july 09
Showing posts with label Playlists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Playlists. Show all posts
The Archives : Jay Bennett & Edward Burch's "The Palace at 4am" (2002)
When Jay Bennett played his final show with Wilco on July 4, 2001, instead of wallowing, he jumped into the studio with his pal Ed Burch and recorded the fantastic The Palace at 4am. With Jeff Tweedy no longer at his side, the record fell under the radar, but it's a beautiful pop mix recalling the best of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello.Only a few folks know what really led to Bennett's dismissal/departure from Wilco, but it would be hard to argue that his talents and input opened up Tweedy's mind and musical palette. And please excuse the fact that I just used the word palette; I just couldn't come up with anything else. Bennett was instrumental in Wilco's three best records: Being There, Summerteeth and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, not to mention the two Mermaid records. Since Bennett's been gone, the band's output has unquestionably suffered. A Ghost Is Born has its moments, but as a whole, is subpar by Wilco standards. 2007's Sky Blue Sky is a step above AGIB but still doesn't reach the trifecta that Bennett played a huge part in creating.
Back to Bennett's first record post-Wilco. From "Talk To Me" and "Forgiven" to "Like a Photograph" and "Little White Cottage", it could be argued that Bennett has released the best record by either Tweedy or Bennett since Bennett played his last lick with the band in Grant Park on Independence Day, 2001. Some of the songs are simple pop numbers, while others recall the sprawling sound that Bennett made a staple of the Wilco sound. If you loved Wilco's sound through 02, you should own this record.
Will Oldham Playlist
If you are unfamiliar with Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Will Oldham, Palace, Palace Songs, Palace Songs and the rest, it's time to listen to this playlist. This is great music.
2008 Playlist
I've tried most playlist services, and today I figured I'd give Lala a whirl. I attempted to compile about 30 songs, but could only find about 17, which is clearly a reflection of the service. In addition, if I wanted to keep going and create additional playlists, after exhausting my free 50 tunes, I would have to pay $.10/song to simply have the right to stream said songs. This is, well, lame. Nevertheless, here are some of my favorite songs of this past year.
Other Than Wilco
Jeff Tweedy is most prominently known as the frontman and founder of the alt.country turned experimental turned alt.country.experimental band Wilco. Most are also aware that prior to Wilco, Tweedy was co-leader of Uncle Tupelo (1987-1994), sharing the helm with Son Volt founder, Jay Farrar. In addition to his time in Uncle Tupelo, Tweedy has also been a key member to the self-proclaimed stuporgroup Golden Smog, co-leader of Loose Fur along with Jim O'Rourke, and an on-and-off contributor to Scott McCaughey's Minus 5.
Jeff Tweedy's career has extended far beyond his work in Wilco. And a lot of this outside work represents some of the best work of his still short career.
The following is a playlist of some of Tweedy's best work outside of Wilco.
Lot #99-0038
In 2000 Brooklyn's Robert Becker self-released Lot #99-0038. Despite being one of the best folk/rock records released in decades, I can't imagine that the record sold more than 1,000 copies.
I may have an extra copy or two lying around the house. If you like what you hear below, and would like a copy, toss me an e-mail (ccsbandwagon@gmail.com) and if I can find a copy or two, I'll ship 'em out.
I may have an extra copy or two lying around the house. If you like what you hear below, and would like a copy, toss me an e-mail (ccsbandwagon@gmail.com) and if I can find a copy or two, I'll ship 'em out.
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