A couple of contentious decisions here, some of which probably run counter to all logic. For example, earlier this year, I dismissed the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. A return to the album, however, revealed a level of excitement in the recording that I didn’t remember from before. That, along with a certain sense of personal connection with contemporary big band recordings that I have not felt in a while, edged it over the clear genius of Relaxin’.
The second, and the hardest, choice I had was with the black midi VS. Snail Mail showdown. I have not connected with Hellfire in the same way as I have black midi’s previous recordings, but I still have the sense that I still just don’t quite "get it". Like LIVE!, Valentine was eliminated in January and got a fresh start in the 5th tier showdown, and with its return came a greater appreciation of Snail Mail’s unique songwriting strengths. It really spoke to me at a time I still found myself confused by black midi, so I let Valentine pass. Hellfire received a coveted Fall Save, though, and will return in the playoffs.
Eastman Jazz Ensemble – LIVE! VS. Miles Davis – Relaxin’
Eastman Jazz Ensemble – LIVE!
Paul Slavens – Alphabet Girls V. 2 VS. Colleen Green –
Cool
Paul Slavens – Alphabet Girls V. 2
Kate Bush – The Hounds of Love VS. Vanishing Twin – Ookii
Gekkou
Kate Bush – The Hounds of Love
Bali Gamelan Sound – Otonan, Gender Wayang VS. Limina
– Hidden Spaces
Limina – Hidden Spaces
black midi – Hellfire VS. Snail Mail – Valentine
Snail Mail – Valentine
Bjorn Riis – Everything to Everyone VS. Cardiacs – On
Land and In the Sea
Bjorn Riis – Everything to Everyone
No comments:
Post a Comment