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Sunday, January 09, 2005 - 06:29 PM
The stuff you don't you have to have
By Greg Matusak
If you are like me then the worst thing in the world is having your family buy music for you. I know that they mean well, but my parents just don’t have eight to ten hours a day to sift through the multitude of garbage that is being assaulted at us on the airwaves. That being said, I will end up with either the new “NOW 15: That’s What I Call Music,” which might possible be the best argument for Euthanasia when your not sick or old, or a band that I listened to in high school, like Rush--the best music ever for a all night Dungeons and Dragons game.
Then the invention of the “Gift Card” changed everything. I noticed that the boxes under the tree got smaller and there was less crying on Christmas morning.
Here are my selections to help you with your gift card redeeming.
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Nellie McKay --- “Get Away From Me” (Columbia)
The first thing you will do when you hear this album is curse yourself for not taking piano lessons as a kid or call your parents and curse them for not forcing you to take them seriously. It is a thoroughly original and enjoyable album that is clever and witty. Think of Sandra Dee meets Easy E. Stand out track: “The Dog Song”.
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“Garden State”--- Soundtrack from the Motion Picture (Sony)
I usually do’t buy soundtracks, but this was a great soundtrack. Mixing old gems (Simon and Garfunkle’s “The Only Living Boy in New York) with new nuggets (The Shins’ “Caring is Creepy”). Even if you didn’t like the movie (I liked it) or hate the state itself (which I do – next to North Carolina, it is my most hated state – long story) you will enjoy this album.
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Elliot Smith --- “ From A Basement on The Hill” (Anti)
After years of battling depression and addiction, Elliot Smith took his life this year in what I am sure will go down in the books as one of the most suspicious/saddest suicides in music history. This album is rich with introspection and layers and I wish that it had a happier ending.
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Maceo Parker --- “Made By Maceo” (W.A.R.?)
When James Brown said, “Take me to the bridge”, he was talking to Maceo Parker. That alone should give him enough “funk props” so that you should buy this album, but since his time with the Godfather of Soul, Maceo has been setting the standard of funk with performers like Parliament, Ani Defranco, Prince, James Taylor (hard to believe) and Cincinnati’s favorite son – Bootsy Collins. Learn at the feet of the master.
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Elvis Costello & The Imposters --- “The Delivery Man” (Lost Highway Records)
Mr. Costello is nominated for two Grammies this year for this album. He is also nominated for a track off of the “De-Lovely” soundtrack. Add to this that he married Canadian Jazz chantues Diana Krall and I would say it has been a pretty good year for Elvis.
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Have fun with your buying and just remeber: Greatest hist albums are for grandmothers and housewives.
Contact Information
· gregm@queencityforum.com
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