#39 Neko Case - Blacklisted

Lance Rock Records, 2002

Alternative Rock, Folk Rock

This record is a big one for me. Its release aligned with some pretty significant life events, and reflected them in a meaningful way. Jillian introduced me to this record in 2003, and I was immediately captivated by the opening lines:

Fluorescent lights engage
Blackbirds frying on a wire
Same birds that followed me to school when I was young
Were they trying to tell me something?
Were they telling me to run?

In the Spring preceding my encounter with this record, I was followed by a black bird on my way to school. It seemed to be warning me of something. That day, a series of events kicked off that would make the next four years of my life very challenging. It was such a strange thing, and when I heard this record, I felt like someone else got it.

Also just a stellar record.

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#73 Tyrannosaurus Rex - Unicorn

Blue Thumb Records, 1969 Psychedelic Acoustic Folk This album is very important to me. Those who know me, know I am fond of T Rex, but this pre T recording is extra special. I first remember hearing it in grade 8, and I fell in love with it entirely. It resonated with me a on strangley personal level, considering how far out the lyrics are. Warlord of the Royal Crocodiles was my jam. My friends were forced to listen to poorly dubbed cassettes every weekend, because that was the easiest way to copy and share music on the North Mountain in 1998. I had always listened to my dad's record (from whence came the cassette) and didn't have my own copy when I moved out, so I was very excited when I found it at Taz---the old spot on, what was it, Grafton? Two locations ago. It was like finding treasure, though I spose that's always what second-hand vinyl shopping feels like to me. Maybe it was more like finding the Arkenstone. I remember being super excited, and Bob telli...

#92 Dave Brubeck ft. Gerry Mulligan, Paul Desmond, Alan Dawson, Jack Six - We're All Together Again for the First Time

Atlantic, 1973 Jazz, Bop I wish I could remember how I came by this one. I was absolutely delighted to find it in my collection, if a little unsettled that I could forget such an acquisition. This is a solid offering, if a little frenetic. I have to be in the right mood, but then I am enthralled.

#11 The Joe Pass Trio - Live at Donte's

Pablo Live, 1981 Category: Jazz This is a great record. It's chill enough to be good listening for dinner or hangouts, but also very mentally engaging and stimulation for more intensive listening. Joe Pass has elements of Django Reinhardt, but also a style all his own. Listening to him improvise is a genuine pleasure. I picked this record up at the ReFound shop on Thistle Street, and was very excited to find it. I used to have a burned cd of some solo recordings of his, and that was great, but hearing him with the trio is a real treat. You can tell he is really exploring and having fun. No regrets on this purchase!

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