Sound Obsession

Part 2 of my "100 Favorite Albums of the 1990s" list covers a period of time when I was finishing up middle school and about to head into high school.   Despite having very limited knowledge or context for anything at the time, I was internalizing all the corporate-curated alternative rock "authenticity" propaganda of the era and, without much sense of irony, had become somewhat of a purist.   For the most part, only bands with at least one clearly defined guitarist, bassist, drummer, and vocalist would do.  Extra points for lyrics conveying some sense of tortured realism.  Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers were my favorites.  Doc Martens, Chuck Taylors, flannels, and band t-shirts from Sam Goody were my uniform.  I'd also picked up my first Discman (a Sony D-111) for my birthday in '92, so now I was mobile.  Music as identity - that is, "you are what you listen to" - now seemed like a very big deal.   - Will G The Black Crowes:   The Souther...

The first few months of any given year often feel a little slow for new music to me, especially during a pandemic when album release cycles are out of whack, live venues are shuttered, and most normal social activity remains in stasis.  I haven't been to a live show in over a year.  Maybe that's why I've been feeling a little introspective and nostalgic lately, like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation locked in the attic passing time by digging through old heirlooms and home movies.  For me it's thousands of albums accumulated over three decades and reacquainting myself with old favorites.  I heard somewhere that most people don't explore new music too long past their teens.  Apparently their tastes calcify and the stuff they liked in high school or college is pretty much it, forever.  That hasn't been the case with me but it's probably true that the bulk of album...

What a year, right?  With live music shutting down in mid-March, the last nine months or so have been all about studio albums for me.  Here are my top ten favorites of 2020, in alphabetical order.  Not too many curveballs.  We're talkin' comfort food here.  Many of these artists have made my top ten favorites lists in recent years, and here they are again.  This time though I was happy to see and hear some stylistic experimentation, lineup changes, and pushing of envelopes.  Check out my runners up and honorable mentions list too.         Have a listen.  Hope you enjoy, and Happy New Year! Brent Cobb:   Keep 'Em On They Toes    (Ol' Buddy - 10/2/20) South Georgia native Brent Cobb, cousin to country super-producer Dave Cobb, released his fourth studio album this year.  This time Brent switched gears, enlisting indie-folk p...

In alphabetical order by artist name.  Top Ten for 2020 coming soon! Hum:   Inlet   (Earth Analog - 6/23/20) Kairon; IRSE!:   Polysomn   (Svart - 9/11/20)   Khruangbin:   Mordechai   (Dead Oceans - 6/26/20)   Killer Be Killed:   Reluctant Hero   (Nuclear Blast - 11/20/20)   Gabe Lee:   Honky Tonk Hell   (Torrez Music - 3/13/20)   Mako:   Oeuvre   (Metalheadz - 4/6/20)   Rattlesnake Milk:   Rattlesnake Milk   (Feels ...