NEW RELEASES :
1. Micah Blue Smaldone "The Red River"
I've long admired Micah's guitar playing and songwriting, and followed him as he's experimented with new (sometimes old) approaches, instruments, voices... with every release, his singing and playing sounds more natural, and this is a work of tremendous simplicity and sadness. http://www.micahbluesmaldone.com
2. Death Vessel "Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us"
This comes in a very close second behind Micah, not because it isn't as good, but it wasn't as dramatic an evolution. That said, this is acoustic music of the highest order. Joel's singing is otherworldly, to be sure, but it's his lyrics that really get me, quite poetic. http://www.deathvessel.com
3. Meanings "Alas, Not Us"
One of the two on this list that were released on my record label. Nate McDermott, who performs pretty much everything on this CD, also plays in the experimental group Paper Thin Stages. I've always felt that his strengths were his singing, sense of harmony and idiosyncratic song writing. This release has those things in spades! A mostly acoustic affair, some great left-turns, lyrically and melodically. I've listened to this record probably 200 times. http://www.myspace.com/meaningsmusic
4. Daryl LeRoi Fleming "The Blockhouse & Bloodhound Sessions"
Just a wonderful offering from Daryl, in top form on all fronts. A little short, but better too little than too much! The other players on this record also doing an amazing job, and David Bernabo's production lends it a great atmosphere. http://www.darylfleming.com
5. Dodos "Visiter"
I'm so happy that these guys have made it. The ingredients on this, their breakthrough, aren't much changed since their earlier releases, they've been working at the same high energy / high standard level for a while now! These songs stay in your head for weeks at a time, Meric has the gift of melody on his side, to be sure. http://www.myspace.com/thedodos
6. V/A "Guitar Soli"
My friend Brooks helped to put this collection of post-Fahey guitarists together, and I'm frankly pretty surprised by the lukewarm response some people are having to it. Though the musicality isn't quite up there with the stuff that was going on in Europe at the same time, there is a lot of heart and energy in most of these pieces, and the packaging and liner notes are top-notch. I think it's a must for any fan of Jack Rose and other proponents of the "American Primitive" style of guitar playing. http://www.numerogroup.com
7. Metallica "Death Magnetic"
Any of my friends who have read this far just said "What the FUCK?" when they saw this one... haha... but it's true! I've always liked Metallica, the classic albums, and I was excited by the prospect of what Rick Ruben would bring to the proceedings... I have to say that I really enjoy listening to this album. For a bunch of 40-something millionaires, these guys are back to crazy thrashing riffs, crazy song structures, and crazy mastering levels on their latest record. I would stay and watch any metal or hardcore band that played songs half as good as these. I'm sure you can find them on the internet.
8. Nick Schillace "Landscapes & People"
Nick is a class act. A fingerstyle guitarist from Detroit who plays all the right notes, at just the right pace. Nick has amazing tone, and a feel for this music that is (maybe) second only to Jack Rose. http://www.nickschillace.com
9. Triggers "Smoke Show"
I listened to this record quite a bit this year. Triggers are special, but could potentially be something VERY special. The chops are there, the melodies are there, and they play power-pop about as good as anyone. I'm excited to hear their latest stuff, am hoping for a little more poetry and a little less "Wooo!" and "Yeah!" and "Get it while it's hot!" and "Come On!" and... ok, I'll stop. Love these guys, even with all that stuff! http://www.myspace.com/triggersmusic
10. Lohio "History, The Destroyer"
A huge evolution from their last release, this one is very catchy, but also very tender. Greg and Josh have a great vocal blend, and this CD has a nice, home-spun sound. Not terribly adventurous, but very classy and well done, front to back. http://www.singlohio.com
If anyone on this list found it by Googling themselves, HI! Hope you're doing well!
NON-2008 RECORDS THAT BECAME OBSESSIONS
1. The Misfits "Walk Among Us"
2. Pierre Bensusan "Pres De Paris"
3. Tristan Da Cunha "Instanter"
4. Frank Zappa "Joe's Garage"
5. Daryl Fleming "Better The Parcel Than The Post"
6. Stefan Grossman "Guitar Landscapes"
7. Bert Jansch "L.A. Turnaround"
8. Foo Fighters "One By One"
9. King Crimson "Three Of A Perfect Pair"
10. Stefan Grossman / John Renbourn "In Concert"
BEST OF PITTSBURGH
1. Daryl LeRoi Fleming "The Blockhouse & Bloodhound Sessions"
2. Triggers "Smoke Show"
3. David Bernabo "Mahler Box" EP
4. Lohio "History, The Destroyer"
5. Jenn Gooch "Gifthorse"
6. Becoming Projections "Rootbound Travelers"
7. Alia Musica Pittsburgh "Premiere"
8. Flotilla Way "S/T"
9. Ennui "The Myth In Which We Live"
