Brian Eno .. 77 Million Paintings
Not a CD, but generative audio/visual software .. innovative, beautiful, and in the grand scheme of things, historically important. (see earlier blog)

FM3 .. Buddha Machine
Also not a CD! The size of a small transitor radio, this little gadget comes with a speaker, volume control, and a switch to toggle between 9 different loops that will repeat forever. For weeks I listened to practically nothing else. I would take one or two with me on a walk or when I'd go for a coffee. They work amazingly well in tandem, creating unexpected random events. Fuck downloading!

Paul Simon .. Surprize
Wouldn't you know it .. Eno pops up again as an important contributor on this incredible statement by a master songwriter. After 40 years of creating an untouchable cannon of classic songs, you'd think someone would notice. This album hardly raised an eyebrow when it came out, as the media was too busy trying to catch up with the indie rock flavor of the week, but Surprize is a stunning, modern work full of unexpected sonic details framing Simon's brilliant and singular lyrical gift.

Scott Walker .. The Drift
This is a difficult album. It's HUGE. It's demanding. You can't ignore it. You have to give in, just sit there and stare at the speakers. In his mid sixties, Walker is making music that sounds like nothing else that ever existed. It's the sound of a visionary. A rare example of an artist who refuses to compromise.

Juana Molina .. Son
A wonderful, unique artist from Argentina who blends bossa nova, folk, and quirky electronica. She has a fantastic melodic instinct, a groovy sense of swing in her rhythms, and an exploratory spirit. This is music on a human scale .. it's not loud. You don't loose your hearing listening to her. Environmentally sustainable.

Joanna Newsome .. The Y's
Epic story telling! 5 songs that push the envelope of narrative song structure. Newsome's polarizing voice and enchanted harp playing is framed by Van Dyke Park's highly ornamental orchestral arrangements. It's like watching The Wizard Of Oz or reading Huckleberry Finn .. It evokes another age, where TV and attention deficit disorder didn't exist. When a song ends at 12 minutes, you wish it would go on forever. I adore her voice, and on this, her second album, she reveals more expressiveness and range, and proves she is not just a refreshing novelty act. This is seriously ambitious art.

Lori Cullen .. Calling For Rain
Those in the know might accuse me of being biased, but this is a stunningly beautiful album by a criminally underexposed singer songwriter. While her last album, the achingly beautiful Uneven Hill, showcased her original writing, this outing highlights her skills as a jazz singer doing highly creative interpretations of songs by Lightfoot, Cockburn, Joni Mitchell, and Harry Nilsson. In the crowded arena of jazz standards, this CD creates a new standard. Beautifully played and produced.

Nik Bartsch's Ronin .. Stoa
Math jazz. Steve Reich pulse pattern minimalism meets The Funky Drummer. Every drummer MUST check this out. Crazy time signatures over repeating modules of piano motifs, with experimental clarinet textures, busy jazz bass, and tuned percussion. It's breath taking. The way that jazz SHOULD be .. innovative!

Final Fantasy .. He Poos Clouds
What can you say about this guy .. he's one of the most awesome talents to EVER come out of Toronto, and undoubtably will soon have the world as his stage. Owen Pallete combines Classical Romanticism violin chops with art smarts and indie rock cred. Wouldn't you know it .. Lori Cullen makes a vocal appearance.

Steve Reich .. You Are
A work for choir and large ensemble that successfully sums up his great achievements, while introducing a new rhythmic propulsion that is almost funky. The greatest living composer, Reich continues to find something new and vital to say.

Roar And The Wolf
A very creative and modern sounding indie release from this surprisingly low profile Ontario based duo. Contemporary electronica meets catchy, heartfelt folks songs. It will be impossible to find in stores .. look for them in my Top 8. Supporting a project like this has consequences and is super meaningful to the artists .. it deserves recognition and an opportunity to flourish.