Terrible Chris' Fave Albums of 2010, Part the First

OK, now that the 2010 is behind us, and we have ALL the facts in front of us, here's my list of favorite CDs of the year past. As Megan will tell you, i'm not a huge fan of lists because, quite frankly, they're all just opinions. And as we all know, my opinion is superior to all others, so i just feel bad when i put out lists that so obviously trump all others. Oh well, it's my cross to bear.

And because i spent so damn long on this list, posting the links, etc., i'm breaking it up into a four parter. Be still your beating hearts, i know.

Now, part the first.

1. The Black Keys, Brothers--OK, i lied. This clearly was the best CD of 2010. Paraphrasing one of the better reviews i recall reading, the Keys didn't reinvent the wheel with this one, they just proved they could make it rounder, rubberier and added spokes.

mp3: Tighten Up (The Black Keys from Brothers)

2. Ethan Lipton and His Orchestra, Honker--Probably the best CD of the year by a guy of whom you've never heard. Hopefully, the future will change that, as he's quite possibly the wittiest lyricist out there today.

m4a: You Were Right & It's OK (Ethan Lipton and His Orchestra from Honker)

3. Reggie Watts, Why Shit So Crazy?--This is more of a comedy/performance piece, but Watts shows what a sense of humor, a loop machine and a strong sense of lyrics can do.

mp3: Thus Far (Alternate Version) (Reggie Watts from Why Shit So Crazy?)

4. Project: Mooncircle Artists, The Moon Comes Closer--Yes, i'm a Project: Mooncircle junkie, and this probably was my favorite offering from them in '10. The fact that it contains a huge chunk of their roster certainly didn't hurt.

mp3: The Moon Comes Closer Snippet (Project: Mooncircle Artists from The Moon Comes Closer)

5. Admiral Radley, I Heart California--i can't believe this wasn't on more "Best Of" lists. Critics and bloggers who are not me can be such maroons.

mp3: I Heart California (Admiral Radley from I Heart California)

Album Review: Why Shit So Crazy?

How exactly does one define what Reggie Watts does? Is he a socio-political commentator? Comedian? Beat boxer? World class squirrel impersonator? Truth be told, he's all that and more.

i was first introduced to Brother Watts (and mentioned him to you cats shortly therafter) when he first dropped the video for "Fuck Shit Stack," still one of my favorite tracks for 2010. That led me to do the on-line research that led to that article, but it in no way prepared me for the full CD/DVD combo pack just recently released by Comedy Central Records, of all folks. To call him strictly a comedian, though, would be the same as calling Prince just some guy who likes to sing in falsetto. Watts' comedy clearly is more in-line with the likes of Andy Kauffman, i.e., pushing the boundaries of what defines "comedy" in the first place. This is not to demean his work at all, because i find it hilarious, but if you're looking for a simple set-up/delivery/punchline guy, Reggie is a few steps beyond that.

On top of all that, the man is quite the musician, utilizing strong singing, rapping and beat boxing and a loop machine to incredible effect. He appears to do largely stream-of-conscious songs that speak heavily to his world, from what it's like in his neighborhood to what his friends are doing. Where this might seem trite in lesser hands, Watts adds equal measures of talent, insight and humor to create songs to get into on a deeper level.

The majority of tracks here are from a series of live shows (also documented in the DVD), though there also are a couple of studio tracks to round out things. You probably need to watch the DVD to get the full feel for what Watts' is going for here (that's what took so long for this review; i couldn't find time to watch the DVD even though i was listening to the CD on repeat).

In the interest of full disclosure, The Missus didn't seem to enjoy this one too much, but she also doesn't like drugs, so take her opinion as such. i think the guy is hilarious and crazy talented and am pissed to find that he already came through town for his solo tour promoting the CD/DVD. He's also opening for Conan O'Brien on his latest tour, but that thing sold out in seconds, so i got screwed there, too. i can tell you this, though, i won't make that mistake again.

mp3: Thus Far (Alternate Version) (Reggie Watts from Why Shit So Crazy?)

On the Road from Seattle: Reggie Watts

Well, children, as fate would have it, i find myself in Washington state for the next few on business, returning star base plans found hidden in droids, righting wrongs done to righteous wrong doers, etc. As such, i may be a little light in the updates for the next few, but i trust Ms. Megan will easily fill my shoes. Hopefully not with worms, though. Seriously, right?

By complete coincidence, thanks to the wonderful blog, The Music Ninja, i stumbled across the remarkable talents of one Reggie Watts just the other day. i was blown away by this obvious genius and his "Fuck Shit Stack" video. i mean, with a title like that, what's not to love? And i can't say as i've ever seen a finer example of hobo chic in all my days. Of course, this led to the inevitable Google search to find out more, and what i learned was that Mr. Watts is no one trick pony. In addition to his brilliant dancing skills (check out the very end of the video for The Drunk Couple(tm). If only this cat had choreographed my wedding dance...), turns out the guy is also one hell of a soul singer, beat boxer extraordinaire, a "multidisciplinary comedian" and lead singer of Maktub (though it appears as if the band is one something of a hiatus at the moment). Plus, old boy certainly can make a bid for the hair hall of fame with that mop.

Seriously, this cat is all over the board, but i have yet to hear a miss in my admittedly short period of adoration for the dude. His absurdist performance art takes a listen or two to get used to, but the payoff is worth it. That being said, his collaboration with Yungchen Lhamo (considered one of the leading voices of Tibet, apparently) is one of the most hauntingly moving pieces i've heard in quite some time. The two combined for Pop!Tech's first ever release, Antibabel. For the life of me, i can't seem to get my hands on a full copy of this one, even going so far as to email Pop!Tech directly, but you know the Interwebs wouldn't let us down completely, and thus we have the one track from the duo below. Sure, there's that $100 offer on Amazon, but let's not be silly. Additionally, i've dug up a full solo show from I-Spy (gotta love the Internet Music Archives), and Watt's Roger Troutman-like showstopper from his solo debut. And, of course, the thoroughly brilliant Fuck Shit Stack video.

i seldom ask for favors from the readers (still waiting for those ex-gf nudes to come pouring in...), but if any of you know more about this cat, drop me a line. For the rest of you bums, enjoy this most diverse meal of pure groovey.

mp3: Piece (Reggie Watts and Yungchen Lhamo from Antibabel)

mp3: Entire Set (Reggie Watts, live at I-Spy, 2002-09-03)

mp3: Wanna' Get (Reggie Watts from Simplified)

And the piece de resistance:

LOOSEWORLD x Waverly Films: Reggie Watts in F_CK SH_T STACK from LOOSEWORLD on Vimeo.

Reggie's new CD/DVD combo, Why Shit So Crazy?!, hits stores May 18, 2010. i do believe i'll be in line for this one.