Bobby Crocker listens to NPR, and All Things Considered, in particular, religiously. When he alerted me to the fact that All Songs Considered recently posted a Listeners' Best CDs of 2006...well, I just knew it must be quality. If not, Mr. Robert C. Tobin would then have to admit he was wrong in recommending the list, and RCT never admits defeat. Don't trust me? Then get into a debate with him about the death penalty and report back here.
Without further adieu...
NPR Listeners Pick the Best CDs of 2006
10. Regina Spektor: Begin to Hope
9. Tom Waits: Orphans
8. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins: Rabbit Fur Coat
7. Cat Power: The Greatest
6. Joanna Newsom: Ys
5. TV On the Radio: Return to Cookie Mountain
4. M. Ward: Post War
3. Bob Dylan: Modern Times
2. Neko Case: Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
1. The Decemberists: The Crane Wife
Other NPR-related lists to check out:
Will Hermes' Top Ten CDs of 2006
Meredith Ochs' Top Ten CDs of 2006
John Richards' Top Ten CDs of 2006
Now, out of this list, I've listened to #1, 3, and 8 multiple times. I just bought #2 on iTunes Music store. I heard of #6 and 7 but felt only mildy interested. Anyone strongly suggest that I buy any more of these "Best Ofs" for the holiday pilgrimmage back to PA?
I'd say go for Regina Spektor.
a breath of fresh air for sure.
and I thought our listeners picked a lot of good music too.
all the best
bob boilen
host
all songs considered
Posted by: bob Boilen | Thursday, 21 December 2006 at 11:10 PM
Well, really my challenge was to name anyone who's put out as many QUALITY records as Dylan. THe only debatable time of his career where his albums are a bit suspect is during the 80's... hence my (let's be honest... name one good thing that did come from this decade) comment. But let's look at a couple... just to name a few:
HIghway 61
Bring It all back home
Nashville Skyline
The Basement Tapes
Blonde on Blonde
Blood on The Tracks
John Wesley Harding
Not only are these AMAZING records that are timeless and full of life, but they stand up against and are complex records that can stand up against anything put out today.
So if his music is sh*t... what do you deem worthy in it's place as QUALITY? I want some names. From today or from years past. :)
Posted by: The Professor | Wednesday, 20 December 2006 at 11:02 AM
ouch p-natty!
gentlemen, you do realize you're arguing a matter of personal taste, right??? there will never be a victor in this argument...
which makes me happy. some things, like music, cannot be measured or compared in any statistical way.
Posted by: the polish princess | Wednesday, 20 December 2006 at 10:13 AM
Dear Professor -
Your challenge: "Name anyone who has come close to putting out as many albums as Dylan."
My answer: Sh*t doesn't taste better because there is more of it to eat.
Posted by: p-natty | Tuesday, 19 December 2006 at 09:36 PM
OK, P-natty - I challenge you on the claim that Mr. Robert Zimmerman has lost his way. Name anyone who has come close to putting out as many albums as Dylan. Even if we are to take out the really bad period of his career known as 'The 80's' (I mean, let's be honest... name one good thing that did come from this decade.) he is an artist that has re-invented himself time and time again... acoustic, electric, country singer with help from Johnny Cash, jammer with help from the Dead... poet, troubador, artist... I mean isn't that what artists are supposed to do? reinvent themselves constantly so they don't stay stagnant?
Posted by: The Professor | Tuesday, 19 December 2006 at 04:45 PM