Something 4 The Weekend # 63

Last weekend I briefly mentioned favorite bands, and how it's become impossible (and silly) for me to narrow it down to just one. I mentioned a few bands that quickly came to mind, but I definitely forgot Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on that short list.

Man, I love Nick Cave. I mean, it's basically nothing less that a total mancrush at this point in my life. It basically boils down to the idea that Mr. Cave is one of those people I wish I could be, but never will be.

He's a total inspiration to me because he's one of those rare artists who simply improves with age, whereas so many artists, even the best of the best, typically go through a significant creative slump in their middle years, only to emerge on the other side with the experience and wisdom to once again elevate their artistry. Bob Dylan is the example I always cite regarding this phenomenon - an artist of the absolute highest caliber who went through a severe artistic drought for a good 15 years before emerging in his 50's again as a force of creative nature.

But Nick Cave...He's been a songwriter/singer/musician for nearly 30 years now, and as far as I can tell, has never gone through any sort of creative slump whatsoever. Oh sure, sometimes his albums aren't as good as his best, but he has NEVER disappointed, and as I'm arguing here, has actually improved with age. Even if you disagree with this idea, we must agree that he's been evolving his craft all along. It may be a slow evolution, but an evolution nonetheless, and not only has his music continued to impress and entertain, but he's branched off (rather successfully, I might add) into novel writing, screenwriting, and film-scoring over the past decade or so.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!: "We Call Upon The Author" [192k mp3]

So here we are, with another Bad Seeds record, and it's easily among the very best of Cave's career. Again, the record isn't a radical departure from his past, but again, there are slight evolutions in sound and lyrics that keep the whole damn thing fresh and exciting.

I've only had the new album since Tuesday, but I've been spinning it endlessly at work, and I gotta believe that when the dust settles on 2008, it's gonna be near the top of my fave list for the year.

Do yourself, and Nick and the band, a huge favor, and buy the damn thing right now.

Hotcha! Hank