Sunday, February 14, 2010

Hello, Goodbye (2009/2010)

My first "real" post will be concerning my complete and utter dismay at the lack of "Best of 2009" lists that did NOT include Tegan and Sara's "Sainthood" cd. And I'm not even complaining about the lack of top-5 or top-10 lists that did not include them (although several did), but I'm talking about and calling out all those bloggers and critics that did not even include them in their top 20 or even top 50!!! Inexcusable and not even subjective. Fortunately, Tegan and Sara (who have improved steadily on every release over the years) have developed a substantial fan base and hopefully have moved beyond being crushed by neglect.
Thus far in 2010, I have been very underwhelmed. Spoon was good, but not great. The only cd I have heard that I can heartily recommend has been Laura Veirs' "July Flame." Which surprises me. I have always like Laura Veirs well enough...her music is melodic and nice. But I was never blown away by her stuff. Pleasant surprise. HEADS UP THOUGH MUSIC FANS: IF Joanna Newsome's TRIPLE cd (coming out February 23rd) is HALF as good as the 2 songs that have been pre-released ("'81" and "Good Intentions Paving Company"), then it will be an instant classic. In fact, "Good Intentions Paving Company" HAS to be the song of the decade for me so far. It's like Carole King meets Gershwin meets Kate Bush meets....who knows? Ah, Joanna. The harpist with the voice that could clear out a room on her first 2 releases. I've seen it happen. She's like this renaissance girl who was cryogenically frozen in 1430 and came back to life - child-like voice and all! She's perfect for a horror movie soundtrack in a strange way....at least on her 1st 2 releases. Even as you enjoy its genius. BUT...now she has, apparently, made "the leap" of genius, made her voice a little bluesier and mature, and...well, I just can't say enough about it. Sort of like "Bohemian Rhapsody" in its art and genius (and length!). Ok, I'm rambling now. Just go to YouTube, take a listen, and buy the cd on February 23rd.

2 comments:

  1. well, i must say. i've been told by my great friend, Hope, who is studying in worcester that laura veirs is excellent. Hope went to see her in concert recently here in England. i suppose i should check her out

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  2. I won't let you down Stephy-Steph! And not as snobby as Stuart - you know that! But I can be snobby. :(

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