Throughout the year, the taint ticklers remained musical junkies, seeking out a new fix at every opportunity. Records were shared, time was spent in many records stores, stereo equipment was bought, and stacks of music appeared throughout houses. Below you will find the end of the year lists of music-related obsessions for 2011.
Anita Papsmear
Top 30 CDs of 2011 (and 10 Honorable Mentions!)
There was a lot of great music that came out this year, from long-time musical icons to up-and-coming artists. 2011 did not disappoint. Here’s a list of what I listened to this year—in no particular order! Enjoy!
1. Junip, Fields (Mute).
I cannot tell you this is my favorite CD of 2011, but I cannot tell you it isn’t either. It is an incredible CD from start to finish with stark yet luscious songs.
2. Cults, Cults (Columbia).
Classified as noise pop, this band hails from NYC. It is so catchy it should come with a warning label. A perfect mix of indie pop and 50s girl-band vocals, it is a delightful CD.
3. Sleeper Agent, Celebrasion (Death Panda).
A veritable popsicle of rock and roll, you’ll love every minute of it listening to this. It will leave you smacking the sugar pop delight off your lips!
4. Beirut, The Riptide (Pompeii Records).
Simple and beautiful.
5. Eddie Vedder, Ukelele Songs (Universal Motown).
It was time.... Perfect.
6. M83, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute).
A double disc release of pure chillwave treasures.
7. The Records, de Fauna et Flora (Foolica).
An Italian band that managed to get every song on this disc right, although with their obvious talent, it probably wasn’t that difficult.
8. The Black Lips, Arabia Mountain (Vice).
This CD is a bit more polished than their previous releases, but despite this fact (long-time fans may not like the Pledge polish), this is one of their best releases so far. Punk rock power can wave its flag of pride once again.
9. Zenith Myth, Zenith Myth (Vibra Cobra).
Epic and lush, it’s rock and roll for stoners. Me likey!
10. Washed Out, Within and Without (Sub Pop).
Lush soundscapes, layered over beautiful melodies—the best chillwave CD out there.
11. The Twilight Singers, Dynamite Steps (Sub Pop).
Always a great disc when Greg Dulli and Mark Lanagen are involved. The tunes on their latest disc are a bit smoother than their other releases but a nice change.
12. Motopony, Motopony (Tiny Ogre).
A Seattle, Washington band with a 70s southern rock sound (or, Folkadelic Rock for you genre-ists), this is a fun and infectious debut release. I dare you to stay still while listening to “Seer.”
13. Still Corners, Creatures of An Hour (Sub Pop).
This CD is incredible—full of haunting, ethereal tunes with purpose.
14. The Vaccines, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines (Columbia).
Great.
15. Primus, Green Naugahyde (Prawn Song).
This CD has everything Primus fans have loved for years about this amazing band and, in particular, Mr. Les. Not only will fans be happy, this is a strong enough release to win over the hearts of those who may not be familiar—if those people even exist.
16. The Orb, C Battery C (Malicious Damage).
A very strong release from the ambient gods. A very fine disc that The Orb can proudly add to their repertoire.
17. Grace Jones, Hurricane (Pias America).
An amazing double CD release. The first CD contains the regular version of the songs and the second disc has all the dub versions of the songs. This is a great collection of tunes, and her voice is as strong and clear and tantalizing as ever—great lyrics too.
18. Vetiver, The Errant Charm (Sub Pop).
Slip this disc in your player and it will bring a smooth, warm breeze to any chilly day. After you reach the end of this CD, I am willing to bet you $10 bucks that you go for the repeat button.
19. Shriekback, Life in the Loading Bay (Malicious Damage).
I was extremely happy to hear something new from Shriekback. Too bad the best songs on the disc aren’t FCC friendly, although the band proves they still have it.
20. Wire, Red Barked Tree (Pinkflag).
Love this band and was so very excited to hear what they’ve been up to! This disc isn’t always FCC friendly (best song can’t be played on-air), but many listeners may not even notice. Hard to resist lyrics when they are this good: “Please take your knife out of my back. And, when you do, please don’t twist it”…. “Fuck off out of my face, you take up too much space. Move, your blocking my view. I’ve seen far too much of you.”
21. Boy With A Fish, I Put My Tongue on the Window (boywithafish.com).
Quirky and a bit different, this is great indie pop.
22. Blitzen Trapper, American Goldwing (Sub Pop).
I have liked every release I have ever heard from this band. This disc is no exception. From mellower, more epic type tunes to fast paced 70s-type rock, there isn’t anything this band cannot do…including putting out a bad CD!
23. Joan As Police Woman, The Deep Field (Play It Again Sam).
I love this CD—it’s a “go to” on Sunday mornings. It effortlessly creams together elements of folk, jazz, and rock into a velvety smooth meringue. Delicious!
24. Adele, 21 (XL).
Nothing needs to be said here.
25. DeVotchka, 100 Lovers (Anti).
This entire CD is perfection. Pound for pound, song for song, simply one of the best CDs released this year.
26. Nitzer Ebb, Industrial Complex (Artists’ Addictions).
Triumphant release by a seminal industrial band—it’s great! They are better than ever!
27. Crocodiles, Sleep Forever (Fat Possum).
This band listened to a lot of Jesus & Mary Chain. It shows and it’s great!
28. Suckerpunch Soundtrack (WaterTower).
Featuring some killer remakes (“Love is the Drug,” “White Rabbit,” etc.), this CD is a great soundtrack through and through. It also has impressive vocal work on a couple of the tunes from the star of the film, Emily Browning.
29. Elbow, Build A Rocket Boys (Polydor UK).
Great release from one of the best bands out there. It isn’t as immediate as some of their other releases but very worthy of a spot on your CD shelf.
30. MOJO Magazine compilation 1-2-3-4! The Roots of The Ramones (MOJO).
Every month MOJO Magazine puts out a zine that includes a CD compilation. In May of 2011, it was a tribute to The Ramones featuring the likes of T. Rex, The Dictators, The Seeds, Suicide, The Shangri-Las—just to name a few. The compilation combines tunes from music artists that The Ramones were influenced by, bands The Ramones influenced, and some of the band member’s favorite tunes. You might be able to back order the comp from the magazine—and you’d have a real gem on your hands.
Honorable Mentions: Wilco, Low, The Decemberists, Kasabian, Blind Pilot, Cage the Elephant, Mogwai, White Lies, Bell X 1, Death Cab For Cutie, and Mr. Glen Campbell.
Worst song of 2011: Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup.” My god, it is awful crap.
Class Warrior
Favorite records for 2011
I have been too busy fighting the class war to write reviews lately, but I did have a chance to listen to some music. What a surprise! There are new releases on my list!
(listed by year)
Terrible Feelings, Tied Up and Impending Doom 7”s (2011).
Currently the best punk band in existence. Who would have thought that in 2011 there would be a punk group that has a unique, creative, distinctive sound? This band is from Sweden, where everything is better. If I ever get a chance, I will submit a review of these records. Here’s hoping they 1) tour the United States and 2) release an LP in the near future before the spark fades (as it does for nearly all of us).
Iron Savior, The Landing (2011).
German old-style heavy metal band who wear their early eighties influences (Maiden, Priest, etc.) on their denim-and-leather covered sleeves. Bonus points for having more than one song about heavy metal. One of my goals for 2012 is to make a CD mix of metal songs about either heavy metal or rocking out. Send suggestions to me. Heavy metal never dies!
Swingin’ Utters, Here, Under Protest (2011).
They haven’t missed a beat. As good as their mid-nineties albums. I’m not surprised because they ruled when I saw them in 2007.
Ghost, Opus Eponymous (2010).
Fun, old-style Satan-infused heavy metal done very, very well. Probably not influenced by anything that came out after 1982 or so. From Sweden, of course. Makes me want to grow out a teenage wispy mustache and inscribe inverted pentagrams all over the place. It has (dare I say it?) a pop-ish edge to it. This is the kind of music your minister was worried about when you were a youth. Mercyful Fate without King Diamond? (That would be mercyful.)
Autistic Youth, Idle Minds (2010).
Very good punk rock from Portland. Wipers meets Adolescents.
Articles of Faith, New Normal Catastrophe (2010).
The masters return. Exceeded expectations.
Knugen Faller, Lugna Favoriter (2007).
An “old” one from Sweden that I dug out and listened to a lot this year. They would have been huge if they had lyrics in English, which is a very unfortunate circumstance—needing to sing in English to be popular, that is. There must be some awesome drugs in the water up there that makes so many people form great bands. I hereby declare that Sweden is the best country in the world (per capita) for guitar-based music. Lots of great things can happen when health care is not tied to employment. I need to find a job there.
Scorpions, Deadly Sting: The Mercury Years (1998).
Couldn’t get enough of the Scorpions this year. Even my son joined in—he loves singing “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” I need to listen to their newish one still.
Blyth Power, Alnwick and Tyne (1990).
Absolutely incredible. This is next on my list for review, so I won’t write anything about it right now.
Stormwitch, Walpurgis Night (1985).
I just discovered this German metal gem earlier this year. The song “Priest of Evil” contains perhaps the most heavy metal line ever: “Priest, priest of evil / spits on every crucifix.” It’s like seeing a thousand churches burn down at once.
Top Secret! sountrack (featuring Val Kilmer) (1984).
I finally found this soundtrack after years of searching, so of course it’s part of my top eleven. If you don’t know what Top Secret! is, do yourself a favor and find out. Skeet surfing, anyone?
Dave
Shining, Blackjazz (2010).
This Norwegian industrial metal group infused new life into the genre with their debut release. I haven’t heard an industrial album with this level of musicianship since KMFDM at the height of their career. There are some really intense moments of free jazz experimentation that are harsh on the ears, but overall this is a very interesting listen for the extreme music fan.
Anthrax, Worship Music (2011).
Joey comes back, the energy level is doubled and Anthrax is a really fun band again. It just goes to show that what makes Anthrax great is relentless energy without the grimmer aesthetics of a lot of modern bands.
Primus, Green Naugahyde (2011).
Those twisted bastards are back and I love it! The thing I really like about this record is that Claypool has taken a bit of a step back to let other members of the band step up and add their own flavor to the songs. I really like Larry Lalonde’s playing on this album. Overall they go back to psychedelic funk rock and actually playing as a band, not the Les Claypool show, which is great!
Jimmy (Explosive Diarrhea) B.
These shows and records are in no particular order.
Shows: I attended more shows in 2011 than in any year in my middle-aged life.
MerleFest: In May I attended MerleFest with SoDak. Over the last few years, I have been getting increasingly interested in Americana and Bluegrass music. MerleFest was well organized, had great sound, and the focus of the entire town was music rather than trying to drain attendees of their life savings.
Mudhoney: Dave and I went to see Mudhoney at Dantes in Portland, OR. After sitting through one of the worst opening acts I have ever had the misfortune of hearing, I was rewarded with the brilliance of Mudhoney. I have been a fan of theirs for most of a decade, but was unexpectedly blown away by their live show. Holy shit their bass player can rip it up!
The Black Angels: Perhaps the most surprising show of the year was the Black Angels at The Wonder Ballroom in Portland. I am the type of concert goer who shoves his hands in his pockets and bobs along to the beat. I never dance, but the Black Angels had me bouncing.
Meat Puppets: How the fuck have I managed to miss the phenomenon known as The Meat Puppets? 2011 was the year of the Meat Puppets. I saw them at the Doug Fir in Portland. Wow! I am now obsessed with this band.
Records:
Brown Bird, Salt for Salt (2011).
I took the family to see The Devil Makes Three, expecting to be blown away by a damn fine established Bluegrass band. But, it was the show’s opener, Brown Bird, which really caught my attention. They are a two piece that sounds like a four piece. If you like Iron and Wine or Dirty Three, you will love Brown Bird.
Across Tundras, Western Sky Ride (2008).
In 2011, I purchased the entire Across Tundras catalog. I knew one of them would make this list; all their records are awesome, so it was a difficult choice. I chose Western Sky Ride, because it is the best example of their sound and vibe—which are totally unique and difficult to explain. Across Tundras’ music has a metal feel, but it is also wonderfully melancholy, much like a spaghetti western soundtrack.
Harvestman, In a Dark Tongue (2009).
Truthfully, I don’t know what it is about this record that I love so much. It is stripped down, not flashy, and the musicianship is merely adequate. But there is something about it—perhaps it is my old friend melancholy.
Jerry Reed, Koko Joe (1971).
Until a few years ago, all I knew about Jerry Reed is that he played Cledus Snow in Smoky and the Bandit. SoDak loves this guy, so I thought, “what the fuck, I will give it a shot.” Reed is awesome. He can croon, he can get dirty, and he is one of the great guitar players.
The Meads of Asphodel, The Murder of Christ the Jew (2010).
The Meads have become one of my favorite metal (or is it punk metal) bands. The Murder of Christ the Jew is their best record to date. Everything came together on this one, the production is good, the composition is good, and the lyrics and creativity are awesome.
Wrack, Graveyard Poetry (2009).
An amazing, but unknown, jazz metal band, known as The Mass, called it quits a few years ago. Their drummer, Tyler Cox, embarked on a solo project titled Wrack. Wrack has a sound loaded with despair. If you like music with a depressing vibe, check out Wrack. Here is a link: http://wrack.bandcamp.com/album/graveyard.
The Black Heart Procession, Six (2009).
The Black Heart Procession was a 2011 discovery. I have picked up several of their albums, and I could have listed any one of them here. I decided on Six; it was the first one I bought, and the album I know the best. Six is, you guessed it, dark and dreary. If you are a fan of Low, you will love The Black Heart Procession.
Meat Puppets, Lollipop (2011).
Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Munly, Munly and the Lee Lewis Harlots (2004).
I must have been depressed in 2011. Nearly all of the albums I was smitten with in 2011 were depressing. Munly is no exception. The record has a weird mix of bluegrass (usually a happy up tempo music) and goth lyrical content. It is strange, but brilliant. I met Munly at a Slim Cessna’s Auto Club show, a few months ago. I found him to be polite, refreshingly blunt, and interested in his fans, but the man comes across as haunted, or perhaps he is just odd. If I had numbered my best of 2011 records, Munly would probably be at the top of the list. You MUST get this record.
Kloghole
1. Going on a music binge with Jimmy (Explosive Diarrhea) B. I had so much shit, I had to put back some Saxon I already had on cassette. Pity! Thanx for showing me and the missus a good time!
2. James McMurtry show in St. Louis in March. I bumped into him in the lobby of the hotel after his show. We exchanged pleasantries about the fucked up elevator that had no numbers in the fucking thing. I then pointed him in the direction of a late night bar.
3. Seeing Testament and Death Angel. Testament still rocks, and I was seeing Death Angel for the first time. Anthrax was not half bad.
4. That is about fucking it. It has been a couple of fucked up years personally and musically. My rage is deteriorating into a generalized pissyness regarding every little fucking thing. I am so fucking don’t-give-a-shit that it’s been almost a year since something provoked my rage enough to poke a fucking hole in the basement wall, or post a fucking music review. All I can manage now is a muttered “fuck it” and a defeated plop into my recliner. For the depths of my despondency, see #3 under my Festivus Grievances.
Null
Top 16 of 2011
1. The Joy Formidable, The Big Roar (Atlantic 2011).
They are some sort of mystic force that permeates the scenes with beauty, mystery, and mountains of swirling majestic guitars. Stunning. The music The Joy Formidable make is uplifting and menacing, full of love, hope, and loss. This album also contains the best song of 2011; “Whirring.” It is a seven-minute epic that will make one laugh, cry, and finally jump out the window when the Iron Maiden double bass drum kicks in at the end. Just when you think the song is about to end, it simply jumps to a new level of fucking rockin’ beauty. This band could be the soundtrack to Pangaea breaking up, or falling in love. In truth, it is both.
2. Motörhead, “Get Back In Line” Video (UDR 2011).
This is the best video of 2011. Lemmy and the boys not only expose the death machine of Wall Street for what it really is but also give the capitalist tycoons what they deserve: a royal ass kicking. Sometimes the truth manifests in unlikely places.
3. Willie Nelson, Spirit (Island 1996).
Though this album was released sixteen years ago, it was only this year that I discovered this quintessential Willie Nelson record. His voice and guitar playing are delicate and filled with age-old wisdom. Stunning.
4. Pink Floyd, Relics (Capital 1971).
This album is a collection of singles and B-sides, which illustrate the move from Syd Barrett’s absurd little ditties to the creepy dark ambience that followed. It also rocks in a very uncharacteristic way. I can play this album over and over again and it never seems to get old. It’s like being drugged and lost in the English countryside.
5. Cannibal Corpse, Global Evisceration DVD (Metal Blade 2011).
I don’t even care about the horrifically grotesque lyrics anymore. From the extensive backstage and bonus features on this DVD I fell in love with Cannibal Corpse as human beings, whether they are longing for their wives and children at home or simply throwing cheese at windows out of boredom on a train in Russia.
6. Pearl Jam, Twenty DVD (Vinyl Films 2011).
It was nice to watch this documentary on one of the best rock bands of this generation. They created their best work only after people stopped paying attention.
7. Malignus Youth, Ephemeral / Missa Brevis LP (Youth- Ink 1998).
Out of print forever, I have been trying to get my hands on this record for years. It was only this year that I finally completed my Malignus Youth collection by downloading this album from somebody’s blog. Unfortunately, the lyrics contain some Christian overtones. That was disappointing. Yet, to hear this amazing hardcore band deliver a Catholic mass, “Missa Brevis,” at the end of the album is fucking epic. It sounds like a two disc prog-rock album condensed into seven minutes. It is even sung in Latin. Brilliant.
8. OFF!, First Four EPs (Vice 2010).
Smart. Fast. Short. Does not placate. These old-timers show how it is done. (See review on this site)
9. Blood Ceremony, Living With The Ancients (Metal Blade 2011).
One could say that these Canadian rockers are a bit contrived but who gives a shit. Every time I spin this album I am happy. Apparently a group of Canadians locked themselves in a dungeon and listened to Black Sabbath for years. When the dungeon doors opened Blood Ceremony was unleashed upon the world. They are the children of Black Sabbath with female vocals and the occasional flute which conjures images of Jethro Tull and pagans dancing naked in the woods. Sounds like it was recorded in the 1970s. Awesome. Slow and heavy.
10. Jefferson Airplane / Jefferson Starship
I have always loved Jefferson Airplane. They were kinda like a punk rock Grateful Dead. While completing my collection this year, I wandered far too deep into the Jefferson Starship years, something I said I would never do. Some are great and some are not. Near the end I just had to stop listening as I lost any notion of critique and sat in the corner crying, as I had forgotten my own name.
11. The Smiths, The Complete Smiths Box Set (Rhino 2011).
Miniature facsimiles of the original vinyl LPs released by one of the greatest bands in recorded history. The Smiths were the masters of subversive pop. The lyrics and mastery of their instruments will never be undermined. If it weren’t for The Smiths, I would have killed myself in high school.
12. Nausea, The Punk Terrorist Anthology Vol. One (Alternative Tentacles 2010).
This is not for everyone. Uncompromising “crust-punk” with incredible, intelligent radical lyrics and I am a sucker for shared male/female vocals. This album lit a fire under my puck rock ass and reminded me that a better world is possible.
13. La Traviata Live Opera DVD featuring Anna Netrebko (Deutsche Grammophon 2006).
I have loved Anna Netrebko for years. The big wigs and outlandish costumes and tropes of opera are put aside for this brilliant live performance, replaced with a minimalist stage and color scheme of white, blue, black, and red, allowing the audience to better appreciate the music and story of this Verdi classic. The optional subtitles are helpful too. However, to witness Anna Netrbko in action is awe inspiring. She stands in miniature on a giant empty stage as her voice echoes through the theater. It is incredibly beautiful for the eyes and ears. Baffled, I keep muttering to myself, “That is a human being doing that…a human being!”
14. Motörhead, The World Is Yours (UDR 2011).
This was the first Motorhead album I was really able to connect with. Love it. I get it now.
15. Lemmy: 49% Motherfucker, 51% Son Of A Bitch DVD (Red General 2011).
Whether you like Motörhead or not, you should see this documentary about Motörhead’s notorious and complex front man: Lemmy. It is surprisingly touching and sad, funny and inspiring.
16. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Sour Mash 2011).
The best thing Noel ever did was get rid of his idiot brother. It is not surprising that many of these songs are Beatles and Kinks hybrids but, I mean, what did you expect? What we have here is an album that is surprisingly beautiful and tender at moments. Love and loss. It appears that, now in his 40’s, “big brother” has decided to grow up. A little. Also, in accordance with my grievances for this year, some of the Bonus Tracks and iTune only tracks are some of the best. Bloody Bastards. Bullocks. Tossers.
Unexplained Happenings of 2011
I keep listening to Rihanna. Direct all questions to SoDak.
Plainzero
(coming soon)
Scott
Favorite records this year, followed by top five concerts.
Records, in no particular order:
Ryan Adams, Ashes and Fire (2011).
Ryan Adams, Ashes and Fire (2011).
He’s at his best working in folk and alt-country, and this new one proves it yet again. Song: “Lucky Now.”
Keelhaul, Triumphant Return to Obscurity (2009).
Keelhaul, Triumphant Return to Obscurity (2009).
I had never heard of Keelhaul until Dave’s glowing review of this album last year, so I picked it up and spent the better part of 2011 blasting it. It’s technical and complex but still somehow loose and raw. Song: “El Matador.”
Bruce Cockburn, Small Source of Comfort (2011).
Bruce Cockburn, Small Source of Comfort (2011).
Cockburn’s been releasing albums for over 40 years, and this, his newest, is as good as anything else he’s done. The instrumental songs are particularly mesmerizing. Song: “Boundless.”
Ted Leo, Shake the Sheets (2004).
Ted Leo, Shake the Sheets (2004).
I’ve owned this album for a year or two and sort of liked it, but it never really clicked with me until this year. And man, it clicked, so I picked up the rest of his catalog (as a solo artist), and although there’s a lot of great stuff, this one remains my favorite. Song: “Counting Down the Hours.”
Motörhead, The Wörld Is Yours (2010).
Motörhead, The Wörld Is Yours (2010).
Motörhead fucking rules. This album fucking rules. That’s all. Song: “Born to Lose.”
Gillian Welch, The Harrow and the Harvest (2010).
Gillian Welch, The Harrow and the Harvest (2010).
This might be her strongest album yet, which is saying a lot. I guess eight years for a new release was worth the wait. Song: “Hard Times.”
Revocation, Chaos of Forms (2011) and Existence Is Futile (2009).
Revocation, Chaos of Forms (2011) and Existence Is Futile (2009).
I’m including both because I just got into this band this year, and both albums smoke. Fantastic guitar work that seems familiar and new at the same time, and really well executed. After a few listens, you also realize how well the songs are written. Song: “Deathonomics.”
Johnny Cash, American Recordings series (1994-2010).
Johnny Cash, American Recordings series (1994-2010).
I had one of these albums and at SoDak’s suggestion I picked up the rest, including the Unearthed boxset, which has unreleased songs and alternate takes. The government should issue a set of these to everyone living in the United States. Goddamn. Song (almost impossible to choose but what the fuck, it’s my favorite Sting song): “I Hung My Head.”
Patti Smith, Just Kids (2010).
Patti Smith, Just Kids (2010).
I wanted to include a book on here, and, like Patti Smith’s music, this one is mostly good, occasionally brilliant, and often pretentious. But it’s very moving and well worth the read, regardless of whether you’re a Patti Smith fan or not.
Cynic, Carbon-Based Anatomy (2011).
Cynic, Carbon-Based Anatomy (2011).
This is just an EP, and only three of the six tracks are “real” songs (the others are atmospheric interludes, I guess), but it’s still going in my top ten. Cynic moves even further away from their death metal roots, and it works. Song: “Box Up My Bones.”
And here are my top 5 concerts.
And here are my top 5 concerts.
I saw a lot of great shows this year, and a few more should probably be on here, like the Judas Priest “farewell” concert or Jay Farrar. Gillian Welch deserves a special mention for two of the greatest performances I have ever seen anywhere, a “Revelator” that was fucking electrifying (thanks to David Rawlings’s guitar solo) and a “Hard Times” that literally made me cry a little bit.
Brendan Perry - Mixed in some Dead Can Dance tunes with his newer solo stuff; I was depressed the place was only 3/4s full, if that. A totally underappreciated artist.
Bruce Cockburn - Saw two intimate shows back to back, reminded me of why, if I had to name a favorite artist, it would probably be Cockburn. Slightly awkward when I met him afterwards and showed him some of his lyrics I have tattooed on my arm, and realized how crazy I seemed—but he was very nice about it, until I asked for a lock of his hair.
Opeth/Katatonia - Never saw the latter before despite being a big fan; they were great. Have seen the former at least every time they came through NYC/NJ for about 10 years (plus some other random shows), but this was the first time seeing the “post-death metal” Opeth. Still one of the fucking greatest bands alive, although I do miss the growls.
Cynic - A special (one of a kind?) acoustic performance by Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert in a tiny bar packed full of metal nerds. Played the new stuff from EP and two other songs, so it was a quick but very memorable set. I was lucky to catch it.
Billy Bragg - Just him and a guitar. Thought I would enjoy the show but was surprised by how much I did. Sent me back to the Billy Bragg catalog for a couple of days (and he revealed that Mermaid Ave III, another installment of the Woody Guthrie-derived album series with Wilco, is coming in 2012).
Brendan Perry - Mixed in some Dead Can Dance tunes with his newer solo stuff; I was depressed the place was only 3/4s full, if that. A totally underappreciated artist.
Bruce Cockburn - Saw two intimate shows back to back, reminded me of why, if I had to name a favorite artist, it would probably be Cockburn. Slightly awkward when I met him afterwards and showed him some of his lyrics I have tattooed on my arm, and realized how crazy I seemed—but he was very nice about it, until I asked for a lock of his hair.
Opeth/Katatonia - Never saw the latter before despite being a big fan; they were great. Have seen the former at least every time they came through NYC/NJ for about 10 years (plus some other random shows), but this was the first time seeing the “post-death metal” Opeth. Still one of the fucking greatest bands alive, although I do miss the growls.
Cynic - A special (one of a kind?) acoustic performance by Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert in a tiny bar packed full of metal nerds. Played the new stuff from EP and two other songs, so it was a quick but very memorable set. I was lucky to catch it.
Billy Bragg - Just him and a guitar. Thought I would enjoy the show but was surprised by how much I did. Sent me back to the Billy Bragg catalog for a couple of days (and he revealed that Mermaid Ave III, another installment of the Woody Guthrie-derived album series with Wilco, is coming in 2012).
SoDak
I still have boxes filled with CDs and records that I picked up, but have not listened to, this year. I would like to go on a long road trip in order to listen to this music. Nevertheless, I devoted countless hours listening to new music and rediscovering past favorites. My list is in no particular order.
Records:
Dolorean, The Unfazed (2011).
I saw Dolerean play in Eugene, OR many years ago. His songs swirl my head. The Unfazed might be the best record yet by this artist. Stand out tracks include: “Fools Gold Ring” and “If I Find Love.”
Crooked Fingers, Breaks in the Armor (2011).
Crooked Fingers includes Eric Bachmann of Archers of Loaf fame. Most of the Crooked Fingers records are great. His solo record, To the Races was captivating, especially the songs “Carrboro Woman” and “Man O’War.” I am not sure what it is about his voice, but he has hooked me. I am drawn to him. “Typhoon,” on Breaks in the Armor, is a great track.
Dawes, Nothing Is Wrong (2011).
I picked up this record this summer, but I did not listen to it until October. I was driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway and decided to give this record a chance. The songs made the curves in the road easy, as I marveled at the bounty of colors as the leaves were changing. There is a distinct warmth to this record that reminds me of country-rock from the 1970s. It is a gentle record.
J Mascis, Several Shades of Why (2011).
I go through bouts where I really do not want to hear anything by Dinosaur Jr. Other times, it is exactly what I need. An old girlfriend was obsessed with Dinosaur Jr., and I have found memories of listening to this band. This year J. Mascis put out a solo record that is absolutely wonderful. An acoustic guitar and his voice are the main focus here. Some songs include his signature electric guitar solos that drift over the rhythm. I get lost in the record. It is a good record for a rainy day.
Black Lips, Arabia Mountain (2011).
I bought this record by mistake. I thought I grabbed a different CD. I am glad that I made this error and still decided to give it a listen. This record is filled with catchy rock songs that incorporate influences from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. I love the psychedelic sound of the record. It rocks and makes me dance around the house.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Here We Rest (2011).
Jason Isbell wrote superb songs while he was in the Drive-By Truckers. I did not like his first two solo records following his departure from the aforementioned band. However, his new record pleasantly surprised me. Last year, Scott mentioned that some of the new songs that Jason played at a show were outstanding. He was right. “Alabama Pines” and “Codeine” are great fuckin’ songs. This is a good record. I would only delete three songs, “The Ballad of Nobeard,” “Never Could Believe,” and “Heart On a String.”
Jethro Tull, Aqualung, fortieth anniversary edition (1971, newly remastered 2011).
Yes, a classic record. I have always been a casual listener. My partner used to listen to Heavy Horses quite a bit, and Jimmy (Explosive Diarrhea) B. loves this band. So when the fortieth anniversary edition of Aqualung was released this year, I decided to give this record a closer listen. The CD remained in the stereo for several weeks. I could not get enough of it. I played it over and over. The sound is incredible. The guitars, bass, drums, and flute sound great, especially when played loud. The concept of the record is delightful in its critique of religion. I love the heavy guitar crunch that erupts every now and then on some of the songs. This new edition has an extra disc, which includes longer versions of a couple of the short songs on Aqualung.
Motörhead, The Wörld Is Yours (2010).
Solid record. Fuckin’ love it. The video for “Get Back In Line” is awesome. It is one of the few music videos that I even like.
Two Cow Garage, Sweet Saint Me (2010).
I have been a fan of Two Cow Garage for a long time. I saw them play many years ago in Oregon. Finally picked up their latest record. They get better and better. While distinct, they fit well with Lucero and the Replacements, on days when I am in the mood for dirty, raspy rock and roll. They do a good job mixing things up, as the rocking songs kick ass and the ballads break your fuckin’ heart in all the right ways. Lately, I have been hooked on the songs “My Great Gatsby” and “Soundtrack to My Summer.”
Primus, Green Naugahyde (2011).
I saw Primus when they were the opening act for Jane’s Addiction in 1990. Always thought they were interesting, but it has taken a long time for me to fully embrace them. I am hooked, many years late, I know. But it is great to have a band making such a good record after all of these years. Plus, I have to love a band with a song called: “Lee Van Cleef.” Here’s to Angel Eyes.
Wire, Red Barked Tree (2011).
While I liked their early punk rock records, I have become a bigger fan of their most recent records.
Alice Donut (their entire fuckin’ catalog).
I saw Alice Donut around 1990. They were good. But I never spent any time listening to them. Null has continued to praise them for years. He sent copies of their records. I fell in love with their dark, demented songs—which are also filled with lots of heart and humanity. I then purchased all of their records over the last couple of years. Each year, I find that I spend more time listening to them. They continue to intrigue me, given their complicated songs. They are definitely a band that you have to spend time with, digesting the bountiful feast that is served.
The Bomb, Speed Is Everything (2009).
Jeff Pezzati from Naked Raygun in the vocalist in The Bomb. I liked the previous record by The Bomb, but Speed Is Everything is much better. It is solid, melodic punk rock. As the record progresses, it gets better and is filled with more catchy and powerful songs. There is a good mix of fast punk rock songs with slow tunes. I love the songs “Spaceman” and “A Song for Helenas.”
Report Suspicious Activity, Destroy All Evidence (2008) and Report Suspicious Activity (2005).
This past year, I finally picked up the two records by Report Suspicious Activity, a band that includes Vic Bondi (from Articles of Faith) and J. Robbins (from Jawbox). I was not disappointed. Report Suspicious Activity play angry, politically charged punk rock. Hearing Vic Bondi holler sends chills down my spine. I get excited and want to start a band. There are also a few good acoustic tracks included on these records that add an interesting variation and more depth to the collection of songs.
Ghost, Opus Eponymous (2010).
I had been curious about this record. Then one day, Null called me and told me that I had to get this record. He was enthralled by the classic metal sound with the very melodic vocals. He was right. Ghost has a classic sound that still sounds fresh. I love the song: “Ritual.” This record includes lots of songs about Satan. Raise the Devil horns, my friends.
Concerts/Shows: Below I list only a few of the standouts shows.
Motörhead. Finally had a chance to see Motörhead with my friend Critter. Of course, it was loud. What? I said it was loud. But it was awesome. It was a night filled with great songs by a band that seems to love playing music.
June Star. I saw June Star play a couple times in Chapel Hill, NC, in a shitty little bar. June Star consistently puts out great Americana records. Andrew Grimm is a terrific songwriter and a very cool person. Check them out.
Mike Watt. Mike Watt is an amazing bass player. I stood at the front of the stage and watched his three-piece band knock out Watt’s most recent rock opera. Sweat was flying and I had a huge smile, enjoying every moment.
Bottlerockets. I saw the Bottlerockets open for Lucinda Williams in the late 1990s. They were incredible and I wish they played a longer set. This year I saw them play again. They definitely knock out the tunes, playing a lot of songs in one show. They did not take time between songs to change guitars or tunings. It was straight ahead rock and roll with twang. Wonderful.
Judas Priest. I was supposed to attend this show with Kloghole, but he was not able to join me. My partner and I went to the show. Thin Lizzy were forgettable. Black Label Society was horrible. But Judas Priest was awesome. The crowd was very cool, singing along throughout the whole show. The band played a song from almost every album. The new guitar player was good.
Merlefest (tons of artists, including Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Lyle Lovett, Sam Bush, and Tony Rice). Jimmy (Explosive Diarrhea) B. and I spent a couple days at this festival in western North Carolina. I was very impressed with the organization of the festival and the variety of stages. We saw a lot of good music. Both of us ended up with nasty sunburns. But we were quite happy with the music, minus the Doobie Brothers.
Sam Baker/Jon Dee Graham. This year, I finally saw Sam Baker and Jon Dee Graham, two amazing songwriters. During this show they took turns playing songs. The show was very spontaneous, given the lively banter between them as well as with the crowd. They told great stories between songs. Their performances were wonderful.
Joy Formidable. Null has been praising this band all year. I was fortunate to see them play, arriving at the venue just before they took the stage. The drummer was fuckin’ unbelievable. They put on a high-energy performance. I am still singing songs from the show, even though it was a couple months ago.
Tinariwen. I was pissed that I missed Tinariwen perform last year. Fortunately, I saw them play this year. The two main front men took turns leading the band throughout th night. The band was engaging and powerful. No one in the crown was standing still, as the music was infections causing everyone to bounce around, smiling.
