These are the albums that most caught my ear this year.
10. Turn Heads by Tobias Froberg
This Swedish Singer-Songwriter delivers on his third album with a series of expertly crafted music that is somewhat reminiscent of vintage Simon and Garfunkel. This is “Just Behind a Brick Wall”
9. Another Country by Tift Merritt
Tift is this generation’s Emmylou Harris complete with the beautiful vocals and the country-folk sensibilities. This is “Broken.”
8. Hope For The Hopeless by Brett Dennen
Dennen’s follow-up to the masterful 2006 release So Much More was more of a slow boil for me but when it clicked it found itself on my frequent play list. Dennen is a consummate song-writer who uses his ability to point out injustice and bring awareness to social issues. This is “Make You Crazy.”
7. The Gabe Dixon Band by the Gabe Dixon Band
There has been a tremendous absence in the genre of piano driven rock ever since Billy Joel completed “River of Dreams” in 1993. No one has come close to the legacy of the Piano Man. Until now. Dixon is Joel’s heir apparent and is fully evidenced in the full length debut.
This is most likely my favorite song of the last 5 years “All Will Be Well.”
6. Ghost Notes by Matthew Barber
Barber is a highly popular singer-songwriter in Canada. His fourth full-length release is what brought him to my attention and is full of catchy folk-styled songs. This is “And You Give”
5. The ’59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem
This is the definitive Springsteen inspired release of the year. The ’59 Sound is a tremendous blend of Bruce level story-telling and a punk backbeat that will stick with you long after the album ends. These guys are going to be huge. This is the title track.
4. Gossip in the Grain by Ray Lamontagne
This former shoe salesman in one of the finest musicians plying his trade today. His sweet, soulful voice breathes a richness and urgency to his songs. Gossip in the Grain should be his breakout album. This is “You Are the Best Thing.”
3. Chinese Democracy by Guns N’ Roses
I know that people are sharply divided over this release. Most of the negativity that I have heard has been along the lines of having waited so long for something that doesn’t approach the brilliance of Appetite for Destruction. That Axl was unable to recreate the greatness that they possessed for so brief a time 20 years ago. Well, it’s not 1988 any longer nor do I want it to be. Comparisons to Appetite will always come up short. That was a moment in time that can not and should not be recreated. Late 80s Guns were an anomaly even then. A last ditch rebellion against the Reagan-era and the feelings of vulnerability we had in the waning days of the Cold War and the insurgence of AIDS. For Appetite to be recreated would be to go back to an era that none of us should go back to. We can’t because we are older, wiser and have seen too much.
With that said when Chinese Democracy is judged on its own merits it is an excellent rock album in an era where quality rock and roll is hard to come by. There are a number of reasons that I have gravitated toward more contemplative, singer-songwriter style music. Sure, a large part of that is growing older and feeling my tastes change precipitously. Another reason is that the rock and roll that I love is hard to find these days. Chinese Democracy is a breath of fresh air to me.
If there is one quibble I have it is that every song strives to be anthemic. Axl swings for the fences on every song and runs the risk of trying to do too much. There is no understatement or minimalism at work here. But that is a minor issue. For the trademark voice is still there and results in great music.
It’s no Appetite. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, it is a great thing that it is no Use Your Illusion.
This is my favorite cut on the album “Better.”
2. Day After Tomorrow by Joan Baez
There was no stronger voice of protest during the 60s than Joan Baez. She has long been an activist voice. Her latest release, however, focuses more on issues of faith than anything else. This is the voice of a well-traveled troubadour who has seen so much now longer for that which is unseen. As a result it is one of the definitive albums of her career. Produced by Steve Earle, this album is beatiful, touching and a glimpse of the Divine. This is “God is God.”
1. Everything that Happens Will Happen Today by David Byrne and Brian Eno
This album hit me out of the blue. I have never been a Talking Heads fan but this album has made me realize that I need to go back and listen again. It also hit me because, although this is not a style of music that I typically gravitate to, I couldn’t get it out of my head. And the colossal influence they have on music cannot be underscored.
What results from this collaboration is a sonic tour de force of music, concepts and intellect. This, to me, is the definitive album of the year for making me look at music anew and shake me out of the doldrums of what is worth listening to. This is the title track followed by “Strange Overtones.”
