Mike’s 1998

More words to come. Does my heart good to tag some new names this month, many of my favorite artists. Collaboration was in the air in 1998.

Songs

Olu Dara–“Rainshower“. The avant garde trumpeter/cornetist, best known as the father of Nas (who I’ve never heard), put out his first of two IDontKnowWhatYouCallThisMusicButItsCertainlyNotWhatHesBeenKnownFor albums. Poise yourself for takeoff when the background vocals arrive at 3:20.

The Handsome Family–“Weightless Again”

Don Walser–“In My Dear Old Southern Home“. If there is better yodeler I’ve not heard him. Rivals the Tuvan throat singers for what he does with his voice on this song.

Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach–“Toledo“. I would give up a lot to hear Dionne sing this in her youth. I can’t take the whole album in a sitting because of the vocals. I prefer to have the songs locked in my memory, with another imaginary vocalist.

Richard Buckner–“Goner W/ Souvenir“. He’s an acquired taste live, that’s for sure, but unfortunately his recordings are sparse on youtube.

Queens of the Stone Age–“Regular John“. Brent hit the nail on the head with this one.

Mercury Rev–“Goddess on a Hiway”

Sonic Youth–“Sunday”

Songs: Ohia–“An Ace Unable to Change“. Impala is not the album to start with if you haven’t heard Jason Molina yet–one of the great songwriters, think Neil Young, Ambulance Man. This early song gives you a pretty good idea of where he was at emotionally and where the poor guy was headed. Wait, who am I kidding, you who listen to, and enjoy, Palace Music. This whole record will be just your thing, and I oughta have put in under albums.

Aaly Trio & Ken Vandermark–“Stumble”

Albums

Neutral Milk Hotel–In the Aeroplane over the Sea

Tim Berne/Michael Formanek–Ornery People

Gillian Welch–Hell Among the Yearlings

Lucinda Williams–Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

Alan Licht & Loren MazzaCane Connors–Hoffman Estates

Elliott Smith–XO (heir to Brian Wilson, “Waltz #1“)

Billy Bragg & Wilco–Mermaid Avenue (“Eisler on the Go“)

Art Ensemble of Chicago–Coming Home Jamaica (The best songs aren’t on youtube, but this is still pretty damn good, “Odwalla (Theme)“)

Kate and Anna McGarrigle–The McGarrigle Hour (“School Days“)

Pere Ubu–Pennsylvania (I know that road’s still there, “Woolie Boolie“)

Tim’s B-List

1. Becker & Stuhlen ‘Mellotron’ – This is a track from a rare library album of vintage synthesizers. Sublime and trippy.
2. Butthole Surfers  ‘Chewin George Lucas’ Chocolate’ & ‘Goofy’s Concern’ – expert punk nihilsim.
3. The Books ‘The Lemon Of Pink’ – schizophrenic sample-magic. Also notable: ‘A Cold Freezin’ Night’ (amazing video!
4. The Beastie Boys ‘Oh Word!’ – So many amazing tracks from the Beasties – I love MCA’s sections. Always sing this when I’m in NY.
5. Biffy Clyro ‘Questions And Answers’ – Scottish. These boy keep you waiting and then drop the magic – check the BVs at 2:14 then the harmony – oh yes! All this and an album cover by Milo Manara.
6. Beck ‘Beercan’ – I shortlisted a bunch of Beck – mostly from Stereopathetic Soulmanure, but nothing can beat his rhymes on Beercan. Zeitgeist 1994.
7. Blind Mr Jones ‘Mesa’ – Sweet shoegaze from a relatively unappreciated album of great songs.
8. Big Star ‘Blue Moon (demo)’ – Again – so many to choose from, but this demo has been breaking my heart of late.
9. Busta Rhymes (feat. Mysikal) ‘Iz They Wildin Wid Us?’ – A rare hip-hop post from me – Busta Rhymes production is insane and this song is hilarious. Be sure to listen until Busta’s section 1:39 – 2:13.
10. The Byrds ‘Draft Morning’ – So many Byrds tracks could’ve made this list, but this won out over ‘What’s Happening?’
11. Boards Of Canada ‘ROYGBIV’ – This song blows my mind every time – delicately poised between whimsical, fun and utterly devastating.
12. Billy Bragg ‘A New England’ – Just great.
13. The Breeders ‘Off You’ – Kelley Deal brings it home [swoon].
14. Blur ‘This Is A Low’ – Check this live video. Graham Coxon is high in my pantheon of guitar gods.
15. Bob Hund ‘100 år’ – 100 år är ingenting för mig.
16. The Bonzo Dog Band ‘Quiet Talks and Summer Walks (Unpeeled Version)’ – A relatively straight and beautiful song from the original Novelty Band, inspirations to Monty Python. Neil Innes on vocals and the inimitable Vivian Stanshall on recorder. For contrast check out ‘The Intro And The Outro’ and ‘Big Shot’.
17. The Beach Boys ‘Little Bird’ – Just one of my favourite songs of all time, courtesy of Dennis.
18. Bee Gees ‘Wind Of Change’ – I watched a documentary recently that made me despise The Bee Gees – this song makes me forget my hatred.
19. Björk ‘Army Of Me (Suckerpunch Remix)‘ – Björk is 100% brilliant, and 90% unlistenable. This is part of the 10%. Particularly loved this remix from the ‘Suckerpunch’ movie.
20. Bad News ‘Warriors Of Ghengis Khan’ – The first Bad News TV show was shot before Spinal Tap – both are brilliant but very different parodies of Heavy Metal. Produced (and played in places) by Brian May the eponymous first album is a staple of 1980s British humor. Highly influenced by ‘The Troggs Tapes’ and 100% profane. Very funny, very metal.