Containing, among other things, my humble effort to bring my fellow sixty(ish) year olds up to date on some current, and frankly, not so current, pop music.
Since I’ve already done a roundup of 2007 and 2008, I’m just going to give them a quick once over to see if I’ve changed my mind about anything. (Have I ever?)
There’s not much to add, except to say that Neko Case, while not outdoing the Go Betweens, did outlast them.While it clear from the start that “Oceans Apart” was great, “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood” hung back and slowly took over.Once it kicked in, we played it for weeks straight.It’s definitely one of the best of that year, and of the decade, too.
The other Go Betweens record – “Spring Hill Fair” - turned out to be pretty good, but not great.Sometimes the GBs –at least the Robert Forster part - are all elbows.It’s on “Oceans Apart” that they grow wings.
So the revised “Great List” stands as:
The Go Betweens – “Oceans Apart”
Neko Case – “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood”
PJ Harvey – “Stories of the City, Stories of the Sea”
And the “Really Goods” now are:
Nick Drake – Pink Moon
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Featuring Eric Clapton
Thelonious Monk – “Solo Monk”
The remainder of that year’s music more or less stays where it was in my original estimation, although some records will continue to swim around inside my brain, only to surface years from now, at the oddest times.
Just when things were going really well, another major life crisis arrived, and life suddenly sucked again.Luckily for me and everyone else, this time around, when the thrasher came I was able to give what was mine.And, unlike the last time when this happened, I decided that I wouldn't forgo music.Maybe it would help.
But not right away.
Spring:
When your life sucks, why not retreat into someone else’s?Which is why I read Neil Young’s biography, “Shakey”.This would lead me to filling some holes in my record collection with the second and third Buffalo Springfield albums - "Again" and "Last Time Around", and Neil's own “American Stars and Bars”.
I was tempted big time to get the Buffalo Springfield boxed set, which was put together by Neil Young, until I found out that Neil left off some tracks from “Last Time Around”.Yo,Neil, wtf?!(a phrase, I might add, that could apply to several episodes in this infuriating genius’s life).But it all worked out for the best at the bargain bin of my favorite record store, which is my equivalent of the McDonalds plastic ball pit.
Buffalo Springfield is sometimes called the polar opposite of the Byrds - a band that was great on record and a bit rickety live.Legend has it that the Springfield was monstrous live, but that their records never captured it.Their first record is quite good when you get past the anemic production.They hated it."Again" has several all-time classics (“Bluebird”, “Expecting to Fly”, “Broken Arrow”) and a couple of forgettable songs (uh, I forget.See?)."Last Time Around" doesn't have as many peaks, but it's excellent throughout, and it’s the one I played a lot more.Of course, I’d heard those classics a thousand times already. ---------------- Now playing: Neil Young - I Am a Childvia FoxyTunes
“American Stars and Bars” is half pretty good country rock with Linda Rondstadt singing backup, the highlight of which is the more rocking “Bite the Bullet”, and half bits of genius from the vault, like “Star of Bethlehem”, “Will to Love” and “Like a Hurricane”.
Before an adult came to tell me it was time to go, I also found “The Best of Love”.Theywere a California band from the sixties best known for that obscure FM cut "You Set the Scene" from their classic album “Forever Changes”.This CD pulls four songs from that record, along with a bunch from the albums that came before and after it.It's a very good, varied collection, with the brilliant "She Comes in Colors", reportedly the inspiration for the Stones' "She's a Rainbow". ---------------- Now playing: Love - She Comes in Colorsvia FoxyTunes
Summer:
"The Sky is Crying: The History of Elmore James" contains the originals of “I Can't Hold Out”, “It Hurts Me Too”, “Madison Blues” and “Done Somebody Wrong” and others, each of which beats the cover by way of raw guitar, pounding piano or stronger vocal. ---------------- Now playing: Elmore James - Done Somebody Wrongvia FoxyTunes
Ah, have music and life ever melded together as intimately as they did that summer?Sufjan Stevens' "Illinois"was the only possible soundtrack to our numerous grim trips to the hospital that summer. No one asked me to turn off "Casimir Pulaski Day", which, as great as it is, would have been understandable under the circumstances.Best of the Year, hands down.One of the best of the decade, too.I think I would have loved it even if everything was okay.
Maya Arulpragasam was born in England but has lived in Sri Lanka, India and elsewhere.She makes a very potent mix of dance music and electronica under the name M.I.A.I play her first record, “Arular”, to impress my nieces.I’ll have to play it a lot more, I guess.She manages to keep your attention without letting things get too grating.She’s adds some smart lyrics, and doesn’t overstay her welcome.Highly recommended, especially if you want to know what those young folk are up to these days.
I file the soundtrack to the film "The Harder they Come" under Jimmy Cliff, but that's not quite right.If one person did all these songs I'd have to rate him above Bob Marley.Jah was smiling the day that BMG offered it as a special two disc edition containing a number of other Jamaican hits, like "The Israelite" and "I Can See Clearly Now". But even if it was just the original single disk, it would be great."Johnny Too Bad", "Pressure Drop", "Sitting Here in Limbo" - there's not a bad song here, and I enjoy it more now that times are better. But what's that I smell?Oh that’s right, nevermind…
Thelonious Monk Quartet, with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall combines two of my favorite jazz artists, and is one of those records you can play over and over again, and never reach the bottom.The fact that this record even exists is a miracle - someone found a fifty year old tape lying around.Treat yourself to the warm embrace of music that seems almost Easy Listening at moments, but that over time reveals its many layers and dark corners.
I decided that I’d been playing it too safe with Monk – only listening to his late ‘50s recordings, and so went for the circa 1947 “Genius of Modern Music”.This is his first record as a band leader and it immediately grabs you with its odd angles and structures.It must haveseemed like a space ship landing at the time.I wouldn’t start here to learn about Monk, but it's well worth the ride.
Sometimes I get over-sated, and feel bad that I've gotten a CD that I didn't absolutely need.It's compounded when it doesn't bowl me over.Such was the fate of Roxy Music's “Avalon” - a perfectly good, if a little slick sounding record.It just didn't have any surprises or brilliantly weird Roxy moments. Great music for company, though.
Who the hell are the Impressions, I wondered? Well, they’re more significant than Wolf Blitzer, I can tell you. I didn't know that Curtis Mayfield didn't spring out of the ether fully formed with "Move on Up" and "Superfly". He had a life and career before I became aware of it. This vocal trio started in the 50s doing light, airy doo wop-like tunes.Their arrangements got more varied during the 60s, and their lyrics became more socially relevant. Then they broke up and Curtis went solo. I never tire of "Superfly", which has some of the tightest drumming, and the best lyrics, ever."The Anthology" brings all of this together in one place, and while at first I resisted, I find myself coming back to this record more and more.
One morning after working all night, I put on Gogol Bordello's "Gypsy Punks" and The Hold Steady's "Separation Sunday", and I can't think of two records that are worse to put on when someone's trying to get some sleep.Ask my daughter."Gypsy Punks" is exactly how it sounds - accordions, violins, electric guitars, screams.It's been a while since I've been to the caravan so I don't listen to it often. But the energy is undeniable. "Separation Sunday" is the sound of "Blinded by the Light" Bruce Springsteen, but without the Big Man, and the guitars turned up. And he’s had a few.The characters are low lifes of varying degrees, and I don't always want to spend time with them, but they do make life interesting.
After the next all-nighter, I tried Mississippi John Hurt's “Rediscovered” (link) which worked a lot better.John's gentle voice and nimble guitar accompany tales of love, violence and, well, coffee. It’s so quiet, you could practicallyblast it and no one would complain.On the downside, you could easily miss it if the world intrudes.File under "don't play too softly". ---------------- Now playing: Mississippi John Hurt - Candy Manvia FoxyTunes
James Talley's "Got No Milk, No Bread, No Money, But Sure Got a Lot of Love" wins the best title award.This is laid back country music that doesn't even try to grab you.It assumes you're paying attention.James's voice isn't going to knock down any doors either.Although I appreciate the feeling, it's an acquired taste, and only for certain occasions.
Mozart’s Sonata/Fantasy/Rondo and Variations (played by Alfred Brendel), is the abbreviated title.(Jesus Christ, why can’t these guys name their tunes something sensible, like “Louie, Louie”?)Even so, James Talley’s still got them beat.Anyway, this is a fine collection of solo piano music.When it comes to classical music, for me, smaller is always better.Now I’m waiting for the kazoo version.
Good friend Mike had seen Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in Europe ages ago (which, by the way, used to mean hours, but now means decades) and raved about them.But which one to get, I wondered?I eventually choose their first, because of the nice cover (and price), and even the record store guy concurred. It's energetic, tuneful and certainly worthwhile, if not earth shaking for the non-jazz nut.
Sam Phillips was married to T-Bone Burnett, and before they broke up, he producedher "Martinis and Bikinis" which is more serious than it sounds. You may have heard “I Need Love” at your local drug store chain, between announcements for specials on toiletries.Sam's voice is less raspy than Kim Carnes’.She obviously loves the Beatles, and even covers John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth”.While it doesn’t all cohere into a great record, there are a number of excellent, accessible songs here.Not bad at all.
Joanna Newsom’s “The Milk-Eyed Mender” is my latest "the rest of the family gives me funny looks" CD. It's understandable, really. With her whoops, cackles and regressions into early childhood, she makes Bjork sound like Mary J. Normal. And yet, and yet, some of these songs are incredible.There is a fearless openness here that makes other such attempts pale in comparison. Oh, and she plays a harp. One of the quietest records ever, it slowly fades in from an utter silence.It'd still piss off someone trying to sleep, though.
In what was becoming a recurring pattern in my life, I was down in the dumps in January.But even by my standards, this was a bad time.So I headed out to the record store for sustenance.
When I put on Arcade Fire’s “Funeral” now, I can’t believe how inspiring it is, and how far down I must have been that it didn’t work on me right away.Instead, I took it in, acknowledged that it was a good album, and filed it away.It came roaring back a couple of months later, and gave me some hope.
---------------- Now playing: Arcade Fire - In the Back Seat via FoxyTunes
I was expecting more from Rilo Kiley’s “More Adventurous”, but that happens sometimes.Jenny Lewis has a very pleasing voice, and writes good tunes, but the very dark lyrics provide too jarring a contrast.And the band is too intent on making a hit.Which is ironic given that the high point is “It’s a Hit” – a smackdown for our last president, and some others I don’t happen to know.
At my job, the closest thing we had to a compulsive liar was the guy who kept using phrases like “keeping it real” and “G-unit” and such.I thought he’d be impressed when I told him that I got a record by “Kane West”.Never heard of him, he said.Then I put on my reading glasses I saw that it said Kanye.Not my coolest moment.
Well, even us lame fifty-year-olds can pronounce his name now, and not necessarily because of his music.Kanye West has a habit of saying asinine things.Isn’t that the sign of genius?Kanye thinks so.But I quibble.Here’s a great couplet from “We Don’t Care” which is on The College Dropout:
“We weren’t supposed to make it past twenty five
The jokes on you, we’re still alive.”
And good for him.This is a good record - funny, if a little too reliant on sampled and sped up vocals.But if you want to hear an entertaining rap record, this is not a bad place to start.
---------------- Now playing: Kanye West - We Don't Carevia FoxyTunes
May:
By now I was at an all-time low.I put the new records away, and took out Wilco’s depressing, insular “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”.---------------- Now playing: Wilco - Radio Curevia FoxyTunes When I got it the previous year, I listened and shrugged.Now it was all I could deal with, except at night when I’d put on Aphex Twin’s “Select Ambient Works, Vol. II”, which is about as low impact and alienated as you can get.
Father’s Day:
The Shins’ “Chutes Too Narrow” coincided with me getting over myself, and my job.Things were looking up, and James Mercer helped by writing at least two songs that are amongst the best of the decade.The rest of the record is energetic and tuneful and as tight as a drum. ---------------- Now playing: The Shins - Mine's Not a High Horsevia FoxyTunes
After my daily replays of Aphex Twin, I wanted to revisit an old joy - Eno’s “Another Green World”, nowon CD, would save me the trouble of getting my lazy ass off the couch to flip it over.Considered one of the first “ambient” records, it marks a halfway point between pretty but empty Pure Moods/Enya/New Age and austere to the point of comatose Aphex Twin.One of my all timers.I was feeling better now.
---------------- Now playing: Brian Eno - Everything Merges With the Nightvia FoxyTunes
Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” is a perfectly pleasant, if not very challenging, jazz record.No complaint here – it’s good for company – but it’s not going to make you a fanatic.
Summer:
We used the excuse of my sons growing interest in the Beatles to pick up “For Sale”, “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Abbey Road” on CD.
“Magical Mystery Tour” is a so so Beatles record.In other word, it’s not amongst their very best, but is still better than 98% of what’s out there.Okay, so “Blue Jay Way” and “Flying” aren’t great, but just about everything else on it is.
“For Sale” is the British equivalent to “Beatles VI” or “’65” or something.It represents the beginning of middle period Beatles, with acoustic guitars, downbeat themes and a touch of country.Okay, “Mr. Moonlight” kinda sucks, but in that good, Beatles kind of way.And then there’s “I’m a Loser”, “No Reply”, “Baby’s In Black”, “I’ll Follow the Sun”, “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party”, “Eight Day’s a Week”, “What You’re Doing”.Need I say more?
“Abbey Road” (link) Side Two as greatest album side of all time?Discuss!I’m distrustful of nostalgia, but it’s hard to listen to side two without feeling lucky to be alive.This summer, we enjoyed it all over again.
Fall:
The Musical Heritage Society struck again with A Night at the Opera.Not a Marx Brothers soundtrack, but rather overtures from famous operas, done onacoustic guitars.No singing, thank god.Good for early mornings.
And what’s a music collection without a record by Igor Stravinsky?How could I turn down the two CD “The Essential…”? Damn you, MHS!This is a great example something that was once not considered music at all, but that is now thought of as quite tame.
Overcoming my reluctance to buy records I’ve already heard big chunks of, I finally broke down at the bargain bin, and got The Grateful Dead’s“Workingman’s Dead”.When your musical tastes go through a change, it’s tempting to be dismissive of your earlier enthusiasms.But if anything, I’m even more impressed with this record now.I’d call this the seminal Americana album if I wasn’t so averse to using those two already overused terms, in the same sentence no less.Even the overplayed “Casey Jones” sounds just good closing it.Robert Hunter deserves a medal for these lyrics.My only gripe is that the generous bonus tracks are kind of shaky.Hey, those harmonies are tough.
---------------- Now playing: Grateful Dead - Black Petervia FoxyTunes
Mule Variations is my first Tom Waits record.What do you get by the man who’s done everything?If you’re lucky, a record that balances his weirdness and his songwriting.But really, what do I know?They may all be like this.The sound on this record is crystal clear, so there are no excuses for the cacophony.No apologies, either.More music to get rid of company with. Seriously, it’s quite good.“Come on Up to the House” is the great one here.
---------------- Now playing: Tom Waits - Come on Up to the Housevia FoxyTunes
For the longest time, I hated Bjork’s “Post”, but now I think she’s been a victim of low volume, which happens to the music I play at home from time to time.I finally played this electronica extravaganza in my car, and began to notice the overall sound, which makes the band sound like an artillery division advancing on you.Which helps a lot when she starts to woop and holler in that Bjork way of hers.The bass could knock you over, by the way.
---------------- Now playing: Björk - Isobelvia FoxyTunes
Buddy Guy is cited by just about every good white guitar player, so who am I to say no?And from the Musical Heritage Society no less!This one’s “The Very Best of Buddy Guy”.The guitar playing is so raw that you can feel his fingers on the strings.He sings good too.
---------------- Now playing: Buddy Guy - Man of Many Wordsvia FoxyTunes
The Essential Bessie Smith - I suppose when you’ve heard one of these double entendres you’ve heard them all – sugar in my bowl, trombone cholly, do your duty - but why do I keep going back?Because Ms. Smith just won’t be denied.
---------------- Now playing: Bessie Smith - Aggravatin' Papavia FoxyTunes
Thanksgiving:
The Shins made such an impression over the summer that I jumped at “Oh, Inverted World”, their first record.It’s not as impressive as “Chutes”, but that’s partly because it’s a bit slower and fuzzier.Once you give it a chance, though, the pretty tunes really catch up to you. ---------------- Now playing: The Shins - New Slangvia FoxyTunes
The Streets
Time for another dip into what is arguably not hip hop. Like I'd know one way or the other.I find this Brit very funny and quite tuneful.
---------------- Now playing: The Streets - Dry Your Eyesvia FoxyTunes
Husker Du
Minneapolis trio strikes again.During the 80s these guys cranked out more tunes than just about anyone else around.I was disappointed by 1986’s “Candy Apply Grey”, and find “New Day Rising” much better, if not perfect.Not mellow.I don’t know what’s more powerful, Bob Mould’s yowl or his gargantuan guitar. ---------------- Now playing: Hüsker Dü - Powerlinevia FoxyTunes
Christmas:
Hank Williams Gold:
Like Neil Young and John Prine after him, Hank’s songs are simple, but you can’t get enough of them.One would think that two CDs is a lot to take in at one time, but in fact it goes by quite easily. ---------------- Now playing: Hank Williams - Cool Watervia FoxyTunes
Great:
The Beatles simply don’t count.
The Shins - Chutes Too Narrow
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Good:
The Streets - A Grand Don't Come for Free
Tom Waits - Mule Variations
Was the music really any better than any other year?No, but I was feeling better, so it just seems that way.So, there’s a happy ending.
It was around late March or April before I decided that it was okay to listen to music again.
But the Musical Heritage Society wouldn’t wait – they just can’t help but send you a CD now and then, and around February, I got Mozart ’s “Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat Major/Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra in D Major” (I’m too out of breath to tell you who plays on it.)It’s a little more cheery than the classical music that I usually listen to.Party animal Wolfgang Amadeus just isn’t going to let you slit your wrists in the tub, even if you feel like it.
Right around then, one crisis was passing.But instead of feeling relief, I was tired.Another crisis was on its way, and I must have felt it coming.Life can wear you down, and although music can help, you can’t expect it to fix everything.Sometimes all it can do is slow down the process.
Even though, I’d actively searched out the Wrens “The Meadowlands”, after getting it I had a bout of buyer’s remorse, and decided to not expect much from it.When I heard the chiming guitars usually I love, I told myself Oh it’s just those chiming guitars you love. Big deal.The less-than-obvious lyrics promised to reveal more over time.But the print on the cover is just too small to read.Then there was the dynamic sound and overall energy.Well, okay.I guess that’s good, too.To this day, I’ll put this CD on and notice a song I barely listened to before, because it was near the end of the CD, and realize how good it is.The sheer generosity of the thing promised enjoyment for years to come.Ho hum. ---------------- Now playing: The Wrens - This Boy is Exhaustedvia FoxyTunes
A friend lent me a CD by the Beautiful South – the one with the wonderful “36D” and “Old Blue Eyes Is Back”, but since I tend to go to the source, I bought their first record, Welcome to The Beautiful South.Thisis another one of those pleasant sounding records with venomous lyrics.These guys love to barb their pretty tunes with lyrics about politics and murder.But you do hum along.
---------------- Now playing: The Beautiful South - Old Red Eyes is Backvia FoxyTunes
In the USA, Youssou N’Dour is known as ”that guy who sings real nice at the end of Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your Eyes’”.(At least that was how I explained who he was, when someone asked me what CDs I got lately.Maybe it’s my fault.)To the rest of the world, he’s merely a superstar, so I figured it was time to try him out.“Nothing’s in Vain” is a pop record that just happened to be recorded in Africa.I normally pass on crossover attempts, but after several years, this still holds up quite well thank you very much.And it’s an ideal introduction to African music. ---------------- Now playing: Youssou N'Dour - Africa Dream Againvia FoxyTunes
You bought “Buena Vista Social Club”, so I wouldn’t have to.That freed me up to get a record by the bass player, Orlando Cachaito Lopez.It always surprises to me when bass players make great records.(I obviously know nothing about bass playing.)If you put a gun to my head, I’d guess it’s Cuban music, but I hear jazz and hip hop, too.It also falls into the “great night music” category.Whatever its genre, “Cachaito” is great music period. ---------------- Now playing: Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez - Redencionvia FoxyTunes
If I ever hoped to get a clue about African music, I knew I’d have to get something by Fela Kuti, who’s made, oh, about fifty albums.Another superstar virtually unknown in America (although now I see there’s an off-Broadway show about him), he’s made so much music, that it’s hard to figure out where to start.He’s even got a bunch of best-ofs.This one – “The Best Best of Fela Kuti” - solves the problem.This is hard-core African music – outspoken, political and brooding.Fela’s edited tracks run at least ten minutes apiece.This 2 CD set spans several decades.It is definitely not for your tea and crumpets crowd.(Maybe your burn down the house with the tea and crumpets people inside crowd, though.)
If CDs were priced by quality, Fountains of Wayne’s “Welcome Interstate Managers” - (link) one of the great albums of the decade – wouldn’t have been going for $2.99 at BMG.The guitar based pop and rock and roll goes down real easy, because the melodies stick, and the words are consistently smart and funny.It definitely cheered me up, and was one of the high points of that summer.The theme is white-collar working life.I can relate.Maybe you can too.Go ahead, treat yourself. ---------------- Now playing: Fountains of Wayne - All Kinds of Time via FoxyTunes
The election that year did nothing for my mood, so by the holidays, I went back into the past and got Benny Goodman’s “The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert”.It’s been on my lift of must buys for a while, and the scene in Phillip Roth’s The Human Stain where the narrator is listening to this record finally pushed me to the store. It’s obvious why this album is treasured by many, but I also realize that I’m not a big band fan, so I’m still waiting for this one to hit home.
And finally, for Christmas, Brian Wilson’s “Smile”, which wasa lot to ask of me, but just what I needed. This is just about the only record I can think of that could pull me out of the funk I was in.It’s got to be one of the most melodic records ever made.Are you a little hesitant to get a record that’s a bit off the Beach Boys-beaten path?Don’t want to be told to eat your vegetables?Think you’ve hear this before?Don’t let that stop you.Jump in.The water’s fine. ---------------- Now playing: Brian Wilson - Wind Chimesvia FoxyTunes
Loved:
Brian Wilson
Fountains of Wayne
The Wrens
Liked:
Youssou N’Dour
The Beautiful South
Orlando Lopez
I hadn’t remembered 2004 as a great year in music - I practically crawled to the end of the year.Now I can see that I just wasn’t responding to the good music I was hearing.
While the country was deciding to go to war again, I was too confused and overwhelmed to know what to think.Maybe everything I thought was wrong.
So I retreated into my first vice.But pop music wasn’t going to cut it, so I tried a different time and place - jazz and world music.
Although I usually need a few listens to get a grip on a new jazz record, I liked “The Amazing Bud Powell, Volume One” right away.Bud played piano during the advent of bebop, but rather than feel challenged by his music, I felt welcomed.So my first reaction was enjoyment, then wonder at how the hell he did it.I prefer this order of events to what usually happens with virtuosos – you appreciate them first and forget to get around to liking them.I’m usually cautious about recommending jazz, but this one if great, even for a non-enthusiast.
----------------Now playing: Bud Powell - Bouncing with Budvia FoxyTunes
On the same trip to the store, I picked up “Specialists in All Styles” by Orchestra Baobab.I know even less about world music than I do about world history, so when I heard the term Afro-Cuban music, I can only imagine an island in the middle of the Atlantic where these guys meet to play.These guys were stars in Senegal, broke up for twenty odd years, and then picked right up where they left off.The sharp guitar playing helps me get past the words I don’t understand.And again, it didn’t require any time to “get”.
----------------Now playing: Orchestra Baobab - Bul Ma Miinvia FoxyTunes
Now deluded into thinking I’d mastered these two genres, I overreached into classical.The Musical Heritage Society - having forgotten what a lousy customer I was in the eighties - wanted me back.The offer was so good I didn’t make them beg.I grabbed the buy-six-for-a-buck-a-piece offer and ran.
The first two discs were Elvis Costello-recommended requiems by Brahms and Mozart.Not party music, they’re both perfect for early mornings when it’s miserable out and your conscience is bothering you.Listening to them is like being locked in a church where the choir has taken over.And not the rollicking African American gospel type choir either.The solemn life sucks type, which was right up my alley.I still can’t tell one from the other, but I kind of like it that way.If they could wait hundreds of years for me to listen, I can give them a few spins.
Two more discs were comprised of Yo Yo Ma doing “Six Suites For Unaccompanied Cello by J.S. Bach” (link), or for you MASH fans, Ahhh Bach.Morning music.Solitude music.Sanctuary music.It’s functionally similar to the requiems, except that you’ve done nothing wrong.I rarely play it all the way through, but for whatever length of time you have it on, it’s like unplugging from this all too plugged-in world.I’m still trying to decide whether to file it under Y, M or B.
And finally, the last two were the Complete Rags of Scott Joplin.There is a – joy is too strong a word - serenity to this music that makes it irresistible.It functions in a similar way to the Bach Cello music.The former can bring you peace and the latter can point you to happiness.
----------------Now playing: Scott Joplin - Maple Leaf ragvia FoxyTunes
Gifts:
One of the downsides of family life is that one of those family members is bound to ask for a CD for Mother’s Day that you’d rather not have to listen to.Such was Coldplay’s “A Rush of Blood to the Head”.In other words, not my idea.But my wife asked for it, and so she’s going to get it, right?Even if I think it’s going to pollute the record collection.(Hey, my records are carefully researched choices.)So I didn’t want to like it.But, you know, it wore me down.It was just different enough to entice me.The chord changes were less than obvious, and the textures varied enough to keep my interest.The vocals, not too wimpy (unlike too many of their later songs), and the words, ignorable.Even I’ve bought worse records.
----------------Now playing: Coldplay - God Put a Smile on Your Facevia FoxyTunes
Another would-be present was Shakira’s “Donde Estan los Ladrones?” which I thought was Spanish for “Laundry Service”, which is the other CD my wife asked for.Niente.This one came out before Shakira became a major crossover artist.Although it’s too commercial and generic, I admire how she drops in a rock and roll guitar here and there.
Ultimate Yardbirds was a Father’s Day present, and it was going to be my attempt at resolving my Eric Clapton/Jimmy Page/Jeff Beck issues, and finally get into a band that I just kept missing.And there’s no doubt that the band’s got it going on.Check out the live blues covers, like Smokestack Lightnin’, but the singer’s just not there. Your assignment: Compare and contrast:
----------------Now playing: The Yardbirds - Smokestack Lightnin'via FoxyTunes
It’s hard to believe it now, but while the world was going to hell, my immediate surroundings were becoming more pleasant.There’s nothing like a terrorist attack to make you appreciate the little things.
My memories of that summer are bittersweet, and The Flaming Lips’ “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” represents it perfectly. (link).Instead of just being pretty, it’s also haunting and eerie.Wayne Coyne’s eerie voice singing "Everyone you know someday must die" seemed like a forewarning.And it was.
----------------Now playing: The Flaming Lips - Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell via FoxyTunes
The Drive-By Truckers are the first “southern rock” band I’ve had the slightest interest in for over thirty years.They emphasize songwriting over guitar histrionics.“Decoration Day” mixes Rolling Stones type guitar-crunch rock and roll with hard-edged country music.The songs are about disreputable people, and you get to hear their side of it.“My Sweet Annette”, about an elopement and a betrayal, is brilliant
---------------- Now playing: Drive-By Truckers - My Sweet Annette via FoxyTunes
Miles Smiles because he’s making a fool of me – this time by pushing his music in places I may never be.Check in with me in ten years, which is when I may have caught up with him.Sure.
Wilco’s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” had won many Best Album awards the year before.I really liked their collaboration with Billy Brag on “Mermaid Avenue”, so I decided to try my first Wilco album.I found it weird, vague and pretensciouss - exactly what I normally like, but this time I wasn’t buying it.They were going for Big Star’s “Third” album vibe, but without enough hooks.And I prefer Alex Chilton’s voice to Jeff Tweedy’s.“I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” is a great lead-off track, but it takes half the album before they reach that level again.So I put it aside for a while.A year later, during a very dark period, it was virtually the only thing I could listen to. ---------------- Now playing: Wilco - I Am Trying To Break Your Heart via FoxyTunes
Fall:
By my next trip to the record store I still hadn’t learned my lesson about balancing experimentation with enjoyment.
Arthur Blythe’s “Lenox Avenue Breakdown” is probably the best of the bunch.
This jazz record has a nice balance of accessibility and experimentation.The cuts are long and easy to get right away.The solos are sharp and never commonplace.
The Moldy Peaches take precociousness to new depths.You alternately want to hum along and then smack them.They’re very, very raw, talented and not interested in letting it go down easy.They force you into their little world, so it’s not for every occasion.Definitely pre-9/11 music, so I just don’t have the patience for it now.
James Carter’s “Conversin’ with the Elders” has a young saxophonist interpreting tunes from the masters.Not that I’m all that familiar with the originals, mind you.Although I have no reason to do so, I’m always surprised and disappointed when a jazz album doesn’t hit me right away.But here I was doing it again.But after several years, I think I can finally hear it.
For those of you who think Iggy Pop makes the end of western civilization official, I must admit that I agreed with you at one time.Having finally sampled his best-of “Nude and Rude” about ten years ago, and enjoyed it, I’ve since taken two dives into the deep end.The first, a few years back with “Fun House”, his second record with the Stooges, and this time with his third, “Raw Power”, which was produced by David Bowie.My version is remixed by Mr. Pop himself.The opener, “Search and Destroy”, is one of the most ferocious rock songs ever, and I can’t say anything else comes close to it.The primitive lead guitar playing seems detached from the context (ie, whatever tune is being played at the moment).This irritates some people.And let’s face it - we still wouldn’t introduce Iggy to our wives or daughters.But if you can get past all that, there’s a real primal joy to be had here.Followed, perhaps, by some hot monkey-love.
---------------- Now playing: Iggy & the Stooges - Search and Destroyvia FoxyTunes
One of the big disappointments of the trip was Chris Bell’s “I Am the Cosmos”.Chris was the co-founder of Big Star, who died a few years after he left the band.This posthumously released solo album was getting good press, so it seemed a natural.The main problem is Chris’s high voice, and the strain shows more than once.To be fair, there are some gems, like “Speed of Sound” and “You and Your Sister”, with Alex Chilton singing harmony.Talk about your warm Hollywood-type reunion-before-tragic–accident-moment.
---------------- Now playing: Chris Bell - You and Your Sister via FoxyTunes
Bad Moon Rising:
My wife further eroded the record collection with Enya’s “A Day without Rain”.One of the deeper mysteries of marriage is how I somehow conveyed to her to not play this CD around me.Yes, I am aware that many humans find this music to be good, and I accept that.But just look at that cover!She’s got a tail, for God’s sake!It merely proves what I’ve always suspected: she’s actually Ursula from the Little Mermaid.And her music is just the anesthetizing poison she sprays you with BEFORE SHE EATS YOU!!..........I’ve been told to stop it.Okay, I will, but no, I will NOT apologize to a fish.Or ever go near water again.I admit that some of this is pretty, but I refuse to be coerced into liking it.It works well in those Lord of the Rings-type movies, though.
She also got Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising”.There are at most four songs here that do anything for me at all.Bruce has his heart in the right place, but the subject is just too big for him, and the music is dated.
Some nice person got me “Johnny Cash: The Heart of a Legend”, one of those knock off best-ofs you find in your local big box store.It’s a shame that I already had almost every song on it.I’d give it away if it weren’t so damned good.
Crash:
And then - nothing.It all goes black.Sometimes things happen that even music can’t fix, even if you wanted to hear some.Besides, why poison the memory of the music with what was going on around it?
And that kind of busted up the year for me.I loved nothing unconditionally.
To most people, comfort music is what you already know and love, and you use it to make yourself feel better.For me, ideally, it’s something new, but easy to get into - a new, safe place to be.
And why not?If it isn’t the world going to hell, it’s stuff immediately around you.It was a year for either finding peace or going numb.Some people use drugs, I use music. So, what what's my poison, you ask?
Not the Strokes “Is This It?”, as good as it is.It’s just a little too…professional for me.Too much calculation and not enough joy.It’s good party music, but I only party every once in a while.
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Now playing: The Strokes - Soma via FoxyTunes
And not quite the White Stripes “White Blood Cells”, either, though it’s a better record.Like the Strokes, the Stripes play loud rock and roll, but it’s in a more raw and crazed way.Maybe a bit too much so for me at that time. ----------------
Now playing: The White Stripes - Now Mary via FoxyTunes
Neither record could help me through my post 9/11 winter blues.
Spring/Summer:
So I tried the dbs twofer “Stands for Decibels” and “Percussion”, which was very tuneful, but a little too light and cute.
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Now playing: The dB's - Neverland via FoxyTunes
Better was Sebadoh’s “Bake Sale”.Loud, lofi and rough – everything you should avoid during the summer.And yet, it was exactly what I needed.Pained, angry and finally resigned.Perfect.
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Now playing: Sebadoh - Together or Alone via FoxyTunes
Meanwhile, my wife tried out the “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack, which I find hilarious since she runs out of the house screaming whenever I play stuff like this.But, hey, it’s a good record.I like putting it on when she’s not looking, so when she gives me that “please take this sh-t off” look, I tell her it’s her record.It’s a wonder I haven’t been killed in my sleep by now.If you don’t hear from me, you know what happened.
I also got her Morrisey’s “Bona Drag” – a collection of his singles - since who can keep up with him since he left the Smiths anyway?And it’s good, too, but in that limited, Morrisey kind of way.I recommend 1991’s “Your Arsenal”.
Fall:
I decide to hedge my bets this year, so instead of the typical birthday splurge, I pick up a couple of more or less known quantities from BMG.First, there’s Bob Dylan’s “Love and Theft” which I don’t love quite as much as “Time Out of Mind”.Only now do I actively enjoy it.
Luckily I hit paydirt with Old ‘97s “Satellite Rides”.This one restored my faith in music’s ability to bring post-9/11 joy.Granted, it was recorded before that blot on our memories, but it’s smart and tough enough to keep you from feeling guilty about loving it.
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Now playing: Old 97's - King of All the World via FoxyTunes
I also took the plunge into hip-hop with Run DMC’s “Raisin’ Hell”.This 1985 Rick Rubin produced record is Chuck D’s all time favorite, and is definitely old school.The following year, Rubin would produce the Beastie Boy’s very similar “Licensed to Ill”, which I prefer because of its many rock and roll samples.But Hell’s got “Walk This Way”.
And let’s not forget Lisa Simpson’s all time favorite: Miles Davis “Birth of the Cool”.Mine is an extended version, with additional live versions of several songs.Miles is taking it a little slower here - Charlie Parker damn near wore him out – but it still challenging to ears like mine.I find it preferable to some of his later records where he trots out the same four or five riffs every few minutes.
So off to the record store I go, and I get Black Supermarket Clash, which is a CD expanded version of their generous-enough-as-it-was EP ”Black Market Clash” from late 1980.You know, between double album “London Calling” and triple album “Sandinista!” that same year.I guess they had some extra time on their hands.BSMC now runs almost a full 80 minutes, and contains great early stuff like “Capital Radio Two”, “Jail Guitar Doors” “Gates of the West” and “Groovy Times”.It kind of drags a bit towards the end with the Sandanista out-takes, but it’s clear from this that they were titans.
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Now playing: The Clash - Groovy Times via FoxyTunes
I also finally broke down and got Nick Drake’s “Five Leaves Left”.When you get an early 70s folk record, you’re really taking your chances.You never know if the guy is going to be too whimsical, or too sensitive-in-order-to-get-laid.And this guy had all the usual buzz that I’d normally associate with lame actual music.Well it turns out that he’s every bit as good as I’d hoped.
And of course, I can’t seem to leave the record store anymore without picking up jazz.This time it was Sonny Rollins’ “Saxophone Collosus”, the title of which might imply the muscular, almost physical playing of a John Coltrane.Not so.Sonny’s touch here is lighter - too light for me to even hear for a few years.For easy listening fans who want, for once, to be cool.
Thanksgiving:
Another trip to the used CD store, and this time I found Elliot Smith’s “XO” and Old 97s “Fight Songs”.
You remember Elliot from the Oscars, don’t you?He was up for Best Song for “Miss Misery” from Good Will Hunting.It was a real kick seeing him sharing the stage, and looking like a homeless person, with Celine Dion.I’m surprised they didn’t call security on him.A cursory listen to “XO” reveals some very pretty music, but you might want to take a look at those lyrics. Pretty poison, but with all those Beatle references, very pretty.
“Fight Songs” came out before “Satellite Rides”, and it’s almost as good.It’s may even be more tuneful.It’s just not as consistent or energetic.It’s pretty rare these days when I double dip on a band so quickly, but that’s how much I like “Satellite Rides”. ----------------
Now playing: Old 97's - Busted Afternoon via FoxyTunes
Not bad accompaniment for the holidays.
Christmas:
It was time for more exploration, and again the past seemed the best place to be.
The first disc of "The Essential Johnny Cash" set is easily the best – minimal instrumentation, deep voice.“I Still Miss Someone” is one of the most beautiful songs of lost love we’ll ever hear. “Where You There When They Crucified My Lord?” had me checking my Blackberry to make sure I wasn’t.Disc two is quite good, but more standard commercial country music.The third disc has some covers, like the Stones’ “No Expectations” and Springsteen’s “State Trooper”.All in all, a great compilation.
Elvis Costello recommended the complete works of Duke Ellingtion because it’s a good thing to have around, just like the complete works of that Shakespeare guy. But who has the time or the money? Not me, so I settled for the "Highlights from the Duke Ellington Centennial Edition", which is only three discs. Like most great jazz artists, the Duke is a bit beyond me. And also like those greats, he keeps growing on me. And he’s great to drop into your random playlist, too.
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Now playing: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra - Mood Indigo via FoxyTunes
The Best:
Satellite Rides – Old ‘97s
Hour of Bewilderbeast
The Almost Best:
Five Leaves Left
XO
Sebadoh
Thank god, I’ve finally gotten a couple of great ones from this decade.Things were finally looking up (musically and otherwise).At the beginning of the year – and a few times during it - I wasn’t sure I’d ever want to hear anything again.
