After a couple of weeks of deliberating, I've decided to vote for...

... Jeremy Casella's Recovery as my favorite new CD for the month of January, choosing it over stiff competition from Sia's new release, Some People Have Real Problems. Admittedly, the Sia release is actually more qualified, having been released this month, whereas the Casella CD came out several months ago. On the other hand, it's clear to me that Sia's CD, while filled with great music, will probably not appeal to a broad constituency; her sound is soulful, yes, but my concern is that her quirky (okay, downright eccentric) persona and offbeat lyrics may alienate more mainstream listeners. Casella is a Christian, which means he will be viewed with suspicion by secularists, The New York Times, and Scientologists. However, his sound is both accessible and immediate, a winning combination that sounds a bit like Jars of Clay, Phil Keaggy, and Rich Mullins—which means (if you aren't familiar with those artists), a shimmering mix of acoustic guitar, upfront rhythms, and a slathering of electronic color, all at the service of good vocals and often inspiring (but never saccharine) lyrics.

Having polled myself, the following results indicate how in tune with my musical tastes I am:

58.3%: Jeremy Casella's Recovery
34.8%: Sia's Some People Have Real Problems
4.5%: Porcupine Tree's Stupid Dream (Special Edition)
2.1%: Marcus Strickland's Twi-Life
.3%: Unknown

The Porcupine Tree and Strickland CDs suffered from being considered "yesterday's news" (2006's news, actually), even though they are new to me and sound as fresh and substantial as they day they were pressed to plastic (or whatever it is they are pressed to now).

In related news, here are some other CDs that have been getting some serious spin time in recent months:

• Playground, by Manu Katché
• One Cell in the Sea, by A Fine Frenzy
• In Rainbows, by Radiohead
• Fellinijazz, by Enrico Pieranunzi
• System, by Seal
• Takes On Pasolini, by Antonio Farao
• Piano Solo, by Stefano Bollani
• Lost Subject, by Deceptikon
• In the Wee Small Hours, by Frank Sinatra

Finally, in other, somewhat related news (that is, having to do with voting), I'm fairly certain that I, unlike some Catholics, will not be supporting Sen. Obama, who has expressed far more concern for the rights of animals than for unborn children. I can also say, with certainty, that I will not be voting for Rudy Giuliani.

Comments

[Justin]

I must say, Carl, I have long been impressed with your well rounded musical appreciation. I was schocked with the "Ignatius Blogger/Da Vinci Code Heckler" whipped out "Ryan Adams" some time back. Despite some choice words and the slightly not-so-hidden "420" on his watch on the cover, I think Easy Tiger is a great album. We really like his stuff with the Cardinals. I think Jacksonville City Nights is his best album.

I find it amazing how his music itself often sounds so lively, yet the words are often dark. It is somewhat synonoymous (for me) with Dostoyevsky as an author. There is so much darkness in his work, yet I can also see 'light'. What you do get with Adams is honesty... you get the feeling that you know him... his struggles... insecurities.

And the balance of folk, twisted country (like Gillian Welch, etc.), blues, rock, etc. is amazing. He has a very large group of influences and you can hear it in his music.

Anyway...

Interesting when I saw the album "Sia", given that the only other person I had ever seen with that name was my wife. :) We listened to a lot of her stuff on her website. It was sort of hit-and-miss for me, but I think we will get her album. Kind of a more folky Norah Jones... with more bite. Perhaps Fiona Apple?

Blessings,

Jn

[Carl E. Olson]

Justin: Thanks for kind remarks. I have several (five, I think) Ryan Adams CDs, and continue to be most impressed with "Easy Tiger." I like the stuff with the Cardinals (I need to listen to it more), and am partial to "29", as wildly uneven as that disc is.

Sia did vocals for some songs for Zero 7; I was surprised by how much of an R&B flavor she brought to this album. She reminds me, at times, of Kate Bush (a favorite of mine) and Tori Amos (a favorite of my sister), as well as a bit of Fiona Apple (who I also like). I don't hear as much Norah Jones, but, then again, I'm one of those weird people who isn't altogether taken with Ms. Jones. I find her music to be mostly bland and "samey", but perhaps I'm missing the ingenious detail and nuance. I think Sia is more a mix of electronica and modern soul; I don't hear much of a folky element. But, regardless, I really like the album.

[Justin]

Given your interests... you may like Martin Sexton (whose voice is pretty unbelievable).

[Carl Olson]

Given your interests... you may like Martin Sexton (whose voice is pretty unbelievable).

I have everything by Martin, including several live shows. And we've seen him in concert twice., including this past October at the WOW Hall. At one point, while singing "My Maria" (about the Blessed Mother), he sang part of the "Ave Maria" in Latin. Quite the show!

[Justin]

Wow.

There are some nice things to Eugene... smaller feel... yet you still get the music.