I’ve long been a fan of your videos, and it’s nice to hear you mention David Bowie. I agree it’s one of his best albums. Like Low and Station to Station it strikes me as a very honest piece of work.
I dropped dead and was miraculously resuscitated from a cardiac arrest 2 months before Blackstar was released. In severe heart failure, I listened to Blackstar nearly 24 hours a day for months. Just found this channel and am absolutely amazed what I’m learning here. Must of meant to be. Bless you Andy 🙏
First of all, Black Star leaves me speechless, what a bloody magnificent end, both to a career and to a life! In jazz I'm not as well versed as you Andy, but I'll definitely check out some of the names on your list, looking forward to it! But in Indie/Art rock, many interesting records have been released in the last 10 years, the list would be long. But if I were to pick a few names that I think have pushed the boundaries, been curious to explore some new musical territories and surprised me a little I would mention: Black Midi, New Country Black Road, Sons Of Kemet, Frank Ocean (Blonde) , The Smile, Tonbruket (Swedish band), Rymden (Swedish band)
Hiromi, front and center, right where she belongs. I've seen her with Simon Phillips, Steve Smith and Edmar Castaneda. I am absolutely confident that, pound for pound, she is the strongest musician alive.
I saw her with Stanly Clarke years ago, I didn't know who she was at that point. She absolutely stole the show. I saw her again after with her Trio. Unbelievable musician. One of my favorites.
Being from NYC, I should just point out Riker’s Island is a NY prison. Kendrick Lamar visited the cell on Robben Island in S.A. Very impressed that you put TPAB on this list, and mention D’Angelo’s Black Messiah. I love this entire list! The Bowie, the Hiromi, Louis Cole… every bit of it.
Some of my favourites of the past 10 years: St. Vincent: St. Vincent Broken Bells: After the Disco Beck: Morning Phase Ray Lamontagne: Supernova Stereophonics: Keep the Village Alive Leonard Cohen: You Want It Darker Arctic Monkeys: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino Mitski: Be the Cowboy Richard Hawley: Further Billie Eilish: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? There are more but I think this is a nice enough list.
No heart from Andy can only mean one thing. It's Billie Eilish's fault! But Andy if you see this. I've got good news for you! Billie have actually released a decent tune. In fact i was surprised myself. Check out her song 'My Future'. It's got an interesting chord progression that doesn't sound 'Mcdonalds Stock-Muzak'.
@@MaxFury_Official Actually I just posted this about an hour ago, so Andy might not have had time to read it yet. In any event, he may object more to Stereophonics than to Billie Eilish, since I think they were one of his ten most pointless bands. 😁
Same band played in Seattle at the Earshot Jazz Festival ten, twelve yeas ago. Saw her. Meh. That said she headlined the festival last year so what do I know? Super high energy performance but relentless. Felt like she was being paid per note.
Can you publish some more of this sort of thing, as it's so hard to find anything I can listen to that is newer, as in, younger then 30 years old. This was very good and useful for me.
Totally agree about Black Star and The Raven That Refused to Sing, two amazing albums. Bowie singing to us from beyond the grave, the final thoughts of a dying man. Steven Wilson pushing prog further, truly progressive. I would add to your list his album from last year; The Harmony Codex, an amazing album, my album of the year last year. Others I would add: Public Service Broadcasting, I love these guys, have seen them twice, J. Wilgoose Esq is an absolute genius. I think their debut was 2013 so just outside your ten years so I'll nominate their 2022 album Bright Magic, a tribute to Berlin. Check them out if you haven't Andy. Wilgoose also did a side project in 2020 called Late Night Final and produced one album; A Wonderful Hope which is totally stunning and actually beats all his great work with PSB. In a similar vein, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai did a side project last year called Silver Moth and released an albums called Black Bay, it is absolutely stunning in its musical composition. For Southern Blues Rock, check out Larkin Poe and their album from last year; Blood Harmony, these girls can fucking rock. For jazz, the album that won the Mercury last year by The Ezra Collective; Where I'm Meant to Be is brilliant, bringing in elements of hip hop and rap to trade jazz, you should check that out too. Also, jazz drummer Yussef Dayes brought out an exceptional album in 2023; Black Classical Music. As a jazz drummer yourself, give him a listen. I feel the most important thing to happen in music recently though is the project by Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood and jazz drummer Tom Skinner, collectively known as The Smile. Their album this year; Wall of Eyes has blown me away. This is not Radiohead by another name, this is truly progressive.
Ive never been big on prog. I picked Steven Wilson at random and it's amazing! So many different styles from psychedlia to early 80s alternative to elements of Radiohead and more. Brilliant
I once met Tony Visconti and he told me that he played the Esperanza Spalding album that he produced to David Bowie, who liked the album very much, before he made Black Star. I wondered about it ever since as some influence on the direction Bowie took for his last record. I cannot, therefore, with respect, wholly believe that it was solely the album you mentioned that put Bowie onto the direction he took.
Actually, I can. Two of the albums on this list caught my interest, Alive and The Raven that Refused to Sing. So I looked them up, and it turns out they're both more than ten years old.
@@necalovescake I don't like 70's prog, except maybe King Krimson. These last few Opeth albums were just that and then a pale comparison of the original works. I don't mind them playing something less heavy. I love Damnation for it's haunting atmosphere, but the latest albums .. nah.
Hi - I found your channel just the other day, and glad to know about you. I knew the Opeth and Henge albums, but none of the Jazz stuff. Nor had I ever listened to Kendrick Lamar. It’s all more that a bit bloody brilliant. Thanks. 😊
Only aware of Blackstar and To Pimp a Butterfly. I love that they are in your Top 10 of the last Decade. I will work my way through the rest of your list. Just curious as to why you have not included one of the albums by Kamasi Washington? I wouldn’t necessarily put them in my top 10 at this stage as I need to digest them a tad more but what about Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness - (a tad too ambient for your taste?) or Arooj Aftab’s Night Reign (a touch too folky?). Disappointed that you didn’t find space for at least one of the albums by either Black Midi, Squid, Yard Act, or New Country Black Road. For me their albums are amongst the freshest sounds and style appearing today.
I've got to listen to some more Hiromi. Her "Spectrum" album is fantastic. I, too, think "Blackstar" is Bowie's best. If it's not his best, it's definitely the one I enjoy the most. Thanks for the recommendations.
Andy, I am sure you have listened to Mike Rutherford's solo album Smallcreep's Day. If not or if so, go back and listen to the track Out Into the Daylight. Simon Phillips is absolutely super-human on the kit here. Well done as usual with your 10 albums in the last 10 years.
I read that Hiromi wrote the title track to Alive after binging on King Crimson. She is a marvel, maybe the most lyrical and energetic jazz artists ever. And Phillips work on Alive elevates drums to an incredibly expressive voice, a full equal to Hiromi 's piano work. In my pantheon, she's second only to Keith Jarrett and is hands down the most brilliant jazz artist making new music today.
Strongly agree on Blackstar, though the single with the Maria Schneider orchestra: ‘Sue’ was even better and what an album it would have been if he had stretched that collaboration to a full album!
In ten days I'm gonna see Hiromi for the third time. Seen her with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips (most accurate drumming I've ever heard live) and I've seen Hiromi with a quintet last year, her playing was from another planet, just out of this world. To me she's the greatest contemporary pianist, period.
I'm much better at coming up with a 'Favourite Artistes' list than actual albums but have managed to cobble together a list of the CDs that get most airplay at home . . . tacked a few other highly recommended faves on the end, apologies for wasting atoms on your screen 😅 Look forward to checking out everybody's hit lists! Blackstar - David Bowie (2016) Opus - Ryuichi Sakamoto (2024) Rouge - Yuna (2019) Blood - Lianne la Havas (2015) Primal Heart - Kimbra (2019) Council Skies - Noel Gallagher (2023) Primal Heart - Kimbra (2018) Sunset In the Blue - Melody Gardot (2020) In This World - MONDO GROSSO feat: Ryuichi Sakamoto & Hikari Mitsushima (2022) Forenzics - Tim Finn & Eddie Rayner (2022) Live from Lafayette - Rumer (2021) Raise the Roof - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant (2021) Coco Avant Chanel (OST) - Alexandre Desplat (2009) One Quiet Night - Pat Metheny (2003) Laughing Down Crying - Darryl Hall (2011)
Great video as usual! These are my ten favorite albums of the last ten years in no particular order: 1. Night Beats - Rajan (2023) 2. Temples - Exotico (2023) 3. Fleshwater - We're Not Here To Be Loved (2022) 4. Blood Ceremony - The Old Ways Remain (2023) 5. Wobbler - Dwellers Of The Deep (2020) 6. Ozric Tentacles - Lotus Unfolding (2023) 7. Moon Duo - Stars Are The Light (2019) 8. Khruangbin - Con Todo El Mundo (2018) 9. Slift - Ummon (2020) 10. Tommy Guerrero - Sunshine Radio (2021)
I first became a fan of Tommy Guerrero when he was in the Powell/Peralta - Bones Brigade with the likes of Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Mike McGill. ''The Search For Animal Chin'' was a revolutionary vid in its day. Some great music by him as well! Also like the Ostrich Testicles album you listed as well, a boss bit of progy space rock... I'll have to check out some of the ones I don't know from your list. Cheers.
@theworldaccordingto4555 Same here! I'm 52 and was very into skateboarding in the 80s and early 90s and I was well aware of who Tommy was but I had no idea he was a musician until about five years ago. He's so talented and I love his music.
The moment I saw the title of the video, I jumped in to say "LIFE IS BUT A DREAM!!!" which was the most interesting rock album recently (for me). Then I saw you will cover it!
I am 61....EXACTLY what you say and think is the same as what rattles around in MY head....I despair at some of the pish out today....and most of my friends, family and work mates have NO CLUE about the stuff I listen to....example : 4cd IQ weekender...fantastic!!!...and I have 20 disc Rory Gallagher , live at BBC on pre order!!! Your channel is the best thing around for my sanity....BIG CHEERS from Edinburgh..?.
Yes, same here. I’m 64. There’s lots of pish and sh1te out today that I don’t listen to. What I do listen to - Jethro Tull, IQ, The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Deep Purple, Rory Gallagher, Bowie, Roxy Music, Genesis, Porcupine Tree, Yes, Big Big Train, Black Sabbath, Magenta, Spock’s Beard, Steve Hackett, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Mostly Autumn, Thin Lizzy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin….. and there’s lots more. Very few people listen to any of that kind of stuff any more. That’s all real music played by real people on real instruments. People are denying themselves some wonderful creations. But nowadays, video, auto tune, AI and other computer aided compositions are to the fore in the minds of most people. What a waste.
My ten favourite albums of past ten years (including 2013 allowing full years): The Vaccines - English Graffiti, Tame Impala - Currents, Brazilian Girls - Let's Make Love, Ghost - Popestar, Argonaut & Wasp - Starlight 99, Seafret - Tell Me It's Real, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Hope Downs, Swim Deep - How The Heaven Are We?, London Grammar - If You Wait, The Orwells - Disgraceland
Thank you so much for reviewing some contemporary albums. I knew about half of them already and totally concur. I just listened to the Avenged Sevenfold album. What a journey! It is awesome to hear a new album of such ambition and skill, not to mention humour. I understand the comforting embrace of the familiar - but to me it is stifling. I am much more interested in the mind-expanding experience of hearing a work of genius for the first time. I hope you do more contemporary and forward-looking shows.
This is one your best Andy. I am always amazed by the incredible breadth of your knowledge and enthusiasm of all things music and virtually nearly all genres. I can use this list to help me to get more up to date in 'real' music. I only know 3, poss 4 artists in this list, so I have much investigating to look forward to. Great stuff and many thanks from a late 60s, 70s and some 90s music lover. 🙃
Totally agree on Pale Communion. I listened first to Blackwater Park and was stunned by the pensiveness and finesse, if those are the right terms, of PC.
My favorites when I was 9 and 10 years old were female singers like Lesley Gore and Connie Francis. Then surf music like The Beach Boys & Jan and Dean. Then when I was 12 years old, a family moved in across the street and changed my world: I fell in love with Motown, Soul, Gil Scott Heron and more. When I was 15, I was (and still am) obsessed with Jimi Hendrix. Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. are current artists I like. Other artists who are still around but middle age that I love are Bruno Mars (39) and D'Angelo (50). Of course, all these artists I'm calling current are highly influenced by old school music.
I was hoping that Louis Cole would show up. I am still listening to it and I am way past my "4 listen rule" for appreciating a musical effort. So varied. So deep. So well executed. But it's the arrangements that carry the day. Man it's been a while since modern music inspired me this much. Thank you Andy. I wouldn't have found this without you and your channel. JT
Your positive reviews and analyses are much more enriching. What not to listen or what is potentially not to like doesn't leave me with much after watching the video. but this one gave me hours of material to explore and enjoy. Thanks for this great video and nice selection.
I would love to know your take on avant prog/Rock in Opposition, and especially newer bands like Le Grand Sbam? Some of the classic bands under that label still put out great stuff (Univers Zero- Lueur). Interesting list, I look forward to checking out some of your picks that flew under my radar!
If Zappa had been born in Belgium instead of Baltimore, he would have been the "King of RIO". For Info: Ask youtube for "Romantic Warriors II:A progressive music saga about rock in opposition." A good overview movie.
Finally Andy, you're going to talk about Bowie. I know you've mentioned Low and Heroes before and praised Blackstar in a reply to someone but I get the impression you're not a fan. As someone who grew up in the 70's his impact was huge. It's become a cliche now but seeing him on TOTP as a 10 year old in 72 was mindblowing, it was like an alien had landed in my living room. His rapport with Mick Ronson, the sheer other worldliness of Bowie himself, the reaction of my parents when he put his arm around Mick. Starman isn't even that strong a song, but the impact of that one appearance was seismic and Bowie certainly seized his moment. For a lot of my generation it was our Elvis/Beatles Ed Sullivan moment. He seemed so prolific singles wise for a couple of years after that because the record company then started releasing stuff from the criminally overlooked (at the time), Hunky Dory, and the almost heavy rock sound of the Man Who Sold The world album. Ziggy for me despite it's status is the weakest of the glam trilogy. It's a great album but Aladdin Sane is like Ziggy on steroids and side 1 of Diamond Dogs is an absolute tour de force. Then the often derided 'plastic soul' period of Young Americans which I love, and which finally broke him in America. He just had the knack of choosing great collaborators whether it was guitarists like Ronson, Earl Slick, Fripp, Belew, or Eno. Station To Station was another great album, foreshadowing what was to come with the Berlin trilogy. Again, especially with Low, it seemed like a new sound, Kraftwerk had charted but it still sounded groundbreaking and I don't think it was a coincidence that I Feel Love hit the no 1 spot a few months later. Never stood still, always ahead of the curve, he's my generations Elvis. Next you'll be doing the first five Roxy Music albums (Virginia Plain was my second alien visitation of 1972😂). Interesting fact Ziggy and Roxy's debut were released on the same day in 1972.
And Blackstar was so good, it could have been the start of a late, large, very mature, period of invention that his very mature audience would have been really grateful for. (I don't mind Andy not getting Bowie though. We lived his evolution. It's different when you have to reconstruct 'what it must have been like'.) By coincidence, I put the first 3 Roxy albums on in sequence about 10 days ago, followed by the epic Viva! Love it when Roxy gets into a groove, phasers a-swirling on such classics as In Every Dreamhome, Bogus Man, Both Ends Burning and Out of The Blue.
@@drychafGood shout with Viva Roxy Music, never gets mentioned in lists of classic live albums. A concise 8 tracks as well unlike the sprawling live albums that were the norm at the time. I think the versions of In Every Dream Home, If There Is Something and Out Of The Blue surpass the studio versions.
@@FloatingAnarchy61 Both Ends Burning live! The whole album has Drive. I just ordered Siren and Country Life after your comments. Back in the day, I lost interest in further albums, but loved Out of the Blue and Both Ends. Time to indulge a bit : )
Ben Monder was the guitarist on Black Star. He released an album a couple of days ago. Its insane! Albums of his like Flux (tracks like red shits) and Oceana (full on prog album) are all time greats. Kurt is a more proficient jazz player, but conceptually Ben Monder is the most prolific guitar player since Holdsworth (he also did the foreword for one of my books, so maybe i'm not impartial). Would love to see Ben on your channel. Good albums on your list!
Thanks for this list Andy, I love to hear modern recommendations, of artists that are making beautiful and mind melting stuff. I dont know most of these so will check them out. I've been listening to louis cole and kendrick lemar based on you bringing them up often and I've been blown away. Would love to hear you talk about other stuff from the last 20 years or so that you like. My favourite Bowie album is outside. Thats always been his most experimental and out there album and im not sure if black star has surpassed it, as brilliant as it is. Whole thing sounds like some kind of crazy industrial neon drenched cyberpunk noir thing. Always seems to not be one a lot of fans care for very often but its easily up there with his best and most exciting albums like black star and low. Keep up the good work
Thanks for sharing your investigations. I haven't heard a few of these particular albums. They all sound intriguing (I was sampling snippets while watching your blog). Thank you ;)
As a listener, your journey is so relatable that I sometimes wonder whether you're my older brother who became a professional musician. And thank you for your great work Andy, authentic, passionate and balanced.
Interesting list, i still have to check out Hiromi. Some of my favorites are: Soused- Scott Walker/sunn O))) - This is one of most perfectly insane later records of any artists. i love it Sleep- Max Richter - a modern Masterpiece. Land animal- Bent Knee. Modern prog that really doesn't soun like anything else, Courtney Swain is one of my favorite singers. Hand Cannot Erase- Steven Wilson ( which i like more than Raven), but bot are great and his output has been great, i also loved The harmony Codex and i xould have put it instead. Ritual in Repeat / Swimmer- Tennis -i can't decide which one i like better, both are really pretty, really enjoyable pop albums with very strong songwritting at their core. Bottled out of eden - Knifeworld- My boi Kavus never fails to engage me. Bobbie Genttry's the delta sweet revisited - Mercury Rev -a very soulful and interesting re invention of a classic album, that and i'm a sucker for women singers. Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers- i usually don't align with the critics's darlings, and i actually dont enjoy her past records all that much, but this one i actually love and go back to very often. Have a nice week my man!
At least you are trying Andy, kudos for staying active. Sadly, I've caved and really only listen to albums from the 60's to the 90's. After that I've largely given up. To take it a step further it's rare I even listen to an album period. My tolerance for non-optimal listening pleasure has gone to 0. Could be an age thing. I'm 61 now and not interested in wasting precious time left. Keep up the lists, I always enjoy them.
Not on topic (because I didn't see a video title where it would be relevant) but was wondering what you thought about the band Amplifier? I discovered them a few years ago and realize that I'm one of the FEW people that actually like them. Would be fun to hear why you think they're so unlike/unappreciated (depending on whether you're a fan or not.)
Hiromi's Alive came out like 10 years ago and sadly for me, I never heard it. Well I just did today and Jeez Louise this album is smokin'. Of course Simon Phillips and Anthony Jackson have blown doors down for decades, but I honestly never heard Hiromi before. Oh I've known of her since the early 2000's but first time I am hearing her off of your recommendation Andy. Well Done, Thanks Very much! More please.
Cannons--Fever Dream Elephant Tree--Self Titled Jeff The Brotherhood--Hypnotic Nights Natural Child--Okey Dokey L'Imperatrice--Odyssee Meat Bodies--333 Meat Bodies--Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom Melvins--Hold It In Cannons--Night Drive Life Leone--Comes Crashing In Zig Zags-Running out of Red.
Blackstar is my favorite Bowie album...with some of my favorite musicians backing him. . Really interested to hear that Brad Meldhau album as I am a long time Rush fan. Love Hiromi (saw that trio live and wow !) Awesome picks. A few that I haven't heard (or heard of) that I will definitely check out. Thanks !
In your introduction you really spoke from my heart.. I went exactly the same path only that my music discovery was 3 years later :) For me Blackstar would have been Nr 1 though. It is one of his best albums indeed. My favs are Ziggy and Outside but this one is en par with them. One on my list here on top would by Uriah Heep's Chaos and Colour btw.
Andy you're unique in the world of music introspection/analysis/explanation. You possess the skill of communication. You are one of the few people that I don't listen to as "Background Music." It's obvious that you've had an impact on RUclips when you see all the Andy Edwards imitators and Wanna Bes that title their vids exactly like yours. You have introduced me to so many new, for me, artists and albums and I can't thank you enough. I can't say that I like all the stuff you do or rate them as highly, or lowly as you, but I know you understand exactly what I mean by that because that's also how I see you. Thank you so much and just keep doing what you're doing. I think many of your fans would appreciate nice profile and historic vids focusing entirely on one artist or group. You've done some in the past but I would really enjoy if you produced them regularly.
I'm going to include records from 2014 because there's a couple of gems: Stein Urheim - Stein Urheim Angles 9 - Injuries Phronesis - Paralax Kenny Garrett - Who Killed AI? Marius Neset - Happy Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band - Landmarks JD Allen - Graffiti And I'll limit myself to one Zorn album: John Zorn - Spinoza (and probably loads more I'm forgetting) ((PS: the sax player on Blackstar was Donny McCaslin, reportedly he was quite involved with the arrangements.. His solo work is worth a listen too))
Skiptracing by Mild High Club from 2016 is one of my favorite albums from the 2010s. Probably not as influential as any of the albums you’ve mentioned, but still a wonderful (concept?) album with all kinds of different influences: from “Harrisonish” slide guitars to bebop licks, interesting chord progressions, even some noise/free parts… all made in some sort of naïf way that I personally love as (to me) it doesn’t seem to want to show off how cool it is.
I'm curious what you think of a band like Jinjer? I know a lot of metal isn't really your thing, and "prog metal" has elements that you're not very keen on, but they've captivated my ears for the past 6 years, and it seems like they keep getting better with each album. After hearing your praise for the last Avenged Sevenfold album, I'm intrigued about how far down the prog metal rabbit hole you've been
Great list Andy and your spot on with the approach Makaya takes with that album and others. International Anthem are putting out some fantastic jazz I'd recommend 'Alabaster de Plume' like a modern day Daevid Allen. That's it I wont bore you with a zillion recommendations you've probably already heard!
Not sure if you were joking about Hunky Dory (Hurdy Gurdy? Lol) but that's the one Bowie album I can say really connects with me. Of your collection I have Brad Mehldau's Jacob's Ladder and the album he did of Beatles tunes. Genius. I do have Black Star. I must check out the A7X (Avenged Sevenfold for true fans) as I have a ton of their albums but not sure I've heard Life Is But A Dream. Huge Opeth fan too. Lots to like here. :)
I can only agree. SP's drumming here is absolutely masterful. His solo on the live version of Crisis is beyond brutal. I am extremely weak for this recording, admittedly lousy sound and picture but still: Crises live in Viareggio 1984, ruclips.net/video/8xYCXtRPQSc/видео.htmlsi=PAr5gRHwSI1ASo_0
I don't remember how or when I first encountered Henge's music -- probably something the RUclips algo spat out at me -- but I love them. So creatively unhinged.
A great list. A massive Bowie fan, Blackstar is a masterpiece. Glad you have listened to and appreciated Opeth, they are my favourite metal band. Have been for the last 15 years. Varied and thoroughly entertaining. Steven Wilson is a genius, I think that album came out in 2013. Still a masterpiece though. Hiromi is amazing artist.
I’m two years older than you and had the same experience discovering music…I agree about Simon Phillips, extraordinary musician, that Hiromi album is great.
Be sure to check out some live videos of her as well, if you haven't already. She radiates joy when she is playing and it is contagious. There are some videos with the trio from Alive, but most of the other stuff she has done is great too. I'm an irregular jazz listener as well, but Hiromi is becoming a favourite.
You deserve a lot of credit for listening to ten albums in these last ten years. I think the only albums I’ve listened to from these last ten years is Yours. I know I’m a sad case.
I would be interested in hearing your take on the new Tony Leven album, Bringing it Down to the Bass. Of course, he has nothing but elite musicians on this; Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Fripp, David Torn, Gary Husband, and more! Cheers
Would love to see you and Simon Phillips chatting together sometime. Love Simon's playing....saw him with Al Di Meola back in the 70's when Steve Gadd didn't want to tour Europe at the time....just a beautiful drummer. Brad Meldau is very special... Raven is the perfect album.....Theo Travis first told me about this project and it always blows my mind. First time I heard Guthrie too.... Theo would be great interview one day. He is my favourite living tenor player.,.,gorgeous tone!!!!! First saw him plying in Molde (Norway) 23 years ago with Anja Garbarek (Jan's daughter)!!
If you look closely at Hiromi for the studio recording of Alive she's wearing a Waka/Jawaka Zappa T-shirt. I've seen her with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips twice, with Stanley Clarke and this year she played in London with a string quartet and her new band during the same concert! Seeing her live is incredible.
What an amazing list. I know most of the albums but, boy, oh boy, what an amazing suggestion it is with the Life is But a Dream. Not a big fun of the band, but this album is a gem! What an experience! I love these albums with the soul... You mentioned Pain of Salvation. I wonder what you think about In the Passing Light of Day? On the fusion of jazz and heavy/punk rock I also recommend the NYC band Gutbucket. Their A Modest Proposal is amazing!
Thanks for the music tips. Surprised you've put a rapper on there. I will check those out once i've finished my own 'blues rock rnb soul satire' record.
Masterpieces ... Pale Communion is Great ... (Every Opeth album ever made is Progressive Metal)... Blackstar is Amazing ... "No Plan" (companion EP) is essential as well ... *Check out Ben Molder's "Oceana" (Modern Avant Garde Jazz) unlikely u will b disappointed The Raven that Refused to Sing - Astonishing To Pimp a Butterfly - Brilliant
Now we're talking! Great start, bravo. Spreading the love of Louis Cole, Henge, McCraven and Meldhau (my nephew who was studying classical guitar recommended him to me a decade ago) is some valuable karmic credits in the bank. Talking about at least one current-ish album a month could balance out all the negative energy yr putting out just for the likes ;)
Fester's Lucky 13, past decade 1. Motorpsycho - The Tower (2017) 2. Wolf People - Ruins (2016) 3. Elder - Reflections Of A Floating World (2017) 4. Syd Arthur - Apricity (2016) 5. Golden Void - Berkana (2015) 6. Monarch - Beyond The Blue Sky (2019) 7. Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool (2016) 8. Christian Mistress - To Your Death (2015) 9. Truckfighters - Universe (2014) 10. Rosalie Cunningham - Rosalie Cunningham (2019) 11. The Sonic Dawn - Eclipse (2019) 12. Spirit Adrift - Ghost at the Gallows (2023) 13. Graveyard - 6 (2023) Some of the artists would have had multiple albums in the top. I think Andy would find the Motorpsycho, Wolf People and Syd Arthur pretty interesting.
Bowie's Blackstar reminded me of my own mortality. You find yourself in a place where there's nothing left but memories. That is what Bowie sang about. Even the horn section lines sound like burial salutes.
To Pimp A Butterfly is a bold choice, I haven't fully absorbed that album yet, just got it a week or so ago. I always thought Louis Cole has a tremendous lot of potential but he was never quite there for me. I'll get that album and give it a whirl.
I was surprised that Andy's list matched my own favorite CDs from the last few years in many positions. David Bowie or Kendrick Lamar were immediately in my head. For example, Hiromi's Sonicwonder - "Sonicwonderland" or Mohini Dey's - "Mohini Dey" are added to my list.
If you haven’t heard the original full jazz band version of Sue (or In a Season of Crime), definitely seek it out, Andy. It was a 10” single but it’s up on RUclips. Just wonderful.
I think I like maybe 4 albums from the last 10 years.....and those are all from legacy bands. It's not from lack of trying, but I'll use Andy's list as a starting point. I'm already familiar with "Pale Communion" from Opeth and I love it. I also like Steven Wilson's "Raven...". For the record, I'm 60.
Such a great list. Started checking out the ones I didn't have already. Wondering if you have seen this video yet: ruclips.net/video/JsoTnAiH2sY/видео.html It is the original concert that the Nothing album is based on from 2022. No vocal overdubs and some of the songs are arranged differently. It's a little raw, but its fascinating to see.
The first album that comes to mind is David Bowie Blackstar. The first song has an almost religious atmosphere and feel. Second album Ryuichi Sakamoto async.
Blackstar is the only Record of his that spoke to me immediately by Release. I do not know where else the Record was released before his Death, but I heard it right at the Day of his Release and then he was gone. I think he did not have the Time to construct a Mask onto this Piece of Art. And that seems to make it my favorite Bowie Album.
Great episode, Andy! May I suggest that you also listen to B. Meldhau’s Finding Gabriel? And please do check out álbums by Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Ben Wendel and Tigran Himasian. All highly progressive jazz artists:
A good friend of mine was the Cinematographer on one of the Avenge Sevenfold songs from that album. I wasn’t a fan of them either, but that album is really good.
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Blackstar - what a way to leave your artistic stamp on the universe - only David Bowie could have done that.
I agree. Such a phenomena. A true 'Artist'.
Makes one wonder, did Bowie die or did he just go back to the stars from whence he came ?
Edit: *one
@@theworldaccordingto4555 I love it too but find it so hard to listen to still
I’ve long been a fan of your videos, and it’s nice to hear you mention David Bowie. I agree it’s one of his best albums. Like Low and Station to Station it strikes me as a very honest piece of work.
I dropped dead and was miraculously resuscitated from a cardiac arrest 2 months before Blackstar was released. In severe heart failure, I listened to Blackstar nearly 24 hours a day for months. Just found this channel and am absolutely amazed what I’m learning here. Must of meant to be. Bless you Andy 🙏
Hurdy Gurdy? Hunky Dory I think it was.
Yeah I clocked that! Hahaha!
😂
Andy is trying to bring songs of love.
agreed on Blackstar - brilliant and chilling, completely changing the space IMHO...
I can't wait!
It's a long shot, but my top 10 of the last 10 years would include Ghost's 'Meliora'.
First of all, Black Star leaves me speechless, what a bloody magnificent end, both to a career and to a life! In jazz I'm not as well versed as you Andy, but I'll definitely check out some of the names on your list, looking forward to it! But in Indie/Art rock, many interesting records have been released in the last 10 years, the list would be long. But if I were to pick a few names that I think have pushed the boundaries, been curious to explore some new musical territories and surprised me a little I would mention: Black Midi, New Country Black Road, Sons Of Kemet, Frank Ocean (Blonde) , The Smile, Tonbruket (Swedish band), Rymden (Swedish band)
Hiromi, front and center, right where she belongs. I've seen her with Simon Phillips, Steve Smith and Edmar Castaneda. I am absolutely confident that, pound for pound, she is the strongest musician alive.
She's absolutely fantastic, out of this world!
Amazing force of nature.
Agreed, she, Brad Mehldau and Tigran Hamasayan have altered my musical perception beyond belief. Immense music.
Thanks for the tip - have just checked Hiromi out - what a powerhouse!!
I saw her with Stanly Clarke years ago, I didn't know who she was at that point. She absolutely stole the show. I saw her again after with her Trio. Unbelievable musician. One of my favorites.
Good to hear enthusiasm for recent music. I'll have to lend an ear to the many I knew nothing about on this list.
Being from NYC, I should just point out Riker’s Island is a NY prison. Kendrick Lamar visited the cell on Robben Island in S.A. Very impressed that you put TPAB on this list, and mention D’Angelo’s Black Messiah. I love this entire list! The Bowie, the Hiromi, Louis Cole… every bit of it.
Some of my favourites of the past 10 years:
St. Vincent: St. Vincent
Broken Bells: After the Disco
Beck: Morning Phase
Ray Lamontagne: Supernova
Stereophonics: Keep the Village Alive
Leonard Cohen: You Want It Darker
Arctic Monkeys: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Mitski: Be the Cowboy
Richard Hawley: Further
Billie Eilish: When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
There are more but I think this is a nice enough list.
No heart from Andy can only mean one thing. It's Billie Eilish's fault! But Andy if you see this. I've got good news for you! Billie have actually released a decent tune. In fact i was surprised myself. Check out her song 'My Future'. It's got an interesting chord progression that doesn't sound 'Mcdonalds Stock-Muzak'.
@@MaxFury_Official Actually I just posted this about an hour ago, so Andy might not have had time to read it yet. In any event, he may object more to Stereophonics than to Billie Eilish, since I think they were one of his ten most pointless bands. 😁
Stereophonics...? I love your sense of irony.
@@fabiopatane9160 It's not irony. That's a really good record.
I saw Hiromi in 2013 at the Newport Jazz Festival with Steve Smith and Anthony Jackson. Packed tent. Absolutely incredible performance.
Same band played in Seattle at the Earshot Jazz Festival ten, twelve yeas ago. Saw her. Meh. That said she headlined the festival last year so what do I know? Super high energy performance but relentless. Felt like she was being paid per note.
Really enjoying Makaya McCraven's 'In The Moment'. Always good to hear about music that's new to me. Thanks Andy.
Can you publish some more of this sort of thing, as it's so hard to find anything I can listen to that is newer, as in, younger then 30 years old. This was very good and useful for me.
Totally agree about Black Star and The Raven That Refused to Sing, two amazing albums. Bowie singing to us from beyond the grave, the final thoughts of a dying man. Steven Wilson pushing prog further, truly progressive. I would add to your list his album from last year; The Harmony Codex, an amazing album, my album of the year last year.
Others I would add: Public Service Broadcasting, I love these guys, have seen them twice, J. Wilgoose Esq is an absolute genius. I think their debut was 2013 so just outside your ten years so I'll nominate their 2022 album Bright Magic, a tribute to Berlin. Check them out if you haven't Andy. Wilgoose also did a side project in 2020 called Late Night Final and produced one album; A Wonderful Hope which is totally stunning and actually beats all his great work with PSB.
In a similar vein, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai did a side project last year called Silver Moth and released an albums called Black Bay, it is absolutely stunning in its musical composition.
For Southern Blues Rock, check out Larkin Poe and their album from last year; Blood Harmony, these girls can fucking rock.
For jazz, the album that won the Mercury last year by The Ezra Collective; Where I'm Meant to Be is brilliant, bringing in elements of hip hop and rap to trade jazz, you should check that out too. Also, jazz drummer Yussef Dayes brought out an exceptional album in 2023; Black Classical Music. As a jazz drummer yourself, give him a listen.
I feel the most important thing to happen in music recently though is the project by Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood and jazz drummer Tom Skinner, collectively known as The Smile. Their album this year; Wall of Eyes has blown me away. This is not Radiohead by another name, this is truly progressive.
Ive never been big on prog. I picked Steven Wilson at random and it's amazing! So many different styles from psychedlia to early 80s alternative to elements of Radiohead and more. Brilliant
I once met Tony Visconti and he told me that he played the Esperanza Spalding album that he produced to David Bowie, who liked the album very much, before he made Black Star. I wondered about it ever since as some influence on the direction Bowie took for his last record. I cannot, therefore, with respect, wholly believe that it was solely the album you mentioned that put Bowie onto the direction he took.
These are your TEN Favourite Albums of the last TEN YEARS, no one can argue with that.
Actually, I can. Two of the albums on this list caught my interest, Alive and The Raven that Refused to Sing. So I looked them up, and it turns out they're both more than ten years old.
Opeth. A choice of three excellent albums in the past decade.
You think? To me it stopped after Watershed. In Cauda Venenum was kinda alright though.
@@michelvoortman4725I can’t wait for the new album..pre ordered on vinyl
@@michelvoortman4725 if youve not given pale communion the time to do its thing youre sleeping on one of their best works.
@@necalovescake I don't like 70's prog, except maybe King Krimson. These last few Opeth albums were just that and then a pale comparison of the original works. I don't mind them playing something less heavy. I love Damnation for it's haunting atmosphere, but the latest albums .. nah.
Loved Blackstar - another person who worked impending death beautifully into their final albums was Leonard Cohen.
Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition, another great innovative hip hop album.
Hi - I found your channel just the other day, and glad to know about you.
I knew the Opeth and Henge albums, but none of the Jazz stuff. Nor had I ever listened to Kendrick Lamar. It’s all more that a bit bloody brilliant. Thanks. 😊
Only aware of Blackstar and To Pimp a Butterfly. I love that they are in your Top 10 of the last Decade. I will work my way through the rest of your list. Just curious as to why you have not included one of the albums by Kamasi Washington? I wouldn’t necessarily put them in my top 10 at this stage as I need to digest them a tad more but what about Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness - (a tad too ambient for your taste?) or Arooj Aftab’s Night Reign (a touch too folky?). Disappointed that you didn’t find space for at least one of the albums by either Black Midi, Squid, Yard Act, or New Country Black Road. For me their albums are amongst the freshest sounds and style appearing today.
I've got to listen to some more Hiromi. Her "Spectrum" album is fantastic.
I, too, think "Blackstar" is Bowie's best. If it's not his best, it's definitely the one I enjoy the most.
Thanks for the recommendations.
Andy, I am sure you have listened to Mike Rutherford's solo album Smallcreep's Day. If not or if so, go back and listen to the track Out Into the Daylight. Simon Phillips is absolutely super-human on the kit here. Well done as usual with your 10 albums in the last 10 years.
I read that Hiromi wrote the title track to Alive after binging on King Crimson. She is a marvel, maybe the most lyrical and energetic jazz artists ever. And Phillips work on Alive elevates drums to an incredibly expressive voice, a full equal to Hiromi 's piano work. In my pantheon, she's second only to Keith Jarrett and is hands down the most brilliant jazz artist making new music today.
Strongly agree on Blackstar, though the single with the Maria Schneider orchestra: ‘Sue’ was even better and what an album it would have been if he had stretched that collaboration to a full album!
Sorry. Replied with essentially this^ before I read your comment. I agree absolutely.... a whole album with them would have been amazing.
An absolute joy. I agree
Are we not getting album covers with these lists? It’s RUclips doctrine to show the album cover or artist photo.
we're lucky to get the list mentioned in the description
In ten days I'm gonna see Hiromi for the third time. Seen her with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips (most accurate drumming I've ever heard live) and I've seen Hiromi with a quintet last year, her playing was from another planet, just out of this world. To me she's the greatest contemporary pianist, period.
I'm much better at coming up with a 'Favourite Artistes' list than actual albums but have managed to cobble together a list of the CDs that get most airplay at home . . . tacked a few other highly recommended faves on the end, apologies for wasting atoms on your screen 😅 Look forward to checking out everybody's hit lists!
Blackstar - David Bowie (2016)
Opus - Ryuichi Sakamoto (2024)
Rouge - Yuna (2019)
Blood - Lianne la Havas (2015)
Primal Heart - Kimbra (2019)
Council Skies - Noel Gallagher (2023)
Primal Heart - Kimbra (2018)
Sunset In the Blue - Melody Gardot (2020)
In This World - MONDO GROSSO feat: Ryuichi Sakamoto & Hikari Mitsushima (2022)
Forenzics - Tim Finn & Eddie Rayner (2022)
Live from Lafayette - Rumer (2021)
Raise the Roof - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant (2021)
Coco Avant Chanel (OST) - Alexandre Desplat (2009)
One Quiet Night - Pat Metheny (2003)
Laughing Down Crying - Darryl Hall (2011)
Great video as usual!
These are my ten favorite albums of the last ten years in no particular order:
1. Night Beats - Rajan (2023)
2. Temples - Exotico (2023)
3. Fleshwater - We're Not Here To
Be Loved (2022)
4. Blood Ceremony - The Old Ways Remain (2023)
5. Wobbler - Dwellers Of The Deep (2020)
6. Ozric Tentacles - Lotus Unfolding (2023)
7. Moon Duo - Stars Are The Light (2019)
8. Khruangbin - Con Todo El Mundo (2018)
9. Slift - Ummon (2020)
10. Tommy Guerrero - Sunshine Radio (2021)
I first became a fan of Tommy Guerrero when he was in the Powell/Peralta - Bones Brigade with the likes of Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Mike McGill. ''The Search For Animal Chin'' was a revolutionary vid in its day.
Some great music by him as well! Also like the Ostrich Testicles album you listed as well, a boss bit of progy space rock...
I'll have to check out some of the ones I don't know from your list. Cheers.
@theworldaccordingto4555 Same here! I'm 52 and was very into skateboarding in the 80s and early 90s and I was well aware of who Tommy was but I had no idea he was a musician until about five years ago. He's so talented and I love his music.
The moment I saw the title of the video, I jumped in to say "LIFE IS BUT A DREAM!!!" which was the most interesting rock album recently (for me). Then I saw you will cover it!
I am 61....EXACTLY what you say and think is the same as what rattles around in MY head....I despair at some of the pish out today....and most of my friends, family and work mates have NO CLUE about the stuff I listen to....example : 4cd IQ weekender...fantastic!!!...and I have 20 disc Rory Gallagher , live at BBC on pre order!!! Your channel is the best thing around for my sanity....BIG CHEERS from Edinburgh..?.
Yes, same here. I’m 64. There’s lots of pish and sh1te out today that I don’t listen to. What I do listen to - Jethro Tull, IQ, The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Deep Purple, Rory Gallagher, Bowie, Roxy Music, Genesis, Porcupine Tree, Yes, Big Big Train, Black Sabbath, Magenta, Spock’s Beard, Steve Hackett, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Mostly Autumn, Thin Lizzy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin….. and there’s lots more. Very few people listen to any of that kind of stuff any more. That’s all real music played by real people on real instruments. People are denying themselves some wonderful creations. But nowadays, video, auto tune, AI and other computer aided compositions are to the fore in the minds of most people. What a waste.
I would love to know what you think of Swans and Death Grips
My ten favourite albums of past ten years (including 2013 allowing full years): The Vaccines - English Graffiti, Tame Impala - Currents, Brazilian Girls - Let's Make Love, Ghost - Popestar, Argonaut & Wasp - Starlight 99, Seafret - Tell Me It's Real, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Hope Downs, Swim Deep - How The Heaven Are We?, London Grammar - If You Wait, The Orwells - Disgraceland
Thank you so much for reviewing some contemporary albums. I knew about half of them already and totally concur. I just listened to the Avenged Sevenfold album. What a journey! It is awesome to hear a new album of such ambition and skill, not to mention humour.
I understand the comforting embrace of the familiar - but to me it is stifling. I am much more interested in the mind-expanding experience of hearing a work of genius for the first time. I hope you do more contemporary and forward-looking shows.
Need to move camera up a touch
That camera angle is in purpose. We just don't know what that purpose is 😂
This is one your best Andy. I am always amazed by the incredible breadth of your knowledge and enthusiasm of all things music and virtually nearly all genres. I can use this list to help me to get more up to date in 'real' music. I only know 3, poss 4 artists in this list, so I have much investigating to look forward to.
Great stuff and many thanks from a late 60s, 70s and some 90s music lover. 🙃
Totally agree on Pale Communion. I listened first to Blackwater Park and was stunned by the pensiveness and finesse, if those are the right terms, of PC.
BTW, appreciate the variety you've cited.
I love Shut Up And Play Your Guitar. The final side is gorgeous.
My favorites when I was 9 and 10 years old were female singers like Lesley Gore and Connie Francis. Then surf music like The Beach Boys & Jan and Dean. Then when I was 12 years old, a family moved in across the street and changed my world: I fell in love with Motown, Soul, Gil Scott Heron and more. When I was 15, I was (and still am) obsessed with Jimi Hendrix.
Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. are current artists I like. Other artists who are still around but middle age that I love are Bruno Mars (39) and D'Angelo (50). Of course, all these artists I'm calling current are highly influenced by old school music.
I checked out some louis cole nothing and quality over opinion, very interesting, hadn't heard of him (or many others on this list), ty
I was hoping that Louis Cole would show up. I am still listening to it and I am way past my "4 listen rule" for appreciating a musical effort.
So varied. So deep. So well executed. But it's the arrangements that carry the day.
Man it's been a while since modern music inspired me this much.
Thank you Andy. I wouldn't have found this without you and your channel.
JT
100% in agreement regarding Hiromi - all the Trio albums! So much joy, so interesting, so alive!
Your positive reviews and analyses are much more enriching. What not to listen or what is potentially not to like doesn't leave me with much after watching the video. but this one gave me hours of material to explore and enjoy. Thanks for this great video and nice selection.
I would love to know your take on avant prog/Rock in Opposition, and especially newer bands like Le Grand Sbam? Some of the classic bands under that label still put out great stuff (Univers Zero- Lueur).
Interesting list, I look forward to checking out some of your picks that flew under my radar!
Universe Zero is really good
If Zappa had been born in Belgium instead of Baltimore, he would have been the "King of RIO".
For Info: Ask youtube for
"Romantic Warriors II:A progressive music saga about rock in opposition."
A good overview movie.
Finally Andy, you're going to talk about Bowie. I know you've mentioned Low and Heroes before and praised Blackstar in a reply to someone but I get the impression you're not a fan. As someone who grew up in the 70's his impact was huge. It's become a cliche now but seeing him on TOTP as a 10 year old in 72 was mindblowing, it was like an alien had landed in my living room. His rapport with Mick Ronson, the sheer other worldliness of Bowie himself, the reaction of my parents when he put his arm around Mick. Starman isn't even that strong a song, but the impact of that one appearance was seismic and Bowie certainly seized his moment. For a lot of my generation it was our Elvis/Beatles Ed Sullivan moment. He seemed so prolific singles wise for a couple of years after that because the record company then started releasing stuff from the criminally overlooked (at the time), Hunky Dory, and the almost heavy rock sound of the Man Who Sold The world album. Ziggy for me despite it's status is the weakest of the glam trilogy. It's a great album but Aladdin Sane is like Ziggy on steroids and side 1 of Diamond Dogs is an absolute tour de force. Then the often derided 'plastic soul' period of Young Americans which I love, and which finally broke him in America. He just had the knack of choosing great collaborators whether it was guitarists like Ronson, Earl Slick, Fripp, Belew, or Eno. Station To Station was another great album, foreshadowing what was to come with the Berlin trilogy. Again, especially with Low, it seemed like a new sound, Kraftwerk had charted but it still sounded groundbreaking and I don't think it was a coincidence that I Feel Love hit the no 1 spot a few months later. Never stood still, always ahead of the curve, he's my generations Elvis. Next you'll be doing the first five Roxy Music albums (Virginia Plain was my second alien visitation of 1972😂). Interesting fact Ziggy and Roxy's debut were released on the same day in 1972.
And Blackstar was so good, it could have been the start of a late, large, very mature, period of invention that his very mature audience would have been really grateful for. (I don't mind Andy not getting Bowie though. We lived his evolution. It's different when you have to reconstruct 'what it must have been like'.)
By coincidence, I put the first 3 Roxy albums on in sequence about 10 days ago, followed by the epic Viva! Love it when Roxy gets into a groove, phasers a-swirling on such classics as In Every Dreamhome, Bogus Man, Both Ends Burning and Out of The Blue.
@@drychafGood shout with Viva Roxy Music, never gets mentioned in lists of classic live albums. A concise 8 tracks as well unlike the sprawling live albums that were the norm at the time. I think the versions of In Every Dream Home, If There Is Something and Out Of The Blue surpass the studio versions.
@@FloatingAnarchy61 Both Ends Burning live! The whole album has Drive.
I just ordered Siren and Country Life after your comments. Back in the day, I lost interest in further albums, but loved Out of the Blue and Both Ends. Time to indulge a bit : )
@@drychaf The opening track on Country Life, The Thrill Of It All is my favourite Roxy tune. Absolute banger.
For the last ten years? The one that stands out is Black Country, New Road as they have no less than three albums on my list.
Ben Monder was the guitarist on Black Star. He released an album a couple of days ago. Its insane! Albums of his like Flux (tracks like red shits) and Oceana (full on prog album) are all time greats. Kurt is a more proficient jazz player, but conceptually Ben Monder is the most prolific guitar player since Holdsworth (he also did the foreword for one of my books, so maybe i'm not impartial). Would love to see Ben on your channel. Good albums on your list!
Thanks for this list Andy, I love to hear modern recommendations, of artists that are making beautiful and mind melting stuff. I dont know most of these so will check them out. I've been listening to louis cole and kendrick lemar based on you bringing them up often and I've been blown away. Would love to hear you talk about other stuff from the last 20 years or so that you like.
My favourite Bowie album is outside. Thats always been his most experimental and out there album and im not sure if black star has surpassed it, as brilliant as it is. Whole thing sounds like some kind of crazy industrial neon drenched cyberpunk noir thing. Always seems to not be one a lot of fans care for very often but its easily up there with his best and most exciting albums like black star and low.
Keep up the good work
Thanks for sharing your investigations. I haven't heard a few of these particular albums. They all sound intriguing (I was sampling snippets while watching your blog). Thank you ;)
As a listener, your journey is so relatable that I sometimes wonder whether you're my older brother who became a professional musician. And thank you for your great work Andy, authentic, passionate and balanced.
Hi Andy, inspired video, exploring new terrain musically and podcastically.
Loved it.
I've been waiting for you to talk about Hiromi Andy. I absolutely love her.
Interesting list, i still have to check out Hiromi.
Some of my favorites are:
Soused- Scott Walker/sunn O))) - This is one of most perfectly insane later records of any artists. i love it
Sleep- Max Richter - a modern Masterpiece.
Land animal- Bent Knee. Modern prog that really doesn't soun like anything else, Courtney Swain is one of my favorite singers.
Hand Cannot Erase- Steven Wilson ( which i like more than Raven), but bot are great and his output has been great, i also loved The harmony Codex and i xould have put it instead.
Ritual in Repeat / Swimmer- Tennis -i can't decide which one i like better, both are really pretty, really enjoyable pop albums with very strong songwritting at their core.
Bottled out of eden - Knifeworld- My boi Kavus never fails to engage me.
Bobbie Genttry's the delta sweet revisited - Mercury Rev -a very soulful and interesting re invention of a classic album, that and i'm a sucker for women singers.
Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers- i usually don't align with the critics's darlings, and i actually dont enjoy her past records all that much, but this one i actually love and go back to very often.
Have a nice week my man!
At least you are trying Andy, kudos for staying active. Sadly, I've caved and really only listen to albums from the 60's to the 90's. After that I've largely given up. To take it a step further it's rare I even listen to an album period. My tolerance for non-optimal listening pleasure has gone to 0. Could be an age thing. I'm 61 now and not interested in wasting precious time left. Keep up the lists, I always enjoy them.
Not on topic (because I didn't see a video title where it would be relevant) but was wondering what you thought about the band Amplifier? I discovered them a few years ago and realize that I'm one of the FEW people that actually like them. Would be fun to hear why you think they're so unlike/unappreciated (depending on whether you're a fan or not.)
Hiromi's Alive came out like 10 years ago and sadly for me, I never heard it. Well I just did today and Jeez Louise this album is smokin'. Of course Simon Phillips and Anthony Jackson have blown doors down for decades, but I honestly never heard Hiromi before. Oh I've known of her since the early 2000's but first time I am hearing her off of your recommendation Andy. Well Done, Thanks Very much! More please.
Cannons--Fever Dream
Elephant Tree--Self Titled
Jeff The Brotherhood--Hypnotic Nights
Natural Child--Okey Dokey
L'Imperatrice--Odyssee
Meat Bodies--333
Meat Bodies--Flora Ocean Tiger Bloom
Melvins--Hold It In
Cannons--Night Drive
Life Leone--Comes Crashing In
Zig Zags-Running out of Red.
Blackstar is my favorite Bowie album...with some of my favorite musicians backing him. . Really interested to hear that Brad Meldhau album as I am a long time Rush fan. Love Hiromi (saw that trio live and wow !) Awesome picks. A few that I haven't heard (or heard of) that I will definitely check out. Thanks !
In your introduction you really spoke from my heart.. I went exactly the same path only that my music discovery was 3 years later :)
For me Blackstar would have been Nr 1 though. It is one of his best albums indeed. My favs are Ziggy and Outside but this one is en par with them. One on my list here on top would by Uriah Heep's Chaos and Colour btw.
Andy you're unique in the world of music introspection/analysis/explanation. You possess the skill of communication. You are one of the few people that I don't listen to as "Background Music." It's obvious that you've had an impact on RUclips when you see all the Andy Edwards imitators and Wanna Bes that title their vids exactly like yours. You have introduced me to so many new, for me, artists and albums and I can't thank you enough. I can't say that I like all the stuff you do or rate them as highly, or lowly as you, but I know you understand exactly what I mean by that because that's also how I see you. Thank you so much and just keep doing what you're doing. I think many of your fans would appreciate nice profile and historic vids focusing entirely on one artist or group. You've done some in the past but I would really enjoy if you produced them regularly.
Thank you, it seems after 56 years I have found my calling!
I'm going to include records from 2014 because there's a couple of gems:
Stein Urheim - Stein Urheim
Angles 9 - Injuries
Phronesis - Paralax
Kenny Garrett - Who Killed AI?
Marius Neset - Happy
Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band - Landmarks
JD Allen - Graffiti
And I'll limit myself to one Zorn album:
John Zorn - Spinoza
(and probably loads more I'm forgetting)
((PS: the sax player on Blackstar was Donny McCaslin, reportedly he was quite involved with the arrangements.. His solo work is worth a listen too))
Henki by Richard Dawson & Circle is worth checking out. Bonkers - but brilliant!
Skiptracing by Mild High Club from 2016 is one of my favorite albums from the 2010s. Probably not as influential as any of the albums you’ve mentioned, but still a wonderful (concept?) album with all kinds of different influences: from “Harrisonish” slide guitars to bebop licks, interesting chord progressions, even some noise/free parts… all made in some sort of naïf way that I personally love as (to me) it doesn’t seem to want to show off how cool it is.
I'm curious what you think of a band like Jinjer? I know a lot of metal isn't really your thing, and "prog metal" has elements that you're not very keen on, but they've captivated my ears for the past 6 years, and it seems like they keep getting better with each album. After hearing your praise for the last Avenged Sevenfold album, I'm intrigued about how far down the prog metal rabbit hole you've been
Great list Andy and your spot on with the approach Makaya takes with that album and others. International Anthem are putting out some fantastic jazz I'd recommend 'Alabaster de Plume' like a modern day Daevid Allen. That's it I wont bore you with a zillion recommendations you've probably already heard!
Not sure if you were joking about Hunky Dory (Hurdy Gurdy? Lol) but that's the one Bowie album I can say really connects with me. Of your collection I have Brad Mehldau's Jacob's Ladder and the album he did of Beatles tunes. Genius. I do have Black Star. I must check out the A7X (Avenged Sevenfold for true fans) as I have a ton of their albums but not sure I've heard Life Is But A Dream. Huge Opeth fan too. Lots to like here. :)
Ever since Mike Oldfield’s Crises and Discovery albums Simon Philips has been my favorite drummer!
I can only agree. SP's drumming here is absolutely masterful. His solo on the live version of Crisis is beyond brutal.
I am extremely weak for this recording, admittedly lousy sound and picture but still: Crises live in Viareggio 1984,
ruclips.net/video/8xYCXtRPQSc/видео.htmlsi=PAr5gRHwSI1ASo_0
I don't remember how or when I first encountered Henge's music -- probably something the RUclips algo spat out at me -- but I love them. So creatively unhinged.
Awesome video have a wonderful day Andy ❤😊
A great list. A massive Bowie fan, Blackstar is a masterpiece. Glad you have listened to and appreciated Opeth, they are my favourite metal band. Have been for the last 15 years. Varied and thoroughly entertaining. Steven Wilson is a genius, I think that album came out in 2013. Still a masterpiece though. Hiromi is amazing artist.
Yes. You’ve given me some music to explore and I thank you for this.
My pleasure!
I’m two years older than you and had the same experience discovering music…I agree about Simon Phillips, extraordinary musician, that Hiromi album is great.
Checked out Alive by Hiromi as you suggest. And although I know nothing about jazz, this is un-earthy! (freeform and dis-grammatical word, forgive me)
Be sure to check out some live videos of her as well, if you haven't already. She radiates joy when she is playing and it is contagious. There are some videos with the trio from Alive, but most of the other stuff she has done is great too. I'm an irregular jazz listener as well, but Hiromi is becoming a favourite.
@@StrappingOldLad Thanks, I will!
You deserve a lot of credit for listening to ten albums in these last ten years. I think the only albums I’ve listened to from these last ten years is Yours. I know I’m a sad case.
I would be interested in hearing your take on the new Tony Leven album, Bringing it Down to the Bass. Of course, he has nothing but elite musicians on this; Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Fripp, David Torn, Gary Husband, and more! Cheers
Would love to see you and Simon Phillips chatting together sometime. Love Simon's playing....saw him with Al Di Meola back in the 70's when Steve Gadd didn't want to tour Europe at the time....just a beautiful drummer. Brad Meldau is very special...
Raven is the perfect album.....Theo Travis first told me about this project and it always blows my mind. First time I heard Guthrie too....
Theo would be great interview one day. He is my favourite living tenor player.,.,gorgeous tone!!!!! First saw him plying in Molde (Norway) 23 years ago with Anja Garbarek (Jan's daughter)!!
If you look closely at Hiromi for the studio recording of Alive she's wearing a Waka/Jawaka Zappa T-shirt. I've seen her with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips twice, with Stanley Clarke and this year she played in London with a string quartet and her new band during the same concert! Seeing her live is incredible.
What an amazing list. I know most of the albums but, boy, oh boy, what an amazing suggestion it is with the Life is But a Dream. Not a big fun of the band, but this album is a gem! What an experience! I love these albums with the soul...
You mentioned Pain of Salvation. I wonder what you think about In the Passing Light of Day?
On the fusion of jazz and heavy/punk rock I also recommend the NYC band Gutbucket. Their A Modest Proposal is amazing!
Thanks for the music tips. Surprised you've put a rapper on there. I will check those out once i've finished my own 'blues rock rnb soul satire' record.
Masterpieces ...
Pale Communion is Great ... (Every Opeth album ever made is Progressive Metal)...
Blackstar is Amazing ... "No Plan" (companion EP) is essential as well ...
*Check out Ben Molder's "Oceana" (Modern Avant Garde Jazz) unlikely u will b disappointed
The Raven that Refused to Sing - Astonishing
To Pimp a Butterfly - Brilliant
Now we're talking! Great start, bravo. Spreading the love of Louis Cole, Henge, McCraven and Meldhau (my nephew who was studying classical guitar recommended him to me a decade ago) is some valuable karmic credits in the bank.
Talking about at least one current-ish album a month could balance out all the negative energy yr putting out just for the likes ;)
Fester's Lucky 13, past decade
1. Motorpsycho - The Tower (2017)
2. Wolf People - Ruins (2016)
3. Elder - Reflections Of A Floating World (2017)
4. Syd Arthur - Apricity (2016)
5. Golden Void - Berkana (2015)
6. Monarch - Beyond The Blue Sky (2019)
7. Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)
8. Christian Mistress - To Your Death (2015)
9. Truckfighters - Universe (2014)
10. Rosalie Cunningham - Rosalie Cunningham (2019)
11. The Sonic Dawn - Eclipse (2019)
12. Spirit Adrift - Ghost at the Gallows (2023)
13. Graveyard - 6 (2023)
Some of the artists would have had multiple albums in the top. I think Andy would find the Motorpsycho, Wolf People and Syd Arthur pretty interesting.
Life is but a dream is a masterpiece. Went to see them a few months back and was in awe…
Agree completely, Andy -- Hiromi's the best musician on the planet! Like many of your other picks here also.
Bowie's Blackstar reminded me of my own mortality. You find yourself in a place where there's nothing left but memories. That is what Bowie sang about. Even the horn section lines sound like burial salutes.
To Pimp A Butterfly is a bold choice, I haven't fully absorbed that album yet, just got it a week or so ago. I always thought Louis Cole has a tremendous lot of potential but he was never quite there for me. I'll get that album and give it a whirl.
Stimpy Lockjaw!!! Great album!!
Cool, stuff for my car-stick: Hiromi, Opeth, Kendrick, Steven and Makaya made it. Tx. 👍
Any thoughts on (for example) Steve Morse? (Curious)
Regards.
I was surprised that Andy's list matched my own favorite CDs from the last few years in many positions. David Bowie or Kendrick Lamar were immediately in my head. For example, Hiromi's Sonicwonder - "Sonicwonderland" or Mohini Dey's - "Mohini Dey" are added to my list.
Would love a video of your top ten favourite hip-hop/rap albums.
If you haven’t heard the original full jazz band version of Sue (or In a Season of Crime), definitely seek it out, Andy. It was a 10” single but it’s up on RUclips. Just wonderful.
I think I like maybe 4 albums from the last 10 years.....and those are all from legacy bands. It's not from lack of trying, but I'll use Andy's list as a starting point.
I'm already familiar with "Pale Communion" from Opeth and I love it. I also like Steven Wilson's "Raven...". For the record, I'm 60.
Such a great list. Started checking out the ones I didn't have already. Wondering if you have seen this video yet: ruclips.net/video/JsoTnAiH2sY/видео.html It is the original concert that the Nothing album is based on from 2022. No vocal overdubs and some of the songs are arranged differently. It's a little raw, but its fascinating to see.
The first album that comes to mind is David Bowie Blackstar. The first song has an almost religious atmosphere and feel.
Second album Ryuichi Sakamoto async.
The only Bowie album that I really connected with, that really spoke to me was Ziggy Stardust.
Blackstar is the only Record of his that spoke to me immediately by Release.
I do not know where else the Record was released before his Death, but I heard it right at the Day of his Release and then he was gone. I think he did not have the Time to construct a Mask onto this Piece of Art. And that seems to make it my favorite Bowie Album.
Great episode, Andy! May I suggest that you also listen to B. Meldhau’s Finding Gabriel? And please do check out álbums by Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Ben Wendel and Tigran Himasian. All highly progressive jazz artists:
Hunky Dory not Hurdy Gury...right.
A good friend of mine was the Cinematographer on one of the Avenge Sevenfold songs from that album. I wasn’t a fan of them either, but that album is really good.