Jan 23, 2009








np: "My Girls" - Animal Collective


This fantastic song has nothing to do with tonight's post, I'm just loving the hell out of it at the moment. Hopefully much more about that song and its parent album, the first truly great album of 2009, at another time.

The big news in music critic-land this week was the unveiling of the Village Voice Pazz & Jop Critic's Poll, which has me very excited for several reasons. First of all, this was my first time participating in the legendary poll started by Robert Christgau. I'd voted in the off-shoot Idolator Poll for the last two years, but this was my first time taking part in the grandaddy of all nerdy critic polls. As much fun as it was to see my individual list among the familiar list of names, it was an even bigger thrill to see one of my comments published as well! View my ballot here and scroll down to the very bottom of the page here to read my commentary regarding Erykah Badu's fantastic album and the overall mood of 2008 (and, no, I haven't moved to NY). There's no more denying it, I'm officially a music critic. Take that as you will.

As far as the overall results, I can't say I'm surprised by most of the top 20 albums. I kind of expected to see Vampire Weekend walk away with it, but I can't complain about the ultimate winner. And I'm definitely happy to see my personal pick, Badu, breaking the Top 5. I do think that Randy Newman album was a little overrated. It's a decent listen, but I think it's too spotty to stand up among the best of the year. The list does remind me that I need to check out that Raphael Saadiq record though, lots of love for his R&B. Very pleased with the high placement of the Torche album as well, it seems to be getting the attention it deserves for being such a tight, thrilling riff-fest.

Over on the singles list the number one doesn't exactly surprise me, but I really don't associate "Paper Planes" with 2008 since I've been rocking since the summer of 2007. But the Pineapple Express trailer, as well as a hot remix disc, gave the song a new life and I can't complain about that. Still a hot song. The rest of the top 20 was fairly close to what I would have predicted, though I am surprised by the placement of the Death Cab For Cutie song - I thought critics were so over them.

As usual, a fun way to spend a couple hours perusing the ballots and reading the various comments. I'm excited to have been a part of it and I look forward to participating again next year.

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