You can debate the usefulness of year-end top-ten lists, but I find they can direct me to pay closer attention to certain albums. Robert Wyatt’s Comicopera is on a lot of artists’ lists, so I knew I should give it more than a background listen. Sure enough, a walk around the neighborhood with it pouring into my ears made me a convert. I can’t believe he’s escaped my attention so far, and I’m glad he’s been around a while so I have plenty of exploring to look forward to.

The album has original compositions, covers (this song is by Anja Garbarek), and collaborations, but it’s clearly one man’s mood and vision. Put on repeat until the spring thaw. (Then bust out the Junior Senior.)

Robert Wyatt - Stay Tuned from Comicopera (insound / amazon / itunes)

Mandatory Christmas Content - Looking Sorta Sad And Lonely

I went most of my life without hearing this classic, but believe me, I’m making up for lost time.

Michael Jackson - Little Christmas Tree