“One morning I woke up and I knew you were really gone…”
As I write this, I find myself still reeling after the deaths of Crosby, Beck and Ian Tyson all within the previous two weeks. Croz’s passing hit me the hardest. His death, though not surprising (he sure beat the odds to get to 81), still was an unexpected shock. It’s so strange to follow the trajectory, full circle, sometimes for 60+ years, of favorite musicians. Then again, I count myself lucky to still be around for the entire arc of their careers.
And where to share communal grief these days? Indie shops used to be a place where music mavens could gather and share stories in person, a makeshift memorial chapel, if you will. Jack’s in New Paltz was one such a place. Rocket Number 9, fills the void now. Social media just doesn’t cut it without the in-person connections. So, I’m grateful to be able share my thoughts and words here with all you PooPers, and especially for the Marks Brothers’ continued dedication to these pages.
Toppermost of the Pops:
Ondara “Spanish Villager No. 3”: When a guy from Kenya fanboys Dylan, moves to Minneapolis, then absorbs Prince, this album is the alchemy of his influences: Afrofolk, whatever, Ondara hits his high point on his third, hook-filled album.
Alex G. “Save the Animals”
Big Thief “Dragon New Warm Mountain I believe in You”
Bonny Light Horseman “Rolling Golden Holy”
Calexico “El Mirador”
Bill Callahan and Bonnie Prince Billy “Blind Date Party”
Jimmy Cliff “Refugees”
Various Artists “Here It Is – A Tribute to Leonard Cohen”
Elvis Costello “A Boy Named If”
Robyn Hitchcock “Shufflemania!”
Freedy Johnston “Back on the Road to You”
Sona Jobarteh “Badiyaa”
Old Crow Medicine Show “Paint This Town”
Railroad Earth “All For the Song”
Todd Rundgren “Space Force”
Bruce Springsteen “Only The Strong Survive”
Tedeschi Trucks Band “I Am the Moon II Ascension”
The Great Divide “Providence”
Town Mountain “New Freedom Blues”
Wilco “Cruel Country”