Comments on: more best of 2009 staff lists

By: Daniel, Esq.

Daniel, Esq. — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:17:11 +0000

Yeah, those references help distinguish the songs, by giving me something to focus on. Sometimes I think the homage is confined to a certain section of the song, e.g., Buster Voodoo, where there a knotted electric guitar sound toward the end, which is supposed to be the “Hendrix part,” I think.

I knew the first track was supposed to be a tribute to Carlos Santana, but mostly it sounds to me like a companion to Diablo Rojo, the best track from RodGab’s debut.

By: Nergal

Nergal — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:37:47 +0000

My first exposure to RyG was the cover of Ride the Lightning (Metallica b4 they sold-out hard). It’s a friggin amazing version. 11:11 Is amazing for a whole ‘nother reason, each song is based on the “feel/style” of their influances (everywhere from Pink Floyd and Dimebag Darrel (tracks 11 and 10 respectivly) to Palestinian Oud three-piece Le Trio Joubran (track 3) ) it may help your enjoyment to see where each song comes from so read http://www.rodgab.com/1111.html )

By: Daniel, Esq.

Daniel, Esq. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:28:12 +0000

Have you heard 11:11? It’s not for everyone — there are few memorable hooks. I’m usually not into mere technical powers, but these two have breathtaking skills, and they mix Latin, metal, prog, rock and jazz vibes together into their pieces. And there’s a rousing, kinetic energy to the performances. Here’s one example from their last album, via YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPhVpIlc1vs

Apologies if I’ve posted this link before. Totally worth the time to watch it all the way through. (Added bonus: Gabriela’s v. cute. My wife suspects she’s the real reason I like RyG so much, but that’s really not the reason (promise)).

By: joe

joe — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:10:40 +0000

You have officially convinced me to go back and spend more time with it, so thanks for that!

By: Daniel, Esq.

Daniel, Esq. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:54:59 +0000

I was sort of surprised too, Joe. I was drawn-in — almost against my will (I didn’t like the band before this album) — by the shambling grooves and the lead singer’s guitar work, which sounds like a cross between King Sunny Ade and Jimmy Page.

BTW, any of my top three could have been my No. 1, and none of my top three were on my radar screen as recently as last year. I hadn’t heard RyG until 11:11. And I didn’t like Animal Collective until Sung Tongs (I barely listened to the next two Animal Collective discs, and I fell in love with much of MPP).

By: JonathanL

JonathanL — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:16:55 +0000

I have nothing but sheer hatred for BItte Orca. I thouhgt it was a jumbled mess of an album, and wannabe pop song Stillness is the Move was the most grating track I heard all year.

By: joe

joe — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:15:13 +0000

I dont know why, but I’m surprised Dirty P’s is your #1. Like I said, I have no real explanation for that surprise but, there it is.

Totally with you on so many of these others, though I havent heard Ghost Box yet. I got them confused with Ghost Hunter, who I kinda like.

By: Daniel, Esq.

Daniel, Esq. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:21:53 +0000

I feel frenzied this time of year. So many lists, sales, new things to discover and process. Ultimately, I have to just survey what I’ve already considered. That means all this is still subject to change. With that caveat, here are my Top 17, in rank order:

• Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
• Animal Collective – MPP
• Rodrigo y Gabriela – 11:11
• Ghost Box – Ritual and Education
• Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
• The Clientele – Bonfires on the Heath
• The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
• Tinariwen – Imidiwan: Companions
• Hyperdub – 5 Years of Hyperdub
• The Raveonettes – In and Out of Love
• Bear in Heaven – Beast Rest Forth Mouth
• Super Furry Animals — Dark Days/Light Years
• Jeremy Udden – Plainville
• Atlas Sound – Logos
• The Mountain Goats – The Life Of The World To Come
• Mount Eerie – Wind’s Poem
• JJ – No. 2