A Bloy and his Blog

The other day I picked up an album that should have been included on my best music of 2003 list. Last year, Al Green reunited with his producer from his soul records of the 70’s to release a new CD. Consequently, I Can’t Stop sounds like a lost album from that time period (when some might say his music was at its zenith). Every song on the CD screams 70’s soul with the same beautiful voice Al had 30 years ago. My favorite tracks (so far) are the danceable “Million To One” and the bluesy, “My Problem Is You” where he demonstrates his masterful ability to use his voice to convey emotion. A most welcome comeback for the Reverend Al Green.

Buying an album just on the basis of a few reviews can be risky, especially when you’ve never heard any of the artist’s music before. I’ve definitely been burned in the past by doing this. Today taking that risk paid off for me when I put Talkie Walkie, the new release by the French duo, Air, into my CD player. Air’s blend of voices, electronic sounds, synths and guitars creates lush, psychedelic soundscapes which can be melancholic and playful at the same time. Perfect music to let you zone out and relax in the middle of the winter. Next time I listen to it, I’m getting out the headphones.

The year is at an end and that means it’s time for me to list my favorite CDs of 2003.

Ryan Adams – Love Is Hell
The best non-album released this year. See my posting from December 14th for details.

Dido – Life For Rent
Dido has such a beautiful voice. Her captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics fit that voice perfectly. I could develop a bit of a crush on Dido listening to this.

read the rest of: Best music of 2003

Ryan Adams’ latest CD, Love is Hell (actually a two part EP) is one of the best albums of this year. An excellent blend of subdued songs along with some rockers, Love is Hell was originally intended to be released as a full album. Instead Adams decided to release the unpolished, albeit more rock-friendly Rock n Roll and offer Love is Hell as a limited edition, two EP set. The reasoning behind this decision is beyond me.

read the rest of: Ryan Adams, Love Is Hell

The other day I bought the new, stripped down CD of The Beatles 1970 release, Let It Be. Subtitled “Naked,” the album was released the way The Beatles recorded it, without all of the post production over dubs, strings and background vocals which were added a few years after the Beatles recorded the music.

read the rest of: Let It Be… Naked

Last December I listed what I considered the best albums of 2002, but I definately missed one. I recently discovered a delicious CD that was released last year: The Last Broadcast by The Doves.

The album starts with guitars ringing like a carillon of bells and follows with the band’s beautiful harmonies. Song after song the music continues to sweep you off your feet with haunting melodies, soulful rhythms and musical textures that have almost an epic quality reminiscent of U2 or Radiohead. After listening to The Last Broadcast, the musical soundscapes will hang around in your head making you want to play it over immediately.

An excellent CD and one which will help you get your mind off of any nasty April snow storms you might be experiencing (like I did here in Wisconsin today).

I honestly don’t know how I could get through life without music. It really does a lot to feed my soul. Here are my favorite albums of 2002, which I know helped me get through the year. They’re in alphabetical order, because I’m a librarian and that’s how we do things.

Beck – Sea Change
One of the best breakup albums ever made, this CD’s bittersweet lyrics and lush sounds have almost a comforting quality. Beck puts all of his emotions into this one and the end result is beautiful.

Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
This sophomore release by Coldplay really shows their maturity. The haunting melodies, introspective lyrics and riveting guitar sound get better every time I listen to it.

read the rest of: Favorite albums of 2002