Vinyl Picks for 2022
The year began with high hopes for a continuation of the return to normal, or at least something that retained our lower stress levels. I was thrilled to get tickets for the Foo Fighters tour at the awesome Templehof airport. It was to be the foundation for our summer European trip.
However, the best laid plans of mice and men must be flexible and after the tragic news of Taylor Hawkins, change was in the air. Fortunately, there would be more music in the second half of the year with the annual Austin City Limits music festival.
In spite of more available time for discovery, preparing for the long term future took more time than thought. While I had a great year of discovery, I expect a return to new musical discovery heights in 2023.
What follows is my list of finds, favorites and a few surprises too. What did you discover that made 2022 a positive memory?
Album of the Year — Spoon / Lucifer on the Sofa
Although Spoon have been around for a long time, I was introduced to them at Austin City Limits festival this October. Listening to their show from up close, I loved the lead singer’s voice and the alternative throwback sound. A week later, I was sitting at their ACL TV show taping and realized how much of their concert was their new album, Lucifer on the Sofa. Still in heavy rotation for me.
Favorite Live Album —Black Pumas / Capitol Cuts
While I love the studio album, which was my album of the year for 2021, their live recordings for the Capitol Cuts series perfectly captures what they sound live with more soul, more build up. If you want to pretend that you are attending a small intimate Pumas show, put your Bose headphones on, crank up the volume to eleven and close your eyes.
Out of Left Field Album — Trombone Shorty / Lifted
There’s a certain musical sound from New Orleans. It’s not always the right time for it, but this album from Tipitina’s captures the great energy of New Orleans for any time of the day. Just a great uplifting sound that puts you in a good mood for any activity.
Newly Discovered Archive Album —Wu-Tang Clan / Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
One of my personal goals for diving into vinyl and music subscription services, is to expand my musical horizons. I had heard of the Wu-Tang, but didn’t understand the Wu-Tang, until I binged the Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga. I was really blown away by the story and the beats presented in the show so I sat down and realized why they were such a cultural breakthrough. Vinyl me please has liner notes about this incredible album.
Sorry to See You Go — Taylor Hawkins / Foo Fighters
The untimely death of a legendary drummer for the world’s biggest rock band, Taylor Hawkins leaves us way too early. Taylor had become more and more an equal partner in the Foos, joining Dave Grohl on promotional events and even taking on the lead singer role in recent years. This several minute segment from the James Corden show highlights Taylor’s status in the musical scene. Jump to 8:44 for the good stuff.
Best Live Performance — Foo Fighters / Wembley Stadium
After the tragic news of Taylor Hawkins passing, the future looked so bleak for the Foo Fighters, who I had never seen, but had tickets for their June concert at Templehof. Little did I know that I’d score great tickets for the Tribute concert in London and witness an epic six hour marathon of music. The most memorable, emotional moment was clearly Taylor Hawkins son, Shane, drumming to the Foo Fighters’ anthem, Hero.
Album Cover of the Year — North Mississippi All Stars / Set Sail
The simplicity of this album cover, seemingly a bird in motion taking off to escape a charging dog, brings intrigue to your first glance. You might expect a sailboat, but the bird motif gives the chance to also capture the takeoff. Simple is beautiful.
Best Vinyl Subscription Service — Run for Cover Records
I’ve been looking for some more emerging alternative bands since so much of what I discover is outside my sweet spot. This service has brought some bands to my attention that are touring your local clubs, which makes for a less crowded, less costly evening out of music discovery. I have my eyes on a few of these to come through Austin in 2023. Let’s see if RFC can keep up the momentum too.
That’s all from me. What have you been listening to this year even if you just discovered it this year?
