4. The Shins – “Fall of ‘82” – James Mercer, the driving creative force behind The Shins, came off his Broken Bells detour with a super strong album. It’s more straightforward than some of his earlier efforts, but with a stronger melodic sensibility. The muted trumpet solo adds an out-of-left-field AM Gold dimension to the song.
3. Oddisee – “Let It Go” – The song starts off like “Shaft” with hints of “Across 110th St.” But this is no sample; it's real live musicians. “Let it Go” sits in a tight groove before heading into a radio-friendly chorus. Since this is not the overproduced crapola that passes for radio-ready rap music, you won’t find it there. Seek Oddisee out.
2. Wild Nothing – “Shadow” – Anchored by a jangly guitar riff, “Shadow” bounces along with a sharp bass line and shoegaze vocals. The lyrics fit in nicely with the forlorn feel of the song. (I don’t see you often/I try to feel something for you/But that’s all I can do).
1. Rush – “The Wreckers” – Nearly 40 years into their recording career, the holy trinity released Clockwork Angels, a concept album that has become one of their most critically acclaimed records. And the acclaim is deserved. It's flawless from beginning to end. “The Wreckers” is, for me, the standout track, eschewing the usual time signature changes for a straight-ahead narrative inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s novel Jamaica Inn. And that chorus: “All I know is that sometimes you have to be wary/Of a miracle too good to be true.” With Rush, that’s never a concern.
Article comments
1 - Charlie Doherty
As usual Scott, you've come up with a damn good and varied list of tunes. That Celtic metal band (Eluvietie) is one I've never heard of but after hearing/seeing some of their stuff on YouTube, I dig 'em, so thanks for that inclusion!
I also especially liked that you included Wild Nothing. They're gonna end up on my list (whenever I get to it and finish catching up on all kinds of other music from this year).
2 - Scott Deitche
Thanks Charlie. I appreciate the feedback. Looking forward to your list.
3 - Rich
Very nice list. I would like to add "Candles In The Sun" by Miguel.
4 - mds
Wow! Super impressed. I love seeing lists like this that unabashedly cover a wide range of music. Tiesto, Gotye, and Rush all in the same place? Brilliant. May I also suggest you listen to Purity Ring; while I am in no way suggesting that you change your list, I do believe that you'd really like their debut album. Keep up the good work!
5 - Scott Deitche
Rich- THanks for the suggestion on Miguel. I'll check it out.
mds - On Purity Ring, I downloaded Lofticries a couple weeks ago and very impressed. Might make next year's list, as I'm starting to really get into it. Will check out more of their stuff for sure.