My good friend Joe's recent article on Seamheads.com reminded me of a subject I've been thinking of writing about for a while, my all-time favorite sports moments. While I plan to one day work on the sports version of last year's music Fab 40, right now I'm thinking of something a little different. That is, sports memories that have to do with much more than what happened in the games. The first that comes to mind is when I experienced what I consider to be the ultimate baseball doubleheader.
Being a native New Yorker, it might be surprising as to what I bestow that distinction. Or, maybe it's because I'm from New York, and Yankee and Shea Stadiums are not as big of a thrill to me as places I've rarely or never been to. Possibly, it's because of the luster associated with a day game at Wrigley Field. Regardless, the ultimate baseball day of my life to date was when my oldest friend Brian and I attended a day game at Wrigley and a night game at New Comiskey (or Comiskey II, as I believe it was called at the time).
Brian had just finished law school and secured a job at a Silicon Valley firm. He packed his belongings into a small U-Haul truck and headed west. I met up with him in Chicago and joined him for the western portion of his trip. It just so happened it was the summer of 1998, "the year that saved baseball," before anyone's eyes had been opened to the whole steroids controversy.
When we made our plans, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were in the midst of their assault on Roger Maris' 27-year old single season home run record. So, when we purchased tickets in advance for the September 18th games in Chicago and the September 19th and 20th St. Louis at Milwaukee matchups, we were excited it gave us a chance to see either of those guys make history.
As it turns out, McGwire broke the record on September 8, and was sitting on 64 when we arrived. He went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts on September 19, and we gave away our tickets to some nice local folks for the September 20 game, deciding that we'd rather spend an extra day in South Dakota or Wyoming than remain in Milwaukee to try and see him break his own record. He hit his 65th that day. I suppose if it had been his final homer of the season, we may have regretted our decision, but he went on to hit five more (including four in the season's final two games) to reach 70.
But this was supposed to be about the ultimate day of baseball, September 18th, 1998 in Chicago, a day that didn't start out very well. When we called a cab to pick us up at our hotel in the northern suburbs of Chicago, it seemed we had enough time to make our train. But, when the driver took almost an hour to pick us up, we were in jeopardy of not catching the last train that would get us to Wrigley by game time.
Brian was furious, and he reminded me of his father the way he berated the taxi driver. Sometimes, in situations like this, another person's agitation can make you tense, but on this occasion, I felt so sane in comparison that it relaxed me. In a way, Brian and I turned into our own version of the good cop/bad cop routine. I quietly told the driver, "Just get us to the station in time, and all will be forgiven." He did.
Still, this unfortunate incident caused us to miss out on one of the essential aspects of the Wrigley experience...pre-game drinking in local watering holes. There was no time for this, so we proceeded directly to the game. Eight 20-oz. Old Styles purchased from stadium vendors later, the Cubs and Reds were knotted at three apiece at the conclusion of the 3rd inning. I don't remember much after this. I think we stopped drinking, or at least slowed down, but I can't say for sure.
What I do remember is Brian getting yelled at by another fan for urinating in a sink in the men's room. I could swear it was a urinal myself...or at least its purpose was in that gray area between waste disposal and personal hygiene. Or, Brian and I were just that drunk. In fact, it was probably the latter.
Sosa was sitting at 63 homers for the season when the game commenced. He went 0-for-4, and since I've already mentioned McGwire did the same the next day, we were unsuccessful in our attempt to witness a little history.
The subway ride to Comiskey was pretty much a blur, probably because we slept the entire way. We actually didn't have advanced tickets to this game, so we proceeded to the ticket booth. There, we were approached by a generous local who gave us two very good seats to the game. As I've already said, we paid that gesture forward the following day.
Our tickets were for one of those sections of box seats where a waitress comes around to take your order...not really my idea of what I'm looking for in a baseball stadium, but a convenient luxury nonetheless. Our main impression of new Comiskey was they missed the boat when it came to the newer stadiums that were built to be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Brian said it looked like Disney World, but maybe we were expecting all of the new parks to have that charismatically retro feel that Camden Yards has. I'll have to get back there someday to see if I'd like to revise my opinion.
I suppose this ultimate day of baseball would have been better experienced and remembered without the excessive drinking. I certainly feel that downing a few Old Styles is essential to soaking in the Wrigley experience, but in retrospect I'd say we overdid it. Well, I did at least. Brian, outweighing me by about 60 lbs, is hard to keep up with, but it's always been my way to try. One day, I hope to convince Brian, and anyone else who's interested, to meet me in Chicago for a more sober repeat of this memorable experience. I can't think of a better way to spend a day...well, a day of baseball, that is.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Curse Reversed?
I may be a little late in chiming in on this one, but the recent controversy over the Red Sox jersey that was buried underneath the visitors' clubhouse at the soon-to-be New Yankee Stadium, and was later unearthed at the apparent direction of Yankees' management, got me thinking. It got me thinking about something I wrote the day after the infamous Midge Game, that is game two of the Yankees-Indians' ALDS matchup of last year.
"For years prior to 2004, I'd observed the slogan "Reverse the Curse" all around Boston, including a "Curve" sign on Storrow Drive that was defaced to reflect the locals' favorite slogan at the time. I wondered to myself if they didn't really mean "Erase the Curse", if they actually understood the significance of "reversing" the curse. Were they really hoping to turn "the curse" on the Yankees, or was it just a case of improper use of the English language? Of course, I'm sure every Red Sox fan would love for the so-called "curse" to be deflected in the Yankees' direction, but I doubt if, prior to 2004, any of them would dare to set their hopes that high. I think simply winning a World Series of their own was all that they could have even dreamed of.
Then came the 2004 ALCS, and the greatest comeback in the history of post-season baseball. Notice that I choose to call it the greatest comeback, while most Red Sox fans choose to call it the greatest choke. You can draw your own conclusions, but I say that I'd rather give credit where it is due, while the Boston brethren choose to go the negative route, thus detracting, to some extent, from the accomplishment of their team.
But, that's just my opinion, and it's not my point anyway. What happened last night at Jacobs Field was beyond bizarre, and I have no intention of making any excuses for my team, just as Joba Chamberlain has decided to place the blame squarely on his own shoulders. I'm just throwing this out there for consideration. The Yankees are 2-12, I think, in post-season play since annihilating the Red Sox 19-8 in game 3 of the 2004 ALCS...and since Gary Sheffield made that ill-fated "they're a mess" quote following said game. But, again, the fact that Sheffield should just shut his trap and do what he does best isn't my point either.
I realize that the swarms of bugs that were flying around Jacobs Field last night weren't just harassing Joba, but they seemed to affect only him. And, they seemed to show up just in time for him to go back out for the 8th inning. And, with only 24 big league innings under his belt, making his first post-season appearance in an almost do-or-die situation for his team, he was the most likely candidate to be thrown off his game. Additionally, the Yankees were leading, and certainly stood to lose the most from a change in playing conditions.
So, I pose the question...are the Yankees now cursed? Or, are they just an uninspired collection of overpaid mercenaries who just can't seem to overcome the pressure of the win-or-else mentality? Or, will Roger Clemens earn his $20 million in game 3, pitch them back into this series and confirm that maybe it was his influence that turned this dismal season around in the first place?
We may begin to learn the answer to that last question tomorrow night. It may take longer to know the answer to those first two questions, though."
Looking back on this now, the answer to the first question is still maybe; the second question, yes; and the third question, no.
But, my point here is, when your team seems to obviously have the upper hand, why mess with that? You didn't see Yankees' loyalists trying to "curse" the Red Sox in the 80's or 90's. They didn't care, because the Sox didn't pose a threat. In fact, they were already cursed...supposedly.
Boston fans may be far from being able to rest that comfortably that the Yankees are unable to knock them off their mantle, but maybe it's time for them to start acting that way. You may never get the chance, folks, to be as cocky as the Bronx brethren have been in the past, so take advantage of your good fortunes while you can. I realize the uniform burying incident was the action of only one fan, but maybe this will serve as a wakeup call. When you're on top, there's no need to try to invoke superstition, because that type of action is bound to backfire. Or, as Sox principal owner John Henry likes to say "Don't awaken a sleeping giant".
"For years prior to 2004, I'd observed the slogan "Reverse the Curse" all around Boston, including a "Curve" sign on Storrow Drive that was defaced to reflect the locals' favorite slogan at the time. I wondered to myself if they didn't really mean "Erase the Curse", if they actually understood the significance of "reversing" the curse. Were they really hoping to turn "the curse" on the Yankees, or was it just a case of improper use of the English language? Of course, I'm sure every Red Sox fan would love for the so-called "curse" to be deflected in the Yankees' direction, but I doubt if, prior to 2004, any of them would dare to set their hopes that high. I think simply winning a World Series of their own was all that they could have even dreamed of.
Then came the 2004 ALCS, and the greatest comeback in the history of post-season baseball. Notice that I choose to call it the greatest comeback, while most Red Sox fans choose to call it the greatest choke. You can draw your own conclusions, but I say that I'd rather give credit where it is due, while the Boston brethren choose to go the negative route, thus detracting, to some extent, from the accomplishment of their team.
But, that's just my opinion, and it's not my point anyway. What happened last night at Jacobs Field was beyond bizarre, and I have no intention of making any excuses for my team, just as Joba Chamberlain has decided to place the blame squarely on his own shoulders. I'm just throwing this out there for consideration. The Yankees are 2-12, I think, in post-season play since annihilating the Red Sox 19-8 in game 3 of the 2004 ALCS...and since Gary Sheffield made that ill-fated "they're a mess" quote following said game. But, again, the fact that Sheffield should just shut his trap and do what he does best isn't my point either.
I realize that the swarms of bugs that were flying around Jacobs Field last night weren't just harassing Joba, but they seemed to affect only him. And, they seemed to show up just in time for him to go back out for the 8th inning. And, with only 24 big league innings under his belt, making his first post-season appearance in an almost do-or-die situation for his team, he was the most likely candidate to be thrown off his game. Additionally, the Yankees were leading, and certainly stood to lose the most from a change in playing conditions.
So, I pose the question...are the Yankees now cursed? Or, are they just an uninspired collection of overpaid mercenaries who just can't seem to overcome the pressure of the win-or-else mentality? Or, will Roger Clemens earn his $20 million in game 3, pitch them back into this series and confirm that maybe it was his influence that turned this dismal season around in the first place?
We may begin to learn the answer to that last question tomorrow night. It may take longer to know the answer to those first two questions, though."
Looking back on this now, the answer to the first question is still maybe; the second question, yes; and the third question, no.
But, my point here is, when your team seems to obviously have the upper hand, why mess with that? You didn't see Yankees' loyalists trying to "curse" the Red Sox in the 80's or 90's. They didn't care, because the Sox didn't pose a threat. In fact, they were already cursed...supposedly.
Boston fans may be far from being able to rest that comfortably that the Yankees are unable to knock them off their mantle, but maybe it's time for them to start acting that way. You may never get the chance, folks, to be as cocky as the Bronx brethren have been in the past, so take advantage of your good fortunes while you can. I realize the uniform burying incident was the action of only one fan, but maybe this will serve as a wakeup call. When you're on top, there's no need to try to invoke superstition, because that type of action is bound to backfire. Or, as Sox principal owner John Henry likes to say "Don't awaken a sleeping giant".
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Frequent Spins (2008.3)
March was a bit of a slow month, not so much with respect to the quality of releases, but mostly in terms of my interest in new music. When I mentioned in last month's Frequent Spins that I needed to do spend a little time diving into American Music Club back catalog, it got me into that mode in general. I actually spent more time listening to Luna's Bewitched and Penthouse than any older AMC albums, mainly because I'm still obsessed with The Golden Age, easily the record of the year so far.
There were a few good, if not great, albums to come out in March though. So, here goes...
Devotchka - A Mad & Faithful Telling
An interesting trend in the current indie scene involves the use of elements of various ethnic styles, with Beirut being a prime example of this. Beirut also happens to be the most obvious band to compare Devotchka to, mainly due to the Eastern European influence in their respective styles. Still, there's no denying that this is more electic American indie music than anything else. There's also no denying that A Mad & Faithful Telling is littered with modern pop gems and definitely one of my most listened to albums of the past month.
Kathleen Edwards - Asking for Flowers
I fell in love with Kathleen Edwards when she burst onto the alt-country scene in 2003, pretty much at the tail end of my interest in that genre. She's primarily responsible for my somewhat recent trend of leaning towards female singers of said variety. Her second and third albums, including this year's release, have fallen a bit short of living up to the magic of the debut, Failer, but that's a tall order, and it's not like either of them have disappointed. She may not break any new ground here, but she's still the #1 alt-country diva in my book.
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
Stephen Malkmus is a God to a lot of music fans for being the frontman of one of the 90's most important indie rock bands, Pavement. Not to detract in any way from his importance in that respect, I adore him for a different reason. In an interview in this past week's Weekly Dig, a Boston alternative news-weekly, he states emphatically, "I can't stand the Red Sox. I'm always happy when they lose. Sorry. All of a sudden the Red Sox Nation becomes this massive thing? I was right there in the '70s, man. Where was Red Sox Nation when they were being humiliated all the time? They weren't around. I can understand if you're from Boston, that's your team. There's a lot of people who aren't from Boston that have, like, one Irish uncle and they're Red Sox fans." He then goes on to say that he'd kick Dustin Pedroia's ass if he got the chance. Well, actually that's a lie, and he'd probably lose that battle anyway...although I bet he could kick Johnny Pesky's ass. But, I digress. Real Emotional Trash plays like an homage to an era when all was right in the world, and Boston-ites had yet to be deprived of their right to do what they truly love...complain about their team.
Malcolm Middleton - Sleight of Heart
Malcolm "Walter Becker" Middleton probably knows nothing about baseball, but he certainly knows a thing or eight about heartache, misery and loneliness. On Sleight of Heart, he once again hits the nail on the head, although there aren't any songs here that make you want to down a pint or four as did last year's "Fuck It, I Love You" and "Up Late at Night Again". Still, this is another impressive effort from the former #2 guy from Arab Strap.
Also spin-worthy
Destroyer - Trouble in Dreams
Ladyhawk - Shots
The Ruby Suns - Sea Lion
Making up for March's short-comings, April looks to be an exciting month for new music, with Cloud Cult and Sun Kil Moon topping the list of my most anticipated. Add The Black Keys, Clinic, R.E.M., Colin Meloy, M83 and Gnarls Barkley to that list, and...well, you get the picture.
There were a few good, if not great, albums to come out in March though. So, here goes...
Devotchka - A Mad & Faithful Telling
An interesting trend in the current indie scene involves the use of elements of various ethnic styles, with Beirut being a prime example of this. Beirut also happens to be the most obvious band to compare Devotchka to, mainly due to the Eastern European influence in their respective styles. Still, there's no denying that this is more electic American indie music than anything else. There's also no denying that A Mad & Faithful Telling is littered with modern pop gems and definitely one of my most listened to albums of the past month.
Kathleen Edwards - Asking for Flowers
I fell in love with Kathleen Edwards when she burst onto the alt-country scene in 2003, pretty much at the tail end of my interest in that genre. She's primarily responsible for my somewhat recent trend of leaning towards female singers of said variety. Her second and third albums, including this year's release, have fallen a bit short of living up to the magic of the debut, Failer, but that's a tall order, and it's not like either of them have disappointed. She may not break any new ground here, but she's still the #1 alt-country diva in my book.
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
Stephen Malkmus is a God to a lot of music fans for being the frontman of one of the 90's most important indie rock bands, Pavement. Not to detract in any way from his importance in that respect, I adore him for a different reason. In an interview in this past week's Weekly Dig, a Boston alternative news-weekly, he states emphatically, "I can't stand the Red Sox. I'm always happy when they lose. Sorry. All of a sudden the Red Sox Nation becomes this massive thing? I was right there in the '70s, man. Where was Red Sox Nation when they were being humiliated all the time? They weren't around. I can understand if you're from Boston, that's your team. There's a lot of people who aren't from Boston that have, like, one Irish uncle and they're Red Sox fans." He then goes on to say that he'd kick Dustin Pedroia's ass if he got the chance. Well, actually that's a lie, and he'd probably lose that battle anyway...although I bet he could kick Johnny Pesky's ass. But, I digress. Real Emotional Trash plays like an homage to an era when all was right in the world, and Boston-ites had yet to be deprived of their right to do what they truly love...complain about their team.
Malcolm Middleton - Sleight of Heart
Malcolm "Walter Becker" Middleton probably knows nothing about baseball, but he certainly knows a thing or eight about heartache, misery and loneliness. On Sleight of Heart, he once again hits the nail on the head, although there aren't any songs here that make you want to down a pint or four as did last year's "Fuck It, I Love You" and "Up Late at Night Again". Still, this is another impressive effort from the former #2 guy from Arab Strap.
Also spin-worthy
Destroyer - Trouble in Dreams
Ladyhawk - Shots
The Ruby Suns - Sea Lion
Making up for March's short-comings, April looks to be an exciting month for new music, with Cloud Cult and Sun Kil Moon topping the list of my most anticipated. Add The Black Keys, Clinic, R.E.M., Colin Meloy, M83 and Gnarls Barkley to that list, and...well, you get the picture.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Frequent Spins (2008.2)
Last year, I generally considered March to be the best month for new releases. Two of my top 10, as well as numbers 16, 23 and 32 were released in that month. July, September and October were pretty impressive months as well. This year, while February may not turn out to be as top-heavy as March '07, it may end up going down as better than any month in either year. There are no fewer than 11 albums that I want to recognize, and while I have no intention of ranking them, I'm pretty certain that no month last year could have produced as reputable a top 10.
American Music Club - The Golden Age
Prior to this band's 2004 comeback after a ten year hiatus, Love Songs for Patriots, my only knowledge of them was some of Mark Eitzel's solo work...decent stuff, but nowhere near as good as these last two albums. Love Songs made my top ten that year, and I wouldn't be surprised if this one does too. I think I need to add American Music Club to my list of bands whose back catalogs need some exploring.
Gary Louris - Vagabonds
While this is certainly not the magnum opus for the Jayhawks' frontman, and may not even be as good as last year's effort from Jayhawks' co-founder Mark Olson, it's still a good album. And, yes, I would have expected that Louris would prove better than Olson as a solo artist. I guess Mark has a little more experience at it than Gary does, but if the alt-country pioneers, The Jayhawks, are done for good, I'm certainly looking for Louris' solo work to fill the void.
The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
I've read a lot of buzz about this one already. Most folks seem divided into two camps, those who feel this is another brilliant work from John Darnielle, or just a mediocre release from an artist who has mined the same old territory for a little too long. Not sure if I'm enough of a Mountain Goats expert to say either way, but I'm inclined to agree with those in the former category. While this may not be the most versatile group around, Heretic Pride is the best I've heard from this quirky indie pop band who remind me a bit of The Decemberists here.
Nada Surf - Lucky
This album is about 2/3 simple but infectiously catchy pop tunes, and 1/3 mediocre songs in the same vein that simply miss the mark. I like to throw the term "guilty pleasure" around a little loosely, but I have to say that this record legitimately fits into that category. I'll probably take a lot of flack from my indie-rock-snob friends (or friend, actually), but so be it...this is no James Iha Let it Come Down, but it's an enjoyable listen nevertheless.
SamAmidon - All is Well
Will Oldham is the most obvious reference point for this side project from Doveman members Thomas Bartlett and Sam Amidon. I have to admit that I've grown a little tired of the Prince of the Palace, and most things that remind me of him, but this one is on the money. SamAmidon ventures bravely into the frequently charted territory of re-working traditional Appalachian folk tunes, but do so beautifully. The album's third track, "Saro", deserves most of the credit for forcing me to not dismiss this one fairly quickly, and will certainly go down as one of my favorite songs of the year.
Say Hi - The Wishes and the Glitch
Formerly known as Say Hi to Your Mom, this band made the wise decision of shortening their name this past year. Their brand of quirky but sweet indie pop has, to me, always been misrepresented by this former handle, one that wreaks of sophomoric frat boy banter and could easily result in their being confused with crappy bands like Story of the Year. This would be a grave injustice, as their last two albums, Ferocious Mopes and Impeccable Blahs, showed some serious potential that has, at least in part, been achieved on this album.
Also spin-worthy
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Jason Collett - Here's to Being Here
Grand Archives - The Grand Archives
Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster...
Tift Merritt - Another Country
Overlooked and/or Overrated
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Everyone seems to think, based on their knowledge of my musical taste, that this is one I would like. I have to admit that I do sometimes like my music a little overly dramatic and/or theatrical (see Arcade Fire, Interpol), but if you want evidence that these clowns are just a bit ridiculous, it's in their names...Hamilton, Noble, Yan, and Wood. Enough said.
Thao Nguyen - We Brave Bee Stings and All
I'm not sure whether she officially goes by Thao, Thao Nguyen, or the full-band acknowledging Thao Nguyen and The Get Down Stay Down, but this is the best album from January that I overlooked in my first 2008 installment of Frequent Spins. This album is 32 minutes of pure indie/folk/pop pleasure.
Dengue Fever - Venus on Earth
This is another January release that I didn't recognize last month...for what an overrated piece of crap it is. Actually the music's not bad, but how can anyone residing in the Western hemisphere stand listening to this chick's vocals. Even Deerhoof isn't nearly this annoying.
American Music Club - The Golden Age
Prior to this band's 2004 comeback after a ten year hiatus, Love Songs for Patriots, my only knowledge of them was some of Mark Eitzel's solo work...decent stuff, but nowhere near as good as these last two albums. Love Songs made my top ten that year, and I wouldn't be surprised if this one does too. I think I need to add American Music Club to my list of bands whose back catalogs need some exploring.
Gary Louris - Vagabonds
While this is certainly not the magnum opus for the Jayhawks' frontman, and may not even be as good as last year's effort from Jayhawks' co-founder Mark Olson, it's still a good album. And, yes, I would have expected that Louris would prove better than Olson as a solo artist. I guess Mark has a little more experience at it than Gary does, but if the alt-country pioneers, The Jayhawks, are done for good, I'm certainly looking for Louris' solo work to fill the void.
The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
I've read a lot of buzz about this one already. Most folks seem divided into two camps, those who feel this is another brilliant work from John Darnielle, or just a mediocre release from an artist who has mined the same old territory for a little too long. Not sure if I'm enough of a Mountain Goats expert to say either way, but I'm inclined to agree with those in the former category. While this may not be the most versatile group around, Heretic Pride is the best I've heard from this quirky indie pop band who remind me a bit of The Decemberists here.
Nada Surf - Lucky
This album is about 2/3 simple but infectiously catchy pop tunes, and 1/3 mediocre songs in the same vein that simply miss the mark. I like to throw the term "guilty pleasure" around a little loosely, but I have to say that this record legitimately fits into that category. I'll probably take a lot of flack from my indie-rock-snob friends (or friend, actually), but so be it...this is no James Iha Let it Come Down, but it's an enjoyable listen nevertheless.
SamAmidon - All is Well
Will Oldham is the most obvious reference point for this side project from Doveman members Thomas Bartlett and Sam Amidon. I have to admit that I've grown a little tired of the Prince of the Palace, and most things that remind me of him, but this one is on the money. SamAmidon ventures bravely into the frequently charted territory of re-working traditional Appalachian folk tunes, but do so beautifully. The album's third track, "Saro", deserves most of the credit for forcing me to not dismiss this one fairly quickly, and will certainly go down as one of my favorite songs of the year.
Say Hi - The Wishes and the Glitch
Formerly known as Say Hi to Your Mom, this band made the wise decision of shortening their name this past year. Their brand of quirky but sweet indie pop has, to me, always been misrepresented by this former handle, one that wreaks of sophomoric frat boy banter and could easily result in their being confused with crappy bands like Story of the Year. This would be a grave injustice, as their last two albums, Ferocious Mopes and Impeccable Blahs, showed some serious potential that has, at least in part, been achieved on this album.
Also spin-worthy
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Jason Collett - Here's to Being Here
Grand Archives - The Grand Archives
Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster...
Tift Merritt - Another Country
Overlooked and/or Overrated
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Everyone seems to think, based on their knowledge of my musical taste, that this is one I would like. I have to admit that I do sometimes like my music a little overly dramatic and/or theatrical (see Arcade Fire, Interpol), but if you want evidence that these clowns are just a bit ridiculous, it's in their names...Hamilton, Noble, Yan, and Wood. Enough said.
Thao Nguyen - We Brave Bee Stings and All
I'm not sure whether she officially goes by Thao, Thao Nguyen, or the full-band acknowledging Thao Nguyen and The Get Down Stay Down, but this is the best album from January that I overlooked in my first 2008 installment of Frequent Spins. This album is 32 minutes of pure indie/folk/pop pleasure.
Dengue Fever - Venus on Earth
This is another January release that I didn't recognize last month...for what an overrated piece of crap it is. Actually the music's not bad, but how can anyone residing in the Western hemisphere stand listening to this chick's vocals. Even Deerhoof isn't nearly this annoying.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Frequent Spins (2008.1)
Over on my other blog...you know, the one on the social networking site that's like so two years ago...I've been doing a mostly monthly entry on my current favorites, musically that is. This, of course, gives a bit of a sneak peak at a lot of stuff that will wind up on my year-end list, but I'm not as guarded with that information as I once was. That said, don't EVER ask me a specific question like, "...so, what's going to make your top ten this year". That could even get you banned from year-end compilation status.
I'm kidding...about the banning part, that is. I'm not arrogant enough to think that's some sort of punishment. Although I guess if you care enough to ask the question, maybe it is.
This year, I'm taking a slightly different approach. No ranked top 5 lists or anything like that. I'm just going to throw a few recommendations out there every month or so. Keep in mind that, although I'm calling them recommendations, they're really just lists of what I like (and sometimes what I don't), not some critical appraisal or something.
Who knows?...maybe my format will change as the year goes on, but here it is, the first installment of Frequent Spins for 2008.
Cat Power - Jukebox
A lot of folks don't like the turn towards soulfulness and slicker production she's taken with her last two albums, in contrast to the spareness of You Are Free, but there's definitely some good stuff here.
Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
Not a major change in direction for the best modern shit-kicking southern rock band going. Still, the addition of Shonna Tucker as part-time vocalist is a nice twist, as we all now how much I adore female singers of the countryish variety.
Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
I hear a bit of an English Regina Spektor here, but sometimes her voice reminds me of Bjork. I need to retire this one early, though, as I'm sensing it may have the potential to get a little annoying.
Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea
The Band of Horses guitarist delivers a simple affair that highlights his fine guitar playing and vocals that occasionally remind me of Mark Kozelek. Others have made Neil Young comparisons. But, of course, he's not quite as good as either of those guys.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Some are calling this a hybrid of Graceland-esque afro-beats and indie pop. I don't feel qualified to make that comparison, but I'll accept it and add two of my own, to play the "name three bands/artists they remind you of" game: Paul Simon, The Police, The Walkmen.
Also Spin-Worthy:
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!
Times New Viking - Rip it Off
Over-Rated:
Black Mountain - In the Future
The Magnetic Fields - Distortion
I created these lists on the last day of January, as they're all releases from January 2008. In the almost week and a half since, I've really enjoyed a few more listens to the new Shelby Lynne (no relation to Jeff). It's a tribute to Dusty Springfield, and apparently she was inspired to make the album at the suggestion of Barry Manilow. Lynne's interpretations generally offer a more minimalist take to the songs than Springfield's versions, so it's really well done, in my opinion. I'll bump this one up to my list of January '08 recommendations.
Sort of a funny side note...in my other blog, I called Kate Nash a female Regina Spektor. This was not intended as a jab at Spektor's femininity. I meant to say an English Regina Spektor.
Oh, and lastly, February is already shaping up to be a great month...so stay tuned.
I'm kidding...about the banning part, that is. I'm not arrogant enough to think that's some sort of punishment. Although I guess if you care enough to ask the question, maybe it is.
This year, I'm taking a slightly different approach. No ranked top 5 lists or anything like that. I'm just going to throw a few recommendations out there every month or so. Keep in mind that, although I'm calling them recommendations, they're really just lists of what I like (and sometimes what I don't), not some critical appraisal or something.
Who knows?...maybe my format will change as the year goes on, but here it is, the first installment of Frequent Spins for 2008.
Cat Power - Jukebox
A lot of folks don't like the turn towards soulfulness and slicker production she's taken with her last two albums, in contrast to the spareness of You Are Free, but there's definitely some good stuff here.
Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
Not a major change in direction for the best modern shit-kicking southern rock band going. Still, the addition of Shonna Tucker as part-time vocalist is a nice twist, as we all now how much I adore female singers of the countryish variety.
Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
I hear a bit of an English Regina Spektor here, but sometimes her voice reminds me of Bjork. I need to retire this one early, though, as I'm sensing it may have the potential to get a little annoying.
Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea
The Band of Horses guitarist delivers a simple affair that highlights his fine guitar playing and vocals that occasionally remind me of Mark Kozelek. Others have made Neil Young comparisons. But, of course, he's not quite as good as either of those guys.
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Some are calling this a hybrid of Graceland-esque afro-beats and indie pop. I don't feel qualified to make that comparison, but I'll accept it and add two of my own, to play the "name three bands/artists they remind you of" game: Paul Simon, The Police, The Walkmen.
Also Spin-Worthy:
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!
Times New Viking - Rip it Off
Over-Rated:
Black Mountain - In the Future
The Magnetic Fields - Distortion
I created these lists on the last day of January, as they're all releases from January 2008. In the almost week and a half since, I've really enjoyed a few more listens to the new Shelby Lynne (no relation to Jeff). It's a tribute to Dusty Springfield, and apparently she was inspired to make the album at the suggestion of Barry Manilow. Lynne's interpretations generally offer a more minimalist take to the songs than Springfield's versions, so it's really well done, in my opinion. I'll bump this one up to my list of January '08 recommendations.
Sort of a funny side note...in my other blog, I called Kate Nash a female Regina Spektor. This was not intended as a jab at Spektor's femininity. I meant to say an English Regina Spektor.
Oh, and lastly, February is already shaping up to be a great month...so stay tuned.
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