Rodeo Rob's Golden Bull Awards 2003
2003's Hits And Misses
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What's that, you say? You're unfamiliar with the Golden Bull Awards? Well, geez, where the hell have you been for the past 197 years? These awards are handed out to the musicians who made their mark -- rightly or wrongly -- on these ears during the past year.
So strap on those boots, pull up a nice warm drink, and enjoy!
Album of the Year: The Jayhawks, Rainy Day Music
2003 was an interesting year in music, not quite as exciting as the past few years have been. But sometimes nice and easy and familiar is just what the doctor ordered. That, my friends, is what makes Rainy Day Music my album of the year.
This was the album everyone knew Jayhawks singer/songwriter/guitarist Gary Louris could make, and he finally did it. There's nothing especially groundbreaking about the record, it's just a great listen. Solid, catchy, Byrdsian, and damn good.
There's kind of a funny story?for me, at least?behind this record. I ran across a review copy of it in January at the local used CD store as I just started a rather intense relationship. It was officially released in April, when the aforementioned intense relationship ended. I also finally saw the band for the first time that month. The reason I bring it up is because Rainy Day Music was appropriate in both occasions.
Best Unexpectedly Great Album of the Year: Kathleen Edwards, Failer
I didn't know much about Ms Edwards when my friend burned me a copy of her debut, but after the first song I was hooked. Failer is the quintessential break-up/drinking album; the songs pull at your heartstrings, yet keep you strangely at peace.
Let me just say this about Failer: I first listened to it in April (hey, again coinciding with the break-up!), and took it to New York, France, England, and Chicago over the next few months. That's some staying power.
Best Album that Grew on Me After Writing a Negative Review: Caitlin Cary, I'm Staying Out
Perhaps I was a little harsh on Caitlin's sophomore effort earlier this year. I criticized the record for sounding not quite finished and seemingly a little flimsy compared to her 2002 debut, While You Weren't Looking.
Well, I apologize. Sometimes the best albums take time to grow on people, and this one grew on me like a mad weed.
Sorry, Caitlin. Good work.
Worst Album that Shrunk on Me After Writing a Positive Review: Minus Five: Down With Wilco
You know, I love Jeff Tweedy as much as the next guy, but if I listened to this record even once after praising it last January, I'd be stunned. It's not a bad record, I just don't quite know what to make of it anymore.
Best Record I Wish I Reviewed: The New Pornographers, Electric Version
Not unlike Kathleen Edwards' Failer, the New Pornos' second album Electric Version stuck to me like glue during the dog days of 2003. Trekked across Europe with it, and just couldn't get the lovely Neko Case's steller vocals out of my head. "Miss Teen Word Power" has to be one of the best songs of the year, no doubt.
Worst Album I Wish I Reviewed: Ryan Adams, Rock N Roll
I didn't even try to get a copy of this claptrap. I listened to a few tracks at the local Borders and, well, let's just say no one is calling Ryan Adams "the next big thing" anymore.
I really don't like ganging up on the guy, because I sincerely dug Whiskeytown and his first solo album Heartbreaker. But Ryan, this isn't the 70s, and you're not in a hair band.
Album I Don't Quite Get: Jay Farrar, Terroir Blues
This is an odd one. I didn't like it at all at first, but it started creeping up on me like a slow caterpillar after a few weeks. Farrar's new-found love of sonic dissonance actually seemed to mix quite well with his long-time love of weird-ass tunings and cryptic--to put it lightly--lyrics.
Still, I just can't forgive him for the *ahem* chorus in "California." "It's been said before / but it's worth saying / No one could dream a place like California / Oh it's been written before / but it's worth repeating / No one could dream a place like California."
Best Album I Forgot to Review: Allison Moorer, Show
Many of you may know that I have a bit of a guilty pleasure when it comes to Allison, she of the golden voice and fiery red hair. So I was thrilled to get a review copy of Show, a DVD/live CD combo. I planned to write a good, not quite stellar, review. Although her show seemed too tightly choreographed and scripted, the record proved that few people on this planet have the pipes of Allison Moorer.
But for whatever reason, I never got around to it.
Well, sorry Allison's press agents, and thanks for the free CD.
Strangest Album I Forgot to Review: Joe Henry, Tiny Music
My friend Alex hates this record, but there's about four or five songs that made me love it and think of several superlatives to write about it. That said, there's also about four or five songs that almost made me puke.
But, again, I never got around to it.
Ego Booster of the Year: Robbie Fulks
That's right, Fulks is the repeat performer of any Golden Bull Award winner ever! Last year, Fulks won this award for putting up with a droning interview and remembering me and how to spell my name to put me on the guest list at a show in early 2002.
This year, after getting on his guest list again, he not only remembered a little bit about the interview, but actually read my Golden Bull Awards from last year! So he is also probably the only Golden Bull Award winner to actually know he won a Golden Bull Award!
And he told me I project a "burly" web presence. What, moi? Burly? I'm blushing?
Worst Death: Johnny Cash
'Nuff said.
Best Death: ??????
C'mon, did you really think I'd have a category for Best Death? I may project a burly web presence, but not THAT burly.
Best Album By a Guy I Hardly Knew in College: Icewagon Flu, Trouble Has A Car
I ran into a guy I hardly knew in college shortly after the new year and he gave me a review CD of his Hoboken, New Jersey-based band. I listened to with some skepticism?after all, he was a guy I hardly knew--and came away impressed.
I didn't like every song, but I can't seem to get that song "Nudity" out of my head. And I've only listened to it a few times, so that should say something about its catchiness. Good work, Gobshite.
Best Album By a Guy I Wish I Went to College With: Scott Miller, Upside/Downside
I can't say enough how much I loved talking to Scott earlier this year. He seemed like a great guy, and I really think we would've been great friends in college. We both majored in history, we both love music, and we both could talk about sports all night long.
He also wrote a great record and put on one of the best shows I saw in 2003.
Random Observations:
* I'm not sure I'm sold on Jeff Tweedy's new direction for Wilco. At a live show this summer, Wilco sounded far too much like opening band Sonic Youth than I would've cared for. Not to criticize Sonic Youth, but Wilco isn't Sonic Youth.
* Damn that Neko Case can sing. Case was the top performer at the best show I saw last year, a showcase with Carolyn Mark and Kelly Hogan, both of whom can sing with the best of them. Well, Neko blew 'em both away, and the slightly jaded crowd at the Black Cat that hot night in July to boot.
* Damn I miss Joe Strummer.
* Josh Rouse's 1972 is one kooky album.
* Thank you Sony for reissuing the Uncle Tupelo catalog. Those records were in bad need of a refurbishing, and you guys did a hell of a job. And you gave them to me for free.
* Stolie at Bloodshot Records rocks.
* So does the newest Honeydogs record.
RODEO ROB | An expert on all things "alt," Rob spends his days covering the energy industry and his nights covering the DC-area bars. Raise yer glass especially high to this man, for he has contributed to this site constantly since its creation four years ago.