What an odd year. Especially musically. I spent the majority of it wrapped up in reissues. Looking around, I actually DID get quite a few records, but they all kind of floated by. In fact, I realized a majority of my favorites didn’t even make it only my traditional year-end mix. And, now, I have to rank them? Yeesh. Well, here goes. Try to look at it as maybe stuff you should check out, because it’s pretty esoteric…
New Releases
Paint The Fence Invisible – Drug Rug (Black & Greene) Probably the new release that made me smile and had me pick my jaw up off the floor the most this year. Lindsey Buckingham doing a Beach Boys pastiche on a 4 track? Got your attention, huh?
It’s Frightening – White Rabbits (TBD) Drums drums drums. Produced by Britt Daniel of Spoon. And, since there was no Spoon album this year, this will do in its place.
I’m Going Away – The Fiery Furnaces (Thrill Jockey) How good are these two? Good enough to land another record on a year end list. This time, the pop chops are firmer than they’ve been in years. Or albums. Or both.
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix (Glassnote) “Lisztomania” is the best single of the year. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is the most fun album of the year. Word.
The Liberty Of Norton Folgate – Madness (Lucky Seven) The first of the old farts on the list. And, I’ll be damned if it’s not one of the best of their career. Especially the 2 CD expanded version. Look – you’re either a Madness fan or you’re not. If you are and you haven’t checked this one out, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.
Middle Cyclone – Neko Case (Anti-) She’s like a Syd Straw, but with the ability to sustain it all. Has she made a bad record? Stunning. I only wish he name was pronounced like the wafer.
Tinted Windows – Tinted Windows (S Curve) I don’t know what people expected. It’s exactly what it should be. The Archies on steroids. Check your attitude at the door and start doing the frug already. The same folks are probably complaining about the dialogue in Avatar, too.
Working On A Dream – Bruce Springsteen (Columbia) While Bruce could have coasted after the magical Magic – he didn’t. “Outlaw Pete”? Wow. “Surprise Surprise”? WOW! Unfortunately, tacking on “The Wrester” kind of ruins the flow. And, if it weren’t for Brendan O’Brien’s production, it’d be higher on the list.
The Silver Key – The Weirdo Deluxe (Vari-Tone) A (literal) puzzle inside of an album. Guests spots for Dave Gregory (XTC) and Ian McLagan ([Small] Faces). Twists and turns and genius. http://www.findthesilverkey.com/
Honorable mention to Good Evening New York City – Paul McCartney (MPL/Hear Music) No other 67 year old (nor any other Beatle – even if 2 were still alive) could be that electric, entertaining and chock full of f-in’ hits. And, that pyro during “Live & Let Die”! Damn!
There was a new Super Furry Animals out? Bet they’d have made it if I’d have known. And, I probably should have spent more time with the new Flaming Lips, Wilco and Them Crooked Vultures. And, I’m still saving up for the R.E.M. live set with the vinyl and DVD.
Box Sets
The Beatles In Mono/The Beatles – The Beatles (Apple) I’ll group them, but the award goes to the mono versions, as I heard Sgt. Pepper and The Beatles in a way I never had before. And, Abbey Road remastered is simply incredible.
Where The Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets: 1965-1968 (Rhino) A labor of love on all fronts. If you were there them you’ll be amazed. If you weren’t, you feel like you were now. And, Rhino payed the brilliant Andrew Sandoval & Cheryl Pawelski back by laying them off.
Keep An Eye on The Sky – Big Star (Rhino) This box shows how very important these guys were. And are. And, Jody Stephens is still a hottie. Thanks again Cheryl & Andrew!
The Live Anthology – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Reprise) Man, he’s cool. And they’re cool. And, it’s cool. Kinda wish it was sequential, but that’s nothing to keep it from the list.
Woodstock 40 Years On: Back To Yasgur’s Farm (Rhino) This, coupled with the DVDs make for a definitive statement as to how important that event was. Man, it’s great to see and hear, but MAN would I NOT want to have been there. Thanks again Cheryl. Sheesh.
What I didn’t buy (yet) that would probably be on here: Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! – The Rolling Stones, The Catalogue - Kraftwerk
Reissues
The Complete & Utter Dukes– XTC as The Dukes Of Stratosphear (Ape House) You shouldn’t be surprised to see this here. Both LPs with bonus tracks. Both LPs on 180g vinyl. A single. A puzzle. A purple fuzzy box. Other ephemera. Aside from adding “XTC as” to the artwork and legend, it’s a slam dunk.
I Am The Cosmos – Chris Bell (Rhino Handmade) A classic album made even better. Jeez, was that guy fantastic.
The Emitt Rhodes Recordings [1969-1973] (Hip-O Select) Oh how it pains me to type this. If it wouldn’t have been stolen from me after I worked on it for 4 years and if they would have at least taken my help when I offered it for free, it’d be #1 of the decade. But, even with its weak packaging and bad sequencing, at least the music is back out there. And, it’s sublime. Fuckers.
Ten – Pearl Jam (Columbia). Remastered is nice. Bonus tracks are great. And Brendan O’Brien redeems himself with the sonic and enlightening remix of the album. Don’t hate the flannel, folks.
Love & Sex & Hope & Dreams – The BoDeans (Rhino) The album made me remember how much I loved it when it came out. The remaster makes it sound better than ever. The bonus tracks are fantastic. The DVD is revealing. Yeah, you need it.