music

Top Ten Albums of 2009

Several years ago a good friend of my mine sent out an email to a small group of friends. The email heralded his “top ten albums of the year”. He asked us to send him our favorites as a way to discover new music. The list exchange has grown and now every December a couple dozen of us exchange our “top tens”. With no need to pander to the record labels or industry superstars and even less need to prove my knowledge of obscure music, I give you my favorites of 2009. This is the perfect opportunity to use the comments section on Facebook and share with us your favorite music of 2009.

Joe Henry – Blood from Stars
A Grammy award-winning producer, Henry is a veteran on the other side of the studio as well. Since his debut album Talk of Heaven (1986), Henry has garnered critical acclaim. Commercial success has come more slowly. Blood from Stars (2009) takes Henry in a new direction, with its definite blues influences, and may bring a little more attention from the masses. Henry is married to Melanie Ciccone, Madonna’s sister.

The Boxer Rebellion – Union
Union (2009) is the second full length release by the UK band The Boxer Rebellion. The album was released only on iTunes and financed entirely by the band itself, after they lost their label. The band’s determination and self belief shines through on tracks such as “Evacuate” and “Flashing Red Light Means Go” with beautifullymelodic poetry placed atop aggressive drum beats.

Metric – Fantasies
Emily Haines returned to front Toronto based band Metric to produce a remarkable compilation of well crafted pop songs. This is a departure from the edgy post punk sensibility once displayed by Metric. Fantasies (2009) may chase away some of their long-time devotees but they will easily be replaced by a whole new group of fans.

Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Veckatimest (2009), the fourth studio release by the Brooklyn based Grizzly Bear, seems to be on everyone’s list this year and for good reason. The indie rockers use entrancing harmonies and complex arrangements to create their own intriguing sound. Veckatimest is named after an uninhabitable island off Cape Cod.  

Doves - Kingdom of Rust
One of the best bands in the business since their inception in 1998, the Doves just continue to put out great music. Kingdom of Rust (2009) entered the UK charts at #2 and was well received by both UK and US critics. The band opened for U2, Coldplay and Oasis in 2009.

Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains
The debut offering by this Staten Island band portends amazing things to come. Why There Are Mountains (2009) reminds many of early Modest Mouse in both its innovative lyrical rhythms and complex arrangements. Front-man Joseph D'Agostino possesses tremendous range and pulls the layers of sound all together.

Landon Pigg – The Boy Who Never
When a musician hails from Nashville, Tennessee you might think their career is destined to go country. Not so for Landon Pigg who instead uses beautiful melodies and emotion and weave an indie rock sound. Landon appears as Oliver in Drew Barrymore's roller derby movie Whip It.

Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen
This is Cursive's seventh album but first in three years. It shows a new level of maturity and cohesiveness not seen in previous releases. They have clearly focused on production value and added a layer of sophistication to their arrangements. Mama, I'm Swollen (2009) offers more of the witty and provocative lyrics the band is known for.

Florence and the Machine – Lungs
Soul inspired indie songstress Florence Welch is the voice of Florence and the Machine. She uses that voice to create an emotionally memorizing musical journey.  The Machine, Florence's backing band, use strings, harps and brass instruments to create a unique pop sound. The band is known for their overtly theatrical and oft-times self indulgent live shows.

Heartless Bastards – The Mountain
This trio is led by vocalist/guitarist and songwriter Erika Wennerstrom. Her unparalleled vocal style sets this band apart from much of homogeneous lifeless pop music currently on the market.  Many of their songs are inspired by there hometown, Cincinnati.