"Talking Book" by Stevie Wonder (released 1972)
Stevie Wonder is an undisputed musical genius and "Talking Book" is a snapshot of him working at his absolute peak. His early pop singles were individual gems but his writing, performance (he plays almost every instrument on the album) and production work coalesce to create the album all his subsequent releases would be measured by. This tour de force of pop, soul and funk opens with the bubbling singalong "You are the Sunshine of my Life". "Maybe Your Baby" follows with a deep funky groove assisted by some nice guitar from Ray Parker Jr. "You and I" is a beautifully sung ballad highlighting Stevie's soulful voice. "Tuesday Heartbreak" has omnipresent sax icon David Sanborn, but everything leads up to the LP's musical summit of "Superstition". Beginning with drums then followed by his distinct funk-flavored clavinet, punchy horns and snarling/wailing vocals Stevie takes us on one of the greatest musical trips of all time! It's a song with a groove so heavy you wish it would go on indefinitely (I guess that's what the "repeat" button is for). "Big Brother" has a bouncy melody pushed along by the clavinet/harmonica interplay. "Lookin' for another Pure Love" is a pretty ballad with some nice guitar from Jeff Beck and closing out the release is the hope-filled, blissfully epic "I Believe (When I fall in Love it will be Forever). Stevie's other albums from this period are remarkable ("Innervisions" "Fulfillingness' First Finale" "Songs in the Key of Life") but "Talking Book" remains my favorite.
"King of the Beach" by Wavves (released 2010)
Wavves is basically Nathan Williams who began writing and releasing homemade lo-fi recordings as a teenager. With this release he emerges from his bedroom to record in a studio environment and the songs sparkle all the more for it. Things get off to a rollicking start with the driving guitar/drum title track and the energy rarely lets up. "Super Soaker", "Idiot", "Linus Spacehead" and "Green Eyes" further the manic indie magic. "When Will You Come", "Take on the World" and "Baseball Cards" are twisted 60s beach-flavored pop tunes. "Post Acid" is a big guitar clanging hit with a uniquely awesome bridge that will have you moaning, groaning and screaming along with Nathan. The entire album gives off a fun carefree party atmosphere which seems to accurately reflect Williams's slacker/stoner reputation. The twelve songs fly by and beg to be played again (which I have happily been doing for months). This is such a huge step forward for Wavves in every respect (writing, production, performance) that I can't wait to hear how the young Nathan Williams follows up this sterling sophomore effort. If your life could use a shot of super catchy indie rock noise give "King of the Beach" a spin (you'll be glad you did).
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