Wednesday, 30 Nov 2005
I’m sitting in my office blaring A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight Marauders,” trying to figure out how I am going to take all the amazing albums that were released in 2005, and get them down to my favorite 31.
I realize that 31 is a odd number to choose for a year end list, but I decided to feature one album per day until the end of the year. After all, these albums deserve their own day for all the happiness and clarity they brought me over the past 11 months.
Smog - A River Ain’t To Much To Love
What the critics say:
Tiny Mix Tapes - 4/5
Pitchfork - [7.7]
Coke Machine Glow - 77%
Bill Callahan is the man behind Smog. He’s put out 12 albums that I know of, and there are probably more out there. The thing that I love most about “A River Ain’t To Much To Love” is that it takes you on a musical journey. Sometimes introspective, other times humorous, you never really know what you’re going to get from Bill Callahan. What you can expect if you pick this album up is a nice solid listen, especially if you’ve never heard Smog before. This was the album that introduced Bill Callahan’s music to me, and since discovering this album, I have been able to listen to some of his back catalogue that is equally, if not more fascinating.
I missed my chance to see Smog when they played at the High Noon Saloon earlier this year, but I’m hoping they’ll make it back soon.
Drag city is currently hosting a video for Rock Bottom Riser.
Enter coupon code: muzzle05 for a 10% discount!!!
December 1st, 2005 at 8:22 am
My initial list of the best of 2005 clocked in at 31 albums, and I’ve been struggling with how to narrow the list down or present it some way. I congratulate you on an elegant solution, which I promise not to steal.
December 1st, 2005 at 8:25 am
great idea ryan. can’t wait to see your list.
December 1st, 2005 at 8:59 am
fantastic album, easily in my top 15-20 or so. they were so amazing live a few months ago as well.
December 1st, 2005 at 9:02 am
btw, for people new to Smog (he dropped the parenthesis a while ago actually), definitely check out Knock, Knock, Knock (arguably his best imo), Dongs of Sevotion, and The Doctor Came at Dawn.
Accumulation: None is a really neat collection of past songs done acoustically as well.
December 1st, 2005 at 9:13 am
He dropped the ( ) ?? Thanks, I’ll change my post, it was stupid anyway, I thought.
December 1st, 2005 at 9:16 am
yeah, he really only had it from around ‘01 to ‘04, on the last 3 records
not sure what the idea behind it was (supposedly he did it to suggest a shift in musical style, but it wasn’t like he went electronica or anything). i’ve looked but not really found an exact explanation.
i’ve been working on my year end list post the last week or so, i’ve got my list and such done, writing the blurbs for my fave 20-25 or so now.
December 1st, 2005 at 9:18 am
Looking forward to your list, it’s always one of my favorites.