I keep thinking I’ll write an “in my ear” entry once a month, but I guess I’m too busy listening to all the new music and don’t have time to write. Anyway, here’s the scope on what’s in my various CD players, ipods, computers.
Acquired in:
MARCH
Getting Ready… by Freddie King
Great little blues album, released in 1996 that includes versions of two my favorite Freddie King blues: “I’m Tore Down” and “Going Down”, plus covers of Jimmy Reed’s “Walking By Myself” and Elmore James’ “Dust My Broom.”
My Name Is Buddy by Ry Cooder
Cooder follows up his brilliant Chavez Ravine—a musical study of the mid-20th century transformation of the L.A. neighborhood that is now the site of Dodger Stadium—album with the allegorical My Name Is Buddy, “a phantasmagorical rendering in music, words and pictures of the travels of three unlikely cohorts – Buddy Red Cat, Lefty Mouse and Reverend Tom Toad – as they meander through the west ‘in the days of labor, big bosses, farm failures, strikes, company cops, sundown towns, hobos and trains…the America of yesteryear.'”
Security by Antibalas
“loosebooty grooves, intelligent sounds, and committed lyrics” from Brooklyn.
Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
“the intentional murkiness of these pleasantly anthemic New Wave dirges makes it sound as if the music has already reverberated through a crowded cement stadium.” Sounds like it was recorded in a church…and it was. Pretty good, this one has gotten lots of time in the player.
The Good, the Bad & the Queen by The Good the Bad & The Queen
“To open this oddball supergroup’s debut, Paul Simonon hints at “Guns of Brixton,” and when Tony Allen’s flex rhythms come in, there’s a shadow of Fela Kuti, too. Then Damon Albarn’s slow grit of a voice enters–framed by Simon Tong’s flecked guitar. And collectively, The Good, the Bad, & the Queen is quickly “sui generis”, adamantly different than anything you think you’ve heard.”
West by Lucinda Williams
Some say her best yet, more adventurous that past albums and just as satisfying.
Destroyed Room: B-Sides and Rarities by Sonic Youth
Focuses on tracks previously available only on vinyl, limited-release compilations, or as b-sides to international singles—very cool.
Living With the Living by Ted Leo and The Pharmacists
Anthemic rock with a political edge. The best rock album I’ve heard in a while.
APRIL
Farewell to the World by Crowded House
Two-disc set of their “final” concert…but their back now, which is good if you like Beatles-inspired pop.
Live at the Fillmore East by Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Required purchase for all Canadians.
Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration by Various Artists
Great two-disc set, with deluxe liner notes from Soulsville USA. If you don’t have the three volumes of Complete Stax/Volt! Singles, this is a good place to start. You’ll likely end up with the Complete Stax/Volt! anyway.
Race to the Blackout by Clouds Forming Crowns
A GbV-related project…from the Tobias Brothers.
Wowee Zowee: Sordid Sentinels Edition by Pavement
Listen, remember, join the cult.
The Wham of That Memphis Man! by Lonnie Mack
Classic blues/R&B played on the Gibson “Flying V.”
The Story by Brandi Carlile
This is an outstanding album, which Perry sent my way via Pando. Produced by T Bone Burnett. When trying to describe her voice here are the folks that are frequently name checked: Patsy Cline, Jeff Buckley, kd lang, Beth Orton, Linda Ronstadt, and Aimee Mann…pretty darn good company and the songwriting is superior too.
Traffic and Weather by Fountains of Wayne
I love these guys. This is my most played album of the year, so far. Robert Christgau gave it a 4-star review in Rolling Stone, deservedly so.
MAY
Country Ghetto by JJ Grey & Mofro
Best album of the year, so far (have I said that about another CD yet?). “Grey is influenced by the sexually charged blues of Howlin’ Wolf, the country soul of George Jones and the hard funk of James Brown, as well as local personalities like street preachers and old time radio DJs.”
Peace, Love and Anarchy by Todd Snider
The odds and sods are as good as his “finished” work. Love “Comb Over Blues” and “East Nashville Skyline.” Through in some haiku and you’ve got a keeper.
Recollection by Assembly of Dust
Signed up for eMusic and downloaded this album for free, but it’s so good I’d even pay money for it.
23 by Blonde Redhead
Kinda like Sonic Youth, but not at all.
The Wheel Man by Watermelon Slim and the Workers
Watermelon Slim follows up his Handy Award winning 2006 release with an album that is even better. Chicago’s Magic Slim stops by to help out. This is the best blues album of 2006…guaranteed.
Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo by Black Lips
Atlanta garage rockers live in a Tijuana dive. If you’re in the right mood it’s great.
Cake Or Death by Lee Hazlewood
Appealingly weird album from the writer of “These Boots Are Made for Walking.”
Live from Austin Texas by Guided by Voices Hey kids, the “kings of lo-fi” from Dayton, Ohion—”not a bad place to visit…not a good place to stay”—wrap up their 21-year reign in fine style. Most of this wasn’t (and probably couldn’t) be aired on Austin City Limits, but it’s great listening. You don’t have to see the DVD to know that there were tubs of beer on the stage as GBV swung through Texas on their final tour. Listen to Robert Pollard philosophize on rock ‘n’ roll during “Secret Star” (after a quite a few Budweisers and sounding a bit like Homestar Runner). “We are advocates of fun rock…serious rock is good, but fun rock is better.”
The Reminder by Feist
Vaguely jazz and disco-influenced lo-fi, indie electronica. Play this instead of Norah Jones at your next dinner party, which I mean as a complement. I really like this album, especially the track “My Moon.”
Twelve by Patti Smith
Patti has always down great covers (including, “Gloria”… the best ever cover?) here’s an album’s worth, including a a great cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Because of the Times by Kings of Leon
Three Pentecostal minister’s sons playing grungy blues-rock. Can’t go wrong.
One by Gran Torino
Funk and acid jazz from Knoxville, TN? Yes, and it’s good too. (Thanks Kris!)
I’m already on to my June CDs…but I’ll hold off for a few weeks before cataloging those.
Follow
Wayne “Dr. Eclectic” Ross, as always, has quite a list here. But eclectic as he is, he left off his impressive list the best CD of the year: Stephen Marley’s “Mind Control.” His music is better than Ziggy’s and sounds much like his father, with a 21st century sensibility. The title track is most appropriate for these days.
pmm
Thanks for the tip on Stephen Marley. I’ll check him out.