As 2007 winds down, here is a glance in the rear-view mirror back at the year in music that has crossed my path. Live events took place in the state of California unless otherwise stated. The winners are:
Best Song:
Perry Farrell's Satellite Party - "Wish Upon A Dog Star"
The music for this tune is infectious, especially the bass line which will "get your groove on." No other song caused me to consistently hit "repeat" multiple times before I was through with it. Give it a listen, but give yourself room to dance.
Review of Perry Farrell's Satellite Party - Ultra Payloaded
Best Instrumental:
Umphrey McGee - "Wizard Burial Ground"
Not available on an album, but has made its way into their recent set lists. I got to hear it first at Vegoose and was in awe. An outstanding piece that brings to mind Metallica and ELP at different points.
While this video isn't the best version of the song, the band gets extra points for rocking the hell out of the Food & Cooking Section at the Ann Arbor, Michigan Borders.
Most Over-hyped Song:
Bruce Springsteen – "Radio Nowhere"
I heard a lot of talk about Bruce not rocking like this in ages, but when I first heard it, I was pretty underwhelmed. Sure, it rocks next to other songs on the Adult Contemporary station, but it sounds middle of the road and the lyrics are forgettable. Maybe if I was old and had lost some mobility, it would appear to be rocking.
Best Album:
Uncle Earl - Waterloo, Tennessee
I was introduced to these ladies this year and their old time music captivated me with a very fresh sound. A close second was Cowboy Junkies At the End of Paths Taken, but the mature ideas make it a tough album to take. To be fair, with a little more time spent listening to it, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Raising Sand could very well be the winner of this category the next time someone asks. With each listen, I become more impressed with it.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Glen Boyd
Sorry Bicho, but although I may be older than you I do still have some mobility (I went the distance with you in Vegas did I not?) and Radio Nowhere does indeed rock. Especially the live versions I've heard.
As for the Worst Gouging of the Public award? I still give that one to Neil Young (although the show was great).
Good article otherwise though.
2 - El Bicho
Sorry, Glen, but The Police make Neil look like a business novice. I believe their prices were comparable, but The Police ran this Tour Club scam where you paid $100 to have access to the presale tickets maybe a week or so before they went on sale.
What you paid for your good seats for Neil, some sucker paid the same rate for nosebleeds in an arena. I was content to wait for the Tour DVD (Anna, I call dibs) and only went because I got free tickets.
Drinking-wise you did keep up and we'll leave it at that.
3 - Pico
For self-proclaimed old dudes you guys stay up later then college kids cramming for finals. Geez, I was in bed within 15 minutes of Josh's radio show ending.
Speaking of which, did y'all hear Josh tempt fate with his choice words of the Chuck Norris Award winner? Man, he's cruising for a rectal implant of a soprano sax. All I know is that Pat Metheny hadn't walked right in about seven years. ;&)
4 - El Bicho
Pico, we are on the West Coast and I was supposed to have an afternoon job that canceled, so 1AM isn't that late.
Josh is a gambler. There's no doubt about that.
5 - Mark Saleski
what are you people talking about? the show finished at 11. i wrote for another 1 1/2 hours or so, hit the sack, and then got up at 6AM.
isn't 5 1/2 hours enough for youz guys?
6 - El Bicho
Concert I Was Surprised I Enjoyed So Much:
Stevie Nicks, Greek Theatre, May 20
This was a show my Senora was interested in and with Chris Isaak opening or co-headlining, I figured I could tolerate it, but dang if not only did I know, but enjoyed almost every song. Stevie was touring in support of a best-of record so we got hits, hers and Fleetwood Macs.
She even covered Tom Petty's "I Need To Know," who we were told was backstage, but he didn't come out. Way to return the favor, Tom. Stevie only went on tour with you the previous year.
7 - Pico
1am isn't that late?
Man, I feel old...
8 - Mat Brewster
Really, what are you people talking about? Josh finished at noon, afterwards I went to lunch.
Willie crowds are always a hoot. It doesn't get much better than watching cowboys and hippies try to dig the same music.
9 - Matthew T. Sussman
How does Chuck Norris not win the Chuck Norris Award?
10 - Donald Gibson
I took in a Stevie Nicks concert as well this year and I was blown away by how great it was. From seeing past video footage, I had previously (and mistakenly) perceived her as a great songwriter yet a timid live performer. She owned the stage, though, and changed the way I appreciate her as an artist.
- Donald
11 - El Bicho
Donald, was she with Chris Isaak as well? I wasn't sure how long they toured together.
12 - Donald Gibson
No, Bicho, I saw Stevie Nicks on her own in early February, just prior to her tour with Chris Isaak. She played a 90-minute show, no opening act.
- Donald
13 - El Bicho
"How does Chuck Norris not win the Chuck Norris Award?"
It was created in his honor for those that follow in his footsteps. Pico quickly understood not to mess with the G, some of the others around here are slow learners.
14 - Dr Dreadful
I'm surprised you haven't had a visit from the occasional BC commenter who styles himself 'Kenny G's Assistant'.
Unless that's really you, El Bicho...
15 - Silver Surfer
The CIA should enlist Kenny G as a secret weapon in the war on terror. Fly those psy-ops Hercules planes around (and around and around around and around) their bases and blast 'em with some of Kenny G's (fine instrumentalist that he is) more mundane crossover pieces of music.
Let them know what it's like to be stuck in an elevator with Kenny G.
We'd be on the road to victory in no time as they surrender en masse with their fingers in their ears.
16 - Pico
"I'm surprised you haven't had a visit from the occasional BC commenter who styles himself 'Kenny G's Assistant'.
Unless that's really you, El Bicho..."
It's obvious that Saleski is Kenny G's Assistant. Geez, I thought everyone knew that ;&)
17 - Mark Saleski
no way. it's not me.
18 - Kenny G's assistant
En route back to Pakistan at the request of the President, Kenny G has asked me to respond as the Google Alert continues to go off and point out the losers and slackers around here can't go too long without talking about Kenny G.
Nurse Dreadful, Kenny G's latest frequent cyber-stalker, Kenny G is surprised you were up so late. Surely you were exhausted when you had to get up to start your day on the farm, or do the men folk make you tend to the house chores with the women? Better yet, could it be you work nights like a common criminal? Kenny G is going to place a call to Kenny G's pal Alan Autry. Good chance you are involved in the copper wire thievery that is taking place in your quaint village.
Silver Surfer, after reading your typings, Kenny G has no doubt why you have named yourself after the most boring character created by Marvel Comics. Although it would explain all your time online because someone free to walk away would not tolerate such endless droning. When Kenny G meets up with the CIA ops soon, Kenny G will suggest they translate your missives and have them read over loud speakers, then waltz right in and capture the sleeping enemies. You may want to consult a patent attorney because Kenny G has no doubt the makers of Ambien will soon be coming after you.
19 - STM
Thanks KGA.
If any of my boring missives can be of help in the "war on terror", and will complement nicely anything Kenny wants to add to the CIA's psy-ops list, I'd be only too happy to help.
Just imagine ... my missives sending them to sleep, and Kenny's music driving them insane.
No need for Gitmo. We could just build giant insane asylums, whith Kenny's music piped through 24/7 to keep them in line.
Great idea!
20 - STM
Sorry, I should clarify ... STM - I am the silver surfer. A real one though, not a comic-book character.
:)
21 - STM
PS, did everyone know that President Ah-ma-bin-a-bad has banned Kenny's music in Iran.
And we all thought he was a total fool!
Give that man some credit where credit's due.
22 - Dr Dreadful
Kenny G is going to place a call to Kenny G's pal Alan Autry.
...Who, owing to term limits, doesn't give a rat's ass.
Love how Kenny G's assistant calls me a cyber-stalker, BTW...
23 - Dr Dreadful
did everyone know that President Ah-ma-bin-a-bad has banned Kenny's music in Iran.
He's actually banned all Western music, the heathen. The G-ster has been particularly hard-hit because
his nose sticks out so farhis caterwaulings were often used as backing or incidental music on Iranian TV.Ahmadinejad has, from what I hear, also banned the pizza.
24 - STM
Is Alan Autry related to Gene Autry, of saddlebags fame??
25 - Kenny G's assistant
Nurse D, Kenny G's music was banned for two reasons: the affirmation of life and freedom Kenny G's music provides to the spirit of the many who hear it, a terrible thing for a dictator when keeping people oppressed. As an aside studies have shown that those with below average IQ's, can't process and appreciate Kenny's G music because it emulates complex math forumlas, which explains why you lash out.
Second was the discovery of Kenny G's work with National Convention for a Democratic Secular Republic in Iran. Maybe if you spent less time blathering nonsense on websites, thieving copper wire, and working the PBR cleaning out stalls, you make a beneficial contribution to mankind.
Considering you always start talking about Kenny G first in different threads in the hope that Kenny G will respond, it's obvious who the stalker is. Get over your man-crush. Kenny G is a lover of women, many beautiful women. You have no chance.
STM/silver surfer, of course you are real. No one would create such an uninteresting fictional character. Even the "wah wah" from the adults in the "Peanuts" cartoons are more interesting and insightful than your vapid prattling.