Jim Newell
Brian Eno
Another Green World
Brian Eno is essential, and Another Green World is his masterpiece. Understanding the dissected pop that purveys today's music scene is impossible without knowing its roots. Best known for influencing more popular artists like David Bowie and the Talking Heads, Eno's 1975 fourth album constructs a musical template that remains widely used in our day. By injecting cutting edge technology into time-tested melodic formulas, Eno catapulted synth-pop into one of the 1970's most dramatic sonic innovations. Strikingly moving and beautiful, Another Green World stands as a milestone in progressive music.
Kevin Lo
The Arcade Fire
Funeral
Call me a follower, but it's hard not to turn your head when the elitist pitchforkmedia.com gives an album a 9.7 rating and places it in the esteemed "Best New Music" section. The Arcade Fire succeeds by combining the best elements of every genre. Rumor has it that during their live set, one member's primary job is to act as frantic as he can while banging a giant drum. His goal is to get you off, and if you aren't completely dead inside, this album should do the same. The bittersweet "Crown of Love" will remind you of what it's like to feel.
Eugenia Salvo
Chayanne
"Candela"
It's true, I was once a Spanish soap opera watcher. But had it not been for that, I would have never been introduced to Chayanne, and my life would not have been the same. Now, I'd like to say I'm a sucker for cheesy Spanish pop music, but unfortunately it isn't so. This song is one of few that I love, though I am trying to expand myself in that direction. Either way, telling someone "Put some wood in the fire/ And then come over and do whatever you want with me" can only, I repeat, ONLY work in Spanish. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it all the same.
