Dear PooP sters,
This year I tried something a bit unique for me. Over the years I have never been a fan of “pop” music but recently I have been curious as to “why” some folks (with limited tastes) herald music by one artist, usually a popular artist, over something I personally enjoy. In other words, “Why is the shit I like not on that list?” So, I decided to go “over to the other side” to experience what others consider as “best of the year”. Using a wide variety of polls from various sources I compiled a list (or used their list) and downloaded their choices of albums to listen to. Some choices are pretty interesting (do not mistake interesting with either good or bad). Then, I listened intently to see the “why”, as in Why do folks like this shit? Here goes:but first my purchased “favorites” and, then “theirs” mixed in… (In memory of KPH, “keep rockin’ up there, Bro”)
Mine: 2024 (Michael C. Hodgkiss)
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The Black Crowes: “Happiness Bastards” Not on any list but one of my personal favorites. I’m a sucker for this music, 60-ish Stones, only problem it is 37 minutes, I wanted more, much more…”Dirty Cold Sun”, “Flesh Wound”, bring it on Brothers Robinson…(Be it no surprise I am awaiting the return of Oasis…maybe the Davies Brothers will put the hatchet down)
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Charles Lloyd: “The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow”
My Charles Lloyd collection continues to grow since I received Charles Lloyd “LOVE-IN-Live At The Fillmore” for my 16th birthday (1968) many moons ago.
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Talking Heads: “Talking Heads 77”
A “re-issue” Vinyl Box set, amazing, worth every dime I paid for it. Traditionally, one would list it in “re-issues” (see below) but rules are meant to be bent…
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Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers: “The Gennaro Tapes”
Takes you back to 1982 “live” as Petty should be.
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Billy Strings: “Highway Prayers”
…I think I have every thing Billy has recorded so excuse me on this one if you are not a fan.
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Thee Sacred Souls: “Got A Story To Tell”
I miss Marvin Gaye, but wait…take a gummy or two and slip back in time. These guys are soooo gooood. PS: I loved their first outing, too.
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Kim Gordon: “The Collective”
I miss SONIC YOUTH -(“Tunic”, “A Song For Karen”) I’m in Heaven now, I can see you, Richard …this is like heaven, heaven according to Kim. A bit strange at first but after a few listens this sucker grew on me. “Hand cream, body lotion, Bella Freud, YSL, Eckhaus Latta, Eyelash curler, vibrator, teaser,Bye-bye,Bye-bye” …I played it one afternoon and my wife entered the room stating “What the fuck is that?” …another satisfied customer.
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Dion: “Girl Friends” – His voice, his guests, the guitars, a winner, winner …Rory Block, Carlene Carter, Shemekia Copeland, Sue Foley, Christine Ohlman, Susan Tedeschi and many more. Need I say mo’.
Beyonce: “Country Carter”
This is a fabulous collection, truly a “wow” moment for me. My first Beyonce, a great addition to my collection and she is a “looker”. Can’t wait to see her doing that 1/2 time NFL thing.(Post note: she was fantastic)
Billie Eilish: “Hit Me Hard and Soft”
After downloading this collection a friend asked me “Why?” I didn’t really explain “why” I just stated “Because it is so serene, and she is so good, a great songwriter.” Truth be told she is very, very good.
MJ Lenderman: “Manning Fireworks”
I lost my sense of humor… Oh my this guitarist is a horrible singer, horrible as in good, much better than me. This is another one where a dear ex-friend said, “this shit sucks” to which I replied, “Yeah, I love it, too”…. Once a perfect little baby who’s now a jerk, …OMG, get this one.
Kim Deal: “Nobody Loves You More”
This one had me scratching my noggin’, especially the opening track, WTF is it, then an orchestra, holy shit. I know what I want …”Big Ben Beat” is very cool… but it morphs into “Bats In The Afternoon Sky”???? I give it a 5 maybe a 6 out of ten… Yeah, I know her creds, but c’mon, let’s be real.
The Cure: “Songs of a Lost World”
I like it and hate it at the same time. “I Can Never Say Goodbye”, I know the feeling (RIP KPH). If it wasn’t on almost every listing (radio, media, etc) I would have skipped over it, glad I didn’t.
PS: I listened to FONTAINES D.C.: “Romance” immediately after The Cure, again, I like it and hate it, at the same time but I don’t love either one…
Mk.gee “Two Star & the Dream Police”
Take a gummy or two and relax …or put it on after The Cure …same vibe.
Charli XCX: “Brat”
A radio friendly listen during the summer months especially “Apple” rotten to the core. Then, I get “Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat” So I gave it a few spins, not really my genre but I get it and like it (both) a lot, maybe too much, it is really good…
Brittany Howard: “What Now”
…I like her voice, playing, a goodie for sure.
Vampire Weekend: “Only God Was Above Us”
… I’m lost with this one????
Televison: “Marquee Moon”
For those who were there in the beginning this was/is an amazing band. Two guitars…I remember one night as the set ended shaking my head thinking, hmmmm there was no anthem, no closing signature number, just a nod and a “thank you” but oh, so satisfying it all was.
Oasis: “Definitely Maybe”
I’m glad they will be returning to the stage but at the prices asked I’m staying home listening (again) to this.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “Live at the Fillmore East, 1969”
One month after Woodstock (yes I am that old) I sat in the 4th row awaiting the newest super-group (you had to be there), It was great in 69 but now …for fans only.
The Beatles: “The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono”
…my bride asked the other day as another package arrived via USPS and was opened “Don’t you have that one already??? and in CD, also????” But of course I do and now I have the reissued 180 vinyl in “true mono” …lol…
MICHAEL HODGKISS