My favorites of last year. Just some quick hits in terms of reviews, but I'm running out of time. Most have their list done in November! Not listed in any particular order, other than the first one, which is the best of the year.
FIRST AID KIT - THE LION'S ROAR - Swedish folk sisters in their early '20s bring their own brand of heartache and harmony. Their blended voices make me feel simultaneous joy and sadness, warmth and loss.
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III - OLDER THAN MY OLD MAN NOW - I found much to identify with in this album about aging, even though Wainwright is 25 years my senior.
JOE WALSH - ANALOG MAN - This is my first Joe Walsh solo album, which I bought for the four Jeff Lynne-produced tracks. I ended up liking the whole thing, maybe even liking the non-Lynne tracks a little better (shhhh!).
JOE BROWN - THE UKULELE ALBUM - The album that will bring a smile to your face, whether he's doing vaudeville-style tunes ("I Like Bananas") or a surprising array of covers. He takes on ELO's top tune ("Mr. Blue Sky"), covers the Traveling Wilburys ("Where Were You Last Night") and 10cc's "I'm Not in Love", all to fantastic effect, making them his own jangly concoctions. When he drives through Motorhead's "Ace of Spades", you discover the uke can really rock out.
ELENI MANDELL - I CAN SEE THE FUTURE - I never heard of Mandell until I saw her open for Nick Lowe this autumn, but she knocked me out, man. Her easygoing, sultry delivery gives me a warm feeling at the base of my neck.
3 comments:
I thought I gave you that warm feeling at the base of your neck.
And everywhere else, honey. :)
#trappedbymypurpleprose
For the record, here's my Top 5 list:
5) Antibalas by Antibalas
4) The Russian Wilds by Howlin Rain
3) Boys & Girls by Alabama Shakes
2) Be the Void by Dr Dog
1) A Wasteland Companion by M Ward
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