January
Old –
Eric Clapton “Complete Clapton”
I have a bunch Clapton/Cream/Derek and the Dominoes CD's around the house, but no comprehensive Clapton collections. This is a great introduction to a great guitarist.
New –
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down “Know Better Learn Faster” 10/13/09
Not sure what I was thinking here. Thao Nguyen makes some totally original sounding music, but she makes me feel dirty for some reason.
February
Old –
The Talking Heads “The Best of the Talking Heads”
They left off some great songs like "Crosseyed and Painless" and "The Big Country", but a great collection none the less.
New –
The Coal Porters “Durango” 1/25/10
The Coal Porters are fronted by ex-Long Ryders' frontman Sid Griffin. Very fun, non-traditional bluegrass.
March
Old –
The Replacements “Do You Know Who I Think I Was: The Best of the Replacements”
If you really want the Best of the Replacements, download "Let It Be" & "Tim."
New –
She & Him “Volume Two” 3/23/10
M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. Very cool.
April
Old –
The Doors “The Future Starts Here: The Essential
Doors Hits”
Heck of a deal! 20 songs for the price of 12! Purists don't like that this a remastered collection, but the rest of us appreciate the much improved sound quality.
New –
Broken Bells “Broken Bells” 3/9/10
James Mercer (the Shins) and Danger Mouse have put together my favorite album of the year.
May
Old –
ZZ Top “Rancho Texicano: The Very Best of ZZ Top”
I have never been a ZZ Top fan, but Billy Gibbons knows how to rock. "Just Got Paid" and "La Grange" are two great 70's blues rockers.
New –
Sage Francis “Li(f)e” 5/11/10
The :30 second samples sounded great and Sage Francis mixes poetry, hip hop and numerous musical styles into sonic brilliance. However, his total lack of faith in anything presents itself in lyrics that are a bit too dark for my tastes.
June
Old –
The Monkees “The Best of the Monkees”
Who don't like the Monkees?
New –
Tyrone Wells “Metal and Wood” 3/2/10
Great singer-songwriter. Tyrone has some nice, hope-filled upbeat pieces to cleanse the palette after listening to the sage.
July
Old –
Uncle Tupelo “89/93: An Anthology”
The birth of Alt-Country nicely documented for future generations.
New
(sort of) – St. Vincent “Actor” 5/5/09
I hated this at first listen, but a year later I have come to love this album. Dark and creepy, but in a fun way. "Laughing With A Mouth of Blood" is a great song with a great title.
August
Old –
NRBQ “Uncommon Denominators”
It took me about 30 years to like these guys.
New –
Arcade Fire “The Suburbs” 8/3/10
A marvelous little album.
September
Old –
Neil Young “Greatest Hits”
Really like the song "Old Man." The rest of his stuff is good too.
New –
Esperanza Spaulding “Chamber Music Society” 8/17/10
Jazz is not dead. Esperanza just made it fun again.
