Guest List: Michael Hann’s most listened
And the latest list - from Michael Hann who edits The Editor pages in the Guardian, and introduced me to the Decemberists earlier in the year - for which I am truly grateful. He’s done a list of what he listened to over the year. He uses something called a Discman.
From 2003, but dominating the Discman in 2004
Guided by Voices: Human Amusements at Hourly Rates
Truly, America’s most compelling rock band of the last 20 years. This best-of proves it
The Decemberists: Her Majesty The Decemberists/Castaways and Cutouts
The the first new group I’ve felt really passionate about in some years
The Wrens: The Meadowlands
Sort of like Snow Patrol. But good
From 2004, and very good too
The Unicorns: Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone?
Very strange, very playful neo-psychedelia from Canada
Brian Wilson: Smile
As good as one could have hoped for
The Shins: Chutes Too Narrow
Hurrah for indiepop
Secret Machines: Now Here Is Nowhere
I feel I probably shouldn’t like a group so obviously endebted to Floyd and Zep, bnut I can’t help it
From ages ago, but revisited in 2004 and sounding great
10,000 Maniacs: The Wishing Chair
Folkier, and less earnest than their later, bigger albums
Wire: Pink Flag/Chair’s Missing/154
Makes you realise how average the post-punk revival groups really are
V/A: Tamla Motown Gold
Three CDs, 82 tracks, all hits - for under £15. Fantastic.
And one for the kids
Farmer Jason: A Day On The Farm With Farmer Jason
He used to be the leader of Jason and the Scorchers, who were the fiercest of the 80s "cowpunk" bands. And now he makes kids’ albums