Album of the Year (my personal designation, not the Grammy) is gonna be a tough call this year. What with Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (simply amazing, but you all already knew that), Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head (buy it tomorrow folks, it doesn't disappoint), and perhaps an upcoming Features release. Plus there's that Ben Folds live disc coming to throw more kinks into the mix.

Add to these Beck's Sea Change, which I just downloaded, and which is amazing. If you're a fan of Beck's acoustic stuff (One Foot in the Grave, Mutations) then this is just more great Beck with the guitar.

Also on the horizon, in perhaps the most pretentious move since The Flaming Lips' Zaireeka, Sigur Ros' new album titled "( )", which will be 70 minutes, and have 8 untitled songs. All of the lyrical content is to be in the "Hopelandic" nonsense language that has appeared in parts of their previous work, the liner notes will be eight blank pages for you to write your own interpretation of what is being said, to be submitted later to the band's website which will decipher the most common responses and make those the "official" lyrics. If that isn't pretentious, then nothing is, but I'm hedging my bets on it being an amazing 8 songs.

So what has tickled everyone else's fancy this year, and what are you all looking forward to?

Will

(Edited by Wiyum at 11:03 pm on Aug. 26, 2002)

well the hives' "veni vidi vicious", flaming lips "yoshimi battles the pink robots", and wilco's "yankee hotel foxtrot" have all been in pretty constant rotation. however, nothing will compare to the features ep/album/whatever when it gets released.

(Edited by ray davies at 10:53 pm on Aug. 26, 2002)

Basically all the albums that I have loved this year didn't come out this year (White Blood Cells and Veni Vidi Vicious). Of course, of albums that came out this year that I bought and enjoy "Heathen Chemistry" would be #1. I have heard "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and I think it's okay but it didn't stick to me like it does others. "Maladroit" would maybe be second since it's a solid Weez album...and still I want a Features album this year.

Locally, Lambchop and Joe Pisapia both put out incredible albums this year. Not locally, my favorite album that's come out this year would probably be Point by Cornelius.

-I really like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but that doesn't really feel like it came out this year, since lawnwrangler got it to me in, like June 2001.

-I really like Jimmy Eat World, but that record technically came out in 2001.

-The first time that I played the new Counting Crows album, I didn't like it at all. But after hearing it a few more times, I feel that I might really end up liking it (or at least developing some deep emotional associations with it).

-Nickel Creek's new record looks to be pretty cool.

-Other albums I am looking forward to in the second half of 2002: the Dixie Chicks' new album, the new Beck, U2's new greatest hits (and hopefully B-sides) album, the new Pulp album (whenever it gets released here).

-Really I think the neatest thing about 2002 so far, musically speaking, has been the "big news" about Phish. I'm really looking forward to seeing them again.

(Edited by jamiecarroll at 6:39 am on Aug. 27, 2002)

Ray--

This is a big caution: Don't let yourself get too worked up over a rumoured release. I've seen the Dortch, Rawling, and Mahaffey sessions come and go, each with its own set of rumors and promises for a Features full length. Yes, they're in the studio. Yes, it will probably be released....but it could be a while, especially if they're waiting on a label.

Just enjoy the shows. Get some bootlegs. Be patient. It will save you frustration later.

New Supergrass in 33 days!

I guess you could say that, technically, Fluid Ounces released Foreign Legion this year. While it's not ItNOFW, it's still nice to get some more stuff from Seth's piano.

Is the U2 album that you mentioned the much-anticipated follow-up to the Best of 1980-1990 that was released in 1998? When is it coming out?

And kudos to you, JC, for being the first person to mention the Dixie Chicks on this message board.

i am not getting worked up. Believe me, i have enough mp3's to keep me satisfied for a long time. I'm just saying that if and when the features album does come out, it will be my favorite album of that year.

Indeed it is. The "single" from it (like 'The Sweetest Thing' was from '1980-1990') is due out in October, with the album soon to follow. I really hope there is once again a second disc with b-sides on it; those are the b-sides that I really want to hear.

Fluid Ounces "Foreign Legion". this cd has been in heavy rotation. very well done.

The Flaming Lips - yoshimi battles the pink robots - its no soft bulletin but very good. hopefully i can see this stuf live.

Sonic Youth - Murray Street - this album blew me away. its some of thier best work. even thought loved the last record...this one blows it out of the water. its more old school sonic youth. they get back to rocking.

The I Am Sam Soundtrack is really good (although I think that came out late last year). I agree with the new Flaming Lips being good, but not as good as Soft Bulletin. I also agree with Coldplay's new one being the bomb.cc.

I'm very much looking forward to the new releases by Beck, Pearl Jam, and the Foo Fighters before year's end. I guess music doesn't completely suck these days.

Beck, FF, Pj (+ live Ben Folds of course)
I too am anxiously anticipating these previously stated albums!!! I'm a big fan of No Doubt and Garbage, so I bought those albums b/c I was partial...haven't really bought anything else new in quite sometime. I guess during political, economical, and social unrest, music decides not to suck anymore! Hoorah for the future of music!

I haven't loved anything yet this year, although I like Josh Rouse's album & Yoshimi & the Beachwood Sparks EP. I'm more excited for the end of the year- in addition to those already mentioned, the Apples in Stereo have a new record out Oct. 8 & Elliott Smith is supposedly trying to get one out too. I expect I'll like the recent Coldplay & Sleater-Kinney albums, but haven't heard them enough yet.

(Edited by Lauren at 4:16 pm on Aug. 27, 2002)

I'll add that I am looking forward to the new Foo Fighters and Beck albums. I didn't buy the new Coldplay today though, I think I'll download some of it and wait until I get some more funds.

And today at CDWarehouse I stumbled upon a "Fastball: Best Of" which makes me blink because...they've only had 3 albums (everyone insert "they have material to make a best of" joke here). I guess I'm not a diehard fan because I passed it up...

How could I forget Maladroit? Of course I love that.

Actually, its been growing on me in weird ways, threatening to unseat Blue as my second favorite album. Hasn't happened yet, but Death and Destruction, Take Control, and December are fighting the good fight, that's for damned sure.

Will

I semi-bonded with a girl at the July 30th concert when we yelled for "Burndt Jamb" together. It is a nice album...I can't wait for the DVD in October and the new album next summer.

I like it alright. It sounds way too produced to me, and its not the followup that I hoped for after This Desert Life, which I still find something new in every time I listen to it.

Will

I still need to get this, desperately. I miss the Fluid Ounces...

Will

New album next February... it was announced the same day Maladroit was announced as part of an agreement with the label that they could release albums as frequently as they like, or somesuch.

Will

I Am Sam? I hated that soundtrack. Few of the tracks were different form The Beatles, just worse. Those that were different, shouldn't have been.

The exception would be Ben Harper's Strawberry Fields. I found that to be a worthwhile reinterpratation.

And Ben Folds' Golden Slumbers was uninteresting, but good.

The Foo Fighters' new one... I'd forgotten that. That'll be good.

Will

Fluid Ounces...I love them. You should try to get a copy--it's worth it.

I almost forgot... the new Eels album (which I got last year as an import, I think Dreamworks released it this year here) is just freaking great.

Will

yes a Foo fighters album is very high anticipation with me. it was supposed to come out in april/may but it got pushed back. same with pearl jam. stone said they were in no hurray to get it done.

I am Sam fucking kciks ass. you cant go wrong with an album full of beatles covers.

Yes, in my opinion, you can. It was neat to listen to 'I Am Sam' once, but the novelty soon wore off of, "Wow! Listen to _________ covering __________ , because usually _____________ wasn't doing a very good job.

Let's talk about people that have done a good job covering Beatles songs (ie- done something fresh or original with the song, and not just tried to play it like the Beatles AND had it be good):

"With a Little Help from my Friends" Joe Cocker
"You Can't Do That" Lifeboy
"I Am the Walrus" Oasis
"Got to Get You Into My Life" Earth Wind & Fire
"Don't Let Me Down" Gene

Can anyone think of any others?

(Edited by jamiecarroll at 7:14 am on Aug. 28, 2002)

travis did here comes the sun, which was quite nice.

also related, they did lennon's give me some truth

Elliott Smith did "Jealous Guy" pretty nicely. Jellyfish did a mean "Jet". Can't think of any actual Beatles songs off the top of my head.

Another notable Beatles-related cover I witnessed was jetpack doing "Band on the Run" a few months ago at the End. I thought they did a spectacular job. A great finish to an equally strong set.

For the record, I thought Ben Folds did a superb job on "Golden Slumbers" and I also liked hearing a female (Sarah McLaughlin) do "BlackBird". Speaking of "BlackBird", Dave Grohl did an awsome version of that on Kinnear a few years back. It was mostly toungue-in-cheek, but it was still great.

Personally, I dont think anyone should cover Beatle songs. However, the best beatles cover would probably be "I am the walrus" by Oasis. They totally deconstructed the song in mountains of reverb and feedback.

The worst Beatles cover...well, that's a tough decision. so many terrible interpretations. only one to choose. however, my main selection for worst beatles cover would be....."Revolution" by Grandaddy. Absolute shit. One of my close fans is a Grandaddy fan. He played it for me. I wanted to vomit.

Like I said, I did dig Ben Harper's "Strawberry Fields Forever." I wouldn't even add Ben's "Golden Slumbers" cover to the list with Cocker, Oasis, and Harper. I haven't heard the others. All I can say for Rufus Wainright's "Across the Universe" is that it wasn't as bad as Fiona Apple's.

For the record, I think Cocker's "With a Little Help from my Friends" is the only Beatles cover that surpasses the original.

And my dream Beatles cover (actually dream cover) has been Radiohead covering "A Day in the Life" for years now. I'd kill to see that for some reason.

Will

Yes. I'm in total agreement here.

Will

I liked Fiona Apple's version. Of course I'm not too familiar with the original (and now I'm pelted with rocks, midgets and anvils). I am a musical retard for not actually being familiar with the Beatles, I know. I have 1 and I like it but I've just been to obsessed with other things to actually listen to it. I have been meaning to buy Revolver for about...2 years now but I can never find it under 16 dollars. Bah....

stevie wonder recorded an amazing version of "we can work it out". hands down, the best beatles cover i've ever heard.

You know, Wiyum, that really is the truth. I heard the Cocker version as the theme to "The Wonder Years" growing up, before I ever heard the Beatles' version. I remember thinking after hearing the Beatles' version that I didn't like it as much as Cocker's.

Speaking of Cocker, what was up with him covering "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window"? I mean, on Abbey Road, that song is part of something more grand, and it's cool that way, but as a stand-alone song, I don't know? It's not bad, it's just weird that he would choose to cover it.

Oh, I wouldn't throw anything at you for your ignorance...


But this is unforgivable.

Buy (or Hell, burn) an album. Any album. Preferably Abbey Road, The White Album, Sgt Peppers, or Revolver.

Will

Yes I will have to. I have heard a lot of the Beatles' stuff through friends, relatives, etc. Beatles and the Beach Boys are two artists I need to download songs from....

That was my exact thought with Ben's "Golden Slumbers." Partially, I'm sure, because my favorite Beatles song is "Golden Slumbers -> Carry that Weight -> The End". That whole sequence is amazing. Golden Slumbers on its own? An odd selection. I keep expecting Ben to break into Carry that Weight, and he never does.

Will

Forget about the Beach Boys for now, Digsy, the Beatles are much more important. In the future, after you've bought all of those Beatles albums, and begun to digest them, and are appreciating their majesty, you will literally be saddened that so much of your life was spent without the Beatles. Please don't buy another piece of music until you have obtained:

Rubber Soul
Revolver
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Magical Mystery Tour
The Beatles (aka The White Album)
Abbey Road
Past Masters VOLUME 2

You are, at this moment, looking at a map of a flat music world. Go ahead...sail off the edge.

but not necessarily in that order. i'd reccomend abbey road first or possibly revolver.

Joe Cocker: Overrated. Joe Cocker has ruined two good Beatles songs. They both make me want to vomit.



(Edited by ray davies at 12:23 am on Aug. 29, 2002)