sunglasses

The Best LPs of 2012 Countdown: 50 to 41

Andy Fenstermaker
December 26, 2012May 13, 2023

Today I present to you the first in a series of posts covering our top 50 albums of 2012. These lists take a long time to compile, so, to save my sanity, I’ve split it into a five-part countdown, beginning with 50 through 41. As these things go, it’s all subjective — best-of lists are compiled based on what we feel at this particular moment in time.

Case in point: At this time last year, my top three albums were: 3. Dream Diary by Jeremy Jay, 2. Music Sounds Better With You by Acid House Kings, and 1. Apocalypse by Bill Callahan. Given a year to mull these over, within the top twenty I’d have to also consider placements for Wooden Shjips, Youth Lagoon and Craft Spells. Not to mention A Classic Education.

Andy Fenstermaker
October 18, 2012October 17, 2012

It’s fund drive time at KSVR and KSVU, and that means spending a little extra time in the studio. I arrived early and accompanied Stuarto during his show then he accompanied me during mine. I snapped the above shot of Stuarto before I took over the mic. He had an oldies theme going, playing tunes by the Rolling Stones, The Supremes, Willie Nelson and many, many more. My show, par the usual, was filled with the new. Read More »Fense’s Radio Show: October 12, 2012

Mount Vernon Revetment Project: Building Teardown

Fense’s Radio Show: October 5, 2012

Andy Fenstermaker
October 9, 2012May 5, 2023

With as much psychedelic pop and rock that I’ve been listening to lately, it only made sense to put together a full show featuring the sub-genres. Of course, I also threw in some beloved garage rock to keep things sane. For the first time in ages, I took the KSVR and KSVU airwaves and played several older tunes (older meaning 2011 and before), with bands like Wooden Shjips and The Mantles and Comets on Fire. New releases got their fair share of air play as well: recent songs from The Fresh & Onlys, Two Gallants, Sunglasses and METZ also made the cut. Check out the playlist below and sample the songs in blue.

Andy Fenstermaker
October 8, 2012October 7, 2012

Colorful soundscapes adorn the hazy, upbeat and danceable “Cold Shoulder” by Savannah pop group Sunglasses. Including incessant, cool vocals, this track features handclaps, a hefty drum beat and hyper-dreamy guitars. Read More »Sunglasses: Cold Shoulder MP3

FensePost Podcast Series: FenseCast #3, Summer Heat Part 1

Andy Fenstermaker
July 9, 2010May 5, 2023

It’s been a few months since I threw together a podcast, so I figured it was about time for another one. Besides, I’ve been working diligently on a mix-tape for a new local pal, Brett Sandström, whom I met after purchasing a Tullycraft single on eBay – he being the seller, both of us being astonished to find other Tullycraft fans in Skagit County. What began as a modern tribute to light garage pop ultimately changed direction to hint at songs that fit a sweltering, hot summer day.

Andy Fenstermaker
June 9, 2010June 8, 2010

I’m impressed. Greatly. Sunglasses take highly infectious electro sounds and drop in dark, moody, yet nonchalant vocals in their song “Whiplash”. Calm and relaxed, the contrast to Sunglasses’ big beat electronic sounds is borderline genius. “Whiplash” is bizarre, but it’s fun — super fun. Sunglasses is the brainchild of Samuel Cooper and Brady Keehn. Influenced by a wide range of artists, from hip hop to 60’s pop, “Whiplash” successfully combines what the band set out to do: blend Samuelâ€™s love for pop songs with Bradyâ€™s obsession with bass and multi-layered beats. “Whiplash” can be found on the duo’s self-titled debut EP, out next week on Lefse Records. Read More »Sunglasses: Whiplash [mp3]