January 1, 2010
My favorite albums ‘09: 1-10
#1 Mumford and Sons -Sigh No More
After releasing 2 eps in 2008 and one in early 09, i started feeling ‘teased’. Then finally, the orgasmic moment of the full length release was indeed satisfying, and i held no regrets after wards. The perfect sexual musical experience. The album is lyrically very strong and the instrumentation is fantastic (especially when that banjo gets wailin’), but most importantly, it has a whole lot o’ passion. I literally could not get enough. Great job.
Vetiver -Tight Knit
I loved this album, then i saw them a few times live at pickathon this year, and loved it even more. Andy has got some mad song writing skills, maybe Michael Hurley is training him to take his position when he passes on.
The Mumlers -Don’t Throw Me Away
My anthem album of the summer, particularly the title track that speaks ” oh love, don’t throw me away, how can you be so unkind…”. He sings like he is sobbing, and like he’s got a big phat crack down the middle of his heart, and it’s hard to not sob along. This album by far, has got the most human soul I’ve heard in any album this year, whether they are crooning or jivin’ with a whole asto-van full of horn and wind players.
Phosphorescent -To Willie
Willie fans can recall his tribute to the great Lefty Frizzel. Well it’s about time somebody made a good tribute for the great Willie. Phosphorescent has got this unique voice, but at the same time, it becomes very reminiscent of Willies iconic cry. Every song is delicately picked and each song does the original justice, sometimes even becoming better versions?
Huck Notari -Very Long Dream
“Recorded mostly live in his home with friends, this record displays heartfelt lyrics and delicate melodies along with a sense of emotional struggle. Huck, just being nominated for a Portland Music Award in outstanding achievement in country music. He continues to create stripped-down, beautifully crafted songs.” This album is just so pure and authentic. Beautiful.
Pete Molinari -Today, Tomorrow and Forever (ep)
This is a covers ‘album’ and features 3 acoustic songs and 4 full band tunes that features the great backing vocals of The Jordinaires. (elvis, ricky nelson, johnny cash) Prettiest voice i’ve heard all year. Very timeless.
Alela Diane -To Be Still
I’ve gots-a huge crush on her and not just because she’s good looking, but because this album is everything i hoped it would be.
The Felice Brothers-Yonder is the Clock
Same ol’ Felice Brothers we fell in love with. One of my favorite shows this year, with all 20 other people who were there (311 and damien marley were playing the same night)… yeah, fuck you Eugene.
Brown Bird – The Devil Dancing
“Brown Bird is an original 5 piece band which draws influence from Country, Blues and Eastern European musics. Brown Bird began over five years ago as the brain child of songwriter David Lamb and has developed into a miniature orchestra of harmonized voices and instruments carrying Lamb’s haunting lyrics on surging waves of Appalachian, gypsy, and shanty music. The group hails from Rhode Island and Maine and pulls from the talents of each member to create a diverse folk music that swells into high-spirited, foot-stomping madness. “
Black Joe Lewis & The HoneyBears -Tell ‘em What Your Name Is! [explicit lyrics]
This album puts me in a good mood. Especially ‘i’m broke’ and ‘bobby bushay’. A lost highway standout and a resurecction of that good ol’ funky soul!
December 30, 2009
20-11 favorite albums of 09
I’ll start with the JV squad.
#11: Floating Action- Floating Action
Park the Van Records greatest new addition.
Bruce Peninsula- A Mountain is a Mouth
Canadian rasp, haunting chants and sing alongs. Canadian music scene is phenomenal this year.
Megafaun- Gather, Form & Fly
Much more complex and diverse than I would have imagined a year ago watching them play in parking lots.
The Cave Singers- Welcome Joy
Same sound we loved from their debut.
Deer Tick- Born on Flag Day
A bit less spontaneous than War Elephant, but still cuts through you like a rusty nail.
Timber Timbre- Timber Timbre
Like most inspirational art Timber Timbre comes from a source of isolation, cabin fever specifically. Haunting and honest. Canadian as well.
A.A Bondy- When the Devil’s Loose
Like American Heart minus the staying power. Title track is a standout.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros- Up From Below
There is a lot of people in this band. “A 60s commune vibe of strummed guitars and daisy chains…sources the mariachi heart of Calexico and marries it to ‘Haiti’ by The Arcade Fire, as seen through Jarvis Cocker’s tinted shades”.
Woody Pines-Counting Alligators
My ol’ pal Woody Pines is growing up. Full band sound, foot Stomping Twang from weird America’s Highways and bi-ways. (Independently released and for all you OCMS freaks, co-produced by Gil Landry)
#20: Thomas Function- In the Valley of Sickness
Fat Possum new additions. Think black lips with the blues and with Ray Davies’ cynicism.
December 19, 2009
list 09
No opinion on the list. But, i did want to mention that not one single album from even my top 20 is on this list. There is one album in the honorable mentions, but dat be it brudda (Jamaican accent) . I am so happy that my musical tastes are straying away from this filthy website. Thank dr. dog for the tides are a’turnin’.
December 19, 2009
Midlake
I bought my ticket to the show in Portland in march and purchased the 12 inch single. only 500 copies! I’m such a good Midlake fan. The best i know… and that’s something to brag about.
December 8, 2009
a couple of ‘nerdy guys’ ( i use this term to describe their interests, not as a derogatory term) are studying spanish in the library. They were making a good amount of progress, never straying off subject. But then, they got to describing their interests, and one said ‘ a mi me gusta jugar videojuegos’. (to me it is pleasurable to play video games). Then the sparks started flying. They completely got off track, and are talking about cheat codes, their favorite games, ways to beat ‘bosses’, their personal scores on certain games. video games and school don’t mix.
I’ve been engulfed in tumblr, because it seems like more people interact and respond. It’s like talking to myself on this thing, sometimes i feel crazy. But tumblr provides me with a wicked tumblarity and many friends who reblog the shit outta me!
November 30, 2009
Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three – Lo-Fi Sessions
Oh man. What progress he has made. (thats a six string banjo by the way, tuned like a guitar)
November 25, 2009
Anita Carter – ALL MY TRIALS
Anita was known as “The Appalachian Angel” I would put a majority of her work over in the folk section, but she is part of my classic country studies for her early and later works.
Doris Anne
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