Another year, another great batch of mostly under-the-radar releases! Thirty (a record!) albums made the list this year:
THE TOMS
Sunday Nite Fever
Fantastic, cut-above power pop along the lines of the Cars and XTC, and yet this is original and fresh.
THUMPASAURUS
Hard
Quirky, funny, and FUNKY as hell.
THOSE PRETTY WRONGS (featuring Jody Stephens, drummer for Big Star)
Holiday Camp
If you've been missing the short-lived but amazing Big Star for almost 50 years...well this is pretty great. Very Big Star-ish. Jody sings with an earnest, bit warbly but lovable voice. The songs are peppy (hey Jody's the drummer after all), but the lyrics can run pretty deep, like this one about a guy who puts up with a lot of crap so he won't be lonely (not so sure that's a winning strategy).
TEENAGE FANCLUB
Nothing Lasts Forever
One thing I love about these guys is that they totally embrace their age and don't waste time on rockstar poses or phony pumped up anthems. Instead, they stay true to their melodic muse, layer vocal harmonies over rhythmically strummed chords, and create beautiful tunes like this:
STEPHEN WILSON
The Harmony Codex
Mr. Wilson continues his growth as a solo artist, trying on subtle new styles while keeping one foot firmly in prog ground: Blips and beeps, ethereal sounscapes, challenging polyrhyms. This is haunting and beautiful:
SPARKS
The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
Sparks are absolutely unique. That they've kept this up for over 50 years now is just incredible. And they don't show any sings of slowing down. This video is so funny you'll want to cry:
SEMISONIC
Little Bit Of Sun
Heaven-sent power pop! I didn't see this coming...it's been 22 years since their last amazing album, All About Chemistry. A hearty welcome back, Dan Wilson! This is perfect music that will add sunshine no matter what the weather:
ROBERT FORSTER (of the Go-Betweens)
The Candle And The Flame
Robert's lyrics are just on another level. A true poet:
THE POLYPHONIC SPREE
Salvage Enterprise
Ten years after their last full album (Yes, It's True), Tim DeLaughter and gang are back with a toned down, more stately, but very beautiful and inspirational album from start to finish. If you need some spiritual encouragement, sit with this for a while:
PETER GABRIEL
I/O
(Bright-Side Mix)
Interesting ploy: They released two mixes: a Dark-Side Mix, which to my ears indeed feels muted, and my preferred Bright-Side Mix. Or as @AncientAudiophone commented, "This bright mix puts the text in front and the dark mix puts the melody and feelings in front. Both are brilliant." Even on my car stereo, this is three-dimensonal sound with fine aural details. Some of these songs are classic PG: Funky cool. And some, Gabriel gets quiet, deep and wise, as on "So Much."
The body stiffens, tires and aches
In its wrinkled, blotchy skin
With each decade, more camouflage
For the wild-eyed child within
Now close your eyes for a moment
Look down and look above
All the warmth inside of you
Comes from those you love
OSEES (formerly Thee Oh Sees)
Intercepted Message
Dark weird cool funky new wave keyboard rock! Yeah!!
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK (OMD)
Bauhaus Staircase
I can't believe these guys are saying this will be their last album! They're totally on their game, with buckets of hooks and that classic OMD sound. And this is one of the most beautiful songs in their catalog:
NOVELTY ISLAND
Wallsend Weekend Television
Basically a solo project by Tom McConnell, a Liverpudlian who wears his hometown's Beatles influences proudly, along with a big helping of ELO. I love this sunny pop:
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
Continue As A Guest
A darker-shaded, pensive album, and yet A.C. Newman can do no wrong. These songs grow on you and leave a strong impression. The addition of a saxaphone on several tracks adds a new dimension and emotional weight:
MUDHONEY
Plastic Eternity
One of the (or just THE) original grunge bands trudges on in convincing fashion! Whether Mark Arm is singing about his little doggie, or something cosmically heavy, it's great:
METALLICA
72 Seasons
Well damn, this album is way better than I'd hoped for. Kicks ass! Although they could sue themselves for plagiarism for this first track, lifting from "Master of Puppets," I don't mind, because this is what we've wanted all along since the 80's right?!?
MADNESS
Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie
This unexpected release by the 80's ska masters is very welcome! And a concept album no less!
IGGY POP
Every Loser
Seventy-five years is NOTHING to this motherfucker! For a guy who hinted that he might just retire and fade off into the sunset a while back, well this album is the EXACT OPPOSITE:
THE HIVES
The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons
Those wacky Swedish neo-punks sure know how to bring the energy! Yeeeeaaah
GAZ COOMBES (of Supergrass)
Turn The Car Around
I will always miss Supergrass, who put out a string of amazing albums from 1995 to the mid-2000's, but Gaz, the primary songwriter and singer of that band soldiers on as a solo artist. This is as good as anything he's done yet:
FLYYING COLOURS
You Never Know
Another very good neo-shoegaze band, this one from Australia. For those rainy, dark winter days, staying home and reading a book about existentialism. Those churning ringing guitars will keep you warm.
DAS KOOLIES (Super Furry Animals minus Gruff Rhys)
DK.01
Das Koolies is four-fifths of the Super Furry Animals, minus lead singer Gruff Rhys. Gruff has a good and interesting singing voice and personality, so it was a big loss, but SFA-1 soldiers on as DK.01. Hooray! Love the boops, blips, synth washes, crazy rhythms and beats.
THE CORAL
Sea Of Mirrors
Twelve albums in 21 years, these winsome folksy (and slightly psychedelic) rockers haven't lost their knack for catchy melodies and hooks. I put them on when I need to relax or take a nice stroll through a park trail with headphones on.
BLUR
The Ballad Of Darren
It's been eight years since their last album (which had some great moments), which was another 12 years after Think Tank (which felt like a band running out of gas). But The Ballad of Darren is great. The band sounds revitalized and spunky. I guess momentum is overrated?
BLONDE REDHEAD
Sit Down For Dinner
This music is spellbinding if you give it your attention. Kazu Makino's voice has deepened slightly with age, which gives her an even more expressive range. I had to wait nine years for this new album, but it was worth the patience.
ANTON BARBEAU
Morgenmusik/Nachtschlager
Anton continues his career on Bandcamp with consistently good artistic results. Sure he's an acquired taste, but I love his psychedelic subtly humorous music.
ASH
Race The Night
Ash can still bash you over the head with power rockers (see below), but they can also toss off a Bic lighter-worthy duet ballad, too.
THE BACKLASH
Rise
This is VERY good shoegaze (with a hint of Oasis but I won't hold that against them), slow building but with fast tempos, and a driving wash of reverb and echoed guitars creating an enveloping drone. They're from Italy, which is unexpected, because I would've bet they were English; London or Manchester. Picture yourself in a dimly lit rock club, dancing, lost a sweaty haze to this:.
BEN FOLDS
What Matters Most
Best Ben Folds album in a long while, maybe even my second favorite (after Rockin' The Suburbs) since he went solo. This video is clever and fun, and vintage super-catchy Folds.
Favorite lyrics:
Don't know what came over me,
As I awkwardly dropped my room key.
I said I think that's yours...
and three hours later I was bangin' this verse out.
BLINKER THE STAR
Animal Math
My other favorite Bandcamp-based artist (who needs label distribution?), Jordon Zadorozny continues on his singular aural path as Blinker The Star. Songs are dreamy, catchy, and flow in and out of major/minor keys creating a nonstop sense of unease to accompany your dancing under twinkle lights.
HONORABLE MENTION:
THE ROLLING STONES
Hackney Diamonds
Very good and enjoyable. I may even play it several times eventually. Rock on, guys! I won't be angry.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Favorite Albums of 2022
It was a tumultuous year. So much so that I'm just sending this about three months after the end of it! But as I drafted most of this in December, I might as well put it out now, as these albums and songs are still great. My favorites of 2022. Feel free to sample and enjoy.
ADRIAN BELEW
Elevator
My favorite frontman for King Crimson (80s and 90s), as well as sometimes sideman for David Bowie, Talking Heads and others, released another solo album this year, and although his output isn't exactly commercial, it is always adventurous and usually upbeat and fun. Check out the leadoff track:
ANDY BELL (of Ride)
Flicker
If you like Ride, England's shoegaze rockers from the 90s and onward, then you'll probably like this solo effort from co-frontman Andy Bell (not the guy from Erasure...different Andy Bell). Dreamy guitar sounds and evocative lyrics. I'm properly entranced.
ROBYN HITCHCOCK
Shufflemania!
I believe this is Robyn's 1,458th solo album. I'm exaggerating a bit but not much. I've never run across a bad Hitchcock album, but this one's quickly becoming one of my favorites on repeated listenings. The tracks range from gentle/cheeky psychedelia, to barnstormers like this one:
ANYWAY GANG
Still Anyways
The Anyway Gang is a Canadian indie-rock supergroup consisting of Sam Roberts, Chris Murphy (from my beloved Sloan), Menno Versteeg (from Hollerado), and Dave Monks (from Tokyo Police Club). This group's output doesn't necessarily eclipse any of their other work, but it's equal to the sum of its parts. Feel-good hit of 2020, right here:
TEARS FOR FEARS
The Tipping Point
What a great album. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith have been in the background for a while, but they've stepped back into the limilight with a passionate, masterful album. Speaking of master...
BANANARAMA
Masquerade
Well this was unexpected, but quite welcome: New Wave darlings Bananarama returned in 2022 with this very good album. The lyrics sound like they were written by a besotted 19-year-old, but that's not a bad thing, as they are paired with insanely catchy sounds and rhythms, and their ethereal singing voices.
SLOAN
Steady
Now say them together: Sloan Steady. A cute little play on words to describe their entire career path. Patrick (the rockin' one) once said something like "In the early days, I assumed we would keep playing larger and larger venues as we grew in popularity. But instead we kept going back to the same places, getting enthusiastic crowds. I realized over time that it was much more important to us to remain true to ourselves and play to the fans who cared and kept coming." Can confirm: I've seen them in small clubs many times over the years and they've always been ecstatic, communal events.This album is just as good as the rest of their catalog, by which I mean it's FANTASTIC.
THE COWSILLS
Rhythm Of The World
When I was a little kid, my sister bought the 45 single "Hair" by The Cowsills. I loved it and played it probably over a hundred times. So fun! I realized years later that they had put out quite a few albums, trying to leave behind them the "bubblegum pop" tag (the brothers really wanted to rock, more like their heroes of the day, such as Jimi Hendrix), but their mom brought in little Susan and well, they remained The Cowsills as we know and love them. Fast forward 55 years, and the 3 surviving siblings just released a new album, and it's really good! Hippy idealism and sunny dispositios are alive and well (love Susan's bellbottoms). The only misstep is "Nuclear Winter" which would have made more sense on a Weird Al Yankovic album (like this song). Aside from that, enjoy!
BLINKER THE STAR
Love Oblast
Jordon Zadorozny (the wizard behind the moniker Blinker The Star) is a modern day Todd Rundren (a true star - who is also still putting out albums BTW) in that he can do it all: He wrote, performed, produced and mixed the album, with a little instrumental help from some friends. I got on board with his genius in 1999 with the album August Everywhere, and he continues to weave a magic musical spell. When he puts out a new album on Bandcamp, I'm happy to buy it directly from the artist.
BRENDAN BENSON
Low Key
This is more of an EP (about 30 minutes long), but wow the songs are killer! Brendan has spent time in some bands (most notably The Raconteurs with Jack White), but I like his solo stuff a little better. Here's an absolute banger, my favorite track:
AWOLNATION
My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers & Me
I don't often include covers albums in this list, but the song selection, and care taken with each one, warrant special attention. This is just thoroughly cool. Songs range from barnstormers (Fugazi's "Waiting Room"), change of tone (Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta"), to a fun gender voice switch like this:
KING'S X
Three Sides Of One
Comeback album from one of my favorite power trios. Fourteen years since their last studio album, and this one is just as good, nay better, than their last few. Drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered two major heart attacks and yet, somehow, they are back in full force, sounding better than ever. Hope they come back through Portland on tour sometime!
MEGADETH The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!
Sometimes I just wanna hear some shredding and headbanging (figuratively; need to take care of my neck), and these are my go-to guys. Megadeth are models of sustained quality and perseverance: 37 years, 16 albums, despite radial neuropathy leaving leader Dave Mustaine unable to play (he's better now), drug addiction, band member changes, and more. This stuff is just incredible, and the video (apparently they're making one for all the songs) is truly cinematic (and violent).
THE BETHS
Expert In A Dying Field
When I'm gauging my enthusiasm for a band, these days I ask: "Would I risk Covid to see them live?" In the case of New Zealand's The Beths, the answer: "I saw them last year in a crowded venue and I saw them again this February, 2023." Songwriter Elizabeth Stokes has a special talent for clever, insightful lyrics. Here, she applies the metaphor of specific technology knowledge that gets phased out, to a relationship that is coming to an end. She should get an award just for coming up with a new way to look at a breakup. But the music and melody are fantastic as well, the band full of spark...and then the harmonies! In the title track below, it elevates at 3:10 to a glorious finish. Melancholy but also hopeful, because she's got her musical friends and is making a joyful noise.
EDDIE VEDDER
Earthling
Wow, this caught me by surprise. In the past, the dynamic Pearl Jam singer has done quieter, reflective albums, but this is muscular and emotionally charged. This song is deep grief in a righteously rocking package:
But it's not all sadness and power chords: The album wraps up with this very fun, upbeat number, a duet with the inimitable Elton John.
BUZZCOCKS
Sonics In The Soul
Pete Shelley, co-leader (and writer of many of their biggest hits in the 70s), died in 2018, but now Steve Diggle is the sole man at the helm. You could always tell the Diggle songs from the Shelley songs, not just because of who was singing, but Diggle's style was more straightforward rocking and grooving, simple and catchy. So, what used to be about one-third to one-half of a Buzzcocks album, is now all Diggle and band. But for me, that's fine, and certainly better than nothing! Here's one great track, and here's another, and here's a third:
THE FEELING
Loss. Hope. Love.
Another winner from these London lads, six years after their last album and an "indefinite hiatus." Well, the break did them good; they sound invigorated and sweetly melancholic. And this is a great concept for a music video:
THE DEAD DAISIES
Radiance
The Dead Daisies release their best album yet, continuing with the indomitable Glenn Hughes (most well-known for his stint with mid-period Deep Purple) on lead vocals and bass. The title track is only one of many good songs on this LP, but it has a crazy cool video for it:
OFF!
Free LSD
Keith Morris, the original singer of Black Flag and founder of the Circle Jerks, has been flying the punk flag proudly with OFF! since 2012. Not just simple short, sharp shocks though, this is hard and angry, but also musically more complex than the old punk songs, with shifting time and tempo changes, songs that speed up then slow down for a quick interlude, and then go "off" again. This is the real punk rock of today:
KULA SHAKER
1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs
After releasing two GREAT albums in the 1990's, Kula Shaker got a little quieter and more underground, releasing three albums over the next 17 years. Well, six years after that, they're back in the game. This is all action-oriented eastern-tinged rock music that sounds unlike any other bands.
PORCUPINE TREE
Closure/Continuation
Bandleader Steven Wilson has been a busy guy over the 13 years since the last Porcupine Tree studio album, releasing five solo albums as well as producing and remixing other bands' albums. So I was pretty sure we'd seen the last of PT, but here it is, and it's a grower. On first listen, it didn't make much of an impression, but as I listen to it again now, I realize I just wasn't paying attention. It's fantastic, and stands with any of their past albums musically. Wilson has since announced they will be disbanding again, so at least we have this "closure" as he continues on his own path.
SPOON
Lucifer On The Sofa
Spoon knocks it out of the musical park again. I love the way their songs often veer unexpectedly when you expect them to go straight down the road. This highlight from the album cooks, and singer/songwriter Britt Daniel has one of those great rock 'n' roll voices:
ANDY BELL (RIDE)
I AM A STRANGE LOOP
The Ride guy (his second album on this list!), has highlights of his previous album remixed by other artists. The results are very good, and the album is a very pleasurable listen. If this were the original, it might have outsold the source album, Flicker, released by Andy earlier in 2022. This music will put you in a dream state.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
DEF LEPPARD
Diamond Star Halos
About half this album is good, like, REALLY good. The other half didn't do much for me. This, however, is a rager.
COLLECTIVE SOUL
Vibrating
They've lost a certain hooky something, but they're still doing what they do very well.
WEEZER
SZNZ: Winter
A very strong final release of their four seasons EPs. Is this Winter enough for ya!?
ANTON BARBEAU
Stranger
Quirky, existential, non-sequitur, humorous, and tuneful. This guy is unique, and I love his stuff.
DESTROYER
Labyrinthitis
Dan Bejar of the New Pornographers has been putting out albums almost as long as that band. Once considered a side project, this is just full-on another thing entirely. Quirky and entrancing.
ANN WILSON
Fierce Bliss
The legendary Heart singer steps out for another solo album. About one-third covers (some nice ones) and the rest mostly rockin' originals, with some guests.
YYNOT
Light And Shade
The band that started as a Rush cover band (clever name too), has now done three albums of original music. While still Rush-riff heavy, this is top-shelf stuff, including great lyrics and impassioned vocals.
MIDNIGHT OIL
Resist
Still righteously fighting the good fight, and rocking out while doing it. Bless 'em. Best line: "Who left the bag of idiots open?"
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
A Little Bit Of Previous
This amazeballs Scottish group forges ahead with their sweetly melancholic (melancholically sweet?) beautiful melodies.
SCORPIONS
Rock Believer
Nothing new here, but the Scorpions still rock; believe it!
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Unlimited Love (April)
Return of the Dream Canteen (October)
These guys are on a creative roll - two albums in 2022 - and if you like what the Peppers did in the early 90s you'll likely dig the new stuff too. Something about Kiedis' facial hair seems a bit off, though...
THE WEEKND
Dawn FM
This guy (born name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) is a true artist, musically and visually. One of the songs here is dark and deep, where his younger pleasure-seeking self beats the crap out of his weakened (see what I did there) older self, but man is it powerful and cautionary. The opening and closing tracks are narrated by (surprise!) Jim Carrey, and this hits hard. Wow.
ADRIAN BELEW
Elevator
My favorite frontman for King Crimson (80s and 90s), as well as sometimes sideman for David Bowie, Talking Heads and others, released another solo album this year, and although his output isn't exactly commercial, it is always adventurous and usually upbeat and fun. Check out the leadoff track:
ANDY BELL (of Ride)
Flicker
If you like Ride, England's shoegaze rockers from the 90s and onward, then you'll probably like this solo effort from co-frontman Andy Bell (not the guy from Erasure...different Andy Bell). Dreamy guitar sounds and evocative lyrics. I'm properly entranced.
ROBYN HITCHCOCK
Shufflemania!
I believe this is Robyn's 1,458th solo album. I'm exaggerating a bit but not much. I've never run across a bad Hitchcock album, but this one's quickly becoming one of my favorites on repeated listenings. The tracks range from gentle/cheeky psychedelia, to barnstormers like this one:
ANYWAY GANG
Still Anyways
The Anyway Gang is a Canadian indie-rock supergroup consisting of Sam Roberts, Chris Murphy (from my beloved Sloan), Menno Versteeg (from Hollerado), and Dave Monks (from Tokyo Police Club). This group's output doesn't necessarily eclipse any of their other work, but it's equal to the sum of its parts. Feel-good hit of 2020, right here:
TEARS FOR FEARS
The Tipping Point
What a great album. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith have been in the background for a while, but they've stepped back into the limilight with a passionate, masterful album. Speaking of master...
BANANARAMA
Masquerade
Well this was unexpected, but quite welcome: New Wave darlings Bananarama returned in 2022 with this very good album. The lyrics sound like they were written by a besotted 19-year-old, but that's not a bad thing, as they are paired with insanely catchy sounds and rhythms, and their ethereal singing voices.
SLOAN
Steady
Now say them together: Sloan Steady. A cute little play on words to describe their entire career path. Patrick (the rockin' one) once said something like "In the early days, I assumed we would keep playing larger and larger venues as we grew in popularity. But instead we kept going back to the same places, getting enthusiastic crowds. I realized over time that it was much more important to us to remain true to ourselves and play to the fans who cared and kept coming." Can confirm: I've seen them in small clubs many times over the years and they've always been ecstatic, communal events.This album is just as good as the rest of their catalog, by which I mean it's FANTASTIC.
THE COWSILLS
Rhythm Of The World
When I was a little kid, my sister bought the 45 single "Hair" by The Cowsills. I loved it and played it probably over a hundred times. So fun! I realized years later that they had put out quite a few albums, trying to leave behind them the "bubblegum pop" tag (the brothers really wanted to rock, more like their heroes of the day, such as Jimi Hendrix), but their mom brought in little Susan and well, they remained The Cowsills as we know and love them. Fast forward 55 years, and the 3 surviving siblings just released a new album, and it's really good! Hippy idealism and sunny dispositios are alive and well (love Susan's bellbottoms). The only misstep is "Nuclear Winter" which would have made more sense on a Weird Al Yankovic album (like this song). Aside from that, enjoy!
BLINKER THE STAR
Love Oblast
Jordon Zadorozny (the wizard behind the moniker Blinker The Star) is a modern day Todd Rundren (a true star - who is also still putting out albums BTW) in that he can do it all: He wrote, performed, produced and mixed the album, with a little instrumental help from some friends. I got on board with his genius in 1999 with the album August Everywhere, and he continues to weave a magic musical spell. When he puts out a new album on Bandcamp, I'm happy to buy it directly from the artist.
BRENDAN BENSON
Low Key
This is more of an EP (about 30 minutes long), but wow the songs are killer! Brendan has spent time in some bands (most notably The Raconteurs with Jack White), but I like his solo stuff a little better. Here's an absolute banger, my favorite track:
AWOLNATION
My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers & Me
I don't often include covers albums in this list, but the song selection, and care taken with each one, warrant special attention. This is just thoroughly cool. Songs range from barnstormers (Fugazi's "Waiting Room"), change of tone (Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta"), to a fun gender voice switch like this:
KING'S X
Three Sides Of One
Comeback album from one of my favorite power trios. Fourteen years since their last studio album, and this one is just as good, nay better, than their last few. Drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered two major heart attacks and yet, somehow, they are back in full force, sounding better than ever. Hope they come back through Portland on tour sometime!
MEGADETH The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!
Sometimes I just wanna hear some shredding and headbanging (figuratively; need to take care of my neck), and these are my go-to guys. Megadeth are models of sustained quality and perseverance: 37 years, 16 albums, despite radial neuropathy leaving leader Dave Mustaine unable to play (he's better now), drug addiction, band member changes, and more. This stuff is just incredible, and the video (apparently they're making one for all the songs) is truly cinematic (and violent).
THE BETHS
Expert In A Dying Field
When I'm gauging my enthusiasm for a band, these days I ask: "Would I risk Covid to see them live?" In the case of New Zealand's The Beths, the answer: "I saw them last year in a crowded venue and I saw them again this February, 2023." Songwriter Elizabeth Stokes has a special talent for clever, insightful lyrics. Here, she applies the metaphor of specific technology knowledge that gets phased out, to a relationship that is coming to an end. She should get an award just for coming up with a new way to look at a breakup. But the music and melody are fantastic as well, the band full of spark...and then the harmonies! In the title track below, it elevates at 3:10 to a glorious finish. Melancholy but also hopeful, because she's got her musical friends and is making a joyful noise.
EDDIE VEDDER
Earthling
Wow, this caught me by surprise. In the past, the dynamic Pearl Jam singer has done quieter, reflective albums, but this is muscular and emotionally charged. This song is deep grief in a righteously rocking package:
But it's not all sadness and power chords: The album wraps up with this very fun, upbeat number, a duet with the inimitable Elton John.
BUZZCOCKS
Sonics In The Soul
Pete Shelley, co-leader (and writer of many of their biggest hits in the 70s), died in 2018, but now Steve Diggle is the sole man at the helm. You could always tell the Diggle songs from the Shelley songs, not just because of who was singing, but Diggle's style was more straightforward rocking and grooving, simple and catchy. So, what used to be about one-third to one-half of a Buzzcocks album, is now all Diggle and band. But for me, that's fine, and certainly better than nothing! Here's one great track, and here's another, and here's a third:
THE FEELING
Loss. Hope. Love.
Another winner from these London lads, six years after their last album and an "indefinite hiatus." Well, the break did them good; they sound invigorated and sweetly melancholic. And this is a great concept for a music video:
THE DEAD DAISIES
Radiance
The Dead Daisies release their best album yet, continuing with the indomitable Glenn Hughes (most well-known for his stint with mid-period Deep Purple) on lead vocals and bass. The title track is only one of many good songs on this LP, but it has a crazy cool video for it:
OFF!
Free LSD
Keith Morris, the original singer of Black Flag and founder of the Circle Jerks, has been flying the punk flag proudly with OFF! since 2012. Not just simple short, sharp shocks though, this is hard and angry, but also musically more complex than the old punk songs, with shifting time and tempo changes, songs that speed up then slow down for a quick interlude, and then go "off" again. This is the real punk rock of today:
KULA SHAKER
1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs
After releasing two GREAT albums in the 1990's, Kula Shaker got a little quieter and more underground, releasing three albums over the next 17 years. Well, six years after that, they're back in the game. This is all action-oriented eastern-tinged rock music that sounds unlike any other bands.
PORCUPINE TREE
Closure/Continuation
Bandleader Steven Wilson has been a busy guy over the 13 years since the last Porcupine Tree studio album, releasing five solo albums as well as producing and remixing other bands' albums. So I was pretty sure we'd seen the last of PT, but here it is, and it's a grower. On first listen, it didn't make much of an impression, but as I listen to it again now, I realize I just wasn't paying attention. It's fantastic, and stands with any of their past albums musically. Wilson has since announced they will be disbanding again, so at least we have this "closure" as he continues on his own path.
SPOON
Lucifer On The Sofa
Spoon knocks it out of the musical park again. I love the way their songs often veer unexpectedly when you expect them to go straight down the road. This highlight from the album cooks, and singer/songwriter Britt Daniel has one of those great rock 'n' roll voices:
ANDY BELL (RIDE)
I AM A STRANGE LOOP
The Ride guy (his second album on this list!), has highlights of his previous album remixed by other artists. The results are very good, and the album is a very pleasurable listen. If this were the original, it might have outsold the source album, Flicker, released by Andy earlier in 2022. This music will put you in a dream state.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
DEF LEPPARD
Diamond Star Halos
About half this album is good, like, REALLY good. The other half didn't do much for me. This, however, is a rager.
COLLECTIVE SOUL
Vibrating
They've lost a certain hooky something, but they're still doing what they do very well.
WEEZER
SZNZ: Winter
A very strong final release of their four seasons EPs. Is this Winter enough for ya!?
ANTON BARBEAU
Stranger
Quirky, existential, non-sequitur, humorous, and tuneful. This guy is unique, and I love his stuff.
DESTROYER
Labyrinthitis
Dan Bejar of the New Pornographers has been putting out albums almost as long as that band. Once considered a side project, this is just full-on another thing entirely. Quirky and entrancing.
ANN WILSON
Fierce Bliss
The legendary Heart singer steps out for another solo album. About one-third covers (some nice ones) and the rest mostly rockin' originals, with some guests.
YYNOT
Light And Shade
The band that started as a Rush cover band (clever name too), has now done three albums of original music. While still Rush-riff heavy, this is top-shelf stuff, including great lyrics and impassioned vocals.
MIDNIGHT OIL
Resist
Still righteously fighting the good fight, and rocking out while doing it. Bless 'em. Best line: "Who left the bag of idiots open?"
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
A Little Bit Of Previous
This amazeballs Scottish group forges ahead with their sweetly melancholic (melancholically sweet?) beautiful melodies.
SCORPIONS
Rock Believer
Nothing new here, but the Scorpions still rock; believe it!
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Unlimited Love (April)
Return of the Dream Canteen (October)
These guys are on a creative roll - two albums in 2022 - and if you like what the Peppers did in the early 90s you'll likely dig the new stuff too. Something about Kiedis' facial hair seems a bit off, though...
THE WEEKND
Dawn FM
This guy (born name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) is a true artist, musically and visually. One of the songs here is dark and deep, where his younger pleasure-seeking self beats the crap out of his weakened (see what I did there) older self, but man is it powerful and cautionary. The opening and closing tracks are narrated by (surprise!) Jim Carrey, and this hits hard. Wow.
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Favorite Albums of 2021!
Every year I think, "Well, I'll make my compilation of favorite albums, but I don't think there were that many..." WRONG AGAIN! Every. Damn. Year. Going back through my 2021 acquisitions, there were a lot of albums to enjoy on repeated listen, and in addition to the 15 highlighted here, there were plenty "honorable mentions" - albums I liked, and am keeping but only played once or twice, but plan on revisiting again. Here you go. If you find one or two here you like, my work will be worth it. (I still enjoy the exercise, even if you don't.)
VENUS HUM
Kindness Rages On
After releasing their debut, the enchanting Big Beautiful Sky, in 2003, they kind of fell off the commercial radar, releasing music sporadically since then. But this year they gifted us with Kindness Rages On (a title I love), and the tunefulness, bouncy electronics, and soothing vocals were all still there.
TUNS
Duly Noted
A Canadian supergroup of sorts, TUNS is Mike O'Neill of The Inbreds, Chris Murphy of Sloan and Matt Murphy of The Super Friendz. All great groups worth checking out...Sloan in particular (and again, NOT because we share the same name! (although that IS how I found out about them in the first place)). I assume TUNS stands for Technical University of Nova Scotia. Maybe they all attended it? Or lived near there? If anyone knows, please tell me! Anyway, this stuff is super catchy, friendly, good rockin'.
STEVEN WILSON
The Future Bites
Steven ventures further into what I call "dance prog" with very cool results. I love the double (or more?) entendre of the album title, and this video is impossible to stop watching once you start. Wait for the last face...woah heavy man.
NOVELTY ISLAND
How Are You Coping With This Century?
Novelty Island is basically singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Tom McConnell, from Liverpool. The music is reminiscent of fun and studio-enhanced 1967-era Beatles, but also some of the more recent Sean Lennon songs. He's also a very creative visual artist, as you can see. I'm looking forward to more brilliance from this guy.
MAXIMO PARK
Nature Always Wins
A welcome return by these Newcastle lads, now 20 years into their career. This is a band with things to say, and they say them with heart and beauty.
JULIANA HATFIELD
Blood
After a couple of wonderful and welcome covers albums (...Sings Olivia Newton-John and ...Sings The Police) this is another great set of originals from Ms. Hatfield. The lyrics are always worth tuning into as well. But dammit Juliana, why did you have to pick this image for the album cover?
THE JOY FORMIDABLE
Into The Blue
Probably my favorite band of the last 10 years, this Welsh dream-power trio soldiers on, even though two of them have been living in the American southwest while the drummer has stayed in the UK. But in spite of challenges, they released this majestic album, with this fantastic title track. They've had to reschedule their Portland visit a couple of times now, but I remain hopeful for a 2022 live concert.
HERE LIES MAN
Ritual Divination
These guys are badass cool, and are getting better and more intriguing with each release. And I LOVE their band name. This track says it all.
GUIDED BY VOICES
It's Not Them. It Couldn't Be Them. It Is Them!
Bob Pollard and gang rock ahead, on what is approximately their 8,453rd album. But this one's really good! Even Paul McCartney can't keep up with this guy's song production (and quality). As one commenter on YouTube said, he has "2,400 songs registered with BMI." Majestic rocking here. And a great image, to be "high in the rain." When the strings come in it reaches another level, and then the horns...
GARY NUMAN
Intruder
Talk about soldiering on! Gary's been at it since the late 70's, and is still producing some great music. He continues in his (very catchy) power-goth mode here, with sumptuous sonic results:
AIMEE MANN
Queens Of The Summer Hotel
One of my favorites of hers. Another artist who is getting better with age. (Even though her career "high point" remains as the only non-band member to sing on a Rush album LOL.) She's been through the wringer (from Wikipedia "In 2020, Mann developed a nervous system disorder that gave her tinnitus, migraines, nausea and dizziness and prevented her from listening to music for a year. She believed the disorder was triggered by a combination of childhood trauma and the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic."), but somehow pulls through, bless her. So, in other hands, a song with this title and theme might be heavy handed or out of touch, but from her it's a testament to survival and compassion.
BILLY F GIBBONS
Hardware
And talk about guys who just don't quit! Despite the death of ZZ Top's bassist Dusty Hill (R.I.P. ya legend), Billy Tex-rocks his way forward with this winning album. Fits right into the ZZ disc-Top-ography just fine.
THE CORAL
Coral Island
Another English band about 20 years into their very catchy career, this group from Merseyside, near Liverpool, are just great. Their music always lifts me up. They have a unique sound, but which also harkens back to the 60s. Love their keyboard sounds as well.
CROWDED HOUSE
Dreamers Are Waiting
Neil Finn still has that melodic magic touch. This music is just amazing. Here, there's a strong Burt Bacharach vibe. I love it, and am so happy he has persevered through the years (especially after the loss of their charming original drummer, Paul Hester. Play with fire and jam on, gents!
GARY KEMP
In Solo
I've been listening to the podcast Rockonteurs, with Gary Kemp (best known as founding member of Spandau Ballet) and Guy Pratt (touring bassist for Pink Floyd since 1988) for a while now, and love it - lots of fun conversations with musicians I know and love - and one day Gary mentioned that he had a new album out. He didn't push it on the podcast, which made me want to check it out even more. And it is a very good, smooth, proggy but catchy album, with wistful, thoughtful lyrics. Definitely a surprise highlight of the year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (In reverse alphabetical order)
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, Book
SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, At Home With Southern Culture On The Skids
SLEATER-KINNEY, Path Of Wellness
PIROSHKA (led by Miki Berenyi of Lush), Love Drips And Gathers
PARQUET COURTS, Sympathy For Life
KASIM SULTON (of Utopia), Kasim 2021
GRUFF RHYS (of Super Furry Animals), Seeking New Gods
GARBAGE, No Gods No Masters
FOO FIGHTERS, Medicine At Midnight
FLYYING COLOURS, Fantasy Country
THE FLAMING SIDEBURNS, Silver Flames
FIELD MUSIC, Flat White Moon
DUG PINNICK (of King's X), Joy Bomb
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, Liberte
DENNIS DEYOUNG (of Styx), 26 East, Vol. 2
DEAN WAREHAM (of Luna), I Have Nothing To Say To The Mayor Of L.A.
THE DEAD DAISIES (w/Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple), Holy Ground
THE DARKNESS, Motorheart
ALICE COOPER, Detroit Stories
ABBA, Voyage
VENUS HUM
Kindness Rages On
After releasing their debut, the enchanting Big Beautiful Sky, in 2003, they kind of fell off the commercial radar, releasing music sporadically since then. But this year they gifted us with Kindness Rages On (a title I love), and the tunefulness, bouncy electronics, and soothing vocals were all still there.
TUNS
Duly Noted
A Canadian supergroup of sorts, TUNS is Mike O'Neill of The Inbreds, Chris Murphy of Sloan and Matt Murphy of The Super Friendz. All great groups worth checking out...Sloan in particular (and again, NOT because we share the same name! (although that IS how I found out about them in the first place)). I assume TUNS stands for Technical University of Nova Scotia. Maybe they all attended it? Or lived near there? If anyone knows, please tell me! Anyway, this stuff is super catchy, friendly, good rockin'.
STEVEN WILSON
The Future Bites
Steven ventures further into what I call "dance prog" with very cool results. I love the double (or more?) entendre of the album title, and this video is impossible to stop watching once you start. Wait for the last face...woah heavy man.
NOVELTY ISLAND
How Are You Coping With This Century?
Novelty Island is basically singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Tom McConnell, from Liverpool. The music is reminiscent of fun and studio-enhanced 1967-era Beatles, but also some of the more recent Sean Lennon songs. He's also a very creative visual artist, as you can see. I'm looking forward to more brilliance from this guy.
MAXIMO PARK
Nature Always Wins
A welcome return by these Newcastle lads, now 20 years into their career. This is a band with things to say, and they say them with heart and beauty.
JULIANA HATFIELD
Blood
After a couple of wonderful and welcome covers albums (...Sings Olivia Newton-John and ...Sings The Police) this is another great set of originals from Ms. Hatfield. The lyrics are always worth tuning into as well. But dammit Juliana, why did you have to pick this image for the album cover?
THE JOY FORMIDABLE
Into The Blue
Probably my favorite band of the last 10 years, this Welsh dream-power trio soldiers on, even though two of them have been living in the American southwest while the drummer has stayed in the UK. But in spite of challenges, they released this majestic album, with this fantastic title track. They've had to reschedule their Portland visit a couple of times now, but I remain hopeful for a 2022 live concert.
HERE LIES MAN
Ritual Divination
These guys are badass cool, and are getting better and more intriguing with each release. And I LOVE their band name. This track says it all.
GUIDED BY VOICES
It's Not Them. It Couldn't Be Them. It Is Them!
Bob Pollard and gang rock ahead, on what is approximately their 8,453rd album. But this one's really good! Even Paul McCartney can't keep up with this guy's song production (and quality). As one commenter on YouTube said, he has "2,400 songs registered with BMI." Majestic rocking here. And a great image, to be "high in the rain." When the strings come in it reaches another level, and then the horns...
GARY NUMAN
Intruder
Talk about soldiering on! Gary's been at it since the late 70's, and is still producing some great music. He continues in his (very catchy) power-goth mode here, with sumptuous sonic results:
AIMEE MANN
Queens Of The Summer Hotel
One of my favorites of hers. Another artist who is getting better with age. (Even though her career "high point" remains as the only non-band member to sing on a Rush album LOL.) She's been through the wringer (from Wikipedia "In 2020, Mann developed a nervous system disorder that gave her tinnitus, migraines, nausea and dizziness and prevented her from listening to music for a year. She believed the disorder was triggered by a combination of childhood trauma and the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic."), but somehow pulls through, bless her. So, in other hands, a song with this title and theme might be heavy handed or out of touch, but from her it's a testament to survival and compassion.
BILLY F GIBBONS
Hardware
And talk about guys who just don't quit! Despite the death of ZZ Top's bassist Dusty Hill (R.I.P. ya legend), Billy Tex-rocks his way forward with this winning album. Fits right into the ZZ disc-Top-ography just fine.
THE CORAL
Coral Island
Another English band about 20 years into their very catchy career, this group from Merseyside, near Liverpool, are just great. Their music always lifts me up. They have a unique sound, but which also harkens back to the 60s. Love their keyboard sounds as well.
CROWDED HOUSE
Dreamers Are Waiting
Neil Finn still has that melodic magic touch. This music is just amazing. Here, there's a strong Burt Bacharach vibe. I love it, and am so happy he has persevered through the years (especially after the loss of their charming original drummer, Paul Hester. Play with fire and jam on, gents!
GARY KEMP
In Solo
I've been listening to the podcast Rockonteurs, with Gary Kemp (best known as founding member of Spandau Ballet) and Guy Pratt (touring bassist for Pink Floyd since 1988) for a while now, and love it - lots of fun conversations with musicians I know and love - and one day Gary mentioned that he had a new album out. He didn't push it on the podcast, which made me want to check it out even more. And it is a very good, smooth, proggy but catchy album, with wistful, thoughtful lyrics. Definitely a surprise highlight of the year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (In reverse alphabetical order)
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, Book
SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, At Home With Southern Culture On The Skids
SLEATER-KINNEY, Path Of Wellness
PIROSHKA (led by Miki Berenyi of Lush), Love Drips And Gathers
PARQUET COURTS, Sympathy For Life
KASIM SULTON (of Utopia), Kasim 2021
GRUFF RHYS (of Super Furry Animals), Seeking New Gods
GARBAGE, No Gods No Masters
FOO FIGHTERS, Medicine At Midnight
FLYYING COLOURS, Fantasy Country
THE FLAMING SIDEBURNS, Silver Flames
FIELD MUSIC, Flat White Moon
DUG PINNICK (of King's X), Joy Bomb
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, Liberte
DENNIS DEYOUNG (of Styx), 26 East, Vol. 2
DEAN WAREHAM (of Luna), I Have Nothing To Say To The Mayor Of L.A.
THE DEAD DAISIES (w/Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple), Holy Ground
THE DARKNESS, Motorheart
ALICE COOPER, Detroit Stories
ABBA, Voyage
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