Best of 2007: Honorable Mention

    Honorable Mention Albums for 2007     

  • The Blind Leading The Naked by Violent Femmes: Talk about a late 80’s flashback! Few bands can lay claim to the soundtrack of my college career but the Femmes are definitely one of them. Of their first three albums, this is probably my least favorite but also the most accessible for the masses. While “Old Mother Reagan” definitely sounds dated, the rest of the album still sounds as fresh as the first time I heard it twenty years ago.
  • Chicago IX (Greatest Hits) by Chicago: Before they were the Peter Cetera Love Song Band, Chicago was a kick-ass rock band with a great horn section. Although some of these songs hinted at the mediocre ballads that would come later, this set of songs is never formulaic and recommended for all fans of classic rock.
  • Eagles Live by The Eagles: Classic rock seems to be the theme for this year’s crop of Honorable Mentions and this live album represents the classiest of the classics. This two-disc set was the capstone on the Eagles’ decade long run at the forefront of the country-rock movement. Although it’s a little heavy on songs from The Long Run (most of the album was recorded during that tour), two discs leaves lots of rooms for all the old favorites and even a “new” classic for this album, “Seven Bridges Road”. More than anything this album proves that the Eagles were a great live band that did not rely on the studio to make their sound. The harmonies are all spot-on and the musicianship is exquisite, particularly on “Hotel California” which ends with a legendary guitar duel between Joe Walsh and Don Felder.
  • Volcano, Riddles in the Sand, Last Mango In Paris by Jimmy Buffett: My sister introduced me to Jimmy Buffett in the 80’s and I have loved his music ever since. For years I had been satisfied with owning the wonderful Boats, Beaches, Bars, Ballads box set but I have missed many of the album tracks from the period of his career I like to call the Mustache Years. Upon signing up for Lala I immediately put those albums into my Wanted queue. This year I was lucky enough to receive three of those albums. Riddles and Mango have particular meaning for me because they helped provided the soundtrack for my summers in 1984 and 1985 when I lived with my sister in South Carolina. I’ll never forget the look on my brother-in-law’s face as the melody to “La Vie Dansante” played near the end of “Beyond the End” – we were perplexed, delighted… and stoned.
  • Walls and Bridges by John Lennon: Although this album is not considered among Lennon’s finest by most critics, I still count it as one of my favorites by John, probably because it was my first solo Lennon album. The Phil Spector-inspired production can get unnecessarily cluttered with horns sometimes, but each song has almost exactly the right atmosphere it needs. The downbeat numbers, in particular, have a definite dark feeling to them and John’s estrangement from Yoko is obvious. Perhaps that’s why the upbeat numbers feel forced, as if John was trying to convince himself that he was happy when he was not.
  • Apple Venus Volume 1 by XTC: Although I would classify myself as an XTC fan, I haven’t been very impressed with anything they’ve done since Skylarking, perhaps one of the Top 10 albums of all time. Sure there have been songs that I liked, but each album has been a disappointment as a whole. And so it took awhile for me to finally pick up the first release on their own record label, Apple Venus Volume 1. It undeservedly languished outside of the rotation for months last year until I finally set my mind to rediscovering XTC. Oh how I was rewarded! The lush production and the willingness to throw in a horn or some strings harken back to Skylarking but this album isn’t quite up to that standard. Thus, it only makes Honorable Mention this year.
  • Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull: Convential wisdom says that Aqualung and Songs From The Wood make up the essential Jethro Tull oeuvre but I would make the case that this masterwork should be included in that collection as well. I first stumbled upon this album in the mid-80’s as a plundered my sister’s record collection with cassettes in hand. I finally purchased the album on vinyl sometime in the 90’s just so I could have the full version of the epic liner notes but it took this long for me to pick up the CD. After ripping the CD into iTunes using the defaults, I went back and re-ripped it as a single track since I think that’s what Ian Anderson intended all along.

Best of 2006: Honorable Mention

If you haven’t read the introduction yet, go there now.

    Honorable Mention Albums for 2006   

  • Spirit Trail by Bruce Hornsby: I put this album on my purchasing list after reading a very favorable review in Stereo Review back in 1988. It remained there until this year because I couldn’t quite convince myself that I would enjoy a Bruce Hornsby album. Boy, was I wrong. Funky and soulful songs interspersed with pretty little piano instrumentals. But why didn’t it make the Top 10? Hornsby’s voice, I suppose. And two CDs makes it a little unwieldy.
  • Women and Children First/Diver Down by Van Halen: Both of these albums contain songs from the soundtrack of my hard-partying life during my teen years. Before the synthesizer virus infected Eddie Van Halen, he fronted a really hard rockin’ band and these two CDs prove it. “Everybody Wants Some”, “Take Your Whiskey Home”, “Pretty Woman” and “Happy Trails” are just a few of the great songs. If you love crunchy metal electric guitar, these are must-haves for your collection.
  • This Is The Moody Blues by The Moody Blues: Earlier I bought The Millennium Collection but was disappointed to find that it was overly polluted with their ELO-ish 80’s output. Thus, I was very happy when I picked up this hard-to-find two CD set. Even though it contains all the best songs from the seven quintessential albums that defined the Moodies’ sound, this is not just another greatest hits collection. The songs are obviously sequenced to flow just like it’s a real album. Even the now-trite “Nights in White Satin” sounds fresh in this context.
  • Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: Very few things remind me of my brothers and sisters like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I’ve had this particular NGDB album in various forms for many, many years but, until recently, it was a rare find on CD. Although I am inclined to classify it as “country” or “bluegrass”, those particular pigeon-holes don’t do justice to this music. In the era that this album was made, this was ground-breaking, but nevermind that. Really great songs from start to finish are interspersed with the the charming conversations with Uncle Charlie. Standouts include “Mr. Bojangles” and an instrumental harmonica version of “Swanee River” that will leave you gasping.
  • Running On Empty by Jackson Browne: Even though Neil Young had created the idea several years before, Jackson Browne perfected the “road album” concept with this 1977 classic. Recorded in hotel rooms, rehearsal halls and concert venues, Browne contemplates life on the road including drugs, women and, of course, the music. This is another album where I enjoy every single track, even the title track which was horribly overplayed in my youth. Oh and don’t forget David Lindley’s lap steel guitar playing, which virtually defined Jackson Browne’s sound for years to come.
  • Rock and Roll by John Lennon: John Lennon virtually invented the roots revival album when he released this album in 1975. Covering such early influences as Chuck Berry, Ben E. King, Gene Vincent and Little Richard, you can hear the joy in Lennon’s voice as he sings the songs of all his heroes. Most notable are the covers of “Ain’t That A Shame,” “Stand By Me,” and “Do You Wanna Dance” which all received more successful cover treatments a few years later. And you have to love the album cover which was essentially a “photoshop” of an early Lennon photo.
  • Necktie Second by Pete Droge: Back when “alternative” rock was king, this album came my way via a borrowed CD from a friend. I committed it to cassette and it worked it’s way into heavy rotation. Although the photographs on the CD booklet are hilariously grungy, Portland musician Droge is anything but grunge. More like power pop with catchy hooks and thoughtful, high-quality songwriting. Throw in the occasional Portland name drop and I’m hooked. Pete Droge hooked me back in 1994 and then again this year.
  • My, I’m Large by The Bobs: Another tremendously influential album that I have owned in many formats over the years. I finally tracked down this rare CD this year and couldn’t be happier. The Bobs are an a capella group who use no additional instrumentation in their music. On this album, they do excellent covers of songs like “Little Red Riding Hood” and “You Really Got A Hold On Me” as well as amusing originals like “My Husband Was a Weatherman” and “Helmet”. Forget about the Nylons, this is where it’s at in the a capella world.
  • He’s Drunk/Plus Also Too by Scrawl: My friend Curt Nelson turned me on to Scrawl back in 1989 when he loaned me this CD, which I promptly recorded on to a cassette. After Rough Trade Records filed bankruptcy, this CD became virtually impossible to find. A couple of years ago I transferred my cassette recording to CD but kept it on my wishlist. What a delight to receive it in “trade” from LaLa.com this year when it was going for fifty dollars or more per copy on eBay. As for the music, Scrawl defined indie chick rock long before L7, Babes in Toyland, Hole or even Liz Phair. Raw, emotional vocals with extensive use of two-part harmonies with the emphasis on the message and a de-emphasis on production.
  • Especially For You by The Smithereens: This is the first and best album from the Smithereens. Although later efforts built upon the same successful formula they established here, those don’t feel as fresh and alive. Back in the late 80’s, songs like “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep” sounded like nothing I had ever heard. And the ballads, “In A Lonely Place” and “Cigarette”, check the e cigarette reviews feel honest and sincere. It’s all dark, mysterious and wonderful.

Vital Statistics

I called the number on the truck and got some more information:

  • 1975 Ford F-100 with 124,000 miles
  • Four on the floor, new clutch
  • Rebuilt engine that has 24,000 miles on it
  • New radiator
  • Priced at $1800, but will sell for less (guy has a $1200 tax bill)
  • He’ll let me drive it to my mechanic’s across town
  • Has not done any work on the front end (including the bushings) and there is 2″ of sway (which might mean it’s hard to steer)
  • Won’t go over 85 mph because of the four-speed, but gets 14 mpg because of the 2-barrel

I snapped some pictures this morning which I’ll put up later today.

Bike odometer: 5990 miles
Current reading: Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing, 9-11 by Noam Chomsky
McCartney Trivia: If is well-known by Beatle fans that “Sexy Sadie” was written for the Maharishi (substitute “Maharishi” for “Sexy Sadie” when singing). As the story goes, John became disillusioned with the Maharishi because the guru made a pass at a girl (often said to be Mia Farrow or her sister but was likely just a blonde who looked like Mia Farrow) in their camp. In fact, the allegation was probably fabricated by a guy named Magic Alex who was a well-known hanger-on who had attached himself to John Lennon. After Magic Alex got John worked up over the allegation of impropriety (which is not necessarily inconsistent with the Maharishi’s teachings), Lennon did not even allow the Maharishi to answer the charge – he just packed up and went back to England. Later, when recording the White Album, George begged John to change the lyrics because he still admired the Maharishi.
Recent listening: Decade, Amore
Recent viewing: Sportscenter, Countdown, Distraction, South Park
Recent playing: Poker Room
Recently Accomplished: New truck stuff, found my missing W2s
Imperative To Do: Taxes, lube bike, fix bike fender, fix bike pedal, take truck to John Mechanic
Cool link: The Development Abstraction Layer: Why are some software companies successful while others aren’t?

Vital Statistics

I love The West Wing. I love being able to have an hour where I can be inspired by what can be great about our country and get away from what is wrong with it now. I love the intelligence and the incredible competence demonstrated by the characters on the show. I love the thoughtfulness and depth which are given to the issues. I love the complexity and the shades of gray that show even though we all want it to be black and white. I love the humanity. I’m going to be sad to see it end in a few weeks because there’s really no other place I can get that.

Bad news on the vehicle front: it “only” cost $200 to replace the motor mounts, but the engine is still jiggling like crazy. It seems that one of the valves is “burnt” (according to the mechanic who fixed the motor mounts) and causing the engine to vibrate violently, which is what broke the mounts. One of the guys in the shop (not the mechanic) gave me an estimate of $500-600 to fix the valve. I’m pretty sure I now regret getting the head gasket fixed last year. Although I instructed them to specifically to fix the mounts, it miffs me a bit that they fixed them knowing that the root problem was still there. Am I unreasonable to think that they should have warned me about this before expending my $200?

Update: Stopped at the shop on my way to work to discuss the burnt valve repair with a mechanic. The guy last night did the estimate wrong: it will be $738 at a minimum and more if they have to replace any valves. I’ll call our regular mechanic tonight and see what he says, but it looks like we’ll be getting a new truck soon.

Bike odometer: 5886 miles
Current reading: Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles, 9-11 by Noam Chomsky
McCartney Trivia: While they were at the Maharishi’s, John wrote “Dear Prudence” for Mia Farrow’s sister, Prudence, who had locked herself in her cabin. Evidently, she had meditated for too long and was in a near catatonic state and refused to come out. John sang the song with his guitar outside her door and she eventually came out.
Recent listening: KBOO Bike Show
Recent viewing: The West Wing, Brainiac, Conviction, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, World Poker Tour
Recently Accomplished: Motor mounts fixed, Quicken receipts
Recent playing: Frogger Adventure (on GameBoy Advanced SP)
Imperative To Do: Buy lug nut wrench and jack for van, start taxes, figure out what to do about the truck
Cool link: John Lennon Playboy Interview (1981)

Best of 2004

Last year I had intended to write about my favorite albums of the year but never got around to. As a preview to my upcoming “Best of 2005”, here is last year’s list!

    Top 10 Albums of 2004   

  1. American Idiot by Green Day
  2. The Wind by Warren Zevon
  3. Van Lear Rose by Loretta Lynn
  4. Cocky by Kid Rock
  5. Aorta (eponymous)
  6. Sha Sha by Ben Kweller
  7. Call And Response (eponymous)
  8. The Moldy Peaches (eponymous)
  9. Highlights (compiled by Kent) by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
  10. G.P./Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons

These ten CDs took up more than 75% of my listening time during the year, a clear sign of appreciation. Although I have ranked them, distinguishing between any two is very difficult indeed. When I obtained each it probably remained in heavy rotation at home, on my iPod and at work for several weeks, often receiving two or three plays per day. This is the quality level required to make the Top 10.

    Honorable Mention   

  • Abraxas by Santana
  • Sean–Nós Nua by Sinéad O’Connor
  • Plastic Ono Band by John Lennon
  • In Holland by the Beach Boys

Note that criteria for inclusion into the list did not include a 2004 (or even recent) release. To be eligible, an album only had to be added to my CD collection in 2004. Some long-time favorites with which I had familiarity but had not previously owned on CD were only eligible for “Honorable Mention.”