I know you’re eager to hear my thoughts on the latest web trends, but I’m going to hit you with some knowledge of another kind. As we approach the half-way point of 2010 (woah, already?!), it seems like a good time to share my top 5 albums of the year. If you don’t like music.. well, I’m not even sure what to say. As for the rest of you, I hope you like what you hear and decide to check out these artists – if you haven’t already.

(And please, leave a comment! I’d like to hear your thoughts on these albums – or share your own list.)

	Phantogram, Eyelid Movies [Barsuk Records] ‘Eyelid Movies’ is the debut full-length from self-proclaimed “street beat psych pop” duo out of Saratoga Springs, NY. According to Sarah Barthel, who provides keyboards and airy vocals, the group has amalgamated their influences: “Serge Gainsbourg, sampling, and Detroit hip-hop.” If this doesn’t intrigue you, check yourself for a pulse. Throughout most of this album, Phantogram piles on layers of electronic synths and beats, coupling these with Josh’s guitar – which is usually clean with plenty of reverb. Aside from the depth of sound, there is quality song craftsmanship here, which helps to keep this album from fading into background music. Listen when you’re in need of a creative and/or energy boost. Favorite Tracks: “As Far As I Can See” “Mouthful of Diamonds” “Running From The Cops”
	The Black Keys, Brothers [Nonesuch Records] Possibly their most soulful album to date, ‘Brothers’ has lived in my car’s CD player for over two weeks, playing on repeat. This record lacks much of the (over)production found on ‘Attack & Release’ – although one track, “Tighten Up,” shares the same producer (Danger Mouse). The straightforward production has allowed us to hear their progression as a band more clearly; they feel more comfortable and loose than they have since the garage-fuzzed days of ‘Rubber Factory,’ but at the same time seem more focused and deliberate. For me, this just has the feeling of an album I will be spinning for quite a long time. Listen when you’re in to mood to go out on the weekend and tear it up. Favorite Tracks: “Sinister Kid” “Howlin’ For You”
	Beach House, Teen Dream [Sub Pop Records] And now we arrive at the third and final duo on this list, Beach House. ‘Teen Dream’ is an extremely appropriate title for this album, as it showcases what dream-pop can be when you apply a healthy dose of youthful authenticity to the band’s careful and genuine songwriting. The keyboards and guitars take turns driving melodies and weaving haunting-yet-beautiful, free-flowing textures over the course of the album’s ten tracks. Listen in dark alleys of Paris.. or when you wake up to a sunny morning. Favorite Tracks: “Zebra” “Walk In The Park” “Used To Be”
	Local Natives, Gorilla Manor [Frenchkiss Records] First of all, there is not a bad or even an average track on the entire album. That makes 12 very solid tracks on their debut album – not too shabby. There is an unwavering sense of enthusiasm and energy in this album that really glues the whole thing together. There are rich harmonies, at times adding color in the background and at others taking the lead. There are spirited, almost tribal drums, but they never overpower the flow of the song. Overall, it is their clever composition of these elements which create a cohesive and enjoyable 50 minutes. Listen when you’re driving around your old neighborhood at night. Favorite Tracks: “Cards and Quarters” “Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)”
	Foals, Total Life Forever [Sub Pop Records] I’m new to Foals, ‘Total Life Forever’ being the first music of theirs I’ve heard. That said, I hear something familiar in this record. I don’t mean to say that this album is homogeneous, it certainly isn’t. You need only listen to the first track “Blue Blood” to discover the varying styles this band can create. From the its stark and echoing vocal beginnings, the track builds to a point where funky a bass line, doodling guitar riffs, and drums emerge to change the mood entirely. However, if you’re going to listen to just one track, make it “Spanish Sahara,” a track which puts on a clinic in how to weave and build on emotional tension. Listen when you’re up late & can’t sleep. I’m not saying it will put you to sleep, but rest assured you’ll be less miserable. Favorite Tracks: “Spanish Sahara” “Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)”

Finally, here are five albums to look forward to in the second half of 2010.

• Here We Go Magic, Pigeons
• Panda Bear, Tomboy
• Ratatat, LP4
• The Roots, How I Got Over
• Wolf Parade, Expo 86

Dynamit was honored as one of the “Best Places to Work” in 2010 & 2011 by Columbus Business First newspaper and Interactive Agency of the Year. Times are even better in 2012 and we’re hiring a Web/Graphic Designer for our aggressively growing team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting edge projects for well-known brands in a dynamic, entrepreneurial and highly creative environment. Please email resumes/cover letters and portfolio information (documents or links to online examples) to Gary Moneysmith via gmoney@dynamit.us.

A web/graphic designer on the Dynamit team will:

• Be well versed with Adobe Creative Suite: Strong knowledge of Photoshop, experience with Illustrator and InDesign.
• Have a strong understanding of Usability & Web Trends: Experience with user interface design, knowledge of best practices & examples of this in a portfolio or live site/application design. They will also be up-to-date on web trends and design tactics with examples.
• Have experience in user experience design (UXD) designing application and system interfaces. This experience is crucial for this position.
• Have Basic Programming Knowledge: We’re not looking for a developer here, but the designer should have the ability to design for web with a knowledge of the boundaries and how to design for execution by a programmer.
• Have a Strong Portfolio: We’d like to see much more web work than print.
• Be eager to learn, with a passion for design & the web. The designer should have a strong internal drive for industry knowledge and be committed to furthering the craft.

Experience is important, but personality is key. Our culture is what drives us, and we’re looking to build our team with someone who both fits and contributes to it.

The position is full time at our office in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package as well as a fun, high-energy, intellectually-stimulating work environment.

Benefits Include

• Competitive salary (compensation will be based on skills and experience)
• Fully paid medical/dental insurance for employees
• Paid parking
• Unlimited vacation time (within reason)
• Office bar + climbing wall — not recommended together

Don’t sit back. If you want to work in a fast paced work environment with great people who love what they do, apply today.

About Dynamit
Dynamit is a digital agency based in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. We work with clients and brands on digital initiatives that include strategy, design, user experience and development. We influence communication and commerce. Client work includes Hilton Worldwide, Charley's Grilled Subs, McGraw-Hill, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), E-Z-GO, American Electric Power (AEP), Columbus College of Art & Design and the Ohio State Medical Center (OSUMC) to name but a few.