1. Shoes – Ignition
It was a surprise to hear Shoes come out with one of their best albums ever let alone the 1st one in 15 years time. This album put me on a bender to try and catch up with some of my other Shoes CD’s. These guys Rock and Pop like no other. If you love your power pop (and I really do) you need this album.
2. Redd Kross – Researching the Blues
Speaking of a long time coming, this Redd Kross album has about the same gestation as Shoes latest and with the same results. It was tough deciding which would be #1. This one rocks harder and denser but has the same great result, power pop heaven.
3. George Harrison – Early Takes Vol. 1
Being the Beatle fan that I am, I just had to have Beatle George’s demos and outtakes album. I have heard some of the All Things Must Past demos before and knew this would be sweet. The songs are stripped down to a solo livingroom concert by George. The gentle spirit shines through on these.
4. Jellyfish – Live at Bogarts 1991
Another power pop favorite. They had the chops to pull it off live. It’s always nice to have another Jellyfish album.
5. Gripweeds – Under the Influence of Christmas
Technically this is a 2011 release, but I didn’t really get to appreciate it until this year. It includes turns at the mic by Mark Lindsay and the Smithereens. I still love Christmas albums by my fav musicians.
6. dB’s – Falling off the Sky
Was it for love or money? I don’t really care. It is a good one to add to your dB’s collection.
7. Ian Hunter – When I’m President
Ian can still write ’em and sing ’em, from a rocking roar to a low growl. Long live Ian Hunter!
8. Brendan Benson – What Kind of World
Good to know that some still follow their muse. Brendan has put out a handful of great albums and this is another.
9. Small Faces – Deluxe reissues (all of them)
I know I’m cheating here, but with the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, the Small Faces catalog finally gets the attention it really needs. Ogden’s Nutgone Flake is a favorite from 1968, but you can start with any of them and be taken in by the musical powers of the Small Faces.
10. The Hollies – Radio Fun (BBC)
I believe this is an import. It’s worth hunting it up to hear the underrated Hollies perform live for the BBC. It rocks a little harder than the studio recordings.
There are others, but I only get ten. I (of course) had to leave out the Green Monkey Records stuff I worked on with Tom, The Green Pajamas and The Life reissue.
Happy New Year. Go buy some music this year!