What follows is my personal list of top music from 2009. This is obviously not comprehensive by any means. To make this list the music had to inspire me to purchase either physically or digitally. Although I probably purchase more music than the average 40 year old, I certainly consume less than the average person in the record business. Mostly because I am picky but also because I spend a lot of my limited free time reading and watching movies (movie list to follow by the way). Take a look and let me know what you think.
1. Death Cab for Cutie - Meet at the Equinox (single)
Although I will do my best to avoid the movie this song appears in, I still think it is an amazing track from one of my favorites bands. It has all the elements I love about DCC. And by the way believe me when I say that I will avoid the Twilight phenomena. I still have yet to see Titanic.
2. Pearl Jam - Backspacer and Ten (Redux)
How many bands can release a twentieth anniversary edition of their debut as well as one of their best new recordings in the same year? Most bands in their 20th year are usually only a shadow of their former selves or they are so entrenched in trying to capture the past that anything new is just a pitiful attempt at past glory. I am looking at you Alice in Chains. The remastered version of Ten not only includes the required unreleased tracks and live performances, but the deluxe has a DVD of their amazing MTV Unplugged performance. But the pièce de résistance is Brendan O'Brien's remixed version of the original LP which really brings out the ROCK. As for the band's new release, Backspacer, it is a solid collection of rock songs in the tradition of Ten as well as the follow up Vs. Although a Target exclusive, the band went the extra mile to offer a great digital version on iTunes as well as a version just for independent retail. I highly recommend the physical version of the CD or the LP. The artwork is amazing.
3. Wilco - Ashes of American Flags DVD and Wilco
I was lucky enough to be at a premiere independent retailer in San Diego on Record Store Day and I was able to obtain two favorites. The first being the latest Wilco DVD Ashes of American Flags. Not only is this a great documentary/concert film, but the DVD came with a code to download the audio for all the songs. Wilco is a rare band that delivers a unique live experience as strong but separate from their recorded experience. Wilco also released a new self-titled record this year and although I cannot rank it above their previous two studio recordings it is still a very good record with a lot more joy than previous releases.
4. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
It is easy to add Neko Case's latest to this list since almost every critic has done the same, but don't dismiss this record as just a critical darling. Neko has an amazing magnetism and a voice to match. Whether she is singing an original composition or a somewhat obscure cover song, I just cannot resist her. Of course I can do without the 30 minute chorus of tree frogs that closes the collection. Seems like a guilty pleasure for city folks to me.
5. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park
I fucking love this band and while I lived in Little Rock this may have been a little uncool now that I have returned to the northeast, I love them even more. This record is a bit of a departure for the Ben and the boys with the addition of a horn section that gives the record a throwback Memphis sound that suits them. Ultimately the core guitar and gravely vocals are there and as far as I am concerned no one writes better songs than Ben Nichols. I am a little wary that the band is going down a road paved by Springsteen cover band The Hold Steady though. The next time I see the band if there are a bunch of frat boys with backwards baseball caps singing along I will be very depressed.
6. The Dead Weather - Horehound
I have to admit that I have a love/don't really care attitude about Jack White. I want to like the White Stripes, but there always seemed to be something missing. I love his work with Loretta Lynn and some of the Raconteurs stuff, but after seeing a live performance I was hooked by this latest project. Behind the drum kit, Jack seems at home and the group seems like a real band not just a side project. The sound is kind of Deep Purple meets grunge and simply just rocks.
7. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day
I was first exposed to this Rhode Island band in 2008 when I saw them open for Jenny Lewis in New Haven, CT. They blew me away and I immediately bought whatever was available. I later discovered how hard this band has been working to make a name for themselves. Born on Flag Day demonstrates all that hard work, but still comes off as unpolished. Remember the first Uncle Tupelo record. It feels like that.
8. My Morning Jacket - Celebracion De La Ciudad Natal and Yim Yames - Tribute To (EP)
This MMJ CD was my second purchase on Record Store Day. It was exclusive to the retailers taking part in this special event and I am glad I grabbed it. Along side Wilco, MMJ knows how to translate their music to a live setting. This 8 track collection does not disappoint. Later this year lead singer Jim James released a great collection of George Harrison covers under the barely veiled pseudonym Yim Yames. This is a very lo-fi and understated collection, but the version of All Things Must Pass is worth the entire EP.
9. Kevin Kerby + Battery - Beautiful & Bright
I am lucky to have met and worked with some of my favorite song writers during my career. I was a fan of Kevin's band Mulehead before I moved to Little Rock in 1998. I not only got a chance to see that band dozens of times, but I was able to work with them and becomes friends with Kevin. This is his latest solo collection and quite frankly some of the best songs he has ever written. There is a darkness and maturity in the lyrics that quite frankly moved me greatly. The stand out song for me is Last Word On A Situation which at its core is a highly personal song about a specific instance for Kevin but resonates for me on many levels.
10. Company of Thieves - Ordinary Riches
Let me begin by admitting something very difficult. I love Daryl Hall and I watch his web show Live From Daryl's House religiously. That is where I first saw Company of Thieves. Lead singer, Genevieve Schatz, has an amazing voice that reminds me of a time I just loved pop/alternative/new wave music and did not have to try and earn money from it. All my hipster friends, please suspend your jaded natures and listen.
11. Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard - One Fast Move And I'm Gone
What is better than a Jack Kerouac novel? A documentary and a bunch of songs based on his writings. The three things that make me a geek and an outcast; beat novelists, shoe gazing folk rock, and documentaries all in one easy download.
12. Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Live at the Fillmore East Who knew Neil was saving all this cool shit? This 6 song collection of live jams is an incredible time capsule. As much as I love bands like My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Blitzen Trapper and the like this collection reminds me where it started, and frankly over shadows all. The 16 minute version of Cowgirl in the Sand and the 12 minute version of Down By the River will make you want to build a time machine and grow sideburns.
13. Sonic Youth - The Eternal
Like an uncontrolled impulse I buy every new Sonic Youth release. The Eternal marks there escape from major label legitimizer to independent mavericks. This release continues the mix of experimental with musical that has been a heavy part of all their releases over the last 20 years. To me they are still as current and vibrant as ever.
14. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I usually avoid and do not enjoy the "latest thing". These bands usually fade soon after the second song they perform on SNL. A friend of mine (thanks Little Rock Pete) recommended this release for just what it is - "a great summer record". Very catchy and crisp. Perfect to play loud.
15. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love
I love Genesis, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd and all those progressive/psychedelic bands from the 1970's. That appreciation has led me to bands that make incredibly complex and layered music that still is anchored in rock and folk traditions. The Hazards of Love not only shares many characteristics of those post hippie bands, but it is a rock opera to boot. Blame it on listening to Peter and the Wolf so many times in grade school, but I love to be told a story especially with so much deception and violence.
