FYM SHORTLIST: TOP 5 ARTISTS & ALBUMS • 2011

FYM HQ: Art Director J Thomas Codling picks his favorite releases of 2011. The following list represents the bands and tunes that inspired his afternoons, haunted his nights, and relentlessly rocked FYM's Seattle HQ speakers throughout the year. Click each artists highlighted name for more information on their music. And be sure to check back soon for more picks and perspectives from our L.A. and S.F. Crews. Cheers, FYM

1. Birdcloud: Birdcloud Raw, witty, balanced and beautiful. Nashville's Birdcloud is everything country music should be in 2011. Their self-titled release features instant classic's like Warshin My Big Ol Pussy, Bandit, and Do What I Want To (as seen below).



Makenzie Green and Jasmin Kaset's harmonious vocal connection will dominate your heart throughout this filthy 7-track barn burner. Their bold lyrics will undoubtedly offend those that need to be offended, while others (like us) find their frank honest take on the world to be well-crafted, punk as fuck, countrified brilliance.

2. Pickwick: Myths Pickwick took us by storm this year with their vibrant soulful sound. Myths may only be six songs, but start to finish -there isn't another collection of tunes we repeatedly listened to more of in 2011. With an instantly likeable vocal presence and sharp indie-soul charisma, frontman Galen Disston commands your attention as Pickwick's tight rhythm section makes your jaw drop to the floor.

3. Dawes: Nothing is Wrong 2011 also brought the triumphant sophomore release from Dawes, Nothing is Wrong comes doused full of sonic nostalgia featuring: prolific lyrical insight into the human-condition. This stunning album is a collection of 11 wise beyond their years West Coast narratives, focused in the art of embracing thoughtful melody. Listen to Coming Back to a Man below:

4. Dude York: Gangs of Dude York The first of three releases this year, recorded between the months of February-March 2011, Gangs of Dude York, is a formidable rock offering from a brand new Seattle band destined for big things. The album is an interesting mix of garage rock fury, dashed with vibrant vocals, engaging lyrics, harvesting an instantly appealing first release. What's really astounding about Dude York- is they've seemingly mastered from the get-go, uncanny musical wisdom balanced by an unforgiving vinatge arsenal of influences.

5. Das Dhoom: Poetry of Dhoom These Seattle world music mind-benders released a mindful, at times cinematic, adventure into the classic sound of India perfectly balanced with expansive bliss-filled digital landscapes. It's a 10-track journey into the mind of James Whetzel, who aside from being a classically trained sarod player, is also quite the music producer as heard in this fantastic new album.

FYM MUSIC: DAS DHOOM • HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

In August FYM first ran into leading man James Whetzel during a free show held at the Mural Amphitheatre in Seattle Center. That's also when FYM first heard of his stunning artistic endeavor Das Dhoom, and we have been in love with his music ever since.

(Pictured Above: James playing a solo set in front of Seattle Art Museum this past September) Das Dhoom blends the organic rhythms of India (as he is a classically trained sarod player) with more contemporary kinetic digital landscapes, creating a sonic concoction unlike anything FYM has ever heard in the Northwest. Listen to Das Dhoom's latest release Poetry of Dhoom in its entirety HERE.

Whetzel's music project Das Dhoom has even been receiving some recent national attention for his formidable holiday original God Rest Ye Funky Bhangra (2011 Mix) via the Washington Post, view HERE.

So in the spirit of the season FYM would like give you the gift of his music! Simply email our publicist (nick@forYoungModerns.com) with THEY LIVE in the subject line and give us your address to win. FYM will be randomly selecting five lucky readers to receive FREE albums (James Whetzel Vibrance, Das Dhoom Poetry of Dhoom), and if you're lucky, a James Whetzel t-shirt (as worn by Emily C). Email Nick 'Stay Golden' Codling to enter to win HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM PRESS PLAY: DAS DHOOM • NEW ALBUM - POETRY OF DHOOM, SEATTLE WA USA

Seattle world music mind benders -Das Dhoom, have a new album out titled Poetry of Dhoom -It's a 10-track journey into the mind of James Whetzel, who aside from being a classically trained sarod player (25-stringed Indian instrument similar to the sitar) is also quite the music producer as heard in this latest release. We suggest listening to Poetry of Dhoom w/ headphones on to get the full picture of Das Dhoom's bliss-filled fusion of sonic realities old and new. (Listen Below)

Poetry of Dhoom is: cinematic, enlightening, refreshing -heavy on complex adventure. The new record features James Whetzel's thoughtful vocals and sarod playing prowess. This ancient sound is paired well with vigorous digital landscapes and Sebastian Lange's spellbinding violin work. It's music for advocates of joy.

Below, FYM features live footage from our previous article about Whetzel -performing the tune Ending to Dhoom solo in front of Seattle Art Museum on PARK(ing) Day this past September.



Want more Das Dhoom? Be sure to check out an evening three years in the making -The Poetry of Dhoom CD Release Party this Friday October 28th from 9pm-12am at SAM Remix (Seattle Art Museum, for more information on the event click HERE). Expect good vibes, formidable music, along with Whetzel performing with the full-live band version of Das Dhoom! Cheers, FYM.

FYM PRESS PLAY: JAMES WHETZEL, LIVE AT -SEATTLE ART MUSEUM, PARK(ing) DAY!

A man of many talents (social media guru, musician, producer, recording engineer) -James Whetzel, blew our minds yesterday (elevating our afternoon plane of consciousness) performing live in support of the PARK(ing) Day festivities held at SAM (Seattle Art Museum).

Whetzel's sonic journey is unlike anything we've ever heard in the Northwest -merging thought provoking world textures with contemporary digital club mix bliss. As you will find out in the video below, Whetzel is indeed a classically trained player -that can seriously shred on the sarod (a 25-stringed lute-like instrument from India).



James Whetzel often produces his sound under the music moniker 'Das Dhoom' (Dhoom means a bass hit on a South Asian drum. Das means ten in Hindi/Urdu and the in German). James is an impressive craftsman -check out the track below, Voyage of the Seven Dragons of Dhoom, his music sparks our imagination with cinematic visuals of exotic landscapes (we're talking major motion picture soundtrack material).

Appreciation and praise goes out to Seattle Art Museum and James for participating in PARK(ing) Day -an international event whose premise invites citizens everywhere to transform metered parking spots into temporary parks. Yesterday, SAM cleared out a section of space normally devoted to parking vehicles (setting up a row of green carpeted games and design activities) inviting patrons to take a break from the city life hustle in order to create art! Thanks to both for such a refreshingly wonderful afternoon! Cheers, FYM.