Here they are, most of the albums that were officially inducted* into Jerry Grit’s set of sacred recordings in 2007**.
Soft Pow’r by Little Wings
What if Will Oldham did a sexmedown album and it actually turned out well? It would be like this. It’s a rare album that gets instant canonization, but here you go.
Rock, Rot & Rule by Scharpling & Wurster
Without a doubt. I downloaded this thinking it was what its title purported it to be–some sort of critical music commentary. How angry, and then gleeful, I was to discover it was not at all. This track introduced me to the world of Tom Scharpling (host of The Best Show and so much more) and John Wurster (Superchunk drummer and so much more). For those of you who have not yet discovered it, I am going to give you a gift. Ready? Here you go, http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BS. You’re welcome.
The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse by The Besnard Lakes
And like instantly so. They’re like Low, but with a sense of humor and more instruments and without the Mormon weirdness. Live, they’re even better. I’m beginning to fear too much of my money is going north.
The Modern Tribe by The Celebration
Beach House riding the rails playing a rave. I hate raves, but I’d be pretty happy here. A few collaborations with the TV on the Radio guy got them some press. But further attention is demanded. This is a great album.
Analphabetapolothology by Cap’n Jazz
On first listen, I wanted nothing to do with these guys. It all sounded tossed off and awful. But after almost 5 years of these songs surprising me on my zune, I began hearing the neat patterns that first came off as chaos. It waged a long battle, but I concede to love it.
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga by Spoon
I’ve been listening to Spoon for a spell, but never got hot for a single album. There seemed to be a coldness. Now, I burn. I burn bright, hot and clean like most of these tracks.
The Stage Names by Okkervil River
They did it again. But, I feel like I am in the center of their target demographic, i.e. an unraveling melody loving concept album sucker. They’ll get me everytime.
Cold & Kind by The 1900’s
They sound so soft, but I keep coming back. I guess if I lived in the 70s listening to punk, I might feel the same way for digging Fleetwood Mac. Which I totally do not.
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? by Of Montreal
They’re like the much better egghead version of the Scissor Sisters. It’s nice to get pumped by a song that references Georges Bataille.
Boxer by The National
This album hangs together so well, sustaining a mood without getting repetitive. It’s all velvet and red wine.
This Fool Can Die Now by Scout Niblett
Scout’s been UNDER CONSIDERATION before, but this one is it. And not just for the Will Oldham duets (they do help, though). “Kiss” alone could make this Canon worthy. It sounds like what would happen if Cat Power ever woke up and cared about something.
Living With The Living by Ted Leo
Nice guy finishes first. The songs are smart and easily likeable, while still kicking the asses.
A really imperfect attempt at a comprehensive list of Jerry Grit’s Canon is available on his eMusic page. Although it is limited by eMusic’s offerings and Jerry’s impatience, it also lists albums UNDER CONSIDERATION for canonization–which means they are currently undergoing the requisite trial period of “deep listening.” He’s pretty sure they have a pretty good chance of making it in, but he wants to make really sure. More than once he has been self-duped by nascent enthusiasm. Like he was really into Triplefastaction for one regretful month in ’95.
Despite appearances, he is not a shill for eMusic. However, if you want 50 free tracks and you’re not a member, let him know.
*The qualifications for canonization are complex and evolving. Needless to say, Jerry Grit’s Canon is of course totally subjective insofar as what is canonical has touched Jerry Grit at a particular time in his life and resonated so completely with his being that they now constitute a part his essence. Nonetheless, an argument can be made–by way of the Emersonian “oversoul” path–that at the lower frequencies, Jerry Grit is listening for you.
**It does not mean they were released in 2007, or that they had anything to do with 2007. It just means that in 2007, Jerry realized their deserving place in his Canon.
The Passions of Jerry Grit 