So much music, so little time…..and money. Here’s one fan’s thoughts about some great music released this year that you might consider as holiday gifts.
Or, to treat yourself, for that matter….
And, you probably know better than to ask me if they’re available on Kindle or I-Tunes…..All I can tell you is that they are great.
Dig in:
Paul Metsa: “Blues, Ballads & Broadsides – Songs From the Blue Guitar Highway”
C’mon, already. It’s not enough that Metsa wrote, for my money, far and away the best music memoir of this year (it actually came out in late ’11….), and probably most other years, “Blue Guitar Highway.” Now, he’s released a disc of the songs that, in reality, form the soundtrack for his book and his musical journeys. These include some of his classics, “Jack Ruby,” “Robots on Death Row,” and Slow Justice,” and many that will be. As I wrote before, this Minnesota native may truly be the new Dylan.
Jamey Johnson: “Living For a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran”
Along with the aforementioned Mr. Metsa, Johnson may be the one of the finest songwriters out there today. He’s released three absolutely splendid original solo albums, and now one of the brightest new “real” country singer/songwriters had detoured into a tribute/covers album that brings back to life everything that was special about Cochran’s songs. I, for one, cannot wait for Johnson’s next album of original material, but this stellar project will do until then.
Jimmy Cliff: “Rebirth”
Was there a better titled album released this year? Reggae superstar Cliff comes roaring back from the shadows with the help of Rancid’s Tim Armstrong. His first new album in seven years is proof positive that he remains a king of island music.
Little Feat: “Rooster Rag”
I don’t know about you, but as much as I’ve always loved the Feat, I’ve found their post-Lowell George recorded output to be thin at best. No more. “Rooster,” their first album of all new material in eight years, is by far their strongest record in decades. “Gimme an F……”
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: “Americana”
While everyone is falling over themselves about the more recent “Psychedelic Pill” and their recent tour, I’m still listening to this little gem that they released earlier in the year. As always, Young takes a boatload of risks, and, this time, most of them work. Just imagine standards like “Oh Susannah,” “Clementine,” and “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain” slathered in feedback glory from, still, the Third Best Garage Band in the World. It’ll blow your mind.
Beach Boys: “That’s Why God Made The Radio”
OK, Stones fans, there was another 50-year anniversary for a legendary band this year, and this little gem, chock full of timeless harmonies and the pluperfect writing, arranging and production of the still mind-boggling Brian Wilson made us all think that, yes, we were listening to the radio again. Fun, fun, fun, in spades.
Alabama Shakes: “Boys & Girls”
It’s been a long lament of mine that there really aren’t any real soul bands around anymore, and places like Stax and Muscle Shoals are all but an unfortunate fading musical memory for most of us. Thankfully, Alabama Shakes has, well, shaken that notion. I dare you to listen to this wonderful album without shaking yours, too.
Little Willies: “For The Good Times”
This record, another side project for the multi-talented Norah Jones, came out way back in January, and it was so good, with nary an average, never mind bad, track on it, that I anointed it right away as one of the albums of the year, when the year had barely started. I love it when I’m right…..
Big Brother & The Holding Company: “Cheap Thrills”
(Audio Fidelity Gold)
Hey, wait a minute. How does a record released in 1968 make this list? Easy, when it’s remastered in splendor via the excellent ears of Steve Hoffman. It’s just one of a slew of remastering gems that he did yet again this year, and brings to life one of the great, fun recordings of its time. I’d recommend you check out the other Audio Fidelity projects Hoffman worked on, if you really want to experience how the music can really sound in the hands of, well, a master.
Dr. John: “Locked Down”
Look up the word “eclectic” in your on-line dictionary, and I will all but guarantee that Mac Rebennack, aka Dr.John’s, picture is right next to it. Produced, and frankly, pushed by Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach, the good Doctor has given us one of the finest albums of his long and varied career, full of all the funk, voodoo, mayhem, gumbo and just straight out creativity that has been his hallmark for such a long a time.
Van Morrison: “Born To Sing: No Plan B”
When it comes right down to it, you could just quote the title of this great new record to describe the entire career of the quirky, cranky Belfast Cowboy. But, that might not be enough to capture his greatness, which is epitomized all over this album. His recordings, and career choices, veer all over the map at times (see Neil Young above) but when he’s on, like here, “Van The Man” can pour out his soul while singing the phone book.
Marty Stuart: “Nashville, Vol.1: Tear The Woodpile Down”
If this guy isn’t the King of Country Music, I’ll eat my Stetson. For too many years, the incredible talent of Stuart remained a bit in the shadows of an earlier generation, led by names like Cash, Nelson, Jones, and so many others. No more. If you are tired, frustrated and bored, like I am, of the pop aspects of what passes for so-called country music these days, take a listen to this traditional tour de force and hear where real country lives.
And, a quick mention of a few other gems: First Aid Kit: “Lion’s Room;” Dwight Yoakam: “3 Pears;” Donald Fagen: “Sunken Condos;” Don Felder: “Road To Forever;” Lindsey Buckingham: “One Man Show;” Aimee Mann: “Charmer;” Carolina Chocolate Drops: “Leaving Eden.”