Ben Burton's Sort of Top 10 list 2002
After browsing over Jeremy's list & Chris' list, I thought I'd throw my hat into the ring. There's a lot of overlap with the three of us, so I thought I'd make a list of the top 5-10 albums not on the other two lists (and in no particular order.) They might not all be top ten material, but they're definitely close. Besides, you probably haven't heard them either.
1. Blacklisted - Neko Case
That's on Jer's honorable mention list, but it's been my favorite album of the year since I first heard it. Personally I'm more music oriented than lyrics, so I always enjoy an album that can set a mood or a feel. This album is a perfect example. Heavy revurb on the lyrics and a great voice that when combined blend perfectly with the music. It's considered "Alt-Country" I guess, but it's just plain good. Another female vocalist's album but head and shoulders above the Norah Jones album in my opinion, and that's saying a lot. Regardless of what's happening on the album, the sound of it is entirely encompassing. It's completely voluptuous and you just can't escape it when you hear it.
2. Walking With Thee - Clinic
Gotta love college radio. This is a band that I guess would (or would have) been considered underground. Their first major label release was Internal Wrangler, and it's a great album. This second effort is just as good. It's not electronica, it's not dance music. I guess it's rock, but without guitars. Tom Waits elected not to use guitars on his last albums because they've become so cliche that they make an album or a song too easy to write. I appreciate the effort from this band as well. And since their major label effort sold in excess of 25,000 copies you can possibly even find this at a local store now! Catchy without the pop. An edge without the anger. Proof that drum machines and samples can be used in great music.
3. La Revancha del Tango - Gotan Project
This one is a bit of a stretch. It was officially released in November of 2001, but because it isn't officially available in the States I didn't get it until 2002 anyway. They do have a second album from 2002 that also wasn't released in the States and that I have yet to hear. So, even though it's kind of a borderline album, I thought I'd include it here (and probably the 2002 album on the 2003 list!) The band was originally described to me as being France's version of Portishead-only happy. I'm not sure that fits, but then I'm not sure it doesn't and I'm not sure what would. They have a heavy influence from Argentina and do a cover of Zappa's Chunga's Revenge. Worth the price of admission as the Argentinian influence is a great cross with "modern" music. More than anything, the whole album has a certain feel that's just enjoyable, not in your face, loud or startling. Further proof that drum machines and samples can be used in great music.
4. My Ride's Here - Warren Zevon
In my opinion his best album in almost 20 years. Solid writing straight through, and all the more fitting since he's announced his impending death by lung cancer. His wit and sarcasm are second to none. Half the tracks are about his own death (like the title track) even though they were written before he even knew. They ring so true now it's almost errie, except for the fact that his humor is too overpowering. Many of songs have a heavy influence from politics and travel, topic most of you would probably enjoy as well. Of course, there's also a song about a hockey player in Canada. Somehow it's fitting.
5. Deep Natural - Michele Shocked
Not her best album, but her first in a long time. An ambitious two disc set with one disc being mostly instrumental. Since she's been out of the limelight for so long, she gets bonus points just for getting this album in stores. Besides, it's a cheap double and she needs the money. Plus, it's got some of the worst packaging I've ever seen.
6. Pawnbroker's Wife - Johnny Dowd
This is also a "tweener" album, because it was released in Europe in 2001, but not in the States until 2002. So, it makes this list. Probably second only to Blacklisted, it's a return to form from one of the best living writers around. I've discovered recently that I seem to have an affinity for male vocalists that can sing, but have the most horrendous voices. Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, etc. Well, without a doubt Johnny Dowd takes the cake. If he comes to your town, don't miss the show because he's amazing live. Just drink some whiskey and give in. You won't be disappointed (and if you are, well then you deserve having to sit through his show!) Johnny was born in Texas and moved to Oklahoma. After a hard life, somtime in his late 40's, he decides to start making music and you can feel how horrible his life has been. This is his 4th album, a return to form after a somewhat lackluster third album, and worth every minute.
7. All Relationships Are Doomed to Fail - The Meat Purveyors
Another "country" album, only I label this one as "cuntry" (sorry ladies.) This band is what happens when you get some lesbians and whiskey together in the same room and have them make some bluegrass music. Great writing, great covers, and just great music. As you could probably guess by the title, this is the album where the band, and the bandmates, break up. They don't seem to be holding anything back in their songs though, and we're the beneficiaries.
8 & 9. Alice & Blood Money - Tom Waits
Two albums from one of the best artists of our time. Maybe neither is top ten, but combined they're very, very good. Probably overlooked because they came out at the beginning of a busy year, but I don't think they should be forgotten.
10. The Executioner's Last Songs - The Pine Valley Cosmonauts
Well, Bloodshot records won my heart this year, with three albums on the list (Blacklisted & All Relationships Are Doomed to Fail) and a 4th that might still make it. This is a charity album to raise money to fight the death penalty. Bloodshot is located in Chicago, and some of you may know that Illinois has a very bad track record with the death penalty. Since it was reinstated, we've killed 12 people...and 13 have been released from prison after new evidence was reviewed. Kind of scary that we've been wrong at least more often than we've been right. So, this is a collection of wonderful songs ranging from serious to humorous, that all have an added weight given the circumstances. Plus, with over 15 different Bloodshot artists backing up the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, it's a good window into the Alt-Country world (i.e. Whiskey.)
That's it. Thanks to Chris and Jeremy for the inspiration and suggestions. I hope you all enjoy the music....
Ben