Excellent! 2010 is going swimmingly! And some musical stuff.
0 Comments Published by Oh Wayward One on 05 January 2010 at 1/05/2010 02:21:00 pm.
Can I just say how I am over the moon about how almost everyone I know has very excellent NY's resolutions this year. I have a good feeling about 2010 and I am double-proud most of all of Brandon and his Life Overhaul 2010 that puts me to shame in terms of comprehensive awesomeness.
But otherwise, it's that time again where my friend Dave sends around his big-ass group email soliciting musical inspiration for the new year. I think there's about 30 people on our list and I always end up finding myself some good booty out of the lot. Just for the record, this is what Dave's got going on from 2009:
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Dave’s Annual New Music Extravaganza and Winter Clearance Sale
Many of you know that I have the Little Feat lyrics, “Two degrees in bebop, a PhD in swing; he’s a master of rhythm, he’s a rock ‘n roll king” in my signature line. This, of course, is tongue and cheek, as I hold none of these degrees or titles, but I do aspire to them! But I rely on my music-loving friends to help me to learn the music ropes of the times. So again, I come to you with questions about the world of music (and, yes, I just got Christmas and birthday iTunes gift cards).
This year I want your thoughts on three areas:
Two best new CDs, LPS, cassettes, 8 tracks, etc. you encountered this year. Give me the name of the band, the name of the album, and a brief review (if there’s a web link to the recording, all the better).
What were two songs – new to you – that you have not been able to shake all of 2009? Artist and song (and a little about it, please).
As always, what album from the past came back into your life – or came to you for the first time?
As always, please reply to all! (I’ll put a final compilation together in a week or so).
Here’s my feeble attempt (again, tipping my hat to my main musical resources Kelly and Adrienne):
Two best albums:
The Shins “Chutes Too Narrow.” It’s not a new album by any means -- coming out in 2003 -- but musically, it’s just a pop treat, and it was new to me. Great melodies, clever hooks, and lyrically strong. (“Kissing the Lipless” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5H2E1zvQhI&feature=related)
The Decemberists “Hazards of Love.” (released March 2009) The critics liked, but didn’t love “Hazards,” and I can see why. It was hard to top “The Crane Wife, (and this doesn’t), but it’s still a great album. Seeing them at the Blue Note for what was probably a Top Ten all-time show for me probably moved this selection up the list. Still doing their high concept album stuff, but this one is slathered with guitar. (Here’s a taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp_MVc3abXU&feature=related)
Two singles you couldn’t shake:
“Wild Mountain Nation” Blitzen Trapper. Channeling The Band, the Grateful Dead, and about 15 other artists of similar ilk, Blitzen Trapper is my current favorite throwback band. http://s0.ilike.com/play#Blitzen+Trapper:Wild+Mountain+Nation:7821309:s1929430.11204473.20188534.0.2.23%2Cstd_629d4ac575b14d3faf70ba3b3f80fe9c
“Go On, Say It” Blind Pilot. Like Blitzen Trapper, I have to give a nod to Adrienne for introducing me to this one. She listens to an online program called “DayTrotter” which introduces new music (from a live studio recording). They then post the live recordings for free downloads. This is a very simple song, but appeals to my singer-songwriter sensibilities. http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/blind-pilot-concert/20030774-3738086.html
Album that has come back from the past:
Iggy Pop “New Values” In 1979, I started school at Mizzou. My brother Jack was living in Columbia at the time and I remember him playing Iggy Pop for me. I knew about Iggy, but really hadn’t paid much attention, but I bought the album “New Values” and loved it. It’s been on the shelf for a long time, but I recently bought it on iTunes and can’t get over it. It’s a little inconsistent, but there are five songs that are pure gems. Just for fun, here’s a recording of “Five Foot One” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SvngIbImus (and one of “I’m Bored” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGDb8X8limY&feature=related)
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And here, for the record, was my 2 cents:
Two best new CDs, LPS, cassettes, 8 tracks, etc. you encountered this year. Give me the name of the band, the name of the album, and a brief review (if there’s a web link to the recording, all the better).
Only two?! This was a great year (or should I say "2008" was, actually - since I'm always behind) for music, but if you insist...! I'll take one from the beginning of my year and one from the 2nd half. And I'll be good and stay within one year of the present, for once.
Band: Mudcrutch
Album: Mudcrutch
Released: 2008
This is Tom Petty's "boyhood" band that, while it does include 2 Heartbreakers, brings back his old pals/bandmates from Gainesville for the proverbial "basement jam" that never quite got them famous back in the olden days - albeit finely polished in the studio and with excellent production. It's part covers (Shady Grove, June Apple, 6 Days on the Road, etc), part originals, all very much more bluegrassy and folky than normal TP stuff but with that same rock n' roll undercurrent that makes it impossible to forget who is the driving force behind the album. Childhood mates, now older, fatter & balder, back together jamming just for fun and not contract obligations, without pretentiousness, etc. It's just a great story and the album is a lot of fun. I think this song was a single in the US (?) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXMllRDBQvk&feature=related
Band: Railroad Earth
Album: Amen Corner
Released: 2008
I don't know what to say about this album except for it's just close to perfect. For anyone not familiar with Railroad Earth, picture Split Lip Rayfield and The Jayhawks going away for an intense working seminar in the Appalachians under Levon Helm & Robbie Robertson, and this is what they sound like when they come back to society??? Everyone has a hard time pigeonholing this band, so I'm not going to be able to do any better, but let's just say here's a little bit of what they can do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXMllRDBQvk&feature=related (don't get used to the horns though - it's not a standard part of the band, but it does illustrate how they are all extremely multi-talented and you'll never know what kind of instrument you're going to get on the next song) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NTUYeTulYw. P.S. Anyone under the impression that these guys are what they call a "jam band" (gag!) must just be aware that no song on this album exceeds 7 minutes.
2. What were two songs – new to you – that you have not been able to shake all of 2009? Artist and song (and a little about it, please).
Artist: The Hold Steady
Song: Stay Positive
Released: 2008
Having this tune as my ring tone doesn't help the "not able to shake it" factor. I discovered this album/band early in the year due to "All Songs Considered" (a podcast I only just subscribed to in January AFTER the Annual Online Luther Music Discovery Seminar). What can I say, it's real Rock n' Roll in a period of what I'm beginning to get frustrated and sick of in terms of wussy spineless whining over synth-noise or as Bob Boilen insists on calling *absolutely everything*, "folk". At this rate, he'll have that gosh-dang Animal Collective in the "folk" category by the end of the year. And then I'll hang myself. I love The Hold Steady so much, though, that I keep listening, always hoping for another one of these gems. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY3V4ObYRsA (Side note: I also did kinda appreciate Blitzen Trapper this year, same song as you, Dave)
Artist: The Black Crowes
Song: Good Morning Captain
Released: THIS YEAR! OMG!
I would've put this album (Before the Frost...) in the first category because it is a FANTASTIC "reason-to-believe-in-rock-n-roll-again" new album, but I'm trying to stick to the rules. So I'll take the best song off of it (and I LOVE that song) and use it here to at least make sure the Crowes get their mention! This song is definitely the way to wake up in the morning. It's like the Allman Bros got a banjo player in their "Enlightened Rouges" phase for a ragtime-influenced song, and everybody got equipment "that goes up to 11". The production on the album is amazing (and no doubt influenced by the spirit that hangs around in Levon Helm's barn in Woodstock, NY, where it was recorded - live) and the musicians are great. In fact this is my favourite Crowes album since ...Money Maker waaay back in the day, it's just great. See for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2c9ciPYlCE (this is a live performance unfortunately missing the banjo from the studio version).
3. As always, what album from the past came back into your life – or came to you for the first time?
Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Nashville Skyline
Year: 1969
I listened to a lot of Dylan this year for some reason. But this one I hadn't heard in so long - it gave me goosebumps to hear that jangly sound and awesome piano and rhythm section that he got for this album. Upbeat, uptempo, romantic Dylan with fantastic production for that period, the kind where every instrument can be seperated out by ear and enjoyed individually. Did I mention I love these backing musicians? The relaxed drumming of Kenny Buttrey, Bob Wilson's raggedy piano, Pete Drake's pedal steel, and of course the legendary Earl Scruggs on banjo on "Nashville Skyline Rag".
But otherwise, it's that time again where my friend Dave sends around his big-ass group email soliciting musical inspiration for the new year. I think there's about 30 people on our list and I always end up finding myself some good booty out of the lot. Just for the record, this is what Dave's got going on from 2009:
---
Dave’s Annual New Music Extravaganza and Winter Clearance Sale
Many of you know that I have the Little Feat lyrics, “Two degrees in bebop, a PhD in swing; he’s a master of rhythm, he’s a rock ‘n roll king” in my signature line. This, of course, is tongue and cheek, as I hold none of these degrees or titles, but I do aspire to them! But I rely on my music-loving friends to help me to learn the music ropes of the times. So again, I come to you with questions about the world of music (and, yes, I just got Christmas and birthday iTunes gift cards).
This year I want your thoughts on three areas:
Two best new CDs, LPS, cassettes, 8 tracks, etc. you encountered this year. Give me the name of the band, the name of the album, and a brief review (if there’s a web link to the recording, all the better).
What were two songs – new to you – that you have not been able to shake all of 2009? Artist and song (and a little about it, please).
As always, what album from the past came back into your life – or came to you for the first time?
As always, please reply to all! (I’ll put a final compilation together in a week or so).
Here’s my feeble attempt (again, tipping my hat to my main musical resources Kelly and Adrienne):
Two best albums:
The Shins “Chutes Too Narrow.” It’s not a new album by any means -- coming out in 2003 -- but musically, it’s just a pop treat, and it was new to me. Great melodies, clever hooks, and lyrically strong. (“Kissing the Lipless” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5H2E1zvQhI&feature=related)
The Decemberists “Hazards of Love.” (released March 2009) The critics liked, but didn’t love “Hazards,” and I can see why. It was hard to top “The Crane Wife, (and this doesn’t), but it’s still a great album. Seeing them at the Blue Note for what was probably a Top Ten all-time show for me probably moved this selection up the list. Still doing their high concept album stuff, but this one is slathered with guitar. (Here’s a taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp_MVc3abXU&feature=related)
Two singles you couldn’t shake:
“Wild Mountain Nation” Blitzen Trapper. Channeling The Band, the Grateful Dead, and about 15 other artists of similar ilk, Blitzen Trapper is my current favorite throwback band. http://s0.ilike.com/play#Blitzen+Trapper:Wild+Mountain+Nation:7821309:s1929430.11204473.20188534.0.2.23%2Cstd_629d4ac575b14d3faf70ba3b3f80fe9c
“Go On, Say It” Blind Pilot. Like Blitzen Trapper, I have to give a nod to Adrienne for introducing me to this one. She listens to an online program called “DayTrotter” which introduces new music (from a live studio recording). They then post the live recordings for free downloads. This is a very simple song, but appeals to my singer-songwriter sensibilities. http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/blind-pilot-concert/20030774-3738086.html
Album that has come back from the past:
Iggy Pop “New Values” In 1979, I started school at Mizzou. My brother Jack was living in Columbia at the time and I remember him playing Iggy Pop for me. I knew about Iggy, but really hadn’t paid much attention, but I bought the album “New Values” and loved it. It’s been on the shelf for a long time, but I recently bought it on iTunes and can’t get over it. It’s a little inconsistent, but there are five songs that are pure gems. Just for fun, here’s a recording of “Five Foot One” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SvngIbImus (and one of “I’m Bored” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGDb8X8limY&feature=related)
-----------------------
And here, for the record, was my 2 cents:
Two best new CDs, LPS, cassettes, 8 tracks, etc. you encountered this year. Give me the name of the band, the name of the album, and a brief review (if there’s a web link to the recording, all the better).
Only two?! This was a great year (or should I say "2008" was, actually - since I'm always behind) for music, but if you insist...! I'll take one from the beginning of my year and one from the 2nd half. And I'll be good and stay within one year of the present, for once.
Band: Mudcrutch
Album: Mudcrutch
Released: 2008
This is Tom Petty's "boyhood" band that, while it does include 2 Heartbreakers, brings back his old pals/bandmates from Gainesville for the proverbial "basement jam" that never quite got them famous back in the olden days - albeit finely polished in the studio and with excellent production. It's part covers (Shady Grove, June Apple, 6 Days on the Road, etc), part originals, all very much more bluegrassy and folky than normal TP stuff but with that same rock n' roll undercurrent that makes it impossible to forget who is the driving force behind the album. Childhood mates, now older, fatter & balder, back together jamming just for fun and not contract obligations, without pretentiousness, etc. It's just a great story and the album is a lot of fun. I think this song was a single in the US (?) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXMllRDBQvk&feature=related
Band: Railroad Earth
Album: Amen Corner
Released: 2008
I don't know what to say about this album except for it's just close to perfect. For anyone not familiar with Railroad Earth, picture Split Lip Rayfield and The Jayhawks going away for an intense working seminar in the Appalachians under Levon Helm & Robbie Robertson, and this is what they sound like when they come back to society??? Everyone has a hard time pigeonholing this band, so I'm not going to be able to do any better, but let's just say here's a little bit of what they can do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXMllRDBQvk&feature=related (don't get used to the horns though - it's not a standard part of the band, but it does illustrate how they are all extremely multi-talented and you'll never know what kind of instrument you're going to get on the next song) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NTUYeTulYw. P.S. Anyone under the impression that these guys are what they call a "jam band" (gag!) must just be aware that no song on this album exceeds 7 minutes.
2. What were two songs – new to you – that you have not been able to shake all of 2009? Artist and song (and a little about it, please).
Artist: The Hold Steady
Song: Stay Positive
Released: 2008
Having this tune as my ring tone doesn't help the "not able to shake it" factor. I discovered this album/band early in the year due to "All Songs Considered" (a podcast I only just subscribed to in January AFTER the Annual Online Luther Music Discovery Seminar). What can I say, it's real Rock n' Roll in a period of what I'm beginning to get frustrated and sick of in terms of wussy spineless whining over synth-noise or as Bob Boilen insists on calling *absolutely everything*, "folk". At this rate, he'll have that gosh-dang Animal Collective in the "folk" category by the end of the year. And then I'll hang myself. I love The Hold Steady so much, though, that I keep listening, always hoping for another one of these gems. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY3V4ObYRsA (Side note: I also did kinda appreciate Blitzen Trapper this year, same song as you, Dave)
Artist: The Black Crowes
Song: Good Morning Captain
Released: THIS YEAR! OMG!
I would've put this album (Before the Frost...) in the first category because it is a FANTASTIC "reason-to-believe-in-rock-n-roll-again" new album, but I'm trying to stick to the rules. So I'll take the best song off of it (and I LOVE that song) and use it here to at least make sure the Crowes get their mention! This song is definitely the way to wake up in the morning. It's like the Allman Bros got a banjo player in their "Enlightened Rouges" phase for a ragtime-influenced song, and everybody got equipment "that goes up to 11". The production on the album is amazing (and no doubt influenced by the spirit that hangs around in Levon Helm's barn in Woodstock, NY, where it was recorded - live) and the musicians are great. In fact this is my favourite Crowes album since ...Money Maker waaay back in the day, it's just great. See for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2c9ciPYlCE (this is a live performance unfortunately missing the banjo from the studio version).
3. As always, what album from the past came back into your life – or came to you for the first time?
Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Nashville Skyline
Year: 1969
I listened to a lot of Dylan this year for some reason. But this one I hadn't heard in so long - it gave me goosebumps to hear that jangly sound and awesome piano and rhythm section that he got for this album. Upbeat, uptempo, romantic Dylan with fantastic production for that period, the kind where every instrument can be seperated out by ear and enjoyed individually. Did I mention I love these backing musicians? The relaxed drumming of Kenny Buttrey, Bob Wilson's raggedy piano, Pete Drake's pedal steel, and of course the legendary Earl Scruggs on banjo on "Nashville Skyline Rag".
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