Some of the music I loved this year

 I am a guy that loves lists.  For whatever reason.  Its been a few since I've put fingers to keyboard on my favorite records of the year.

The pandemic slowed a lot of things down.  I still bought music and decided I wanted to put down some thoughts.

Top 6 in No Order:

King Buffalo – The Burden of Restlessness – If there was an award for the most spun album of the year for me it is this one.  Its great from top to bottom and I have no idea why its not on many/any “best of lists”.  This NY Trio nailed it.  Stand out track for me is “Hebetation”.  Just enough effects on the guitar/bass for the spacy vibe, coupled with a very unique timing on the drums. If you like early Smashing Pumpkins (Gish era) you should dig in.  Around 3:08 when the guitar goes into overdrive especially.
Hebetation

Godspeed You! Black Emperor – G_D’s Pee AT STATE’S END!
This band comes around every few years, drops a record, tours and then disappears. We lucked out with one of those happening this year.  The track “Government Came” is in a series of movements, per GS!YBE mantra, but they are so very good at it.  Once again, it’s a “payoff” track.  I never tire of it…ever.
Government Came

Mogwai – As The Love Continues

Perrenial favorites of mine.  Always worth my time.  Always,  Nailed it
Honestly if you don’t like “Ceiling Granny” I am not sure what else I can tell you.

Ceiling Granny

Hopefully I’ll see this tune at the Paradise in 2022.  In the meantime, play this as loud as you can.  Seriously.

The War on Drugs – I Don’t Live Here Anymore
Its amazing we are now 5 records in with these guys as we are slowly seeing them more and more. I get to capture these moments (hopefully) end of January.  This band is really something that honestly needs your attention 
I Don't Live Here Anymore

Another fun track to check out from them is really any live version of “Eyes to the Wind”,  If you ever want to see a band locked in, and a drummer having the time of his life I emplore you to check this out, and once the saxophone solo comes…you should understand why this band is important. It really is magic from 4:00 on IMO… 
Eyes to the Wind Live

Turnstile – Glow On
This is not for everyone.  Tagged as a punk/hardcore band they released a wildly critically acclaimed record. The first track called “Mystery” sets the tone.  I share with you a live video of them for the sole reason of the energy of the crowd (and wild enthusiasm) one day I hope we can see live shows and allow people collectively to cut loose.  I can’t watch this video and not smile (and kudos to the ladies down front for holding it down!)
Live in Oxnard California

Studio version of “Mystery” here

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio – I Told You So

If you checked out anything on this list so far, this is so far off what else is on said short list. I can’t figure out a single thing to not love about these guys. I can’t put a single track because they all have their moments:
The Whole Album!

Also, after you check that out…check out this older sessison…and as you are watching this..its just them “waming up” …for 18 minutes.  
KEXP Warmup

So happy I discovered
Electric Moon – Holy smokes. There is so much to go with here. If you watch any of their live shows that will do, but this clip has been in constant rotation.  Its an older clip of a tune called “Theory of Mind”. As it starts, you might be like “meh”.  Honestly, give yourself some time.  Once they hit about the 6 minute mark you will be thinking..hmmm okay…then when the  main riff drops at 9:24,,,,sweet jesus!!!
Theory of Mind - Live

Eats Batteries – Just bass and drums…and it rips. I mean the first tune on the albums is called “Nightmare on Ed Helms Street” for god sake…
The Whole Album!

 

What were some of your favorties?

Holiday Cards - A lost art?

 First, Happy Holidays to you and yours.  Its been a tough few years, and the holidays can always be a "mixed bag" for sure.  Part of you longs for "normalcy" while the other part is totally fine you don't need to hang aroung with (insert persons here) during the holday.

As tradition goes around my home we decided to send a holiday card.  Even with my kids both late teens and early 20's we decided to send a photo card with an image of each child during a milestone moment in their lives.  We chose a template, uploaded the photos, made edits, ordered them, ordered stamps, printed labels and then sent them off.

Close to 70 have been sent.

So far in return, at last count at least....16.

Now I get it.  Its not supposed to be like that and its the "thought that counts" etc.  I also understand most folks are on social media of some sort so I sorta know whats up with them, their kids etc.

Many of the returns are from my parents friends for example.  I don't have a huge family but only have a card from 2 cousins, neither of which i've seen in many years (mostly due to our living locations).  Its great to hear from them.

Is it a generational thing?  My mom recently told me that one of the Aunts I had sent a card to was "thrilled" that they got a card.  See, that is what I feel.  YAY ITS NOT A BILL IN THE MAIL!!

Kudos to those who write in them, on them etc.  I should step up my game.

With all that I'm sorta wanting to send even MORE next year.  Maybe a "generic" card (no images of my kids).

Lost art?  Antiquated?

Do people like them?

I actually love the letters too.  Might do one of them!

Seasons Greetings to you All.