2009 Wrap #2: Craig Shank

It would be easy for me to tell you that I loved Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone or that I think The Empyrean was one of the most overlooked albums of the year….and I just did. There is something to be said for a beautifully executed, thoughtful year-end best/worst albums list. However, I’m really not the kind of person to deliver such a list. Music has always played a big part in my life, but this year has been unlike many others in my meager 22 years. In a year where virtually nothing remained the same, I was able to connect with music in ways that were comforting and familiar. These are the music-related experiences that I most enjoyed in 2009.

Listening While picking up minors in ethnomusicology and music studies, and working in radio, music became a part of my curriculum and my job. Add in the noise of daily life and the joy of a great song or unbelievable album can be lost in the shuffle or seem like another mundane detail of your daily routine. Nothing is better than selecting an album, putting the needle on the record, grabbing the headphones, lying down, and just ignoring everything except the music until it’s time to flip the record.

The mixTAPE Creating a mix, as Rob Gordon would tell you, “like breaking up, is hard to do.” However, my generation has grown up with CDs and MP3s. Mixes have been mostly drag and drop affairs for me thanks to iTunes. Despite this, on a few occasions, I decided to dub music for my friends onto cassettes. It’s a good way to spend a weekend.

“This is Craig Shank and I’m here with…” Having the opportunity to interview musicians who I respect is still a great thrill for me, no matter how many times I’m fortunate enough to do so. I conducted my fair share of interviews in my days at IU’s student radio station, but that was before I had even the slightest idea of how to approach such a situation. Since then, I’ve been able to spend time on the phone, in studios, or at various venues with artists for a few brief minutes. The real thrill of this situation for me is not the fact that I’m able to meet “famous” people. I simply love being able to talk with people who love music as much as I do and ask questions about the creative process. 

Culture Shock ‘09 DJing at Culture Shock before Dan Bejar took the stage was a great experience for me. Watching people dancing and just enjoying themselves all day in Dunn Meadow was outstanding. On what was effectively my last day of managing WIUX, I don’t think I could have asked for anything more. Great weather, great music, friends, and fun. Perfect.

Just keep dancin’ People are always surprised to find out I like to dance. I’m a terrible dancer, but there is something appealing–that I’ll never be able to fully explain–about moving awkwardly to the rhythms of funk, house, and disco.

Wonderful radio, marvelous radio After my stint in college radio, I’ve gone from intern to producer to programming assistant at another local radio station. Radio is a medium that I love and in which I still have faith. I often think that I have the best job on the planet because I’m getting to do just about everything that I like to do while getting paid to do so.

…and because I suspect most people aren’t interested in much of the above information, I’ll give this a shot:

Top Albums:

Neko Case Middle Cyclone An amazing voice, great lyrics, and well-crafted songs on Neko’s best effort to date….what’s not to love?

Grizzly Bear Veckatimest They really hit their stride with this one–a nice balance between ethereal and hook.

V/A – Eccentric Soul: Smart’s Palace (Numero Group) Most people wouldn’t think of Wichita, Kansas as a soul hotspot, but the Numero Group released a two LP set of gems recorded between 1963-1975 at Smart’s Palace. The Numero Group is doing the world is doing a great service by finding forgotten recordings from years gone by and releasing them with carefully researched liner notes. Armchair ethnomusicology at its finest!

St. Vincent Actor Beautiful melodies amid chaos and confusion. I find something new to love with each listen.

Elvis Perkins in Dearland Elvis Perkins in Dearland A great follow up to a stunning debut album from Perkins. More sonically and lyrically consistent than on his first album, Perkins was able to strike a balance between sorrow and hope. Kind of like a folked-up New Orleans jazz funeral.

Overlooked albums:

John Frusciante The Empyrean RHCP’s genius guitarist has been releasing a string of wonderful solo albums after finally conquering his addictions. This effort features guest appearances from Flea, Josh Klinghoffer, and Johnny Marr. There is a lot to love about this moody, atmospheric album, including a nice take on Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren.”

Anya Marina Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II Before her appearance on the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack, Ms. Marina released this gem of an album. Seduction strikes a balance between serious and playful, showcasing Anya’s quirky confidence.

Richard Swift The Atlantic Ocean Kind of like Harry Nilsson…with electronics!

Bluebrain Soft Power Ryan and Hays Holladay have quietly been preparing their latest project following the breakup of the indie pop outfit, The Epochs. Bluebrain is well-orchestrated hooky, electronic-based pop that I had on repeat for weeks on end.

Craig Shank is a recent IU alum, with a BA in telecommunications and minors in music studies and folklore & ethnomusicology.  He is also a former DJ, music director, and station manager of WIUX.  Currently, he is a programming assistant, head board operator, producer, and on-air talent for WTTS and WGCL.

Filed under: 2009 Wrap  Anya Marina  Bluebrain  Craig Shank  Culture Shock  Elvis Perkins  Grizzly Bear  John Frusciante  Neko Case  Numero Group  Richard Swift  St. Vincent  WIUX  WTTS