Best of the Decade – Music Artists February 9, 2010
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: 2000s, Arcade Fire, Beck, Bob Dylan, Bright Eyes, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, drive-by truckers, Green Day, Interpol, Jay-Z, Johnny Cash, josh ritter, Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, neko case, Outkast, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Ryan Adams, Spoon, Sufjan Stevens, The Avett Brothers, The Black Keys, The Decemberists, The Flaming Lips, The Hold Steady, The White Stripes, top artists of the decade, Wilco
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Over the past few months we’ve taken a look at the music from the past decade in my ranking of the top 100 albums released during that time period. To arrive at this list, I considered more than 400 releases from those ten years, the majority of which I actually own. But, this undertaking led me to yet another question – if these are the top albums, who are the top artists? So, using these 400 albums and my rankings as a guide, I have compiled a listing of my 30 top artists of the time period stretching from 2000-2009. Let me know what you think.
30. Bright Eyes – Between his solo work and that with Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst is one of the most prolific artists on my list. Though he can be a bit over-earnest at times, I’m still a big fan of his unsure, wavering voice.
Notable Albums: Lifted or The Story is in the Soul, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (2002), Digital Ash in a Digital Urn (2005), Cassadega (2007)
29. The Avett Brothers – I became an instant fan of The Avett Brothers after hearing 2007’s alt-grass classic Emotionalism, a feeling which has only grown stronger through 2009’s piano ballad-driven I and Love and You.
Notable Albums: Mignonette (2004), Emotionalism (2007), I and Love and You (2009)
28. Modest Mouse – Modest Mouse had been around in indie rock circles for several years, but it was 2004’s unavoidable catchy “Float On” that propelled them to stardom.
Notable Albums: The Moon & Antarctica (2000), Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004), We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank (2007)
27. Interpol – Downbeat and depressing, Interpol brought back everything that was good about the early 80’s post-punk movement.
Notable Albums: Turn on the Bright Lights (2002), Antics (2004), Our Love to Admire (2007)
26. Ryan Adams – Another prolific artist, Adams released the equivalent of 10 studio albums over the past decade. Though most of his work is hit and miss, when he is on, he’s among the best working today.
Notable Albums: Heartbreaker (2000), Gold (2001), Love is Hell (2004), Easy Tiger (2007)
25. Johnny Cash – The Man in Black may have passed away in 2002, but that didn’t stop him from being among the highest rated artists of the decade. His final series of works with Rick Rubin are some of the most poignant to be found anywhere.
Notable Albums: American III: Solitary Man (2000), American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002), American V: A Hundred Highways (2006)
24. Jay-Z – There are few hip-hop artists who reach stardom that continue produce top-notch albums. Though Jay-Z has had his fair share of misses, he continues to be one of the best in the game.
Notable Albums: The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003)
23. Neko Case – I fell in love with Neko Case’s soaring voice following her stellar ’06 release, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, and she has yet to disappoint me.
Notable Albums: Blacklisted (2002), Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (2006), Middle Cyclone (2009)
22. Arcade Fire – With a huge sound and a big Springsteen influence, Canada’s Arcade Fire burst onto the scene in a big way with their 2004 debut Funeral. They have a great deal of energy and passion that translates well in their stadium-ready songs.
Notable Albums: Funeral (2004), Neon Bible (2007)
21. Wilco – Though 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot may be the creative pinnacle of their career thus far, in my opinion, the 1990’s were a far better decade overall for Jeff Tweedy’s band. Nevertheless, they did produce some enjoyable and inventive fare over the past ten years.
Notable Albums: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002), Sky Blue Sky (2007), Wilco (The Album) (2009)
20. The Decemberists – As I have mentioned in the past, there is probably no success story that is more unlikely than that of The Decemberists, with their obscure lyrical references and use of uncommon instruments (accordions, Wurlitzer organs, etc.).
Notable Albums: Picaresque (2005), The Crane Wife (2006), The Hazards of Love (2009)
19. Outkast – Given the fact that they have released two of the all-time quintessential hip hop albums over the past ten years, I wanted to place Big Boi and Andre 3000 higher then this. But, their lack of quality output since 2003’s double album extravaganza hurt them in the long run.
Notable Albums: Stankonia (2000), Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
18. The Flaming Lips – Trippy and weird, these Oklahomans have been cranking out alt-rock oddities for more than two decades. The past decade from the Lips brought us pink robots, politics, and a penchant for sonic insanity. Really, what else do you need?
Notable Albums: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2000), At War with the Mystics (2006), Embryonic (2009)
17. The Black Keys – This is down and dirty blues-rock done right – by a couple of hippy-ish white guys from Akron, Ohio. The Keys have put together work after work of irresistible riff-rock that needs to be heard.
Notable albums: Thickfreakness (2003), Rubber Factory 92004), Attack & Release (2008)
16. Coldplay – Sure, their sound may be a bit contrived and safe, but this band, which is certainly among the most popular groups of the decade, know how to make stadium-ready rock.
Notable albums: Parachutes (2000), A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008)
15. Kanye West – With the kind of talent Kanye has who cares if he’s not a nice guy. If there is a single hip hop artist to be identified with this decade, it must be him. He is creative, fun, and a definite risk-taker across all four of his excellent releases.
Notable Albums: The College Dropout (2004), Late Registration (2005), 808s & Heartbreak (2008)
14. The Hold Steady – The band once proclaimed to be the “best bar band in America” has become one of the best bands period in America. Openly wielding a love for Springsteen, the band tears through song after song about the dead end people and towns.
Notable Albums: Separation Sunday (2005), Boys and Girls in America (2005), Stay Positive (2008)
13. Bob Dylan – Dylan’s career resurgence following 1997’s Time Out of Mind carried through the first decade of the millennium, a time in which his releases went from incredible to strange (whoever guessed we’d have Dylan Christmas album?), but never boring.
Notable Albums: Love & Theft (2001), Modern Times (2006), Together Through Life (2009)
12. Kings of Leon – KoL began the decade as little-known Southern rockers, the sons of a Tennessee preacher, and ended it as one of the biggest bands in America.
Notable Albums: Youth and Young Manhood (2003), Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004), Only By Night (2008)
11. Beck – Eschewing his “two turntables and a microphone” persona, alternative rock’s Dylan began the decade with a sad and darn near perfect collection of acoustic laments before carrying on with a return to the fun-loving and danceable tunes that propelled him to stardom in the 90’s.
Notable Albums: Sea Change (2002), The Information (2006), Modern Guilty (2008)
10. Sufjan Stevens – Earnest and uncertain, singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens chose to do things his way over the past decade, releasing entire albums devoted to the states of Michigan and Illinois, producing a collection of Christmas EPs and wearing his spiritual side on his sleeve.
Notable Albums: Greetings from Michigan (2003), Seven Swans (2004), Illinois (2005)
9. Pearl Jam – The majority of Pearl Jam’s releases this decade were good, but lacking a bit when compared to their work from the 1990’s – or course, that was prior to 2009’s Backspacer, which ranked as one of my very favorite albums of the entire decade.
Notable Albums: Binaural (2000), Riot Act (2002), Backspacer (2009)
8. Green Day – This decade marked the evolution of Green Day from juvenile pop-punkers to worldwide fame and renown. Their newfound maturity and political themes turned Billy Joe’s band into one of the most important ones in America today.
Notable Albums: American Idiot (2004), 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
7. Spoon – Though Spoon had been around in the 90’s, it was not until the early 2000’s that I came in contact with their infectious, danceable tunes and I loved it. There are few bands that have been as consistently good as Spoon over the past 10 years.
Notable Albums: Kill the Moonlight (2002), Girls Can Tell (2001), Gimme Fiction (2005)
6. My Morning Jacket – Jim James’ band burst through their reverb-soaked haze early in the decade to claim a piece of the 2000’s Southern rock crown. Though their sound can veer from Neil Young to Prince, the overall product is a distinctly Southern one and not to be missed.
Notable Albums: It Still Moves (2003), Z (2005), Evil Urges (2008)
5. Josh Ritter – Ritter is quite possibly the best songwriter of my generation, and that’s really saying something. He could be the next Springsteen or the next Dylan, or maybe sometime in the future we’ll be calling another young singer-songwriter the next Ritter.
Notable Albums: Hello Starling (2003), The Animal Years (2006), The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (2007)
4. Drive-By Truckers – There are few artists that I have followed as intently over the past ten years as DBT. There is just something about their stories of the dark side of the South that I find appealing and they have a killer live show.
Notable Albums: Southern Rock Opera (2001), Decoration Day (2003), Brighter than Creation’s Dark (2008)
3. Radiohead – If my generation has an answer to The Beatles, it is Radiohead. Thom Yorke’s band has continually pushed boundaries for the past 15 years and, in so doing, have produced some of the most creative and incredible pieces of work to be found in the music business today.
Notable Albums: Kid A (2000), Hail to the Thief (2003), In Rainbows (2007)
2. The White Stripes – I’m an unabashed worshipper of the power of Jack White and his guitar. The guy can pull incredible solos out of nowhere and make them look easy. This duo’s five albums of blues-rock are among the best of anybody for the entire decade.
Notable Albums: White Blood Cells (2001), Elephant (2003), Icky Thump (2007)
1. Bruce Springsteen – Who cares if the Boss topped 60 last year? The guy can still bring it like no other. The 2000’s have proven to be his most fruitful time since the early-mid ‘80’s, with 5 great albums released over the course of ten years. All hail the Boss, he’s still the man!
Notable Albums: The Rising (2002), Magic (2007), Working on a Dream (2009)
Best of the Decade – Music Edition Summary February 2, 2010
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: music, top 100 of the 2000's
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Over the past few months I’ve posted a list of my top 100 albums of the past decade. Below is a complete listing. What do you think? Did I leave something off? Did I include something that didn’t deserve to be on the list?
100. Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy (2008)
99. Johnny Cash – American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002)
98. Iron and Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days (2004)
97. Mos Def – The Ecstatic (2009)
96. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
95. Warren Zevon – The Wind (2003)
94. The National – Boxer (2007)
93. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (2008)
92. K’naan – Troubadour (2009)
91. Bon Iver – For Emma, Long Ago (2008)
90. U2 – No Line on the Horizon (2009)
89. Matisyahu – Youth (2006)
88. Pearl Jam – Riot Act (2002)
87. The New Pornographers – Challengers (2007)
86. Belle & Sebastian – The Life Pursuit (2006)
85. Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere (2006)
84. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest (2009)
83. Radiohead – Hail to the Thief (2003)
82. Modest Mouse – Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004)
81. Okkervil River – The Stand Ins (2008)
80. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone (2003)
79. My Morning Jacket – It Still Moves (2003)
78. Bright Eyes – Cassadega (2007)
77. Various Artists – O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack (2000)
76. The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely (2008)
75. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris – All the Roadrunning (2006)
74. The White Stripes – Elephant (2003)
73. The Shins – Oh, Inverted World (2001)
72. The Decemberists – Picaresque (2005)
71. M. Ward – The Transfiguration of Vincent (2003)
70. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha (2007)
69. The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You (2009)
68. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend (2008)
67. Sinead O’Connor – Theology (2007)
66. Jay-Z – The Black Album (2003)
65. Coldplay – Parachutes (2000)
64. Bruce Springsteen – The Rising (2002)
63. Michael McDermott – Noise from Words (2007)
62. Josh Ritter – The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (2007)
61. Eddie Vedder – Into the Wild (2007)
60. Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans (2004)
59. Beck – The Information (2006)
58. Spoon – Gimme Fiction (2005)
57. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (2008)
56. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (2006)
55. The Gaslight Anthem – That ’59 Sound (2008)
54. The Jayhawks – Rainy Day Music (2003)
53. The Killers – Hot Fuss (2004)
52. Band of Horses – Cease to Begin (2007)
51. Kings of Leon – Only By Night (2008)
50. Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism (2003)
49. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible (2007)
48. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic (2009)
47. The Black Keys – Thickfreakness (2003)
46. Gillian Welch – Time (The Revelator) (2001)
45. Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand (2004)
44. Josh Ritter – Hello Starling (2003)
43. Broken Social Scene – You Forgot it in People (2002)
42. The Hold Steady – Boys and Girls in America (2006)
41. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges (2008)
40. Loretta Lynn – Van Lear Rose (2004)
39. Spoon – Kill the Moonlight (2002)
38. Kanye West – Late Registration (2005)
37. Interpol – Turn on the Bright Lights (2002)
36. Drive-By Truckers – Decoration Day (2003)
35. The White Stripes – Icky Thump (2007)
34. The Avett Brothers – Emotionalism (2007)
33. Various Artists – Garden State Soundtrack (2003)
32. Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker (2000)
31. Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
30. The Decemberists – The Crane Wife (2006)
29. Jay-Z – The Blueprint (2001)
28. Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)
27. The Black Keys – Rubber Factory (2004)
26. Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
25. Johnny Cash – American III: Solitary Man (2000)
24. Kings of Leon – Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)
23. Bob Dylan – Love and Theft (2001)
22. Radiohead – In Rainbows (2007)
21. Arcade Fire – Discipline (2004)
20. My Morning Jacket – Z (2005)
19. Bob Dylan – Modern Times (2006)
18. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive (2008)
17. The Strokes – Is This It (2001)
16. The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)
15. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black (2006)
14. Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream (2009)
13. Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (2006)
12. Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera (2001)
11. The White Stripes – White Blood Cells (2001)
10. Green Day – American Idiot (2004)
9. Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova – The Swell Season (2006)
8. Outkast – Stankonia (2000)
7. Bruce Springsteen – Magic (2007)
6. Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise (2005)
5. Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
4. Josh Ritter – The Animal Years (2006)
3. Beck – Sea Change (2002)
1. (Tie) Radiohead – Kid A (2000)
Pearl Jam – Backspacer (2009)
Best of the Decade – Music Edition (1-10) February 2, 2010
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: Beck, best of 2000's, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, josh ritter, music, Outkast, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Sufjan Stevens, The Swell Season, top ten, Wilco
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I hope you have enjoyed our look back at the top 100 albums of the past decade. Today we will complete our journey with my top ten. Enjoy.
You can see the past entries in our countdown here:
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
10. Green Day – American Idiot (2004)
American Idiot marked a true milestone for Green Day, for it was the moment in which they truly grew up, maturing beyond their bratty 90’s punk rock to another level where they donned the mantle designating them as one of the greatest bands of a generation. Combining influences like The Who with their own punk sensibilities, Green Day constructed this magnum opus, a rock opera centered around the fictional character Jesus of Suburbia who is desensitized by a diet of “soda pop and Ritalin.” The album has a number of great songs, including the 9 minute “Jesus of Suburbia,” “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”
9. Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova – The Swell Season (2006)
I was introduced to Hansard, Irglova and, by extension, The Frames, through their work in the incredible 2007 film Once. This album, recorded prior to the movie, contains much of the same material found on the soundtrack. The music is sparsely orchestrated, preferring to put most of the focus on Hansard’s emotional appeals to love with the Czech-born Irglova. Like the movie, it is quite a ride and one that everyone should experience. “Fallen Slowly” is the great Oscar-winning love song that most people have heard, but you should also check out “This Low,” “Lies,” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up.”
8. Outkast – Stankonia (2000)
Funky and hard-hitting, this is what Southern hip-hop is all about. The Atlanta duo of Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and Andre “Andre 3000” Benjamin have proven themselves time and again to be among the most creative and interesting artists working in the rap world today. The album seamlessly blends different styles and genres of music, at times employing heavy guitars, George Clinton-like psychedelic funk, and others, layering them on top of each other from song to song to create one of the greatest rap albums ever recorded. Listen to “Gasoline Dreams,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “B.O.B.” and you’ll agree.
7. Bruce Springsteen – Magic (2007)
Springsteen’s comeback in the 2000’s, during which he released 5 albums, is the stuff of which legends are made. Today I’ve settled on Magic as my favorite of the Boss’s releases this decade, though with the volume and quality of his recent work, it can be hard to choose. This work flows exceedingly well from great song to great song all the way from beginning to end, putting it on par with his classic works of the ‘70’s and 80’s. If you have any interest in Springsteen at all (and if you don’t, you should), you need this album. Check out “You’ll be Comin’ Down,” “Livin’ in the Future,” “Girls in Their Summer Clothes,” and “Long Walk Home.”
6. Sufjan Stevens –Illinoise (2005)
This second volume of the banjo-wielding Sufjan Stevens’ “50 State Project” consists of 22 songs and interludes, all of which reference something about the state of Illinois. It is a strange and interesting work, and one that caught the attention of the public upon its release in 2005 as Stevens led them on a guided trip around the state. My favorite songs include, “Come On! Feel the Illinoise,” “Chicago,” “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.,” and “Decatur, Or, Round of Applause for Your Step-Mother!”
5. Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
After years of toiling away under the radar making great albums, Jeff Tweedy’s longtime band broke out 2002 with this, their masterpiece. Wilco’s preceding album, Summerteeth, displayed a band longing to break free from the alt-country constraints, but when they readied this Radiohead-influenced work for release, their label balked at its non-commercial sound, so Wilco decided to take matters into their own hands. In September 2001, they began streaming the album in its entirety on their website, amassing tens of thousands of hits. Soon after the web success, it was released by another label where it sold more than 500,000 copies and garnered rave reviews. Check out songs like “Kamera,” “War on War,” “Jesus, Etc.” and “Heavy Metal Drummer.”
4. Josh Ritter – The Animal Years (2006)
I was first introduced to the music of Ritter, who I now consider to be among the best songwriters of my generation, with this incredible album. Combining the sound of a young Springsteen with Dylanesque wordplay, he shows himself to be a true rising star among folk singer-songwriters. I’m a big fan and have no qualms whatsoever telling you that you need to buy this entire album. Just listen to “Monster Ballads,” “Lillian, Egypt,” “Good Man,” and “Thin Blue Flame,” and you’ll no doubt agree.
3. Beck – Sea Change (2002)
If I could only have two words to describe this album they would be, beautifully depressing. For this release, Beck eschews his fun-loving “Two turntables and a microphone,” persona and instead takes on that of a sad countryish balladeer, one that matches his real life personal heartbreak following the end of a longtime relationship. It is an incredible work, the best thing that Beck has ever done and that’s really saying something. This was my personal soundtrack when it came out and it accompanied me in a really tough time in my life. “Lost Cause” may be one of my favorite songs of all time, but you should also check out, “Guess I’m Doing Fine,” and “It’s All in Your Mind.”
1. (Tie) Radiohead – Kid A (2000), Pearl Jam – Backspacer (2009)
It may be a bit of a cop out to choose two best albums of the decade, but in my estimation there were no two works that better encapsulated the ten year period that these that bracketed each end.
With Kid A, Thom Yorke’s band faced a monumental task – following up both 1995’s incredible The Bends and 1997’s generation-defining OK Computer. The band took this daunting endeavor and completely turned it on its side, taking a different approach as they pushed the guitar-driven sound of their prior releases to the side and embraced a more experimental electronic sound. It was a bold move to say the least and one that probably turned off a lot of past fans, but it turned out to be a fitting way to open a decade full of uncertainty and fear. I graduated from college in 2000, saddled with a ton of debt (much of which I still have) and with a certain amount of dread as I entered the real world. The future was shrouded with darkness and mystery and my faith had taken its first real hits (with many more to follow), so it makes sense that this album, a cry of loneliness and uncertainty in a big dark world, became so meaningful to me. This is a true work of art and something not to be missed.
Now approaching middle age, Eddie Vedder’s band is not the same one that set the world on fire in the early 1990’s with stadium-filling anthems, flannel shirts, and crowd surfing. The maturation process has been kind to them, though, replacing youthful angst with a feeling of contentment, a belief in love, and a sense of mortality. I’ve been following the band closely for 18 years of my life now, collecting their music and seeing them live whenever possible, and I do not think I have ever felt a connection with their music that equals the strength of this one. Listening to Backspacer from beginning to end is a spiritual experience, one that is beautiful and moving and like no other. It is a fitting way to end a tumultuous decade, one full of fear and anger and discontent, and look ahead with hope at a brighter future. It is a particularly poignant work for me, personally, at the end of a sometimes stormy ten years. This was the decade in which I became a father x3. This was when I finally and quite painfully destroyed the belief system that had characterized my life to that point and embraced a new and different way. This was the time when I really found myself and came to some sense of understanding. This was when I learned that the only thing that truly matters is love, not doctrine, not education, not money. Pearl Jam’s 2009 masterwork sums it all up perfectly.
As a man in my 30’s with a wife I love and a houseful of kids I’ve come to an understanding. I’ve ventured through peaks and valleys, trials and triumphs, disappointment and victory. I’ve been forsaken by some and embraced by others. In 2000, I faced the world with trepidation, in 2009 that has, for the most part, been replaced with hope and love. The next decade will not be perfect and I’m sure that we will revel in highs and suffer in lows, but I’m looking forward to it – not because I have to, but because I want to.
Best of the Decade – Music Edition (11-20) January 26, 2010
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: 2000s, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, drive-by truckers, music, My Morning Jacket, neko case, The Flaming Lips, The Hold Steady, The Strokes, The White Stripes, Top 100 of the Decade
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We’ve almost completed are look back at the top 100 music releases of the past decade and today we will pick up with those ranked 11-20, leaving only the top ten for later.. In case you missed the previous entries, you can access them through the following links:
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
20. My Morning Jacket – Z (2005)
With Z, Jim James’ band reached a pinnacle of artistry to which many aspire, but few succeed. This time MMJ uses plentiful synthesizers and their normal southern fried brand of trippy rock, to create a bona fide masterpiece. The band channels the spirit of Neil Young in a haze of smoke and bourbon (I mean, they are from Kentucky) to near perfection. Check out songs like “Gideon” and “Lay Low” for just a taste and then listen to the whole thing.
19. Bob Dylan – Modern Times (2006)
Dylan’s remarkable career renaissance over the past decade probably reached its pinnacle with this great work (though a case could certainly be made for Love & Theft as well). Well into his 60’s, Dylan came out firing on this album and no doubt taught some of those young people dominating the charts a thing or two about respecting their elders. He rocks on songs like “Thunder on the Mountain,” croons on “Spirit on the Water,” and makes a timely political statement with “Workingman’s Blues #2,” all the while channeling his inner bluesman, jazzman and folk-rock star. It’s truly an amazing piece of work.
18. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive (2008)
The “best bar band in America” may have first hit their stride with 2006’s “Boys and Girls in America,” but this is the release that propelled them to the forefront for me. I ranked this as the top album of 2008 for a reason – it is great. The line, “Raise a toast to Saint Joe Strummer. / I think he might have been our only decent teacher,” is perhaps the most descriptive way to describe their work, which, in my mind, sound like a young Springsteen fronting the Clash. Process that for a moment and you’ll realize just how awesome they are. Listen to “Constructive Summer,” “Sequestered in Memphis,” and the beautiful downer, “Lord, I’m Discouraged.” You won’t be disappointed.
17. The Strokes – Is This It (2001)
Is This It set the world on fire back in 2001, bringing about a sort of garage rock revival that helped form the state of music for the rest of the decade. It’s groovy and danceable and as much fun as your going to have with any release on this list. They have earned their place in the modern canon of greats. Just listen to “Soma,” “Barely Legal,” and “Someday,” and you’ll agree.
16. The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)
A lush and strange album revolving around a nebulous and no doubt metaphorical story of a young girl named Yoshimi, who happens to be a black belt in karate, that fights off an invasion of pink robots. This is proof positive that hallucinogens can make for some great music. Yoshimi is a mind-blowing work that must be listened to carefully and probably at high volumes to truly grasp and let it carry you away. Check out “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1” and “Do You Realize??.”
15. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black (2006)
Amy Winehouse is the neighborhood bad girl, the one that every guy wants to take out, but none of them want to take home to meet their mother. She’s brash and vulgar and soulful like no white girl from Britain should be. In case you ever wonder what the big deal is about her, just put on this album and you will understand. I sometimes think of her as the anti-Norah Jones, the kind of artist you will never hear on an elevator. From the somewhat prophetic, “Rehab,” to “You Know that I’m No Good,” to “Back to Black,” this release shines and stands apart from all others.
14. Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream (2009)
Let us all hope that The Boss never slows down. The guy is 60 years old and still on top of the world as one of the most beloved artists to ever grace the stage. I saw him earlier this year while on tour for this album and let me tell you, the guy still brings it like no other. The album is superb and, along with the preceding release Magic, the best works he’s done since Born in the USA. This optimistic album kicks off with the incredible 8 minute epic “Outlaw Pete” and never lets up. The songs, “Queen of the Supermarket” and “Kingdom of Days” are also must-haves, but truly there is not one bad song on the whole album.
13. Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (2006)
This album marks the moment that I first fell in love Neko Case’s soaring, beautiful voice and when I first downloaded this back in 2006 I rarely went a day without listening to it. I tend to think of her work as having a southern gothic sort of sound, as if there is always something dark and sinister lurking beneath the surface of her powerful and aching vocals. Among my favorite tracks on the album are “Star Witness,” “Hold On, Hold On,” and “That Teenage Feeling,” but the entire thing is excellent.
12. Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera (2001)
Nobody probes the dark side of Southern life like DBT and nowhere do they do it better than on this sprawling double album. Though it may be true that there is some filler contained in its 94 minutes, when the Truckers are on, they are among the best. This throwback to decades before is not only a double album, but also a concept album that tells parallel stories of the rise and demise of Lynyrd Sknynyrd and of growing up in the 1970’s South. Frontman Patterson Hood sings of “the duality of the Southern Thing,” both rejoicing in his love for the land below the Mason Dixon and recognizing its many faults and the evils perpetuated there. You need really need to hear “Zip City,” “The Southern Thing,” and “Let There be Rock,” then grab the entire work.
11. The White Stripes – White Blood Cells (2001)
Jack and Meg White constitute what may be the greatest music act of the entire decade, something that is certainly apparent on this 2001 release. This amalgamation of blues, country, and a do-it-yourself punk-garage rock attitude blasted the duo into the stratosphere and put Jack on a well-deserved guitar god pedestal. Check out “Fell in Love with a Girl,” “Hotel Yorba,” and “Offend in Every Way,” and turn it up to an ear-splitting volume.
Best of the Decade – Music Edition (31-40 January 11, 2010
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: 2000s, best of decade, drive-by truckers, Garden State soundtrack, Interpol, Kanye West, Loretta Lynn, music, Outkast, Ryan Adams, Spoon, The Avett Brothers, The White Stripes
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Today we return to our look back at the top 100 albums of the past decade. In case you missed the previous entries, you can get to them through the following links:
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
40. Loretta Lynn – Van Lear Rose (2004)
The teaming of this classic country artist with a new generation’s guitar god, Jack White, must have seemed quite strange on paper, but somehow it worked beautifully. Lynn turned 70 in the year this album was released and was long past her best known works, but in taking a lesson from fellow country star Johnny Cash, she reinvigorated her career while in her golden years. The Lynn/White duet on “Portland, Oregon,” ranks as one of the best songs of the decade and “Miss Being Mrs.” is as wonderfully old-school as you’re going to find.
39. Spoon – Kill the Moonlight (2002)
There are few artists who put together a string of albums at the quality level of Spoon over the past decade. They have a real knack for creating pop gems that make you want to dance and sing along, in a way that few other higher profile acts can. This is the epitome of good time music for the new millennium. Listen to tunes like “The Way We Get By” and “Stay Don’t Go” and let the music carry you away.
38. Kanye West – Late Registration (2005)
Kanye West holds the distinction (along with Jay-Z) of being one of the few consistently good rappers in the decade, releasing four interesting and adventurous albums over that span of time. West is smart, full of braggadocio, and his songs are catchy as heck, three needed elements to succeed in the rap game. Check out “Heard ‘Em Say” and “Gold Digger” and you may just agree that West is one of the best of all time.
37. Interpol – Turn on the Bright Lights (2002)
In a time replete with 80’s nostalgia, this piece of work from a band obviously influenced to a great extent by the downbeat post-punk bands from the early part of the decade like The Cure and Joy Division. Though the lyrics never reach the utterly depressing state of their influences, their music continues to carry the torch with a sound of desolation and loneliness. Listen to “NYC” and “PDA” for a taste of retro despair.
36. Drive-by Truckers – Decoration Day (2003)
As most of my friends already know, the Drive-By Truckers are one of my favorite bands of any genre from the past decade. Their tales of the dark side of Southern life are second to none and they rock in concert like few others. From the first bars of “The Deeper In,” (which may be the best song ever about brother-sister incest) sung a capella by vocalist Patterson Hood to the manic depravity of “Sinkhole” to the heartfelt goodbye of “Outfit,” this is one incredible collection of tunes. If you like your rock southern fried without the redneck stupidity, this is the band for you.
35. The White Stripes – Icky Thump (2007)
As I’ve mentioned before, Jack White is the greatest guitar god of an entire generation, and with good reason. This album just rocks, pure and simple. I had the chance to see the Stripes on this tour back in ’07 and let me tell you, it was an experience second to none and I will always be in awe of White. The title track, “Icky Thump,” and “I’m Slowly Turning into You,” with it’s strange organ line, are two great examples of what this little two person band with a big sound is capable of.
34. The Avett Brothers – Emotionalism (2007)
Country-rock, new-grass, whatever you want to call it, the Avett Brothers know how to rock a banjo. Intense, fun, and increasingly interesting, this album gets better and better each time you listen to it. “Shame” mixes sadness with a buoyant rhythm section and nice harmonies to create one of their better tracks and “Paranoia in B-Flat Major” just plain rocks. Make sure you check this band out.
33. Garden State Soundtrack (2004)
I’m generally not a big fan of movie soundtracks, mainly because they tend to be a repository for cast-off tracks with the occasional great song thrown in for good measure. But this soundtrack, for the wonderful little Zach Braff-helmed film Garden State, is a true stand-out. The songs contained here capture the essence of what is often called the quarter-life crisis, that depressing time in post-college life where you look around and say, “This is it?” It is an almost perfect mix of well known acts like Coldplay, classic folk from Nick Drake and Simon & Garfunkel, and a plethora of bands unknown to much of the general public. It was through this soundtrack that I first became familiar with great groups like The Shins and Iron & Wine, and that cannot be discounted. A few of my favorites from the collection in The Shins’ “New Slang,” Colin Hay’s “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You,” and Iron & Wine’s “Such Great Heights.”
32. Ryan Adams – Heartbreakers
Releasing 11 albums over the course of the decade, Adams is no doubt the most prolific artist of the 00’s, and thought they have their bright spots, it is this, his first solo album, that I come back to time and again. His teaming with folk siren Emmylou Harris is inspired for this collection of beautiful sadness, the kind that is akin to the best in country music. “To Be Young” is a rollicking number to kick things off while “Oh My Sweet Carolina” has the distinct ability of being sad without the country music cheese. When Adams is on, he’s among the best and this album is proof.
31. Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
How do you follow up one of the best rap albums ever released? By releasing a long, brilliantly pretentious, double album that really amounts to two solo albums by the duo of Andre 3000 and Big Boi. Big Boi’s half, entitled “Speakerboxxx” is straight ahead hip hop that hits hard and makes you want to move from beginning to end, through songs like “The Way You Move” and “Ghetto Musick.” Andre 3000’s selection, entitled “The Love Below” stretches out into the genres of funk, jazz, and soul, creating an eclectic and unusual mix, a style that drives the huge hit “Hey Ya!” as well as the rest of the interesting album. This is a truly incredible work and one of the most important ever released in the hip hop/rap genre.
Best of the Decade – Music Edition (51-60) December 17, 2009
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: albums, Band of Horses, Beck, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, decade, Kings of Leon, MGMT, Spoon, Sufjan Stevens, The Gaslight Anthem, The Jayhawks, The Killers, top 100
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Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about my top 100 of the decade list even though it has been more than a week since I updated it. Today we continue our look back at the greatest albums of the past ten years. In case you missed them, you can read the other entries below:
61-70
71-80
81-90
91-100
60. Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans (2004)
Undoubtedly the most spiritual of the young singer-songwriter’s album catalog, Seven Swans is bursting with life, despite being one of Stevens’ sparser efforts. Most of the songs from this release consist of Stevens’ earnest, wavering voice and his trusty banjo, without much of the orchestration and electronic sounds of his other works. Stevens openly displays faith as a motivator behind his music career on songs like “Abraham” and “The Transfiguration,” and it works far better than any CCM artist.
59. Beck – The Information (2006)
From the opening line, “One, two, you know what to do,” to the last, Beck weaves together an altogether fun album reminiscent of his work in the 90’s. The danceable rhythms, stoned-sounding vocals, and the occasional Spanish phrase thrown in for good measure are vintage Beck and that’s a great thing. I’ve been a big fan for going on 15 years and his fun sense of creativity hardly ever disappoints. Check out songs like “Elevator Music” and “Cellphone’s Dead” to get a good taste of his mid-2000’s greatness.
58. Spoon – Gimme Fiction (2005)
Speaking of danceable tunes, Spoon has put out a ton of them in this decade and every collection has proved to be excellent. This was the first album of theirs that I bought and it quickly turned me into a fan. This is the way good pop music is supposed to sound. Listen to “I Turn My Camera On,” and “The Delicate Place,” and I promise that you’ll agree.
57. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (2008)
This breakthrough album took the country by storm in 2008 and with good reason. “Time to Pretend,” with its resonating tale of youthful hopes and dreams being dashed to pieces against the disappointments of life, is one of the best songs of the decade. These relative newcomers have a great future ahead of them and I look forward to hearing their future releases. In addition to aforementioned tune, be sure to check out “Weekend Wars,” and “Electric Feel.”
56. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (2006)
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s debut album broke new ground soon after it was released by becoming one of the first word-of-mouth hits of the internet era. Though it had little radio support in the beginning, positive attention from music blogs soon pushed the band out of the shadows and into the spotlight, cementing their place in the 2000’s indie rock canon. Among the best songs that you should hear from this release are “The Skin of my Yellow Country Teeth,” and “Let the Cool Goddess Rust Away.”
55. The Gaslight Anthem – That ’59 Sound (2008)
In case you ever wondered what would happen if a young Bruce Springsteen had fronted the Clash, here is your answer. The Gaslight Anthem blaze through songs that seem like snapshots of real life in small town America with a punk rock ferocity. Like the aforementioned Springsteen, they name-drop characters (like Mary, unsurprisingly) all around, lending an air of realism to each of these slices of Americana. Check out the songs “That ’59 Sound” and “Great Expectations.”
54. The Jayhawks – Rainy Day Music (2003)
The Jayhawks were among folk rock’s elite few when this excellent album, thus far their final one, dropped in 2003. With harmonies that echo The Byrds and a plethora jangling melodies, this release is there to make one smile, even when the subject matter wouldn’t normally lend itself to that kind of reaction. Among my favorite tunes on the album are “Stumbling Through the Dark,” and “All the Right Reasons,” but the entire thing is great.
53. The Killers – Hot Fuss (2004)
This debut album from The Killers, with its retro-1980’s sound reminiscent of bands like Duran Duran, was a huge hit in the mid-2000’s and with good reason. It’s catchy and fun dance rock that sticks in your head for days after you hear it. Listen to “Somebody Told Me” and “Mr. Brightside,” and then see if you can get them out of your mind.
52. Band of Horses – Cease to Begin (2007)
At times their sound echoes contemporaries My Morning Jacket and classic rocker Neil Young, but this album really set BoH as their own band and as a force with which to be reckoned. Their reverb drenched vocals and decidedly Southern sound need to be heard. Check out songs like “Is There a Ghost” and “Detlef Schrempf for a nice primer on the band and then pick up the whole album.
51. Kings of Leon – Only By Night (2008)
These sons of a traveling Pentecostal preacher slowly built up their status in the U.S. over the decade before breaking through in 2008 with this magnum opus, turning them from bluesy, southern rock purveyors to arena rock headliners. Though not my favorite of their works, the huge sound of Only By Night is made for the big stage. Listen to “Crawl,” “Sex on Fire,” and “Use Somebody.”
To be continued…
Best of the Decade – Music Edition (61-70) December 8, 2009
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: 2000s, Andrew Bird, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Eddie Vedder, Jay-Z, josh ritter, Michael McDermott, music, Sinead O'Connor, The Avett Brothers, top 100, Vampire Weekend
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Today we continue our voyage through the past decade of music, this time taking on those ranked 61-70. You can click the links below for our past entries:
91-100
81-90
71-80
70. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha (2007)
Armed with a college degree in violin performance and proficiencies in a number of instruments, Andrew Bird created this gem of an album from 2007. Bird has great pop sensibilities and an even more impressive vocabulary, one that will keep you searching through the nearest dictionary. The song, “Imitosis” has one of my favorite lines – “What was mistaken for closeness / Is just a case of mitosis.” In addition to that, check out the excellent song “Plasticities.”
69. The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You (2009)
The Avetts made a name for themselves on the indie circuit with their energetic live shows and a unique neo-bluegrass-alt rock fusion sound. For their latest release, however, the brothers reign in the banjo a bit, opting instead to focus on piano-driven ballads. In so doing, they created one of the most beautifully crafted albums of the decade. Check out tunes like “January Wedding” and “Tin Man” to get a feel for the band’s sound and then grab the whole album. It is truly great.
68. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend (2008)
The Ivy League-educated guys in VW must have been raised with a copy of Regatta De Blanc close at hand, for the influence of The Police permeates throughout this excellent debut album. Their sound is light and poppy, mixing Afro-beats and alternative rock in a altogether fun conglomeration. I greatly anticipate their sophomore release, scheduled to come out 2010. For now, though, check out “Mansard Roof” and “A-Punk” to get a feel for the band.
67. Sinead O’Connor – Theology (2007)
It is no secret that I heap tons of disdain upon the contemporary Christian music industry, but that does not equate to an outright abhorrence of all things both musical and Christian. This double album, one which you will probably never hear of on K-Love, is the perfect example of one that is definitely in that vein that I absolutely love. The release consists of two discs, both of which contain most of the same songs but with differing presentations. One of the discs employs a full band, but my personal favorite is the other one which, for the most part, consists of only her and an acoustic guitar. Songs like “Something Beautiful” and “Out of the Depths” are incredibly beautiful and heartfelt.
66. Jay-Z – The Black Album (2003)
Bold, brash, and inventive, Jay-Z separated himself from most of the rap world over the course of the late 90’s-early 00’s as the best around. Utilizing samples from artists as diverse as Madonna, Mountain, and Run DMC, mixed with his own prodigious skills, this release is really a great work in a community not always known for producing good albums. “99 Problems” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” are killer, hard-hitting tunes.
65. Coldplay – Parachutes (2000)
Say what you want about Chris Martin’s ultra-popular band – that they are conventional or guilty of plagiarizing – but, regardless of that, they have had quite a run in the first decade of the new millennium. This, their debut album, vaulted them atop the music world back in 2000, largely on the back of “Yellow,” (which, in my opinion, is one of the least interesting cuts on the album) their lead single in America. Check out the songs “Don’t Panic” and “Spies” instead for better representations of the release.
64. Bruce Springsteen – The Rising (2002)
Written in response to the attacks of 9/11, the album is brimming with both sadness and hope in a way that only Springsteen, America’s everyman hero, could do. For this grand return The Boss reassembled the E Street Band for the first time in 18 years and was soon on top of the world again. This is probably my least favorite of his three E Street Band releases from the decade, but it is still very, very good and deserves a spot in the top 100. The release is full of great songs, but my favorites are probably “Lonesome Day,” “The Rising,” and the poignant “My City of Ruins.”
63. Michael McDermott – Noise From Words (2007)
My friend Scott introduced me to singer-songwriter Michael McDermott with the release of this album and I quickly became a fan. “Still Ain’t Over You Yet” is an excellent piece of sad, lovelorn Americana and “I Shall Be Healed” is a spiritual tour-de-force that should be heard by everybody.
62. Josh Ritter – The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (2007)
Over the course of the past decade, I’ve become more and more convinced that Josh Ritter is the best songwriter of my generation. In a truly just world he would be our Springsteen or Dylan, but, as things currently stand, he still resides just below the radar playing small venues like the one I caught him at last year in Little Rock. This release diverged a bit from his prior albums, which were mostly acoustic folk rock pieces, but it is no less interesting. I’ve listened to it over and over again and have yet to tire of the entire work, but my favorite songs are probably “The Temptation of Adam” and the Dylanesque “To the Dogs or Whoever.”
61. Eddie Vedder – Into the Wild (2007)
What do you get when you combine one my favorite writers (Jon Krakauer), a tragic story of self-discovery, and the vocalist for one of my favorite bands of all time? Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam fame lends his voice and a mountain of heartfelt understanding to this soundtrack to the tale of Chris McCandless. The music itself is stark and lonely, yet hopeful and idealistic, much like the protagonist of the book and film. I love the song “Guaranteed” and its message of avoiding a life of quiet desperation, something that I strive to do in my own existence. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to see Eddie Vedder solo and found it to be quite touching when he talked of writing the song “No Ceiling” for his kids. You need this album.
Best of the Decade – Music Edition (71-80) December 2, 2009
Posted by Matt in Top 100 of the Decade.Tags: 2000s, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bright Eyes, decade, M. Ward, Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris, My Morning Jacket, O Brother Where Art Thou, The Decemberists, The Raconteurs, The Shins, The White Stripes, top 100
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Over the past two weeks we’ve been navigating our way through the best music of the past decade. So, far we’ve looked at the albums ranked 91-100 and 81-90. Today we will focus on the next ten.
80. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone (2003)
Will Oldham, the artist also known as Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, has been a fixture on the folk music scene for over 15 years, releasing slice after slice of dark Americana while never quite breaking through to the mainstream. This album was my introduction to his acoustic styling, which sounds simultaneously wistful and sad, several years ago and I have been a fan ever since. Songs like “The Way” and “Ain’t You Wealthy, Ain’t You Wise?” are great additions to the alt-country canon.
79. My Morning Jacket – It Still Moves (2003)
It Still Moves was my introduction to the decidedly Southern, reverb-drenched sounds of MMJ and I’ve been a big fan ever since. Taking a cue from Crazy Horse, Jim James and company have put together a sound that is simultaneously mired in the stoned-out 70’s and distinctly modern. Take my word for it, songs like “Mahgeetah” and “One Big Holiday” will have you dancing and leave you wanting more.
78. Bright Eyes – Cassadega (2007)
You can count me among the people who like Conor Oberst’s trembling, perhaps overly-earnest vocal styling and, though they have been quite prolific over the past decade, this is probably the Bright Eyes album that I listened to the most. The cryptic lyrics are a bit Dylanesque and the heavily reverbed music oftentimes sounds like the aforementioned MMJ, but Bright Eyes have constructed an interesting sound all their own in today’s music landscape. Check out “Four Winds” and “If the Brakeman Turns My Way” for a taste of what these guys are all about.
77. Various Artists – O Brother Where Art Thou (2000)
Both among the best movies and soundtracks of the decade, O Brother reintroduced many Americans to the almost forgotten styles of folk music. This album of songs taken from the Coen brothers’ great film turns to artists like the legendary Ralph Stanley and a great trio of Americana songbirds – Gillian Welch, Allison Krauss, and Emmylou Harris. In addition, the soundtrack also employs the fictitious Soggy Bottom Boys (played in the film by George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Turturro), who are credited with two of the more memorable songs from the film, “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” and “In the Jailhouse Now.”
76. The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely (2008)
This project of the 2000’s greatest guitar god, Jack White, may not be on the same level as his work with The White Stripes, but it still rocks like few others can. Consolers of the Lonely does a great job in showing that White’s blues-rock guitar works well in a full band context as well as in a duo. Turn on songs like “Salute Your Solution” or “Many Shades of Black,” crank up the volume and enjoy.
75. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris – All the Roadrunning (2006)
Guitar maestro Knopfler, of Dire Straits fame, and Americana songstress Harris may seem like a strange pairing on the surface, but this work is one of the best in recent folk music. The combination of styles makes for a nice, easy-to-listen-to album, and their familiar voices blend together on songs like “I Dug up a Diamond” and “This is Us,” to form a near-perfect union.
74. The White Stripes – Elephant (2003)
This was the album that first turned me on to the White Stripes and the incredible Jack White, so it holds a special place in my music collection. The running bass line at the beginning of the “Seven Nation Army” is one of the most inescapable pieces of the past decade, which is actually a good thing, and songs like “Ball and Biscuit” display White’s proficiency in the blues. While its not my favorite work of the Stripes, it is an excellent album and definitely a must-have.
73. The Shins – Oh, Inverted World (2001)
The Shins may not have changed my life like Natalie Portman promised they would, but I do really like their brand of indie pop. Their subsequent albums have not grabbed me like this one from the early part of the decade, but Oh, Inverted World is a release that everyone interested in the music of the decade needs. The collection contains a number of excellent catchy songs, from the best-known ones like “Caring is Creepy” and “New Slang,” to those that are perhaps less played like “Know Your Onion!” and all of them are very good.
72. The Decemberists – Picaresque (2005)
I first heard The Decemberists on Radio Paradise, following the release of this album in 2005 and quickly became a fan. Their style is unusual and original, sounding often like a relic from some past time. Though vocalist Colin Melloy can sometimes be a bit over-earnest, his tales of barrow boys and other strange characters are quite appealing to me. The song “16 Military Wives” was their breakthrough hit from this release and it is great, but I think my favorite is “We Both Go Down Together.” Overall, it’s definitely an interesting work that deserves to be heard.
71. M. Ward – The Transfiguration of Vincent (2003)
Nostalgia is a powerful driving force in the world of music, but there are few artists whose works would sound at home on a transistor radio like M. Ward. This album is soothing, comforting in a familiar way. Just put on songs like “Vincent O’Brien” and “Undertaker,” and be transported back to another time. Take it from me, it’s worth the ride.
