You Saw Blue Sky When Sky Was Gray

A Frames “Eva Braun” – I have no idea how the A Frames’ Black Forest became my “default” record for 2005. I didn’t even like it the first two times that I heard it, but something about it keeps pulling me back in, compelling me put it on every time I can’t figure out what I want to hear. Every time I listen, I find more to love, and every week the songs burrow deeper into my unconcious mind, playing back in my head on loop at strangely random occasions. At this point, I’ve entirely let go of any of my initial qualms about the record. I thought that I could resist something so dour and nihilistic, but I surrender. I love the way that their harsh riffs sound like razors tearing holes in my speakers. Every time I hear the discordant guitar solo on “Eva Braun,” I feel like it is dissecting my heart with shards of glass. I didn’t realize that I needed something as intensely bleak as this record in my life right now, but obviously I do. Congratulations, A Frames – I am owned by your dark, menacing beauty. (Click here to buy it from Sub Pop.)

Chok Rock “Happy Man” – A day in the life of a happy man: Get up; strut around to a funky but low key groove; launch into a sudden and somewhat incongruous noisy indie-rock style guitar solo; take it to the bedroom for a slow jam; get some sleep. (Click here to buy it from Warp.)