everything that's on my mind

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.

I mentioned yesterday a desire to post weekly on the things I’m reading. I also plan to do the same regarding the things I’m listening to. This will almost always be music, but I may also include other things (i.e. podcasts) on occasion.

In “blog 1.0″, I usually posted monthly on the new music in my rotation, but this time around I’m going to attempt to highlight a single album (again, usually) each week. It will more often than not be new(ish) music, but I will likely reach back into the past from time to time.

Before I start that, I thought I’d share my 2009 mid-year list. I posted this on Facebook in July, but thought I’d go ahead and share it again now that I am using this forum again. I’ve already acquired a few new titles that will change this list at year end, but here’s what the list looked like in July.

(NOTE: I didn’t go back and check out all of the links to see if any are now broken.)

#10: Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (2009)
I first heard Isbell on a Drive-By Truckers album a couple of years ago, and enjoyed his solo album last year. But this newest release is my favorite of the three. If you’re looking for some good southern rock, check it out.
Listen to: “Seven-mile Island“, “Good“, “However Long”
 

#9: Outer South – Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band (2009)
I’ve yet to dislike any of Oberst’s work I’ve heard, and this is no exception. At the moment, I think I like last year’s self-titled album a bit more than this newest release, but it is nonetheless another winner.
Listen to: “Slowly (oh so slowly)“, “Cabbage Town“, “Nikorette“
 

#8: Hold Time – M. Ward (2009)
While I owned a couple of M. Ward albums, I didn’t become a big fan of his blend of musical styles until earlier this year with this newest release. It is really fantastic, and it is his best to date. Also enjoyed the appearance of “She & Him” collaborator Zooey Deschanel on a couple of tracks. Listen to: “Never Had Nobody Like You“, “Rave On“, “To Save Me“
 

#7: Seeing Things – Jakob Dylan (2008)
It seems almost wrong to place this album only one behind his father’s, but I have really loved this album from day one. No, he’s never going to be his father, yet I keep coming back to this one over and over. Listen to: “Evil Is Alive And Well“, “Valley Of The Low Sun“, “Something Good This Way Comes“
 

#6: Together Through Life – Bob Dylan (2009)
I never listened to much of Bob Dylan until I bought the Dylan collection a couple of years ago, so I don’t really know how this new one compares to classic Dylan albums. But I do know that, while I might not have had it in my top 10 a month ago, I continue to love this album more with each listen, and it keeps climbing. Listen to: “Beyond Here Lies Nothin’“, “My Wife’s Home Town“, “I Feel A Change Comin’ On“
 

#5: The Hazards of Love – The Decemberists (2009)
The Decemberists are back with a true concept album, including the expected dark and sometimes disturbing lyrics alongside some outstanding music that could have been recorded 30+ years ago. And, while I’m still quite fond of The Crane Wife, I think this is their best to date. Listen to: “The Wanting Comes In Waves / Repaid“, “Won’t Wait For Love (Margaret in the Taiga)”, “The Rake’s Song“
 

#4: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today – David Byrne & Brian Eno (2008)
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: “My Big Nurse“, “Everything That Happens“, “Life Is Long“
 

#3: No Line On The Horizon – U2 (2009)
As always, I looked forward to a new U2 album, wondering what would come next. What came is probably my favorite since Achtung Baby, which seems to be a common sentiment. There are few bands who have the success U2 did in the 80′s and remain relevant 20+ years later. U2 is one of those few. Listen to: “Magnificent“, “You Know I’ll Go Crazy…“, title track
 

#2: Working On A Dream – Bruce Springsteen (2009)
The Boss is back, and rather quickly, less than 16 months after releasing Magic. Like U2, his ability to continue to produce such outstanding music so late in his career is remarkable. I thought The Rising and Magic were great records, but this is my favorite from his releases this decade. Listen to: “Outlaw Pete“, “Kingdom of Days“, title track
 

#1: 21st Century Breakdown – Green Day (2009)
I somehow missed Green Day’s American Idiot back in 2004, and just got around to getting it earlier this year. After hearing it, I was certain that it was their highest point, that they would never top that album. I stand corrected. I contend that this album does exactly that, and that’s one of the many reasons why it’s my #1 right now. It is an amazing piece of work by a band that has grown significantly since I first heard them in the early 90′s. Get this album today. Listen to: “East Jesus Nowhere“, “American Eulogy: Mass Hysteria/Modern World“, title track
 

That’s it. That’s the list.