“Estimated Prophet”-Grateful Dead, Hartford ‘77

“Weekapaug Groove”-Phish, Vegas ‘96

“Dolly Dagger”-Jimi Hendrix, Isle of Wight Festival, 1970

“Cortez the Killer”-Gov’t Mule (Neil Young cover), New Year’s Eve 1999-Atlanta

“Space Oddity”-David Bowie, Space Oddity (1969)

“The Rain Song”-Led Zeppelin, Song Remains the Same (Live NYC, 1973)

“Turn to Stone”-Electric Light Orchestra, Out of the Blue (1977)

“Done Somebody Wrong”-Allman Brothers Band, Again at the Beacon (2003)

“Convinced of the Hex”-The Flaming Lips, Embryonic (2009)

“Shine a Light”-The Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street (1972)

“I Know You Rider”-Grateful Dead, Hundred Year Hall (1972)

“Rain”-The Beatles, Past Masters (single originally issued: 1966)

“Summertime Clothes”-Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)

“Backdrifts”-Radiohead, Hail To The Thief (2003)

“Echoes”-Pink Floyd, Meddle (1971)

The Space Station is proud to name the album “Veckatimest” by Grizzly Bear as 2009 our album of the year. Arriving in May as one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Grizzly Bear’s third full length album took this Brooklyn based band straight to the top. After receiving months of pre-release hype, the album opened at #8 on the Billboard Charts. Combining a folk, almost chamber pop type sound with elements of the psychedelic rock for a truly sonic adventure. From the opening notes of its first track, “Southern Point” until the stunningly beautiful conclusion “Foreground” Grizzly Bear proved why they were touring with Radiohead in 2008. Every note, especially the incredible vocal work challenges any listener to find the work anything less than mind-blowing. These four New Yorkers (Ed Droste, Dan Rossen, Chris Taylor and Chris Bear) set out to make an incredible album, and oh, how they succeeded.

While it appears strange, even foreign on first listen, with each subsequent spin,  ”Veckatimest” grows in its richness, its depth and its musicianship. New sounds appear that you may have skipped with your previous listens. A previously unheard harmony (all four have astonishingly good vocal skills) will send chills down your spine when you catch it. From start to finish, “Veckatimest” is arguably the best album released since Radiohead’s “In Rainbows.” Just as their British counterparts did in 2007, Grizzly Bear presents a feast that demands repeat listens. An album that from its release already appears destined for many “best of the decade” lists, “Veckatimest” is something that doesn’t come around often, a record you can truly cherish.

Oh, and if you think the album is good, try seeing them live, both Grizzly Bear shows I attended this year rank as the best of the year. Their incredible studio work translates perfectly to the stage, with subtle changes that enrich the music. For an instant after the conclusion of each song they performed, you could’ve heard a pin drop inside the Variety Playhouse. Jaw-dropping. Check them out, you won’t be disappointed.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“While You Wait For The Others” music video

Stand-Out Tracks: Southern Point, Two Weeks, Ready Able, While You Wait For The Others

Download from Amazon MP3

Our runner-up: “Merriweather Post Pavilion” by Animal Collective

Alright Space Heads here is today’s set list. Post comments or send us a message if you have any requests. We’re continuing to beef up the music library. Keep listening and we’ll keep jamming!

Set 1:

“Time”- Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon)

“Elvin”-Derek Trucks Band (Soul Serenade)

Set 2:

“Tale of Brave Ulysses”-Cream

“You Enjoy Myself”-Phish (Live Vegas 1996)

“Spanish Castle Magic”-Jimi Hendrix (Live at Woodstock)

Set 3:

“South Side of the Sky”-Yes (Fragile)

“Instrumental Illness”-Allman Brothers Band (Again at the Beacon 2003)

“Fried Neckbones”-Santana (Live at Fillmore West 1968)

“The Green Manalishi”-Fleetwood Mac (Live at Boston Tea Party)