Top 50 Tracks of 2009

For this list, I have made a big change to my usual criteria. I have decided to let bands appear more than once. This has resulted in 11 acts having two songs, but no band has more than that. I don't mind telling you I almost went to three slots for Girls. In case you're interested, the 11 that got shut out because of this decision are (in no particular order): A.C. Newman, Julian Casablancas, Wilco, The Cribs, Arctic Monkeys, St. Vincent, Beach House, Vivian Girls, The Rifles, Spiral Stairs and 7 Worlds Collide. That ought to help start the debate. So, what do you think is missing? Happy New Year to you and yours!

1. Phoenix - Lisztomania
2. Girls - Lust For Life
3. Cats On Fire - The Borders Of This Land (mp3)
4. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You
5. Vampire Weekend - Cousins
6. God Help The Girl - God Help The Girl (mp3)
7. The Balconies - 300 Pages
8. Roger Joseph Manning - Down In Front (mp3)
9. The Clean - In The Dreamlife You Need A Rubber Soul
10. Reigning Sound - Something To Hold Onto
11. Coconut Records - Any Fun
12. M. Ward - Never Had Nobody Like You (mp3)
13. Phoenix - 1901
14. We Were Promised Jetpacks - Quiet Little Voices
15. Girls - Laura
16. Low Miffs & Malcolm Ross - The Man Who Took On Love
17. Those Darlins - Wild One (mp3)
18. Casper & The Cookies - Little King
19. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Higher Than The Stars
20. Cats On Fire - Lay Down Your Arms
21. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
22. Boy Least Likely To - Saddle Up
23. Camera Obscura - French Navy
24. Yo La Tengo - Nothing To Hide
25. The Balconies - Smells Like Secrets (mp3)
26. Sloan - Take It Upon Yourself
27. The Drums - Best Friend
28. The Swimmers - What This World Is Coming To
29. She & Him - Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want
30. Air - Sing Sang Sung
31. Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve (mp3)
32. The Breeders - Fate To Fatal
33. Paul Westerberg - Ghost On The Canvas (mp3)
34. God Help The Girl - Come Monday Night
35. Echo & The Bunnmen - Life Of A Thousand Crimes (mp3)
36. Coconut Records - Microphone
37. Robyn Hitchcock - Up To Our Nex
38. The Clientele - I Wonder Who We Are (mp3)
39. Jason Falkner - My Home Is Not A House
40. The Drums - Saddest Summer
41. Robyn Hitchcock - I'm Falling
42. We Were Promised Jetpacks - It's Thunder And It's Lightning
43. Islands - Vapours
44. Brendan Benson - A Whole Lot Better
45. Marshall Crenshaw - Right On Time (mp3)
46. Crayon Fields - All The Pleasures Of The World
47. The Swimmers - A Hundred Hearts
48. Boy Least Likely To - A Balloon On A Broken String
49. Spoon - Got Nuffin
50. Madness - Dust Devil

'London Calling' Turns 30

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the release of The Clash's 'London Calling'. Whether this double album is the product of the '70s or '80s has been a debate for years since it was released in the UK in December 1979 and in America in January 1980. The argument received a bit of closure when Rolling Stone ranked it the No. 1 album of the '80s. In 2003, the magazine ranked 'London Calling' the eight best album of all time. That's high praise, indeed.

To mark the occasion, a 30th anniversary edition of 'London Calling' became available this week as a double disc with some fine extras. The first disc is the original 19-song juggernaut. The second disc contains the acclaimed Don Letts-produced Clash documentary 'The Last Testament', as well as tons of home-video footage from the studio during the making of the record. The disc concludes with videos for "Clampdown", "Train In Vain" and "London Calling". If you are a long-time fan, holding this in your hands will surely bring back memories. The discs come in vinyl replica packaging, complete with liner bags/inner sleeves and a 20-page book. If you don't already have an original pressing on vinyl, this is the version to get.

The Clash - London Calling (mp3)

She & Him to Cover the Q

By now you have no doubt heard that She & Him will release 'Volume Two' on March 23 via Merge. There are quite a few albums to look forward to in 2010, but this one tops my list. Zooey Deschanel wrote 11 originals, and the duo also cover NRBQ's 'Ridin' In My Car' and Skeeter Davis' 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now'. It is no secret NRBQ is one of my favorite bands, and this tune is one of their best. Al Anderson wrote it in '75 after listening to a lot of 'The Beach Boys Today'... and it shows. I can't wait to hear M. Ward's production on those harmonies. I have not seen a release date for the first single, but I have read the song will be "In The Sun". Check out the track list below, and give a listen to the Q. I love that all the hipsters will be humming this one in 2010!

NRBQ - Ridin' In My Car (mp3)
It's out of print, but you can still buy NRBQ's 'All Hopped Up'

Volume Two Track Listing:
1. Thieves
2. In the Sun
3. Don't Look Back
4. Ridin' in My Car
5. Lingering Still
6. Me and You
7. Gonna Get Along Without You Now
8. Home
9. I'm Gonna Make It Better
10. Sing
11. Over It Over Again
12. Brand New Shoes
13. If You Can't Sleep

Top 20 Albums of 2009

Another banner year in the world of indie music is coming to a close, and my favorite record at the halfway point of 2009 still tops my list. I actually like 'It's Never Been Like That' a bit better than 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix', but that's just quibbling. Phoenix has had two top-notch records back to back. Amazingly, exactly half of the bands on this list were brand new to me in 2009. That just goes to show you the industry is quite healthy. And with She & Him, Vampire Weekend, Freedy Johnston, Futureheads and many more already promising new records in 2010, as usual I'm filled with anticipation as the tunes roll out in the new year. Who will be the next Girls or Balconies? I can't wait to find out.

Just Missed:
Vivian Girls - Everything Goes Wrong
Roger Joseph Manning - Catnip Dynamite
Reigning Sound - Love and Curses

20. The Clientele - Bonfires On The Heath
19. Robyn Hitchcock - Goodnight Oslo
Robyn Hitchcock - I'm Falling (mp3)
18. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career
17. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
16. Islands - Vapours
Islands - Vapours (mp3)
15. The Drums - Summertime!
14. Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs - Under The Covers, Vol. 2
13. The Swimmers - People Are Soft
The Swimmers - What This World Is Coming To (mp3)
12. Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs
Yo La Tengo - If It's True (mp3)
11. The Crayon Fields - All The Pleasures Of The World
10. God Help The Girl - God Help The Girl
9. We Were Promised Jetpacks - These Four Walls
8. Low Miffs & Malcolm Ross - Low Miffs & Malcolm Ross
Low Miffs & Malcolm Ross - The Man Who Took On Love (And Won) (mp3)
7. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
6. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
5. The Balconies - The Balconies
The Balconies - 300 Pages (mp3)
4. Coconut Records - Davy
Coconut Records - Microphone (mp3)
3. Cats On Fire - Our Temperance Movement
Cats on Fire - Lay Down Your Arms (mp3)
2. Girls - Album
Girls - Laura (mp3)
1. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Note: I decided not to include Jason Falkner's 'All Quiet On The Noise Floor'. Expect it on next year's list when it is a domestic release.

Ho-Ho-Ho, Hipsters!

Well, this holiday season we've listened to the Rat Pack, Phil Spector, Beach Boys and much more. All told, I have posted more than 50 songs. If not for the heavy emphasis on all things Brian Wilson, this would have made a heck of a huge mix. I'm concluding my holiday posts with a mix that sounds like something you would hear on 'The OC' if that show was still around. In fact, one of these songs is from an old 'OC' Chrismukkah CD. Although this year wasn't a good one for the quantity of new holiday songs, the quality was excellent. I have included a couple hot off the record presses. Also, if you're a Blondie fan, download a new song for the season right here. Check back a little later in the week for my list of fave 2009 albums before I go on holiday.

Yo La Tengo - It's Christmas Time (mp3)
Julian Casablancas - I Wish It Was Christmas Today (mp3)
Orange Juice - Holiday Hymn (mp3)
Camera Obscura - The Blizzard (mp3)
Belle & Sebastian - Santa, Bring My Baby Back To Me (mp3)
Jens Lekman - Run Away With Me (mp3)
Apples In Stereo - Holiday Mood (mp3)
The dB's - Christmas Time (mp3)
OK Go - Father Christmas (mp3)
The Long Winters - Christmas With You Is The Best (mp3)

More Holiday Tunes From Linear Tracking Lives!
Like, Totally '80s Tunes on My Holiday List
Singer-Songwriters In Your Stockings
Brian Wilson Is What I Want For Christmas
'Tis the Season For Wall of Sound
Holiday Harmonies From the Beach Boys
Holidays With the Rat Pack
Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

Like, Totally '80s Tunes on My Holiday List

These aren't exactly considered classics (although some of them should be), but here are a few seasonal favorites from my youth.

XTC - Thanks For Christmas (mp3)
The Waitresses - Chistmas Wrapping (mp3)
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Little Drummer Boy (mp3)
Squeeze - Christmas Day (mp3)
Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas? (mp3)
Cocteau Twins - Winter Wonderland (mp3)
Wham! - Last Christmas (mp3)

More Holiday Tunes From Linear Tracking Lives!
Singer-Songwriters In Your Stockings
Brian Wilson Is What I Want For Christmas
'Tis the Season For Wall of Sound
Holiday Harmonies From the Beach Boys
Holidays With the Rat Pack
Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

Singer-Songwriters In Your Stockings

These aren't all their own tunes, obviously, but here is a slew of fine singer-songwriters to warm the cockles of your hearts. Check back tomorrow for an '80s holiday mix.

Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime (mp3)
Marshall Crenshaw - Sock It To Me Santa (mp3)
Freedy Johnston - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (mp3)
Ron Sexsmith - Maybe This Christmas (mp3)
Kate Bush - December Will Be Magic Again (mp3)
Sufjan Stevens - It's Christmas! Let's Be Glad! (mp3)
Aimee Mann - I'll Be Home For Christmas (mp3)
Johnny Cash - Silent Night (mp3)
George Harrison - Ding Dong, Ding Dong (mp3)

More Holiday Tunes From Linear Tracking Lives!
Brian Wilson Is What I Want For Christmas
'Tis the Season For Wall of Sound
Holiday Harmonies From the Beach Boys
Holidays With the Rat Pack
Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

Brian Wilson Is What I Want For Christmas

We have heard several standout holiday songs this decade, but I don't believe we have been blessed with many classic contemporary albums. Sufjan Stevens comes to mind, but it gets pretty scarce after that. The other exception is this one from 2005 by Brian Wilson. Arista CEO Clive Davis envisioned this project and asked Wilson to do it. The result, 'What I Really Want For Christmas', is comprised of 10 holiday standards, two rerecorded songs from 'The Beach Boys' Christmas Album' one new song by Wilson with Bernie Taupin, one new song by Wilson with Jimmy Webb and one new song by Wilson on his own. I don't rank this record as highly as the Phil Spector or Beach Boys holiday albums, but it is still quite good. Wilson is backed by his superb band of the last ten years or so, including the Wondermints, guitarist Jeffrey Foskett and multi-instrumentalist/strings/horns arranger Paul Von Mertiens. Check out the following tracks (in order) for a new version of a Beach Boys classic, the new one by Wilson/Taupin, a traditional song and one written by Wilson himself.

Brian Wilson - Man With All The Toys (mp3)
Brian Wilson - What I Really Want For Christmas (mp3)
Brian Wilson - Deck The Halls (mp3)
Brian Wilson - On Christmas Day (mp3)

More Holiday Tunes From Linear Tracking Lives!
'Tis the Season For Wall of Sound
Holiday Harmonies From the Beach Boys
Holidays With the Rat Pack
Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

'Tis the Season For Wall of Sound

'A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector' tops my long list of holiday favorites. It was first released in 1963 and peaked at No. 13 on the album chart. Sales were probably hurt by the timing of its release... Nov. 22, 1963. If that date sounds familiar, it's because that was the day Kennedy was assassinated. It was first reissued by Apple Records in 1972, and it shot all the way to No. 6. Its popularity has continued to grow through the decades, and the album has been reissued and remastered several times. In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 142 on its list of 500 greatest albums of all time. My hero, Brian Wilson, has often called it his favorite record. I got my copy as disc four of Spector's 'Back To Mono' box set nearly 20 years ago.

Spector gathered his stable of stars for the album. Darlene Love, Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans, The Crystals and The Ronettes were joined by Spector's usual suspects, including Hal Blaine on drums and Leon Russell on piano. These arrangements have become the standard for popular songs like "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", "Frosty The Snowman" and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer". I'm not a big fan of David Letterman these days, but Love's annual December appearance on his show is a holiday highlight (see below). Enjoy one song from each of the artists on this classic album.

Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (mp3)
Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans - The Bells of St. Mary's (mp3)
The Ronettes - Frosty the Snowman (mp3)
The Crystals - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (mp3)



Also From Linear Tracking Lives!
Holiday Harmonies From the Beach Boys
Holidays With the Rat Pack
Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

Holiday Harmonies From the Beach Boys

The 1998 compilation 'Ultimate Christmas' from The Beach Boys is my second-favorite holiday record. It's the entire 12-song 'The Beach Boys' Christmas Album' from 1964, plus alternate versions, single mixes and several unreleased songs from later years that brings the number of tracks to a whopping 26. Even if 'Ultimate Christmas' never saw the light of day, 'The Beach Boys' Christmas Album' alone would still rank No. 2 on my holiday list. Five of the 12 songs are originals, pretty unique for the time period, and those 27 minutes are chock full of those patented vocals that you, your mother and maybe even your grandmother love. That, indeed, makes it the "ultimate" holiday listen during family time.

In 1977, the Hawthorne lads (well, not really lads at that point) attempted a second Christmas album. It was completed, but the label said "Bah, Humbug". Most of that record collected dust until it was included here 21 years later. I think you'll find the following songs quite interesting. The first is Brian Wilson taking a rare turn at vocals all by his lonesome with the classic "Blue Christmas". This was only the second time the band had a completely solo vocal performance. Everyone knows the Beach Boys holiday smash "Little Saint Nick". Here is the single version released during the holiday season of 1963, a year before 'The Beach Boys' Christmas Album'. It's quite a bit more complex than the album version, with overdubs of glockenspiel, celeste and sleigh bells added to a stereo mix. "Christmas Time Is Here Again" is from '77, and it was recorded while relaxing at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa. "Winter Symphony" was Brian's contribution to the unreleased '77 Christmas album, and it is the most beautiful of the tracks from those sessions. The horns are great, and the French horn in particular stands out. It was played by an unknown Maharishi International student that goes uncredited.

'Ultimate Christmas' is still very much in print and would make a wonderful Christmas gift for the discriminating Beach Boys fan.

The Beach Boys - Blue Christmas (mp3)
The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick (Single Version) (mp3)
The Beach Boys - Christmas Time Is Here Again (mp3)
The Beach Boys - Winter Symphony (mp3)

Also From Linear Tracking Lives!
Holidays With the Rat Pack
Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

Top 100 Tracks of the Decade (#25-#1)

This is a list that could have easily gone on and on and on. To help curb this problem, I set one pretty big rule. No band could appear in my Top 100 more than once. That kept bands like Phoenix the New Pornographers from occupying about ten songs each, and it also made things a lot more interesting to assemble. That would also be a bore. I not only had to pare down bands, but then I had to trim songs within the band. And don't expect them all to be singles either. That would also be a bore. Two more notes: I don't have endless storage space for mp3s. I think I can get away with providing somewhere around 40 songs from this list. Until I get to the Top 15 or so, I'll be selecting songs for downloads I think are a little more obscure since many of you will already have the others. Finally, I only chose a few songs from 2009 for the same reason I selected so few new LPs for my best albums of the decade list. They need a little more time to season. I listen to lots of new music, and it would be easy to fall into the trap of selecting too many 2009 songs since they are so much in my consciousness. Now, on with the countdown. Feel free to send rants and raves.

Top Tracks of the Decade (#100-#76)
Top Tracks of the Decade (#75-#51)
Top Tracks of the Decade (#50-#26)

25. M. Ward - Poison Cup
24. The Rosebuds - Blue Bird (mp3)
23. Paul Simon - You're The One (mp3)
22. David Byrne - Glass, Concrete & Stone
21. Super Furry Animals - (Drawing) Rings Around The World (mp3)
20. Shout Out Louds - Very Loud
19. Wilco - Magazine Called Sunset
18. Modest Mouse - Float On
17. The Clientele - Since K Got Over Me
16. The Walkmen - The Rat (mp3)
15. Doves - There Goes The Fear
14. The Coral - Dreaming Of You (mp3)
13. Phoenix - Long Distance Call
12. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize?
11. The Strokes - Last Night
10. Kevin Shields - City Girl (mp3)
9. Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
8. Chamber Strings - Make It Through The Summer
7. Robert Forster - Demon Days (mp3)
6. Guillemtots - Trains To Brazil
5. Beck - Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometimes (mp3)
4. David Bowie- Days (mp3)
3. She & Him - Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
2. The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me
1. Jens Lekman - Rocky Dennis Farewell Song To The Blind Girl (mp3)

Top 100 Tracks of the Decade (#50-#26)

This is a list that could have easily gone on and on and on. To help curb this problem, I set one pretty big rule. No band could appear in my Top 100 more than once. That kept bands like Phoenix the New Pornographers from occupying about ten songs each, and it also made things a lot more interesting to assemble. That would also be a bore. I not only had to pare down bands, but then I had to trim songs within the band. And don't expect them all to be singles either. That would also be a bore. Two more notes: I don't have endless storage space for mp3s. I think I can get away with providing somewhere around 40 songs from this list. Until I get to the Top 15 or so, I'll be selecting songs for downloads I think are a little more obscure since many of you will already have the others. Finally, I only chose a few songs from 2009 for the same reason I selected so few new LPs for my best albums of the decade list. They need a little more time to season. I listen to lots of new music, and it would be easy to fall into the trap of selecting too many 2009 songs since they are so much in my consciousness. Now, on with the countdown. Feel free to send rants and raves.

Top Tracks of the Decade (#100-#76)
Top Tracks of the Decade (#75-#51)

50. Reigning Sound - Stormy Weather
49. Duran Duran - (Reach Up For The) Sunrise
48. Islands - Rough Gem (mp3)
47. The New Pornographers - Letter From An Occupant
46. Beulah - Popular Mechanics For Lovers
45. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - When Your Mind's Made Up
44. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Turn Into (mp3)
43. Arctic Monkeys - A Certain Romance
42. The Delgados - The Light Before We Land (mp3)
41. The Polyphonic Spree - Night and Day
40. Julie Ocean - Bright Idea (mp3)
39. 1990s - See You At The Lights (mp3)
38. Paul McCartney - Fine Line
37. Stephen Malkmus - Jo Jo's Jacket
36. Interpol - Untitled
35. Tapes 'n Tapes - Insistor
34. Sugarplastic - The Runaround (mp3)
33. Gorillaz- 19-2000
32. Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
31. Joe Strummer - Coma Girl
30. Jim Noir - Turbulent Weather (mp3)
29. Go-Betweens - Here Comes A City (mp3)
28. The Futureheads - Decent Days and Nights (mp3)
27. Brendan Benson - Tiny Spark (mp3)
26. Of Montreal - Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse

Top 100 Tracks of the Decade (#75-#51)

This is a list that could have easily gone on and on and on. To help curb this problem, I set one pretty big rule. No band could appear in my Top 100 more than once. That kept bands like Phoenix the New Pornographers from occupying about ten songs each, and it also made things a lot more interesting to assemble. That would also be a bore. I not only had to pare down bands, but then I had to trim songs within the band. And don't expect them all to be singles either. That would also be a bore. Two more notes: I don't have endless storage space for mp3s. I think I can get away with providing somewhere around 40 songs from this list. Until I get to the Top 15 or so, I'll be selecting songs for downloads I think are a little more obscure since many of you will already have the others. Finally, I only chose a few songs from 2009 for the same reason I selected so few new LPs for my best albums of the decade list. They need a little more time to season. I listen to lots of new music, and it would be easy to fall into the trap of selecting too many 2009 songs since they are so much in my consciousness. Now, on with the countdown. Feel free to send rants and raves.

Top Tracks of the Decade (#100-#76)

75. Crowded House - Don't Stop Now
74. Preston School of Industry - Falling Away
73. A.C. Newman - The Town Halo (mp3)
72. Apples in Stereo - Signal In The Sky (Let's Go)
71. The Little Ones - Lovers Who Uncover (mp3)
70. Lansing-Dreiden - A Line You Can Cross
69. Magic Numbers - Forever Lost
68. Prototypes - Je Ne Te Connais Pas
67. M83 - Kim & Jessie
66. Bloc Party - This Modern Love (mp3)
65. Mary Weiss - Don't Come Back (mp3)
64. Emma Pollock - Acid Test (mp3)
63. Au Revoir Simone - Fallen Snow (mp3)
62. Girls - Lust For Life
61. Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood (mp3)
60. Loretta Lynn & Jack White - Portland Oregon
59. The Thrills - One Horse Town (mp3)
58. The Decemberists - The Sporting Life
57. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - The Skin Of my Yellow Country Teeth
56. Vampire Weekend - Mansard Roof
55. Belle & Sebastian - Step Into My Office, Baby
54. The Shins - Sleeping Lessons
53. Coconut Records - Any Fun
52. Spoon - The Underdog
51. Glen Tilbrook - This Is Where You Ain't (mp3)

Top 100 Tracks of the Decade (#100-#76)

This is a list that could have easily gone on and on and on. To help curb this problem, I set one pretty big rule. No band could appear in my Top 100 more than once. That kept bands like Phoenix the New Pornographers from occupying about ten songs each, and it also made things a lot more interesting to assemble. That would also be a bore. I not only had to pare down bands, but then I had to trim songs within the band. And don't expect them all to be singles either. That would also be a bore. Two more notes: I don't have endless storage space for mp3s. I think I can get away with providing somewhere around 40 songs from this list. Until I get to the Top 15 or so, I'll be selecting songs for downloads I think are a little more obscure since many of you will already have the others. Finally, I only chose a few songs from 2009 for the same reason I selected so few new LPs for my best albums of the decade list. They need a little more time to season. I listen to lots of new music, and it would be easy to fall into the trap of selecting too many 2009 songs since they are so much in my consciousness. Now, on with the countdown. Feel free to send rants and raves.

100. Kaiser Chiefs - Everyday I Love You Less and Less
99. Sean Lennon - Parachute
98. Boy Least Likely To - Be Gentle With Me (mp3)
97. The Hives - Hate to Say I Told You So
96. Nick Lowe - She's Got Soul
95. The Crayon Fields - Living So Well (mp3)
94. Elvis Costello - When I Was Cruel No. 2
93. The Finn Brothers - Won't Give In (mp3)
92. The Broken West - So It Goes
91. Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
90. Mark Olson & Gary Louris - Bicycle (mp3)
89. The High Llamas - Get Into the Galley Shop
88. Liam Finn - Second Chance
87. Wondermints - Another Way
86. The Breeders - Huffer (mp3)
85. The Jayhawks - One Man's Problem
84. The Lodger - Kicking Sand (mp3)
83. Brian Wilson - Midnight's Another Day
82. Neil Finn - Human Kindness
81. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
80. The Redwalls - Thank You (mp3)
79. The Cribs - You Were Always The One
78. The Bicycles - Oh No, It's Love (mp3)
77. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You
76. Jay Bennett & Edward Burch - Puzzle Heart (mp3)

Imagine, John Lennon

It was 29 years ago today that one of my heroes was silenced by a crazed assassin's bullet. As I have done every Dec. 8 for as long as I can remember, I only listened to the music of John Lennon. I mostly went with the unplugged versions of his tunes this year, and I would like to share a couple of those songs that really stood out. I'm also including video from ABC's 'Monday Night Football' during which Howard Cosell tells the world the breaking news of Lennon's death. This is the way many received the sad news. Since I was only 11 at the time, I was already in bed, but my parents knew of my love for The Beatles. They woke me up to tell me. Like many of us alive at the time, I will never, ever forget that moment.

John Lennon - Watching the Wheels (mp3) from Acoustic
John Lennon - Real Love (mp3) from Acoustic

Holidays With the Rat Pack

When I think of holiday tunes, I immediately think think of three albums albums above all others -- 'A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector', 'The Beach Boys' Christmas Album' and 'Christmas With The Rat Pack'. I will get to all of these this season, but let's start with some songs from Dino, Frank and Sammy. The tunes below are taken from three separate albums, and I highly recommend all of them.

First, Martin's songs come from an out-of-print collection called 'Making Spirits Bright'. I think this is Dino at his best because it is a combination of his Capitol and Reprise years. So, it covers the 1950s and 1960s quite well. The Reprise material is more well known because these were songs and arrangements he often did on his television show, but the Capitol tunes are a bit hipper, in my opinion.

Sammy's songs are taken from 'Christmas With The Rat Pack'. Obviously, if you don't own any holiday songs from these three, this recordis the place to start. These are some of their best tunes taken from eight Capitol albums during the years 1954-1966. Let me make clear that, for the most part, these are songs from each of them separately (not trios).

Finally, I went way back for these Sinatra songs. The album, 'Christmas Songs By Sinatra', is culled from 78s he recorded between 1944 and 1950. These are straight-ahead arrangements done in a big band/crooning style popularized at the time by Bing Crosby. You aren't going to get lyrics like "Merry Christmas, Jack". That would come much later. This one is out of print too, but you can find it very easily in the used Amazon section for about six bucks. Now that's a great stocking stuffer, Jack!

Dean Martin - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (mp3)
Dean Martin - A Marshmallow World (mp3)
Sammy Davis, Jr. - Christmas Time All Over The World (mp3)
Sammy Davis, Jr. - Jingle Bells (mp3)
Frank Sinatra - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (mp3)
Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (mp3)

See Also: Holiday Gifts For You From NRBQ

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#10-#1)

Before I reveal my picks, I should explain a few things. This list covers the years 2000-2009. No compilations or reissues are allowed. Although no live albums made my list, they are acceptable. EPs are OK, too. My choices are based, partly, on past year-end lists, but I weighed the number of listens recorded on my iTunes too. There are only two choices from 2009 on my list. That's because I feel recent releases need more time to breathe. How will I feel about 2009 releases even a year from now? The 2009 picks that made the cut were a little easier to judge because they came out quite a while ago, and I had the records many months before the official releases. I chose these particular mp3s because the songs will not make my best tracks of the decade list. Let the grilling begin!

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#41-#31)
Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#30-#21)
Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#20-#11)

10. The Strokes: 'Is This It?'
Perhaps the most hyped record of the decade has, surprisingly, held up very well... even if the band hasn't. Unfortunately, this really was it.

9. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova: 'Once (Original Soundtrack)'
If I had never seen the film, would I feel the same about these songs? In other words, does the music stand up on its own? It's an intriguing question. Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives! says this record reminds her of Coldplay, and I don't particularly like Chris Martin and Co. I don't really like this duo's new record very much either. Truth is, hearing these songs within the context of the film does make them better, but I enjoy playing the CD, too.

8. Neil Finn: 'One All'
Split Enz, Crowded House, The Finn Brothers, 7 Worlds Collide and his solo work... everything this guy touches has been gold. He is my generation's Paul McCartney. Somebody just forgot to tell the listening public.
Neil Finn - Driving Me Mad (mp3)

7. The New Pornographers: 'Electric Version'
The supergroup put out four excellent records this decade, and all of them could have made this list. By an eyelash, this is my fave.
The New Pornographers - The Laws Have Changed (mp3)

6. The Flaming Lips: 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots'
I never got into The Lips before this record's predecessor, 'The Soft Bulletin'. These two records are quite a bit different than their other ones. So, I have come to the conclusion I'm not so much a fan of the band as an admirer of one of their phases. This record also spawned one of my favorite tours of all time. The Flaming Lips opened the show and then acted as Beck's backing band. That's entertainment.

5. She & Him: 'Volume 1'
If I could get away with it, I would make this No. 1, but there is something about an actress turning to music that seems like a lark. It held me back just a little bit, but Zooey Deschanel's words, voice and persona are utterly charming. And let's remember that these are her songs. I really enjoyed M. Ward's 'Post-War' album (it almost made this list), and these two together have a chemistry sorely lacking in like-minded combinations that shall remain nameless. Of all the records announced for 2010, 'Volume 2' is the one I'm most looking forward to hearing.

4. Wilco: 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot'
Jeff Tweedy gets too much credit and Jay Bennett doesn't get enough for this masterpiece. Fans seem to have a problem admitting it, but Bennett-less Wilco has never come close to equalling the success of 'Summerteeth' and 'Foxtrot'.

3. Phoenix: 'It's Never Been Like That'
The French band became a world-wide sensation this year with 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix', and that's an excellent record, but I prefer the LP that sounds more like The Strokes with production values than the electronic-based music of their past.

2. Brian Wilson: 'SMiLE'
As a Beach Boys fanatic and longtime owner of bootleg versions of his abandoned magnum opus, I still can't believe Wondermints frontman Darian Sahanaja and Wilson were able to pull this off. My favorite aspects of 'SMiLE' are the new musical interludes. Wilson's voice is not as good as it was in 1967 (and these aren't The Beach Boys), but it's still a brilliant symphony.
Brian Wilson - Cabin Essence (mp3)

1. Beck: 'Sea Change'
You know an artist has made a great record when you don't even consider yourself a fan and still, somehow, the artist produces your favorite record of the decade. The only other record by Beck I can appreciate is 'Mutations', and both of these LPs share a tone not found in the rest of his discography. The story goes that Beck wrote and recorded 'Sea Change' after a breakup, and this is as melancholy as it gets. You need to be in that kind of mood and play it in its entirety to truly appreciate 'Sea Change'. That's why it's the best record of the 2000s.
Beck - Sunday Sun (mp3)

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#20-#11)

Before I reveal my picks, I should explain a few things. This list covers the years 2000-2009. No compilations or reissues are allowed. Although no live albums made my list, they are acceptable. EPs are OK, too. My choices are based, partly, on past year-end lists, but I weighed the number of listens recorded on my iTunes too. There are only two choices from 2009 on my list. That's because I feel recent releases need more time to breathe. How will I feel about 2009 releases even a year from now? The 2009 picks that made the cut were a little easier to judge because they came out quite a while ago, and I had the records many months before the official releases. I chose these particular mp3s because the songs will not make my best tracks of the decade list. Let the grilling begin!

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#41-#31)
Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#30-#21)

20. Vampire Weekend: 'Vampire Weekend'
Sometimes a new record can sound so familiar and, yet, so fresh at the same time. There were some obvious comparisons to Paul Simon's work during his South Africa phase, which I love, but this highly touted debut from 2008 was full of indie cred, too. And I don't hold it against the boys that their label completely screwed me when I posted one of their songs for a few hours and immediately took it down when asked. The end result was my file-storage account was shut down anyway. Hey XL! I fart in your general direction! Now, on with the countdown.

19. The Exploding Hearts: 'Guitar Romatic'
I'm going to have to bring this list down a little bit. This Portland-based band was so punk rock and one of the bright spots of 2003. "Modern Kicks" sounded an awful lot like "Teenage Kicks", but if you're going to wear your influences on your sleeves, make sure they are as awesome as Undertones and The Clash. Tragically, not long after this debut was released, three of the four band members were killed in a van accident. "RRRRiiichchieeeee!"
The Exploding Hearts - Modern Kicks (mp3)

18. Paul McCartney: 'Chaos and Creation In The Backyard'
The consensus seems to be this record was OK but not nearly as good as the followup, 'Memory Almost Full'. I disagree. It's too bad this one will end up being remembered as a love letter to his ex-wife, Heather Mills. The truth is he produced a beautiful and understated record full of beautiful strings and heartfelt lyrics. This is particularly true with this song. Imagine where he was in his life when he recorded it.
Paul McCartney - How Kind of You (mp3)

17. The New Pornographers: 'Twin Cinema'
Of all the bands this decade, I think this one was the most productive and, overall, my favorite. All four of their records came out this decade, and each of them was an excellent piece of power pop. For once, even the listening public agreed. 'Twin Cinema' just missed cracking the Top 40 of Billboard's album chart.

16. The Pipettes: 'We Are The Pipettes'
What fun! There were several excellent girl groups resurrecting the sounds of the '60s this decade, but The Pipettes did it best because these were bad girls that weren't afraid to be brash. The Supremes would never say "leave me alone, you're just a one night stand to me".

15. David Bowie: 'Heathen'
Covering "I've Been Waiting For You" was the only misstep in an otherwise perfect record from 2002. Bringing Tony Visconti back into the fold was a godsend.
David Bowie - Slow Burn (mp3)

14. A.C. Newman: 'The Slow Wonder'
The New Pornographers are a side project that eclipsed the careers of participants Dan Bejar, Neko Case and Newman, but all three have had moments of brilliance on solo records this decade, too. I think this one is the best of that lot. Some fans, no doubt, don't even think this is Newman's best LP. Let's agree to disagree. 'The Slow Wonder' is the rare record that gets stronger with each passing song. When was the last time you heard an LP that concludes with such strength?

13. The High Llamas: 'Beet, Maize & Corn'
I never did a list like this for the '90s. If I had, The High Llamas' 'Hawaii' would have been in my Top 10. This record is quite a bit different than that one or any other High Llamas record. You won't find much Brian Wilson here. You'll find a wee bit of Burt Bacharach. There are no electronics. Everything is acoustic. It's still chamber pop, but it sounds like a record from another era. The strings and horns are straight out of 'Dangerous Liaisons'. It's quite beautiful... just not mainstream.
The High Llamas - Calloway (mp3)

12. Stephen Malkmus: 'Stephen Malkmus'
The Pavement frontman's first solo record has turned out to be the only record of his that I love from beginning to end. Malkmus has produced several good pop songs this decade (including some real stunners on the "Dark Wave EP"), but most of his albums have been chock full of jam-band qualities that have really turned me off. This is how I choose to listen to him.

11. Arcade Fire: 'Funeral'
Two things about this record still give me goose bumps. Win Butler's passionate vocals remind me of David Bowie during the build in "Heroes". The other is how much space the instrumentation seems to consume. This record feels so full. Themes of love and loss make this an exhausting listen. I mean that in the best way possible.

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#30-#21)

Before I reveal my picks, I should explain a few things. This list covers the years 2000-2009. No compilations or reissues are allowed. Although no live albums made my list, they are acceptable. EPs are OK, too. My choices are based, partly, on past year-end lists, but I weighed the number of listens recorded on my iTunes too. There are only two choices from 2009 on my list. That's because I feel recent releases need more time to breathe. How will I feel about 2009 releases even a year from now? The 2009 picks that made the cut were a little easier to judge because they came out quite a while ago, and I had the records many months before the official releases. I chose these particular mp3s because the songs will not make my best tracks of the decade list. Let the grilling begin!

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#41-#31)

30. Beulah: 'The Coast Is Never Clear'
Neither very Elephant 6 or lo-fi sounding as with previous efforts, this polished piece, in my opinion, is their magnum opus. The lyrics are sharp and humorous, and the music is pure pop. Too bad it was released on 9/11. Perhaps it could have been a bigger hit. I have heard songs from it piped into "dude" clothing stores. So, they have that going for them.

29. Webb Brothers: 'Maroon'
With the theme of late-night swingers and barflies, the sons of Jimmy Webb created lush orchestration and beautiful harmonies to describe a pretty depressing life of hooking up with strange women and drowning sorrows in all sorts of intoxicants. I liked their previous record, 'Beyond the Biosphere', a bit better, but this effort is right there.
The Webb Brothers - The Liar's Club (mp3)

28. Preston School of Industry: 'All This Sounds Gas'
Critics didn't like this one much (or anything by Spiral Stairs, for that matter), but this was one of my favorites from 2001. I agree with the critics on just about everything else he has produced, but this one is worth another listen.
Preston School of Industry - Whalebones (mp3)

27. David Bowie: 'Reality'
Although he is nearly my favorite artist, I'm the first to admit the previous decade was a lost one for Bowie. This decade wasn't particularly prolific, but both records from the 2000s were quite good. It is, in no small part, due to teaming up with one of his old producers and friends, Tony Visconti. Has it really been six years since we had a new record?

26. Wondermints: 'Mind If We Make Love to You'
They are known more as Brian Wilson's brilliant backing band, but Wondermints have had a few excellent power-pop albums during their sporadic career. This is their sole contribution to the decade (sans Wilson). Actually, I just remembered Wilson makes a guest appearance on the record. Never mind.

25. Brendan Benson: 'Lapalco'
Benson's bad contract with Virgin cost listeners several lost years between 'One Mississippi' in 1996 and this brilliant followup in 2002. The power-pop genius seems to finally be getting his due now (thanks to his exposure in The Raconteurs), but this is his best solo work and is much better than anything he did with Jack White.

24. Phoenix: 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix'
The best French export since brie absolutely exploded in 2009 with this one. If I did this list a year from now, I imagine this record would be ranked much higher. As a longtime fan that thinks they have done better work, perhaps I'm creating my own personal backlash. Cadillac commercials and 'SNL' appearances aside, the bottom line is there wasn't a better album all year.

23. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: 'Clap Your Hands Say Yeah'
Do you remember the Internet buzz around this band in 2005? Well, I bought it hook, line and sinker. I rooted for them as they recorded, produced and released an absolute stunner all by themselves. As often happens in these situations, the excitement is gone now. The band has yet to replicate a record like this, and Alec Ounsworth is releasing solo material. I don't care. No matter what happens, they gave us a piece of work to place beside Talking Heads and Neutral Milk Hotel.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood (mp3)

22. Robert Forster: 'The Evangelist'
In all candor, Go-Betweens' last record, 'Oceans Apart', just missed making this list. The death of Grant McLennan hit me hard, and you can tell by this record that it hit Forster hard, too. They were working on the next Go-Betweens album when McLennan passed. Forster pressed on... and not entirely without his collaborator. "Demon Days" was written by McLennan, and he played it for Forster just before he died. Forster recorded it in his honor, and it is one of my favorite tracks of the entire decade. I'll be sure to include it on my best-tracks list next week.
Robert Forster - Pandanus (mp3)

21. Doves: 'Lost Souls'
The singles on 'Last Broadcast' are better than the singles on this 2000 effort, but this Brit-pop beauty is the better overall record. In fact, Doves never quite equalled their debut.

Top 41 Albums of the Decade (#31-#41)

Before I reveal my picks, I should explain a few things. This list covers the years 2000-2009. No compilations or reissues are allowed. Although no live albums made my list, they are acceptable. EPs are OK, too. My choices are based, partly, on past year-end lists, but I weighed the number of listens recorded on my iTunes too. There are only two choices from 2009 on my list. That's because I feel recent releases need more time to breathe. How will I feel about 2009 releases even a year from now? The 2009 picks that made the cut were a little easier to judge because they came out quite a while ago, and I had the records many months before the official releases. I chose these particular mp3s because the songs will not make my best tracks of the decade list. Let the grilling begin!

41. The Polyphonic Spree: 'Wait'
This five-song EP between the second and third albums is the band's best. Can you cover yourself? Tim DeLaughter first recorded "Sonic Bloom" with his previous band, Tripping Daisy. Both versions are great. Other covers here are The Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way" and Nirvana's Lithium". All have lots of that grand choir.

40. Arctic Monkeys: 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'
These Brits had three terrific albums this decade, but their debut blew me away. I'll never forget the first time I heard "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor".

39. Nick Lowe: 'At My Age'
Lowe has been acting his age ever since he adopted the crooner style with 'The Impossible Bird' back in the early '90s. It's very becoming. He croons here as well, but he also brings back a little pub rock, too.
Nick Lowe - Hope For Us All (mp3)

38. The Chamber Strings: 'Month of Sundays'
This 2001 album was the last time we heard from Kevin Junior, but there is word he is cleaned up and working again. I hope he brings back the lush orchestration found on this beautiful piece.

37. Spoon: 'Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga'
It was a close race between this 2007 album and 'Gimme Fiction'. I'm already looking forward to their new one next month.

36. The Shins: 'Wincing the Night Away'
Side two starts to run out of gas, but the first four songs are amazing. None of the band's records have been perfect, but this one is my favorite.

35. Jens Lekman: 'Night Falls Over Kortedala'
His sense of humor is matched only by his talents as an arranger. Lekman produced quite a bit of great work this decade. It was a tough choice, but "The Opposite of Hallelujah" tipped the scales.
Jens Lekman - The Opposite of Hallelujah (mp3)

34. Girls: 'Album'
Well, I guess I'm giving up the goods on my "best of" for 2009. The heartfelt vocals and lo-fi production is beyond charming.
Girls - Laura (mp3)

33. The Jayhawks: 'Rainy Day Music'
The lineup on the band's last album is sparse, but Gary Louris turns down the pop and turns up the roots rock of their early days. This is not quite 'Hollywood Town Hall', but I still ate it up.
The Jayhawks - One Man's Problem (mp3)

32. The Lodger: 'Grown-Ups'
I defy you to sit still when listening to the twee pop of this Leeds trio. The critics seemed to like the followup to 'Grown-Ups' better, but their debut had a certain spark I thought was missing with 'Life Is Sweet'.
The Lodger - Simply Left Behind (mp3)

31. Jason Falkner: 'Bliss Descending'
Where's the usual filler found on EPs? There isn't one sour note found within these five power-pop nuggets. It really is bliss.