From: owner-ecto-digest@smoe.org (ecto-digest) To: ecto-digest@smoe.org Subject: ecto-digest V14 #340 Reply-To: ecto@smoe.org Sender: owner-ecto-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-ecto-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk ecto-digest Friday, December 18 2009 Volume 14 : Number 340 To unsubscribe: e-mail ecto-digest-request@smoe.org and put the word unsubscribe in the message body. Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: Top 10 Albums of 2009 [Jon Wesley Huff ] Today's your birthday, friends... [Mike Matthews ] Re: top 50 of the 00's [Doug ] Another top 50 of the 00's [Leonora Christina Skov ] Re: Another top 50 of the 00's [Doug ] Re: Another top 50 of the 00's [robert bristow-johnson ] Another "Top 10 of 2009" [Paul Jensen ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:07:34 -0600 From: Jon Wesley Huff Subject: Re: Top 10 Albums of 2009 Neal and Yngve - Glad you guys are liking Fever Ray! She just came out with a deluxe edition of her album that has a DVD that includes all her videos (which are amazing) and I definitely plan to get it. Yngve - looking forward to seeing who your mysterious Norwegian is. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:00:02 -0500 (EST) From: Mike Matthews Subject: Today's your birthday, friends... i*i*i*i*i*i i*i*i*i*i*i *************** *****HAPPY********* **************BIRTHDAY********* *************************************************** *************************************************************************** **************** Laura Clifford (laura@reelingreviews.com) **************** ********************* Dirk Kastens (no Email address) ********************* ************************ Milla (no Email address) ************************* ****************** Chris Schernwetter (no Email address) ****************** ******************** Sherry Haddock (no Email address) ******************** *************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- - -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Laura Clifford Tue December 17 1957 Sagittarius Dirk Kastens Tue December 17 1963 Sagittarius Milla Wed December 17 1975 Sagittarius Chris Schernwetter Tue December 17 1974 Sagittarius Sherry Haddock Sat December 17 1960 Sagittarius Tracy Benbrook Tue December 18 1973 Sagittarius Mark Lowry Mon December 22 1969 Capricarius Kay Cleaves Wed December 22 1976 Prancing Pony Uli Grepel Wed December 25 1968 Steinbock Joseph Wasicek Sat December 25 1976 Brown Eagle Stuart Castergine Mon December 30 1963 You Are Here Marvin Camras Sat January 01 1916 Tapehead Jeanne Schreiter Tue January 03 1967 Capricorn John Sandoval Wed January 04 1967 Capricorn Aly Fields Thu January 04 1990 Yield Paul Cohen Tue January 05 1954 Capricorn Tony Garrity Mon January 08 1962 Pool of Life Greg Bossert Tue January 09 1962 OfTheTimes Troy J. Shadbolt Thu January 14 1971 Capricorn Chris Sampson Wed January 15 1964 Void where prohibited Alex Bertran Fri January 15 1971 Capricorn Denis G Parslow Fri January 17 1964 ...of the Saint Ross Alford Thu January 17 1957 Positive Sarah Morayati Tue January 17 1989 Capricorn - -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:21:28 -0500 From: Doug Subject: Re: top 50 of the 00's > 4. Carina Round - The First Blood Mystery I have to disagree with this one. FBM sounds just like an entry-level release (IMO it s*cks), at least in comparison to either TD or SMA. If I were you I'd replace FBM with SMA, both of which would qualify to be in the top 50 (top 10 even). (Can't get into TYSH though...dunno what she's trying to do with that.) > 10. Jesca Hoop - Kismet I agree with this one completely! I just discovered Jesca (thanks to someone on this list) and this is an amazing CD. However, I'd add Hunting My Dress to the list as well...it's just almost as good as Kismet, and deserves to be in the top 50. > 27. Feist - Let It Die Um, hello? The Reminder? Heard that one? (heh) I could get into only a few songs on LID, but nearly all of TR made it into my playlist repeatedly. > 36. Poe - Haunted Excellent choice here, though I'd rate it higher. > 50. Willow - Sweet Dark Demon Ah, another fan! I thought I was the only one. I keep waiting for a new full CD (and for her to tour outside her home state) but I'm not holding my breath. Here's one I'd add to the list however: Susan Robkin - How To Say Goodbye It's an oldie, released on 08-15-2000, but I couldn't stop listening to it when it came out. http://www.amazon.com/How-Say-Goodbye-Susan-Robkin/dp/B00004WZT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1261052152&sr=1-1-spell - --Doug ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:54:47 +0100 From: Leonora Christina Skov Subject: Another top 50 of the 00's Here's my top 50 of the 00's. Looking at the list I realize that most of the artists I would have named as favourites ten years ago havent made a decent album since then. I.e. Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant, and Tanita Tikaram. Im so glad Suzanne Vega, Kate Bush, Aimee Mann, and Sinead OConnor are still going strong:-) 1. Amanda Palmer: Who Killed Amanda Palmer? (2008) 2. P.J. Harvey : Stories from the City, Stories From the Sea (2000) 3. Suzanna Vega: Songs in Red and Gray (2001) 4. Sia: Some People Have REAL Problems (2008) 5. Rosie Thomas: When We Were Small (2002) 6. Feist: Let it Die (2005) 7. The Dresden Dolls: Yes, Virginia (2006) 8. Joan as Police Woman: Real Life (2006) 9. Regina Spektor: Begin to Hope (2006) 10. Goldfrapp: Seventh Tree (2008) 11. Vienna Teng: Waking Hour (2002) 12. Noe Venable: The World Is Bound By Secret Knots (2003) 13. Keren Ann: Keren Ann (2007) 14. Over the Rhine: Drunkards Prayer (2005) 15. Kate Bush: Aerial (2005) 16. Rachel Smith: The Clearing (2001) 17. Bat for Lashes: Two Suns (2009) 18. Cat Power: The Greatest (2006) 19. The Dresden Dolls: The Dresden Dolls (2003) 20. Racheal Yamagata: Elephants .. (2008) 21. Suzanne Vega: Beauty & Crime (2007) 22. Leonard Cohen: Dear Heather (2004) 23. A Girl Called Eddy: A Girl Called Eddy, 2004) 24. Camera Obscura: Underachievers Please Try Harder (2003) 25. Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man: Out of Season (2002) 26. Sinead OConnor: Faith and Courage (2000) 27. Patty Griffin: 1,000 Kisses (2002) 28. Sol Seppy: The Bells of 1 2 (2006) 29. Martina Topley-Bird: The Blue God (2008) 30. Clare & the Reasons: The Movie (2007) 31. Hem: Eveningland (2004) 32. Tina Dickow: Notes (2003) 33. Coralie Climent: Salle des pas-perdus (2001) 34. Marianne Faithfull: Before the Poison (2005) 35. Lavender Diamond: Imagine Our Love (2007) 36. Pink Martini: Hey Eugene! (2007) 37. Leona Naess: Comatised ( 2000) 38. Aimee Mann: Lost in Space (2002) 39. Black Box Recorder: Passionoia (2003) 40. Dido: Safe Trip Home (2008) 41. Bitter:Sweet: The Mating Game (2006) 42. An Pierli: Helium Sunset (2004) 43. Kathryn Williams: Little Black Numbers (2000) 44. My Brightest Diamond: Bring Me the Workhorse (2006) 45. Aura: Columbine (2008) 46. Soap & Skin: Lovetune for Vacuum (2009) 47. Lucky Soul: The Great Unwanted (2007) 48. Lauren Hoffman: Choreography (2006) 49. Alice Smith: For Lovers, Dreamers & Me (2006) 50. Blonde Redhead: Misery is a Butterfly (2004) Other albums I have really enjoyed: Beth Orton: Comfort of Strangers (2006) Charlotte Martin: On Your Shore (2004) Camille: Le Fil (2006) Band Ane: Anish Music (2007) Colleen: Everyone Alive Wants Answers (2003) Jolie Holland: Escondida (2004) Jesca Hoop: Kismet (2007) Charlotte Gainsbourg: 5:55 (2006) Bird York: The Velvet Hour (2003) Emiliana Torrini: Fisherman's Woman (2004) Tara MacLean: Passenger (2000) Nina Nastasia: The Blackened Air (2002) Imogen Heap: Speak for Yourself (2005) CocoRosie: Noah's Ark (2005) Lori Carson: Stolen Beauty (2003) Amanda Ghost: Ghost Stories (2000) Imogen Heap: Speak for Yourself (2005) Amy Seeley: The Trees Are Glad You're Back (2006) Fever Ray: Fever Ray (2009) Maria Taylor: 11:11 (2005) Laura Tsaggaris: Proof (2005) The Bird & the Bee: The Bird & the Bee (2007) Emily Haines and the Soft Skeletons: Knives.., (2006) Lisa Hannigan: Sea Sew (2009) Kate Havnevik: Melankton (2007) Laura Veirs: Year of Meteors (2005) Tracey Thorn: Out of the Woods (2007) Jane Birkin: Fictions (2006) The Innocence Mission: Befriended (2003) _________________________________________________________________ NY Windows Live Messenger med nye fede funktioner. Hent den her! http://download.live.com/messenger ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:19:18 -0800 (PST) From: neile Subject: Re: top 50 of the 00's On Thu, 17 Dec 2009, Doug wrote: > > 4. Carina Round - The First Blood Mystery > > I have to disagree with this one. FBM sounds just like an entry-level > release (IMO it s*cks), at least in comparison to either TD or SMA. > If I were you I'd replace FBM with SMA, both of which would qualify to > be in the top 50 (top 10 even). (Can't get into TYSH though...dunno > what she's trying to do with that.) Wow. Just so show our mileage varies, I would say my favourite Carina is TYSH followed by TD then FBM, with SMA a very distant fourth. > > 10. Jesca Hoop - Kismet > > I agree with this one completely! I just discovered Jesca (thanks to > someone on this list) and this is an amazing CD. However, I'd add > Hunting My Dress to the list as well...it's just almost as good as > Kismet, and deserves to be in the top 50. Okay, we agree here. > > 36. Poe - Haunted > > Excellent choice here, though I'd rate it higher. Not even on my list. > > 50. Willow - Sweet Dark Demon > > Ah, another fan! I thought I was the only one. I keep waiting for a > new full CD (and for her to tour outside her home state) but I'm not > holding my breath. Willow released a full-length CD (well, CDR) and a tape before Sweet Dark Demon. They're nearly as good as it. See The Ectophiles Guide for info: http://www.ectoguide.org/artists/willow . She hasn't even been playing out here recently. Nothing since the (sorry, I was disappointed) Lovely Love ep. I'm a huge fan of Willow's work and even mention "Four Corners" in my (as yet unpublished) novel and thank her in the acknowledgements. And no list of favourite artists is complete without Veda Hille. None. - --Neile ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:31:00 -0500 From: Doug Subject: Re: Another top 50 of the 00's > Beth Orton: Comfort of Strangers (2006) Funny...Central Reservation is the only Orton release I can tolerate, but IMO it'd be on the top 50 list if she'd waited until 2000 to release it. Marvelous piece of work...every song on it is a keeper. - --Doug ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:48:01 -0500 From: robert bristow-johnson Subject: Re: Another top 50 of the 00's On Dec 17, 2009, at 10:54 AM, Leonora Christina Skov wrote: > 12. Noe Venable: The World Is Bound By Secret Knots (2003) have you heard Noe's "The Summer Storm Journals"? i'll have to admit that i'm sorta partial to that because that has the song in it that i heard the night in 2005 that i first heard Noe for the first time ever at the Rockwood. Todd Sickafoose was doing bass and they did Into the Wild and during that little voice/bass/ violin interlude in the middle, my chin hit the floor. and, not knowing what the title of the song really was (even though it sure seemed to be that it would be "into the wild"), i started buying Noe CDs, not ever getting the song. then i went back to hear her play since, and she didn't do that song (until the Zipper Factory concert where Todd was present). i never heard it again until the CD came out in 2007. but i really like Secret Knots. i really like the sorta high voiced descant she does in Juniper. it's really hot. but there are many other songs in there that are good. (i *don't* necessarily like every song Noe puts in each CD, but i will never say, lest Noe find out, what they are.) i like Boots, too. - -- r b-j rbj@audioimagination.com "Imagination is more important than knowledge." ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:48:09 +0000 (UTC) From: Jeff Hanson Subject: My Top 10 (ok 11) of 2009 Hmm, don't think I have it in me to try to compile a list of 50 best of the 00's.B But I admire those of you who have.B Also thanks for those who posted about Fever Ray--I kept seeing the album and thinking it was just a new Azure Ray album ( a band I thought was OK, but not particularly intrigued by). Now B I will definitelyB check it out. My favorites of the year (that I received this year--some may have come out late last year).... 1. Lykke LI - Completely infectious--the charm of Bjork but more accessibile while still quirky 2.B The Decembrists - The Hazards of Love - I'm surprised how much I like this album, but it has such a driving intensity to it I find it very captivating. 3.B La Roux - La Roux - Very catchy dance pop with very intriguing, catchy vocals that make you stop to listen.B The comparisons to Yazoo are appropriate to the synth-pop dance beats, but the lead singer is no Alison Moyet--still a very engaging fun album that is part of the 80's revival. 4.B Florence and the Machine - Lungs - Powerful, complex, tends to get better with every listen. 5.B Bat for Lashes - Two Suns - I think I like this album even better than her first. 6.B Antony & The Johnsons - The Dying Light - probably my least favorite of the Antony & The Johnsons albums, but still better than most stuff out there--some heart-breakingly beautiful songs on this. 7.B Jewel - Lullaby - yes, stll a fan, even if it is on Fisher-Price records.B Truly some great vocals and nice simple arrangements.B Plus nice versions of some very old Inner Change era songs. 8.B Melody Gardot - My One and Only Thrill - This is a great late night album--since no Holly Cole this year, this helps fill the void. 9.B Anna Ternheim - Leaving on a Mayday - Another great album from Anna--I think I prefer her simpler folk arrangements--this album has lots of interesting musical things going on, but I find it distracts a bit from her pure voice 10.B Serena Ryder - IsB It OK? - a great album from a young Canadian artist that blew me away at a Folk Alliance several years ago--nice to see her capturing some national attention with this release 11.B Amy McDonald - This is the Life - Great album from a great Scottish Rocker--personally I like this much more than the more popular KT Tunstall or Lily Allen Honorable mentions - Think Fever Ray will definitely rise to the Top 10 after further listens, as will probably Katy Carr's Coquette.B Also been digging more and more into Casey Stratton's back catalog and independent releases--piano pop enthusiasts who don't mind guys who sound like girls should definitely check him out.B Former Rockstar Supernova alumni Ryan Star's Last Train Home EP isn't bad--still looking forward to the release of the full album. Oh, and the insanely popular Susan Boyle album ain't that bad either.B I'll also have to put LIsa Gerrard's Black Opal on the list once I track down a copy. In other favorites--got to give props to Glee for bringing faith back that scripted television isn't done for good--greatB original TV with great music B (even if not original music).B Still,B a very B entertaining show with a very talented cast. Jeff Hanson np - Anna Ternheim - Halfway to Fivepoints nr - Netherland - Joseph O'Neill B B B B B B Written Lives - Javier Marias ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:19:34 -0600 From: Paul Jensen Subject: Another "Top 10 of 2009" What a crazy-good year for music! Here's my Top 10 of 2009! 1. Fight Like Apes: "Fight Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion" This year, no other album came close to this one for offering a fresh new voice and sound. You can tell this band is just having a blast making these tracks. The songs are energetic, fun, silly. Totally infectious. Whenever I needed a pick-me-up, or to let off a little steam, this album delivered the goods.. over and over and over.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9KFT5ImlxA 2. Camera Obscura: "My Maudlin Career" Here's another artist who sets sad songs to wonderfully upbeat music. The band continues to develop their signature sound on this sublime album - lots of strings and lilting, swooning vocals. A great addition to the band's impressive catalogue. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhSanTYPm2g 3. Marissa Nadler: "Little Hells" I have been mesmerized by Marissa Nadler's music for a few years now. She's a young artist with an old soul. "Little Hells" continues her exploration of all things sad and dark (or as one music critic called it: "existential despair") - but she does this in such an ethereal and haunting way, I love getting lost in the world she creates. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vS3gO6gKyE 4. El Perro del mar: "Love is not Pop" I love pitchfork.com's description of her as the "sad-eyed Swede". The juxtaposition of her delicate, sad voice set against upbeat music is very unique. Makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. This tiny 6-song album packs a punch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmVjsTgLdvg 5. Miranda Lee Richards: "Light of X" It's taken more than 8 years, but Miranda Lee Richards finally has TWO albums under he belt. It's about time. This long-awaited follow-up to her knockout debut does not disappoint. Miranda has one of the most effortless, beautiful voices ever. There's something very authentic about her music - it feels familiar, but never gets old. She conveys such emotion in her voice - her control is flawless. I hope we won't have to wait another 5 years for another album from her. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_lO-iAjUZM 6. Imogen Heap: "Ellipse" Imogen gives us another batch of poetic pop-gems, delivered with her incomparable, ethereal voice. I think "Ellipse" shows a lot of maturity, lyrically and musically, from her last album. She's an Artist (with a capital A) I look forward to following for a long time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax84xcaLfHs 7. Riceboy Sleeps (self-titled) Listening to this album is like floating in a sea of beautiful noise. The music requires some attention - lots of subtle layers and gentle shifts in mood and melodies as songs progress.. "Riceboy Sleeps" can take you to some deeply emotional places, even though there are no lyrics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsegiQuS9to 8. Amanda Zelina Who knew a random musician from Myspace with an 8-track EP out would make my top 10?! This woman is incredible.. She's like Norah Jones with more of an edge, or Cat Power with more optimism. :) This is a mature, bold album from genuine rising star. Wonderful! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzJTycuY-jg 9. Tori Amos: "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" and "Midwinter Graces" Tori blessed us with TWO albums this year. Both are strong efforts with some great tracks. I love the subject matter she explores in "Abnormally..." - while not terribly personal, it's dark and mature. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riCoTRnkSXE 10. Owl City: "Ocean Eyes" Total ear-candy from rural Minnesota. His songs are sunny little things that make you want to get up and dance. I don't care that tweens love him - I loved him first! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9EKJatJvA Other albums I greatly enjoyed this year: A Camp: "Colonia" Fever Ray (self-titled) Gaba Kulka: "Hat, Rabbit" Alela Diane: "To Be Still" Scarlett Johansson & Pete Yorn: "Breakup" (I wanted more Scarlett on this album - Pete was hogging the spotlight!) Orenda Fink God Help The Girl (self-titled) Robin Guthrie: "Carousel" Norah Jones: "The Fall" A few disappointments: Au Revoir Simone: "Still Night Still Light" (yaaaawn!) Maria Taylor: "Ladyluck" (too polished) Florence & The Machine: "Lungs" (I really want to like her, but she seems so loud and shouty... can't get into it!) Hope Sandoval: "Through the Devil Softly" (yaaaawn!) Mika: "The Boy Who Knew Too Much" (really thought this would be a more mature album, but it doesn't show much progression from his last Nellie Mckay: "Normal as Blueberry Pie" (yaaawn! - a real shame, since I adore Nellie!) Regina Spektor: "Far" (too heavy-handed, lyrically, for my taste.. really turned me off!) Paul - -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "This is the time. And this is the record of the time." -Laurie Anderson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------------------------ End of ecto-digest V14 #340 ***************************