Casual Listening - More Greatest Misses

Casual Listening

Extra!

December 11, 2009

Two more greatest misses from this year:

! Rain Machine – Rain Machine (rock)

Rain Machine is the project of art-rock phenom Kip Malone, whose other band (TV on the Radio) is showing up on a lot of best-of-the-decade lists. This album is brilliant as well, with a frayed-around-the-edges voice that ricochets between shouts and falsetto. All of his music comes from a deep emotional place, and it’s the centerpiece of a sound that ranges from heavy rockers to stripped down acoustic guitar. A sophisticated listen.

Listen to Rain Machine “Give Blood”

* Cedric Watson – L’esprit Creole (folk)

This is what Zydeco is all about. Great bluesy accordion dance music with evident Creole roots, mostly sung in French. Watson manages both authenticity and adventurousness, showing off the breadth of this still-vital musical form.

Listen to Cedric Watson “Le Sud de la Louisiane”