everything that's on my mind

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.