Nothing Better Than Sax (In The 80's)

There's been something severely lacking from Chart Pop music of late, and not just talking about the quality. No i'm referring instead to a time when music was concerned not only with colourful clothing, impossible hairstyles and cheesy power chords; but also with a fascination for the Saxophone.

Oh yes, there was a time when it was the almighty Sax that would take the spotlight and blow us away (no pun intended) for a few bars - providing in most cases the apex to a song's climax. The guitar solo may have gone through a million transitions (and remain popular today) in pop and rock music, but it was in the decade of the 1980's that the sound of a blaring horn marked a pop classic. It's something i think is sorely missed in moder music, sure there may have been some great solos before (Pink Floyd's Money, Born To Run, The Logical Song) and since (anything by Dave Matthews Band) but that cheesy centrepoint of the pop song was never richer than it was between 1980-1989.

Hearing those Sax solos today is not only nostalgic, but also sound as powerful as the first time they cut through the synths and electric drums to provide some fist pumping energy. I'm not really sure how it started or when it fell out of fashion, but following is a list celebrating...

The Best Sax Solos of the '80's:

George Harrison - Got My Mind Set On You (from Cloud Nine, 1987)
My earliest memory of any song is of George Harrison's chart hit three years after i was born. It was on a 45 7 inch vinyl single and i remember the label distinctly as it featured drawings of wild horses charging around the circumference of the record, because of the label, Dark Horse. To my infant tongue it thus became known as "The Horse Song." There's something fitting i think in knowing that the first song i can ever remembering listening to is by a Beatle, and Horse Song or no, it also contains a brilliant Saxophone solo that perfectly encircled the electro drums with its ever rising phrases and mimicking the earlier guitar solo in its melody as the song fades towards its close. It's still those brass-fuelled notes that ring in my head when i think of the nostalgic joy this song brings.

Tina Turner - Simply The Best (from Foreign Affair, 1989)
Although it didn't come to prominence till the early '90s, this is an unabashed '80s song in sound, tone and spirit. Produced by the legendary Mike Chapman, Turner's voice rides a wave of warm synths and snapping snare drum (another trademark of the decade) till it reaches the bridge and it's lyrics of "I can feel it even when i'm alone/Oh baby... don't let go," BAM! right on the key change comes the sax and the song rides its euphoric impact with a repeat of the chorus until the song's finish.




Boy Meets Girl - Waiting For A Star To Fall (from Reel Life, 1988)
Although it has since been bastardized with a number of cheap dance remakes and mixes, none have managed to capture the spirit of the original. Perhaps precisely because they all lack the saxophone. First appearing in the opening, it makes its triumphant return during the chorus towards the song's end, following the typical verse/chorus/middle 8/chorus structure of most 80's pop songs.

Spandau Ballet - Gold
(from True, 1983)
...and bucking that structure ever so slightly is the subtler solo of Spandau Ballet. Although it was the title track of this album that arguably spawned the bigger single, complete with a sax solo of its own, it's this track that is better. Cued by percussion, the sax solo opts for mystery and restraint as opposed to the scores of OTT blowing that make up this list. The accompanying video filmed in what looks like a Morrocan brothel more than made up for the lacking cheesiness (see for yourself).


George Michael/Wham! - Careless Whisper (from Make It Big, 1984)
Technically this isn't a solo, but how could this yearning slice of unrequited romance possibly work without its swooning Tenor melody? Luckily messrs Michael and Ridgely made the wiser choice for which time will never forget. Against reverberated keyboard, Spanish-lite guitar and of course Michael's expressive vocal comes bursting forth the brass, and the way it cycles on itself means it could conceivably play forever.


Beach Boys - Kokomo
(from the Cocktail soundtrack, 1988)
After basically breaking up in a fug of drugs, bad blood and sour musicianship in the 70's, the Beach Boys returned with a contribution to the Tom Cruise vehicle, Cocktail. Albeit the group were in an amputated form, most notably sans their figurehead Brian Wilson, but that didn't stop them adopting a successful mix of their earlier surf sound harmonies and 80's music technology and style. Which included, of course, a sax solo.



Billy Joel - It's Still Rock N Roll To Me (from Glass Houses, 1980)
Better known, obviously, as the piano man than anything else but during the decade Billy Joel underwent a reinvention that attempted to incorporate new musical styles into his more classical sound. More synths and cannier production was common among popular artists making the transition from earlier decades (Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan come to mind), but Joel came upon a winner when he penned this self-effacing and ironic hit. Oh did i forget to mention the great 50's style solo?

Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes - I've Had The Time Of My Life
& Eric Carmen - Hungry Eyes
(from the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, 1987 )
At a time when the movie soundtrack tie-in was hitting its stride, here we have two great pop songs featuring sax solos on the one disc. The former is one of the most famous duets of the decade, while the latter was a permanent fixture of popular radio at the time. Though i think anyone would struggle to remember either of these artists, or indeed any of their songs, if it wasn't for their time in the sun with the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.

Men At Work - Who Can It Be Now? (from Business As Usual, 1982)
Australian acts were perhaps the biggest culprits when it came to perpetuating the saxophone as a lead instrument in the 80's band formation, and perhaps this is all due to Men At Work and their saxophone-driven song of 82. Predating their world-conquering "Down Under" single, this reggae-influenced cut took a very simple Sax phrase to punctuate its chorus, and an even simpler solo to round things out.

Icehouse - Electric Blue
(from Man of Colours, 1987)
The trend continues with the Sydney-born Icehouse and the song they co-wrote with John Oates (of Hall & Oates) who must have recommended the use of a Saxophone solo. It gave them their highest charting song in America and it was one of the first that came to mind when i began dreaming up this list. It's of the yearning, romantic persuasion and is a snug contrast to the chugging guitars and arena-sized drums.



INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (from Kick, 1987)
Rounding out the third Australian entry is INXS and their chart-assaulting Kick album, this power ballad was a bit off the beaten path for the group's usual brand of whip-smart rock songs. Michael Hutchence's cocky demeanor is bolstered into a soothing croon here as the keyboard strings hold the rhythm against Ennio Morricone style guitars, and what better excuse for a brief, yet rousing, sax solo than another teary eyed song about love?

David Bowie - Blue Jean
(from Tonight, 1984)
It's a little known fact that Bowie cut his musical teeth on the saxophone, it was one of the first instruments he practised and made full use of throughout his career, particularly on the plastic soul of his Young Americans album. The 80's saw him continue to spotlight his early love even as squealing guitars, keyboards and double-tracked vocals began to enter the fray. The culmination of which is probably 1983's Let's Dance with its rubbery brass, but since the single edit foolishly cut it out, Bowie must be represented instead by the later single, Blue Jean. So although the Saxophone on Blue Jean isn't so much a solo as a series of short phrases and melodies that punctuate his new romantic ballad, it stands as a representative of it's writer's constant saxophone patronage (now there's a sentence i never thought i'd write).

John Farnham - You're The Voice (from Whispering Jack, 1986)
Obviously Johnny never got the memo, and provided a solo with the wrong instrument. Instead he provides possibly the greatest use of the Bagpipes in a rock song... ever. If you're a fan of this song you simply must check out its hilarious use in the movie Hot Rod







Until next time, keep the saxophone alive with this megamix mp3 i've compiled. I apologise in advance for the rough cuts and poor quality, i was using a very primitive (because its very free) audio editing program, nonetheless if you're too lazy to find these songs individually i've pared it down to the saxophone stardom.
Enjoy: 80's Sax Megamix.mp3

Still Alive (to be sung to the tune of GlaDos)

An obscure reference to kick things so that you know that despite it being a full month since my last post (ouch) i am still, well... alive.

And to prove i've not been completely lethargic in the passing month, here's my latest contributions to The Scene including R.E.M.'s latest and Counting Crow's first album in six years, Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings.

Also i've recently set up an account over at Mp3.com.au with the sole purpose of unearthing entirely new talent, i'm still a bit green around the gills but i can already highly recommend a little Sydney based three piece called Decorated Generals. You can expect a full feature sometime in the near future.

So i've managed to dodge the main question - which is why have i been out of action for so long? Particularly when there's been a sled-load of new releases? The simple answer is i've been very busy with finishing up a Comedy Festival show, Porky Pies and in kicking off the Melbourne Comedy Law Revue. Far be it for me to plug things that aren't music related, but hey if you like my writing maybe you'll like my comedy.

Anyways i plan a proper post very very soon, which will include ramblings on Birthday songs (I just turned 24 on April 19th... oh thank you) and 80's Sax Solos. Two things which have become a rarity in music culture of late, until then tide yourself over in the safe knowledge that elbow's new album, The Seldom Seen Kid, could well be the album of the year.

Speak Soon

Who? What? Wow - Two!

If you've arrived from my old Facebook persona - then welcome, i hope you enjoy the new look and format. Never fear, as always i'll be providing you with my wholly unique rants on the world of music.

Here's my latest on The Scene, namely - a review of Autechre's latest album Quaristice and the debut album from Liverpool's The Wombats.

Now i realise (from the post date) that it's been nearly a month since I spotlighted ten of the best albums by bands you've never heard of. It's been very busy in my world as of late, and to be honest not many new releases (though that should soon change) so i thought i'd give you all another round of artists you've probably never had the pleasure of hearing, and so... *drum roll please*

More Albums By Artists You've Never Heard Of.

All the stipulations from the last post apply (including usual thanks to link providers). This time however, the rank shouldn't be taken too seriously, think of this as just another 7 that didn't have the time or space to address the first time around. And without further ado...

1. The Hoosiers - The Trick To Life (2008)
Let's start with a newie shall we, The Hoosiers are a band you've probably never heard of... yet, a three piece act from England who have already ranked some radio airtime in their makeshift hits Goodbye Mr. A and Worried About Ray.

They are very much a pop guitar band, but more in the mould of 70's pop acts such as Supertramp and XTC. The aforementioned Goodbye Mr. A is heavily reminiscent ofElectric Light Orchestra's Mr Blue Sky with its sunny harmonies and bright keyboards. Not a bad thing by any means and their (now locally released) debut album The Trick to Life manages to be true to the band's claim that it will "surprise people who only know our 2 singles." Worst Case Scenario is another hit in waiting with the same quality, but with a leaning towards the Arctic Monkeys crowd with its faster tempo and percussive energy. While Run Rabbit Run and Everything Goes Dark enlist some lush instrumentation to complement vocalist Irwin Sparke's confident falsetto. The horns and sing-a-long card up the sleeve of Goodbye Mr. A is reused on Killer while the title track demonstrates the groups darker sensibility that lies beneath the glossy production.If their as comfortable with the pop industry as they are with their music you can expect to be hearing a lot more of The Hoosiers in 2008.
You should hear it if: you're a fan of the 70's pop revival group The Feeling/you enjoy whipsmart singles and a deeper album to couch them
download Worst Case Scenario here
as well as Worried About Ray

2. Pure Reason Revolution - The Dark Third (2006)
Having been tagged as "Astral Folk", supported Porcupine Tree and described as "brilliantly atmospheric" by former Yes guru, Rick Wakeman - it's easy to see why Pure Reason Revolution are spearheading a new form of progressive rock. Signing to SonyBMG after only a single EP, they then set about crafting epic 12 minute long singles before bolstering together their debut, The Dark Third.

Featuring gothic sculpture on their artwork and well-versed titles such as Bullits Dominæ and The Bright Ambassadors of Morning (named after a line from a Pink Floyd song), the progressive rock influence remains overt. While their influences are obvioulsy writ large on their sound, their music is wholly devoid of the pretensions of their 70's forebears. The album is in parts energetic, thanks to some crunchy riffs, and organic thanks to its seamless transitions between tracks and some great violin work.

Shockingly confident and cohesive considering the sheer ambition of its work, The Dark Third, takes in all the vocals, instruments, sounds and ideas the seven-piece outfit can conjure while never getting chaotic or carried away in its grandiose elements. Hopefully their second album, currently in production, can reach the same standard and lift the band's profile along with it.
You should hear it if: bands that can fulfill the complex demand of music long, intricate and full of intelligent ideas - and possibly even a few singalongs.
Check out the band's MySpace for a slew of audio samples

3. Phaser - Sway (2003)
Having released a slew of EPs before disintegrating in 2005 it's a shame that this was the group's only album. Steeped in ambience and reverberation, the Washington DC band's sole record is reminiscent of the shoegazing scene of the early 90's, employing dreamy feedback and droning songs guided by the laidback vocals of brothers Siayko and Boris Skalsky. Cloaked in a warm haze of production, much like Doves, these songs build and warp off of key ideas and melodies. Baby Blue and the title track in particular, with their ever building dynamics and the latter's use of layered female vocals washed into the effect of a gospel choir, drawing an instant aural relation to Spiritualized. A tactic later repeated on the bluesy Sweet Marie.

Interestingly Boris Skalsky has since gone on to from Dead Heart Bloom whose music, while personally i think not as good, is available for free from the band's website.
A mix of acoustic and string backed songs that lacks the misty aura of his previous work.

Sway maintains its dreamy aesthetic for the entirety of the album, and while its mysterious artwork and familiar sounds means it was probably hard to stand out of the pack at the time - its an album worthy of attention, not just pleasant background music.
You should hear it if: you enjoy the music of Doves or The Cure/want an ambient alternative to Interpol
listen to opening track Are You There?
and second track Life & Illusion

4. Fourth Floor Collapse - Half Deserted Streets (2001)
Once there was a time when i was convinced, and told people, that this was the 'Australian OK Computer.' Heady praise indeed and in the intervening years, and two disappointing follow-up albums, I've come to concede that this was perhaps over-hyped on my behalf. But such was my enthusiasm and excitement for discovering them at the time.

Hailing from Perth and found only through a random listen in a Fish records shop in Sydney, Fourth Floor Collapse seemed to come from nowhere. The cold evocative artwork of a snowy ghost town caught my eye, while the epic-laden atmosphere of opening track Precursor caught my ear. Michael Miller's stark vocals were also intriguing, with a clear Australian drawl but also a yearning vulnerability that really manages to sell the drama such as on Risk "I've spent my whole life avoiding chances/ I've dreamt whole lives that i've never acted on"

While Made Believe was heralded as the album's single, the record is devoid of such moorings. It's designed as a piece you sit down and listen to all the way through. Even wiith its rich diversity of music and lyrical themes it still manages to sound like the work of a single band. Unfortunately i would argue that the band would never reach the same heights as this, their debut, with a series of dramatic line up changes and a dive into a more mainstream rock affinity with later albums From The Cold and Books With Broken Spines. Still this remains their chief achievement that while not as popular or successful as Radiohead's finest moment, in its dying moments of Another Push and Aetheist's Lament still reminds me heavily of a time when they could of been.
You should hear it if: you enjoy any of the groups listed on the band's links page Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Wilco, The Frames and even Sunny Day Real Estate
check out a sample of Made Believe

5. Wheat - Hope & Adams (1999)
The three members that collectively make up indie act Wheat are a reclusive lot, members Scott Levesque, Ricky Brennan and Brendan Harney have released a meagre four albums in just under a decade; and despite the time and effort that obviously goes into them, they always sound like very casual affairs. None more so than the eclectic Hope & Adams. Buoyed by the radio popularity of Don't I Hold You, the group's second album is a far different beast. While Don't I Hold You it's beautiful earnestness and shining arpeggios demonstrate how Wheat aren't afraid to sing emphatically about love and relationships, neither are they going to shy away from their avant-garde impulses.

In this way they are the master of juxtaposition. San Diego combines a strange lyric and catching melody with a squashy, jagged electronic squiggle. "Your love is a parking lot/with pot holes and faded lines/and the kids don't hang bacause the cops just chase them out." While off the pedestal contains the jarring lines "wait there i'll find my shotgun shells/and aim to blow you off the pedestal" against an innocent enough musical backdrop.

While later albums, such as the Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips) produced Per Second, Per Second, Per Second... Every Second, ironed out some of their stranger quirks (even including a shiny new version of Don't I Hold You). It is with Hope & Adams that the band are the most memorable, totally alternative and totally unapologetic for it. It is the sound of ideas and sketches made into music.
You should hear it if: you like your music in turns quirky/heartfelt/weird/honest. Or you don't mind your favourite band releasing an album every three or four years.
D/L Don't I Hold You and Raised Ranch Revolution

6. The Features - Exhibit A (2004)
The Features are the perfect example of a band who 'slipped under the radar.' There is really no excuse why their best song from Exhibit A, the 'happy if you know it' hooks of Blow It Out shouldn't have been a big hit all over except for the fact that they just didn't stand out from the crowd of Strokes-obsessed Franz Ferdinand-alike bands smothering them in the early Oughties.

Every cut comes in at around the two or three minute mark, a concentrated blast of ramshackle rock with Matthew Pelham's impassioned vocals hinting at the anger and hysteria of a man about to crack. Perhaps sounding exactly how you'd expect from the kind of person who writes songs called Exorcising Demons and There's A Million Ways To Sing The Blues. The musical equivalents are like blistering pirate shanties. Visceral, cutting and with a view for bawdy choruses. They provide that sense of fun over letting loose and getting a bit dirty, even if the subject matter is sometimes downtrodden.

Having since followed their debut album with an EP entitled Contrast, the inactivity on the band's official blog doesn't abode well. If, tragically, this remains their sole contribution to music, then they should still be very proud. Do yourself a favour next time you're trawling through the bargain bin of your local record store and pick up an album worth far more than its discounted price tag will attest.
You should hear it if: you like punchy, crunchy guitar rock that proves you don't have to owe debts to your musical influences to have fun.
Watch the video for the excellent Blow it Out
Also listen to Me & The Skirts, The Idea of Growing Old and Exorcising Demons

7. Faultline - Your Love Means Everything (2002)
Plastered with a promotional sticker that advertised collaborations with Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips) at the height of all those acts' popularity - its hard to argue that Faultline, aka musician/producer David Kosten, didn't get his time in the sun. But even with a re-release two years on, it remains an album that is still wholly underrated.

Sashaying between gorgeous electronica and gorgeous electronica plus vocals, the record's twelve tracks display Kosten's skill in production and arrangement. Warm acoustic guitars, unobtrusive drums and lilting melodies make for the bulk of the soundtrack while those collaborations break things up. Michael Stipe is on melancholy mode on Green Fields while Wayne Coyne injects his usual persona into The Colossal Gray Sunshine. The star of the album however is undoubtedly Chris Martin.

First appearing on Where Is My Boy? the music perfectly complements Martin's two most powerful vocal timbres, first by couching his hushed lower register with restrained instrumentation before building to aid his crying upper register as he swan dives towards the song's climax. Even better is the title track, or rather closing track Your Love Means Everything (pt 2) which along with it's Chris Martin-less instrumental pt 1 bookends the album. With some achingly beautiful keyboard accompaniment Martin coos "It was a strange reaction/for someone like you to remain so sure/And in a chain reaction/I dissolve and break and then away I crawl." The resulting effect is at once sad, beautiful and mysterious.

Combined the two represent the zenith of Kosten's collaborative endeavor, the Faultline moniker provides the guest artists with a new musical landscape in which to play while simulataneously bringing along the clout and familiarity inherent in their styles.
You should hear it if: if you're a fan of smart electronica or of any of the collaborators' bands (well DUH!)
those collaborations in full: Grey Colossal Sunshine,
Greenfields
and Your Love Means Everything (Pt. 2)

There we have it, hopefully next time it won't be a month before we meet again. With impending releases from Muse, Elbow and Camille. I somehow doubt it.

Till then, a quick plug for the non-music related.
I'm reprising my role as DJ DJ in the excellent comedy, Porky Pies, more details and ticket bookings at Porky Pies website.
As well as that i'm auditioning for the 2008 University of Melbourne Comedy Law Revue (whooh), check out the excellent video over at YouTube
then tell everyone you know about it at the Facebook group

Till next time i remain Al

Who? What? Wow!

Ok before we begin, here's some writings of mine if you're interested. Firstly my fawning over the new Mars Volta album, and a review of Sufjan's gig last January and of Rivers Cuomo of Weezer's demo collective ...and break.

Once Upon A Time i could have honestly said "hey have you heard of this lil' band called Interpol?" and once i played a cover of 'Yellow' in a band just a few years shy of Coldplay's domination of the world. At risk of sounding arrogant, selfish or worst of all over-hyped - i've always wanted to be the person who champions great new music, or at least the guy with great taste.
And as inevitably as great bands find their audience and become huge (hey you should check these guys, lil' Montreal band called The Arcade Fire), there will be much great music that whatever reason just doesn't get there.

My latest list will focus on the bands, albums and music that has slipped under the radar.

TOP 10 ALBUMS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
as usual a few quid pro quos before the list begins.

• i realise that the title is presumptious and that some of you WILL have heard of these selections before. After all, my readership is made up of my friends, but before you grill me or show me up respect that "Obscure Bands That You May Or May Not Have Had Foisted Upon You In One Of My CD Compilations" just isn't as catchy

• This isn't some attempt to get indie street cred in citing rare EP's or willfully obscure music (although that isn't to say that some of this stuff won't be difficult to track down), but these are artists and music that i think is genuinely worth the time and effort it takes in locating them. They deserve better attention.

• as usual, where available i'll provide clips so you can hear what i'm writing about and thanks in advance to the websites that provide links, and if you want it taken down just e-mail me at skirmishbass14@hotmail.com

10. V.A.S.T. - V.A.S.T. (1998)
There was a time, circa the late 90's, when V.A.S.T. were touted as the next big thing. Years of record label battles, tired writing and yes, even some attempt at recreating past glories meant that V.A.S.T. - which early on was really a moniker for multi-instrumentalist Jon Crosby - fell by the wayside. They are still around and comfortably releasing music through their website, but back in 1998 their self-titled debut was something special.
Although you wouldn't know it from some of the bad marketing, promo stickers at the time featured a quote from Lars Ulrich (drummer for Metallica): "it's like Enya crossed with The Prodigy" and i have to admit that "Dirty Hole" now sounds like Moby's evil brother, but there's no denying the coolness in sampling monks chanting and gregorian choirs mixed with industrial rock. It shouldn't work (Prodigy and Enya!?) but it does. This album has its quieter, and undeniably beatuiful, moments too such as the Cello-led ballad "Flames" and one of my favourite love songs of all time: the album closer "You."
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: You ever watched Angel, your name is M. Millikan or J. Davies
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you want a more organic Nine Inch Nails, you like your brooding goth rock to be heartfelt
some videos here

9. GAY DAD - TRANSMISSION (2001)
There aren't many rock journos who would put their money where there mouth is, Cliff Jones did. The former journalist for music rags The Face and Mojo magazine formed the riddick-ulously named Gay Dad back in 1994 working towards the band's debut of 1999, then had the chutzpah to announce the band's split on the eve of their second album, 2001's Transmission.
While it's the debut, Leisure Noise, that gets all the press i feel its their second album that does things better, a bizarre place where Britpop and American grunge meet under agreeable circumstances.
The yearning moments sounded like Smashing Pumpkins, while the krautrock of "Nightclub" and Suede-alike "Dinosaur" meant that they fitted snugly alongside the fallout of the 90's UK scene.
It may be harsh, but it's little surprise that Cliff Jones hasn't been heard from again, last heard he was working on a solo album and "a few projects" but that was nearly seven years ago. Still i'd still take the time to check out anything new he might have up his sleeve, and still make the time to listen to his old band's work.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: You were a writer for Mojo or The Face, you googled strange band names
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: if you like strange music to match the strange name, you like Britpop and Grunge equally
listen here and check out their myspace

8. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION - 76:14 (1994)
I picked this up at the CD stall at my old high school's annual fair one year and have since used its ambient charms as way of getting to sleep. In fact i can honestly say i can only really recall the first half of the album because it's always managed to lull me into a deep snooze, so potent is it's effect.
The title of the album, and subsequently each track, is named after its length. Hinting at the straightfoward ambience of the album, soothing synths and warm beats mixed into a hypnotic groove. Best exhibited by second track "14:31" that takes the ticking of a clock as its beat and builds a heady swath of colours and sounds upon it.
The fact that its been re-released a number of times in the 15 years since its inception goes to show how much the music has remained relevant, it doesn't ever really sound dated.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: you bought it from that same CD stall, you stumbled upon any of the re-releases
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you like a soundtrack to your bedtime, you enjoy the elite of ambient electronica
Some clips here

7. CAVE-IN - ANTENNA (2003)
I can't remember how i discovered Cave-In but the fact that they were handpicked to tour in support of Foo Fighters and Muse not long after this album was released ensures they were on my musical wavelength.
"Antenna" was their first album for new label RCA and considering their hardcore roots at Alt-Metal label Hyrda Head Records, its no surprise that their fourth album was a more polished affair, even mixed by Rich Costey (soon becoming ubiquitous thanks to his duties with Muse, Mars Volta and other bands i love).
What we have is straight up rock with a creative bent, "Inspire" unwittingly takes the "squealing little piggy" riff from Radiohead's "Paranoid Android" and creates an entirely different sounding beast while "Joy Opposites" and "Penny Racer" were radio-ready rockers.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: You lived in America and were a follower of the Alt-Metal scene
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: the above sentence makes you skeptical, You like any of the bands Rich Costey has mixed (Muse, Bloc Party, Mars Volta, Interpol, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World... the man's a god)
Some mp3s here: Inspire, Joy Opposites,Lost In The Air

6. LIFT TO EXPERIENCE - THE TEXAS-JERUSALEM CROSSROADS (2001)
If record sales were based on sheer weirdness, Lift To Experience would be high on the charts. Their one and only release is a two disc concept album about a Texas band who are requested by God to fulfill a prophecy concerning a Noah-like apocalypse, in return they become the biggest band in the world.
The reality however, is much harsher, despite raving cult acclaim the band have disintegrated leaving behind only this most unique and beautiful of albums.
A fitting epitaph, and the best description of their music, comes from their record label page: "Lift To Experience couldn’t be making music anywhere but Denton, Texas. But, like all the best rock’n’roll, their sound is both steeped in their immediate surroundings, their everyday lives, and utterly out of time."
Only a three-piece they craft huge swells of guitar and vocal harmonies reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. Like Buckley too, their music isn't soaking with religious sentiment yet contains a spiritual edge.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: you read any rave reviews comparing them to My Bloody Valentine, Nick Cave and yes... Jeff Buckley
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you think Christianity is a widely-accepted mythology, not a religion, or if you like concept albums that AREN'T about aliens or fantasy.
mp3s ahoy: Just As Was Told, Falling From Cloud 9

5. PILATE - CAUGHT BY THE WINDOW (2005)
Andy first introduced me to these guys, and the first thing that strikes you about Canadian group Pilate is their singer, Todd Clark. I've always had a theory that the best singers are not necessarily the most technical, but the most emotive. Clark however manages to stride both categories, managing booth cooing falsetto (see "Collide") and ravaged anger (on "Fall Down").
Their sound is made up of the usual rock band components, guitar, bass, drums and the occasional piano, and they manage to evoke (while not strictly sound like) Coldplay and Damien Rice. Possibly because their music and lyrics are engaging without shortchanging their musical enjoyability.
Their second album was a much angrier, chaotic affair; and strangely due to legal concerns they had to change the title from "Sell Control For Life's Speed" to "Into The West." Not only that but also their band name to Pilot Speed, which along with the new artwork makes them look like a Creed/Nickelback band. But be fooled not, their first album (and to a lesser extent their second) is a beautiful thing... something about a rose by any other name?
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: your mates with Hallam, you caught them as 'Pilot Speed' on The OC
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you admire incredibly soulful emotive frontmen, you're the kind of person that sings along as loud as you can in your car
mp3s Here: Into Your Hideout, Mercy

4. PROP - SMALL CRAFT, ROUGH SEA (2001)
Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes. Don't recognise the names? I'll give you a clue, they toured with The Dissociatives. Still stumped? Ok, they're better known as The Presets... but did you know that before that they were a keyboard and marimba player respectively in this breakthrough album. Small world eh?
Leaning into jazz and electronica but with melodies very much derived from xylophones vibraphone and the aforementioned marimba, Prop don't really sound like anyone else and quite a few leagues away from what was to become The Presets brand of dance-party music.
Measured, without vocals, progressive. It's a real shame that the Sydney five piece (Jeremy Barnett, Dave Symes and Jared Underwood make up the rest of the ensemble) never made another album. There was an okayish remix album featuring some cool acts such as Stereolab, Paul Mac and yes... even The Presets. But i can't help but think what Prop could have been, at least they left behind a near perfect album of cool instrumental music.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: you've lapped up everything Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes have done, you're a vibraphone maniac
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you like late-night music to drive/cook/make love to, you haven't yet lapped up everything by Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes
really hard to get music of these guys, but go here then click enter site, then today and the link to Prop to hear 'Portal'

3. THE KNIVES OF NEPTUNE - LAKES (2007)
I've been meaning to do something on these guys for a while, a review, spotlight of a track, something, and while i realise they've been getting a bit of airplay, i still think that enough of you won't have heard of them yet to give them the attention they deserve.
Admittedly i bought this album after only hearing a few clips on their MySpace site and thought it'd be a simple stop-gap before the next Mars Volta album. I'm glad i was proven wrong.
They're definitely a progressive rock band, the title of opening track Bildungsroman Number Two lets the cat out of the bag before you even hear its steadily building wash of chanting and noise rock. But the album is lent an organic and folky edge thanks to the abundance of piano and acoustic guitar. Ocassionally the heady mix of instruments and vocals can become a bit muddy, but considering this is an independent label release without the aid of a big budget record label its easily forgivable, its easier to admire the band's sheer ambition.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: you're a regular listener of Triple J or RRR, you enjoyed Fallopian Tube or Zero Point Defect
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: You're a fan of prog rock or Australian heavy music in any way shape or form
here be clips at MySpace and Last.Fm

2. CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG - 5:55 (2006)
Charlotte Gainsbourg is the daughter of French lothario Serge Gainsbourg (of Je t'aime... moi non plus fame) and her second album, 5:55, is filled with artists that you've heard of but probably didn't even realise. Where to start, well all the string arrangements are done by Beck's dad David Campbell, some of the lyrics are co-written with Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy and Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, all the music is performed by French duo Air and to top it all off, the whole thing is produced and mixed by Nigel Godrich, Radiohead's unofficial sixth member. Whoo, did you get all that?
If all that name-dropping isn't enough to get you excited, how about a concise album of pop gems, wryly written observational pieces, piano epics and late-night poems sound? Here is an album that lives up to the weight of its contributers, and Gainsbourg herself still manages to steal the limelight with her breathy vocals and charming personality. She's an actress too, talented thing.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: you saw her in The Science Of Sleep or I'm Not There and became obsessed, or if you're a fan of any of the people i mentioned
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you're a fan of any of the people i mentioned, you like intelligent female singer-songwriters
Songs here: The Songs That We Sing, The Operation, 5:55

1. THE BLUE NILE - HATS (1989)
This Scottish three piece have always had a low profile, maybe it has something to do with the fact that they have released only four albums, with a minimum of five and a maximum of eight years between them. Safe to say however, that most people who discover their gently crafted mix of pop and romance become fans for life. Their second album 'Hats' exemplifies everything that's best about the band.
Maybe its in Paul Buchanan's leisurely Scottish croon, or in the simple electronic instruments they employ that ensure it never comes over 'too 80's sounding.' Maybe it's the scope of love and loss that broadens further than the mere seven tracks on offer. Or a repeated lyric like "How do i know you feel it?" that combined with music, equates to you knowing exactly what he's feeling.
I can't really express why or how much i love this album only to say that it comforts me when i'm feeling low, helps me sleep when i'm restless, soothes me when i'm agitated, breaks my heart when i want it too and then makes me fall in love with it all over again.
YOU'LL HAVE HEARD IT IF: you followed British pop closely in the late 80's, you were lucky
YOU SHOULD HEAR IT IF: you want to hear a great album you've never heard before.
discover them here with Downtown Lights & Let's Go Out Tonight


Right that brings another entry to a close, but there's plenty more where that came from. Anyone for Part 2?
let me know with your comments.

Till next time, keep searching for great music, you'll find it.
Al

The Valentine's Grinch

Hello everyone, loved all your responses to my last post - but time for something a little more timely.
It's Valentine's Day this thursday and i decided to mix things up with an Anti-Valentine's playlist. A quick google shows that what i thought was an entirely original idea is far from it... oh well, hopefully my choices are unique.

Now why an anti-valentines list? well cause as much as i'm a sucker for Xmas and Halloween, i've never understood Valentines, why should you only be expressing your love on a particular day? The old adagio that it's a holiday created by florists and card makers seems to ring true with me, so here's a mixtape of sad songs, breakup tunes and acerbic hate. ENJOY!

(P.S. again links where available, and thanks to the respective blogs who provide them, if you want them down please e-mail me at skirmishbass14@hotmail.com)

VALENTINE'S GRINCH PLAYLIST

KELIS - CAUGHT OUT THERE
Perfectly sets the tone for our mix, a break up that highlights the farce that is St. Valentine's Day.
sample Lyric: I hate you so much right now/ARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!
watch it here

SOFT CELL - TAINTED LOVE
The classic break up song, and a brilliant cover to boot.
sample Lyric: once i ran to you/now i run from you/this tainted love you've given/i give you all a boy could give you
Download here

OUTKAST - LOVE HATER
Strange opener to Andre 3000's solo half, The Love Below, there's also the excellent Valentine's Day from the same album, but this tone sits better
sample lyric: love hater/hater of love
get it here

BEN FOLDS FIVE - SONG FOR THE DUMPED
What Anti-Valentine's playlist would be complete without asking for your money back, and don't forget the black t-shirt.
sample lyric: So you wanted to take a break/Slow it down some and have some space/Well fuck you too
Listen now

KATE NASH - DICKHEAD
Most of Kate Nash's songs deal with grubby, stupid boys. Errr cooties, but this one just takes the cake.
sample lyric: Thirty five People couldn't count/
On two hands the amount of times you made me stop/
Stop and think why are you being such a dickhead for
listen here

OZMA - HEARTACHE VS. HEARTBREAK
A cheeky lil' debate between the descriptions of both, with some great boy/girl vocal work
sample lyric: but my mind and body fail me now/and my shining armor's rusted now
available now

STARS - YOUR EX-LOVER IS DEAD
So achingly beautiful it almost hurts, this really captures the mood for anyone whose had to smile when they really don't wanna
sample lyric: i'm not sorry i met you/ i'm not sorry it's over/i'm not sorry there's nothing to say
acquaint yourself

PORCUPINE TREE - HATESONG
An eight minute workout that manages to say more with its music than its words
sample lyric: i hope when you hear this you'll want to sue
watch here

STABBING WESTWARD - THE THING I HATE
You have to include a band whose name refers to piercing your heart now don't you? from the classic break up album 'Darkest Days"
sample lyric: i won't become the thing i hate/ i won't become you
Watch a Riddick Street Fighter Video Version

WILCO - I AM TRYING TO BREAK YOUR HEART
Quirky and Inventive, this still manages to tug at the heartstrings and crap all over the shiny image of Valentine card sentimentality
sample lyric: this is not a joke so please stop smiling/what was i thinking when i said it didn't hurt?
weep here

U2 - ONE
Ironically this is a favourite at weddings, people obviously haven't listend to the lyrics enough.
sample lyric: We're One/But we're not the same/ we hurt each other/then we do it again
reassess here

ELBOW - I'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
Just such a great, laidback approach. Particularly singer Guy Garvey's throwaway vocal.
sample lyric: grow a fucking heart love
YouTube it here

JIMMY EAT WORLD - OVER
J.E.W's ouvre could fill an entire album's worth of anti-valentines, but this is the jewel in the crown
sample lyric: your attention is still attention/it doesn't matter if it's fake or real/i'll take it if i get it
watch a fan video

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - SOMEDAY YOU WILL BE LOVED
I'm relying on the majesty of Benjamin Gibbard and co. to take me out with a lil' bit of hope. No matter how bad things get, time heals all wounds. Or is it wounds all heals?
sample lyric: The memories of me/will seem more like bad dreams/just a series of blurs/like i never occurred
listen now


Once again, feel free to contribute with your thoughts, i'd love to hear them.
And hope you have a grouchy Valentine's Day.

C'est La Vie,
Al

Guitar Heroics

I'm going to try something a lil' different for this edition of Al's Music Rant. I'm blending two of my passions together, music and videogames, for this special post.

Now if you haven't played a Guitar Hero game yet, go out and do yourself a favour... you're back. Good. If you're still cheating maybe this will enlighten you.

Long before Guitar Hero III saw the light of day, and definitely before track details were available. I made a compilation of a friend of songs i'd like to see on there, as it turns out i predicted several bands correctly - and even three specific songs (Smashing Pumpkins Cherub Rock, Slayer's Reign In Blood and unbelievably Dragonforce's Through The Fire And The Flames). That information, along with the fact that i've played the game for an unhealthy amount of time throughout its incarnations, should be put me in good stead to provide you with...

Du Du Duh Duh:
THE TOP 10 SONGS THAT SHOULD BE IN THE GUITAR HERO SERIES

Now before we begin the list, i should note a few stipulations
1. There will be no AC/DC or Led Zeppelin - simply because the rights are next to impossible and any song by either of these bands would, of course, be absolutely AMAZING.
2. I am aware of the impending Rock Band, and beyond excited (weezer's Say It Ain't So? The entirety of Nevermind!!?) but the focus of this list is the same of the Guitar Hero games. Focus on guitar wank fantasy fulfillment
3. As much as i'd love to, i won't be including any songs for bands who have already featured in the games. That means no Metallica, no Muse, no more Iron Maiden. From here on in any bands already featured are banned from this list
4. As in previous posts, where possibly i have provided links so you can here the songs - some are videos, some are clips, while not perfect its all designed to give you a listen to what i'm actually talking about.
So without further ado:

10 - PAT METHENY - BRIGHT SIZE LIFE
Jazz has never featured in Guitar Hero games, and for good reason. They are all about the excess of specifically Rock N Roll dreams. Despite that, Pat Metheny is undisputably a Guitar Hero - and despite his jazz background he has always had the propensity for an accessible guitar approach, including fx pedals. That and this track also features the greatest bass player ever: Jaco Pastorious, which would make for some incredible co-operative mode action.
Check out a clip here

9 - THE DARKNESS - LOVE ON THE ROCKS WITH NO ICE
Considering the game's inherent humour, its surprising that The Darkness' mix of Queen and Kiss has never made an appearance. Perhaps there appearance in Sony's SingStar series means the rights are tied up. Cartoonish without skimping on riffage, talented without being tongue-in-cheek. This would be a perfect addition to any Guitar Hero setlist.
Listen here

8 - ARCTIC MONKEYS - BRIANSTORM
Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party and The Strokes have all featured in a Guitar Hero game at some point, so why no Monkeys? Criminal!?!
What better way to induct them with this blasting number, the fake ending too would throw first-timers just as it did with Cult of Personality in Guitar Hero III.
Download here

7 - GREEN DAY - JESUS OF SUBURBIA
Roots punk has always taken up a corner of any Guitar Hero. Think of Sex Pistols and Dead Kennedys in Guitar Hero III and you'll know what i mean. Green Day would be a perfect fit in this regard and none better than their American Idiot opus, its like the best of Green Day in nine minutes.
watch it here

6 - TELEVISION - MARQUEE MOON
At 10 minutes in length, this would be a test of stamina more than tricky notes. But its rhythmic chords make for excellent note streaking opportunities and the guitar harmonies provide excellent fodder for both co-op and battle modes.
Chiming and beautiful, this would be an excellent track and a great encore song.
Download here

5 - YEAH YEAH YEAHS - PIN
Its always good to have a female vocal in a guitar hero song, if only because that dread-locked blondie appears on the mic. Featuring a blistering riff from Nick Zinner this would make a great early song. Short but very addictive.
Live @ The Wireless version here

4 - TOOL - JAMBI
I can understand why Tool have never featured in a Guitar Hero game. Their sound is more about an overall band mood and rhythmic sensibility than the guitar alone. That and Adam Jones is as far from the poster boy guitar wanker as you can imagine, that being said the Talk Box solo here is as close as we'll get. The tricky rhythm of the main riff would ensure more than a few trips to practice mode too.
Live version here

3 - JOURNEY - DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'
Ever since Kansas appeared as an encore song in Guitar Hero II, there's been hope for poodle soft rock lovers everywhere. While Journey's power ballad isn't as heavy on the soloing it still contains that uplifting mood that would ensure you get the most of your wireless guitar pulling all those cheesy rock moves.
Relive it here

2 - VAN HALEN - ERUPTION
Ok, Ok so i know i said i'd banned any bands that had already appeared in the game series, but 'You Really Got Me' was a Kinks cover. Besides this is the epitome of guitar meltdown. And even at around a minute, i could still picture swearing blind at its impossible difficulty on Expert mode.
Pleasure your ears now

1 - THE EAGLES - HOTEL CALIFORNIA
When you can't get Stairway To Heaven, what's the next best thing? This is the kind of slow-build majesty that typifies the final encore of the Guitar Hero games, just like Metallica's One and Lynrd Skynrd's Freebird. It contains a simple enough reggae like rhythm before launching into a crazy guitar duel. Lighter in the air, plastic peripheral in hand, this HAS to be in the next Guitar Hero game.


So there we have it, so feel free to write me with your thoughts, disagreements, agreements, new additions etc.
I'd love to hear them

also a bit of shameless self-promotion. I've recently started a Podcast with some friends called Gamez4Lyphe, a videogame cast with a bit of humour and casual approach to our beloved past-time, so if you enjoyed this edition of AMR you can find similar fare at: http://gamez4lyphe.blogspot.com/

it's still in its early days, but we will persevere to bring you an informed, enjoyable and interesting podcast each week

Till next time, get your ears ready for 2008
back soon - Al

The Good, The Bad & The James Blunt

Firstly, thanks for everyone who provided feedback on the best albums of '07 list, its great to know that people are reading and *gasp* enjoying it; and if that was my serious attempt at music journalism (albeit bloated) - then this is where i let off a little steam.

2007 was a brilliant year for music, and even though industry professionals are stressing about CD sales dropping, and pop music continues to worsen, it was still a year to celebrate. Not just for albums either, great concerts, great music news, great new bands. So here's my last rant about 07 and its music in a list-a-licious format of silly awards.

BEST CD ARTWORK: MENOMENA - Friend or Foe
Matching the eclectic sounds was a stunning sleeve of zany cartoon work, reminiscent of Mad Magazine, in a colourful, creative sleeve. If only all artists took this much care in their presentation.
Check it out at here

BEST (AND WORST) CD TITLE: SOFTLIGHTES - Say No! To Being Cool, Say Yes! To Being Happy
Following the recent trend of dogmatic phrases for album titles (arguably set by Arctic Monkeys). Here is a CD title that gives a sense of attitude, in a way that demands to be said out loud. While it breaks rules of grammar(!) it's the kind of dogma fans can cling to.
Check out the artwork here

WORST (AND BEST) CD TITLE: PUSCIFER - V is for Vagina
Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan's solo project was intended to be tongue-in-cheek and relaxed, and if you didn't get the joke from the album title - you were never going to enjoy the music therein.
The joke continued with the CD artwork, which parodied an in-flight safety pamphlet (think Fight Club and you're half-way there).
Read more about it here

TRUEST TO FORM: RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Light The Stars gets an honourable mention for the best albums of 2007, but it didn't really shake the Wainwright boat. Song about self-doubt in a grandiose arrangement? Check, aka Do I Disappoint You. Mature song having a dig at American Culture? Check, aka Going To A Town. Flamboyantly celebrating cheeky sex? Check, aka Between My Legs.
Oh, and in case you didn't know - Rufus is Gay with a capital G. In case you weren't sure he recreated his idol, Judy Garland's, headline show at Carnegie Hall song for song... in drag. Thank the heavens there's still people like Rufus in the biz.
check him out at his website

BEST DAFT PUNK ALBUM NOT BY DAFT PUNK: JUSTICE - +
OK so i'm sure that Justice are sick of the comparisons by now, French DJs who mine rock structures in order to get the feet moving without sacrificing creativity. D.A.N.C.E. was arguably the best party track (and music video) of the year, while Waters of Nazareth was the best way to try out that new sub woofer. Well at least they don't wear robot costumes...
Check out D.A.N.C.E. here

BEST SOUNDTRACK: ONCE OST - feat. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
One of the best films of the year, a low-budget yet full-hearted tale of a street busker and a Czech immigrant and the power of music. It was like Damien Rice: The Musical.
The soundtrack was equally emotive, hearing these tunes you can't help but think of the corresponding scenes in the film. If you hadn't heard of The Frames before (star Glen Hansard is the lead singer-songwriter), you certainly have no excuse anymore.
Check out some marketing here

BEST EP: PORCUPINE TREE - Nil Recurring
Ok so winning an EP is really no big deal, its usually a pretty stark field, but Nil Reccuring is truly brilliant. Its basically the tracks that were left off PT's Fear of a Blank Planet, and it cleverly re-introduces some musical sections and lyrics - some even consider it better than the album proper. If the thought of a full prog-rock concept album scares you, try this taster instead - you won't be disappointed.
Check out the lead track here

BEST LIVE ACT: MUSE
No surprise considering the band took home a handful of live act awards during the year. The British trio also take the gong thanks to their hardworking approach to world touring, they visited our shores no less than three times this year, giving heroic performances (nearly) every time.
Sci-Fi lighting, fireworks, guitar histrionics, rock moves - Muse provide the ultimate arena rock show without ever being cliche
check out my review of their Rod Laver gig here

BEST, BEST OF: SOMETHING FOR KATE - The Murmur Years
In the liner notes, music journalist Craig Mathieson takes the words out of everyone's mouths when he states "I have the same complaint as you: my favourite Something for Kate song isn't to be found on these two discs."
...and yet it's impossible to fault.
Spanning from 1996-2007 it does a good job of mixing the old and the new, as well as the obscure, but the strength of the band is such that there could be a whole new selection and it'd still be one of the best catalogues any band could amass. Still officially Australia's best band, compiled at the peak of their stride.
Check them out here

BEST COMPILATION: THE KILLERS - Sawdust
The stylistic gulf between the Las Vegas quartet's debut and its chest-beating sequel, Sam's Town, was such that it irked a glut of critics and fans alike. The missing pieces, as well as some interesting new material, can all be found here.
Doing the fans some service, it includes nearly all the B-sides, soundtrack contributions and covers on one handy disc.
Getting their influences and past out in the open may mean they decide to try a new direction... yet again.
Check out my review here

BEST LIVE ALBUM: DAFT PUNK - Alive 2007
Anyone who caught the band at the Never Never Land shows knows why this album wins hand down. A flawless, perfectly calculated mix of sound and vision - this set may lop off the latter but thanks to the band's brand of mash-up style greatest hits, it remains electric.
Check out the Robot Rock here

BEST MUSIC DVD: SIGUR ROS - Heima
A DVD that finally captured the Icelandic group's life changing live show was always in demand, but one that did it in such a unique way while doubly capturing the ubiquitous beauty of their native country? Unthinkable.
Heima manages to re-invent the rockumentary while being as un-rock 'n' roll as possible.
Prepare to lose your shit here

BEST RE-ISSUE: NIRVANA - MTV Unplugged Live In New York
Highly anticipated re-release of the era-defining acoustic set. Trumping every other CD release for its historical importance more than anything else, its great to finally get a high quality (and region free) version of this concert. If you haven't heard it by now, Nirvana fan or not, you really should.
Get a preview here

HARDEST SONG TO ESCAPE: KANYE WEST - Stronger
At risk of making this list a Daft Punk love-in, its impossible not to mention 2007 without mentioning Mr. West's sampling of Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. It was all over the radio, and all over Video Hits. It's the kind of track you can imagine seeing on future retro compilations entitled "Remember the Oughties?" or "The Number 1 hits of 07" complete with shiny artwork.
Re-live the shiny video here


And with that we bid adieu to 2007, there's plenty more i could have waffled on about - such as the tabloid fixation with Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears; albums i despised without hearing, such as James Blunt or Matchbox Twenty, i could have talked about all the indie bands that are supposedly going to save the world, i could have devoted some space to the best lyrics of the year, or a little band called Radiohead and their industry-changing In Rainbows... oh, wait...
But i think it only speaks to the strength of Music in 2007. So here's looking to 2008 to top it. Best of luck.

Peace all,
Al

James Blunt - NOT the best artist in the world today