Always wanted to be a music Journalist

Well not really... however, I do love my music listening time. It's been a bit of an obsession, but I suppose it's better then internet porn! So, what I decided to do, inspired by Bob Nanna's best new releases of the week (which he hasn't done for a long time, to much touring and chemo! I'm pulling for you Bob!) and the New Pantheon Music Award. Anyway, I always have strong opinions regarding music. So I thought I would share what I thought about music that has been released since December of 2005. I do this so i can post a spiffy "Best of 2006" in December with all the other cool kids.

Ok, here it goes:

Best of the first 1/3 of 2006!

5. Beirut "Gulag Orkestar"
Ok, so this is a streach, mostly because the album hasn't even been released! However, this kid from Albuquerque (who moved to NYC, of course) has really done an amazing job of melding styles. His light, lofty voice is a perfect match to the folkish, eastern european sounding 'orkestar' he has assemlbed. I am no expert in Eastern European folk music, but i read elsewhere that is what it sounds like. Granted, I've only heard 4 tracks so far, but they are in heavey rotation right now, and I hightly reccomend this album. When it comes out, that is.

4. Destroyer "Destroyer's Rubies"
On my first listen, I couldn't really get into this, but it has really grown on me. Destroyer is the name that Dan Bajer (of the New Pornographers) records under, and up until this release, I hadn't ever heard of him. The album contains elements of what I love about the NP, but with more soul. A lot of reviewers like to call him 'Dylanesque,' and I can hear that, but I just like the scope and variety on the album. Solid.

3. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat"
This was a hard decision. I can't really decided how much I like this album, but I listen to it so damn much, I have to put it here. I love her voice: a little country, a little folk, a little sexy! I suppose a real journalist would research her so he could say something cool, but all I know is that Jenny is in the LA band Rilo Kiley and her album sounds like an update of the ...O brother where art there? soundtrack.

2. The Flaming Lips "At War with the Mystics"
This one was a no brainer. Who doesn't love the freaks from Oklahoma? This outing is a little less ambitious then their last effort, Yoshimi, but I love it! I also read in Paste Magazine that the Lips are in talks with Broadway producer Des McAnuff about bring 'Yoshimi battles the Pink Robots' to broadway. Watch out Spam-a-lot!

1. Josh Rouse "Subtitulo"
Since 'summer' comes early in Tucson, I was happy to find a great summer record. This is a great hanging in the yard and listening to tunes album. It's chill and mellow, but it'll get you to tap your foot from time to time. Rouse is a great songwriter and singer, and I'm happy I checked this out, because I wasn't impressed with 'Nashville,' his last release.

So there we are! My next goal is to be able to post mp3's, so you all can check out a tune while you read. Have a great day!