Album of Summer - An Historical Perspective
Mr. Jaeger sent me an email asking if records were kept of past Albums of Summer, or if that information had been lost to history. After a few hours sifting through the Nye Doctoral Vault (think Scrooge McDuck's money bin), and we have unearthed the answer. Prepare to dwell on my mispent youth.
Reminder: the Album of Summer is generally recognized as the most appropriate musical offering for such summer activities as sunny barbeques, windows-down driving and lawn beirut. It's usually released between March and July of that year, but it's hardly a dealbreaker.
1998 - Dave Matthews Band - Before These Crowded Steets
1999 - American Pie Soundtrack
2000 - Phish - Farmhouse
2001 - Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter
2002 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The way
2003 - Linkin Park - Meteora
2004 - Franz Ferdinand - Self Titled
2005 - Beck - Guero
You may notice that the list presents some anthropological curiosities. I won't defend my teenage musical tastes, nor do I wish to revisit the controversy swirling around the 2001 selection. 2003's selection was made without supervision or consent of the normal governing bodies, (if Greeley and Jaeger had websites I would have hyperlinked them there), but I stand by it.
So what's on the docket for 2006? I think the smart money is on the Raconteurs, but as I mentioned before I'm wide open to suggestions.
Comments
Lady Sovereign ...
"Smokin' KILLS and so do my lyrics"
maybe not ...
you are probably not a Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's fan either ... their albums are only good for a couple weeks anyway. Flaming Lips also have a new album out.
Posted by: A.J. | May 4, 2006 12:38 AM
I'm surprised to hear there was so much controversy over Pete Yorn. I don't think it's a consistent enough album to stand the test of time, but it seems like a pretty solid candidate for summertime listening.
Posted by: tom | May 4, 2006 11:42 AM
If I recall correctly, you were pushing for a Steve Malmus album around that time, tom.
Posted by: jeff | May 4, 2006 01:15 PM