I thought I was going to have a problem coming up with a top 10 this year, as funds were limited, but it turned out I have loving and giving family and friends who either loaned me a copy to listen too, or damn well gave it to me! (You know who you are. Thanks.) So, along with the ones I couldn’t do without and the ones I did hear, there turned out to be a whole lot of good stuff out there. More than I could list.
1. Beatles – On the Air-Live at the BBC vol 2
I can’t help it. They are partly responsible for me doing this GMR thing. I love these guys and the BBC recordings. 20 years between BBC releases is too long. Give me more.
2. The Three O’clock – The Hidden World Revealed
It was great to follow the Three O’clock’s reunion on YouTube and FaceBook this year. If I could of, I would have gone to see them. Then a bonus happened and they released a couple of things from the vault. This is just what the doctor ordered for the long time fan and a new fan. It was enough to make chemo-boy jump for joy.
3. Silver Sun – A Lick and a Promise
These guys from England haven’t made too many waves here. Too bad. They are crunchy power pop for most of the masses. As near as I can tell, this one is digital download only. Their single, Bubblegum, was the one that hooked me a few years ago.
4. The Nines – The Nines
Even more unheard great power pop. The Nines are comprised of Steve Eggers (vocals, bass), Sam Tallo (guitar), and Aaron Nielson (drums). Their self-titled, independent cassette was released in 1994. This is not that. Search ’em out.
5. Mark Lindsay – Life Out Loud
Mark returns with a vengeance. His first truly Rock & Roll record in over 10 years. In fact it is probably the best thing he has done since 1969. I had faith that he could do this. It rocks. Please come home and play Mark.
6. Pete Ham – Keyhole Street Demos (1966-67)
More moving home demos by the greatly missed Pete Ham of Badfinger. This one was crowd-funded and, I believe, only available while they lasted.
7. Jellyfish – Radio Jellyfish
Live on the radio acoustic Jellyfish 1993. All of the melody, harmony and charm of Jellyfish is here.
8. Mark Lanegan – Imitations
I still love that smokey voice, even if he’s doing his version of the standards.
9. Dave Edmunds – Again
He goes back to his studio alone again, naturally. This is really how I like Dave the best (ala: McCartney), playing everything.
10. Chris Stamey – Love Sick Blues
There are strings, horns, acoustic guitars and big harmonies. This is a late night/early morning record – mellow, moody pop according to Amazon. It’s very accurate.
Honorable mentions go to:
Beatles – Bootleg Recordings 1963 (I hope this trend continues to at least 2020. There could be some interesting Beatles rarities hiding in the vaults.)
Big Star – Nothing Can Hurt Me (Remixes of one of my fav 70’s bands for the soundtrack for a long overdue bio-pic.)
Jimi Hendrix – Miami Pop Festival (Was it bootlegged? I’ve never heard this show and it’s a good one. Miss you Jimi.)
Sly and the Family Stone – Higher Box Set (When Sly was on, he burned bright. Still as fresh as ever.)