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For nearly a month I’ve been planning to post my mid-year music list, but just haven’t been able to carve out time to write such a post. I’ve put a list together, but have nothing else so far.

Therefore, due to my lack of time and/or diligence, and while I await the release that will most certainly top my list at year end, here’s an abbreviated version of my mid-year favorites list, lacking any commentary on my part.

These are not in order – again, I didn’t get around to ranking them. But I include my top 10 for the year so far along with my second ten and nine others from 2009 that I missed at the time but have been listening to a lot this year.

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Top Ten

American Slang – The Gaslight Anthem
American VI: Ain’t No Grave – Johnny Cash
Heaven is Whenever – The Hold Steady
Letting Go – Jennifer Knapp
Sea of Cowards – The Dead Weather
So Runs The World Away – Josh Ritter
Something’s Coming – Ty Tabor
The Learner – Griffin House
True Believer – Matthew Barber
Women and Country – Jakob Dylan

Second Ten

Contra – Vampire Weekend
Court Yard Hounds – Court Yard Hounds
End Times – Eels
High Violet – The National
Little Vigils – Mark Erelli
Mojo – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Scream – Ozzy Osbourne
Together – The New Pornographers
Transference – Spoon
Volume Two – She & Him

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9 from ’09

Get Lucky – Mark Knopfler
Horehound – The Dead Weather
Love Remains – Alice Peacock
Strict Joy – The Swell Season
Swoon – Silversun Pickups
Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures
The Mountain – Heartless Bastards
This Is War – 30 Seconds to Mars
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix

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That’s it. That’s the list.

I have only downloaded a few recent releases since my last “now playing” post. With the recent death of Ronnie James Dio, I’ve actually been downloading some of his early albums via eMusic, albums which I owned in high school (on cassette.) I’ve managed to get his two albums with Black Sabbath (Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules) and his first two solo albums (Holy Diver, The Last in Line). Those four are his best work by far, in my opinion, and all four are excellent. Dio will definitely be missed.

I’ve also started to fill in some Van Halen holes in my catalog as well, downloading two of their early works as well (Van Halen II, Fair Warning). Great stuff.

But it’s not all reminiscing. There are new albums on my iPod as well, so here’s a few words about those and some others that will soon be joining them.

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Mojo Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers I was underwhelmed after my first listen to this newest from one of my all-time favorite bands, but it grew on me quickly and I’m really starting to appreciate it. As I’ve said before, I pretty much love all things Tom Petty. Definitely a must-have if you love what these guys do. Here’s “I Should Have Known It”:

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American Slang The Gaslight Anthem I’ve been pumped about this album since I first heard a release date. After loving their last release The ’59 Sound so much, I also feared my expectations would be too high and I would be disappointed. But there was no need to worry as they are back in fine form with another excellent album. Matt endorsed it earlier today, and I echo that as well. Here’s an acoustic version of the title track:

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This Is War 30 Seconds to Mars A daily deal on amazonmp3 introduced me to 30 Seconds to Mars. This album reminds me at times of a less-heavy Dream Theater, with a bit of My Chemical Romance thrown in. The fair amount of synths used also brings back memories of something born in the 80′s on occasion. Overall, I like it a lot. Check out “Kings and Queens”:

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As for upcoming releases…

The Learner Griffin House Thanks to eMusic, I’ve come across a lot of music I probably would have missed out on (for example, the aforementioned The Gaslight Anthem.) Singer-songwriter Griffin House is likely among those as well. He’s recorded some great albums already, and Tuesday, 6/22, can’t come quick enough. I’ve heard two songs from this one so far, and can’t wait for the rest. Here’s “River City Lights”:

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Scream Ozzy Osbourne I’ve been an Ozzy fan since high school and at this point, that doesn’t look to change. His last few albums haven’t really impressed me as a whole (although they provided a few great songs), but I’ve already listened to this newest (due out Tuesday as well) via his MySpace page and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I just might have to pick it up (for the right price.) Check out “Let Me Hear You Scream”:

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God WIllin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs Ray’s last album, Gossip In The Grain, was a gem I discovered via Scott‘s recommendation. It is just outstanding, and his next offering will be available in August. If this first single, “Beg, Steal or Borrow”, is any indication, I’m going to like it a whole lot.

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I will also mention briefly that Eels and Arcade Fire also have new releases due out in August, which I will anxiously await as well.

However, the biggest release of the year is – without question – the fifteenth studio album from my favorite band of all time.

The Final Frontier – Iron Maiden
 

That’s right. Iron Maiden will be releasing The Final Frontier in mid-August and I am just beside myself. I can’t really put into words my love of the music of Iron Maiden, and so after a four year wait – the longest ever between Maiden (studio) releases – I will be blessed with new Maiden material.

Later this summer, I’ll likely be beginning a countdown of sorts by reviewing the first 14 albums in the Iron Maiden catalog, so you’ll know to avoid this blog during late July and early August.

There have been rumors that this will be the last studio effort by Iron Maiden, based on something Steve Harris once said about making 15 albums. It wasn’t set in stone, of course, and nothing ever is with musicians. I believe Ozzy recorded his “last album” back in the mid-90′s, and KISS had a farewell tour about a dozen years ago and yet they refuse to go away. (Their Dr. Pepper commercials really suck, by the way.)

However, with an album title like “The Final Frontier”, the speculation will be there until they dispel the rumors or release number 16 in a few years. We’ll see.

I will not dwell on that too much, though. A new Iron Maiden album is on it’s way. And there is much rejoicing.

Here’s the first single, “El Dorado”:

 
Up the irons.

That’s it. That’s the list.

I’ve already amassed a lot of music less than five months into the year, and May in particular has already been a monster month, with several outstanding new releases. I’m also looking forward to June releases from The Gaslight Anthem and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. And maybe even Ozzy’s newest. But for now, here’s most of what I’ve been listening to recently.
 

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Something’s Coming – Ty Tabor (2010)
While I’ve been somewhat disillusioned by the newest releases from King’s X (still good, but not great), Ty’s solo stuff seems to keep getting better. Here’s an album preview:
 

 

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Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures (2009)
I intended to get this album last year when it was released, but never got around to it until this March. I wish I had not waited. Here’s “New Fang” live:
 

 

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Under Control – Cary Brothers (2010)
I discovered Brothers’ first album on eMusic a few years ago and really liked it a lot. This one is at least as good, if not better. Check out “Ghost Town”:
 

 

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Volume Two – She & Him (2010)
More retro pop from Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. I worried that the novelty would wear off and this would disappoint, but it still works. Here is “In The Sun”:
 

 

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Women and Country – Jakob Dylan (2010)
There’s a bit more musically to this album than his largely-acoustic debut, and while I think I prefer the latter, this country-flavored album is quite good in it’s own right. Here’s “Nothing But The Whole Wide World”:
 

 

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Together – The New Pornographers (2010)
You can’t not love “supergroup” The New Pornographers’ brand of power pop. They’re back in form on their newest. Live on Jimmy Fallon, here’s “Crash Years”:
 

 

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Heaven is Whenever – The Hold Steady (2010)
I’ve only managed to listen to it once all the way through since I got it last week, and it did not strike me as being as strong as Stay Positive, but still a solid album. Check out “Hurricane J”:
 

 

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Court Yard Hounds – Court Yard Hounds (2010)
I’ve always shunned ‘country’ music (the big hats frighten me), but albums like this one (by 2/3 of the Dixie Chicks) make me cross over every now and then. Here is “Ain’t No Son”, live from Letterman:
 

 

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Little Vigils – Mark Erelli (2010)
I really love Mark Erelli, and this album (the first of two he’s releasing this year) is no exception. Listen to “Everything in Ruin”:
 

 

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So Runs The World Away – Josh Ritter (2010)
Josh Ritter is simply amazing. This is another must have album. Download it as soon as you finish listening to “Change of Time”:
 

 

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High Violet – The National (2010)
Just got this a couple days ago, and after 2007′s Boxer, I was mildly disappointed in this newest on first listen, but I enjoyed it much more the second time. Here’s “Bloodbuzz Ohio”:
 

 

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Letting Go – Jennifer Knapp (2010)
I’ve always liked Jennifer Knapp and it’s nice to have her back and still at the top of her game. Here’s an acoustic version of “Dive In”:
 

 

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Sea of Cowards – The Dead Weather (2010)
Behold, the newest from one of the creations of Jack White, at whose awesomeness I continue to marvel. Check out “Die by the Drop”:

 

 

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That’s it. That’s the list.

Finally I’m getting around to the new music post I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. I’ve not bought a lot of new music that’s been released in 2010, but here’s most of what I’ve been listening to so far from the new year.
 

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True Believer
Matthew Barber
(2010)

I discovered Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Barber on eMusic (thanks to Scott‘s suggestion) a couple of years ago, and his last album Ghost Notes almost broke my top 10 for 2008. On his newest, released a couple of weeks ago, Barber again has created a fantastic pop/rock album which, like it’s predecessor, will easily make my list again this year.

Check out “Revolution Of The Sun”.

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Contra
Vampire Weekend
(2010)

After such an excellent debut, I was mildly disappointed when I first listened to Contra. I liked it, of course, but it didn’t grab me right away since there weren’t any songs that immediately stood out (as several on their debut did.) However, after several listens I started to appreciate it for what it is: another outstanding collection that is a bit different from, and yet just as good as, their first.

Check out “Cousins”.

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Transference
Spoon
(2010)

Indie rock band Spoon is nothing if not consistent. This is my fourth album of theirs, and I have yet to be disappointed. Nothing they’ve done has really overwhelmed me, but they continue to put out very good albums. This newest may be my favorite since 2002′s Kill The Moonlight. Like the Vampire Weekend, this one required a little time to grow on me, but it didn’t take long.

Check out “Written In Reverse”.

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End Times
Eels
(2010)

I first heard Eels after Jason‘s recommendation of their 2009 release Hombre Lobo, which I really enjoyed a lot. After a quick turnaround, their newest became available shortly after the new year and I grabbed it right away. It’s a bit more acoustic than it’s predecessor, and lyrically it’s a deeply personal album, often focusing on the breakup of primary band member Mark Oliver Everett’s marriage and his heartache. Another very good album.

Check out “A Line In The Dirt”.

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American VI: Ain’t No Grave
Johnny Cash
(2010)

I only had the first three of Cash’s American series, but couldn’t pass up the sixth installment when it was released. I’ve read mixed reviews of this album, but I absolutely love it. The songs were recorded shortly before he died, and although death is the common theme of the songs, they’re not focused on death itself, but on what comes next. I found this final album to be a great closing chapter to a remarkable career.

Check out “Ain’t No Grave”.

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That’s it. That’s the list.

Here’s a look at some of my new music for the year so far. First are a group of albums (mostly from last year) that I didn’t get around to downloading until December or after the new year.
 

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Strict Joy
The Swell Season
(2009)

After the success of their debut album and, later, the film Once, I wondered if Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová would be able to build on that success or if this album would fall short and disappoint. I had no need to fear, for they very well may have surpassed their previous work together with Strict Joy. Their debut was full of love, but this is more of a “break-up album”. And yet it’s beautiful.

Check out “Fantasy Man”.

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Swoon
Silversun Pickups
(2009)

I checked out Swoon a few months back, but only recently got it while on sale at amazonmp3. Now that I have it, I wish I hadn’t waited so long. Their big sound and fuzzed-up guitars really works for me, and they seem to draw a lot of comparisons to The Smashing Pumpkins (who I admit I’ve never listened to, though I evidently should.) A definite winner, and I’ve officially become a big fan.

Check out “Panic Switch”.

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Horehound
The Dead Weather
(2009)

I’m way late to this party, but I’m also becoming a huge fan of just about anything in which Jack White is involved. Of what I’ve heard from him to date, this collection of bluesy, garage rock is probably my favorite since The White Stripes’ Elephant. It’s not Led Zeppelin, but the comparisons are valid. If you love great rock and roll, you need this album.

Check out “I Cut Like A Buffalo”.

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Broken Boy Soldiers
The Raconteurs
(2006)

Did I mention I’m really digging Jack White of late? Like The Dead Weather, this is another “supergroup” of sorts consisting of Jack White and a few musicians from other bands. While in some ways this is more of the same classic sound from White, it does (for me, at least) fall a bit short of the excellence of Horehound or Elephant. Nevertheless, it’s still a very enjoyable listen.

Check out “Steady, As She Goes”.

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The Mountain
Heartless Bastards
(2009)

This one didn’t blow me away immediately, but one day it just clicked and I realized this is just an outstanding piece of work. They’ve apparently expanded their rock and roll sound since their previous works (which I haven’t heard) to include instruments most common in artists coming out of Nashville (steel guitar, banjo, violin/fiddle, etc.), but do so to great effect. You must hear this.

Check out “Out at Sea”.

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A few others, in brief:

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix (2009) – The latest from Phoenix was on a lot of year end lists. It’s definitely an enjoyable pop/rock set, but I have to say that I wasn’t as crazy about it as a lot of other people apparently were.

Get Lucky – Mark Knopfler (2009) – Haven’t listened to anything from Knopfler since Dire Straits in the 80′s (and I was a big fan at the time.) Well, it’s been too long. Good stuff on his newest, and also check out his album with Emmylou Harris from 2006. It’s even better.

Armistice – MUTEMATH (2009) – MUTEMATH’s latest is a very good album, though it took me a few listens to really get into it. I hear their first album was even better, so I intend to check it out as well.

Love Remains – Alice Peacock (2009) – Last year I fell in love with Neko, Dar and Brandi; this year, Alice Peacock. An outstanding folk/rock album (with a little bit of country flavor to it.) A h/t to Freeman for recommending this via his year end list.

Collective Soul (Rabbit) – Collective Soul (2009) – More of the same from CS, but I’ve been a fan since the beginning and continue to love their work.
 

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That’s it. That’s the list.

And, a hat tip to RM for the recommendations of Heartless Bastards and all things Jack White.

In my next post I will take a look at a few new albums released since the new year.

 
Band name trivia: This struck me as funny. According to Erika Wennerstrom, a trivia quiz game at a bar included a multiple choice question asking the name of Tom Petty’s band. One of the incorrect answers was “Tom Petty and the Heartless Bastards.” She thought it was funny, too, and remembered it when she started her band.

The Top Ten edition

It’s been a fantastic year for music. I actually ended up with more new music this year than any other year of my life, I believe, and it was probably the best collection (as a whole) that I’ve ever acquired in the same year as well. That’s what made this list so difficult this year.

I left out several albums completely that I wanted to include, but there just wasn’t room. I liked new stuff from Andrew Bird, Conor Oberst, White Rabbits, Gomez, Elvis Costello, Echo & the Bunnymen, Thrice, The Mountain Goats, and yes, even KISS, and all were considered but didn’t make the cut.

I’ve spent the last five weeks or so listening to all of these albums again, most of them multiple times, trying to decide where exactly they should fall in the list. I’m sure a month from now I’ll look back and think several of them are misplaced. I always do. Nevertheless, I’ve come to the end of the list and, for the most part, this is pretty accurate.

Before the final list, if you haven’t seen the first three, you can find them here:

• Part 1: 8 from ’08
• Part 2: Honorable mention
• Part 3: The second ten

 
And now, here are my top ten favorites for the year.
 
#10 : Together Through Life – Bob Dylan

Dylan’s voice seems more gruff and strained with each new release, but he’s still getting it done. I don’t think this album is as strong as it’s predecessor, Modern Times, but it’s great in it’s own right. It’s one of those that has continued to get better for me with each listen. And you can’t help but love a song with the chorus line “hell’s my wife’s hometown.” Tracks were hard to come by online, so listen to album opener “Beyond Here Lies Nothin’” and you can also check out this album preview.

 

#9 : No Line On The Horizon – U2

That U2 can continue to remain at the top of their game after such a long and stellar career is remarkable. Their previous two albums this decade I enjoyed a lot, so for them to finish the decade with this one is amazing. When I first heard the single “Get On Your Boots”, I worried that I might be disappointed. Yet it turns out that this is their best album since Achtung Baby (in my opinion) and I admit it seems wrong to place it anywhere but in the top five. Listen to: “Magnificent“, “Stand Up Comedy“, “Breathe“, “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight”

 

#8 : I And Love And You – The Avett Brothers

The “Beatles of Bluegrass” have not abandoned their bluegrass roots, but there’s a definite shift towards a more pop sound on this new album. It’s always been there to some degree, but it’s a bit more pronounced here. There’s a heavy dose of piano and strings added to the expected guitar, banjo and bass, and the results are outstanding. I suspect their fan base has grown significantly with this release, and it should have. Listen to: “I And Love And You“, “Slight Figure Of Speech“, “Head Full Of Doubt, Road Full Of Promise“, “Laundry Room“

 

#7 : Working On A Dream – Bruce Springsteen

The Boss follows up Magic with a more hopeful and positive album, looking towards a brighter future. He opens this album with the epic western-themed “Outlaw Pete”, perhaps the best song on the album. That’s dangerous, but throughout the rest of the album there is no letdown at all. There have been a lot of mixed reviews and feelings about this album, but I loved it from day one. Like U2, he’s still adding high quality work to his impressive catalog after all of these years. Listen to: “Lucky Day“, “Working On A Dream“, “Kingdom Of Days“, “Outlaw Pete”

 

#6 : Middle Cyclone – Neko Case

I’ve not really been big on alt-country stuff (though that seems to be changing) but I’m pretty sure I could listen to Neko Case sing the phone book, if you don’t mind that cliche. Her voice is beautiful, powerful and possesses a clarity found in few others. For whatever reason, this album did not immediately click with me, but over the course of the year, the beauty of it was increasingly obvious as I was drawn to it again and again. A very impressive collection. Listen to: “This Tornado Loves You“, “People Got A Lotta Nerve“, “Fever“, “Middle Cyclone”

 

#5 : Give Up The Ghost – Brandi Carlile

This is the most recent purchase of any album in my list, having only downloaded it a few weeks ago. It shot up my list like a rocket, though, because she has it. Whatever it is, she has it. Singer-songwriter, folk, pop, country, rock, whatever you want to call her music, it’s simply phenomenal. She has an amazing voice – wow, does she have a voice – and it’s equally powerful when she’s singing a ballad like “Pride and Joy” as it is when she’s belting out a rocker like “Dreams”. She is a new favorite of mine and a hat tip to RM for recommending her. Listen to: “Looking Out“, “Pride and Joy“, “Dreams“, “Touching The Ground”

 

#4 : Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King – Dave Matthews Band

I never listened to Dave Matthews Band in the 90′s. I probably couldn’t even have named a song of theirs earlier this year. But after hearing a few tracks of their latest I decided to download it. It was a wise decision. The mixture of rock, funk, jazz, and even some eastern flavor and bluegrass, has kept me listening to this album regularly. I wouldn’t have expected a DMB album anywhere in my list at the beginning of the year, but here it is near the top, and it’s well deserved. Listen to: “Shake Me Like A Monkey“, “Alligator Pie“, “Why I Am“, “Time Bomb“

 

#3 : Backspacer – Pearl Jam

Likewise, I’ve passed on most of Pearl Jam’s offerings over the years and would have never expected they would show up here, either. But due to Matt‘s enthusiastic recommendation, I decided to check out their newest. I was stunned at how much I loved it. Totally unexpected. This is simply a great rock and roll album. It’s short, at only 37 minutes, but perhaps that was intentional, because it simply leaves you wanting more. Listen to: “The Fixer“, “Just Breathe“, “Unthought Known“, “Supersonic“

 

#2 : Daisy – Brand New

Like others on this list, Brand New was following up an excellent album of their own, 2006′s The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me (#10 on my list two years ago.) I had high hopes for this album, but it really has exceeded my expectations by quite a bit. They live up to their name from a musical standpoint, creating a “brand new” sound with each album, writing high quality songs both musically and lyrically. This has just blown me away. It’s absolutely incredible. Listen to: “At The Bottom“, “Sink“, “Bought A Bride“, “In A Jar“, “Daisy“

 

#1 : 21st Century Breakdown – Green Day

I didn’t think Green Day could possibly approach the awesomeness (for me, at least) that was American Idiot. I suppose it can be debated, but while I don’t they surpassed it, they may well have produced it’s equal. I knew this would be my album of the year just a few listens in, and nothing has really been in contention since. While some other old fans have not been as happy with the band’s direction this decade, I for one have loved it. This is rock and roll at it’s finest. It’s also pretty cool that a guy touring with them right now (guitar and backing vocals) was sitting in a cube on the other side of my building this time last year. Now he’s touring the world with Green Day, and I’m still sitting in a cube every day. Oh well, at least I have 21st Century Breakdown to make the days a little better… Listen to: “21st Century Breakdown“, “Viva La Gloria!“, “East Jesus Nowhere“, “American Eulogy“, “See The Light”

 

That’s it. That’s the list.

The second ten edition

I’ve had an exceedingly difficult time in ordering my top twenty this time around. Six of these albums were, at one time or another, in the top ten list over the last few weeks. I’ve been re-listening to albums and re-ordering them almost daily, and I know next week I’ll wish I could do it again.

This year has been a remarkable year for music and in another year, most of my top twenty albums could have been in the top ten. Yet, eventually I had to stop and let the list be what it is, and so I’ve settled on what begins below. These are (at least today) my second ten, as difficult as it was to leave some of them out of the top ten.
 

#20 : Monsters of Folk – Monsters of Folk

A “monster” collaboration like this one – M. Ward, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), and Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes) – is bound to generate high expectations. I’m not sure they met them, but for me they came pretty close. I like all of the artists and their distinctive styles on their own, and while the sum of the parts may still be greater than the whole, it’s a wonderful album nonetheless. Listen to: Say Please, The Right Place, Whole Lotta Losin’

 

#19 : Hello Hurricane – Switchfoot

Three albums later, Switchfoot has finally approached the greatness of their 2004 release The Beautiful Letdown, their best album to date. Hello Hurricane presents a “facing the storms of life” theme throughout the lyrics (evidenced in the album title) and there is a conspicuous U2 influence in the music. It’s not quite Letdown, but it’s as close as they’ve been since. Listen to: “Needle and Haystack Life“, “Mess Of Me“, “Bullet Soul“

 

#18 : Picket Fence Cartel – Project 86

I’ve been a fan of Project 86 for about eight years now, and their last release Rival Factions was a bit experimental. But they’ve returned to their roots with this seventh release, and it’s their best work in years. Their hard driving rock and Andrew Schwab’s singing/screaming borders on metal, and the lyrics are a bit heavier on spiritual themes than their past work. It might give you a headache, but in a good way. The Butcher, Cement Shoes, The Spectacle of Fearsome Acts

 

#17 : Church Music – David Crowder Band

David Crowder Band, unlike most “worship genre” artists, continues to remain fresh and innovative. Their newest release is no exception, and demonstrates one of the reasons they’re one of the few in that genre worth listening to at this point. Church Music‘s electronica sound is certainly a different animal than the bluegrass/rock of A Collision a few years ago, but it rivals it as the best of what these guys have done. Listen to: “The Nearness“, “SMS (Shine)“, “Eastern Hymn“

 

#16 : Hey La Hey – Michael McDermott

Singer-songwriter McDermott is a favorite of mine, and is a master at painting a picture with his lyrics. On his newest release he has shown that he was up to the task of following up Noise From Words (my #1 album in 2007). This is yet another strong album both musically and lyrically, full of compelling characters and stories. And, like Noise…, the best track is the album closer. If you haven’t been listening to McDermott, you need to start right now. Listen to: “The Great American Novel“, “I Wanna Know Why“, “Carry Your Cross“

 

#15 : Stockholm Syndrome – Derek Webb

The title hints that the church is too at home in the world in which we live. And far be it from Webb to be quiet about it. Lyrically, the familiar themes you expect are present, including calling the church to be more than what he finds in American Christianity. Musically, it’s electronic, programmed sound is unlike his previous work, but for me, it works. And also expected from Webb is the obligatory controversy. Listen to: I Love/Hate You, Cobra Con, What Matters Most

 

#14 : Curse Your Branches – David Bazan

David Bazan’s (Pedro The Lion) solo debut is an album that seems to have been born from the questions and doubts about God and faith with which he’s wrestled for many years. Lyrically, it’s pretty heavy and at times pointed, as his frustration with God and things spiritual pours out. Maybe an agnostic, maybe not, but he is not afraid to ask tough questions and challenge the standard answers. Listen to: Hard To Be, When We Fell, Curse Your Branches

 

#13 : Elvis Perkins in Dearland – Elvis Perkins in Dearland

I was completely unfamiliar with Perkins until about a month ago when I encountered this album on eMusic. He is the son of Anthony Perkins, and the tragedy in his life (his father’s death by AIDS, his mothers death on one of the planes on 9/11/01) has shaped his music and lyrics. There’s both darkness and hope here, at times haunting and other times celebratory. An array of instruments and styles are employed with tremendous results. Listen to: “Shampoo“, “Send My Fond Regards To Lonelyville“, “Doomsday“

 

#12 : Hold Time – M. Ward

You know by now that I’ve grown to love M. Ward this year (this being his third appearance in my lists) and this album is the reason why. It prompted me to get more from his catalog, thanks to eMusic, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. Ward’s influences appear to be all over the map – folk, rock, blues, country, Americana, and more. I love his distinctive vocals and he’s a phenomenal musician. Listen to: “Never Had Nobody Like You“, “Rave On“, “To Save Me“

 

#11 : The Hazards of Love – The Decemberists

The Decemberists can tell a good story, and they do so again on their newest – a love story in the form of a rock opera. The occasional dark and disturbing lyrics are there as expected, and the music is aptly described as 70′s prog folk opera. The songs aren’t as instantly memorable like some from previous albums, but of course it’s meant to be listened to as a whole. It is an exceptional piece of work, and in my opinion, their best work to date. Listen to: “The Hazards of Love 1“, “The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid“, “The Rake’s Song“

 

That’s it. That’s the list.

Up next: the top ten.

Honorable Mention edition

With some notables from last year out of the way (as seen in my previous post), today begins the countdown of my favorite albums released this year. Like the albums from 2008, these are albums that still warranted a mention despite the fact that they did not make my top twenty list. Several of these migrated back and forth between being on and off the list while I was trying to narrow it down. In the end, these six didn’t make the cut, but were strong contenders.

So, here’s the list of honorable mentions (in no particular order):

Black Gives Way To Blue – Alice in Chains
It’s been 14 years since their last album, a period of time that included the tragic death of lead singer Layne Staley. Thus I feared that a post-Staley AIC would only be a pale imitation of what once was, but they have returned in fine form. Jerry Cantrell shares vocals with new member William Duvall and the results are very gratifying. Listen to: “Check My Brain“, “A Looking In View“, “Black Gives Way To Blue”

 
Sci-Fi Crimes – Chevelle
Chevelle has never really deviated too far from their formula, and perhaps that’s a bad thing. But their style of hard driving rock continues to be a favorite of mine. This album is comparable to their previous work, although I believe it is stronger from beginning to end than anything they’ve done since Wonder What’s Next and it was hard to leave it off the list. Listen to: “Jars“, “Sleep Apnea“, “Roswell’s Spell”

 
Lost Channels – Great Lake Swimmers
I discovered this Toronto folk band last year. On their fourth release, Tony Dekker’s vocals drive the album, and their largely acoustic instrumentation coupled with wonderful vocal harmonies create a very pleasant sound. It’s a great album, and while there are some upbeat songs, it’s still perfect for listening to when you’re in a mellow kind of mood. Listen to: “Palmistry“, “Still“, “Pulling on a Line”

 
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
I first heard Isbell on a Drive-By Truckers album a couple of years ago, and enjoyed his solo debut last year. But this newest release is my favorite of his to date. It is a great rock album with a little southern flavor to it. Everything I’ve heard from him I’ve liked more than what came before it, so I’m looking forward to what comes next. Listen to: “Seven-Mile Island“, “Good“, “Soldiers get strange”

 
Innocence & Instinct – Red
I stumbled upon Red’s excellent debut a few years ago, and there was no sophomore slump here. They’re back with another dose of their melodic hard rock and lyrics that are a bit darker than on their debut (inspired in part by Dante’s Inferno). I just assumed this would easily be a top twenty album, but it fell only because there was so much to include this year. Listen to: Death of Me, Start Again, Shadows

 
Townes – Steve Earle
This was actually my first Steve Earle album, though I’ve become a big fan and since downloaded two others from eMusic. This one is a tribute album Earle recorded featuring songs of his mentor, the late Townes Van Zandt and is very well done. It also makes me want to now get some TVZ music (though I’ve yet to do so.) Listen to: “Pancho & Lefty“, “Colorado Girl“, “To Live Is To Fly”

 

That’s it. That’s the list.

Up next: the bottom half of the top twenty.

8 from ’08 edition

Today begins a series of four posts over the next week or so in which I reveal my favorite music of the year. The rules have changed only slightly from last year, as I will explain, but the basic rule is the same – these are the albums I enjoyed and/or listened to the most this past year.

Having acquired so much new music since last year (now at 135 albums), I decided that I would limit my 2009 list to albums released in this calendar year. This is the first time I’ve done that, since I usually include all of my new music since the previous year’s list, regardless of release date. I usually have several albums that were released the previous year but I did not get until late in the year or after the new year.

Despite the fact that I’m eliminating those from my list this year, I still wanted to mention a few that I didn’t get to put on last year’s list, either, but deserve to be on a list somewhere. They were all released in 2008 and were also favorites throughout 2009. Therefore, I couldn’t let them fall through the cracks without a mention.

Here’s my “8 from 08″ (in no particular order):

Balance – Ty Tabor
Long-time King’s X fan, and I continue to love Ty’s solo work. There’s not really anything groundbreaking here; the expected harmonies and outstanding guitar work are present as usual, and it is comparable to his last release, Rock Garden. But I love what he does, and both he and King’s X deserve far more recognition than they’ve ever received. Listen to: “Cause We Believed“, “I’m OK With You”

 
Death Magnetic – Metallica
Metallica rose to prominence in the world of metal during the 80′s, but went off track during the 90′s. Each of their albums released in the last 15 years sucked more than the one it followed. But the good news is that this newest is a fast-paced heavy metal album that has them finally sounding like they’re supposed to again, and it’s about time. Listen to: “All Nightmare Long“, “The Day That Never Comes”

 
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today – David Byrne & Brian Eno
I listened to a little Talking Heads back in the 80’s, but not much. Byrne’s collaboration with Eno, however, is more than worth a listen. It is an excellent album with influences from multiple styles of music (Byrne actually describes it as “folk electronic gospel”.) Check it out – you won’t be disappointed. Listen to: “Life is Long“, “Everything That Happens”

 
Gossip In The Grain – Ray Lamontagne
Folk singer-songwriter Ray Lamontagne has a unique voice. It’s raspy and rough, but also can be very pleasant at times. His emotion and passion shine through on every song. Nearly a year after first hearing it, I still like it a little bit more each time I listen. It’s outstanding and I’ve still not yet grown tired of it. Listen to “You Are The Best Thing“, “Let It Be Me”

 
Promised Land – Dar Williams
I’ve discovered a few female singer-songwriter’s this year that I’ve fallen in love with, and Dar Williams is one of them (see subsequent posts for the others.) She’s a superb storyteller as evidenced by the songs on this album, which I highly recommend. This would have been high on my 2009 list had I kept it in the mix. Listen to: “It’s Alright“, “The Easy Way”

 
Seeing Things – Jakob Dylan
This debut by The Wallflowers front man has been heard on my iPod countless times this year. It’s an acoustic folk/rock album that has been a joy to listen to repeatedly. He’s the son of a legend, but he’s charting his own course as a singer-songwriter and I look forward to things to come. Listen to: “Evil Is Alive And Well“, “Something Good This Way Comes”

 
Songs For You, Truths For Me – James Morrison
I came across this album on an amazonmp3 daily deal one day and took a chance. I think it paid off as I’ve really enjoyed it a lot. He uses his somewhat gruff voice to the fullest and incorporates pop, jazz and blues into his music, with very nice results. I admit that I am still a little surprised by how much I like it. Listen to “The Only Night“, “Please Don’t Stop The Rain”

 
Volume I – She & Him
As I will likely restate in the coming days, I’ve become a huge fan of M. Ward this year, though this collaboration with singer/actress Zooey Deschanel was, for me, more about “she” than “him”. Deschanel wrote most of the songs , which are reminiscent of another era. From the opening bars, I found myself mesmerized by her vocals and I was hooked. Listen to: “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?“, “You Really Got A Hold On Me”

 

That’s it. That’s the list.

Up next: my honorable mentions of 2009.

I liked the music of Switchfoot in the early days, back when they appeared to be just another “Christian” band. While they always intended just to be a rock band (who happened to be made up of Christians), they ended up with a record deal that primarily placed their first three albums in the Christian music market after their label was bought out by another.

It was the band’s fourth album, 2003′s The Beautiful Letdown, that allowed them to break through to the mainstream and also solidified them as a favorite of mine. It was an outstanding album that remains one of my favorites of the decade, and an album I’ve never expected to see them surpass. Their efforts since have continued to be good, but each one failing to quite live up to the last (an admittedly hard task after the excellence of Letdown.)

Enter their new release Hello Hurricane.

The band had over 80 songs that they eventually whittled down to the 12 that made the album. I don’t know how the others stacked up to the final track list, but I’m pleased with the ones that made the cut.

The album title hints at its “facing the storms of life” thread and Foreman’s lyrics are also sprinkled with love and hope, backed by Switchfoot’s signature sound. The anthemic “Needle and Haystack Life” kicks off the album, which then tears into rockers like “Mess of Me”, “The Sound” and “Bullet Soul”, and tones it down for ballads like “Your Love Is A Song” and “Sing It Out”.

Just as was the case with Letdown, I was unable to find a disappointing song on this album. And this one is also among my favorites of the year. Certainly Switchfoot is not for everyone, and I wouldn’t call them a great band, but I’ve always loved their sound. And though Letdown has always been my favorite, this one may very well be just as good. But I’m not willing to say that. Yet.

Check out “Mess of Me” and “Bullet Soul”: