I wrote a couple reviews for the WSDP Alumni Newsletter. WSDP is the high school radio station I manage. I've realized that I'm on the once a month posting schedule so I decided that I need to get off my rear and add something. This is a good way to use something I previously wrote.
Fiction Family – Fiction Family (ATO Records)
Fiction Family has Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) diverging from the musical sounds we’ve come to know them for. The two San Diego natives have known each other for several years and began collaborating together under the name the Real SeanJon. The Fiction Families sound is very acoustic (“Not Sure” and “War in My Blood”) and sometimes a bit more experimental sounding (“Out of Order”). This is an album that requires multiple listens because the lyrics are at the forefront. WSDP is playing their first single “When She’s Near.” It’s a radio friendly song that can easily get you humming along. It has one of my favorite lines in the chorus, “When she’s near the new years here and there is not a resolution that I can’t do.” They’ve been touring this winter and hopefully they’ll build a fan base that will keep them around for years to come. That’s a resolution I hope they make.
John Oates – 1000 Miles of Life (Phunk Shui Records)
John Oates has been making music for decades so it is surprising that his first full-length albums were released in the last several years. He’s become identified with the Philly Soul through his years with Hall and Oates but on “1000 Miles of Life” he delves into a folk/Americana sound that hearkens back to his early days of music in the 1960’s. He and producer Jed Leiber have brought in an incredible mix of musicians to flesh out the music (Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Bonnie Bramlett, and many others). One of my favorites is the gospel influenced “Sending Me Angels” that has him singing with the Blind Boys of Alabama. “Ghost Town” spotlights the banjo of Bela Fleck on a song that looks at New Orleans post Katrina. John Oates has always been the other guy in Hall and Oates. Hopefully “1000 Miles of Life” will open up opportunities for him to step in the forefront more often. I look forward to hearing the music he creates.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Bill's Top Albums of 2008
I love checking out year end best of lists. I always like seeing which artists I missed and who might agree with me. This year it looks like I missed TV On the Radio and their CD "Dear Science." That CD put them on so many best of 08 lists Here are my favorites from this past year. Who did I miss and what were some of your favorites?
1. Rodney Crowell “Sex & Gasoline” - His CD's have been among my year end favorites since his 2001 CD "The Houston Kid." This album finds him working with Joe Henry on songs about women from an imagined woman's perspective.
2. JD Souther “If the World Was You” - Legendary songwriter who has written songs for Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dixie Chicks and many others. This album finds him working with some amazing Jazz players including Bela Fleck, Jeff Coffin and Rod Mcgaha on his first album in almost 25 years. Great music and very thought provoking songs.
3. The Pretenders “Break Up the Concrete” - Chrissie Hynde enlists new band members in a much more rootsy, Americana project. I stumbled on this CD in December and it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I love Chrissie's voice and now I want to dig back into the Pretenders vast catalog.
4. Sam Phillips “Don’t Do Anything” - Sam has worked with former husband T Bone Burnett as her producer and for the first time takes on the producer's role. This album fits in well with her past two, "Fan Dance" and "A Boot in A Shoe."
5. John Mellencamp “Life Death Love and Freedom” - I became excited about this CD when I heard that John would be working with T Bone Burnett. I recently listened to John's greatest hits and realized what a wealth of great music he's recorded. This album finds him stretching even more.
6. Steppin’ In It “Simple Tunes for Troubled Times” - The first of many Michigan artists in my top albums of 08. This Lansing quartet has recorded the best album of their career, and they've recorded some very good ones. My favorite song is "Break of Day" which takes on the idea that bigger is better. The fact that it takes a few shots at the current state of radio makes it even more poignant for me. Their cover of Randy Newman's "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)."
7. Jackie Greene “Givin’ Up the Ghost” - This California songwriter has been selling out the Ark for several years. This was my first introduction to his music. When I first heard it I thought it might be my pick for the best of 08. It has dropped a bit but its still among the year's best. Trivia note: Bruce Spencer of the 77's is Jackie's drummer. Jackie sings some vocals on the 77's latest "Holy Ghost Building."
8. Jakob Dylan “Seeing Things” - A more acoustic, stripped down recording from the son of "Bob." He enlisted the production help of Rick Rubin who gets credit for reviving Johnny Cash's career in the 90's. He has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of his dad, but this album is a great step in that direction.
9. American Mars “Western Sides” - American Mars is one of the top bands in the Detroit area. I had only heard a song or two from their previous CD's so this album was a welcome introduction in the winter of 08. Their website describes their sound as atmospheric roots-influenced rock. I hear the influences of bands like the Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and Tom Petty.
10. Brooks Williams “The Time I Spend With You” - Such a smooth singer, songwriter and guitarist. He's become one of the favorites at Trinity House Theatre over the years. The title track from this album became a favorite of mine through his live performances. He's equally skilled at singing folk, blues and jazz.
11. Brian Vander Ark “S/T” - My friend John turned me on to Brian's solo work. I was a fan of his work with the Verve Pipe but solo CD's find him exploring a bit more of a sophisticated pop sound. This is one of those albums that has grown on me with each repeated listen.
12. Ralston Bowles “Rally At the Texas Hotel” - The Grand Rapids based songwriter released this album on Judy Collins' Wildflower Record Label. He teamed up again with critically acclaimed producer Marvin Etzioni. I really enjoyed "Velvet Elvis", with Charlie Sexton on vocals. Like his first album this one kicks off with a Mark Heard cover ("Satellite Sky"). I'm just glad this includes a version of his concert favorite "Friend of God."
13. Greg Mahan “Thirty Five Cent Daydream” - Greg is a very talented Cincinnati based songwriter. This CD was eight years in the making. "Fireflies" and "Thirty-Five-Cent Daydream are two of the most beautifully nostalgic sounding songs I've heard. "Mento" will remind you of "Graceland" era Paul Simon. Here's hoping he will get some wider recognition.
14. BoDeans “Still” - The BoDeans have been favorites of mine since college. This album finds them teaming up with T Bone Burnett again. They've had a couple pop breakthroughs but have generally stayed under the radar of most people.
15. Emmylou Harris “All I Intended To Be” - On this album Emmylou returns to her roots with producer Brian Ahern. He produced her first 11 albums. I would have been happy with another album with Daniel Lanois or Malcolm Burn producing but I like this change of pace. "Shores of White Sand" and "Gold" are very beautiful.
16. The Innocence Mission “Street Maps”
17. Rachael Davis “Antebellum Queens”
18. Lindsay Buckingham “Gift of Screws”
19. Jen Chapin and Rosetta Trio “Light of Mine”
20. Larry Norman “Rebel Poet, Jukebox Balladeer: The Anthology”
21. Martyn Joseph “Evolved”
22. Seventy Sevens “Holy Ghost Building”
23. Al Green “Lay It Down”
24. My Dear Disco “Dancethink LP”
25. Kate Campbell “Save the Day”
26. Jon Foreman “Limbs and Branches”
27. Christopher Williams “Sweet Redemption”
28. Mark Erelli “Delivered”
29. Dave Boutette “The Piccolo Heart”
30. Thrice “The Alchemy Index Vol. 3 & 4 – Air & Earth”
31. Luke Sayers and the Last to Know “Radio Flower”
32. The Refugees “Unbound”
33. Rosie Thomas “A Very Rosie Christmas”
34. Bonnie Bramlett “Beautiful”
35. Jeff Coffin and Charlie Peacock “Arc of the Circle”
36. John Oates “1000 Miles of Life”
37. Doug Hoekstra “Blooming Roses”
38. Claire Holley “Hush”
39. Dolly Varden “13”
40. Joe Wilson and Drew Howard “Steels Heal the World”
1. Rodney Crowell “Sex & Gasoline” - His CD's have been among my year end favorites since his 2001 CD "The Houston Kid." This album finds him working with Joe Henry on songs about women from an imagined woman's perspective.
2. JD Souther “If the World Was You” - Legendary songwriter who has written songs for Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dixie Chicks and many others. This album finds him working with some amazing Jazz players including Bela Fleck, Jeff Coffin and Rod Mcgaha on his first album in almost 25 years. Great music and very thought provoking songs.
3. The Pretenders “Break Up the Concrete” - Chrissie Hynde enlists new band members in a much more rootsy, Americana project. I stumbled on this CD in December and it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I love Chrissie's voice and now I want to dig back into the Pretenders vast catalog.
4. Sam Phillips “Don’t Do Anything” - Sam has worked with former husband T Bone Burnett as her producer and for the first time takes on the producer's role. This album fits in well with her past two, "Fan Dance" and "A Boot in A Shoe."
5. John Mellencamp “Life Death Love and Freedom” - I became excited about this CD when I heard that John would be working with T Bone Burnett. I recently listened to John's greatest hits and realized what a wealth of great music he's recorded. This album finds him stretching even more.
6. Steppin’ In It “Simple Tunes for Troubled Times” - The first of many Michigan artists in my top albums of 08. This Lansing quartet has recorded the best album of their career, and they've recorded some very good ones. My favorite song is "Break of Day" which takes on the idea that bigger is better. The fact that it takes a few shots at the current state of radio makes it even more poignant for me. Their cover of Randy Newman's "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)."
7. Jackie Greene “Givin’ Up the Ghost” - This California songwriter has been selling out the Ark for several years. This was my first introduction to his music. When I first heard it I thought it might be my pick for the best of 08. It has dropped a bit but its still among the year's best. Trivia note: Bruce Spencer of the 77's is Jackie's drummer. Jackie sings some vocals on the 77's latest "Holy Ghost Building."
8. Jakob Dylan “Seeing Things” - A more acoustic, stripped down recording from the son of "Bob." He enlisted the production help of Rick Rubin who gets credit for reviving Johnny Cash's career in the 90's. He has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of his dad, but this album is a great step in that direction.
9. American Mars “Western Sides” - American Mars is one of the top bands in the Detroit area. I had only heard a song or two from their previous CD's so this album was a welcome introduction in the winter of 08. Their website describes their sound as atmospheric roots-influenced rock. I hear the influences of bands like the Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and Tom Petty.
10. Brooks Williams “The Time I Spend With You” - Such a smooth singer, songwriter and guitarist. He's become one of the favorites at Trinity House Theatre over the years. The title track from this album became a favorite of mine through his live performances. He's equally skilled at singing folk, blues and jazz.
11. Brian Vander Ark “S/T” - My friend John turned me on to Brian's solo work. I was a fan of his work with the Verve Pipe but solo CD's find him exploring a bit more of a sophisticated pop sound. This is one of those albums that has grown on me with each repeated listen.
12. Ralston Bowles “Rally At the Texas Hotel” - The Grand Rapids based songwriter released this album on Judy Collins' Wildflower Record Label. He teamed up again with critically acclaimed producer Marvin Etzioni. I really enjoyed "Velvet Elvis", with Charlie Sexton on vocals. Like his first album this one kicks off with a Mark Heard cover ("Satellite Sky"). I'm just glad this includes a version of his concert favorite "Friend of God."
13. Greg Mahan “Thirty Five Cent Daydream” - Greg is a very talented Cincinnati based songwriter. This CD was eight years in the making. "Fireflies" and "Thirty-Five-Cent Daydream are two of the most beautifully nostalgic sounding songs I've heard. "Mento" will remind you of "Graceland" era Paul Simon. Here's hoping he will get some wider recognition.
14. BoDeans “Still” - The BoDeans have been favorites of mine since college. This album finds them teaming up with T Bone Burnett again. They've had a couple pop breakthroughs but have generally stayed under the radar of most people.
15. Emmylou Harris “All I Intended To Be” - On this album Emmylou returns to her roots with producer Brian Ahern. He produced her first 11 albums. I would have been happy with another album with Daniel Lanois or Malcolm Burn producing but I like this change of pace. "Shores of White Sand" and "Gold" are very beautiful.
16. The Innocence Mission “Street Maps”
17. Rachael Davis “Antebellum Queens”
18. Lindsay Buckingham “Gift of Screws”
19. Jen Chapin and Rosetta Trio “Light of Mine”
20. Larry Norman “Rebel Poet, Jukebox Balladeer: The Anthology”
21. Martyn Joseph “Evolved”
22. Seventy Sevens “Holy Ghost Building”
23. Al Green “Lay It Down”
24. My Dear Disco “Dancethink LP”
25. Kate Campbell “Save the Day”
26. Jon Foreman “Limbs and Branches”
27. Christopher Williams “Sweet Redemption”
28. Mark Erelli “Delivered”
29. Dave Boutette “The Piccolo Heart”
30. Thrice “The Alchemy Index Vol. 3 & 4 – Air & Earth”
31. Luke Sayers and the Last to Know “Radio Flower”
32. The Refugees “Unbound”
33. Rosie Thomas “A Very Rosie Christmas”
34. Bonnie Bramlett “Beautiful”
35. Jeff Coffin and Charlie Peacock “Arc of the Circle”
36. John Oates “1000 Miles of Life”
37. Doug Hoekstra “Blooming Roses”
38. Claire Holley “Hush”
39. Dolly Varden “13”
40. Joe Wilson and Drew Howard “Steels Heal the World”
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