Something Old...Something New (#32)

"Aladdin Sane" - David Bowie (released 1973)

   Bowie follows up the zeitgeist-tapping perfection of "Ziggy Stardust...'' with his hardest rocking album. Written during the craziness of his 1972 American tour (a lad insane) it's his final LP with the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson-gtr, Trevor Bolder-b, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - dr) and released at the commercial peak of the Glam scene. The Stonesy rocking opener "Watch That Man" gets things off to a rollicking start (you can picture Mick and the boys tearing into this one)! When Bowie encouraged pianist Mike Garson to let loose his avant-garde style he unleashed a mind-blowing one-take solo on the title track! Garson's inventive skills are also on full display in the glittering theatrical ballads "Time" and "Lady Grinning Soul". "Drive-in Saturday" and "The Prettiest Star" portray Bowie's pop/rock side to perfection with the latter highlighted by another terrific Ronson solo! Mick Ronson is the unsung architect of Glam. His arrangements, guitar tones and solos for all Bowie's work throughout this period is impeccable! An infectious Bo Diddley vibe drives "Panic in Detroit" deep into your reptilian brain before the grinding sleaze of "Cracked Actor" ends side one. The stomping swagger of "The Jean Genie" closes with a stuttering swell of guitars and a place in classic rock history! Let's not forget the iconic album cover that's every bit as inspired as the music. Most critics were disappointed but aside from relegating "Let's Spend the Night Together" to the "Pin Ups" covers album which came out later that year I wouldn't change a thing. Still brilliant 50 years on!

"Chime School - Chime School (released 2021)

    San Francisco's Andy Pastalaniec is Chime School. A drummer for local bands Odd Hope, Sealbite and Cruel Summer he was inspired to create his own music when his girlfriend gifted him a 4-track Tascam Portastudio. He them proceeded to write record and produce this utterly charming debut album at home. A long time fan of jangly rock with upbeat melodies from the 60s (Byrds) and 80s (the C86 scene in Britain began with the release of a cassette by the New Musical Express in 1986. It showcased new indy bands and labels in the UK) he took these influences and ran with them! This album is a winner from beginning to end. An effortless barrage of hooks and melodies that are at once familiar but at the same instant fresh and exciting! With his ringing 12-string jangle and hints of dream pop he fashions one happy/melancholy pop gem after another. "Wait Your Turn", "Dead Saturdays", "Radical Leisure", "It's True", "Calling In Sick", the ten tunes fly by and it's impossible to choose a favorite as the guitar driven energy and breezy vocals make every song irresistible! Pick up this album and Chime School will always be in session. RIYL Young Guv or The Reds, Pinks and Purples (and you should!)

 Favorite Albums of 2021

2021 was another challenging year for the music community with remote recording and cancelled tours remaining the norm. With many established acts electing to sit on the sidelines until some sense of normalcy returns it was a good year to discover new artists and that's definitely reflected on my list of 2021 favorites. Remember, musicians pour their hearts and souls into their work so be sure to support them any way you are able (vinyl, CD, download)

1. Cloud Nothings - "The Shadow I Remember"

The band reunites with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios and emerge with another revelation. Light and shade abound in these eleven densely compact post-punk marvels featuring explosive rhythmic discord and resplendent melodies around every corner! Good luck choosing a favorite.

2. Chime School - "Chime School" 

Springing from the head of the Power Pop Gods fully formed, Rickenbacker in hand, appears Andy Pastalaniec. Revel in the sweet jangling righteousness of his debut as Chime School. Class is in session for my favorite new artist of 2021!

3. The Reds, Pinks & Purples - "Uncommon Weather"

Glenn Donaldson cooks up yet another collection of engagingly warm indie pop recorded in the kitchen of his San Francisco home (seen on the album cover). He's been releasing his dependably pleasing tunes at the rate of two albums a year so I'm sure he'll be on next year's list too!

4. Aeon Station - "Observatory"

Waiting 15 years for the follow-up to the Wrens "Meadowlands" (a masterpiece) to be completed by his musical partner (Charles Bissell) was long enough for Kevin Whelan. He took his songs and 3/4 of the band to form Aeon Station. This is as close as we'll get to another Wrens album so just immerse yourself in the melancholic beauty.

5. Flyying Colours - "Fantasy Country"

This quartet from Melbourne, Australia delivers my favorite shoegaze album of the year. The most fully realized album of their career is a glorious sea of Krautrock rhythms propelling shimmering waves of psych rock guitar. Dreamy vocals and keyboard textures help deliver a lavish listening experience.

6. Ducks Ltd - "Modern Fiction"

Sounding for all the world like a lost member of New Zealand's "Flying Nun" label this Toronto duo delivers the jangle pop goods on a great debut LP.  Earworm alert - Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis construct some of the catchiest hooks and choruses you'll hear this year!

7. Lauds - "Lauds" EP

This five piece from Wilmington, North Carolina have produced an EP of stunningly beautiful guitar pop. It's easy to be swept away in the first rate melodies, tranquil vocals and clean production. RIYL Real Estate or R.E.M.

8. Split Single - "Amplificado"

From his 90s band, Verbow, to continuing stints as bass player for Bob Mould and Superchunk, Jason Narducy exemplifies musical excellence. His latest features drummer extraordinaire Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Bob Mould, Mountain Goats) and Mike Mills (R.E.M.) on bass. Head over to their Bandcamp page and check out "95 Percent" - sublime!

9. Neil Young & Crazy Horse - "Way Down in the Rust Bucket"

The Neil Young archives are a gift that just keeps giving. This show was recorded in 1990 and Young's majestic, snarling guitar playing is on full display as he and Crazy Horse hit the road in support of "Ragged Glory". With six songs clocking in at over 10 minutes, it's the feral shredfest we all need!

10. The Institutes - "Colosseums"

If you thought Britpop was dead these lads from Coventry beg to differ. Their debut fairly bursts with big chorus anthems in the style of Oasis. The opener, "All That You'll Ever Know", rockets out of your speakers and the momentum rarely subsides. Maybe the next big thing in the UK ignored by the U.S.

Honorable Mention

Robert Plant/Alison Kraus - "Raise the Roof"

Persian Leaps - "Drone Etiquette" (EP)

Tom Petty & Heartbreakers - "Angel Dream"

Cheap Trick - "In Another World"

The Black Keys - "Delta Kream"