Greg Cartwright has grown into one of the most skilful songwriters today. This year, he put his main band Reigning Sound on a break, reunited with The Oblivians for a few shows, and formed a new band Parting Gifts with Coco Hames of The Ettes. The resulting album, Strychnine Dandelion is a rousing pile of basic rock’n’roll fury with Strange Disposition standing out as an obvious favorite.
Monthly Archives: January 2011
19. Steve Wunn And The Miracle Three – Northern Aggression
Steve Wynn’s band Miracle Three has became a steady line up of four musicians who breathe together. This is the most immediate thing you get when you hear them live or when you listen to the new album Northern Aggression. Tight musicianship and solid songwriting on this album received a lot of attention this year. The idea was to return to Richmond VA studios (the same place where the great Gutterball records were made), and let the Northern sound take over the lazy atmosphere of the south. The amalgam of sound is captivating. The cover of Death of Johnny B, which appeared originally in an old 70’s anti-drug documentary, is a perfect example.
20. Nobunny – First Blood
This record comes from the reliable Goner kitchen, so although the artist comes from California, you can expect that great Memphis garage sound. The guy behind the bizarre bunny mask is Justin Champlin. On First Blood Champlin delivers cathcy and loud rock’n’roll/pop tunes and it is fun to listen. They are stripped to the bare bones and Nobunny knows well how to avoid any abstractions, although absurdity is no stranger to him.