I haven’t bought much music in the past year, just haven’t felt the urge. But I do find myself wanting to go out and buy everything on Tom Waits‘ 20 most-cherished albums of all time. Well, 19 of them anyway (I own the Pogues album). I need some new sounds in my life, and Tom is The Man.
Buddy, this list might just send me to the record store, too. I’m sure you already know his Dylan and Stones choices are good. I can attest to the quality of the Elvis Costello disc. Best thing he’s done in a long time; maybe the best thing he’s done since “King of America,” which is due to get a deluxe reissue in April.
You ready for a new mix disc?
Check out the Duhks. Found them on NPR. Very refreshing.
Sean: I have to admit, I’ve never heard all of “Exile.” Blasphemy in the rock world, but I’ve always been scared of buying an entire Stones album.
Robert: Duh, I’m always ready. You are the sensei.
Napalm master: I shall seek them out. Raaar!
Sid,
No shame in not owning “Exile.” In fact, if you haven’t read it, there’s a great book co-edited by Jim DeRogatis titled “Kill Your Idols,” in which rock critics tear apart many of the “classic albums” that have been foisted on them by the older generation of critics. I don’t agree with everything I’ve read in there, but it gets you thinking objectively about why you like a great album. Maybe “Sgt. Pepper” is a great album, but I’d rather listen to “Pleased to Meet Me” almost any day. Liking an album just because Greil Marcus says you should is just about the worst reason I can think of to like one.