I think in the past I had hesitated because I knew there was a lot I probably would like that I didn't hear at all, as well as some things that I haven't heard enough (at this point that being the latest No Age) and fighting my own impatience. The latter meaning that it's only December seventh, and let's not forget that there could be more releases. Seems unlikely but let's consider 2001 in which Jim O'Rourke's Insignificance was released the final Tuesday of the year.
Of course this year looked pretty bad at first with the death of Jay Reatard. It was enough for me to expect this whole decade to be a weak as the last. However things changed pretty quickly for many reasons, not least of all the reformation of some of the 90s greatest acts - Guided by Voices and Pavement.
Firstly, we had the formation of today's greatest live band who happens to be from right here in the Bay Area. If you still aren't up on Flash Gilmore and the Funbeatles this should let you know of their importance:
Then there's the albums. Here's a few I liked in No particular order.
Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
The subnormals weren't the only people with a good eye on Jersey this year and Glen Rock's young stars have made the new Born To Run. The album touches upon all the same themes you should expect from the garbage state such as rage, failure, constant fighting, destructiveness, pride, and of course, lots and lots of alcohol. Coupled with the Feelies' Crazy Rhythms this is how I could show anyone what it's like to be from that state. The energy and urgency is there and with an average song length of six and a half minutes it's nothing short of epic... just look at the cover!
Will Stratton - New Vanguard Blues
Hailing from a few miles south (though he can also claim the East Bay as home), Stratton's third is a bit further stylistically than Andronicus. The singer-songwriter continues growing not only in his musicianship, but also in his studio prowess. Stratton's minimal arrangements manage to sound full and powerful, well-complimenting his vocals and lyrics and proving that today's "folk" musicians don't need to resort to Sufjan Stevens' over the top arrangements to distinguish themselves.
Personal and the Pizzas - Raw Pie
Rounding out the Jersey section we have Personal and Pizzas who despite claims to be from Hoboken and survive and a diet of Benny Tudino's giant slices and Budweiser tall boys are actually from San Francisco. Regardless, they play the part well and it's a pizza party wherever they go. While it's very easy to dismiss them as a gimmicky novelty act the fact remains that Personal is just an outstanding songwriter who happens to work in the style of Ramones-style punk/pop. Unfortunately, though, this comes across better in live performance than record, not to say this isn't worth owning, though.
Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
After years of meaning to get into this band I finally have, right at the time of their most solid album, one they really puts all their strengths to the front. Bradford Cox and company deliver a set of creative, well-written, and atmospheric songs with an exceptionally wide range of emotion. Halcyon Digest is one of those classic albums that sounds much like everything else that's been made to date but in its own way. This winner for best-titled album of the year proves that Deerhunter is perhaps the most important band today.
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today
Int he five or so years since Ariel Pink's name became known outside the freakiest of LA hipsters the post-outsider artist stayed pretty busy. He toured constantly, pushed his favorite artists, put a band together, got a record deal, and made many more people uncomfortable. However, he did not do much more recording until this year. With expcations as high as the curiousity about his jump into pro audio, Pink and his band delivered. His songwriting is as strong, and much more consistent than before and while his smooth 70s pop has lost a little of it's eeriness with the clean production, it hasn't lost any of its heart.
Beach House - Teen Dream
After thinking these guys were everything I hated about new music (still don't like their other albums) the inclusion of "Norway" on MOJO's dream pop compilation was enough to make me pick this one up. The rest of the album lived up with its slow, sensual, and yes, dreamlike, sound. With a massive budget, the Baltimore duo crafted a successfully big statement that will surely set the standard for the rest of their career.
Th Apples in Stereo - Travellers in Space and Time
The one that gave me hope. When I first heard this old favorite's more electronic turn I was not sure what to think at first. In many ways, it's Robert Schneider taking a cue from his own followers and, of course besting them. Unlike the Apples' career up to this point there is a bit more than sunny sounds beneath the surface and at closer look this is a heartbreaking divorce album. Luckily Schneider took a different route than Dylan on Blood on the Tracks and his pain manifests itself in an aspiration for pure ecstasy just like Brian Wilson would. Don't like the electronics and new members distract you, this will go down as one of the Apples' best.
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