This is my first diary here and while I could be discussing my personal interests (conservation, sustainability, social equity, etc), I chose instead to talk about the last decade in music. This subject was covered in a diary this morning (or perhaps last night) and the diary quoted composer and musician Jaron Lanier, suggesting that the decade had no defining sound. Nothing could be further from the truth, the “oughties”, in a wide range of musical genres, reached new levels of creativity and experimentation. Perhaps the most significant development was the widespread effect of the Internet. The Internet led to the democratization of music, from the production (like the Postal Service’s Give Up), to Youtube, to the transportability of your entire music portfolio in your pocket.
One great example of the use of the Internet’s importance in this decade’s “sound” is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. In 2001 America’s answer to Radiohead, Wilco, completed there groundbreaking album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot but Reprise Records refused to release it. Wilco acquired the rights to the album when they left the label and in September 2001, Wilco streamed the entire album for free on their website. The groundswell of support online led to the Nonesuch Records snatching it up. Like Reprise, Nonesuch is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner. Essentially, the mother firm paid for the album twice.
How could I make a list of the decade’s best music without including Radiohead. Released online, for tips basically. Their most recent release (and best since Kid A).
This is the opening cut from Fanfarlo’s debut album Reservoir. In my opinion, they are one of the best bands coming out of Britain today. Wouldn't know about them if not for Youtube.
Now for something completely up-tempo and fun.
I now it fashionable to be sick of this band, but the composition of the entire album is solid, lyrically sharp, and it never gets tired.
Hauntingly personal, perhaps the most unique album of the decade.
What a great single. She put the album, Kala, together largely on her own. Some of the most innovative backing tracks that anyone's doing today. Not to mention she got it featured in two big budget films.
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Arcade Fire, not one of their singles, but a personal favorite.
The return of solid west coast folk rock.
From their fifth album, perhaps thier best.
Yes, Iceland gave us Bjork but in my opinion the true Icelandic stars.
The White Stripes, their biggest hit for a reason.
Lastly, Grizzly Bear’s latest release