Best Rock Album of 2014

Walinger's move from The Waterboys to World Party is one of the great examples of the Second Banana stepping up after stepping out of the shadows. Like Jeff Tweedy emerging out from under Jay Ferrar post Wilco, or even George Harrison post Beatles, Karl Wallinger really came into his own after leaving Mike Scott's Waterboys.

Funny you should ask. World Party is currently touring as an electric three piece (no rhythm section). They're coming to LA in two weeks and I just bought tix 5 minutes ago.

Wallinger had a brain aneurism about 10 years ago that put him down for 5+ years while he re-learned many basic sills, including guitar and piano. FWIW, I like Dumbing Up quite a lot, tho not as much as I like Egyptology or Goodbye Jumbo.

Also good news re: Jack White. He played a club in LA last night and I really tried to get there, but just couldn't quite pull it off on last minute's notice. Will check out the new music tho.