"Mort Shuman took me under his wing. He said 'You've got to do something for me. You've got to leave this house, leave your wife, take drugs, change your whole life. You've got to get away from this- it's ruining you. I want you to be a writer."
Ray Davies (according to a press release about his upcoming appearance on Little Steven's Underground Garage this weekend)
I’m happily married and have no intention of running off to take drugs, so there goes that career…
Thursday, Feb. 16
Two new previews in the Washington Post:
Rachel Sage, Steve Wynn (two separate shows) @ Jammin Java
And
Spinout Records package tour at the IOTA
Two new CDs in the mail:
1. TOM RUSSELL – Love and Fear
CD out March 21st.
Sent in conjunction with his upcoming show at Jammin Java.
2. DEREK TRUCKS BAND – Songlines
Official release of a CD that came in weeks ago as a generic advance.
Wednesday. Feb. 15
3. XRAYOK – Like Life (self-released)
They Say: “a lush blend of dark New Wave, Rock and Electro…in the league of Mogwai, Elbow, Slowdive.
I Say: them’s mighty big footprints to fill, but I liked these 6 tracks on the first late-night listen.
Out April 4
4. GUS BLACK – Autumn Days (Cheap Lullaby)
CD covers that are printed to look like vinyl album covers, complete with ring wear, are getting to be a bit of a clich̩ Рbut they still look damn cool and this one carries the effect over to the back cover of the digipack (but enough already with CDs printed to look like records!)
According to the press sheet, Black was held up at gunpoint at the Radio Shack when he was buying a headphone extension cord. Actually, this is Black’s fourth release (he did two albums under the name of simply Gus) – a reminder that it sometimes takes forever to get noticed.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
5. UNCUT magazine with free CD – New Music for 2006
I have a few of these already (Jenny Lewis, Neko Case, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), but that makes for little islands of familiarity in the car ride preview. The new Belle & Sebastian track reminds me I need to download the whole CD from emusic and damn if the inane Sparks song, “Metaphor” (“girls dig metaphors”) doesn’t stick like pre-chewed gum. I can do without Plan B (I’m just not the hip-hop type) and Kris Kristofferson’s offering (“This Old Road”), but I’m sure I’ll make some new friends elsewhere in these 15 songs.
6. JACK JOHNSON and FRIENDS– Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the film Curious George (Brushfire Records)
What a happy surprise to get this unsolicited CD! Johnson’s style is just so good-natured and catchy. Grace jumped on it right away, and we were happily groovin’ while we finished our pre-dinner work.
Other recent deliveries:
7. 13 GHOSTS – Cicada (Skybucket Records)
21 tracks that totally intrigue on first listen. I put the CD on while doing other work and kept getting pulled back to ask, ‘what’s that? That’s cool.’ Looking forward to the next spin.
Out March 4.
8. MARIA TAYLOR – 11:11 (Saddle Creek)
Second copy of a CD I got last year, sent because Taylor is coming to town next March (25th, at the State Theatre).
9. DESOLE – A Story to Tell (Abacus Recordings)
Said to mix indie rock, pop and post-hardcore, this sextet from Phoenix, AZ is not to be confused to deSol, the bilingual (Spanish/English) band from New Jersey, previously profiled for the Post.
Out March 7th.
10. The HOPEFULS – The Fuses Refuse to Burn (2024 Records)
Formerly known as the Olympic Hopefuls (we can all guess why they couldn’t keep that name), these Minneapolis guys appear onstage in matching tracksuits, and have won, not athletic awards, but numerous music honors in their hometown.
They Say: “combines a bit of Weezer guitar grit with the playful, carefree anthems of bands like The Cars and The Apples in Stereo.”
I Say: Yeah, no argument with that – except that I would never call the Cars' meticulously produced pop "carefree." The Hopefuls, however, have a casual, bright bounce.
11. STEVE WYNN & The MIRACLE 3 - …tick…tick…tick (Down There/Red Eye)
Today’s Washington Post preview for tomorrow night’s show, along with Rachel Sage, who appears at the same venue tonight.
12. JEROME DILLON – nearLY :reminder (KUFALA Recordings/La Cosa Nostra)
Dillon served as drummer and occasional guitarist with Nine Inch Nails for six years and four albums, and now serves himself as writer, producer and arranger while playing drums dobro, guitars, stand-up bass, ukulele, melotron, piano, and violin. His guests include Afghan Whigs/Twilight Singers' Greg Dulli and Decemberists violinist Petra Haden.
They Say: "reminiscent of artists such as Pink Floyd, The Cure, and Dead Can Dance…Baroque strings and acoustic instrumentation with aggressive, bombastic drums and bass.”
Song Title I Like: “One Day I Was Gone”
Out April 11, 2006.
13. KT TUNSTALL - Eye To The Telescope (Relentless/Virgin)
Half Scottish, one quarter Irish, one quarter Cantonese, Tunstall has gone from playing small pubs in her Scotland to a Mercury Prize nomination and double-platinum British sales. Produced by Steve Osborne (U2, The Cure, New Order, Doves), compared to Fleetwood Mac and Rickie Lee Jones, Tunstall’s debut sold over one million copies in the UK (that’s four times platinum there) making her the best selling female artist in the UK last year. And unlike Brandi Carlisle, whose debut came with similar Next Big Girl Thing press. This one intigues me.
14. UNTIED STATES – Retail Detail (self-released)
That’s Un-tied, as in shoelaces, not United, as in our country ‘tis of thee. Atlanta art-rock experimentalists said to recalls Swans, Jesus Lizard, and Brainiac, among others. Which doesn’t rock my socks.
They say: “their first conscious attempt to ameliorate their subconscious with a very real portrayal of their immediate existences.”
I say: what the hell does that mean?
The PR people have posted two tracks online, so you can hear for yourself (the second one really grates on me…):
http://www.untiedstates.us/music/It_s_Not_Goodbye.mp3
http://www.untiedstates.us/music/You_Own_Your_Own.mp3
Out May 2.
Emusic purchases:
15. The WRENS
When I realized I was going to London next month, I started looking for musical possiblilities of shows to see while I was there. I got tix to see The Go! Team at a cool place called Koko, and the Wrens will be playing at a London college while I’m there as well. So, I’m checking ‘em out.
16. ISAAC HAYES
When I saw that the Black Moses was available for cheap download, I was ready to go. I have “Shaft” already (but of course!) but I wanted a few of the other greatest hits – “Walk On By,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Never Can Say Goodbye.”
17. EDDIE ANGEL, KAISERS, et al
Today’s other Post preview – the Spinout Records showcase at the IOTA next Monday. Angel himself does publicity for the little indie label, but he didn’t get any CDs out to me in time, so I made my own 20 track sampler from tracks on emusic. Sadly, Sir Bald Diddley and His Wig-Outs aren’t in the show, but I did get to hear “2000 lb. Werewolf.”
YTD: 93
P.S. Whoa! Snowboard cross!
words and pictures about music
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Pazz and Jop and Rock and Roll
The Village Voice Pazz and Jop critics poll came out in last week’s edition, and you can see my ballot here.
Again, I’m very mad at myself for forgetting the Decemberists’ “Picaresque,” which would have gone on the list in place of the various artists’ tribute to the Beatles’ “Rubber Soul.”
And lately, the household has been rocking to the Wilco live CD, “Kicking Television,” which arrived too late in the year to make the list, but I can see (hear) now was truly a contender for the Top Ten.
Monday, February 6:
Purchased:
1. ROD STEWART – The Rock & Roll Collection (Rebound Records)
If this hadn’t been $1.74 in Target clearance, I’d probably call it a rip-off, especially once I took off the nicely designed cardboard envelope around the CD and found a cheesier cover beneath, calling this “The Rock Album.” But it’s a good set of 11 songs – a few big hits like “Every Picture Tells a Story” and “Twistin’ the Night Away,” plus a bunch of Stewart favorites – “An Old Raincoat…” and “Let Me Be Your Car.”
Sent:
2. UNITED STATES – Retail Detail (self-released)
From Atlanta, and I’d tell you more, but the press bio is in a hard-to-read type and I’m too lazy to wade through it right now. According to my pals at Team Clermont publicity, recommended if you like Sonic Youth, Deerhoof, Jesus Lizard, Brainiac and Pattern is Movement. Which may actually leave me out.
3. CRISTINA BRANCO – Ulisses (Decca)
Somehow I had it in my head that this woman had some kind of operatic background, and wasn’t expecting much from the CD when I put it on as my go-to-sleep selection. How wrong I was. The woman is a rising star of the Portuguese fado style, and has a gorgeous voice which she (thankfully) never pushes. Her style is clean and direct, not a lot of fussy arrangements and when halfway through the CD, she breaks into a lovely rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” it’s a knockout.
She’s coming to perform at the Birchmere on March 12 (why they sent the CD) and is definitely a pitch I’ll make.
Saturday, February 4:
Purchased:
4. FIONA APPLE – Extraordinary Machine (Epic)
Finally. Been flirting with this one for weeks. She just opened for Coldplay in DC and frankly, right now, she’s the act I’d rather see.
5. CATIE CURTIS – Acoustic Valentine (TK )
$15 at Curtis’ show at the Wolf Trap Barns. More than I would usually spend (I’d wait to pick it up on sale or online) but I was so taken with the performance, and I had gotten my tix for free, so I was ready to give back. Curtis radiates a simple, straightforward warmth that has its feminist/gay underpinnings but really just wants everyone to get along and be happy in their own way. John Jennings, who works with Mary Chapin Carpenter and provides the sort of dead-on pure guitar picking that makes every song sound profound, accompanied her. Funny thing is, the CD I bought, which is a selection of Curtis’ favorite love songs (many of which she did at the show) performed acoustically with Jennings, is rather tepid in its studio form. Just goes to show that sometimes live magic cannot be replicated.
In other live music news, the charming live wire Matt Nathanson will be releasing an official live CD (he allows taping at his shows and I have a few fun bootlegs) in April. He’s another performer whose studio releases can’t match the delight of his concerts.
CD trade-in store:
6. ANNIE LENNOX – No More I Love You’s CD single
I may have this already, but it was only 50 cents, so I couldn’t take the chance.
7. ELVIS COSTELLO – Get Happy (Rhino)
Working on completing my set of two-disc reissues, which offer all sorts of bonus goodies on the second disc.
8. UNCUT magazine – Thunder Road: Songs Inspired by The Boss
Funny, I missed this on the newsstand, but “Thunder Road” is on my list of top five songs. Ever. So, of course, I couldn’t let this slip away.
Friday, February 3:
Purchased
9. ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - Feels (Fat Cat)
Available though the emusic account, purchased without my having heard a note. But it’s kept coming up in the Best Of’s, so I figured it was time. I miss CD booklets with online purchases, though.
I gather it’s a bit loosey-goosey, and I love this member’s review: “Too much hippie in the hippie dippy. OR: no more brownies for you, mister.”
10. PASTE Magazine free CD
(I’ll consider this as a purchase as I bought a subscription)
I like Paste, and I would like to write for it someday, but I’m at that phase (read: age) in life when I prefer my magazines less dense (read: bigger type).
There’s a bunch of my favorites on sampler #20 – Flaming Lips, Josh Ritter, Elbow, Ray Davies – and a slew that I’m sure I’ll be happy to get to know. But no free DVD this time.
11. NEKO CASE – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (ANTI-)
One of those albums that existed on the edge of my radar and, while I may not have had it on the list of things to actively seek out, I said a variation of “oh goody” to see it in the mail, especially as I’ve been enjoying Case’s work on the last New Pornographers’ CD.
Out March 7th.
12. JUST A FIRE – Spanish Time (Sickroom Records)
“Detroit’s most radical rock ‘n’roll collective,” from the same Detroit scene that spawned the White Stripes and Brendan Benson.
Out March 20th.
Sent:
13. EUGENE EDWARDS – My Favorite Revolution (Flagship Recordings)
Comparisons have been made to Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Tom Petty and he’s supposedly rocking the LA power pop scene.
14. SOLEDAD BROTHERS – The Hardest Walk (Alive Records)
Thursday, Feb. 2
15. CATIE CURTIS – Dreaming in Romance Languages (Vanguard)
Curtis was supposed to be a part of this week’s Post preview but, since her show was on its way to selling out, the editor asked me to remove her section of the preview. But here’s today’s rant: though I rewrote the story to cover the deletion, someone else at the paper put back a reference to Curtis’ show selling out – and misspelled her name! It wouldn’t annoy me quite so much but a few of the copy editors are thorough to the point of anal-retentive when they question me about my work, and seem to gloat a bit when they catch me in an error, so I hate taking the fall for whoever screwed this up.
16. The ENDLESS – The Republic of Heaven (Queen of the Moon Music) Here’s what I wrote for Hyperactive! Music magazine, which will come out next month:
“This husband-and-wife team call themselves an “ethereal dreampop duo” and their debut full-length, a musical meditation on love and loss (inspired by the death of her mom) lives up to that description, and a few more besides. Adriana Roze’s haunting voice, echoing Kate Bush, Jane Siberry, even Siouxie Sioux on occasion, creates an art-house/goth vibe, while David Roze’s precise, layered accompaniment envelopes the vocals like a long velvet cloak. Some might find the sonic decorum and emotional sentiments a tad twee, and the languid, somber tone sometimes flirts with the maudlin, but the aching sincerity of this pair won’t allow you to shake the impression of shadows dancing just beyond the peripheral. Cynics need not apply.”
They didn’t ask, but I would have given it 2 and a half (out of 4) stars.
Wednesday, February 1:
17. VARIOUS ARTISTS - I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey (Vanguard)
Featuring Fruit Bats, Sufjan Stevens (the one with the cheerleaders), Devendra Banhart (the one with all the hair), Calexico, M. Ward (who produced), Grandaddy (heard they broke up) and a bunch of people I never heard of before. I confess, I don’t know Fahey’s originals, so it’ll be hard to say how these tunes stack up.
Out on February 14th.
18. FLAMIN’ GROOVIES – Members Edition (United Audio Entertainment)
My Giant supermarket is selling CDs now (!!), in a big cardboard display where you have to look for them like you’re picking out vegetables. The lowest priced CDs are $4 and the highest are $10. Most of the$10 ones (earlier albums by Aerosmith, Green Day) could be picked up cheaper elsewhere, but this is the one bargain I found. Sound quality?
19. LYLAS – Lessons for Lovers (Fictitious Records)
LYLAS – my 15-year-old daughter signs notes to her best pals with this – Love Ya Like A Sister.
They Say: “Lylas combines delicate, skewed pop and a distinctly American aesthetic with some of the quirkier sensibilities of baroque songs of yore.”
Monday, January 30:
20. JAMES HUNTER – People Gonna Talk (Go/Rounder Records)
This guy’s good! The minute I put it on, I was smitten with his voice – back to the smooth, soulful R&B of the 50’s and 60’s like Al Green and Sam Cooke. The CD was recorded at Toe Rag Studios, the UK's premiere analogue recording facility, where the White Stripes recorded 2003’s 'Elephant,’ and (according to the press kit) was recorded entirely live - without overdubs, computers, or even headphones – which makes for really warm sound. Fun factoid: Hunter used to sing with Van Morrison.
While Terry was listening, he said he liked it, too, but voiced his worry that maybe such music sounds too much like vintage soul, like what’s the point? Gracie, however, is 15, so what does she know of Way Back When. “This is an old style?” she asked. “Maybe we should bring this back.”
Out March 7th.
Saturday, January 28
21. JOSH RITTER – The Animal Years (V2)
Out on April 4th and I’m delighted to get it early. Saw him perform at the IOTA last year, and he was wonderful. Afterwards, when I spoke to him after the show, and told him that I’d named his last CD one of the year’s best, he hugged me. And he was wearing red sneakers with a vintage baggy suit. Did I tell you he’s wonderful?
22. BROTHERS PAST – This Feeling’s Called Goodbye (SCI Fidelity)
This week’s Post preview (paired with a classical trio), these guys combine electronica and jam band grooves. I liked the CD so much on first listen, I put it on again that evening while dinner guests were in, and it sounded fine once more. Would have liked to go to the show, but after the Catie Curtis show (same night), I was tired and wanted to see Steve Martin and Prince on SNL.
23. The LOST PATROL – Lonesome Sky (self-released)
I wrote about this band last summer for the Post, conducting an email interview with the female lead singer while I was in upstate New York during my father’s decline. She was a sweet person, grateful for the coverage, and she sent me the new CD with a sweet note: “thanks for your support of us.”
24. CASIOTONE for the PAINFULLY ALONE – Etiquette (Tomlab)
Coming to the Galaxy Hut next month.
25. DEERHOOF – The Runners Four (Kill Rock Stars)
Bay area art-pop darlings, #6 in Pitchfork magazine’s Top 50 Albums of 2005. Someone else says: “20 different misses at conventional songwriting, silly attempts at traditionalism that go fascinatingly awry in every way possible...one of the year's most playfully dense, eminently relistenable calamities.” And a Billboard magazine list of artists’ choices had this one selected by Beck and Jeff Tweedy. So that’s a promise of something strange.
26. HEM – No Word from Tom (Waveland Records)
Coming to the Birchmere in coming weeks to open for my dear Josh Ritter. This CD collects a number of cover tunes and rarities. On first listen, lovely stuff.
27. The BEAUTIFUL GIRLS – We’re Already Gone (Cornerstone RAS)
Australian critics’ darlings, they’re going out on the “Yellow Snow Tour,” a name that doesn’t inspire confidence.
They Say: “a sonic mix of reggae, dub, hiphop and rock influences.” Also, a reference to “surfer/rock reggae.”
Out February 14th.
YTD: 76
I had to deduct one CD from last entry’s total, having discovered that I listed the same CD twice (which I do only if I receive an actual duplicate disc).
Again, I’m very mad at myself for forgetting the Decemberists’ “Picaresque,” which would have gone on the list in place of the various artists’ tribute to the Beatles’ “Rubber Soul.”
And lately, the household has been rocking to the Wilco live CD, “Kicking Television,” which arrived too late in the year to make the list, but I can see (hear) now was truly a contender for the Top Ten.
Monday, February 6:
Purchased:
1. ROD STEWART – The Rock & Roll Collection (Rebound Records)
If this hadn’t been $1.74 in Target clearance, I’d probably call it a rip-off, especially once I took off the nicely designed cardboard envelope around the CD and found a cheesier cover beneath, calling this “The Rock Album.” But it’s a good set of 11 songs – a few big hits like “Every Picture Tells a Story” and “Twistin’ the Night Away,” plus a bunch of Stewart favorites – “An Old Raincoat…” and “Let Me Be Your Car.”
Sent:
2. UNITED STATES – Retail Detail (self-released)
From Atlanta, and I’d tell you more, but the press bio is in a hard-to-read type and I’m too lazy to wade through it right now. According to my pals at Team Clermont publicity, recommended if you like Sonic Youth, Deerhoof, Jesus Lizard, Brainiac and Pattern is Movement. Which may actually leave me out.
3. CRISTINA BRANCO – Ulisses (Decca)
Somehow I had it in my head that this woman had some kind of operatic background, and wasn’t expecting much from the CD when I put it on as my go-to-sleep selection. How wrong I was. The woman is a rising star of the Portuguese fado style, and has a gorgeous voice which she (thankfully) never pushes. Her style is clean and direct, not a lot of fussy arrangements and when halfway through the CD, she breaks into a lovely rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” it’s a knockout.
She’s coming to perform at the Birchmere on March 12 (why they sent the CD) and is definitely a pitch I’ll make.
Saturday, February 4:
Purchased:
4. FIONA APPLE – Extraordinary Machine (Epic)
Finally. Been flirting with this one for weeks. She just opened for Coldplay in DC and frankly, right now, she’s the act I’d rather see.
5. CATIE CURTIS – Acoustic Valentine (TK )
$15 at Curtis’ show at the Wolf Trap Barns. More than I would usually spend (I’d wait to pick it up on sale or online) but I was so taken with the performance, and I had gotten my tix for free, so I was ready to give back. Curtis radiates a simple, straightforward warmth that has its feminist/gay underpinnings but really just wants everyone to get along and be happy in their own way. John Jennings, who works with Mary Chapin Carpenter and provides the sort of dead-on pure guitar picking that makes every song sound profound, accompanied her. Funny thing is, the CD I bought, which is a selection of Curtis’ favorite love songs (many of which she did at the show) performed acoustically with Jennings, is rather tepid in its studio form. Just goes to show that sometimes live magic cannot be replicated.
In other live music news, the charming live wire Matt Nathanson will be releasing an official live CD (he allows taping at his shows and I have a few fun bootlegs) in April. He’s another performer whose studio releases can’t match the delight of his concerts.
CD trade-in store:
6. ANNIE LENNOX – No More I Love You’s CD single
I may have this already, but it was only 50 cents, so I couldn’t take the chance.
7. ELVIS COSTELLO – Get Happy (Rhino)
Working on completing my set of two-disc reissues, which offer all sorts of bonus goodies on the second disc.
8. UNCUT magazine – Thunder Road: Songs Inspired by The Boss
Funny, I missed this on the newsstand, but “Thunder Road” is on my list of top five songs. Ever. So, of course, I couldn’t let this slip away.
Friday, February 3:
Purchased
9. ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - Feels (Fat Cat)
Available though the emusic account, purchased without my having heard a note. But it’s kept coming up in the Best Of’s, so I figured it was time. I miss CD booklets with online purchases, though.
I gather it’s a bit loosey-goosey, and I love this member’s review: “Too much hippie in the hippie dippy. OR: no more brownies for you, mister.”
10. PASTE Magazine free CD
(I’ll consider this as a purchase as I bought a subscription)
I like Paste, and I would like to write for it someday, but I’m at that phase (read: age) in life when I prefer my magazines less dense (read: bigger type).
There’s a bunch of my favorites on sampler #20 – Flaming Lips, Josh Ritter, Elbow, Ray Davies – and a slew that I’m sure I’ll be happy to get to know. But no free DVD this time.
11. NEKO CASE – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (ANTI-)
One of those albums that existed on the edge of my radar and, while I may not have had it on the list of things to actively seek out, I said a variation of “oh goody” to see it in the mail, especially as I’ve been enjoying Case’s work on the last New Pornographers’ CD.
Out March 7th.
12. JUST A FIRE – Spanish Time (Sickroom Records)
“Detroit’s most radical rock ‘n’roll collective,” from the same Detroit scene that spawned the White Stripes and Brendan Benson.
Out March 20th.
Sent:
13. EUGENE EDWARDS – My Favorite Revolution (Flagship Recordings)
Comparisons have been made to Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Tom Petty and he’s supposedly rocking the LA power pop scene.
14. SOLEDAD BROTHERS – The Hardest Walk (Alive Records)
Thursday, Feb. 2
15. CATIE CURTIS – Dreaming in Romance Languages (Vanguard)
Curtis was supposed to be a part of this week’s Post preview but, since her show was on its way to selling out, the editor asked me to remove her section of the preview. But here’s today’s rant: though I rewrote the story to cover the deletion, someone else at the paper put back a reference to Curtis’ show selling out – and misspelled her name! It wouldn’t annoy me quite so much but a few of the copy editors are thorough to the point of anal-retentive when they question me about my work, and seem to gloat a bit when they catch me in an error, so I hate taking the fall for whoever screwed this up.
16. The ENDLESS – The Republic of Heaven (Queen of the Moon Music) Here’s what I wrote for Hyperactive! Music magazine, which will come out next month:
“This husband-and-wife team call themselves an “ethereal dreampop duo” and their debut full-length, a musical meditation on love and loss (inspired by the death of her mom) lives up to that description, and a few more besides. Adriana Roze’s haunting voice, echoing Kate Bush, Jane Siberry, even Siouxie Sioux on occasion, creates an art-house/goth vibe, while David Roze’s precise, layered accompaniment envelopes the vocals like a long velvet cloak. Some might find the sonic decorum and emotional sentiments a tad twee, and the languid, somber tone sometimes flirts with the maudlin, but the aching sincerity of this pair won’t allow you to shake the impression of shadows dancing just beyond the peripheral. Cynics need not apply.”
They didn’t ask, but I would have given it 2 and a half (out of 4) stars.
Wednesday, February 1:
17. VARIOUS ARTISTS - I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey (Vanguard)
Featuring Fruit Bats, Sufjan Stevens (the one with the cheerleaders), Devendra Banhart (the one with all the hair), Calexico, M. Ward (who produced), Grandaddy (heard they broke up) and a bunch of people I never heard of before. I confess, I don’t know Fahey’s originals, so it’ll be hard to say how these tunes stack up.
Out on February 14th.
18. FLAMIN’ GROOVIES – Members Edition (United Audio Entertainment)
My Giant supermarket is selling CDs now (!!), in a big cardboard display where you have to look for them like you’re picking out vegetables. The lowest priced CDs are $4 and the highest are $10. Most of the$10 ones (earlier albums by Aerosmith, Green Day) could be picked up cheaper elsewhere, but this is the one bargain I found. Sound quality?
19. LYLAS – Lessons for Lovers (Fictitious Records)
LYLAS – my 15-year-old daughter signs notes to her best pals with this – Love Ya Like A Sister.
They Say: “Lylas combines delicate, skewed pop and a distinctly American aesthetic with some of the quirkier sensibilities of baroque songs of yore.”
Monday, January 30:
20. JAMES HUNTER – People Gonna Talk (Go/Rounder Records)
This guy’s good! The minute I put it on, I was smitten with his voice – back to the smooth, soulful R&B of the 50’s and 60’s like Al Green and Sam Cooke. The CD was recorded at Toe Rag Studios, the UK's premiere analogue recording facility, where the White Stripes recorded 2003’s 'Elephant,’ and (according to the press kit) was recorded entirely live - without overdubs, computers, or even headphones – which makes for really warm sound. Fun factoid: Hunter used to sing with Van Morrison.
While Terry was listening, he said he liked it, too, but voiced his worry that maybe such music sounds too much like vintage soul, like what’s the point? Gracie, however, is 15, so what does she know of Way Back When. “This is an old style?” she asked. “Maybe we should bring this back.”
Out March 7th.
Saturday, January 28
21. JOSH RITTER – The Animal Years (V2)
Out on April 4th and I’m delighted to get it early. Saw him perform at the IOTA last year, and he was wonderful. Afterwards, when I spoke to him after the show, and told him that I’d named his last CD one of the year’s best, he hugged me. And he was wearing red sneakers with a vintage baggy suit. Did I tell you he’s wonderful?
22. BROTHERS PAST – This Feeling’s Called Goodbye (SCI Fidelity)
This week’s Post preview (paired with a classical trio), these guys combine electronica and jam band grooves. I liked the CD so much on first listen, I put it on again that evening while dinner guests were in, and it sounded fine once more. Would have liked to go to the show, but after the Catie Curtis show (same night), I was tired and wanted to see Steve Martin and Prince on SNL.
23. The LOST PATROL – Lonesome Sky (self-released)
I wrote about this band last summer for the Post, conducting an email interview with the female lead singer while I was in upstate New York during my father’s decline. She was a sweet person, grateful for the coverage, and she sent me the new CD with a sweet note: “thanks for your support of us.”
24. CASIOTONE for the PAINFULLY ALONE – Etiquette (Tomlab)
Coming to the Galaxy Hut next month.
25. DEERHOOF – The Runners Four (Kill Rock Stars)
Bay area art-pop darlings, #6 in Pitchfork magazine’s Top 50 Albums of 2005. Someone else says: “20 different misses at conventional songwriting, silly attempts at traditionalism that go fascinatingly awry in every way possible...one of the year's most playfully dense, eminently relistenable calamities.” And a Billboard magazine list of artists’ choices had this one selected by Beck and Jeff Tweedy. So that’s a promise of something strange.
26. HEM – No Word from Tom (Waveland Records)
Coming to the Birchmere in coming weeks to open for my dear Josh Ritter. This CD collects a number of cover tunes and rarities. On first listen, lovely stuff.
27. The BEAUTIFUL GIRLS – We’re Already Gone (Cornerstone RAS)
Australian critics’ darlings, they’re going out on the “Yellow Snow Tour,” a name that doesn’t inspire confidence.
They Say: “a sonic mix of reggae, dub, hiphop and rock influences.” Also, a reference to “surfer/rock reggae.”
Out February 14th.
YTD: 76
I had to deduct one CD from last entry’s total, having discovered that I listed the same CD twice (which I do only if I receive an actual duplicate disc).
Friday, January 27, 2006
When Does Elvis Costello Sleep?
Today’s delightful surprise:
1. ELVIS COSTELLO – My Flame Burns Blue (Deutsche Grammophone)
One of those packages that gets a true squeal of delight, especially as I had no idea this CD was even coming out. Recorded live with the Metropole Orkest, this advance set, which came in a nifty full-color booklet, has the never-still Costello revisiting some of his own songs (including my all-time favorite, “Watching the Detectives”) and one each from Charles Mingus and Dave Bartholomew, with a full-on orchestra. Plus there’s a bonus disc of El’s “Il Sogno” suite (I believe it’s the same as the one released last year). Ah, Elvis. Top of my personal Pops. And even if he crashes and burns (this may be a little too close to the overwrought stuff he did with Burt Bacharach), I love him for always pushing forward.
2. MARAH – Live at Jammin’ Java (bootleg)
A fan’s recording, sent to me by an architect (it was on his business card) I met while I was taking pictures at the show with Grace’s old, cheap digital camera (the one where she programmed the directions in Japanese, so I thought maybe I had deleted all the shots). I sent the guy some of the pictures and he sent me back this CD, albeit seven months later.
I couldn’t sing you a Marah song if you asked for one – except for a few from the band’s delicious Christmas CD – but they’ve got so much energy and charisma, in a sloppy Kinks/Replacements manner – that I’m very much looking forward to hearing this show again.
Purchased:
3. CAT POWER – The Greatest (Matador)
She’s one of indie rock's critical darlings, famous for on-stage breakdowns that make Fiona Apple look as calm as a kindergarten teacher, but I haven’t yet bought into it, much as I can relate to (perceived) crazy ladies. For this CD, Chan Marshall’s record label set her up in a Memphis studio with veteran soul players, including Mabon “Teenie” Hodges (he worked in the 70s with Al Green and co-wrote "Love and Happiness"), so there’s a “Dusty/Chan in Memphis” vibe, and she does seem to be enjoying herself a bit more. Offered for just $7.99 at Best Buy this week, how could I resist, especially with that shiny fuchsia cover? According to the cool cats at Othermusic.com, the vinyl LP comes with an exclusive track, although this CD has a hidden 13th song, so who knows which is the “definitive” version. (I wish artists would stop messing with my head like that.)
4. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE – eponymous (Arts & Crafts)
This is the CD I went to BB to get, delighted to see it on sale for $7.99 as well. And now for a tale of the music obsessive – I had heard that original pressings of this CD came with a bonus EP, “We Hate Your Hate.” So, I picked up all 20 or so copies of the disc and attempted to decipher which might offer the extra goody. And lo, I realized that one of the CDs had a price sticker unlike all the others – an earlier shipment, perhaps? And yes, when I got the baby outside and cracked the shrink-wrap, I had the extra disc. The OCD kid wins.
And yes, on first listen, this is what I hoped for – the poppier, peppier side of the sprawling ensemble, Arcade Fire-style, sound. Oh, Canada!
Sent by request:
5. JENNY LEWIS with the WATSON TWINS - Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love)
Writers are always mentioning Rilo Kiley front woman Jenny Lewis’
younger years as a child actor, but no one ever says what she appeared in. I Googled and found a list of largely forgettable titles, but she had guest spots on “Growing Pains” and “Roseanne,” plus the film “Troop Beverly Hills.” So, there, I did my part.
As for the music, while I prefer Rilo Kiley’s bright pop to such Americana heartbreak twang, there are some soft, tender moments.
And the big superstar moment - appearances by M. Ward, Ben Gibbard and Conor Oberst on a cover of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle with Care” – doesn’t do much. It’s no match for the original, but let’s face it, it’s a powder puff of a song to begin with.
6. SIGNOR GROOVE – Scrambodia (Buried with a Donkey Music)
I asked the publicist for this based on the endearing band/artist name and a description that mentioned a “homespun party album” with nods to Sly and the Family Stone and Beck. And the first thing I see on the album jacket, once I’m past the picture of the cute little kid in his football footie pajamas, is this note: “If you own this CD, go ahead and make copies for your friends; I don’t really care to be honest with you and just appreciate your interest.” Viva, signor.
Unsolicited goodies:
7. AGNES CHAN – Forget Yourself (Bungalo/Universal)
Out February 14.
Billed as a “humanitarian/performer” and a “musician/activist” on her press sheet, Chan wrote these songs to tell the stories of children she met while doing work for UNICEF. So there’s a song (“Thirteen”) about a child prostitute and others about child soldiers and Ethiopian orphans. All of which could be a major bummer but the songs walk an uplifting, spiritual (as a concept, if not the style) road. The opening track, “Forget Yourself,” has a Peter Gabriel (global stage) feel, albeit with Jackie Chan listed as a member of the vocal choir. A portion of CD proceeds will go to UNICEF and she’s still working with the organization in other ways, so yay for the good guys.
8. The STRAYS – Life Support/Bastards of Young CD single (TVT)
The “A-side” (metaphorically) is used in the film “Transporter 2,” and so there’s a music video with the usual mayhem. And the “flip” is a cover of The Replacements, which shows good taste.
Factoid: lead singer Toby Marriott is the son of Steve Marriott, late and great front man from Small Faces and Humble Pie.
They Say: compared to the Killers with a more jagged tone
An album is due later this year, and songs are being previewed at www.thestrays.co.uk.
9. SHAWN MULLINS – 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor (Vanguard)
I fear I’m always gonna see this guy as a One Hit Wonder. “Lullabye” sticks in my head in a way that either means I really like it or I was successfully brainwashed by hearing it a thousand times on the radio. The fact that nothing else he’s done, including the acclaimed Thorns gang-of-singers CD, has stuck with me would seem to indicate that the single was an earworm affection/affliction.
10. TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH – Tragic City (Brash Music)
Second copy of a CD I received as an advance late last year.
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Grammy 2006 Nominees (Sony/BMG)
Like the “Now (that’s what I call music)” series, this compilation series seems a blatant bid to milk every drop of revenue from some songs after they’ve been sold to the public in their original CD single or full-length CD form. If you’ve been able to resist the allure of a tune for all its time out in the marketplace, will the whole really exceed the sum of all these parts and convince Jane Q. Public to pay $14 for what’s essentially a 21-track mix CD? Why should she, when she could buy the few tunes she really must have for 99 cents each on iTunes? If I was in that position, perhaps I might spring for Seal’s version of “Walk on By,” which I admit I wasn’t even aware of until I read the liner notes.
YTD Total: 50
1. ELVIS COSTELLO – My Flame Burns Blue (Deutsche Grammophone)
One of those packages that gets a true squeal of delight, especially as I had no idea this CD was even coming out. Recorded live with the Metropole Orkest, this advance set, which came in a nifty full-color booklet, has the never-still Costello revisiting some of his own songs (including my all-time favorite, “Watching the Detectives”) and one each from Charles Mingus and Dave Bartholomew, with a full-on orchestra. Plus there’s a bonus disc of El’s “Il Sogno” suite (I believe it’s the same as the one released last year). Ah, Elvis. Top of my personal Pops. And even if he crashes and burns (this may be a little too close to the overwrought stuff he did with Burt Bacharach), I love him for always pushing forward.
2. MARAH – Live at Jammin’ Java (bootleg)
A fan’s recording, sent to me by an architect (it was on his business card) I met while I was taking pictures at the show with Grace’s old, cheap digital camera (the one where she programmed the directions in Japanese, so I thought maybe I had deleted all the shots). I sent the guy some of the pictures and he sent me back this CD, albeit seven months later.
I couldn’t sing you a Marah song if you asked for one – except for a few from the band’s delicious Christmas CD – but they’ve got so much energy and charisma, in a sloppy Kinks/Replacements manner – that I’m very much looking forward to hearing this show again.
Purchased:
3. CAT POWER – The Greatest (Matador)
She’s one of indie rock's critical darlings, famous for on-stage breakdowns that make Fiona Apple look as calm as a kindergarten teacher, but I haven’t yet bought into it, much as I can relate to (perceived) crazy ladies. For this CD, Chan Marshall’s record label set her up in a Memphis studio with veteran soul players, including Mabon “Teenie” Hodges (he worked in the 70s with Al Green and co-wrote "Love and Happiness"), so there’s a “Dusty/Chan in Memphis” vibe, and she does seem to be enjoying herself a bit more. Offered for just $7.99 at Best Buy this week, how could I resist, especially with that shiny fuchsia cover? According to the cool cats at Othermusic.com, the vinyl LP comes with an exclusive track, although this CD has a hidden 13th song, so who knows which is the “definitive” version. (I wish artists would stop messing with my head like that.)
4. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE – eponymous (Arts & Crafts)
This is the CD I went to BB to get, delighted to see it on sale for $7.99 as well. And now for a tale of the music obsessive – I had heard that original pressings of this CD came with a bonus EP, “We Hate Your Hate.” So, I picked up all 20 or so copies of the disc and attempted to decipher which might offer the extra goody. And lo, I realized that one of the CDs had a price sticker unlike all the others – an earlier shipment, perhaps? And yes, when I got the baby outside and cracked the shrink-wrap, I had the extra disc. The OCD kid wins.
And yes, on first listen, this is what I hoped for – the poppier, peppier side of the sprawling ensemble, Arcade Fire-style, sound. Oh, Canada!
Sent by request:
5. JENNY LEWIS with the WATSON TWINS - Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love)
Writers are always mentioning Rilo Kiley front woman Jenny Lewis’
younger years as a child actor, but no one ever says what she appeared in. I Googled and found a list of largely forgettable titles, but she had guest spots on “Growing Pains” and “Roseanne,” plus the film “Troop Beverly Hills.” So, there, I did my part.
As for the music, while I prefer Rilo Kiley’s bright pop to such Americana heartbreak twang, there are some soft, tender moments.
And the big superstar moment - appearances by M. Ward, Ben Gibbard and Conor Oberst on a cover of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle with Care” – doesn’t do much. It’s no match for the original, but let’s face it, it’s a powder puff of a song to begin with.
6. SIGNOR GROOVE – Scrambodia (Buried with a Donkey Music)
I asked the publicist for this based on the endearing band/artist name and a description that mentioned a “homespun party album” with nods to Sly and the Family Stone and Beck. And the first thing I see on the album jacket, once I’m past the picture of the cute little kid in his football footie pajamas, is this note: “If you own this CD, go ahead and make copies for your friends; I don’t really care to be honest with you and just appreciate your interest.” Viva, signor.
Unsolicited goodies:
7. AGNES CHAN – Forget Yourself (Bungalo/Universal)
Out February 14.
Billed as a “humanitarian/performer” and a “musician/activist” on her press sheet, Chan wrote these songs to tell the stories of children she met while doing work for UNICEF. So there’s a song (“Thirteen”) about a child prostitute and others about child soldiers and Ethiopian orphans. All of which could be a major bummer but the songs walk an uplifting, spiritual (as a concept, if not the style) road. The opening track, “Forget Yourself,” has a Peter Gabriel (global stage) feel, albeit with Jackie Chan listed as a member of the vocal choir. A portion of CD proceeds will go to UNICEF and she’s still working with the organization in other ways, so yay for the good guys.
8. The STRAYS – Life Support/Bastards of Young CD single (TVT)
The “A-side” (metaphorically) is used in the film “Transporter 2,” and so there’s a music video with the usual mayhem. And the “flip” is a cover of The Replacements, which shows good taste.
Factoid: lead singer Toby Marriott is the son of Steve Marriott, late and great front man from Small Faces and Humble Pie.
They Say: compared to the Killers with a more jagged tone
An album is due later this year, and songs are being previewed at www.thestrays.co.uk.
9. SHAWN MULLINS – 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor (Vanguard)
I fear I’m always gonna see this guy as a One Hit Wonder. “Lullabye” sticks in my head in a way that either means I really like it or I was successfully brainwashed by hearing it a thousand times on the radio. The fact that nothing else he’s done, including the acclaimed Thorns gang-of-singers CD, has stuck with me would seem to indicate that the single was an earworm affection/affliction.
10. TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH – Tragic City (Brash Music)
Second copy of a CD I received as an advance late last year.
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Grammy 2006 Nominees (Sony/BMG)
Like the “Now (that’s what I call music)” series, this compilation series seems a blatant bid to milk every drop of revenue from some songs after they’ve been sold to the public in their original CD single or full-length CD form. If you’ve been able to resist the allure of a tune for all its time out in the marketplace, will the whole really exceed the sum of all these parts and convince Jane Q. Public to pay $14 for what’s essentially a 21-track mix CD? Why should she, when she could buy the few tunes she really must have for 99 cents each on iTunes? If I was in that position, perhaps I might spring for Seal’s version of “Walk on By,” which I admit I wasn’t even aware of until I read the liner notes.
YTD Total: 50
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Bleak House and Bright Music
Watching the new Dickens mini-series on PBS and catching up on the collected music...
Today's CD trade-in store booty:
1. ELBOW - Powder Blue CD single (V2)
2. ELBOW - Cast of Thousands special edition (V2)
The CD single has two addtional tracks - "Suffer" and an acoustic version of "About Time."
And the CD, which I already own in its original version, is the deluxe edition, with a CD-ROM that includes videos and a film anout the band. The little sticker, written in a store clerk's hand, says "2nd album from this great Manchester dream pop band." Dream pop? I wouldn't have called Elbow that. Maybe mope rock, and I mean that in a good way.
And an attack of the cardboard freebies:
3. AMADOU & MARIAM - Dimanche A Bamako (Nonesuch)
2-track single, featuring Manu Chao.
4. ROB REYNOLDS - Find Me, Sample Me, Free Me, Take Me Sigthseeing (Invisible Hands)
An intriguing little number, this. In fact, it is numbered 20098, and the instructions on the back ask that I listen to and copy the music, and then leave the CD somewhere else - "on a train, aeroplane, in a cafe or venue." There's also a web site where you can log on and track the CD's progress once it's been sent on its way. Kinda like the "Where's George?" marked dollar bills.
5. MAT KEARNEY - The Chicago EP (Aware/Columbia)
What a pleasant suprise. It's not often you get a freebie that's 5 full tracks long, and of this consistent high quality. I put it on during the car ride home and was instantly impressed by the guy's voice, which reminds me, variably, of Chris Tapper (of the Push Stars), Citizen Cope (this guy raps, too), a bit if Jack Johnson and even some Chris Martin. Mat (with only one T) is due to have a full-length out in spring.
Friday, January 20:
6. WASHINGTON SOCIAL CLUB - Catching Looks (Badman)
I enjoyed the band's show at Jammin Java so much, I had to have a copy of the group's debut. Much as I've enjoyed listening to it the last two days, I don't think it does them justice. Live, lead singer Martin Royle has an endearing quality - a bit goofy, a bit sexy - and bassist Olivia Mancini is a cute (and sharp) blonde bassist, which isn't the only Talking Heads comparison you could make for this quintet. And I think that extra quitarist, who didn't appear on the debut CD, is one of the reason the live show has more punch, and it all bodes well for the band's next CD, due in the coming months. And in case you want to see that Post preview again...(click here)
7. DANIEL LEE - 3-track sampler (self-released)
An industrious home-made CD, yours for the taking at Jammin' Java, to promote Lee's upcoming J2 show. Simple but effective, the copier-created cover offers a photo, itinerary for the next few months, and a quote from washingtonpost.com which compares Lee to "Ben Harper with a funk-quitar style reminiscent of John Mayer." And that's an apt description. I'd definitely consider him for the Post column, but I just wrote about the club and need to share the love with other venues.
Arrived Friday, January 19:
8. IL DIVO – Ancora (Columbia)
“All by Myself” was an over-the-top hoot when Eric Carmen first recorded it. I can only imagine what these pretty boys do to it.
9. SAVAGE GARDEN – Truly Madly Completely: the best of (Columbia)
Another example of wanton reissue-ing. Who knew this pair had enough material to fill any full-length CD, let alone a greatest hits? The kids and I always joked that this act should be called the Koala Boys, ‘cause these pretty Australian guys were about as dangerous as a paper cut. I’m gonna listen to the B-side “I’ll Bet He Was Cool,” ‘cause the title has possibilities.
Over the past week:
10. TRISTAN PRETTYMAN – Twentythree (Virgin)
A second copy of the debut sent out last year. She’s coming to town (Barns of Wolf Trap) on February 14th, with Ben Taylor. One reviewer says she’s “poised to be the next Jewel,” which is one way to send me screaming from the room, but there’s also references to Sheryl Crow, Rickie Lee Jones and, on first listen, I buy the comparison to a female Jack Johnson.
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – District Records, Volume One (District)
A 19-track compilation of local artists, due out on February 14th (happy valentine’s day). The label, home to acts like Trip Lizard and Los Hermanos Rodriguez (bassist Dave Ridgeway runs the show), sells directly to fans through its website at a cost of $10 per CD and 50 cents per song.
12. The SLACKERS – Peculiar (Hellcat)
A Dutch ska band. Yeah, why not?
13. The WIGGLES – Here Comes the Big Red Car (KOCH)
Every generation needs its harmless kids acts and, having lived through Sharon, Lois and Bram and Raffi, I’m not here to knock the Wiggles. But I do wonder about four hyper-energetic guys who dress in primary colors and sings songs with these titles:
“Five Little Joeys”
“Pufferbillies”
“I Want to Wear the Jacket”
“My New Shoes”
and this double feature:
“Dorothy’s Dance Party” and “Here We Go Dorothy”
Friends of Dorothy’s? And they sing 26 songs in 37 minutes! What are they on?
14. PEPPER’S GHOST – Shake the Hand That Shook the World (Hybrid)
This will be the third copy of this disc I’ve received, after a generic advance and a new release copy, both sent last year. But I needed an updated press kit for this week’s Post preview (click here). The last time I saw these guys, another show at Jammin Java, around last Thanksgiving, they had the audience in their thrall, but I had to leave early (family holiday car duties), so I’m looking forward to seeing the full show. Also on the bill, the Washington Social Club, who never did send a copy of their CD, even though I asked nicely – twice!
15. VA - PASTE Sampler
16. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – Don’t Let Your Guard Down (DCide)
Yet another – my third! – generic advance copy of the local band’s upcoming (February 21) release.
They Say: Produced by Matt Squire (Panic! at the Disco, The Receiving End of Sirens), Don't Let Your Guard Down expands the band's signature melodic indie rock with a formidable triple guitar attack and creates a cleaner, crisper sound that doesn't sacrifice any of the band's power or impact.
I Say: A credible effort, but doesn’t bring anything new to the table, at least that I can discern on first listen.
17. MERCURY RADIO THEATER - Blue Eyed Model (Lujo/Friction Records)
A song title to love: "We Put the Fun Back in Funeral." And "The Very Merry Unbirthday Song" is a good one, too.
18. WE ARE SCIENTISTS – Love and Squalor (Virgin)
My second copy, this one an official version. I’ve been traveling with the older, generic advance in the car and everytime I casually grab it and put it on, it sticks. Now I’m starting to see references to the band (a Spin feature, a highly-touted show in New York), and I'm feeling that there's something brewing here beyond hype.
YTD Total: 39
Today's CD trade-in store booty:
1. ELBOW - Powder Blue CD single (V2)
2. ELBOW - Cast of Thousands special edition (V2)
The CD single has two addtional tracks - "Suffer" and an acoustic version of "About Time."
And the CD, which I already own in its original version, is the deluxe edition, with a CD-ROM that includes videos and a film anout the band. The little sticker, written in a store clerk's hand, says "2nd album from this great Manchester dream pop band." Dream pop? I wouldn't have called Elbow that. Maybe mope rock, and I mean that in a good way.
And an attack of the cardboard freebies:
3. AMADOU & MARIAM - Dimanche A Bamako (Nonesuch)
2-track single, featuring Manu Chao.
4. ROB REYNOLDS - Find Me, Sample Me, Free Me, Take Me Sigthseeing (Invisible Hands)
An intriguing little number, this. In fact, it is numbered 20098, and the instructions on the back ask that I listen to and copy the music, and then leave the CD somewhere else - "on a train, aeroplane, in a cafe or venue." There's also a web site where you can log on and track the CD's progress once it's been sent on its way. Kinda like the "Where's George?" marked dollar bills.
5. MAT KEARNEY - The Chicago EP (Aware/Columbia)
What a pleasant suprise. It's not often you get a freebie that's 5 full tracks long, and of this consistent high quality. I put it on during the car ride home and was instantly impressed by the guy's voice, which reminds me, variably, of Chris Tapper (of the Push Stars), Citizen Cope (this guy raps, too), a bit if Jack Johnson and even some Chris Martin. Mat (with only one T) is due to have a full-length out in spring.
Friday, January 20:
6. WASHINGTON SOCIAL CLUB - Catching Looks (Badman)
I enjoyed the band's show at Jammin Java so much, I had to have a copy of the group's debut. Much as I've enjoyed listening to it the last two days, I don't think it does them justice. Live, lead singer Martin Royle has an endearing quality - a bit goofy, a bit sexy - and bassist Olivia Mancini is a cute (and sharp) blonde bassist, which isn't the only Talking Heads comparison you could make for this quintet. And I think that extra quitarist, who didn't appear on the debut CD, is one of the reason the live show has more punch, and it all bodes well for the band's next CD, due in the coming months. And in case you want to see that Post preview again...(click here)
7. DANIEL LEE - 3-track sampler (self-released)
An industrious home-made CD, yours for the taking at Jammin' Java, to promote Lee's upcoming J2 show. Simple but effective, the copier-created cover offers a photo, itinerary for the next few months, and a quote from washingtonpost.com which compares Lee to "Ben Harper with a funk-quitar style reminiscent of John Mayer." And that's an apt description. I'd definitely consider him for the Post column, but I just wrote about the club and need to share the love with other venues.
Arrived Friday, January 19:
8. IL DIVO – Ancora (Columbia)
“All by Myself” was an over-the-top hoot when Eric Carmen first recorded it. I can only imagine what these pretty boys do to it.
9. SAVAGE GARDEN – Truly Madly Completely: the best of (Columbia)
Another example of wanton reissue-ing. Who knew this pair had enough material to fill any full-length CD, let alone a greatest hits? The kids and I always joked that this act should be called the Koala Boys, ‘cause these pretty Australian guys were about as dangerous as a paper cut. I’m gonna listen to the B-side “I’ll Bet He Was Cool,” ‘cause the title has possibilities.
Over the past week:
10. TRISTAN PRETTYMAN – Twentythree (Virgin)
A second copy of the debut sent out last year. She’s coming to town (Barns of Wolf Trap) on February 14th, with Ben Taylor. One reviewer says she’s “poised to be the next Jewel,” which is one way to send me screaming from the room, but there’s also references to Sheryl Crow, Rickie Lee Jones and, on first listen, I buy the comparison to a female Jack Johnson.
11. VARIOUS ARTISTS – District Records, Volume One (District)
A 19-track compilation of local artists, due out on February 14th (happy valentine’s day). The label, home to acts like Trip Lizard and Los Hermanos Rodriguez (bassist Dave Ridgeway runs the show), sells directly to fans through its website at a cost of $10 per CD and 50 cents per song.
12. The SLACKERS – Peculiar (Hellcat)
A Dutch ska band. Yeah, why not?
13. The WIGGLES – Here Comes the Big Red Car (KOCH)
Every generation needs its harmless kids acts and, having lived through Sharon, Lois and Bram and Raffi, I’m not here to knock the Wiggles. But I do wonder about four hyper-energetic guys who dress in primary colors and sings songs with these titles:
“Five Little Joeys”
“Pufferbillies”
“I Want to Wear the Jacket”
“My New Shoes”
and this double feature:
“Dorothy’s Dance Party” and “Here We Go Dorothy”
Friends of Dorothy’s? And they sing 26 songs in 37 minutes! What are they on?
14. PEPPER’S GHOST – Shake the Hand That Shook the World (Hybrid)
This will be the third copy of this disc I’ve received, after a generic advance and a new release copy, both sent last year. But I needed an updated press kit for this week’s Post preview (click here). The last time I saw these guys, another show at Jammin Java, around last Thanksgiving, they had the audience in their thrall, but I had to leave early (family holiday car duties), so I’m looking forward to seeing the full show. Also on the bill, the Washington Social Club, who never did send a copy of their CD, even though I asked nicely – twice!
15. VA - PASTE Sampler
16. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – Don’t Let Your Guard Down (DCide)
Yet another – my third! – generic advance copy of the local band’s upcoming (February 21) release.
They Say: Produced by Matt Squire (Panic! at the Disco, The Receiving End of Sirens), Don't Let Your Guard Down expands the band's signature melodic indie rock with a formidable triple guitar attack and creates a cleaner, crisper sound that doesn't sacrifice any of the band's power or impact.
I Say: A credible effort, but doesn’t bring anything new to the table, at least that I can discern on first listen.
17. MERCURY RADIO THEATER - Blue Eyed Model (Lujo/Friction Records)
A song title to love: "We Put the Fun Back in Funeral." And "The Very Merry Unbirthday Song" is a good one, too.
18. WE ARE SCIENTISTS – Love and Squalor (Virgin)
My second copy, this one an official version. I’ve been traveling with the older, generic advance in the car and everytime I casually grab it and put it on, it sticks. Now I’m starting to see references to the band (a Spin feature, a highly-touted show in New York), and I'm feeling that there's something brewing here beyond hype.
YTD Total: 39
Friday, January 13, 2006
Slap the Rolling Stones Silly
Earlier this week, I did an interview with Emily Haines, lead singer of the band Metric, who will be opening for the Rolling Stones at Madison Square Garden in New York City next week. Sure, it would have been nice to see them perform at the show, but no press tix are available. In fact - and this was mentioned to me by the publicist and confirmed by Emily - if the band members themselves want to see the Stones perform, They Have to Buy Tickets! That's just not right. I blame Mick.
Anyway, before I fall behind, and it's way too early in the year for that, here's the latest acquisitions:
Sent by Request:
1. METRIC - Live it Out (Last Gang Records)
Solid album, angry without being cynical, danceable without being escapist. I interviewed Emily for the new national magazine Hyperactive, for the March issue. Will keep you posted.
2. WOOD BROTHERS - Ways to Not Lose (Blue Note)
Coming to play at Jammin Java on February 11, possible Post preview.
Sent without "warning":
3. The AUDIO BULLYS - Generation (Astralwerks)
Out January 24.
4. DEREK TRUCKS BAND - Songlines (Columbia)
Generic advance. Out February 7.
5. MERCURY RADIO THEATER - The Blue Eyed Model (Friction Records)
6. LILYS - Everything Wrong is Imaginary (Manifesto)
Good impression on first listen - bright pop rock - and I love the Chinese progaganda poster cover. Early March release planned. (BTW, the lead singer is 6 foot 7 and has been putting out music under this name since 1989.)
7. IAN LOVE - (Limekiln Records)
Former Rival Schools member, very honest about his battles with heroin, makes a solo album.
8. TOWERS OF LONDON - How Rude She Was CD single (TVT Records)
Supposed British sensation, Guns n' Roses musical trainwreck style. Three musical tracks, including an acoustic version of "F*** It Up" (their spelling), plus a video of the title track featuring the Gotham Girls Roller Derby. Not sure I want to see that.
9. SIA - Colour the Small One (Astralwerks)
Nice but breathy. Really breathy. May wear upon repeated listening.
10. WES MCDONALD - 1:50 in the Furnace (Skybucket Records)
Stickered thus: RIYL (recommended if you like): the Replacements, Whiskeytown, Neil Young.
Wonder if he can live up to that.
Purchased:
11. The ACADEMY IS... - Almost Here (Fueled by Ramen)
F.Y.E.'s prices aren't usually very good, tho' they do have the occasional cool clearance items. But this new release was only $9.99 and, since (as previously noted) Grace and I are going to the show with hellogoodbye next month, it was a research purchase. Not bad on first listen, but there is a certain sameness to much of this emo rock thing.
12. WASHINGTON SOCIAL CLUB - Live at Shuba's (emusic)
Next week's Post preview. (click here)
While the band PR contact was fine about sending a jpg and one-sheet bio, no CD came, even after a second request, so I checked out if anything was available through my "discount" online service and here we go. I'm looking forward to the show. The band has a catchy, slightly retro new wave vibe.
13. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE - Feel Good Lost (Noise Factory/IODA)
Another emusic purchase. I've been hearing so much about this band, want to know what's up. This, however, is an early release, largely instrumental, recorded before the band began its expansive ensemble style. (BTW, Emily of Metric sometimes plays with BSC.
Oooooh....13 CDs, inventoried on Friday the 13th....spooky!
YTD: 21
Anyway, before I fall behind, and it's way too early in the year for that, here's the latest acquisitions:
Sent by Request:
1. METRIC - Live it Out (Last Gang Records)
Solid album, angry without being cynical, danceable without being escapist. I interviewed Emily for the new national magazine Hyperactive, for the March issue. Will keep you posted.
2. WOOD BROTHERS - Ways to Not Lose (Blue Note)
Coming to play at Jammin Java on February 11, possible Post preview.
Sent without "warning":
3. The AUDIO BULLYS - Generation (Astralwerks)
Out January 24.
4. DEREK TRUCKS BAND - Songlines (Columbia)
Generic advance. Out February 7.
5. MERCURY RADIO THEATER - The Blue Eyed Model (Friction Records)
6. LILYS - Everything Wrong is Imaginary (Manifesto)
Good impression on first listen - bright pop rock - and I love the Chinese progaganda poster cover. Early March release planned. (BTW, the lead singer is 6 foot 7 and has been putting out music under this name since 1989.)
7. IAN LOVE - (Limekiln Records)
Former Rival Schools member, very honest about his battles with heroin, makes a solo album.
8. TOWERS OF LONDON - How Rude She Was CD single (TVT Records)
Supposed British sensation, Guns n' Roses musical trainwreck style. Three musical tracks, including an acoustic version of "F*** It Up" (their spelling), plus a video of the title track featuring the Gotham Girls Roller Derby. Not sure I want to see that.
9. SIA - Colour the Small One (Astralwerks)
Nice but breathy. Really breathy. May wear upon repeated listening.
10. WES MCDONALD - 1:50 in the Furnace (Skybucket Records)
Stickered thus: RIYL (recommended if you like): the Replacements, Whiskeytown, Neil Young.
Wonder if he can live up to that.
Purchased:
11. The ACADEMY IS... - Almost Here (Fueled by Ramen)
F.Y.E.'s prices aren't usually very good, tho' they do have the occasional cool clearance items. But this new release was only $9.99 and, since (as previously noted) Grace and I are going to the show with hellogoodbye next month, it was a research purchase. Not bad on first listen, but there is a certain sameness to much of this emo rock thing.
12. WASHINGTON SOCIAL CLUB - Live at Shuba's (emusic)
Next week's Post preview. (click here)
While the band PR contact was fine about sending a jpg and one-sheet bio, no CD came, even after a second request, so I checked out if anything was available through my "discount" online service and here we go. I'm looking forward to the show. The band has a catchy, slightly retro new wave vibe.
13. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE - Feel Good Lost (Noise Factory/IODA)
Another emusic purchase. I've been hearing so much about this band, want to know what's up. This, however, is an early release, largely instrumental, recorded before the band began its expansive ensemble style. (BTW, Emily of Metric sometimes plays with BSC.
Oooooh....13 CDs, inventoried on Friday the 13th....spooky!
YTD: 21
Thursday, January 05, 2006
The Return of Half Man Half Biscuit!
Here's something I forget to mention that arrived yesterday:
1. HIP HOP ESSENTIALS, Vol. 5 (Tommy Boy)
I got Vol. 1 last month, and now here's #5. I feel like a kid who was collecting Happy Meals and, even though the commercial said "Collect all five," I haven't convinced mom and dad to take me to the Golden Arches enough times. Hey, Tommy Boy...please?
Purchased today:
2. The STROKES - Juicebox CD single (RCA)
Went to Best Buy intending to buy the full CD, but they only had the basic version, and I'm holding out for the "extended version" or the die-cut digi-pack that I just read about. For $1.99, this has two songs ("Hawaii" is the other track) and the director's cut of the video. I heard it was banned from MTV, which takes a lot these days, and havingjust watched it, I can confirm that it is an annoying piece of work. There's a too-long opening with David Cross taking an easy shot at a despicable morning DJ and the band playing in his studio. and then it's on to various raunchy couplings - boy-girl, girl-girl, boy-boy, and an implied old lady-dog! Oh, and there's vomit, too. What's up with this crap? Why would a band of this calibre want to distract from its music with sleazy (not to mention lazy) sex shots? Maybe I'll reconsider getting the album until I hear more of the songs, less of the hype.
3. VARIOUS ARTISTS - JOHN PEEL'S FESTIVE 15 (Uncut magazine)
My dear hubby is taking me to London in March for my birthday, and one of the things I know I will enjoy is the chance to listen to British radio, where DJ's talk to their listeners as if they have some brains and play music that doesn't always come from a database-driven playlist. Even then, they don't make 'em like John Peel anymore. This collection of tracks includes flashback favorites like The Mighty Wah! and the Sugarcubes, and an act I love for its name alone, Half Man Half Biscuit. Looking forward to a day of driving around when I can dig into this one.
4. PANIC! AT THE DISCO - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (Fueled by Ramen)
Grace and I are going to see this band with hellogoodbye at the 930 Club next month, so we're doing a little advance research. I looked for something by The Academy Is..., too, since they're opening the show, but couldn't find anything by them. Times like that I'm reminded how much I miss funky independent record stores. Time for a trip to Tower, I guess.
Also, saw Marshall Chapman's 2003 novel/memoir, "Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller," in the clearance area and picked it up for a quick read. She was one of the original feisty, guitar-slinging women, responsible for titles like "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet," and I still have a vinyl copy of "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls." Funny, now the author's picture on the back fly-leaf looks like one of the ladies I would car pool with. Time marches on, the bastard.
YTD: 8
1. HIP HOP ESSENTIALS, Vol. 5 (Tommy Boy)
I got Vol. 1 last month, and now here's #5. I feel like a kid who was collecting Happy Meals and, even though the commercial said "Collect all five," I haven't convinced mom and dad to take me to the Golden Arches enough times. Hey, Tommy Boy...please?
Purchased today:
2. The STROKES - Juicebox CD single (RCA)
Went to Best Buy intending to buy the full CD, but they only had the basic version, and I'm holding out for the "extended version" or the die-cut digi-pack that I just read about. For $1.99, this has two songs ("Hawaii" is the other track) and the director's cut of the video. I heard it was banned from MTV, which takes a lot these days, and havingjust watched it, I can confirm that it is an annoying piece of work. There's a too-long opening with David Cross taking an easy shot at a despicable morning DJ and the band playing in his studio. and then it's on to various raunchy couplings - boy-girl, girl-girl, boy-boy, and an implied old lady-dog! Oh, and there's vomit, too. What's up with this crap? Why would a band of this calibre want to distract from its music with sleazy (not to mention lazy) sex shots? Maybe I'll reconsider getting the album until I hear more of the songs, less of the hype.
3. VARIOUS ARTISTS - JOHN PEEL'S FESTIVE 15 (Uncut magazine)
My dear hubby is taking me to London in March for my birthday, and one of the things I know I will enjoy is the chance to listen to British radio, where DJ's talk to their listeners as if they have some brains and play music that doesn't always come from a database-driven playlist. Even then, they don't make 'em like John Peel anymore. This collection of tracks includes flashback favorites like The Mighty Wah! and the Sugarcubes, and an act I love for its name alone, Half Man Half Biscuit. Looking forward to a day of driving around when I can dig into this one.
4. PANIC! AT THE DISCO - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (Fueled by Ramen)
Grace and I are going to see this band with hellogoodbye at the 930 Club next month, so we're doing a little advance research. I looked for something by The Academy Is..., too, since they're opening the show, but couldn't find anything by them. Times like that I'm reminded how much I miss funky independent record stores. Time for a trip to Tower, I guess.
Also, saw Marshall Chapman's 2003 novel/memoir, "Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller," in the clearance area and picked it up for a quick read. She was one of the original feisty, guitar-slinging women, responsible for titles like "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet," and I still have a vinyl copy of "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls." Funny, now the author's picture on the back fly-leaf looks like one of the ladies I would car pool with. Time marches on, the bastard.
YTD: 8
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Behind Already?!
Well, I've missed a day already, but that offers a sense of relief to it, like getting the first dent in the car. You know it's gonna happen eventually, so once you get it over with, you can stop worrying about it.
My excuse was going to be that I had no new music to report on, and then I realized that I had, indeed, purchased a CD yesterday. It was on the emusic site, so there was no physical case to remind me. And so, I present the first CD of the new year (drumroll, please)....
1. The NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - Twin Cinemas (Matador)
I actually attempted to download this CD from the site last month, but the files didn't come through correctly. I've been reading about the band for a long time, and this release has appeared on a lot of year-end lists, so I was moved to move. Now, as soon as I can find the blank CDs and burn a copy to listen to while I'm away from the desk, I'll hear what all the fuss is about.
Purchased today (thanks, Target, for the $10 price point):
2. MADONNA - Confessions on a Dance Floor (Warner Bros.)
Never liked her. Not when she was a tramp, maybe even less so now that she's gone all Mommy Studies the Kabbalah on us. Her skank feminism doesn't fly with me, and I blame her for the fact that nearly every contemporary female singer feels the need to pose on the cover of Maxim or Blender these days to prove that they have nice boobies and a flat tummy. Imagine if we asked the same of all our male singers? Yeeech...
But enough about my issues. Terry likes to dance and the talk is that this is a return to fine form for the dance hall diva, so I sacrifice for my honey.
3. KANYE WEST - Late Registration (Roc-A-Fella Records)
Buying this album felt like an obligation, almost a capitulation. My guess is that this CD will top the Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll, so it's pretty much a professional obligation to hear the whole thing, and not just the singles, which seem to be everywhere. It bothers me that "Gold Digger" is all over radio, with it's N-word so obvious, even when it's blipped out, and the oh-so-easy dig at the sista who dogs the stars is hard to take when every rap video is awash in bling and booty. And to make it even worse, ever since I played the unexpurgated version on the ride home in the car, I can't get the damn catchy thing out of my head. Still, what makes buying West so much easier than buying Madonna is that he's not afraid to say something truly controversial (I agree with that George Bush does NOT care about black people) and he's not just doing it in Louise Ciccone's spoiled child/look at me! way.
Sent:
4. VIVA LA VENUS - Forget the Fairy Tale (Shiny Pants Records)
Three chicks with guitars and a guy drummer, cominf to town. This week's Post preview (link to come).
My excuse was going to be that I had no new music to report on, and then I realized that I had, indeed, purchased a CD yesterday. It was on the emusic site, so there was no physical case to remind me. And so, I present the first CD of the new year (drumroll, please)....
1. The NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - Twin Cinemas (Matador)
I actually attempted to download this CD from the site last month, but the files didn't come through correctly. I've been reading about the band for a long time, and this release has appeared on a lot of year-end lists, so I was moved to move. Now, as soon as I can find the blank CDs and burn a copy to listen to while I'm away from the desk, I'll hear what all the fuss is about.
Purchased today (thanks, Target, for the $10 price point):
2. MADONNA - Confessions on a Dance Floor (Warner Bros.)
Never liked her. Not when she was a tramp, maybe even less so now that she's gone all Mommy Studies the Kabbalah on us. Her skank feminism doesn't fly with me, and I blame her for the fact that nearly every contemporary female singer feels the need to pose on the cover of Maxim or Blender these days to prove that they have nice boobies and a flat tummy. Imagine if we asked the same of all our male singers? Yeeech...
But enough about my issues. Terry likes to dance and the talk is that this is a return to fine form for the dance hall diva, so I sacrifice for my honey.
3. KANYE WEST - Late Registration (Roc-A-Fella Records)
Buying this album felt like an obligation, almost a capitulation. My guess is that this CD will top the Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll, so it's pretty much a professional obligation to hear the whole thing, and not just the singles, which seem to be everywhere. It bothers me that "Gold Digger" is all over radio, with it's N-word so obvious, even when it's blipped out, and the oh-so-easy dig at the sista who dogs the stars is hard to take when every rap video is awash in bling and booty. And to make it even worse, ever since I played the unexpurgated version on the ride home in the car, I can't get the damn catchy thing out of my head. Still, what makes buying West so much easier than buying Madonna is that he's not afraid to say something truly controversial (I agree with that George Bush does NOT care about black people) and he's not just doing it in Louise Ciccone's spoiled child/look at me! way.
Sent:
4. VIVA LA VENUS - Forget the Fairy Tale (Shiny Pants Records)
Three chicks with guitars and a guy drummer, cominf to town. This week's Post preview (link to come).
Monday, January 02, 2006
Tomorrow We Work Again
in the meantime, here's my ballot for this year's Village Voice Pazz and Jop Poll:
Your Pazz & Jop albums ballot was submitted as follows:
1. Gorillaz - Demon Days - Virgin (15)
2. Kings of Leon - Aha Shake Heartbreak - RCA (15)
3. Talking Heads - Brick - Rhino (15)
4. Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run 30th Anniversary - Columbia (15)
5. Troubled Hubble - Making Beds in a Burning House - Lookout! (10)
6. Various Artists - Six Feet Under soundtrack - Astralwerks (5)
7. Lali Puna - I Thought I Was Over That - Morr Music (5)
8. Various Artists - This Bird Has Flown - Razor & Tie (5)
9. Sigur Ros - Takk - Geffen (5)
10. Arcade Fire - Arcade Fire - (10)
Your Pazz & Jop singles ballot was submitted as follows:
1. Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To? - Domino
2. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine - Epic
3. Coldplay - Speed of Sound - Capitol
4. Spoon - I Turn My Camera On - Merge
5. Bright Eyes - When the President Talks to God
6. Magic Numbers - Mornings Eleven - Heavenly/EMI
7. Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot - Universal
8. hellogoodbye - Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn - Drive-Thru
9. Natasha Bedingfield - These Words -
10. Jesse McCartney - Beautiful Soul - Hollywood
But I forgot the Decemberists!
Please forgive me, Colin.
Your Pazz & Jop albums ballot was submitted as follows:
1. Gorillaz - Demon Days - Virgin (15)
2. Kings of Leon - Aha Shake Heartbreak - RCA (15)
3. Talking Heads - Brick - Rhino (15)
4. Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run 30th Anniversary - Columbia (15)
5. Troubled Hubble - Making Beds in a Burning House - Lookout! (10)
6. Various Artists - Six Feet Under soundtrack - Astralwerks (5)
7. Lali Puna - I Thought I Was Over That - Morr Music (5)
8. Various Artists - This Bird Has Flown - Razor & Tie (5)
9. Sigur Ros - Takk - Geffen (5)
10. Arcade Fire - Arcade Fire - (10)
Your Pazz & Jop singles ballot was submitted as follows:
1. Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To? - Domino
2. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine - Epic
3. Coldplay - Speed of Sound - Capitol
4. Spoon - I Turn My Camera On - Merge
5. Bright Eyes - When the President Talks to God
6. Magic Numbers - Mornings Eleven - Heavenly/EMI
7. Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot - Universal
8. hellogoodbye - Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn - Drive-Thru
9. Natasha Bedingfield - These Words -
10. Jesse McCartney - Beautiful Soul - Hollywood
But I forgot the Decemberists!
Please forgive me, Colin.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
And Thus It Begins Again
Okay, then.
I didn't make the final count to 1000 Cds for the year 2005.
I know they are here, in bags and boxes around the office, but you'll just have to trust me on that.
So, it's a fresh start, a blank slate and all such chances to make amends.
Tomorrow will be the time for re-introduction.
Today, just a quick hello and a happy new year!
I didn't make the final count to 1000 Cds for the year 2005.
I know they are here, in bags and boxes around the office, but you'll just have to trust me on that.
So, it's a fresh start, a blank slate and all such chances to make amends.
Tomorrow will be the time for re-introduction.
Today, just a quick hello and a happy new year!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
So Close, and Yet So Far
Will she break the 1000 CD mark? I know they're in the house, but I can't type fast enough.
Here's (hopefully) Part One of the the list that puts us over...
Worthwhile stuff that slipped through the cracks:
1. CITIZEN COPE- The Clarence Greenwood Recordings (RCA)
2. TOM VEK – We Have Sound (Star Time International)
3. BURN PROPER – demo
The son of a friend’s band. Not only is it not bad to my ears, but the group recently signed a deal with Geffen.
Attack of the freebie cardboard samplers:
4. BARBRA STREISAND – Stranger in a Strange Land (Columbia)
Just the one track, hardly worth counting (but I will).
5. The EAST VILLAGE OPERA COMPANY – DVD sampler (Decca)
6. BOB DYLAN – Live at Carnegie Hall 1963 (Columbia/Legacy)
6 songs, what a deal!
7. HANNA McEUEN – Music from the Album (Dreamworks)
8. TRISTAN PRETTYMAN – Love Love Love (Virgin)
9. VA - Tooth & Nail vs. Solid State: The Videos DVD
My own cash money:
10. RELIENT K – mmhmm (Capitol)
11. RELIENT K – Apathetic EP (Capitol)
Bought the pair online as a present for Grace. She had the full-length, but the EP, when ordered through the fan club, came with an autographed booklet. Happy Christmas!
More from the CD (trade-in) Cellar:
12. VARIOUS ARTISTS – New Wave for the Next Generation (Sire)
I had a version of this Back In The Day on two vinyl discs. That seems more appropriate, but this is for convenience.
13. VA – WORD of MOUTH – free with magazine
More here that I don’t know (Keren Ann, Mr. Scruff, Mitch Benn and the Distractions) than I do (John Hiatt, Saint Etienne).
14, VA – Essential Drive, Q magazine compilation
I may already have this, but I couldn’t risk it!
15. SUM 41 – World of Steve DVD
Generic promo picked up in clearance – watched it and it was a bloody video of two guys roughing it up on the basketball court and heading for some kind of gross butchery to be continued on the web. Was going to be part of an ebay set for sale, but I tossed it instead. Don’t want to contribute to this kind of ickery.
16. BLUR – Music is My Radar (EMI)
3-track import single.
17. KEOKI – Kill the DJ (Hypnotic Records)
“A non-stop mash-up mix” – sometimes I like to pretend I know what all this rave stuff is about.
18. VA – Your Sanctuary Awaits
A mix of material from the Sanctuary Records Group, like New York Dolls, Blue Nile, Tegan and Sara and people I don’t know.
Why, Lord, Why?
19. DUKES of HAZZARD – Music from the Motion Picture (Columbia)
Anything worth listening to here (Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet), you should already have on any Southern Rock compilation. Stop Jessica Simpson. Now.
20. CRAZY FROG – Presents Crazy Hits (Next Plateau/Universal)
This adapted ringtone beat Coldplay in the British charts. That’s kinda funny, actually.
Still haven’t broke the shrink wrap:
21. The CORAL – The Invisible Invasion (Deltasonic/Columbia)
22.OUR LADY PEACE – Healthy in Paranoid Times (Columbia)
23. REVELATION THEORY – Truth is Currency (Another Century/Element Records)
And don’t know these either…
24. The LOVELY FEATHERS – 3 song sampler (NA)
Debut coming in 2006.
25. TOM PRINCIPATO – Guitar Gumbo (Powerhouse)
Local bluesman.
26. The FIRE ENGINES – Codex Teenage Premonition (Domino)
YTD:954
HEAVY METAL HA-HA
"Just imagine the tortured screams of a thousand angels at the hands of the most twisted demons in the blackest pits of hell and you just might have an idea of Dark Funeral's ordeal..."
- Metal Manaics
Here's (hopefully) Part One of the the list that puts us over...
Worthwhile stuff that slipped through the cracks:
1. CITIZEN COPE- The Clarence Greenwood Recordings (RCA)
2. TOM VEK – We Have Sound (Star Time International)
3. BURN PROPER – demo
The son of a friend’s band. Not only is it not bad to my ears, but the group recently signed a deal with Geffen.
Attack of the freebie cardboard samplers:
4. BARBRA STREISAND – Stranger in a Strange Land (Columbia)
Just the one track, hardly worth counting (but I will).
5. The EAST VILLAGE OPERA COMPANY – DVD sampler (Decca)
6. BOB DYLAN – Live at Carnegie Hall 1963 (Columbia/Legacy)
6 songs, what a deal!
7. HANNA McEUEN – Music from the Album (Dreamworks)
8. TRISTAN PRETTYMAN – Love Love Love (Virgin)
9. VA - Tooth & Nail vs. Solid State: The Videos DVD
My own cash money:
10. RELIENT K – mmhmm (Capitol)
11. RELIENT K – Apathetic EP (Capitol)
Bought the pair online as a present for Grace. She had the full-length, but the EP, when ordered through the fan club, came with an autographed booklet. Happy Christmas!
More from the CD (trade-in) Cellar:
12. VARIOUS ARTISTS – New Wave for the Next Generation (Sire)
I had a version of this Back In The Day on two vinyl discs. That seems more appropriate, but this is for convenience.
13. VA – WORD of MOUTH – free with magazine
More here that I don’t know (Keren Ann, Mr. Scruff, Mitch Benn and the Distractions) than I do (John Hiatt, Saint Etienne).
14, VA – Essential Drive, Q magazine compilation
I may already have this, but I couldn’t risk it!
15. SUM 41 – World of Steve DVD
Generic promo picked up in clearance – watched it and it was a bloody video of two guys roughing it up on the basketball court and heading for some kind of gross butchery to be continued on the web. Was going to be part of an ebay set for sale, but I tossed it instead. Don’t want to contribute to this kind of ickery.
16. BLUR – Music is My Radar (EMI)
3-track import single.
17. KEOKI – Kill the DJ (Hypnotic Records)
“A non-stop mash-up mix” – sometimes I like to pretend I know what all this rave stuff is about.
18. VA – Your Sanctuary Awaits
A mix of material from the Sanctuary Records Group, like New York Dolls, Blue Nile, Tegan and Sara and people I don’t know.
Why, Lord, Why?
19. DUKES of HAZZARD – Music from the Motion Picture (Columbia)
Anything worth listening to here (Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet), you should already have on any Southern Rock compilation. Stop Jessica Simpson. Now.
20. CRAZY FROG – Presents Crazy Hits (Next Plateau/Universal)
This adapted ringtone beat Coldplay in the British charts. That’s kinda funny, actually.
Still haven’t broke the shrink wrap:
21. The CORAL – The Invisible Invasion (Deltasonic/Columbia)
22.OUR LADY PEACE – Healthy in Paranoid Times (Columbia)
23. REVELATION THEORY – Truth is Currency (Another Century/Element Records)
And don’t know these either…
24. The LOVELY FEATHERS – 3 song sampler (NA)
Debut coming in 2006.
25. TOM PRINCIPATO – Guitar Gumbo (Powerhouse)
Local bluesman.
26. The FIRE ENGINES – Codex Teenage Premonition (Domino)
YTD:954
HEAVY METAL HA-HA
"Just imagine the tortured screams of a thousand angels at the hands of the most twisted demons in the blackest pits of hell and you just might have an idea of Dark Funeral's ordeal..."
- Metal Manaics
Friday, December 30, 2005
The Clock is Ticking….
No time for niceties. Gonna list all the loose ends, and get it done!
1. UMIXIT–U-Sing-It (Webster Hall)
2. The CAPES – Hello (Hard Soul Records)
Out on February 28.
3. LISTING SHIP – Time to Dream (True Classical)
Good first impression. Out January 17.
4. The WEATHER MACHINES – The Sounds of Pseudoscience (Tigers Against Crime!)
Love the label name. Out on January 24.
5. MOONLIGHT TOWERS – Like You Were Never There (Spinster)
Beautiful packaging.
6. UB40 – Who You Fighting For? (Rhino)
7. HAM 1 – eponymous
Press blurb: “dusty Morricone-meets-Silver Jews stuff from Athens, GA featuring members of Olivia Tremor Control, the Rock*A*Teens, and Japancakes.”
8. T. DUGGINS
Out in late January or early February.
9. KT TUNSTALL – Eye to the Telescope (Virgin)
Out March 7.
10. BALKAN BEAT BOX – eponymous (JDub Records)
Art noise NYC klezmer world music funk. The kind of CD I put on in the car and Gracie gives me strange looks.
11. ANTI-SOCIAL MUSIC - Sings the Great American Songbook (Peacock Recordings)
12. VA – Tommy Boy Hip Hop Essentials (Tommy Boy)
A hip-hop album for people who are still cautious about the genre (and yes, that includes me). Includes goodies like “Hey Ladies” (Beastie Boys), “Rapper’s Delight” (Sugar Hill Gang) and “Scorpio” (Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five). Also, I love the list that came with it:
1. There's no biting in Hip Hop.
2. You must have a DJ and sometimes he is leader of your crew!
3. Everything can be turned into Hip Hop if you sample it right.
4. Rap is just one element of the culture not the whole culture!
5. Being experimental and unique is best.
6. Dancers provide good hype and don't have to be strippers.
7. It's OK to have a message, be educational and/or take a stand.
13. DIANA KRALL - Christmas Songs (Verve Records)
Why, oh why, did she not record “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with hubby Elvis Costello? That would have been a great holiday gift to rabid EC fans like me. Alas, he doesn’t appear anywhere on the CD.
14. The IRVING FIELDS TRIO – Bagels and Bongos (Reboot Stereophonic)
Exactly the kind of weird stuff I wouldn’t buy on my own, but love getting as promo. Jewish beatnick music.
Found a document with a list of CDs I picked up during the summer visits north:
15. ANTONY and the JOHNSONS – I am a Bird Now (Secretly Canadian)
Took some castaways to Last Vestige, the cool Saratoga CD trade-in store, and casually cruised the racks for something to bring home with my $10 credit. Here’s a guy I’ve been reading about. I’m not bowled over but I am intrigued.
16. SHOUT OUT LOUDS – Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Capitol)
Terry heard a song he really liked while driving north to meet me. The way he described it – a bit of Arcade Fire, some new wave accents – I thought he was talking about these guys. He wasn’t, but it was still a nice discovery.
17. SUPERCHUNK – The Question is How Fast (City Slang/Merge)
One of two ‘chunk singles that were in the clearance section for 49 cents each.
18. SUPERCHUNK – Mower (City Slang/Merge)
Other leftovers, sent in conjunction with the CMJ visit:
19. VAUX – Beyond Virtue, Beyond Vice (Lava Records)
20. FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES – Head Games (Glaze Records) 21. DIRTY ON PURPOSE – Sleep Late for a Better Tomorrow (North Street Records)
22. HOPEWELL and the BIRDS of APPETITE – Calcutta (Tee Pee Records)
More misc:
23. SUICIDE GIRLS – Black Heart Retrospective (Epitaph)
Goth goodies.
24. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Mavi Jeans Music CD
Picked up fore free at a pricey girls’ clothing store on Cape May during the summer. Released in conjunction with Vice magazine.
25. RAUL MIDON – free DVD sampler (Manhattan)
26. The CARTER ADMINISTRATION – Air Guitar Force One (Theory 8 Records)
I want to revisit this one. It left a good impression way back in summer, when it first arrived.
27. VARIOUS ARTISTS – 2005 Southern Music CD – free with Oxford American magazine
28. CHARLIE SEXTON – Cruel and Gentle Things (Back Porch Records)
29. The TIMEOUT DRAWER – (The Consumer Research and Development Label) 25. 10 YEARS – The Autumn Effect (Republic Universal)
30. DAVID JOHANSEN GROUP – Live (Epic)
Much as I love David, these live versions of his Dolls and early solo album material add little to the originals.
YTD: 928
1. UMIXIT–U-Sing-It (Webster Hall)
2. The CAPES – Hello (Hard Soul Records)
Out on February 28.
3. LISTING SHIP – Time to Dream (True Classical)
Good first impression. Out January 17.
4. The WEATHER MACHINES – The Sounds of Pseudoscience (Tigers Against Crime!)
Love the label name. Out on January 24.
5. MOONLIGHT TOWERS – Like You Were Never There (Spinster)
Beautiful packaging.
6. UB40 – Who You Fighting For? (Rhino)
7. HAM 1 – eponymous
Press blurb: “dusty Morricone-meets-Silver Jews stuff from Athens, GA featuring members of Olivia Tremor Control, the Rock*A*Teens, and Japancakes.”
8. T. DUGGINS
Out in late January or early February.
9. KT TUNSTALL – Eye to the Telescope (Virgin)
Out March 7.
10. BALKAN BEAT BOX – eponymous (JDub Records)
Art noise NYC klezmer world music funk. The kind of CD I put on in the car and Gracie gives me strange looks.
11. ANTI-SOCIAL MUSIC - Sings the Great American Songbook (Peacock Recordings)
12. VA – Tommy Boy Hip Hop Essentials (Tommy Boy)
A hip-hop album for people who are still cautious about the genre (and yes, that includes me). Includes goodies like “Hey Ladies” (Beastie Boys), “Rapper’s Delight” (Sugar Hill Gang) and “Scorpio” (Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five). Also, I love the list that came with it:
1. There's no biting in Hip Hop.
2. You must have a DJ and sometimes he is leader of your crew!
3. Everything can be turned into Hip Hop if you sample it right.
4. Rap is just one element of the culture not the whole culture!
5. Being experimental and unique is best.
6. Dancers provide good hype and don't have to be strippers.
7. It's OK to have a message, be educational and/or take a stand.
13. DIANA KRALL - Christmas Songs (Verve Records)
Why, oh why, did she not record “Baby It’s Cold Outside” with hubby Elvis Costello? That would have been a great holiday gift to rabid EC fans like me. Alas, he doesn’t appear anywhere on the CD.
14. The IRVING FIELDS TRIO – Bagels and Bongos (Reboot Stereophonic)
Exactly the kind of weird stuff I wouldn’t buy on my own, but love getting as promo. Jewish beatnick music.
Found a document with a list of CDs I picked up during the summer visits north:
15. ANTONY and the JOHNSONS – I am a Bird Now (Secretly Canadian)
Took some castaways to Last Vestige, the cool Saratoga CD trade-in store, and casually cruised the racks for something to bring home with my $10 credit. Here’s a guy I’ve been reading about. I’m not bowled over but I am intrigued.
16. SHOUT OUT LOUDS – Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Capitol)
Terry heard a song he really liked while driving north to meet me. The way he described it – a bit of Arcade Fire, some new wave accents – I thought he was talking about these guys. He wasn’t, but it was still a nice discovery.
17. SUPERCHUNK – The Question is How Fast (City Slang/Merge)
One of two ‘chunk singles that were in the clearance section for 49 cents each.
18. SUPERCHUNK – Mower (City Slang/Merge)
Other leftovers, sent in conjunction with the CMJ visit:
19. VAUX – Beyond Virtue, Beyond Vice (Lava Records)
20. FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES – Head Games (Glaze Records) 21. DIRTY ON PURPOSE – Sleep Late for a Better Tomorrow (North Street Records)
22. HOPEWELL and the BIRDS of APPETITE – Calcutta (Tee Pee Records)
More misc:
23. SUICIDE GIRLS – Black Heart Retrospective (Epitaph)
Goth goodies.
24. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Mavi Jeans Music CD
Picked up fore free at a pricey girls’ clothing store on Cape May during the summer. Released in conjunction with Vice magazine.
25. RAUL MIDON – free DVD sampler (Manhattan)
26. The CARTER ADMINISTRATION – Air Guitar Force One (Theory 8 Records)
I want to revisit this one. It left a good impression way back in summer, when it first arrived.
27. VARIOUS ARTISTS – 2005 Southern Music CD – free with Oxford American magazine
28. CHARLIE SEXTON – Cruel and Gentle Things (Back Porch Records)
29. The TIMEOUT DRAWER – (The Consumer Research and Development Label) 25. 10 YEARS – The Autumn Effect (Republic Universal)
30. DAVID JOHANSEN GROUP – Live (Epic)
Much as I love David, these live versions of his Dolls and early solo album material add little to the originals.
YTD: 928
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Another Round for the Holidays
Look what Santa brought us:
1.WILCO – Kicking Television (Nonesuch)
Terry was hesitant. He’s a big fan of the band, but not of live albums. Still, he put on this two-CD set which I gave him for Christmas and was quickly into his “I love this band!” reverie. A shame, in a way, that it came out so close to the end of the year. It coulda been a contender for the year’s best, but I haven’t had enough time to live with it.
2. Various Artists – Holiday Audio Collection (Harper Audio)
Gift from a neighbor. Includes “A Christmas Carol” read by Sir Ralph Richardson, “The Gift of the Magi” performed by Julie Harris and an Ogden Nash story read by the author.
3. VA – Happy Holidays from the Vickers Family (no label)
My old TV producer sends out a double CD set every year, filled with great music he’s loved over the course of year. Not all new stuff, but a mix that runs a gamut from sensitive female singers (Aimee Mann, Lucinda Williams),and fun old stuff (Cheap Trick, the Fabulous Poodles) to straight-ahead rock (Old 97s, the Exies) and goofy bits (actual commercial segments from the Budweiser Real American Heroes series). Always something fun going on here.
Things I bought with my very own money:
4. VA – Best of 2005 – free with Q magazine
5. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – Born to Run 30th Anniversary Edition (Columbia)
Bought when I was in a bad mood and needed instant transport to a happy time, A must–have not just for the remastered version of a classic album (ask the kids about my karaoke version of “Jungleland”) but especially for the footage of prime E Street Band concert nirvana. This is the Bruce that I was in love with for a long, long time.
6. SPIKE JONES – Cocktails for Two (United Audio Entertainment)
On sale at my supermarket, for $4.99. How could I resist?
7. MERCY CREEK – Bonfire of Vanities (self-released)
8. MERCY CREEK – The Name of This Record is Mercy Creek (self-released)
Sent in connection with a Post preview story. click here
Many thanks to the publicity people who sent these by request:
9. BARENAKED LADIES – Barenaked Holidays (Nettwerk)
It was hard to choose just one song from this CD to include in the annual Cool Yule collection, so I cheated and took two – the duet with Sarah McLachlan on “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” and a Hanukkah song that goes with my Secular Humanist Plot to Kill Christmas.
10. GARRISON STARR – The Sound of You and Me (Vanguard)
11. NEIL YOUNG – Prairie Wind (Reprise)
I don’t always love what he does, but I respect his efforts. Too bad the one song I caught on SNL, “He Was the King,” leaves me cold. Gotta give this one my full attention soon.
12. FRANZ FERDINAND – 2 DVD (Domino)
Cute + Talented = Good video.
13. VA – Now That Sounds Kosher (Shout!)
Since I was writing a preview about “What I Like About Jew,” which has a track on this compilation, I requested it from the publicist, actually to make a new contact with a label that does interesting reissues in the Rhino Records manner.
14. BOB MARLEY and the WAILERS – Africa Unite: The Singles Collection (Island)
Universal has started a great service for press and industry people whereby, with the help of a unique bit of software, you can stream and/or download just about anything in their catalog. But (and like me, this is a big But), it’s not yet available for Mac users (but we are the superior system!) So, I requested this bit of reggae heaven.
Sent without prompting:
15. HEROS SEVERUM – Plague Dogs (Two Sheds Music)
I haven’t had time to listen yet, but I like the press kit description: “Heros Severum's sound is a mix of brash guitars, booming low-end percussion, and melodic intertwining vocals. The sound created is unique, and has more in common with early 80's no wave bands like Mission of Burma and the Minutemen than with any of the band's rock and punk contemporaries.”
From the fabulous CD trade-in store:
16. The LIBERTINES – Up the Bracket (Rough Trade)
Finally, I can hear what the fuss is (was) about.
17. VA – The Greatest Voices & Unforgettable Evergreens
While I was waiting to pay for my purchases, this 10-CD set (it looks smaller since each disc in a simple cardboard sleeve) caught my eye. 200 songs by original artists, including many that I don’t have in any other format – songs by Julie London, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Vicki Carr (“It Must be Him” is a camp classic). The whole shebang was $25, which – if I’m using my calculator correctly, means they’re just 12 and a half cents per song. Beat that, iTunes!
18. GAVIN BRYARS with TOM WAITS – Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Point Music)
I already have this CD, but couldn’t bear to see it cast off in the $1.99 clearance section, When I find my original copy, buried in the back office, I will pass this one on to a friend who needs a meditative break. And when I brought it to the counter, I got into a nice conversation with one of the clerks about great obscure music in a similar vein.
19. SUZZY and MAGGIE ROCHE – Why the Long Face? (Red House Records)
After being quite the fan of the Roches work as a trio, I was glad to reconnect with them after time away. As one would expect, their sisterly harmonies sound great on a cover of Brian Wilson’s “A Day in the Life of a Tree.”
20. HANSON – Underneath Acoustic DVD,
If Taylor’s ever looking for an older woman groupie, give him my number.
YTD: 898
1.WILCO – Kicking Television (Nonesuch)
Terry was hesitant. He’s a big fan of the band, but not of live albums. Still, he put on this two-CD set which I gave him for Christmas and was quickly into his “I love this band!” reverie. A shame, in a way, that it came out so close to the end of the year. It coulda been a contender for the year’s best, but I haven’t had enough time to live with it.
2. Various Artists – Holiday Audio Collection (Harper Audio)
Gift from a neighbor. Includes “A Christmas Carol” read by Sir Ralph Richardson, “The Gift of the Magi” performed by Julie Harris and an Ogden Nash story read by the author.
3. VA – Happy Holidays from the Vickers Family (no label)
My old TV producer sends out a double CD set every year, filled with great music he’s loved over the course of year. Not all new stuff, but a mix that runs a gamut from sensitive female singers (Aimee Mann, Lucinda Williams),and fun old stuff (Cheap Trick, the Fabulous Poodles) to straight-ahead rock (Old 97s, the Exies) and goofy bits (actual commercial segments from the Budweiser Real American Heroes series). Always something fun going on here.
Things I bought with my very own money:
4. VA – Best of 2005 – free with Q magazine
5. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – Born to Run 30th Anniversary Edition (Columbia)
Bought when I was in a bad mood and needed instant transport to a happy time, A must–have not just for the remastered version of a classic album (ask the kids about my karaoke version of “Jungleland”) but especially for the footage of prime E Street Band concert nirvana. This is the Bruce that I was in love with for a long, long time.
6. SPIKE JONES – Cocktails for Two (United Audio Entertainment)
On sale at my supermarket, for $4.99. How could I resist?
7. MERCY CREEK – Bonfire of Vanities (self-released)
8. MERCY CREEK – The Name of This Record is Mercy Creek (self-released)
Sent in connection with a Post preview story. click here
Many thanks to the publicity people who sent these by request:
9. BARENAKED LADIES – Barenaked Holidays (Nettwerk)
It was hard to choose just one song from this CD to include in the annual Cool Yule collection, so I cheated and took two – the duet with Sarah McLachlan on “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” and a Hanukkah song that goes with my Secular Humanist Plot to Kill Christmas.
10. GARRISON STARR – The Sound of You and Me (Vanguard)
11. NEIL YOUNG – Prairie Wind (Reprise)
I don’t always love what he does, but I respect his efforts. Too bad the one song I caught on SNL, “He Was the King,” leaves me cold. Gotta give this one my full attention soon.
12. FRANZ FERDINAND – 2 DVD (Domino)
Cute + Talented = Good video.
13. VA – Now That Sounds Kosher (Shout!)
Since I was writing a preview about “What I Like About Jew,” which has a track on this compilation, I requested it from the publicist, actually to make a new contact with a label that does interesting reissues in the Rhino Records manner.
14. BOB MARLEY and the WAILERS – Africa Unite: The Singles Collection (Island)
Universal has started a great service for press and industry people whereby, with the help of a unique bit of software, you can stream and/or download just about anything in their catalog. But (and like me, this is a big But), it’s not yet available for Mac users (but we are the superior system!) So, I requested this bit of reggae heaven.
Sent without prompting:
15. HEROS SEVERUM – Plague Dogs (Two Sheds Music)
I haven’t had time to listen yet, but I like the press kit description: “Heros Severum's sound is a mix of brash guitars, booming low-end percussion, and melodic intertwining vocals. The sound created is unique, and has more in common with early 80's no wave bands like Mission of Burma and the Minutemen than with any of the band's rock and punk contemporaries.”
From the fabulous CD trade-in store:
16. The LIBERTINES – Up the Bracket (Rough Trade)
Finally, I can hear what the fuss is (was) about.
17. VA – The Greatest Voices & Unforgettable Evergreens
While I was waiting to pay for my purchases, this 10-CD set (it looks smaller since each disc in a simple cardboard sleeve) caught my eye. 200 songs by original artists, including many that I don’t have in any other format – songs by Julie London, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Vicki Carr (“It Must be Him” is a camp classic). The whole shebang was $25, which – if I’m using my calculator correctly, means they’re just 12 and a half cents per song. Beat that, iTunes!
18. GAVIN BRYARS with TOM WAITS – Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Point Music)
I already have this CD, but couldn’t bear to see it cast off in the $1.99 clearance section, When I find my original copy, buried in the back office, I will pass this one on to a friend who needs a meditative break. And when I brought it to the counter, I got into a nice conversation with one of the clerks about great obscure music in a similar vein.
19. SUZZY and MAGGIE ROCHE – Why the Long Face? (Red House Records)
After being quite the fan of the Roches work as a trio, I was glad to reconnect with them after time away. As one would expect, their sisterly harmonies sound great on a cover of Brian Wilson’s “A Day in the Life of a Tree.”
20. HANSON – Underneath Acoustic DVD,
If Taylor’s ever looking for an older woman groupie, give him my number.
YTD: 898
Nearing the Finish Line
And so far behind on the tally! I can see 2006 coming at me mighty fast, and though I'm sure I'm past the magic number (1000) in CDs actually acquired, I wonder if I can fit them all in this list. Only if I keep my mouth mostly shut and just get on with it.
Let's start with some prepared notes from before the holiday madness began:
Monday, December 12:
1. PHISH - NEW YEAR'S EVE 1995 (Rhino/Jemp)
Second, official copy of a previously mentioned set.
2. RACHEL SAGE – The Blistering Sun (Mpress Records)
Coming to town. Nice press package - color folder with two pieces of candy stamped with the singer's name (the old days of big swag are gone, so these little moments stand out.
3.TROIS ENTERREMENTS – Soundtrack (Eurocorp)
Tommy Lee Jones’s new movie. This is an advance, printed in Spanish.
Saturday, December 10:
4. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Suite Life, Volume 1 (Sugo Music)
Hubby and I stayed at the Hotel George earlier this month. Lovely place, with a CD player in the room and a CD library available for the lending through the front desk. While I never took advantage of that past benefit, the room had a CD to listen to and buy, which I did. Nice selection of songs - Nat King Cole ("Route 66" always sounds good), Bob Marley, Ivy and a few new things.
Within the last month or so:
5. MARTIN SEXTON – Camp Holiday (Kitchen Table Records)
Laid-back carols in the Jack Johnson mode, though Sexton far predates the surfer rock dude. He even makes “The Little Drummer Boy” tolerable. One half of a Post preview. click here.
6. LINDSAY LOHAN – A Little More Personal (Raw) (Universal)
She does “Edge of Seventeen.” I'm worried. My two teenage daughters have put Lohan on the Persona Non Grata list. Too bad; she started out strong and then went full-tilt pop tart.
7. NUBIAN BLUE (Blue Note)
Putt your two cents in, literally, when you buy at Borders (the day I got the Talking Heads Brick) and you can score the extra promo discs. This one has jazz for the dinner hour – Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Al Green and such.
8. BOB MOULD – Body of Song (Yep Roc)
I actually got away with the phrase “doing the Du” (as in Husker) when I wrote Mould up for the Post. click here l would have liked to see that show - with Kirsten Hersh at the Birchmere – but there was family in town for Thanksgiving and it would have been rude to run off on them. Since he’s local, maybe I’ll have another chance sometime.
9. SPEEDY TOLLIVER – Now & Then (Arlington Cultural Affairs)
Another Post preview click here , this time for a Virginian 87-year-old country/bluegrass fiddler who’s only just releasing his first solo CD, recorded by a local arts group. That kind of music is just downright kinder to its players, allowing them to grow in age and talent without forcing the Forever Young (or Die) rock model.
10. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – Don’t Let Your Guard Down (DCide records)
Yeah, I know I mentioned it in my last round-up, but I found a second copy that was sent earlier, so it counts in the count.
Sometimes things just slip through the cracks (will Lewis Black be there to catch them?) and that’s the case with these MIA CDs, some of which date back to summertime:
11. SWITCHFOOT – Nothing is Sound (Columbia)
I love the lead singer’s voice and some of the lyrics are quite good, optimistic and reassuring without pushing the Jesus thing too strongly. Not every song’s a winner, but those that work (like the single “Stars”) work very well indeed. Grace and I are looking forward to them coming to town sometime soon, tho’ nothing has been announced.
12. The PIXIES – Sell Out DVD (Rhino)
At the risk of being burned at the stake as a rock-crit heretic, I will admit that I don’t love all the Pixies’ stuff, and there are times when I’m not in the mood for the band’s sonic mood swings. But there are other times when nothing feels better than shouting along with “Monkey Gone to Heaven.” And when I wear my vintage black T-shirt with the logo on front and the eyeballs on the back, bought at a show Back in the Day, I feel like the coolest middle-aged rock mom on the planet.
13. SIX FEET UNDER – Soundtrack (Astralwerks)
Now this is what *I* call music - Nina Simone, Jem, Phoenix (the track included here, “Everything is Everything” has turned Grace on the band), Radiohead, Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire…and a classy package design, too. Could be a Top 10, now that I think of it.
14. DEADMAN – Our Eternal Ghosts (One Little Indian)
I previewed this country-noir duo when they came to town to open for the Proclaimers and, for reasons that still escape me, the publicist sent two copies of the disc – one generic advance, one official version. I had the pair sign the latter, and keep the advance in the car.
From the long-neglected bag of freebies collected in September at the annual schmooze fest known as CMJ:
15. REMEDY FOR RUIN – Scrape the Sky (I Love Records, LLC)
Encouraged by the stylish graphics – a foldout landscape of flat, muted color – I put this one on in the first round of listening, thinking it looked rather Shins-ian. Sadly, it veered to the more generic emo rock that seems to be everywhere these days. Even I didn’t like the cover so much, it’d be gone now, but I’m gonna give it another chance in hopes that the music (if it can grow in repeated listening) as well as the visuals will merit its inclusion in the permanent collection.
16. SAM ASHWORTH – Gonna Get It Wrong Before I Get it Right (Runway Records)
Definitely a keeper. I had seen an ad for this guy in Paste or Harp, and thought he radiated a low-key charm in the picture, and with the sweet cartoon turtle on the CD cover. Glad to say the music holds true to that image – gentle singer/songwriter with a lovely voice, in the spirit of Paul McCartney’s non-syrupy ballads and my dear David Mead.
17. SAM ASHWORTH – Look Back (Runway)
This 2-track CD includes one song from the above album, plus a cover of Hall & Oates’ “Maneater.”
18. CHARLIE PEACOCK – Love Express Ex-Curio (Runway)
Gonna give this one a chance based on song titles like “Be Well Johnny Cash,” “Frank the Marxist Memorial Gong Blues” and “Bucketachicken.”
19. RUNWAY NETWORK SAMPLER (Runway)
Peacock, Ashworth, Arkitekt, Andy Davis and Astronaut Pushers.
20. TOOTHFAIRY – The CMJ Demo (Noiseville.com)
Give these guys credit for trying. There was a copy of this CD put in every attendee’s goodie bag to promote a CD out in October with the catchy title “Does Not Work Well with Reality.” The inside booklet asks you to pass the CD around and burn copies for friends. (How do you like that, RIAA?)
21. T BREAK CD SAMPLER 2005 (Tinthepark.com)
Twelve tracks from bands of UK (possibly all Irish?) origins, festooned with logos from the Sunday Herald, BBC Radio and other sponsors. The chatty guys at the table where these were given out had lovely Across the Pond accents and knew the band Bell X-1, which I had happily encountered some years back on a trip to Ireland. As with any compilation, not everything works for me, but there are some good unsigned acts here, god help ‘em.
YTD: 878
And now, a brief moment from a new, ongoing series, in which I repeat descriptive phrases from hardcore and death metal press releases, and which will hereforth be known as
HEAVY METAL HA-HA
"There’s something diseased about their sound; the tracks have a morbid sickness to them, and the gut reaction of good, decent folk is to stay the hell away." - StonerRock.com
Let's start with some prepared notes from before the holiday madness began:
Monday, December 12:
1. PHISH - NEW YEAR'S EVE 1995 (Rhino/Jemp)
Second, official copy of a previously mentioned set.
2. RACHEL SAGE – The Blistering Sun (Mpress Records)
Coming to town. Nice press package - color folder with two pieces of candy stamped with the singer's name (the old days of big swag are gone, so these little moments stand out.
3.TROIS ENTERREMENTS – Soundtrack (Eurocorp)
Tommy Lee Jones’s new movie. This is an advance, printed in Spanish.
Saturday, December 10:
4. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Suite Life, Volume 1 (Sugo Music)
Hubby and I stayed at the Hotel George earlier this month. Lovely place, with a CD player in the room and a CD library available for the lending through the front desk. While I never took advantage of that past benefit, the room had a CD to listen to and buy, which I did. Nice selection of songs - Nat King Cole ("Route 66" always sounds good), Bob Marley, Ivy and a few new things.
Within the last month or so:
5. MARTIN SEXTON – Camp Holiday (Kitchen Table Records)
Laid-back carols in the Jack Johnson mode, though Sexton far predates the surfer rock dude. He even makes “The Little Drummer Boy” tolerable. One half of a Post preview. click here.
6. LINDSAY LOHAN – A Little More Personal (Raw) (Universal)
She does “Edge of Seventeen.” I'm worried. My two teenage daughters have put Lohan on the Persona Non Grata list. Too bad; she started out strong and then went full-tilt pop tart.
7. NUBIAN BLUE (Blue Note)
Putt your two cents in, literally, when you buy at Borders (the day I got the Talking Heads Brick) and you can score the extra promo discs. This one has jazz for the dinner hour – Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Al Green and such.
8. BOB MOULD – Body of Song (Yep Roc)
I actually got away with the phrase “doing the Du” (as in Husker) when I wrote Mould up for the Post. click here l would have liked to see that show - with Kirsten Hersh at the Birchmere – but there was family in town for Thanksgiving and it would have been rude to run off on them. Since he’s local, maybe I’ll have another chance sometime.
9. SPEEDY TOLLIVER – Now & Then (Arlington Cultural Affairs)
Another Post preview click here , this time for a Virginian 87-year-old country/bluegrass fiddler who’s only just releasing his first solo CD, recorded by a local arts group. That kind of music is just downright kinder to its players, allowing them to grow in age and talent without forcing the Forever Young (or Die) rock model.
10. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE – Don’t Let Your Guard Down (DCide records)
Yeah, I know I mentioned it in my last round-up, but I found a second copy that was sent earlier, so it counts in the count.
Sometimes things just slip through the cracks (will Lewis Black be there to catch them?) and that’s the case with these MIA CDs, some of which date back to summertime:
11. SWITCHFOOT – Nothing is Sound (Columbia)
I love the lead singer’s voice and some of the lyrics are quite good, optimistic and reassuring without pushing the Jesus thing too strongly. Not every song’s a winner, but those that work (like the single “Stars”) work very well indeed. Grace and I are looking forward to them coming to town sometime soon, tho’ nothing has been announced.
12. The PIXIES – Sell Out DVD (Rhino)
At the risk of being burned at the stake as a rock-crit heretic, I will admit that I don’t love all the Pixies’ stuff, and there are times when I’m not in the mood for the band’s sonic mood swings. But there are other times when nothing feels better than shouting along with “Monkey Gone to Heaven.” And when I wear my vintage black T-shirt with the logo on front and the eyeballs on the back, bought at a show Back in the Day, I feel like the coolest middle-aged rock mom on the planet.
13. SIX FEET UNDER – Soundtrack (Astralwerks)
Now this is what *I* call music - Nina Simone, Jem, Phoenix (the track included here, “Everything is Everything” has turned Grace on the band), Radiohead, Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire…and a classy package design, too. Could be a Top 10, now that I think of it.
14. DEADMAN – Our Eternal Ghosts (One Little Indian)
I previewed this country-noir duo when they came to town to open for the Proclaimers and, for reasons that still escape me, the publicist sent two copies of the disc – one generic advance, one official version. I had the pair sign the latter, and keep the advance in the car.
From the long-neglected bag of freebies collected in September at the annual schmooze fest known as CMJ:
15. REMEDY FOR RUIN – Scrape the Sky (I Love Records, LLC)
Encouraged by the stylish graphics – a foldout landscape of flat, muted color – I put this one on in the first round of listening, thinking it looked rather Shins-ian. Sadly, it veered to the more generic emo rock that seems to be everywhere these days. Even I didn’t like the cover so much, it’d be gone now, but I’m gonna give it another chance in hopes that the music (if it can grow in repeated listening) as well as the visuals will merit its inclusion in the permanent collection.
16. SAM ASHWORTH – Gonna Get It Wrong Before I Get it Right (Runway Records)
Definitely a keeper. I had seen an ad for this guy in Paste or Harp, and thought he radiated a low-key charm in the picture, and with the sweet cartoon turtle on the CD cover. Glad to say the music holds true to that image – gentle singer/songwriter with a lovely voice, in the spirit of Paul McCartney’s non-syrupy ballads and my dear David Mead.
17. SAM ASHWORTH – Look Back (Runway)
This 2-track CD includes one song from the above album, plus a cover of Hall & Oates’ “Maneater.”
18. CHARLIE PEACOCK – Love Express Ex-Curio (Runway)
Gonna give this one a chance based on song titles like “Be Well Johnny Cash,” “Frank the Marxist Memorial Gong Blues” and “Bucketachicken.”
19. RUNWAY NETWORK SAMPLER (Runway)
Peacock, Ashworth, Arkitekt, Andy Davis and Astronaut Pushers.
20. TOOTHFAIRY – The CMJ Demo (Noiseville.com)
Give these guys credit for trying. There was a copy of this CD put in every attendee’s goodie bag to promote a CD out in October with the catchy title “Does Not Work Well with Reality.” The inside booklet asks you to pass the CD around and burn copies for friends. (How do you like that, RIAA?)
21. T BREAK CD SAMPLER 2005 (Tinthepark.com)
Twelve tracks from bands of UK (possibly all Irish?) origins, festooned with logos from the Sunday Herald, BBC Radio and other sponsors. The chatty guys at the table where these were given out had lovely Across the Pond accents and knew the band Bell X-1, which I had happily encountered some years back on a trip to Ireland. As with any compilation, not everything works for me, but there are some good unsigned acts here, god help ‘em.
YTD: 878
And now, a brief moment from a new, ongoing series, in which I repeat descriptive phrases from hardcore and death metal press releases, and which will hereforth be known as
HEAVY METAL HA-HA
"There’s something diseased about their sound; the tracks have a morbid sickness to them, and the gut reaction of good, decent folk is to stay the hell away." - StonerRock.com
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Bumbles Bounce! and other happy thoughts
Here at the CPF holiday workshop (turn left at Whoville, but don't go so far west as the Island of Misfit Toys), it wouldn't be the holiday season without a viewing of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," preferably performed simultaneously in front of the screen, Rocky Horror syle, with the complete set of stuffed toys from CVS drug stores. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" (don't snicker; it's got Broadway-quality songs) are also on the Must-See list, with Charlie Brown and Alistair Sim's version of "A Christmas Carol" always welcome, too.
The recent past has been a great one for new music - and I say that as a consumer who pays cash money as well as a lucky duck who gets nice freebies in the mail. Monday's mail offered a nice pile of a half-dozen puffy envelopes, plus my official ballot for the Village Voice Jazz and Pop poll, which makes me feel like a real tastemaker.
So, to recap:
Friday, December 9:
1. CYPRESS HILL - Greatest Hits from the Bong (Columbia)
Ordinarily, I would put this away in the reference library as I do with most greatest hits collections from bands I haven't really followed, but I doubt I'll hang on to it. Call me an old fart, or blame it on the generally genial holiday vibe, but I just don't have much room in my psyche these days for the likes of "How I Could Just Kill a Man."
2. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JEW - sampler from the forthcoming "Unorthodox" (self-released)
Rob Tannenbaum (rock writer/editor) and Sean Altman's ultra-ethnic project, coming to the Birchmere just after Christmas, and being pitched for a Live! preview. Favorite song, just by its title: "They Tried to Kill Us (We Survived, Let's Eat)." Could be just the way to come down from the holidays, and to do my part for the Secular Progressives' Plot to Kill Christmas.
Thursday, December 8:
3. MARAH - presents A Christmas Kind of Town (Yep Roc)
I'm not gonna get all Nick Hornby on you, but this band really does deserve more attention. Saw them play some weeks ago at Jammin Java and they rocked the house in a loosey-gooesy, booze and blues-fueled way (probably the first time at that former Christian youth spot, current folky listening room that someone smoked - and put their cigarette out - on the genteel stage). Requested from the publicist (thanks, Angie!) and, on initial listenings, a new holiday favorite. The album plays out like a radio broadcast, with a cast of varying voices, little skits and a sloppy, let's-make-our-own-show vibe. Contagiously good. Destined to be on this year's Cool Yule compilation: "New York is a Christmas Kind of Town."
4. PHISH - New Year's Eve 1995 - Live at Madison Square Garden (Rhino/Jemp)
This show was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's "17 Greatest Concerts of the '90s" which strikes me as ironic since I was offered the assignment way back when to review that show, but begged off, saying I wasn't all that familiar with/fond of the band. The editor who mentioned the assignment agreed, adding an insult about how boring he thought Phish were. But someone from the magazine must have been there and had a faboo time.
This 3-disc set will mark the beginning of a deal with Rhino to release a whole bunch of Phish concerts. There was another such series awhile back - I bought a 3-disc live set which included a performance of Taking Heads' "Remain in Light" in its entirety. After listening to the whole thing, I burned a copy of that encore disc (labeled it "Phish Heads" of course) and sold off the set. It's just so much noodling to me.
Monday, December 5:
5. The JULIANA THEORY - Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat (Abacus Recordings)
A second copy (in cardboard cover), probably a reminder for these days of compiling year-end Best Ofs.
6. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE - Don't Let Your Guard Down (DCide Records)
Another duplicate from the same publicist. The local buzz for these Maryland boys is on, as they've played with All-American Rejects, hellogoodbye and others and have a rep for a great live act. Out February 21.
A trio of packages from the nice boys of Team Clermont. (Captain Planet would be sad to see three packages from the same return address, but it just means more bubble wrap for me to pop!)
7. MEREDITH BRAGG and the TERMINALS - The Departures EP (The Kora Records)
Another local hero, with a gentle, Elliot Smith-type vibe, in another beautifully designed package - a letterpress cardboard envelope. Out January 17th.
8. (The SOUNDS of) KALEIDOSCOPE (Hackshop Records)
9. STONE JACK JONES - Bluefolk (Ficticious Records)
A coal mine town childhood and a musical apprenticeship under Patty Griffin - bodes well.
10. The BOGGS - 4 track sampler
Paper label CD-R "from the forthcoming LP" (as in long-player, not vinyl, I presume) called Forts. Played it in the car a few times and find it to be an energizing ride. In my book, you hardly ever go wrong sounding like the Clash, and adding in a bit of streetwise chant, kinda like The Go! Team, adds to the punch.
11. The BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA - Dig That Crazy Christmas (Surf Dog)
By request (thanks, Shore Fire!), and destined to make an appearance on the annual Cool Yule compilation. One minor note: the cartoon version of Brian on the cover is way too young...let's be realistic, folks. Setzer is very talented and certainly has the stamina of a young guy on stage, but he ain't no spring chicken.
Last week was an exciting one for reissues.
12. PATTI SMITH - Horses (Colulumbia Legacy)
Not to sound too jaded, but most of the unsolicited press packages I get are from un- or barely-known acts looking to get some initial response. They're fun to get, but don't make me go "Oh boy!" when I open the package. But this...ah, this was like getting an early Christmas gift (even if I was hoping that the Columbia packaging meant I was getting a copy of the new, deluxe Born to Run reissue). This beautiful reissue of Smith's classic/seminal/your-gushing-adjective-here debut is a classy design and offers a bonus live disc of the entire album performed earlier this year in England. The studio album still has its nearly-unhinged power, and what I've heard of the live CD so far shows that Patti's lost none of her punch and just maybe has gotten even better as she's matured from hotheaded punk girl to world-wise punk mom.
13. TALKING HEADS - Brick (Rhino)
Yes, I have all the previous Heads albums, including the two-disc greatest hits and last year's box set, so my first reaction to the release of this set of eight catalog studio albums was 'why do I need it?' Terry was against the purchase and, as I tracked it on ebay and amazon, trying to get one for less than $100, I was starting to agree with him. Then mom handed me $50 and said 'buy yourself something nice for Christmas and Borders sent me a 30% off coupon, and I couldn't resist (also calculating the fact that I can trade in most of the older CDs - but not the vinyl!) And lo, we've been thoroughly enjoying the adventure of exploring the added tracks and primitive early performance videos, and just holding the tactile object d'art. So yeah, it's a good thing.
14. JUST SAY SIRE: The Sire Records Story (Sire/Rhino)
While hunting for above Brick I was on amazon.com and found this 3-CD, 1 DVD set at a great price ($30) so I snatched it up. This was my Happy Time in NYC, and this was my happy soundtrack. The stuff I know (Heads, Yaz, Tin Tin, Aztec Camera) is stuff I love, some of which I previously had only on vinyl, and what I don't know is of a school I was proud to attend. There was a time when Sire was like Motown; it almost didn't matter if you didn't recognize tha artist's name 'cause the yin/yang label promised fun. And the DVD is a hoot - every bit as a cheesy as those VH1 specials hint at, but here you get to see the whole awkward growth in full-length. One video that deserves to be in a future time capsule - The Replacements's "Bastards of Young," in which you watch a speaker throb with only a glimpse of the kid listening, and then the record skips (yes, the sound of the video does, too) and he kicks it. Awesome!
A few other recent acquistions:
15. MARJORIE FARM - Self Help Serenade (Capitol)
A few weeks ago, I was in My Happy Place, wandering the aisles at Tower Records and checking out the import clearance racks when I heard an intriguing sound on the in-store system. It was a bit indie rock, a bit British folk, even a touch of the new prog rock. As I checked out with my goodies, I asked the cashier what had been playing and he showed me this CD. Did I buy it then and there? No, but I asked politely in a subsequent email to a friendly contact at the label and they sent it along. It may not make it to this year's Top Ten, but I have a feeling I'll be playing it well into 2006.
16. DRAMARAMA - Everybody Dies (33rd Street/Bayside Records)
In a plot twist not dissimilar to that which revived INXS, Dramarama, which had fallen apart after some fine but overlooked albums in the early alt-rock era, came back together for a VH1 Bands Reunited show, and got a new lease on life. Alas, there's even a touch of tragedy to their story, too - the new CD is a tribute to a dear and recently departed friend. The band may be best-known - and justifiably so - for a terrific song called "Anything, Anything (I'll Give You)" and had some other fine material, like "Last Cigarette." Even before hearing this CD, I'm won over by the Tim Burton-esque smiley face skeleton which appears not just on the cover but on an booklet collage parodying classic album covers (T. Rex, Some Girls, Yesterday and Today, Kinks).
I planned on blowing off a whole bag of left-overs, too, but I have an editing assignment to polish off, and that's paying some bills, so maybe tomorrow....
YTD total:857
The recent past has been a great one for new music - and I say that as a consumer who pays cash money as well as a lucky duck who gets nice freebies in the mail. Monday's mail offered a nice pile of a half-dozen puffy envelopes, plus my official ballot for the Village Voice Jazz and Pop poll, which makes me feel like a real tastemaker.
So, to recap:
Friday, December 9:
1. CYPRESS HILL - Greatest Hits from the Bong (Columbia)
Ordinarily, I would put this away in the reference library as I do with most greatest hits collections from bands I haven't really followed, but I doubt I'll hang on to it. Call me an old fart, or blame it on the generally genial holiday vibe, but I just don't have much room in my psyche these days for the likes of "How I Could Just Kill a Man."
2. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JEW - sampler from the forthcoming "Unorthodox" (self-released)
Rob Tannenbaum (rock writer/editor) and Sean Altman's ultra-ethnic project, coming to the Birchmere just after Christmas, and being pitched for a Live! preview. Favorite song, just by its title: "They Tried to Kill Us (We Survived, Let's Eat)." Could be just the way to come down from the holidays, and to do my part for the Secular Progressives' Plot to Kill Christmas.
Thursday, December 8:
3. MARAH - presents A Christmas Kind of Town (Yep Roc)
I'm not gonna get all Nick Hornby on you, but this band really does deserve more attention. Saw them play some weeks ago at Jammin Java and they rocked the house in a loosey-gooesy, booze and blues-fueled way (probably the first time at that former Christian youth spot, current folky listening room that someone smoked - and put their cigarette out - on the genteel stage). Requested from the publicist (thanks, Angie!) and, on initial listenings, a new holiday favorite. The album plays out like a radio broadcast, with a cast of varying voices, little skits and a sloppy, let's-make-our-own-show vibe. Contagiously good. Destined to be on this year's Cool Yule compilation: "New York is a Christmas Kind of Town."
4. PHISH - New Year's Eve 1995 - Live at Madison Square Garden (Rhino/Jemp)
This show was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's "17 Greatest Concerts of the '90s" which strikes me as ironic since I was offered the assignment way back when to review that show, but begged off, saying I wasn't all that familiar with/fond of the band. The editor who mentioned the assignment agreed, adding an insult about how boring he thought Phish were. But someone from the magazine must have been there and had a faboo time.
This 3-disc set will mark the beginning of a deal with Rhino to release a whole bunch of Phish concerts. There was another such series awhile back - I bought a 3-disc live set which included a performance of Taking Heads' "Remain in Light" in its entirety. After listening to the whole thing, I burned a copy of that encore disc (labeled it "Phish Heads" of course) and sold off the set. It's just so much noodling to me.
Monday, December 5:
5. The JULIANA THEORY - Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat (Abacus Recordings)
A second copy (in cardboard cover), probably a reminder for these days of compiling year-end Best Ofs.
6. DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE - Don't Let Your Guard Down (DCide Records)
Another duplicate from the same publicist. The local buzz for these Maryland boys is on, as they've played with All-American Rejects, hellogoodbye and others and have a rep for a great live act. Out February 21.
A trio of packages from the nice boys of Team Clermont. (Captain Planet would be sad to see three packages from the same return address, but it just means more bubble wrap for me to pop!)
7. MEREDITH BRAGG and the TERMINALS - The Departures EP (The Kora Records)
Another local hero, with a gentle, Elliot Smith-type vibe, in another beautifully designed package - a letterpress cardboard envelope. Out January 17th.
8. (The SOUNDS of) KALEIDOSCOPE (Hackshop Records)
9. STONE JACK JONES - Bluefolk (Ficticious Records)
A coal mine town childhood and a musical apprenticeship under Patty Griffin - bodes well.
10. The BOGGS - 4 track sampler
Paper label CD-R "from the forthcoming LP" (as in long-player, not vinyl, I presume) called Forts. Played it in the car a few times and find it to be an energizing ride. In my book, you hardly ever go wrong sounding like the Clash, and adding in a bit of streetwise chant, kinda like The Go! Team, adds to the punch.
11. The BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA - Dig That Crazy Christmas (Surf Dog)
By request (thanks, Shore Fire!), and destined to make an appearance on the annual Cool Yule compilation. One minor note: the cartoon version of Brian on the cover is way too young...let's be realistic, folks. Setzer is very talented and certainly has the stamina of a young guy on stage, but he ain't no spring chicken.
Last week was an exciting one for reissues.
12. PATTI SMITH - Horses (Colulumbia Legacy)
Not to sound too jaded, but most of the unsolicited press packages I get are from un- or barely-known acts looking to get some initial response. They're fun to get, but don't make me go "Oh boy!" when I open the package. But this...ah, this was like getting an early Christmas gift (even if I was hoping that the Columbia packaging meant I was getting a copy of the new, deluxe Born to Run reissue). This beautiful reissue of Smith's classic/seminal/your-gushing-adjective-here debut is a classy design and offers a bonus live disc of the entire album performed earlier this year in England. The studio album still has its nearly-unhinged power, and what I've heard of the live CD so far shows that Patti's lost none of her punch and just maybe has gotten even better as she's matured from hotheaded punk girl to world-wise punk mom.
13. TALKING HEADS - Brick (Rhino)
Yes, I have all the previous Heads albums, including the two-disc greatest hits and last year's box set, so my first reaction to the release of this set of eight catalog studio albums was 'why do I need it?' Terry was against the purchase and, as I tracked it on ebay and amazon, trying to get one for less than $100, I was starting to agree with him. Then mom handed me $50 and said 'buy yourself something nice for Christmas and Borders sent me a 30% off coupon, and I couldn't resist (also calculating the fact that I can trade in most of the older CDs - but not the vinyl!) And lo, we've been thoroughly enjoying the adventure of exploring the added tracks and primitive early performance videos, and just holding the tactile object d'art. So yeah, it's a good thing.
14. JUST SAY SIRE: The Sire Records Story (Sire/Rhino)
While hunting for above Brick I was on amazon.com and found this 3-CD, 1 DVD set at a great price ($30) so I snatched it up. This was my Happy Time in NYC, and this was my happy soundtrack. The stuff I know (Heads, Yaz, Tin Tin, Aztec Camera) is stuff I love, some of which I previously had only on vinyl, and what I don't know is of a school I was proud to attend. There was a time when Sire was like Motown; it almost didn't matter if you didn't recognize tha artist's name 'cause the yin/yang label promised fun. And the DVD is a hoot - every bit as a cheesy as those VH1 specials hint at, but here you get to see the whole awkward growth in full-length. One video that deserves to be in a future time capsule - The Replacements's "Bastards of Young," in which you watch a speaker throb with only a glimpse of the kid listening, and then the record skips (yes, the sound of the video does, too) and he kicks it. Awesome!
A few other recent acquistions:
15. MARJORIE FARM - Self Help Serenade (Capitol)
A few weeks ago, I was in My Happy Place, wandering the aisles at Tower Records and checking out the import clearance racks when I heard an intriguing sound on the in-store system. It was a bit indie rock, a bit British folk, even a touch of the new prog rock. As I checked out with my goodies, I asked the cashier what had been playing and he showed me this CD. Did I buy it then and there? No, but I asked politely in a subsequent email to a friendly contact at the label and they sent it along. It may not make it to this year's Top Ten, but I have a feeling I'll be playing it well into 2006.
16. DRAMARAMA - Everybody Dies (33rd Street/Bayside Records)
In a plot twist not dissimilar to that which revived INXS, Dramarama, which had fallen apart after some fine but overlooked albums in the early alt-rock era, came back together for a VH1 Bands Reunited show, and got a new lease on life. Alas, there's even a touch of tragedy to their story, too - the new CD is a tribute to a dear and recently departed friend. The band may be best-known - and justifiably so - for a terrific song called "Anything, Anything (I'll Give You)" and had some other fine material, like "Last Cigarette." Even before hearing this CD, I'm won over by the Tim Burton-esque smiley face skeleton which appears not just on the cover but on an booklet collage parodying classic album covers (T. Rex, Some Girls, Yesterday and Today, Kinks).
I planned on blowing off a whole bag of left-overs, too, but I have an editing assignment to polish off, and that's paying some bills, so maybe tomorrow....
YTD total:857
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Who's a Turkey?
Maybe I am. As November draws to a close, and year-end Best-Of's beckon, I can see the dawn of Blog Year Two and I'm thinking of how to proceed differently. Expect changes in January. But for now, I'm gonna play this game out to the end as it was set up in the beginning of Blog Year One by continuing the list of CDs coming into the manse. Besides, I may be the only one, but I want to see that CD-ometer spin past the 1000 mark.
First, we'll pick up with some real stuff from the past that I never got around to acknowledging.
Things that I bought with my own money, and I'm glad I did:
1. SHOUT OUT LOUDS - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Capitol)
2. KAISER CHIEFS - Employment (Universal)
3. BOB DYLAN - No Direction Home: The Soundtrack (Columbia/Legacy)
4. MOJO - Dylan Covered - with magazine
5. UNCUT - Highway 61 Revisited Revisited - with magazine
6. UNCUT - Michael Stipe Presents
7. Q Magazine - Here Comes the Sun: The Ultimate Summer Playlist
8. SIGUR ROS - Tak (Geffen)
Saw this band (for the second time) on 9-11 of this year, at the gorgeous new Strathmore Hall. Can't think of a better way to spend that sad anniversary. I loved the often quiet, sometimes discordant musings and meditative video, even if this show didn't have the sense of discovery of the first time. The opening act - a group of willowy women playing off-kilter music on toy and experimental instruments - had it, which reminds me I need to look up their name and CD availability.
Things that I bought with my own money, and then discovered I already owned. Yes, it happens, especially when I see good things in the clearance bin when I'm away from home and just want to have good music.
9. The ROLLING STONES - Rewind (Rolling Stones)
10. XTC - Apple Venus (TVT)
A bunch of stuff that came in as promotional material and isn't rocking my socks:
11.FREDDY STEADY 5 - Freddy Steady Go
12. COLD - A Different Kind of Pain (Lava)
Official copy of an album previously sent as an advance.
13. MARY MARY - Self-titled (Sony Urban)
14. CARLY SIMON - Monnlight Seranade (Columbia)
Another boomer idol jumps on the standards bandwagon and almost gets crushed under the wheels. Terrible versions of great songs. She can try, but she can't ruin "Where Or When" - though she comes close.
15. The MATTOID - Eternifinity
A bunch of stuff that came in as promotional material and I haven't had a chance to develop an informed opinion:
16. DAR WILLIAMS - My Better Self (Razor & Tie)
17. The TAH-DAHS - Le Fun (Undeniable Records)
18. AVETT BROTHERS - Mignonette (Ramseur Records)
19. CINDY BULLENS - Dream #29 (Blue Lobster)
20. CAKE - Pressure Chief (Columbia)
21. DIRTY ON PURPOSE - Sleep Late for a Better Tomorrow (North Street Records)
22. ROOFTOP SUICIDE CLUB - Always Like This (Stop, Pop and Roll)
23. CHARLIE SEXTON - Cruel and Gentle Things (Back Porch Records)
YTD Total: 841
First, we'll pick up with some real stuff from the past that I never got around to acknowledging.
Things that I bought with my own money, and I'm glad I did:
1. SHOUT OUT LOUDS - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (Capitol)
2. KAISER CHIEFS - Employment (Universal)
3. BOB DYLAN - No Direction Home: The Soundtrack (Columbia/Legacy)
4. MOJO - Dylan Covered - with magazine
5. UNCUT - Highway 61 Revisited Revisited - with magazine
6. UNCUT - Michael Stipe Presents
7. Q Magazine - Here Comes the Sun: The Ultimate Summer Playlist
8. SIGUR ROS - Tak (Geffen)
Saw this band (for the second time) on 9-11 of this year, at the gorgeous new Strathmore Hall. Can't think of a better way to spend that sad anniversary. I loved the often quiet, sometimes discordant musings and meditative video, even if this show didn't have the sense of discovery of the first time. The opening act - a group of willowy women playing off-kilter music on toy and experimental instruments - had it, which reminds me I need to look up their name and CD availability.
Things that I bought with my own money, and then discovered I already owned. Yes, it happens, especially when I see good things in the clearance bin when I'm away from home and just want to have good music.
9. The ROLLING STONES - Rewind (Rolling Stones)
10. XTC - Apple Venus (TVT)
A bunch of stuff that came in as promotional material and isn't rocking my socks:
11.FREDDY STEADY 5 - Freddy Steady Go
12. COLD - A Different Kind of Pain (Lava)
Official copy of an album previously sent as an advance.
13. MARY MARY - Self-titled (Sony Urban)
14. CARLY SIMON - Monnlight Seranade (Columbia)
Another boomer idol jumps on the standards bandwagon and almost gets crushed under the wheels. Terrible versions of great songs. She can try, but she can't ruin "Where Or When" - though she comes close.
15. The MATTOID - Eternifinity
A bunch of stuff that came in as promotional material and I haven't had a chance to develop an informed opinion:
16. DAR WILLIAMS - My Better Self (Razor & Tie)
17. The TAH-DAHS - Le Fun (Undeniable Records)
18. AVETT BROTHERS - Mignonette (Ramseur Records)
19. CINDY BULLENS - Dream #29 (Blue Lobster)
20. CAKE - Pressure Chief (Columbia)
21. DIRTY ON PURPOSE - Sleep Late for a Better Tomorrow (North Street Records)
22. ROOFTOP SUICIDE CLUB - Always Like This (Stop, Pop and Roll)
23. CHARLIE SEXTON - Cruel and Gentle Things (Back Porch Records)
YTD Total: 841
Friday, November 04, 2005
Well, Do Ya? Do Ya, Do Ya Wanna?
Yes, I do. I do, I do wanna talk about all the wonderful music that's come my way lately. There's been a flurry of good stuff in the mail (early Christmas?!) and I've bought a bunch, too. So, without further a-scooby-do...
Saturday, November 4:
Stopped for Thai food at the shopping center on Route 7, where the siren call of Tower Records would not be denied. After considering the new live double CD set by Old 97's, the debut of Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah (whoa! the song just came up on my random iTunes!), and the dual-disc version of Fiona Apple, all of which were on sale, I opted instead to buy a big, fun batch of clearance sale CD singles, all of which were 75% off, bringing them down to about $1.35 each. The booty:
1. TRAVIS - Re-Offender (Epic)
Available in two versions - four tracks for a dollar more, or just three. I got the four ('cause it's really only a quarter more with the discount). On first listen, I like "The Sea," and perhaps "Enemy" more than the actual hit (?) single.
When I get my ebay act together, I'm pulling together a half dozen Travis CD singles and selling off the discs.
2. TRAVIS - The Beautiful Occupation (Epic)
Two extra tracks - "Distraction" and "Back in the Day."
BTW, the Travis songs come up in my iTunes listing as folk!
3. GOOD CHARLOTTE - Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" (Epic)
Also includes "Cemetary" and "The Click," plus a video of the title track. If my girls, once huge GC fans, don't want this one, I'll group it with a few other GC items for another ebay lot.
4. ELBOW - Fallen Angel (V2)
I heard Christmas carols in the mall today, and I have, not as reluctantly as I would have thought, made an unspoken pact with the commercial devils. I have begun squirreling away holiday presents. Like this stocking stuffer for Terry. Elbow is one of our favorite cult bands, and this single has an unreleased tune from the criminally overlooked Cast of Thousands CD, plus a remix of the title track.
5. BLUR - Crazy Beat (EMI)
Another for Terry. He's become a big fan of late period Blur thanks to last year's Think Tank, and the current Gorillaz CD, still in the running as one of the Top Five albums of the year in our house. This single, like Elbow's, includes a video of the title track and a title ("Don't Be") I don't recognize from the album.
6. The ATARIS - In This Diary (Columbia)
An extra track ("A Beautiful Mistake"), plus a live and video version of the title track. For Emma, or Grace's stocking.
7. The ATARIS - The Boys of Summer (Columbia)
Two extra live songs ("Take Offs and Landings," another "In This Diary" that may be the same as above) and a video of the title song. For Grace, or Emma's stocking.
8. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - Cry Me a River (Jive)
Comes up in my iTunes listing as electronica because there are three dance mixes here - the Johnny Fiasco vocal of the title track, and two of "Like I Love You" - Basement Jaxx, and Deep Dish. Catchy at first, but gets a little numbing after a bit.
9. GRANDADDY - Now It's On (V2)
Much as I like Grandaddy, I was on the fence to buy another (even at these ridiculous prices?) but the third track got me: "Hey Cowboy, the Phone's For You." Alas, as is often the case, the song here isn't as cool as the one I imagined in my head. But the other two are pretty good, so what the hey...
10. HUEY LEWIS and the NEWS - The Only One (Disky)
This full-length (14 tracks) was in the 75% off bin, but didn't have the proper color sticker, so the cashier charged me $5.00. Given all the other bargains, I didn't argue. At first I thought it was a greatest hits, but no, it's just some random collection slapped together by an overseas marketer. I jumped through all the tracks to see if I recognized any of them but it was slim pickings. I really only bought it for one song - "I Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do," a relatively obscure track from the first LP (we had vinyl then, children) which I've always loved as a simple, sweet love song. Sadly, Huey's News is woefully out of date now, and not even the nostalgia element moved me to burn any other tracks but one - "Working for a Living" - and even then, less because I like the song than because I might want it for a Congrats on Your New Job (or Retirement) mix.
11. TIM DELUXE - The Little Ginger Club Kid (Underwater Records)
Another full-length at a slightly higher price (40% off brought it in just under $10), it's a 2001 CD that I'm always been curious about after reading a favorable review and seeing the cute cover in a British dance music magazine. The CD comes in a cardboard booklet, spiral bound like a small scrapbook and the little dude pictured on the front looks like Danny Bonaduce way before the Partridges, drugs and breakdowns. On first listen, it lives up to my predisposed fondness - a bright, upbeat mix. Better late than never, I say.
And Gracie bought herself a 2006 Green Day calendar, which she ceremoniously unwrapped and oogled in the car as we played American Idiot tracks on shuffle.
Arriving in the press packs this past week:
12. KATE BUSH - Aerial (Columbia)
I admit, if you needed me to sing (or even name) a single Kate Bush song, it would be "Running Up the Hill," and I know little else, but I'm excited to get this double-disc 'cause:
a) double discs give more (tho,' I'm seeing that disc one has only 7 songs and runs about 35 minutes
b) know her or not, you gotta give Kate Bush props. She was our leading strange woman singer/songwriter before Tori Amos was even born.
13. ROLLING STONES - Rarities 1971-2003 (Virgin)
Sure, it's great to have a few of these odds n' sods pulled together on a CD, like "Harlem Shuffle" (NY mix), the dance version of "Miss You," and a bunch of early blues numbers done live. And the packaging is slick in that Starbucks display-ready kind of way. But let's not fool ourselves. This is the Stones, milking the crowd for yet another round of chateau repairs by recycling the past, including some tracks that are 34 years old! It's good, but it's evil, so I made sure it was #13.
14. NEIL DIAMOND - 12 Songs (Columbia)
Produced by Rick Rubin, who certainly helped revive Johnny Cash's career a while back. But that was Johnny Cash, who always held on to a certain credibility that Diamond hasn't.
"I am I said, to no one there. And no one answered at all, not even the chair." I rest my case.
15. ATOMIC BETTY - S/T (KOCH)
Not knowing that there is a Nickelodeon show of this same name, I saw the neo-anime space girl on the cover and thought it was a hip pop band. And maybe that's what featured artist Tajja Isen is hoping to emulate. I love the characters in the booklet, and the picture of this Isen babe shows that she isn't - she's a normal looking older teen/early 20something who seems to be of middle eastern descent and modest temperment. Even if she is, "The toughest chick in the alien world." Looks like fun for those who didn't think Josie and the Pussycat's movie soundtrack was half bad (it wasn't).
16. BETTY - Snowbiz (Stereo Society)
This Betty *is* a band, a humorous female trio in fact, and I suspect this holiday offering will provide a few possibilities for the 2005 seasonal mix. By title alone, my money's on "Dreidle Jingle Fiasco."
17. ANIMAL LIBERATION ORCHESTRA - Fly Between Falls (Brushfire Records)
Blame it on PETA, but the name of this group, along with the giant insect pictured on the cover, led me to believe that it was some kind of hardcore Skinny Puppy-esque activist band. But if I had only turned to the back and seen that one track features Jack Johnson, king of mellow, I would have known better. This jazzy jamming is in that same 'laid-back to the point of almost falling over' groove. Somehow, Jack J pulls it off without sounding totally stoned. These guys don't do quite so well. A lot of wood-grained lyrics and acoustic guitar strums that are pleasant without planting roots, although "Waiting for Jaden," an upbeat song about real labor (the baby delivery kind) has sweet spunk.
18. deSOL - S/T (Curb)
This Latin rock septet will be the coming week's Post pick and, as I said in the story, filed yesterday, local station WHFS would have done us a favor if the switch from alternative rock to Spanish language format had featured more of this bilingual band with Santana chops. This is a sound that unites rather than divides, and the lead singer, whom I interviewed for the story, went to a high school just down the road from mine. Nice guy, good music.
19. BOB SCHNEIDER - I'm Good Now (Vanguard)
Schnieder's coming to town this week (Thursday at the State Theatre), and I tucked him into this week's Post preview, just after deSol, 'cause I liked his second solo CD, "Lonelyland" so much.
A few more that I don't have much to say about:
20. STEVE REYNOLDS - Exile (429 Records)
Coming to town, PR pitched.
21. PETER BRADLEY ADAMS - EP (self-released?)
I mentioned this former eastmountainsouth member in a Post preview during the summer, but he's coming back around to town. Personally, I miss the harmonies of his former partner in EMS.
22. The SUBDUDES - Behind the Levee (Back Porch)
Of course the title brings up the ghosts of New Orleans, but this CD isn't due out until end of January, 2006, so maybe it won't sting so much then. Produced by Keb' Mo' and featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band horns.
23. ARIEL APARICIO - Frolic & F*** (Bully Records)
The astericks are there on the disc, but there's no song with that title, so it's just controversy-baiting. I hate that. I'll listen to two songs - "Punk Rock Girl" and "Brenda Lee" - before I decide how far, or not, to take this.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Bought at a concert at Jammin' Java:
24. DAVID MEAD - Wherever You Are (Eleven Thirty Records)
25, 26. TIM BLANE - In the Meantime (Provo-Spain Records)
Two copies. The publicist gave me one and I bought one for Emma, since I thought she, who's into Matt Nathanson, John Mayer and (to a lesser degree) Jason Mraz would like this guy, who gave a fine short set opening for Mead, a longtime favorite with gentle manner, sweet voice and quiet humor.
free samplers, given out at the club:
27. SHAUNA BURNS - selections from Every Thought (Red Rock Music)
28. MARILYN SCOTT - CD sampler (Prana Entertainment)
Five tracks, taken from four different albums.
29. ONE MAN ARMY - CD sampler (Dark Night Records)
30. TIM BLANE - Songs from the debut album, In the Meantime (timblane.com)
Friday, Oct. 28
31. JOHN FOGARTY - The Long Road Home (Fantasy Records)
Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of the bands that released some good singles, sure, but never really connected with me. I think it's one of those Guy Critic things, like Kiss. Still, this is a swell collection for the research library, finally pulling together CCR hits and Fogarty's solo work. Since he's one of the artists who actively points out that Boy Emperor George is wearing no clothes, it may be time for me to reconsider his stature.
Thursday, Oct. 27
Bought:
32. FRANZ FERDINAND - You Could Have It So Much Better (Epic)
I had to buy this album. Had to. Couldn't wait anymore to have the new Franz Ferdinand in my hand so I could listen to "Do You Want To." And I have done so, over and over and over, to the point that both husband and child have commented on my new obsession.
Unlike Fiona Apple's "Extraodinary Machine," where I wasn't sure about the rest of the album (so I bought the one track on iTunes), I knew that I would eventually need to hear all that the FF boys were up to, esp. after the SNL performance. And it was only $10 at Best Buy, tho' the sale price didn't apply to the DualDisc version. (I know, I tried)
BTW - Look here, record companies. We know that making these discs are cheap. Slapping some videos and enhanced music on the other side of the disc doesn't add much to cost, while tracking two slightly different versions of the same title must give everyone involved a headache. So just settle the compatibility issues ASAP and get the one Dual version into the stores at sale prices. Just do it!
33. VARIOUS ARTISTS - This Bird Has Flown (Razor & Tie)
And a note here to emusic.com - give buyers an easy-to-print song list option!
Bought and burned this set from my emusic subscription, and thoroughly enjoyed it during dinner as my husband, a major Beatles fan, and I heard the interesting reconstructions (a reggae "Michelle," a happily deranged "I'm Looking Through You") and faithful recreations (the Donna's "Drive My Car," Rhett Miller's "Girl") of an album that time has been very kind to. Like many of the great pleasures in life, the Beatles sare ometimes easy to take for granted. A good tribute CD like this is a reminder of just how much we owe the lads. BTW, Terry found himself humming a song from Paul's new CD this morning and, as he put it, "When was the last time that happened?" It's a positively Fab Four revival.
Sent:
34. The MAGIC NUMBERS - S/T (Heavenly/EMI)
Me likee! Two guys, two girls, a sound that mixes up some Kings of Leon muscular melody with Mamas & Papas harmonies.
The first track, "Mornings Eleven," ("you're in denial") is an instant put-it-on-the-new-mix classic.
35. A DAY In Black & White - Notes (Lumberjack/Mordam)
36. TREY ANASTASIO - Shine (Columbia)
37. BURT BACHARACH - At This Time (Columbia)
Me - I heard he gets political on this one. Takes a few swipes at the administration."
Terry - "Which one? FDR?"
38. The SHARPSHOOTERS - S/T (self-released)
Got a short mention in last week's Post preview.
And from distant past visits to my favorite CD trade-in store (one receipt, tucked into a disc, read 02/26/2005) :
39. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Hear Music, Volume 6 (Hear Music)
The Shins, Joe Henry, Old 97's, even Charles Mingus. As you've heard me whine before, if Starbucks sold these at a reduced price, I'd buy 'em all, but not at the store for $12 or more a pop. After all, they're samplers, which we all know can (and perhaps always should) come in cardboard jackets - for FREE!
40. CARBON LEAF - Indian Summer (Vanguard)
They're really quite good live, but I haven't quite gotten into this one yet. Maybe it's the cheap cardboard advance envelope.
41. AZTEC CAMERA - The Crying Scene (Sire/Reprise)
4-tracks, including Roddy Frame's take on "True Colors" and a live version of "I Threw It All Away."
42. GRAVITATION - soundtrack (Ever Anime)
Grace's choice. An import of thumping instrumental electronica - not that there's anything wrong with that. Love the bad English on the cover - "Never resign yourself to fate. Even if cry and anger. It's so powerful that you can't resist. Unfair but be feel top pleasure. The law of 'love.'" A bit like the spam poetry I get in my email. ("Be Fill My Hairless Cleanliness" - that's how to sell a Rolex!)
43. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Mary Had a Little Amp (Epic)
"We Walk" from R.E.M. (not "Stand," or "Shiny Happy People," oh no; they really have cut those loose), The Dixie Chicks doing a personal favorite, "The Rainbow Connection" (on the list to play at my funeral, making the children sob), "Gentle Breeze" by Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson (still my vote for one of the oddest couples in music), Bonnie Raitt's (with Was Not Was) lovely "Baby Mine" and assorted other classy kids stuff.
44. THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS - Indestructible Object (Barsuk)
Five tracks, the highlight of which is a who'd-a-thunk-it? tender take on "Caroline, No" which is a rare case of the Giants avoiding any and all attempts to be clever and showing just how seriously good they can be.
45. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Will & Grace: Let the Music Out! (BMG)
Another selection by Grace. But not for me. What is it about this show that makes me want to slap the cast silly, if only to wipe the smug "we made sitcoms safe for a gay lead" smile off their faces? The gay guy barely gets to kiss his potential dates, while the secondary couple - stereotypical flamer and rich bitch - go further and further out on the slapstick branch. A safe selection of the usual suspects - Cher, Elton John, Gloria Gaynor (is there a law that you can't have a "gay" compilation without including "I Will Survive"?) and one of the few new sops is a horrible remix of Dido's "White Flag" which strips the song of all its grace.
46. The WAITRESSES - Best of/The Millenium Collection (Polydor)
This band was a revelation to me Back in the Day. I adored the sassy frontwoman and the herky-jerky new wave talk-song melodies and especially the smart ass lyrics about life as a single hip chick in the big bad city. When, after seeing them live, buying the discs and learning all the words, I got the chance to get to know songmeister Chris Butler (the power behind the sound), it was the rare thrill of bceoming friends with someone I truly admired - a great guy. We even did a few minor fun projects together and have kept in touch, albeit erratically, in the intervening years. One of the things I still miss about not living in NYC is the chance to hang with such smart, talented people. This CD is a reminder of a brief but glorious time. And you *will* be hearing "Christmas Wrapping" any time now.
YTD Total: 818
Saturday, November 4:
Stopped for Thai food at the shopping center on Route 7, where the siren call of Tower Records would not be denied. After considering the new live double CD set by Old 97's, the debut of Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah (whoa! the song just came up on my random iTunes!), and the dual-disc version of Fiona Apple, all of which were on sale, I opted instead to buy a big, fun batch of clearance sale CD singles, all of which were 75% off, bringing them down to about $1.35 each. The booty:
1. TRAVIS - Re-Offender (Epic)
Available in two versions - four tracks for a dollar more, or just three. I got the four ('cause it's really only a quarter more with the discount). On first listen, I like "The Sea," and perhaps "Enemy" more than the actual hit (?) single.
When I get my ebay act together, I'm pulling together a half dozen Travis CD singles and selling off the discs.
2. TRAVIS - The Beautiful Occupation (Epic)
Two extra tracks - "Distraction" and "Back in the Day."
BTW, the Travis songs come up in my iTunes listing as folk!
3. GOOD CHARLOTTE - Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" (Epic)
Also includes "Cemetary" and "The Click," plus a video of the title track. If my girls, once huge GC fans, don't want this one, I'll group it with a few other GC items for another ebay lot.
4. ELBOW - Fallen Angel (V2)
I heard Christmas carols in the mall today, and I have, not as reluctantly as I would have thought, made an unspoken pact with the commercial devils. I have begun squirreling away holiday presents. Like this stocking stuffer for Terry. Elbow is one of our favorite cult bands, and this single has an unreleased tune from the criminally overlooked Cast of Thousands CD, plus a remix of the title track.
5. BLUR - Crazy Beat (EMI)
Another for Terry. He's become a big fan of late period Blur thanks to last year's Think Tank, and the current Gorillaz CD, still in the running as one of the Top Five albums of the year in our house. This single, like Elbow's, includes a video of the title track and a title ("Don't Be") I don't recognize from the album.
6. The ATARIS - In This Diary (Columbia)
An extra track ("A Beautiful Mistake"), plus a live and video version of the title track. For Emma, or Grace's stocking.
7. The ATARIS - The Boys of Summer (Columbia)
Two extra live songs ("Take Offs and Landings," another "In This Diary" that may be the same as above) and a video of the title song. For Grace, or Emma's stocking.
8. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - Cry Me a River (Jive)
Comes up in my iTunes listing as electronica because there are three dance mixes here - the Johnny Fiasco vocal of the title track, and two of "Like I Love You" - Basement Jaxx, and Deep Dish. Catchy at first, but gets a little numbing after a bit.
9. GRANDADDY - Now It's On (V2)
Much as I like Grandaddy, I was on the fence to buy another (even at these ridiculous prices?) but the third track got me: "Hey Cowboy, the Phone's For You." Alas, as is often the case, the song here isn't as cool as the one I imagined in my head. But the other two are pretty good, so what the hey...
10. HUEY LEWIS and the NEWS - The Only One (Disky)
This full-length (14 tracks) was in the 75% off bin, but didn't have the proper color sticker, so the cashier charged me $5.00. Given all the other bargains, I didn't argue. At first I thought it was a greatest hits, but no, it's just some random collection slapped together by an overseas marketer. I jumped through all the tracks to see if I recognized any of them but it was slim pickings. I really only bought it for one song - "I Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do," a relatively obscure track from the first LP (we had vinyl then, children) which I've always loved as a simple, sweet love song. Sadly, Huey's News is woefully out of date now, and not even the nostalgia element moved me to burn any other tracks but one - "Working for a Living" - and even then, less because I like the song than because I might want it for a Congrats on Your New Job (or Retirement) mix.
11. TIM DELUXE - The Little Ginger Club Kid (Underwater Records)
Another full-length at a slightly higher price (40% off brought it in just under $10), it's a 2001 CD that I'm always been curious about after reading a favorable review and seeing the cute cover in a British dance music magazine. The CD comes in a cardboard booklet, spiral bound like a small scrapbook and the little dude pictured on the front looks like Danny Bonaduce way before the Partridges, drugs and breakdowns. On first listen, it lives up to my predisposed fondness - a bright, upbeat mix. Better late than never, I say.
And Gracie bought herself a 2006 Green Day calendar, which she ceremoniously unwrapped and oogled in the car as we played American Idiot tracks on shuffle.
Arriving in the press packs this past week:
12. KATE BUSH - Aerial (Columbia)
I admit, if you needed me to sing (or even name) a single Kate Bush song, it would be "Running Up the Hill," and I know little else, but I'm excited to get this double-disc 'cause:
a) double discs give more (tho,' I'm seeing that disc one has only 7 songs and runs about 35 minutes
b) know her or not, you gotta give Kate Bush props. She was our leading strange woman singer/songwriter before Tori Amos was even born.
13. ROLLING STONES - Rarities 1971-2003 (Virgin)
Sure, it's great to have a few of these odds n' sods pulled together on a CD, like "Harlem Shuffle" (NY mix), the dance version of "Miss You," and a bunch of early blues numbers done live. And the packaging is slick in that Starbucks display-ready kind of way. But let's not fool ourselves. This is the Stones, milking the crowd for yet another round of chateau repairs by recycling the past, including some tracks that are 34 years old! It's good, but it's evil, so I made sure it was #13.
14. NEIL DIAMOND - 12 Songs (Columbia)
Produced by Rick Rubin, who certainly helped revive Johnny Cash's career a while back. But that was Johnny Cash, who always held on to a certain credibility that Diamond hasn't.
"I am I said, to no one there. And no one answered at all, not even the chair." I rest my case.
15. ATOMIC BETTY - S/T (KOCH)
Not knowing that there is a Nickelodeon show of this same name, I saw the neo-anime space girl on the cover and thought it was a hip pop band. And maybe that's what featured artist Tajja Isen is hoping to emulate. I love the characters in the booklet, and the picture of this Isen babe shows that she isn't - she's a normal looking older teen/early 20something who seems to be of middle eastern descent and modest temperment. Even if she is, "The toughest chick in the alien world." Looks like fun for those who didn't think Josie and the Pussycat's movie soundtrack was half bad (it wasn't).
16. BETTY - Snowbiz (Stereo Society)
This Betty *is* a band, a humorous female trio in fact, and I suspect this holiday offering will provide a few possibilities for the 2005 seasonal mix. By title alone, my money's on "Dreidle Jingle Fiasco."
17. ANIMAL LIBERATION ORCHESTRA - Fly Between Falls (Brushfire Records)
Blame it on PETA, but the name of this group, along with the giant insect pictured on the cover, led me to believe that it was some kind of hardcore Skinny Puppy-esque activist band. But if I had only turned to the back and seen that one track features Jack Johnson, king of mellow, I would have known better. This jazzy jamming is in that same 'laid-back to the point of almost falling over' groove. Somehow, Jack J pulls it off without sounding totally stoned. These guys don't do quite so well. A lot of wood-grained lyrics and acoustic guitar strums that are pleasant without planting roots, although "Waiting for Jaden," an upbeat song about real labor (the baby delivery kind) has sweet spunk.
18. deSOL - S/T (Curb)
This Latin rock septet will be the coming week's Post pick and, as I said in the story, filed yesterday, local station WHFS would have done us a favor if the switch from alternative rock to Spanish language format had featured more of this bilingual band with Santana chops. This is a sound that unites rather than divides, and the lead singer, whom I interviewed for the story, went to a high school just down the road from mine. Nice guy, good music.
19. BOB SCHNEIDER - I'm Good Now (Vanguard)
Schnieder's coming to town this week (Thursday at the State Theatre), and I tucked him into this week's Post preview, just after deSol, 'cause I liked his second solo CD, "Lonelyland" so much.
A few more that I don't have much to say about:
20. STEVE REYNOLDS - Exile (429 Records)
Coming to town, PR pitched.
21. PETER BRADLEY ADAMS - EP (self-released?)
I mentioned this former eastmountainsouth member in a Post preview during the summer, but he's coming back around to town. Personally, I miss the harmonies of his former partner in EMS.
22. The SUBDUDES - Behind the Levee (Back Porch)
Of course the title brings up the ghosts of New Orleans, but this CD isn't due out until end of January, 2006, so maybe it won't sting so much then. Produced by Keb' Mo' and featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band horns.
23. ARIEL APARICIO - Frolic & F*** (Bully Records)
The astericks are there on the disc, but there's no song with that title, so it's just controversy-baiting. I hate that. I'll listen to two songs - "Punk Rock Girl" and "Brenda Lee" - before I decide how far, or not, to take this.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Bought at a concert at Jammin' Java:
24. DAVID MEAD - Wherever You Are (Eleven Thirty Records)
25, 26. TIM BLANE - In the Meantime (Provo-Spain Records)
Two copies. The publicist gave me one and I bought one for Emma, since I thought she, who's into Matt Nathanson, John Mayer and (to a lesser degree) Jason Mraz would like this guy, who gave a fine short set opening for Mead, a longtime favorite with gentle manner, sweet voice and quiet humor.
free samplers, given out at the club:
27. SHAUNA BURNS - selections from Every Thought (Red Rock Music)
28. MARILYN SCOTT - CD sampler (Prana Entertainment)
Five tracks, taken from four different albums.
29. ONE MAN ARMY - CD sampler (Dark Night Records)
30. TIM BLANE - Songs from the debut album, In the Meantime (timblane.com)
Friday, Oct. 28
31. JOHN FOGARTY - The Long Road Home (Fantasy Records)
Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of the bands that released some good singles, sure, but never really connected with me. I think it's one of those Guy Critic things, like Kiss. Still, this is a swell collection for the research library, finally pulling together CCR hits and Fogarty's solo work. Since he's one of the artists who actively points out that Boy Emperor George is wearing no clothes, it may be time for me to reconsider his stature.
Thursday, Oct. 27
Bought:
32. FRANZ FERDINAND - You Could Have It So Much Better (Epic)
I had to buy this album. Had to. Couldn't wait anymore to have the new Franz Ferdinand in my hand so I could listen to "Do You Want To." And I have done so, over and over and over, to the point that both husband and child have commented on my new obsession.
Unlike Fiona Apple's "Extraodinary Machine," where I wasn't sure about the rest of the album (so I bought the one track on iTunes), I knew that I would eventually need to hear all that the FF boys were up to, esp. after the SNL performance. And it was only $10 at Best Buy, tho' the sale price didn't apply to the DualDisc version. (I know, I tried)
BTW - Look here, record companies. We know that making these discs are cheap. Slapping some videos and enhanced music on the other side of the disc doesn't add much to cost, while tracking two slightly different versions of the same title must give everyone involved a headache. So just settle the compatibility issues ASAP and get the one Dual version into the stores at sale prices. Just do it!
33. VARIOUS ARTISTS - This Bird Has Flown (Razor & Tie)
And a note here to emusic.com - give buyers an easy-to-print song list option!
Bought and burned this set from my emusic subscription, and thoroughly enjoyed it during dinner as my husband, a major Beatles fan, and I heard the interesting reconstructions (a reggae "Michelle," a happily deranged "I'm Looking Through You") and faithful recreations (the Donna's "Drive My Car," Rhett Miller's "Girl") of an album that time has been very kind to. Like many of the great pleasures in life, the Beatles sare ometimes easy to take for granted. A good tribute CD like this is a reminder of just how much we owe the lads. BTW, Terry found himself humming a song from Paul's new CD this morning and, as he put it, "When was the last time that happened?" It's a positively Fab Four revival.
Sent:
34. The MAGIC NUMBERS - S/T (Heavenly/EMI)
Me likee! Two guys, two girls, a sound that mixes up some Kings of Leon muscular melody with Mamas & Papas harmonies.
The first track, "Mornings Eleven," ("you're in denial") is an instant put-it-on-the-new-mix classic.
35. A DAY In Black & White - Notes (Lumberjack/Mordam)
36. TREY ANASTASIO - Shine (Columbia)
37. BURT BACHARACH - At This Time (Columbia)
Me - I heard he gets political on this one. Takes a few swipes at the administration."
Terry - "Which one? FDR?"
38. The SHARPSHOOTERS - S/T (self-released)
Got a short mention in last week's Post preview.
And from distant past visits to my favorite CD trade-in store (one receipt, tucked into a disc, read 02/26/2005) :
39. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Hear Music, Volume 6 (Hear Music)
The Shins, Joe Henry, Old 97's, even Charles Mingus. As you've heard me whine before, if Starbucks sold these at a reduced price, I'd buy 'em all, but not at the store for $12 or more a pop. After all, they're samplers, which we all know can (and perhaps always should) come in cardboard jackets - for FREE!
40. CARBON LEAF - Indian Summer (Vanguard)
They're really quite good live, but I haven't quite gotten into this one yet. Maybe it's the cheap cardboard advance envelope.
41. AZTEC CAMERA - The Crying Scene (Sire/Reprise)
4-tracks, including Roddy Frame's take on "True Colors" and a live version of "I Threw It All Away."
42. GRAVITATION - soundtrack (Ever Anime)
Grace's choice. An import of thumping instrumental electronica - not that there's anything wrong with that. Love the bad English on the cover - "Never resign yourself to fate. Even if cry and anger. It's so powerful that you can't resist. Unfair but be feel top pleasure. The law of 'love.'" A bit like the spam poetry I get in my email. ("Be Fill My Hairless Cleanliness" - that's how to sell a Rolex!)
43. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Mary Had a Little Amp (Epic)
"We Walk" from R.E.M. (not "Stand," or "Shiny Happy People," oh no; they really have cut those loose), The Dixie Chicks doing a personal favorite, "The Rainbow Connection" (on the list to play at my funeral, making the children sob), "Gentle Breeze" by Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson (still my vote for one of the oddest couples in music), Bonnie Raitt's (with Was Not Was) lovely "Baby Mine" and assorted other classy kids stuff.
44. THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS - Indestructible Object (Barsuk)
Five tracks, the highlight of which is a who'd-a-thunk-it? tender take on "Caroline, No" which is a rare case of the Giants avoiding any and all attempts to be clever and showing just how seriously good they can be.
45. VARIOUS ARTISTS - Will & Grace: Let the Music Out! (BMG)
Another selection by Grace. But not for me. What is it about this show that makes me want to slap the cast silly, if only to wipe the smug "we made sitcoms safe for a gay lead" smile off their faces? The gay guy barely gets to kiss his potential dates, while the secondary couple - stereotypical flamer and rich bitch - go further and further out on the slapstick branch. A safe selection of the usual suspects - Cher, Elton John, Gloria Gaynor (is there a law that you can't have a "gay" compilation without including "I Will Survive"?) and one of the few new sops is a horrible remix of Dido's "White Flag" which strips the song of all its grace.
46. The WAITRESSES - Best of/The Millenium Collection (Polydor)
This band was a revelation to me Back in the Day. I adored the sassy frontwoman and the herky-jerky new wave talk-song melodies and especially the smart ass lyrics about life as a single hip chick in the big bad city. When, after seeing them live, buying the discs and learning all the words, I got the chance to get to know songmeister Chris Butler (the power behind the sound), it was the rare thrill of bceoming friends with someone I truly admired - a great guy. We even did a few minor fun projects together and have kept in touch, albeit erratically, in the intervening years. One of the things I still miss about not living in NYC is the chance to hang with such smart, talented people. This CD is a reminder of a brief but glorious time. And you *will* be hearing "Christmas Wrapping" any time now.
YTD Total: 818
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