The year that was.

2010 is quickly coming to a close. And what a year it was! We released our first full length record, went on some really great tours, and played with some very amazing groups (my personal favorites being Alex Body from Iowa City and Devil Eyes from Montreal). Much has happened in the UNIVOX realm throughout the past year and we couldn't be happier with the direction we're taking things. We're going to keep on doing what we do best, which is (in case you're unaware) writing songs, recording them, and playing them for all of the warm, loving faces that gaze upon us at our live shows. Thank you all! Speaking of recordings, we recently spent about 16 straight hours in the studio with genius engineer Tim Sonnefeld. So keep BOTH ears to the ground for news on that.

So seeing as it's the end of the year and all, I'd like to take this opportunity to do something that everyone else does: make a list of my favorite records from this past year. I'm not going to get too deep into any of them, so here goes...

Woods - At Echo Lake

(Woodsist)

Woods have always possessed a knack for writing very ingenious pop songs buried beneath a dense shroud of psychedelic/lo-fi production. And on this record, their songwriting sensibilities shine boldly through the lo-fi production to make a very solid record filled with succinct, smart folky/pop songs.

Stand out tracks - Suffering Season, Death Rattles, Get Back

Beach House - Teen Dream

(Sub Pop)

Quite an amazing record filled with dreamy landscapes of lush organ and guitar sounds. Victoria Legrand's slightly deeper voice can occasionally be reminiscent of Nina Simone's dreamier wails. Very fulfilling record.

Stand out tracks - Silver Soul, 10 Mile Stereo

(Also check out the 10 Mile Stereo (Cough Syrup Remix) on the Zebra 12" also released on Sub Pop)

Clinic - Bubblegum

(Domino)

Last, but certainly not least, is Clinic's phenomenal release Bubblegum. The sound of Clinic's music and the production of their records all seemed to fit together in a very uniform way. They were very good and making songs sound very similar while being completely different. This new record puts Clinic in a different realm filled with acoustic instruments and soft drum beats. Clinic style songwriting with beautifully delicate production. Must listen.

Stand out tracks - Linda, Another Way of Giving, Evelyn

That's all for now. Thanks for the great year, everybody. Have a fun new year celebration, please shotgun at least 4 beers for me. Oh, and don't forget to download the UNIVOX MIXTAPE 2010. The download link is in my post from last week.

Love,

Rob of UNIVOX