Sunday, January 3, 2010

Top First Listen of 2009

The Modern Lovers - Self Titled 9/10 (1976)

Wow, it didn't get underneath my skin on the first listen, but for some reason I came back and got completely floored. I can't remember an album where I memorized the singer's hesitations and enjoyed anticipating every imperfect beat so fully. Considering their debut is Pitchfork's #40 album of the 70s, and Rolling Stone's #381 of all time it's a little troubling that my radar barely picked it up. In order to make up for past omissions the ipod has been loaded down with this list of John Cale produced discs. Each track is M1, but "Government Center" and "Dignified and Old" are two of the catchier.