motorman

It is December 30th and this is the day of the year that I let all know what musical artists had a major impact on the past year for me. Below are the major artists that received much play on the ipod. Here are the great acts of motorman 2006 soundtrack.

Danny Michel

Danny Michel is an Ontarian and a great songwriter. His lyrics create vivid portraits of his subjects. Whether they are a 60s era hearse, a no-good woman, or a motel in Toledo, he is able to convey the stories of his life. He couples these narrations with fun poppy rhythms that will sometimes remind you of another song from another era further strengthening the experience. Danny released his fifth full-length album Valhalla this year and I have not stopped listening to it. If you want to try him out, his website has a number samples, and if you like you cannot go wrong with any of the selections (except the Loving the Alien album which are all David Bowie covers and I have not purchased this one). Since he is Canadian he does not venture south of the border much, but if he hits Minneapolis, I will alert everyone.

Frank Black

After a lengthy discussion with some friends a few months back, I found that I am in the minority for my stand that I feel Frank Black is far better than his former life with the Pixies. Now do not read into this statement that I do not like the Pixies, I do, but Mr. Black has aged well and provided better music with each offering. His new double album Fast Man Raider Man continues this trend.

G. Love

For those who remember Revolution Radio (I still miss it) you will remember a young trio out of Philly – G. Love and Special Sauce. I could not stop listening to their self-titled debut album, I even snuck into the Uptown to see them play – great show. Well, I grew away from their music when their sophomore release Coast-to-Coast Motel was not up to my high standards. I have done this in the past, I panned the Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique as awful. I can be a music snob and pass judgment too quickly. This year I came across Philadelphonic and was blown away. This and the new release Lemonade are on high rotation on the Mac.

Mason Jennings

This is a local god in Minneapolis, Mason is a transplant from Pittsburgh, I think, but most of you in Minneapolis know this guy as the popular local bar artist that is making it big. Since I lived in bubble for a number of years and stopped watching the local music scene (see snobbish tendencies above), but after one of the Jug Band Festivals a couple of years back, I received an introduction to this developing singer-songwriter. This year he received a lot of play and has my theme song for the year California, Pt. 2. I do not own many of his titles since I have a bootleg from a 2004ish bootleg from a concert at the State Theater and that has pretty much ruin my interest in buying additional albums.

Gnarls Barkley

I too get sucked into popular trends from time to time. Plus this is really fun music.

Ween

This is a given. Don’t you think?

Enjoy the New Year! It will most certainly be better than 2006 and 2006 was a banner year.

Dear Mr. Sexton,

I would, first, like to convey to you that I cannot begin to quantify my enjoyment from your music. Mostly, it is the emotion that you show in each and every song that keeps me coming back to every time you come to town. It is great that you tour so often and that you are receiving the recognition that you deserve. I am definitely a lifetime fan.

This being stated – please, please, please release a new album. Ummm, of new material, Christmas albums don’t count.

To illustrate my excitement over your new material, let’s return to a rainy October evening six years ago. I was more than half way home from evening class at the alma mater, when I remembered it was finally the day! I turned and made a b-line to one of Minneapolis’ great independent music stores Electric Fetus. I arrived, soaking wet, searching for a signpost to lock to the bike and walk into the Fetus. Dripping onto the wood floors, I receive prompt attention. “Can I help you find something?” Someone asks. “Do you have the new Martin Sexton?” “Yes, behind the counter, we have not priced enough today.” “Golden.” I purchase the Wonder Bar and ride like a pro home to hear it.

I roll up to my old apartment, store the ride, and move straight to the stereo. “What’s that in your hand?” my new girlfriend at the time says. Without comment I put in the disc, push play and hear, “Oh, I forgot it was out today, turn it up.” We spent the remainder of that evening and every evening for the next month thereafter listening to this great album.

Unfortunately that was six long years ago. I have traded my college days for a career, an apartment for a house and upgraded my girlfriend to my wife. In the Martin world, all I have had to hold onto since is a live album and megs and megs of concert recordings. Their excellence aside, new material is greatly needed.

I hope you all the best, and I commit to seeing you every time I can, but please feed my need for new tunes.

With respect and admiration,

motorman

As the New Year approaches I am in the middle of a year-end reorganization of my life. This is a time of year that I love to sit back and reflect on the good of the previous year and the promise of the New Year. This has been a great year. Next year will be another. One of the great components of 2005 was the soundtrack. In the last year, I was introduced to some wonderful music. In the spirit of the season of giving, here are the great acts of 2005.

Kinnie Starr

This is a hip-hop singer from British Columbia that has great skill. I first heard her with my wife at the Winnipeg Folk Festival this summer. Her music is very entertaining with a good beat and a good message.

Beautiful Girls

This is a fun jam band style, but they actually have good lyrics. We saw these guys first at the WFF as well, but heard of them before. They are good friends with Mason Jennings (he even sings on one of their tracks). They have a very energetic live show and a well-produced album. The tough part is album availability. Since they are from Australia the discography is hard to locate in the States. However, it is worth it.

My Morning Jacket

This is a band that is starting to receive a lot of the major media attention, mostly due to my interest in them. Some friends turned me on to them. I loved the album, but I did not expect the all out hair-rock show. Either way it is a good act.

Damien Rice

This is the year’s new-to-me folk singer. And you can understand what he is saying.

The Killers

This is a good straight up British rock band. No big message in the songs, they are simply rock songs.

Enjoy the New Year! It will most certainly be better than 2005 and 2005 was a banner year.