The Top 10 Albums of 1999




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The Top 10 Albums of 1999
by Jordan Hoffman

published 12/27/99

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Jordan Hoffman is LeisureSuit.net's Queens-based Senior Editor.

MOST RECENT YAK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

Subj: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
I would be very happy if you could send me a copy of Dexter's Theme, please!!! =)
-- justin
Nov 12, 2007 at 7:57PM
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I will preface this list the same as I did last year. Recorded music can often be brilliant, yet still not make itself totally known to you until . . . well, until after you've handed in your top ten list for the year. I've only just recently become enamoured of two Fairport Convention albums that are 30 and 31 years old respectively. My good buddy Dirty Man only this week finally got himself a copy of "Exile on Main St." My point is that, unlike Mr. Dye who gets the relatively simple task of compiling a top ten list for films, I get stuck with the sketchier post. As it happens, if I could amend last year's list I'd surely find room for Rufus Wainright's debut, or "Garage Inc." from Metallica. But enough stalling! Here, in the waning days of 1999, I put electric pen to paper and compose my top ten list. Enjoy!

10. The Flaming Lips---The Soft Bulletin

I didn't really get this album until I heard it blasted through trustifarian speakers at a saucy East Village Halloween party. Here it was, as downtown as I could get, we were dressed up, and, beneath that, doing our best to be bohemian. I heard a scruffy rock band masquerading as Yes and, maybe it was the wine, heard absolutely no irony. I heard only beautiful melodies painted with a Yes palate. Would that Yes ever recorded a song with a backbeat like "What Is The Light?" or the piano-driven melodic line of "Race For The Prize." It's not all raves from me, though. I can't listen to the album all the way through; it's just too much after a while. I also find lead dude's voice to be grating on tracks like the would-be inspirational ballad "Spoonful Weighs A Ton," or post-apocalyptic country tune "Suddenly Everything Has Changed." He doesn't have the real power behind his voice like Jon Anderson does. Luckily, the rest of the Lips' instruments of choice aren't so easily comparable. Read Jody Beth Rosen's original review.

9. Robert Cray---Take Your Shoes Off

There was a moment in my musical development when I realized that guitar gods weren't the only ones worth worshiping. Yngwie J. Malmsteen was replaced with Bob Dylan, Iron Maiden for The Band. However, some artists only saw me focus on another aspect of their work. Such was the case with Robert Cray, who can still play his unique pointillist guitar better than anyone, but who resonates with me most with that spine-chilling richness in his voice. "Take Your Shoes Off" is his best since "Midnight Stroll," perhaps his best ever. His blues is a clean blues, but it is overflowing in emotion. Cray is a unique artists, well deserving of all those Grammys he wins every year. Read my original review.

8. Lester Bowie Brass Fantasy---The Oddysey of Funk and Popular Music, Vol 1

Before jazz music became Cosby music, it had two major spheres of reference. The ballyhooed smoky juke joint like the one Altman gave is in Kansas City, or the beret n' black dickie shiny white museum space. The latter kinda died with the 70s, though part of me still yearns for the days when everyone had hair like David Ben-Gurion and were investing in bonds for his country, too. Jazz albums used to have Miro paintings on the cover, instead of well-dressed handsome men. Why do I bring this up? Because this record is the perfect blending of all three styles. The Professionalism of modern jazz, the adventure of artistic avant endeavor, and, let us never forget, the damn funky sounds of a swingin' good time. Sadly, Lester Bowie died this year before he could record Volume Two. Read my original review.

7. Rage Against The Machine---The Battle of Los Angeles

There are TV ads for Sam Goody that feature this album. I take a lot of shit from my friends for liking this band. I repeat guitarist Tom Morello's point about the mass marketing of the record as Trojan Horse. But here's something else--with so many reasons for the public not to like RATM (Limp Bizkit can sing about The Nookie and never force you to think about anything) why is it that their albums sell so goddamn well. Could it be, they rock? Let's leave the commie talk aside for just a minute and focus on the unparalleled power and professionalism of this album. It gets your head bangin', then blows you away with guitar moves and amazing "special effects." Were it in another language, it would still be special. Solidarity! Read my original review.

6. The Gourds---The Ghost of Hallelujah

This album lacks something undefinable that their "Stadium Blitzer" had that pushed it to number one on the list. But this record is damn fine too. It squonks and squeaks and whinnies and drawls just as much, and has just as many songs about goats, fussy kids, Jesus and criminals. At their annual Rodeo Bar show in New York, I turned to a buddy and asked, "can we safely declare that they are the best band out there that does this kind of thing?" He wisely responded, "who else does this?" Kevin Russell's is as crystal and perfect as anything I know, and surely not for those who can't stomach real country. Jimmy Smith has full on assumed the role of Keith Richards, leaving all restraint behind when he sings and plays . . . and who knew a band like this could benefit from a good bass player. They've got a new one comin' out next year . . . hopefully they'll include some of the covers they've been doing, like "Oh Sister," "Don't Pass Me By," "If I Should Fall From Grace With God, " or "The Losing End." Amazing stuff from my favorite unknown band. Read my interview with The Gourds at the release of this album.

5. Hub

This is the find of the year. A solid wintery post-grad rock album. I don't know why Hub hasn't caught on. If he sticks with it, he will, because he is filling a need in my life I'm sure is felt by other music enthusiasts. His dark and smart songs have a clarity and resonance I find vacant in so much of the Starbucks brand singer/songwriters. Hub is playful with spooky effects just enough to make you perk up, but his talent lies in honest, emotional songs. I'd compare him to The Feelies or Yo La Tengo, only he doesn't really sound like them, just acts like them. Read my original review.

4. The Roots---Come Alive!

This album is still a dream for me. It flows uninterrupted from scene to scene, gaining nuance, inexplicable grace, urgency and DAMN good sounds. I can only play it at deafening volumes. Frankly, I'm not sure I've discovered all the contours to this album yet. To compare it to James Brown's "Live At The Apollo" is not hyperbole. The intensity of the live performanc captured here is downright frightening some times. "Adrenaline!" "100 % Dundeee," and "The Ultimate" are pieces that transcend all genre description, save for whatever it is that makes you stand up at attnetion. The Roots are still a young group, and they are creating wonderfully imaginative new sounds. I await their next album with baited breath. Read my original review.

3. Tom Waits---The Mule Variations

This is certainly the most anticipated album of the year, and probably the hardest to ever live up to expectation. Mr. Waits passes with flying colors, bringing us back to his own personal land of myths. Waits has truly and completely redefined himself, trading in his snickering Kerouac for a fatalistic Flannery O'Connor. And he always hires the right sidemen. Read my original review.

2. Pavement---Terror Twilight

When I interviewed Pavement's Bob Nastanovich earlier this year I was delighted by two things. One, he spoke smartly and specifically about his rather messy art. Two, he was goofy enough to yap about Mork and Mindy for a spell. And that's what's so key about Pavement and this record in particular. What you hear is what you get. For all the talk about their hidden genius, the prime directive is always to rock, and to entertain. That comes both from loud, striking guitar as well as clever lyrics. Anyone who wrote them off as a novelty band when they heard "Cut Your Hair," must be shocked at where their sound is now. Read my original review.

1. Randy Newman---Bad Love

But no matter how much I rock, I suppose schmaltz and sarcasm will always win out. This is Newman's best album since "Good Old Boys," and the winner of this year's prize for durability alone. I played it more than anything else this year, and not only didn't get tired of it, but always found myself discovering new things. Newman creates a mesmerizing and whimsical ambivalence to human relationships here, each song shedding light from a different perspective on bad love. The "characters" of his songs that've put him in hot water before are far less cartoonish in their beliefs. It's funny (and painful) because it's true. Perhaps it was my own fumblings with bad love that made this music so dear to me this year. No other artwork moved me like Bad Love this year. This is one for the ages. Read my original review.

And what yearly wrap up would be complete with out giving the finger to something you thought was a crime against musical humanity? I'd rather not sully this page and its ten formidable occupants with this year's winner of that dubious prize. Therefore, to read what truly made me retch this year, you'll have to click here.

See ya in 2000! And keep a-rockin'! Word!

Name: justin
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Nov 12, 2007 at 7:57PM
I would be very happy if you could send me a copy of Dexter's Theme, please!!! =)

Name: Better late than never
Subject: Found the sheet music ! ! !
-- Jul 30, 2006 at 4:45AM
http://www.musicnote s.com/download/viewe r/downloadviewer.asp ?ppn=mn0052433&m nuid=1B4RFZGFWUZW426 6YRU7NS2JSH8V2ZM618S M3ZM6&dltype=0

Name: hg
Subject: dexters tune
-- Jul 22, 2006 at 3:03PM
if someone get the piano sheets ... please post a massage ... i can't buy it by myself because of no credit card.

Name: Randy
Subject: Dexters Tune
-- Jul 6, 2006 at 5:28AM
I wrote the prior message and my e-mail is
shinnrt@swbell.n et

Name: Randy
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Jul 6, 2006 at 5:19AM
I wanted the sheet music for piano for the longest time, However a friend of mine learned it by ear and recorded a DVD of it if anyone is interested let me know your address and I'll send you a copy, you can see the fingering etc, much better sound than on the soundtrack.This guy Jim is Great!!!What a talent.

Name: giorgio
Subject: dexter's tune
-- Jun 30, 2006 at 5:31AM
It's all ok, it's a great partiture!!! WOW!!!!

Name: aj
Subject: dexters tune
-- Jun 2, 2006 at 12:58AM
thanks hg!! I've been looking for this tune for a long time

cheers
aj

Name: hg
Subject: dexters tune
-- May 15, 2006 at 2:04PM
last try .... search by yourself at www.musicnotes.com (copy and past doesnt work here)

Name: hg
Subject: dexters tune
-- May 15, 2006 at 2:02PM
http://search.musicn otes.com/?q=dexter%B 4s+tune&hl=n

sorry ... wrong link ...

Name: hg
Subject: Dexters Tune
-- May 15, 2006 at 1:58PM
http://www.musicnote s.com/sheetmusic/mtd .asp?ppn=mn0052433

but i could not buy it from europe :-(

Name: Rachael
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Mar 14, 2006 at 6:51PM
While I am still hoping that someone out there will send me the sheet music for Dexter's Tune I was also wondering if anybody happened to have a midi file of it... If so could you please send it to me or let me know where I could find it? Thank you SO SO much! rachael134@hotmail.c om

Name: paul
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Mar 14, 2006 at 3:40PM
Did you buy the music or transcribe it.could you send me a copy

Name: Dan
Subject: Dexter's Theme
-- Mar 12, 2006 at 7:48PM
I have been searching high and low for this sheet music--to no avail. If anyone would be so kind to email it to me I would be appreciate it SO much.

dan.pingree@hotm a il.com

Name: Mae
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Mar 12, 2006 at 12:41PM
Dear Kriss,
is there any chance to get a copy of Dexter's Tune?? It would be highly appreciated!!!! Hope to hear from you soon. Kind regards, Mae

Name: Rachael
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Mar 10, 2006 at 12:46AM
Hey, I play piano and have been looking EVERYWHERE for Dexter's Tune. It is such a gorgeous piece I would absolutely LOVE to have the sheet music for it. If anybody does have it could you please please PLEASE e-mail me a copy? Thanx SO MUCH!!
rachael134@hotma il.com

Name: Giorgio
Subject: dexter's tune
-- Feb 19, 2006 at 8:37AM
Hi! I'm Italian! I like this fantastic piano music. Has anyone the way to find it? Has someone it? Please mail me if someone has this piano sheet.
homer81ct@katama il.com
thank you!

Name: Joss Oreol
Subject: Dexter�s tune
-- Jan 21, 2006 at 4:14AM
Has anybody ever had a glimpse at the actual sheet music ever? It is imposible to find it!!! By the way, I don�t know if the composition was originally written by Randy Newman or by the actor that plays the part of Rolando (Dexter Gordon, jazz musician, played the saxophone).

Name: Zaigan
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Dec 22, 2005 at 11:07PM
Heyya, could someone please pretty please please, send me a link or the file for this songs sheet music i would die in thankfulness.... :/ thx :) saruman.jackal@gmail .com

Name: Mark
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Dec 15, 2005 at 2:16PM
Has anybody had any luck in finding sheet music for Dexter's Tune? I've been looking for about 10 years now with no luck. I would be eternally grateful if anyone could tell me where to get my hands on it. EMail me at mwilson7622@lycos.co m. Thanks?

Name: Jeff
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Dec 3, 2005 at 11:20PM
I would be intereseted in the sheet music myself, I have looke all over for it. Let me know and I will post my email address.

Name: Richard
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Nov 23, 2005 at 5:37PM
Has someone really found the sheet music to dexter's tune?

Name: Gray
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Nov 23, 2005 at 2:10PM
I would like to get a copy of Dexters Tune sheet music...I'm amazed you found it!

Name: Alex
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Nov 4, 2005 at 10:27AM
Yes! Please tell us where to find the sheet music - thanks!

Name: Chad
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Oct 16, 2005 at 5:24PM
I'm looking for piano sheet music for Dexter's Tune as well. Has anyone had any luck? If so, could someone email me @ chadmcalpine@rogers. c om

Name: Rachael
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Sep 19, 2005 at 10:59PM
Hi, Please PLEASE!! Does anybody have the sheet music for Dexter's Tune fom Awakenings?? I've looked EVERYWHERE!! If anyone has it or knows where to find it would be SO great if you could let me know! Thanxs =D

Name: Sarah
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Aug 22, 2005 at 4:24PM
Please please help me!! have been looking for the sheet music for this piece for years!!! no1 seems to have even heard of it! My @ is auqc94@dsl. pipex.com thankyou :D

Name: john
Subject: dexters tune
-- Jul 30, 2005 at 7:00PM
yup, having the same trouble finding it. can anyone help? I am trying therapy (musical) to break my chopin habit. I couldnt think of a better song.

Name: Randy
Subject: Re: Awakenings
-- Jun 3, 2005 at 4:51PM
I Need a copy of the sheet music (Piano} for Dexter's Tune. I cannot locate it anywhere. Thanks

Name: Randy
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Jun 3, 2005 at 10:16AM
Please Help Me I Need the sheet Music from "Awakenings&quo t;for track 12 Dexters Tune for piano, My Thanks

Name: Randy
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Jun 3, 2005 at 10:11AM
Please Help Me I Need the sheet Music from "Awakenings&quo t;for track 12 Dexters Tune for piano, My Thanks

Name: Randy
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Jun 2, 2005 at 12:44PM
Ive looked for Dexter's Tune (Sheet Music for Piano)until I'm Blue in the face Help!!!Can someone help me, Please!!!shinnrt@swb ell.net

Name: Bell
Subject: albm
-- May 4, 2005 at 1:17PM
hey someone bought this album from: http://www.randynewm an.com/tocdiscograph y/disc_awakenings/
??

Name: elena
Subject: Awakenings
-- Apr 24, 2005 at 3:38PM
was searching for the same info ... here's all the track info....

good luck

http://www.randy newman.com/tocdiscog raphy/disc_awakening s/

Name: Bell
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Apr 13, 2005 at 10:04AM
Kriss I have sent an @ to You (paddythered@yahoo.c om). Did You recived something from minione_lato@interia .pl ?

Name: Kriss
Subject: Dexter's Tune.
-- Apr 11, 2005 at 2:07PM
I really cant remember where I got the sheet music from. If you'd care to email me at.... paddythered@yahoo.co m I'll scan a copy to you.

Name: ds
Subject: Re: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Apr 11, 2005 at 1:55AM
Hi kriss
Would you tell us where did you get this sheet music of "Dexter's tune"?
Thank you.

Name: Bell
Subject: Dexter's Tune
-- Apr 10, 2005 at 4:10PM
could You send me music Dexter's Tune ??
My @ is minione_lato@interia .pl

Name: Kriss - the Irish Ukranian
Subject: Dexter's Tune Sheet Music
-- Apr 9, 2005 at 4:17PM
I have the sheet music for "Dexter's Tune" from Awakenings. That's if its the same one your thinking of. The solo piano piece from the film when the patients were gradually falling back into remission. Awesome composition.

Name: Christie
Subject: Re: Awakenings
-- Sep 29, 2004 at 9:10AM
Hi - has anyone been lucky enough to find sheet music yet for Dexter's Tune? I've been looking forever with no luck at all!

Name: Patrick
Subject: Re: Awakenings
-- May 4, 2004 at 11:24PM
Hey Chris,
I feel the same way about this same song. It touches me deeply. I wish I could find the sheet music. I will try! Randy Newman really surprised me with the compositional quality of this soundtrack! Wow!

Name: Chris
Subject: Awakenings
-- Apr 19, 2004 at 8:01PM
I recently bought the 'Guilty' CD box set and I too am a fan of the Awakenings piano ballad. The name of the song is "Dexter's Tune", but I have been unsuccessful in locating sheet music for it anywhere on the net. If anyone knows where sheet music for this can be found please post it.
Thanks!

Name: John
Subject: Awakenings
-- Apr 12, 2004 at 12:22AM
I�m looking for a piano song composed by Randy Newman that is played in Awakenings movie, when Leonard is dancing with a girl (Penelope Ann miller) in the hall of the hospital, is almost at the end of the movie. I think Peter is looking for it too.

Please if someone could tell me the name of this song, I�ll be very grateful.
Thanks.

Name: Another Peter
Subject: Randy Newman
-- May 18, 2001 at 11:51AM
If you know the name of the track, you might find what you're looking for here:
http://www.sheet musicplus.com/a/phra se.html?id=56310& ;phrase=Randy%20Newm an

Good luck!

Name: Peter
Subject: Randy Newman
-- Apr 27, 2001 at 5:29AM
I was hoping you could help me out... I met this girl who is here to study english as a 2nd language. She plays the piano and she played this amazing song and said it was from the movie AWAKENINGS. What suprised me the most was that she played it all by ear and played up until the scene in which the song was playing had dropped. Since she isn't familiar with the english language she did not know how to find anything about this song she loves so much. After what seems hours of searching on the NET I stumbled across several sites. I found out that Randy Newman is the artist for the AWAKENINGS soundtrack. Which led me to this site. So, I humbly request if you could somehow tell me how I can find the piano sheet music for the soundtrack or where I can find anything on this matter. She is incredibly cute and I'd really like to impress her somehow...someway... Thank you so much.. At least I know the artist, and will buy the c.d. you have have recommended Bad Love. I'll bookmark this site... Thanks again!!!
Peter

Name: Jordan Hoffman Responds
Subject: Re: NIN's The Fragile
-- Dec 31, 1999 at 10:21AM
I like the Fragile. I'd rank it somewhere around the 19 or 20 spot. (it's a little lenghty) I stand by these 10 choices as the 10 best of the year.

Name: hakster
Subject: NIN's The Fragile
-- Dec 31, 1999 at 3:25AM
It offends me to my core that you did not, at the very least, put Trent Reznor's Magnum Opus: THE FRAGILE on your list...a difinite sign of musical ignorance.

Name: SPRUNG!
Subject: RATM
-- Dec 27, 1999 at 11:33PM
RAGE SHOULD ME NUMBER ONE. NUTHIN ELSE COMPARES TO THE PHAT BEATS, ANGRY RAPS AND SHEER FORCE

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The Top 10 Albums of 1999 by Jordan Hoffman

The Top 10 Albums of 1999
by Jordan Hoffman