GoldfrappBelle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress [2003] What I always liked about the voice of Belle & Sebastian's lead singer, Stuart Murdoch, was that he sounded much like Ray Davies of THE KINKS. And what I like about "Dear Catastophe Waitress" is that it has a subtle precious vibe to it reminicent of the Kinks' "Village Green Preservation Society." -- The songs have a sentimentality and sense of humor that seems very local.
And while songs like "Piazza, New York Catcher" may not be the most timeless of tracks, "If She Wants Me" or "Wrapped Up In Books" certainly are.
It still surprises me that Trevor Horn produced this album. The former lead singer of Yes and the Buggles who produced with bombast throughout the 80s and 90s (Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Seal, Yes), was able to turn it down a notch for the better-than-twee indie hipsters from Glasgow. And while I'm currently kind of tired of their sound - this album did play as soundtrack to much of the last ten years for me.
Listen, watch "I'm A Cuckoo"
Goldfrapp - Supernature [2006]
While Madonna's output of the decade mostly disappointed, and Britney's pop ingenuity was mostly overshadowed by her personal life - Goldfrapp delivered. If you're not familiar with Goldfrapp, think Madonna channelling Edith Piaf in a subterranean East Berlin discotheque in the late 70s.
Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory debuted in 2000 with the equally excellent "Felt Mountain" - which has a smoky caberet feel to it. But 2006 saw them crank it up and simplify to create some great grooves and moments of pop brilliance. There's nothing overly complex or thoughtful on this album, but it's laden with timeless sultry hooks that make you think about things to do when the lights turn off.
Listen, watch:
- "Number 1"
- "Ooh La La"
Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers [2007]
Let me start off this by saying that this really was the decade of Nonesuch records. You could pick any ten records that the label put out this decade and have a compelling list of great music...This is my first Nonesuch on the list, but more is to come.
That said, Seattlite geologist-turned-rocker Laura Veirs blew me away with "Saltbreakers" in 2007.
Laura's guitar playing reminds me of Bill Frisell: A clean sound with long sustains and drones....A lazy rhythm guitar that occasional forget that it's playing the lead. Laura's voice is almost conversational, especially in her enunciations. It has a disarming effect and makes you eager to hear each next confession within the album. There are no sleepers here: from the dreamy "To The Country" to the rollicking sing-along of the title track - each song captures your attention and imagination.
Listen, watch "Pink Light" -
And while songs like "Piazza, New York Catcher" may not be the most timeless of tracks, "If She Wants Me" or "Wrapped Up In Books" certainly are.
It still surprises me that Trevor Horn produced this album. The former lead singer of Yes and the Buggles who produced with bombast throughout the 80s and 90s (Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Seal, Yes), was able to turn it down a notch for the better-than-twee indie hipsters from Glasgow. And while I'm currently kind of tired of their sound - this album did play as soundtrack to much of the last ten years for me.
Listen, watch "I'm A Cuckoo"
Goldfrapp - Supernature [2006]
While Madonna's output of the decade mostly disappointed, and Britney's pop ingenuity was mostly overshadowed by her personal life - Goldfrapp delivered. If you're not familiar with Goldfrapp, think Madonna channelling Edith Piaf in a subterranean East Berlin discotheque in the late 70s.
Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory debuted in 2000 with the equally excellent "Felt Mountain" - which has a smoky caberet feel to it. But 2006 saw them crank it up and simplify to create some great grooves and moments of pop brilliance. There's nothing overly complex or thoughtful on this album, but it's laden with timeless sultry hooks that make you think about things to do when the lights turn off.
Listen, watch:
- "Number 1"
- "Ooh La La"
Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers [2007]
Let me start off this by saying that this really was the decade of Nonesuch records. You could pick any ten records that the label put out this decade and have a compelling list of great music...This is my first Nonesuch on the list, but more is to come.
That said, Seattlite geologist-turned-rocker Laura Veirs blew me away with "Saltbreakers" in 2007.
Laura's guitar playing reminds me of Bill Frisell: A clean sound with long sustains and drones....A lazy rhythm guitar that occasional forget that it's playing the lead. Laura's voice is almost conversational, especially in her enunciations. It has a disarming effect and makes you eager to hear each next confession within the album. There are no sleepers here: from the dreamy "To The Country" to the rollicking sing-along of the title track - each song captures your attention and imagination.
Listen, watch "Pink Light" -
st track: (05 Nov 2009)
th track: (05 Nov 2009)
rd track: (07 Nov 2009)
