Listed alphabetically with a review link if a full review was done here or elsewhere:
Devils & Dust, Bruce Springsteen — If you read this blog, you can’t be surprised by this. Unlike others, I find it better than his prior solo acoustic effort, The Ghost of Tom Joad. It likely will be my album of the year because of the nuances of the tunes revealed in Springsteen’s solo supporting tour.
Prairie Wind, Neil Young — Simply put, Neil’s best and most personal effort in years. It’s hard to find a weak cut on this CD.
Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1, Jackson Browne — After years of bootlegs, Jackson fans get a nearly flawless live solo acoustic CD which will hopefully be the first of several. (Review.)
Songs for Silverman, Ben Folds — I have to admit that, for whatever reason, I wasn’t impressed with this CD at first. But a few more listens showed Folds remains one of the country’s best songwriters. (Review.)
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall — I wonder what it says when my favorite jazz CD of the year was recorded in 1957? But this isn’t a reissue. Someone discovered these tapes in an unmarked box at the Library of Congress. Historical significance aside, this Blue Note release is a wonderful combination of two jazz giants.
I wanna build me a house, on higher ground
I wanna find me a world, where love’s the only sound
High above this road, filled with shadow and doubt
I want to shoulder my load, and figure it all out
“Leah,” Bruce Springsteen, Devils & Dust
Note to self:
Obtain a copy of that Monk/Coltrane CD! NPR did a show on the discovery, and I have to say that they worked together far better than you might expect from hearing their individual style. The concert was done near the end of a year-long group of collaborations, and the little I heard of it was fine indeed. Thanks for the reminder.
Better New Year, ’cause “Happy” didn’t cut it last time.