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| From | Brian Kassan <brian@powerpop.org> |
| Subject | Top 10 for 2003 |
| Date | Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:11:18 -0800 |
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I must preface my list by saying that there are so many cd's out there that
I haven't heard yet (Splittsville, Pernice Bros., New Pornographers and so
many others) that I'm sure would have ranked very high. Alas there is not
enough time or $ since I'm really working hard to finish the 3rd Chewy
Marble cd; trying to put those resources, especially the $ toward that end.
I do find it hard as a musician/writer/bandleader AND an obsessed music fan
to do both...I guess Peter Buck has it down, well at least the $ part...:)
I'll just proceed here with my Top 10 and some things I really liked this
year.
1. Buzzcocks-S/T
These guys still have it; never lost it. Melody, rock, guitars, innovators.
I hope I can rock this hard at 50.
2. Aerovons-Resurrection
Actually lived up to the MOJO hype. Yes, Beatle-drenched, but damn good
with it's own idiosyncratic brilliance.
3. Grandaddy-Sumday
Not quite as good as "Sophtware Slump" but Jason Lytle has another winner,
crafting the most lovely melodies this side of Macca. Saw 'em live and they
were fantastic.
4. Fountains of Wayne-Welcome Interstate Managers
I agree with most everyone that these guys are master pop craftsman without
a misstep yet. With standards like theirs, I don't think we're likely to
ever hear filler on a FOW cd. I do agree with some here that Mr.
Collingwood should lighten up and enjoy whatever success they can grab.
Hopefully those kids who liked "Stacey's Mom" will go back and check out
their catalog...or is that wishful thinking?
5. Maple Mars-Circular Haze
I might be a little biased as I play keys with MM for live shows (not on the
cd), but pyschpop doesn't get much better than this. Rick Hromdka knows his
way around a hook, but also has an experimental sonic production vibe that
really perks the ears. I liked it so much that Chewy Marble has recorded two
new songs at Mr. Hromdka's home studio.
6. Bronco Bullfrog-Emporium Days
These are demos? What? This self-released cd should have gotten a wider
release, but I'm glad the band decided to release it. While not quite as
good as the amazing "Sidelong Glances of a Pidgeon Kicker", the great 3 part
harmony and fine Britpop continues from a band that doesn't seem to have a
label home in their own UK.
7. Tiny Volcano-S/T
I emailed Scott to congratulate him on a fantastic cd. He asked me for a
review for their website and here it is:
"The Tiny Volcano debut cd is truly packed with hook filled songcraft of the
highest order. Replete with lush vocal harmony, these tunes rock hard and
gently lull with a wide variety of instrumentation and feel. Shades of the
Tories and Jellyfish abounding--it won't leave my cd player soon."
8. Owsley-The Hard Way
Didn't hit me quickly the way the last one did, but after several listens,
the quality and craftsmanship is the same: high. A little more rock and
less pop, but a fine follow up to a really talented dude....
9. Belle and Sebastian-Dear Catastrophe Waitress
I've never really heard much of their stuff, but after reading many reviews
that claimed this to be among their finest I heard "Step Into My Office,
Baby" and HAD to get this. Very solid and tuneful...I'll have to go back and
check out "Sinister" and others recommended.
10. Steely Dan-Everything Must Go
I own every one of their releases. Although I think that their most
creative years stopped at "Gaucho", I must say that these gents still make
fine music and this one spent a long time in the cd player.
I'll will second Rick Gallego's tip on Judee Sill. I've only heard the
first self-titled release (Rhino Handmade is having problems getting the
second "Heart Food" out). Amazing stuff. I have listened to this more times
than just about anything this year. Inspiring. Check this out! Can't wait
to hear the 2nd one.
I also liked: White Stripes, Outkast, Matthew Sweet, Rooney, Guided by
Voices (also the cool Best of cd), the Shins, Mandy Moore, Radiohead ...aw I
can't remember all the great stuff I listened to this year, but anyone who
says there is no good music out there is just not trying at all....:)
Brian
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