My Top 100 Albums of the Decade (70-61)
70. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan (2005)
"And I get lonely, but I ain't that lonely yet."
Elephant made the Stripes stars, so what did they do next? A curio of a rock album, filled with piano, a little marimba and a lot of ghosts. Yes, ghosts. There's a "Little Ghost" and the ghost of Rita Heyworth, more than once.
Only the most honest and respectable rock stars can reach new commercial heights and respond with playful experiments and bold leaps of faith. This was more of the former, but if you can't jam to "My Doorbell" and "The Denial Twist," it's time to retire, no matter what it is that you do.
The White Stripes - "My Doorbell"
69. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block (2007)
"All we care about is talking; talking only me and you"
They're Swedish, and the language can be a little clunky at times. But it's hard to care when the songs are this good. "Young Folks" became somewhat of a minor hit, and for that, we should all be grateful, because it's one of those few, precious things: A melody that sounds timeless the first time you hear it. The soaring "Objects of my Affection" is almost as good.
Peter Bjorn and John - "Young Folks"
68. Brian Wilson - Smile (2004)
"I threw away my candy bar and I ate the wrapper, and when they told me what I did, I burst into laughter"
The story of this album is long and fascinating. Its eventual existence can be described in the same way. Sure, you've heard versions of these songs before, but that would be the only reason why Smile wouldn't live up to the hype. It's not much of a reason.
Brian Wilson - "Heroes and Villains" (live)
67. The New Pornographers - Mass Romantic (2000)
"I'm told the eventual downfall is just a bill from the restaurant; you told me I could order the moon, babe, just as long as as I shoot what I want"
This is how you make an entrance. Mass Romantic comes equipped with so many boisterous, energetic, finely-tuned pop songs, you'd think it was the greatest hits collection of a band you've never heard of before. And in a way, it was.
The New Pornographers - "Letter From an Occupant"
66. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone (2009)
"They call them killer whales ... but you seem surprised when it pinned you down, to the bottom of the tank where you can't turn around, it took half your leg, and both your lungs"
One of the two albums from this year that made enough of a mark (and was released early enough) to make this list. When considering her work with the New Pornographers and her most recent solo albums, Case has entered "can do no wrong territory." It's a tough club to crack, but an easy group to depart (one lackluster album is all it takes). Having a supreme voice like Case does, however, will give her a better chance than most.
This album is like going on a safari. (I'd say it was like walking through a nice zoo, but that kind of goes against the spirit here.) Animals everywhere, plenty of awe and wonder, and some humor, too.
Neko Case - "People Got A Lotta Nerve"
65. Tenacious D - Tenacious D (2001)
"A secret to be told, a gold chest — to be bold, and blasting forth with three-part harmony, yeah!"
I only get to pick one quote?
This list is nothing if not honest. You wouldn't think a so-called "novelty" or "rock comedy" album could have staying power, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't listen to it anymore. Because it's funny. You can quote it for days. And it rocks. The order of importance betwixt these three things is irrelevant.
Tenacious D - "Rock Your Socks Off" (live)
64. White Rabbits - Fort Nightly (2007)
"There is something you want to say, I'm not asking; just sleep your nights away while we go dancing"
An album with a very distinct sound from a band with two drummers. Fort Nightly rocks and rolls and rumbas, but never quite like you might expect. The black-and-white album cover is a good entry point to the vibe — a rock band, if such a thing existed in the 1940's. In an alternate universe, White Rabbits could have been the lead act at V-J Day in Times Square.
White Rabbits - "The Plot"
63. The National - Boxer (2007)
"We're half-awake in a fake empire"
The National is a relatively popular indie band, but I could see how a lot of folks would be turned off. Especially by Boxer, which is very slow. Very few songs jump out and grab you — rather, they take time to sink their hooks in. But once they're in, they're in. The songs and the band.
The National - "Apartment Story"
62. They Might Be Giants - The Else (2007)
"Withered Hope, I'm in love with you, want to live with you, Withered Hope; Are you going to say to me this can never be? Are you going to say to me, Withered Hope?"
Those who write off TMBG as a novelty act simply haven't heard enough of 'em. In the last 25 years, has there been a duo more outrageously inventive, endlessly melodic and prolific than the Johns? They're like an underground Lennon & McCartney. (I'm not making the comparison, but I am, kind of, if you catch my drift. Don't charge me with blasphemy. I don't have the time for it.)
Anyway, written off again, due to the group's perceived complete transformation into a kiddie band (or as some would argue, an inevitable conclusion in the band's evolution), The Else confirms nothing of the sort had ever happened. TMBG is as catchy as ever here, and surprisingly affecting at times. I'm impressed.
They Might Be Giants - "I'm Impressed"
61. Ben Kweller - Sha Sha (2002)
"I got a bad flavor, I got dirty clothes, I got a strange neighbor who doesn't have curtains on her windows"
Ben Kweller isn't the greatest lyricist, but neither is Bernie Taupin. And we still listen to Elton John songs, don't we? Sha Sha is pure power-pop fun. And it's as simple as that.
Ben Kweller - "Commerce, TX"