I thought I'd add a few videos to accompany my favorite selections, just for fun.
1 - Devo “Something for Everybody”
2 - Alan Cumming “I Bought A Blue Car Today”
3 - Michael Bublé “Crazy Love”
4 - Sade “Soldier of Love”
5 - “Glee” Volume 3: Showstoppers
6 - Corinne Bailey Rae “The Sea”
7 - Renée Fleming “Dark Hope”
8 - Charlotte Gainsbourg “IRM”
9 - Los Lobos “Tin Can Trust”
10 - Scissor Sisters “Night Work”
11 - Martha Wainwright “Piaf Record”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Top 11 Favorite CDs of 2010
Over-thinking a list of favorites is something that I was born to do. After some serious consideration, I’m pretty confident with my list of favorites. Reminder, not all of these discs were released in 2010, but they were acquired by me in that year (and it’s all about me!). While there were other single songs released that were stand-outs, this list is for the entire CD. So without further delay:
1 - Devo “Something for Everybody”
Yea, everyone I mentioned this to would reply “I didn’t know they were still around.” Tossed aside like a novelty band with “Whip It” back in the 80s, the boys are back with a terrific record. It reminds you that they invited the post-pot, neo-electric weird funk sound. Most of the songs on this disc were impossible to get out of my head, like their single “Fresh”. At once it was an anthem with a rush of immediacy – in other words, it was great to walk fast to. “Don’t Shoot I’m a Man”, hilarious. “What We Do” should be their theme song (love the bridge, “eenie eenie meanie meanie miney moe”). “Please Baby Please” a dance-hall charmer circa 1988. For those of you that don’t remember their signature sound, or won’t admit that you do, should check out this CD.
2 - Alan Cumming “I Bought A Blue Car Today”
I bought this disc out of obligation. Alan was the MC in “Cabaret” after all. When it arrived, I hate to admit, it sat unopened. I wasn’t in the mood. After a month or more, BAM, it knocked me out. It nearly took the #1 spot on this list, as it’s lived in my CD player the later portion of the year. “That’s Life”, the Sinatra signature number, reworked and boy does it work. Makes me want to reach for a cocktail. “Shine” the Cindy Lauper song gets a terrific fun version too. Yes, there’s definite tear-jerkers here, like “Don’t Tell Me”. Not a sappy long song, but a fresh, original take on modern love - confusing, desperate, and wonderful. Also, mixing Dolly Parton and Mika? Yep, its on there too with “Here You Come Again / My Interpretation.” Much more than a straight forward cabaret recording - something new and rewarding.
3 - Michael Bublé “Crazy Love”
My love of Michael certainly wasn’t immediate. He’s released a boatload of discs and I couldn’t have cared less thinking he was merely a smooth jazz artist. This disc changed that impression. Yep, there’s lots of remakes on the disc that I enjoy “Georgia on My Mind”, “All of Me” and even the Eagles “Heartache Tonight”. My favorite track, “Haven’t Met You Yet”, pushed me over the edge and now I’m a true fan. Seeing Mike in concert assured me that he’s not the douche bag I thought he was. Keep ‘em coming buddy boy.
4 - Sade “Soldier of Love”
Been a fan of the Diva since back in the 80s. She’s always been the go-to gal for background sex-u-up music. And this new record is certainly no different. Then again, it is a bit different. The title track “Soldier of Love” is a battle cry for love, not a soothing whimper. “Babyfather” is a joy about a man who WANTS to be a father to their kid - how refreshing! But don’t get Sade wrong, with songs like “Be That Easy” she can get it on and make you cry at the same damned time!
5 - “Glee” Volume 3: Showstoppers
Douche Bag alert! Not! I didn’t join the Gleeks until the Madonna episode. They had me at “Borderline”. When I finally got this disc, I kept thinking, DAMN these kids are talented. Yeah sure the mixes might be a bit bland, but who gives a rat’s ass. There’s pop stars out there covered up in recording layers and can’t sing for shit. My favorite on the disc isn’t sung by a regular cast member (Kristin Chenoweth), “One Less Bell To Answer / A House is Not a Home”, but I don’t care. It’s a great mash-up that worked in the episode and is a killer on the headphones. “I Dreamed A Dream” with Idina Menzel? A 13-year-old girl’s dream (and mine!). The disc isn’t all showtunes, “Gives You Hell” is a hoot, as is Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (go Kurt!).
6 - Corinne Bailey Rae “The Sea”
Every morning for a month I’d walk into the bathroom at 6:00 am, hit play, and start this disc. “Are You Here” starts the album. With such a melancholy song, it seems a creepy way to start the day. But somehow Corinne’s Billie Holiday-esque lilt singing about surviving the anguish of losing her husband always made me think, we can get through this day, baby. The album isn’t a total downer as evidenced by “Paris Nights / New York Mornings” a jazzy soulful up-tempo song. It’s one of the songs where she reminds me of a joyful Minnie Ripperton (although in my house, there’s a disagreement and Corinne is compared to Syretta - still a worthy comparison).
7 - Renée Fleming “Dark Hope”
She’s one of my favorite opera singers, but singing pop? I had to trust her and go with it. I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not one that is tied to the original version of the song, but if you’re going to remake something you better bring something new and interesting. My Diva does just that. “In Your Eyes”, the Peter Gabriel song, is wonderful. Which was a surprise since the original is on the soundtrack for my youth. But Ms. Fleming does misstep with “Hallelujah”. Can’t hear anyone’s but Rufus Wainwright. No matter, she does a glowing job with Tears for Fears “Mad World” and kicks some ass with “Today” the Jefferson Airplane love song. A close friend actually got married to the original and loves this new updated version too. A great artistic stretch. Love it.
8 - Charlotte Gainsbourg “IRM”
I bought this earlier in the year - not sure why - as I don’t know Ms. Gainsbourg’s work, either in music or film. This is a really good introduction, thanks to darling Beck producing the record. He joins her with vocals on “Heaven Can Wait”. I also adore the title track “IRM” which has MRI sounds as base beats (she had a brain tumor and apparently has heard LOTS of these sounds). And you can bet if you’ve received a mixed disc from me, you’ve heard “Master’s Hands.” One of my favorite songs of the year.
9 - Los Lobos “Tin Can Trust”
From the opening beats of “On Main Street” I was hooked. I’ve written extensively about The Wolves in other posts. They’re one of my all time favorites. And this new record added to my admiration. From Cesar’s “Yo Canto” (wiggling my hips) to David’s haunting “Burn it Down” (cerebral soul) this record was a must-listen this year.
10 - Scissor Sisters “Night Work”
Pushing his pelvis forward with “Fire With Fire”, Jake Shears (and a too cute Baby Daddy) have done it again: a dance record with heart. You can believe you’ll be able to shake your perfect ass to tracks like “Night Work” and “Any Which Way”, but you can also get some slow time with “Whole New Way”. Now if that ass on the CD cover would just stop winking at me.
11 - Martha Wainwright “Piaf Record”
What started as a Top 10 just had to include Martha somewhere. I gathered all of her discs that I discovered this year and the Piaf record stands out. I haven’t over-listened to it since I need to be in the right mood... the mood for French songs. But the disc is included for the shock and brilliance of Martha’s audacity. “La Foule” the opening number kicked my ass. Really? Is that the odd little arty, folkie girl singing Parisian songs? Next song “Adieu Mon Coeur” told me, yep, that’s her. She’s French Canadian, dumb ass, and her heart is world-weary and her soul is an old one. A lovely, lovely recording.
1 - Devo “Something for Everybody”
Yea, everyone I mentioned this to would reply “I didn’t know they were still around.” Tossed aside like a novelty band with “Whip It” back in the 80s, the boys are back with a terrific record. It reminds you that they invited the post-pot, neo-electric weird funk sound. Most of the songs on this disc were impossible to get out of my head, like their single “Fresh”. At once it was an anthem with a rush of immediacy – in other words, it was great to walk fast to. “Don’t Shoot I’m a Man”, hilarious. “What We Do” should be their theme song (love the bridge, “eenie eenie meanie meanie miney moe”). “Please Baby Please” a dance-hall charmer circa 1988. For those of you that don’t remember their signature sound, or won’t admit that you do, should check out this CD.2 - Alan Cumming “I Bought A Blue Car Today”
I bought this disc out of obligation. Alan was the MC in “Cabaret” after all. When it arrived, I hate to admit, it sat unopened. I wasn’t in the mood. After a month or more, BAM, it knocked me out. It nearly took the #1 spot on this list, as it’s lived in my CD player the later portion of the year. “That’s Life”, the Sinatra signature number, reworked and boy does it work. Makes me want to reach for a cocktail. “Shine” the Cindy Lauper song gets a terrific fun version too. Yes, there’s definite tear-jerkers here, like “Don’t Tell Me”. Not a sappy long song, but a fresh, original take on modern love - confusing, desperate, and wonderful. Also, mixing Dolly Parton and Mika? Yep, its on there too with “Here You Come Again / My Interpretation.” Much more than a straight forward cabaret recording - something new and rewarding.3 - Michael Bublé “Crazy Love”
My love of Michael certainly wasn’t immediate. He’s released a boatload of discs and I couldn’t have cared less thinking he was merely a smooth jazz artist. This disc changed that impression. Yep, there’s lots of remakes on the disc that I enjoy “Georgia on My Mind”, “All of Me” and even the Eagles “Heartache Tonight”. My favorite track, “Haven’t Met You Yet”, pushed me over the edge and now I’m a true fan. Seeing Mike in concert assured me that he’s not the douche bag I thought he was. Keep ‘em coming buddy boy.4 - Sade “Soldier of Love”
Been a fan of the Diva since back in the 80s. She’s always been the go-to gal for background sex-u-up music. And this new record is certainly no different. Then again, it is a bit different. The title track “Soldier of Love” is a battle cry for love, not a soothing whimper. “Babyfather” is a joy about a man who WANTS to be a father to their kid - how refreshing! But don’t get Sade wrong, with songs like “Be That Easy” she can get it on and make you cry at the same damned time!5 - “Glee” Volume 3: Showstoppers
Douche Bag alert! Not! I didn’t join the Gleeks until the Madonna episode. They had me at “Borderline”. When I finally got this disc, I kept thinking, DAMN these kids are talented. Yeah sure the mixes might be a bit bland, but who gives a rat’s ass. There’s pop stars out there covered up in recording layers and can’t sing for shit. My favorite on the disc isn’t sung by a regular cast member (Kristin Chenoweth), “One Less Bell To Answer / A House is Not a Home”, but I don’t care. It’s a great mash-up that worked in the episode and is a killer on the headphones. “I Dreamed A Dream” with Idina Menzel? A 13-year-old girl’s dream (and mine!). The disc isn’t all showtunes, “Gives You Hell” is a hoot, as is Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (go Kurt!).6 - Corinne Bailey Rae “The Sea”
Every morning for a month I’d walk into the bathroom at 6:00 am, hit play, and start this disc. “Are You Here” starts the album. With such a melancholy song, it seems a creepy way to start the day. But somehow Corinne’s Billie Holiday-esque lilt singing about surviving the anguish of losing her husband always made me think, we can get through this day, baby. The album isn’t a total downer as evidenced by “Paris Nights / New York Mornings” a jazzy soulful up-tempo song. It’s one of the songs where she reminds me of a joyful Minnie Ripperton (although in my house, there’s a disagreement and Corinne is compared to Syretta - still a worthy comparison).7 - Renée Fleming “Dark Hope”
She’s one of my favorite opera singers, but singing pop? I had to trust her and go with it. I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not one that is tied to the original version of the song, but if you’re going to remake something you better bring something new and interesting. My Diva does just that. “In Your Eyes”, the Peter Gabriel song, is wonderful. Which was a surprise since the original is on the soundtrack for my youth. But Ms. Fleming does misstep with “Hallelujah”. Can’t hear anyone’s but Rufus Wainwright. No matter, she does a glowing job with Tears for Fears “Mad World” and kicks some ass with “Today” the Jefferson Airplane love song. A close friend actually got married to the original and loves this new updated version too. A great artistic stretch. Love it.8 - Charlotte Gainsbourg “IRM”
I bought this earlier in the year - not sure why - as I don’t know Ms. Gainsbourg’s work, either in music or film. This is a really good introduction, thanks to darling Beck producing the record. He joins her with vocals on “Heaven Can Wait”. I also adore the title track “IRM” which has MRI sounds as base beats (she had a brain tumor and apparently has heard LOTS of these sounds). And you can bet if you’ve received a mixed disc from me, you’ve heard “Master’s Hands.” One of my favorite songs of the year.9 - Los Lobos “Tin Can Trust”
From the opening beats of “On Main Street” I was hooked. I’ve written extensively about The Wolves in other posts. They’re one of my all time favorites. And this new record added to my admiration. From Cesar’s “Yo Canto” (wiggling my hips) to David’s haunting “Burn it Down” (cerebral soul) this record was a must-listen this year.10 - Scissor Sisters “Night Work”
Pushing his pelvis forward with “Fire With Fire”, Jake Shears (and a too cute Baby Daddy) have done it again: a dance record with heart. You can believe you’ll be able to shake your perfect ass to tracks like “Night Work” and “Any Which Way”, but you can also get some slow time with “Whole New Way”. Now if that ass on the CD cover would just stop winking at me.
11 - Martha Wainwright “Piaf Record”
What started as a Top 10 just had to include Martha somewhere. I gathered all of her discs that I discovered this year and the Piaf record stands out. I haven’t over-listened to it since I need to be in the right mood... the mood for French songs. But the disc is included for the shock and brilliance of Martha’s audacity. “La Foule” the opening number kicked my ass. Really? Is that the odd little arty, folkie girl singing Parisian songs? Next song “Adieu Mon Coeur” told me, yep, that’s her. She’s French Canadian, dumb ass, and her heart is world-weary and her soul is an old one. A lovely, lovely recording.
Pete Postlethwaite R.I.P.
The sadness when someone famous passes is one thing, but when it's a character actor aka "that guy", it seems more sad to me - like no one noticed. Well, I noticed. Pete got his huge U.S. notices in "In the Name of the Father" getting an Oscar nom. But I will always remember him in "Brassed Off" - a classic! I'll be sad to see the guy go. Here's his NY Times obit.
Pete in 2009:
Pete in "In the Name of the Father" 1996
Here's a clip from "Brassed Off" and speech frome Pete (rent this movie!):
Pete in 2009:
Pete in "In the Name of the Father" 1996
Here's a clip from "Brassed Off" and speech frome Pete (rent this movie!):Monday, January 3, 2011
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