A Fine Showing

Top ten shows of 2009:

10) Gogol Bordello @ 4th and B (San Diego, CA) - 10/17/09

You can take the kid out of New York, but you can't take New York out of the kid. The first (and only) concert I've ever seen on the West Coast was Gogol Bordello -- a band of immigrants from the the Lower East Side. Go figure. I heard great things about Gogol Bordello's live show, and they totally lived up to the hype. They've branded themselves as "gypsy punks", but this term doesn't even do them justice. You couldn't put a finger on the kind of music they play if you tried -- an nice attribute to the band's collective diversity.

9) Sufjan Stevens @ Music Hall of Willamsburg - 10/7/09

Sujfan Stevens is perhaps the most meticulous man in indie rock. I witnessed this firsthand this fall during his MHOW/Bowery Ballroom stint. Whether it's confessional solo piano / banjo ballads or all-out opuses, Mr. Stevens is one of the few artists who is not afraid to stop mid-song if all is not right. At one point, Sufjan had 16 musicians playing different instruments on the cramped Music Hall of Williamsburg stage -- each playing his or her part in creating the masterful sounds of 2005's masterpiece, Illinois.

8) Sonic Youth @ Music Hall of Willamsburg - 11/2/09

Same venue as #9, much different show. Sonic Youth has always been one of those Bucket List groups -- the kind of band you must witness before you die or they dissolve. I got my wish last month at the Hall, where they played a blistering set of songs from The Eternal (with some other gems tossed in). The band appears to be living up to its name -- the songs have matured; the band remains, well, youthful.

7) Jay-Z @ Madison Square Garden 9/11/09

Dubbed a 9/11 benefit show, this was really a party at the Garden to celebrate Jay-Z's highly anticipated return to form. Although he was listed officially as the only man on the bill, every song he played more or less featured a special guest. Backed by a full band, surprise artists popped in an out throughout the night to contribute. You never knew who was going to come out next -- kind of like the Royal Rumble. We got appearances from Kanye West (2 days before meltdown), Beyonce, Kid Cudi, Rihanna, John Mayer, Santigold, Puff Daddy (I refuse to refer to him by anything else), and Mary J. Blige among others.

6) The Hold Steady @ Bowery Ballroom 6/8/09

Arguably my favorite current band playing at arguably the best venue in New York City. It doesn't get much better than this. The last time I saw The Hold Steady, they shared a billing with Art Brut at Terrminal 5 and the sound simply sucked. The second time around was infinitely better, as the band brought along with it a kind helping of Stay Positive songs. I have never seen a performer seem to enjoy what he does for a living more than Craig Finn. All smiles, all the time.

5) Phoenix/Passion Pit @ Hammerstein Ballroom - 12/2/09

Seeing one breakout band is a special thing. Seeing the two breakout bands of 2009 perform at the same show is epic. Who says you need guitars to rock out? This was a holiday dance fest at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The synthesizers were in full force on an evening that featured all that is exciting about rock music these days. Understandably, this show sold out in like 10 minutes. I wouldn't be surprised if either of these bands play a much larger stage the next go around.

4) Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Angel Orensanz Synagogue - 11/6/09

Last year I saw TV On The Radio at a masonic temple in Brooklyn. This year I saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs play at a synagogue on the Lower East Side. There's something about playing at ironic locations that just adds to the element of seeing a hipster-friendly bands play live. I knew about this show literally the afternoon of the performance. Thanks to one of my favorite co-workers (thank you, Bianca), I was able to get in WITH special access to an open bar throughout the evening. Although the YYY's only played for an hour, I heard the best of the first three albums. Karen O. reigns superior as the sexiest woman in rock.

3) The Pixies @ Hammerstein Ballroom - 11/23/09

Branded the "Doolittle Tour," The Pixies reunited for the first time in five years to play a string of shows to "celebrate" the 20th anniversary of their alt-rock masterpiece. By "celebrate," I mean cash in, of course. After warming up with some b-sides that even Kim Deal was admittedly challenged by, the sold out crowd was treated to the familiar opening chords of "Debaser". The next 14 songs were expected sequencing bliss. I heard "La La Love You" and I la la loved it. The encore included "Where Is My Mind?". My answer: anywhere, just officially blown.

2) U2/Muse @ Giants Stadium - 9/24/09

You know a show is BIG when a band that sells out arenas is OPENING for the headliner. I was admittedly as excited to lose my Muse virginity as I was for U2, and would have been just as happy if the night ended when the "openers" left the stage. The production of this show left me in awe. 50% of the credit goes to the stage designers and 50% goes to the talent itself. U2 played a strategic mix of the old and the new, rendering the 85,000+ in attendance speechless -- suggesting that just maybe Bono can save the world some day after all.

1) Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band @ Giants Stadium - 10/8/09

No openers needed for the Boss. U2 might have taken the top spot, had it not been for some Springsteen circumstances:

1) The show was in New Jersey
2) The show was the 2nd to last show at Giants Stadium
3) Born To Run was played in sequence, in its entirety

I don't think anything else needs to be said.

The Final Countdown

If you've been following this sporadic blog since its inception, you've surely come to realize that I am a fiend for countdown lists. Although I've been mastering the art of the hiatus as of late, you had to have KNOWN I'd be back for my end of the year picks. Considering how I randomly decided to cover my "best-of-decade" picks in mid 2008, I am going to stick with my gut, and not torture you with yet another best of 2000-2009 mess. You can chalk this post up as either an isolated entry or an addendum to all that was great from 2000 - August 2008. It's your call.

Without any further adieu, here it goes -- The 10 Best Albums of 2009:

Honorable Mention I. Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 11:11

The highly anticipated followup to their breakout 2006 self-titled record, this one is an homage to the duo's forbears. Each track pays tribute to the respective artists that has helped paved the way for these former metalheads. Have no fear -- the blazingly fast rhythmic guitar from their "reptile" album is reprised on 11:11, which makes this arguably the best instrumental album of the year.

Honorable Mention II. Pearl Jam - Backspacer

As I detailed in one of my few posts this year, this is THE definitive Pearl Jam comeback album. Ditching the major record labels, Pearl Jam opted to self-release this bad boy and sell exclusively through Target stores. With label chains now broken, it appears a new creative spark has been restored for Eddie and the boys. Leadoff single, "The Fixer" is the most infectious tune the band has released in fifteen years. The rest of the record -- the band's shortest -- ain't half bad either.

10) Them Crooked Vultures (Self-Titled)

A project that had supposedly been in the works for years finally blitzed us earlier this fall. First there was the shady online viral campaign. Next, there were tour date announcements and sold out shows before any material was even leaked. Finally, we got an album out of nowhere in mid-November. I remember thinking this would be an utter failure or a resounding success. This just goes to show that when you place three proven musical geniuses in a room together, you sometimes get the results you expect. Put quite simply, Them Crooked Vultures is the musical melting pot of Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, and Queens of The Stone Age. You literally hear elements of each legendary band in each one of this album's blistering tunes. Here's to hoping this is not just a one-off gig.

9) Jay-Z - The Blueprint III

Yeah, yeah. I know. For hardcore Jay-Z fans, this album doesn't hold a candle to some of his earlier work (The Blueprint, Reasonable Doubt, The Black Album, etc.). Yes, my music integrity is questioned for even ranking this album based on the almost universal poor reviews. Sadly, this was the year I finally discovered Jay-Z, and although I will agree that I have no right to critique hip-hip, I enjoyed the hell out of this record. Before becoming the official Yankee World Series anthem, "Empire State of Mind" was the most-played song of the year on my iPod.

8) Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

I consider Wilco to be the modern day classic-rock band. Aside from having legions of fans who happen to be in that traditional classic rock band-loving demographic, Jeff Tweedy's vintage leathery vocals paired with the band's easy-going vibe make these guys seem from an era they're not from. Hell, they even had the audacity to name their 7th album eponymously. If that's not good enough for you, they took it to another level here by, yes (you guessed it), naming a song "Wilco". That's right -- now you can have three consecutive lines on your iPod that bear the name Wilco. The last time I saw this was with Bad Company.

7) The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

I think this is the first time a (mostly) bluegrass album is making its debut on OTM. After releasing the 2nd part of their two-part Gleam series of EP's last year, the Avett Brothers impacted more than just the indie-folk comfort zone. This 7-song set turned the heads of the heavyweights -- most notably Rick Rubin. The rock producer was so impressed by their offering, that he signed up to produce their major-label debut. Preserving the formula that carefully blends painfully heartfelt lyrics with organic folky music, this record is the perfect follow-up to the Gleam set. The band has gained so big so fast that they've already graduated on to the larger venues that usually pass on the bluegrass/folk scene.

6) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

When it comes to album cover of the year, there is no contest. The artwork for It's Blitz! beautifully summarizes the band's explosive energy in all its breakfast mutilation glory. Shedding the guitar aggressiveness from their previous efforts, the YYY's third full-length album is a tribute, nay love-fest, to the electronic music the band has flirted with throughout its career. It appears Nick Zinner has traded in his Fender for some pretty sweet synth gear. Indie-dance being all the rage these days, you can certainly count on Karen O. being ahead of the curve and taking it to the next level. The band is able to claim its stake on a new musical realm, while holding onto the elements that make them the best garage punk band in the world.

5) Sonic Youth - The Eternal

Maybe it's pure coincidence that Sonic Youth's first indie album in twenty years just happens to be arguably the best (the band signed with Matador after being on Geffen since 1989). Or it could just be that this band gets better with age and experience. Sonic Youth released their first album before I existed, and for nearly thirty continuous years have been writing (and rewriting) the indie rock textbook for the poseurs they will surely outlive. The Eternal expands on the mature sound of 2006's Rather Ripped, yet still continues to unleash the signature tricked-out-tune fury of the band's literal arsenal of guitars. Kim Gordon, now in her mid-fifties, has adopted a growl that perfectly complements the beautiful noise this band masterfully creates.

4) Passion Pit - Manners

Passion Pit started the year as nobodies, and are now playing three sold out nights at Terminal 5 next month. That's the kind of year it's been for these Boston locals -- another trendy outfit that has opted to shun the guitar for layered synth. More importantly, Passion Pit makes it okay for suburban white kids to dance. Manners is chock full of hooky anthems that will creep up your iPod's play count. Frontman Michael Angelakos' distinctively soprano vocals had me convinced for several months that there had to have been at least one female in this band.

3) Neko Case - Middle Cyclone


Known mostly for her efforts as one of the many members of indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers, it's pretty apparent that Neko is doing just damn fine on her own, thank you very much. Who needs to share the spotlight with seven other band mates when you can create your best work on your own. Well, that's not entirely true. Ms. Case has help from everyone from Garth Hudson to M. Ware on her fifth and, hands down, best solo disc. Withdrawing some of the experimentalism of the Pornographers, Neko backs this smattering of poppy mainstream gems with her unmistakably soaring voice. First single "People Got A Lot of Nerve" is quite possibly the single of the year.

2) Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

Before 2009 even dawned, insiders were suggesting that Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion would be the album of the year -- possibly decade. When this monster was finally released on vinyl the first week in January and two weeks later on traditional formats, it's almost as if the party was over before it started. Critics far and wide declared this the winner. It seems silly to consider MPP the album of the year because it feels like this one came out over a year ago -- that's how long it's been on our radar. This album is an "ear orgasm" -- the kind of record people will be using to test the quality of their sound systems for years to come. Resonating everything from Kid A to Pet Sounds (most of the time simultaneously), you don't have to be a skinny jean-wearning Brookynite to pretend to like this.

Yes. This one also takes home the illustrious prize of "album cover of the year that gives me a headache". Last year's winner was Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs.

1) Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

An universal best album of the year pick, this French quartet solidified their fate at this year's SXSW festival. When everyone returned from Austin this past March, all the buzz was surrounding these guys -- as if they were new to town. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is actually the band's fourth LP, which proves that a little perseverence can pave the way to success. Soon enough, the band played SNL and even managed to score a gig on every major late night show. The album, which combines 2001-era Strokes with today's Passion Pit-esque synth trends, is the perfect amalgamut of the decade -- combining the stripped down elements of the early decade with the decadent computer-assisted production of today's up-and-coming bands.

Wall of Sound

If you missed out on getting tix the now sold out Sonic Youth show at Terminal 5 next month, you can thank your lucky stars. It was announced today that the once-again-indie band is playing not one, but TWO shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (far superior and more intimate venue) on 11/24 and 11/25. This band is like a fine scotch -- always seemingly improving with age. If they made one of those "100 bands to see before you die books" these guys would be in the top 20. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon -- you snooze, you lose.

Back To The Basics UPDATE

As reported last month, Sonic Youth had fulfilled their longstanding album contractual obligations with Geffen. The band had mentioned that they would be going "indie" once again for next year's studio release, but was unwilling to reveal the specifics. Well, it has been confirmed that the label they are now signed to is Matador. The Manhattan-based label's lineup continues to get more and more stacked. Good for them.

The List (Part 10)

For 100-91 (Part 1), click HERE.
For 90-81 (Part 2), click HERE.
For 80-71 (Part 3), click HERE.
For 70-61 (Part 4), click HERE.
For 60-51 (Part 5), click HERE.
For 50-41 (Part 6), click HERE.
For 40-31 (Part 7), click HERE.
For 30-21 (Part 8), click HERE.
For 20-11 (Part 9), click HERE.


10) Radiohead - Kid A (2000)
As far as I'm concerned, Radiohead's career can be defined by two parts: the mainstream, melodic Bends era, and the beautifully chaotic Kid A era. Although many will argue that OK Computer was the turning point in this band's legendary career, Kid A was the album that really showed this band's balls. There aren't many bands that would even attempt to mess around winning formula, but Thom Yorke and gang decided putting the band's reputation on the line was a more than worthwhile bet. And let's just say it paid off in a very big way. Everything Radiohead has done since this landmark album has garnered universal acclaim. Even Kid A's throwaway tracks -- 2001's modest Amnesiac -- is better than 98% of the drivel we're served by the countless imitators. And the best part is that I'm pretty confident the best is yet to come. Last year's brilliant In Rainbows is nothing to sneeze at.


9) The White Stripes - Elephant (2003)
We're finally in the single digits here, folks. I can't think of a better band in which to celebrate this milestone than The White Stripes. Considering how this is a countdown of the best albums since 2000, The White Stripes are the poster children of what it means to kick ass in the new millennium. Aside from being one of the most prolific bands of this new era, these guys couldn't make bad music if they tried. I've been contemplating which album of theirs to include in the top ten, and it should come to no surprise that I've chosen none other than Elephant -- the album that launched this duo into superstardom. If there's any modern guitarist that can carry on that blues/rock legacy of say a Clapton or a Hendrix, it's unquestionably Jack White. And it doesn't hurt his case that he happens to do a spot-on Elvis impersonation in the underrated Walk Hard.


8) Sigur Rós - Ágætis byrjun (2001)
Technically, this album was released in 1999 in the band's native Iceland. But it didn't emerge stateside until 2001, so yes, this one earns a coveted top 10 spot due to technicality. Translated into English, Ágætis byrjun literally means "an alright start". Indeed. Whether you see this as being arrogance or modesty, there's no doubting how influential this band has been for the better part of the decade. They've singlehandedly made ambient music acceptable once again. And oddly enough, they seem to be doing the exact opposite of Radiohead -- their most recent material is as mainstream and radio-friendly as they have ever been. I saw this band at the MoMA earlier this summer and was absolutely blown away. Not too many bands can pull off the bow/guitar combo as well as these guys can.


7) The Shins - Chutes Too Narrow (2003)
It's an undeniable fact that New Mexico's best band hit it big thanks to Zach Braff. Despite Garden State's 2004 theatrical release, oddly enough, none of the songs included in movie happened to be from 2003's Chutes Too Narrow. Braff opted to pick and choose from the band's 2001 release, Oh, Inverted World -- which is an equally amazing album. This exposure boost helped out The Shins tremendously, and soon enough CTN was on critics' and hipsters' minds alike. Hell, even my college recruited this band to play our annual spring carnival. I don't know how Sub-Pop does it, but their roster is a virtual all-star team of indie rockers. Holding true to this sports metaphor, I'm guessing The Shins would bat cleanup between the Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses.


6) Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped (2006)
I couldn't be more thrilled about the Sonic Youth revival that is currently taking place. This band has consistently rocked it out for the past two and half decades, and their fan base has never been stronger. This might be partly due to Rather Ripped -- a return to form that's awfully reminiscent of classics Daydream Nation and Goo. Ellen Page may have confessed in Juno that Sonic Youth is "just noise," but this is hardly the case. Take a listen to Rather Ripped's standout track, "Incinerate," and you'll be instantly hooked on the distorted, yet melodic, riff that's one part early Smashing Pumpkins, and two parts Dinosaur Jr. As reported earlier, the poster children of indie rock are finally becoming indie again. After eighteen years on Geffen, the band's is coming full circle and signing to an undisclosed independent label with plans for a 2009 release.


5) Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2003)
The sheer brilliance of Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is honestly on the same level of a Sergeant Pepper. Yes, I went there. The album's idiosyncratic depth makes this one the perfect record in which to test out the inner workings of a top notch stereosystem. Whether it's nihilistic numbness of "I'm Trying To Break Your Heart," or the stringed mellow gem, "Jesus, Etc.," Foxtrot is as perfect lyrically as it is sonically. And oddly enough, this may have very been the album that nearly put this fantastic band's career in jeopardy. Following this one up was not exactly an easy task for Jeff Tweedy and crew. And although recent efforts A Ghost Is Born and Sky Blue Sky are nothing to sneeze at, nothing Wilco has put out since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot has come close.


4) Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker (2000)
Yes, I PROMISE this is the last Ryan Adams album on the list. If it's any consolation, I don't think I have any more to work with. 2000's Heartbreaker was Ryan's first solo album since the break up critically-acclaimed alt-country supergroup Whiskeytown. If it wasn't already a foregone conclusion that Adams was the brains behind his former band, this album was living proof. Heartbreaker was the first solo showcase of Adams' incredibly gifted and heartfelt songwriting style. And it's no wonder where this one got it's name; just take a look at some of the albums song titles: "Come Pick Me Up," "In My Time of Need," "Why Do They Leave?". And take my word for it -- the songs are as genuine as they appear. If the Emmylou Harris-backed "Oh My Sweet Carolina" doesn't tug at your heartstrings, then you are just made of stone.


3) The Strokes - Is This It? (2001)
As it turns, out this was not "it"; turns out, this was merely just the beginning. When The Strokes burst onto the scene in late 2001, they really had no idea what they were responsible for igniting. Thanks to their charmingly sloppy blend of neo-garage punk, the band helped to usher in a much needed new era of rock that ended the god-awful reign of nu-metal. Soon after, this "the [insert band name]" trend became all the rage all around the world. As far as I can remember, we couldn't get enough of The Vines, The Hives, and yes, The White Stripes (although, this last one is questionable as far as "the" bands are concerned). And although I'll admit the content on Is This It is not exactly groundbreaking, given its influence and its infectiousness, it just gets the job done for me.


2) My Morning Jacket - Z (2005)
Anyone who reads this blog (all four of you) already knows I'm gay for My Morning Jacket. Although I've given Evil Urges it's fair share of praise, I really haven't had any good reason for elaborating about this band's masterpiece, Z,...that is until NOW! Where do I begin? Let's just say that if you do try to muster enough courage to attempt classifying this album, I'm pretty sure your head would explode on the spot. And quite frankly, I don't think Jim James would have it any other way. As soon as you think you've got Z covered, the album takes you for a complete 180. I could go on for hours here, but instead I'll be brief. If you happen to be a fan of dub, reggae, Southern rock, the blues, alt-country, alt-rock, and R&B, I promise that you'll take a liking to this album. Plus, unlike Evil Urges, this one rocks some pretty kick-ass album artwork.


1) The Hold Steady - Boys & Girls In America (2006)
Well here we are. The coveted number one album of the decade. You didn't actually think I was going to leave Boys & Girls In America off this list did you? As I've mentioned about a dozen times already, The Hold Steady were the first band to grace the cover of the Village Voice in over 15 years thanks to the buzz surrounding B&GIA. This is just one of the many accolades this Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis quintet has garnered in its short existence -- living proof that these guys are thankfully going to be around for awhile. While this album's content doesn't stray too far off the beaten path of its predecessors (characters Gideon, Charlemagne, and Holly all make their respective appearances) the band's dynamic has been tightened exponentially -- resulting in a finished product that really exhibits the unmatched prowess of The Hold Steady. I've given this record countless spins -- each time resulting in the discovery of a new element that I hadn't known existed beforehand. Like a movie that never gets old, THAT'S when you know you have great album.


Alright, guys. The countdown is DONE. What did you think? Obvious omissions? Praise? Hatred? Send them all my way in the comments or email, nsussman@gmail.com

Back To The Basics

Sonic Youth -- the godfathers (and mothers) of indie rock -- are, well, indie again. For the first time in over eighteen years, the alt-rock pioneers will be releasing their next album on an as-of-yet announced independent label. Their last (incredible) album, Rather Ripped, completed the contractual obligations the group had with Geffen. Thurston Moore and gang have been writing songs for the album, which is scheduled to come out some time early next year. If you want to see the band before then, they are playing the last-ever show at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn this weekend. Apparently, moving forward, they've decided to fill the pool with, ya know, water, as opposed to trendy hipsters. For some reason, all of the news in the posting just feels right...

The List (Part 6)

For 100-91 (Part 1), click HERE.
For 90-81 (Part 2), click HERE.
For 80-71 (Part 3), click HERE.
For 70-61 (Part 4), click HERE.
For 60-51 (Part 5), click HERE.

50) Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse (2004)
Halfway through the list, and we pick up with another legendary band in prime form. Last year, Thurston Moore confessed his belief that Sonic Youth's biggest faux-pas was never breaking up. After successful reunions by the Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., and now even My Bloody Valentine, he hinted that people don't appreciate what they have until it's gone. Thankfully Sonic Youth never threw in the towel because excellent albums such as 2004's Sonic Nurse would never see the light of day -- and this would just be tragic. Peaking at 64 on the Billboard 200, yet topping critics' end of year lists, this trend that pretty much sums up the band's career. At least they get lots of love from this guy.


49) Explosions In The Sky - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place (2003)
Austin's Explosions In The Sky pack so much punch in their beautifully orchestrated catalog that they render useless the need for lyrical content. And that's fine with me, because quite frankly, these songs tell stories that voices simply cannot carry. Earth contains only five tracks, yet the shortest clocks in at a mighty eight minutes and seventeen seconds. So in summary, this one does not exactly fit in well with the pop-rock paradigm that is most associated with the TV show-watching audience it's oddly connected to (Friday Night Lights). Yet, Explosions seem to add that extra touch of glory that blends in perfectly with high school football, or any other menial activity for that matter.


48) Elliott Smith - From A Basement On The Hill (2004)
Smith's first posthumous release, From A Basement On The Hill contained the remnants of what was supposed to be the singer/songwriter's studio follow-up to 2000's acclaimed Figure 8. It really is heartbreaking to hear how good this collection of songs is because it conjures up thoughts of all that could have been. This record was originally intended to be a double album, but contractual obligations from DreamWorks prevented it from being released as an independent extended disc. In any case, Basement was completed by Smith's former producer and ex-girlfriend and remains extremely unpolished due to fact that most songs hadn't gotten Smith's final seal of approval at the time of his death. This didn't seem to disappoint fans and critics alike who unanimously praised this one as a fitting swan song.


47) My Morning Jacket - It Still Moves (2003)
My Morning Jacket had been around for over five years before experiencing the acclaim that It Still Moves brought them. Their perseverance has since paid off big time, and they've never looked back (and rightfully so). Their third studio album strengthened the band's reputation as being not only one of the best alt-country acts around, but one of the best live acts period. Jim James and gang have been known to rock out ISM favorites "One Big Holiday" and "Run Thru" at most of their gigs -- making them the front runners on even the jam band circuit. I had the privilege to see these guys play the 9:30 Club in D.C. back in 2005. Sucks to know that there is no turning back. Case in point -- they are playing MSG on New Year's.


46) Wolfmother - Wolfmother (2005)
Another potentially controversial pick. But sometimes you just gotta call out good old fashioned rock and roll music when you hear it. The debut from this Australian trio had quite the prolonged stint in my stereo system when it came out, despite having gone through iPod commercial treatment a la Feist and Jet. Some of the guitar riffs on this album are so complex, they will make your head spin. "Dimension" bears a striking similarity to some of the songs on Led Zeppelin II, and it doesn't hurt Andrew Stockdale to have a set of pipes that Robert Plant would be proud of. "Woman," put quite simply, is one of the best pure rock songs of the decade. It's been about three years since this record has come out, so I expect big things on Wolfmother's sophomore release.


45) Green Day - American Idiot (2004)
While we're getting a little mainstream, I might as well throw this one in here. Green Day will always get points in my book because I grew up on Dookie, and this remains one of the greatest albums of all time. Although their popularity waned over the years, Green Day's perseverance paid off handsomely a decade after the release of their smash. American Idiot is a concept album in the purest form and follows the rise and fall of characters "Jimmy," "Whatshername," and the infamous "Jesus of Suburbia". Think punk-rock version of Tommy. The accolades poured in, solidifying Green Day's stance as one of the greatest punk bands of all time. For those anxiously awaiting this band's follow-up, they recently released an album of garage pop rock under the moniker Foxboro Hottubs. Supposedly new material is on the way for Green Day, as Billie Joe has hinted at a potential 2008 release. With all these "surprise" albums popping up, who knows what's in store!


44) Peter, Bjorn, and John - Writer's Block (2006)
For a country as cold, isolated, and homogeneous as Sweden is, it sure has its share of kick-ass bands. And while ABBA is experiencing quite the revival this summer, I am unfortunately not referring to them this time around. Stockholm's Peter, Bjorn, and John had been around since 1999, but only recently got some exposure in the States thanks to their excellent third record, Writer's Block. Who cares if this is pop music? And don't let the title fool you. This record's got more catchier hooks bass tournament. Yes...I went there. If you think these guys might be a little too obscure for your liking, I guarantee you've heard the whistly "Young Folks" used in a commercial or TV show -- it's gotten around. Peter left Bjorn and John this year temporarily to pursue a solo album which is actually very good.

43) Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (2005)
Spawning one of the better debut albums of the decade, Britain's Bloc Party is post-punk band that has a penchant for piercing guitar riffs, jarring rhythms, and a political attitude to boot (just take a look at their name). This band borrows heavily from their predecessors, as indicated by singer Kele Okereke's sincere, Cure-like narratives on tracks like "Blue Light" and arrangements taken out of the book of Gang of Four (see "Helicopters"). This band made headlines recently for Okereke's recent backstage altercations with the Sex Pistols' abrasive (and apparently racist) frontman Johnny Rotten. When it was all said and done, Okereke left the scene with facial bruises and a split lip.


42) Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark (2008)
Talk about getting better with age. This Southern rock/alt-country outfit has been cranking out albums for over ten years, culminating with their most recent 19-track opus Brighter Than Creation's Dark. Combining the wailing guitar work of Skynyrd with the songwriting pen of Waylon Jennings, the Truckers hit a home run on the first gem of 2008. Despite the departure of very talented songwriter and guitarist, Jason Isbell, these guys...well...kept on truckin'. Bassist Shonna Tucker fills in some of the gaps, and even lends her vocals to the heartwrenching "I'm Sorry Houston". The band really gets the led out on rockers "3 Dimes Down," and "The Righteous Path".


41) Spoon - Gimme Fiction (2005)
It's reassuring to know that Spoon have finally been experiencing some commercial success with their most recent effort. This Austin-based indie band has been around since 1993, and has been making fantastic albums since I can remember. Gimme Fiction is no exception to this. Although, at its core, this record is one that is brimming over the top with perfect pop, Spoon deftly incorporates an array of musical elements that makes Fiction equally complex. Synthesizers flirt with acoustic balladeering, strings, and the occasional guitar-driven numbers to make this one as cacophonous as it is harmonious. If this makes sense...

Wish Fulfillment

Yesssssss. It has been confirmed that Sonic Youth will close out the summer's McCarren Pool Party concert series. The show will take place Saturday August 30th and will feature "special guests". Doors will open at 4, so it looks like this one's gonna be an (almost) all-day event. Tickets will cost $35 and go sale Friday at noon. If you've never made it out to this venue, this is the perfect opportunity it check it out (while it still exists). I can't think of a better band to close out the season at one of Brooklyn's best stomping grounds. This will be amazing.

Kool Thing

Last Friday, I probably got the best music deal in the world. I was perusing through a thrift store on 77th and 3rd when I saw a stack of new Sonic Youth CD's for sale. Considering this place is one of those charity Good Will stores, they practically give stuff away. I got new (still wrapped!) copies of A Thousand Leaves, Goo, Sonic Nurse, and Rather Ripped for a total of four dollars. Yes, this comes out to $1 per disc. These albums have since occupied most of the space in my stereosystem, causing me to go on the longest Sonic Youth binge of my life. Which got me to thinking about several things. Although everyone and their mother is aware of Daydream Nation's accolades, this band really hasn't gotten the credit they deserve on most of their other albums. Influential bands like The Pixies and The Replacements have had their catalogs praised, whereas a majority of Sonic Youth records have gone largely unnoticed. The unfortunate part to this is that people are really missing out on some good stuff. Rather Ripped (released in '06) is an instant classic and in my opinion shows the how the band has only gotten riper with age. Bands as far reaching as The Arcade Fire and Silversun Pickups really owe Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon a debt of gratitude for sculpting a sound two decades before it would appeal to the mainstream.

But it looks like this might changing after all. It was announced today that Starbucks Entertainment (Hear Music), of all people, will be releasing semi-best of collection appropriately titled, Hits Are For Squares, that will be hitting most stores on June 10th. The record will include one exclusive song and smattering of 14 tunes that have received the stamp of approval from various celebrities/Sonic Youth enthusiasts that include everyone from Gus Van Sant to Eddie Vedder. The liner notes will include each song's selector and his/her respective reasons for inspiration. If Starbucks isn't mainstream enough, I don't know what is. I pass at least three each day during my walk to work. Here is the album's songlist paired with celebritie(s):

01 "Bull In The Heather" (selected by Catherine Keener)
02 "Sugar Kane" (selected by Beck)
03 "100%" (selected by Mike D)
04 "Kool Thing" (selected by Radiohead)
05 "Disappearer" (selected by Portia de Rossi)
06 "Stones" (selected by Allison Anders)
07 "Tuff Gnarl" (selected by Dave Eggers and Mike Watt)
08 "Teenage Riot" (selected Eddie Vedder)
09 "Shadow Of A Doubt" (selected by Michelle Williams)
10 "Rain on Tin" (selected by Flea)
11 "Tom Violence" (selected by Gus Van Sant)
12 "Mary-Christ" (selected by David Cross)
13 "World Looks Red" (selected by Chloë Sevigny)
14 "Expressway To Yr Skull" (selected by the Flaming Lips)
15 "Slow Revolution" (exclusive)