78.

Subtle
Wishingbone
(Lex, 2006)

One of the weird embarrassments of these kinds of lists is when you have multiple listings from one artist. I don’t know why it is embarrassing exactly. Maybe I think that by including so many albums from one artist that I’ve become some close minded fanboy, or that I just didn’t listen to that many albums from other artists (heaven knows that’s not true). I’m not sure what it is, but let this mark the first of multiple notches in this countdown that have been directly contributed to by emcee Doseone. Wishingbone is actually the first Subtle record that Sassigrass and I ever heard. We purchased it together based solely on the packaging and sticker which noted contributions from Mike Patton and Beck. Turns out the album isn’t even a proper LP. It is actually a remixing of their debut full length with a harem of celebrity cameos. In a bizarre twist, it is actually better than their debut and the second best of their catalog. In addition, the album contains a bonus DVD with three absolutely stunning animated music videos done for three of the songs on the CD by SSSR. Literally, three of my favourite music videos ever made. So, all around goodness from the Subtle camp.

-Thistle

I haven’t really been posting links for this decade list, but these are just too good to pass up.
It may not be the greatest quality, but here is "Swan Meat" by Subtle and SSSR:

50.

Subtle
ExitingARM
(Lex/Astralwerks, 2008)

I find it quite tragic that ExitingARM seemed to be glazed over by so many, including Subtle fans. For me, the album represents the group’s smartest and best work; however, unfortunately, that also means that initial listens can be slightly difficult to penetrate. ExitingARM’s cluster pop explosions can be a bit much for the uninitiated, but for those who give the songs time and attention, ExitingARM’s spoils are virtually limitless. Experimental pop has never been so sprawling and chameleon, so multi-coloured and energetic, perfect hooks and all. If you shrugged off this record when you first heard it, this is a call to return and relisten – you’ll be glad you did.

-Thistle

Subtle - ExitingARM

Subtle
ExitingARM
(05.2008, Lex)
Verdict = Their “pop” record is also their perfect record

Anyone who regularly visits Forest Gospel is probably aware that we tend to gush unapologetically over the albums that we adore. I for one am probably most guilty of being super excited about albums to the point of extensive hyperboles. I guess it follows that we are much more fans than critics (hence our abolition of a rating system that never seemed to travel below an 8). Anywho, we are also selective, meaning we only write about the music we love, and just for the record we absolutely adore Subtle. Forest Gospel’s name, as some of you may be aware, hails from an Animal Collective song. It is kind of an ode to a band who’s unending creativity and high standard of musical output has charmed us to almost no end. As highly as we all think of Animal Collective in these parts, the blog may as well have been named 'Our Hero Yes' in respect of Subtle. The bands may mine widely different genres and forms, but the essence is that both are on the forefront expanding what pop music is and what it can be. Last night I spent a late night, beyond all better judgment, at The Urban Lounge to witness the monstrosity that is the Subtle machine live. It is my third time seeing the group and it never gets old. Dose One’s spastic, microphone hopping showmanship; Jel’s mind-blowing drum pad mastery, Alexander Kort’s vigorous cello playing and Jordan Dalrymple’s and Marty Dowers’ multi-instrumental bombast (and of course Dax’s looming spirit); simply put the band couldn’t stand to lose one member. Live, they were perfectly formed, tight, compelling and beyond awesome. ExitingARM is no different. The band’s professed “pop” album, ExitingARM definitely strays a bit more from the hip hop roots of the previous albums in the trilogy of 'Our Hero Yes', with Dose One adding much more melodic vocal lines and plenty of hooks. Don’t get worried though, Subtle do what they do with expertness and Dose’s tongue twisters are not gone completely from the album. To be honest, I have been listening to ExitingARM for awhile now and initially I found the transition to more pop oriented songs slightly difficult. However, after repeated listens, the infinitely layered album continues to become more and more amazing, unfolding into a pristine document of everything that is good about the band. On ExitingARM Subtle has truly reached the “genrelessness” that they have always pined for, incorporating just about everything to create a hyper, glowing document of complete originality. There is no way I am going to dissect this thing, just suffice it to say that ExitingARM is the best album so far of 2008.

-Mr. Thistle

Subtle - "Unlikely Rock Shock"

Goodies

GOODIES

Here are a few goodies to keep you busy over the weekend.

I think it's impossible for Bjork to make a bad music video. She has constantly pushed the video envelope, and this time around is no different. Gorrilla Vs. Bear described the new video for "Wanderlust" best as "Where The Wild Things Are mixed with Captain EO." The real version of the video is in 3D and requires those fashionably duo-toned glasses to view, but luckily they have decided to make a 2D version for all of us non-milk eyed folks. So here it is. Brace yourself to be enthralled for seven minutes and thirty-nine seconds.



All: anticipate the glory that will be the wonderful culmination to Subtle’s three part series at its climax! ExitingARM, the third and assumedly final chapter is not too far off so let the multimedia anticipation begin with the unveiling of the bands glorious new interactive website

Subtle - Yell & Ice

Subtle
Yell & Ice
(10.2007, Lex Records)
8.0/10

Subtle’s For Hero: For Fool was one of Sassigrass and my favourite releases of 2006. I am positive that it was in the top ten of each of our year end lists; top five come to think of it. A blazing rampage through every avenue of hip hop, pop and indie rock that you could feasibly imagine, the album marked the continued evolution of one of our favourite bands. In proper form Subtle have taken on the task of completely remixing, rewriting and rearranging the whole of the record in similar fashion to what Wishingbone was for their debut full length, New White. The result, as with its predecessor, is a conglomerate effort filled with friends who assist in the contortion of a terrific album into something completely unique in its own skin. Yell & Ice actually has a possibly more difficult task of reinvention. Where Wishingbone could rely on much of the hip hop remix trickery present in the more formally (by Subtle standards of course) hip hop songs of New White, Yell and Ice has to fumble with the structurally progressive genius of For Hero: For Fool. Despite never being able to match its original, Yell & Ice is a must for Subtle fans. The most prominent and successful collaboration on the album come from Dan Boeckner (of Wolf Parade/Handsome Furs fame) on the crown jewel of Yell & Ice: “Middle Class Haunt.” However, Subtle surround themselves with plenty of wonderful friends including Chris Adams of Bracken, Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio, Markus Acher from the Notwist, Yoni Wolf of Why?. Each adds their own unique voice and artistry to the album. While not perfect, there is nothing that could allow this much creatively driven talent to fall flat. Another great experiment to hold us over till the third full length installment of Subtle’s majesty is revealed.

-Mr. Thistle

Subtle on Myspace

And as a bonus goodie, enjoy this awesome video from For Hero: For Fool animated by SSSR