| November 18th, 2005 05:21 PM |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Another year is coming to a close, and that means it’s time for SS to decide on his Top Ten releases for the year. 2005 was a stellar year, with releases from some of the biggest names in rock n roll. The Stones finally released a new studio album, “A Bigger Bang”, after making us wait for 8 years. Neil Young put out another solo acoustic album called “Prairie Wind”. And the White Stripes followed up my 2003 Album of the Year “Elephant” with the piano driven “Get Behind Me Satan”. None of those albums was good enough to make my list. THAT is how good a year it was for music.
My Top Ten list is all about Rock n Roll…or, at least, what MY idea of Rock n Roll is supposed to be. I’m not going to do an in depth review of each album, but I will try to give you a feel for what each is like. Hopefully this will help you to pick a few of these to try out.
But before I get to my Top Ten, let me hand out some awards to some deserving albums that are not really Rock n Roll albums, but are still really good.
Best Country album: “Georgia Hard”, Robbie Fulks
This is country music like I like country music. It’s not pretty. It’s not redneck. It’s not by some chick with fake boobs in a short skirt. This is country music as it should be…witty, lived in, honest and singable. There is impeccable musicianship on this record. It is simply country players playing country music. This album is not selling an image. It’s just a collection of simple country songs. And that’s a good thing.
Best Alt-Country album: “Jacksonville City Nights”, Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
I agree. Ryan Adams is an asshole. However, he is an asshole who writes wonderful songs. This album will stay on your playlist for a long time. Wonderful songs, wonderful band, wonderful performances. I can think of nothing bad to say about this album. If you don’t have it already, stop reading this and go buy it. The rest of this document will still be here when you get back.
Best EP: “We Are The Radio”, The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Anton Newcombe’s brand of California neo-psychedelic hook laden music isn’t for everyone. Some folks get it, some don’t. His music has a way of working its way into my synapses and not leaving. This 5 song mini-album is certainly one of his more far eastern influenced works. It works best when the listener is under the influence of mind expanding materials. If you like Satanic Majesties, you’ll probably like this.
Best Soundtrack album: “No Direction Home: The Soundtrack”, Bob Dylan.
Dylan’s Bootleg Series Vol. 7 is the soundtrack for the Scorsese documentary “No Direction Home”. There is nothing on this release that a semi-serious Dylan fan hasn’t already heard. Everything on the two discs has been widely circulated on bootlegs for years, but not in this quality. It starts with a home recording done in 1959, and runs through the infamous ’66 UK tour. Brilliant stuff. The movie is great too. It’s already out on DVD.
Best album by an Oscar Nominated Hollywood Actress: “You’re Speaking My Language”, Juliette & The Licks
OK, this is a joke. There are a few good songs on this album, but unfortunately it veers too far into Pat Benetar territory for me. Having seen them play live though, I can say that Juliette Lewis has potential at fronting a rock n roll band. She has the potential to be quite good, but she also has the potential to go bad too. Time will tell. I must say, she is quite sexy in person. Just don’t lend her a Sharpie to sign stuff with…you won’t get it back. This album is worth a listen if you get it in a cut-out bin…otherwise don’t worry about giving it a skip.
Best Covers album: “Copycat Killers”, Cobra Verde
The first sound you hear is someone hitting a joint and coughing…it’s the intro to Pink’s “Get the Party Started”. I much prefer the Cobra Verde version to the original. It’s so funny! Here’s the story on this record. Cobra Verde bought some new recording equipment. To get the feel of how things worked, they started screwing around with cover songs. After a few days they realized that some of the stuff that they recorded sounded pretty cool. So they decided to go for it and see what happened. What happened was a strange and fun album of cover songs. They even cover the Stones “Play with Fire”…and it’s pretty cool too. It’s dark and full of menace, just like the original. Cobra Verde picked an eclectic list of songs, and put their own spin on each one. They stick close enough to the original so that the songs are instantly recognizable, but with enough spin to make them sound different. It’s a fine line to walk, but somehow Cobra Verde pulled it off.
Best Blues album: “Car Wash”, The Howling Diablos
I’d say this is White Boy Blues…but there’s a black guy in the band, so I can’t. The Howling Diablos are a one trick pony. Fortunately, it’s a pretty fucking good trick! This is lowdown, nasty, swamp running music. You got loud nasty guitars, thumping bass; a driving beat, and gravel worn vocals. Check out this lyric:
I’m going down to the car wash
Going down there to pick up my check
That is the very first lyric that you hear on the record! Too fucking cool. The album is too limited in its scope to be considered for my Top Ten list, but I listen to this record a lot. It’s on Alive Records; you should try to find it.
Best Adult Contemporary Soft Rock Radio Album: “A Bigger Bang”, the Rolling Stones
There. I gave the new Stones album an award…happy now?
Best Live Album: “Live at Maxwell’s”, The Reigning Sound
A combustible set from one of the best pure rock n roll bands in the US. I like this particular record for a number of reasons. The first reason is that this is a warts and all live recording. It has that bootleg feel to it. I like that. Another reason is that Greg Cartwright ends up with only three strings left on his vintage Gretsch Tennessee Rose. And he finishes the set anyhow. But the biggest reason I like this record is because of the incendiary songs.
Best Box Set: “One Kiss Can Lead To Another: Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found”, Various Artists
No, I’m not kidding. This thing is great. There are 117 songs on here. Of those 117, I’d heard maybe 10 of them. Some I’d heard done by other people. Spectacular. It comes in a 50’s style hat box, and the neato booklet looks like a key lock diary. Rhino really did this up right. These songs needed rescued from obscurity and given some light. Sure, most of these groups disappeared for a reason…they weren’t very good. But every once in a while the sun, moon, and stars all lined up right, and these groups laid down some perfect wax. Thanks to Rhino, we all get a chance to experience that perfection for ourselves. I wasn’t born with enough thumbs to give this all the thumb’s up it deserves.
Best Bootleg: Rolling Stones & Hershey Kisses
You’ll see. Coming to all your stereos real soon.
Best Tour: “On Stage 2005-06”, the Rolling Stones
Duh.
OK, enough of that stuff. As Keith would say…On with the show! Here’s my Top Ten for 2005.
Just missed: “Your Favorite People All In One Place”--the Medications, “Beachhead”—the Fleshtones, “Electrified”—Dressy Bessy, “Surgery”—The Warlocks, “X Descendent”—Rosetta West
10. “Pussycat”, the Charms
I almost didn’t put this on my list because Little Steven is really pushing this band. But that would be a really lame reason to not include this worthy album. This album sounds drunk. In fact, it probably IS drunk. It smells like cigarette smoke too. It’s a fun; shake your ass, party record. There should be more liquored up party records. I’ve had this in heavy rotation for a while now. It’ll probably stay there for a while longer too. The Charms have some guitar and organ action happening over top of some smash and bash drumming. The lead singer sounds like she is just about ready to pass out, dead drunk. It’s crude, but effective. The Charms “Pussycat” is on Red Car Records.
9. “The Sights”, The Sights
Ooooooo, I like this. I suppose one would call this “Neo-Psyche” music. It reminds me of The Faces. In fact, the hidden song at the end is “Stay with Me.” But I can also hear The Pink Floyd with Syd, and the Davies brothers mixed in there. This is a good album for driving in the car. The Sights are on New Line Records. This is a band on my must see list.
8. “…tick…tick…tick…” Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3
No, it’s not the Las Vegas casino Steve Wynn. It’s the Dream Syndicate Steve Wynn. Tick tick tick is obviously an ode to the Velvet Underground, right down to the Warholized cayenne pepper sticker on the front cover. That is not to say that it sounds like a VU record. There is plenty of tasty guitar and toe tapping melody to go around. But the influence of Lou & Co. is unmistakable. Steve Wynn is on Blue Rose Records.
7. “If You Don’t Already Have A Look”, The Dirtbombs
This is a two disc set from Mick Collins’ main project. It’s a compilation of singles, b sides, oddities, and covers. Disc one is all originals, disc two is all covers. I’m not sure how to describe The Dirtbombs. The band is two drummers, two bass players, and Mick’s idiosyncratic guitar. I suppose the best way to describe the music is loosely controlled chaos with lots of melody (sometimes). I love Mick’s voice, and his witty, barbed lyrics. I don’t know if this is the place to start if you have never heard The Dirtbombs, but if you’ve had a taste and like the flavor, you MUST have this on your plate too. I recommend that you don’t listen to this while driving…unless you want a ticket. The Dirtbombs are on In The Red Records.
6. “The Art of Rolling”, The Blue Van
From the deepest, darkest, recesses of European garages comes The Blue Van. Who says that Continentals can’t play high octane Rock n Roll? They can, and The Blue Van proves it. Let me tell you, if these guys don’t make you want to shake a tail feather, then you must be dead. The line up for this band is one guitar, a bass guitar, organ (It could be a Vox, I can’t tell for sure.), and kicking drums. I like these guys better than say, The Hives, because they are much more danceable. The Blue Van are melodic children of Nuggets style music. You can hear many varied influences, including The Rolling Stones. Stones fans would definitely dig this album. The Blue Van is on TVT Records.
5. “The Repulsion Box”, Sons and Daughters
The Repulsion Box is the full length-follow up to the wonderful “Love the Cup” EP. I honestly don’t know why this band grabs me like it does. The music is quite odd. Perhaps it’s the interplay between the male and female voices. I have to see this band play live. Maybe that will help me to make out what is so cool about them. They have something that I haven’t been able to put the finger on yet. The music is dark, yet bright at the same time. It’s so sparse that the cup runs over. It is quietly loud, or loudly quiet, I can’t say which. Whatever it is, it is captivating. Sons and Daughters are on Domino Records.
4. “Pretty In Black”, The Raveonettes
Wow. Who knew that The Raveonettes had this in them? “Pretty In Black” was produced by Richard Gottehrer…the guy who wrote “My Boyfriend’s Back”, and founding member of The Strangeloves. It sounds like something straight out of 1959. The guitars are drenched in shimmering reverb, the vocals in lusty echo. What a delight! Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo’s voices melt together like a peanut butter cup. They even do a cover of “My Boyfriend’s Back”, and somehow make it sound fresh, and oddly sinister for such a peppy take. I’m really glad that someone is still making this kind of music. The Raveonettes are on Columbia Records.
3. “Baby” (enhanced version), The Detroit Cobras
“Baby” was originally released on Rough Trade in Europe in 2004, and was only available in the US on import. But Bloodshot Records picked it up for US release in Sept. of 2005, so it qualifies for this list. Also included on the CD is the OOP import EP “Seven Easy Pieces”. Now that is value for your money. “Baby” also includes the first Detroit Cobras original, the smutty “Hot Dog”. E-A-T-H-O-T-D-O-G Hot Dog! The enhanced version includes the video for Cha Cha Twist as well. It features Meg White as Little Red Riding Hood. “Baby” also gets a bonus award for best use of yodeling in a rock & roll song during “Everybody’s Going Wild”. The Detroit Cobras take mostly forgotten R&B chestnuts from days gone by, and rock them up Detroit style. Rachel Nagy’s voice is smoky and sultry, oozing sex with every breath. This enhanced version of “Baby” is a Rock n Roll bomb. If I’m ever a suicide bomber…this is what I’m gonna blow myself up with.
2. “The Woods”, Sleater-Kinney
Be careful with this album. It could blow up your speakers. These ladies can kick it hard! The songs on “The Woods” flow together seamlessly. They are hard songs played even harder. I have found that the best way to listen to this album is from beginning to end in its entirety. I won’t say that this is a “concept album”, but it certainly could be one. For most of the year, this was my Album of the Year. The music is inventive, surprising, playful, and dangerous. This is Sleater-Kinney’s first record for SubPop, after leaving Kill Rock Stars. The change must have done them good because “The Woods” is a wonderful Rock n Roll record. The knock on Sleater-Kinney was always that they were a one trick pony. “The Woods” dispels that notion in a hurry. This is a very well crafted, well written, well performed album. Now the big challenge for Sleater-Kinney will be….can they keep making albums on an equal level as “The Woods”? They have set the bar rather high for themselves. Good for them.
Ok, this is it. SS’s Album of the Year for 2005…..drum roll please…..
Album of the Year: “Howl”, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
This is NOT “Whatever Happened To My Rock n Roll”. In fact, if the album sleeve didn’t tell you that you were listening to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club you probably wouldn’t guess it. “Howl” is completely different from anything that BRMC has done to date. Some people don’t like such things. Some people would prefer a band’s sound to stay static. Not me. I like a band to show me some versatility. And they do get versatile on this album. I guess one would call this a roots rock album, paying homage to the Blues, Country, even Gospel music. The production is muddy and dank. It casts an aura of sinister mood over every note. It suits the songs perfectly. This is not a big, loud, guitar album like the other two BRMC albums, but it is definitely a guitar album. Strikingly well played, BRMC’s musicianship stands to the fore. “Howl” is also an easy album for Stones fans to like. The same sort of music that influenced The Stones also influences this record. You can certainly hear Dead Flowers and No Expectations buried in there. “Howl” is a fantastic album that anyone who likes Rock n Roll can sink their teeth into. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is on RCA. Do yourself a favor, go buy “Howl” right now.
So there you have it, another year in the books. I’m hoping 2006 is as good as 2005. You can get most of the titles that made my list at Amazon.com & the Amazon Marketplace….but if you are going to buy any of these albums, how about buy one, or all, from our very own Nasty Habits. I’m sure he stocks most of these albums, and he might even be able to save you a couple of bucks if he has a used copy available.
[Edited by Sir Stonesalot] |
| November 18th, 2005 05:24 PM |
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| Joey |
" Best Bootleg: Rolling Stones & Hershey Kisses
You’ll see. Coming to all your stereos real soon. "
You make Joey giddy !!!!
C10 !!!!
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| November 18th, 2005 05:30 PM |
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| HardKnoxDurtySox |
Hey SS...have you gotten a chance to check out Johnny Hickman's (guitarist from Cracker) "Palmhenge"? Probably more of an alt-country album than a rock n roll album, but still very good none the less. |
| November 18th, 2005 05:41 PM |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Yeah, Palmhenge is good.
I like Hickman. I almost went to see him, but Sleater-Kinney was the same night.
I love Cracker too. |
| November 18th, 2005 07:01 PM |
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| charlotte |
top shelf my man...top shelf
This post should be in the entrance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... |
| November 18th, 2005 07:56 PM |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
I look at this as my public service announcement. For even more public service, keep an eye out over at the Couch.
There's lots of good stuff out there, but with the state of the music industry today, not everyone has the time or inclination to search stuff out. Maybe my list will tip some folks onto something that they will dig. Maybe not too...my taste isn't going to be a good fit for everyone. And I certainly haven't heard everything either. I'm sure that there's lots of things that I missed...so maybe other folks can post some of their faves here too.
Most of the band sites have free tunes that you can check out. You know, test drive before you buy. For instance, the Brian Jonestown Massacre site has EVERY album available for FREE download. They also have a fantastic links page there.
Anyhow, hope my public service announcement helps. Happy listenings!
[Edited by Sir Stonesalot] |
| November 18th, 2005 08:39 PM |
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| Bloozehound |
quote:
Sir Stonesalot wrote:
Best Adult Contemporary Soft Rock Radio Album: “A Bigger Bang”, the Rolling Stones
There. I gave the new Stones album an award…happy now?
SS, I object to this one
ABBs a tad too soft around the edges and light in the loafers to swing an Adult Contemporary nod
More suited for The Easy Listening and blue hair in da rockin chair!
Kenny G says: "I'll eat my skin flute if A Bigger Bang doesn't makes Oprah's Audience CD Pick of the Year Club."
"ABB Rocked our cocks off!" ~ Dr. Phil 11/09/2005
[edited by John Secada]
[edited by Ian Billen because Mick said in an interview]
[Edited by Bloozehound] |
| November 19th, 2005 10:03 AM |
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| Martha |
"There. I gave the new Stones album an award…happy now?"
Yes.....Deliriously Happy!
ROTFLOL!
I LOVE you Sir Stonesy!
xxxxxxooooooooo,
Martha Mellencramp |
| November 19th, 2005 10:08 AM |
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| marko |
Whats on your mind about Hershey bro? |
| November 19th, 2005 12:17 PM |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Tree.
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| November 19th, 2005 12:50 PM |
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| polksalad69 |
quote:
Sir Stonesalot wrote:
There's lots of good stuff out there, but with the state of the music industry today, not everyone has the time or inclination to search stuff out.
word |
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