The Last Drop

On the heels of the Paste List comes Blender – a less scientific, artist focused, or anything else even seemingly related to music based focus for a top albums list. Nevertheless, they try their hardest to present well and show some interest outside of the Clear Channel supported top 40. A bit hit or miss, but can you blame them for trying? I won’t.

As transcribed from a reader posting to Stereogum.

It’s that time of year again. We are all rounding up our favs of 2008 to make one last push to pressure others into buying the “must have” of the year. Before it goes on sale immediately in January. First up, Paste with a quite surprising list of 2008. Their top spot is quite unbelieveable (well, for me, since I don’t own the album and refuse to believe in anything I haven’t heard directly), but they do their best to make a case.


You be the judge – Paste

Girl Talk, Feed the Animals – “Hi, my name is Greg Gillis. Thank you for coming to my show”. This mantra was repeated at least 50 times at the end of his show in London. No one wanted to leave. We all just stood and clapped while a Journey loop played on in the background. At this point, Greg was only wearing his underwear (briefs) and his old Nike Air Force 1s (high tops). Throughout the entire show the crowd was ripping at him, wanting more and going absolutely nuts. This was my first true experience of organized insanity brought on by music alone.

Aparantly, this effect often occurs at Girl Talk shows, thus Greg decided to name his next album Feed the Animals. And I am well satisfied. Chock full of unthinkable musical collages that find a way to work seamlessly. This album is so hard to describe without giving away the excitement of the first listen. His use of pop samples from across the ages is a cross between a house party and Name That Tune. You feel smarter for knowing where all of the pieces are from but you don’t need to know them to enjoy the album. It’s just, well, good. I can’t find any better words than that right now. Except it’s also (semi) free. Go to his website, pay what you want (thanks Radiohead and NIN for starting a wonderful trend) and check it out for yourself.

Whew! What a long month in between posts. My negligence can be explained. But it may take a while and I’d rather not waste the blog space. Suffice to say, I am sorry for those who have waited patiently for my top picks of June. In response, I shall make it brief as one album has dominated my life for the past 6 weeks. No contest. And a shoe in for a Top Drop of 2008

Girl Talk, Feed the Animals – The formal review is forthcoming. Just know two things:
1) This album is amazing
2) You can pay what you want for it. Click on the album link and check it out for yourself.

Well, May was OK. You can’t have it all. But I did find a gem that has lasted me at least two months and has a high probability for being on my Top Drops for 2008

Jamie Lidell, Jim – It just gets better with age. I start to pay more attention to the lyrics. But, honestly, anything sung with THAT VOICE…it all works. At first, it was a bouncy nod to nostalgic Motown. But over time, you can’t deny his songwriting prowess and the staying power of this album. And, again, he is a force to see live. The consumate showman. Give Jim a spin if you haven’t already. Or see him at Lollapalooza if you are close by.

So much to choose from ( for once). And from the looks of it, May is going to be a good batch as well. Don’t you just love Spring!

Gnarls Barkley, The Odd Couple - Nothing will match the global appeal of “Crazy”, but you shouldn’t match the past. Push forward. And if that forward is a bit darker, slower, creepier, but ultimately good, I’m there.

The Heavy, Great Vengeance and Furious Fire - Yeah, so the title is probably plucked from Pulp Fiction. But you know what, I like that too. I’m eagerly anticipating the buzz machine to work these guys out. Justly. Overt charisma is finally making a comeback. And more power to it.

Back from rehab, here are my Top Drops from a fairly fruitful March:

Panda Bear, Person Pitch – This is really growing on me. The clammering 60′s soundscape genre may well become a new territory for permanent exploration in 2008. I don’t know if I will find too many artists better than Panda Bear however. Maybe I should just Take Pills.

Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago – It doesn’t hurt to have an amazing, gut-wrenching story to help further your bid for melancholic genius. Perfect for a spring day that calls for snow (thank you, irregular weather patterns across England!)

Jay Z, American Gangster – A growing Jay z obsession?! Maybe. I think I really appreciate ’70s soul samples and Lil Wayne on his grimiest game. Say goodbye to Katrina, Hello Brooklyn!

Since I skipped January, I thought I may resume my top selections for 2008 with the grand choices from February. Funny enough, my black history month selections top the bill:

Aretha Franklin, Aretha Arrives - There is just no way to overestimate her power and her talent. I can’t believe it took me so long to own one of her albums. If you don’t, hurry up and get this one (even if you have it shipped from another country since America is too lame to sell her full catalog).

Beyonce Knowles, B’Day - I must have been lazy in 2006 to let this one slip past my “pop music that doesn’t suck” radar. Truly worth every penny. As an added bonus, it takes me to that “higher level” when working out. Watch out Billy Blanks. This is the new double time workout mix. Did I mention that I still don’t know what “Getting Bodied” means

It is a sign. The stars are aligning. This year will be…something special. Outside of the radical changes that I’ve already taken to start off 2008 (still living in London, that Trek to the Himalayas that I need your help with, finally learning Spanish/Italian, etc.), so shall my musical journey follow. I’ve mentioned to a few that there are two artists that I would do anything to see – absolute drop all commitments and pay whatever they ask – which has been a tall order to live up to. Especially when both artists were not touring actively in Europe. Well, the wait is over and I am lucky enough to see BOTH in 2008. Plus, I just saw The Cool Kids up close and personal. If you haven’t gotten onto their bandwagon, do so immediately. I can’t wait to see them blow up this year (courtesy of their friendship of a certain Mr. West in Chicago). And to reveal my hidden pleasures of musical supremacy:

Well, well if it isn’t 2008 rearing it’s ugly head already?! Well, it’s not that ugly and it doesn’t need any rearing. Still, it snuck up upon me in my haze of work parties, holiday lunches, and general vacation malaise. Nevertheless, I must persist. And what better time to reflect on 2007 than two weeks into the new year. No need for resolutions when you can create a better moment looking back at all that was accomplished. And with that, I begin my countdown of my top 8 albums in 2007 (who needs 10 and why play to the cliche of 7. 8 – nice, round, and symmetric if you flip it upside down).

Notable Mention
Radiohead, In Rainbows - a work of stunning beauty. And surprising levity. I’m hoping this will be a trend they continue well on into the next decade.

Beastie Boys, To the 5 Buroughs – So this wasn’t actually made in 2007. Yep, already breaking the rules and I haven’t even gotten started. Still, if ever there was a reason to break rules, the Beastie Boys would be the champions of that cause. It took me a while to finally listen to this album, but it has been in constant rotation ever since it’s purchase in August. Old school rhyming at it’s finest with a hint of political discontent. Remember what hip-hop used to be? Yeah, so do the Beastie Boys. Oh, nice web page too.

8. The Blow, Paper Television – Umm…0 for 2 on albums actually made in 2007. I like being last to the table. It gives me room to breathe and prepare for the album – get enough consensus from friends, blogs, and the masses to form a well educated opinion. Not bad BS for “I’m slow and lazy”. As stated from a prior post, I was introduced to the Portland band by a Scottish friend. How much sadder is that? Not only do I get the album late but I also get told from a non-America. The least I could do is add it to my list of top albums.

7. Justice, Cross – Finally, an album made in 2007. Even though Pitchfork heaped tons and tons of hype on this album, it does deliver. It might even make me want to go to France. Or just catch Justice when they come to London again. Everyone needs to dance. Why not do it to an album that has D.A.N.C.E?

6. White Rabbits, Fort Nightly – A pick from one of the first four albums that started The Last Drop. I’m still amazed by the staying power of this group. Such a robust, driving sound that is sincere and playful. Hopefully we will here more from them in 2008. Maybe a mainstream breakthrough or two? Anything is possible.

5. Of Montreal, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? – An early 2007 purchase means it didn’t quite make it onto the blog. Nevertheless, Kevin Barnes and crew make the list with their darkest album to date. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely adore their sugary nonesensical lyrics that always end in the catchiest of melodies. But I really appreciate the touch of sadness and relationship woes that permeate Fauna. Who else can write a 10 MINUTE SONG and still have it turn out worthwhile. They automatically make the list for this achievement alone.

4. Arcade Fire, Neon Bible - What more can I say? It really is that good. Funeral has nothing on it’s younger, brooding cousin ( that happens to be more popular and attracts all the girls). Defining moment – the church organ in “Intervention”. Makes me a believer.

3. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver – I really did get a good stack of tracks in August. “All My Friends” is arguably the best, epic song of the year. And the rest of the album isn’t too shabby. It doesn’t hurt that they put on an amazing live show as well. James Murphy, I love you but your bringing me down. In a good way.

2. M.I.A, Kala - I debated a lot about not having this as my Top Drop. As the first album purchased in London, it set the mood for my stay in the UK. I was instantly impressed with the music and my new home. I wanted to experience everything and Kala is the ultimate potluck of music. There have been few days when I haven’t thought about how amazing and moving this album is. More, I need more.

Top Drop. St. Vincent, Marry Me – Picked twice for Top Drop months, St. Vincent earned the top spot handily. My love affair grew slowly but constantly and is now a full on pledge of faith for anything she touches. Apart from an album that touches all elements I would ever want – rock, soul, jazz, wit, gravity, and sincerity – she is also one of the best live acts of 2007. I simply couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. She literally transforms into a conduit for her music and expresses her emotions thoroughly and without hesitation. I heart Annie Clark.