Mick's Playlist

Gary Clark Jr. – The Bright Lights EP

What a surprise! This morning while watching some music on Palladia, I saw the video for Bright Lights and was won over immediately. I have not stopped listening to Gary Clark Jr. all day! Clark Jr.’s blues roots are evident, but it’s obvious that he is not trying to mimic artists of the past. Sometimes people … Continue reading »

Black Crowes: Before the Frost…

One of my good friends, JW, has been a long time Black Crowes friend. I can honestly say that this band would have flown under my radar had he not recommended giving them a listen. Amazing. This band made it big in the 90′s with their hit, ‘Hard to Handle.’ After several more albums, along … Continue reading »

The Who: Who’s Next

To be quite honest, The Who are responsible for my new fascination with classic rock. It all started because of the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago. My parents took us there, and while waiting for our food my dad walked around with me and looked at all the memorabilia. What stood out the most was … Continue reading »

Neil Young: After the Gold Rush

Let’s face it, Neil Young has one of the most annoying voices on the planet. His high tones remind of what a eunuch would sound like if they were to sing. But Neil Young has a gift for songwriting and makes that ridiculously high voice work to his advantage. It just goes to show that … Continue reading »

Top 10 Albums of the Decade

Here my list of the top 10 albums of the decade. Let me know what yours are. 10. Jack Johnson – Brushfire Fairytales (2001) 9. Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002) 8. Once: Music from the Motion Picture (2007) 7. Sigur Ros – Takk… (2005) 6. Iron & Wine – The Creek Drank the Cradle … Continue reading »

Damien Rice: O

Recorded with a portable studio, O is possibly one of the best albums I have encountered. Everything from beautiful harmonies from Lisa Hannigan to the soft cello on tracks like “Volcano,” you will not feel like this album short hands you in any way. As beautiful as the music may be, most of the lyrics … Continue reading »

Rolling Stones: Exhile on Main St.

The only other album I have listened to so far of the Rolling Stones has been Big Hits. To be quite honest, I never really got into the Stones, mostly because Mick Jagger rubbed me the wrong way (not literally). I love Big Hits. And the only reason I ever got it was because it was … Continue reading »

Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers

This album, which is self titled, was a pleasant surprise. I had no idea what to expect when the album started, but from the first track Charlotte’s Web I was captivated. Someone once told me that an accordion has no place in modern music. This may true in the sense that polka is not longer as popular as it … Continue reading »

Sigur Rós: Takk

Beautiful in every way imaginable. Takk is Sigur Rós’ crowning achievement. Coming from Iceland, this band has done wonders for ambient musicians around the world. Do not expect to understand the lyrics in this album, for Jónsi Birgisson uses his own language called Hopelandic. With his falsetto voice and a very dynamic accompaniment, Sigur … Continue reading »