From where I sit, 2011 was a very good year, but not necessarily a year with a transcendent record.  Music I thoroughly enjoyed that didn’t hit the top 10 includes: Buffalo Tom, Civil Wars, Miranda Lambert, Tommy Keene, Pistol Annies, Brett Dennen, Jason Isbell, Wilco, Vince Gill, Sarah Jarosz, Fleet Foxes, Buddy Miller, and the Black Keys (which if it had come out 3 weeks earlier might have made the list).

I was trying to do my traditional look back at the list 10 years after, but as I revisited 2001, I was blown away by how weak a year it was.  Instead, I’m going to revisit last year’s list and showcase the record that I wish I had put on there.  By the end of March 2011, it was clear I made an error by including Best Coast and excluding The Gaslight Anthem’s truly excellent “American Slang”.  Truth be told, I’ve probably listened to “American Slang” more than any of my other choices from 2010.  Great songwriting performed by guys who have unabashedly been influenced by 70’s Springsteen and 80’s Mats.  My apologies to you fine Garden State gentlemen.

And now on to the 2011 list:

#10: Man Man – Life Fantastic

You may need multiple spins of this record before you can really get into it, because it truly is one glorious mess.  Quirky rhythms, vaudevillian instrumentation, and vocal stylings clearly influenced heavily by Tom Waits.  I dig it, but it’s definitely outside the mainstream.

#9: Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi – Rome

This has been my favorite Sunday Morning record this year.  The sprawling open soundtrack and classic spaghetti western sound combined with an unusually restrained Jack White and a characteristically restrained Norah Jones makes for good coffee on the porch background tunes.

#8: Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’

If you’re going to steal, steal from the very best.  I’ve enjoyed Saadiq’s dedication to exploring classic soul, but he got into harder edged soul for this year’s release, less Motown sweetness, more dirt.  To me, it sounds like Sly Stone fronting the Isley Brothers.  There’s nothing wrong with that.

#7: Decemberists – The King Is Dead

I love the production on this record – just uniformly a great sound, starting with the kick drum on the downbeat of track 1.  And as has been mentioned by thousands before me, REM knew it was time to hang it up when the Decemberists made the best REM record in more than 20 years.

#6: Feelies – Here Before

So this year saw the return of The Cars (decent), Buffalo Tom (their best record since the early 90s), and the original lineup of The Jayhawks (horrible, especially after witnessing one of the worst shows I’ve ever seen – Mark Olson, what the hell happened to your voice?).  Most unexpected was the return of The Feelies.  If you were a fan way back when, it’ll be like returning to a comfortable place.  If you never listened to The Feelies in the 80s, you’ll probably need at least a couple spins to get why they’re so great.  And I hope you like the record, then I hope you seek out “The Good Earth” and “Crazy Rhythms”.

#5: The Roots – Undun

2010’s “How I Got Over” and “Wake Up” followed by “Undun” this year, all with playing every night on Fallon’s show.  Wow.  That level of productivity hasn’t been seen since CCR and Stevie Wonder’s early stuff.  For those who don’t know the story, this record is a concept record exploring the life and death of a street hustler, told backwards, a la Memento.  This record proves that The Roots are not only the best hip hop musicians out there, but that they are world class musicians, period.

#4: JEFF The Brotherhood – We Are The Champions

Music City’s garage rock kings.  These guys seem to have absorbed everything I was listening to when I was 13 (Sabbath, Motorhead, Rush, and a bunch of other stuff that girls don’t like) and created a veritable bouillabaisse of basement punk.  Recommended if you like early White Stripes, early Black Keys, other stuff that girls don’t like.

#3: Fucked Up – David Comes To Life

OK, I’m not sure I totally understand the story – something about David meeting Veronica and they’re building a bomb and there’s part of the story told by David’s ex-girlfriend and at one point the narrator and David apparently have different ideas for where the story is going to go.  If you really want to figure out, you probably need to sequester yourself away for 90 minutes with a lyric sheet.  Or, as I choose to do, I’ll just let the blissful pile of guitar hooks pile on top of each other and let Pink Eye scream at me.  All in all, it’s great to hear a band take on something this ambitious without a safety net.

#2: Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now

With so much commercial crap coming out of Nashville, it’s refreshing to discover artists like Caitlin Rose, who feels like she’s from a different era.  This record feels like it would have been comfortable alongside Emmylou, the Flying Burrito Brothers, or Loretta Lynn.  Clearly as you look through this year’s list, I’ve been embracing some noisier stuff as well as records that need repeated listens to fully appreciate.  But, I’ve loved this record from first listen – it’s so accessible, well performed, well produced, with a distinctive voice that I look forward to hearing for years to come.  This is one of the best full-length debuts I’ve ever heard.

#1: Bewitched Hands – Birds and Drums

I really don’t understand why this record isn’t getting more positive buzz or press.  I’m thinking there might be something wrong with me.  Or maybe because they’re French.  Or maybe because it’s import only (does that even matter anymore?).  But I defy you to find a record with more great hooks this year.  This is the record I’ve listened to most this year and where I’ve gotten the most enjoyment.  I know.  I’m as shocked as you.  Maybe I’m becoming a Francophile.  I do like their fries and their dressing.

That’s it.  Thanks for tuning in another year.  As always, I learn a lot each year from others sharing what they liked.  Feel free to build – I know Franklin’s got his list of favorite Taylor Swift and AC/DC songs ready.

Welcome Friends and Happy Holidays.

This is year #14 of putting the list together and soliciting your favorites.  A quick note on how I put the list together – to be honest, there’s very little method to the madness.  Throughout the year, various trustworthy sources point me to music I sample and at the end of the year, I compile a list of music that managed to stick with me for repeat experiences.  That’s it.  In a typical year, my first cut might be around 15 or 16 records.  This year, the first cut was 31 records, making getting to 10 a pretty hairy challenge.  All in all, 2010 was a stellar year for new music – the best I can remember in some time.

But first, the very popular 10 Years After feature, where I revisit 3 records from the list 10 years ago and decide if they have held up or not.

2000 – A Solid Music Year

Kids in Philly – Marah

This blazing <40 minute record still ranks as one of my top 25 records of all time and I still revisit on a regular basis.  Standout tunes for me are “The Catfisherman”, “Christian St.”, “My Heart Is The Bums on The Street”, and of course the below “Faraway You” that is one of my favorite opening tracks to any record I own.

Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia – Dandy Warhols

I really loved this record when it came out and applauded its fresh approach.  I listened to it all the time, then put it on the shelf for a good 7 years before dusting it off for this exercise.  Time has not treated it well at all and I can’t imagine listening to it too much unless I can find a time machine that makes me young and irresponsible again.

Kid A – Radiohead

Mind-blowing, genre-defying records sometime don’t hold up so well.  Ten years ago, I was totally immersed.  After spending an hour with Kid A the other night, I am struggling to understand why I was so enamored.  I’m sure the recency effect is driving my thinking that I’d rather listen to any of my 10 from this year.  Here’s the danger of doing these lists, especially when my actual music listening time is curtailed – sometimes by March of the following year, I’m regretting last year’s list.  Looking at these lists 10 years later can be humbling and confusing – anybody heard from Cropduster or Gingersol lately?  They made the list 10 years ago, currently residing in the “Where Are They Now?” file, with limited to no youtube evidence of their existence…

Random Musings On Music City

I’ve lived in Nashville for about 18 months now and from a musical perspective, here’s just a couple random notes:

• When you fly between Nashville and Austin, they sometimes ask you to check your roller bags at the gate to keep room for guitars in the overhead compartment.
• It’s really not a very big city, but the unusually high number of musicians and other celebrities who are here make sightings fairly common.  One of the reasons they like to live here is that they can live their lives and not be bothered.  Our best example to date: a couple weeks ago at the botanical gardens, we were making a gingerbread house with the kids at the table next to Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, and their daughter and nobody bothered them or was trying to take their picture.
• The musicians and songwriters are insanely good.  Most places, you need to pass an audition to play open mic night.

And Now, 2011

As mentioned earlier, a really outstanding year – I give it a solid A.

Just missed: The Gaslight Anthem, The Besnard Lakes, Against Me!, Broken Bells, Keith Urban (really surprisingly good), and Teenage Fanclub (Welcome Back!)

10.  The Budos Band III – The Budos Band

This is not music to sit and spend time analyzing.  This is all about the groove.  I haven’t found a better record to have on in the background while working or cooking dinner in a really long time.  There’s not much more I can say about these guys, except I hope they make good money for their gigs since there’s no lyrics to get songwriting royalties from.

9.  The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

As I’ve worked my list over the last couple weeks, I’ve had this record as high as #2 and as low as #21.  Ultimately, #9 feels like it’s in the right place as I acknowledge that I’ve enjoyed the record a ton, but for me, it’s missing a little something that prevents its super strong staying power.

8.  Travelling Like The Light – VV Brown

A recommendation from the Sound Opinions radio show (which I really can’t recommend enough).  It’s like Amy Winehouse, except good.  Ok, I’ll elaborate.  It’s got teeth and a healthy dose of Macy Gray (who I’ve always liked), but at the same time is more embracing of a bit of a girl group sound.  There’s very little youtube evidence from this record which I find surprising.  The clip below is one of my favorite tunes on the record, but it doesn’t seem like there’s as much widespread appreciation of her and this record as I would expect.  Start at the 1:18 mark unless you want to hear about London fashion week and some inane UK morning show chit chat.

7.  Crazy for You – Best Coast

I’m such a total sucker for the female singer fronting the noise pop band that has a thing for beach music.  This was one of my favorite discoveries during the end of the year and has been playing non-stop for months.  The fuzzy sound is just perfect.

6.  The Guitar Song – Jamey Johnson

Here’s my straight up country offering for this year.  This wide-sprawling double record just oozes of a man who has lived the tales.  It feels right at home teed up next to 70′s Waylon and Willie.  And by the way, it has the best Westerberg line that Paul never wrote: “It may be lonely at the top, but it’s a bitch at the bottom.”

5.  The ArchAndroid – Janelle Monae

How do you describe this record to somebody without sounding like a mental patient?  Uh, it’s an 18 song concept record, a debut no less, that includes classical, tinpan alley, psychedelia, funk, punk, folk, jazz, hip hop, soul, afro pop.  All fronting a band like JB’s.  And, oh yeah, it’s about a relationship between a human and an android.  As far as I can tell.  I’ll include a clip, but it’s not representative of anything else on the record.  A challenging, sometime frustrating record that demands you pay attention.

4.  This Is Happening – LCD Soundsystem

Part of what has made 2010 such a satisfying musical year, is that there are so many great musicians pushing back at the iTunes model of cherry picking the 3 minute long hits off of a record.  This record challenges the commonly held belief that the attention span of the average fan is that of a gnat.  I love the slow build and burn, especially in the tune I’ve highlighted.  I’m late to the party with my appreciation for LCD Soundsystem, of course getting into them when they will be hanging it up.  It’s pretty similar to how I got into LOST right after the series ended.

3.  How I Got Over – The Roots

Clearly if there were some sort of Fantasy League for musicians, The Roots would be the consensus #1 pick.  In addition to working on Jimmy Fallon’s show every night as the best Late Night band out there, they recorded a stellar record of soul covers with John Legend that was in my top 25, and then released this record that is without a doubt, their best since Phrenology.  Very impressive, boys.

2.  Brothers – The Black Keys

I love it when a band surprises me away from my preconceived notions.  I have the Black Keys’ first record and didn’t think much of it.  I thought it was a swampy carbon copy of the White Stripes.  Now some 6 years or so later, they’ve completely revamped their sound, filled out the band, and written some masterful, hummable tunes.  And, oh yeah, like Lebron James, they left Akron and have taken their talents elsewhere.  There doesn’t seem to be as much press around the band’s move to Nashville as Lebron’s to Miami.  ”Tighten Up” was my fave single of the year.

1.  Shame, Shame – Dr. Dog

Well, most of you know I’ve got a lot of love for this band and their last 3 records were in my top 10.  What puts them over the top this year is the elimination of their weak link which was their former drummer.  New guy is a remarkable upgrade, making them groove much harder.  And oh, by the way, the songs are really first-rate and I go back and forth thinking that this is more of a Scott record some days, then I’ll listen to “Stranger” or the title track and think that it’s a Toby record.  I think they’re the best band working today, but I’ve bestowed that title upon many a band that break up shortly later.  Here’s hoping that these guys keep up the momentum.  BTW, when I see them live, I try to have as many beers as there are sunglasses and hats on stage – I don’t usually make it.

So there you have it, year #14 is done.  Thanks for listening, please post your favorites so I know what I missed.  I received Franklin’s in advance and he promises he will have it posted pretty quick upon return from travels to far off lands.

Best wishes for a musical 2011!

–Tim

======================================

Happy New Year, my friends.  For me, 2009 was a good year for music, but not a great year.  I had no trouble finding 10 records I like (in addition to these, I’d recommend the new Doves (as good of a four album run by a band in the last 20 years), Kasabian, Phoenix, The Bird and the Bee, God Help the Girl, William Elliott Whittmore (wow!), Speck Mountain,Neko Case, Lungs, Booker T. (with Drive-by Truckers), Royksopp, Joe Henry, Intuit, and even Lily Allen (though the lyrics are laugably bad).  However, I didn’t fall head over heels with many of these releases.  In short, I thought the best music came from Sweden, in fact the majority of bands I listed to were Swedish.  I’m not sure what American bands were doing this year, but I don’t feel it measured up to Western Europe at all.

My favorite video was Sigur Ros’ “Heijma.”  If you like them or want to see what Iceland is like, you must see this film.  2009 saw Lord Weller and Louris/Olson make stops in SF, so I was thrilled.  Also, Shelagh taking me to Peter, Bjorn and John on my birthday at the Great American Music Hall was a highlight I’ll never forget.

Thanks as always for turning me on to new music, you know who you are.  Especially Dan Jackson, who is a God who walks amongst men.

Here are my favorite records of 2009 – a much more mellow list than years past – was it the year in music, or my tastes?  You be the judge.  Happy New Year!

10.  Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue.  This record is an interesting and catchy electro-acoustic mash.  I can’t say there’s anything groundbreaking in it, and I have no idea how much of this is playing v. sampling.  The melodies and feel are simple, but very memorable, a record you could put on anytime of day and enjoy.  I guess the guy is a Brit who’s into both electronic and English folkie tunes.  I like the mix, it works.

9.  Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career.  I’m not familiar with their previous work, but I enjoy this poppy, 60′s-esque collection.  The arrangements and production definitely enhance the songs, sung with her Glaswegian accent.  My favorite song, “Honey In the Sun,” really is improved by the horn arrangement, leaving me wonder why they didn’t make more of an effort to include that in their sound.  I find it interesting (and sad) that a band from Scotland has made my favorite Spector-influenced record of the year (likewise with Hawley’s British Orbison-influenced record).  This seems to be a true collection of songs that fit together great and sound better as a group.

8.  Richard Hawley - Truelove’s Gutter.  Richard Hawley is a familiar face on my lists, and rightfully so.  I hope his inclusion on my lists year after year has helped make him more of a household name, he deserves it.  I’ve been singing his praises since I first heard him.  What he does, he does best.  If you’re looking for a post-modern rock record, this isn’t it.  The 50′s-era (and late-model Nick Lowe era) quiet vintage songs, moods, guitars and voice are second-to-none.  I love the decision to give space to instrumental passages to showcase Hawley’s guitar playing more so than previous records.  There isn’t much separating any of his records musically, but I love them all.  Hawley performs and writes timeless tunes, impeccable collections.

7.  The Clientele - Bonfires on the Heath.  The Clientele remind me of what kind of music I imagine John Lennon would be making if he were alive today.  Either way, I always enjoy their records, and this is no exception.  The tempos are slow, the mood melancholy (though not overbearingly so) and nice vocals.  Perfect British rainy day music.

6.  Loney dear – Dear John.  I think this is one guy, as opposed to a band.  I consider this a sort-of Swedish “Something Anything.”  Singer-songwriter songs of gloom and doom, with catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics and a unique sound.

5.  The Temper Trap – Conditions.  It’s about time I got an Aussie (Melbourne)bband back on the list.  I need to get back to listening to Triple J radio on a regular basis.  The one thing I love about Aussie bands is that they use the electric guitar better than American bands do.  I imagine the lead guitarist probably spent his days playing along with “The Unforgettable Fire,” versus earlier generations playing along with “Houses of the Holy.”  Sad, we’ve lost the motivation to spend our adolescent afternoons practicing instruments after school.  In my opinion, rock and roll has suffered and will never recover from this sociological change.  “Conditions” is well-produced, with good performances and good tunes.  And, the singer has a nice voice (with falsetto), some skills.  It’s not equally great from top to bottom, but when its good, its great.  I just saw 500 Days of Summer, and they wisely used the best songs on this record in it.

4.  Brendan Benson - “My Old, Familiar Friend.”  As usual, Benson has made an incredibly catchy, up-tempo, well-written and performed collection of power pop.  But this time, I’d say it’s his best effort.  Each song is equally great and I could listen to him sing all day.  Unfortunately (for me), there aren’t many artists putting good power-pop out these days, thank goodness for Benson.  Can it be that this is the only U.S. recording in this list?

3.  The Veils – Sun Gangs.  Man, the lead singer’s voice sounds great on this.  I’d like to catch them play live, they have the ability to play a variety of styles, without diminishing the lead singer’s power and strengths.  Not a totally consistent offering, but the majority of the tunes are really strong.

2.  Mew – No More Stories Are Told Today I’m Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I’m Tired Let’s Wash Away.  I’ve probably listened to this record more than any other this year because I enjoy it, but also because I’m trying to figure out how they did it.  I think Mew are Danish, for what that’s worth.  This record sounds totally unique and has so many different things going on in it, musically, vocally and production-wise.  I caught them live and they weren’t unable to pull it off, quite frankly.  I like the first half much more than the second, but based on the total effort, I really like this record.

1.  The Soundtrack of our Lives – Communion.  Wow, who else has the chops, cajones, and gravitas to release a double album in the ipod/single era of 2009?  And it’s just not a few songs and filler.  Each song is impressive on its own and served with ample gusto.  Can’t wait to hear them perform this live in February.  The first “side” is more bombastic (is “Mensa’s Marauder’s a cover of Austin Powers’ “BBC?”…) and the second more restrained.  We’re talking over 20 strong tunes, a throwback release to my youth.  How this record slipped under the radar is anyone’s guess – perhaps the classic rock leanings (see: “Lifeline”), or merely the fact they’re from Sweden.  Who knows, who cares.  Always a great band, I feel this is their crowning achievement, defining them as the great band they are.  I wonder if this release will influence radiohead back in this musical direction?  Lyrically and in terms of ambition, they two bands are on par, but
radiohead leads in terms of virtuosity and originality.  Looking forward to hearing something new from them in ’10.

Until then…

Steven

Welcome to this year’s list, the 13^th (!) year I’ve done this.  I’m thrilled that this year we’re finally moving to a more appropriate forum (Thanks, Greg!) to share the tunes and as always, this is meant to jump start a discussion of what got you excited about music this year…and hopefully inspire you to sample some new things.  It sure seems like it was a hell a lot of a lot easier back in the day to pop by the local record store, talk to a clerk who’s taste I respect (Thanks again, Greg!), and walk out with a treasure trove of good stuff.  Now I don’t know who to trust.  And there’s no store for miles.

Hence, this list and the responses that you all provide are my best sources of info these days.  Thanks for playing.  Now on with the show.

Best Tip From Last Year

Furr – Blitzen Trapper

After spending several months perusing the collected recommendations and working iTunes overtime, this one stuck was the standout, right up my alley.  Not sure who the recommender was, but thank you!

10 Years After

Before we dive in, let’s take a quick listen to 3 records on the list from 10 years ago…

Fight Songs – Old 97’s

Still holds up quite well.  There are some pop triumphs here like “Oppenheimer”, “Murder (or a Heart Attack)”, and “Valentine”.  I do distinctly remember picking up this and thinking that there must have a mistake as it was not the twang-core I was used to from the Old 97’s.  Having said all that, I still like about half of this record quite a bit, but it’s far from their best outing.

What I Deserve – Kelly Willis

Nice record to this day.  Still not certain why this wasn’t a monster hit.  My favorite tracks are “Take Me Down”, “Not Forgotten You”, and “Cradle of Love”.  She remains one of my all time favorite voices.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83CytZIA5A

Keep It Like A Secret – Built To Spill

This was my absolute far and away favorite record of 1999…and I still go back to it on a regular basis.  Thick, chunky guitars and a very distinctive voice add up to a signature sound unlike anything else out there.  Favorite tunes are “The Plan”, “Sidewalk”, and “You Were Right”.  If it’s not in your collection, it’s not too late.

The Best Thing I Heard That Wasn’t Music

When Chuck Klosterman joins Bill Simmons on the “B.S. Report”.  To hear these two have rambling discussions about pop culture, sports, and current events makes you feel like you’ve been eavesdropping on one of the most fascinating conversations ever at the neighborhood pub.  Go to espn.com and search “B.S. Report Klosterman” to get the goods.  In fact, another just posted today…

Tunes That Cranked My Tractor

Just Missed:  Grizzly Bear, Steve Earle, Flaming Lips, Tommy Keene, Levon Helm, Wilco, A.C. Newman

10.  Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band – Outer South

If Conor had written/sung all the songs on here, it would have been much higher.  I figured his brilliant half of record is at least the 10^th best offering this year and with iTunes I can merely eliminate everything that wasn’t his stuff and enjoy.  I like how Conor stretched beyond his traditional folk rock and added some muscle.

9.  Animal Collective  – Merriwether Post Pavilion

I know.  I’m as surprised as you are.  This is the most unlikely thing I’ve put on my list in some time.  I kept hearing about it and eventually gave it a try.  Didn’t like it.  Came back to it.  Didn’t like it.  Eventually gave it its final shot full blast on a plane full of screaming children and I think I finally got it.  I’m still not sure I’ll buy any other Animal Collective material, but I dig this one pretty hard at this exact moment.  Maybe a year from now I’ll wish that the Wilco had been in this slot instead.  I will now move quietly on hoping that nobody notices.

8.  Miranda Lambert – Revolution

Maybe it’s my new hometown, I don’t know.  A quick sidenote on Nashville – there are so many insanely talented musicians/singers in this town.  Even the folks playing Tootsie’s at the airport at 9:00am on a Tuesday are pretty great.  I am fairly certain I’m the only person with Animal Collective and Miranda Lambert on their favorite record list.  This will be my full-on twang selection of the year and I’m a gonna put on my boots and declare loud and proud that I’m a fan.  I love that she’s not just a sweet-voiced singer, but that she’s got some oomph behind her music…and I’m a huge fan of her band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR0guxKOyiU

7.  Chuck Prophet – Let Freedom Ring!

Welcome back Chuck.  After spending the better part of a decade twiddling knobs in the studio and experimenting with loops and other technical shenanigans, Chuck packed up the band, zipped to Mexico to a non-state-of-the-art studio, plugged in and played.  The result – a refreshing live sounding record that reminds me of the power of 2 guitars, bass, and drums.  Jesus saves, but the Prophet inspires.

6.  Justin Townes Earle – Midnight at the Movies

Nice.  Young man has some serious names to live up to and he’s totally beginning to deliver with his sophomore album.  I can’t hardly wait to see where this kid’s career takes him, because I think he’s got legendary potential.  And like you can go wrong with a Replacements cover.  Six versions of “Can’t Hardly Wait” currently in my iTunes.

5.  Art Brut – Art Brut vs. Satan

This year’s token snotty Brit contribution.  What an incredibly fun, bouncy, nasty record.  My favorite tracks include: “The Replacements”, “Slap Dash for No Cash”, and “DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshakes”.  It’s not as produced as other favorite snotty Brits like Arctic Monkeys or The Fratellis which makes it sound like a night on a dirty couch, cheap liquor strewn about, with limited opportunities to hook up.  At least that’s what it sounds like to me.

4.  Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

What the hell is going on with this year’s list?  A French band?  Really?  Answer:  Yes.  I know.  I’m as shocked as you, but if you haven’t spent any time with this record you are doing yourself a disservice.  As I explore their back catalog, I don’t think there’s anything remarkable there, but this record, tune for tune, is uplifting, fun, and for lack of a better word, bouncy.

3.  Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

Long-time recipients of my list will find that this is not a surprise.  And now, an editorial comment:  When the country comes to their TV’s to watch “American Idol” (the only actual appointment TV left, look it up), do you think that any of the contestants have half the chops of Neko?  I find “American Idol” to be one of the many things wrong with the music industry and I bite my tongue when people agonize about who’s moving on.  Every time, I just want to say things like, “The best singer you’ll ever hear is Neko Case…and she’s not on that stupid show.”  I will now go in the garage and let out a primal scream.

2.  Decemberists – Hazards of Love

I’ve spent the last several years dismissing the Decemberists and their critically-acclaimed, highly precious (and precocious and pretentious), super book-nerd stuff.  So I’m as surprised as anyone to have been bitten by the bug.  This record finally had muscle and power and sucked me in big time.  If you don’t know the story behind the whole record, a simple google search will tell you what’s going on.  Adding Shara and Becky to the cast as the Queen and Margaret added more texture as well as the opportunity for a very cool cover of Heart’s “Crazy On You” during their live shows.  For me, it’s a band taking a significant step out of their comfort zone…and into mine.  This is not “The Crane’s Wife”.  It’s way more ambitious and uncomfortable.  And successful to me.  Even though I really hate musical theatre.  I’m very confused.

1. Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

Six weeks ago I had never heard of Kasabian.  I was stuck in O’Hare on an extended layover and was reading pretty much everything in the newsstand about music and one of the Brit rags referenced this record.  Downloaded it there in Chicago and when I landed in Nashville said to nobody in particular that this might be it.  After a couple more listens, I’m fairly well convinced of it.  Everything I loved about Oasis without the drama.  Everything I love about music:  attitude, aptitude, things that challenge the audience, and freshness beyond multiple listens.  Frankly, I still don’t know a damn thing about this band, but I know what I like.  And me likey.  (Although I think I may hate it by February).

Thank you for coming along for the ride.  I look forward to hearing what you have to offer and what’s going to be my playlist for the first quarter of 2010.

As always, thanks for listening.  Leave your message at the tone.