2010: The Year of Awesome
2010 was pretty awesome, and I hope that 2011 is more of the same. Here are some of the tunes, that kept me occupied during 2010, hope that you enjoy a few of them.
Skokiaan
Kermit Ruffins & The Barbeque Swingers | Treme, Season 1
Great way to kick off the album, if you like great live music and memorable characters you should watch HBO’s Treme, which highlights New Orleans post-Katrina. Kermit Ruffian is a legend down there, and was featured prominently in the series.
Do The Astral Plane
Flying Lotus | Cosmogramma
This is an excellent driving song and the somewhat official Mahoney/Platt household song of the summer 2010. Sara has not yet fully endorsed this one yet, but it has my vote.
VCR
The XX | XX
This was on NPR’s Listeners’ Picks for best albums of 2009, a key source in my musical tastes these last few years. I like to think of it as a description of Sara and me pre-Stella. Plus, it reminds me of being in Spain with Sara last year when I first heard this song.
Saved
LaVern Baker | Soul On Fire
Randy Newman did an interview awhile back, and this is one of the songs that he picked in his top 10. While I am not quite saved, I will be curtailing my dancing of the hoochie-coo going forward.
King Rat
Modest Mouse | No One’s First, and You’re Next
Awesome song, and freaky video directed by Health Ledger before he died. Classic Modest Mouse, long song that builds to a bombastic climax.
I Can’t Stand It ‘76
James Brown | Make It Funky: The Big Payback
I was reviewing my funk mixes this year, and this gem reemerged. James gets so funky on this track that he has to take off his shoes, watch, and ring. I’ll let him explain as only he can.
A Different Feeling
The Avalanches | Since I Left You
This was on our Happy Baby mix for Stella. Sara became a fan of this one, and the album is a staple for any house party.
The Funeral
Band of Horses | Everything All The Time
Fellow new dad, and golfing companion, Tom Reid made me a mix for Stella’s arrival, and this was one of my favorite selections from the mix. Hat tip to you sir.
Ooh Poo Pah Doo
Trombone Shorty & James Andrews | Treme, Season 1
Another selection from the Treme soundtrack. Thought that the energy of this one was just great. Looking forward to the second season, and getting back to the Crescent city soon.
Afro Blue
John Coltrane | Live at The Village Vanguard
Have listened to this song for years, and recently rediscovered the powerful live performance of some ridiculously talented musicians in their prime.
Spanish Pipedream
The Avett Brothers | Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows
Tom Reid again with a folky selection. Sara and I do not plan to follow any of the song’s suggestions, but it is fun to sing along to the chorus, as I do during Saturday errands
Jailbird
M. Ward | Hold Time
I thought that this entire album was fantastic, with each song honing a unique sound and feeling. This one is a bit slower, but has a great overall feeling.
Unwed Fathers
Deer Tick Featuring Liz Isenberg | Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows
Pittsburgh experienced a rare span of 10 weeks of incredible weather after Stella was born in August. She and I walked all over Shadyside. This is a beautiful song, which reminds of that time, becoming a dad, and how great those mornings were for me.
Last Horse On The Sand
Dirty Three | Ocean Songs
We also made a Lullaby baby mix for the hospital stay, which we played over and over for the two days we were there. It really helped set the mood, and was the soundtrack of our early car rides together with Stella. I specifically remember swaying with a 1 day old Stella as this song comforted us both.
All the best in 2011,
Conor