So I've had a recurring nagging feeling about not posting a top 20 list for last year. Just never got around to it and every time Drinky posted in his "2009 indulgent" thread it made me feel even more lame. Now with Kingfish's "2009 albums you fell in love with in 2010" thread I decided to just do it.

I don't expect people to give a shit about my take on albums that have been discussed ad nauseam but I wanted to do it anyway at least for posterity's sake.

I'm no writer and these were just fleeting thoughts as I went through listening to stuff I enjoyed last year.



I'll be putting them up in chunks over the next half hour. They are not ranked, just notable albums that I spent time with over the course of 2009.

(scoots closer to the edge of his seat)

Buddy and Julie Miller – Written in Chalk

This is probably a bit too “adult contemporary” for some here but this is simply Americana music at it’s best and probably strummed my heartstrings more than anything I heard last year. Buddy will probably forever be a hired gun to support various country artists but he recorded a minor masterpiece here. He’s clearly learned from the T-Bone Burnett school of producing (he played on that Plant/Krauss album from 2008) but the songs don’t feel that polished. Julie’s voice is thin and brittle at times but it is completely perfect for some of the heartbreak songs (of which there are several). But there is a sense of the simple life and a sense of humor about it all in these songs. Some things you hear just feel like an old pair of jeans.......for me, this is one of those records. Like Buddy says, “Take me back when times were hard but we didn’t know it. If we ate we had to grow it. Take me back when all we could afford was laughter. Take me back again”




Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid

So is there anyone that this guy didn’t win over with this? I’ve been a Black Keys fan since Thickfreakness and I think they, along with Jack White, did more than any other band to make electric blues relevant in the past decade. But, on my first listen to this I thought it was just going to be more of the same sound after the 1-2 punch of “I Want Some More” and “Heartbroken, In Disrepair” but after the 1 minute sonic experiment of “Because I Should” followed by the mid-tempo “Whispered Words” and the gospel tinged “Real Desire” it was clear this was a bit different. I was already won over but then came “When The Night Comes”. Song of the Year candidate. The rest of the album just solidified it as one of the best of the year for me. A huge feat considering he’s playing within a genre that is decades old. “Forget about the things you want, be thankful for what all you got”.




Roman Candle – Oh Tall Tree In The Ear

I was trying to think of a way to describe these guys sound for anyone who hadn’t heard ‘em before but the best I could come up with is some sort of Jayhawks/Ryan Adams crossed with Guster. Not alt-country enough to be the former but not guitar driven pop enough to be the latter. Regardless, this was a great record that certainly scratched the itch of those bands for me. I could do without “Why Modern Radio is A-OK” but even that has a great concept, just didn’t like the chorus. These guys are getting regional success but if they keep putting out stuff this solid, bigger and better things are just around the corner. Bottom line, just solid pop songwriting in the most classic sense.




Brakes – Touchdown

I really didn’t want to like this. I picked it up as an impulse buy at the record store for $6.99. After the first few songs I was a bit embarrassed at myself. It seemed like it was just British pop rock that was nonsensical and over produced. I could see the kids in the UK freaking out over it. Now, after a couple dozen spins I can safely say that it is in fact all of those things. It’s also one of the most infectious things I heard all year and sounds incredible blasting through a car stereo. It’s also quite eclectic. From the straight forward rock of “Don’t Take Me To Space (Man)” and “Two Shocks” to the faux country shuffle of “Eternal Return” to the slow burn of “Oh! Forever”, it had enough to keep me coming back. Easily my favorite brit-rock album of the year.




Levon Helm – Electric Dirt

I can’t believe everyone in that Dead listening thread weren’t all over this at some point last year. Hell, it even starts with a cover of “Tennessee Jed”. Anyway, please please please when I’m age 69, be able to do ANYTHING as good as what Helm has done here. Any fan of the Band’s work should get this immediately. The whole thing is Helm’s interpretations of other people’s songs (except for 2 co-written with Larry Campbell) but it also feels energized and fresh. “Kingfish” sounds like an outtake straight from “Rock of Ages” and sounds like it should be played during a Mardi Gras parade. Just feel good music.




The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You

This band is bigger than you think. If you don’t believe me wait until they come to your town and sell out whatever venue you have just shy of a stadium. They sold out the Fox Theater here in less than a day. With that there is also danger. I think working with Rick Rubin had little effect on them. I only hear subtle flourishes of strings and keys that come with a bigger budget. For the most part they still have the same recipe that I’ve loved since Four Thieves. They’ve only become more musical IMO. My concern is that there is a fine line between heartfelt/sincere and schmaltzy. I mean, they named their album “I and Love and You”. Here’s to hoping they continue to walk on the right side of that line. Still, some of their best songwriting to date. One of my favorite bands going.

Cool, looking forward to this.

So far I haven't heard any of these, and this serves as a reminder that I should probably give Dan Auerbach a listen and, for that matter, The Black Keys.

Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains

Every year as I get older I grow more and more wary of internet buzz and hype. My record collection is littered with first time outings from bands that never lived up to their promise. That said, this was one of the bands that I bought in with last year. Stylistically they’re kind of all over the place but there is this whole nod to the mid-90’s indie rock canon that I find appealing. Maybe that’s just nostalgia but I found this to be pretty great with repeated listening and there are tons of ideas going on here. I look forward to see what they do next because the map they’ve started with could go any direction.




Tim Easton – Porcupine

Man, is Easton one of the most unsung singer/songwriters in America? I’m pissed that I only discovered him after he put out “Ammunition”. The guy just continues to put out solid work and work the road (last check he was in Alaska for a week of shows for chrissakes). This might be the best thing he’s ever done too. He just blends roots rock, folk, country, and pop into his own thing. With a crackerjack Nashville band behind him he sounds better than ever.




Robyn Hitchcock – Goodnight Oslo

I’ll completely admit that I hadn’t heard anything by Hitchcock save his work with The Soft Boys and “Shadow Cat” (an abomination of b-sides and covers) so I really have no frame of reference for his catalog. But, I picked this up anyway and I’m glad I did. Just classic songwriting that runs styles from several decades all with Hitchcock’s typical cracked and absurdist point of view. “I’m Falling” is what did it for me. Just a beautiful song with great harmonies that just seem to glide along. Something about his stuff feels like it has a dark undercurrent through it all too. I’ve since picked up “Ole Tarantula” and I think I still like this better. Just a unique artist.




Lucero – 1372 Overton Park

“So what if all my heroes are the losing kind, not a chance in hell but they lay it on the line”. 10 years in and the major label debut. When faced with a bigger budget…..when in doubt add horns. Jesus Christ this band is so fucking good. The horns are everywhere and the album is all the better for it. “What Are You Willing To Lose” is one of my favorite tracks of the year. But stuff like “Darken My Door” are what make it great. The arrangement on that it is something straight out of 1971. The closer, “Mom”, is about as close to something a southern woman ever wants to hear from their kids IMO. Achingly perfect.




Ola Podrida – Belly Of The Lion

First, props to Stu for bringing this to my attention. This guy falls into the Iron & Wine/Sufjan Stevens type of soft singer/songwriter category but something about his approach I find so much more appealing than say, Bon Iver. I’ve read that he does film scores in his day job and it’s pretty apparent in his work. Lots of atmospherics, treated guitars, and other effects that only seem to serve the music as a whole. The whole thing kind of comes and goes; I couldn’t pick out a specific song to play for someone. That is also it’s greatest characteristic IMO. It works as one piece of music. The whole thing puts me in this reflective mood that I really enjoy.

that Brakes album was my # 2 of the year.

<--- raises hand.


The thing I find most interesting/enjoyable about these personal review threads is this kind of slap-in-the-face moment. Like, that's by far my fave track on that album, and you could do without it? Perspective, man, it's a trip.

Well said and so true, Rads

2009: The Year Derris stopped being polite, and started being PPDD

Tim Hecker – An Imaginary Country


I have only in the past couple of years started to take more than a passing interest in artists like Hecker. Ambient music is such a subjective thing in my opinion. I think he falls more under “electronic” but it doesn’t really matter when the sound being produced is this………pretty? This reminds me a lot of M83’s “Dead Cities, Red Seas, and Lost Ghosts” and is probably the best thing I’ve heard in this type of stuff since that record. It’s not something to put on at a party but I do enjoy little trips into this kind of stuff. I had a stronger reaction to this than most run of the mill indie bands from 2009. “Where Shadows Make Shadows” is an amazing piece of ambient beauty.




William Fowler Collins – Perdition Hill Radio

This was something that I was looking for last summer when I was in a rut with reg-rock and wanted to get outside of the box. It’s outside of the box. Outside of the planet. It’s telling that when I uploaded to Itunes it comes up as “Unclassifiable” under Genre. I don’t know what to call it really. I guess it’s ambient but more like the soundtrack to a slow death. I don’t even know how people review this type of stuff. It’s so cerebral and how it affects you completely depends on the kind of person you are. It’s like noise art. Still, when driving along with this on, one can’t help but get inside one’s own head and start thinking random thoughts and getting images in the mind. It’s like it’s own Rorschach test. Still, a listen that requires dedication but one that rewards in weird psychological ways. One of the most unique listening experiences of my year.





Blitzen Trapper – Black River Killer

I really liked “Furr” but something about the brevity of this EP just hit the sweet spot for me. The whole thing feels so easy and tossed off to me. They just sound really comfortable in that Tom Petty meets Beatles wheelhouse. It also feels a little more “earthy” than “Furr”. Less Beatles and more Dylan/Petty maybe? Regardless, I dug it and will be really curious to see where they go next.




A.A. Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose

I’ve said before that the best art sometimes comes after people have given up on their biggest dreams. So many times we see artists in young bands with huge buzz and stardom is at their fingertips only to watch it slip away or never arrive. It’s only later when they are just focused on making a solid record regardless of who hears it when they put out their masterpieces. That’s what “When The Devil’s Loose” feels like to me. It feels tired and world weary but trudging on nonetheless. Tip of the cap to mcaputo for introducing me to this guy. This record sneaks it’s way into your brain and camps out.




Oneida – Rated O

Another record that was picked up during the summer rut that I found to be impossible to really define. I am not familiar with their earlier work so I have no idea if this was the best starting point seeing as it’s 3 discs of electronic throbbing, droning, and riffing. It’s a mountain of music that is almost impossible to sit through in one sitting. But, I did find the challenge fun. It’s almost like they threw every idea they had on there and said here it is, warts and all. It’s an approach that I can’t argue with because I liked more than I disliked. It’ll be some guitar freak out for a couple minutes and then settle into some droning synth groove. Like on “10:30 At The Oasis”. To me it sounds like some eerie chase scene from an early 80’s John Carpenter movie. Which is to say awesome. This is a strange band but one that I can’t help but be intrigued by.

Good stuff, Ben. I like reading this sort of thing, and honestly, there are several on your list that I've not heard yet but am intrigued by. Honestly, this is why I started participating in CMJ/obner in the first place-- to find out what was turning on other folks that I may have never discovered otherwise.

I also like that Roman Candle album ("I Was a Fool" is the standout track for me).

Ben Kweller – Changing Horses

Most of the bad reviews I read of this album tended to cite his voice lacked the emotional heft to pull off what were clearly great songs. I think Rads(?) may have said this same thing at one point. While I can’t argue that point, I think the fact that these songs are so good far outweighs what he lacks in his voice being able to carry them. I mean, some neo-country artists could do worse than cover something off this record and get a huge hit on modern country radio. Also, if Kweller stays in the music biz for another 20 years, these songs will take on new meaning once he enters his 40’s. Regardless, I really enjoy this record and he’s proven to me that he can write great songs enough that any new record by him will warrant at least a listen by me. Fave line : “Some days are Aces, some days are faces, some days are 2’s and 3’s.”




Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Was there another band in 2009 that gained critical acclaim and mainstream success like these guys did? It seemed like this record was ubiquitous there for a while. I mean, “1901” is about as perfect as pop music gets. I’m not going to even pretend like I didn’t love this like everyone else did. It deserves all the praise it got.




Pink Mountaintops – Outside Love

Records like this are why the internet is great. Pre-internet it’s highly unlikely that I’d get my hands on some side project band from Canada. As it is, it’s one of my favorite records of the year. Less Sabbath like his main paycheck Black Mountain but more Jesus and Mary Chain and at times a bit of country. Lot of wall of sound to it but still with great melodies that never get tiring or uninteresting. “And I Thank You” reminds me of Black Mountain’s slower/softer moment like with “Stay Free” or “Angels”. Not to mention the female voices that show up throughout the album that manage to change things up nicely. Namely Jesse Sykes.




The Black Lips – 200 Million Thousand

So these guys have been local celebs for years now and thankfully it hasn’t matured them or made them get serious. This is simply more of their brand of lo fi ramshackle garage psych-rock. They’re clearly good enough and big enough to get better production but they willfully keep with their sound, which I applaud. Hell, it wouldn’t be The Lips without that sound IMO. Still, no denying they can write a hook and they know their rock chops. Just an incredibly fun band that still holds on to that getting teenage kicks feeling. Here’s hoping they never grow up.




Bob Dylan – Together Through Life

I finally accepted that I really like this album late last year. It seems so simplistic on the surface but once you’re about 3 songs in you begin to live in Bob’s world. He’s not trying to impress you with the new sound. It’s up to the listener to put whatever preconceived notions you have on it. It’s a breezy record and completely skilled with all it’s styles. I mean, he’s clearly aping mid-century type genres but it’s done so well that it puts you in that time and place. I mean, listen to “If You Ever Go To Houston” and see if you don’t get that southwest tex mex vibe. Themes of life and love permeate the whole thing. I love his late period stuff more and more each passing year. Bottom line is that I like the whole feel of this record. Just feels like it should be playing at a backyard BBQ or something.

agreed. putting levon helm, ola podrida, tim easton and tim hecker on the "to check out" list.

edit: also agree on that pink mountaintops being unfortunately ignored by most last year. great album.

Dinosaur Jr. – Farm

What year is it?? Did this just come out in ’94? Seriously, it seems that some people think these guys begin and end with “You’re Living All Over Me” and I find that stance pretty laughable. Then again, I didn’t come across these guys until “Where You Been?”. If you liked the band then, then you should like them now. This is a band that just do what they do. The sound is still there after all these years and that voice remains. I think this bests 2007’s “Beyond” in every way but that’s just me. Great band. I never would’ve guessed back in 1992 that of all the bands from the “120 Minutes” era that Dino would be one of the few putting out viable albums in 2009.




The Films – Oh, Scorpio

The best out of left field surprise pop gem of the year for me. If you don’t know these guys they play a kind of retro alt-pop style of music that is crazy catchy and melodic (I think I had “Amateur Hour” in my head for a week at one point). Including 50’s sha la la’s and the like. This one was produced by Butch Walker if that helps give you a better idea. This is a fantastic summer record that I didn’t discover until last Fall. So, it should get some more spins in the coming weeks. Mcaputo, if you are reading this, you might dig these guys. Kind of in your wheelhouse with regards to pop stuff (Outrageous Cherry, El Goodo, etc).




The Takers – Taker Easy

“All of my new friends live in bottles….whisky, wine, and pills”. You pretty much know what you’re getting into with that line. Despite these guys having 1 strike against them to start with (they’re from Gainesville, FL) this was probably the best bar room, booze soaked honky tonk I heard all year. They’ve clearly spent time with their Waylon records and I’d put good money that 3 or 4 of them are service industry workers in that college town. Something very amateur about it but clearly done by guys who are living it. Take this line…..”the mirrors they are all broken…….they’ve found better uses these days”. Clearly a debut but the songs of drinkin and fightin combined with pedal steel, twangy telecasters and DBT style rocking out has me already on board. I hope they get enough success to get to their next record. (Dalen – don’t bother brother)




Matthew Barber – Ghost Notes

This was another random find I picked up after hearing “One Little Piece Of My Love”. Another in a long line of singer/songwriters in my collection but that doesn’t mean it’s run of the mill. He’s got kind of a Josh Rouse/Jackson Browne thing going on. Busty, if you’re reading this, you should check him out. He sounds up your alley. Anyway, it’s melodic, hooky, heartfelt, and earnest. That’s all I can ever ask of guys like this. Also, FemDerris loves him. I can’t believe he hasn’t had a song on One Tree Hill yet.




Neko Case – Middle Cyclone


One of my biggest pet peeves with music geeks is someone who abandons an artist after one album because they “don’t hear anything exciting anymore” once they put out a 2nd album. I heard this complaint more than once when this came out. I’m of the opinion that the run of “Blacklisted”, “Fox Confessor…”, and “Middle Cyclone” is one of the best of the last decade. I fail to see a drop in quality among any of them. If anything I think she’s gotten better. She once got headlines for her voice but I read more about the songs and arrangements with each passing release. Regardless, that’s really all irrelevant because to me, this was one of the best things I heard all year. Period. Destined to be a classic. (Also, cover of the year)




Deer Tick – Born Of Flag Day

Let me get one thing out of the way first. “Smith Hill” is my song of the year. Nothing else came close. It is anthemic, heart wrenching, uplifting, and you can drunkenly sing along to it. What more do you want? This would’ve made my list if only for that song. Fortunately, there were 9 others that, while not THAT good, served as a great supporting cast. I wasn’t bothered by his voice and in fact, I think it gives the band some of their character. “Houston, TX” is another standout. Add some pedal steel and some harmony and I’m sold. There’s also a sadness to a lot of these tunes that lends itself to a bit of drunken wallowing. +1

Reigning Sound – Love and Curses

I have to admit to being initially disappointed during my first listen of Love and Curses. After all, I loved “Too Much Guitar” the most of all their records. All of the face melting of that record is gone. This is much like their first couple of records. I’ve now come around to thinking this may be their best. They clearly know their history and can do that Stax/Brill Building stuff perfectly. They’ve studied all their 50’s and 60’s R&B records. They are less a punk band than a garage r&b band. The whole thing is great but for me, the standout is the blistering “Stick Up For Me”. They sound like they are about to come unhinged. One of the best bands in America.




The XX – xx

Easily my favorite debut album from 2009. I’ve read lots of reviews about it but no one can seem to quite pin down why it is so appealing (and popular). I’m not going to try here but it does have something that draws you in and even further on repeated listening. I could see the same type of kid who became of obsessed with The Cure in 1985 doing the same for The XX now. Somewhere in the world right now there are kids smoking a badly rolled joint in their parents basement with the lights low and listening to “Fantasy”. I see this as a good thing.




Elvis Costello – Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane

Another year, another Elvis record. This go ‘round it’s a mostly acoustic affair produced by himself and T-Bone Burnett. Lot of back porch vibe stuff with fiddles, mandolins, guitars, and banjos. The whole thing was recorded in 3 days from what I’ve read and it does have a tossed off feel but also done by people who are legends in music. I always welcome another Elvis release. His songwriting and voice are on display more than ever with these stark songs.




Passion Pit – Manners

Seems I remember people being pretty polarized over this band at one point. I didn’t really give it a chance until later in the year. I’m one of those who were able to overlook the twee aspects and falsetto’s to get to what it essentially is: an exuberant pop record. This thing is so over the top, shimmering, and glitchy that you can’t help but just feel good listening to it. It may very well slip into the cracks of my collection, and I also may look back and think WTF years from now, but for a period of time I was okay with this being the sound of indie dance music.




Circulatory System – Signal Morning

I’m sure this album is terrible within the context of an Itunes shuffle. For me, it demands to be listened to in one sitting. The whole thing just runs together with typical Elephant 6 melodies, found sounds, washed out feedback, delicately picked strings, and fuzzed out guitars. Anyone that was never a fan of Olivia Tremor Control or “On Avery Island” era Neutral Milk Hotel should just avoid it. As it is, this was like some trip back to 1997 or 1998 living in Athens, GA. I dub this Thrift Store Psychedelia. (patent pending).




Yeah Yeah Yeah’s – It’s Blitz


So has anyone ever drawn comparison’s to YYY’s and Blondie? Both had punk-esque beginnings, both had enigmatic frontwomen, and both ended up making dance music? I digress. So, there were signs this was the direction they were heading on “Show Your Bones” but I was still taken aback a little once finally hearing it. I’ve said it before but this album really came to life for me after hearing the acoustic versions of “Soft Shock”, “Skeletons”, “Hysteric”, and “Little Shadows” on the special edition version. For some reason I really enjoyed the stripped down sound compared to the studio versions but they quickly grew on me after hearing them done that way. This was probably one of the better big label mainstream rock releases I heard all year.

The Raveonettes – In And Out Of Control

You’ve either bought in with this band’s schtick by now or you never will. I’ve been an unapologetic fan of ‘em since “Chain Gang of Love”. Something about their mix of JAMC and 50’s girl groups, and 50’s rock n roll with detached cool that I just find endlessly appealing. This record is just more of the same and equals, if not bests, “Lust Lust Lust” IMO. Songs about rape, drugs, and dying. “Leader of the Pack” for goth kids? “Wine” was one of the best closers of the year.





Justin Townes Earle – Midnight at the Movies


Gotta be tough living up to this kids lineage. Not only his daddy but the fact that he was named after the original Townes. I’m guessing he’s had conversations with Jakob Dylan and Hank Williams III at some point about this. With respect to Steve Earle, I enjoyed this more than Earle Sr.’s last couple of outings. He’s still following that American traditional music route but I think he’s gotten better since “The Good Life”. Anyone who is tired of Top 40 country and says there are no more real country artists, I’d probably give them this record. Short enough to not overstay it’s welcome and consistent enough to warrant repeated listens. Also, the Replacements cover is aces.




The Whore Moans – Hello From The Radio Wasteland


Man, it feels like I’ve had this forever. Thank you shiv(?). No matter how long I’ve had it, it demands a listing here. This is some of the best punk rock I heard all year. From 80’s hardcore larynx shredding and metal riffs to garage rock anthems, these guys kept me coming back to them all year. There are a couple filler tunes but the highpoints make up some of the best punk/garage shit I’ve heard in years. Stuff like “White Noise Melody” (early contender for song of the year last year), “Fingers and Martyrs”, “Here Comes America”, and the soft acoustic ballad closer “Before The Frost” all make up a record that is ragged and raw but all energy and all out. I haven’t liked a record of this ilk in a long time. Also, fucking awesome name.




Rancid – Let The Dominoes Fall

So wasn’t this the most heatedly discussed album of the year. Well, put me in the camp that loves it. It could probably be cut down about 2-3 songs but I’ll be damned if I could pick the songs. I don’t give a shit about mall culture or how people perceive this band; this is a solid rock n roll record from a band that’s been doing it for a long time. Favorites are the ska “Up To No Good” and the acoustic “Civilian Ways”. Here’s to hoping they continue to put out records as good as this.

3 Records by bands that are well past their due date yet did some solid work in 2009:




Cheap Trick – The Latest

I’d be remiss if I didn’t put this on here. Overlooked by almost everyone this album deserved better. A whole album of classic Cheap Trick goodness where they’re basically saying “we aren’t going to change now, what else did you fucking expect?”. A couple of missteps but anyone who’s ever been a fan of this band could do worse than checking it out. Super produced like all of their records have been and the guitar pop is all over the place. It’s not 1978 again but this is far from terrible.




Cracker – Sunrise In the Land of Milk and Honey

First Cracker album I’ve picked up since “Forever” and while they’re most likely never going to take the pop charts by storm again this is a solid collection of tunes. David Lowery’s cracked absurdist wit is on display in conjunction with their ability to play some good old fashioned rock n roll (a fine line that has always been their strength). Solid duets with John Doe and Patterson Hood are standouts as well. The latter being a song I may well dedicate to my friends when I die.





The Black Crowes – Before The Frost/ Until the Freeze


This is the record I’ve been waiting on from these guys for years. I think they owe Levon Helm a big thank you for providing the atmosphere for them to do this. I’ve still got mixed reviews on it but it deserves mentioning because it’s the best thing they’ve done in years. Those bookends of “Good Morning Captain” and “Last Place That Love Lives” are everything I used to like about this band.

Keep this thread going Derris. This Friday I'm pouring a drink and sitting down with it like a magazine I got in the mail.

There's way too much enthusiasm in this thread, Derris. Try disliking something - you might like it.

Best things I heard in 2009 that were not from 2009:




Sam Cooke – Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963

Beyond essential. Who put this up? Cotton? Whoever it was, thank you, thank you.




Jerry Lee Lewis – Live at the Star Club, Hamburg, 1964


The Killer in all his glory. Did modem put this up? Thanks.




The Nerves – One Way Ticket - Reissue

Can't remember where I read about this but I picked it up immediately. Peter Case pre-Plimsouls and Paul Collins pre-The Beat. Just great raw LA power pop. Don't think this was ever a full LP, just singles or an EP. Great stuff. Has a half dozen live tracks as well.

I think I put up the Jerry, but Modem could have too. It's a top 5 live recording to me.

Some 2009 Superlative awards:


Most useless album from an artist that I like:



I applaud the effort to expose Townes to a larger audience (and his ability to even get this put out) but I had no need for it. Just listen to Townes instead.



Album that I dismissed very early that eventually, partially, won me over:



While it will never be put in his canon of great albums, it is far better than I gave it credit for initially.


Album that was almost ruined by the most boring live show I've ever seen:



While I enjoy this bands brand of chamber pop, they were possibly the most boring band I've ever seen live in my entire life. I'll stick to the records from here on out.



Album that I really really tried with but just couldn't possibly live up to the mountain of hype:



I actually like this band at times but I came late to the game with this particular album and it just didn't do it for me. Not terrible, just.......meh.

Lastly, the album that belongs in Kingfish's "2009 album you discovered in 2010" thread:





Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women


Read about this about a month ago and found it online. Some great classic country going on here.

yeah, i like this a lot. i was getting crushed with emails from bloodshot about this record in early 2009, but it wasn't until mid-may that i heard it. and he's great live, too. if you like the covers, you need to see the show. he did an excellent cover of john prine's "far from me." also some carter family stuff.

I got it from you and it has been in my regular rotation ever since. So thanks for that.