smoe.org mailing lists
ivan@stellysee.de
| From | Andrea Kremer <kremer@shore.net> |
| Subject | Re: told ya so (top for '03 so far) |
| Date | Tue, 22 Jul 2003 19:56:46 -0400 (EDT) |
[Part 1 text/plain US-ASCII (6.2 kilobytes)]
(View Text in a separate window)
Yes, I'm replying to my own post. Realized I included URLs for everyone
but Paul Melancon. There are some unreleased live recordings on his site,
I recommend them highly:
http://paulmelancon.com/freemusic/
-A
On Tue, 22 Jul 2003, Andrea Kremer wrote:
>
> Man... I'd post my Best So Far list, but John Brodeur already pretty much
> did. Well, maybe not the Pete Yorn so much (although I do like that
> burrito song, that's a good one). Also have not picked up Frank Bango's
> new album yet, but am really enjoying "Fugitive Girls," so I'm sure a
> purchase is in my near future.
>
> John's so right about Ted Leo & the Rx. I saw them live here at the Middle
> East recently and they blew my proverbial doors off. Mr. Leo can really
> bring the rock, in a way that combines high energy with a very literate
> lyrical sensibility. I get sort of an early Joe Jackson/Graham Parker vibe
> from some of his material. Which is a good thing.
>
> And I'd also like to echo John's sentiments about the forthcoming Mike
> Viola album. I've seen Mike perform the new (and unabashedly
> autobiographical) songs a couple of times now at shows in NYC and Boston,
> and I think it's his strongest and most affecting work yet. I will RUN out
> and buy this as soon as it hits the streets, which my sources tell me will
> be this fall.
>
> Three additions that would turn John's Best-So-Far list into mine:
>
> - The Long Winters, "When I Pretend to Fall," on Barsuk records. Cool and
> quirky indie pop/rock from John Roderick with sidekick and former Harvey
> Danger frontman Sean Nelson. Co-produced by Ken Stringfellow and Chris
> Walla. Recommended tracks include "Shapes" and "Stupid." More info and
> samples can be found here:
> http://www.thelongwinters.com/records/bark31/index.php
>
> - Francine, "28 Plastic Blue Versions of Endings Without You," on Q
> Division. A lovely, moody, introspective disc full of hooks and lyrics you
> won't find anywhere else (see "Novelty" and "Chlorine" for good examples).
> Richly deserving of repeated listens. They're my favorite Boston band
> (though Bleu is a close second). Check 'em out. http://www.francine.info/
>
> - And in the forthcoming department, I've had a chance to hear some live
> recordings of new songs by Paul Melancon and they're outstanding, also
> tending toward the moody pop with great hooks and memorable lyrics. Be on
> the lookout for "O Columbia" and "You Are Her(e)" on his next cd, or see
> him live if you possibly can -- he's got one of the best voices in the
> business.
>
> Add to this everything that John listed below (the Pernice disc is a
> particular favorite), and it's been a VERY good 2003 so far.
>
> Cheers,
> Andrea
>
>
> On Tue, 22 Jul 2003, The Suggestions wrote:
>
> > See, I keep my promises. Here's what I've dug thus far
> > this year, in non-specific order except for the first
> > one.
> >
> > the best, hands down:
> > NADA SURF "LET GO". Perfection. I've not been so taken
> > by a record in a long long time, in fact probably not
> > since the last Pernice Brothers record. This one
> > almost never leaves my sight. Thoughtful lyrics,
> > inventive guitar work, and Ira Elliott on the drums -
> > how freakin' good is that guy?!
> >
> > so close:
> > PERNICE BROTHERS "YOURS, MINE AND OURS". More rocking
> > than "The World Won't End", which in reveals Joe's
> > Smiths-worship in full bloom. Brilliant as usual,
> > although I kinda miss the string section...nahhh.
> > "Weakest Shade of Blue" is the single of the year.
> >
> > HOT HOT HEAT "MAKE UP THE BREAKDOWN". Technically
> > released in '02, but Warner Bros' reissue makes it
> > viable. One big bad new-wave freakout. Love it love it
> > love it.
> >
> > BLEU "REDHEAD". I miss Jellyfish so much, I would
> > probably have picked this one up just for the Sturmer
> > co-writes, but EVERY song on this one is a wonder.
> > It's encouraging to see power-pop back on the majors.
> > Someone up there actually does know their shit.
> >
> > PETE YORN "DAY I FORGOT". Someone up there knew their
> > shit a few years ago too when they signed this guy.
> > Yeah, he has a brother in the biz and all, but if he
> > sucked, he wouldn't have made it this far, and he
> > wouldn't be on my list. A great record - more concise
> > and attention-holding than his first - and it's on a
> > Sony label, so you won't feel bad about burning it
> > from a friend.
> >
> > and more:
> > FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE "WELCOME INTERSTATE MANAGERS". It's
> > a little long, by my count (16 songs works for punk
> > rock and classic rock double-albums), but it still
> > functions as a how-to manual for great power-pop. The
> > first three songs are the best 1-2-3 punch this year.
> >
> > RICHARD ASHCROFT "HUMAN CONDITIONS". A little
> > meandering at times (as we should expect), but the
> > lyrics, the feelings, and the music/production make
> > this a perfect late-night,
> > bottle-of-wine-and-a-hot-date record.
> >
> > TED LEO/PHARMACISTS "HEARTS OF OAK". The first Leo
> > record where I totally get it. Genius. Plus, they are
> > an absolutely amazing live band. Check them out if you
> > can.
> >
> > THE DAYJOBS "HOW I WANTED TO BE". Haven't heard of 'em
> > yet? They're an Albany band and the record JUST came
> > out. You owe it to yourselves to check this out if you
> > like no bullshit power pop. http://www.thedayjobs.net
> >
> > a few from last year that just got "officially"
> > released this year:
> > IKE "PARALLEL UNIVERSE"
> > FRANK BANGO "THE UNSTUDIED SEA"
> >
> > and a few that will probably make the year end list
> > once they actually come out:
> > MIKE VIOLA "MIKE VIOLA". The early mixes I heard
> > suggest that this might end up being the best of the
> > year. Holy crap, this stuff is great.
> >
> > ELVIS COSTELLO "NORTH". I hope this turns out as cool
> > as it sounds like it might be.
> >
> > RADIOHEAD "HAIL TO THE THIEF". Okay, it's been out for
> > a month, but I'm walking, not running. I have heard
> > really good things about it though...
> >
> > 'nuff said.
> > jb
> >
> > =====
> > THE SUGGESTIONS
> > John Brodeur - 518.229.9251
> > http://www.thesuggestions.com
> > http://www.mp3.com/brodeur
> >
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
> > http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
For assistance, please contact
the smoe.org administrators.