Happy New Year To All Of You!

"Nothing seems impossible, if everything that ends begins again."

I want to thank my friend Paul Sanchez for that sentiment and this wonderful  demo.

I want to thank all of you for another year.

Thanks for hanging around, saying hello, and chatting it up about music, music, life, other stuff and music. This place only happens because of you.

I thought about a resolution or two for this new year, as I'm sure some of you did. I thought about drinking more and exercising less. I thought about dressing more my age, maybe buying a dickey and retiring my 1987 Aerosmith tour t-shirt. I thought about trying to overcome my fear of the Amboys in New Jersey. I thought about working on my floy-floy. I thought about no longer allowing my deep, visceral hatred of "The Big Bang Theory" to run my life. I thought about taking comfort in the fact that I am less of a whining prick than Morrissey.

But I'm mostly thinking about taking one day at a time and enjoying what's around me.

Remember, as bad it gets, it could always be worse and it all goes by way too quickly.

Happy New Year everyone.

"Nothing seems impossible, if everything that ends begins again."

 

Bruce's "High Hopes" : Everything Old Is New Again

I can't recall ever having lower expectations for a record by a favorite artist than those I've been carrying around since the initial announcement of Bruce Springsteen's "High Hopes." New music is an event, especially when the time between seems to increase as our rock and roll legends get older. Though, in The Boss's case, he has been quite prolific these last 15 years, even if the output hasn't exactly sounded what E-Street Band fans long for.

Personally, I've not only enjoyed Bruce's records since 2002's "The Rising," I think "The Seeger Sessions," "Wrecking Ball" and especially "Magic" are inspired pieces of work. Still, an upcoming record of outtakes, covers and redos felt like nothing more than product. Throw Tom Morello into the mix, whose one-note guitar style with a sound resembling Ned Beatty's "Deliverance" squeal adds a certain nothing to the proceedings, and I'm already counting the days until the 2015 follow-up to "High Hopes" without having a heard a note.

So maybe this is why I really like "High Hopes." I expected not to.

The biggest surprise is how wonderfully cohesive the record is. It plays beautifully, and not at all like some Frankenstein audio monster assembled and stitched from tossed off parts.

Some may argue that the live versions of the songs presented here in recorded form are better. One friend suggested that idea for a Bruce record of its own, a live album full of previously unreleased songs culled from one tour, like the Grateful Dead sort of did with "Europe '72" Until then, "High Hopes," "The Wall," "Just Like Fire Would" and "Dream Baby Dream" are all fine pieces of music. As for the inclusion of "American Skin (41 Shots)," I liked it then and I like it now. It feels like the centerpiece of the record.

"Down In The Hole" sounds like "I'm On Fire" with new lyrics. "Frankie Fell In Love" sounds like it was recorded during "The River" sessions. It's okay. The songs work. Most of what's included here will remind you of something better, but that doesn't mean what's here isn't worth your time. With the exception of "Harry's Place," a leftover from "The Rising" sessions and a song whose dated production makes it sound like something that could be played over the credits of  "Lethal Weapon 3," and the redo of "The Ghost Of Tom Joad," with a Morello solo that shredded each and every one of my nerves, "High Hopes" is solid.

If you've been less than satisfied with Springsteen's output lately, "High Hopes" sounds the closest to an E-Street Band rock record than anything he's put out in some time.  The songs themselves may not be A-list material, but there is more than enough here to keep you smiling.

Songs Of The Week(s) 3.0: 12/14-12/27

Cecil Taylor- Jonathan Wilson
Nails In My Feet- Crowded House
Take A Look Around- James Gang
See What Love Can Do- Grin
Melt The Guns- XTC
King's Vengeance- Thin Lizzy
I Never Talk To Strangers- Tom Waits & Bette Midler
You Tell Me- Paul McCartney
All Things Must Pass- George Harrison
Ruler Of My Heart- Irma Thomas
Dear Mr. Fantasy- Traffic
Temptation For Love- Squeeze
Bad Boy- Jive Bombers
Children's Concerto- Patrick Moraz & Bill Bruford

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Still taking it easy over here. A new Weekend Mix will appear soon. But for now, get lost in this track from Savoy Brown's 1968 release "Getting To The Point." I can't get enough of this record. What a mood!

Dylan. Linus. Lucy.

Dylan Maida used to sit on the counter at my shop when he was 8 years old and correct me when I gave out wrong information to customers about Emmylou Harris. He was an aspiring drummer back then, not to mention, his father's son when it came to knowing about music.

Years later, both he and musical tastes grew and his band Once Again impressed me enough for a post, which you can read HERE.

Years later, Dylan Maida is still at it. Impressing me, that is. Just in time, check out his solo take on the Vince Guaraldi classic, "Linus & Lucy."

"A Little More Holiday-ish": THE WEEKEND MIX(ES)

I'm going to take it easy for a few days. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you.

Hope these not-so-traditional mixes fit in to your holiday plans.

#2

California Dreamin'- Mamas & Papas
All The Children Sing- Todd Rundgren
Driving Home For Christmas- Chris Rea
Hooked On An Instrumental Feeling- B.J. Thomas
Daily Bread- Corey Harris
I Wish I Was The Moon- Neko Case
Revelation- Jason Falkner
Wishing You Were Here- Chicago
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm- Mills Bros.
Blackberry Winter- Keith Jarrett
Buddy Ebsen Loves The Night Time- Los Lobos
These Lonely, Lonely Nights- Earl King
Lovely- Maurice Brown
Darling Be Home Soon- Jules Shear
Golden- A Girl Called Eddy
Valley Winter Song- Fountains Of Wayne
Rumple Minze- Wyldlife
Fairytale Of N.Y.C.- The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl

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#3

Little Drummer Boy- Ellis Marsalis
Snowboardin'- The Pearlfishers
Jenny Wren- Paul McCartney
Cold Weather- Mark Johnson
An Ocean Between Us- The Galaxies
Sunset & The Mockingbird- Duke Ellington
Angel Eyes- James Booker
There Will Never Be Any Peace...- Nick Lowe
Christmas In Jail- The Youngsters
Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain- Willie Nelson
Who Knows Where The Time Goes- Fairport Convention
Blessed- Wycliffe Gordon
Up On The Roof- Laura Nyro
Sail On Instrumental Sailor- Beach Boys
Somebody To Love- Queen
His Eye Is On The Sparrow- Marvin Gaye
Old-Fashioned Christmas- Duke Pearson

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#1
http://burnwoodtonite.blogspot.com/2013/12/holiday-ish-1-weekend-mix.html

My New Favorite Thing Ever Today

Burning Wood's Top 10 Records of 2013

10. Linda Thompson- Won't Be Long Now

The opener, "Love's For Babies And Fools," was a bit of a shock. It's been six years since Thompson last released a record and I wasn't prepared for the change in her voice. A bit older. A bit deeper. But as "Won't Be Long Now" continued to play, I got lost in its beauty and Linda Thompson sounded as perfect as ever. Backed by her kids Kami & Teddy, as well as her ex Richard, "Won't Be Long Now" is an emotional powerhouse. Nothing surprises. Thompson sticks to what she does best, British folk. But it's the material, especially "If I Were A Bluebird," co-written with Ron Sexsmith that makes this record truly shine.

9. Bob Dylan-Another Self Portrait

I've heard many refer to this collection of lost sessions as "Dylan's best record!" I'm sure no one sincerely means that, but it is hard to dismiss just how wonderful "Another Self Portrait" really is. Maybe everyone is stunned by the project itself- 2 CDs worth of alternates, outtakes and rarities from one of Zimmy's notoriously bad records. Why? Well, because these performances are that good!

8. The Wood Brothers- The Muse

My first real introduction to The Wood Brothers was hearing them perform as an opening act. Their 35 minute set was so satisfying, I was tempted to leave before the headliner.  Tight harmonies, simple, rootsy & honest tunes and stellar musicianship. And it was FUN! That's right, fun. Could they possibly bring this to the table on a studio set? Yes. "The Muse" is all that!

7. John Paul Keith- Memphis Circa 3AM 

This is how you do it. Can't decide which of your idols you want to emulate? Emulate them all! Elvis, Roy, Johnny, and of course, John, Paul and Keith all make spiritual appearances on this killer collection of tunes, with one song catchier than the next. This one swings and rocks from top to bottom, and it has a sweetness to it, too! Really not a bad track in the lot.

6. Elvis Costello & The Roots- Wise Up Ghost

The general consensus on these pages was one of great disappointment over this release, though there were a few readers who, like myself, found "Wise Up Ghost" to be a thrilling achievement. I will admit to wanting the record to be something else. What? I'm not sure. Did I want Elvis rapping? Or The Roots funking up songs from "Imperial Bedroom?" What we have here is unique. It's an experiment that has a few flaws, but mostly keep you on your toes. The band, led by drummer-extraordinare ?uestlove, is in a pocket so deep, they've been accused of not playing at all, but sampling and looping everything. It's not so. This record has layers of greatness and I love it.

5. Neil Finn & Paul Kelly- Goin' Your Way

A few months back I posted the full two-plus hour webcast of Neil Finn & Paul Kelly live from the Sydney Opera House. This is the soundtrack. It's not just a live recording. This is an event, as two brilliant songwriters decided to do more than just tour together. Paul sings Neil. Neil sings Paul. 30 songs over two CDs. Wonderful!

4. Tim Christensen, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham & The Damn Crystals-Pure McCartney

Speaking of "not just a live recording," this sneaky little release took up a whole lot of my time when I finally got my grubby llittle hands on it. Basically, it's a live performance of Paul McCartney's "Ram," with an encore of Paul McCartney hits. Why is this so special? Well, you just have to hear it and see it to believe it. And you will. This group of musicians nails it in every conceivable way. The playing, the singing and the real secret weapon to the success...the spirit.

3. Mavis Staples- One True Vine

Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and the legendary Mavis Staples are back for an encore and it is every bit as good as Round One. Though Miss Mavis has the pipes, credit must be given to Tweedy as the producer, choosing the right material and stepping back on the production. Like the previous release, Tweedy gives Mavis a couple of tunes, "One True Vine" and "Jesus Wept." And like the previous release, those two are the highlights of a very strong record.

2. Steve Earle & The Dukes (And Duchesses)- The Low Highway

This is Steve Earle's best record. There! I said it. He's made some fantastic records in his long and storied career, but no record is as coherent and as diverse and as musical as "The Low Highway." Was it the time he spent in New Orleans that inspired him? This record feels like a melting pot of styles, and like New Orleans, it all seems natural.

1. David Bowie- The Next Day

What can I say here that hasn't already been said in every music rag, paper and blog?  To release an album almost 50 years into a career, have it not only sound contemporary and fresh, but to also contain some of the strongest material of said career, this can only be the work of David Bowie.

Long time Bowie fans will recognize the sounds and textures from such records as 1977's "Low" and 1979's "Lodger." But unlike those two records, the songs on "The Next Day" are more realized and more radio-friendly.

The long layoff since Bowie's last release in 2004 had everyone questioning his health, so when the first single appeared out of nowhere on the singer's birthday in January, the chatter was deafening. "Where Are We Now?" is a melancholy ballad about time gone by. A beautiful piece of music that does not truly represent the energy found in so many tunes from "The Next Day."

This is my favorite record of the year and many times throughout the year, I even considered it as the finest record of David Bowie's career. I'm just not ready to go on record with that.

Best Of 2013: Readers Choices Part 4

Here is one last list before I post my picks for "Best Records Of 2013." This comes from my pal and Burning Wood supporter, John Dunbar.






10-And The Professors- Our Postmortem
Adam Levy of the Honeydogs created this side project to explore the chamber pop side of his writing. I look forward to further explorations.

9-Jules Shear- Longer To Get To Yesterday
After way too many years of hibernation, Jules released 2 discs of new material this year ( Shear/ Shazar was a top tenner until this one bumped it to 11).
Battling through the questionable production, Jules provides some of his strongest songs in decades.

8-Wesley Stace- Wesley Stace
John Wesley Harding changes his recording name to the one on his birth certificate. He's turned down the overly clever word play and turned up the personal confessional side. When a great songwriter gets even greater it's something to behold.

7- Kimberley Rew- Healing Broadway
Reminds me of the type of records Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds would release in their heyday. Very British; bluesy rockers, country-esque bouncers, a little music hall. Great songwriting, solid playing, it sounds like the Ex-Kinks, Ex-Katrina and The Waves and current spouses are having a grand ol' time making it.

6- The Odds- The Most Beautiful Place On Earth/ Game Face On
The reunited Canadian greats were supposed to put out a series of new EPs this year. Only 2 surfaced. Joining both of them on my Ipod has turned these 10 songs into one damn fine album.

5- The Fratellis- We Need Medicine
I loved The Fratellis, even beer commercials couldn't spoil it. When they broke up, I loved leadman Jon Fratelli's next, Codeine Velvet Club, and the album made. I really loved his solo album Psycho Jukebox. The Fratellis reunited this year and I love this album.

4-Bernard Fanning- Departures
This is his second solo album, and the first since the demise of Aussie legends Powderfinger. His previous album had a warm, rustic, folky vibe. On this one he wears his love of Bowie on his sleeve, as well as rocking out like his old band used to do so well.

3-Richard Thompson- Electric
Another album of outstanding songwriting and mind-blowing guitar playing, but this time with Buddy Miller overhearing the proceedings. It's easy to take him for granted: I certainly don't.

2- The Duckworth Lewis Method- Sticky Wickets
Another concept about cricket? Yes. Another masterpiece? Yes. Neil Hannon of Divine Comedy and Thomas Walsh of Pugwash bring back the magic. I've never seen a cricket match, yet I can't stop listening. Guest stars run from Neil Finn to Stephen Fry.

1-Euros Childs- Situation Comedy
Since the dissolution of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Mr. Childs has been putting out solo albums and one off projects (the great Jonny with Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake is a gem) at the rate of about 2 a year. All of them excellent without ever repeating himself. This newest one is his best yet. At times he sounds like Sparks if they were part of the Canterbury scene.

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 12/7-12/13

Neat Neat Neat- The Damned
Talking In The Dark- Elvis Costello
The Ballad Of John & Yoko- The Beatles
Shout It Out- Mikal Cronin
Mirage- Shelagh McDonald
Love For Granted- Phoenix
Taken For A Fool- The Strokes

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"Holiday-ish #1": THE WEEKEND MIX

I tended bar at a corporate Christmas party last night. As soon as I walked into the lobby of the building, I heard "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms piping in. I said hello to the doorman and made the comment, "I bet you've heard this song too many times today." He replied in a voice like molasses-

"Naw, baby. It's nice. It's only for a little while each year."

Well, I still hate "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms, but the truth is, I don't hate Christmas music. And Mr. Wonderful Doorman is right, though I do enjoy mixing it up a bit. I also think that just adding sleigh bells to something doesn't make it a Christmas tune.

Exhibit A: This doosh!



"Now that the snow is falling down baby, my love is calling your name."

Does that even mean anything?

Here is the first "Holiday-Ish" mix of the year. It's by no means a "Christmas" mix. But it is something that I wouldn't mind hearing at a Christmas party or while stuffing a duck.

TRACKLIST

Love Train- The Holmes Brothers
Christmas Snow- The Buddha Heads
Street In The City- Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane
Leaves That Are Green- Simon & Garfunkel
Mary- John Cale
Something True- Nilsson
Ooh La Oona- Euros Childs
Ain't No Chimneys In The Projects- Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most- David Torkanowsky
Flyin' So High- The Rising Sons
Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head- Elvis Costello
Postcard From London- Ray Davies & Chrissie Hynde
Danny Boy- Charlie Haden & Hank Jones
Merry Christmas Baby- Charles Brown
Sweet Dreams- Roy Buchanan


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Stanton Moore's Piano Trio: The Time Has Come

Long time readers of this blog will be familiar with my love for all things New Orleans. There have been many posts highlighting the exceptional musicians from this city and more than a few specifically about Stanton Moore, drummer for Galactic. Here's an interview I did with Stanton for The Huffington Post from a few years back.

I'll bet that those of you who visit New Orleans on a somewhat regular basis, whether for Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras or just to enjoy a long weekend of food and music, have your go-to artists. It's been 15 years now that Stanton Moore has been my go-to artist. I'd search weeks in advance for club dates featuring Stanton, either playing with Galactic or leading his own bad-ass funk trio with the great B-3 player Robert Walter and the ubiquitous and talented Will Bernard on guitar, or anyone of the collectives like Dragon Smoke with Ivan Neville or Garage A Trois with Skerik, Mike Dillon and old pal Charlie Hunter. If I was in New Orleans for a week, good chance I saw Stanton Moore play somewhere with someone 4 of those 7 nights.

100+ performances, with a good dozen or so different bands over 15 years, and nothing thrilled me as much as the Stanton Moore Piano Trio this past April at Cafe Istanbul in New Orleans. One main reason is that my other go-to band is the city's legendary jazz outfit Astral Project, once a quintet, now a quartet. Stanton's piano trio features Astral Project's bass player and one of the most unique and innovative bass players in all of music, James Singleton and original Project piano-player, the brilliant, melodic and always daring David Torkanowsky. I may be gushing, but this line-up is a New Orleans dream of mine and what they exhibited that night, and probably every Tuesday night at their regular residency in NOLA's Snug Harbor was beyond your piano-trio norm.

These guys are the best at what they do. They are never satisfied. Whether taking on a Monk classic or highlighting the work of legendary New Orleans musician and producer Harold Battiste, this trio makes the music of twice as many players. If a jazz trio can put on a rock and roll show and still keep the purists happy, then you know, this trio needs to be heard

Stanton and Tork have become friends of mine over the years and I've mentioned to both, possibly an irritating number of times, that this trio absolutely needs to release music.

Well, the wait is over. I implore you, please check out Stanton's campaign HERE and pass it on. This is for me, as much as it is for the band. And really, it is for you, too.

Bubbling Under: My Favorite Other Records of 2013

More than a few people made mention of 2013 not being a particularly strong year for music. That is how I've felt every year since 1979 and yet this year I had to edit my favorites down. The Top Ten is coming soon, but for now, here are 13 releases, presented alphabetically by album title, that I really enjoyed.

Richard Thompson-Electric

My first two passes through this record left me disappointed. I blame that not on the record but my high expectations. I wanted an RT trio record produced by Buddy Miller to be the greatest record ever and it just wasn't. Once I got over that, I realized "Electric" had a lot to offer and since then it has grown to be one of my favorite Richard Thompson records.

Jonathan Wilson- Fanfare

The praise and adoration for Wilson's previous release "Gentle Spirit" was a tad unnecessary. Kudos from people like Jackson Browne, David Crosby and Elvis Costello weren't enough to sell me on an overlong collection of overproduced, overdone and overrated songs. Over. So why did "Fanfare" hit me so hard? It's similar in many ways, but in small doses, like one side at a time if you have the vinyl, you will hear four different records. For my purposes, that worked much better. And while the songs themselves may not be the calibre of the songs written by Wilson's trio of admirers, the experience of "Fanfare" is huge, evoking the best of Pink Floyd, Buffalo Springfield, and Nick Drake for starters.

Parquet Courts- Light Up Gold
From NYC, this band serves up a good chunk of what I pine for, specifically... the best sounds of 1977. "Light Up Gold" is Richard Hell, Television, Jim Carroll, Gang Of Four, and maybe even a little John Foxx-fronted Ultravox all in one exciting release.

Queens Of The Stone Age- ...Like Clockwork

QOTSA is a band I've enjoyed not liking for years. Leader Josh Homme sits at the top of my "Most Overrated" list. But it seems like he and his band matured overnight. "...Like Clockwork" has better riffs, smarter production, and more melody than any previous QOTSA release and the single "I Sat By The Ocean," sounding like ELO with balls, is one of my faves of the year.

Gregory Porter-Liquid Spirit

Finally, an R&B singer-songwriter who doesn't oversing, sing flat, or melisma his way into my trash can. Some beautifully understated music on "Liquid Spirit," sung with purity and grace by Gregory Porter.

Jules Shear-Longer To Get To Yesterday
Years go by in between Jules Shear releases and then they appear quietly. So quietly that often, one has to just obsessively Google "Jules Shear + New Music" until one gets lucky and hits something. (Yes, I'm "one.") The songwriting here is stronger than ever. Few can paint such vivid pictures of joy and heartbreak with melody and harmony the way Jules can, and "Longer To Get To Yesterday" ranks as one his very best.

Roy Harper- Man & Myth

I can't think of an artist that has kept me as busy and interested, yet so confused for so long, as Roy Harper. Ever since the day I first heard Led Zeppelin "III," and noticed a song hat-tipping Mr. Harper, I tried to dig in to his catalogue. I mean, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Paul McCartney and David Gilmour all love the guy. I finally got it with "Man & Myth."  This is big, sprawling, demanding, lugubrious music, but still full of exquisite melodies and dynamic playing. Maybe you have to be in the mood, but I'm happy I finally got Roy Harper.

Mikal Cronin- Mcii

This type of low-fi, DIY pop music is not usually in my wheelhouse. One of my fantasies is to punch Robert Pollard of Guided By Voices right in the nose. But Cronin serves up so many hooks on "Mcii" you won't know whether to sing, dance or go trout fishing. Short, sharp and sweet.

Aaron Neville- My True Story

Neville covers his favorite jukebox oldies with a little help from Keith Richards and it is a blast. This could have been ruined with unnecessarily glossy production, like so many of Neville's solo releases, but all involved held back and what we have instead is one of the most distinctive voices in music leading a stripped-down, soulful band of what sounds like guys having fun. Yes, records can be fun, kids.

Paul McCartney-New

(Please read Peter Carlin's review of "New." I wouldn't have said it better, and it pretty much nails my exact feelings about the record.)

"Just turn your ear for a moment to the buzz attending Paul McCartney’s latest album. His first collection of originals in six years, titled simply, New, came with the predictable oohs and ahhs. Oh, the Beatle-esqueness of it all. The warmth and steel of his 71-year-old pipes. The grace of his melodies and the unexpected shrieks, whirs and purposeful murk in its electronic japery. But in the absence of the work itself all those promises are at best meaningless — McCartney is a living legend, a hero to generations. Journalists WANT him to succeed, and frankly so do we. Particularly if it means 45-plus minutes of lovely new Paul McCartney music.

So how terrific that New is pretty much exactly that. From the album-opening rocker “Save Us,” the songs are tautly constructed, melodic and – I swear I’m not kidding – lyrically compelling. The intellectual laziness that defines so many of McCartney’s solo songs is nowhere to be found.
Instead, we get the engaging obscurities in “Alligator” and, better yet, the prosaic revelations described in the sweet, mid-tempo “On My Way to Work.”   Like for instance, and I just love this for some reason:

“On my work to work I bought a magazine/Inside a pretty girl, liked to waterski/She came from Chichester to study history/She had removed her clothes for the likes of me.”

It’s that bit about waterskiing that knocks me backwards (what a weird detail, and yet exactly what dirty magazines make a point of noting). Next, a brief guitar break turns dark and driving, leading to a final verse where the ka-chunk of the office time clock brings a small vision:

“I could see everything, how we came to be/People come and go, smoking cigarettes/I pick the packets up when the people leave.“

Wherein lies one of McCartney’s most valuable traits — his eye for the magic of everyday life and motion. We fancy folk don’t often turn to janitors and nudie magazines for existential philosophy, but this artist sees more than we do. The real payoff, however, comes in the choruses that reveal the narrator’s passing fascinations as a symptom of the intimacy he never found in his own life:

“How could a soul search everywhere/Without knowing what to do?”

So okay, “Everybody Out There” falls a bit short in the lyric department, but the next tune is “Hosanna,” which pits a dark melody and pulsing bass against layers of electronic drone and tape loop shriekery unheard on a Paul song since “The White Album.”
And so it goes pretty much song for song, all with their own intrigue (OMG, the texture of his aged voice when singing, a touch bitterly, about the young Beatles on “Early Days”) and delight. Those perfect melodic fillips; the layers of joy in his stacked harmonies; the irresistible sweetness in the bouncy title track, which is as heavy as helium and as lovely as a summer morning.
Does that make it (yet) another silly love song? Not even. If only for the startling assertion McCartney makes a song earlier in “Early Days”:

“They can’t take it from me if they tried/I lived through those early days/So many times I had to change the pain to laughter/Just to keep from getting crazed.”

It ain’t easy. So float away on “New” right now; consider the expressions on the faces you see and imagine what waits for them when their feet crunch back into the dirt below."

Valerie June-Pushin' Against A Stone
A gutsy, rootsy, soulful collection of country, folk gospel and blues. June's two previous releases were acoustic affairs that didn't quite nail it. But on "Pushin' Against A Stone," she gets some help from Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and the results are magical.

Daft Punk-Random Access Memories

You don't have to be a fan of 70's disco or 80's electro-pop to appreciate just what Daft Punk has done here. (Ok, maybe you do.) This record is pure genius and it's a prime example of what "making records" is all about. There are plenty of hummable moments and plenty of danceable moments, but as a whole, "Random Access Memories" is an epic display of production and miraculously, doesn't feel like it's too much, which I think pretty much describes how we all felt during the 70's and 80's. Go into this one the way you would a documentary on a certain place and time.

Trigger Hippy- Trigger Hippy
"Trigger Hippy is a powerful, soul-infused rock and roll band founded by Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman featuring twin lead vocals from multi-platinum recording artist Joan Osborne and singer-songwriter Jackie Greene who also plays guitar and keyboards.  Rounding out the group are lead guitarist Tom Bukovac, who co-produced the EP with the band, and bassist Nick Govrik. "

Yes, this is only a 4-track, 10" vinyl E.P. at the moment, but I love this baby and if it were at least twice as long, it may have made the Top Ten.

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 11/30-12/6

Deep- Jules Shear
Expressway To Your Heart- Soul Survivors
Friday Night, Saturday Morning- The Specials
Tell It To The Rain- 4 Seasons
Make Believe- Joan Jett
I'm Goin' Down- Bruce Springsteen
Tanqueray- Johnnie Johnson

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"Yeah, That's Right, More Covers" : THE WEEKEND MIX

If you've already glanced at the tracklist, noticed Chuck Mangione's name, and decided to stick around anyway, I thank you. His version of "High Heel Sneakers" with Tony Levin on bass and Steve Gadd on drums kicks my ass, so I thought I'd pass it on. Then of course, more covers followed and here we are.

TRACKLIST

Hounds Of Love (Kate Bush)- The Futureheads
King's Lead Hat (Brian Eno)- The Dirtbombs
Barrytown (Steely Dan)- Ben Folds
Love My Way (Psychedelic Furs)- The Polyphonic Spree
Black Star (Radiohead)- Gillian Welch
High Heel Sneakers (Tommy Tucker)- Chuck Mangione
How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees)- Jacqui Naylor
Right Now (Herbie Mann)- The Creatures
Don't It Make My Brown Eyes, Blue (Crystal Gayle)- Glenn Tilbrook
His Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles (Captain Beefheart)- Joan Osborne
Brazil (Ary Barroso)- Gigi & The Charmaines
Heart Of The Sunrise (Yes)- California Guitar Trio

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Best Of 2013: Readers Choices Part 3

KEN D

For me this was a great year for albums by singer/songwriters. My list is eight records I went back to again and again this year and all have a single name attached. Maybe it's a coincidence or maybe bands are in decline (though I have no idea why this might be so). I don't feel that I hear enough albums to declare anything a "best," so I'll just say these are my favorites and highly recommended to anyone with country/rootsy/NoDepression-y leanings:

A list:

Steve Earle - The Low Highway

Brandy Clark - 12 Stories (kudos to you Sal for being way ahead on this one)

Robbie Fulks - Gone Away Backward

Josh Ritter - The Beast in Its Tracks

Sam Phillips - Push Any Button

A+ list:

Jason Isbell - Southeastern (and his show—opening for Nick Lowe—at Lincoln Center was a 2013 highlight)

Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park (for some I guess CMA nominations would be the kiss of death, but this album is miles above the typical country radio fare)

and the last is a plug for a guy I know—an ex-New Yorker, now living in Wisconsin—who made a superb album on his own (Indiegogo funded) with a bad title, worse cover art, and great, great music:

Matthew Grimm - Songs in the Key of Your Face

I highly encourage you to check him out: www.grimmreality.net/

http://matthewgrimm.bandcamp.com/album/songs-in-the-key-of-your-face

Best Of 2013: Readers Choices Part 2

JERRY LEE


Best/favorites of 2013, no order:

Barrence Whitfield And The Savages - Dig Thy Savage Soul
kicks ass!

Robbie Fulks - Gone Away Backward
alt-country wiseass, great songwriter

Dog Party - Lost Control
two punk-like teenage sisters, excellent tunes

John Paul Keith - Memphis 3AM

The Len Price 3 - Nobody Knows

The Sadies - Internal Sounds

Allen Toussaint - Songbook

Willis Earl Beal - Nobody Knows

Emiliana Torrini - Tookah
because I like the sound of her voice.

Terry Allen - Bottom Of The World
Texas eccentric

Phil Lee - The Fall & Further Decline of the Mighty King Of Love
good, witty roots rock songwriter on a bummer.

Swearin' - Surfing Strange
Breeders-like.


Andre Williams - Silky
released in 1998, but still the best album every year since then!








JEFF MATTHEWS

Favorite albums:
Bowie- The Next Day
Mavericks -In Time
Jason Isbell - Southeastern
Neko Case - (ridiculously long title)
QotSA- Like Clockwork
Frank Turner - Tape Deck Heart
Steve Earle - Low Highway
...I don't think I can come up with 10 this year...
2 Favorite singles:
High School Lover - Cayucas
Stoned and Starving - Parquet Floors
...I'm sure I'm forgetting something...looking forward to your listings to catch up on what I missed.

Best Of 2013: Readers Choices Part 1

BUZZBABYJESUS

I was about to say I didn't listen to much new music this year until I looked at my playlists.

My Top Ten (12) of 2013
(In no particular order)

1 The Wood Brothers- The Muse
2 Joseph Arthur- The Ballad Of Boogie Christ
3 William Tyler- The Impossible Truth
4 Elvis And The Roots- Wise Up Ghost
5 Janelle Monae- The Electric Lady
7 Jeffrey Novak- The Lemon Kid
8 Jonathan Wilson- Fanfare
9 Mavis Staples- One True Vine
10 Omar Suleyman- Wenu Wenu
11 Roy Harper- Man and Myth
12 North Mississippi All Stars- World boogie Is Coming

Reissues

King Crimson- The Road To Red
Bob Dylan- Another Self Portrait
Yes- Close To The Edge

(I can't believe I left "The Next Day" off my list. Also Okkervil River's "The Silver Gymnasium.")









OLDROCKR1

I haven't put together my full list yest, but I do know my 3 favorites of the year. My listening habits have been focused primarily on Americana artists for the past few years and there have been some very good releases in 2013.

1) Jason Isbell - Southeastern
America's best songwriter at the moment. You know he's good when my wife stops what she is doing to marvel at the lyrics.

2) Holly Williams - The Highway
The best record made by anyone in this family since, well since Hank.

3) Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison - Cheaters Game
I've had this sine last December and I keep on playing it. A wonderful record.

There were also very good releases from John Moreland, Sturgil Simpson, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell among others. All in all a pretty good year.






 



SHRINER

For me, this was not a *great* year. That said, these are 2013 releases I've played more than once and will continue to go back to:

1) Minor Alps -- Get There (I am an unabashed fan of Juliana Hatfield, and I really like Nada Surf, so this was right in the wheel house...) Yet Juliana's "Wild Animals" -- made no impression at all...

2) Drink a Toast to Innocence: A Tribute to Lite Rock. I can't add much that hasn't been already said about this great collection.

3) Belle And Sebastian -- The Third Eye Centre. I love this band as they continue to fit into the "I miss the Beautiful South" place in my head.

4) Lyn Saga -- Venice. If only for the brilliant "This Way" (but the rest of the album is very good, too.)

5) Kurt Baker -- Brand New Beat (lots of fun here.)

But the album I played most in 2013? The rip of "Pure McCartney" by Time Christensen (and others...)

What put the biggest smile on my face in 2013? The boot of the first Replacements reunion concert. I wish I had been there!!!


There were many others that were good (new Neil Young & Crazy Horse almost made the cut as did "Time" by Rod Stewart), but -- looking back to what I added to my iTunes in 2013 -- the list above is what I've gone back to most.

Discoveries of older albums/artists in 2013 (mostly from Bandcamp) that I really liked: The Wellingtons, I Was A King, Throwback Suburbia's "Shot Glass Souvenir" (OK, I probably played this album *more* than "Pure McCartney", The Grapes of Wrath, Fastball


There were more things I thought I *would* like, but didn't like as much (M B V jumps out as does Sid & Susie's Vol 3) this year. 

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 11/23-11/29

Momma's Little Jewel- Mott The Hoople
Magic Bus- The Who
You Might Show Up- Jules Shear
Winter Coat- Paul Kelly & The Messengers
Via Chicago- Wilco
In A Station- The Band
Everything's The Truth- Marshall Crenshaw

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