July 3, 2008
Best of 2007 (with some 2008 thus far thrown in)
The music reviews section is looking a little meek with no posts since 2006. I really do still buy music so here's what I think is worth owning. Mostly it's another list of reissues.
- Chessie - Manifest. Stephen and Ben went away for years and twiddled knobs. I thought they were a bit looney to spend so much time on each track. Then I heard it. Now I get it. Results! Technically this came out in '08 but, it should be getting much more attention. You people are going to regret sleeping on this when you finally do hear it.
- Fabric 34 - Ellen Allien. This is 3 years in a row now that Ms. Allien has made a record that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Tireless.
- Burial - Untrue. Moody with a big 'M", frightening, interesting. Dub-tastic. Yes, please.
- The Clientele - God Save The Clientele. "Bookshop Casanova" was the hit of last summer. This album shows what expert production can provide. These guys just keep getting better. And James loves Bailter Space almost as much as do. And they tour endlessly. And they are fine upstanding citizens.
- LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver. Listened to this a bunch just like the rest of the world.
- Nord Express - Loveland 1995-2005. Excellent collection of Nord material including tracks from nearby Maple Shade where they unplug the fridge just in case the wiring of the house might be carrying a buzzing sound to the amps. Very happy that this material made it out into the world.
- Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block. One of the few live shows I saw last year. Very energetic. Made me want to listen to 7"s non stop. Well constructed.
- Radiohead - In Rainbows. Yeah, yeah, fucking great. What else is new.
- A Sunny Day In Glasgow - Scribble Mural Comic Journal. Noise. Blessed noise.
- Sarandon - KIll Twee Pop!. May they continue to skronk on. No song over 3 minutes yet so much to offer. Awe inspiring. Also, officially makes me a label mate with a former member of Big Flame. I feel cooler by proxy.
- The Long Blondes - Someone to drive you home. Songs you can sing along to in the car at top volume and make other drivers wonder what the hell that guy is yelling about.
There were some disappointing records too. Maximo Park lost some of their intensity or focus or something. Wilco decided they want to be buried in the '70s (though live they were great despite Mr. Tweedy's denim suit and a tendency for the long jam). Neon Bible didn't set my heart aflame. Some near misses. Grinderman didn't sound enough like the Birthday Party for me. Apparat's "Walls" was in the car CD player for awhile but, a too much Prince. Matthew Dear's "Asa Breed" was good. The National's "Boxer" was also good. Taken By Trees, glad to see that surface. Swayzak's "Some Other Country" needed more Richard Davis.
