No, this isnt a thread about that new indie film. I've always loved how forums like this intruduce you to wonderful new music...However, the topics on the Music: Non-Prince seems to cover mainly mainstream acts..So I thought, why not have us all share some hidden treasures...Albums that arent getting the heavy label support or media support. So, why dont we all share three or four albums from this year that we just love but nobody seems to know about... Below the radar stuff...

Here are mine:


Lizz Wright-Salt

This is the album of the year for me. Beautiful voice. Ive heard her on the radio once. This is the album that Norah Jones' should have been. Perfect blend of jazz, blues and acoustic pop. This album is worth getting just for her version of "Soon as I get home", (yes *that* song from the Wiz). Hopefully this beautiful nubian will get the same success that Norah Jones did. Cause its far more deserved.

Daniel Lanois- Shine

Bob Dylan meets Bono. Thats the only way I can describe Lanois' style. Guest vocals by Emmy-Lou Harris and Bono himself give this album a mainstream appeal but be warned...this isnt for the simple listener...His instrumentals blow anything and everything i've heard thus far from NEWS. Upon my first listen I found the album to be very dark and depressing..but its not. Theres a constant thread of hope within the lyrics. A hope for humanity, new love and a blissed life...there's hope for "shine".


Spacek- Vintage Hi-Tech

Entertainment Weekly called this album "Seal + A Tribe Called Quest divided by Radiohead". Is this album the future of R&B music? Not sure but its got ten times more connection and heart then anything produced by The Neptunes. Not the most consistent of albums but I give them big props for individuality. This is everything that the tired *two-step* craze wishes it had been.

and finally a lil mention of Pedro Almodovar's "Viva La Tristeza!". If you've fallen out of love or are falling in love, this is the album to listen to. Where else could you find Shirley Horn, Chavela Vargas, Chet Baker, Caetano Veloso and Nina Simone on one disc? And Jimmy Scott..Jimmy Jimmy. I created a thread about his version of "Nothing Compares 2U" (included on this disc) that got very lil responce. GET THIS ALBUM for that song alone. Beautiful. Haunting...If you enjoyed the film "Talk To Her", this is a must.


okay...so ive spewed my thoughts...now help me expand my own record collection. share your favorite hidden treasures of this year. please, nothing that ended up on the billboard top 50 album list. i'll knock you down if you try to say maddy's "music" is a hidden treasure...or cher's greatest hits...mmm-kay?

damn...lol...okay, so how about one album thats under the radar?

its interesting, i learned about beth orten, naked records, doyle bramhall, meshell and a host of other artist via the internet...i'd love to hear what other stuff is out there that deserves support...

I'd recommend one, but I don't know if he'd want me to as he is a fellow orger.

i guess i wont be buying anything good soon...

well, not from this year.


but Mercury Rev's "Deserters' Songs" (1998) and "All Is Dream" (2001)

Blue Six - Beautiful Tomorrow : great deep house music

Herbert - Bodily Functions : same musical vein, but more jazzy and organic

Roni Size - Touching Down : solid drum 'n' bass effort

sosgemini said:

sosgemini, you do it again! Daniel Lanois is really... well, 'great' is not the right choice. It's more than that.

Yet you don't mention if you know his older albums, "Acadie" (1989) and "For The Beauty Of Wynona"(1993). Ok, they are old and your thread is about pointing out new albums. These albums are some of the best I've ever listened to - which is why I waited 10 years for this new album. His work is a beauty in itself.

Also... to describe the album as "Dylan meets Bono" is, hm, like saying TGE is "Prince meets the New Power Generation". It really is hard to describe... the sound of Lanois usually blends Country/Cajun/Folk with atmospheric electronics. Thing is, Bono's sound is influenced heavily by Lanois himself.

No surprise... 'The Unforgettable Fire', 'The Joshua Tree', as well as 'Achtung Baby' were produced by Lanois and Brian Eno. Same with "Oh Mercy" and "Time Out Of My Mind" by Bob Dylan. The albums that paved the ground for Dylan's comeback were produced by Lanois. As usually, Lanois plays some instruments on all of these albums as well - like he does on his other production work (Peter Gabriel, Syd Straw, Luscious Jackson...).

Anyway, good choice!

Wolf

wsenges said:

i had new clue of any of his backstory..i just happened to hear an interview with him on npr..thanks a bunch!!! now i can go buy his previous works...

im off to buy todd's recommendations...

hey aaron, whats the deal with yours? style and what not..

todd305 said:

Yes, dude. Those guys are awesome. If you're a fan of Naked Music, then you'll love these deep grooves.

...And, yes, I'm a house fan as well as New Wave.

NWF said:

jamming to it right now..and damn!! someone slap me with a wet trout for not knowing about this release...miquel watts is the last one i got..i got some catching up to do!!