Holiday CD 2004 > 2005

Volume 3 / Disc 1 – Holiday CD 2004/2005

1) The Polyphonic Spree - “(Section 12) Hold Me Now” from TOGETHER WE’RE HEAVY (2004)
Tim DeLaughter and his fellow freaks from Texas in the flowing robes return with another happy, catchy tune.

2) Toots & the Maytals w/Willie Nelson – “Still Still Moving To Me” from TRUE LOVE (2004)
Reggae legend Toots Hibbert, who coined the term “reggae” in the late 60s, just recorded new, slicker versions of his classics as duets featuring stars like Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Gwen Stefani and Trey from Phish. Great CD. Willie wrote this one.

3) Los Lonely Boys – “Heaven” from LOS LONELY BOYS (2004)
These three Mexican-American brothers from Texas were playing and recording locally until Willie Nelson saw them in a club and they became his favorite local band. He invited them to record their special blend of rock, blues and soul in his studio and next thing you know, they have a strong national radio presence. I just saw them at the Bridge Benefit – they put on a great live show.

4) Ricky Fante – “Smile” from REWIND (2004)
After 4 years in the marines following high school in D.C., Ricky moved to L.A. to make it in the music biz. The talented 20-something achieved his goal of applying his gospel and R&B roots to creating an old school soul record. Co-writer Jesse Harris (wrote Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” ) helped him create a great collection of songs that brings classic 60s soul to life.

5) Franz Ferdinand – “Take Me Out” from FRANZ FERDINAND (2004)
Here’s a new band with a unique sound from Glasgow, Scotland that brings a danceable beat to Brit pop-rock with some great songs.

6) Robert Randolph & the Family Band – “I Need More Love” from UNCLASSIFIED (2003)
Robert and band’s studio debut, nominated this year for a Grammy (Best Rock Gospel Album), captures their unique mix of rock, funk, blues, soul and gospel. Raised in the Jersey hood, Robert was out in the streets until he got active in the House of God Pentecostal Church, where he mastered the pedal steel guitar playing and singing that has been a Church tradition since 1930s Philly. Robert then plugged into the very white and secular jamband music scene with 2 cousins and friends. Their great shows snowballed.

7) Scissor Sisters – “Take Your Mama” from SCISSOR SISTERS (2004)
This New York band wears campy 70s influences on their sleeves, like in this catchy, old school Elton John soundalike.

8) Simple Kid – “The Average Man” from #1 (2004)
Simple Kid is Irish-born, London-based singer-songwriter Ciaran McFeely, described by critics as Beck meets anyone.

9) Phish – “The Connection” from UNDERMIND (2004)
Phish finally managed to write a short, catchy, jam-free radio tune. Had they not announced their impending breakup right before the CD’s release, this could have been the radio hit that leader Trey always wanted. I think it’s a great, catchy tune…even if it sounds more like Del Amitri than Phish! A tribute to Phish is on Disc 2.

10) Modest Mouse – “Float On” from GOOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS (2004)
Great song that sounds nothing like this Seattle band’s usual work. This CD isn’t special, but I highly recommend their previous CD of quirky pop, THE MOON AND ANTARCTICA.

11) Bruce Hornsby w/Sting & Eric Clapton – “Gonna Be Some Changes Made” from HALCYON DAYS (2004)
Hornsby returns to his 80s, radio-friendly sound with some help from Sting on harmonies and Clapton on guitar.

12) Garage A Trois – “Sprung Monkey” from EMPHASIZER (2003)
Cool, loungey instrumental music from this jazz/funk side project of Charlie Hunter (solo guitarist), Stanton Moore (drummer for Galactic), Mike Dillon (percussionist/vibraphonist for Les Claypool and Critters Buggin’) and Skerik (sax for Les and Critters).

13) Norah Jones – “Sunrise” from FEELS LIKE HOME (2004)
Another real nice song from Norah Jones, the human version of Prozac.

14) Crosby-Nash – “Lay Me Down” from CROSBY-NASH (2004)
David Crosby and Graham Nash, my musical heroes and former employers, return with their first album as a duo since 1976. It’s 2 CDs that would be stronger as 1, but it’s got some gems. They still sound great together – ageless voices, perfect harmonies.

15) Snow Patrol – “How To Be Dead” from FINAL STRAW (2004)
Around for a while in the UK but new to America, this Scottish band hopes to rank up there with Coldplay and Travis.

16) Wilco – “The Late Greats” from A GHOST IS BORN (2004)
Another cool little ditty from Jeff Tweedy. In my 14 years of following and idolizing his career, this album is the first time I think he took a step backwards. Hopefully the drug problem he recently kicked is to blame. Meanwhile, as a live act, he has reinvented Wilco’s show and taken it to a much higher level. Again, he’s the real deal.

17) Elvis Costello – “Monkey To Man” from THE DELIVERY MAN (2004)
Elvis can still write good songs. It’s good to hear him rocking out again.

18) Loretta Lynn w/Jack White – “Portland Oregon” from VAN LEAR ROSE (2004)
One of the best albums of this year. A must-buy. White Stripes leader Jack White produced this comeback for the veteran 68 year-old country artist. Featuring the great storytelling of country songwriting, it’s framed by that raw sound of the White Stripes. She’s from Kentucky, been recording for over 40 years, had over 50 Top-10 hits, was married at age 13 and had 4 kids by the time she was 18. Her husband bought her a guitar and she got a record deal shortly thereafter. The movie Coal Miner’s Daughter is her life’s story. She spent the 90s taking care of her husband until his death. This is her first album in 12 years.

19) Ray Charles w/BB King – “Sinner’s Prayer” from GENIUS LOVES COMPANY (2004)
A major story this year is the recent loss of the genius, Ray Charles. Musically, he truly covered it all in his 73 years. He recorded his last album with some friends as he was dying. Here he prays for mercy with fellow legend BB King.

20) U2 – “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” from HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB (2004)
Another U2 ballad strong enough to make you teary-eyed, Bono wrote this one to make peace with his dad as he lay dying.


Volume 3 / Disc 2 – Holiday CD 2004/2005

1) Zero 7 - “Warm Sound” from WHEN IT FALLS (2004)
Great CD of late-night mood music from a duo of British songwriters/producers who bring in guest vocalists and musicians to make a sound that blends acid-jazz, soul, pop and electronica. Don’t worry if you hear static – it’s supposed to sound like an old record.

2) Beck w/Jon Brion - “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometimes” from ETERNAL SUNSHINE SOUNDTRACK (2004)
Another great and bizarre movie by Charlie Kaufman, Eternal Sunshine For the Spotless Mind features a score composed by L.A.-based genius Jon Brion. Producer of the Fiona Apple records, session musician for countless others and composer of scores for I Heart Huckabees, Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love, Jon Brion is a musical powerhouse who plays an incredible, weekly Friday night gig at a club in my hood called Largo. In addition to the score for ESFTSM, Jon produced and played all of the instruments on the closing credits cover of this 1980 hit by the Korgis, featuring Beck on vocals.

3) Jolie Holland – “Old Fashioned Morphine” from ESCONDIDA (2004)
A raw Nora Jones, this late-20-something former Texan blends blues, country, folk and swing through a decent collection of songs.

4) Bright Eyes – “Lua” from I’M WIDE AWAKE, IT’S MORNING (2005)
Bright Eyes, a/k/a Connor Oberst, is one of my favorite artists and definitely someone to watch in 2005. This CD comes out in January – he’s touring so don’t miss it! Critics wet their pants over this guy for a reason – he’s the real deal. He’s 24, from Omaha, has his own label, has been prolific for years and recently moved to New York for inspiration. When I put him on Volume 1, I wasn’t totally sold…but I’ve now seen him perform 3 times including this October when he blew me away with this unusually mellow song.

5) Sean Hayes – “Little Maggie” from ALABAMA CHICKEN (2003)
From North Carolina but living in San Francisco, this 30-something folkie released a great CD of what is described as Appalachian ambient folk music with a Nick Drake vibe. He’s friends with Jolie Holland (above). Here’s an old-timey cover.

6) Paul Brill – “Trindade” from NEW PAGAN LOVE SONG (2004)
My friend and the leader of the first band I managed, Paul Brill (SF Envelope), released a new solo CD this year that marks his continued growth as an artist. I’m proud to say that he’s getting great reviews from many media outlets. Check out his CD on iTunes.

7) Sonic Youth – “Unmade Bed” from SONIC NURSE (2004)
This New York City band has been together since 1981, playing and recording a self-described challenging mix of rock, noise, jazz and modern composition. Whereas they used to make me want to jump off a building, their recent set at Neil Young’s Bridge Benefit converted me with this song and a few others from their latest CD.

8) Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Maps” from FEVER TO TELL (2003)
This is one of those great songs that fights its way into your head and won’t go away. It sounds nothing like the rest of the album by this New York punkish band, which rocks much harder and sounds like the White Stripes meets 80s New Wave with a female singer.

9) Secret Machines – “Light’s On” from NOW HERE IS NOWHERE (2004)
Veterans of Texas-based bands with label deals, the members of this band moved from Texas to New York to make things happen. Their unique sound, often described as Pink Floyd meets 80s New Wave, is getting widespread critical acclaim. Here’s a catchy song.

10) Interpol – “Slow Hands” from INTERPOLANTICS (2004)
The cool New Yorkers return with their 80s/Joy Division influences and a collection of even catchier songs than last time.

11) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – “Nature Boy” from ABBATOIR BLUES
Nick Cave is a late 40-something Australian who was a Goth rock pioneer in his early days. I’ve never really listened to him but this tune from his new double CD is cool, featuring the London Community Gospel Choir.

12) Pixies – “Debaser” (Live 1990) from DEATH TO THE PIXIES (1997)
A very welcome comeback. This late-80s/early 90s band that served as a huge inspiration to Kurt Cobain (you’ll hear it) reunited this year as an incredibly successful touring act. I caught them in May at Coachella and HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who likes Nirvana. They have an interesting mix of Frank Black’s on-the-edge persona and Kim Deal’s soothing vocals and bass lines.

13) Velvet Revolver – “Slither” from CONTRABAND (2004)
Velvet Revolver is Guns n Roses without Axl. Normally the band member who flees loses the band name, but not Axl. Finally the other guys found an interesting front man (Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots) and returned with a CD that features some great rockers, some ballads and some crap.

14) TV On the Radio – “Don’t Love You” from DESPERATE YOUTH, BLOOD THIRSTY BABES (2004)
This multi-cultural trio from Brooklyn builds artsy, edgy tunes on feelings of drama and tension.

15) Ba Cissoko – “Wawata” from SABOLAN (2003)
From Guinea but living in Marseille, France, this group is named after the band’s leader who is one of the 2 kora players. The other kora player, Sekou Kouyate, creates a new sound by electronically enhancing his kora. This has earned him the nickname The Jimmy Hendrix of Africa. This is their debut album.

16) Phish – “Reba” (Live) from LIVE #11 AT McNICHOLS SPORTS ARENA IN DENVER, CO (11/17/97)
After 21 years, the Vermont quartet announced this spring that they would break up at the end of their summer tour. They are joining a real short list of major, successful bands that cut things short on their own terms (The Beatles, The Band, The Clash, The Police, Talking Heads). It’s tough to choose 1 track for a Phish tribute since no one song captures their sound. “Reba” successfully captures how goofy a Phish song can be AND how incredible their musical interplay can be through the jams that make up such large parts of their songs and shows. “Reba” has 3 sections – the 2-minute nursery rhyme beginning, the composed section and then my favorite part, the long improv section which begins around 6 minutes in. I challenge you to find a tighter rock band that plays material this complex. This is a huge loss to the live music world….but I think they’ll be back.


Volume 3 / Disc 3 – Holiday CD 2004/2005

1) Green Day – “American Idiot” from AMERICAN IDIOT (2004)
I want to give a shout-out to W. This one’s for you. So are the new songs you’ve inspired on this CD and the classics that you unfortunately made relevant again. Here’s a great song from a must-buy CD, right up there with DOOKIE, Green Day’s best work.

2) Elvis Costello – “Peace, Love & Understanding” from ARMED FORCES (1979)
Probably Elvis’ best recording, this Nick Lowe cover says it all.

3) Neil Young – “Rockin’ in the Free World” from FREEDOM (1989)
It may sound celebratory, but it’s actually ripping on those who turn their back on this country’s problems and say “f**k it, I’m in the free world!” Written for the Bush Senior era, it applies even more to Junior.

4) Jackson Browne – “For America” from LIVES IN THE BALANCE (1986)
Turning political resulted in a major detour for Jackson Browne’s career, but this great song is still timely.

5) Bob Dylan – “Masters of War” from THE FREEWHEELIN’ BOB DYLAN (1963)
A monster of a political song, from the master himself. How sad and pathetic that these lyrics ring so true 40 years later.

6) Crosby Stills & Nash – “Long Time Gone” from CROSBY STILLS & NASH (1969)
Crosby wrote “The darkest hour is always just before the dawn, and it appears to be a long long time before the dawn.” Yup, a long long time: 4 more years.

7) Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra – “Big Man” from WHO IS THIS AMERICA? (2004)
This great 14-piece, Brooklyn-based band brings back the Afrobeat sounds of the late Nigerian star Fela Kuti. Some jazz, funk, horns, African rhythms and political lyrics mix together to make for a solid, fun album and a GREAT live show.

8) Jackson Browne – “Lives In the Balance” from LIVES IN THE BALANCE (1986)
This is one of my all-time favorite political songs. The lyrics really nail it.

9) Jill Scott – “My Petition” from BEAUTIFULLY HUMAN: WORDS AND SOUNDS VOL. 2 (2004)
A great political song from a solid neo-soul CD by Philly’s Jill Scott.

10) Prince – “Dear Mr. Man” from MUSICOLOGY (2004)
2004 marked the return of Prince. It seems like all great artists have to take a major detour to rediscover themselves and return to brilliance. The Purple One has returned with a great album and tour.

11) Ray Charles – “What’d I Say Parts I & II” from WHAT’D I SAY (1959)
Ray Charles, 1930-2004, died this year of liver disease. Another American musical institution is gone. Ray was a pioneer who covered every genre of music from jazz to blues to gospel, country and R&B. I saw him perform at the Hollywood Bowl in 2000 and he STILL had it! His fight against racism helps him to fit in comfortably with the political music on this CD. Here is a taste of some of Ray’s many classics. Clear Channel wasn’t around yet, but this song was banned from many radio stations due to its sexuality.

12) Ray Charles w/The Blues Brothers – “Shake Your Tailfeather” from THE BLUES BROTHERS SOUNDTRACK (1980)
I first got turned on to Ray Charles when I was a kid and my grandma Leona took me to see The Blues Brothers movie.

13) Ray Charles – “Hit the Road Jack” from the single HIT THE ROAD JACK (1961)
A #1 hit and winner of the 1961 Grammy for Best R&B Recording.

14) Ray Charles – “I’ve Got A Woman” from RAY CHARLES (1957)
Ray’s first #1 hit.

15) Ray Charles – “Georgia On My Mind” from GENIUS HITS THE ROAD (1960)
Ray’s biggest hit, a cover of the 1930 standard that he is most associated with, proved that he could sing anything from any genre. This recording won 2 Grammy awards and clearly inspired Don Henley when he wrote “Desperado” for The Eagles.

16) Ray Charles – “I’m Movin’ On” from THE GENIUS SINGS THE BLUES (1961)
Ray’s version of country music.

17) Ray Charles – “A Song For You” from MY WORLD (1993)
Ray did an amazing cover of this Leon Russell song. Another Grammy winner. Just 2 years ago, cable televised a Willie Nelson birthday special where Willie and Leon sang this song with Ray. Ray’s performance was so powerful that Willie cried on camera.

18) America – “A Horse With No Name” from AMERICA (1972)
When classic rock records were first being released on CD, I bought America’s Greatest Hits. Great CD. My uncle was shocked someone my age would buy this because America was his favorite band throughout law school. This one is for Uncle Joe, 1949-2004.

19) Ray Charles – “America the Beautiful” from A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE (1972)
Ray adjusted the lyrics to his liking and created another classic. He said America may be racist, but I can still be patriotic.

20) Graham Nash – “We Can Change the World” from SONGS FOR BEGINNERS (1971)
Volume 3 ends with a positive reminder from the hippie era. If we all do our bit, we can hopefully clean up W's mess and bring great progress to our incredible country.