The first thing I did when I sat down to assemble my list was to count all the albums I begged, borrowed, bought, or stole during the past year and that number was err….surprising? shocking? embarassing? That number was 162 and it’s not even December yet. Of course, many of the 162 were released well before 2009, so I’d guess that half of that number is up for consideration for this years awards. 162. Wow. Maybe I should consider putting myself on a budget? Anyway, this list is the result of a Saturday night spent downstairs in the man cave with my computer, my music, and a 12 pack of Saranac Seasonal. (And I should tell you that for some reason I still haven’t heard David Rawlings new album but when I finally do get it (163), I’m sure that I’ll wish I put it somewhere on this list pre-emtively.)
First up, the minor awards;
Best Song Title:
Mike Doughty – How To Fuck A Republican
Bootleg of the Year:
Phish – Exile On Main Street
Disappointments of the Year:
Neko Case – Middle Cyclone (Someday “the voice” will write an album of great songs. Not yet though.)
Norah Jones – The Fall (She’s now positioned herself squarely in the middle of the road. Aptly titled.)
Interesting Finds:
Corb Lund – Losin’ Lately Gambler (an okay album with 2 or 3 stellar songs on it.)
Langhorne Slim – (I’ve listened to their album ten times and I still don’t know if I like it or not.)
St. Vincent – Actor (I wouldnt have even considered this album if I hadn’t seen her on Austin City Limits. Her stunning good looks [dont tell my wife] lured me to her music – Devotchka meets Gang of 4. And speaking of Devotchka…)
Overlooked From 2008:
Devotchka – A Mad And Faithful Telling (My new favorite band. A combo from Denver that plays achingly beautiful Slavic gypsy music. I’ll see them live in 2010 even if I have to fly to get to their show.)
Ray LaMontagne – Gossip In The Grain
Ani Difranco – Red Letter Year (mostly on the strength of the song “Smiling Underneath”)
For 2009, the following acts get Participation Pins for recording fine, fine albums:
James McMurtry, Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, Sara Watkins, Bruce Springsteen, Son Volt, Ryan Bingham, Ian Hunter, Gurf Morlix, Sarah Jarosz, Jason Isbell, Patterson Hood, Black Crowes, Mason Jennings, Deer Tick, Lee Harvey Osmond, Joshua James, Ben Kweller, Felice Brothers.
And now, just to prove that I can’t follow directions, here is my Top 15 List for 2009:
15. Israel Nash Gripka – New York Town (I love saying his name. “Greepka! I am Greepka!”)
14. John Doe & The Sadies – Country Club (Doe is the Larry Bird of music to me. He can’t do any wrong.)
13. Levon Helm – Electric Dirt (Not as good as Dirt Farmer, but satisfying nonetheless)
12. Assembly of Dust – Some Assembly Required (A great roster of guest musicians puts this over the top.)
11. Eileen Jewel – Sea Of Tears (Her relaxed, casual delivery reminds me of Beth Orton)
10. Among The Oak & Ash – (As close to pure “folk” as anything on this list, and I’m not usually a folk music type of guy [except for Mitch & Mickey or The Folksmen]. Great cover of “Peggy-O”)
9. Holly Williams – Here With Me (I’d bet she’s Hank Sr’s pride. “Three Days In Bed” is a dirty, dirty song.)
8. Kris Kristofferson – Closer To The Bone (not as good as “This Old Road”, but close enough)
7. Rosanne Cash – The List (which will be followed up by “The List II”, and “The List III” in the coming years)
6. Wilco – The Album (I’m surprised so many of their fans were disappointed by this effort)
5. Buddy & Julie Miller – Written In Chalk (These guys are fast approaching Larry Bird status for me. Everything they do is great.)
4. Phish – Joy (By far, their best studio album ever)
3. Mike Doughty – Sad Man Happy Man (mostly happy man!)
2. Avett Brothers – I & Love & You (emo-country. A private, guity pleasure for me. My friends would beat me up if they ever heard me listening to this.)
1. Slaid Cleaves – Everything You Have Will Be Taken Away (Can you name me a better American songwriter under the age of 50? This album is Slaid at his best. Catch him live when you can.)
Here’s to 2010! Happy New Year all!
