YEAR END REVIEW – 2004

 

Most hip music buffs would write about all the new music they’d heard over the past year.  Well, that’s partially true here, but I’ll add some vintage music as well.  Truth is…..popularmusic is not, overall, getting better as we get older.  Jazz and world music is as hot as ever, but I stay in an almost virtual state of “unimpressed” with new rock.   I’m no dinosaur, but I know what’s good and what sucks (see icon above).  Here’s a few tidbits…..

 

·         best box set

The Beatles – The Capitol Albums Volume 1

Frankly, this one needs no introduction.  This set captures the group’s first four American albums – Meet The Beatles, The Beatles Second Album, Something Else, and Beatles ’65 -- you know, the ones we listened to in junior high school.  And while a lot of these songs sound very dated… very immature… very irrelevant…, the collection is absolutely magical.  I love these simple songs.  The group was still ascending in 1964, Paul & John were actually writing together, and the band recorded songs that they were able to play live.  It was a fun run for sure.   Stay tuned for Volume 2.

note:  I think it’s an interesting cultural phenomenon that, in the span of five years, Lennon’s lyrical mindset evolved from “Oh please say to me you’ll let me hold your hand” to “Yellow matter custard dripping from a dead dog’s eye”.  Now that’s art!

 

·         best new discovery

The Smithereens – Blown to Smithereens

This greatest hits package is not new, but I had never listened to these guys.  I always assumed they were some lame, spiky-haired punk outfit, but they’re actually four accomplished garage rockers from New Jersey who crank out some very catchy tunes.  Who knew?

 

 

·         best rediscoveries

Sea Level – Best of Sea Level

I owned several of their albums in the 70s, but chose a greatest hits CD a few months back to capture the essence of this Chuck Leavell-Allman Brothers spinoff band.  What a treat.  And check out Birmingham-born Chuck’s website sometimes (www.chuckleavell.com).  Besides being a world-class musician and famous sideman to the Stones, he’s a respected author and environmental champion – even named the Outstanding Tree Farmer in the Nation a few years ago.  All rockers are definitely not druggies & fools.

 

Donald Fagen – The Nightfly

The man who put the steel in Steely Dan cut this classic solo album in 1982.  Superb, then and now.

 

·         sexiest music

Chris Botti – A Thousand Kisses Deep

This minimalist jazz trumpeter lays a groove thing down.  And his follow-up CD, When I Fall in Love, picks up where this one leaves off.  Mmmmm.

 

·         better with every listening award

Diana Krall – The Girl in the Other Room

This CD of original tunes from Mrs. Costello is a big departure from her earlier work -- it’s a little quirky and not immediately understood -- but I’m getting around to seriously loving it.  The last two songs, I’m Coming Through and Departure Bay, are especially wonderful.

 

·         worst cd of the year

The worst CD of the year is also the worst CD I’ve ever heard.  But it’s too painful to share at this time.  Whatever you do, don’t buy it!

 

·         all-time lamest lyrics (stoooopid writing award)

Lynyrd Skynyrd – All Time Greatest Hits

I don’t need the entire musical catalogue of these guys…this particular compilation gives me my fix of southern-fried classic rock.  And I just love Saturday Night Special and Gimme Back My Bullets and a few others.  But I warn you – these tracks will make you dumber.  I hope it’s all worth it.

 

·         fountain of youth award

The Who – Who’s Next

This may be the best rock album ever recorded.  From the opening synthesizer of Baba O’Reilly to the last (world famous) scream of Roger Daltry on Won’t Get Fooled Again, this album pumps some serious adrenaline.  Every song still knocks me out….Bargain, Behind Blue Eyes, The Song is Over, Going Mobile, etc.   I remember well when it was new.  And I LOVE that memory.

 

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Well, another year looms for the Snapper Snatcher music scene.  We’ll be listening and recommending.  Bruce Hornsby comes to town in a few weeks and my Rolling Stones three-pack should be in the mailbox today.  Always stay in tune.  Peace.  GD