Greg Bartalos: December 25, 2005

1. Various Artists – Gankutsuou: Ost (JVC Victor)
   I just recently got this CD and am surprised at how good it is. Gankutsuou is the name of a Japanese animated TV series. Stranglers bassist J.J. Burnel, who has a black-belt in karate and teaches the martial art in Japan, wrote 8 of the 20 songs on the CD, which is why I bought it. Although Burnel’s songs are on balance great, the rest of the disk is as good. Few CDs are this diverse yet manage to hold it together. Styles include rock, ambient, Latin, western and amazingly, classical, opera and electronic music all in the same song! The sequencing of the tracks is masterful as is the production. The downside is that that this is a pricey import (your best bet is probably eBay). Also be sure to buy Gankutsuou: Ost NOT Gankutsuou: Classic Compilation.
2. Thee More Shallows – More Deep Cuts (Turn)
   Read my comments from last month to see why I like this one so much.
3. The Long Winters – Ultimatum (Barsuk)
   This winning EP should tie fans over until a new full length LP arrives next year. Click here to read my take on the record.
4. Rob Dickinson – Fresh Wine for the Horses (Sanctuary)
   Rob Dickinson’s first solo effort is a winner. More a continuation of his previous work with Catherine Wheel than a sharp departure, Fresh Wine for the Horses gives hope that Dickinson’s next album won’t be five years in the making. Dickinson is also worth catching live.
5. Bob Mould Body of Song (Yep Roc)
   Some of Mould’s best work in years. The energy and directness are back in full force.
6. Teenage Fanclub Man-Made (Merge)
   More of the same is a good thing when it comes to the Fannies. Man-Made’s summery sheen helps you forget it’s freezing outside (at least in NYC).
7. Nada Surf The Weight is a Gift (Barsuk)
   In my Nov. 20 Top Ten list I wrote that this is “an excellent power-pop concoction that delivers strong melodies and Muhammad Ali sized hooks.”
8. The Magic Numbers – The Magic Numbers (Capitol)
   I was initially skeptical of all the hype this received but soon fell under its charms. (That said, I haven’t listened to this in a long time.)
9. New Pornographers – Twin Cinema (Matador)
   Look no further If you want innovative, melodic and accomplished pop.
10. Sufjan Stevens – Illinois (Asthmatic Kitty)
    I didn’t like this much initially. The word “pretentious” kept coming to mind but in time it won me over.