Jesse Wagner
Knoxville / Graphic Composer
I blame the ipod. I am restless and my attention is shorter than ever. Having too many options and too many good albums just at fingers reach has made for a melancholy musical appetite. So what is a person to do? Dunno? Carefully planned listening times? Therapy listening. Self help books on the musically disenchanted? Bah! I don’t know. We will see how 2008 treats me musically.
1. The Books - Live at the Bijou Theatre, TN
Who knew that all those sounds and music all had corresponding visual counterparts. I was sold on just the audio experience of this duo but the visuals make this made for NPR band made for PBS.
2. The Flight of the Chonchords
I need humor. I cried more from laughter from these two guys than I have in a very long time. God bless them Kiwi’s. I have a new respect for the comedy folk genre.
3. Radiohead / In Rainbows
< Enter praise for band that never really seems to run out of ways to do things their own way and get away with it, all while making amazing music >
4. Deerhoof / Friend Opportunity
Even loosing a guitarist doesn’t effect the potent Deerhoof hook. I have been obsessed with this band for a while but this album is tops in my book. If I were a man and you a dog, I would buy this album for you...
5. The Good The Bad And the Queen / S/T
Loved Blur. Gorillaz were novel. So this is the happiest marriage I could image of the two. This is also what I listened to when I didn’t know what to listen to. With David Albarn, a former Clash man, and Danger Mouse at the helm, what is not to love.
6. “Atomic” / Blondie / Eat to the beat
Der dir der derrrrrr... never gets old.
7. Dinosaur Jr. (Original lineup), Live at the Valarium, TN
A band reunites, a venue revamps, and my ears bleed as I wait for Lou to stab J on stage. I am still waiting.
8. The Besnard Lakes / The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse
The dreamy soundtrack sung to a weepy midwest anthem. Cue the goosebumps...
9. Boris with Michio Kurihara / Rainbow
Moody Drone japanese guitar, need I say more.
10. Spoon / Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
More specifically, “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” and “Underdog.” Just two songs, on repeat, over and over and over. It has yet to get old. I become more of a fan with every album by these guys.