Brian James's Blog, page 57

Rabbits, Well Said

For the second year in a row, I managed to say rabbits on the first day of the year. Over the past few years, I've come to see this as the ultimate controller of luck. Two of the previous three years were ones where I've said rabbits on the 1st of January, and both brought me luck throughout the year in strange and unpredictable ways. Unlike the the tradition of saying it every first of the month, I only do it on the first of the year, which makes it extremely challenging, and especially potent. I give thanks to all the rabbit gods, those mysterious keepers of time, and wish you all the best of luck in the New Year.   (For More of My Thoughts on the Superstition, check here.)

Welly, Welly, Welly, Well...It's 2016

Happy New Year to All My Droogies!

Live Music Roundup 2015

Traditionally, I've never been very high on Live albums, but this year makes me rethink that. There were a great number of live records released this year that were among my favorites. As a rule, I never include Live albums in my best of the year, but seeing as how there were many unforgettable ones, I decided to give them their own roundup. Here they are, in relative order. Enjoy.
The White Stripes - Under Amazonian Lights: The famed duo's brilliant archival Brazil concert.
Ryan Adams - Live at Carnegie Hall: Amazing two-night performance showcasing everything that is good about the singer songwriter.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Live in No Particular Order: Truly captures the sound of this band in ways that studio albums seem to fail to capture. 
The Legendary Pink Dots - Come Out From the Shadows 4 (Live 1993): The best of the many great archival live albums put out by the psychedelic greats this year. 
Placebo - MTv Unplugged: Like the best albums in the long running series, it presents a different unique sound of the under-appreciated band. 
The Rolling Stones - The Marquee Club Live in 1971: My favorite era of the band, and this set really sees them on top of their game. 
Dr. Dog - Live at a Flamingo Hotel: Spanning the Philly band's entire catalog, this live set reminded me what I've always loved about them. 
Belle and Sebastian - Live 2015: Fresh off their great new album, this home-coming set sees the band in joyous form.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Live in Paris: After years of silence, this live record shows that the San Fran rockers are still as good as they've ever been.