2008 Woodie Awards
Five albums to usher in springtime
Richard Hughes '09
Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: Entertainment
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Bob Dylan -
"Nashville Skyline" (1969)
See how a little bit of time away from cigarettes can improve vocals? This brisk 27 minute disc, originally panned by many fans, was a surprise to those who expected the artist to release a masterpiece that explored social issues as his last statement on the tumultuous decade.
Instead, he got soft and tender on these throwaway love songs.
He was in a state of mind that shied away from the popular music of the day. As expressed in his recent autobiography "Chronicles Volume One," he was more interested in attending his children's baseball games and being with his wife Sara (the "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands") than touring. This album perfectly illustrates the simple upstate New York lifestyle that he was living.
When exploring Dylan's vast catalogue, many tend to skip over the years between "Blonde on Blonde" and "Blood on the Tracks;" a crucial error and one that may make you miss out on gems like this.
Key Tracks: "I Threw It All Away" and "Lay Lady Lay"
Belle & Sebastian -
"The Life Pursuit" (2006)
Belle & Sebastian pack this album in wall to wall with excellent pop music that is perfect for sunny day driving. This seven-piece band from Scotland uses a large sound with catchy melodies and harmonies that would make Brian Wilson proud.
There is very strong lyricism throughout on subjects like innocence, fame, hatred of school, and stalking beautiful celebrities. "You are the cover of my magazine…/I'll maybe tell you about it someday," they sing on "Funny Little Frog." The songs are thought-provoking and never bring about a cringe despite their quirky subject matters.
The production has a pristine element of great songs that play together on this simply happy album.
This is the most recent album from a band that has produced a string of great albums, and it shines the brightest.
Key Tracks: "Act of the Apostles" and "Another Sunny Day"
The Thrills -
"So Much for the City" (2003)
"Nashville Skyline" (1969)
See how a little bit of time away from cigarettes can improve vocals? This brisk 27 minute disc, originally panned by many fans, was a surprise to those who expected the artist to release a masterpiece that explored social issues as his last statement on the tumultuous decade.
Instead, he got soft and tender on these throwaway love songs.
He was in a state of mind that shied away from the popular music of the day. As expressed in his recent autobiography "Chronicles Volume One," he was more interested in attending his children's baseball games and being with his wife Sara (the "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands") than touring. This album perfectly illustrates the simple upstate New York lifestyle that he was living.
When exploring Dylan's vast catalogue, many tend to skip over the years between "Blonde on Blonde" and "Blood on the Tracks;" a crucial error and one that may make you miss out on gems like this.
Key Tracks: "I Threw It All Away" and "Lay Lady Lay"
Belle & Sebastian -
"The Life Pursuit" (2006)
Belle & Sebastian pack this album in wall to wall with excellent pop music that is perfect for sunny day driving. This seven-piece band from Scotland uses a large sound with catchy melodies and harmonies that would make Brian Wilson proud.
There is very strong lyricism throughout on subjects like innocence, fame, hatred of school, and stalking beautiful celebrities. "You are the cover of my magazine…/I'll maybe tell you about it someday," they sing on "Funny Little Frog." The songs are thought-provoking and never bring about a cringe despite their quirky subject matters.
The production has a pristine element of great songs that play together on this simply happy album.
This is the most recent album from a band that has produced a string of great albums, and it shines the brightest.
Key Tracks: "Act of the Apostles" and "Another Sunny Day"
The Thrills -
"So Much for the City" (2003)
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