Artist Picks for 2006: Adam Arcuragi
Multi-talented singer-songwriter Adam Arcuragi is still making a name for himself, and judging by his list of heavy rotation records for 2006, he is well aware of the creative minds he’s up against in the music world. Fortunately, his delicate, melodic approach is in a class all its own, and he understands the value of listening to and appreciating one’s contemporaries.
10. Kelley Stoltz – Below the Branches
What a blessing it is to have such good friends. I live a lot of my life inside, so when my friends pull me up out of my hole by the hair and make me listen to things “you’ll love” and they are like this record I just gotta go “Jesus Christ, what you been doing all this tiiiiiiiimmme?”
9. Belle and Sebastian – The Life Pursuit
Sweet Jesus. Definitely my least favorite live show of theirs. But this record is so good. I listened to it for two months (almost) without listening to anything else. I could write way more than a book on how wonderful this album is. Some of their best and most meaningful (for me personally) since Tigermilk/Sinister-era B&S.
8. Yo La Tengo – I Am Not Affraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
Awesome title. Makes me wish I was married to a gorgeous drummer. Being from NJ is not so bad. There are few things they’ve done that I haven’t totally loved.
7. Various Artists – Goodbe Babylon
I was given this by Daniel from the label High Two when I asked “Hey, where can I get good recordings of old gospel tunes?” I’ve fallen for it. I got it back in February and still haven’t given it back.
6. Mix CD - Why I Cry: Music I Discovered on The Adventures of Pete and Pete Made by P. Wonsowski
So between The 6ths, The Magnetic Fields and The Gothic Archies, my friend’s mix was thought up while we talked about how much we love that old show. “Why I Cry” is one of the best songs ever written. S. Merrit makes me believe in reincarnation, his soul is so solid and piercing. Like getting shot with an arrow of delight.
5. Carly Simon – No Secrets
It was released a long time ago, but I can’t stop listening to it. My heart aches and it smells like sage when I listen to this.
4. National Eye – Roomful of Lions
Fashion moves too fast. If you took My Bloody Valentine and mixed it with The Band you’d have these guys. The record is so dense it is like reading Joyce, you can go back over and over and always find something extraordinary and new.
3. Bonnie “Prince” Billy – The Letting Go
I love the dad from Everybody’s Baby: The Jessica McClure Story. He can smirk his way through anything and I’d totally be into it. I don’t know if he was cast as the boy priest in Matewan because he’s a genius or was totally taken over by a sweet role; I don’t care. I have no tattoos, but listening to this is like getting a tattoo.
2. Cat Power – The Greatest
I was never really in to Cat Power, but this record is stellar. So sweet and honest I am blown away with how confident and masterful each of the songs is, not to mention how soulful the performances are. It is really a solid record.
1. Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
She is so wonderful. Gorgeous voice and brilliant songs. If she would have me I would marry her, just for the spooning and the singing.
Read our interview with Adam Arcuragi here.
Adam Arcuragi MP3:
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