Since I only joined the site on February 13, 2004 (yep, it was a Friday,) I had no idea this write-off was coming at the end of the year. If I had known, I might have paid more attention these past few months. When I saw the write-off announcement I was a little dismayed. You see, I wanted to contribute because Mike has become a very good friend since meeting him in November but, knowing so little about music, I wasn't sure how to. Having read many entries I knew there was no way I could put together lists of top ten items so I decided to simply write about things in music that were new to me in 2004. Also, this won't be limited to recordings but will encompass anything remotely music-wise that I encountered (and can remember.) Throughout the piece I will mention various music writers who have become special to me (plus a few writers from other categories.) I don't yet know all of the regular music people here but these are the best of the best. You have made me laugh, cry and think. Most important of all, you welcomed me and made me feel at home.
January is a blur due to horrible life events so the first major thing I remember was, of course, joining Epinions and beginning to meet some of the best people inhabiting this planet. (Although cases could certainly be made that some of them live in outer space.) I began learning to examine what I enjoy and why, and then learning how to explain those things in a coherent and organized manner. It's been a great exercise for me and very challenging at times. Although I've written on and off all my life, I've never sat down and determined to write, it's just sort of happened whenever I felt like it. This site has taught me I can decide ahead of time to write something and have it come out half decent (now I just need to overcome procrastination... tomorrow.) Through the encouragement and kindness of a number of members, I hope I'm getting better as time goes on. I've also learned a great deal about music and performers I probably would not have encountered otherwise; I am very grateful for that. Writing about music still intimidates me, I have absolutely no technical knowledge and wouldn't know a hook from a riff from a bass line. I'm willing and trying to learn though, so please be patient with my shortcomings. I know what I like and there's no genre or style that I would discount just because it's new or different to me.
When Alanis Morissette's new CD, So-Called Chaos was released, I knew I had to have it. I can remember when Alanis broke the music scene, I detested her erratic movements on stage, plus I didn't understand what she was singing about. However, in the past few years I've come to think she's brilliant, an excellent singer and artist. It's very unfortunate that So-Called Chaos wasn't better received by the public for I absolutely love the entire CD. The title track plus Eight Easy Steps and Knees of My Bees are three favourites from the album.
While I love Alanis I don't think her CD can quite match the incredibly beautiful Virginia Creeper from Grant Lee Phillips. This is probably the CD that gets the most play here. It's melodious, lyrical, haunting and absolutely outstanding in every way. Each song is a story and I play it almost every day, often more than once. Hickory Wind would be in my top ten songs of all time.
Other things I discovered and now love: Manic Street Preachers (thank you Andy and Liz!) Maroon 5's This Love (Mike, to answer your question, it was "stiffy alert!") Thirteen Senses, Keane and Kent (thank you David! You are the best friend anyone could ask for.) Franz Ferdinand's Take Me Out, Eva Cassidy, The Verve Pipe and much more.
In July I went to the London Bluesfest to see Jeff Healey and James Cotton. It was an amazing show, I had long wanted to see Jeff live. He's a guitar genius.
In November I saw R.E.M. here in London and it was a fantastic concert. They opened with Around The Sun from their new album of the same name (which, inexplicably, was not for sale there and I still don't have.) It was an amazing and fitting opener, the audience immediately rose to their feet and we didn't sit down again until the end of the show, two hours later. Many songs from the newest album were played including Leaving New York, Boy In The Well, and High Speed Train (the only one I really did not enjoy,) along with old favourites such as Losing My Religion and others. R.E.M. had an effective light show that highlighted rather than overwhelmed the music. This group has been around since the dawn of time (it seems) and their stage presence is impressive. Michael Stipe exudes a confidence on stage born from many years delighting audiences the world over. He knows how to get a response, he knows what people want. Stipe occasionally said a few words but not many, he didn't need to. At one point, however, he apologized for what happened in America on November 2nd, resulting in cheers from the crowd. The encore was lengthy, ending with Man on the Moon which Michael drew the audience into on the chorus. Michael Stipe is beyond incredible and knows how to please a crowd.
Also in November was the Meet and Greet where the music category was strongly represented. I had the immense pleasure of meeting Shelly, who is every bit as smart and nice as I suspected. Amy and Andrew are two of the coolest people on any planet and thanks to them, I'm able to listen to the karaoke performances anytime I want to (they still make me laugh out loud.) I also got to meet the absolutely adorable Eric who I challenged to help me understand and enjoy hip-hop. It will be an interesting time. Of course, the infamous Paul and his "wardrobe malfunction" was an unforgettable sight but I think he outshone even that at karaoke. He walked 500 miles, he out-Britneyed Britney and interpretive danced himself into the heart of every woman in the bar. He gives great hugs too! Paul also shocked me by handing me a mix CD saying he made them for all of the music people at the get together. Yay! I'm a music person! I make light of it, but I was very touched and truly honoured. It was the most fun I'd had in a very long time and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. Now I'm hoping to get over to the one in England next July (donations currently being accepted.)
That weekend I also saw and met the amazing Ric Hall at Blue Chicago. The next night I went to Buddy Guy's Legends and saw John Prime perform. Buddy Guy himself was there that night, I got a signed CD and the highlight was when he came onstage and jammed a bit. I was sitting 10 feet from him and he's just as much the guitar master as he ever was. It was an incredible experience.
The world of music mixes has opened me up to excellent music and my continued thanks to David, Paul and Brian (and the others who have offered.)
My love for classic rock continues (Styx, Supertramp, Van Halen, ACDC, Floyd, etc.) even though the term "classic" makes me feel very old. Perhaps I'll get around to writing a few reviews on these groups someday.
In the past Søren has introduced me to some great music (Nik og Jay, Sigur Rós, Black Lab and more,) but this past year he also graced my life with Crispin Hellion Glover (who was excellent as Michael J. Fox's father in Back To The Future.) His New Clean Song will leave you feeling disgustingly dirty and you'll need a very long shower afterward. It's _that_ creepy. Other not so great music events were when I sunk low enough to review William Hung. (It was fun to write though, blame Simon and Dave's write-off.) I also attempted an experiment when I wrote about a Barbra Streisand CD, something many, I am sure, would think to be another low point. (It's one of my highest earning music reviews so take that Barbra haters!)
What do I wish for in 2005? I hope to read more, to write more, to be the person I know I can and should be. I hope my brother remains safe while working in Afghanistan and my family knows joy. For the people I love (you know who you are,) I wish for peace and happiness and if I can lessen the burdens, I hope you will let me.
Since I now know this year-end write-off will be coming around again, I promise to pay more attention in 2005. I know I'll be here because Justin made me promise to never leave the site, so blame him. (Not that I want to!) Heck, perhaps I'll even buy more than two new releases. Thank you Mike and Drew for putting up with this silly, boring entry. I promise I won't be late next year!
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.