Greetings music fans,
As we eagerly anticipate ringing in the New Year and 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be entertaining to do a little musical year in review. Here is smattering of albums that were released in 2009 that you should be listening to. The list is compiled alphabetically by artist. This, of course, is for my own personal benefit and helps calm my little OCD head.
Arctic Monkeys “Humbug”
Third album for the band with several tracks produced by Joshua Homme of (Queens of the Stone Age), (Eagles of Death Metal) and (Them Crooked Vultures)
Dan Auerbach “Keep it Hid”
Dan is half of the genius behind (The Black Keys)
The Avett Brothers “I and Love and You”
Major label debut produced by Rick Rubin
The Black Crowes “Before the Frost and Until the Freeze”
Two disc set (“Until the Freeze” only available as download) that was recorded in Levon Helm’s (The Band)Woodstock Studio.
The Dead Weather “Horehound”
Yet another reason Jack White is musical greatness
Drive-By Truckers “The Fine Print”
A collection of oddities and rarities that includes a cover of Tom Petty’s “Rebels”
Steve Earl “Townes”
In homage to the late, great Townes Van Zandt, it is an amazing collection of songs, with “Lungs” being my favorite track.
Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone”
Music from Jack Kerouac’s “Big Sur”. These songs were recorded over a five day span with minimal revisions.
Grizzly Bear “Vectatimest”
A diverse collection of songs that will take a few times to appreciate.
Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 “White Lies for Dark Times”
Ben ventures beyond his Innocent Criminals and adds some Texas folks to the band. Another solid Ben Harper venture.
Patterson Hood “Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)”
Hood, of (Drive-By Truckers), releases his 2nd solo disc. Check out “Pride of the Yankees”
Iron and Wine “Around the Well
Two disc set of previously unreleased materials and cool covers.
Jay-Z “The Blueprint 3”
Come on, it is Jay-Z. What is not great about this? If you are into Jay-Z, check out his unplugged album with (The Roots) as his backing band. Pure greatness.
Dave Matthews Band “Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King”
First album since the death of founding member Leroi Moore. I’m a huge DMB fan and make no apologies for it.
M Ward “Hold Time”
2009 was a busy and fruitful musical year for Mr. Ward.
Monsters of Folk (Self titled)
Well, you have Jim James (My Morning Jacket) Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes) and M. Ward. How could you go wrong? They brought back the multi part harmony that is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, & Nash and The Eagles.
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band “Outer South”
This dude has been recording since he was 13. Dropped the “Bright Eyes” moniker but still exploring and expanding the boundaries of music.
Pearl Jam “Back Spacer”
Great follow up album to their 2006 self titled album. I saw them live at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival. Two plus hours of amazing music played with such fervor and with guest appearance by Ben Harper and Perry Farrell.
Tom Petty “The Live Anthology”
This four disc set is a must have for any Petty fan. This set spans 30 years of concerts and is absolutely amazing.
Phish “Joy”
Great to see the boys back together and playing nice.
Silversun Pickups “Swoon”
Second full length release that is a gradual departure from “Canvas”
Son Volt “American Central Dust”
From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar created Son Volt. Not a disappointing album in the collection.
Sonic Youth “The Eternal”
After all these years, still making relevant music and inspiring others to do so as well.
Bruce Springsteen “Working on a Dream”
The Boss has been rather prolific in the 00’s. This was a great way to round out the year and decade. Saw him in Charlotte NC in 2008. Amazing!
State Radio “Let It Go”
This is the third full length disc from Chad Stokes formerly of (Dispatch) and company. A great live band if you ever have the opportunity.
Street Sweeper Social Club (Self titled)
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), (Audioslave) and (The Nightwatchman) and Boots Riley (The Coup) come together and create revolutionary party jams.
Them Crooked Vultures (Self titled)
Dave Grohl (Nirvana) and (Foo Fighters), Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and (Eagles of Death Metal), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). Need I say more?
U2 “No Line On the Horizon”
Getting back to the greatness of The Joshua Tree. Bono and Co. show why they continue to be in the running for world’s greatest rock band.
Wilco (Self titled)
From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy created Wilco. Not a disappointing album in the collection. Funny how that worked out for both he & Jay.
Pete Yorn “Back & Fourth”
I’ve always been a Pete fan but have found a new appreciation for him in the last few years.
Great music awaits!
Music you should be listening to! 