Listing

This made me smile. Oh, the politics of list making. Perhaps no one will argue about it (perhaps a bit cynically, but still) better this year than Pretty Goes With Pretty’s “It’s a Matter of Trust.” He’s a constant voice of reason and I must admit that his voice is undoubtedly one that I trust, despite known discrepancies in our taste. I trust him because he thinks thoroughly. That’s it. If he speaks highly of something that I’ve never heard or wasn’t initially excited about, I’ll try it again (there’s others in this group for me too, several folks I know in real life who don’t blog at all also fall into this realm).

By and large, our year end lists are little more than a chance to organize our own experience of the year, and selfishly compare our notes to our peers. Surely we realize there’s little to no meaning and absolutely no point to most of it. For me, a year end list is mostly a confirmation that I spent the year actively listening and trying to have some kind of relationship with an album or two. My top picks will always be a reflection of my personal taste and listening experience. Many albums on the list will be included for entirely subjective reasons – the memory of their discovery, the moments in my life spent listening, the relationship my friends and loved ones share with me during these times all fit into what I list.

I’m always glad (and flattered) when people want to know what I think is the best, but I don’t think that I’d ever have the balls to simply assert such a collection without being asked my opinion on the matter. It’s caused me to realize that most folks don’t do it this way. Scrolling through Largehearted Boy’s List of Lists makes me realize: most of these people are arguing something. They’re making a case for what they think is good, the best, or marginal. They’re campaigning. What’s funny is that the campaign is so transparently about promotion or cred – both situations render the argument meaningless. The only valuable year end list is one that is completely subjective and personal, with absolutely no stake in the rest of the writer’s market or PR haze. It’s only through browsing those carefully assembled, thoughtful and honest lists that you’ll happen to stumble upon something new and interesting you might have missed this year.

For me? I fell in love with a tour only CDR from Kurt Wagner and Lambchop. Live covers, including Teddy Pendergrass, Elvis Costello and the Buzzcocks. It’s without a doubt the most interesting and satisfying thing I’ve heard all year, and if it was for sale I’d buy it for everyone I know. You can grab it here, though, if you’re interested.

Stay tuned for more year end bullshit from me, your best friend and hopeless organizer.