Best Of 2018
(strictly for fun and heated argument)
By Peter Jesperson
1. Death Cab For Cutie – Thank You For Today
As the title might imply, there’s an uplifting air to this album. That’s not to say there isn’t a fair bit of DCFC’s usual melancholia, but this is music that helps to at least partly repair my wounded faith in humanity. In particular, I listened to “Gold Rush” and “When We Drive” countless times. One of the things I love most about this album is its gentleness. Pretty much a perfect record if you ask me. (http://deathcabforcutie.com)
2. Broncho – Bad Behavior
If I was to give you my unfiltered appraisal I might say something like, “Broncho are the most visionary, imaginative rock band I know of anywhere right now,” but that might scare you off. Though I personally loved their last (3rd) record – 2016’s Double Vanity– it was so damn weird, it threw a lot of people and probably didn’t do much in terms of helping their career. But that’s actually one of the things I find appealing about them – frontman Ryan Lindsey just doesn’t seem to worry about that sort of thing. His talent and intent precludes consideration of a “good business move.” This guy is truly out there in a way I find consistently compelling. ‘T. Rex meets the Jesus & Mary Chain’ is a thumbnail description that works on one level, but it’s not that simple. Nothing about what Broncho does is simple. They write deceptively complicated, carefully thought out songs, referencing music from 1956 to now. A canny, arty, fun, and highly original blend of modern and past musical ideas. (http://broncho.tv)
3. Gaz Coombes – World’s Strongest Man
Gaz Coombes was a real find. First, with his rockin-pop band Supergrass (1993-2010), a short-lived cover band, The Hotrats (with ‘Grass drummer Danny Goffey - 2010), and continuing in his now 3-album-strong solo career. Whereas drummer Danny’s solo records sound a lot like the ‘Grass (in a good way!), Gaz’s rarely do. His are less poppy, more experimental, more free and all-over-the-place (in a good way!). The most surprising thing to me is how much better Gaz is singing these days. I’ve never heard his voice sound so good, on record or on stage. This is the best of his solo albums to date. (https://www.gazcoombes.com)
4. Halfway – Rain Lover
A band I’ve been head-over-heels in love with since first hearing them a decade ago but felt uncomfortable writing about them cos I worked directly with them on the last couple of records. This band makes music with spunk, substance and depth. Johnny Busby is another visionary writer/singer/band leader who seemingly can’t be bothered to play ball with the record industry. Get this – since 2000, along with co-lead vocalist Chris Dale, he’s fronted this eight-piece band through six albums, rehearsing every Thursday and Saturday, whether they have gigs or not. Though some have pegged them as “country” or “Americana,” I’d call them a diverse and eclectic rock band. Rain Lover addresses the passing of Johnny’s father which brings a weight to the proceedings without limiting its scope - “Tracks that are broadly universal yet remain devastatingly personal” says one of Australia’s finest music blogs TheRockpit.net. Rolling Stone’s David Fricke describes them this way: “Halfway combine the pub-army heft of the Waterboys on 1998’s Fisherman’s Blues with the dreamstate Nashville of Lambchop and a pioneer storytelling at the junction of Johnny Cash and Queensland icons the Go-Betweens.” (https://www.halfway.com.au)
5. The Unthanks – Lines, Parts One, Two & Three
Quoting the band’s website, “Lines is a trilogy of song cycles inspired by poetry, focusing on three female perspectives across time – writer Emily Bronte, World War One poets, and British Hull fishing worker Lillian Bilocca. Available as ‘medium play’ 10” vinyl, CD and download, they can be bought separately or together in an unshouty slipcase.” (btw, “unshouty” is my new favorite word) Sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank are two of the best singers alive.
6. Lily Allen – No Shame
This woman is remarkable in the deliberate, focused way that she plies her trade on the edges of the mainstream while embracing all kinds of modern sounds and production techniques. She’s just not like anyone else. A striking vocalist, a fine writer of catchy melodies, an outspoken, often potty-mouthed lyricist, and one who has always worn her sense of humor on her sleeve. Though there are plenty of funny moments here, there’s a seriousness we’ve never heard from her before. From the subject matter, we glean there’s been some trouble in her life and the straightforward, honest way she addresses it all is disarming and heartbreaking but, ultimately, comforting. The album opens with “Come On Then” which sets the tone in a single line: “Why am I so lonely? ? Cos nobody fuckin phones me.” It’s a powerful and heavy record with songs like “Lost My Mind,” “Family Man” and “Everything To Feel Something” before delivering the final punch with “Cake,” a positively magnificent song in which she simply declares, “I don’t see no reason you can’t / Have your cake and eat it.” It is an empowering song, one that I played over and over and over again. Working with expert producers like Fryars and Mark Ronson, and creative collaborators like UK rapper Giggs and Nigeria’s Burna Boy, Lily Allen has fashioned the best album of her career, so far.
7. Rayland Baxter – Wide Awake
I’m new to Rayland Baxter, who had two previous albums and an EP, and just happens to be the son of the legendary pedal steel player and Dylan sideman, Bucky Baxter. After first being knocked out hearing the song “Casanova” on LA’s daring radio station KCSN (88.5fm), this record came on slowly, becoming one of my most played of the year. It’s one of those all-over-the-map / I’ll-try-anything albums that reminds me of days of yore, when artists were more free, less homogenized, and broader in style and scope. At various times I hear bits of The Beatles, Harry Nilsson, Ray Davies and Nick Lowe. (https://www.raylandbaxter.com)
8. Parker Gispert – Sunlight Tonight
Who knew?! On my first listen to Sunlight Tonight, ya coulda knocked me over with the proverbial feather. I was flabbergasted. It’s not like I didn’t think Parker would make a great solo album. But I had no idea he had something like this in him. Soft … melodic ... string-laden?! You get a couple glimpses of his long-running, balls-to-the-wall R&R band, The Whigs, not to mention his wacky sense of humor, but for the most part this is what’s called a departure. The melody line in “Life In The Goldilocks Zone” is reminiscent of Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” And there’s a Nick Drake-like gentleness in guitar lines and economic use of strings throughout. Every song is exceptional. (https://www.parkergispert.com)
9. Eisley – I’m Only Dreaming … Of Days Long Passed
A gorgeous, stripped down, acoustic, in sequence, reenactment of their 2017 album I’m Only Dreaming. Even with band restructuring and key members departing, making Sherri DuPree the sole lead (with younger sister Christie handling the excellent harmonies), Eisley remain one of my very favorite vocal groups. (https://www.eisley.com)
10. Kraig Jarrett Johnson & The Program – self titled
The 2nd solo album from one of the unsung heroes of Minneapolis music (Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Golden Smog), backed here by the crème of the crop of local players. A record that comes off like a bunch of friends playing music for the love of it. Pure and inspired. (https://kraigjarretjohnson.bandcamp.com)
11. Peter Holsapple – Game Day
Worth it for the fantastic opening title song alone, Game Day is a triumphant return, 21 years after Peter’s first solo album. It immediately pulled hard on the ol’ heartstrings, like getting a letter from a friend I hadn’t heard from in years. It struck me all over again what an original and identifiable sound Peter has – oddball, literate pop, wry vocal delivery ... his guitar playing (!!) is as solid as ever, and his sense of humor still firmly in place. Peter’s work with the dBs is part of the foundation of Indie Rock and, with this terrific new album, he’s written some brand new classics. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Holsapple)
12. Paul Kelly – Nature
Paul Kelly’s 24th album, Nature is another inspired collection of songs. Considered a National Treasure in Australia, this man’s music is a staple around our house too. Truly one of the great songwriters of our time. (https://www.paulkelly.com.au)
13. Inara George – Dearest Everybody
As pure a musical talent as I have ever come across. This is her 4th solo album since 2005, a self-assured self-release that answers to no one. Tightly executed, gorgeously arranged, singer-songwriter stuff, not tied to any particular era, with her remarkable voice in the spotlight. (http://inarageorge.com)
14. The Jayhawks – Back Roads And Abandoned Motels
A collection of newly recorded songs that Gary Louris had previously written for (and in some instances with) other artists. On paper, this seemed like an odd move. I was expecting it to feel like a stopgap … but that is not the case. These performances are fresh and committed. An album that will stand nicely alongside the rest of their rich, imaginative catalog. Cool that the opening song features a lead vocal by longtime keyboardist/backing vocalist Karen Grotberg. And another lead vocal from drummer and not-so-secret weapon, the magnificent Tim O’Reagan. (https://www.jayhawksofficial.com)
15. Daniel Romano– Finally Free
With the exception of longtime collaborator Kay Berkel’s piano on two songs, Daniel plays all instruments and does everything else, including engineering, producing and mixing. A difficult album to decipher, Finally Free seems to get more obtuse as each song goes by. Initially in keeping with the sort of Rolling Thunder Revue vibe of his last couple of albums, it then goes out on several limbs, especially in the vocal department, where he seems to be exploring east Indian melodies and approaches. Frankly, some of it works for me, some of it doesn’t but, either way, Daniel remains one of the best and most intriguing rock artists going these days. (http://www.danielromanomusic.com)
16. Danny Goffey – Schtick
The 2nd solo album (the first was in 2015 under the name ‘Vangoffey’) by the former Supergrass drummer which, once again, makes clear just how much input he had into the writing and arrangements of that band’s music. Less cerebral and more just plain fun than bandmate Gaz Coombes post ‘Grass work. (http://dannygoffey.com)
17. Kurt Vile – Bottle It In
As with Courtney Barnett, I’m sometimes conflicted about Kurt Vile and what I hear as a tendency to wing it more than getting down to the work of writing songs. But he wears it so well. The vibe is seductive and I find myself drawn in consistently. Of course Kurt’s time spent playing as a founding member of War On Drugs is audible. This is ‘Stoner Rock’ in feel, if not in practice. Gotta give a shout-out to Kurt’s fantastic performance of “Rollin With The Flow,” a song written by Jerry Hayes, first recorded by country artist T.G. Sheppard in 1974, followed by Charlie Rich’s hit version in 1977. (http://www.kurtvile.com)
18. Courtney Barnett – Tell Me How You Really Feel
Essentially Courtney’s 2nd full-length and another fine addition to her catalog. But I must admit, I worry that her loose, off-the-cuff approach to the songwriting could wear thin if it doesn’t grow from its wonderfully amateur, innocent beginnings. (https://courtneybarnett.com.au)
19. Luluc – Sculptor
The 3rd album by this Australian folk duo. Their focus on, and dedication to, the music has been apparent from the beginning. To watch them blossom, fine-tuning everything as they go, has been a rewarding ride. And this is a group that is not afraid of hard work, they are constantly at it - writing, recording and playing live! (http://lulucmusic.com)
20. Buxton – Stay Out Late
Album #5 from this Houston, TX indie rock band. Hyperintelligent words married to democratically composed musical beds. (https://www.buxtonband.com)
21. Color TV – self-titled
An impressive new, young, punk band from Minneapolis. Solid playing, great songs. Awesome live. (https://colorteevee.bandcamp.com)
22. Son Of The Velvet Rat – The Late Show (LIVE)
Here in LA, we’re rarely treated to full-band shows by Austria’s Son Of The Velvet Rat so this live recording is especially welcome. Hearing the principals, George & Heike, play with a rhythm section is very exciting. And don’t miss George’s lead guitar break on “Do You Love Me? - it’s a knockout. (http://sonofthevelvetrat.com)
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Paul McCartney – Egypt Station
This one’s a real personal conundrum for me. The man is my all-time favorite musical artist and has been since 1964. On the one hand, the good songs on this new album (nine out of sixteen by my count) stand with the best work Paul’s done post-Fabs. The music is uniformly outstanding and the production is phenomenal, some of the best I’ve ever heard. On the other hand, many of the lyrics are so genuinely awful, it’s hard to stomach. The other day a friend of mine referred to Paul as “the laziest lyric writer in rock n’ roll” and I winced a knowing wince. The words have been a thorn in his side off and on for fifty years so it’s not exactly a new thing, but for some reason it really got to me this time. Is there no one in Paul McCartney’s camp that could have talked him out of releasing “Fuh You”? “Come On To Me”? “People Want Peace”? (https://www.paulmccartney.com)
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Singles
Angus & Julia Stone
- Chateau (Arty Remix) – a super-cool remix by Russian-born DJ ‘Arty’ (released 7/6/18), a song from A&J’s 2017 album, Snow.
- Chateau (acoustic) – not just an acoustic version but a complete re-recording of the song (rel. 10/19/18)
- Youngblood - cover of a song by the Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds Of Summer (rel. 11/12/18)
- Passionfruit – cover of a song by Canadian rapper, Drake (rel. 11/23/18)
- Chateau (Holmsey Remix) (rel. 12/21/18)
- The Hanging Tree - cover of a song from The Hunger Games soundtrack, originally sung by actress, Jennifer Lawrence (rel. 2/24/14)
Nuthin like a bunch of non-LP/digital-only A&J singles to get my heart racing! It’s been an active couple of years for the Stones. Enormous success in their homeland (Australia) and Europe has allowed them the freedom to work when they choose. What with the Snow album having been a 2017 release, and assuming it would be at least another year or two before there’d be a new one, I figured it’d be a while before we heard new recordings of any kind. This slew of singles comes as an unexpected but very welcome surprise.
“Chateau” is one of the key songs from the Snow album, which makes the two inventive remixes and stunning alternate acoustic version especially cool and interesting to hear.
Angus & Julia have had fun with covers in the past taking on songs by artists from Joni Mitchell (“River”) to The National (“Bloodbuzz Ohio”) to Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta (“You’re The One I Want”) and these three are tasty new additions, all done straight, without irony. It seems there’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure in Angus & Julia’s world. Just one more thing to admire about them (Note: “The Hanging Tree” had slipped under my radar when it was first released in 2014, I only discovered it in 2018). (http://angusandjuliastone.com)
Briston Maroney
Knoxville boy, American Idol contestant, now signed to Atlantic. My boy, Autry, turned me onto these two songs.
– Freakin’ Out On The Interstate
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnmuCqD7TLg)
- June
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XyWUcvCtO0)
Ollie MN
I know nothing about this singer but love this song. Another one Autry played for me.
– Please Never Fall In Love Again
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CQqLx9SDcA)
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Reissues / Archival
The Beatles – The White Album– Super Deluxe Edition
6 CDs, a DVD and a hard bound book full of information on the original recordings and reissue procedure. There’s so much that’s great about this box set – the alternate takes, the session photos and notes, the remixing and remastering - but the one thing that maybe stands above everything else for me are the voices. The quality of what the three main singers do off the cuff is astounding. Even on demos where it’s obvious they’re only laying down a rough guide vocal, they open their mouth and the proverbial doves fly out! To be witness to these sessions is a mind blowing privilege. (https://thebeatlesstore.com/products/the-beatles-white-album-super-deluxe-edition)
Bob Dylan – More Blood, More Tracks – The Bootleg Series Vol. 14
The complete New York and Minneapolis sessions for what many think is Dylan’s greatest album. As with all releases in The Bootleg Series, this is meticulously put together with detailed liner notes, photographs and memorabilia (including many handwritten lyrics). Journalist Pete Hammill, who wrote the original, Grammy-winning liners for Blood On The Tracks, calls the album “A hard, cold-blooded poem.” Dylan himself described the album’s unorthodox relation to time like this: “You’ve got yesterday, today and tomorrow all in the same room.” Dylan’s focus on these recordings is awe-inspiring. Again, to be a fly on the wall for sessions the magnitude of these is a wildly exciting gift! And who knew the ‘Blood’ cover art was a manipulated photograph?! All these years I thought it was a painting! (https://www.bobdylan.com)
David Bowie – The Lost Sessions
An archival, European copyright loophole live compilation. In this case, mostly excellent UK radio shows recorded between 1966 -‘72, with a couple of interview snippets, songs ranging from the 1st album through Ziggy. All pretty remarkable versions and well worth owning this comp for. But the big attraction here is an unexplained 1970 studio outtake on Disc Two - a heretofore unreleased song called “Tired Of My Life.” A suitably weary vocal delivery (much like the same year’s sublime confessional B-side “Conversation Piece”), this lyric contains the line: “Put a bullet in my brain and I make all the papers” which would turn up a decade later, in another song called “It’s No Game” on the Scary Monsters album.
I always found the cover of obscure 60s singer-songwriter-comedian Biff Rose’s “Fill Your Heart” on Hunky Dory to be one of Bowie’s most charming performances. That song is included here as well as a 2nd Rose cover, “Buzz The Fuzz.” Bowie’s fondness for Rose is a fascinating footnote in the charting of his musical course. Another one of the many artists that Bowie championed and helped bring to the attention of a wider audience, largely by just being a fan himself. (https://www.discogs.com/David-Bowie-The-Lost-Sessions-Rare-Radio-Recordings/release/12753859)
Frank Zappa – Lumpy Money
Dunno how I missed this one. A 50th anniversary 3-CD set released in 2008, featuring remastered versions of the 3rd and 4th Zappa/Mothers Of Invention albums Lumpy Gravy and We’re Only In It For The Money, oodles of outtakes, alternate sequencing, in depth liner notes by David Fricke, and assorted memorabilia. I could go on and on about these records but, briefly - I was 14 when I first heard them in 1968. They fired my imagination and made it clear that, in what we loosely call rock n’ roll, anything goes. Along with Grace Slick, Frank Zappa was one of my first encounters with a true iconoclast. With his virtuosic band, he presented a way of thinking and making music that was revelatory to me. My friends and I played these records endlessly, literally memorizing them. Hearing them again now, it’s shocking to me how I still remember every note, word, belch, nuance. Worth noting: both Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton appear on the album. Hendrix turned up for the Sgt. Pepper’s spoof album cover photo shoot; and Clapton contributed a “male speaking part.” This music still thrills me fifty years later, a major piece in the foundation of my musical upbringing. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lumpy_Money_Project/Object)
Songs Of Willie Dixon – various artists
Promo-only 2-CD BMG Publishing Compilation (of recordings done between 1951-2006)
Artists ranging from The Big Three Trio, to Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Little Walter, and Dixon himself. Like a Songwriting 101 class. Educational and fun, one of my most-played things of the year. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Dixon)
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Live (in LA unless otherwise noted)
January
19 - Inara George – The Mason Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (one of the best live music venues in the LA area)
25 – Bahamas - The Mason Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (again!)
February
9 – Leslie Stevens – Bob Baker Marionette Theater
March
13 – Gaz Coombes – The Echo
23 – Broncho – The Echo
24 – The World Record – Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill
25 – Elle Belle – The Bootleg Bar
April
11 – Rex Orange County – The Shrine
June
10 – Chris Stamey – Federal Bar
20 – Elle Belle – Resident
26 – Middle Kids – The Lodge Room
July
24 – Roger McGuinn & Chris Hillman with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives - Sweetheart Of The Rodeo 50th Anniversary Show – Theater at Ace Hotel
August
3 – Courtney Barnett – The Grammy Museum
16 – Criminal Hygiene – Taix
22 – Blake Brown - Hotel Cafe
25 – Peter Holsapple – Wild Honey Backyard Show
September
8 – Charlie Burg – Roxbury Park
11 – Arthur Buck – Teragram Ballroom
15 – Tommy Stinson – Muse
24 – Gaz Coombes – The Echo
27 – The Suburbs! – The Whisky!
October
3 – John Lennon Imagine reissue panel – The Grammy Museum
6 – Criminal Hygiene – Poinsettia Park
8 – Kacy & Clayton / Jeff Tweedy – Theater at Ace Hotel
16 – Color TV – Resident
23 – Roger Daltrey – autobiography book event / Q&A – Aratani Theater
27 – Bill Sullivan – Lemon Jail book event – Book Soup
28 – Ocean Blue – The Echoplex
29 – Criminal Hygiene – The Echo
November
6 – The Barr Bros. – Theater at The Ace Hotel
9 – NRBQ – McCabe’s
18 – Freedy Johnston, Syd Straw, Jimmer Podrasky – Wild Honey Backyard Show
December
7 – Nic Armstrong – solo – Hotel Café
13 – Ronnie Schneider (Rolling Stones U.S. tour mgr 1965, ’66, ’69) – Out Of Our Heads book event – Beyond Baroque
19 – Criminal Hygiene – The Hi Hat
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Charlie Burg - Roxbury Park, Beverly Hills – Saturday, September 8th
This was one of the best musical experiences I had all year, and one of the most heartwarming experiences I’ve ever had, period. Autry had discovered Charlie while surfing various music sites in the spring. Charlie is a singer-songwriter, incorporating old and new styles in a fresh way – sorta folky, sorta jazzy, a little hip hop-ish. When Autry found out Charlie was coming to LA but playing at Hotel Café (a 21 and over club), he wrote to him via Instagram, saying he and his high school friends were devastated they wouldn’t be able to see the show. Charlie wrote back a day or two later, saying he had decided to play in a park in Beverly Hills at noon the day after the HC show and to come on down. Autry rallied about 20 of his pals to go. Another few people turned up, having seen the post on social media. Charlie arrived shortly after 12:00, sat down on the grass and proceeded to play. And play. And play! The kids were thrilled out of their minds, wide-eyed, looking like it was Christmas morning. Gradually, they started singing along here and there. Charlie encouraged them so they sang more. It’s worth pointing out that Autry and all of the kids he brought were diehard school choir members. This was not lost on Charlie. I must admit, Jennifer & I were fighting back tears at several points (as was Charlie), it was just so damn beautiful. All in all, this went on for close to three hours. An unforgettable experience for everyone present! (https://charlieburgmusic.bandcamp.com)
A New Discovery
Some of the best music I heard in 2018 won’t be released until 2019. An A&R friend of mine had signed a new LA band to a record deal and asked if I’d be interested in writing their bio. I asked to hear the music first. He sent the finished album. I was FLOORED. The band is called Criminal Hygiene and I think they are writing some of the best catchy garage-rock songs I’ve heard in eons. Influenced by everything from The New York Dolls, to Big Star, Tommy Keene and The Replacements – right up my alley! Their new album, Run It Again, comes out on Dangerbird Records on March 1st. Highly recommended! And, btw, they kill it live too! (https://criminalhygiene.bandcamp.com)
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R.I.P.
Geoff Emerick, D.J. Fontana, Danny Kirwan, Marty Balin, Mickey Jones, Aretha Franklin, Pete Shelley, Tony Joe White
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Thank you as ever for reading.