1. Suarasama - Fajar di Atas Awan [Drag City | August 11]
The wandering vocals, simplistic melodies, drones and offset percussion mend my withering soul. Originally broadcast in 1997 by Radio France International, this collection of music is a must for students of music, vocals or the droning beat. Track 5, "Silang Bertaut Bunyi," is a mystifying puff of smokey incense, free-form vocals and repetitious droning strings. This is the music playing on Sandy Bull's transistor radio.
2. Human Bell - Human Bell [Thrill Jockey | January 29]
An atmospheric instrumental cocktail conjured up by Arboretum's Dave Heumann and Lungfish's Nathan Bell. The guitar work, drones and "quartz singing bowl" veil over you like incense at the Great Stupa. Each track is an altering experience.
3. Black Mountain - In The Future [Jagjaguwar | January 22]
Psychedelia amplitude as defined by a fraction of the Vancouver based Black Mountain Army collective. Heavy texture laden anatomy, wafting vocals and just the right mix of mood. Play it loud on the summer patio to draw in the locals for a drink or wait out a deep winter blizzard inside your headphones. If you're craving escape without the hassle of chemicals this one's the ticket. Favorite tracks: "Wucan" and "Bright Lights"
4. Neil Young - Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House [Reprise | December 2]
Old is new. Folk rocks and ROCK unplugs. Recorded at Canterbury House, November 9th, 1968. The wonderment of Neil giggles and sparkles, "I don't even know what to play," as if he's sitting crossed-legged at your kitchen table talking to YOU. I'm not sorry to say that Neil is one of my heroes. Is he a Folkie or a Hippie? A Punker? Maybe Country? He's a legend. This live acoustic release proves he's got the voice, lyrics, and skill. To top it all he's got Hank Williams' guitar. My favorite track is "I've Been Waiting For You."
5. Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant EP [Sub Pop | April 8]
Simpatico harmonies draped seamlessly over instrumental laminations. Digital decoupage to play as you pour the wine on a first date. Keep in mind the run time is only 19 minutes, so don't daddle around. "Mykonos" stands strong, but all the tracks make the listen complete.
6. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash [Matador | March 4]
The dialogue of distorted strumming. Kibitzing, ruminating whines from a Portland alley riding a lapping wave as it thumps an effects pedal. Malkmus plays it just like you want it on his fourth release with the Jicks. Each track is a keeper.
7. Boris - Smile [Southern Lord | April 29]
Driving metal bound wah wah fuzz-fed guitars. Sound samples and Japanese lyrics. Boris is real. Anything on their albums can be done live and that is exactly what you should strive for. If you're unable to make the show Smile will do. Beware, some riffs and feedback chaos could possibly blow the cones off your speakers.
8. Paul Westerberg - 49:00 [Dry Wood | July 21]
49 cents can't get me much satisfaction these days, but a Westerberg long-run album with a single track can. My suggestion, play this 49 minute track to warm up the crowd at your daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner and croon on the vibe both youngsters and Xer's can agree. The tunes breed feel good, care-freedom while provoking lyrical wonder. Westerberg wrote all the snippets and played all the musical devices. Even so he caught legal hell from publishers wanting their CUT!!! Released as a digital download only. Pulled from the worldwide inter-web, but you may find it tucked away in some dark corner.
9. Blitzen Trapper - Furr [Sub Pop | September 23]
The production is immaculate. Quirky sounds and beats fill every corner of each track. The vocals blend smoothly with fitful guitar jams, melodic organ and biotic soundscapes of bells, whistles, steel guitar and bohemianite accents. If you're keen to exploring without travel and see vivid colorized shapes from your personalized porthole you will enjoy this release. Note worthy tracks; "Furr", "War on Machines", "Black River Killer".
10. Hank III - Damn Right Rebel Proud! [Sidewalk Records | October 21]
Hank III's 6th release rasps through lyrics like 60 grit paper, twangs at the right time, then bleeds out in a puddle of raunchy back woods punk. Throwing the finger at is his namesake's Country genre, Hank Williams III has stuck it to the man in just the right way, by proving the business chart wrong. Favorite tune: "Stoned & Alone". Watch out for F bombs.
Runner Ups:
The Black Angels - Directions To See A Ghost [Light In The Attic | May 13]
I Should of Listened to but never did:
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago [Jagjaguwar | February 19]
Concert:
Boris with Michio Kurihara - [Marquis Theater | Denver, Colorado, July 25]
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