Soundtrack of 2009

The year started out with such hope politically and finished with an amazing array of great music which made up for the loss of hope. Now I am not being cynical, but the musical output was a wonderful antidote to all of the bad news which came out of Washington after January 20. The country has been through hell and while we are on our way back, the august body known as Congress has turned off the American public.

But I digress; its about the music. Once again a prodigious group of young musicians along with a 75 year old and a 60 year old captured my ears and carried me through the cold of winter and the heat of the summer. You see much of my listening is done on the road, as in the roads that I was born to run on or the friendly and at times safe skies that I fly in. It is my companion. Music possesses such a redemptive quality that it makes me feel alive and stronger with every great song. The discovery aspect also ranks very high and this year I was able to turn my 22 year old son and 19 year old daughter onto some of the best new music (in my opinion) made. For whatever reason I decided that since the decade is ending I would rank the Top 50 this year as a way to bring that much more music to my friends. It is a daunting task listening to so much great music; it can't think of any better way to relax.

Now if the truth be told and I am a believer, this is a purely subjective list based on my ears. They are seasoned, having been to Woodstock and back and having listened and appreciated great music down through the years, I have developed a few favorites. Singer/songwriters with an ability to weave such wonderful stories into the form of a finely polished collection of songs are a favorite of mine and have always been. Straight ahead great rock n roll which has been embraced by a new generation of hipsters from pop to echoes of the fifties, has caught my attention with amazing vocals and great young bands. Soul music is always a favorite, as is the moody ambient British sounds of rock and club music. And without a doubt American roots mountain music which is a genre all its own that has many practicioners from the great Bob Dylan to the sounds of the Catskills bands The Duke and the King and The Felice Brothers. To exclude the new sounds of experimental, dreamy, baroque and psychedelic music made by bands such as Fanfarlo, Grizzly Bear and Jonsi and Alex would be a generational faux pas, as these kids are so talented, to listen to their growth is a joy.

For the Top 25 I will provide a short rant about the band and my favorite track on the album. I hope that you enjoy listening to the music as much as I did, and by listening to something you had not listened to previously you will turn another friend onto the music and this ever growing blog. May your 2010 bring your Peace, Health and Happiness.

50. THE ANTLERS: HOSPICE
49. EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROES: UP FROM BELOW
48: TAURUS RILEY: CONTAGIOUS
47. DIRTY PROJECTORS: BITTE ORCA
46. BUDDY AND JULIE MILLER: WRITTEN IN CHALK
45. MARK KNOPFLER: GET LUCKY
44. ALEA DIANNE: TO BE STILL
43. SAM BAKER: cOTTON
42. DAN DEACON: BROMST
41. WOODS: SONGS OF SHAME
40. VAN MORRISON: ASTRAL WEEKS: LIVE AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
39. BON IVER: BLOOD BANK EP
38. U2: NO LINE ON THE HORIZON
37. JOHN DOE AND THE SADIES: COUNTRY CLUB
36. ROSANNE CASH: THE LIST
35. ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION
34. TODD SNIDER: THE EXCITEMENT PLAN
33. LEVON HELM: ELECTRIC DIRT
32. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE: MIDNIGHT AT THE MOVIES
31. JAY FARRAR AND BEN GIBBARD: ONE FAST MOVE OR I'M GONE
30. LYLE LOVETT: NATURAL FORCES
29. HARLEM SHAKES: TECHNICOLOR HEALTH
28. DARK WAS THE NIGHT: VARIOUS ARTISTS
27. JONSI AND ALEX: RICEBOY SLEEPS
26. WILLIAM ELLIOT WHITMORE: ANIMALS IN THE DARK

25. ST. VINCENT: ACTOR

Annie Clark is one of the growing number of musicians that calls Brooklyn home. As one of the 8 artists in this list from one of the most creative areas in America (two years ago it was Austin, TX) the former member of the Polyphonic Spree has made two remarkable albums. This one combines her wonderful voice with a great band and a remarkable mix of strings and old style movie music. A talent who has much more to tantalize the world with.

SAVE ME FROM WHAT I WANT.

24. GIRLS: GIRLS

The first release from these two BOYS is such a wonderful treat of Beach Boys and Fifties inspired rock n roll translated by a couple of Bay Area hipsters. From the opening guitar riffs you will be hooked or maybe you are not in love with rock and roll. One of the freshest sounds in music today and aside from the hype in the Blogosphere, these two are the real deal and their loves wanted and lost are anthemic. LUST FOR LIFE (Has nothing to do with Iggy Pop)

23. THE GOURDS: HAYMAKER

One of the all time great bands from Austin TX with one of the worst names for a band, fall into the genre of American Roots Mountain Music. I am a sucker for this music and yes they are in the Bob Dylan/Band category with the vocals reminiscent of Levon Helm and Rick Danko. Texas boys that deserve more exposure. COUNTRY LOVE

THE DAWES: NORTH HILLS

Do not let the worst album cover of the year fool you. These boys share #23 since they share a similar sensibility in playing great American music. Sweet voices and great stories from the Hills; if you close your eyes you may hear the ghost of Rick Danko singing along with Garth Hudson on the organ. THAT WESTERN SKYLINE

22. CAMERA OBSCURA: MY MAUDLIN CAREER

Forgive me for the comparison, but Tracyanne Campbell sounds so much like Lesley Gore that it makes me yearn again for 1964 and Its My Party. This band from Glasgow Scotland sounds like a great mash up of the great girl bands of the sixties with such great sad stories and flat out folk rock. An irresistible record. FRENCH NAVY

THE CLIENTELE: BONFIRES ON THE HEART

That 60s sound of pop music captured perfectly by these lads from England makes for a very entertaining and sonically beautiful offering. This is their sophomore album and once again it is so beautiful musically and Alasdair MacLeans voice is so angelic that you will be spellbound by its majesty.

I WONDER WHO WE ARE

21. THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART: THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

Hailing from where else? NYC, I was blown away by their maturity and their love of straightforward great old time rock n roll. In the vein of the Strokes and the Ravonettes with their fuzzy guitars and pounding drums these "kids" lived up to the hype. Sweet and unpretentious rock and roll by a band that listened to alot of 60s Brit music.

A TEENAGER IN LOVE

SIN FANG BOUS: CLANGOUR

While on the subject of great pop music and leaving NYC for the creative environs of Iceland, Sindri Mar Sigfusson, founding member of Seabear has created a pop record that is rooted a bit in electronics, but just keeps you smiling from start to finish.

ADVENT IN IVES GARDEN

20. CASS MCCOMBS: CATACOMBS

With the Baltimore MD area producing an amazing amount of talent, quietly Cass McCombs produced a stunner of a record with a sweet and soft voice which tells such sweet stories and yearns back to the sounds of young lovers. Never raising his voice too loud and backed by an equally efficient band this is a joy to listen to. The opening song with Karen Black singing with him hooked me. DREAMS COME TRUE GIRL

19. BILL CALLAHAN: SOMETIMES I WISH I WERE AN EAGLE

The former Golden Smog front man, Bill Callahan released one of the most beautiful records of the year. His voice is so endearing you forget everything going on around you. The stories and the sweetness with which each one is conveyed is magical. The journey that you are taken on is almost as transcendental as a magic carpet ride. JIM CAIN

18. THE AVETT BROTHERS: I AND LOVE AND YOU

With their first major label release these Southern down home American folk rockers chose one of my favorites, Rick Rubin to produce. The good Mr Rubin has great ears and he let these American Roots folkies sing and strum to their hearts content. A great take on modern American music with brilliant harmonies from this modern American jugband. I AND LOVE AND YOU


17. MONSTERS OF FOLK: MONSTERS OF FOLK

The only way for me to describe these guys are the modern day equivalent of a super-group in the folk rock genre. Sort of a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young of the 21st century or maybe The Traveling Wilburys. M. Ward, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Mike Mogis (producer extraordinaire for Bright Eyes) and Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes make melodic folk rock and roll with each member shining. DEAR GOD (SINCERELY M.O.F.)

16. NORAH JONES: THE FALL

This woman never ceases to amaze me. From her first album she has continued to sing and play beautiful music and damned be all the critics who after her first album disrespected her. She has evolved, rocks a little more and sings beautiful songs while staying innovative and working with great musicians. Sweet Norah Jones does not ever disappoint. CHASING PIRATES


15. VETIVER: TIGHT KNIT

Part of the original Freak Folk genre this San Francisco based band makes soothing beautiful records that are genuinely pleasing to the ears and puts one into a very relaxed state of being. Andy Cabic, the "leader" of this every changing assemblage of talented musicians possess a very tender voice and the music is just plain mellow. ROLLING SEA

14. JASON LYTLE: YOURS TRULY, THE COMMUTER

Jason Lytle founded one of the great bands that never "made it" commercially, Grandaddy. Despite three genius albums the band broke up due in part to Jasons substance abuse problems and the band not making enough money. Luckily he has continued recording and this jewel of a record is a testament to his genius as a musician and a phenom. YOURS TRULY, THE COMMUTER

13. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: WORKING ON A DREAM

There is really not much I can ever add about Bruce Springsteen. He has made more great music in his 35 years than anyone I can think of, including Bob Dylan. This is much more of a Brendan O'Brien production number than Magic, but as usual Bruce continues to represent to the downtrodden and lovers in this troubled country; which Bruce continues to love and sing about. An American treasure. OUTLAW PETE

12. THE LOW ANTHEM: OH MY GOD, CHARLIE DARWIN

Having somehow missed their fist release in 2007, the sophomore release from this Providence RI band is almost perfection. Americana music at its best, with hauntingly gorgeous vocals this is another wonderful listen for anyone who loves music. From the opening track to The Ghosts Who Write History Books, this is truly "intellectual American folk music" of the highest level. OH MY GOD, CHARLIE DARWIN

11. BOB DYLAN: TOGETHER THROUGH LIFE

To continually be so prolific is a true sign of genius and Bob Dylan is a modern day musical genius and a purveyor of the very best in American music. This is an album not so much a collection of great songs, but more of a soundtrack of life on the road for Bob. From the album cover to his take on American society today, Its All Good, Bob keeps getting better. A beer and a few shots in a seedy bar with Bob and his amazing band. BEYOND HERE LIES NOTHIN

10. THE FELICE BROTHERS: YONDER IS THE CLOCK

I am an unabashed fan of these guys. With all the comparisons to Bob Dylan/The Band, they are every bit as good on record. They continue to make great American folk/rock/soul/mountain music. Upstate New York must have something very special in the Catskill Mountains water because this is another gem of a record. THE BIG SURPRISE

WILCO: WILCO (THE ALBUM)

Somehow in my eagerness to get this out in time an error in sight occurred and I completely missed on my 5th revision of this list Jeff Tweedy and the boys. Wilco is the culmination of many great musicians and bands mixed into this grand Americana band. With roots in Uncle Turpelo, the seminal alt-country Americana band of the eighties, this Chicago based band has evolved into the finely tuned unit is is today. This being their most accessible and wonderful album to date it is obvious that Tweedy has found happiness in being sober, in love and a father. A grown up and easy to listen to, this rock and roll record will stand as the band goes into the next decade. WILCO (THE SONG)

9. MAXWELL: BLACKsummers'night

Being a Detroiter there is nothing quite like great soul music. From those golden voices of David and Jimmy Ruffin, Smokey, Stevie and Marvin, soul music is in my blood, or at least embedded in my DNA somehow. It is surely part of Maxwell and his singing and songwriting is spot on in the pantheon of great soul singers. Turn out the lights, light a candle or two and if you enjoy a beverage, have one. Maybe even find someone you care about and share the experience.
BAD HABITS

8. NEKO CASE: MIDDLE CYCLONE

To be able to properly describe this golden voice from this red headed beauty; I already did. Gritty and sexually charged Neko Case is one of those artists that has never been accorded her due. As a member of the New Pornographers she has continually made great music. Country tinged her particular form of rock n roll is enchanting to say the least. THIS TORNADO LOVES YOU

7. GRIZZLY BEAR: VECKATIMEST

This Brooklyn based quartet makes the best "psychedelic folk rock pop" and if that moniker is a bit much for you to wrap your mind around.....listen to their music. Having made only two exceptional albums since the 2006 release of Yellow House, Grizzly Bear dazzles with every cut on this album, named after an island off the coast of Massachusetts. A beautifully produced and performed record, this band defies description. Sonically beautiful. SOUTHERN POINT

6. THE VERY BEST: WARM HEART OF AFRICA

Formed in 2007 in London by Malawi born Esau Mwamwaya and British DJ Radioclit, the duo has released two albums which combine mash ups between old and new African music mixed with the sounds of pop music. The combination is so genuinely exciting that it almost makes me forget how good the Indestructible Beats of Soweto was or how wonderful Ladysmith Black Mambozo was. Doesn't hurt that Ezra Koening from Vampire Weekend sings on the title track. Worry not, this is world music at its best turned upside down and mashed up to create an amalgamation, after which the band is aptly named. WARM HEART OF AFRICA

5. LEONARD COHEN: LIVE IN LONDON

Perhaps my greatest regret was not seeing Leonard Cohen perform live in NYC or Detroit. The reviews from my friends who saw the shows were glowing. From the singers to the band a real jewel of a show. Leave it Lenny to release a double album capturing the essence of the shows with the first show that he performed Live in London. If you have never heard Leonard Cohen, I'm sorry. Go out and buy this. The man is 75 years old and he is at the top of his game.....still....sounding like the Buddhist Jew that he is. It would be impossible to even choose the best track on this, since every damn song is phenomenal. But not to disappoint here is one to represent all of the tracks. DEMOCRACY

4. REAL ESTATE: REAL ESTATE

From the Catskills water to the water in Brooklyn, something is happening in NY. This album is the debut release from these Brooklyn boys via New Jersey and I did not stop listening to it. Psychedelic surf music might be the best way to describe it or an even better way could be to say they are the children of Yo La Tengo. Summertime, sand, sunshine and surf guitars. The Ventures and The Beach Boys all mashed up into one of the greatest first albums ever. Fuzzy and energy driven this a gorgeous aural rock trip. BEACHCOMBER

3. FANFARLO: RESERVOIR

To think I only paid $1.00 on their website when this was released!! A sonic tour de force is all I can say about this extraordinary debut from this band from London. Comparisons to Coldplay, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Talking Heads or even Sigur Ros are only for purposes of identifying how powerful their sound is on record. Employing a sound so overwhelming as to mesmerize even the most jaded, Simon Balthazar and company should be a musical force to be reckoned with for years to come. Album cover is pretty damn good also. Guaranteed to bring you to your knees or at least keep your fingers snapping and a smile on your face. THE WALLS ARE COMING DOWN

2. THE XX: THE XX

Seductive and sensual and sexy and fucking hot. This debut from two kids from London is all about desire and longing for something which may be sexual or maybe not. Either way it is two film noir voices trading verses and backed by bass and drums and guitars. The tension or maybe lack of it is almost trance-like. Perhaps for me the most interesting part of this music is how much it just feels like you are party to two people describing that sexual tension between them. Massive Attacks grandchildren maybe? England to the rescue. CRYSTALISED

1. THE DUKE AND THE KING: NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY

The name of this American music band is from the brilliant book, Huckleberry Finn by the great American author mark Twain. The Duke and The King, taken from Shakespeare, were hustlers who befriended Huck. These are not hustlers. Simon Felice (The Duke, who you may recognize as the drummer in the Felice Brothers) Robert "Chicken" Burke (The King), Simi Stone and Reverend Loveday Nowell Haskins (The Deacon) are the real deal. To paraphase Jon Stewart's introduction of Springsteen at the Kennedy Center Honors, "If James Brown and Bob Dylan" had a child. In this case it would be Smokey Robinson and Jesse Winchester. Sweet soul and folk rock combined to be my single most played album of the year. Soulful and genuine in its rock, The Duke and The King kick ass. With a line like this who could argue..." Jesus walked on water, but so did Marvin Gaye" They never waiver and much like most great musicians....they take no prisoners on this, their debut album. IF YOU EVER GET FAMOUS. WATER SPIDER. THE MORNING I GET TO HELL. ONE MORE AMERICAN SONG.

Inauguration/Revolt

Inauguration in America-Revolt in Iceland

To describe the feeling of watching Barack Obama on television in Reykjavik, on a television in the Hotel Centrum while out the window at the Parliament, Iceland was burning; literally. As emotionally charged as the visual of Obama becoming President, my tears of joy were becoming tears for the Icelanders protesting the government reckless abuse of power. Tear gas was used on a few of the more violent protestors who had surrounded the Parliament; less than 100 yards from my window. I spent about a half hour walking around and taking fotos of the proceedings before watching our hope for the future becoming 44. The Icelandic population is pissed off by the looting of the banks which took place during the collapse of their financial system. The are accusing the government of being accomplises with the bankers in this failure. Very much reflective of what has happened in America; but our voices are silent. As the protests grew larger and louder and at times a bit out of hand, burning Christmas trees and splattering the windows of parliament with paint filled balloons, there were 6000 people at the largest protest. Now from a population of 180,000 in the Reykjavik area that would be about 3 1/2 % of the population. That is more than we even mustered for the inauguration. They are angry; as I have been for the last eight years; although I did shit about it, which made me even more impressed with the Icelandic spirit. The Viking in them will not stand for the rape of their country.

Somehow as this was transpiring out of my left ear I was as proud of my country as I have ever been in my 59 years. We finally did the right thing (thanks Spike!). When I was born a black man or woman could not vote, drink out of the same water fountains or ride in the front of the bus. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Bobby Rush ( former Black Panther who beat Obama in a congressional election), Medgar Evers, Stokely Csrmichael, Julian Bond, James Farmer, Jesse Jackson and the Reverend Joseph Lowrey blazed the trail. And the good Reverend gave probably one of the best Benedictions that I can ever remember listening too. He captured all that has come before and all that we have to look forward to. Forgive the Chief Justice for screwing up the oath; maybe because as a fellow harvard graduate he was a little nervous that the man who voted against his confirmation was now the President. It was a moment filled with joy that captivated the world. We are viewed once again as a great and honorable country. I was proud once again to say I was from the United States of America. George Bush is gone. Praise the good people of America and ll I can say is HALLELUJAH for President Obama. I love the way that sounds. President Obama.

The contrast between our joy in America and the sorrow which is enveloping Iceland is telling. Iceland will recover. These are proud and very strong people. Their heritage is Viking as ours is revolutionary. We have taken back our country and while I am writing this their Prime Minister has resigned due to cancer, the banking minister has just today resigned and there will be elections in May. Change is also in the air in Iceland. The question is “Who will lead this beautiful country back?” Someone strong, progressive and most likely very pragmatic.

Overlooked Music from 2008

Overlooked Music from 2008


I admit that since this is not my full time vocation; full time I am the North American Director for the Icelandic womens clothing company ELM (www.elm.is), some music slipped past me. So in the interest of staying true to emerging and ignored artists here is a quick list of those that “slipped through the cracks.”

B FLESICHMAN: ANGST IS NOT A WELTANSCHAUUNG Once again Jake Keller contributed to turning his father onto a very pleasant electronic beauty of a recording from an Austrian composer. I am guessing there is no connection between him and Fleischman Margarine, but a complete family tree examination has not been concluede by the staff yet. Thin Phillip Glass and Steve Reich gone a little bit more pop, with the help of Daniel Johnston on one track. Pleasant and at times very moving.

BEN SOLLEE: LEARNING TO BEND One of the great songs of 2008, JUST A FEW HONEST WORDS, captures this North Carolina singers take on the awful person who resided at 1600 Pennsylvania. With a blue eyed soul voice reminiscent of Amos Lee, this has been listened to me over and over again for the last few weeks. A beautiful voice, a wonderful writer and he plays the cello. Do not pass go, if you enjoy wonderful blue eyed soul roots music; with a cello. “We don’t choose our leaders, they choose themselves; tell me again about Democracy.” Amen Ben.

BLITZEN TRAPPER: FURR The title track is by far, without a doubt a song which the grandchildren of Crosby Stills Nash and Young have made. They also play jangly guitar and harmonize like most of the Northwestern USA bands and thank G for reminding me not to forget to listen to the Trappers. It is a sweet backwoods album for smiling.

BOBBY CHARLES: BOBBY CHARLES This was recorded in 1968 and it was called the lost Band album. Since most of The Band played on this with the good Mr Charles it is truly a nugget. The first cut Street People is very reminiscent of many songs on Music From Big Pink. In additon to the rootsy feeling of Woodstock New York there is surely the Cajun influence of the good Dr. John in Bobby Charles. There is talk of a new lbum soon and one can only hope it captures the soul of this classic.

THE CHAPIN SISTERS: LAKE BOTTOM Yes they are sisters and yes they are daughters of Tom Chapin and neices of the late, great Harry Chapin. Now that this little tidbit is out of the way, these beautiful voices who harmonize in the spirit of Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Karla Bonoff and Wendy Waldman have made an impressive debut. Melodic and courageous voices these women who have relocated from New York to Los Angeles are on the folk road to success.


FOY VANCE: HOPE Now this Irish blue eyed soul singer in the spirit of Van Morrison made a stellar album aptly titled. When I first read about him the way his name was pronounced by the Irishman in a bar was Five Ants. Again this is one of those stellar voices and writers that gets overlooked by the music press, in this case both on line and in musical publications. A wonderful listen.

HORSE FEATHERS: HOUSE WITH NO NAME Once again a really soft and mellow additon to anyones musical library. In the spirit of Nick Drake and Bon Iver it is very quiiet and a bit like an Appalachian band which has spent a bit of time in the city. The violins add a really nice touch as do the banjos. A little Irish a little American mountain music and a fine singer. This is one that should have made the top 33 so maybe next year I will be inspired to list a full 50.


JOHNNY FLYNN AND THE SUSSEX WITT: A LARUM This is another womderful Irish addition to the musical scene that took me more than one listening to enjoy. Much in the tradition o the Waterboys, young Mr Flynn has a beautiful Irish bar folk singer voice with a fine band behind him kicking everything up a notch. Very Irish with nothing at all to do with U2.

KAT; OH THE HUMANITY: What the hell was I thinking!!! She has an adorable voice and is a darling presence live; especially wearing ELM. Kat Hayman is grinding away in the Brooklyn/NYC scene writing beautiful songs of love, loss and exuberance with life. She plays guitar and rocks as well as singing beautifully. Act Accordingly, the opening cut is a tale of a failed boy who obviously had no idea what it meant to be true to Kat. A great writer, first and foremost, she is surrounded by a talented crew of the Brooklyn scene. Clear some space for Kat, you will love her voice.

LAURA MARLING: ALAS I CANNOT SWIM Prolific and yet another singer/songwriter with a wealth of stories about love and loss at very young age. A British young lass with a scratchy, sweet and sorrowful tone Laura Marling and Kat Hayman are on the same side of the talented young voices pounding down the doors of the music industry. It would appear Ms Marling has mo marketing behind her and she deserves the support as much as Kat has yet to get it. Patience and laura Marling has a shot a real stardom; does Suzanne Vega ring a bell.

THE LUCKSMITHS: FIRST FROST Gdday mate. Australia the home of luscious pop music. Having never even heard of this band, I was reading about them on a website speaking of bands you may have ignored from 2008 and yes sir I missed them. The most perfect comparison would be the Beach Boys Oasis, , but Nilsson also comes to made as do The Beatles. Abeautiful pop album from down under.

THE MOONDOGGIES: DON’T BE A STRANGER They made the honorable mention list and based on all the attention that the Felice Brothers, Fleet Foxes and Okkervill River received; The Moondoggies did not make the cut. They are wonderful. Roots rock and country music combined they could be the grandchildren of The Band in a really good way. Big ups to the Ronin boys for turning me on to the pride of Portland Oregon.

PETER BRODERICK: HOME Amazing harmonic convergence by himself. Peter Broderick is the forgotten Bon Iver of 2008. I know little about him except to say that this is one of the most tranquil recording I have heard; ever. Why people like Peter Broderick are relatively unknown bothers me. This, of course is the only reason I am writing this blog. People need to hear this beautiful music.

RAY LAMONTAGNE; GOSSIP IN THE GRAIN He started out singing soft and beautiful like Bon Iver and Peter Broderick and this blue eyed soull midwestern singer has made another; his third, fine album. Although it did not get the attention as it deserved, his voice and phrasing is just plain sweet. His voice could be compared to either honey or silk; depending on your preference.

TOM MORELLO: THE NIGHTWATCHMAN : THE FABLED CITY One of the founding members of Rage Against the Machine, Tom Morello has extended the angry folk singer genre more in the Bruce Sprinsteen/Pete Seeger genre than anyone else in the past 5 years. His nom de plume The Nightwatchman is genius and his aggressive take on the state of our country is chilling. This, his second album, is a gem.

WAYLON PAYNE; THE DRIFTER You could not make up a better name for an “alt-country Americana” singer outta Nashville. My boy Tucker turned me on to this gem along with Gianmaria Testa (also genius) and this kid haas a future. A beautiful whiskey drenched voice who can sing sweet songs as well as he can rock; Waylon is the real deal. Check him and everyone else on these lists out. Music makes us happy ALWAYS!!

Best Music of 2008

Yes We Did. The Year of Hope produced some of the best music made in this past eight years of idiocy in this great land. America finally awoke from a deep funk and elected a man crazy enough to want to save the country. Having stepped into a pile of lost money, greedy bankers, 4217 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq, war profiteers, a staggering automotive industry and great fuckin music, Barack Obama has triumphed and convinced the American public that we are a better country than we have been. Now comes the hard part; to be as great as all this music.

2008 saw retro soul, retro hippie, retro country, retro pop and the return of great American voices. In addition to everything else I am a true lover of American storytellers, as is evidenced by my picks. Music has never sounded better to my ears; I listen while I run, while I fly and while I read. Music is life. Music is the reason to SMILE. With a global recession there is no salve better than great sounds; be they soft and mellow, soulful or just great rock n roll. 33 seemed like the right number this year. After all, Cazzie Russell wore it.

There is extraordinary music out there and I feel a personal responsibility to at least let you know what exists. You can lead a horse to water….I have listened to so much great albums, I can assure you that this was difficult to edit. Every album (my age is showing) is as good as the next or the previous. Some that I left off should be on, so next year the number will be 50. After all, the music industry needs all the help it can get.

This will be the inaugural year as this blog begins in earnest, chronicling the cultural rainbow, which on a daily basis never ceases to amaze me. Film, books, music, whether it is live or recorded, television or whatever inspires me to write. This is an amazing and at times a terrifying ride we are on; so another voice never hurts. Maybe you will even smile on occasion and in this day and age there is nothing wrong with a smile on your face. Enjoy the words and the sounds. Peace.



33. Dr Dog: Fate Roots American Music mixed in with influences from the sun kissed California sound of the Beach Boys and the pure pop of the Beatles; this is one of the happiest albums of the year. Highly recommended to me by rock writer and guitar player extraordinaire J Howard, these boys sing as well as they write. Smile.

32. The Pretenders: Break Up The Concrete “By the way you look fantastic in your boots of Chinese plastic” Chrissie Hynde never really left, she just has been chillin in Dayton Ohio and this is a masterpiece, on par with anything she has done in the past. Chrissie has one of the great rock and roll voices and when she sings softly she could even seduce an old coot like Cheney; although she would slap him upside the head.

31. Was (Not Was) : BOO! The Was Bros who hail from Oak Park Michigan (Full disclosure: As do I) have provided the kind of soul funk back into the music scene that has not been seen for years. A comeback album of sorts with Sir Harry and Sweetpea adding aforementioned funk along with a guest appearance by….Kris Kristofferson and a song written by Bob Dylan. Don and Dave nice to have you back with an aural assault, which has made this a Semi Interesting Week.

30. The Tallest Man on Earth: Shallow Grave He is not that tall and his name is Kristian Matsson and he is a folk singer from Sweden. That being said if you close your eyes you may think you have been transported back to the late sixties and you were listening to a folksinger in the village from Hibbing MN named Robert Zimmerman. He is on the list at #5 this year.

29. Shelby Lynne: Just A Little Lovin One of the best Dusty Springfield albums not sung by Dusty Springfield. Phil Ramone produced this and did not at all disappoint, although her live performance did, Shelby Lynne has one of the warmest and sexiest voices since Dusty. These are all Dusty songs which are done as well as anyone can possibly do them.

28. James McMurtry: Just Us Kids Son of the great American writer Larry McMurtry, somehow James has never been given his due. This is an ode to America 2008 and his song Cheney’s Toy will keep you riveted as he plods slowly through the words and shows just how pitiful the invasion was and what it meant to the families and our country.

27. Jakob Dylan: Seeing Things As the lead singer of the Wallflowers, Jakob sought to just sing in a band. Well it was a great band and Jakob Dylan is a great singer and songwriter and his genetic disposition helps. From the opening song Evil is Alive and Well to Everybody Pays as They Go, the young Dylan prodigy can sing and write like a true Dylan.

26. Melody Gardot: Worrisome Heart This should actually be rated a bit higher since my wife loved it and she only likes 85 bpm to exercise to. Melody Gardot was injured while riding a bicycle at age 19, and even though her closed head injury impaired her she has gone on to make one of the most remarkable records of 2008. You will love this. Think Norah Jones. This woman is a phenom jazz singer.

25. Ry Cooder: I, Flathead This third part of the California trilogy, which started with Chavez Ravine and chronicles the life and times of Kash Buk and the Klowns. Cool and dusty just like the desert he writes of, Ry Cooder is an American treasure and this is truly an American album, centered on the gritty area of desert California.

24. Lucinda Williams: Little Honey Falling in love has only made Lucinda Williams finally live up to the potential of her early great albums. She still rocks and still has that beer soaked voice but her songs have comeback to singing about REAL LOVE. Lucinda is happy and this sweet old world is a better place with her singing.

23. John Hiatt: Same Old Man John Hiatt has the kind of voice that reminds you of that old barn you drive by in the country or the great singer you see in that smoke filled room with about 150 people and wonder why he aint bigger than that? In a career that has spanned three decades, John Hiatt is a songwriter’s singer. A wonder to behold and a voice and words that will thrill you. American roots music at its best.

22. TV On The Radio: Dear Science To classify this Brooklyn based band, as Art Rock is too simplistic. They play some of the best music which covers many genres from 50s rock, reggae, electronic, soul, hip-hop and rock n roll. Shake it all up and put it on record and this is what you get. Family Tree is one of the all time great songs on this album, which has many. You are in for a surprise if you have never heard them.

21. Frightened Rabbit: Midnight Organ Fight & It is nice to know that rock and roll music is alive and well in Scotland. Although you may think this is an early version of U2, this band plays straight on rock and roll with the Hutchison brothers providing the second best brother record of the year.

20. Al Green: Lay It Down It matters not if you call him Reverend or just Al. This is one of the most honest soul records Al Green has made since the 70s and damn if it does not sound as if you listened to this “back in the day.” No One Like You is a classic Al Green song and every time Al says “Baby”…. well you will know when you hear this. That voice is still golden.

19. Okkervil River: The Stand Ins Will Sheff is part of the newest generation of great American voices. To follow up last years The Stage Names with this great epic is more than fantastic. This is a big sound and the only word to describe how beautiful this is would be to say his storytelling and subjects are extraordinary. It could be the Titos (vodka for you uninitiated) in Austin TX water that helps make this lush music find its way.

18. She and Him: Volume One : She and Him is singer/songwriter M. Ward and singer/songwriter and actress Zooey Deschanel. Trust me the girl can sing and write. Her voice is angelic and at times I thought I was listening to Carly Simon; and for those who know me that is enough to keep me interested. This was one of the most pleasant albums I listened to all year.

17. Department of Eagles: In Ear Park Daniel Rossen is from the band Grizzly Bear. This is a band he started when he was at NYU with his friend Fred Nicolaus in 2001. Grizzly Bear has gone on to indie-rock fame and this can only be described as a folk rock electronica record of pleasant aural proportions.

16. Duffy: Rockferry The moment I heard this release I was hooked and I immediately knew she would be referred to as “Amy Winehouse Light” With a blue eyed soul 60s girl group voice and some great songs, Duffy is truly one of the great success stories of 2008. There is not a bad song on this album and the first three are as good as any that Ms Winehouse has sung.

15. Lambchop : OH (Ohio) Kurt Wagner is another great American voice who has been overlooked; but not by me. His 2000 release NIXON was one of my all time favorites and I somehow lost touch with him until this great release. The folk voice with references to John Gorka and Bill Morrissey, Wagner and his band have made an alt country folk record, which will delight you.

14. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes and Sun Giant EP Seattle Washington is home to this sweet, and I do mean sweet, sounding band. They released an EP in April and followed it with an album in June; each is phenomenal. The best way to describe the harmonies is Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Now I am sure Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset would not be too upset since this was like a breath of fresh air. Freak folk is so 2007. This is just great music played in earnest by young hippies with a bright future.

13. Jamey Johnson: That Lonesome Song In 2005 Johnson released an album with the song The Dollar on it. A country song about a little boy who rarely sees his daddy. He had me with that song. This album though is Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and David Allan Coe all wrapped into the new bad boy of country music. Cocaine, ex wives and prison. Sure is plenty of material there. If you like country music you will thank me.

12: Calexico: Carried To Dust Tex/Mex Folk Rock at its best. I am not sure that is even a genre but Ry Cooder would be proud of these boys. Formerly part of Giant Sand with Howie Gelb, Joey Burns and John Convertino have expanded that sound into a modern day neo-Mexicali band. The sound is big and soft and live they are one of the best bands I saw all year. Horns and mariachis; how can it be bad?

11. Elbow: Seldom Seen Kid Guy Garvey is the lead singer and founder of Elbow. Chris Martin is the lead singer of Coldplay. Coldplay could have been in this position, but Elbow is a British band that sounds better to me than Coldplay right now; and I think Coldplay is one of the great bands. This band has enjoyed a bit of critical success but is relatively unknown in the States. This album will hopefully change that. How about this: Great orchestral pop!!

10. Anathallo: Canopy Glow Once again, Jake my son was way ahead of me on this one. When I asked him if he had heard of the band he said; “Let me let you hear their old stuff”….To me the band was brand new!! Not so fast: originally from Mt Pleasant MI these Chicago based Michiganders made a soaring splash into my ears with a lush, majestic sound which can only be compared to ……….Polyphonic Spree? This is a big band with all sorts of sounds that will make your smile ( a trend)….

9. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band: Conor Oberst The wunderkind from Omaha can do no wrong in my eyes and ears. After playing one of the best shows in 2008 with Bright Eyes he went to Mexico and recorded this with a different group of musicians. A little more country and a little rawer, Conor writes like the big boys and the kid is only 28. Soulful and mournful, this grown up emo kid writes songs like Danny Callahan and Sausalito and then throws in a shofur……..It is really amazing to me that he is so prolific and for the past four years has continued to excel. May the force continue to be with you Conor.

8. Randy Newman: Harps and Angels Never let it be said that I do not enjoy a little sarcasm. Randy Newman has been a hero of mine for quite some time; unfortunately he decided to write movie scores instead of make records for the last 20 years Something must have finally pushed him (could have been the morons running the country) to make a record on par with Good Old Boys, Sail Away and Randy Newman. With an orchestra on hand and his wry humor, Randy Newman has written some of the best songs in his long and illustrious career. Witness “ A Few Words In Defense of Our Country” to see what I’m talkin about. “In times like these we could sure use a friend…now we are supposed to be afraid, its patriotic isn’t it?” “A couple young Italian fellas and a brotha on the supreme court” Randy Newman is back and I hope he keeps writing intelligent songs; not for films.

7. Sigur Ros: Med Sud I Eyvum Vid Spilum Now it must be said that I spend a little bit of time in the most beautiful country on earth; Iceland. So the translation of the album is…..With a Buzz In Our Ears We Play Endlessly….I had no idea really of the translation; but I do know that Jonsi Birgisson and his mates are one of the best and most prolific bands in the world. This album was not recorded with an orchestra or with the help of Amiina; just the band. Recorded in Reykjavik it is sonically one of their best and one of their smallest as far as production goes; thanks to Flood. It must also be said that their concert in Detroit on September 23 2008 was the best live show I saw all year. Did I mention it was my birthday? The last great show I saw on my birthday was 1975 in Ann Arbor………Bruce Springsteen. (I had to include Bruce since The Wrestler is one of the Best Singles of the Year)

6. Golden Animals: Free Your Mind and Win a Pony Tommy Eisner and Linda Beecroft are the Golden Animals. They are a two-piece outfit that could be categorized as a psychedelic folk rock band. That would be an injustice. This is an album that could have been recorded in 1968 and to make it even juicier this guy sounds like Jim Morrison. Now if you are really young or do not remember who Jim Morrison was…The Doors. No they are not a derivative sounding White Stripes; they sound like the Doors for god’s sake. The first cut Steady Roller will knock you over and when you get up listen to the rest and hopefully you will enjoy every other cut including Ride Easy…..

5. Bob Dylan: Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series #8 So a man from Hibbing releases a double cd of outtakes from his last 3 albums and it sounds completely different than any of the albums that he released. Bob Dylan is a genius. Nothing is what it seems, especially when it comes to him singing a song. He could sing a song different every time and you would think it was a different song every time you heard it. I am not quite sure that anyone has been as prolific as Zimmy ( a nod to Jack Bergman) but you cannot deny that he is a folk rock blues singer for the ages. I am not sure there is such a thing as a “folk-rock-blues” singer but there is no one like Bob Dylan and there may never be again. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to witness Zimmy…. R.I.P. Jack!

4. Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago Written in a cabin in a self imposed exile in Wisconsin in the winter of 2007 Justin Vernon’s debut album is truly one of the most beautiful lo-fi records of the decade. It reminds me of those beautiful runs that I have in freshly fallen snow. Soft and almost angelic in scope, this is a masterpiece of epic proportions considering when and how it was done. Sweet does really describe the quiet intensity of this gift of music, which has been bestowed upon all of us. If you enjoy closing your ears and sitting on a cloud my I recommend Bon Iver?

3. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend The debut albums just keep getting better and the most hyped Columbia University band lived up to their Internet buzzzzzzzzzz…..Vampire Weekend are a bunch of clean cut white boys making PHENOMENAL pop music in the great tradition of the Paul Simon Afro pop phase. They write melodic songs, which are beautifully produced with plenty of hooks. Mansard Roof, Oxford Comma, A-Punk, Cape Cod Kwassa, M79, Campus, Bryn….and those are just the first 7 songs on the album out of 11. How can you not like a band that uses bleeding madras, Louis Vitton, the Khyber Pass, darjeeling and Welfleet MA in their songs? This is one of my most played Cds in the first 3 months of 2008 and it makes me feel optimistic every time I listen. Keep on smilin………

2. Raphael Saadiq: The Way I See It The soul album of the year and maybe the last 20!! This guy could be Marvin Gaye, Smoky Robinson, David Ruffin, Jackie Wilson…you get the picture. If you don’t then go out and buy this right now. If you are disappointed then I am convinced you aint got no soul. Raphael Saadiq is the real deal. He has put together a soul picnic of epic proportions. This producer of countless soul singers has outdone them all and this could have been released when he was born in 1967. Soul music has never had a better singer than this cat and I mean that with all due respect to all that have preceded Raphael.

1. The Felice Brothers: The Felice Brothers " Regrets I have a few, but then again too few to mention." One is MISSING the Felice Brothers open for Bright Eyes at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. This album came out in March and there is not a month that has gone by when this has not accompanied me on one of my morning runs. Think, The Band. Think, Bob Dylan and the Band. Ian, Simone and James Felice along with their friends Harley and Christmas (hey, its only rock n roll) are truly the most overlooked great American band of 2008. This is one of the best American records made since Music From Big Pink; and if I’m lyin I’m dyin….The haters may say they are derivative (Pitchfork; fuckin assholes) but this is a masterpiece every bit as good as last years great album from The National. Frankies Gun, Little Ann, Greatest Show on Earth, Helen Fry, Take This Bread (hysterical phone message intro), Love Me Tenderly, Ruby Mae, Whiskey in My Whiskey (stop and think about that), and Radio Song are the highlights of this 15-song extravaganza. If there is any justice in the music industry these guys will be rewarded. Listen to the organs, the accordions, the drums and the guitars. I think you will agree; The Felice Brothers are the real deal as far as the “folk, country, indie rock music” genre goes…Smile!!


Honorable Mention:

Alejandro Escovedo
Bajonfondo Tango Club
Blitzen Trapper
Brightback Morning Light
The Bug
Carla Bruni
Chris Knight
Coldplay
David Byrne and Brian Eno
Dub Pistols
Earlimart
Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons
Hayes Carll
Hold Steady
Horse Feathers
Jason Collett
James Blackshaw
Jenny Lewis
Jim Noir
Jim White
John Mellencamp
Jolie Holland
Justin Townes Earle
Kathleen Edwards
Mathew Ryan
Moondoggie
Mount Eerie
Mudcrutch
Mugisson
The Nightwatchman
Neil Young
Punch Brothers
Ray LaMontagne
Ra Ra Riot
Rodney Crowell
Spiritualized
Sun Kill Moon
The Verve
Waylon Payne

BEST MUSIC OF 2007

Once again a premier year in music has come and gone and after an exhaustive selection process I have somehow come up with my 20 personal favorites. If all I had to do was listen to music; this would have been finished in mid December. Based on the fact that I also have a full time gig, which does afford me the ability to listen to music while I work, it takes plenty of time to listen and enjoy and then to be a critical ear. Based on being a “faux critic” this is a long time love affair with the recorded sound, which may have been attributed to actually being one of those young souls who actually did attend Woodstock. Music has the ability to transform and even lift ones spirits from whatever life has to throw at us. It is neither laborious nor time consuming, since there is nothing but joy, which is derived from every single one of these recordings…and many more. This list would have been much bigger, but at the behest of the good Dr. I have edited this down to 20 from at least 60 and I have to admit that I surely listened to over 100 releases in 2007. As I have said this is a love affair with music.

There are many different styles represented here from Americana to pure and simple Rock n Roll. There are surely a few surprises to those of you who know music and listen, and for those of you that are not as nutty as me there are truly some gems. This is something old, something new and something borrowed and some blues. I can only hope that you will enjoy reading and listening to this assemblage as I did. As a little treat I have also included my favorite cut from each album so you can listen before you buy. And please do buy what you like; as this is not a plug for the music industry but only a plug for all the great musicians you can help support.


20. EZRA FURMAN AND THE HARPOONS: BANGING DOWN THE DOORS Extraordinary debut album from young Mr. Furman, a Boston college student whose voice and lyrics bear a striking resemblance to the wily old sage who everyone compares great singer songwriters to. Ezra Furman. Bob Dylan. Listen to the song “American Highway” and after thinking about it for maybe a minute or less you may agree that this young man has done an admirable job of channeling 1964 Bob.

19. THE THRILLS: TEENAGER This is the third album from these transplanted Irish rockers. Pop music suits them and their jubilant sound, which echoes the California sound of vintage Beach Boys, seems to have been wasted on the music industry. Conor Deasy has a hauntingly infectious voice and the “Nothing Changes Around Here” song captures the soul of most teenagers anywhere.

18. SHARON JONES AND THE DAP KINGS: 100 DAYS, 100 NIGHTS I defy anyone to listen to this and not move. Sharon Jones, backed by the amazing Dap Kings keeps making soulful blues music, which sounds straight out if the Sixties. The horns, guitars and drumming are on par with anything that Motown or Stax had to offer. The title song just oozes with old time blues and soul that one cannot help but reference James Brown or Etta James; back in the day.

17. CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG: 5:55 The daughter of Serge Gainsbourg, the famous French singer, Charlotte makes her family name proud. With the music of Air behind this chanteuse takes one on such a soft musical journey you almost feel like you are floating. Nor does it hurt that Jarvis Cocker wrote most of the songs. On “The Songs That We Sing” listening to her purr…”I saw somebody, who reminded me of you, before you got afraid, I wish that you could’ve stayed that way” makes on yearn for a quiet place.

16. LEVON HELM: DIRT FARMER The back story is as follows…Levon played drums with Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. He then ended up in the seminal American roots band….THE BAND. Now skip forward to 2005 when after surviving throat cancer he was told he might never be able to speak again, let alone sing. This man is a testimonial to everything wonderful and special about American music and this is his first album in 25 years. Singing and playing many traditional songs along with his daughter and Larry Campbell; who played guitar with Robert Zimmerman, Levon just flat out kicks ass and takes no prisoners. His interpretation of Lauralyn Dossets “Anna Lee” is American music at its finest.

15. GRAHAM PARKER: DON’T TELL COLUMBUS It must be something in the Woodstock NY air. Graham Parker who resides near Levon has made one of the best albums of his 30-year career. Beginning with Howlin Wind in 1976, Parker epitomized the early indie rocker along with his cynical mates Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, who are all still making great music. His caustic wit and sneering vocals make Graham Parker one of the great storytellers of our time. On “Ambiguous” these lines sort of sum up the good Mr. Parker…” I asked a woman the other day, how you gonna vote on election day, she said she was gonna vote for the woman with the nicest tie, well that sounds like she's thinking straight, she’s gonna vote for the right candidate, that ideas gonna fly.”

14. SPOON: GA GA GA GA GA I have to admit it has taken me till their sixth album for me to fully embrace these Austin Texas rockers. What wonderful music do they make with just four members. Pop music at its best with plenty of horns and tambourines and a nod and a wink to the Beatles and even Paul Simon. Superlatives are not enough to describe how wonderful this album is. I’ll leave it to the words from “The Underdog”……”you got no time for the messenger, got no regard for thing you don’t understand, you got no fear of the underdog, that’s why you will not survive.” Horns and drums and Britt Daniels singing like there’s no tomorrow.

13. OKKERVIL RIVER: THE STAGE NAMES The air in Woodstock; it must be the longneck beer bottles in Austin Texas. Okkervil River and Spoon are surely the two greatest bands from 2007 and Will Sheff and Seth Warren who are New Hampshire transplants (home of Rosey Jekes) have found a musical home. I may be repetitious in saying this, but there are just so many great rock n roll bands playing big music without record sales. The harmonies and melodies of this album are enough to make a grown man smile for an entire day. From the first song “Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe” to “John Allyn SmithSails” which is a tribute to the Beach Boys Sloop John B, this is pure pop music at its best.

12. IRON AND WINE: THE SHEPERDS DOG Sam Beam has made albums by himself for years with just his guitar and his sweet voice as accompaniment. On this album he has assembled a full band and from the opening song “Pagan Angel And a Borrowed Car” who could well be a Belle and Sebastian song he seems pleased with the lush instrumentation surrounding him. It transports his voice and the stories that he tells about nature and mythical thoughts into another world. This is one of the most pleasant albums I have listened to in quite some time. The textures of this collection are woven so loosely it could become your favorite sweater.

11. BURIAL: UNTRUE One of the great surprises to me aural senses this year and to come from an anonymous DJ from London makes it extra special. This is Burials second album and the sounds are a mash up of just about everything that he could sample, from wonderful voices to the scratches of a long-playing record. His homage to the great dub producer Lee Perry and of course Massive Attack makes this an ethereal trip through the streets of London very late at night. You can almost feel like you have walked into a secret club that has the hottest DJ of the moment spinning mad tracks. The layers upon layer of sound turn this into a true exploration into the music of now in London.

10: MARY GAUTHIER: BETWEEN DAYLIGHT AND DARK
MARY WEISS: DANGEROUS GAME Every year it seems there are two artists who somehow share the same name and their music is mutually important in the year. 2007 was no exception as the Mary made fantastic contributions to the musical landscape. Mary Gauthier, a singer songwriter, whose little sister could be Lucinda Williams, made one of the best folk albums of the year. Although I despise labels, this could also be a country album or an alt country album or even a great album. She weaves a tale like all of the greats and her delivery just knocks you out. My personal favorite, although every song is fantastic, is “Last of the Hobo Kings” which charts the live and times of Steamtrain Morie. You can almost see the hobos sitting by a campfire waiting to jump a train and see America. Mary Weiss, on the other hand, has not released an album in forty years. The reason…she was soured on my music business after her teen years when she was lead singer for the amazing Shangri Las. For those too young to remember just google Leader of the Pack. She takes up where she left off, this time with the help of the great Memphis garage band the Reigning Sound. With the Wall of Sound still intact Ms Weiss delivers a 21st century debut to be proud of. All of the production makes one wants to go back to the Oak Park Park and shoot baskets under the stars. This is a full on great record, which recalls Ronnie Spector and all of the great sounds on the radio. “Stop And Thin It Over” reminds us of all of those broken hearted teenage years. And don’t miss “Cry About the Radio” for good measure.

9. BRIGHT EYES: CASSADAGA Conor oh Conor. The reference to Cassadaga, which is a Florida city filled with psychics, conjures up images of ouija boards and goofy psychics. His last two albums have started with strange openings and this is no exception but he delivers on all thirteen tracks. This kid is amazing. I have said it before and I will continue to sing his praises; especially since his white clothed 12-piece band put on one of the best shows of the year and this IS another stellar effort. “Four Winds” with all sorts of violins and drums and guitars strumming just about knocks you over with exuberance. Long ago hailed as a Dylan like singer songwriter, this Omaha boy keeps it real.

8. SAM BAKER: PRETTY WORLD Not a lot of people in Austin Texas (notice a trend) know who Sam Baker is. He lives in Austin and like the legion of West Texas singer songwriters in the vein of Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sam Baker is deserving of the same recognition. On his second album, following the largely ignored but beautiful Mercy, Sam Baker has fashioned a masterpiece with Pretty World. Both albums got me through the Reyjkavik Half Marathon on a gorgeous August morning. Sam Baker is a phenomenal singer a storyteller. I’ll let the words from “pretty World” tell ya………”before the sun, before the heat, before we untangle from our sheets, before the summer day unfurls, pretty world.” This is songwriting at its best.

7. JOE HENRY: CIVILIANS Joe Henry is as important to American music as Tom Waits and on this album he proves it. With the stand up bass playing along with this guttural voice of Joes, his songs weave stories of those people we see but wonder about. Who are they and where did they come from and what do they do? They seem interesting, yet you have never taken the time to speak to them. Listen to Joe. He has the answers. One of the great songs of our lost country is “Our Song” which starts out this way “ I saw Willie Mays at a Scottsdale Home Depot, looking at garage door springs at the far end of the 14th row, his wife stood there beside him, she was quiet and they both were proud…this was my country, this was my song, somewhere in the middle there it started badly and is ending wrong…” Not a better song written on this album which so honestly tells the sorry story of how this country has “squandered our goodwill.” God bless Joe Henry.

6. AMY WINEHOUSE: BACK TO BLACK Forget everything you may have read or heard about Amy Winehouse on television or in the gossip columns. This young woman has the pipes and with brilliant production of Mark Ronson she made top-notch album of blue-eyed soul, even though she has a huge drug problem. Ironically her hit song was “Rehab”. No matter the girl has listened to enough Motown, Philly, Atlantic and Stax records and has a voice, which recalls every single one of those great women. Diana Ross, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Tina Turner, Ronnie Spector and Tami Terrell all show up her in some form and especially on “Tears Dry On Their Own” if you can’t hear Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell on Aint No Mountain High Enough; well you were obviously not born yet.

5. ARCADE FIRE: NEON BIBLE Call it what you like from Art Rock to Baroque Pop to Indie Rock, Arcade Fire is one of the great new bands. After their first album Funeral was released, Jake raved about them. I listened and I liked it. Neon Bible is an extraordinary effort with sounds so grand that one thinks the walls are going to come tumbling down. Yes it’s that big. Winn Butler and Regine Chassagne front this Montreal collective which has instruments that include mandolins, harps, xylophones, violins, guitars and your garden variety hurdy gurdy (accordion). The sound is breathtaking and at the same time strikingly beautiful. The drums just keep coming on certain songs and you are almost waiting for someone to yell STOP. Their outlook on the state of affairs is also chilling, judge for yourself in the lyrics from “Windowsill”……..”Don’t wanna live in my fathers house no more,Don’t want the salesmen knocking at my door, I don’t wanna live in America no more, Cause the tide is rising, and its higher still, and I don’t wanna see it at my windowsill.” Couple this with their surprise appearance on stage in Ottawa with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and their shows in NYC with The National; there is much more greatness to come.

4. DEVON SPROULE: KEEP YOUR SILVER SHINED Now how in gods name does a woman who is only 22 years old make such a sweet and heartfelt album. Could be the Virginia mountains or it could be that she is just one of the great new talents on the music scene. I have not been so taken by a voice since I heard Nancy Griffith and Lucinda Williams for the first time. The stories that this Charlottesville native tells put you on a front porch with the smells of lavender and lemonade wafting through the air. As the front door slams out walks this beautiful young woman with a guitar in hand, in a vintage floral dress. She sits down with her guitar and starts to play. You are in another time and another place. A simpler time for sure. One that has nothing to do with war or a poor economy. Life is Simple. You are happy. When you are done you go inside and you shine your silver. Rikki Lee Jones and Maria Muldaur (Midnight At the Oasis time) had nothing on this woman. A few bits from “Lets Go Out”…………” There’s nothing in the fridge, nothing in the cupboard, the jelly jar is empty and I’m plumb sick of peanut butter, a ground hog ate the lettuce, right out of the ground, honey lets go out…” Go out and buy this!

3. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: MAGIC The title is perfect. For a 58 year old man who started greeting people from Asbury park while trying to be a saint in the city and growin up while doing the e street shuffle to meeting people across the river while hanging on the backstreets before being in candy’s room while proving it all night with bobby jean after working on the highway on his way to Atlantic city being chased by a state trooper while trying to forget about rosalita: Bruce has been busy. His body of work is his life and the life of many Americans who have lived and loved, who have been disappointed by what life has dealt them and by how their government and country have failed them. But fear not, Bruce has chronicled it all since that first night on September 23 1975 when I was fortunate to experience the kid from Freehold. So after The Rising and Devils and Dust and The Seeger Sessions the next logical progression, MAGIC. Trust me this is a magical look at America today from the rousing Radio Nowhere to the finale, aptly titled Terry’s Song, after Bruce’s long time friend and assistant Terry Magovern who passed last year. Bruce captures the sounds of America with references to the Beach Boys on “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” “Livin in the Future” “Devils Arcade” “Last To Die” all remind us of the awful occupation in Iraq and how it has scarred the country. Bruce is a proud American as is evidenced from this verse from “Long Walk Home”………..” My father said Son we’re lucky in this town, it’s a beautiful place to be born, it just wraps its arms around you, Nobody crowds you , nobody goes it alone, You know that flag flyin over the courthouse, means certain things set in stone, who we are, what we’ll do and what we won’t.” Bruce is carrying on the legacy of the great American voices that speak up when necessary and making great music to boot.

2. STARS OF THE LID: AND THEIR REFINEMENT OF THE DECLINE At just over two hours this is a sonic orgasm of sights and sounds that are imaginary and at the same time are surely cinematic. Adam Wiltzie and Brian McBride are Stars of the Lid (SOTL) and I have played this CD almost every day at one time or another since I purchased it in the beginning of November. These two genius composers, and they are composers, could be the godchildren of Brian Eno. Their music is easily classified as “drone-ambient” but the soundscapes that these two create with violin, cello, horns, strings are electronically generated drones. The stark beauty and the quiet feeling that comes over you could be equivalent to some sort of meditative state. Or it could be as simple as taking a yoga class or practicing Zen Buddhism. Or it could be a cloud that you have somehow landed on after sitting in peace for a long period of time. You may become enlightened while listening to this but you will surely not develop anxiety or the heebie jeebies. The fact that I am so impressed by their ability to transform a beatless sound into such grand music is to me startling. I am a lover of all music and this “band” is one of the purest most genteel experiences that I have ever had. Their song titles are movies in and of themselves….”That Finger On Your Temple Is The Barrel Of My Raygun” “Dopamine Clouds Over Craven Cottage” “The Evil That Never Arrived” “A Meaningful Moment Through a Meaning(Less) Process” and the opening track “Another Ballad For Heavy Lids’ Find this album if you love to relax or even if you love to think…about nothing maybe. I forgot to mention they are from Austin Texas and for anyone counting that is four very different sounds from little old Austin. I wish that my father were alive to hear this, but somehow I know he is listening and smiling down on me saying to himself, “I knew that sooner or later you would appreciate how great all music can be.” As always, he was right.


1. THE NATIONAL: BOXER How to best describe The National, with all due respect, is to say that they are Cincinnati born, now living in Brooklyn, consisting of two sets of brothers, the Dessners and the Devendorfs along with singer Matt Beninger and part time member Padma Newsome from Australia. The have made, in my humble opinion the best album of 2007 which is “deceptively subdued” while it is a “glorious achievement” in sound, texture and simplicity. It is a beautiful mixture of instruments with Bryan Devendorf playing the drums like a man possessed. The backbeat, which finds its way up front on so many of the songs, is just purely amazing. I am normally not a big fan of drums, usually focusing more on the guitars and other instruments, but this Devendorf guy reminds me of the greats, He never overpowers, but those drums are always there, especially in “Start A War” “Brainy” and “Mistaken For Strangers”. My son Jake, who happens to be a drummer, of course turned me on to the National when they released Alligator in 2005 and once again, I liked it. Matt Berningers voice…lord have mercy. He sounds like he could be the younger brother of the Crash Test Dummies lead singer and he writes songs as good as anyone today including Springsteen; who coincidentally is a fan. His characters “toy with adulthood and dress for success, but they also grapple with near paralyzing insecurity.” Cinematic indeed and with the gorgeous orchestral and horn arrangements from Mr. Newsome, coupled with the guitars of the Dessners this is truly a band that has yet to fully realize its potential, but has made a beautiful rock n roll record. So here are some choice lyrics from this gem………”Underline everything, I’m a professional, in my beloved white shirt, I’m going down among the saints.” “Squalor Victoria” ……..”oh you wouldn’t want an angel watching over you, surprise, surprise, they wouldn’t want to watch, another uninnocent, elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults.” “Mistaken for Strangers” The National is hauntingly grand in their sound and truly amazing in their execution on this triumph.


HONORABLE MENTION

MAVIS STAPLES
BETTYE LAVETTE
DEVENDRA BANHART
BAND OF HORSES
THE PERISHERS
JOHN FOGERTY
PANDA BEAR
NORAH JONES
SUZANNE VEGA
FEIST
JARVIS COCKER
RADIOHEAD
THE MENDOZA LINE
SIGUR ROS
PATTI SCIALFA
YEASAYER
AUGIE MARCH
JANS LEKMAN
JOSH RITTER
WILCO