Call me sentimental but doesn't ringing in the new year kinda warrant a carefully executed playlist? I thought so too. (Not to mention what self respecting blogger leaves his blog posting total at 199 for the year?)
Happy New Year Everything is Pop readers everywhere!
Felix Sit Annus Novus! Side
1. All The Years - Beach House
2. Last Year - Akron/ Family
3. Years (By One Thousand Fingertips) - Attack in Black
4. Odun De! Odun De! (Happy New Year) - Babatunde Olatunji
5. Chinese New Year - The Heliocentrics and Mulatu Astatke
6. The Driving Of The Year Nail - Leo Kottke
7. 100 Years - Ganglians
8. You In Forty Years - High Places
9. One Year (Four Tet Remix) - His Name Is Alive
10. Last Years Rain Didn't Fall Quite So Hard - The Twilight Sad
11. Funny Time Of Year - Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man
12. One Million Years Ago - Broadcast & The Focus Group
13. A Year In A Minute - Christian Fennesz
14. In Between The Years - Ulrich Schnauss
15. New Year's Eve - The Knife
16. Fall of Another Year - CAN
17. Year 2000... - Mogwai
18. In The New Year - The Walkmen
19. Four Long Years - Wire
20. Twenty Years Ago - Magazine
21. Hard Hard Year - Messengers
Bonne Année Side
1. Dirty Harry (Chinese New Year Remix) - Gorillaz
2. This Will Be Our Year - The Zombies
3. One Hundred Years From Now - The Byrds
4. Maybe In Another Year - Jennie Pearl
5. 23 Years Ago - Paul Westerberg
6. 31 Years - Elliott Brood
7. What Are Years? - Christine Fellows
8. Five Years - David Bowie
9. Five Years - Seu Jorge
10. This Year's Girl - Elvis Costello
11. First Year Blues [Overdubbed Non-Session Demo] - Hank Williams
12. Shrine To The Dynamic Years - Guided By Voices
13. My Year In Lists - Los Campesinos!
14. Rest Of Years (demo) - The National
15. New Years - Ohbijou
16. The New Year - Death Cab For Cutie
17. Each Year - Ra Ra Riot
18. Human of the Year - Regina Spektor
19. My Favourite Year - Destroyer
20. This Year - The Mountain Goats
21. One Hundred Million Years - M. Ward
You might recall my posting concerning the reformation of the Velvet Underground in New York late last year for an interview with journalist David Fricke. Missing from that historic session though was John Cale, best known as the Velvet Underground's premier sonic experimentalist and viola player. To be certain Cale added an element to the band's first two albums that would sadly be missing in their work that followed.
After the leaving the Velvets much of Cale’s solo work was comparatively accessible, and never more so than on his classic 1973's offering, Paris 1919. A sweeping orchestral album that to this day remains powerfully influential.(Owen Pallett has been even covered the album’s title cut). It was recorded with backing from the UCLA Orchestra, as well as the American folk rock outfit Little Feat.
News this week that John Cale will recreate Paris 1919 in its entirety with a live performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England on March 5th, 2010. Cale will perform the album with the Heritage Orchestra; (there's no word on whom, if anyone, will perform Little Feat's parts.) Cale held a similar concert in Wales (his homeland) this past November, performing Paris 1919 at the Cardiff Coal Exchange.
Cross your fingers, perhaps Mr. Cale will consider bringing this one across the pond. Paris 1919 is a record that should definitely be a part of every music fans collection, I highly recommend you seek this one out.
Sad news today from Athens Georgia today…
Vic Chesnutt's record label, Constellation Records, has released a statement confirming that the 45-year-old singer-songwriter has died. "Surrounded by family and friends, Vic Chesnutt died in Athens Georgia this afternoon, Friday December 25 at 14:59," the statement reads. "In the few short years that we knew him personally, Vic transformed our sense of what true character, grace and determination are all about. Our grief is inexpressible and Vic's absence unfathomable. We will make more information available according to the wishes of Vic's family and friends."
There's widespread speculation on the Web, but no confirmation, that Chesnutt committed suicide. "We have no comment right now on the specifics other than that his doctors are continuing to assess his condition," Constellation Records co-owner Don Wilkie wrote Thursday, while Chesnutt was in a coma. "We will issue a full statement at an appropriate time. In the interim, we request that everybody respect Vic's privacy and that of his family."
Chesnutt waged a very long and public battle with inner demons since before the release his first solo album Little (produced by Michael Stipe) in 1990. After becoming confined to a wheelchair at age 18 following a car accident, he publicly struggled with depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the musician faced nearly $70,000 in hospital bills, a subject he brought up in an interview earlier this month. From the interview:
I was making payments, but I can't anymore and I really have no idea what I'm going to do. It seems absurd they can charge this much. When I think about all this, it gets me so furious. I could die tomorrow because of other operations I need that I can't afford. I could die any day now, but I don't want to pay them another nickel.
Despite these huge adversities Chesnutt did maintain an extraordinarily prolific career, releasing more than a dozen albums as a solo artist and many more while collaborating with other musicians, including Widespread Panic and Lambchop. Chesnutt released two albums in 2009, At the Cut and Skitter on Take Off.
Another year of music has come and so the list making begins. Thus I compose my official Everything is Pop register of the top twenty five albums of 2009. My selections are based on carefully considered variables that range from subjective intuition, repetitive plays, creativity, favour and most importantly, originality.
I did not have a great deal of difficulty in preparing this list as it seems to begin to manifest itself in my psyche by early September. This year in song has been an exceptional one marked by a number of new discoveries and older stand-bys alike. Perhaps it was the transitional nature of the music industry this year that somehow inspired musicians of every genre to stretch creative, artistic and even marketing limits to entirely new heights. “Stellar” would be the term that seems to come to mind to summarize the year in song 2009. And with that statement, the list begins…
1. The Antlers – Hospice [French Kiss] No other record came close to affecting me as much as this Brooklyn trio’s deeply moving disc did this year. Originally conceived as a solo record by front man Peter Silberman this “concept album” about personal loss packs a powerful wallop even after numerous listens. Hospices songs are derived from Silberman’s personal stories that touch on mental illness, cancer and death. These are not easy listening by any stretch and yet their universal and soulful impact is what sets them apart from others this year. Yes this is heartbreaking (at times) and difficult but it also possesses a universal beauty that makes it unforgettable. A record that will stick with you long after it leaves the player.
Favourite songs – Kettering, Two
2. Cass McCombs - Catacombs [Domino]
Cass McCombs has always been a bit of an enigma for me and with this his fifth LP the artistic fog for this listener is beginning to lift. Catacombs is considered to be more accessible than previous efforts and I really must concur. This time out McCombs has delivered his most creatively consistent and artistically strong record yet. This is a fine release with a disposition that will please everyone. Definitely an artist to watch. Cass McCombs is only getting better.
Favourite songs – Dreams Come True Girl, You Saved My Life
3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest [Warp]
Admittedly my first listen of Grizzly Bear’s 2009 release was a bit of a disappointment, despite the fact that a couple songs could be considered the best of their career. My second listening experience was a much better one due in large part to the fact that I was listening to the record on a full stereo system. It literally brought the music to life. Ear buds regretfully just do not do this record justice. (Akin to seeing a movie in a theatre and not a portable DVD player.)
Veckatimest is a remarkably fresh sounding record that provided an essential soundtrack to my summer music listening. It also represents marked growth for a band that seems to generate fan interest with every turn. Grizzly Bear are highly astute at achieving the right balance of mystery and melody within their song craft. Songs like “Two Weeks” and “Southern Point” underscore this ability. Both songs remain two of the catchiest songs I have heard this year.
Favourite Songs – Ready, Able, Two Weeks, Southern Point
4. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca [Domino]
When Dirty Projector’s appeared on the Late Show earlier this year it was as if the audience was hit with the business end of a garden hose at the end of their performance. Not that it was a poor presentation by any stretch of the imagination, but rather, the audience just didn’t know what to make of them. Their polyrhythmic song structures and jagged harmonies were very different from anything many in the crowd had heard before. The sound was quite foreign and entirely unique- the very qualities that forced me to explore this band in the first place. Dirty Projectors distinguish themselves this way and it makes their music unforgettable. There is no way you can confuse them with any other band and that is what I love about them.
This is definitely not music for the masses. Do understand though Bitte Orca is very much worth your time and exploration of this band will yield great results. Seek out their collaboration with David Byrne on Dark Was the Night that came out this year as well. Truly, one of the best songs they have ever done.
Favourite songs – Stillness Is the Move, Temecula Sunrise, Knotty Pine
5. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion [Domino]
What self respecting blogger could not include this the latest LP release from Brooklyn’s Animal Collective? Yes, the hyperbole may be great but in this case it really is deserved. Like Radiohead, Animal Collective is one of the most important bands on the planet making music today. Merriweather Post Pavillion is a brilliant testimony to the greatness this band is capable of. Bold, focused and quite unlike anything else out there. Animal Collective continue to break the rules and garner new fans every time they do so. This is a brilliantly inventive release.
Favourite Song – Summertime Clothes
6. Atlas Sound - Logos [4AD]
Bradford Cox is quickly establishing himself as the blogger generation’s Robert Pollard. Whereas the latter was heavily influenced by the music of The Who and the Beatles, Cox is more partial to the music and influence of Brian Wilson and Stereolab. The results on this latest endeavour partly a sweet slab of pure pop music and rocking freakout. In all likelihood this would not have emerged under the Deerhunter monicker which makes it an absolutely wonderful surprise. Again, this record distinguishes itself because it is so very different- Just not so different than the sweet pop at its core. Terrific.
Favourite song – Quick Canal
7. Broadcast and the Focus Group – Investigate Witch Cults of the Radio Age (Warp)
For nearly a decade now I have enjoyed the fractured pop stylings of Broadcast. Their icy cool European exterior most enticing. I have always considered them to be a friendlier version of Portishead because of their extensive use of samples found sound audio snippets and unconventional instrumentation. This time out, Broadcast collaborate with the Focus Group to extend their intoxicating sound and indulge some new directions. The results are stunning with the latter providing skittering background accompaniment to great effect.
Favourite song – The Be Colony
8. Pink Moth – The Wild (Independent)
A relatively new discovery that floored me from the first listen. Torontonian, Ray Cammaert has created something that is gorgeous and so very intoxicating. In what feels like familiar landscape the listener is drawn into Cammaert’s gauzy view and it couldn’t be more compelling. A special record that reveals new elements with every listen. If ever there was a recording that begs to be released on heavy weight vinyl, this would be it. A rare treat for the senses, this one is exceptional.
Favourite song – Carnival Girl
9. Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue (Warp)
Experimental electronic artist Bibio may be responsible for the most pleasant musical surprise for me this year. Picking this one up on a whim based on the fact it was on The Warp Records imprint was one of the best new discoveries I would make this past summer. Ambivalence Avenue combines elements of electronica, and hip hop (with a folky twist); this one works in spite of its seemingly conflicting intentions. Bibio has created something unique and highly listenable.
Favourite song – Haikueseque (When She Laughs)
10. Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle (Drag City)
Sepia toned reflections on life and nature are a winning combination for the more than slightly winsome Callahan. His song, All Thoughts are Prey to Some Beast may be the most beautiful song of the year and is a definite career highlight. Richly imagistic with sublime instrumentation to match this one is a pure classic.
Favourite songs - All Thoughts are Prey to Some Beast, Faith Void
The Brilliance Continues
11. Calfone - Funeral Singers 12. Tinariwen - Imidiwn: Companions 13. Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light 14. A Horse and His Boy - A Horse and His Boy 15. Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns 16. The Mountain Goats - The Life of the World to Come 17. Yo La Tengo- Popular Song 18. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career 19. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin 20. Wilco - Wilco (The Album) 21. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast 22. St. Vincent- Actor 23. The National- Dark Was the Night 24. Modest Mouse- No One's First and You're Next 25. Alela Diane - To Be Still
It’s time to wake up Grandpa dear readers, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame has selected its inductees for the class of 2010. In a list that would flummox even the most ardent mix-tape maker The Stooges, ABBA, Jimmy Cliff, Genesis, and the Hollies were chosen to make it to the shrine. Perhaps even more interesting though are the nominees that didn't make the cut. The list included: Kiss, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, and Darlene Love. (Now that would have made a performance! ed.)
Music impressario David Geffen and songwriters Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Jesse Stone, Mort Shuman and Otis Blackwell were also inducted in non-performing categories.
"We've been rejected seven times, and we would have set a record, I think, if it happened again. It started to feel like Charlie Brown and the football. I had about two hours of a strong emotional reaction after hearing the news. It felt like vindication. Then I kind of scratched my head and thought, 'Am I still cool? Or is that over now?'"
The induction ceremony takes place March 15th at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Let's hope Abba and the Stooges make good on that oft-promised collaboration. "I Wanna Be Your Dancing Queen" anyone?
In 2007, the White Stripes toured across every province and territory in Canada. Along the way playing one off shows in unusual places and venues that ranged From a performance on a bus in Winnipeg to playing the Arva Flour Mill (just outside of London) to playing an infamous one note concert in St. John’s. The trek garnered a lot of well earned attention for the duo and also managed to please a whole lot of Canadians. This humble blogger included.
Luckily, the whole tour was captured in the film Under the Great White Northern Lights. If you weren’t lucky enough to take it in at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year, you’ll be happy to know that the DVD will be available in March 2010. See an image gallery from the film here.
The DVD will come in a number of formats, most notably in a handsome deluxe, limited-edition box set. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these, it will include the film on DVD, a DVD of the White Stripes’ tenth anniversary celebration called Under Nova Scotian Lights, a live seven-inch, a 16-track live album on both vinyl and CD, a silk-screen print and a lovely 208-page photo book with a forward by Jim Jarmusch.
The deluxe box set will be available for pre-order here today (December 11th). As well, if it’s pre-ordered before January 1st, fans will also receive three MP3s and a holiday card from the band as a bonus incentive.
The DVD and live album will also be available on their own on March 16th, with the book coming out in April.
(Your point of trivia for the day… The set list for that one note show in St. John’s?)
Friedrich Nietzsche never heard the music of this band but I remember the first time I heard the music of Liars. A preview track on Wire Magazine’s always fantastic Wiretapper Compilation opened a breathtaking, albeit noisy new world to me. As impressed as I was with this amazing debut, their next record, Drums Not Dead blew my mind. I wasn’t the only one and it provided considerable proof this band was a force to reckon with. Not surprising then, there has been considerable excitement building for the New York band’s forthcoming Sisterworld release. Scheduled for release in early 2010, the inscrutable trio have released three short videos (each accompanied by seemingly teaser snippets from the album.) Today the teasing ends and a more substantial offering is being made via the same website in the form of an free MP3, titled “Scissor.”
“Scissor” is set to be the first song on the new album, and if it is any indication, the band is set to explore some new and interesting musical territory. Could the sturm and drang be behind them? Replaced instead with ambience and fragility… I didn’ think so either. As always with Liars one must expect the unexpected. Who know what 'lies' in store for us in the coming months.
As most music lovers will attest, there is some very practical magic at work when it comes to the discovery of new music. That is one of its beguiling charms and most likely why it manages to touch my soul every so often. Like discovering a great painting or a wonderful piece of literature the effect is both highly rewarding and hopefully enduring.
Ten days ago, the offer to preview and listen to a band that I was only vaguely familiar with arrived in my inbox. A quick email exchange followed and a few days later a carefully packaged CD arrived in my mailbox. I opened it that night and I was pleasantly surprised, first by the artwork, (always a good sign and so often the gateway to me picking up a disc in the first place); But it was the second revelation, the discovery of the most remarkable music that virtually floored me as I listened on an evening walk.
The CD that I was listening to (then and now actually as I write) was the latest release by Toronto band Pink Moth called The Wild. Just from the opening seconds of the CD, I knew it would be something special. I was immediately drawn to its innocent charms and little fragilities because it took me to a different place immediately. Listening to this disc was like discovering your grandparent’s dusty attic. All muted tones, elegance, dusty records and displaced photographs. It felt like a different time and place. Each song a little smile inducing treasure. At times familiar, others times distant.
When some bands use pure sound volume to imbibe power to their songcraft, Pink Moth go the opposite route with a sparse fragility that is equally powerful. The band’s Myspace page features a host of influences from Neutral Milk Hotel to Alan Lomax to Guided by Voices and goes a long way in explaining their appeal to me. This is the kind of disc that forces you to listen to it in its entirety and not one song at a time. You want to keep the story going- To bring that sunlit attic to new life. (You can go to the band’s site to hear some of these songs for yourself, but I recommend tracking down this most wonderful disc.)
Pink Moth is a relatively new project centered on its main creative force, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ray Cammaert. Originally from London, Ontario, Cammaert was previously a member of Maps of the Night Sky with whom he recorded and toured extensively. Pink Moth followed with Cammaert at the helm for the Wild. Recorded at the band's own Tinshop Studios and mixed by Londoner Andy Magoffin (Two Minute Miracles, Great Lake Swimmers and Constantines) at the House of Miracles studio. Cammaert and longtime partner, illustrator Willow Dawson, were the primary musicians on the album, while Michael McGuffin, Mika Posen (Forest City Lovers), and Joan Watson all helped shape its unique sound. Pink Moth's debut full-length, The Wild, was released September 8th, 2009.
Ray Cammaert Vocal, Guitar, Piano, Organ Willow Dawson Saw, Vocal, Synth Michael McGuffin Keyboards, Violin Adrian Ellis Bass, Guitar Andy Magoffin Drums
52nd Grammy Nominees Announced - Beyonce Leads the Pack
As holiday season approaches, award show season surely can not be far behind…. Yes Virginia, music awards shows may come and go, but the Grammys remain The Oscars of the music industry representing the full music spectrum from classical, country and gospel to rock, rap and reggae. Mind you, they did drop the Best Polka Album category thus forever altering music fandom and possibly the universe as we know it.
One Sad Walter Ostanek aside, this year's nominees were announced during a primetime broadcast last night, Dubbed, "Grammy Nominations Concert Live: Countdown to Music's Biggest Night" aired live on CBS from Los Angeles' Club Nokia Theater.
The 1-hour special, hosted by LL Cool J, announced Grammy nominations in several categories and the world premiere performance of Nick Jonas & the Administration, as well as appearances by Black Eyed Peas, country stars Sugarland and R&B singer Maxwell. (Yes, yes I know the “moose cup boners” must have abounded!)
Watch for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards to air on Sunday, January 31, 2010 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, broadcast live on CBS at 8 P.M ET/PT.
Beyoncé – I Am… Sasha Fierce Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D. Lady Gaga – The Fame Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King Taylor Swift – Fearless
Record of the Year
Beyoncé – “Halo” Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling” Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody” Lady Gaga – “Poker Face” Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
Song of the Year
Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” Lady Gaga – “Poker Face” Maxwell – “Pretty Wings” Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody” Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling” Bon Jovi – “We Weren’t Born to Follow” The Fray – “Never Say Never” Daryl Hall & John Oates – “Sara Smile” MGMT – “Kids”
Best Rap Solo Performance
Drake – “Best I Ever Had” Eminem – “Beautiful” Jay-Z – “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite” Mos Def – “Casa Bey”
Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Brooks & Dunn - “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” Zac Brown Band - “Chicken Fried” Lady Antebellum - “I Run To You” Rascal Flatts - “Here Comes Goodbye" Sugarland - “It Happens”
Best Rock Album
AC/DC – Black Ice Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood – Live From Madison Square Garden Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King U2 – No Line on the Horizon
Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band Keri Hilson MGMT Silversun Pickups The Ting Tings
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Adele – “Hometown Glory” Beyoncé – “Halo” Katy Perry – “Hot N Cold” Pink – “Sober” Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
John Legend – “This Time” Maxwell – “Love You” Jason Mraz – “Make It Mine” Seal – “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” Stevie Wonder – “All About the Love Again”
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Rosanne Cash & Bruce Springsteen – “Sea of Heartbreak” Ciara & Justin Timberlake – “Love Sex Magic” Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – “Lucky” Willie Nelson & Norah Jones – “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” Taylor Swift & Colbie Caillat – “Breathe”
Best Pop Vocal Album
Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D. Colbie Caillat – Breakthrough Kelly Clarkson – All I Ever Wanted The Fray – The Fray Pink – Funhouse
Best Dance Recording
Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow” David Guetta & Kelly Rowland – “When Love Takes Over” Lady Gaga – “Poker Face” Madonna – “Celebration” Britney Spears – “Womanizer”
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me” Lalah Hathaway – “That Was Then” Ledisi – “Goin’ Thru Changes” Jazmine Sullivan – “Lions, Tigers & Bears”
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Anthony Hamilton – “The Point of It All” Maxwell – “Pretty Wings” Musiq Soulchild – “Sobeautiful” Pleasure P – “Under” Charlie Wilson – “There Goes My Baby”
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Jamie Foxx & T-Pain – “Blame It” India.Arie & Musiq Soulchild – “Chocolate High” Musiq Soulchild & Mary J. Blige – “Ifuleave” Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters – “Higher Ground” Calvin Richardson & Ann Nesby – “Love Has Finally Come At Last”
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
Beyoncé – “At Last” Anthony Hamilton – “Soul Music” Boney James & Quinn – “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” Ann Nesby – “Sow Love” Calvin Richardson – “Woman Gotta Have It”
As we approach the holiday season and our calendars begin to fill with lavish soirees and wistful thoughts of ringing the new year in in style, news today that might just be worth a trip to Oklahoma. According to a poster on the band’s websitethe Flaming Lips will be ushering in the new year with a performance of Pink Floyd’sDark Side of the Moon at Oklahoma City’s Cox Center. The band will be joined by Wayne Coyne’s nephew’s (Dennis Coyne) band Stardeath and White Dwarfs.
You might recall a previous post about the Flaming Lips recently rerecorded, complete Dark Side in the studio with the band hopes of unveiling their take as an iTunes only release. The album, which reportedly features cameos by Henry Rollins and Peaches, is again a collaborative effort with Stardeath and White Dwarfs- Stardeath also opened for the mighty Lips at their last two New Year’s Eve shows.
So if you haven’t made plans yet, this might just the New Years Eve party of the decade.
