tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72905021097496038722024-03-12T21:44:29.107-07:00David Hearts RockOccasional thoughts on cool rock music (and occasionally other genres)David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-70290005720270620712023-12-14T23:37:00.000-08:002023-12-15T00:27:45.056-08:00Favorite albums of 2023Another year, another great batch of mostly under-the-radar releases! Thirty (a record!) albums made the list this year:
<br><br><br>
<b>THE TOMS
<br><br>
Sunday Nite Fever</b>
<br><br>
Fantastic, cut-above power pop along the lines of the Cars and XTC, and yet this is original and fresh.<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cShIindxoFg?si=FmaD1HfTIaVeX_fc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>THUMPASAURUS
<br><br>
Hard</b>
<br><br>
Quirky, funny, and FUNKY as hell. <br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mTyUiT_ErSo?si=kB8hGS_GFo78Vq3n" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
<br><br>
<b>THOSE PRETTY WRONGS (featuring Jody Stephens, drummer for Big Star)
<br><br>
Holiday Camp</b>
<br><br>
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).<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KpPv0OoYsok?si=oqwPrZxRmj1MmjJl" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
<br><br>
<b>TEENAGE FANCLUB
<br><br>
Nothing Lasts Forever</b>
<br><br>
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:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikCMuSHsqOU?si=0FHq1bBAb88cyA65" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
<br><br>
<b>STEPHEN WILSON
<br><br>
The Harmony Codex</b>
<br><br>
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:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCrACQP4AtI?si=vqXveIRgcs2OcKjo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>
<br>
<b>SPARKS
<br><br>
The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte</b>
<br><br>
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:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nMmoTU7lPKE?si=d4bPPaLf4P3zziLN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>
<br>
<b>SEMISONIC
<br><br>
Little Bit Of Sun</b>
<br><br>
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:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Jd9SLjkYsU?si=DHWye8FhfoKnDfiI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>ROBERT FORSTER (of the Go-Betweens)
<br><br>
The Candle And The Flame</b>
<br><br>
Robert's lyrics are just on another level. A true poet:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OdS3J955olM?si=eTA1y_eBl2f11XdM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>
<br>
<b>THE POLYPHONIC SPREE
<br><br>
Salvage Enterprise</b>
<br><br>
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:<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibIGb2S6eF0?si=o6-YZqJ2DsSyfZpC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>
<br>
<b>PETER GABRIEL
<br><br>
I/O
(Bright-Side Mix)</b>
<br><br>
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: <a href="https://youtu.be/463mTTVFxlA?si=WvgHF08igqDajsBY" target="_blank">Funky cool</a>. And some, Gabriel gets quiet, deep and wise, as on "So Much." <br> <br>
The body stiffens, tires and aches<br>
In its wrinkled, blotchy skin<br>
With each decade, more camouflage<br>
For the wild-eyed child within<br>
Now close your eyes for a moment<br>
Look down and look above<br>
All the warmth inside of you<br>
Comes from those you love<br>
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SOcnfOETQws?si=WcEfU_g7dg0p9rXJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>
<br>
<b>OSEES (formerly Thee Oh Sees)
<br><br>
Intercepted Message</b>
<br><br>
Dark weird cool funky new wave keyboard rock! Yeah!!
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FNcn4BmxLEw?si=5PQyxegRTTdUc2ds" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br>
<br><br>
<b>ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK (OMD)
<br><br>
Bauhaus Staircase</b>
<br><br>
I can't believe these guys are saying this will be their last album! They're totally on their game, with <a href="https://youtu.be/4sGJvNJ6RgM?si=Om2LymgOy4r5_F7Z" target="_blank">buckets of hooks</a> and that classic OMD sound. And this is one of the most beautiful songs in their catalog:
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p_xUr7LLqok?si=Z3bh10wHqxIbP4fh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>NOVELTY ISLAND
<br><br>
Wallsend Weekend Television</b>
<br><br>
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 psychedelic pop:
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zfq4QnlbY_8?si=V8hIM3iKCH0_WGu0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
<br><br>
Continue As A Guest</b>
<br><br>
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:
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pXpMMIpggsw?si=6Muu1ZWA4LAzllFu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>MUDHONEY
<br><br>
Plastic Eternity</b>
<br><br>
One of the (or just THE) original grunge bands trudges on in convincing fashion! Whether Mark Arm is singing about <a href="https://youtu.be/SxM_Bh5lIPk?si=TkM9CkTgze-l_zIa" target="_blank">his little doggie</a>, or something cosmically heavy, it's great:
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ykhkMd02uhc?si=vL8VoMtS4koBzXEG" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>METALLICA
<br><br>
72 Seasons</b>
<br><br>
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?!?
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0rVIEj7zgOo?si=MP34iHcHtkINl3Qu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>MADNESS
<br><br>
Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie</b>
<br><br>
This unexpected release by the 80's ska masters is very welcome! And a concept album no less!
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ln8HewrmbqA?si=6SekdyZ81W9fv73I" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>IGGY POP
<br><br>
Every Loser</b>
<br><br>
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:
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/69VdEbpBWWw?si=WsSbmp9Kh3-6z-Ws" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>THE HIVES
<br><br>
The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons</b>
<br><br>
Those wacky Swedish neo-punks sure know how to bring the energy! Yeeeeaaah
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YDWZy_62MI?si=pPwTKPKZJOLtV1vZ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>GAZ COOMBES (of Supergrass)
<br><br>
Turn The Car Around</b>
<br><br>
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:
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSb5jJhbolI?si=iO6dJ1uWeSP_hgfR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>
<br>
<b>FLYYING COLOURS
<br><br>
You Never Know</b>
<br><br>
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.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x982tSs9ahE?si=bdxebQUx_stRsYqS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>DAS KOOLIES (Super Furry Animals minus Gruff Rhys)
<br><br>
DK.01</b>
<br><br>
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.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDJ0a4j8mN8?si=xsxKnp4EGHxcfIiL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>THE CORAL
<br><br>
Sea Of Mirrors</b>
<br><br>
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.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_5POLhg-_o?si=S4puS011PNInlWzL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>BLUR
<br><br>
The Ballad Of Darren</b>
<br><br>
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?
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OwReCTWEotU?si=OUgztfMRNSa7-fzP" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>BLONDE REDHEAD
<br><br>
Sit Down For Dinner</b>
<br><br>
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.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ZdpbE5W4xo?si=5UTCU_jNwrjcUyJT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>ANTON BARBEAU
<br><br>
Morgenmusik/Nachtschlager</b>
<br><br>
Anton continues his career on <a href="https://antonbarbeau.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a> with consistently good artistic results. Sure he's an acquired taste, but I love his psychedelic subtly humorous music.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1xywKqNPS4A?si=M96RoG1DIrnRAP2J" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>ASH
<br><br>
Race The Night</b>
<br><br>
Ash can still bash you over the head with power rockers (see below), but they can also toss off a Bic lighter-worthy <a href="https://youtu.be/lW7MpxBWqK0?si=r_XFT2eEsW7RNift" target="_blank">duet ballad</a>, too.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0vuNjcZNwo?si=ZWq4GytqTuCBlvXy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>THE BACKLASH
<br><br>
Rise</b>
<br><br>
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:.<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xEazMEw7iv8?si=d26bTJdKPHoQu1xR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>BEN FOLDS
<br><br>
What Matters Most</b>
<br>
<br>
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. <br>Favorite lyrics:<br>
<i>Don't know what came over me, <br>
As I awkwardly dropped my room key.<br>
I said I think that's yours...<br>
and three hours later I was bangin' this verse out.</i>
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t6JA-4YgoCw?si=D9B1yMLM_0QUwrpR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
<b>BLINKER THE STAR
<br><br>
Animal Math</b>
<br><br>
My other favorite Bandcamp-based artist (who needs label distribution?), Jordon Zadorozny continues on his singular aural path as <a href="https://blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Blinker The Star</a>. 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.
<br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zAIAC2YWeoI?si=S08irjUyZ857yNdb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><br>
HONORABLE MENTION:
<br><br>
<b>THE ROLLING STONES
<br><br>
Hackney Diamonds</b>
<br><br>
Very good and enjoyable. I may even play it several times eventually. Rock on, guys! <a href="https://youtu.be/_mEC54eTuGw?si=MVJcPd0zATKJOogV" target="_blank">I won't be angry.</a>
<br>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0Portland, OR 97219, USA45.4618086 -122.7181902-32.356672093171909 96.656809800000019 90 17.906809800000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-60922258628968561532023-02-23T20:59:00.005-08:002023-03-03T14:49:11.994-08:00Favorite Albums of 2022It 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.<br /><br />
<b>ADRIAN BELEW<br />
Elevator</b><br />
<br />
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:
<br /><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/58gu1vOoBV0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br /><br />
<b>ANDY BELL (of Ride)<br />
Flicker</b><br /><br />
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 (<b>not</b> the guy from Erasure...different <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/andy-bell-mn0000041463" target="_blank">Andy Bell</a>). Dreamy guitar sounds and evocative lyrics. I'm properly entranced.<br /><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ttvHX1pClw4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />
<b>ROBYN HITCHCOCK</b><br />
<b>Shufflemania!</b><br /><br />
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:<br /><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wk37sjR39vs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />
<b>ANYWAY GANG</b><br />
<b>Still Anyways</b><br /><br />
The Anyway Gang is a Canadian indie-rock supergroup consisting of <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sam-roberts-mn0000289026" target="_blank">Sam Roberts</a>, Chris Murphy (from my beloved <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sloan-mn0000029978" target="_blank">Sloan</a>), Menno Versteeg (from <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/hollerado-mn0002110848" target="_blank">Hollerado</a>), and Dave Monks (from <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tokyo-police-club-mn0000915808" target="_blank">Tokyo Police Club</a>). This group's output doesn't necessarily <i>eclipse</i> any of their other work, but it's equal to the sum of its parts. Feel-good hit of 2020, right here:
<br /><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ljtA5kDuzmY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />
<b>TEARS FOR FEARS</b><br />
<b>The Tipping Point</b><br /><br />
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...
<br /><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jx2UQzbQDPw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />
<b>BANANARAMA</b><br />
<b>Masquerade</b>
<br /><br />
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.
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<b>SLOAN</b><br />
<b>Steady</b>
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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.
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<b>THE COWSILLS</b><br />
<b>Rhythm Of The World</b>
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When I was a little kid, my sister bought the 45 single "<a href="https://youtu.be/H2VryZPQ2mo" target="_blank">Hair</a>" 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 <a href="https://youtu.be/t039p6xqutU" target="_blank">this song</a>). Aside from that, enjoy!
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<b>BLINKER THE STAR</b><br />
<b>Love Oblast</b>
<br /><br />
Jordon Zadorozny (the wizard behind the moniker Blinker The Star) is a modern day Todd Rundren (a true star - who is also still <a href="https://toddrundgren.bandcamp.com/album/space-force" target="_blank">putting out albums</a> 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 <a href="https://blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com/album/august-everywhere" target="_blank">August Everywhere</a>, 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.
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<b>BRENDAN BENSON</b><br />
<b>Low Key</b>
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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:<br /><br />
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<b>AWOLNATION</b><br />
<b>My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers & Me</b>
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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 "<a href="https://youtu.be/MdgDqVr_ZYY" target="_blank">Waiting Room</a>"), change of tone (Harvey Danger's "<a href="https://youtu.be/Y_ovC-Vtp20" target="_blank">Flagpole Sitta</a>"), to a fun gender voice switch like this:
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<b>KING'S X</b><br />
<b>Three Sides Of One</b>
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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!
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<b>MEGADETH</b>
<b>The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!</b>
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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).
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<b>THE BETHS</b><br />
<b>Expert In A Dying Field</b>
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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.
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<b>EDDIE VEDDER</b><br />
<b>Earthling</b>
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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:
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But it's not all sadness and power chords: The album wraps up with this very fun, upbeat number, a <a href="https://youtu.be/1k4-BgiobBE" target="_blank">duet with the inimitable Elton John</a>.
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<b>BUZZCOCKS</b><br />
<b>Sonics In The Soul</b>
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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 <a href="https://youtu.be/GpUBmEWu-6Y" target="_blank">one great track</a>, and <a href="https://youtu.be/Z3fVPu3afNg" target="_blank">here's another</a>, and here's a third:
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<b>THE FEELING</b><br />
<b>Loss. Hope. Love.</b>
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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:
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<b>THE DEAD DAISIES</b><br />
<b>Radiance</b>
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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:
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<b>OFF!</b><br />
<b>Free LSD</b>
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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:
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<b>KULA SHAKER</b><br />
<b>1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs</b>
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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 <i>that</i>, they're back in the game. This is all action-oriented eastern-tinged rock music that sounds unlike any other bands.
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<b>PORCUPINE TREE</b><br />
<b>Closure/Continuation</b>
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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.
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<b>SPOON</b><br />
<b>Lucifer On The Sofa</b>
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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:</a>
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<b>ANDY BELL (RIDE)</b><br />
<b>I AM A STRANGE LOOP</b>
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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, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/flicker-mw0003651572" target="_blank">Flicker</a>, released by Andy earlier in 2022. This music will put you in a dream state.
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<b><i>HONORABLE MENTIONS</i></b>
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<b>DEF LEPPARD</b><br />
<b>Diamond Star Halos</b>
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About half this album is good, like, REALLY good. The other half didn't do much for me. <a href="https://youtu.be/XRNeFLWNwSM" target="_blank">This, however, is a rager.</a>
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<b>COLLECTIVE SOUL</b><br />
<b>Vibrating</b>
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They've lost a certain hooky something, but they're still <a href="https://youtu.be/rgDOeU5VtsM" target="_blank">doing what they do</a> very well.
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<b>WEEZER</b><br />
<b>SZNZ: Winter</b>
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A very strong final release of their four seasons EPs. <a href="https://youtu.be/OrnHgh-PKyU" target="_blank">Is this Winter enough for ya!?</a>
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<b>ANTON BARBEAU</b><br />
<b>Stranger</b>
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Quirky, existential, non-sequitur, humorous, and tuneful. This guy is unique, <a href="https://youtu.be/xrpziAKHh-w" target="_blank">and I love his stuff.</a>
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<b>DESTROYER</b><br />
<b>Labyrinthitis</b>
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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. <a href="https://youtu.be/GLmBmiimTc8" target="_blank">Quirky and entrancing</a>.
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<b>ANN WILSON</b><br />
<b>Fierce Bliss</b>
<br />
The legendary Heart singer steps out for another solo album. About one-third covers (some nice ones) and the rest <a href="https://youtu.be/tO_xfH-zY1E" target="_blank">mostly rockin' originals</a>, with some guests.
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<b>YYNOT</b><br />
<b>Light And Shade</b>
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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, <a href="https://youtu.be/QYStfaSPhEQ" target="_blank">this is top-shelf stuff</a>, including great lyrics and impassioned vocals.
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<b>MIDNIGHT OIL</b><br />
<b>Resist</b>
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Still righteously fighting the good fight, and <a href="https://youtu.be/Sjd-ZzzXq-0" target="_blank">rocking out while doing it</a>. Bless 'em. Best line: "Who left the bag of idiots open?"
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<b>BELLE AND SEBASTIAN</b><br />
<b>A Little Bit Of Previous</b>
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This amazeballs Scottish group forges ahead with their sweetly melancholic (melancholically sweet?) <a href="https://youtu.be/YJVaaNu29AY" target="_blank">beautiful melodies</a>.
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<b>SCORPIONS</b><br />
<b>Rock Believer</b>
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Nothing new here, but the <a href="https://youtu.be/TllvFtkXMBE" target="_blank">Scorpions still rock</a>; believe it!
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<b>RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS</b><br />
<b>Unlimited Love (April)</b><br />
<b>Return of the Dream Canteen (October)</b>
<br />
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 <a href="https://youtu.be/OS8taasZl8k" target="_blank">the new stuff</a> too. Something about Kiedis' facial hair seems a bit off, though...
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<b>THE WEEKND</b><br />
<b>Dawn FM</b>
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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 <a href="https://youtu.be/iOa7uE23qc4" target="_blank">powerful and cautionary</a>. The opening and closing tracks are narrated by (surprise!) Jim Carrey, and <a href="https://youtu.be/vCOXTEzfoJ4" target="_blank">this hits hard</a>. Wow.
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-4744890102044982092022-01-04T23:06:00.008-08:002022-01-05T11:20:42.028-08:00Favorite 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.)
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<b>VENUS HUM</b><br>
<b>Kindness Rages On</b>
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After releasing their debut, the enchanting <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Beautiful-Sky-Venus-Hum/dp/B000W1MA4G/ref=tmm_msc_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1641019110&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Big Beautiful Sky</a>, in 2003, they kind of fell off the commercial radar, releasing music sporadically since then. But this year they gifted us with <a href="https://venushum.bandcamp.com/album/kindness-rages-on" target="_blank">Kindness Rages On</a> (a title I love), and the tunefulness, bouncy electronics, and soothing vocals were all still there.
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<b>TUNS</b><br>
<b>Duly Noted</b>
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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'.
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<b>STEVEN WILSON</b>
<br><b>The Future Bites</b>
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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.
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<b>NOVELTY ISLAND</b><br>
<b>How Are You Coping With This Century?</b>
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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 <a href="https://youtu.be/-2_qGy5FYGk" target="_blank">Sean Lennon songs</a>. He's also a very creative visual artist, as you can see. I'm looking forward to more brilliance from this guy.
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<b>MAXIMO PARK</b><br>
<b>Nature Always Wins</b>
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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.
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<b>JULIANA HATFIELD</b><br>
<b>Blood</b>
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After a couple of wonderful and welcome covers albums (<a href="https://julianahatfield.bandcamp.com/album/juliana-hatfield-sings-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank">...Sings Olivia Newton-John</a> and <a href="https://julianahatfield.bandcamp.com/album/juliana-hatfield-sings-the-police" target="_blank">...Sings The Police</a>) 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?
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<b>THE JOY FORMIDABLE</b><br>
<b>Into The Blue</b>
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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.
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<br>
<b>HERE LIES MAN</b><br>
<b>Ritual Divination</b>
<br>
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.
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<b>GUIDED BY VOICES</b><br>
<b>It's Not Them. It Couldn't Be Them. It Is Them!</b>
<br>
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...
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<b>GARY NUMAN</b><br>
<b>Intruder</b>
<br>
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:
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<b>AIMEE MANN</b><br>
<b>Queens Of The Summer Hotel</b>
<br>
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 <a href="https://youtu.be/dMSFqXGZ5TQ" target="_blank">sing on a Rush album</a> 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.
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<b>BILLY F GIBBONS</b><br>
<b>Hardware</b>
<br>
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.
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<b>THE CORAL</b><br>
<b>Coral Island</b>
<br>
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.
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<b>CROWDED HOUSE</b><br>
<b>Dreamers Are Waiting</b>
<br>
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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hester" target="_blank">loss of their charming original drummer, Paul Hester</a>. Play with fire and jam on, gents!
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<b>GARY KEMP</b><br>
<b>In Solo</b>
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I've been listening to the podcast <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rockonteurs-with-gary-kemp-and-guy-pratt/id1530701242" target="_blank">Rockonteurs</a>, 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.
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<i><b>HONORABLE MENTIONS</b></i> (In reverse alphabetical order)
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THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/book-mw0003575271" target="_blank">Book</a>
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SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, <a href="https://southerncultureontheskids.bandcamp.com/album/at-home-with-southern-culture-on-the-skids" target="_blank">At Home With Southern Culture On The Skids</a>
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SLEATER-KINNEY, <a href="https://sleaterkinney.bandcamp.com/album/path-of-wellness" target="_blank">Path Of Wellness</a>
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PIROSHKA (led by Miki Berenyi of <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lush-mn0000169099" target="_blank">Lush</a>), <a href="https://piroshka.bandcamp.com/album/love-drips-gathers" target="_blank">Love Drips And Gathers</a><br>
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PARQUET COURTS, <a href="https://parquetcourts.bandcamp.com/album/sympathy-for-life" target="_blank">Sympathy For Life</a>
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KASIM SULTON (of Utopia), <a href="https://www.kasimsulton.com/" target="_blank">Kasim 2021</a>
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GRUFF RHYS (of Super Furry Animals), <a href="https://gruffrhys.bandcamp.com/album/seeking-new-gods" target="_blank">Seeking New Gods</a><br>
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GARBAGE, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-gods-no-masters-mw0003503478" target="_blank">No Gods No Masters</a>
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FOO FIGHTERS, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/medicine-at-midnight-mw0003449451" target="_blank">Medicine At Midnight</a>
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FLYYING COLOURS, <a href="https://flyyingcolours.bandcamp.com/album/fantasy-country" target="_blank">Fantasy Country</a>
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THE FLAMING SIDEBURNS, <a href="https://the-flaming-sideburns.bandcamp.com/album/silver-flames" target="_blank">Silver Flames</a>
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FIELD MUSIC, <a href="https://fieldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/flat-white-moon" target="_blank">Flat White Moon</a>
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DUG PINNICK (of King's X), <a href="https://youtu.be/QtVjsSA3MEM" target="_blank">Joy Bomb</a>
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THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/liberte-mw0003577155" target="_blank">Liberte</a>
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DENNIS DEYOUNG (of Styx), <a href="https://youtu.be/0uGvQq7xE1A" target="_blank">26 East, Vol. 2</a>
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DEAN WAREHAM (of Luna), <a href="https://deanwareham.bandcamp.com/album/i-have-nothing-to-say-to-the-mayor-of-l-a" target="_blank">I Have Nothing To Say To The Mayor Of L.A.</a>
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THE DEAD DAISIES (w/Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple), <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/holy-ground-mw0003381291" target="_blank">Holy Ground</a>
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THE DARKNESS, <a href="https://theactualdarkness.bandcamp.com/album/motorheart" target="_blank">Motorheart</a>
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ALICE COOPER, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/detroit-stories-mw0003449781/user-reviews" target="_blank">Detroit Stories</a>
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ABBA, <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/voyage-mw0003583740" target="_blank">Voyage</a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_jYl4j9QgPIdbe_QjN2Ev23NQRKuDcg2zZdnOuy-l6oPqF2EX-QCE9iBpXNZOW4GOlkukJsGRy5m7E6xp6ZoPp-eHiaWsIOPEJyznVFGNxwvTcGCwe56XXY9RnLHwZ1_osVk0wWU7jW12XR4wv8nTYfF4Bzt7wT4NI1Gy_6wFf-G_i_sDWfxg4KckKw=s800" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_jYl4j9QgPIdbe_QjN2Ev23NQRKuDcg2zZdnOuy-l6oPqF2EX-QCE9iBpXNZOW4GOlkukJsGRy5m7E6xp6ZoPp-eHiaWsIOPEJyznVFGNxwvTcGCwe56XXY9RnLHwZ1_osVk0wWU7jW12XR4wv8nTYfF4Bzt7wT4NI1Gy_6wFf-G_i_sDWfxg4KckKw=s400"/></a></div>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-73418496466832793032021-01-03T22:59:00.002-08:002021-01-04T11:39:19.315-08:00Favorite albums of 2020In a recent podcast, business guru Seth Godin pronounced Rock Music dead..."45 years...a good run." Well, the old Rock beast has been declared deceased before, many times, but this time I started to think "Is he right? It does seem like I'm not hearing that much new rock anymore." But then I went to my ongoing iTunes collection and was surprised to find that no, there were actually quite a few new rock albums released this past year - 2020! Didn't we think all arts would be shut down all year? - and that many of them were very, very good. Here are my favorites, in reverse alphabetical order:
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<b>X<br />
Alphabetland</b><br />
<br />
Los Angeles rock/punk stalwarts X had a great run in the 80s, but as the decade wore on they suffered from relationship issues and diminishing musical results. Decades later, released in the early months of the pandemic, this album was just what real rock lovers needed.<br />
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<b>WIRE<br />
Mind Hive</b><br />
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This band was always more than punk when they started in the late 70s, and they basically invented the post-punk genre in the 80s. They've had an incredible run of quality albums, and their latest is thought provoking, mesmerizing, and exciting.<br />
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<b>THOUGHTS DETECTING MACHINES<br />
That Was The Year That Wasn't</b><br />
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Rick Valentin, songwriter, singer, and guitarist for one of my all-time favorite American bands <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/artist/poster-children-mn0000357917" target="_blank">Poster Children</a>, records on the side as Thoughts Detecting Machines, a bit more electronic and motorik than his main band, but this music is compelling and always a great listen. He composed these songs and released them in two's on <a href="https://store.tedium.us/album/that-was-the-year-that-wasnt" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a> over the course of 2020, which was great because I had these little gifts to enjoy as the dreary year drug on. Here he remixed and remastered them all for official album release, and it makes for a fantastic one-sitting listen.<br />
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<b>THELONIOUS MONSTER<br />
Oh That Monster</b><br />
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I hadn't heard of Thelonious Monster (no relation to jazz legend Thelonious Monk heheh) until this year, but thanks to Alex Green's podcast "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stereo-embers-the-podcast/id1338543929" target="_blank">Stereo Embers</a>" (check it out! It's excellent), that has been corrected. This band of LA rock scenesters led by Bob Forrest released some small label gems in the late 80s to early 90s but then faded from view...until now. This record is a blast: catchy tunes with loud guitars and lyrics with bite. On this track I hear a little bit of Paul Weller and the mod revival...and that's great. <br />
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<b>THE STROKES<br />
The New Abnormal</b><br />
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The Strokes hit it big way back in 2001 with their debut "Is This It." You probably heard it, at least once. It was great! They made a bunch of other albums after that, and I tried to listen to them all, but may have missed some. They just couldn't quite capture that first-time magic. Then, after a seven-year break, this album came along, and it's fantastic, strong and interesting songs all the way through. This video is quite clever, fun, and dark as well. <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5fbZTnZDvPA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>SPARKS<br />
A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip</b><br />
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The super-collosal-amazing Sparks, led by the Mael brothers from Los Angeles, are nearing 50 years in the business, with at least 23 studio albums released by my count, and almost all of them absolute winners. This new album is just as good as the rest, with perhaps a little more emotional weight to some of the lyrics than in the past. Guess that happens with age (except for AC/DC...see below). This video might be my favorite song of 2020. It's a beautiful summation of a lifetime together, all in under five minutes: <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ebYtDHlMDY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>RICK WAKEMAN<br />
The Red Planet</b><br />
<br />
Oh, and you thought no one was making instrumental progressive rock albums anymore? Well, you'd be wrong, very wrong. There are many, actually. But this one came from one of my favorite keyboard artists ever, Mr. Rick Wakeman (ex-Strawbs, ex-Yes, and many solo albums over five decades). Over 70 years old, unable to rehearse or record in person with his bandmates, and still he was able to put out this very good Mars-themed album. It doesn't quite reach the brilliant (or overblown, depending on your perspective) of his 70s solo albums, but at this stage of the game, I'm just thrilled it exists. And there's a <a href="https://www.musicglue.com/rick-wakeman-emporium/browse/rick-wakeman-the-red-planet/products/star-ensign-star-signed-and-numbered-double-red-vinyl-and-digital-download" target="_blank">signed pop-up version</a> of the album available! (For only $70) <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_bFimj2G8LU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS<br />
Made Of Rain</b><br />
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Further proof that age doesn't diminish real talent (until, of course, it finally does). Almost 40 years after their commercial peak, the Furs surprised me with this deep and great-sounding album. Richard Butler's smoky voice sounds unchanged (how can that be?), the lyrics are deep, and the songs are as inventive as anything they've ever done.<br />
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<br />
<b>PRETENDERS<br />
Hate For Sale</b><br />
<br />
Okay I'm starting to notice a pattern here: Almost all my favorite albums are by artists or bands that have been around for 20 years or more. Gimme a break, I'm gettin' older! It doesn't take away from the fact that these are great albums. Chrissie Hynde, and her old cohort Martin Chambers on drums, are really clicking on this album. The opening title track is proof that their flame is still burning brightly.<br />
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<b>PHANTOM PLANET<br />
Devastator</b><br />
<br />
Power Pop, brilliantly done. Ever since they hit (relatively) big in 2004 when their song "California" was featured on the teen soap "The O.C." in 2004, they've bubbled under the radar, and I've paid passing attention to them, if at all. But this album is really good, and this song in particular wins my award for catchiest tune of 2020. We need this kind of music in the world!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cKmMR02E_MY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>PEARL JAM<br />
Gigaton</b><br />
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Did you think Pearl Jam was done? Maybe packed it up in the late 90s after grunge was dead and buried? Oh, not at all! They stayed intense but turned down the grunge guitars and turned up their creativity and other instrumentation. This album is quite varied, very thoughtful, and at this point they can do whatever they want and I will be giving them a good listen.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ymf7DZUeVow" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>LIAR, FLOWER<br />
Geiger Counter</b><br />
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KatieJane Garside had her moment of near-fame in 1992 with the twisted grunge band <a href="https://www.allmusic.com/album/eleventeen-mw0000090265" target="_blank">Daisy Chainsaw</a> and their debut album Eleventeen. (If you like the grunge genre, check it out, it's very interesting!) She has soldiered on, as a solo artist with several side project names including this most recent one, as Liar, Flower. This album is a bit split, between quiet, slightly creepy songs with just vocal and autoharp, and more grungy tunes like this one. But the sum total of the album is quite compelling:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AVUwoITqZcs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS<br />
Weather</b><br />
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Well, this one is tantalizingly short, only seven songs. Huey Lewis was diagnosed with Meniere's disease, which causes hearing loss, as well as vertigo and other symtoms. Apparently it has no cure. But before the disease struck, they had cut these songs, and they are gems, as good as anything Huey and his News have ever done. How frustratingly sad.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3aT4g-fu-R4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>FUZZ<br />
Fuzz III</b><br />
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Ever heard of Ty Segall? He has yet to achieve mainstream success (what would that even look like anymore?), but as one of the most prolific rockers of the last decade, I don't think he much cares. He just keeps cranking out albums, often at a pace of more than one a year, and this one, under the moniker of Fuzz, is one of his most rocking, enjoyable ones yet.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GE6RXO8j4j4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>THE FLAMING LIPS<br />
American Head</b><br />
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Another great American band, fearlessly exploring their dark past with our collective dark (but beautiful) future, with incredibly evocative and emotional songs. Perhaps my favorite Flaming Lips album so far. The imagery in this video is very powerful.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kxUXT6nEYFY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>DEAP LIPS<br />
Deap Lips</b><br />
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Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips have been staying busy! This is a side project between them and garage rock duo Deap Vally. Very creative, more than the sum of its parts. I love the "blam, blam, blam" motif of this album.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/olp_XffG5BE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>CLOSE LOBSTERS<br />
Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera In The Forest Of Symbols</b><br />
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Scottish indie jangle-popsters put out a little music in the late 80s and quickly called it a day. Or did they? In 2020 they released a new album, and it's fantastic. Just listen:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NFkc7NIDw78" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>BLUE OYSTER CULT<br />
The Symbol Remains</b><br />
<br />
Unbelievable really that these classic rock stalwarts from the 70s would release such a great sounding, hard hitting album at this stage, but they certainly did. Best thing they've done in decades. Bravo! And there's something about Buck Dharma's voice that I just love.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ggj8AI_Woo0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<br />
<b>THE BATS<br />
Foothills</b><br />
<br />
This little band that could from New Zealand, going strong over 30 years now, has never really got my attention...until now. (Thanks again, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stereo-embers-the-podcast/id1338543929" target="_blank">Stereo Embers: The Podcast</a>!) After hearing an interview with leader Robert Scott - a cheerful, humble man - I gave this album a good listen with headphones one night, and was enchanted. While the album was released in New Zealand in 2018 it just got its American release in 2020, so I'm including it here. Because more fans of really good indie rock should hear this!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4eccQtKZfwk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>ANTON BARBEAU<br />
Manbird</b><br />
<br />
Another revelation via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stereo-embers-the-podcast/id1338543929" target="_blank">Stereo Embers</a> (this guy finds the coolest people!), Barbeau is a quirky, individualistic pop/rock artist, and very inventive songwriter and studio music creator. After hearing a few samples of his work, I went to Bandcamp and immediately bought his <a href="https://antonbarbeau.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">entire digital library</a> from his site. Very cool, very fun stuff. This album is one of his best, IMO.
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<b>AC/DC<br />
Power Up</b><br />
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I'll finish (randomly...this is a reverse-alphabetical list, remember?) with the most conventional release. For fans of AC/DC, this album comes as quite a surprise, and a minor miracle, considering one core member had died, another was diagnosed with dementia (and had legal trouble as well), and the singer suffered major hearing loss while on tour back in 2016 and quit quite suddenly. So when rumors of them sneaking into a recording studio in Vancouver, Canada began, fans hoped that there might be a little something we could enjoy. Little did we expect a full album of classic AC/DC would emerge. Great to have them back! (Brian Johnson is 73 years old...how the hell does he do that with this voice?!?)
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Well, that's it. There was plenty more great music released in 2020 of course. These were just some of my favorites. As always, if you look for "Best of The Year" lists (NPR, Allmusic.com, etc) you won't find many of these there. But that's why I do this list every year. One or two of these might just become one of your favorite albums of the year, too.
Happy Listening!David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-69045882486225989382019-12-29T23:47:00.001-08:002019-12-30T21:24:04.613-08:00Favorite Albums of 2019Yes, they're still making albums in 2019: Bands, solo artists, collaborations, archival compilations...especially archival compilations, which might appear like endlessly rapackaging material as a cash grab, has actually been pretty wonderful for dedicated fans, with previously unheard rarities, behind-the-scenes early takes of classic songs allowing the listener to hear the evolution of a song or album, and even remixed albums like The Beatles Abbey Road, which brings up the bass and drums in the mix for a more balanced sound. <br />
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Here's my list from 2019, in no particular order per usual:<br />
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<b>YYNOT<br />
Resonance</b><br />
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From their beginnings as an top-notch Rush cover band, YYNOT (cheekily named after Rush's signature instrumental "YYZ"), released their second album of originals in two years, and it's great, progressive but also unabashedly commercial sounding. The musicianship and complexity of time signatures assures that these songs won't bore the listener:<br />
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<b>THE WHO<br />
Who</b><br />
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What, a new album from one of the greatest rock bands of all-time (don't argue with me, it's just true), and it's not only pretty okay, but it's really great? Yes! This was probably the biggest, happiest surprise for me musically all year. Lyrics, music and vocals still have a mighty wallop. Rage on, punks!<br />
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<b>TREY ANASTASIO<br />
Ghosts of the Forest</b><br />
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Guitar slinger extraordinaire from legendary jam band Phish, Trey really comes into his own as a solo artist on this new offering. This album has it all: Dreamy soundscapes, a groove you can drift off to, lyrics that make you think, but not too hard; tasteful soloing, and continually improved singing. Plus, there's a more spiritual side to his music now, which I love.<br />
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<b>SLEAFORD MODS<br />
Eton Alive</b><br />
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The only rappers I listen to, I've liked every album these guys have made so far. When this guy raps, I gotta listen. Serious but not self-serious. And that Talking Heads synth vibe, whoa!<br />
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<b>RIDE<br />
This Is Not A Safe Place</b><br />
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Possibly my favorite album of the year, this would've fit in nicely in the heady days of 1990-1994, when Ride was at the top of the shoegaze mountain. (Well, if they weren't on top, they were nearing the summit.) Ride was a band I loved the first second I heard them, because they had such a great sound, and then there were the hooks. A very welcome comeback for these guys who are really hitting their stride.<br />
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<b>PIROSHKA<br />
Brickbat</b><br />
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Speaking of great shoegaze bands, Miki Berenyi from 80s/90s amazing Lush, after 20-plus years out of the music business has reentered the fray with style. Her new band (named after a Hungarian comfort food that her family used to make), also features members of English bands Moose, Modern English, and Elastica. They carry on the spirit of shoegaze but with a style wholly present in the current age. Welcome back!<br />
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<b>THE PARANOID STYLE<br />
A Goddamn Impossible Way of Life</b><br />
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The most literate, and historically and politically informed songwriter I'm aware of today, Elizabeth Nelson sure has a way with words (and a catchy tune). Love this stuff. <a href="https://theparanoidstyle.bandcamp.com/album/a-goddamn-impossible-way-of-life">Please support</a> this amazing indie rocker!<br />
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<b>NEW PORNOGRAPHERS<br />
In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights</b><br />
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Actually, THIS is my favorite album of the last year. Consistently releasing great album after great album since 2000, this is another winner, with sumptuous tracks like this one:<br />
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<b>MORTON VALENCE<br />
Bob And Veronica's Great Escape</b><br />
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Formerly from London, now based in Barcelona, this little band that could captured my heart with the 2009 song "<a href="https://youtu.be/4_6MERxrnYY" target=”_blank” >Chandelier</a>." In spite of little to no label support (mostly by choice), they've soldiered on, releasing little gems over the last 10 years. But this newest release is my favorite so far. And this song is just...perfect.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/23xYlHTSfYU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>MEAT PUPPETS<br />
Dusty Notes</b><br />
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Speaking of comebacks, these guys don't really qualify, because they've released a few albums in the 2000's already, but this one really is a return to form. Every song on the album is just great. Quirky but always tuneful.<br />
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<b>MARTHA<br />
Love Keeps Kicking</b><br />
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This is so adorable and old school and so so indie, and I love it. I wish this kind of music were being made all the time and we were rushing out to record stores to buy it immediately on a weekly basis. We were there somewhere in the the 90s but alas no more. We must nurture these darling little bands and their good vibes!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RKaJpswA9d0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>JULIANA HATFIELD<br />
Weird</b><br />
<br />
Speaking of indie darlings, Ms. Hatfield is still doing it in style and sounds better than ever. (And if you want more, check out her recent covers albums, one of <a href="https://youtu.be/os8RRIKdGfI" target=”_blank” >The Police</a> and one of <a href="https://youtu.be/Nkp-rtW-vp8" target=”_blank” >Olivia Newton-John</a>. They are beautiful tributes played in Juliana's lovely indie-rock style.)<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5yHDgU3JAG0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>IGGY POP<br />
Free</b><br />
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Most fans thought that James Osterberg had given it up for good after his masterful last album, <i>Post Pop Depression</i> with Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme, but then he surprised us with this, a very different type of record for Iggy. It doesn't rock out, but it is intense, and beautiful, and very welcome. I would love to see him perform this with a small band in a club setting.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7bgndW7enwE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>GUSTER<br />
Look Alive</b><br />
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Boston darlings Guster just keep making one great album after another. On this track, they pretend they're from England, with charming results:<br />
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<b>CLAYPOOL-LENNON DELIRIUM<br />
South Of Reality</b><br />
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They're at it again, Primus bandleader and bass-player supreme, and Sean Lennon (perhaps the last name is familiar?), with this wonderfully weird and accomplished offering:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cZOHWyfgZdY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>BOB MOULD<br />
Sunshine Rock</b><br />
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Simultaneously funny, heavy and serious, Bob nails it on this somewhat ironically titled new album, one of his best in a long line of great, great works.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k5F-aj171QM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>BLACK STAR RIDERS<br />
Another State of Grace</b><br />
<br />
Do you miss Thin Lizzy? Well, I do, a lot, still. Well, Scott Gorham, former guitar-slinger from the classic Lizzy lineup formed Black Star Riders, and they are fully channeling the spirit of Phil Lynott here, in the best way. Classic rock, very powerful, without feeling like a cheap re-tread. Well done boys!<br />
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Well, that's it for my favorites. Honorable mentions:<br />
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Ty Segall, rockin' onward with <i><a href="https://youtu.be/Z-6bH6nhgsI" target=”_blank” >First Taste</a></i>.<br />
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Thoughts Detecting Machines (ongoing solo project from Rick Valentin of the ever-awesome Poster Children) newest offering <i><a href="https://youtu.be/rhZduYMW_ZU" target=”_blank” >Sound, Noise & You</a></i>.<br />
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Rodrigo Y Gabriela jam on with the excellent <i><a href="https://youtu.be/4g-Z13qTcBA" target=”_blank” >Mettavolution</a></i>.<br />
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The Pixies, with better-than-expected <i><a href="https://youtu.be/WExJOeUw_Eg" target=”_blank” >Beneath The Eyrie</a></i>.<br />
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The Pernice Brothers with a very welcome comeback album <i><a href="https://pernicebrothers.bandcamp.com/album/spread-the-feeling" target=”_blank” >Spread The Feeling</a></i>. <br />
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No-Man (one of Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson's many side projects) released the almost dancable and very good <i><a href="https://youtu.be/VNprk4gJ_30" target=”_blank” >Love You To Bits</a></i>.<br />
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Yes's vocalist Jon Anderson keeps the beautiful vibes coming with <i><a href="https://youtu.be/9GCb8Ok8HmQ" target=”_blank” >1000 Hands, Chapter One</a></i>. Beatiful, positive stuff.<br />
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Gruff Rhys, of the most wonderful and legendary Super Furry Animals, released another album, <i><a href="https://youtu.be/8qYSfaNJVic" target=”_blank” >Pang!</a></i> and it was good. What is about Gruff's voice that I love so much? <br />
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Gang of Four soldier on with the ironically titled <i><a href="https://youtu.be/x56D8aSnlVk" target=”_blank” >Happy Now</a></i>.<br />
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The Faint (who are fantastic live, by the way, go see the if you can) released the very strong <i><a href="https://youtu.be/nS4DdrEU3cM" target=”_blank” >Egowerk</a></i>.<br />
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The Earth, from Wales and also including a member of the Super Furry Animals, released the soulful <i><a href="https://youtu.be/FPugxX3czRw" target=”_blank” >Lost Property</a></i> to almost no fanfare (they even forgot to mention it on their Facebook page for about a week), but it's a winner.<br />
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Alan Parsons (no longer a Project, without original founder & chief songwriter Eric Woolfson who sadly passed away), carries the torch with the warm-hearted and beautiful-sounding <i><a href="https://youtu.be/kUUOitpRuB0" target=”_blank” >The Secret</a></i>. Better than I'd hoped for and best thing he's done since the heady APP days. <br />
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And finally, punk/rock stalwarts Bad Religion continue to preach with <i><a href="https://youtu.be/clI_8HnCGVo" target=”_blank” >The Age Of Unreason</a></i>. Go, BR, go!<br />
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When I started writing this year-end post, I thought it hadn't been a very memorable year in music, but that's the beauty of writing these things. As the evidence above shows, it was a very good year! And even more astounding is the fact that I've seen almost NONE of these albums on other music website lists. There's that much great music happening today. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS_Oo-10PtqnO3zUbz-Vw_UQ1_raJEYTkOTkiity3ZuF8llK1ZXK3qHk0U8LXbOtUAtzGSBrg1-pRdtRee1t80pFGwJ2kwC6YlRFvZSB9jMMXJaoU3WZ04o7-bu8W47Df1HftneRppGvh/s1600/brake+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS_Oo-10PtqnO3zUbz-Vw_UQ1_raJEYTkOTkiity3ZuF8llK1ZXK3qHk0U8LXbOtUAtzGSBrg1-pRdtRee1t80pFGwJ2kwC6YlRFvZSB9jMMXJaoU3WZ04o7-bu8W47Df1HftneRppGvh/s200/brake+lights.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="939" data-original-height="939" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l31EHdosJyfzl8WZJXNTASx3O5QOiPnJcoRk1NiqHsAuqG5PaQiBriCR_dNzdVJdJ5QmMiqcexZBoeCq_Pwnf3rO0l2IT97RaXriuysg_87SdaM38bngqeJCk9lgrC_TV3SsbQwuZN_5/s1600/RIDE+This+Is+Not+A+Safe+Place.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l31EHdosJyfzl8WZJXNTASx3O5QOiPnJcoRk1NiqHsAuqG5PaQiBriCR_dNzdVJdJ5QmMiqcexZBoeCq_Pwnf3rO0l2IT97RaXriuysg_87SdaM38bngqeJCk9lgrC_TV3SsbQwuZN_5/s200/RIDE+This+Is+Not+A+Safe+Place.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4UDOJPS0VeHXtrqSrlSIcqLINHohncCUjX9Y6-upuC9_rqrvcULjchWgo3FEWSRQAhyxQ5Q0RLbbwaXu3Rg8qJtBEKvV_8hFPfuXnIsVch08GEGRDHjFohieRag_zW3zePWzHFI2pLiQ/s1600/WHO+Who.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4UDOJPS0VeHXtrqSrlSIcqLINHohncCUjX9Y6-upuC9_rqrvcULjchWgo3FEWSRQAhyxQ5Q0RLbbwaXu3Rg8qJtBEKvV_8hFPfuXnIsVch08GEGRDHjFohieRag_zW3zePWzHFI2pLiQ/s200/WHO+Who.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a><br />
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-78144978281911601212018-12-11T20:22:00.000-08:002018-12-11T20:22:50.975-08:00Favorite Albums of 2018Again, I found LOTS of great music to enjoy in 2018, and almost none of it showed up on most of the annual "Best Of" lists (I'm talking to you, Allmusic, NPR Music, etc). But these are great, especially in the rock genre. Give them a listen, they may not change your life, but there's a good chance they will improve it!<br />
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I'll start right off with one of the best, by a favorite band, <b>Sloan</b>, and their concisely titled album <b>12</b> (named after their 12th album). Every track is amazing, after 27 years they show NO signs of slowing down. <br />
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Then there's <b>Gunship </b>and their excellent, smooth, emotive album <b>Dark All Day</b>. I love this song as much for the fun video with lots of low-budget re-creations of 1980's iconic movies as the excellent music.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ri9IefTuNzc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>Gaz Coombes</b>, formerly of Brit-pop masters Supergrass, continues his strong solo career with the moodily excellent <b>World's Strongest Man</b>. This track has a groove that doesn't let up:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGBpBZu4hfk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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You like Welsh power-trios led by a woman who can really sing, and play guitar with amazing power and feel? Well you came to the right place, as <b>The Joy Formidable</b> adds another excellent album to their growing discography, with <b>Aaarth </b>(the title being a play on the Welsh word "arth" for bear, adding two more a's for emphasis, like a roar. This is one of my favorite tracks, bolstered by arresting visuals:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VpJfuIcTQUU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Speaking of power trios, this four-piece band, <b>YYNOT </b>started as a Rush tribute band, but this year released their <b>self-titled</b> debut, which is packed with excellently tasteful rock with amazing musicianship. This track is a real powerhouse in every way:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dc9yFhJIqrI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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For a change of pace, Liverpool's <b>The Coral</b> plays a melodic, cinematic and just amazingly tuneful brand of music. They've been around almost 20 years now, and just get better and better with their latest album, <b>Move Through The Dawn</b>.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QyHZI_pUL9k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Ah, let's go back to Wales for a moment, with a Super Furry Animals spin-off band, <b>Gulp</b>, which makes lush electronic sounds with etherial female vocals on their latest album, <b>All Good Wishes</b>. This is feel-good music at its finest.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ckqIrDSD_LQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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One of my favorite indie bands going today, <b>The Magic Numbers</b>, creates memorable hooks, with wonderful vocal harmonies and crunchy but not overbearing guitar tones. Slight shades of mid-70's Neil Young on their newest album, <b>Outsiders</b>: <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q9fRTdDYhzs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Then there's <b>Wooden Shjips</b> (yes there's a "j" in there). They formed in San Francisco but recorded this years "<b>V.</b>" in Portland, Oregon, and I believe they may be living in my fair city now. Prove me wrong, or prove me right, please! These guys create a low-key hippie style groove, and I LOVE it. If you like this, there's plenty of back catalog to explore.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xN0bkvD7SaA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Another indie band (started indie, went major labor, then went back to indie, and now released on their own label) and one of my favorite American bands of all-time, period, is the <b>Poster Children</b>, with their new album <b>Grand Bargain!</b> More political than ever, songwriter/singer Rick Valentin tells it like it is in the title track:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KkYWrc7258E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Longtime indie favorite <b>Juliana Hatfield</b> weighed in this year with an interesting effort, which was WAY more enjoyable than I thought it would be: An all-covers album of <b>Olivia Newton-John</b> songs, as sung through Hatfield's lens and done with much love and respect. Wonderful stuff: <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nkp-rtW-vp8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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The band <b>Field Music</b> just release one excellent album after another, with this year's <b>Open Here</b>. They somehow create music that sounds mathematical in rhythm and structure, and yet is extremely melodic and tuneful. This is "comfort music" at its finest. If Field Music were a beverage, they would be a fine wine, just getting better with age.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9e15OffiGdY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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UK's <b>Django Django </b>strike melodic gold again with <b>Marble Skies</b>. Somehow simultaneously anthemic and intimate, and always with a great beat, this is another band I come back to frequently.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e78R6ykUcQo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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And how about <b>David Byrne</b>, 30 years into his solo career, with the amazing album <b>American Utopia</b> (and even more amazing live tour which I was lucky enough to see this year). This song is right up there with his best:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/euEgyXoOonk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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I really liked <b>Awolnation</b>'s newest <b>Here Come The Runts</b>. It's a little uneven, but the highs are REALLY high, and this song truly embodies Passion: <br />
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Finally, <b>Angelique Kidjo</b> released a song-for-song cover of Talking Head's album <b>Remain In Light</b>, but re-imagined with stronger African roots. And it's amazing:<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qR8jgFGmqvU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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So, another great year! Again I ask, WHY AREN'T THESE ALBUMS on popular best-of lists? Makes no sense to me. I understand that there are a lot of high-profile and yes, excellent albums to choose from, but these are the ones I was really drawn to this year, and are getting the repeated listenings. <br />
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Enjoy!David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-18758632841395874612017-12-30T15:05:00.000-08:002018-01-13T19:49:46.554-08:00My Favorite Albums of 2017!Well, 2017 draws to a close. Personally and politically, not one of my best, but things are looking up for 2018. But musically, it was a VERY good year. In spite of continued upheaval in how music is made and distributed (and how artists get paid), there is a LOT of great art being made these days. I did a quick scan of all albums released this year and the list was in the thousands. Keep it coming folks! Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites, with selected Youtube vids to give you a flavor of the album:<br />
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<b>BARENAKED LADIES & THE PERSUASIONS<br />
Ladies and Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies and The Persuasions</b><br />
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Two great groups that go great together! So glad these guys met the Persuasions, and decided to do a project together. The Persuasions are a singing group that dates back to the 60's and they're still going strong. They've had a revival by occasionally singing with, and covering, unexpected artists such as Frank Zappa. This is a pure delight.<br />
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<b>WIRE<br />
Silver/Lead</b><br />
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Wire just keeps on giving, year after year, since the late 70's. They started out sort of punk, then quickly moved into "post punk" (helping to create the genre) and now they just do what they do. And it sounds so great to my ears.<br />
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<b>RANDY NEWMAN<br />
Dark Matter</b><br />
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I heart Randy. Into his 70s and writing some of his best songs ever. This one about Putin is funny. People asked if he'd write one about Trump and he said, "No, that'd be too easy, and I don't think anyone wants to hear more about him anyway."<br />
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<b>ROBYN HITCHCOCK<br />
Robyn Hitchcock (s/t)</b><br />
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Here's another guy who shows no sign of slowing down, now into his 60s. Existential & humorous lyrics to catchy tunes, his raison d'etre.<br />
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<b>AIMEE MANN<br />
Mental Illness</b><br />
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Okay I'm noticing a pattern here: Musicians who have weathered quite a lot in life and are persevering with their art. I love it! This is one of my favorite Aimee Mann albums so far. Quiet but powerful. And just lovely.<br />
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<b>SLEAFORD MODS<br />
English Tapas</b><br />
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The closest I get to rap music, but this is great stuff. Not good if you don't like your lyrics "colorful" to say the least, but man these guys sure nail the modern English life for people with not much to look forward to.<br />
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<b>GARY NUMAN<br />
Savage (Songs from a Broken World)</b><br />
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I followed Gary on Pledgemusic for almost two years while he tried, in fits and starts, to get this album made. It was the most interesting musical journey I've ever been on, getting to see and hear about what really goes into making a (hopefully) large-scale, commercial album. At one point he even spoke into the camera about having a nervous breakdown, where he couldn't move his hands for about 10 minutes, and just sat there frozen. This is what can happen when you put too much pressure on yourself to deliver. The result? Very, very good. I saw him in concert this fall and he looked happy and triumphant. His 11-year-old daughter Persia came out and sang with him on this song. He grinned and gave her a big hug afterwards. It was a great night.<br />
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<b>MIKE GORDON<br />
Ogogo</b><br />
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Better known as a member of ultra-jam band Phish, Mr. Gordon has also released five solo albums. This one is excellent.<br />
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<b>THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS<br />
Whiteout Conditions</b><br />
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Lovely band, silly name. It's too bad, because this band led by A.C. Newman has been putting out great, catchy music for almost 20 years. This song is somehow soothing and uplifting, in spite of it apparently being about depression:<br />
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<b>STEVEN WILSON<br />
To The Bone</b><br />
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Former leader of epic prog band Porcupine Tree, this is one of my favorite solo albums of his so far (tied on my mental list with Hand Cannot Erase). The title song, with lyrics by one of my favorite songwriters of all-time, Andy Patridge of XTC, explores the idea of "subjective truth" to a catchy rhythm and some classically epic guitar playing. <br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0VqCPp08gow?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>COLIN HAY<br />
Fierce Mercy</b><br />
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The continuing answer to "Whatever happened to that guy from Men At Work?" He's been cranking out solo albums since the 80's, each one consistently good, with a decidedly spiritual grounding. This latest is up there with the best of them. This track in particular is quiet and beautiful.<br />
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<b><br />
ST. VINCENT<br />
Masseduction</b><br />
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This is the closest album on my list to a "major mainstream" release, and it's a great one. St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) does some amazing work here, and makes some good social statements along the way.<br />
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<b><br />
NEIL FINN<br />
Out Of Silence</b><br />
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This was easily the coolest thing that happened in music this year, and I'm not sure how many people even heard about it. Neil rehearsed the band and singers for about a month, and then recorded the whole album in one magical night, with only a few takes, and broadcast the whole thing live to watch. I stayed up and saw much of it. What an achievement. Icing on the cake that the songs are SO good. Check it all out!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1jdyTtCy-zg?rel=0&controls=0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>RIDE <br />
Weather Diaries</b><br />
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A great comeback story! I loved this original shoegaze band's stuff in the late 80's/early 90's, then they broke up, but finally rejoined with renewed friendships and good feelings in the last couple of years. This song off the new album is by far my favorite. <br />
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<b>MAXIMO PARK<br />
Risk To Exist</b><br />
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Love this band from northern England and they Britpoppy ways. They've got good (IMHO) socialist leanings and sing about that, as well as songs about not getting high. I can dig that! <br />
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<b>SPARKS<br />
Hippopotamus</b><br />
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The greatest, and funniest, band that few people have heard of. Formed in 1972 and still doing great stuff! This new album is no exception:<br />
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<b>BLACK GRAPE<br />
Pop Voodoo</b><br />
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Yet another "comeback" band. Shaun Ryder led (wrote and sang) for the Madchester scene Happy Mondays in the 80s, then formed Black Grape in the 90's and then went quiet for about 20 years. Here he, and they, are in all their sleazy glory. Welcome back!<br />
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<b>CINDY WILSON<br />
Change</b><br />
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Appopriately titled first solo album from original member of the beloved B-52's. I followed Cindy's new project on Pledgemusic and kept my expectations low, but the result was wonderful. Every track's a winner. Synthy beguiling.<br />
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<br />
That's it for 2017. Looking forward to another year of great music and that Next Big Favorite Thing. <br />
<br />
David<br />
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-12382455905823034622016-12-31T12:58:00.000-08:002016-12-31T12:58:49.377-08:00Favorite Songs of 2016Many of these songs were included on fine albums in 2016, but these stood out particularly (and were not included in my Favorite Albums of 2016 list). Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GHdyfPwbaMQ" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-59572208983644996842016-12-18T19:49:00.000-08:002016-12-18T19:49:21.848-08:00Favorite Rock Albums of 2016Here are some of my favorite albums of 2016. Each of them had a powerful effect on me in one way or another, and I gave them repeat listens. Explore, please, and enjoy:<br />
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<b>WIRE <i>Nocturnal Koreans</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CWyij_m08U0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>SPEED OF THE STARS (Steve Kilbey of The Church, and Frank Kearns) <i>Speed Of The Stars</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1rs-jkd1KIw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>THE JOY FORMIDABLE <i>Hitch</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QIMuVKHtooI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>THE LENNON CLAYPOOL DELIRIUM <i>Monolith Of Phobos</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZgX3N1XuPM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>BLACK MOUNTAIN <i>IV</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_USHKQ4Ntc8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>BOB MOULD <i>Patch The Sky</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QLKIkmiLCzM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS <i>SVIIB</i></b><br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dPWJ0MreHeg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>THE MONKEES <i>Good Times!</i></b><br />
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<b>DEERHOOF <i>The Magic</i></b><br />
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<b>MITSKI <i>Puberty 2</i></b><br />
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<b>MIND SPIDERS <i>Prosthesis</i></b><br />
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<b>KATE BUSH <i>Before The Dawn</i></b><br />
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<b>HIGH VIOLETS <i>Heroes And Halos</i></b><br />
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<b>DAVID BOWIE <i>Blackstar</i></b><br />
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<b>JON ANDERSON/ROINE STOLT <i>Invention Of Knowledge</i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73ijnQTJvyI9aGPBx5lnozNoCoZIS4q7jdQt8RCf_8DKmKLQmHUNVFCY3bXfK7tXFv2pjngE6tupe_g3NZ2aHoU6KmvkKIFmxMmDYymBoFm6ffk53Ko17fUQCNKMrhKmC0KQOvwe1TcJF/s1600/anderson+stolt+bowie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73ijnQTJvyI9aGPBx5lnozNoCoZIS4q7jdQt8RCf_8DKmKLQmHUNVFCY3bXfK7tXFv2pjngE6tupe_g3NZ2aHoU6KmvkKIFmxMmDYymBoFm6ffk53Ko17fUQCNKMrhKmC0KQOvwe1TcJF/s320/anderson+stolt+bowie.jpg" width="320" height="160" /></a></div>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-51665338223635811402015-12-20T16:07:00.000-08:002015-12-21T12:53:38.292-08:00Favorite Albums of 2015Such a great year, so many great albums! I had to leave quite a few off just to keep this list to a reasonable amount. So here they are, the faves, again in no particular order:<br />
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<b>The Decemberists<br />
<i>What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World</i></b><br />
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One of my favorite Decemberists albums so far! They took a sabbatical, regrouped, and released this beauty.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xq76aQRmbQA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>Gaz Coombes<br />
<i>Matador</i></b><br />
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Former Supergrass leader with a sumptuous, tuneful outing.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xi8AH-peorY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>Charlatans UK<br />
<i>Modern Nature</i></b><br />
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Formed in 1989, catching the tail end of the "Madchester" scene, these Manchester lads have matured nicely.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CLnpdCMb7VA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>The Juliana Hatfield Three<br />
<i>Whatever, My Love</i></b><br />
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A veteran, and survivor, of the grunge/indie rock movements, the spirit of the 90's is alive.<br />
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<b>Steven Wilson<br />
<i>Hand. Cannot. Erase</i></b><br />
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Ex-Porcupine Tree leader releases another sublimely bleak, yet beautiful album, including this jazzy prog-style masterpiece.<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vwZBDKX6Pwc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>Django Django<br />
<i>Born Under Saturn</i></b><br />
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Catchy as hell, bouncy indie pop/rock goodness.<br />
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<b>The Minus 5<br />
<i>Dungeon Golds</i></b><br />
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Speaking of 90's survivors, Scott McCaughey (of Seattle's Young Fresh Fellows) soldiers on with indie rock side-project (all-star?) band The Minus 5. I think it's my favorite of theirs so far. ("Dungeon" refers to the basement studio in which they record.)<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8nAEKYjCnk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Crocodiles<br />
<i>Boys</i></b><br />
<br />
What a jammin' band! These guys make music you can dance in your pajamas to, or in my case, running around a track with headphones on.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zETVVhtmj8A?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Zefur Wolves<br />
<i>Zefur Wolves</i></b><br />
<br />
A rare thing indeed: A Mexican rock band with international appeal. Haunting yet rocking, this song ("No Borders") captures the mesmerizing majesty of their sound, and their message of international peace and cooperation.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0o_J4wNBPDI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Ash<br />
<i>Kablammo</i></b><br />
<br />
And from Northern Ireland, we have Ash, chugging along since 1992. I saw them in Portland this year, and they are still rocking hard. Kablammo!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ALjDrAOjibQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Muse<br />
<i>Drones</i></b><br />
<br />
This band is huge, and deservedly so. Huge choruses, huge hooks, huge musicianship, huge imagery. Mega!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yj8Xpdx60Ws?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Bill Ward<br />
<i>Accountable Beasts</i></b><br />
<br />
Former (and original) drummer for metal pioneers Black Sabbath, Bill Ward has been through Hell and back, and lived to tell the tale. His solo albums are a bit quirky, and their heaviness comes from a more personal place than the latter-day Sabbath efforts. I love this album.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXWhAZA7tB4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>The Darkness<br />
<i>Last of Our Kind</i></b><br />
<br />
When the UK's The Darkness began in the year 2000, people laughed. Well, they're still laughing, but they're also still listening and singing along. Fun stuff! Maybe the last glam rock band, enjoy them while you can.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GR35pRz7JQ8?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Pinkshinyultrablast<br />
<i>Everything Else Matters</i></b><br />
<br />
From St. Petersburg, Russia, this shoegaze band makes beautiful noise.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GQsXNBUPVX0?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<b><br />
Veruca Salt<br />
<i>Ghost Notes</i></b><br />
<br />
One of the first successful grunge bands, formed in 1993, Veruca Salt hadn't released an album since 1996, but 19 years later, they drop this wonderful album. I miss this kind of rock music!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9rmtxKjnZ7A?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Electric Six<br />
<i>Bitch, Don’t Let Me Die</i></b><br />
<br />
Detroit's Electric Six, rockin' non-stop for almost two decades now, continue their incredible work ethic (releasing about an album a year for the last 12 years. This is as good as any of their others. I love the way Dick Valentine sings the word "evil." And this song's got whistling, too!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ztofB_SgYKY?rel=0&controls=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeaVVObnDoHl4Z1wMmYpmtWAhFxOqQ-GiczxGoT6qsfRH8R6dIVubhRrWTue1L948e3C0MsiXdGpXYykDzIkgdSdOzCmEVvCqUZyBKx2TwWuKUqwj8yIku8B1Ie-nzh1toOa-2blNU0MY/s1600/Some+of+the+favorite+albums+of+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeaVVObnDoHl4Z1wMmYpmtWAhFxOqQ-GiczxGoT6qsfRH8R6dIVubhRrWTue1L948e3C0MsiXdGpXYykDzIkgdSdOzCmEVvCqUZyBKx2TwWuKUqwj8yIku8B1Ie-nzh1toOa-2blNU0MY/s400/Some+of+the+favorite+albums+of+2015.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTzPYbnI3vQVl_h_nl1dgMG-HXE1BA0J-pyxzOjxwr-ZJhmhIHbRsGdFV0c6OEfzeXF-5GY6JJ9yljwiGCwEuWihY6dknd8L-T4TMHSlJxZQTXRcQ7dQhHf6TbIN43bm8bTSUqRvNM_QP/s1600/Fave+albums+2015+line+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTzPYbnI3vQVl_h_nl1dgMG-HXE1BA0J-pyxzOjxwr-ZJhmhIHbRsGdFV0c6OEfzeXF-5GY6JJ9yljwiGCwEuWihY6dknd8L-T4TMHSlJxZQTXRcQ7dQhHf6TbIN43bm8bTSUqRvNM_QP/s400/Fave+albums+2015+line+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIasxpRa0_SXXYxn3JUdtka41m3v1zxPhc-Ui39hmXhx0fVgz5D-uEj8QMkUc_1kmB8ROD8wkxuy4P3c5lqh19WSrs8ex1RKI64Dphipv3MHz0M4-WZwgSKmZpMRWh4JNynTJNaSBuukw/s1600/Fave+albums+2015+line+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIasxpRa0_SXXYxn3JUdtka41m3v1zxPhc-Ui39hmXhx0fVgz5D-uEj8QMkUc_1kmB8ROD8wkxuy4P3c5lqh19WSrs8ex1RKI64Dphipv3MHz0M4-WZwgSKmZpMRWh4JNynTJNaSBuukw/s400/Fave+albums+2015+line+3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmIGfK86SNawsgSAJ6G-ntSEaIWUO7cXJPYABWFBmhdUO45NKiD6QiWDRIdrzAFtvF9Ebm0n7OnsrQTfQttZvuUruFu5WYo_Fw4TxbtAwcRTqF4jzTVbKwjcLznZ5nODI-7Q2f1M4V1ZX/s1600/ALBUMS+LINE+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmIGfK86SNawsgSAJ6G-ntSEaIWUO7cXJPYABWFBmhdUO45NKiD6QiWDRIdrzAFtvF9Ebm0n7OnsrQTfQttZvuUruFu5WYo_Fw4TxbtAwcRTqF4jzTVbKwjcLznZ5nODI-7Q2f1M4V1ZX/s400/ALBUMS+LINE+4.jpg" /></a></div>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-69197397465903004002015-01-01T23:25:00.000-08:002015-01-01T23:28:49.833-08:00My Favorite Songs of 2014Here's a few tracks that I looooved in 2014:<br />
<br />
<b>Queen (England)<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/NWzeNnq1-rA" target="blank">Let Me In Your Heart Again</a>"</b><br />
<br />
Well, this is easily the happiest music news for me all year! Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor took this unused vocal from Freddie Mercury, circa 1984, added new instrumentation and backup vocals, and the result was pure magic. So yes, I'm happy and a little sad of course. Because Freddie's still not really with us, is he?<br />
<br />
<b>The Earth (Wales)<br />
"The Earth Beats The Machine"</b><br />
<br />
Sorry there's no link directly to the song, but I recommend going to <a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/The_Earth_Keltic_Voodoo_Boogaloo?id=Bkxeydouaoa3rxgxzpinyb5g6yi" target="blank">Google Play</a> (or wherever) and listen to the soundbite of the last track, and maybe even buy it. It just gets more beautiful as it goes.<br />
<br />
<b>Little Dragon (Sweden)<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/MXYCD8MVhYc" target="blank">Klapp Klapp</a>"</b><br />
<br />
By far the best song on the album, this song swings and grooves in silky ways.<br />
<br />
<b>Echo & The Bunnymen (England)<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/bTbK9zGlCic" target="blank">Meteorites</a>"<br />
</b><br />
Hey, it's <i>those</i> guys, from the 80s! Unless you're a big fan, they've been operating under the radar for quite some time, but they continue to put out gorgeously epic works like this.<br />
<br />
<b>Seasurfer (Germany)<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/IvQC-ECRRts" target="blank">We Run</a>"</b><br />
<br />
Goth meets shoegaze. Lovely.<br />
<br />
<b>Mike Oldfield (England)<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/r3fPo5JsPtY" target="blank">Nuclear</a>"</b><br />
<br />
Deducting points for sounding like Greg Lake with King Crimson circa 1969, but still a very powerful, resonant song.<br />
<br />
<b>Off! (USA)<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/WEe-3BmfXF0?t=13m19s" target="blank">I Won't Be A Casualty</a>"</b><br />
<br />
Whoo! Punk like it used to be. This link takes you to the whole album, where this song starts. This song is my new personal anthem.<br />
<br />
<b>Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana (USA)<br />
“<a href="http://youtu.be/m276i7UIyNw" target= "blank">Taming The Dragon</a>”</b><br />
<br />
This is called a "jazz" album, but this track is in a category all by itself. And it is sooo cool...<br />
<br />
<b>The Notwist<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/JpOYkK3o0jY" target="blank">Kong</a>"</b><br />
<br />
The only favorite of 2014 I got from an iTunes' free download. I swear! It's just sweet and jamming. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<b>The Ting Tings<br />
"<a href="http://youtu.be/ueua_o8QSIg" target= "blank">Green Poison</a>"</b><br />
<br />
Remember these guys? Trying to forget? Well, this is a nice change of pace, and reallllly funky. Is that a cowbell I hear? Play on!<br />
<br />
<br />
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-57869998387077605692014-12-26T11:47:00.000-08:002014-12-26T12:45:09.416-08:00Favorite Rock Albums of 2014Loved these albums the most in 2014, in some particular order:<br />
<br />
<b>Dum Dum Girls<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/too-true-mw0002593739" target="blank">Too True</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Shoegaze meets goth in 2014, with luscious results. Every track on this album is a treat.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pOF_oo3EgnQ?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>The New Pornographers<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/brill-bruisers-mw0002700626" target="blank">Brill Bruisers</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Sixteen years on and this Canadian supergroup (still featuring Neko Case!) keeps putting out amazing pop hits. The title track here starts with a relentless hook and never lets up. (Different song, favorite album lyric: <i>"<a href="http://youtu.be/IuaLsINpoKk" target="_blank">They say we can't make this stuff up. But what else can we make?</a>"</i>)<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EhhtSXk1c70?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://theearthearthearth.com/" target="blank">The Earth</a><br />
<i>Keltic Voodoo Boogaloo</i></b><br />
<br />
My favorite album of 2014. Welsh band featuring rock guitar, big bass sound, tasteful electronic keyboards, and wonderfully soulful vocals. Every song's a winner. Here are my two favorites, one creepy and one lighter:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/guYOL2FLpCA?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Hf7sqk2y43o?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Bob Mould<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/beauty-ruin-mw0002657299" target="blank">Beauty & Ruin</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Ex-Hüsker Dü and Sugar frontman Bob Mould releases another strong album, and this one rocks mightily. Bonus points on this video for the humorous two-minute intro featuring Colin Meloy (Decemberists), filmed in my hometown of Portland.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZZ0ZEpJRpAE?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Aaron Freeman<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/freeman-mw0002682459" target="blank">Freeman</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Nice how Aaron's last name forms the title of his second solo album. Now in recovery (from alcohol excess) and freeing himself of his Ween legacy, this album covers much stylistic ground and features both rave-up rockers and delicately personal songs, sometimes in one song.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kvXxAGPOB4I?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Monster Magnet<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/milking-the-stars-a-re-imagining-of-last-patrol-mw0002752034" target="blank">Milking the Stars: A Re-Imagining of Last Patrol</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Heavy and psychedelic, this "reimagining" of last year's good album "Last Patrol" makes it even better. Great music to get lost in. And this is one heavy, bad-ass video to accompany the release (featuring Fugazi's Ian MacKaye as The Scientist!)...<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2RCwgz4FiSA?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Peter Murphy<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/lion-mw0002656498" target= "blank">Lion</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Another great album by a veteran artist. His voice is strong and the music is powerful. Murphy has written some of the best goth music, then and now.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S9bX7C-O5qI?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Reverend Horton Heat<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/rev-mw0002607506" target="blank">Rev</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Another veteran act, rockabilly genre. Great album, uptempo and lots of fun. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H96XcNWKZVg?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Chrissie Hynde<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/stockholm-mw0002649253" target="blank">Stockholm</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Hard to believe this is the Pretenders frontwoman's first solo album, as she's been in the game for about 35 years now. I liked this as much as any Pretenders proper album of the last 30 years.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Dx3f0Dg4VSM?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Beverly<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/careers-mw0002642382" target="blank">Careers</a></i></b><br />
<br />
Debut album, and it rocks. This is the kind of music that showed up just under the radar in the late 80's and early 90's that I was really digging. Keep it up! Looking forward to more from this band.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e5ikUwP1WIQ?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>The Feeling<br />
<i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/boy-cried-wolf-mw0002561714" target="blank">Boy Cried Wolf</a></i></b><br />
<br />
What a wonderful band. Powerful but vulnerable, cinematic music. Just the way I like it.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VjY8TDp1cEM?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvd6_swKOCF_nUbhDnh3lQBtdxnD_hxbw_y16B5-gvDgY9b-j9AH01d0VA78jUmNrjy15ZM9LzpUxzoKBAom1b550X-N0edpNzUomrePQ2B9IBwrdD93FAN1P12Scvr2ZbogHcro9uENK9/s1600/The-earth.-Band-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvd6_swKOCF_nUbhDnh3lQBtdxnD_hxbw_y16B5-gvDgY9b-j9AH01d0VA78jUmNrjy15ZM9LzpUxzoKBAom1b550X-N0edpNzUomrePQ2B9IBwrdD93FAN1P12Scvr2ZbogHcro9uENK9/s400/The-earth.-Band-big.jpg" target="blank"/></a></div>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-4842662122437814822014-08-13T23:24:00.000-07:002014-08-13T23:24:50.371-07:00Missing Ween a little lessAlt-rock pranksters <a href="http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ween-mn0000817754" target="_blank">Ween</a> broke up a few years ago. For about 20 years, they were funny, weird, musically diverse, and talented in equal measure, but never predictable. The story goes that Aaron Freeman ("Gene Ween") of the band achieved sobriety and couldn't maintain his relationship with Mickey Melchiondo ("Dean Ween") who wanted to sustain his lifestyle of...oh who knows...but apparently involved drinking to some extent. Good for Aaron for doing what he must to take care of himself, but sad for Ween fans like me.<br />
<br />
Well, Aaron just released a solo album this month and I'm happy to report it goes a long way to my getting over the grief of losing the band. There are sensitive moments, snarky moments, reflective moments, and just pure oddball musical moments, often in the space of a three-minute song.<br />
<br />
While Aaron's music often sounds vaguely like someone else (say 10cc or Eels for example) the total package is wholly his own. Good for you Aaron! It will be interesting to hear what Mickey comes up with, if he decides to take a break from <a href="http://www.mickeysfishing.com/" target="_blank">guiding fishing tours</a> to make more music (and good for you Mickey for doing something you love as well).<br />
<br />
Here are two samples. This album is going to stay on my active playlist for a good while.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kvXxAGPOB4I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FmrSeOY2MlE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME9r8KOcHCy_3IbO-mcS6FvWacGD8130onFBlE5DzGb1Bfr0SOqu8e7w1kyN-g2wrCcU9hMO_ivc8Nxhax6Uk-Ca9IGQYQEWgyOqQb7VeC7d5LksFyf6Yr9FlOY78M0Fj3TLKyhq8lBmH/s1600/aaron+freeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME9r8KOcHCy_3IbO-mcS6FvWacGD8130onFBlE5DzGb1Bfr0SOqu8e7w1kyN-g2wrCcU9hMO_ivc8Nxhax6Uk-Ca9IGQYQEWgyOqQb7VeC7d5LksFyf6Yr9FlOY78M0Fj3TLKyhq8lBmH/s400/aaron+freeman.jpg" target="_blank" /></a>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-56494804336893735882014-05-14T15:54:00.000-07:002014-05-14T15:55:19.766-07:00Best album art this year......is for the Little Dragon single "Klapp Klapp."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RttkmD8UAyPpH1iVdlG5AS1VkDS2npsF0rwys8y8z_jnYcQTeaP-ZzSVC9YEwr2boTQdO5KGxY4drHtF-kVekSO9dFZQNtEr2y6bDBaz_sdHK1vPSuSGgqgBD8NfVTLykpT1up7eYgh1/s1600/Little+Dragon+Klapp+single+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RttkmD8UAyPpH1iVdlG5AS1VkDS2npsF0rwys8y8z_jnYcQTeaP-ZzSVC9YEwr2boTQdO5KGxY4drHtF-kVekSO9dFZQNtEr2y6bDBaz_sdHK1vPSuSGgqgBD8NfVTLykpT1up7eYgh1/s320/Little+Dragon+Klapp+single+art.jpg" target = 'blank' /></a><br />
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Made me chuckle, and want to check out the music. And the music is GREAT. (Even if the video is a little dark. Made me think of Madonna and the Exorcist movie simultaneously. At least it has a cool ending.)<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UM--TtkGNa4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-61250145335813725432014-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:002014-01-02T19:53:34.550-08:00Favorite Rock Albums of 2013OK, I think I've now heard all the candidates that have a chance at making this list. As in the past, these are NOT necessarily the BEST albums, or the most popular, or the coolest, or anything else other than just the ones I enjoyed the most and tended to play most often in the past year. So, in no particular order:<br />
<br />
<b>CHEATAHS</b><br />
<i>Extended Plays</i><br />
<br />
Kinda like early 90's Ride, call it "tuneful, mostly upbeat shoegaze." I just can't get enough of this sound. It was a movement that moved on too fast the first time around, so I'm glad the genre is being revisited by the youngun's.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nRM4udVh2PM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>!!!</b> (chk chk chk)<br />
<i>Thr!!!ler</i><br />
<br />
I got tired of Michael Jackson's <i>Thriller</i> a long time ago, but this album of the same name (sort of) is fresh stuff. Groovy, head-bopping good times. Great for driving around or walking around city streets, keeps you moving.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RyuWU_Gyu-s?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>MEAT PUPPETS</b><br />
<i>Rat Farm</i><br />
<br />
Welcome back, Meat Puppets! These toasted boys from the Southwest have been around since the early 80s and I thought they'd lost it more than 10 years ago, but here they are again with another winner. Only Curt Kirkwood can come up with these lyrics. How does he do it? Only his druggist knows, I think. "Don't leave me here down on my knees, in a waterfall of color..."<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kdH8R9PUAfs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>WOLF PEOPLE</b><br />
<i>Fain</i><br />
<br />
Ah, the days when listeners had patience to let a song develop, and bold music sprang forth with grandiose gestures and big dynamics (loud AND soft). These guys somehow sound retro, while being utterly fresh and new. Can't wait to see where they go from here!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7F0fxgkJW8s?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS</b><br />
<i>Nanobots</i><br />
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It's hard to imagine (no, REALLY hard) that TMBG will ever beat <i>Flood</i> for best, most clever, most tuneful album of their illustrious catalog (though a couple of their children's albums could be close), but IMHO, this one comes closest in a looong time. Very catchy, very fun, I liked this more each time I heard it.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CSPv8tXISsU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>CROCODILES</b><br />
<i>Crimes Of Passion</i><br />
<br />
And here's MORE "upbeat shoegaze" rock. Yes! This reminds me of late 80's Jesus & Mary Chain but produced by Phil Spector. A winning combination!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Z9ukFJ5W2sU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>DOG PARTY</b><br />
<i>Lost Control</i><br />
<br />
Any band that takes their name from the happy ending of the children's book <i>Go Dog Go</i> (that's my theory and I'm sticking to it) is on the right track. This is like the Ting Ting's but better, because the whole album is strong. Ramones-y, but closer to The Muffs, this has been done before, but I'm far from getting tired of it.<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hdUsY-DNs7s?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>POLYSICS</b><br />
<i>Weeeeeeeeee!!!</i><br />
<br />
This is truly unhinged music from Japan. And I love it. Hyper, crazy, fun, Devo-on-speed. I DARE you to check it out. This is the band I most want to see live. PLEASE come to the US!!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Me30P7TlWco?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>THE POLYPHONIC SPREE</b><br />
<i>Yes, It’s True.</i><br />
<br />
More great music from my favorite 25 piece (well, I think they're down to about 17 nowadays) band. Feel-good music, but with some slight melancholic edges to keep it real, I'll be listening to this for years to come.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kEbT-Gw15_I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>FRANZ FERDINAND</b><br />
<i>Right Thoughts Right Words Right Action</i><br />
<br />
I love, Love, LOVE this band. Catchy as hell, guitars that intertwine and jam like a funky machine, and vocals that are smooth but energetic. So happy they've kept it going this long, while others of their type have fallen by the wayside.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RqTsUtQLRFk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<b>THE JULIE RUIN</b><br />
<i>Run Fast</i><br />
<br />
This band is the latest incarnation of original riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna (formerly of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre), and this is just as good as anything she's done before. Punk, but better than punk. Angry, but having too much fun to be really angry. Riot on, Kathleen.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ydo4VS87hBE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGhe6lXaO2fxI1Rm9v_0E-u-IJU1Q2SE4T-xrtszfG5uHx8OArpuuQkQUTmZ1CohGFQqFm6YH8nI77P9-cal6nbpSRnf8ly1YLhepWp5xt0SyV50PFi_Mra0hBRWl1OFrJbmWD9U8b7B5/s1600/CHEATAHS+Extended+Plays.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGhe6lXaO2fxI1Rm9v_0E-u-IJU1Q2SE4T-xrtszfG5uHx8OArpuuQkQUTmZ1CohGFQqFm6YH8nI77P9-cal6nbpSRnf8ly1YLhepWp5xt0SyV50PFi_Mra0hBRWl1OFrJbmWD9U8b7B5/s200/CHEATAHS+Extended+Plays.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7xEYeh5UIpsseMqLROUYcfxkNRoX4R-SdJ4zrLZhxybFJhM2IRto_dSXDVLauMlV34oK1hgWK3yY-E2mGbxKyRkleKsFeNH-1q_owLHRIBgOnHIa5zWcsFpn9z1GIVsmGwoFT-IbyyYK/s1600/!!!+Thr!!!er.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7xEYeh5UIpsseMqLROUYcfxkNRoX4R-SdJ4zrLZhxybFJhM2IRto_dSXDVLauMlV34oK1hgWK3yY-E2mGbxKyRkleKsFeNH-1q_owLHRIBgOnHIa5zWcsFpn9z1GIVsmGwoFT-IbyyYK/s200/!!!+Thr!!!er.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbPitUB0XSsF-vY9ITsHRffHcEGmXLo9DyJriL9lHOanRdFQB6nvQ1zjU04A3Oz_3XZ6JY9bHtOfwpLNIybuc9cKcCbygEYo1cBhubVPV8162HsjMSLsCArYWlsZpfo56CFmsgjUkg-ky/s1600/MEAT+PUPPETS+Rat+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbPitUB0XSsF-vY9ITsHRffHcEGmXLo9DyJriL9lHOanRdFQB6nvQ1zjU04A3Oz_3XZ6JY9bHtOfwpLNIybuc9cKcCbygEYo1cBhubVPV8162HsjMSLsCArYWlsZpfo56CFmsgjUkg-ky/s200/MEAT+PUPPETS+Rat+Farm.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lCjlCkqbS1xe0QGCN5beLLTCrj9d5zcPIu4CTYcNCOwxjMbPvApdK2uW6OtLoeRcPvfnJ1WBf41vgDySTITjQjMTfv1kSaQk_EeRzbfCFzuRZMyDFPoCRS8ZHCVVeQ1GBlm6bQGDrNNX/s1600/WOLF+PEOPLE+Fain.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lCjlCkqbS1xe0QGCN5beLLTCrj9d5zcPIu4CTYcNCOwxjMbPvApdK2uW6OtLoeRcPvfnJ1WBf41vgDySTITjQjMTfv1kSaQk_EeRzbfCFzuRZMyDFPoCRS8ZHCVVeQ1GBlm6bQGDrNNX/s200/WOLF+PEOPLE+Fain.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerJKqZF7ZDrNqheSgdTOh1bEPb_m63tUCrtNKw7GD7rdKOX99vXr-nc5bLkVlciw3GBVlrb01jxJm6kAtAumrfJdPOaAYgBnhh2bGW5F91cUV_VF0rHPk9dYpXOvG-GF8h6i9FxeMNUZw/s1600/THEY+MIGHT+BE+GIANTS++Nanobots.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerJKqZF7ZDrNqheSgdTOh1bEPb_m63tUCrtNKw7GD7rdKOX99vXr-nc5bLkVlciw3GBVlrb01jxJm6kAtAumrfJdPOaAYgBnhh2bGW5F91cUV_VF0rHPk9dYpXOvG-GF8h6i9FxeMNUZw/s200/THEY+MIGHT+BE+GIANTS++Nanobots.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Z6fCzgbyhUIagbJbd6rcC95meu4C4r9J9Sx-vnjlOxldQ37xAR98vbGpWpIEam_JSibAavdPurx6ba6VoexpQAzsDOpI1XeMSXnFVtH8YpKaZpcNr164cqXNmkpLucaJd9PyvW2HWIw/s1600/CROCODILES+Crimes+Of+Passion.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Z6fCzgbyhUIagbJbd6rcC95meu4C4r9J9Sx-vnjlOxldQ37xAR98vbGpWpIEam_JSibAavdPurx6ba6VoexpQAzsDOpI1XeMSXnFVtH8YpKaZpcNr164cqXNmkpLucaJd9PyvW2HWIw/s200/CROCODILES+Crimes+Of+Passion.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D-brXe8yQChZ7k2dFm9XeIO4LQyd9HXamoSdfyOVQy1CneVYxX4-V-G64aZvwLTnvPZZFEmNiAQ3tZ47AVYbiDmQYwdRHetq1IJva4NpIpE_hltBTZf8r3_RBfcqhgfzyK9bet8ZF2zE/s1600/DOG+PARTY+Lost+Control.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D-brXe8yQChZ7k2dFm9XeIO4LQyd9HXamoSdfyOVQy1CneVYxX4-V-G64aZvwLTnvPZZFEmNiAQ3tZ47AVYbiDmQYwdRHetq1IJva4NpIpE_hltBTZf8r3_RBfcqhgfzyK9bet8ZF2zE/s200/DOG+PARTY+Lost+Control.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP2pog4FfCCFtYpvwICRNZXgJnRBvLDW8BtkHqaGqEcSvzFMZ5pmEgEUabvbarvvYtAw0O5gGdn4zEbP815OjG_0ryH_KIFnbrG1TvQH-9U_P7Zh34EfZyYRHvyW6ZeLmnWZjzyKCV9zy/s1600/POLYSICS+Weeeeeeee.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP2pog4FfCCFtYpvwICRNZXgJnRBvLDW8BtkHqaGqEcSvzFMZ5pmEgEUabvbarvvYtAw0O5gGdn4zEbP815OjG_0ryH_KIFnbrG1TvQH-9U_P7Zh34EfZyYRHvyW6ZeLmnWZjzyKCV9zy/s200/POLYSICS+Weeeeeeee.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL930rM23SZAX06I3mJsLgfTLqwidsr_JJ0Be9bhw8mMztqWE7i_-ztBSb7T-3zkf6aC-59IbporBygpmwxVMOEgUv5bjSJHeXBGuy5iaP9ALXLAFRPEm0ZZVE_fxFO9q7fr54u6IFEZZL/s1600/POLYPHONIC+SPREE+Yes+It's+True.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL930rM23SZAX06I3mJsLgfTLqwidsr_JJ0Be9bhw8mMztqWE7i_-ztBSb7T-3zkf6aC-59IbporBygpmwxVMOEgUv5bjSJHeXBGuy5iaP9ALXLAFRPEm0ZZVE_fxFO9q7fr54u6IFEZZL/s200/POLYPHONIC+SPREE+Yes+It's+True.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiwk-9ENS8IF_U2SMK-CYhTNiuFEPB99SnOiaUqajI75QTq5e_wf0305WLLfMr0PAWQy9YBjQA6y7MsOez-7C55eIqhKbgoJoZZomy2GWsZyiSsNtLeWohyphenhyphenSfmfJejp4U834fOlmsjhVZ/s1600/FRANZ+FERDINAND+Right+Thoughts+Right+Words+Right+Action.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiwk-9ENS8IF_U2SMK-CYhTNiuFEPB99SnOiaUqajI75QTq5e_wf0305WLLfMr0PAWQy9YBjQA6y7MsOez-7C55eIqhKbgoJoZZomy2GWsZyiSsNtLeWohyphenhyphenSfmfJejp4U834fOlmsjhVZ/s200/FRANZ+FERDINAND+Right+Thoughts+Right+Words+Right+Action.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRgkF9rZjBHxuJ_HtsQ9VGmauj0Pgz-9ExxLilhTdCWsW0NkkuN0gZIPERJ1U90j00Wm58uzKlWF_9e8tLxCg0HJCYgnXs_PE4hcAK6r8bJrLzROdIeFWFqyVsX15qCzuI-FB0X-phWXn/s1600/JULIE+RUIN+Run+Fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRgkF9rZjBHxuJ_HtsQ9VGmauj0Pgz-9ExxLilhTdCWsW0NkkuN0gZIPERJ1U90j00Wm58uzKlWF_9e8tLxCg0HJCYgnXs_PE4hcAK6r8bJrLzROdIeFWFqyVsX15qCzuI-FB0X-phWXn/s200/JULIE+RUIN+Run+Fast.jpg" /></a>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-8945018869225446502013-10-21T16:36:00.000-07:002013-10-21T16:45:16.802-07:00Still missing Supergrass, but...Gaz Coombes, lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter for one of my 90's fave Britpopters Supergrass, has been busy getting his solo career up and running. In 2012 he released the solid <i>Here Come The Bombs</i>, but this early track from the upcoming new album is the best thing I've heard from the ex-Supergrass camp yet. <br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xi8AH-peorY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Meanwhile, Micky Quinn, bassist and secondary songwriter, continues <a href="http://youtu.be/v1F8DUwFpOY "target=" blank">to do good work</a> with his DB Band.<br />
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As for drummer Danny Goffey...well he looks to be staying busy with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Goffey" target=" blank">number of projects</a>, including a recent stint in Pete Doherty's Babyshambles.<br />
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I've got a nagging feeling, though, that nothing these fine individuals put out from here on will reach the giddy heights and pure fun of Supergrass' finer moments. (Hope I'm wrong.) Case in point:<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qQbVyWED6Ac" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B9qBdMoRRgJSbJ3oUuSHTqKprVNuifeliWNRx5Rd_fzqwUoPZ34GKTiFrJI_UzXQLJpmuXp9P2Ko_l6eAk6rdsNCpwnfN_zdhMhhR8JDKSwv_AKgAxz0ahtqYssDspqvhGNSy0wRAmQ0/s1600/Gaz+Coombes+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B9qBdMoRRgJSbJ3oUuSHTqKprVNuifeliWNRx5Rd_fzqwUoPZ34GKTiFrJI_UzXQLJpmuXp9P2Ko_l6eAk6rdsNCpwnfN_zdhMhhR8JDKSwv_AKgAxz0ahtqYssDspqvhGNSy0wRAmQ0/s320/Gaz+Coombes+2013.jpg" /></a></div>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-33022918252011789462013-10-04T10:26:00.000-07:002013-10-21T16:43:24.319-07:00Polyphonic Spree release video with a message for YOUWhy yes, I think it's a good time for another hippie revolution. Without the drug abuse, of course.<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Qpvp0dfE9Z0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIQLS1CdRZ8hHyvTlfw8lNOnk9yvk8-B2HnzYVmqZJ80MZogH7JHy8Oc3ylHOmLlpcF5JxI33yOrYy6D_F11moNvgeJlIfX0p7ET9yi0D9K9eGMrYvwie7m_mC-XYuIFIqS8r6ZgBalLk/s1600/blurry.jpg" imageanchor="1" "target=" blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIQLS1CdRZ8hHyvTlfw8lNOnk9yvk8-B2HnzYVmqZJ80MZogH7JHy8Oc3ylHOmLlpcF5JxI33yOrYy6D_F11moNvgeJlIfX0p7ET9yi0D9K9eGMrYvwie7m_mC-XYuIFIqS8r6ZgBalLk/s320/blurry.jpg" /></a>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-57823015319424064462013-09-11T12:34:00.000-07:002013-09-11T12:34:53.309-07:00Didn't know this was a cover!Just when I think I've got all the big rock music facts tucked away in my brain, along comes a reminder that there's always gaps:<br />
<br />
Joan Jett (and The Blackhearts) made "I Love Rock 'n Roll" famous in 1980, which kicked off her career in fine fashion (and is still considered by many her high point artistically). Just found out that this was originally written and performed by a band called the Arrows in 1975, led by Alan Merrill. I prefer the <a href="http://youtu.be/KASgOFvIQVc">A-side version</a>, slower but a with more feel, over the <a href="http://youtu.be/8AT_Pbtyid0">sped up B-side</a>, which is clearly the style that Joan adopted.<br />
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Too bad the Arrows didn't get much traction. It was a hell of a start for this English band but apparently the songwriting chops just weren't there to sustain the momentum. Alan was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Merrill">big in Japan</a> for a time though in the early 70s. (Even acted on a Japanese soap opera!)<br />
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Here's a "live" performance from 1976. A bit of "moves like Jagger" going on, but they clearly knew how to get a song across to a teenybopper audience.<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U-HrmvkLCh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-4661822492890515262013-07-09T16:52:00.001-07:002013-07-09T19:48:16.812-07:00My second-favorite band from JapanJapanese synth/rock/blipblurp band Polysics released another album ("<a href="http://japanunderground.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/polysics-weeeeeeeeee/" target="_blank">Weeeeeeeeee!!!</a>") recently...but not in the States as of yet. These guys are apparently almost as obscure here as my number one fave, the sadly folded (ridiculously named but oh so righteously rocking) <a href="http://youtu.be/B3EaulNo_0E" target="_blank">Thee Michelle Gun Elephant</a>. Kinda early Devo-ish, but with a much more positive/fun vibe. Don't let the Engrish deter you from digging these guys! Dance like everybody's watching and enjoy. Let's get some stateside support so we can bring them to the West Coast. I so want to see them play live.<br />
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Here's another great one, from 2008:<br />
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And one more, from 2005:<br />
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<a href="http://japanunderground.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/polysics-top.jpg?w=630&h=257" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://japanunderground.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/polysics-top.jpg?w=630&h=257" height="131" width="320" /></a>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-13187652473026672122013-01-18T11:45:00.003-08:002013-01-18T12:07:29.960-08:00Something about this song makes people psycho...Just came across this great cover of the classic Talking Heads song today. This Aussie can really sing!<br />
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I was going to say it was my "favorite cover of Psycho Killer ever," but then I remembered the fabulous Bobs version, with the manic Gunnar Madsen taking the lead:</div>
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Of course, nothing can compare to the original, done in all earnestness here on the great English show The Old Grey Whistle Test back in the early days...</div>
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Anyway, thanks to Kate Miller-Heidke for keeping the Psycho Heads flame burning into the 2000's.<br />
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If you're interested in picking up the album (<i>Little Eve</i>), she also does a very nice cover of Joni Mitchell's "River" (here's Joni's <a href="http://youtu.be/GpFudDAYqxY" target="_blank">original</a>). Kate's got great taste. FYI, both covers are available on the bonus disc version only.</div>
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-88549310477404133242013-01-10T00:38:00.000-08:002013-01-10T00:38:15.579-08:00Ya learn something new...every once in a while.I was adding this <a href="http://youtu.be/CK3uf5V0pDA" target="_blank">Pretenders song</a> to my "Best of 198_" playlist today, but I wasn't sure what year it came out, so I went to Wikipedia to double-check. Turns out it was released as a single in November 1982, even though I'd always thought of it as a 1984 song because that's when it appeared on their mainstream breakthrough album <i><a href="http://www.allmusic.com/album/learning-to-crawl-mw0000191360" target="_blank">Learning To Crawl</a></i>. How that song, and album, came about is a story of tragedy and triumph, but I was also interested to find out that the "ooh - ah" chant from "Back on the Chain Gang" was borrowed from the Sam Cooke song "<a href="http://youtu.be/zBn5aIfZElE" target="_blank">Chain Gang</a>" from 1960. Pretty direct lifting, I'd say, but certainly well-used, and I think it falls into the category of "tribute" rather than "larceny."<div>
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Plus the whole metaphor of "chain gang" as the daily grind of work (whether artistic or just going to the day job/office) resonates with me quite a bit, and I imagine just about anybody trying to make it through this life.</div>
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-56855739460368734892012-12-31T15:44:00.000-08:002012-12-31T17:31:45.660-08:00Favorite Songs of 2012Last week were the favorite albums. This week, some of my favorite single songs of 2012. To keep things brief, I've come up with three words that come to mind to describe each, and I'll let your ears do the rest. Again, in no particular order:<br />
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The Raveonettes, "<a href="http://youtu.be/hV9TS9kYXUU" target="_blank">Sinking With The Sun</a>" ... Glowing. Sumptuous. Ringing.</div>
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Richard Hawley, "<a href="https://soundcloud.com/theinsound/richard-hawley-leave-your-body" target="_blank">Leave Your Body Behind You</a>" ... Yearning. Epic. Grand.</div>
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Micky Dolenz, "<a href="http://youtu.be/qLJ4_QuwLcU" target="_blank">Do Not Ask For Love</a>" ... Vocal. Beautiful. Surprise.</div>
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Memory Tapes, "<a href="http://youtu.be/gPLncnjj_Ys" target="_blank">Thru The Field</a>" ... Stewart/Gaskin-esque. Synth-y. Bouncy.</div>
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Passion Pit, "<a href="http://youtu.be/dZX6Q-Bj_xg" target="_blank">Take A Walk</a>" ... Personal. Optimistic. Personal.</div>
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Noisettes, "<a href="http://youtu.be/SEJR4EB6CbY" target="_blank">Contact</a>" ... Shirley-Bassey-esque. Orchestral. Underappreciated.</div>
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The Milk, "<a href="http://youtu.be/nsTIU_CxQD8" target="_blank">Kimmi Kimmi</a>" ... Swingin! Soul. Badass.</div>
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Nada Surf, "<a href="http://youtu.be/3C6f7gcl6Dc" target="_blank">Teenage Dreams</a>" ... Guitars. Driving. Message.</div>
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The Gossip, "<a href="http://youtu.be/nmdtOtyqQyQ" target="_blank">Melody Emergency</a>" ... Animal. Emotional. Groove.</div>
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Fun, "<a href="http://youtu.be/BAyNR4CEPE8?t=51s" target="_blank">Some Nights (Intro)</a>" ... Sneaky. High-note 2:55. Rhapsody!</div>
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Dr. John, "<a href="http://youtu.be/kTcSADwLUFM" target="_blank">Locked Down</a>" ... Swampy. Soulful. WelcomebackMac!</div>
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Devo, "<a href="http://youtu.be/0H6ixDVXuaE" target="_blank">Monster Man</a>" ... Unstoppable. Concise. Riff.</div>
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Black Country Communion, "<a href="http://youtu.be/kK1SQTHMUQo?t=3m26s" target="_blank">Common Man</a>" ... Keyboards. Funky. Old-school.</div>
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Rush, "<a href="http://youtu.be/ZcFGrWjOX0E" target="_blank">Headlong Flight</a>" ... Pinnacle. Massive. Relentless.</div>
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And to follow-up on the lyrics/sentiments of that last song: Some days will be dark, some nights will be bright. Live life so you'll say "I wish that I could live it all again!" (Thanks Mr. Peart)</div>
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Welcome to 2013, y'all!</div>
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David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-86887616434901816552012-12-22T22:50:00.002-08:002012-12-26T18:22:05.927-08:00My Favorite Albums of 2012<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Few albums blew me away, but it was certainly another good year overall, with perhaps a slightly more eclectic mix of music attracting my attention. Here's a list of my Top 10 favorites, in no particular order. Follow the links and give 'em a listen...might find a couple to your liking as well!</span><br />
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Dr. Dog<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Be-The-Void/dp/B0070PVCUU/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_mus?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1356239094&sr=1-1&keyword%3Ci%3E%3C/i%3Es=dr.+dog+be+the+void" target="_blank">Be The Void</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What charmers. Dr. Dog plays the finest kind of indie rock, almost folksy with acoustic guitars, easygoing vocals, super-catchy melodies, mostly cheery lyrics but with depth, and at times rocking with joy. Great music for walking around in the woods.</span><br />
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Paul Weller<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sonik-Kicks/dp/B00749Z0HI/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1356240410&sr=1-1-fkmr0" target="_blank">Sonik Kicks</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This guy has been been around since the late 70's with mod revival band The Jam. None of his solo stuff since then has really grabbed me, but this sonically adventurous album is a different story. Rock, electronics, big beats, soul...it's all here in interesting ways. Get your kicks!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>David Byrne & St. Vincent<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-This-Giant/dp/B0094OLJD0/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356240743&sr=301-1" target="_blank">Love This Giant</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Byrne does his best work collaborating with others: From his old Talking Heads buddies, to choreographer Twyla Tharp, Brian Eno, recently Fatboy Slim, and now St. Vincent's Annie Clark. Duet singing, lots of inventive brass, catchy and funky songs exploring the human condition. Vintage Byrne.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>Men Without Hats<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-In-The-Age-War/dp/B0082AMX8C/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356242857&sr=301-1" target="_blank">Love In The Age Of War</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Calling all New Wave fans! This band was a "one hit" wonder (has anyone never heard "Safety Dance" or not gotten sick of it?) but they actually released several albums through the 80s and early 90s before falling off the popular music map. Well, surprise surprise, in 2012 they came back with a new album and I was, VERY pleasantly, surprised. I never really took this band seriously, but this album has a lot of urgency and sincerity to it, and the insistent beats and catchy tunes make a very easy and fun listen. This would be a great addition to anyone wanting to host an 80's Dance Night party.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>Bob Mould<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Age/dp/B0091W8MJ4/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356241352&sr=301-1" target="_blank">The Silver Age</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wow, Bob Mould...first with indie hard rockers Husker Du, then legendary - and brief - Sugar, then the many solo years, branching out into electronica, mellowing a bit and stating a few years back, "no more loud rock albums" (or something to that effect) as we learned that he suffered from tinnitus. So I was a bit...well more than a bit...surprised to hear this new album, which sounds like a followup to those two epic Sugar albums of the 90s. Silver Age is the perfect title to sum up where he's at now, back into fighting shape and pumping out the heavy melodies. Rock on, Bob! This may be my next personal anthem:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span><i><span style="color: #666666;">In the silver age I walk away singing </span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">The silver age is calling out a melody </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Never too old to contain my rage </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">The silver age, the silver age</span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>DC Fontana<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Six-Against-Eight/dp/B003U2BMV6/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356242174&sr=301-1" target="_blank">Six Against Eight</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whee, what fun! A total throwback album to the swingin' 60s London scene. Loud brass, horns, Hammond keyboard and orchestral flourishes. This album's got it all, baby! (I have to admit, what initially attracted me was the <a href="http://youtu.be/J-YBEkLRz-g" target="_blank">video to the title track</a>, an homage to the classic (and one of my favorite all time series), The Prisoner. Well done, lads and lasses!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>Galactic<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carnivale-Electricos/dp/B0076HK9K6/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356243180&sr=301-1" target="_blank">Carnivale Electricos</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ultimate soundtrack to a Mardi Gras party! Great rock, New Orleans R&B, funk...dance, smile, and shake your stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>The Stranglers<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giants/dp/B007971A9C/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356243457&sr=301-1" target="_blank">Giants</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, these old punks just won't quit, nor should they! Better music, by far, than one would expect at this stage. The band that started in the punk era, expanded their sound into rock, pop, goth and electronics as they grew, and survived into the 80's, 90's and 00's. Here they are, older, a little wiser, becoming the cranky old men they always were from the beginning, and still making great music.</span><br />
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<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>Rush<br /><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Angels/dp/B008MZU8R0/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356243678&sr=301-2" target="_blank">Clockwork Angels</a></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could go on about this album for many paragraphs, but I'll spare you. If you're not a fan, you won't be now (Geddy's voice is "nails on a chalkboard" says one friend, for example). Hey, they are what they are, but what they are if you ARE a fan is simply AMAZING. This is a prog-rock masterpiece, complete with overarching theme (a futuristic society in thrall to clocks), masterful playing, and a handful of songs that ROCK most majestically. A lyric from my favorite track goes "I can't stop thinking big" and that is truly the case with this most ambitious of bands that almost 40 years on continues to impress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Funky, cool...songs from this new/retro album could easily be featured on one of Quentin Tarantino's films. Great for strutting around a city with this in your earbuds. Booker T. & The MG's would be proud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Next year, lucky '13. Looking forward to see what comes: Older acts still kicking? New upstarts with exciting sounds? A band ready to make a creative (and possibly commercial) breakthrough with their 3rd or 4th effort? Looking forward to hearing as much of it as possible. And if you come across anything of interest, please feel free to let me know and I'll check it out! Cheers.</span><br />
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<br />David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-47497564354046324872012-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:002012-01-26T21:03:31.320-08:00Rollin' down the roadsIn the beginning, there was Robert Johnson:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B9haj3RM1Sk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Three decades later, there was Cream:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Dg1pHeYmaQE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Another three decades plus, and we arrived at Rush:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q27ETQhG2SM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Not really an evolution here, but how often do you hear a good cover of a cover? It sounds like Alex played the guitar solos in one take, and had a lot of fun in the process.<br /><br />Which version is your favorite?<br /><br />How do you think it be played in the 2030's? Will there still be electric guitars? I think yes.David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7290502109749603872.post-77431286091538381322012-01-01T03:00:00.001-08:002012-01-04T13:18:09.507-08:00Notable Singles of 2011Some bands couldn't put out a whole killer album that knocked my socks off. But for whatever reason, they came up with one track that nailed it. Or it was a band that peaked a looong time ago but decided "screw it, what else are we gonna do with our free time?" so they kept recording. Or it was a new band that's figuring out what they're all about, what their sound is, etc, and that first album just managed that one thing that clicked...stay tuned for further developments. And then there were the solo artists or bands who may not have that natural ability to crank out a substantial catalog but whether it was full moon, or there was something in the water that night, or whatever...they got one great song made in 2011. Here's my list of those that got it done.<br /><br />Nazareth: "<a href="http://youtu.be/17TAh-W8238" target="_blank">Big Dog's Gonna Howl</a>"<br />Okay, so it ain't "Love Hurts" but it's pretty damn good.<br /><br />Washed Out: "<a href="http://youtu.be/JwxK2QsMKeU" target="_blank">Eyes Be Closed</a>"<br />Hooray for shoegaze! This is a big warm blanket tossed over my ears on a rainy, windy night. Ahhh....<br /><br />Kasabian: "<a href="http://youtu.be/pBsQVP-Olmw" target="_blank">Days Are Forgotten</a>"<br />Remember Britpop? Me too, and I'm still waiting for the resurgence. In the meantime, here's some snotty Brits laying down a groove that we can shake it to without feeling too foolish.<br /><br />Patrick Stump: "<a href="http://youtu.be/WqGnKksezPc" target="_blank">This City</a>"<br />Way more 'mainstream' than I usually allow into my headphone space. I guess it was an Allmusic.com review that convinced me to put this on hold at the library. What can I say? It's just very good. (Better than Starships "We Built This City, at least!) It made me think of my hometown (Portland) with some pride, in spite of complaints that it's too small, too dark, too wet. Nice anthem for anyone who likes to stroll their city's streets and soak in the vibe. <br /><br />Ivan Julian: "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UE0G4W/ref=dm_dp_trk4?ie=UTF8&qid=1325707627&sr=301-1" target="_blank">Hardwired</a>"<br />One of the last honest rockers. No overdubs, lyrics that get right to the point. I miss this kind of music.<br /><br />Amy Lee: "<a href="http://youtu.be/-LlkNjmutmM" target="_blank">Halfway Down The Stairs</a>"<br />A cover song recorded for the Muppets Revisited soundtrack, this song was personally relevant with lyrics based upon an A.A Milne poem, understatedly (and seductively) sung by Ms. Lee.<br /><br />The Men: "<a href="http://youtu.be/EOBrXd5WPpA" target="_blank">Who Am I To Feel So Free</a>"<br />Oooh, Gang of Four style beat through a Bikini Kill filter. Love it! Keep it going, please! I miss this style as well. (One YouTube post described them as "the spiritual successor of Le Tigre." Yeah that's pretty close.) p.s. Not to be confused with The Men of 1992 who released one great album featuring a killer single "The Church of Logic, Sin and Love."<br /><br />Primus: "<a href="http://youtu.be/bgTG_dGskGQ" target="_blank">Lee Van Cleef</a>"<br />Musical tribute to actor Lee Van Cleef. That guy was kicked ass, and so did this song.<br /><br />The Sounds: "<a href="http://youtu.be/D20-q8VsfEk" target="_blank">Best Of Me</a>"<br />Swede-pop with a bit of Muse-lite. Keep it coming!<br /><br />Meat Puppets: "<a href="http://youtu.be/GoV-6Zo8DKQ" target="_blank">The Spider or the Spaceship</a>"<br />Classic MP lyrics, simultaneously non sequiter and making perfect sense. They're back, and we need them now more than ever.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OBRkMNpN12zwSmFCrwXwfSVGXcpJalMd9S3tB0TBxEBtP5ZQxzkz-0rUABLV-u6DhisCGMUNl9j1u_SsIBYHiDOkJq6XMLFoZ3iVyl8463bIVvfYPm2Ftbmn4CLhCRjhx_fLO10Zbn-C/s1600/Meat+Puppets.jpg" target="blank"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OBRkMNpN12zwSmFCrwXwfSVGXcpJalMd9S3tB0TBxEBtP5ZQxzkz-0rUABLV-u6DhisCGMUNl9j1u_SsIBYHiDOkJq6XMLFoZ3iVyl8463bIVvfYPm2Ftbmn4CLhCRjhx_fLO10Zbn-C/s200/Meat+Puppets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693882048138402226" /></a>David Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889695388678766007noreply@blogger.com0