Music

so when i said the next three days obviously i meant the next three posts. which isn’t to say that i didn’t have every intention of compiling and posting said lists on consecutive days, but apparently i seemed to have underestimated the time it would take to attend to this task (this is probably compounded by laziness on my part — something which considering it was practically the basis for this very blog seems somewhat fitting to be bookending the year).

anyways. as i said the lists are slow in being finished and this can mostly be directly attributed to two things (not counting the laziness — which affects everything indirectly).

1) i was hoping to see Pan’s Labyrinth and The Good Shepherd before finalizing my top ten film list as there exists the possibility that either or both (most likely pan’s labyrinth from what i hear) might necessitate a spot on the list…and i have not (yet) seen them.

2) i came to the conclusion that compiling a top ten music list is an extremely difficult task, mostly because i have the tendency to (in no doubt facilitated by my ipod/itunes) listen to playlists/mixes and/or the music i like the most, repeatedly. which is to say, going back through the past year’s “albums” has proved a time consuming effort. as i, at times, have had to relisten to certain albums to recall just how much i liked the overall album, as opposed to the numerous songs from said album that can be found on several of these aforementioned ipod playlists.

nevertheless, i have my top ten music list finished it is as follows (you might notice that my descriptions of some of these albums are shorter than my descriptions for television and presumably for film — this is due mostly to the fact that i’m not quite as capable of talking about music critically in the same way that i am in -theoretically- capable of talking about film and tv…also i’m quite tired at the moment):

10. Classified - Hitch Hikin Music — underground hip hop/rap straight from the streets of nova scotia, canada, classified’s latest (his 11th for those keeping count at home) and arguably his best album is full of solid storytelling delivered with an even, effortless flow over some outstanding beats all produced by class.

9. Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat — jenny lewis, also known as the lead singer of rilo kiley makes her solo debut here in one of the most enjoyable and impressive albums all year.

8. The Roots - Game Theory — everything that you would expect from one of the most musically gifted, consistent and diverse bands not only in hip hop but throughout the entire music industry today.

7. Every Move A Picture - Heart = Weapon — one of my favorite albums all year (obviously), but in a way that transcends inclusion on this list. with a sound reminiscent of Oingo Boingo updated for the year 2006, this album is from start to finish the type of music to make you bob your head unknowingly while you’re driving in the car.

6. Jude - Redemption — one of my favorite singer songwriters, he ranks right up with rufus wainwright for his ability to craft pop melodies that are both simple in scope and complex in their arrangements. has drawn comparisons to jason mraz for his wordplay and lyrical style, but on closer inspection his music is revealed to be far more interesting and his songs much more impactful.

5. The Dears - Gang Of Losers — another band hailing from our neighbors up north, though from montreal this time. the dears are one of the few remaining bands from the last few years who’s band name starts with the word the that i still enjoy listening to. they play orchestral pop and their lead singer sounds like and writes like morrissey.

4. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood — part of the new pornographers family, neko case’s latest cd is an outstanding selection of alt-country and americana music that features haunting melodies along with her devestating voice.

3. Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere — musically unlike anything else that came out this year. i’m sure almost all of you reading this have heard the cd, and realize that nothing i could write here could truly describe the uniqueness (is that a word?) of their work.

2. The Decemberists - The Crane Wife — one of my all time favorite bands’ latest release is nothing short of spectacular. first and foremost colin meloy (lead singer) is a storyteller and the songs on this album do not disappoint in this area. encompassing styles ranging from pop to ballad, the crane wife (and all work by the decemberists) is not to be missed.

1. Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit — cross out the “one of” and you have my all time favorite band’s latest release. the album is absolutely and utterly amazing from start to finish, and is definitely their most accessible record to date. full of pop rock songs that will get stuck in your head for weeks, i implore you to check out this album (and others by b&s) and i defy you not to love them.

okay…that is all…but before i go i leave you with this…

problems in logic:

never trust a big butt and a smile
that girl is poison.

but what if the girl tells you not to trust her?