I can’t believe nearly twelve months has passed since my previous music update. Wow, the time really does fly when you’re having fun. Or not… 2008 was a funny kind of year for music for me. Once again, the Top 40 proved to be disappointingly mediocre. Maybe I’m getting old or cynical or just over it, but I usually find something worth mentioning. Not so this year.
First of all, though, an aside. Am I the only one who is completely over the whole reality show thing? It seems to me MTV is the biggest offender. The channel once touted as a music fans wet dream is now channelling something vastly different and not even slightly related to music. Who the fuck cares about some big music star’s fancy house, a filthy rich professional skateboarder’s daily life or about some rich, whiney Orange County kids?
I surf past there constantly hoping for some new music I might like. Instead, I’m bombarded with shows such as The Hills (what the fuck is that all about?), Life Of Ryan (the trials and tribulations of Ryan Sheckler, a very rich young skateboarder), Run’s House (oh, how the mighty have sunk) and other such crap. I thought MTV stood for Music Television, not Mundane Tripe-vision. Anyway, enough of that. Let’s cut to the chase.
The music I did buy this year kind of reflected some the changes I made for myself during the year. I found myself listening to a lot more rock, particularly because it helps motivate me while I worked on getting fit again. This in turn meant I went out actively seeking some new rock to listen to as well and was pleased to find a couple of local acts that really suited this purpose. More about them later.
While I’ve been writing hip hop beats for the band and working with a few different musicians this year, I am so over listening to a lot of this genre. I don’t know what it is but most of the local releases sounded very much like each other, which is sad. And the same could be said for most of the international releases as well. There are very few doing anything that excites me. Most seems very formulaic and, to be honest, bland, dumb and boring. Why do a lot of these ‘stars’ think they have to portray themselves as violent, criminal and misogynistic? Can’t they just be themselves?
As in previous years, my list comprises music I’ve actually purchased, either as hard copies or downloads, in 2008. The following albums are in no particular order.
Paul Weller - 22 Dreams - This is a great record, filled with more of the Modfather’s observational and astute songs. Saw him perform live this year - a rare treat indeed as the last time he was in Australia was twenty or so years ago. He performed a few of classics from his time in The Jam and The Style Council but the newer material was definitely stronger.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig - This album has appeared on a lot of critic’s lists as one of their favourite releases for 2008. For me, this record is as good as anything he has released with the Bad Seeds. I have always thought of Cave as one of Australia’s greatest writers and he continues to confirm this for me. There is still a dangerous urgency about the way he sings and the way the band plays. Certainly, he is an acquired taste, but then aren’t most great things?
N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds - I don’t know what it is about this band but I love them. I call this music new funk/r’nb and it continues to inject my booty with a big dose of shakes. If I want to cheer myself up, I listen to N.E.R.D. Can’t say much more than that, really.
Beck - Modern Guilt - This album, recorded with everyone’s favourite producer of the moment, Danger Mouse, saw many comment that it was a return to form for the diminutive musical munchkin. All the elements Beck fans enjoy about his music were there; quirky instrumentation, straight-up pop magic, obtuse lyrics and sheer joie de vivre-dosed music. Now, what would make me really happy is to hear he’ll be coming out to tour.
The Kills - Midnight Boom - The third album from this international two-piece, I’d heard their first single and was immediately taken by the lo-fi sound and the simplicity of their songs and the sexy female vocals. It is surprisingly hard to create really simple-sounding, catchy music but The Kills do it very well indeed. It is dirty, edgy and fabulous.
The Butterfly Effect - Final Conversation Of Kings - These are one of the new local rock acts (and by new, I mean to me). This band has been around for a few years now. I remember seeing them live a number of years ago, supporting another act. At the time, I remember thinking they have a lot of potential if they didn’t wear their influences so obviously. They must have heard me (yeah, right). This is their third album and is a mighty slice of hard rock as well as becoming a firm favourite.
The Eagles Of Death Metal - Heart On - In lieu of no Queens Of The Stoneage release in 2008, this album had to suffice. EoDM are a band comprising of QOTSA frontman Josh Homme and Jesse Hughes. It is the kind of rock strippers love to take clothes off to and the kind that makes my smile very wide indeed. It is also the kind of music that can only be enjoyed when it is LOUD. It is big, brash and fun and in no way meant to be taken seriously, except for serious partying.
The Roots - Rising Down - I've blathered on about this band before. I think they are one of the finest bands in the world today, and not just in their chosen genre either. In years to come, their music will have the kind of relevance we attach to Marley or Hendrix or even The Beatles. They are capable of being politically astute, morally conscious and playful, sometimes all in the same song. This release only confirms my previous comments.
The Black Keys - Attack & Release - This is my favourite release of the year. I’ve not heard or listened much to this two-piece before but with this album, am actively seeking their back catalogue. Call it new blues, call it old blues, call it whatever you want. It simply rocks in the way good music should. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of my listening year.
Cog - Sharing Space - Cog are a local three piece band who have a rabid fan base and a great following. I worked with the lead singer/guitarist a number of years ago and remember being dazzled by his talent and individuality. The band play what is described as progressive rock but don’t let this fool you into thinking it might be wimpy. This rocks as hard and uncompromisingly as any new rock, except this is better. Don’t believe me, then have a listen.
There you have it, another year in music wrapped up. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but then I never said it was going to be. I just hope those of you who do read this go away and listen to at least one band here. While I’m not trying to force anything down anyone’s throat, it is always nice to know I’ve turned someone on to something new.
