Nine (count ’em, nine) Items!
Frankly, I’m not big on any year-in-review stories or, specifically, the annual “best” lists that rank music, mainly because it’s kind of arbitrary using a calendar year (especially when these lists always seem to be year-end reviews released before the year actually ends). But the world apparently demands them and I, your humble servant, have decided to comply (sort of). So here, in no particular order, is my “List Of Random Music Things Related To Most Of 2012!” (Following established media tradition, I am posting this before year end. I sure hope nothing really good happens before the end of December!)
BEST SINGLE: The Db’s – That Time Is Gone
Actually, do singles get released anymore? Regardless, this is a great rockin’ song. I’ve had it in heavy rotation for months and there are no signs I will get tired of it any time soon. That time may be gone, but the Db’s are back! Go get it now.
BEST UP-AND-COMING BAND I CAUGHT LIVE: The Northerners
They play mostly around Virginia and North Carolina, but I suspect that may change. They haven’t put out any studio recordings yet (yet!), but they have lots of strong original songs and sound great live. Look…that’s them on the horizon!
BEST COLLABORATION: Sun Araw/M. Geddes Gengras/The Congos – Icon Give Thank
Experiments like this could easily go wrong, but this one works magically. The reggae legends meet modern producers/musicians and all play to their strengths. While there are certainly reggae aspects to the end product, and it sounds like the spirit of Lee “Scratch” Perry could have been involved, the end result is (other)world music from deep in tropical jungle.
LEAST SEXY ALBUM COVER THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE SEXY: Diana Krall – Glad Rag Doll
I like an attractive woman in lingerie as much as the next guy; in fact, I encourage the lovely Mrs. Trapezoid in that direction. But something about this cover seems sterile and clinical. Is it me, or does Diana look uncomfortable? It seems so out of character. Not sure if it’s marketing desperation or just a bad plan, but it just doesn’t work.
BEST RECORD STORE I VISITED: Frizb’s CD Exchange
Lots of contenders here, but I’m going with Frizb’s CD Exchange in Kenmore, NY. Jeff Avery creates a friendly environment, selection is great and his prices are unbeatable. There was too much I wanted; I’m glad I don’t live there only because I would probably be broke! It’s exactly what a record store should be.
BEST RADIO SHOW: Down at Lulus with Cal Zone
It was one-day-only on WBNY on a Saturday afternoon in October. CZ was funny, played some great known and obscure music, was touching talking about radio, and generally blew away the competition, as always. Unfortunately, like Santa, he only comes around once a year. You can relive it here.
FAVORITE LIVE SHOW: Andrew Bird and Mavis Staples
Maybe it was sharing the evening with Mrs. T and a couple friends. Maybe it was Mavis belting out “Wade In The Water” as a rainstorm kicked up. Perhaps it was Andrew and band sounding so good. Or, it could have been just staying up late on a “school” night. In any case, despite the fact that we were soaked, it all worked.
BEST COVER SONG: For The Love Of Ivy – Japandroids
A great song by the late, great Gun Club. Japandroids scuzz it up…in a good way!
WORST MUSIC RESULTING FROM CORPORATE CROSS-PROMOTION: Pepsi NFL Anthems
I’m sure the term “synergy” was used often during the meetings to come up with this idea. Some conglomeration of Pepsi/ Walmart/National Football League hired seven artists to write “anthems” for specific NFL teams. Will we be singing these songs in the stadium? I’ll go out on a limb and say…”no.” Make that “absolutely no way.” The end results were by-the-numbers music by each artist with bland-to-awful lyrics. I listened to them all so you don’t have to; you can thank me later. Definite lump of coal for the NFL stocking this year.
So that’s it! Come back next year when I may make a list of more stuff!