And the tension and vulnerability in these songs is beautiful. It’s like a diamond in the rough that has no aspirations to be polished. Beautiful, raw and solid as a rock.

2. Born Like This by Doom
Formerly known as MF Doom, this guy is seriously twisted, brilliant and funny. This is an album that is great for the car (or anywhere you are stuck and need to be entertained), as listening to Doom’s take on the state we’re in is always fascinating. His warm, grainy, almost-whispered delivery, mixed with a whirling carnival of intelligent pop-culture subjects is a path through the madness. The beats are understated and simple, the loops cinematic. Doom is not to be missed, no one is more real. Parental discretion is advised…

3. Thunderheist by Thunderheist
This Canadian duo turn my living room into a dance floor. The beats hit hard but (like all the electronics I like) are very warm. Isis’s vocals are sexy but not false. The lyrics are dirty, but not tacky. There’s also an urban edge to the writing that I aspire to. This is their debut, and the concert at Chop Suey (which almost no one knew about) was a highlight of my year.

4. Music for Men by Gossip
At first when I heard this record I was dissapointed. Their last album “Standing In The Way of Control” was SO much more original lyrically. There are way too many cliché’s in the writing of these songs for my taste. But Beth Ditto even at her worst is amazing, and the sincerity of the delivery makes this record work. She’s one of the most exciting artists to see play live, and her band is only getting better.

5. Daptone Gold by Various Artists
What a surprise to find my favorite Daptone label songs all on one record! Daptone is one of the few truly indie labels left. Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings built their studio and offices in Brooklyn for the label themselves. And they run it on a daily basis. The money for the building was made by selling VINYL. These guys are incredible and this is a solid soul collection worthy of praise for years to come with performances by Sharon Jones, The Dap Kings, Lee Fields, Budos Band and more.

6. Miike Snow by Miike Snow
Miike Snow is one of the most original groups to come out of 2009. They take 80’s style drum pads and loops and play them live onstage next to a drummer with a full rock kit. The melodies are folk-pop and the lyrics masculine, dark and extremely vulnerable.

7. xx by The xx
This new band is taking the indie world (and the KEXP DJ Top 10 of 2009 Lists) by storm.
Male-female vocal interplay rides on romantic words. Dreamy guitars are woven over modern electronic beats. There is an exposed feelings to the singers, as if they are on some sort of rock pedestal, playing their hearts out in an understated, intense performance.

8. Temporary Pleasure by Simian Mobile Disco
Before this record, SMD was known as a mostly instrumental band. But this 2009 release adds a bunch of guests (most notably Beth Ditto from Gossip) and memorable melody lines, yet is still extremely modern and danceable.

9. Phantogram EP by Phantogram
Phantogram are a true psychedelic group and another great new band from 2009. Unlike XX who are more exposed vocally, Phantogram’s melodies are buried (but not so much you can’t hear them) in a lush landscape of lights. There are a few rough spots on the record but the high points will give you a pleasant sense of vertigo.

10. Tonight by Franz Ferdinand
My friend (and KEXP co-worker) Julia popped this record in on the way to the Sasquatch Festival at the Gorge this summer. It’s an energetic, happy record with an indie edge. And every song on here contains a sense of roguish fun – and after seeing them at Bumbershoot I know that they are actually having a good time playing. A perfect roadtrip record that will forever remind me of that day with Julia and Nathan going off to see our favorite bands on a sunny summer day.

One of the many reasons you love KEXP and would go out of your way to support us during our 2009 Fall Membership Drive (going on now!)? The fact that we go out of our way to bring you great music not just on the airwaves (and internet waves) but also for you to stream, watch and download on the KEXP Blog.

Just like every Tuesday, on Out This Week, where we scour the web to find the latest videos and legitimate MP3 links for your own guilt-free downloading, allowing you to sample each week’s new releases before you head out to your local record shop or online tone vendor. Not only is this a truly great resource for your own musical discovery, but it’s also smart thinking in these uncertain economic times. KEXP is here to help you!

And just look at today’s list of new releases! Yowza! Built to Spill (sorry, no MP3 but you can stream the whole thing here), Air, Lou Barlow, A Place to Bury Strangers, Dead Man’s Bones, The Dutchess & the Duke, Gossip, Califone, The Raveonettes, The Mountain Goats, The Very Best… and do I really need to keep going? Check out the complete list with links to buy from our friend Largehearted Boy, but don’t head out until you’ve had a chance to sample all of these fine tracks, compiled by the station where the music matters!

Jim Bennett

by Chris Estey

Rock festivals can be an awesome, appalling joussaince — an embarrassment of riches in which most of its value is suffering. The 2009 Capitol Hill Block Party was a perfectly organic construct of balancing personal pleasures and community celebration within the city, without too much pain. In other words, it was a ton of fun — and it was cheap enough you didn’t feel too guilty, diverse and culturally ambitious so that it inspired joyful, music-inspired engagement, and you probably didn’t have to travel too far to get there. If you got too hot or moist there was hydration and libations everywhere to be found, and in the back of Caffe Vita, behind a massive pizza oven within walls of bags full of coffee beans, KEXP presented a sampling of just about everything presented throughout the multi-band, stacked tight with music fandom fest.

Friday July 24, 2009:

The line-up for the weekend was an expected indie rock buffet, with some glitch-streaked percussive punk edges and a healthy dose of exciting hip-hop poking into the spread. I could write an essay about how cool it was to often stand in the middle of it, and hear something operatic from the Main Stage bleeding into some chunka metal riffs at Neumos as you walked to hear noise-pop garble ahead at the Vera. (And that was actually a description of one of my actual moments there.)

The big names dominated the feedback I heard and the action I saw/heard such as The Jesus Lizard reviving the subculture of crowd surfing at the Main Stage’s first night apex with its leader David Yow inspiring droves to follow him upon a sea of upraised hands over and over again. His performance seemed often like an act of self-destruction, as if he knew why people loved the dangerous overplus of excitement at Block Party, while his bass player looked like a settled down married guy rattling away in a secret world, and the drummer kept up with his harassing lead singer.

They Live had the whole festival buzzing with love after their 10:45 PM set at Neumos (and the next day when they appeared for a anthem with Truckasaurus, who also street terrorized the Vita peeps with binary-fried busking just before in the afternoon as well), and since I’ve done PR for Gatsby and blesone, I’ll keep this tight: Read Charles Mudede’s excellent assessment of current Seattle-area hip-hop in a recent Stranger, and know that TL’s transmutation of rock damage and rap art will probably be the next retro-futurist aesthetic. That’s why I helped them out for awhile and will always support them.

Beloved hard edged pop art bands like Deerhunter at the MS and the Flexions at the Vera Stage didn’t disappoint, blending muscle with weird charm, and speaking of the awesome line-up of the Vera artists this year, special note must be made of how ferocious Past Lives got Friday night, according to several people I spoke with — keeping it strange, but still very strong. Wish I’d seen Wild Orchid Children; I’d heard great things about them (and some pissed off sound guys on Fullerton-based punk pop Audacity’s friends, one of whom puked in the hallway near their schmancy new gear set up for Vera — at 4:30 PM in the afternoon!).

The festival opened with The Duchess & The Duke on the Main Stage, and reports of their sweet rag-tag approach to simple song playing with touchstones in skewed memory genres like skiffle or doo-wop floated in mix. It was a gentle way to begin a day that ended with The Jesus Lizard trying to bring the world to an end.

photos from Friday by Katy McCourt-Basham:

Saturday, July 25, 2009:

Sonic Youth probably wisely mostly focused on recent material; this pinnacle of the evening was one no one should have missed, and yet I found myself pining for a big jam from their SST days (they went out with “Death Valley” and it felt like when the Sex Pistols did “Anarchy in the UK” as the last song at Bumbershoot back in the 90s — would have been nice before I was cab searching). I know, I’ll STFU and check out their new album, The Eternal.

Main Stage memories for life: I thought nothing would ever beat my first witnessing of The Gossip a few years back at the CHBP, on a steaming hot afternoon when some of us even started dancing a little (completely verboten back then). They may not have conquered that sexy, commanding performance last night with the more soulful pop elements brought up, but I’d be lying if I say they didn’t maintain my adoration either. I wish they had more songs to qualify this statement, but live for sure The Gossip take the wind out of me like The Clash once did.

Earlier in the afternoon, I wasn’t that much into The Thermals; they too played a lot of new songs, and maybe I needed that new album too to have more affinity. There’s a certain rage that’s been replaced by improved playing, it seemed — it was rock and roll all right though.

So I left before they finished for a taste of the Sportin’ Life Showcase at the comfy Vita backroom club, and heard three outstanding performances from their three should-be stars D. Black (can’t wait to hear the new album), Fatal Luciano, and Spaceman. Sportin’ Life then went a little up the hill and took over Chop Suey and I damn sure wish I could have been there.

I think the freshest set for me was The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, which was like about a thousand albums in my UK pop collection blended smoothly but with a very nice kick. “We Will Never Die” ended their set very powerfully; it’s not a cover of the Flesheaters’ song, but there’s something kind of hardcore about the band’s affection for wicked Scottish pop bliss. Their fine songcraft seemed a little stretched by the heat and noise of the crowd itself; not their fault, just make sure to seem that live at a less eventful-in-itself milieu.

This day’s line-up opened with an expanded version of Hey Marseilles, a band I think really benefit from its extension to nine players (including Thomas from Champagne Champagne and Kyle Bradford). Occasionally ostentatious with the boo-ba, that was actually in good fun, because those winding strings and melodic vocals bring you hack to the heart. Would love to hear this group variation recorded for posterity.

Near dinnertime in the open Vera area, The Lonely Forest played a beautiful sonic rainbow of sound and emotion; it was nice how the rain kicked in while they played, their colorful notes bending around us with the wet heat. Kids and older folks alike enjoyed this nook of just-hard-enough slightly psychedelic pop.

The crowd went nuts for both the Maldives and the Moondoggies, roots bands with slick, stick-to-your-ribs songs and slobbering followings.

Thanks to David Meinert, the amazing security staff, and especially the bands for an inner-city festival that often just felt like a country fair with a lot of fuzzy grooves going on all around you — till Truckaurus blew something up, someone very occasionally threw up, and The Gossip proved we can all still slam it out and still grow up. Bravo!

photos from Saturday by Jim Bennett:

Check out more photos from Katy McCourt-Basham and Jim Bennett