2022 OG-STYLE, PT 4: JASON'S "NOT TOP 10" OF WHAT HE LOVED IN 2022
This list is NOT a top 10 of 2022. It’s not top, and it’s not ten. Instead, it's mostly a look back at my year in music through some of the albums I put on rotation.
Pavement - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain -- For the past 30 years, whenever I'm in a Pavement mood, I put on “Slanted and Enchanted” — very possibly among my top 10 favorites of all time. When “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain” came out, I remember enjoying it on heavy rotation for awhile, but since then I rarely felt a reason to put it on over Slanted. Having bought tickets to see Pavement a full year in advance, I put Crooked Rain on more than usual this year, and it was like seeing an old friend after many years and picking up right where you left off. So many gems on this. And despite a full year of anticipation, the show did not disappoint. Highlight Track: (So hard to choose!) Elevate Me Later
Boogie Down Productions - The Essential BDP -- Boogie Down Productions remains my favorite hip-hop group from the 80's, and what was particularly sweet about 2022 was that my 12-year old began requesting to listen to it in the car. While my 20-year old may smirk at some of the definitely old-school sounds and rhymes "Fresh for '88, you sukkas!" KRS-One's bookish bravado still holds up. Highlight Track: My Philosophy
Preamble to North by North and N3ptune
2022 was the first full year of live shows since the pandemic began, and I returned to the occasional practice of going to see shows of bands I'd never heard of - just based on venue and 3 seconds of YouTube clips to get the general gist. Often, these shows consist of a devoted fan base and fantastic opening acts that I usually like better than the headliner.
North by North - Get Weird -- I saw North by North at the Sunset in Seattle in March. Cannot even recall who they opened for - I think they were the first of three. They are a duo from Chicago with a Frank Black vibe. Great, energetic show & I continued to put the album on rotation. Highlight Track: Get Weird
N3ptune – RENAISSANCE -- N3ptune was another opening act of a randomly chosen headliner - this time at the 930 Club in August. Anyone who reminds you of Prince is worth a good listen. Truly fantastic performer. Highlight Track: BLACK HORSE
Thelonious Monk - Piano Solos -- Thelonious Monk alone at the Piano is one of the best things I've ever heard in music, and I loved coming back to this album a few times this year. Highlight Track: Round About Midnight
Lake Street Dive - Fun Machine -- My 18 year-old daughter had this album on heavy rotation and got to see them live. I wouldn't say they're breaking new musical ground, but you just have to appreciate an outstanding band with an outstanding lead singer. And it always makes papa bear proud when his kids demonstrate good taste in music that's a little under the radar. Highlight Track: I Want You Back
Joey Weisenberg -- Niggunim, Vol. VII: Song of Ascents -- Joey Weisenberg is the most important and prolific person doing Jewish liturgical music today. This year, I spent a lot of energy organizing a class and a new service at my synagogue based on his teachings and music. Highlight Track: Modeh Ani
