Modern Times is a pretty awesome album, but best of the year? Not entirely sure. I'd rate the Neko Case ahead of it, myself.
Arctic Monkeys was a total bust, in my book. The hype was not deserved. And I picked up Joanna Newsom sound unheard, based on all the rave reviews -- and thought she sounded just like Bjork, if Bjork was had OCD and no talent whatsoever, and was giddly picking at the lock of her parents' liquor cabinet.
Cat Power was a pleasant discovery. I'll probably pick up the Lily Allen, based on her SNL appearance last week.
(I'm using the archaic form of 'was had' for emphasis, such is my attention to detail.)
Now now, I rather like Joanna Newsom. It took me a few listens to really click to it, but once I did I couldn't get it out of my head. I do think the Bjork comparison is apt, though without the "no talent" bit. Her lyrics I think are actually quite good. I especially like "Monkey and Bear."
Oh, and Neko does rule. In that same vein, did you hear Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins' "Rabbit Fur Coat"? Not as good as "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood," but still lovely.
Okay, just looked at the list, and because everyone cares so desperately, here are my faves, or at least the ones I've heard:
The Hold Steady (didn't like it at first, but couldn't stop listening; good storytelling lyrics and nice hooks, delivered with snide cynicism. It's like me, singing in the shower!)
Neko Case (I wanna be one of her Boyfriends)
Joanna Newsom (very un-pop pop; plus, she looks like my first girlfriend, who couldn't play the harp)
The Decemberists (if you like "The Crane Wife," go get "Picaresque" for an even saltier dose of sea-inspired indie pop)
Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins (see above--their video with Sarah Silverman on a Hee-Haw parody is brilliant...and did I mention that my first girlfriend, the one who looked like Joanna Newsom, was also a twin?)
Scott Walker (not only is this un-pop, it's kinda un-music...more like terrifying soundscapes out of a Brothers Quay film when they were having a particularly bad day; really unlike anything I'd exposed myself to before, and while I wouldn't put it on my car stereo, I can't stop thinking about it, imagining playing it on headphones in a darkened room and freaking myself out)
Yo La Tengo (that album title, "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass," would make me love them even if the music wasn't so wonderfully eclectic and danceable, which it is)
I listed to the TV on the Radio album that is topping a lot of these lists, but I just was unable to get into it. It just sounded kinda noisy and bland. Maybe I'm not quite hip enough for it yet. But I'm working on it, honestly I am.
Let the Dylan hating begin.
Followed quickly be the ass-kicking from Bernockle.
I couldn't but help note the paucity of Pazz musicians. Ornette Coleman? Ornette hasn't done anything of real substance since about 1963. Well, it could have been Kenny G so for that, I'm grateful.
It's really more a "rock, hip-hop, pop, and Knitting Factory-jazz" poll.
- The Hold Steady (didn't like it at first, but couldn't stop listening; good storytelling lyrics and nice hooks, delivered with snide cynicism. It's like me, singing in the shower!)
- Neko Case (I wanna be one of her Boyfriends)
- Joanna Newsom (very un-pop pop; plus, she looks like my first girlfriend, who couldn't play the harp)
- The Decemberists (if you like "The Crane Wife," go get "Picaresque" for an even saltier dose of sea-inspired indie pop)
- Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins (see above--their video with Sarah Silverman on a Hee-Haw parody is brilliant...and did I mention that my first girlfriend, the one who looked like Joanna Newsom, was also a twin?)
- Scott Walker (not only is this un-pop, it's kinda un-music...more like terrifying soundscapes out of a Brothers Quay film when they were having a particularly bad day; really unlike anything I'd exposed myself to before, and while I wouldn't put it on my car stereo, I can't stop thinking about it, imagining playing it on headphones in a darkened room and freaking myself out)
- Yo La Tengo (that album title, "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass," would make me love them even if the music wasn't so wonderfully eclectic and danceable, which it is)
I listed to the TV on the Radio album that is topping a lot of these lists, but I just was unable to get into it. It just sounded kinda noisy and bland. Maybe I'm not quite hip enough for it yet. But I'm working on it, honestly I am.