Medecine Hat Studios

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Impressive Music of 2006

Okay. My Top Whatever of 2006.

My disclaimer will be that if something did not come out in 2006, blame iTunes. To make my task easier, I made a smart playlist to pull all the cds of 2006 out of the unmanageable mess of music on my computer. Second disclaimer is that these are in no particular order. To put these in order would require way too much thought and constant variations of the set. It just is not going to happen.

Cracker - Greenland

Predictable if you know me, but it is way too motherf@*#ing good. I read a writer who stated that Cracker had a "pedestrian hit" with "Low" back in 1993, and that was about all they were "good for." I'd kick the guy's ass who wrote that any day, as he clearly knows nothing about Cracker or music in general. Greenland is excellent. Check out the opening cut, "Something You Ain't Got."



Built To Spill - You In Reverse

The opening track, "Goin' Against Your Mind": an almost nine minute quick drive sets the tone. Whoah...









Damien Rice - 9

I heard the opening cut, "9 Crimes", of this cd live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic with Nic Harcourt. Beautiful. Check out the live performance on Leno.







Damien Jurado - And Now That I'm In Your Shadow
Read my previous blog. Just listen to "Denton, TX."










The Twilight Singers - Powder Burns

Another choice that should be no surprise if you know how much I respected The Afghan Whigs. Although Greg Dulli cleaned himself up, he still wrestles his demons for his listeners.







Lloyd Cole - Antidepressant

Lloyd continues to be one of the best with this effort. Consistent all the way through. Genius. Title track is a good start.








Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass

This band has always been great, and will continue to be.








Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint - The River In Reverse

I used to buy EC releases immediately. This one took me awhile to buy, and surprised the hell out of me. Elvis never ceases to amaze me. He loves music and does what he wants to. A true musician with a passion for creation.






Rhett Miller - The Believer

Singer of the Old 97's. Not that much of a deviation for him, but well done. Check out the title track.








Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 - Ole! Tarantula

Just what I need when the world drives me crazy. Hitchcock always makes me smile. Drugs for me mind...








Golden Smog - Another Fine Day

Saw the Smog again this year, this time in Boston. Not much Tweedy, and that is fine with me. These guys must get together just to have a damn good time, and it shows.







The Who - Endless Wire

This one caught me by surprise. Purchased it knowing it could have been a real bad, rockers getting old thing like the feeling one must get buying a modern Rolling Stones cd. Get a feel for it from the tracks "Mike Post Theme" and "A Man In A Purple Dress."






Other noteables:

Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
Mojave 3 - Puzzles Like You
Mission of Burma - The Obliterati
The Mountain Goats - Get Lonely
Tom Waits - Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
Tom Verlaine - Songs And Other Things

I am sure I missed something here. Stay tuned for an addendum.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Pitchfork's Top 100 of 2006

Check out Pitchfork's Top 100 Songs of 2006. Can't say I agree with much of the list, but there are links to mp3s of many of the songs. A good way to catch up on some new bands.

Now the challenge...

Email me with your top cds of 2006. I will compile a list if enough folks email me their lists.