Top 10 albums of 2009- My view

I don't know that it's "eagerly anticipated", but I've finally managed to collect my thoughts on my 10 favorite albums of the year. The first nine were actually obvious to me, intuitive almost. The number 10 slot will be filled by two albums that came from a list of 7 (and yes, I'll give you the other 5 as honorable mentions). Please remember- these are MY favorites, and there is definitely a heavy Americana/ Alt Country/ Southern Rock bent to the list.

With no further delay, listed alphabetically until 10a and 10b:
  1. I and Love and You- The Avett Brothers. This album becomes a bit more rich for me every time I listen to it. Great songwriting, terrific musicianship, and these guys were one of my favorite Red Butte Gardens shows of the summer. In fact, that show was why I bought this album. Song choice: The Perfect Space
  2. One Foot in the Ether- Band of Heathens. Damn you, Reckless Kelly, for having these guys open for you a couple of years ago. As much as I don't care for going to shows at Floore's in Helotes, TX, I was mesmerized by the musicianship that all of these guys brought to the game. I've seen them a couple of times since and have never been disappointed. Same goes for One Foot in the Ether- there's no disappointment to be found here. Song choice: Right Here With Me
  3. The Fine Print- Drive By Truckers. Nope, it's not on the list just because of my mad Jason Isbell love (more on that to come soon). For some of the best liner notes you'll ever read, pick up a copy of this. The music is just an excellent bonus. I need to find out the exact date and location they'll be resurrecting Southern Rock Opera in 2011.....because that will be a must see! Song choice: When the Well Runs Dry (admit it....you knew I would go with one of the Isbell songs!)
  4. Some Days the Song Writes You- Guy Clark. If I need to explain to you why Guy Clark makes the list, you need to be introduced to the music of Guy Clark. One of the true traditionalists left in the "country" music world. Song choice: The Coat
  5. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. That previously mentioned "mad Jason Isbell love"? This is the reason. I had the opportunity to see these guys three times this year (without plane tickets, mind you!) and every show was amazing. Jason may be the best living storyteller/ songwriter in the South; the fact that he's an amazing musician who has surrounded himself with amazing musicians is all the better. Song choice: The Blue. Or The Last Song I Will Write. Or the whole damn album. This may be the don't miss of my list.
  6. 1372 Overton Park- Lucero. This was the album that I awaited the most eagerly this year, and not just because a Lucero show was my official birthday festivity. The sound is a bit different for Lucero with the addition of horns, but it's a change that I really like (and hope to see live after the first of the year). Ben Nichols continues to write great heartbreak/ break-up songs. I'll admit this one isn't for everyone, both due to the definite rock-n-roll bent and Nichols' gravelly voice that sometimes sounds more like a shout. Driving down the road singing along to "Unknown and beautiful....." from Smoke is one of my favorite summer memories. Oh, and the album was worth the wait. Song choice: Hey Darlin', Do you Gamble?
  7. Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk. These guys seem to be a love or hate proposition for most music reviewers, and they are held as a alternative supergroup triumph or a severe disappointment. I would argue that the collaboration between Conor Oberst, Jim James, Mike Mogis, and M Ward is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. Thank you, XM/Sirius, for playing Say Please frequently enough to convince me to explore what else these guys had created. Song choice: Temazcal
  8. The List- Rosanne Cash. The story of this CD was enough to pique my curiosity; Rosanne's Daddy (that's Johnny Cash, for those who aren't certain) once gave her a list of 100 songs that she needed to know in order to understand her musical heritage. You get 12 of those songs if you buy the CD, a 13th bonus song if you buy the iTunes edition. This is an amazing walk through American musical history with one of the preeminent- if underrated- women of modern American music. Song choice: Satisfied Mind (with Neko Case, the iTunes bonus track)
  9. The Wreckage- Will Hoge. This album was definitely a triumph for Will as it was his first musical foray following a horrible scooter accident last year. Personal backstory aside, it's just plain a terrific album- songwriting, music, all of it. A bit more on the "pop" sounding side than most of my list, but the core principle of singer-songwriter holds here. Song choice: The Wreckage
  10. (tie) Give up the Ghost- Brandi Carlile and Middle Cyclone- Neko Case. Honestly, I couldn't remove one of these from the top 10 for the other. So I cheated and kept them both. Song choices: Before it Breaks (BC) and The Next Time you say Forever (NC)
Honorable mentions:
Comments, thoughts, your take on some of these? Happy listening!





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Now playing: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - The Blue
via FoxyTunes