The Americana and roots music authority

Top Ten Albums for the first half of 2009

I notice this site seems to like the "lists" a bit much, and I do like seeing what others come up with for their year-end top ten CD lists. So on this last day of the first half of 2009, let me be the first...

Personally, I think 2009 has already long since surpassed 2008 in terms of new music releases. So of the 62 albums from '09 that have made it onto my ipod so far, here is my Top Ten:

1. Steve Earle - Townes
2. Booker T. & Drive by Truckers - Potato Hole
3. The Gourds - Haymaker!
4. Willie Nelson with Asleep at the Wheel - Willie & the Wheel
5. Beausoleil - Alligator Purse
6. Allen Toussaint - Bright Mississippi
7. Eilen Jewell - Sea of Tears
8. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies
9. Old Californio - Westering Again
10. Luke Winslow-King - Old New Baby

Others considered that might yet play themselves into my Top Ten by the year's end:

Neko Case Middle Cyclone
JJ Cale - Roll On
Son Volt - American Central Dust
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women
John Boutte & Paul Sanchez - Stew Called New Orleans
Slaid Cleaves - Everything You Love . . .
Ramblin' Jack Elliot - A Stranger Here
Elvis Costello - Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane
Dexateens - Singlewide
Steve Martin - The Crow
Wilco (The Album)
John Doe and the Sadies - Country Club

Finally, I confess to not obtaining these yet, but I am a fan so they might make the year-end list:

Red Stick Ramblers - My Suitcase Is Always Packed
Gina Villalobos' new CD
Levon Helm's new CD

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Amos Perrine on June 30, 2009 at 2:02pm

Haven't gotten around to much new stuff in our world these first six months -- busy on the road with some festivals, bike tours & PR for some touring jazz friends -- and as the John Doe & Sadies' highly anticipated Country Club felt unusually uninspired & limp despite numerous listenings only four have left favorable impressions: Neko Case's Middle Cyclone (Anti), Antony & the Johnsons' The Crying Light (Strictly Canadian), The Handsome Family's Honey Moon (Carrot Top) and Dark Was the Night (4AD), a double disc compilation from which I hear something different & exciting each time I listen to it. Peace on.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by SpandTex Pants on June 30, 2009 at 3:17pm

Ryan Binham- Roadhouse Sun

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Martha Coons on June 30, 2009 at 8:39pm

Conor Oberst - Outer South
Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies
Steve Earle - Townes
M. Ward - Hold Time

On my wish list - Phosphorescent, Todd Snider, Handsome Family

Looking forward to- Son Volt, Avett Brothers!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RP N10 on July 1, 2009 at 9:23am

South Of Heaven - Matraca Berg
The Truth According To Ruthie Foster
Middle Cyclone - Neko Case
Troubadour - K'Naan
One To The Heart, One To The Head - Gretchen Peters with Tom Russell
Buckingham Solo - Tift Merritt
Written In Chalk - Buddy & Julie Miller
Live From The Union Of Soul - The Waifs
50vc Doberman - Robbie Fulks
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

And just under the wire (Arr: yesterday) the archive release - the Grateful Dead's Road Trips Vol 2 # 3 - the Wall Of Sound (6/74)