Oscar Wilde quipped that music is “the perfect type of art” and the OffBeat team does not disagree. As 2021 comes to a close and the gift-gifting season is once again upon us, we took a moment to reflect on what music meant the most to us this year. We hope you also can find something in our collective list that resonates with you or a loved one.

David Johnson, Digital Content Editor, lists his top CD picks/stocking stuffers for 2021.

Tony Joe White, The Complete Warner Brothers Recordings (2 CD)
As a kid growing up in the Missouri Ozarks in the 1970s, country radio was a part of my natural habitat. One song that came over the airwaves always piqued my tender ears: Tony Joe White’s “Poke Salad Annie.” I was familiar with pokeweed, though my family never foraged for it, but the notion of an alligator eating my granny was a scene I could never imagine! CHOMP-CHOMP-CHOMP! Not until I moved downriver to Louisiana did I encounter alligators in the wild and the broader repertoire of honeyed baritone crooner nicknamed the “Swamp Fox.” This two-CD roundup includes three of the classic albums White recorded for Warner Bros. in the early ’70s, all of which were out of print until now. Tracks include such lurid storytelling titles as “They Caught the Devil and Put Him in Jail in Eudora, Arkansas,” “Lustful Earl and the Married Woman” and “300 Pounds of Hongry.”

Louis Prima and Lily Ann Carol, Oh Marie!
Mention Louis Prima and you automatically pair his boisterous voice with that of his longtime stage cohort Keely Smith, a spitfire singer who could match him note for note. But in the early years of Prima’s big band career, he was most often joined on stage and in the studio by Lily Ann Carol, a New York-born vocalist. Carol joined Prima on tour from 1940 to 1946 and the duo were among the most popular acts in nightclubs and theaters nationwide, lifting spirits in the dark days of a global conflict. Gathered here for the first time are their hits of the war years, ranging from “I’ll Walk Alone'” and “A Fellow on a Furlough” to “Sentimental Journey” and, of course, “Oh Marie,” one of Prima’s signature songs so Italian it’s practically smothered in red gravy.

Terence Blanchard,  Absence
When I’m in the mood for what I call “cerebral jazz,” I seek the distinctive works of New Orleans’ own Terence Blanchard. The renowned trumpeter earned his chops playing with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and The Jazz Messengers, but he’s a distinct composer with a sound that while borrowing from his role models remains singularly his own. Absence is Blanchard’s ode to one of his jazz heros, Wayne Shorter. Blanchard sums up Shorter’s style with the statement, “I dare you!” Accompanied by his band the E-Collective, along with the legendary Turtle Island Quartet, Blanchard meets the challenge imposed by his musical champion. The album is a 64-minute mental journey that breathlessly weaves fusion jazz with classical strings—daring indeed.

 

Noé Cugny, Videographer and Web Specialist, talks about his favorite local albums from 2021.

Weedie Braimah, Hands of Time

Hands of Time was the record that came through and steamrolled everything that came prior. Weedie Braimah has been such a powerhouse for all kinds of different bands, it came as no surprise that his debut album as a leader is the groove encyclopedia that it is. Love to see it.

Oscar Rossignoli, Inertia

Another debut record, Oscar Rossignoli tackles the vulnerable art of solo piano, takes you on a deep introspective venture putting his virtuosic play and rich language at the service of a quest for sheer beauty.

People Museum, I Could Only See Night

The band continues to shape their un-categorizable sound and keeps expanding their palette with new colors and doorways to universes. A sweet lesson on ingenuity and the search for a true singular identity in music.

 

“Picking these three albums for under someone’s tree is akin to picking your personal ‘desert island discs,'” says Contributing Writer Geraldine Wyckoff. “Not surprisingly, they all are classics from decades back that have not only withstood the hands of time but have continued to blossom. They never grow old.”

John Coltrane, A Love Supreme

Originally released in 1965 on the Impulse! label, it was an album that on first hearing opened many ears to the now legendary saxophonist’s mastery. With pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Elvin Jones, Coltrane was in brilliant company to explore the spirituality that lies within Black American Music. Though some critics balked at his what they considered his unorthodox approach to the music, most eventually came around to hear the beauty of his soul.

Various Artists, King Kong Compilation

Legendary Jamaican producer Leslie Kong was responsible for rounding up the artists to release this album on the Mango label in 1981. It gets going with the great Desmond Dekker’s “Israelites” and includes both well know reggae kings like Toots Hibbert with the Maytals doing a now classic “Monkey Man” along with very talented lesser known artists. Dig and deep reggae grooves to songs like Ken Booths exhilarating “Freedom Street” and The Pioneer’s “Samfie.” Superb producing allows one great song to naturally flow into the next. Just hit replay on this one.

Professor Longhair, Crawfish Fiesta

Okay, listening to old 45 rpms by pianist and vocalist Professor Longhair, Henry Roeland Byrd, is great if you don’t mind “sandpaper phonic,” which is, nonetheless, often worth listening through. This well-produced, 1980 release features a solid band with a rare appearance by Dr. John on guitar, longtime associate Alfred “Uganda” Roberts on congas, Johnny Vidacovich on drums and more. The song list, of course, includes Fess’ classics like “The Wee Wee Hours” and the Earl King penned “Big Chief” as well as a killer version of Solomon Burke’s hit “Cry to Me.” Fess got that rumba in his beat and that warble in his voice.

 

Contributing Writer Dalton Spangler talks about which albums he would give to others this year. 

Jeff Rosenstock, Ska Dream

People are tired. Ska Dream validates the struggle many in the world face while being upbeat and cathartic. Perfect for the lost 20-something in your life.

Ceschi, This Guitar Was Stolen Along With Years Of Our Lives

Another album addressing the f*cked state of the union but is more lyrically driven and thinly wrapped in the optimism of togetherness. This album is the medicine you hide in a treat.

Origami Angel, Gami Gang

If I were to gift an album to someone, I’d want it to be something I genuinely love and represents me as a person. This album takes a lot of my nerdier interests like Star Wars and video games but gives it a pop-punk/emo soundtrack that musically reflects my suburban sensibilities. It’s not for everyone but it’s fun and honest.

 

Contributor Veronika Lee lists what top three local records she would put under the Christmas tree. Note: She also insists these are some of the most captivating live performers you will ever see in your life. 

Lilli Lewis, Americana

You don’t need to be a fan of folk music and/or Americana to appreciate beautiful songwriting and inspiring music. Every track on this record is solid and stays with you hours after you’ve stopped listening. Everything about this album makes me think and challenges my previous conceptions of music and composition. 

Delores Galore, Don’t Get it Twisted

Dancing and making out are still important to me and nothing makes me want to do those things more than this hot digital album! This album would make so many different music fans happy, including but not limited to, those obsessed with Depeche Mode, Aaliyah, Charli XCX, Janet Jackson…you name it. There is something badass for everyone to like here.

Bad Operation, Bad Operation

I admit growing up the most ska I ever liked was in the dance scene from Clueless. Dominic Minix’s smart lyrics and the overall vibe of this band changed that for me. This is such a smart record with haunting hooks that just take it to a whole new level for me. “Little Man” and “Bad Operation” are my favorite tracks. I don’t know anyone who can’t vibe to this.