Faves for 2002: In Order: 1. The Fire this Time (2CD) Hidden Art—Absolutely essential document to have in these pre-Iraq war times. Grant Wakefield puts together the narrative collage that accounts for the destruction in Iraq over the past 12 years by coalition forces and sanctions. Musical textures provided by Bola, Amba, The Higher Intelligence Agency, Soma, Pan Sonic, and Aphex Twin, among others. The second CD is a bit uneven but it does include a recording of prayer calls in Baghdad. The first CD is simply the best and most important thing I’ve heard all year. If aesthetics is not simply the worship of art objects but the capacity to affect an audience, this CD wins hands down. 2. MIMEO/John Tilbury, The Hands of Caravaggio, Erstwhile—The best improv recording of the year and sure to be a musical classic for a long time. The liner notes by Tilbury on the website put to shame those who would say that theory doesn’t belong with art, that music should be heard without reference to ideas. He cites Marcuse and Murdoch while also noting an essay by Cardew, dated sources to be certain, but also useful ones. Rowe’s references are completely postmodern here—the recently discovered painting, the return to the concerto, all within the context of an electronic “orchestra” flirting with overwhelming Tilbury’s piano. That and Tilbury must contend with Cor Fuhler playing inside the instrument, posing yet another obstacle. It’s often said that MIMEO doesn’t sound as good recorded as live. This was an occasion where things were reversed: The recording was apparently much better than the live performance. Does this confirm Borges dictum about Pierre Menard? 3. Improvised Music from Japan (10 CDs), Improvised Music from Japan—This is a crucial document of mostly electroacoustic improv from Japan. Music for 50 Imacs by Yasuhiro Otani is one of my faves. This box is one that I’ll return to again and again in the next several years. 4. Otomo Yoshihide, Ensemble Cathode, Improvised Music from Japan—continues the cathode project with three new compositions. Spare beautiful pieces with large ensembles. Nishi Yoko’s koto playing is gorgeous, as is Ishikawa Ko on sho, and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro on waterphone. 5. Phil Niblock, G2,44+/x2, Moikoi—Bought this recently and haven’t stopped playing it. Two extended guitar drones, headed by Rafael Toral and including Robert Poss, Susan Stenger, David Frist and Kevin Drumm, Lee Ranaldo, Thurston Moore, and Alan Licht on the “massed version.” Brilliant. 6. Kim Cascone & Scanner, The Chrystalline Address, Sub Rosa—Two extended electroacoustic works: Behavioral Sink and Atavistic Endeavor. Gorgeous microsound pieces. 7. Rafael Toral, The Violence of Discovery and Calm of Acceptance, Touch—officially released in 2001. Got my copy in the spring and it usually accompanies me to bed. “Mixed States Uncoded” includes the recording of silence during a space shuttle mission. 8. Kevin Drumm, Sheer Hellish Miasma, Mego—An electronic ode to gothic metal. Dense, rich textures. Gothic “KD” written on black cardboard. Title is poorly applied. Really beautiful noise screes on this one.