Year of the Joni: Episode #1

In the first episode of “Year of the Joni”, we take a look at Joni Mitchell’s upbringing on the Canadian prairie and the events that would shape the resilient, uncompromising artist we know today. You can listen to the first episode HERE, or better yet, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher (search: Year of the Joni).

WORKS CITED

INTERVIEWS

Charlie Rose – Green Room

CBC Music Interview

30 Years of Joni Mitchell’s Music – CBS This Morning

Interview with Pamela Wallin

A Woman of Heart and Mind (Documentary)

MUSIC

Joni Mitchell:

“The Last Time I Saw Richard”

“The Tea Leaf Prophecy”

“Urge for Going”

“River”

“Let the Wind Carry Me”

“Day After Day”

Harry James “Its Been A Long, Long Time”

Leopold Stokowski “Clair De Lune”

Rachmaninoff “The from The Story of Three”

Ray Charles “What’d I Say”

The Kingston Trio “Scotch and Soda”

Miles Davis “So What”

RESEARCH

Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words by Malka Marom

Joni: The Creative Odyssey of Joni Mitchell by Katherine Monk

Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe

Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and the Journey of a Generation by Sheila Weller

BDWPS Podcast: Episode #71

In the latest episode of BDWPS Podcast, we take a look at some of the most powerful female voices in music today, including Courtney Barnett, Johanna Warren, Soccer Mommy, Anna Von Hausswolff, Frigs, Kali Uchis, Beach House, Snail Mail, and Lindi Ortega.

Check it out HERE, or better yet, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, or Stitcher (search: BDWPS). 

Year of the Neil: Episode #12

In the final episode of “Year of the Neil”, we take a look at Young’s political activism and his technological innovations. We also take a tour through the plethora of material released by the tenacious songwriter over the past 20 years (subscribe!): CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

BDWPS Podcast: Episode 68

In the latest BDWPS Podcast, we check out some of the best music to come out in 2018 so far, including new tracks from No Age, Alela Diane, Superchunk, Jeff Rosenstock, Hookworms, and Sufjan Stevens.

Check it out HERE, or better yet, subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher (search: BDWPS).

Tracklist:

No Age “Send Me”

Ty Segall “My Lady’s On Fire”

Alela Diane “Ether & Wood”

Superchunk “What a Time To Be Alive”

Jeff Rosenstock “USA”

Hookworms “Static Resistance”

Sufjan Stevens “Tonya Harding”

Bob Dylan “All I Really Want To Do”

Top 20 Songs of 2017

In last month’s BDWPS Podcast, I went through my favorite 20 songs of 2017. Check it out HERE, or better yet, subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher (search: BDWPS).

Top 40 Albums of 2017 (20-1)

The most alarming development in the world of music in 2017 (beside the lack of protest music in a time of uncertainty) is the rise of the playlist. In the past few months, publications like The Ringer, LongReads.com, Pitchfork, and The Guardian have posted articles that explored the popularity of pre-made playlists by streaming services and the impact they may have on indie artists and the album as an art form. Sadly, many listeners today would rather go to the one stop shop of a vanilla playlist that rarely strays outside the lines, and as a result, many may never experience the fulfilling experience of hearing a well-crafted album from start to finish.

Fortunately, there are artists still striving to release great albums that require focus and reflection to truly appreciate. On this year’s list you will find many albums that were overlooked by major music websites, and you will also see many of the most prominent names absent. If you’re looking for a list that ignores hype and focuses solely on innovation and art within the form of an album, then this compilation of the best that 2017 had to offer might be just what you’re looking for.

Top 40 Albums of 2017 (40-21)

 

Honorable Mention:

Converge, The Dusk in Us

Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Luciferian Towers

Greet Death, Dixieland

Shannon Lay, Living Water

Oddisee, The Iceberg

Pile, A Hairshirt of Purpose

St. Vincent, Masseduction

Kamasi Washington, Harmony in Difference EP

Why, Moh Lhean

Chelsea Wolfe, Hiss Spun