This is an ode to the shuffle. How better to get a good insight in your digitized album collection than by a classic shuffle? Finally discover the albums you never got into, finally throw the ones away you will never get into and worship those classics that never grow old again. The Shuffle of this week:
1. Caribou – Brahminy Kite (The Milk of Human Kindness, 2005) [singlepic id=171 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Canadian Daniel Snaith released his first two albums as Manitoba, before changing his stage name to Caribou (due to a lawsuit). As such this third album was released, which contains some of his best work together with Andorra (2007). The two times I saw the band live couldn’t have been more different: first time in a dark tent together with around 40 other people, second time at Berlin’s Wuhlheide, being Radiohead’s support act during sunset.
2. Girls in Hawaii – Colors (Plan Your Escape, 2008) [singlepic id=173 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Continuing in the 21st century with this song from Girls in Hawaii. Other than the name might presume, we’re not talking about some girlpower group here but about an indie rock band from Belgium, whose sound might remind you of Grandaddy. Touring again this year with their new (third) album.
3. Cotton Mather – Camp Hill Rail Operator (Kon Tiki, 1997) [singlepic id=46 w=80 h=50 float=left]
We ran into this album before and in response to that I caught myself listening to it again for a couple of weeks. So I revalue this nineties gem once more to ‘most underestimated album of the decade’. Not much worthy material followed, but the band has reunited again since last year and is working on a new studio album!
4. Interpol – Obstacle 1 (Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002) [singlepic id=174 w=80 h=50 float=left]
A lost album really, despite being played a lot of times a couple of years ago. Actually very curious whether it would deserve the same amount of appreciation today. (update: their latter albums might still be worthless, this remains absolutely great)
5. Modest Mouse – Bankrupt on Selling (The Lonesome Crowded West, 1997) [singlepic id=175 w=80 h=50 float=left]
And back to 1997 with a track from a personal favorite of music professor Hofmeijer. He took it all the way to Greece to introduce it there 15 years later. Great timing.
6. Seasick Steve – The Dead Song (Dog House Music, 2006) [singlepic id=178 w=80 h=50 float=left]
The first old dinosaur entering the stage this week, although he only broke loose this century. Very pleasant contribution, thank you Steve. (update: listened to the album as a whole some more times and gave up, goodbye Steve).
7. Pink Floyd – San Tropez (Meddle, 1971) [singlepic id=177 w=80 h=50 float=left]
At last we’re digging deeper into rock music’s archives with, of course, Pink Floyd. It’s the only song on the album that was entirely written by Roger Waters, who obviously also takes the lead vocals. The contrast with last song couldn’t possibly have been bigger.
8. Beatles – I Will (The Beatles (White Album), 1968) [singlepic id=137 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Staying in the mood with such another great feel good song from the master of the genre. And if you ask me to lay down and listen to the White Album the next couple of weeks, I Will.
9. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Night of the Lotus Eaters (Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, 2008) [singlepic id=176 w=80 h=50 float=left]
One of my favorite songs from the bands 14th studio album. Saw them live during the same year the album was released and what a great impression they made. Time to check out their latest (15th) album, Push the Sky Away, released earlier this year.
10. Guided By Voices – Little Whirl (Alien Lanes, 1995) [singlepic id=172 w=80 h=50 float=left]
The shuffle suddenly came to an end one and a half minute later after one of GBV’s longer songs. If mister Pollard is listening, there is still a fan in Belgium who offers his bedroom as studio to record the next album.