|
BEST OF 2009 (strictly
for fun É and heated argument) by
Peter Jesperson When
I started making notes for this yearÕs list, it struck me that 2009 was an
unusual year for me, musically. My biggest EUREKA! moments were related to
falling madly in love with two local (L.A.) groups - Leslie & The Badgers
and The Parson Red Heads. More often than not, after we become enamoured with
an artistÕs recordings, we have to wait weeks, sometimes months or more, to see
them live. Well, thereÕs nuthinÕ like your new favorite band(s) residing in
your hometown! Within a week or two of discovering their records I got to see
both L&TBs and TPRHs live. And I was able to see them both multiple times,
in a fairly short period of time. I havenÕt had this experience since the heyday
of my former hometown, Minneapolis, in its late 70s / early 80s boom when bands
like The Suicide Commandos, Thumbs Up (Curt Almstead) & The Replacements
ruled the (local) earth. So then, the list É 1. Leslie & The Badgers
– Roomful
Of Smoke The
lure of this album for me began with the voice, was heightened by the songs,
then solidified by the overall musicianship. Though at a glance itÕs
country-rock, L&TBs sound is multi-leveled, it oozes soul, has elements of
folk, rock and jazz. Leader and lead vocalist, Leslie Stevens studied opera and
jazz before joining a punk rock band and then forming the Badgers. Her
experience, versatility and extraordinary talent are all readily apparent. I
first heard ROS in August, fell in love with it, then promptly discovered
the band was doing a month-long residency at The Echo – such luck! Turns
out, on a good night, Leslie & The Badgers are even better onstage than
they are on this quite brilliant album. Personal faves are ÒOld TimersÓ (itÕs
not just a song, itÕs a short story!), ÒBallpark LightsÓ and ÒSalvation,Ó but
really, the whole damn album is magnificent. Easily my most played record of
the year, the closer you listen the better it gets. http://www.myspace.com/leslieandthebadgers
- Leslie & The Badgers (self-titled debut album,
released in 2007, now out of print, five songs are available digitally as the Greetings From Leslie & The
Badgers EP) A
terrific debut album containing three of the groupsÕ best songs ever; the
definitive, original version of ÒOld TimersÓ (slower and sung with more
resignation), ÒTortureÓ and ÒBlack Rose Window,Ó a seven minute tour de force
that still floors me every time I listen to it É absolutely one of my most
played single songs of the year. 2.
The Parson Red Heads -
ÒYou Can Leave ItÓ – (2-song 7Ó single/3-song download) (Õ09) –
Owl & Timber – EP (Õ08) -
King Giraffe – album (Ô07) -
Field Mouse Carnival – EP (Õ06) As
you can see, only one of the above was actually released in Õ09 but IÕm
counting Ôem all cos I first heard them this year and cos theyÕre all just so
damn good. A lawyer friend sent me the Owl & Timber EP. One listen and I was hooked, especially
by the voices, the harmonies. Overall, TPRHs songs are a blend of pop-rock and
country rock. To my ears reminiscent of Big Star, The Beatles and Wings on the
one hand, The Byrds and Poco on the other, with a bit of prog thrown in for
good measure É itÕs like they donÕt feel obligated to fill the songs up with
words, at times taking off on detailed musical passages but always coming back
to stunningly beautiful, expertly done, multiple-voiced harmonies. Though the
ParsonÕs core band is five, they often have more on stage. The first show I saw
at The Echoplex featured a nine person line-up, seven of them singing. I almost
couldnÕt believe my ears – to hear vocals this perfect in a live setting
is a rare experience, indeed. Led by Oregonian, Evan Way, a true visionary
frontman, the Parsons exude warmth, precision and a genuine embracing of ye
olde peace, love and understanding. Owl
& Timber
is a great place to start but donÕt miss the song ÒPunctual As Usual,Ó arguably
their finest, featured on both the ÔField
MouseÕ EP
and slightly remixed on the ÔGiraffeÕ album. http://www.myspace.com/redheads 3. Bob Dylan – Together Through Life Bob
and band come out blues-rockinÕ with the ominous, fabulous ÒBeyond Here Lies
NothingÓ and set the tone for yet another benchmark album, the 4th
in a row. ÒForgetful Heart,Ó ÒI Feel A Change CominÕ OnÓ and ÒItÕs All GoodÓ
were among my most played songs of the year. And I played this album a TON. – MixinÕ Up The Medicine (bootleg) This
is allegedly a copy of a studio tape containing 23 tracks from the summer/fall
Õ67 ÔBasement TapesÕ sessions, unearthed from (of all places) Neil YoungÕs
private archive when DylanÕs camp set about trying to locate the best quality
tape of the song ÒIÕm Not ThereÓ for the 2007 film of the same name. These
sessions have been endlessly bootlegged but I have never heard them sound this
good: glorious, just-shy-of-high-fidelity, stereo. Of course, itÕs impossible
to overstate the magnitude of the songs that poured out of Bob during this
period – ÒI Shall Be Released,Ó ÒThis WheelÕs On Fire,Ó ÒTears Of Rage,Ó
ÒYou AinÕt GoinÕ NowhereÓ É so, when you add to that the audio quality of this
collection, we have a true contender for greatest album ever made. – Christmas In The Heart An
unexpected twist, fun and at times funny, done with such heart it works. 4.
Angus & Julia Stone -
ÒAnd The BoysÓ (3-song single) The
first real new recordings since the debut album by this phenomenally talented
Australian brother-sister group. Two Julia lead vocals and one by Angus. The A
side is one of the most awe-inspiring songs of the year, dare I say Ôa hitÕ if
thereÕs any justice in this world (itÕs a smash on the imaginary radio station
in my head!). In line with, yet an advancement in both the writing and
arrangement of their previous work, it starts with their trademark plucked
acoustic guitar then builds slowly adding bass, drums, swirls of layered
backing vocals, piano, organ and horns. Julia approaches singing like an
actress, with such panache, her vocals feel wonderfully studied and deliberate
and are infinitely better for it. Even Jennifer, who has frequently had
difficulty with JuliaÕs decidedly artistic voice in the past, has fallen under
the spell of this track! B-sides, ÒChangeÓ and ÒTake You AwayÓ are both top
shelf too, the latter features gorgeous strings. As with all of their
recordings, the production is exquisite!These songs present strong evidence
that A&J are no one-trick pony, a solid indication they could be making
great music for a long. long time. http://www.myspace.com/angusandjuliastone – Sessions - live EP There
have been quite a few auxiliary A&J releases in their short history but
this one takes the cake. Recorded live at the i-Tunes studio in Los Angeles
around the time of their phenomenal Troubadour show in April, these are
terrific, inspired performances. What with the staggered release of their one
album to date (Sept Õ07 in Australia, Feb Õ08 in UK/Europe, March Õ09 in the
U.S.), they performed many of these songs repeatedly over an extended period of
time. The tightness that resulted is clear here and they still manage to keep
everything sounding fresh. Unreleased song ÒDraw Your Swords,Ó with Angus
showing a bit more of a rock side in his singing (ala his Lady Of The Sunshine
side project), is especially exciting. As are ÒThe BeastÓ and ÒPrivate Lawns,Ó
which have cool new arrangements. - Lady Of The Sunshine
– Smoking Gun A side-project (basically a duo - Angus Stone along
with co-producer Govinda Doyle). This is a remarkable album, featuring a blend
of AngusÕs signature soft side with a startling hard rockinÕ side. Again,
strong evidence his is a deep well. Interesting description from their website:
ÒI tripped off up to North QLD to record with Finn (Govinda Doyle) who
played drums & bass on the record. We layed down the tracks in about 6
weeks throughout 2008, recording in an old water tank Finn had fixed up. FinnÕs
wife would cook supper for us & her new born baby whilst we worked till the
young hours of dawn.Ò Oh, and the ÔStone HallmarksÕ are clearly in place
here as well: impeccably produced audio and award-winning packaging. http://www.myspace.com/ladyofthesunshine 5.
Stackridge – A Victory For Common
Sense Astounding
to me that a group who formed in 1970, made several exceptional albums
(including one produced by George Martin) and broke up in Õ77 could reunite in
the 2000s and make an album every bit as good as their heyday – but
thatÕs precisely what seems to have happened! Helmed by the formidable partners
in crime, James Warren and Andy Davis, this is clever, sophisticated British
pop-rock done with heart and humor É
and itÕs some of the most genuinely Beatle-ey music ever made. 6.
Lily Allen – ItÕs Not Me, ItÕs You Not
just a pop confection, this record has brains, heart, humour, itÕs sexy and has
staying power. ÒI Could SayÓ is one of the greatest pop songs of this or any
year and I still get a pang in my heart everytime I hear Lily sing the line (in
ÒWhoÕd Have KnownÓ) : ÒAnd even though itÕs moving forward/ThereÕs just the
right amount of awkward/And today you accidentally called me babyÓ – ya
gotta hear it for yourself, itÕs the coolest! It was my first favorite album of
2009 and held up over repeated listening all year long. Absolutely top shelf
British Girl Pop É like vintage Lulu or Petula Clark with an edge. Must mention
the work of Greg Kurstin who is
not only the producer but the programmer and player of all instruments (except
Glockenspiel on one song, played by Lily), the sound of this record is an integral part of its character
É and I find it fascinating that there isnÕt a real drum in sight! http://www.myspace.com/lilymusic 7.
Luluc – Dear Hamlyn First
impresssions are undeniably key. I first laid ears on this group in March on a
Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. at The Golden Plains Festival in the little town
of Meredith, an hour or so outside of Melbourne, Australia. They were the first
act of the day, people were just coming out of their tents on a chilly,
overcast morning and Luluc completely captivated me and a few thousand others
with their gorgeous, delicate, pastoral, folk music. Back in my hotel room
later that night I put the CD on for the first time and was transported once
again. Sounding a bit like Nick Drake songs sung by Judy Collins, their music
is incredibly focused and carefully thought out. Zoe RandellÕs vocals are
hauntingly beautiful. An added endorsement - Lucinda Williams heard them and
immediately requested that they open her entire spring tour of Australia. http://www.myspace.com/lulucmusic 8.
Ram On L.A. – various artists
(digital release only) Justin
Gage, founder of the essential, cutting edge L.A. blog Aquarium Drunkard (http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/),
comandeered this track-by-track recreation of Paul McCartneyÕs 1971 classic
with recordings by the cream of the crop of L.A.Õs bountiful eastside music
scene (including two tracks by The Parson Red Heads!). I couldnÕt stop playing
it all year long. http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2009/03/02/ram-on-la-a-los-angeles-music-sampler/ 9.
Vic Chesnutt - At
The Cut - Skitter
on Take-Off Two
fantastic and very different new albums released a month apart. ÔCutÕ recorded
in Montreal again (like his previous album, North Star Deserter), orchestrated by members of Godspeed You!
Black Emperor plus FugaziÕs Guy Picciotto. ÔSkitterÕ is solo, unadorned performances
captured live by Jonathan Richman. Sadly, they become his epitaph. http://www.vicchesnutt.com/ 10. Inara George – Accidental Experimental (digital only release) For
me, this is InaraÕs best album to date. A collaboration with her sometimes musical
partner Mike Andrews, this collection includes five stripped down versions of
songs from last yearÕs ÔAn InvitationÕ and others she regards as Òsource
material for that albumÕs luxurious symphonies.Ó I find these simpler
treatments much more appealing. http://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Experimental/dp/B002QJ3YO2 -
The Bird And The Bee – Ray Guns Are Not Just The
Future As
with the previous B&B material, this is a sort of 60s pop mixed with
Brazilian and jazz influences. And once again, Greg Kurstin (see Lily Allen
above) proves himself an invaluable cohort alongside a stellar female
frontperson, in this case the singular, immensely talented and beguiling Inara
George. One can imagine them coming up with a perfect title song for a new
James Bond movie! http://www.myspace.com/thebirdandthebee 11.
Tegan And Sara –
Sainthood Their
sixth album, they continue to push the envelope while writing catchy pop-rock
songs. ThereÕs an obvious attempt to sing differently on some of the tracks
which IÕm still getting used to. ÒSentimental TuneÓ got played a million times
in my world. 12.
Son Of The Velvet Rat – Animals This
Austrian group totally captured my imagination with their beautiful and somber
music, somewhat reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, the lyrics are pure poetry.
http://www.myspace.com/sonofthevelvetrat 13.
The Growlers
– Are You In Or Out? This
Costa Mesa, CA band describe themselves on their MySpace as Òcountry/folk.Ó Mix
that with some very danceable surf guitar music and a smart, wry sense of humor
and youÕll have the big picture. http://www.myspace.com/lbcgrowlers 14.
A.A. Bondy
– When The DevilÕs Loose Having
done the gritty, hard, blues-rock trio thing for three albums with Verbena in
the late 90s/early 2000s, Scott Bondy took a break and then a sharp turn into
traditional acoustic (often dark) folk music. This is his second album in this
vein, every bit as good as the first. ÒI Can See The Pines Are DancingÓ was in
high rotation all year. http://www.myspace.com/aabondy 15.
The Duke & The King – Nothing Gold Can Stay This
Hudson Valley, NY outfit includes Simone Felice, one time drummer for The
Felice Brothers, (who, incidentally, are A.A. BondyÕs brother in-laws) doing
Americana Music in a way that really got under my skin. Jennifer thinks the
vocals sound a bit like Matthew Sweet and I agree. I found songs like ÒUnion
Street,Ó ÒLose My SelfÓ and ÒOne More American SongÓ turning up in my head at
all hours of the day and night. And dig this line from ÒWater SpiderÓ: ÒJesus
walked on water but so did Marvin Gaye.Ó http://www.myspace.com/dukeandtheking 16.
Tommy Keene
– In The Late Bright Clearly
on a roll, this might be TommyÕs best record since 1996Õs Ten Years After. ÒTomorrowÕs Gone TonightÓ
was one that got regular airplay Ôround our house. And, once again, a fantastic
sounding rock record, courtesy
of producers Tommy, R. Walt
Vincent and Jonathan Pines. http://www.myspace.com/tommykeeneband 17.
Bob Evans
– Goodnight Bull Creek! Australian
pop-rock, recorded in Nashville. ÒPasha BulkerÓ was another song I played
endlessly all year. http://www.myspace.com/suburbankid 18.
M. Ward
– Hold Time One
of the most consistent artists of the recent past, heÕs just making one great
album after another. The cover of Buddy HollyÕs ÒRave OnÓ was the first song I
heard and I was sold instantly. The title song is another of the yearÕs best. http://www.myspace.com/mward 19.
Orchestre National De Jazz/Daniel Yvinec – Around Robert Wyatt Jazz
interpretations of Robert Wyatt songs, fascinating stuff even if some of it is
just plain over my head 20.
Sarah Blasko
– As Day Follows Night Another
gifted Australian artist, SarahÕs unusual voice and songs are the stars of the
show but the production, courtesy of Bjorn Yttling (of Swedish group Peter,
Bjorn & John), lifts the whole thing up several notches. Moody, literate
pop-rock. http://www.myspace.com/sarahblasko Other
albums I listened to a lot - El May – self titled debut
by Lara Myerratken, longtime member of Ben LeeÕs band. - Olin and the Moon – Terrible
Town
One of L.A.Õs most promising young groups. - Julian Casablancas – Phrazes
For The Young http://www.myspace.com/juliancasablancas - Lisa Germano – Magic
Neighbor - Phoenix - Wolfgang
Amadeus Phoenix http://www.myspace.com/wearephoenix - Rickie Lee Jones – Balm
In Gilead http://www.myspace.com/dutchessofcoolsville - Hank & The Skinny 3 – Coyote
Speaks http://www.myspace.com/hanktheskinny3 - The Evening Rig – Is
DoinÕ Stuff http://www.myspace.com/theeveningrig - Joe Henry – Blood
From Stars http://www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com/ - L73 – Men
Of Distinction - Nathan Moore – Folk
Singer http://www.myspace.com/nathanmooresongs - Visqueen – Message
To Garcia http://www.myspace.com/visqueen - The Swell Season – Strict
Joy http://www.myspace.com/theswellseason - Monsters Of Folk http://www.myspace.com/monstersoffolk - Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey – hERE
aND nOW http://www.myspace.com/hereandnowpeterandchris - Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard – One
Fast Move Or IÕm Gone: Music From KerouacÕs Big Sur - Son Volt – American
Central Dust http://www.myspace.com/sonvolt - Neil Young – Fork
In The Road Oops!
Albums I realized I didnÕt have yet while I was making this list that would
have been here if I did (will rectify immediately) Mark
Eitzel – Klamath Neil
Young – DreaminÕ Man Live Ô92 R.E.M.
– Live At The Olympia Special
Mention Robert
Forster
– ÒItÕs Not What You ThinkÓ (digital only release – split single
w/Adele Pickvance for the stage play ÒThe True Story Of Butterfish.Ó Available
at e-music.com or i-Tunes). We didnÕt get an album from Robert this year but
this song is so good, it almost makes up for that. Flip side, AdeleÕs ÒThe
Light That Guides You Home,Ó is a complete knockout as well. http://www.robertforster.net/ EPs Eisley – Fire
Kite Put
together to sell on tour. Two from the upcoming new album sessions (ÒAmbulanceÓ
and ÒThe ValleyÓ) with lead vocals by Stacy and two demos (ÒAway We GoÓ and
Ò192 DaysÓ) with lead vocals by Sherri. Still two of the greatest vocalists in
rock these days. http://www.myspace.com/eisley Selah
Sue –
Black Part Love Another
vocal epiphany, her 20 minute folk-soul-reggae set at The Viper Room in October
was one of the best things I saw all year. This small-ish, beautiful,
big-haired, nineteen year old girl from Belgium played with such syle and
conviction, I was mesmerized. The rhythm in her singing was breathtaking (as a
caption aptly reads on one of her YouTube clips: Òwhite girl rhymes like a
JamaicanÓ). Currently recording, no album out yet, this 6-song EP was made to
sell at gigs. PLEASE check out the song ÒRagamuffin,Ó one of 2009Õs very best! http://www.myspace.com/selahsuemusic Paul
Westerberg – PW & The Ghost
Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys Six
new songs in the raw, some fun and promising stuff here including ÒGhost On The
Canvas,Ó would love to hear this one fleshed out and finished, one of his best
songs in years. Bon
Iver
– Blood Bank No
album this year but lots of live activity and this fine 4-song set. http://www.myspace.com/boniver Anthologies/Reissues The
Beatles – Mono Box Big
Star
– Keep An Eye On The Sky A 4
CD set, this might be THE best anthology ever produced, so well researched,
sequenced and designed, I just canÕt get over it... Chris
Bell
– I Am The Cosmos – Rhino Handmade
double CD The
Jayhawks
– Music From The North Country Robert
Wyatt
–Radio Experiment Rome , February1981 The
Feelies
– Crazy Rhythms and The
Good Earth Compilations Danger
Mouse & Sparklehorse - Dark Was The Night Various
Artists - Ciao
My Shining Star – The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy Live (all
shows in LA unless otherwise noted) Cy
Coleman Tribute Concerts: –
Largo 1/15 – featuring Fiona Apple, Sara Watkins, Perla Batalla, Dave
Palmer, etc. -
Grammy Museum 10/23 featuring Jill Sobule, Sarah Watkins, Perla Batalla,
Julianna Raye, etc. - Ben Lee – Largo – The
Little Room 1/15 / The Troubadour 4/30 -
The Walkmen – Henry Fonda Theater 1/20 / The El Rey 5/20 -
Tara Holloway – The Mint 1/21 -
Blue Giant- Spaceland 1/22 -
Mark Olson & Gary Louris – Promo Day in Mpls 2/2, including 2 radio
appearances, a noon-time set at Best Buy HQ and an in-store at Treehouse
Records (formerly Oar Folkjokeopus, my alma mater!); Largo 4/11 -
Dr. Dog – One Eyed JackÕs – New Orleans 2/17 -
Tim Easton – The Mint 2/19 & 6/5 / The Redwood Bar 9/3 -
Joe Pug – Hotel CafŽ 2/26 -
The Fuse Festival – Adelaide, Australia 3/4 - 6 – various artists
including Cloud Control, The Aviators, Jess Ribero & The Bone Collectors,
The Sundance Kids and Your Motive For -
The Golden Plains Festival – Meredith, Australia 3/8 – various
artists including Dan Kelly & The Ukeladies, Luluc, Bridezilla, Jim White
& John Doe, Old Crow Medicine Show -
You Am I – The Corner Hotel – Melbourne, Australia 3/8 -
SXSW 2009 – various artists including Angus & Julia Stone, Mark Olson
& Gary Louris, Elliott BROOD, The Orbans (formerly Lifters), Blue Giant,
The Evening Rig, Haley Bonar, Mumford & Sons, The Boat People, Joe Pug.
Plus a fantastic speech/Q&A about the state of the record industry given by
Miami Steve Van Zandt. -
Rachael Yamagata – The Troubadour 4/4 -
The Henry Clay People – Spaceland 4/6, 4/20 & 4/27 / Echoplex 8/14 - Leonard
Cohen – The Nokia Theater 4/10 -
Teddy Thompson – Largo 4/11 -
Angus & Julia Stone – Buffalo Billiards – Austin, TX 3/19 /
House of Blues 3/24 & 25 / Amoeba Records in-store 4/22 / Troubadour 4/23 -
Olin and the Moon – Origami Vinyl 4/18 / The Silverlake Lounge 4/27 -
Audra Mae – The Silverlake Lounge 4/20 -
The Parson Red Heads – Echoplex 4/28 / Origami Vinyl 5/2 / Troubadour
5/12, Spaceland 6/4 / On The Roxx 6/23 / Summershine Pop Festival –
Venura, CA 6/27 / Spaceland 7/21 / Evan Way (solo) – Spaceland 7/25 /
Knitting Factory 8/12 / The Echo 8/21 / Spaceland 8/24 / Spaceland 10/6 / The
Echo 11/3/Spaceland 12/12 -
Princeton and Castle Dooor – Echoplex 4/28 -
AM - Swinghouse 5/13 -
The Flatlanders – Troubadour 5/30 -
Patrick Park and Butterfly Boucher – Hotel CafŽ 6/10 -
Viva Voce – The Echo 6/17 -
Nico Stai – Spaceland 6/17 -
Joel Plaskett, Christina Martin, Rose Cousins and Anna Egge - Hotel CafŽ 6/18 -
Kami Thompson – Hotel CafŽ 6/22 -
Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin – The Greek
Theater 6/24 -
Luluc – Hotel CafŽ 7/14 / my backyard (!) 8/30 / The Bordello 9/1 -
Susan Marshall – Hotel CafŽ 7/21 -
The Audreys – Spaceland 7/27 -
Roadside Graves and Avi Buffalo – Knitting Factory 8/12 -
Gaby Moreno – The Wiltern 8/19 -
Maxim Ludwig – Hotel CafŽ 8/19 -
Mannequin Men – The Echo 9/1 -
The Faraway Places – Redwood Bar 9/3 -
Leslie & The Badgers – The Echo 9/7, 9/14 & 9/28 / Eagle Rock
Music Festival 10/3 / Hotel CafŽ 10/15 / The Silverlake Lounge 10/22 / The
FarmerÕs Market Ranch Party 11/21 / Bootleg Theater 11/24 -
Lucinda Williams – First Avenue (concert & wedding!) –
Minneapolis, MN 9/18 -
Monte Negro – The Wiltern 10/3 -
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 – Spaceland 10/6 -
Selah Sue – Viper Room 10/8 -
Bob Dylan & his band – The Palladium 10/13 -
Nick 13 – rehearsal space, N. Hollywood 10/19 -
Emm Gryner – Hotel CafŽ 10/26 -
Corb Lund – Hotel CafŽ 11/19 -
Eisley – Troubadour 11/22 -
Vic Chesnutt with members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor + Guy Picciotto
from Fugazi – The Echoplex 12/1 -
Son Of The Velvet Rat – The Bootleg Theater 12/8 -
Army Navy – Spaceland 12/8 -
Inara George – Everlovong Records Xmas Party – 12/12 -
The Growlers – Ò
Ò Ò
Ò
Ò -
The Coles – Spaceland 12/12 Two things that fall into categories all by themselves - I
made my first trip to Australia in March, brought down by the good folks from
The Fuse Festival in Adelaide. Fuse showcased about 60 artists from all over
the country, there were workshops and panels and fabulous dinners with fabulous
people from AustraliaÕs formidable music community. I even did two panels
(ÔMaking Records IndependentlyÕ and ÔInternational A&RÕ) and I didnÕt suck!
The day after the festival ended, the organizers took a few of us on a day
trip, visiting wineries all over the south coast, stunningly beautiful country
and the food was ridiculous! From there I went to Melbourne for a few days and
had the good fortune to have two amazing tour guides – Bernadette Ryan
(who manages Dan Kelly & Luluc among others) and Mary Mihelakos (local
promoter, scenester and diehard music enthusiast). Among many other things, I
attended the aforementioned Golden Plains Festival; visited the Shock offices
(New WestÕs distributor down there); saw the incomparable You Am I in their
natural habitat – legendary rock joint, The Corner Hotel (which was
packed to the rafters with fans who knew the words to every song they did É
IÕll never forget their stunning, stomping rendition of The ClashÕs ÒLondon
CallingÓ!); and I talked Bernadette and Dan Kelly into driving me by Paul
KellyÕs house, just so I could see where he lived (too thrilling for words)!
The trip was hands-down one of the greatest adventures of my life. I loved the
country and the people so much, I feel like I could live there. -
Fiona AppleÕs vocal on ÒWhy Try To Change Me NowÓ Up
until this year, I have had no real relationship with Fiona AppleÕs music. I
loved her version (and video for) John LennonÕs ÒAcross The UniverseÓ but,
overall, her music kinda goes over my head, I just canÕt figure it out. But I
have always been intrigued by her because she seems like such a genuine artist.
I remember running into her occasionally at The Paramour, an old mansion in
Silver Lake, where we were recording a Vic Chesnutt album back in fall/winter
of 2002. She was living there temporarily while recording with John Brion and
IÕd bump into her out on the grounds, walking her dog. Though she always seemed
shy, she was friendly enough and would sort of say hello (which, I must admit,
gave me a curious thrill). This year, I got involved with a wonderful project
for New West Records that was a tribute to the legendary NYC Popular
Music/Broadway songwriter Cy Coleman. CyÕs publisher, Notable Music, enlisted a
number of contemporary female vocalists to record his songs. Fiona cut two,
including the above-mentioned. I saw her sing it live at Largo in January and
it completely brought down the house. It was the most sincere, unanimous
standing ovation I have witnessed in years. As for the recording (for the album
The Best Is Yet
To Come – The Songs Of Cy Coleman), I almost canÕt find words to describe how
powerful and how perfect it is. I still find myself almost holding my breath
when I play it – her vocal
is absolutely riveting. It is as high art as anything I have ever been near.
Please seek it out, I can almost guarantee youÕll be as moved by it as I am. -------------------- And
lastly, R.I.P. dear friends Duane Jarvis, Stephen Bruton, Bruce Allen and Vic
Chesnutt |