The bad thing about posting "best of" lists is that you always leave great songs and albums off the list. That's why I'm getting ready to post my "best of" 2009, part 2. And when I do, expect it to include Taken by Trees great album "East of Eden."
In the meantime, enjoy this "song of the day" selection, "To Lose Someone" by Taken by Trees. Victoria Bergsman's breathy vocals mix with Middle Eastern rhythms and the sounds of throat singers to produce this sweet, dreamy goodness.
You may recognize Bergsman as vocalist from the Swedish band the Concretes. And as a SOTD bonus, check out Taken by Trees' cover of Guns 'n Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine."
I'm charmed by Dean and Britta's music. In fact, "Night Nurse" has become one of my favorite romantic duets. This interview from KRCW's Morning Becomes Eclectic is a great moment from 2009 and includes an interview along with lots of great music.
Not necessarily my 12 favorite Christmas songs, but if I did a list of 25 or so, I'd include these. And you'll notice I didn't really stop at 12, partly because I picked two versions of the same song. Hey, every one likes a little something extra at Christmas. What are your favorite seasonal songs?
I know I'm doubling up on titles here, but this stark, acoustic arrangement reminds me of a cold, dark Christmas Eve just before the shepherds see that glorious star.
Usually, I get around to picking my favorite songs of the year by February of the next year. Or I don't get around to it at all.
This year, there's so much good music and I'm going to be extremely busy in the coming weeks, so I decided to get to my selections early. Here are 23 of the songs I listened to and enjoyed most in 2009.
Are these all my favorites? Hardly. I mean, Duke Junior and the Smokey Boots isn't even on this list. Not to mention a lot of great jazz, blues and world music. But If asked to make a mix tape of my year, this would come fairly close. And yes, these are in order. But not a particular one.
Speaking of covers, I had more fun with this CD than any other in 2009. The sparkling remakes brought be back to many of the originals. And if you buy "Under the Covers Vol 2, 2," make sure you get the version with the bonus tracks. Well worth it.
The answer to that question might be more complicated than it seems. Fleetwood Mac has been at least three different bands in its three-decade history (Actually, four if you count the fact that these days it's not much more than a band that pays tribute to itself).
In the 1960s, Mac was a bawdy, blues band led by the sonic guitar of Peter Green. Remember "Black Magic Woman?" That international Santana hit, written by Green, first appeared on Mac's English Rose album in 1969.
Another one of my favorite tracks from the Peter Green era Mac is the rave up "Oh Well," which remained a band staple through its incarnations with Lindsey Buckingham taking over the guitar and vocal chores.
Peter Green's "Oh Well"
Lindsey Buckingham sing's "Oh Well"
In 1973, Bob Welch took over as guitarist and one of the lead songwriters and the music took a turn for the psychedelic and romantic with tunes like "Hypnotized," "Emerald Eyes," "Sentimental Lady," and "Bermuda Triangle," along with great Christine Perfect McVie songs like "Heroes Are Hard to Find."
And of course, when Buckingham-Nicks joined the band in 1975, all pop-rock heaven broke loose.
What's your favorite stage of Fleetwood Mac's evolution?
"Look here junior, don't you be so happy. For heaven's sake, don't you be so sad."
Hypnotic guitar, vague, mysterious lyrics, crashing percussion, 10-minute plus play length, this song didn't just come out in 1977. It came out as a big dose of anti-1977. I listened to Television then. But it was almost too distinct, too good. I averted my ears too often. Making up for that now.
Also recommend the Matthew Sweet-Susanna Hoffs' cover of Marquee Moon from this past summer's Under the Covers Vol. 2.
Really enjoying KCRW's new Eclectic 24 channel. Just in an hour's time tonight, the station played cuts by Joe Jackson, Joe Henry, L'avventura, Kate Miller-Heidke, Nick Cave and Taj Mahal.
Here are some videos by these featured artists, but I'd advise you to listen to Eclectic 24 for yourself.
Kate Miller-Heidke - Politics in Space
(are you ok? pretty much.)
Taj Mahal - Senor Blues
Joe Jackson - Sunday Papers
You know, just like the album title says, Joe's was pretty much "the man." Great stuff.
