12-09-2009, 03:25 PM
Well, it's that time of year again, folks. Hard to believe another year has already gone by, and it's even harder to believe that the decade is almost over. I always look forward to reading everyone's lists at the end of the year, so take your time and have fun. I'll start us off:
My top 10 albums of 2009:
1. Heartless Bastards- The Mountain
I've probably listened to this album at least once a day since I bought it a month ago. A wicked concoction of classic hard-rock, blues, alt-country, garage-rock and Appalachian folk music. Almost like a female Robert Plant, Erika Wennerstrom's passionate wail and expressive lyrics sail atop a ferocious backbeat and grungy guitars cranked to 11. I can't get enough.
2. Pearl Jam- Backspacer
Their best album since "Yield", and one of the best rock albums I've heard over the last decade, period. Every song just explodes with energy, passion, and melody. This is arguably some of the best songwriting they've ever done, and the kick-you-in-the-nuts rhythm section of Jeff Ament and Matt Cameron has never sounded better. I freakin' LOVE this band.
3. Ron Hawkins- 10 Kinds of Lonely
One of Canada's most under-appreciated singer/songwriters pulls out all the stops once again and releases the best record of his career. It's an absolute crime that this guy isn't more well known. This is a stunning piece of work that deserves to be heard beyond the borders of Ontario and Buffalo. Sadly, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. I strongly encourage everybody here to check this album out, if you haven't already. You'll thank me later.
4. Joel Plaskett- Three
A ballsy move on Joel's part. A sprawling triple album full of great songs, killer melodies, and whip-smart lyrics. Self indulgent? You bet. But with this many brilliant songs, who gives a crap? I can't think of one single dud on this beautiful Canadian epic.
5. The Tragically Hip- We Are the Same
A 70s rock album for the modern era. Layers of keyboards, strings, background vocals, mandolin, trumpet, and an epic three-part 9 ½ minute song sequenced right smack dab in the middle of the album. From a songwriting standpoint, this album ranks right up there with their best material. Not many bands can make an album like this and actually pull it off. Kudos to the Hip for doing just that. For my money, these guys are still the best rock n' roll band on the planet, and I can't wait to hear what they have in store for us next.
6. Them Crooked Vultures- Self-Titled
What happens when you take Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme and throw him together with Led Zep's John Paul Jones and the mighty Dave Grohl on drums? 66 minutes of delicious ass-kicking rock n' roll goodness, that's what.
7. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone
Another brilliant and moody collection from the always reliable Neko. Once again her songwriting is top notch, her lyrics are cool and quirky, and that gorgeous voice of hers just washes over you. It's hypnotic as hell.
8. Cuff the Duke- Way Down Here
One of Canada's finest young bands, these guys just keep getting better and more confident with each release. Wayne Petti's gorgeous songs, soulful croon, and heartfelt lyrics perfectly match the rustic live-off-the-floor nature of the production (courtesy of Greg Keelor). Long may they run!
9. Cracker- Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
Great record! Best thing they've done since "The Golden Age", and featuring some of Dave Lowery's finest moments as a songwriter. Not to mention a healthy dose of Johnny Hickman's kick-ass guitar work. "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me" is easily one of my favorite songs of the year.
10. Tom Waits- Glitter & Doom Live
The next best thing to being there. The 2nd disc, "Tom Tales", is worth the price of admission alone. it's basically 35 minutes of brilliantly funny stage banter, odd stories, weird facts, and anecdotes taken from his 2008 tour. The 17-track live album on disc 1 is equally awesome of course, and gives us stunning versions of Waits classics like "I'll Shoot the Moon", "Get Behind the Mule", and "Dirt in the Ground", among others. This album is absolutely essential for any hardcore Waits fan.
My top 20 Albums of the decade (this was quite difficult):
1. The Weakerthans- Left & Leaving
2. The National- Boxer
3. Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
4. Drive-By Truckers- The Dirty South
5. Tom Waits- Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
6. Sarah Harmer- You Were Here
7. Johnny Cash- American IV: The Man Comes Around
8. The Hold Steady- Boys & Girls in America
9. Neko Case- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
10. The New Pornographers- Twin Cinema
11. Ryan Adams- Heartbreaker
12. Wintersleep- Welcome to the Night Sky
13. Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros- Streetcore
14. Warren Zevon- Life'll Kill Ya
15. Steve Earle- Transcendental Blues
16. Arcade Fire- Funeral
17. The Tragically Hip- Music@Work
18. Pearl Jam- Backspacer
19. Joel Plaskett- Three
20. Green Day- American Idiot
My top 10 albums of 2009:
1. Heartless Bastards- The Mountain
I've probably listened to this album at least once a day since I bought it a month ago. A wicked concoction of classic hard-rock, blues, alt-country, garage-rock and Appalachian folk music. Almost like a female Robert Plant, Erika Wennerstrom's passionate wail and expressive lyrics sail atop a ferocious backbeat and grungy guitars cranked to 11. I can't get enough.
2. Pearl Jam- Backspacer
Their best album since "Yield", and one of the best rock albums I've heard over the last decade, period. Every song just explodes with energy, passion, and melody. This is arguably some of the best songwriting they've ever done, and the kick-you-in-the-nuts rhythm section of Jeff Ament and Matt Cameron has never sounded better. I freakin' LOVE this band.
3. Ron Hawkins- 10 Kinds of Lonely
One of Canada's most under-appreciated singer/songwriters pulls out all the stops once again and releases the best record of his career. It's an absolute crime that this guy isn't more well known. This is a stunning piece of work that deserves to be heard beyond the borders of Ontario and Buffalo. Sadly, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. I strongly encourage everybody here to check this album out, if you haven't already. You'll thank me later.
4. Joel Plaskett- Three
A ballsy move on Joel's part. A sprawling triple album full of great songs, killer melodies, and whip-smart lyrics. Self indulgent? You bet. But with this many brilliant songs, who gives a crap? I can't think of one single dud on this beautiful Canadian epic.
5. The Tragically Hip- We Are the Same
A 70s rock album for the modern era. Layers of keyboards, strings, background vocals, mandolin, trumpet, and an epic three-part 9 ½ minute song sequenced right smack dab in the middle of the album. From a songwriting standpoint, this album ranks right up there with their best material. Not many bands can make an album like this and actually pull it off. Kudos to the Hip for doing just that. For my money, these guys are still the best rock n' roll band on the planet, and I can't wait to hear what they have in store for us next.
6. Them Crooked Vultures- Self-Titled
What happens when you take Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme and throw him together with Led Zep's John Paul Jones and the mighty Dave Grohl on drums? 66 minutes of delicious ass-kicking rock n' roll goodness, that's what.
7. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone
Another brilliant and moody collection from the always reliable Neko. Once again her songwriting is top notch, her lyrics are cool and quirky, and that gorgeous voice of hers just washes over you. It's hypnotic as hell.
8. Cuff the Duke- Way Down Here
One of Canada's finest young bands, these guys just keep getting better and more confident with each release. Wayne Petti's gorgeous songs, soulful croon, and heartfelt lyrics perfectly match the rustic live-off-the-floor nature of the production (courtesy of Greg Keelor). Long may they run!
9. Cracker- Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
Great record! Best thing they've done since "The Golden Age", and featuring some of Dave Lowery's finest moments as a songwriter. Not to mention a healthy dose of Johnny Hickman's kick-ass guitar work. "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me" is easily one of my favorite songs of the year.
10. Tom Waits- Glitter & Doom Live
The next best thing to being there. The 2nd disc, "Tom Tales", is worth the price of admission alone. it's basically 35 minutes of brilliantly funny stage banter, odd stories, weird facts, and anecdotes taken from his 2008 tour. The 17-track live album on disc 1 is equally awesome of course, and gives us stunning versions of Waits classics like "I'll Shoot the Moon", "Get Behind the Mule", and "Dirt in the Ground", among others. This album is absolutely essential for any hardcore Waits fan.
My top 20 Albums of the decade (this was quite difficult):
1. The Weakerthans- Left & Leaving
2. The National- Boxer
3. Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
4. Drive-By Truckers- The Dirty South
5. Tom Waits- Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
6. Sarah Harmer- You Were Here
7. Johnny Cash- American IV: The Man Comes Around
8. The Hold Steady- Boys & Girls in America
9. Neko Case- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
10. The New Pornographers- Twin Cinema
11. Ryan Adams- Heartbreaker
12. Wintersleep- Welcome to the Night Sky
13. Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros- Streetcore
14. Warren Zevon- Life'll Kill Ya
15. Steve Earle- Transcendental Blues
16. Arcade Fire- Funeral
17. The Tragically Hip- Music@Work
18. Pearl Jam- Backspacer
19. Joel Plaskett- Three
20. Green Day- American Idiot