Greg Bartalos’s Top Ten — April 26

by Greg Bartalos
26 April 2009

1. Robyn Hitchcock – Goodnight Oslo (Yep Roc)

   Not Hitchcock’s best, but you get the feeling that he is clearly doing what he wants. Hearing an artist of his caliber acting entirely on his own accord is super refreshing.

2. Adam Franklin – Spent Bullets (Second Motion)

   A great listen though not up to par with Franklin’s Magnetic Morning A.M. record. That said, “Champs” is riveting.

3. Death – For the Whole World to See (Drag City)

   You’ve heard the story. Now listen to the music…

4. Doves – Kingdom of Rust (Astralwerks)

   I like it more after a few listens but it will never achieve what the group accomplished on its fantastic debut – Lost Souls.

5. Sleepover Disaster – Hover (Devil in the Woods)

   Extremely solid outing from a group that also has a stellar offering in the utterly gorgeous The Oceanographer EP.

6. Morrissey – Years of Refusal (Lost Highway)

   Eh. The Moz seems to almost be punching the clock. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a good if not very good record, but a far far cry from the excellent Viva Hate and Vauxhaul and I records and a bit below the more recent Ringleader of the Tormentors.

7. And Academy – Aids (kmfandacademy)

   A little known contemporary group that turns out some convincing psych-pop. It’s well worth a listen. Hunt it down!

8. Harold Budd – By the Dawn’s Early Light (All Saints)

   Piano ambience mixed with spoken word meditations never sounded so good.

9. Susie Tallman – A Collection of Childhood Favorites (Rock Me Baby)

   If you’re childless keep walking. But if you have a sweet kiddo or two or three and want to derive some satisfaction out of what your child listens to, then by all means check out Susie Tallman’s work. It’s inventive, engaging and catchy. Check her reviews on Amazon for more.

10. Susie Tallman – Classic Nursery Rhymes (Rock Me Baby)