See two posts down for my thoughts on the year in music. Sad to say, there's not one homerun in the bunch, but here are a few triples:
Check out Highway 290 Revisited for Richard Nelson's picks.
Bruce Springsteen: Magic
I don't even know what to make of the Boss anymore. He goes all quiet and folky for awhile, he tours with a covers band, then he makes a record that sounds like the proper follow-up to Born In The U.S.A. All in a day's work, I suppose.
Youth Group: Casino Twilight Dogs
I saw Youth Group open for Death Cab For Cutie, and they definitely fit in that indie pop milieu. But they aren't as fussy or self-conscious. These songs stuck with me this year.
Albert Hammond, Jr.: Yours To Keep
Read the review.
Just look at that cover. Awww.
Kaiser Chiefs: Yours Truly, Angry Mob
Read the review.
Though not necessarily compelling as an entire record, this has enough amazing singles (Ruby, Heat Dies Down, I Can Do It Without You, etc) to keep it in the player.
Motion City Soundtrack: Even If It Kills Me
Read the review.
The sugar rush wears off, but it's fun while it lasts!
Sloan: Never Hear The End Of It
Read the review.
Sloan may be the most underappreciated band on the continent. Well, at least the southern two-thirds.
Jimmy Eat World: Chase This Light
If I ever go completely deaf in my old age, this band will be to thank, 'cause I always crank their records. Somehow a combination of the compelling darkness of Futures with the sunny brightness of Jimmy Eat World, this is a solid effort.
Arcade Fire: Neon Bible
There's a joy and majesty to these songs, to go along with a strong air of discomfort.
Fountains Of Wayne: Traffic & Weather
Read the review.
The Shins: Wincing The Night Away
The best kind of record, the kind that compels you to keep listening and rewards you each time, until the songs are etched on your brain.
Check out Highway 290 Revisited for Richard Nelson's picks.
Bruce Springsteen: MagicI don't even know what to make of the Boss anymore. He goes all quiet and folky for awhile, he tours with a covers band, then he makes a record that sounds like the proper follow-up to Born In The U.S.A. All in a day's work, I suppose.
Youth Group: Casino Twilight DogsI saw Youth Group open for Death Cab For Cutie, and they definitely fit in that indie pop milieu. But they aren't as fussy or self-conscious. These songs stuck with me this year.
Albert Hammond, Jr.: Yours To KeepRead the review.
Just look at that cover. Awww.
Kaiser Chiefs: Yours Truly, Angry MobRead the review.
Though not necessarily compelling as an entire record, this has enough amazing singles (Ruby, Heat Dies Down, I Can Do It Without You, etc) to keep it in the player.
Motion City Soundtrack: Even If It Kills MeRead the review.
The sugar rush wears off, but it's fun while it lasts!
Sloan: Never Hear The End Of ItRead the review.
Sloan may be the most underappreciated band on the continent. Well, at least the southern two-thirds.
Jimmy Eat World: Chase This LightIf I ever go completely deaf in my old age, this band will be to thank, 'cause I always crank their records. Somehow a combination of the compelling darkness of Futures with the sunny brightness of Jimmy Eat World, this is a solid effort.
Arcade Fire: Neon BibleThere's a joy and majesty to these songs, to go along with a strong air of discomfort.
Fountains Of Wayne: Traffic & WeatherRead the review.
The Shins: Wincing The Night AwayThe best kind of record, the kind that compels you to keep listening and rewards you each time, until the songs are etched on your brain.
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