http://www.caller.com/news/2011/dec/...errated-discs/
Five of 2011's Most Underrated Discs
Contact Jesse De Leon at
hofner999@yahoo.com
Posted December 30, 2011 at 5 a.m.
"Modern Love" MAT NATHANSON
"Seeds We Sow" LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
"Paul McCartney's Ocean's Kingdom" PAUL MCCARTNEY
"Superheavy" SUPERHEAVY
"Young Love" MAT KEARNEY
CORPUS CHRISTI — Now that 2011 is in our collective rear view mirror, it seems to be a fitting vantage point from which to look back a little more clearly. Musically, it was an interesting year as CD sales continued to swiftly sink. While certain titles enjoyed success on specially-issued vinyl versions, the digital download was still the format of choice for most music consumers. Sure, there were blockbusters from Adele and Kanye, but it is always interesting to note some of the year's more underrated releases. In no particular order, here are five of the year's musical underdogs that are worthy of a second spin.
"Young Love" Mat Kearney (Universal Republic) Kearney's adept if somewhat unconventional gift for melody served him well on his third major label release. His lyrics are masterfully spiritual without being preachy and that has garnered him significant airplay on Christian radio. "Sooner or Later," "Young, Dumb and In Love" and "Learning to Love Again" were just a few highlights of this tragically underappreciated set.
"Seeds We Sow" Lindsey Buckingham (42West) The former Fleetwood Mac guitar virtuoso has always dwelled on the sidelines when it came to his solo career. His penchant for quirky has always shaded his music and that left-of-center approach still infuses his own brand of pop. The catchy melodies are everywhere over the course of these eleven songs, especially "In Our Own Time," "Illumination" and "End of the World," the latter being the most autobiographical set of lyrics he's written and is easily the best song on the disc.
"Paul McCartney's Ocean's Kingdom" Paul McCartney (Concord) McCartney has never been a stranger to reinvention, as his previous dabbling into classical music demonstrated. He took it a step further this year as he was commissioned to compose a ballet and this sprawling group of melodies and flourishes is impressive in their own quiet, underrated way.
"Superheavy" Superheavy (Universal Republic) Mick Jagger has always toyed with the idea of a solo career. His sporadic output since 1985's She's the Boss sounded more like he was just moonlighting when the Stones were on hiatus. He teams with soul chanteuse Joss Stone, Damian Marley and former Eurythmic mastermind Dave Stewart on this ad hoc one-off attempt at a supergroup. "Miracle Worker" and "Common Ground" are two of the most interesting tracks.
"Modern Love" Mat Nathanson (Vanguard) Perhaps the best album that the fewest people heard this past year belonged to the sharp-witted Nathanson. On this album, he proved to be quite the tunesmith, melding thoughtful, sensitive lyrics with deceptively catchy melodies. He is known for his hilarious observations that border on stand-up when performing his live shows, but the sheer excellence of "Faster," "Drop to Hold You" and "Room at the End of the World" are no laughing matter.
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