Posted by Michael on January 12, 2010 under Reviews |
Why are people always complaining that music isn’t as good as it used to be. I think this decade featured some very fine music. I’ve seen a lot of lists that are so indie it hurts, and a lot of albums hailed not so much because they are *enjoyable* and more because, well, they AREN’T.
My top albums of the decade are diverse, and there a couple lesser known titles, but many of those were a bit bigger across the pond. Some trends I like? A couple oldsters put out their best work in years, some new people broke innovative ground, and others bucked the system… and it made for some compelling music.
I’m actually quite anal about rating and ranking my albums. I have four categories that I rate 1-10, resulting in a possible 40 point total. The categories are: (S)ONGS – How good is the songwriting? (P)RODUCTION – How much detail, how much punch… did the producer/engineer succeed to the fullest? (M)USICIANSHIP – How is the vocal quality, instrumental players, arrangement, etc… (C)OHESIVENESS – The most subjective, does the album flow well, do the songs combine to form a whole that is greater than the sum of it’s parts?
If you like popular music, and you are unfamiliar with any of the albums I talk about, I urge you to run out right now and get it, because you’ll be in for a treat! So without any further ado, let me begin the countdown. Read more of this article »
Tags: 1 Giant Leap, Alicia Keys, Anastacia, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Dixie Chicks, Eve 6, Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Keane, Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, Mika, Muse, Pink, Prince, Radiohead, Robbie Williams, Scissor Sisters, The Script
Posted by Michael on May 25, 2009 under Reviews |
I was shocked and surprised to discover that a Green Day album had clawed its way into my top ten albums. That Album was American Idiot. So in one sense I had high hopes for their new CD, but in another way, I really didn’t expect something to live up.
My shock… I like the ne album, 21st Century Breakdown, even better than their last one. The first 6 songs are decent, but not stellar and maybe feel like the group is “trying a bit too hard”… but once you get past that, the next ten songs are “all killer, no filler”. They are trying different things on this album. Most noticeably they have discovered piano in a big way, and use it effectively… “Peacemaker” with its mid-eastern musical influences is a big standout, and “21 Guns” deserves to be the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” of this record. (Though I suspect American Radio will stay away from it’s political content.)
In fact, while I think almost song for song this album is better, it isn’t as chock-full of obvious radio hits, again, pretty much because Billy doesn’t hold back on the political content. Despite their upcoming challenges with radio (maybe because of it) They have delivered a mature and thoughtful album that still shows the boys can rock. Production and engineering on this is also amazing, BTW…
Now I have the scary proposition of having to admit that Green Day might be one of my favorite BANDS! I guess I should start checking out some of their catalogue.