Best Lesser-Knowns Of 2007: Five Key Discs You May Have Missed
This year, many established artists released great albums which advanced their already storied careers. From Jay-Z to Radiohead, The White Stripes to Kanye West, there was an influx of mega-discs which trumped a less-than-brilliant 2006. But in addition to the heavy hitters, several breaking artists put out discs which are as essential as their high-income peers. Here are five of the best:
1) Say Anything - In Defense Of The Genre
Say Anything frontman Max Bemis battles the demons which haunt his bi-polar brain with this brilliant double-disc, the group’s third release and the first for a major label. A beautiful mess, Genre is wrought with emotional lyrics which evoke the numbing depression of Weezer’s savage 1996 album Pinkerton, while serving as a melting pot for nearly every genre. Punk, reggae, pop, folk and electronica blend into a sparkling wreck, as sloppy and gifted as Bemis himself.
2) Bob Sinclair - Live At The Playboy Mansion
A mixtape as titillating as the site of its recording, French superstar Sinclar justifies his role of premier world dance mixer of the new millennium. His Euro-centric beats are as heavy on melody as well as bass, mining from a treasure trove of records ranging from ’70s soul to recent world beat in order to craft this mix. Two hours of solid grooves for your next shindig.
3) Minus The Bear - Planet Of Ice
Seattle rockers move to the major league on their third full-length, delivering the most steady and engaging rock of their career. With a solid rhythm section and dynamic keyboard work, Minus The Bear’s riffery swells on tracks such as “When We Escape” and lead single “Knights,” perhaps besting Foo Fighters for the most melodic hard rock album of the year.
Week At A Glance - Concerts Of Note 12/10 - 12/16
Mary Lorson
*Thursday, 12/13 @ 9:00 p.m. - The Void Union @ Castaways [$7]
Jamaican-influenced ska/reggae group has collaborated with some of the best in their field and are bringing their engaging live show to Ithaca. With Satori.
*Saturday, 12/15 @ 6:00 p.m. - The Loiterers @ The Haunt [$5]
Catch an early punk show with the best young band from Cortland. With The Dead Army.
*Sunday, 12/16 @ 2:00 p.m. - Mary Lorson & Saint Low @ The Haunt [$10 / children under 12 free]
The Ithaca-based artist headlines A Musical Benefit for Hurricane Katrina Survivors. With Hubcap, Richie Steams, Burke & Bone, and Common Railers.
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