Seven Items This Time!
I’ve made fun of best of/year end lists in the past for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that they usually seem to come out before the year actually ends. So I had to laugh last year when Beyoncé dropped a well-regarded album in mid-December 2013 after most music lists were already out. Undaunted, many list makers have just included her in their best of 2014 lists. What are the rules here, critics?
Anyway, here in no particular order is my now traditional “List Of Random Music Things Related To Most Of 2014!”
MOST FUN ALBUM THAT YOU PROBABLY WON’T FIND ON ANY ‘BEST OF’ LISTS: “REV” by Reverend Horton Heat
“REV” is aptly named; from the instrumental opener “Victory Lap” through the next twelve tracks you can hardly catch your breath. It’s a record full of energetic surfy, twangy, rockabilly and roll. Just what the Reverend ordered.
BEST FREE MUSIC DUMP: De La Soul
I loved “3 Feet High and Rising” from back in the day, although really, who didn’t? It’s remained in my personal rotation since it was released in (gulp) 1989. But you know how it is, like many people I got busy with kids, jobs, and that cult (long story)…I just didn’t follow De La very closely (read: “at all”) thereafter. Well, earlier this year, the group gave away most of their older music which gave me a chance to catch up a bit. Wow. There is some really great stuff in their catalogue; shame on me for taking so long to re-engage. Do yourself a favor: if you haven’t kept tuned in to Pos, Trugoy and Mase, get back on the bandwagon. They’re still going Strong Island.
By the way, this category “Best Free Music Dump” is not to be confused with…
BEST FREE DUMPED MUSIC: U2
“Dumped”, as in Apple Megacorporation dumped the new U2 album “Songs of Innocence” into everyone’s account. Perhaps you heard about this? It was mentioned on one or two websites. But also “dumped” as in some (many?) people wanting to dump the free music back out of their accounts. Not me, though; I likely would have bought the album unheard anyway. Plus, as an added bonus, I think it’s pretty good (as I discussed previously). Thanks for the free music, huge corporation!
FAVORITE WEBSITE OTHER THAN MINE: Netlabelism
OK, this is shameless self-promotion, but aside from this here site I’ve also started contributing reviews to Netlabelism.com, The Netaudio Magazine. I’ve been a long-time support of netlabels and have been reviewing releases for several years on my site, Netlabelism was looking for writers, my attorney’s negotiated with their attorney’s, and the next thing you know I’m a contributor. Not to brag or anything, but my agent negotiated a sweet deal…I make two times as much per story as I do on my own website. Let’s see…that’s two times zero…hey…wait…what?
BEST NEW-TO-ME MUSIC GIFTED BY A FAMILY MEMBER: “Atlas” by Real Estate
I got some really great music gifts from family this year. Well, I get great music every year now that I think about it (thank you Amazon wish list and family that don’t mind getting me “the same thing” for birthdays and Christmas). The “Scared To Get Happy” indiepop box set, The English Beat box set (That’s “The Beat” for my friends in Europe), several reggae and dub compilations, I could go on, and will if you ask me to or even stop averting your eyes for one slight moment.
My son Rhombus tries to do his part keep me up-to-date with stuff he likes, and he surprised me with this cool little record by Real Estate. It turned out to be right up one of my alleys; maybe they’ll make it on to “Scared to Get Happy 2.”
BEST LIVE SHOW – OLD BOYS DIVISION: Pixies
Again, I’ve written about this elsewhere on the site, but they were awesome. And loud, did I mention that? My ears are still ringing a little; I’m sure it will stop any month now.
BEST COVER CD FROM A MUSIC MAGAZINE: The Wire
Which CD from The Wire, you ask? ALL OF THEM. I always make sure to pick up issues with their Wire Tapper compilations (although if there are any generous benefactors out there I’m missing 1-3, 9 and 23). They are always interesting, challenging, enlightening, and a joy to listen to. In fact, I’m starting a new series in 2015 dedicated to them. For now, collect ‘em all, trade ‘em with your friends.
See you next year. I mean, for this list. Please come back before next year for other stuff.
Sincerely,
The Management