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Yeah, yeah, the year end lists are coming now. I've noticed that Allmusic.com has started writing "Favorite [Genre]" instead of "Best Of," which is a welcome improvement, but the majority of them, alas, continue to tout their opinions as "best."
Here's the thing: I don't begrudge anyone their opinions. I just don't really agree with a lot of them. & I still insist it's weird to rank records in distinct genres as in competition with each other other. For example, I really liked Angelique Kidjo's retranslation of Remain In Light but I also really liked Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis's collaboration, but could I say which one is better? How would I decide that? It's silly, then, to rank music or whatever on any other scale than what is best-liked. That's all.
One thing: I see bands & musicians on Twitter genuinely pleased to be put on such a list & I am glad that they get that recognition. I just wish we could admit that just because we like something doesn't make it "the best." Maybe for us. But boy did I try to listen to some of the records on the "best of" lists coming out now & boy did I not enjoy them. & I listen to music all the time, so I don't feel my opinion is "wrong." Opinions can't be wrong. Ergo, there's no such thing as "best."
Anyway, my favorite music of the year is simply the music I listened to most. It's something of a hodgepodge but also not all that surprising. My tastes haven't changed a whole lot over the years but I think I was genuinely surprised at some of the music I kept returning to. Find out what I liked &, hey! share you lists with me over at the Self Help Radio website starting at noon tomorrow.
Meanwhile: anyone who's released a record since around November that will eventually become one of my favorite records in the world: I'm sorry. There are only so many hours in the day. & I do enjoy spending time with my pets & my wife. & oh yeah playing music on the radio!
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