JAZZHAMMER.: FRAN'S TOP 13 OF 2004

December 30, 2004

13: ADA Blondie
When the big boys (M.Mayer, Superpitcher) can't seem to do it, let a girl show them how its done. It joins Alcacholfa and Leave Luck To Heaven in showing that dance artists can make damn fine full length albums.
12: SPRING HEEL JACK The Sweetness of Water
Who would have ever thought that 2 drum n' bass musicians would pick up instruments and make free improvisation jazz with some of the best in the business. Their Thirsty Ear Blue Series continues to impress.

11: TOWER RECORDINGS Galaxies Incredibly Sensual Transmission Field
The original new-school-free-folkers (yeah, I know) are back and showing the kids how it is done. Sunburned Hand of the Man, take note.

10: THE NEW YEAR The End Is Near
This gem is the subtlest rock album I have heard this year. So subtle that, unfortunately, it got severely overlooked. The sadness and disappointment that permeates within this album was a joy to listen to this year. With songs about death as a metaphor for the end of love, life and innocence, it was the soundtrack to my year. Also worth mentioning is the creative guitar work. With a lot of guitar interplay weaving through the songs, subtlety is definitely the keyword. Songs even have the chorus done just once! Listen to this beauty 3 times in a row and you will understand its majesty. At just 30 minutes, it is best as the sum of its parts. It feels like it is one song. The guitar solo at the end is almost a fifth of the length of the whole album. I can't remember the last time I heard such a fucking romantic solo. Just beautiful.

09: DEVENDRA BANHART Rejoicing In The Hands
The boy genius' second album this year is also his strongest to date. Devendra almost makes me wish I was a hippy again. Almost.

08: AZITA Life On The Fly
Oh man, am I in love. Unfortunately, she is better known for being John McIntire's girlfriend than for making superb, complex and daftly sinister jazzy piano ballads --not to mention for being an incredible pianist in her own right. With help of Chicago's finest, this record is a treat for those who are smart enough to pick it up.

06: WILLIAM BASINSKI The Disintegration Loops (Disc 1)
A collection of ambient tape loops Basinski made 20 years ago rediscovered. Only time has begun to destroy the tapes and we get to hear it happen. The results are as sublime and genuine as the inescapable process itself.

05: RADIAN Juxtaposition
To me, Radian are one of the leaders in the European new school of heavily studio processed electronic/improv/postrock. As opposed to the Nordic non-studio processed electronic/improv/postrock music of bands such as the awe-inspiring Supersilent The drummer, who is also in Trapist, deserves plenty of accolade for the great jazzy drumming chops that brings human warmth to the superb electronic sound scapes around him. This was made with help from Chicago's master producer/Azita boyfriend, John McIntire.

04: MICE PARADE Obrigado Saudade
Another example of new school postrock is the one man arranger. Mice Parade, along with the like minded Polmo Polpo, are true visionaries that create music so wonderfully modern because they absorb everything and thensome. This particular album is very Brazilian influenced (duh) and includes a cover of a remix of one of his old songs by Jim O'Rourke. Dazzling.

03: ALBERT AYLER Holy Ghost Box Set (Disc 6: Coltrane's Funeral)
A long time coming, this is quite possibly the most amazing box set ever made. What makes it even more special is that it is for one of the most deserving musicians imaginable. I can't even begin to describe the quality of whats inside this homage to the greatest saxophonist to ever grace this world and the one beyond. My favorite disc is the private recording of Albert Ayler and his rag tag band performing at private ceremony for John Coltrane's funeral. The master weeps for his best student. Proof once again that free jazz lovers are the fairest in all the land.

02: LIARS They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Alright, best moment working at a record store this year: (bosses, please don't read) Turning the volume all the way UP and blasting They Were Wrong. (Which was banned from store play during the day, might I add) By the time track 7 hit its stride, I was screaming and banging on the register and on whatever I could find while jumping up and down and chanting like a maniac. I know my friend Steve was watching from a safe distance far off in a corner with a smile on his face. Needless to say, not a single customer remained. What does this band do when they get pegged the future kings of the upcoming dance punk TM craze? They say 'fuck off, dance punk is for cunts.' and listen to a shitload of Throbbing Gristle and release the best concept album of the year. Its about witches, man. Rolling Stone gave this a 0. Fuck yeah, its that good.

01: BATTLES 3 EPs
~~El Espiritu De Don Caballero.~~ ~~The phoenix rises from its ashes and all is good across the land.~~ ~~The future is here now.~~ HOLY SHIT X 3.

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White Magic: Through The Sun Door
Joanna Newsom: Milk-Eyed Mender
Franz Ferdinand: Franz Ferdinand
Fennesz: Venice
Philip Jeck: 7
Deathprod: Morals & Dogma & Box Set
McLusky: The Difference Between You and Me Is That I Am Not On Fire (R.I.P. you sassy fucks.)
Pan Sonic: Kesto
Air: Talkie Walkie

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Once again, LCD Soundsystem has the single of the year. Yeah.
I loved Madlib and MF Doom's work so much in 2003 that I still haven't given Madvillainy a proper listen. (Al was right, its all about King Geedorah.) I also have yet to listen to the proper Smile release. (Man, Brian Wilson releases Smile and Jandek makes a live appearance in the same year -- is this a sign of the apocalypse???)
I couldn't get into the Pitchfork Hype TM of the Junior Boys and Arcade Fire. It is also noteworthy to add that I completely gave up on Pitchfork this year. Still no love for the Streets or that shitty as fuck, M83.

Posted by Fran at December 30, 2004 11:59 PM