One More Day Of This Shit (The Year, Not the Blog)

Whatever you do tonight, do it safely, do it with a smile, and let's kiss this piece of shit year goodbye!

I have two mixes for tonight. I haven't decided which should be played first. Each seems to work as an early evening or late evening playlist. You decide. Just listen and play them loud.










See you tomorrow at Coney Island, for breakfast at Nathan's and a swim with the Polar Bears. You'll recognize me. I'll be the one furthest from the water.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Zips below.

NEW YEAR'S EVE '09

BW 2010

2010: Predictions, Hopes, Fears, OR How I Will Never Stop Worrying As I Wait For The Bomb

I can't get out of 2009 fast enough. I'm leaving skid marks, baby. I know it is technically leaving us, but 2009 was so bad, I watched "Imitation Of Life" the other night to cheer me up. Let me tell ya, 2009 was like the "Battlefield Earth" of years. This is not the place to air my dirty laundry, so I will just say, "Away with you, bad year!" and look forward, hoping that we are all graced with health, wealth, and happiness in 2010. Because if we aren't, I will seriously fucking kill someone.

As for the pages of Burning Wood, it is a thrill to know so many of you come back on a daily basis and offer comments and support for what I do. Money is good too, you know. But I do love the comments. The blogosphere can be a lonely world, and all of you have made it less lonely. Not sure what is in store for 2010. At the very least, it will be more of the same with as much music as I can offer without a law suit. Suggestions are always welcome, though I was thinking of a weekly series devoted to the largely overlooked output of the Little River Band. (Need to think that one through.)

AS FOR 2010:

I need a job. Can anyone pay me to do anything? I'm good at stuff. Really. I don't smoke. I hate Dane Cook. I'm never late. I buy the coffee in the morning. What more can I say?


Oh I know....


How about that long rumoured Paul McCartney/Elvis Costello collaboration?

How about a scaled down Rolling Stones tour with just the 5 band members and Chuck Leavell, in smallish venues, for less than $100 a ticket, where they play only songs up to and through "Exile On Main Street?"

How about I admit to absolutely loving the new John Mayer record "Battle Studies," and I get all of you sticks in the mud to appreciate great pop songwriting? (Developing...)

HEY YOU! Overrated, bearded, moody, psychefolkedelic indie artist, LIGHTEN UP, put on some shoes, and stop believing the hype.

I fully expect the debut release from The Electric Mess to absolutely explode and end up on everyone's 2010 Best Of list. You heard it here first. Check'em out, please at TheElectricMess.com.

See you all this summer at Jones Beach for the Chicago/Beach Boys/Moody Blues/America/Earth, Wind & Fire tour. (This has to stop. I hate Long Island.)

Here's hoping Williamsburg, Brooklyn loses its cool appeal and all the good music acts come back to Manhattan. Hey Williamsburg! You ain't nothing. Right, Sheepshead Bay? (Like anyone from Sheepshead Bay reads this blog.)

Faces reunion please. If for no other reason, it will stop Rod Stewart from making a record.

And to you, whomever is left at the major labels--here's an idea. Instead of making us buy what we've already bought over and over and over, how about looking out for the fans and the adults who would still actually buy a CD? Totally random example, though it is now 7 years old: you re-released Joe Jackson's Night & Day this time with a bonus CD of live tracks and b-sides for a $30 list price. Why didn't you release "The Night & Day Supplement" for $10.99, which is just the bonus CD? I am sure all you guys at UMG have the answer, but most of us don't care.


Anything to add, dear readers?


Stay tuned for tomorrow's double-whammy New Year's Eve mixes. (Hang in there, Charlie.)

And now, because I like you...

here is the entire HBO Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame broadcast, all ready for your iPods. 48 songs, 3 1/2 hours. (The ID tags are NOT mine. I can spell Dimucci. It was late and I wanted this up, so I left it as is. Just sayin'...) It's one long ZIP, so give it time, Jeff.

And fix your speakers, Chris.

See ya tomorrow for one last blast!

ZIP FILE

Once More For Delbert

Before I get to the last posts of 2009, I wanted to say a few more words about Delbert McClinton's fine 2009 release "Acquired Taste." I wrote a bit about it back in October, but since then, I've really become attached to this record. I am actually feeling guilty for leaving it off my year-end list of favorite records. If you go back to the old post, you can read what I said, and listen to two tracks. If you're lazy, just stay here and listen to two more, the heartbreaker "Never Saw It Coming" and what became my fave on the record, "When She Cries At Night." Delbert does power pop, for Pete's sake!

Buy this record.

NEVER SAW IT COMING


WHEN SHE CRIES AT NIGHT

Elvis Costello's "Spectacle" : Season Two

The second season of Elvis Costello's "Spectacle" is already almost halfway over. I believe only 7 episodes were filmed, 8 if you count the upcoming two-parter with Bruce Springsteen as two. What we've seen so far has, at least to my eyes and ears, lived up to the promise fulfilled with season one. Though, at least to my eyes and ears, Season Two seems a bit more obligatory and a bit less sincere...so far. I remember seeing Elvis & Elton John doing some early press before the premiere of Season One. Costello remarked how the guests had no time restraints. If a song, or a story about a song needed to be ten minutes long, then so be it. I understand the show is an hour long, but so far, the editing has been terrible, with clumsy intros and obviously bad cuts.

Episode One with Bono & The Edge had the potential to be historic TV. But the powers that be left a few songs on the cutting room floor, one of which was a collaboration on the Costello staple, "Alison." The material is there. Why not let us in on it?

Episode Three featured a dream band of legends-Allen Toussaint, Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, and Levon Helm. What it didn't feature was the additional hour of talk and performance these four brilliant musical minds should have been granted. Still, Thompson's guitar playing on "Shoot Out The Lights," Toussaint's turn of a phrase, both verbally and on the 88s, Nick Lowe's mesmerizing storytelling and song, and the radiant smile and colossal presence of the great Levon Helm, whose drumming still makes me wanna sell my sticks, made for 48 minutes of thrilling and at times, very moving viewing.

But it was Episode Two that struck the chord. Not so much with Neko Case, who seemed to belong on that stage about as much as Bob Cousy. Even Elvis Costello offered little in the way of engaging conversation or insight to the wonderful, but clearly uncomfortable Case. No mention was made of...well anything, except we know she loves Nilsson. (and who doesn't) I don't blame Neko. But something wasn't right. (Maybe her best moments are sharing a dumpster with Bono singing "Alison.") Sheryl Crow phoned in two hits and that was fine; entertaining. So what? Ron Sexsmith though, tore my heart to shreds with a warm reading of his staple, "Secret Heart," and a lovely reworking of Costello's "Everyday I Write The Book," which Elvis referred to as a song Sexsmith "rescued."

But ladies and germs, it was the odd man out, the elder statesman of the group, the quiet, the polite, the southern draft-dodger, Mr. Jesse Winchester who took what little was left of my heart, and made it littler.

As my friend Carl put it, "This may have just become my favorite song of the year. These are the moments we anticipate when we listen to music."

Indeed.

Take a look at Jesse Winchester above, singing "Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding." And if Neko Case didn't quite impress with the few minutes she was given to sing, her 5 second, tear-filled moment during Jesse's performance said it all.

If that doesn't grab ya, maybe Richard Thompson will.

Merry Christmas To You

See you Monday.

Is Christmas Making You Mental?

Duke Pearson's "Merry Ole Soul': Rare And Essential Holiday Listening

If the Fab Four Christmas albums were clever but not traditional enough for you, and Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has finally overstayed its welcome, may I suggest 1969's very hip and very rare "Merry Ole Soul," by Duke Pearson.


Here is what "Orgy In Rhythm" has to say about it:

Ho Ho Ho, here's Duke striking back with a jazz Christmas Cracker. Yes it sounds like it should be crap-but it aint!!! Duke pulls in Bob Cranshaw, Mickey Roker,and Airto for a selection of festive tunes and a very fine spin he puts on them too. The concept appears to be hokey as hell but the reinterpretations are cliche free and have some great moments. As I said I hate Christmas music (if i hear that bloody Slade record again I will pay for someone to shoot Noddy's fucking nuts) but this is really very good.

TRACKLIST

Sleigh Ride
Little Drummer Boy
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Jingle Bells
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Go tell It On The Mountain
Wassail Song
Silent Night
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Old Fashioned Christmas

ZIP FILE


I love this record almost as much as I love "Orgy In Rhythm's" commentary. Plus, "Old Fashioned Christmas," will make even the hopelessy cranky soften up a bit.

And While We're At It...

"Dylanisms?"

PAUL BUTTERFIELD ON "TO TELL THE TRUTH"


Here is some amazing footage via Al Kooper via You Tube. Don't be put off by the length. This is 9 minutes of solid entertainment.


LEE DORSEY WITH THE STAX TOUR BAND, 1967

Just as amazing!



And finally, my reviews of the new Elvis Presley, Genesis, and Elvis Costello boxed sets can be found at ALTERCATION.

A Fab Four Christmas: Your New Favorite Holiday Album

I'm not sure how I stumbled across this gem. I think Little Steven may have played a song or two on one of his stellar Underground Garage Christmas specials. What I remember in vivid detail was the difficulty in obtaining a copy. It seems that Laserlight, the budget label that had released this set, pressed about 352 copies.

I know very little about the Fab Four, except that it may just be a Fab One, Michael Amador. It's more than just a tribute to The Beatles, it's bloody genius. You need to hear it. Please trust me on this one. I am giving this the Burning Wood Guarantee.

At the moment, The Fab Four Christmas CDs are fetching between $30 and $60 for used copies on Amazon. Here are both. Let me know what you think.


TRACKLIST

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Joy To The World
Feliz Navidad
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Away In A Manger
Good King Wenceslas
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Winter Wonderland
Frosty The Snowman
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Silent Night
The Christmas Song
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The Little Drummer Boy
Dear Santa
What Child Is This
Blue Christmas
Rockin'Around The Christmas Tree
Jingle Bells

The whole shebang is in the ZIP FILE, but you can listen to Feliz Navidad & Away In A Manger, so you believe I am not just foaming at the mouth again.

ZIP FILE

"Sock It To Me, Santa!" : THE WEEKEND MIX

When I was a kid, Christmas used to kill me. For those who know me, it will come as no surprise that I was a very hyper and anxious soul on or close to Christmas Eve, much like Ed Grimley, only with better hair. I just couldn't control the excitement, and my grandfather would really get off on it. He was a quiet and patient man, but always had a look of mischief in his eyes.

One year, I asked for "All Things Must Pass," the recently released George Harrison, 3 LP boxed set for Christmas. At the time, my grandfather was V.P. of his company, and would come home with 3-5 wrapped bottles of liquor given to him from clients and co-workers. And every year, he'd ask me to help him place the gifts under the tree. (We lived in the same apartment building two flights apart, so this was a daily holiday task.)

One particular evening, along with the narrow, 8" tall boxes of spirits, he handed me a 12" x 12" box, that to me, were the exact dimensions of the Harrison set. I started to shake. "Is this it? Is this George Harrison? Can I open just this ONE? Please? PLEASE?!! GRANDPA!" This went on for hours, accompanied by his sneaky smile and his reply, "Salvatore. It's a box of handkerchiefs from my secretary."

I didn't believe him. I pressed on. My grandfather continued to enjoy this torture, and my grandmother had started to lose patience with my whining, and eventual hyperventilating. "WILL YOU LET HIM OPEN THAT BOX? HE'S GONNA HAVE A HEART ATTACK!"

My grandfather laughed, "Ok Salvatore. Just that one."

It was a box of handkerchiefs.

"AHEM..."

By request, here is the first of possibly three holiday mixes. Nothing here you haven't heard...or at least I don't think so. But it does include some of my favorites, including the very genius pairing of Phil Lynott & Brian Downey of Thin Lizzy with Steve Jones & Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols for "A Merry Jingle." Plus, it's nice to have them all in one place.

You're welcome Charlie. Thanks for reading.


TRACKLIST

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen
Sock It To Me, Santa - Marshall Crenshaw
Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday - Jules Shear
A Merry Jingle - The Greedies
Thanks For Christmas - XTC
I Want An Alien For Christmas - Fountains Of Wayne
Christmas Snow - The Buddha Heads
Run Rudolph Run - Keith Richards
Driving Home For Christmas - Chris Rea
Xmas Song - Jill Sobule
Indian Giver - Squirrel Nut Zippers
You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Thurl Ravenscroft
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday- Roy Wood's Wizzard
Step Into Christmas - Elton John
Merry Christmas Baby - Charles Brown

ZIP FILE

P.S.

"All Things Must Pass" was indeed under my grandparents tree on Christmas morning.

John Scofield's Piety Street Band: LIVE IN THE NETHERLANDS

One of my Top Ten records of the year is John Scofield's "Piety Street." (See Tuesday's post for details.)

On this wonderful radio broadcast from November of 2008, the band expands on the material. I saw this band in April of 2009 and hoped some audio would surface. My review, along with pics and some not bad video I shot with my trusted Panasonic Lumix is HERE.


Personnel:
John Scofield - Guitar, Vocals
Jon Cleary - Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar
George Porter Jr. - Bass
Ricky Fataar - Drums

I hope you enjoy this.

Tracklist:
That's Enough
Walk With Me
Motherless Child
What Kind
Something Gotta Hold On Me
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Never Turn Back
Just A Little While To Stay Here
I Don't Need No Doctor
99 1/2 Just Won't Do
The Angel Of Death
It's A Big Army
I'll Fly Away

ZIP FILE

ALLEN TOUSSAINT: Live At The Village Vanguard

I don't think there was much of a tour behind Allen Toussaint's "The Bright Mississippi," but I was lucky enough to catch the band during the weeklong run at New York's Village Vanguard. The band featured the same players as the recording, with the exception of Nicholas Payton, who was replaced by New Orleans' young and sublime Christian Scott on trumpet.

Here is that wonderful set from the first night. The entire show is special, but the string of songs that highlights each soloist--"Dear Old Southland," "Day Dream," and "Solitude,"-- is just outstanding.

I believe producer Joe Henry sang "St James Infirmary" every night, but it was only night one where Elvis Costello made an appearance for the Toussaint/Costello composition "Ascension Day."

Enjoy this please.



SETLIST

Egyptian Fantasy
Singin' The Blues
St James Infirmary feat. Joe Henry
The Old Rugged Cross
Blue Drag
Dear Old Southland feat. Christian Scott
Day Dream feat. Don Byron
Solitude feat. Marc Ribot
West End Blues
vamp & announcements
The Bright Mississippi
Tipitina/Big Chief
Southern Nights
Long, Long Journey
Ascension Day feat. Elvis Costello

ZIP FILE

Favorite Records Of 2009

I'm an ardent defender of pop music. A good record is a good record and it shouldn't matter who made it. I've been known to get a little stupid in defense of a good pop tune. I love the Pet Shop Boys because they make great records. Pre-breakdown Britney had some very catchy singles, too. When was the last time you really listened to "Back For Good" by Take That? Absolutely gorgeous. And once a year, I feel I have to profess my love for the Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way." But before I get to my favorite records of 2009, I want to go on record as saying that there is nothing worse, nothing more offensive than the popularity and success of Lady Gaga. She gets my vote for worst EVERYTHING of 2009! Worst movie of 2009? Lady Gaga. Worst restaurant? Lady Gaga. Worst airline? You ga-got it. LADY GAGA.

Lady Gaga makes Tiffany look like Ethel Waters.

I'm through.

And now--



MY FAVORITE RECORDS OF 2009


(in alphabetical order)





BRENDAN BENSON- MY OLD, FAMILIAR FRIEND
The best review I can give Benson's 4th solo album is that I played this record more than any other record this year. The first week it was in my possession, it basically served as the soundtrack to my day. Brendan Benson serves up some pop perfection on a dozen songs, with not so subtle nods to the British Invasion, Motown, and New Wave. Hook after hook, harmony upon harmony, "My Old, Familiar Friend" consistently satisfies. Check out "Feel A Whole Lot Better" and "Garbage Day" and you'll be hooked.







BLACK CROWES- BEFORE THE FROST...UNTIL THE FREEZE
The uneven studio output of the Brothers Robinson has given us the great, "Shake Your Money Maker," "The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion," and "By Your Side" and the horrible "Lions" and Warpaint." But I have seen The Black Crowes multiple times on every tour since their first and they have never disappointed me. So it was a good idea to record their new album, "Before The Frost..." in front of a small, live audience at Levon Helm's Woodstock Barn, where the magic has finally been captured. This is what the boys do best; Faces-inspired rockers, The Band-inspired ballads, and the southern soul Chris & Rich Robinson were born to play. "...Until The Freeze, the bonus download disc doesn't fare as well. But it's got enough on it to keep everyone happy.







ROSANNE CASH- THE LIST
I hope we all know the story by now. Early on in Miss Cash's career, her very famous dad gave her a list of 100 essential songs. "The List" features 12 of them, or at least what Rosanne recalls being on the list. The new book "Always Been There: Rosanne Cash, The List, and The Spirit Of Southern Music" explains, among many other things, that the "list" was safely misplaced (my words). No matter. Both the book, and the CD are two of my favorite things of the year. What Rosanne Cash and producer/husband John Leventhal bring to this collection is not just another standard reading of country standards. Instead, every song here, no matter how many times you think you've heard it, (songs like "Sea Of Heartbreak," "Take These Chains," and "Long Black Veil,") has been reinvented, not so much to damage the legend, but just enough to let Rosanne Cash shine.







ALEX MCMURRAY- HOW TO BE A CANNONBALL
My first introduction to Alex McMurray was a song called "Bad Apples" by his band Royal Fingerbowl. I couldn't believe my ears. There was nothing like it. A truly kick-ass stomp of a song and certainly one of the nastiest ever written. I have been a fan of Alex's ever since and 10 years later, he has released one of the best records of the year. As Threadhead Records' Chris Joseph stated, "McMurray is the make believe stepchild of Tom Waits and Randy Newman." I'd like to add that "Cannonball" is the perfect combination of love, humor, pathos, and insanity. And back in the good old days, this record would have been an FM radio staple and Alex McMurray would be selling out 500 seaters across the country. You should get lost in this record.







PEARL JAM- BACKSPACER
It's been a long time since Pearl Jam put something out, that to my ears, had anything remotely exciting as the material on their first two albums which are now over 15 years old. "Backspacer" is not only that record, I will go on record as saying it is the best record of their career. Clocking in at a cool 38 minutes, "Backspacer" has so much melody and so much energy, not since the classic records of the 60s and 70s has a record packed such a consistent wallop. And Eddie Vedder has come a long way as a singer and songwriter. Must be from hanging out with Pete Townshend, Neil Young, and Neil Finn because all three of them show up in spirit on this wonderful record. 2 best moments- "Just Breathe" and "Speed Of Sound," beautiful ballads that belie the grungy past of this now legendary band.










JOHN SCOFIELD- PIETY STREET
Legendary jazz guitarist John Scofield has enlisted some of New Orleans' finest, including George Porter Jr., Jon Cleary, and John Boutte, as well as the great, underrated Ricky Fataar on drums, for a new spin on traditional Gospel music. I loved this record right out of the box. It's not traditional nor does it stray very far from the spirit or meaning of the repertoire. What these seasoned players accomplish is fresh, exciting, uplifiting and soulful.







BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN- WORKING ON A DREAM
This wasn't going to make the Top Ten, but not for the right reasons. I am pretty sure I trashed a good portion of this record when it was first released. Plus, "Outlaw Pete" continues to confound me. (I really hate it.) But not giving this record the credit it deserves simply because it's not the record you want out of Bruce is also wrong. Repeated listens begat repeated listens. That is exactly what good music should do. With each play I discovered something more amazing. It's a big and bold pop record, which yes, at times, gets a bit bogged down in its own production. But the pastiche pieces that evoke everyone from The Byrds to The Beach Boys to Phil Spector and back, are from the heart, even if Bruce isn't writing about state troopers and ex-cons. Start with track 2 and just forget "Meeting Across The River" for 45 minutes. "Working On A Dream," released by anyone else, would be on a lot of Top Ten lists.







ALLEN TOUSSAINT - THE BRIGHT MISSISSIPPI
Producer Joe Henry, and some of the greatest names in jazz including Don Byron, Nicholas Payton, Marc Ribot, Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman help New Orleans' legend Allen Toussaint interpret some of the greatest music ever written. Songs such as "West End Blues," "Dear Old Southland," "St. James Infirmary" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" stay melodically true to the originals, but are given something special thanks to the stellar line-up involved. This is a beautiful piece of work and a record that finally gets to show the amazing piano playing of its leader, Allen Toussaint.






KRISTINA TRAIN- SPILT MILK
Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Shelby Lynne, and most recently Duffy have all had success channeling Dusty Springfield. But as good as these ladies are, no one has nailed it like newcomer Kristina Train. Every song is a stunning heartbreaker, with Miss Train's soulful voice wrapping around some of the most memorable melodies of the year. "Spilt Milk" is a winner, top to bottom.




U2- NO LINE ON THE HORIZON
Don't hate him because he is Bono. You'd just be denying yourself one of the best records of U2's career and one of the best of 2009. This band gets better and better. Songs like the first single "Get On Your Boots" and "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy" are relentlessly catchy, while Bono, The Edge, Adam and Larry continue to seep into your soul with big and beautful ballads like "Moment Of Surrender." Great, great stuff from a great, great band.



THE REST OF MY FAVORITES OF 2009


ELVIS COSTELLO- SECRET, PROFANE SUGARCANE
Elvis sticks his toe into some CBGB (country, bluegrass and blues- BUT YOU KNEW THAT) with great success.

MARSHALL CRENSHAW- JAGGEDLAND
Almost 30 years after one of the greatest debuts in music, Crenshaw returns with his strongest work in years.

LEVON HELM- ELECTRIC DIRT
Levon's voice and Levon's drumming--enough said.

IAN HUNTER- MAN OVERBOARD
At 70, Ian Hunter continues to make relevant music. Beautiful, understated, and completely Ian.

BUDDY & JULIE MILLER- WRITTEN IN CHALK
No one does country honk and heartbreak like Buddy & Julie. This is the best work of their very solid career.

MILES NIELSEN- MILES
Son of Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen, oddly sounds more like Robin Zander, on this smart debut filled with influence from John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, and of course, Cheap Trick.

PAUL SANCHEZ & JOHN BOUTTE- STEW CALLED NEW ORLEANS
Two of New Orleans' best, team-up for some down home swing and soul...and blues...and jazz...and...well... if you know anything about these two artists, you'll agree, this is the album you wanted them to make.

7 WORLDS COLLIDE- THE SUN CAME OUT
Conceived by Neil Finn and brought to reality with the help of Wilco, members of Radiohead, Eddie Vedder, K.T. Tunstall and Tim Finn, this is the result of two weeks of recording, living, hanging, eating drinking and sharing, with proceeds going to Oxfam. Truly a band effort.

GERAINT WATKINS- IN A BAD MOOD
Welsh keyboardist and long time Nick Lowe sideman Watkins serves up his own brand of Cajun honky tonk. One of the most original records of the year.

WILCO- WILCO (THE ALBUM)
Chicago's finest is back with their most accessible and melodic album in ages.

And that's the lot. Tomorrow, the music continues...in a big way.

Is it Me?

There are two lists here. First,

The NME Top 50 albums of the decade
1. The Strokes – 'Is This It'
2. The Libertines – 'Up The Bracket'
3. Primal Scream – 'XTRMNTR'
4. Arctic Monkeys – 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – 'Fever To Tell'
6. PJ Harvey – 'Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea'
7. Arcade Fire – 'Funeral'
8. Interpol – 'Turn On The Bright Lights'
9. The Streets – 'Original Pirate Material'
10. Radiohead – 'In Rainbows'
11. At The Drive In – 'Relationship Of Command'
12. LCD Soundsystem – 'Sound Of Silver'
13. The Shins – 'Wincing The Night Away'
14. Radiohead – 'Kid A'
15. Queens Of The Stone Age – 'Songs For The Deaf'
16. The Streets – 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'
17. Sufjan Stevens – 'Illinois'
18. The White Stripes – 'Elephant'
19. The White Stripes – 'White Blood Cells'
20. Blur – 'Think Tank'
21. The Coral – 'The Coral'
22. Jay-Z – 'The Blueprint'
23. Klaxons – 'Myths Of The Near Future'
24. The Libertines – 'The Libertines'
25. The Rapture – 'Echoes'
26. Dizzee Rascal – 'Boy in Da Corner'
27. Amy Winehouse – 'Back To Black'
28. Johnny Cash – 'The Man Comes Around'
29. Super Furry Animals – 'Rings Around The World'
30. Elbow – 'Asleep In The Back'
31. Bright Eyes – 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning'
32. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – 'Show Your Bones'
33. Arcade Fire – 'Neon Bible'
34. Grandaddy – 'The Sophtware Slump'
35. Babyshambles – 'Down In Albion'
36. Spirtualized – 'Let it Come Down'
37. The Knife – 'Silent Shout'
38. Bloc Party – 'Silent Alarm'
39. Crystal Castles – 'Crystal Castles'
40. Ryan Adams – 'Gold'
41. Wild Beasts – 'Two Dancers'
42. Vampire Weekend – 'Vampire Weekend'
43. Wilco – 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot'
44. Outkast – 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'
45. Avalanches – 'Since I Left You'
46. The Delgados – 'The Great Eastern'
47. Brendan Benson – 'Lapalco'
48. The Walkmen – 'Bows and Arrows'
49. Muse – 'Absolution'
50. MIA – 'Arular'

Then, there are these bad boys from the seventies.


1. What's Going On (1971) - Marvin Gaye
2. Dark Side Of The Moon (1973) - Pink Floyd
3. London Calling (1979) - The Clash
4. Born To Run (1975) - Bruce Springsteen
5. Exile On Main Street (1972) - Rolling Stones
6. Innervisions (1973) - Stevie Wonder
7. Led Zeppelin IV (1971) - Led Zeppelin
8. Who's Next (1971) - The Who
9. Songs In The Key Of Life (1976) - Stevie Wonder
10. Rumours (1977) - Fleetwood Mac
11. Blue (1971) - Joni Mitchell
12. Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars (1972) - David Bowie
13. There's A Riot Goin' On (1971) - Sly And The Family Stone
14. Tapestry (1971) - Carole King
15. Paranoid (1970 )- Black Sabbath
16. The Wall (1979) - Pink Floyd
17. Blood On The Tracks (1975) - Bob Dylan
18. Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols (1977) - Sex Pistols
19. Hotel California (1976) - The Eagles
20. Off the Wall (1979) - Michael Jackson
21. Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) - Simon & Garfunkel
22. After The Goldrush (1970) - Neil Young
23. Ramones (1976) - Ramones
24. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) - Elton John
25. The Clash (1977) - The Clash
26. Plastic Ono Band (1970) - John Lennon
27. Talking Book (1972) - Stevie Wonder
28. This Year's Model (1978) - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
29. Sticky Fingers (1971) - Rolling Stones
30. Moondance(1970) - Van Morrison
31. A Night At The Opera (1975) - Queen
32. Van Halen (1978) - Van Halen
33. Horses (1975) - Patti Smith
34. Machine Head (1972) - Deep Purple
35. Harvest (1972) - Neil Young
36. My Aim Is True (1977) - Elvis Costello
37. Live at Leeds (1970) - The Who
38. Marquee Moon (1977) - Television
39. Black Sabbath (1970) - Black Sabbath
40. Unknown Pleasures (1979) - Joy Division
41. Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (1977) - The Bee Gees
42. DéjàVu (1970) - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
43. Superfly (1972) - Curtis Mayfield
44. Low (1978) - David Bowie
45. Wish You Were Here (1975) - Pink Floyd
46. All Things Must Pass (1970) - George Harrison
47. Quadrophenia (1973) - The Who
48. Live at the Fillmore East (1971) - The Allman Brothers Band
49. Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs (1970) - Derek & The Dominos
50. Imagine (1971) - John Lennon
51. Physical Graffiti (1975) - Led Zeppelin
52. Abraxas (1970) - Santana
53. Cosmo's Factory (1970) - Creedence Clearwater Revival
54. Pearl (1971) - Janis Joplin
55. American Beauty (1970) - Grateful Dead
56. Fun House (1970) - Iggy Pop & the Stooges
57. Tumbleweed Connection (1970) - Elton John
58. Hunky Dory (1972) - David Bowie
59. Exodus (1977) - Bob Marley & the Wailers
60. Court and Spark (1974) - Joni Mitchell
61. In Rock (1970) - Deep Purple
62. The Stranger (1977) - Billy Joel
63. Fragile (1971) - Yes
64. Toys In The Attic (1975) - Aerosmith
65. Pronounced Leh'-nerd Skin-'nerd (1973) - Lynyrd Skynyrd
66. Aqualung (1971) - Jethro Tull
67. One Nation Under The Groove (1978) - Funkadelic
68. Let's Get It On (1973) - Marvin Gaye
69. Aja (1977) - Steely Dan
70. Boston (1976) - Boston
71. Call Me (1973) - Al Green
72. Mothership Connection (1976) - Parliament
73. Let It Be (1970) - The Beatles
74. Catch A Fire (1973) - Bob Marley & The Wailers
75. Fullingness First Finale (1974) - Stevie Wonder
76. Heart Like A Wheel (1974) - Linda Ronstadt
77. Rocks (1976) - Aerosmith
78. Every Picture Tells A Story (1971) - Rod Stewart
79. Sweet Baby James (1970) - James Taylor
80. Bat Out Of Hell (1977) - Meat Loaf
81. Frampton Comes Alive (1976) - Peter Frampton
82. Parallel Lines (1979) - Blondie
83. Highway To Hell (1979) - AC/DC
84. Something/Anything (1972) - Todd Rundgren
85. Rocket To Russia (1977) - Ramones
86. Tea For The Tillerman (1971) - Cat Stevens
87. Trans-Europe Express (1977) - Kraftwerk
88. Eat A Peach (1972) - Allman Brothers Band
89. Band On The Run (1973) - Paul McCartney & Wings
90. Dreamboat Annie (1976) - Heart
91. The Cars (1978) - The Cars
92. Electric Warrior (1971) - T-Rex
93. Darkness On The Edge Of Town (1978) - Bruce Springsteen
94. Alive! (1975) - KISS
95. New York Dolls (1973) - New York Dolls
96. Running On Empty (1978) - Jackson Browne
97. Fleetwood Mac (1975) - Fleetwood Mac
98. Damn The Torpedoes (1979) - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
99. Rust Never Sleeps (1979) - Neil Young & Crazy Horse
100. Close To You (1970) - The Carpenters

I thought about writing some more, but I don't think I need to.

The Odd Couple: Weekend Lagniappe

If you've seen Neil Simon's classic 1968 comedy more than once, you will want this. Never before released on CD, here is the bizarre, but wonderful soundtrack to "The Odd Couple," on Dot Records, featuring one of Neal Hefti's most memorable scores, interspersed with hilarious dialogue that for some reason has canned laughter behind it.

That song that you hum or sometimes whistle for days after seeing the movie, or watching the TV reruns...it's called "Tomatoes."

TRACK LIST

THE ODD COUPLE (VOCAL)
DOMESTIC QUARREL (DIALOGUE)
METROPOLE
DIRTY POKER (DIALOGUE)
TOMATOES
DOWN WITH THE LIGHTS
THE ODD COUPLE (MAIN TITLE)
CLEAN POKER (DIALOGUE)
MAN CHASES MAN
CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE
OSCAR BLOWS UP (DIALOGUE)
END TITLE


ZIP FILE

"Hey Ladies!" : THE WEEKEND MIX

"This goes out to all the ladies in the audience."

Self-explanatory, really.

Please enjoy and play it loud!



I'd like to point out a few things:

I think the Todd Rundgren track from "A Wizard/A True Star" is one of the most beautiful ever written.

Don't be put off by the inclusion of a Billy Joel song. Unless you're a big fan, you probably don't know it and you should.

The Four Seasons track is from the very cool, original mono single.

ZIP FILE

The Louis Armstrong track really needs to be seen, so here:

A Reading Of The Best & Worst According To Mark

As I put the final touches on one last disappointment and my favorite records of 2009, here is Mark Levine, lifelong record guy and one of the last great fans, back again to share his choices for best and worst records of 2009.



The Best

U2 – No Line on the Horizon – this is my favorite record of the year. Could be my favorite U2 album ever. So many incredible songs, so many different sounds; hooks everywhere. I love it. Bono and the Edge never sounded better. Some people have this on their worst of the year lists, I don’t get it.

The Next

Phish – Joy -- upbeat, bright classic rock sound. Trey’s voice and guitar playing sound amazing. Page shines throughout. An expression of their happiness to be back! Im with you Trey going backwards down the number line!

Avett Brothers – I And I Love You -- this is great stuff, totally rising above the rest of all the other alt-country-folk records. Great vocals, tons of different instruments in all the right places, and songs. I hear The Band, the Eagles, Jackson Browne.

Black Crowes – Before the Frost/Until the Freeze -- I hated the last Black Crowes record, but this one is great. The Stones-esque “Miss You” style “I Aint Hiding” is amazing.

Bob Dylan – Together Through Life -- It just sounds so good to hear Bob singing new songs, and there are some killer tracks here. Beyond Here Lies Nothing, My Wife’s Hometown, and If you Ever go to Houston all stand out. Also, his Christmas album is kind of entertaining.

Pearl Jam – Backspacer – I’m a fan of every Pearl Jam record, including the recent ones that others didn’t really like, but this one rocks.

Crown of Thorns – Faith -- ok, I have to disclose I’m friends with them, but that said, this is a great classic rock record, Jean Beauvoir’s voice never sounded better and the songs just rock. The title track “Faith” kills.

Cheap Trick – The Latest -- great new record, Robin Zander’s ageless voice, and the song Miss Tomorrow is incredible.

Crocodiles – Like Echo and the Bunnymen, done California style.

Kiss – Sonic Boom -- instead of missing Ace Frehley, I love Tommy Thayer’s guitar on this record starting with a killer lead on Modern Day Delilah and he even sings on this record. Ace’s record isn’t bad either, by the way.

Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown – I don’t need the “concept,” and its definitely over the top and bombastic in parts, but the songs are great.

Carbon/Silicon – The Last Post -- I love the Clash and Mick Jones, so ill probably like anything he does, but this update on the B.A.D. sounds is great, and, best of all, they are giving it away free on their website.

Dave Matthews Band – a tribute to LeRoi Moore is one of the best records they’ve done. A little darker and deeper than before, this is great.

Wilco – I haven’t liked a Wilco record in years, until now. Less dark than the past few, makes them sound brighter and more fun, and the George Harrison-esque “You Never Know” is outstanding

Mars Volta – Octahedron – I really liked their last record, this one is similar, and if you can get past the vocals, it really rocks!

Matthew Sweet/Susanna Hoffs – this time around, they do 70s covers, and some are just amazing. Big Star’s “back seat a car,” George Harrison’s “Beware of Darkness,” Little Feat’s “Willin’” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Second Hand News are all gems.

Taylor Swift – yes, it’s a great record. Really. Yes really. She writes, sings (well!) and the songs are real, upbeat and fun.

The newno2 – George Harrison’s son Dhani’s great new band, and he eerily sounds like George on this record, in a great way.

Edward Sharpe – very cool unique sounding cultish/collective style music, with really heartfelt his and her vocals throughout. Check out “Home.”

These Arms are Snakes – power punk pop rock, with great songs and hooks. Its infectious, and you get hooked right in.

Willie and the Wheel – Willie sounds amazing fronting this country swing band.

Ben Nichols and Lucero – for some reason, every other alt-country band gets tons of hype except Lucero. Both the Lucero record and the Ben Nichols record are different and great. Reminds me of the Replacements, but a little more countrified.

Yet Another Great Record From…

Elvis Costello, Brendan Benson, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Stereophonics, Sonic Youth, Cracker and Bob Mould. All of these artists consistently put out great records, in many cases as good as anything they’ve ever done, and it’s almost taken for granted. These are all solid from beginning to end.

Girls Rock!

Great rocking records by Ida Maria, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Pretenders, real country rock from three Nashville girls, Those Darlins, an infectious 60s-ish pop-vibe that you just cant-not-like from the Noisettes, a purely fun record from Lady Gaga, great folk from Sharon Van Etten, and amazing new records from both Regina Spektor and Norah Jones. Seriously. And the Fever Ray is pretty cool too. A Fine Frenzy is pretty great too. Oh, and the Miley Cyrus single, “Party in the USA” is the funnest song of the year.

Not all Indie Music Sucks

Its true. The Dirty Projectors record IS really good, as are new records from Portugal. The Man, Motel Motel, Jay Reatard, Owl City, Julian Plenti, Conor Oberst, Fiery Furnaces and the Antlers.

I want to like it, but it isn’t great:

Chickenfoot – I really wanted to like this, but its ultimately pretty empty AOR “Rock.” Sammy sounds ok, but Satriani is too restrained, and there are too few of those amazing backup vocals that Michael Anthony used to bring to VH. Wasn’t much better live.

Dead Weather – it sounds sorta cool, I gave it a chance, but it never quite gets there.

Not as bad as everyone says:

Weezer – Raditude – everyone is hating on this record, I actually kinda like it. I think it’s better than the last few and has some really good songs.

The Worst

Bon Jovi – The Circle – the clichés start with the title, and then continue throughout every other song on this contrived, forced “product.” “When we were beautiful,” “live before you die,” “loves the only rule,” “fast cars.” They sample so much from themselves on this record, youll think youre listening to a bad song that didn’t make it onto some other Bon Jovi record.

Them Crooked Vultures – unlistenable. Instead of being more than just the sum of its superstar parts (although I refuse to call Josh Homme a “superstar”), it is lowest common denominator and its ends up being just the worst of everyone involved. Homme sounds exactly like he does on every other record, but this time he’s just “monotoning” over bad King Crimson-style barely-progrock, art noise. Bad.

Mark Knopfler – I love Mark Knopfler, but his records keep getting more and more boring and repetitive. Mumble mumble, plink plink, strum strum, mumble mumble. This one is simply the worst. Maybe he needs some strong coffee??

Winger – I know, who cares right??? Well I do, I love Winger, but this is just terrible.

Muse – I’ll never understand this band. Bombastic prog, trying to so hard to be Queen-like, but it just goes nowhere. In one ear and out the other.

Chris Cornell – I guess this was an experiment, and its not really bad, its just a mess. I love Chris, and there are some decent songs here (as evidenced when he played them live), but on this record, with this production, everything is a mess.

And I don’t get Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, Devendra Banhart, the Mountain Goats or Sufjan Stevens. All have records that are on many top ten lists, but just sound empty and boring to me. Really Sufjan, the BQE? Why not the Gowanus?


(Your "WEEKEND MIX" will be posted a bit later. Stay tuned...)

Not The Best Of 2009: DISAPPOINTMENT #4

One friend said, and I'm paraphrasing, he knows he's supposed to like the last three "important" Dylan albums, but "Together Through Life" is more musical. More fun. Another friend said, "I hate all those fucking Dylan albums. Gimme 'Highway 61'."

My feeling is this...I would rather watch Dylan read a magazine than listen to most other singer-songwriters. I am fascinated by his every move. As for those "important" Dylan albums--"Time Out Of Mind," "Love & Theft," and "Modern Times"---I think they would have made one brilliant Dylan album. They were all overrated. (Just a little) Still, I prefer Dylan when I don't get him right away. I want to think. I want it to be difficult. If I want "fun" and "musical," I'll put on The Monkees.

"Together Through Life" seems rushed. No one liked "Down In The Groove" or "Under A Red Sky," and each of those has some "fun" and "musical" stuff on them. Is "Wiggle Wiggle" really any worse than "Shake Shake Mama?" And doesn't anyone care that "Beyond Here Lies Nothing," the record's first single, is "Black Magic Woman?"

It's not without its winners. "Forgetful Heart" and "This Dream Of You" both knock me out, and could easily be included on the "important" albums. But to my ears, "Together Through Life," even if taken lightly...even if you admit not everything has to be "Hattie Carroll," is still not a very good record.

Here's my perfect, new millenium, Dylan album:

Cold Irons Bound
This Dream Of You
Love Sick
Forgetful Heart
Lonesome Day Blues
Nettie Moore
When The Deal Goes Down
Not Dark Yet
Workingman's Blues #2
Mississippi
Make You Feel My Love
Ain't Talkin'

I'd put this mix up, but it's easy enough to do yourself, and frankly, I'm not quite sure I'd get away with it.

Enjoy this instead!



I forgot I had this gem. I'm not even sure where I got it from. But here is the complete and unedited performance of The Black Crowes on VH-1's "Hard Rock Live." Sound is incredible, and I believe it features at least 2-3 unaired performances.

SETLIST

Remedy (FALSE START)
Remedy
Sting Me
Jealous Again
Only A Fool
Thorn In My Pride
She Talks To Angels
Wiser Time
By Your Side
Hard To Handle
Twice As Hard
Kickin' My Heart Around
By Your Side (FASTER)


ZIP FILE

A-Daltrey Fidelis: Holiday Mixes & Requests

Yes I know, this isn't your traditional holiday mix, but I am getting behind it 100%. I certainly don't mind a little Harry Simeone Chorale (look it up) around Christmas, but I prefer a mix like this much more. I think it works, so please give it a shot while your stringing popcorn, fighting with your tree stand, or removing tinsel from your dog's throat.

TRACKLIST

Amazing Grace - Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Indian Love Call - Terry Adams
On The Wings Of A Nightingale - The Everly Brothers
A Long Way From Home - The Kinks
Turn Down Day - The Cyrkle
Crying In The Chapel - Elvis Presley
Winter Rose/Love Awake - Paul McCartney
Too Young - Marcus Roberts Trio
No Religion - Van Morrison
The Ballad Of Easy Rider - Sandy Denny
Creole Nocturne - Tom McDermott & Connie Jones
Beautiful- Shack
He's Got You - Dean Martin
Solace - Scott Joplin
The Kiss - Judee Sill
Your Lips - Olu Dara
Too Soon Gone - The Band
Oklahoma U.S.A - Leigh Harris
Tomorrow Night - Bob Dylan
Harvest Festival - XTC
Do You Hear What I Hear - Spiraling
End Of A Dream - James Booker

ZIP FILE






And by request, here is Roger Daltrey's recent show from 11/13/09 in Atlantic City. It's a fantastic audience recording, with Ol' Rog sounding better than previous shows, where he was fighting a serious throat infection. You're welcome, Fran. Thanks for reading.


TRACKLIST
Who Are You
Pictures Of Lily
Behind Blue Eyes
Tattoo
Days Of Light
Freedom Ride
Gimme A Stone
Goin' Mobile
I'm A Man/My Generation
I Can See For Miles
Squeeze Box
Who's Gonna Walk On Water
Young Man Blues
Baba O'Riley
Johnny Cash Medley
Blue, Red & Grey
Without Your Love

ZIP FILE

Not The Best Of 2009: DISAPPOINTMENTS #2 and #3

THEM CROOKED VULTURES

There was an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where Ray's mother shows Ray's wife how to make "sauce." She gives her the family recipe, which Ray's wife follows to a tee, yet the outcome is hardly edible. What happened? Ray's mother sabotages Ray's wife by putting a "basil" label over the jar of "dill." The family wants to like Ray's wife's sauce, but it just doesn't taste right. They know where to go for the real thing.

John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl are the family recipe. Josh Homme is the dill. It's a rhythm section made in hard rock heaven completely sabotaged by Homme's lack of personality and inability to write something of any depth. Lack of experience? Maybe. At least we've learned that Josh Homme has some really good friends.

I wanted to LOVE this record. I did like Nirvana, though I loved the Foo Fighters more. Dave Grohl has proven himself as a singer, songwriter and drummer. As for Jonesy, little needs to be said about his contribution to rock and roll music, as a bass player and a producer and arranger. ("She's A Rainbow" anyone?) What you get on Them Crooked Vultures is just half-assed minutes upon half-assed minutes of a band really wanting to be something, but getting stuck in the Josh Homme trench of boredom. There must be a song somewhere. I just can't find it.

I'd like to point out before all of you do that there is no proof at all that the problems here are all Josh Homme's fault. I just like it better that way.

I don't hate the record, (no really) I'm just disappointed. I DO really hate the track "Elephants," which tries to fit 10 years of Led Zep riffage into one 6 minute nerve-shredder. For your listening pleasure, here is the one track I don't mind, "Scumbag Blues," a not so subtle rewrite of "Strange Brew." As a bonus, listen to my single favorite Zeppelin moment EVER! Check out "Celebration Day" from the Maple Leaf Gardens, 9/4/71, and really pay attention from the 3 minute mark on to hear this band, this monster of a rhythm section specifically, (John Paul Jones & John Bonham for all of you living under a rock), kick some serious metal ass.

"Scumbag Blues"


"Celebration Day, 9/4/71"





JOHN FOGERTY- THE BLUE RIDGE RANGERS RIDES AGAIN

I want to keep my John Fogerty negativity to a minimum. I like the guy way too much. He's done more than his share for the rock and roll world. Put him in coach, he's ready to play. As my friend once exclaimed, "If he's playing 'Traveling Band,' I'm going." (Shame she wasn't referring to Fogerty, but I digress.) Maybe that's why the grammatically clumsy "Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again" is such a disappointment. Good songs, good players, even good performances. The real question is...why? There's nothing here that's better or even remotely different than any of the original versions. It's like buying the original cast recording of "Beatlemania" instead of "Rubber Soul." Every version, including the songs with special guests Bruce Springsteen & Don Henley play it so safe, you wonder if you actually listened to anything at all. Dullsville, even if Fogerty was bold enough to show that liking John Denver and Rick Nelson is nothing to be ashamed of.

For your listening pleasure, here is nothing from "The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again," but a killer track from Fogerty's 1985 Showtime special with his All-Star dream band that included Booker T. Jones, Duck Dunn, Albert Lee, Prairie Prince, Arnold McCuller, Bobby King and Terry Evans.

"Mary Don't You Weep"

The Best Of New Orleans, 2009

BEST TEASER FOR A MUSIC-DRIVEN, SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS DOCUMENTARY CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION THAT, WITH A LITTLE TENDER-LOVING SEED MONEY FROM A SHREWD INVESTOR, IS GOING TO MAKE SOMEONE LOOK REALLY SMART AND PROBABLY A LOT OF MONEY AT SUNDANCE:


"A TASTE OF HEAVEN: The Heartbreak Life of Raymond Myles, Gospel Genius of New Orleans."

Directed by Raymond's producer, Leo Sacks, it was a finalist this fall at the Paley Center for the Media's annual competition for documentaries seeking completion budgets. You can see the teaser at www.raymondmylesmovie.com

As Leo writes: "With its unique combination of riveting, uplifting and poignant gospel music, gripping life story, and fresh perspective on culture, society and religion, A TASTE OF HEAVEN takes us on Raymond's dramatic journey from a childhood of abject poverty to the brink of international music stardom -- a journey cut short when he was murdered during a carjacking in October 1998. Supported by Raymond's own eye-popping performances, the film also lifts the veil on homosexuality’s taboo status in the black church where Raymond struggled for acceptance and fulfillment but instead faced rejection by intolerant members of a community he considered his own."





By the way, Raymond should have been at the sessions for "Sing Me Back Home" by the New Orleans Social Club, which Leo produced after Katrina. But, then again, he was -- in spirit and in memory. There were many post-Katrina tributes, none of which captured the heartbreak, loss, and sense of brotherhood as "Sing Me Back Home,"still one of the greatest collections of music ever assembled. You can see a film about the making of that singular, heartbreaking, defiant, and criminally overlooked masterpiece at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ARmcd0r55I










BEST NEW ORLEANS RECORDS OF 2009

And now, here is, Chris Joseph, head honcho of Threadhead Records, Environmental Consultant disguised as a mild mannered pseudo Record Company Executive, and whom I like to call the "Ahmet Ertegun of Yogini Record Men," with his list of the Best New Orleans Records of 2009.




1. Alex McMurray, “How To Be A Cannonball” - McMurray, the make-believe bastard stepchild of Tom Waits and Randy Newman, made THE CD of the year, New Orleans or otherwise.






2. Allen Toussaint, “The Bright Mississippi” - Producer Joe Henry guides the legend Toussaint into the 21st Century.






3. Paul Sanchez, “Farewell to Storyville” - Confessional, autobiographical, and the troubadour singer/songwriter record of the year.






4. Zachary Richard, “Last Kiss” - Sure he’s kinda cheesy in his live shows, but Mr. Richard (pronounced Ree-SHARD), can spin a tune like few others.






5. New Orleans Nightcrawlers, “Slither Slice” - Take a listen to "Pontchartrain Beach" or "8th Ward Strut," and you can’t help but getting off your butt to dance.







6. New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (Irvin Mayfield), “Book One” - Classy, tuneful and modern/traditional. I just hope Irvin doesn’t run for Mayor.





7. John Boutte/Paul Sanchez, “Stew Called New Orleans” - Two guys sitting around the living room, trading songs, vocals and having fun. Give it a real listen and it will become a keeper in your collection.






8. Various Artists, “A Very Threadhead Holiday” - Sure I’m biased.....but this is a great album, not just a great holiday album. Boutte’s song, alone, is worth the $15.





9. Tim Laughlin, “A Royal Street Serenade” - New Orleans through and through. Tim needs national exposure.



10. Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey/”Here and Now” - Listen to the title cut, and also "Begin Again," a tune highlighting Holsapple's “now what?” after New Orleans drowned.

I'd like to add that though 5 of Joseph's Top 10 are indeed on Threadhead Records, it shouldn't change the fact the records themselves capture the spirit, love and charm of New Orleans like no others. Kudos to both the artists, the fans, and everyone behind Threadhead Records for getting this great music out there.