1. Slowdive – Souvlaki (1993)
2. Magnetic Fields – The Wayward Bus (1991)
3. Magnetic Fields – Holiday (1994)
4. Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs, Part I (1999)
5. Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs, Part II (1999)
6. Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs, Part III (1999)
7. Tortoise – Tortoise (1994)
8. Tortoise – Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1996)
9. Pavement – Slanted & Enchanted (1992)
10. Pavement – Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)
My list for Best Music of 2009 is not set in stone and it will not stir up many new sales for the artists mentioned. I sat at my desk, decinding which one made the cut – my simple list is not based on any reviews, recommendations – and no artists is listed because of any favors. It’s good music – pure and simple. It’s just like, my opinion, man. I love all genres of music and this year, I believe these to be the best songs released within the last calendar year. There are many new artists that made the list, but a few oldies that perhaps show my bias, but you can never go wrong with artists like Yo La Tengo, My Morning Jacket, or Tortoise – can you? Just check out the list, will ya?
Tortoise ‘Beacons of Ancestorship‘ (Thrilljockey)
The 6th studio album starts off in high gear. Tortoise display many of their futuristic-sounding tools right out of the gate, including the rapid percussive sounds of John McEntire and the layers of rich timbre, heavily stuttering electro bass, and distorted beats that hit your speakers hard – be careful… Post-punk, experimental, avant-garde, genre-benders, whatever you want to call it, this Chicago band is back and this time all 11 tracks are all around you. Enjoy. I recommend this album if you’re a fan of such albums, like TNT, Standards, and the 20 minute chef d’œuvre, Djed.
Before attending the Neko Case concert at The Berklee Performance Center, I had an affordable little meal at Chili Duck, located on Boylston Street in Boston’s Back-bay. The Thai restaurant is ducked underneath some retail shops, next to the new Apple store and across from the giant Prudential tower. After dinner, I enjoyed a few pints at Bukowski’s Tavern on Dalton Street before swiftly heading out into the drizzle to witness some intelligent live music. My seats were center orchestra, balcony – not a bad view, despite being as far back as I’ve ever been in this auditorium. Crooked Fingers played about 8 songs, all of which received large applause and rightfully so, because singer Eric Bachmann is so humble, despite being one of the best songwriters in music. His lyrics are grown-up, sung with heart, and his voice is not as rough as it once was in earlier recordings (see Archers of Loaf) With only a little wait between sets, Neko Case arrived on the stage with her full band in tow – featuring five members. The entire band was in a good mood, joking around, and involving the crowd on some level. Neko and her band played all the songs I wanted to hear and did a great version of Nilsson’s Don’t Forget Me, which brought me on the edge of my seat, visibly emotional. Each song was executed well, never getting old or making me glance at my mobile phone, which can be a bit rare for me near the end of certain live shows… This concert kept me seated until the live performance was completely over (4 song encore included) and the house lights came on. Her band was tight, played brilliantly, and the Berklee staff made sure Neko’s unique sound was beyond satisfactory. No earplugs needed.
I’m currently listening to a lot of new releases, but a few classic albums have recently been reintroduced to the executive functions of my brain. The jury is still out on the new Decemberists…
- M. Ward Hold Time (Merge)
- Various Artists Dark Was the Night (4AD)
- Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Beware (Drag City)
- Neko Case Middle Cyclone (Anti)
- Vetiver Tight Knit (Sub Pop)
- Decemberists Hazards of Love (Capitol)
- Doom Born Like This (Lex)
- Ned’s Atomic Dustbin God Fodder (Furtive)
- Le Vent du Nord Les amants du Saint-Laurent (Borealis)
- Monique Jean L’adieu au S.O.S. (Empreintes DIGITALes)
