best of the year

Cool Culture

Dusty Wright — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 05:02:00 +0000

Cool Culture Dusty Wright December 29, 2018 - 00:02

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Here is my list of top-notch, dare I say, epic culture from 2018. Certainly in these digitally-enhanced days, it can be overwhelming to check out everything. I suspect I'll continue to discover more, as I read some of my peers' favorites. In any event, hope you have the time to check out some of my choices.

A Private War (Aviron Pictures)

A movie that will put war into perspective in a more than obvious way, the way that war correspondents do so every time they step onto the battlefield; telling the truth can be perilous to their lives. Sadly, giving voice to the voiceless will always be dangerous politics.Look for Rosalind Pike to get an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the most celebrated war correspondent of our time, Marie Colvin. Ditto for the director Matthew Heineman and the movie itself.

Capernaum (Sony Pictures Classics)

This film shatters humanity's inhuman way of handling our fellow humans with little to offer them in ways of support or empathy. Winner of the coveted Palm D'Or at Cannes, not hard to see why. Director Nadine Labaki's Capernaum ("Chaos") tells the story of Zain (Zain al Rafeea), a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the "crime" of giving him life. It was made with a cast of non-professionals playing characters whose lives closely parallel their own. This emotionally-charged film will leave its mark on you for life.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2 (Amazon Studios)

This is the best on-line/TV/episodic show of the past decade. Kudos Amazon Studios. Caveat alert! No, I've not seen The Handmaid's Tale yet. And I loved season two of Showtime's stand-up comedy period piece circa early 1970s I'm Dying Up Here. (Sadly executive producer Jim Carey's show got cancelled.) Season 2 of Mrs. Maisel may not pack the wallop of Season 1, but it's the devil in the details that had me binge view the new season. There is more focus on her Jewish family at home, in Paris, in the Catskills for the summer, her disastrous comedy road tour, et al. As a former TV agent that worked with comedians, I know a few things about the lives of comedians. The sophomore season focuses on Rachel Brosnahan's Miriam "Midge" Maisel trying to navigate her slow ascension into the world of showbiz while juggling the mishegoss of her upper-crust Jewish family on the Upper West Side of NYC. (I live on the Upper West Side and little has changed in the social fabric of our neighborhood.) Midge has to deal with all of it -- her Paris-based mother Rose (Marin Hinkle), her Columbia professor father Abe (Tony Shalhoub), her soon-t0-be-ex-husband (?) Joel (Michael Zegen), her foul-mouthed and badass manager Susie (Alex Borstein), her CIA-employed brother Noah (Will Brill) and neurotic sister-in-law Astrid (Justine Lupe), "in-your-face" father-in-law Moishe (Kevin Pollack), and even Lenny Bruce (the extraordinary Luke Kirby). I hope the producers and writers can pump up Season 3. Expect more Emmy nominations/awards for this show in 2019.

The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt: A Tyranny of Truth (Bloomsbury Publishing)

Author/New Yorker cartoonist/CC contributor Ken Krimstein has released one of the finest graphic novels of our generation. Before you thumb your nose at the thought of "reading" a graphic novel one would be well-served to buy this novel and ingest it for yourself. Don't believe me? Cartoonist Roz Chast had this to say: "Ken Krimstein's deeply moving graphic memoir about the life and thoughts of philosopher Hannah Arendt is not only about Hannah Arendt. It's also, through her words, about how to live in the world..."

Slave Play Off-Broadway Play

A riveting and complex portrayal of race, gender, and mental health in America presented by the New York Theater Workshop. Playwright Jeremy O. Harris rips apart history to shed new light on being black in the 21st century. Directed by Obie Award winner Robert O'Hara, it has already won the Rosa Parks Playwriting Award, the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, The Lotos Foundation Prize in the Arts and Sciences and the 2018 Paula Vogel Award. Look for it to move to a larger New York theater in the new year.

The Kinks - Preservation Green Society Box Set (Warner)

Some have suggested that this is the quintessential Kinks album and one of the quintessential rock albums about English society circa mid-196os. This box set has the vinyl in stereo, mono, German pressings; CDs with bonus tracks including the one above. A treasure-trove and a must-own collection for any music fan!

Stay Awake: Music from Vintage Disney Films (A&M/UMe)

I admit a very soft spot for the early Disney films, and a massive disdain for rote covers of classic songs. Thankfully producer Hal Willner does as well. This is one of my favorite “cover” albums ever produced. So many amazing versions of amazing songs from amazing Disney movies. Check out my full review here.

The Band - Music from Big Pink (Universal Music Group)

Much has been written about the legacy of The Band, architects and purveyors of the entire Americana movement, all of it deserving. One only needs to start with their genre-defining debut, one of the finest debut's by any band from the 1960s. Here it gets the royal vinyl treatment -- remixed and re-released as a double album, 180 gram, 45 RPM. Listen to the digital version of one of the greatest "American" songs ever written. Not bad for 4 Canadians and one badass drummer/vocalist from Arkansas.

Loma Loma (SubPop)

From Shearwater vocalist Jonathan Meiburg, ethereal vocalist Emily Cross, and multi-instrumentalist/engineer Dan Duszynski comes this ethereal juggernaut. Sonically rich even ambient at times, but complex enough to require multiple listens to fully appreciate the magic created by this trio. Check out the video for "Black Widow" above.

The War and Treaty Healing Tide (Thirty Tigers)

Won't find any false pretenses in this release. Gospel, funk, rock, soul... a heady stew of timeless music that will sanctify even the coldest heart!

IDLES - Joy as an Act of Resistance (Partisan Records)

Punk-rock fury from the UK. Visceral and in-your-face anger. Like PIL, like The Fall, like Gang of Four, like... shit, "anger is an energy." Just ask Mr. Lydon. Or the IDLES' lead singer. "I'm like Stone Cold Steve Austin, I put homophobes in coffins."

Shame - Songs of Praise (Dead Oceans)

The debut studio album by yet another British post-punk band Shame might have been released in January 2018, but it didn't find it's way to me until August. This London-based quintet has a killer guitar sound throughout and shares the same artistic aesthetics as Wire, The Fall, even Oasis on the fantastic ballad "Angie." For me, the best of the ten tracks is the Iggy Pop-like rocker "Gold Hole" (see video above). Nary a weak track, top to bottom. I picked it up on vinyl.

Charles Lloyd & The Marvels + Lucinda Williams Vanished Gardens (Blue Note/UMG)

I saw them live at Jazz at Lincoln Center just last week. Charles Lloyd was revelatory, even at the young age of 80! And Lucinda held her own with these masters of jazz, even inspiring them. Their take on Dylan's "Masters of War" needs to be required listening.

Natalie Prass - The Future & The Past (ATO)

Funky white girl lets some funky 1970s pop seep into the proceedings as well as a little help from her friend -- singer-songwriter, producer, arranger, and founder of Spacebomb Records Mr. Matthew E. White -- and results are smooth as silk. 12 undeniable songs, perfect for any road trip, holiday or otherwise.

Parquet Courts - Wide Awake! (Rough Trade)

NYC's punk/alt/indie quartet made one of the best album's of 2018. Think Talking Heads meets The Clash and that's only a small influence-peddling comparison as the funky James Brown video above will prove. Released in May, the video above is from their sixth album and -- IMHO -- their most diverse, musically speaking, and best.

David Bowie - New Let Me Down (2018) (UMG)

This version of Bowie's critically-spurred 17th album from David Bowie Loving The Alien (1983-1988) box set was originally released in April 1987 takes his original vocals, strips away the insipid '80's production value and adds "a brand new production" with new instrumentation overseen by producer/engineer Mario J. McNulty. Bowie himself was never pleased with the "studio sessions" vibe of the album and started Tin Machine band with guitarist Reeves Grabel soon after. This "reinvented" version is extraordinary as it includes elements of the original tracks along with new recorded tracks by some of the artists who worked with Bowie during his lifetime. A stand-alone new vinyl version will be released in February 2019.

For more of my favorite music from 2018, check out my Spotify playlist. It's much more extensive.

What was on your radar for 2018?

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Bah! Humbug? Cool New Music, Books, and Films!

Dusty Wright — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 02:59:50 +0000

Bah! Humbug? Cool New Music, Books, and Films! Dusty Wright December 24, 2011 - 21:59

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Seems like the major labels will continue to mine the nostalgia angle with the hope that they can squeeze a few more ducats from aging music fans everywhere. Fine by me, if the music merits the "super-deluxe-never-before-heard-or-seen" treatment. And since I've been sucked into that black hole with the Dead, Stones, Rush, Hendrix, Jesus & Mary Chain, et al., I've missed some amazing music and culture this past year. No excuses now as I cram a full year's worth of culture down my gullet before Christmas. You can check out more of my favorite culture from 2011 in these Spring, Summer, and Fall articles.

Mia Doi Todd: Cosmic Ocean Ship (City Zen) - I was struck by her otherworldly vocals after copping her major label debut in 2002. Her ninth effort picks up where her critically acclaimed 2008 self-released effort Gea left off. And it's quite apparent that her time on the road opening for Jose Gonzalez informed the vibe on these worldbeat-infused folk-rock tunes. Perhaps we can expect a full-on collaboration sometime soon?

The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) - Somehow I avoided this freewheeling classic for many years. One can trace the arc of the Summer of Love in the Bay Area after reading this autobiographical novel blueprint by one of the Beat Generation's most original voices. Buddhism, poetry, hitchhiking, and back-to-nature ethos abounds. I suspect that "Go West, young man" never sounded more enticing to the disfranchised youth of America than after reading this tome.

Black Dub at Webster Hall, June 2011 - I've been a fan of Daniel Lanois's solo efforts since the '80s, but I was not prepared to be so sonically and emotionally overwhelmed by his latest roots-rock meets gospel/R&B-fueled quartet. If you missed a recent television appearance on Craig Ferguson, or you've not caught them on tour, the vid below showcases them live in the studio.

The Fall: Ersatz G.B. (Cherry Red Record) - WTF? Mark E. Smith's 29th release? Really? Formed in 1976 in Manchester, England, an acquired taste when he first hit the punk rock scene, championed by the late great John Peel on BBC radio. Cryptic lyrics; abrasive, nasty, and evocative tunes; Smith's nasal vocals floating above the din of noisy guitars, and fractured rhythms never let go.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (Warner Brothers Films) - Am I easily entertained or is this one of the most satisfying movies of the year? You want closure in a film series? Yup, director David Yates delivers. Actors? How often can a movie series boast that the actors actually grew up in each installment and not only maintained their excellence but expanded with their roles. Immense, grandiose, and thoroughly enjoyable; I've watched it several times these past few months and have yet to tire of it.

Jonathan Wilson: Gentle Spirit (Bella Union) - It's not all that difficult to appreciate the artistic integrity of Laurel Canyon's folk-rock music community circa early '70s. Nor is it a stretch to say that it seeped into this transplanted North Carolina singer/songwriter/producer/guitar builder and his music jams he hosted while he lived there. And while he may now reside in Echo Park, the mojo of CSN, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and Warren Zevon, et al, has left its mark on his provocative and organic music.

Neil Diamond: The Very Best of Neil Diamond (Sony Legacy) - The man certainly turned out the chart hits back in the day. If you're a youngster and don't know his catalog, this is the place to start. Twenty-three tasty tunes, all of them easily digestible and dynamic sing-along pop rock. The original "I'm a Believer" remastered in glorious mono may be even better than The Monkees' cover. Ditto for "Solitary Man," "Cherry Cherry" and "Red Red Wine."

Chinglish by David Henry Hwang - Many ways to deceive in business, love, and awkward social settings. Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang explores them all in this East-meets-West, thinking-man's dramatic comedy. Cleverly staged as projected Chinese subtitles are woven into the rich dialog of the Asian and American cast within a revolving set that all add up to the thrill of this theatrical staging. Worth the sadly bloated Broadway ticket price.

The War on Drugs: Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian) - Philly-based Kurt Vile and Adam Granduciel side project cops a Mogwai/Spiritualized-shoegazer, Dylan vibe and doesn't need to offer any apologies about that hybrid either. It's pretty compelling and catchy space rock even if the Dylan reference has more to do with Adam's nasal, whiny vocals.

The Lawless: Habit Forming (Mille Plateaux Organic) - One of my favorite electronica labels releases another classic. One would think that these tunes may have found their way out of a Tarrantino film or Morricone score, but not so. U.K.-based Ross McLean has crafted a superlative album of timeless music even playing most of the instruments -- bass, guitar, drums, piano, keyboards, accordion, flutes, glockenspiel, percussion, and backing vocals.

Jimson: Bee Stings & Broken Hearts (MusicOfJimson.com) - Nashville-based singer/songwriter Christopher James enlisted the aid of multi-instrumentalist/producer/k.d. lang bassist Lex Price on his self-released debut CD. A very wise move, as they seem the perfect complement to each other. Suffice to say, I'm hooked on his dreamy, pastoral alt folk-rock. You will be, too.

P.J. Harvey: Let England Shake (Vagrant) - I confess, I've got a man-crush on Ms. Harvey. Happenstance a few years back, I stood next to her at a Calexico gig at Irving Plaza and I was absorbed by her energy via osmosis. Truth be told, I was already a fan of her music since her crackling debut Dry in '92. This album smolders with that same energy -- feminine mystique, enveloping me, cradling me, nurturing me into submission. It matters not that this is her crowning achievement, her homage to her motherland. I can only suckle, nourished and satiated by her majestic poetry.

Real Estate: Days (Domino) - A nod and a wink to The Feelies; fellow New Jersey rockers have big shoes to fill if they think they can bump them from my favorite Garden State band perch. But you know what? Their second proper album is pretty damn fine, regardless. You like jangly R.E.M.-like guitars and propulsive drums? Check. And check out their Shins homage "It's Real" and try not to be swept away on arpeggiated guitar hooks.

The Who: Quadrophenia Deluxe Edition (Geffen Records) - This remains my favorite work by Mr. Townsend and his U.K. lads. Bombastic, rockin', and just plain fucking grand. And the movie is equally deserving. Extras offer insight into Pete's work. Not a clunker in the lot. I can't think of a better double rock record ever released. Now when will the film get re-released in theaters on wide screens with quadrophonic sound?

Various Artists: Johnny Boy Would Love This!...A Tribute to John Martyn (Liaison Music) - The peerless U.K. singer/songwriter gets a very deserved two-CD homage from some of contemporary rock's most unique voices including Beth Orton, The Swell Season, David Gray, Snow Patrol, Lisa Hannigan, Paolo Nutini, et al. Rare that a tribute record affords unique interpretations of such amazing music. Emotional depth is reached on Beck's "Stormbringer" and Robert Smith's "Small Life" as they breathe life into their two respective classic tracks.

Blessings to you and yours during the Holidays and the New Year.

The Ten Best Films of 2008

Brandon Judell — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:46:45 +0000

The Ten Best Films of 2008 Brandon Judell January 4, 2009 - 10:46

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As Gloucester noted in King Lear, "We have seen the best of our time: machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all ruinous disorders, follow us disquietly to our graves." Accordingly, the best of the films I've viewed in 2008 often dealt with the vilest aspects of humanity and how a few brave souls strived to comprehend and possibly survive these man-made obstacles to a happy existence.

1. Ballast

Lance Hammer's feature debut is a brilliant trek into the Mississippi Delta, where three impoverished souls -- both financially and spiritually -- are able to rebuild their lives when reluctantly thrown together by a suicide.

2. Frost/Nixon

With a title that clearly is not viewer friendly, this delicious look at David Frost's infamous interview with Richard Nixon turns out to be one of the most entertaining films of the year thanks to Ron Howard's tight direction, Peter Morgan's witty screenplay, and the solid performances of Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, and Sam Rockwell. Tricky Dicky's fearful fascination with Italian shoes is worth the price of admission.

3. Hunger

Artist Steve McQueen turns to celluloid for his latest medium, and the result is an instant, gut-wrenching, political classic. Detailing the final six weeks of the hunger strike of Bobby Sands, along with his fellow members of the IRA, this brutal paean to those who will die for their beliefs is an unforgettable experience.

4. 4 Month, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

Cristian Mungiu's letter-perfect movie follows two Bucharest-based university roommates, Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) and Gabita (Laura Vasiliu), as they arrange for an abortion while living under a regime where that very act is outlawed. An astounding tour-de-force.

5. Milk

It's hard not get teary eyed over Gus Van Sant's valentine to Saint Harvey and to gays and lesbians throughout the land. Of course, you don't have to be queer to appreciate this bio-pic about a man with balls who fights to overturn America's deepest prejudice. Uptight straight boys can just squint their eyes and imagine this as an RKO western with the good guy (Sean Penn) having a rather bloody shootout with the bad guy (Josh Brolin) on the wild, wild plains of the Castro.

6. Slumdog Millionaire

Having caught Danny Boyle's human-rights thriller on the very same day Mumbai was attacked only added to the seesawing effect of bliss and horror this surprise box-office hit elicits. Plot: poor, young Jamal wins top prize on the Regis-Philbin-free, Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jamal's journey to the show and the aftermath he confronts makes for one of modern cinema's most heart-wrenching love stories. (Warning: Stay for the end credits.)

7. Standard Operating Procedure

Does anyone still remember Abu Ghraib? Americans torturing and sexually abusing innocent Iraqis certainly fell out of the collective memory during the 2008 election. Don't blame Errol Morris, whose detailed documentary re-ignites the horrors of the atrocities thanks to the shocking confessions he garnered from the soldiers who posed for snapshots of their government "sanctioned" activities.

8. Tehilim

In Jerusalem, when a father disappears from his automobile after a minor car accident, two boys must contend with how their clashing secular mother and Orthodox Jewish grandfather contend with the loss and its accompanying mystery. Raphael Nadjari's minimalist journey through love and prayer is mesmerizing.

9. The Wrecking Crew

The happiest film of 2008 is Denny Tedesco's tuneful documentary. This sing-along, joyful pic unearths a group of studio musicians who actually played all the music on LPs by The Byrds, Cher, Nancy and Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, and Captain and Tennille. A must to see and listen to.

10. Waltz with Bashir

Like last year's Persepolis, Waltz is an astonishing visual work of art while having the content of a first-rate documentary. Helmer Ari Folman, utilizing surreal and Freudian imagery, illustrates the angst-ridden memories of Israeli soldiers who fought in Lebanon and who now are trying comprehend their battle experiences. One of the great anti-war films.>

Sweet 16

Dusty Wright — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 18:08:36 +0000

Sweet 16 Dusty Wright December 16, 2005 - 13:08

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Tasty Tunes From 2005! Holiday time. Stocking stuffers, grab bags, gifts for friends, bosses, family members, and yourself. Year-end lists. Whatever. It's time for my assessment of new music from the past year. And though I haven't heard everything, from my vantage it was a bumper crop year for new music -- although if you listened to terrestrial radio, you might think otherwise. Some of it was from major labels. Go figure. But with the proliferation of MP3 players, why even bother with radio? I've had a grand time cobbling together set lists for my son's grade school parties, summer BBQs, NYC dinner soirees, and my yearly CD compilation for friends and relatives. In no particular order, my favorites released in 2005:

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (CYHSY) - An indie rock quintet from N.Y.C. that's as quirky as its name suggests. Not since Talking Heads' 77 have I heard something both odd -- in a good way -- and this refreshingly catchy. And lead singer Alec Ounsworth does share a bit of Mr. Byrne's yelping delivery and obtuse imagery, too. Bowie has proclaimed them and Arcade Fire cool -- not that either one needs his support, just his marketing budget.

Vashti Bunyan Lookaftering (Fat Cat) - 36 years after her much-sought-after debut Just Another Diamond Day, produced by Joe Boyd, comes her sophomore effort; a gorgeous folk-rock record so effortlessly engaging it slipped under the music radar of even many ardent musicologists. These songs float on gossamer threads of vocal perfection, with delicate acoustic guitar and the occasional piano or glockenspiel to add color.

Robert Plant & the Strange Sensation Mighty Rearranger (Sanctuary) - Wherein Mr. Plant revisits his folk-rock roots on Zep III and worldbeat explorations on Physical Graffiti. This release -- and his tour with his killer band -- was a master class in songwriting, execution, and production.

Kasabian Kasabian (RCA) - The debut by these U.K. lads has more in common with Shaun Ryder's Happy Mondays/Black Grape or Primal Scream than The Strokes, although they all share the same shabby dance grooves. Kick out the baggy jams!

Dwight Yoakam Blame The Vain (New West) - Though divorced from his long time producer/partner/lead guitarist Pete Anderson, the split and hook-up with a new band anchored by Keith Gattis' blazing git-tar reinvigorated his muse -- 12 self-penned gems. This is Bakersfield-styled hook-filled honky-tonk music with loud guitars and old school weepy ballads from my favorite LA-based cowboy.

Of Montreal The Sunlandic Twins (Polyvinyl) - Kevin Barnes hails from Athens, GA, and his ad hoc band borrows the sassiness of disco married to the '90s alt-pop rock sensibilities of Matthew Sweet. This is intelligent and challenging music that burrows deep into your noggin while you move yer feet.

Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate In the Heart of the Moon (Nonesuch) - Indigenous to Mali, this hypnotic folk music sounds both familiar and far away, yet always invigorating. Two masters demonstrate to Westerners how one masters one's instrument.

Heartless Bastards Stairs and Elevators (Fat Possum/Ryko) - This power blues-tinged garage rock trio from Cincinnati, OH is fronted by the diminutive dynamo and twenty-seven year old singer/songwriter/guitarist Ms. Erika Wennerstrom. I say she's America's answer to P.J. Harvey, with more muscle, bigger pipes, and I bet she'd have your back in an alley fight.

The Coral The Invisible Invasion (Datasonic/Columbia) - XCP-encoded software aside, this U.K. outfit's third CD was my favorite agro-alt-rock release of the year. It features more Beefheart exploration of song form and delivery than their first and second efforts.

The Redwalls de nove (Capitol) - Four scruffy lads from Illinois take the boozy swagger of early '70s U.K. rock. In fact, I thought this was a Ronnie Lane vocal from some obscure Faces tune I'd not heard.

Betty LaVette I've Got My Own Hell to Raise (Anti) - Michigan native and veteran R&B singer relegated to cult status gets a wonderful production assist from singer/songwriter Joe Henry and shows the young R&B set what great songs and gritty grooves will getcha.

Oasis Don't Believe the Truth (Epic) - It's hard not to snicker at all that the Gallagher brothers mine and mimic on their records, and this CD is no exception, but damn, they write and play catchy rock and roll tunes nonetheless. The additions of Gem Archer and Andy Bell have certainly reinvigorated things. And Ringo's son, Zak Starkey, on drums might have been one smooth, calculated move that worked. Turn it up!

Otis Taylor Below the Fold (Telarc) - Blues from a rusty gun with smoky vocals and inspired arrangements. This was the freshest blues sound to crisscross the crossroads in such a tired and overwrought genre.

Kaiser Chiefs Employment (Universal) - Great driven punky rock tunes like the single, "I Predict a Riot" and the hopelessly catchy "Na Na Na Na Naa" from this U.K.-based four-piece. In another era that might have been The Ramones, or The Jam, or at least The Damned. Well, let's give them a chance to get few more discs under their collective belts before those comparisons stick; but a fine release nonetheless.

Brad Mehldau Trio Day Is Done (Nonesuch)- Starting with Radiohead's "Knifes Out" nearly ruined it for me, yet another Radiohead song on one of his records, but that was just an attitude adjustment for the grooves and piano magic that lie ahead. The cover of UK cult folkie Nick Drake's "Day Is Done" is breathtaking.

Little Barrie We Are Little Barrie (Artemis) - Released way back in February -- yet another Brit act -- though this one is a London-based trio that mashes funk, rock, and butt-shaken blues grooves. And I hail young Barrie Cadogan's funky git-tar licks. Sure, they ape the Black Crowes, but who cares with tunes this tasty? I could even imagine them covering Humble Pie's "Hot & Nasty" on their next one and bet they'd turn it upside down.

Hands down, my favorite single of the year is the subtlety effusive, piano-driven ballad "Breathe Me" off of Colour the Small One (Systematic) by Australian-born singer/songwriter Sia. It was released abroad in 2004, but didn't hit our shores until it was included on the Six Feet Under, Vol. 2: Everything Ends compilation. Rarely is a song utilized more effectively in film or television than this song was on the closing sequence of the aforementioned HBO series-ending episode. It was one of those extraordinary moments when song and imagery meld into one seamless artistic statement. Then I saw her exceptional music video for the same song and I thought, my god, she's matched that magic with her own cinematic vision -- thousands of Polaroid photos flipped by the artist in this computer-assisted stop-motion piece. Track it down on the web and watch for yourself. Rarer is the video that matches the artistry of the song; a few come to mind. Sinead O'Connor's stunning take on Prince's "Nothing Compares to You" and Missy Elliot's"Work It," a hip-hop image-smashing mish-mash from a few short years ago. Come to think of it, few have left that indelible stamp on my memory like those three -- interesting that they were all songs by women.

"Here by the Window" -- my other favorite song of the year -- is by the San Fran-born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Miranda Lee Richards. She was once upon a time Kirk Hammett's (of Metallica) guitar student and part of the The Brian Jonestown Massacre circus. Then in 2001 she found her own footing and got signed to Virgin, where she was being peddled as a waifish cover girl singer/songwriter. She's certainly much prettier, and much too talented, for that dead-end marketing niche. I suspect the label didn't know how to typecast her and probably dropped the ball. That CD, The Herethereafter, is a breathtaking ride of neo-folk-rock psychedelia with a little help from the finest popsters in L.A., including Jon Brion, Patrick Warren, David Campbell, et al. She's got a dreamy vocal thing like Mazzy Star meets Over the Rhine.

But back to her current material... I heard the piano-driven ballad "Window" while web surfing one day and decided she warranted further investigation. I played it over and over again, fixated by the beauty and simplicity of the song. I checked her touring schedule. Synchronicity. She was in town that very week for CMJ and playing the tiny but intimate Rockwood Musichall. And thankfully she played that soul-stirring song on the baby grand at the venue accompanied only by her electric guitarist. I bought her EP that she was selling at the gig just for that song. It got downloaded to my iPod immediately, where I still share it with anyone who puts on my headphones. I just pray that if she gets signed to a new label that they don't do a thing to this perfect track. Go to her site -- www.mirandaleerichards.com -- and check it out for yourself. I know I probably missed out on more amazing music. Let me know what you thought was 'pod worthy this year.