Best of 2009 Artist List
By Team JamBase Dec 24, 2009 • 10:41 pm PST
By almost any metric, 2009 was a bumper crop for great new music. With bands increasingly bypassing the record industry entirely and releasing albums, singles, live sets, and more themselves via download, there was almost too much fascinating, worthwhile music on offer this year. Still, better an embarrassment of riches than a thin harvest, eh? While the mainstream continued its seemingly inexorable tide towards machine-like homogenization – notwithstanding a Lady Gaga or Lil’ Wayne adding somewhat unorthodox wrinkles – musicians got down to making a lot of very personal, very beautifully constructed, downright fabulous music. And while the general belief that most artists will earn the bulk of their monies in concert from here on out is probably true, that doesn’t diminish the rise in quality we’re hearing in recent studio work.
Advances and price cuts in software and hardware are bringing expensive studio technology into bedrooms, garages and tiny private studios in ways totally impossible to imagine only a few years ago. Nothing will ever replace the warm hum of analog tape for some folks, but the tools and, perhaps more importantly, the means of distribution are becoming increasingly democratized. Brian Wilson’s “teenage symphonies to God” are being composed and sent into the world outside the parameters and red tape of an increasingly confused industry. And these same artists are hitting the road to present their unique, non-commercial wares (as “commercial” is defined by modern tastemakers like MTV, Rolling Stone, et al.) to anyone who will listen, building fan bases through social networking, word of mouth and an engaged blogosphere anxious to discover honest, unfamiliar music. There’s a healthy sense of creative boil that happily recalls rock ‘n’ roll’s initial 1950s boom, where hit singles were forged in record shop recording booths and local sensations found national and even international acclaim on the wings of a single release.
It’s too early to say where music making is going in the near future, but it’s clear that there’s a massive shakeup underway. Musicians need to figure out how to make this new freedom pay, and audiences that genuinely care about the people making the music they love will need to stop stealing it and pony up enough to ensure the continued bloom of this musical renaissance. Now is the time to support local talent and independent neighborhood venues, and drop a few coins into your fave band’s PayPal account. As the massively successful tours of still-vital giants like Bruce Springsteen, U2 and AC/DC, or the smaller scale rises of original new voices like Fleet Foxes, The Low Anthem and Of Montreal, indicate, people are listening now more than ever, ready for music that will enlighten and delight them.
-Dennis Cook
Patterson Hood – Drive-By Truckers
Albums
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On the surface, no frills, meat and potatoes rock (and damn proud of it) but a closer listen reveals the finest songwriting all year as this 24-year-old band sings the horrifying tale of their trip back from the abyss and sees it through to a joyous life-affirming conclusion. It’s like that Leaving Las Vegas movie with a happy ending – unbelievable if weren’t true. Such well-treaded territory would suck if not for the magnificence of its execution. “Wild Rhododendrons” is the finest songwriting I’ve seen all year, and “The Viper” and “Heavy With Child” are just as good. Meanwhile “Easter Eggs” is the best song of man love I’ve ever heard (including “Bobby Jean” and “Angie”).
2. Bob Dylan – Together Through Life
3. Iron And Wine – Around The Well
4. PJ Harvey and John Parish – A Woman A Man Walked By
5. Girls – Album
6. M. Ward – Hold Time
7. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
8. The Dexateens – Singlewide
9. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
10. The Low Anthem – Oh My God, Charlie Darwin
I just recently caught up with 9 and 10 and they could well move up in coming months. I’m sure there’s several albums lurking out there that I will love just as much that I haven’t found yet. I’m always looking and listening so I’m sure the list will change up until next year’s.
-Best Reissue(s): The Jesus Lizard Reissues
-Favorite Song: “Wild Rhododendrons” (Bloodkin)
-Favorite Tracks: “Black Hearted Love” (PJ Harvey and John Parish) / “Belated Promise Ring” (Iron and Wine)
-Favorite Live Performance: Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings / Iron and Wine at No Depression Festival in Seattle this summer
-Movies I’ve Loved: Fantastic Mr. Fox, Up, A Serious Man, Where The Wild Things Are, Let The Right One In, Inglourious Basterds
Dave Schools – Widespread Panic, Stockholm Syndrome
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1. Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid
2. Super Furry Animals – Dark Days/Light Years
3. Polvo – In Prism
4. Numero Group (Reissue by Various Artists) – Light: On The South Side (2 LP + Book)
Shows
1. Jeff Beck – 04/23/09 – Fox Theater Oakland, CA
2. All Tomorrow’s Parties Nightmare Before Christmas – 12/04-12/06 – Butlins Holiday Centre Minehead, GB
-Curated by My Bloody Valentine. Standout sets include: Sun Ra Arkestra, Sonic Youth, Witch, My Bloody Valentine
3. Dinosaur Jr. – 11/05/09 – House of Blues West Hollywood, CA
Honorable Mention:
Dead Confederate & Meat Puppets – 09/20/09 – Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol, CA
David Murphy – Sound Tribe Sector 9
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1. Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream
2. Big Gigantic – Wake Up
2. STS9 – Peaceblaster : Make it Right Remixes
Shows
1. Ghostland Observatory | Ogden Theatre | Denver, CO
2. Grizzly Bear | Emo’s | Austin City Limits Festival | Austin, TX
3. Depeche Mode | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO
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1. Fiery Furnaces – Take Me Around Again
2. Gregory Alan Isakov – This Empty Northern Hemisphere
I enjoyed the This Is It compilation, but honestly, I have been overwhelmed by kid’s CDs like Ralph’s World and the kid’s Putumayo sessions.
Shows
1. David Byrne | Performing Arts Center | Denver, CO
2. Flight of the Conchords | Red Rocks | Morrison, CO
3. Rothbury weekend
Petter Ericson Stakee – Alberta Cross
Albums
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2. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
3. Dinosaur Jr. – Farm
4. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
5. The Beatles – White Album (remastered) – I know this is cheating, but the job they did on all the remasters is stunningly beautiful and breathes new air especially through this classic.
Shows
1. Neil Young at Hyde Park, London
2. Blur at Hyde Park, London
3. Bonnaroo – especially Wilco’s set… truly inspiring.
Jon Gutwillig – The Disco Biscuits
Albums
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Shows
I played 100 concerts. Starkey at Camp Bisco (the namesake festival we founded and curate) was really cool. When Phish did the dedication at Hampton to Fishman’s dad and Marc (Brownstein, Disco Biscuits bassist) was sitting next to him that was pretty funny. Charlie P & M80 Dubstation (my dubstep project) jamming samples together in ATL was sickness! Benga on the world beat tip in Philly was ragin’.
Aron Magner – The Disco Biscuits
People To Watch In 2010
Electronic music has mostly in the past been about the party or setting the mood. As technology has improved there are many artists redefining the changing landscape of electronic genres.
There’s a new movement of young artists with equal parts musician, DJ, sound sculpture and producer that are re-shaping electronic music and how it is performed. I was blown away last week when I saw Alex B whack down the house for an official Disco Biscuits after party. This young lion has masterful control of his software that enable all of his original and banging tracks constant manipulation for live, almost improvised, computer performance.
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Eliot Lipp frequently runs in this same circle and performs with Alex B in the project Lipp Service. His 2009 release, Peace Love Weed 3D, almost feels retro-electro yet still pushed the boundaries of computer manipulation. His use of analog synth melodies lends a warm and engaging quality to his tunes. His songs evolve and have a story to tell from beginning to end.
Daedelus is more of an experimental musician frequently on bills with the artists above. He is unique as his main “instrument” is a rather insidious device know as a Monome. He is one of the pioneers of the Monome, which is nothing more than a matrix grid of unlabeled small buttons. They are all exclusively user programmable through very esoteric software enabling the end user to manipulate the parts of the tracks in a very unique way. He is the Clara Rockmore of this almost cryptic device.
And then there is Simon Posford, a revered producer and artist and pioneer in the electronic music world. He is also a very highly respected mentor of mine that I finally got to work with for the five tracks that he produced on our forthcoming album, Planet Anthem. Simon has a special ability to take an organic sound, be it a vocal or an acoustic guitar, and tweak it in such a loving way that it maintains the original feel that emanated from a human yet somehow still evolves into digital code. A delicate balance of real and surreal all masterfully placed over global beats with soundscapes that percolate your ears as if they were brain candy, all while providing for an incredible melodic and harmonic song structure. Check out one his projects, Shpongle‘s Tales of the Inexpressible and you’ll see what I mean.
Marco Benevento – Duo, Garage A Trois
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1. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
2. Sparklehorse and Danger Mouse – Dark Night of the Soul
3. Wilco – Wilco The Album
4. Nathan Moore – Folk Singer
5. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
Shows
1. Medeski, Martin & Wood | December 2009 | Lupo’s | Providence, RI (Dec)
Billy, Billy, Billy – what an amazing drum solo
2. Marco Benevento Trio | June 2009 | Carnegie Hall | New York, NY
3. The Slip | August 2009 | Bowery Ballroom | New York, NY
Derek Vincent Smith – Pretty Lights
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1. Jay Z – Blueprint 3
2. Gramatik – Street Bangers (Vol. 2)
3. Passion Pit – Manners
4. Blockhead – The Music Scene
5. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Shows
1. Justice | Ogden Theatre
2. Bonobo | Ogden Theatre
3. Phoenix | Bonnaroo
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1. Privacy – Songs
2. Kurt Vile – Childish Prodigy
3. Animal Collective – Fall be Kind EP
4. St. Vincent – Actor
5. The Breeders – Fate to Fatal EP
Shows
1. The Breeders at ATP Minehead
2. St. Vincent in Atlanta
3. Animal Collective at ATP NY
Reed Mathis – Tea Leaf Green, Papa Mali
Albums
1. JFJO – Winterwood
My last record with Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is also my favorite. Brian, Raymer and I did basic tracks in March 2008, and I finished the mixes in January 2009. It was put up as a free download on www.JFJO.com, but I’m still hoping to press physical copies with awesome artwork and stuff. We’ll see. A gorgeous album, 15 years in the making!
2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
I definitely gave this one repeated listens. Amazing production. I like the song “Foreground.”
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Possibly my favorite musician out there.
4. Surprise Me Mr. Davis – ?????
Not sure if they even titled or released this, but it’s streaming on their website, and it’s absolutely crushing! Nathan Moore with the Slip – it truly just does not get any better. Thank the lord for Mr. Davis.
5. Medeski Martin & Wood – Radiolarian III
These guys played everything there was to be played, all before the year 2000, and they’ve been through the looking-glass ever since. The Radiolarian Series is their freakiest and most human stuff in a long time, much to my liking. They continue to sum up what I love about improvising.
Shows
1. Phish | 08.02.09 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO
My first Phish show, and my first Red Rocks show – quite an eye-opener. Watched the second set from side-stage, looking out at the sea of delighted humans. Kept thinking, “Hmmm…. not a bad band!”
2. Ornette Coleman | 11.08.09 | San Francisco Opera House | S.F., CA
My first Ornette show, one of my all-time heroes. Went with a very old friend. Ornette’s band was him, plus drums, and TWO basses. Yes, please!
3. Medeski Martin & Wood | 12.04.09 | Lupo’s | Providence, RI
My 20th MMW show. Watched from side-stage, then from the rigging up above the stage. I love getting music lessons! What benevolent musicians they are. Freaking cosmic virtuosos.
Olly Peacock – Gomez
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1. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
2. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
3. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below
4. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
5. Slaraffenland – We’re On Your Side
Shows
1. Andrew Bird | Radio City Hall | New York, NY
2. Frightened Rabbit | Whitehaven, U.K.
3. Fink | Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Albums
1. Mastodon – Crack the Skye
2. Slayer – World Painted Blood
3. Job for a Cowboy – Ruination
4. Robben Ford – Soul on Ten
Shows
1. Ugly Suit | St Louis, MO
2. Buddy Guy | Telluride, CO
3. Lamont Cranston Band | Minneapolis, MN
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Shows
1. Hall and Oates | Irving Plaza | New York, NY
2. Made in Iron | Burlington, VT
3. Marsha Stasik | Stand-up Comedy | Kalamazoo, MI
Brendan Bayliss – Umphrey’s McGee
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1. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)
2. Modest Mouse – No One’s First and You’re Next
3. The Beatles – Remastered catalog
Shows
1. Snoop Dogg | Lollapalooza
2. Paul McCartney | Shea Stadium
3. Lisa Lampanelli | Chicago, IL
Joel Cummins – Umphrey’s McGee
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1. Kings of Leon – Only by the Night
2. Passion Pit – Manners
3. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
4. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)
5. Pretty Lights – Passing by Behind Your Eyes
Shows
1. Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt | Ravinia | Chicago, IL
2. Andrew Bird | Schubas | Chicago, IL
3. Passion Pit | Treasure Island Festival | San Francisco, CA
Andy Farag – Umphrey’s McGee
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1. Jay Z – The Blueprint 3
2. J Dilla – Just Stay Paid
3. Kings of Leon – Only by the Night
4. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Shows
1. Tool | Lollapalooza
2. Foreign Exchange | Chicago, IL
Albums
1. Danny Barnes – Pizza Box
2. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
3. Zach Deputy – Sunshine
4. Power up the Planet
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5. The Pimps of Joytime – Funk Fixes and Remixes
Shows
1.Umphrey’s McGee | Summer Camp – Felix Pastorius and Les Claypool sit-ins. Massive fire works customized to the music.
2. Girl Talk | Rothbury – Late night show mentality
3. String Cheese Incident | Rothbury – Epic production.
Art Neville – Funky Meters, The Neville Brothers
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1. BlakRoc – BlakRoc
2. Dr. John – City That Care Forgot
3. Cyril Neville – Brand New Blues
4. Mos Def – The Ecstatic
5. Paramore – Brand New Eyes
Shows
1. Dumpstaphunk | Tipitina’s | Jazzfest | New Orleans, LA
2. The Neville Brothers | Mawazine Jazzfest | Rabat, Morocco
3. Funky METERS | Fuji Rock Festival
Jason Isbell – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
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1. The Beatles – Remasters (Duh!)
2. Them Crooked Vultures – self-titled
3. Justin Townes Earle – Midnight at the Movies
4. The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing
5. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
Shows
1. Wilco | Sloss Furnace | Birmingham, AL
2. Earl Greyhound | Turf Club | St. Paul, MN (with us)
3. The Mother Hips | The Doug Fir | Portland, OR (with us)
Jerry Joseph – Jackmormons, Stockholm Syndrome
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1. Richmond Fontaine – We Used To Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River
2. Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3
3. The Swell Season – Strict Joy (my wife made me put this… but she’s right)
4. The Mother Hips – Pacific Dust
5. The Revelations Featuring Tre Williams – The Bleeding Edge
6. Keith Jarret – The Koln Concert
Shows
As for shows, I live in NYC and never see anything… except:
1. The choir at St. Josephs on 125th
2. Thievery Corporation in Denver
Andrew Barr – The Slip, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, Land Of Talk
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1. Low Anthem – Oh My God, Charlie Darwin
2. Tuneyards – Bird-Brains
3. Lightning Bolt – Earthly Delights
4. Nathan Moore – Folksinger
5. Mos Def – The Ecstatic
Favorite shows I played:
1. Carnegie Hall w/ The Marco Benevento Trio
2. FME music festival in Abitibi Quebec with Brad Barr
3. Montreal Music Festival in Ghent Belgium with Land Of Talk
George Porter Jr. – The Funky Meters
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1. John Scofield – Piety Street
2. Water Seed – Early for The Future
3. Diane Birch – Bible Belt
4. Alec Ounsworth – Mo Beauty
5. Jack Brass Band – self-titled
Shows Played
1. The Meter Men | New Orleans Jazz Fest
2. The Funky Meters | Tokyo
3. Runnin’ Pardners | 08.08.09 | Red Rocks Amphitheatre
4. Porter Batiste Stoltz | 10.30.09 | Tipitina’s French Quarter | New Orleans, LA (the band’s last gig as a band)
Joe Russo – Duo, Furthur, Gene Ween Band, Bustle in Your Hedgerow
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1. Cass McCombs – Catacombs
2. Patton Oswalt – My Weakness Is Strong
3. Matt Trowbridge – Radio Soap Star Opera
4. Bob Dylan Christmas In The Heart
5. Sean Bones – Rings
Shows I Saw
1. Monte Good and The Honky-Tonk Heroes | 3/24/09 | Robert’s Western World | Nashville, TN
2. Dr. Dog | 6/27/09 | Prospect Park Band Shell | Brooklyn, NY
3. KISS | 10/10/09 | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY
Shows I Played
1. The Gene Ween Band | 3/22/09 | The Earl | Atlanta, GA
2. Benevento-Russo Duo (Acoustic) | 8/17/09 | Highline Ballroom | New York, NY
3. Furthur | 12/12/09 | Asbury Park Convention Hall | Asbury Park, NJ
Stanton Moore – Galactic, Garage A Trois, Dragon Smoke
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1. Stanton Moore – Take It To The Streets (digital download)
2. Street Sweeper Social Club – self-titled
3. Diane Birch – Bible Belt
4. Alec Ounsworth – Mo Beauty
5. Garage A Trois – Power Patriot
Top Picks For Shows I Played in 2009
1. Galactic | The Fillmore | San Francisco, CA (with special guest Zigaboo Modeliste, drummer for The Meters)
2. Anders Osborne | Jazz Fest | New Orleans, LA
Introduced new band with myself, Robert Walter and Anders. We rehearsed all week at my house before the gig and are now finishing up a record with that new lineup.
3. Garage A Trois | DBA | New Orleans, LA
Power Patriot record release and Skerik’s birthday.
Skerik – Garage A Trois, Dead Kenny Gs
Albums
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2. Future of the Left – (most of) Travels with myself and another
3. Lightning Bolt – Earthly Delights
4. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Honorable Mention: McTuff – Volume 1, Dead Kenny Gs – Bewildered Herd, Garage A Trois – Power Patriot
Shows
1. Wayne Shorter Quartet | Zellerbach Hall | Berkeley, CA
Incredible, life making, spiritual event
2. Sunn O))) | Neumo’s | Seattle, WA
Attila incantations: unparalleled.
3. Sunn O))) Duo | Vienna and Prague
Simply the heaviest thing on earth.
Mike Dillon – Go-Go Jungle, Les Claypool, Garage A Trois
Albums
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2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
3. Aceyalone – The Lonely Ones
4. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
5. Mulatu Astatke and the Heliocentrics – Inspiration Information 3
Shows
1. Wayne Shorter Quartet | October 2009 | Zellerbach Hall | Berkeley, CA
2. The Secret Chiefs 3 | They killed everyone the Oddity Faire Tour
3. Aloke Dutta (solo tabla) | July 2009 | Blue Nile | New Orleans, LA
My Best Shows
1. Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle | May 2009 | Dragons Den (late night) – Jazz Fest | New Orleans
2. Garage a Trois | December 2009 | The Independent | San Francisco, CA
3. Dead Kenny Gs | Jazz Fest ’09 | Megalmaniacs Ball | New Orleans, LA
4. Illuminasti Trio with Brian Coogan | Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro | New Orleans, LA
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1. Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures
2. The Dead Weather – Horehound
3. Spinnerette – Baptized by Fire
4. Vic Chesnutt – At the Cut
5. Sam Baker – Cotton
6. Tom Waits – Glitter and Doom
7. PJ Harvey and John Parish – A Woman A Man Walked By
Shows
1. Paul McCartney, Mastodon, Leonard Cohen, The Cure, X, Public Enemy – Coachella – April 2009
I was really impressed and amazed at all of these performances. Rarely have I seen so many sets of such high caliber at one festival… and this wasn’t even the extent of it. I should really just list this as “Coachella 2009.”
2. The Melvins – Grand Regency – San Francisco
3. Nels Cline Singers – Cafe DuNord, San Francisco, CA – September 3, 2009
4. Them Crooked Vultures – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA – November 2009
How can you go wrong with this lineup? Well, I guess they could if they tried… but they didn’t. Rock is alive.
5. Gov’t Mule – Apollo Theater – Barcelona, Spain – November 15, 2009
Best Mule show I’ve seen in a while, possibly ever. I even got to join them for a couple numbers.
6. The Pogues – Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
Zack Smith – Rotary Downs
Albums
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2. Mastodon – Crack the Skye
3. Caddywhompus – EP
4. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
5. Big Rock Candy Mountain – Hey Kid
Shows
1. Rotary Downs | Halloween – October 31 | DBA, New Orleans, LA
Cmon, it was the best show of the year… glow in the dark, smoke machines n shit…cmon!
2. BROOKLYNOLA – Generationals, w/ the BKLNOLA All Stars | May 8 | Public Assembly, Brooklyn, NY
Simon Lott, Mike Gamble, Marc Friedman, Tony Barba, Bryce Wymer, Mitch Paone
3. Not So Super Super Hero Party 7 | February 21 | Hi Ho Lounge, New Orleans, LA
Featuring Brian Coogan/Simon Lott/Mike Gamble/Anthony Cuccia/Justin Peak
Cody Dickinson – North Mississippi Allstars, Hill Country Revue
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1. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You
2. Lucero – 1372 Overton Park
3. The Dead Weather – Horehound
4. Snow Patrol – A Hundred Million Suns
5. MGMT – Congratulations
6. Paramore – Brand New Eyes
Shows
1. Dave Matthews Band (w/ Hill Country Revue) for 2 nights July 31 and August 1 at the Verizon Wireless Center in Noblesville, IN
2. Snoop Dogg at Bonnaroo
3. Hill Country Revue with 8 Ball & MJG on Halloween night at the Hi Tone in Memphis, TN
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1. Robert Earl Keen – Rose Hotel 2. Phish – Joy 3. Robyn Hitchcock – Good Night Oslo 4. Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ – Great American Bubble Factory 5. Tim Carrol – All Kinds of Pain
Shows (no particular order)
1. Les Claypool | All Good Festival
2. Robert Earl Keen | Bonnaroo Music Festival
3. Great American Taxi | Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Ethan Miller – Howlin Rain
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1. Omar Souleyman – Highway to Hassake 2. White Denim – Fits 3. Master Musicians of Bukkake – Totem One 4. Extra Golden – Thank you very Quickly 5. Pissed Jeans – King of Jeans
Steve Molitz – Particle, Phil Lesh & Friends, Playing for Change
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1. Greg Giraldo – Midlife Vices
2. Paul F. Tompkins – Freak Wharf
3. Patton Oswalt – My Weakness Is Strong
4. Doug Stanhope – From Across The Street
5. Flight Of The Conchords – I Told You I Was Freaky
Shows
1. Jamie Cullum | 07.17.09 | Juan Les Pin | Antibes, France
2. Playing For Change with Special Guests Ziggy Marley & Toots Hibbert | 11.13.09 | Nokia Live | Los Angeles, CA
3. David Byrne | 06.12.09 | Bonnaroo Music Festival | Manchester, TN
Steve Gorman – The Black Crowes
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1. The Zombies | Azkena Festival | Spain
2. Bleu | 3rd and Lindley | Nashville, TN
3. AC/DC | Sommet Center | Nashville, TN
Scott McMicken – Dr. Dog
This year feels like any year ever! Such beauty.
Albums
1. Floating Action – self-titled
2. Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid
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4. M. Ward – Hold Time
5. Pepi Ginsberg – East Is East
6. Alec Ounsworth – Mo’ Beauty
Shows
The Zombies | Azkena Festival | Spain
Man, as I start thinkin’ about it, I realize that the quality of any given show I see has so much to do with my willingness to experience the beauty of that particular moment. I’ve seen great shows I missed and I’ve missed great shows I’ve seen. My nephew jammed the toy room to tears!
Peter Morén – Peter Bjorn and John
Albums
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2. Papercuts – You Can Have What You Want
3. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
4. Existensminimum – OK Boys
5. Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – self-titled
6. Girls – Album
7. Brothers Of End – The End
8. Anna Järvinen – Man Var Bland Molnen
9. Where The Action Is – LA Nuggets
10. Cass McCombs – Catacombs
Shows
1. Dinosaur Jr. | SXSW
2. Neil Young | Stockholm
3. El Perro Del Mar opening for us every night this fall tour
Harley Prechtel-Cortez – Red Cortez
Albums
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2. Various Artists – Legends of Benin
3. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
4. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
5. Leonard Cohen – Live at the Isle of Wight 1970
Shows
1. BLK JKS at SXSW – March 18 – The Paradise – Austin, TX
On par with South by Southwest chaos we lugged all our equipment from one block to another to make a show in haste and when we got there the BLK JKS were playing before us and it was absolutely captivating. It stopped us in our tracks and made us forget where we were – which is hard to do in those few fragmented days in March in Austin, TX.
2. Opening for Morrissey at Carnegie Hall in Pittsburg, PA – Saint Patrick’s Day 2009
The first Carnegie Hall ever built I believe and when we peeked inside it was like playing an old Opera Vaudeville place that was just majestic. Made us feel like we were teleported into another time. During soundcheck you see Morrissey on side stage watching us sing our songs of change and revolt, out of key and dissonant. Saint Patrick’s Day opening for Morrissey in that building was quite surreal.
3. Tallest Man on Earth – April 1 – Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI
I went through a rough time this year, a lot of personal and family sadness that eventually released the inner hibernating beast whilst simultaneously tricking the spirit inside the confines of my detuned heart. We did a lot of tour hopping in the spring all around the country – once we started traveling with Kristian (TMOE) I felt it serendipitous that I could watch him every night and vicariously live in each song. When he performs it is one of the most genuine things I’ve seen. I needed that right then and there.
Brian Venable – Lucero
Albums
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2. Baroness – Blue Album
3. Kylesa – Static Tensions
4. Black Tusk/ASG split CD
5. Coliseum – “True Quiet/Last Wave” 7-inch
Shows
1. Southern Discomfort Tour with Black Tusk, Kylesa and Skeletonwitch
2. Bison when they toured with Tombes and Kylesa
3. Backstage at Mastodon in Detroit!
Larry Herweg – Pelican
Albums
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2. The Life and Times – Tragic Boogie
3. Satyricon – The Age of Nero
4. Converge – Axe to Fall
5. Jawbox – For Your Own Special Sweetheart reissue
Shows
1. Nine Inch Nails | Henry Fonda | Los Angeles, CA
2. Jesus Lizard | Metro | Chicago, IL
3. Sunny Day Real Estate | House of Blues | Anaheim, CA
Albums
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2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
3. Bear in Heaven – Beast Rest Forth Mouth
4. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
5. Girls – Album
Shows
1. Them Crooked Vultures | Reading
2. Dirty Projectors | Brooklyn Pool Party
3. MGMT | Rock en Seine | Paris
Jeff Miller – New Monsoon, The Contribution
Albums
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2. Levon Helm – Electric Dirt
3. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)
4. Radiohead – In Rainbows
5. Railroad Earth – Amen Corner
Shows
1. Railroad Earth | The Fillmore | San Francisco, CA
2. The Mother Hips | 19 Broadway | Fairfax, CA
3. Mark Karan | Sausalito, CA
Zac Lasher – U-Melt
For me, 2009 was not so much about new music as it was about hearing some legends at a new peak of their career, with that in mind I submit to you my picks.
Albums
1. The Beatles – Abbey Road (remastered)
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3. The Beatles – Rubber Soul (remastered)
4. The Beatles – White Album (remastered)
5. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (remastered)
It’s hard to compete with the best. The remasters sound absolutely amazing, and I for one was very happy to have a little bit of Beatlemania in my life in 2009.
Shows
1. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band | 09.30.09 | Giants Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ
For night one of his five-night run to close the old stadium, Bruce opened with a brand new, never before played song appropriately titled “Wrecking Ball.” Over the course of the 3+ hour show they went through the Born To Run album in its entirety, which was one of the best things I’ve ever seen on a stage.
2. David Byrne | 06.08.09 | Prospect Park | Brooklyn, NY
David has a unique brand of genius, and when he teams up with Brian Eno, the results are unbeatable. The show focused on the many musical collaborations the two men have had over the years, and featured a lot of great old school Talking Heads songs. With the entire band (and three dancers) dressed all in white, Mr. Byrne’s artistic mind shone through in a wonderful way.
3. Steve Winwood | 01.16.09 | United Palace Theater | New York, NY
Every time I see Steve play he blows my mind. The amount of soul that he exudes when he sings, not to mention the fact that he doesn’t need a bass player as he is one of the greatest organists around. This night in January had Steve in top form.
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1. Conor Oberst – Outer South
2. Mason Jennings – Blood Of Man
3. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)
4. Mastodon – Crack The Skye
5. Pearl Jam – Ten (remixed)
6. Them Crooked Vultures – self-titled
Continue reading for more Best of 2009 Artist List…
Albums (in no particular order)
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One day I was really craving some new music so asked one of my friends for an artist to type into Pandora. He said Phoenix. I loved the track that came up. Instead of listening to the Pandora station, I bought their new album and have been listening to it since. Fresh music found.
2. Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream
As Barack Obama said… “I may be the President, but this guy’s the Boss.” Sometimes the production can be thick, but these songs are genuine. The last song on the album entitled “The Wrestler” is one of my favorite songs of his whole career.
3. Brandi Carlile – Give Up the Ghost
One of my favorite new artists and in my opinion, one of the best female singers around today. Great songs, great tones, and a great band.
4. The Mother Hips – Pacific Dust
I’m thankful for every album these guys have released and this new album is no exception. These guys never cease to amaze me.
5. Band of Horses – Cease to Begin
I caught the last couple of songs of their set at the Outside Lands Festival in SF. The next day I got their CD and it’s great. I like to listen to it when I’m building things.
Shows (in no particular order)
1. Brandi Carlile – 10/21/09 – Fillmore, San Francisco
Brandi is a gifted artist and in a live setting you really notice it. They started the show with an a capella song and they sounded like angels. I was hooked from the first notes.
2. These United States – 7/5/09 – High Sierra Music Festival
I was on my way to meet a friend, and as I was walking by the Vaudeville tent I was drawn in by some great music. I loved it and ended up staying until the end of the set. I love surprises like this. Great energy.
3 ALO – 2/15/09 – The Mystic Theater, Petaluma, CA
To me, this show represents ALO at its finest. We were well warmed up and everything just seemed to flow in an effortless way. A great blend of songs and improvisations. After the show I remember thinking to myself… “This is why I play music!”
Albums
1. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
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3. The Mother Hips – Pacific Dust
4. Hiss Golden Messenger – Country Hai East Cotton
5. Chris Velan – Solidago
Shows Watched
1. Phish | 03.06.08 – 03.08.09 | Hampton Coliseum | Hampton, VA
2. Dr. Dog | 10.05.09 | Brookdale Lodge | Boulder Creek, CA
3. The Black Crowes | 12.06.09 | The Fillmore | San Francisco, CA
Shows Played
1. ALO | 02.15.09 | Mystic Theater | Petaluma, CA
2. Big Light, Skinny Singers | 02.28.09 | Gramble On Big Sur | Big Sur, CA
3. Dun Four, Newfangled Wasteland, Nicki Bluhm | 10.30.09-11.01.09 | Las Tortugas IV | Groveland, CA
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1. The Mother Hips – Pacific Dust
2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
3. The Beatles – Remasters
4. Dead Weather – Horehound
5. Nathan Moore – Folk Singer
Shows
1. The Mother Hips | 10.31.09 | Las Tortugas
2. The Mars Volta | 08.29.09 | Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
3. Phish Hampton Reunion Shows
Jeremy Korpas – Big Light
Albums
1. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
The best music in the country is still coming out of Brooklyn.
2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
This album proves that if a song has a strong melody you can do whatever you want underneath it.
3. Portugal The Man – Censored Colors
One of the best engineered and mixed albums I’ve heard in years.
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It’s a concept album about a man watching his lover die of cancer in the hospital. It’s heart wrenching to say the least.
5. U2 – No Line On The Horizon
I would expect no less from the biggest bad in the world.
Shows Attended
1. All six of the Dr. Dog shows that I’ve seen this year. From The Fillmore to the side of the stage at High Sierra, all the way out in Santa Cruz mountains, every show turned me into a clapper, a singer, a dancer, a fist-pumper, and all those things I wouldn’t normally do at a rock show.
2. The Mars Volta | Outside Lands Music Festival | San Francisco, CA
It was an all out musical assault. Cedric’s stage moves alone were enough to make the list. They proved they have the biggest dicks in the business
3. The Mother Hips | Las Tortugas IV | Groveland, CA
They just killed it that night! Plus they let me sing “Del Mar Station” onstage with them. First time I had stage fright in 10 years.
Shows Played
1. Big Light’s Late Night Camp Harry Set | High Sierra Music Festival
“I moved to California looking for something. I found it at Camp Harry.” Swordfish
2. Green Tag Sale | Phanphest Music Festival
We played a late night indoors set that was just off the hook. 120 degrees and a packed house is exactly what the TRON calls for. But on Sunday we played the tiny solar tent at 4 p.m. and played our best show to date!
3. Paperback Radio | The Saint | Asbury Park, NJ
It felt great to play my favorite songs with my favorite band again!
Bradley Bifulco – Big Light
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1. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion
2. Mastodon – Crack The Skye
3. Dead Weather – Horehound
4. The Mother Hips – Pacific Dust
5. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Shows
1. The Mars Volta | Outside Lands
2. The Mother Hips | Halloween | Las Tortugas IV
3. The Second Annual Golden Gate Gramble | San Francisco, CA
Brian Haas – Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
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1. Riceboy Sleeps – Jonsi and Alex
2. Baaba Maal – Television
3. Bela Fleck – Throw Down Your Heart
4. Vieux Farka Toure – Fondo
5. Sufjan Stevens – The BQE
Shows
1. Rashied Ali | Zinc Bar | New York, NY
2. Panda Resistance | Soundpony | Tulsa, OK
3. Of Montreal | Williamsburg Theater | Brooklyn, NY
Josh Raymer – Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
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1. The Doldrums – Mirth & Songs
2. Dead Sea Choir – Thin One The Red One
3. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
4. Bullion – Pet Sounds in the Key of Dee
5. Panda Resistance – self-titled
Shows
1. NYC Winter Jazz Fest
2. Nola Jazz Fest/Skerik’s saucefest!
3. Tractor Tavern with Bill Frisell
Chris Combs – Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
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1. Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue
2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
3. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
4. The Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
5. MF Doom – Born Into This
Shows
1. Of Montreal | Williamsburg Music Hall | Brooklyn, NY
2. Private party in New Orleans during Jazz Fest where JFJO played with Kirk Joseph, Zigaboo Modeliste, John Speice and several other NOLA badasses.
3. Moodswing Orchestra and JFJO at Le Poisson Rouge, and then late night with Steven Bernstein sitting in with Bonerama at Sullivan Hall, New York, NY
Matt Hayes – Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
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1. Sufjan Stevens – The BQE
2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
3. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
4. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
5. The Flaming Lips – Christmas On Mars soundtrack
Shows
1. Punch Brothers | Fayetteville Performing Arts Center | Fayetteville, AR
2. Of Montreal | Music Hall of Williamsburg | Brooklyn, NY
3. Wilco/Tortoise | UIC Pavilion | Chicago, IL
Russell Pollard – Everest
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1. Built To Spill – There Is No Enemy
2. Kurt Vile – Constant Hitmaker
3. Wooden Shjips – Dos
4. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
5. Wu-Tang Clan – Chamber Music
Shows (no particular order)
1. Black Dub | 10.15.09 | Troubadour | Los Angeles, CA
2. Monsters Of Folk | 10.18.09 | Greek Theatre | Los Angeles, CA
3. Neil Young w/ Everest | 04.21.09 | Kelowna, BC (had to do it)
Cris Jacobs – The Bridge
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1. Steve Earle – Townes
2. Bill Frisell – Disfarmer
3. Levon Helm – Electric Dirt
4. Smooth Kentucky – A Few More Miles
5. Danny Barnes – Pizza Box
Shows
1. Kelly Joe Phelps | Nightcat | Easton, MD
2. Anders Osborne | Rams Head Live | Baltimore, MD
3. The Dead | The Spectrum | Philadelphia, PA
Dave Simonett – Trampled By Turtles
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1. Charlie Parr – Roustabout
2. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
3. The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank – Traveling Show
4. Now, Now Every Children – Cars
5. Pert Near Sandstone – On a Spree
Shows
1. Homegrown Music Festival | Duluth, MN
2. Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion | Bristol, TN
3. 10,000 Lakes Festival
Pete Shand – The New Mastersounds
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1. Thievery Corporation – Radio Retaliation
2. Matisyahu – Light
3. Breakestra – Dusk til Dawn
4. Sly and Robbie – Movin On
5. Karl Denson – Brother’s Keeper
Shows
1.Thievery Corp
2.Pretty Lights
3.Sly and Robbie
4.Pnuma Trio
Joe Tatton – The New Mastersounds
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1. Pharoah Sanders – You’ve Got To Have Freedom
2. Thievery Corporation – Radio Retaliation
3. A Beautiful Mind original soundtrack
Shows Played
1. All Good Festival
2. Osaka Monaurail with Marva Whitney
3. Bear Creek Music Festival
Paul Donoghue – Glasvegas
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1. Florence and the Machine – Lungs
2. Kasabian – West Pauper Lunatic Asylum
3. Muse – The Resistance
4. U2 – No Line On The Horizon
5. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
Shows
1. Supporting U2 at Croke Park, Dublin in July
2. Kasabian | The SECC | Glasgow, Scotland
3. Florence and the Machine | Brixton Academy | London
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1. Telepathe – Dance Mother
2. Violens – 2009 Winter Mixtape
3. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
4. Dirty French – Dirty French Psychedelics (Compilation)
5. Amazing Baby – Rewild
6. Black Moth Super Rainbow – Eating Us
7. Depreciation Guild – Dream About Me
8. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
9. Fever Ray – Fever Ray
10. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
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1. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
2. Jay-Z – Blueprint 3
3. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon
4. Muse – The Resistance
5. Kings of Leon – Only by the Night
Shows (no particular order)
1. U2
2. Muse (opening for U2)
3. Nas and Damian Marley | Camp Bisco
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1. Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
2. Ryan Montbleau Band – Stages Vol. 2
3. Bela Fleck – Throw Down Your Heart
4. The Motet – Dig Deep
5. The Derek Trucks Band – Already Free
Shows
1. Wormtown | Greenfield, MA
2. Bear Creek Festival | Live Oak, FL
3. Bonnaroo | Manchester, TN
Matthew Whipple – Cymbals Eat Guitars
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1. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
2. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
3. Sonic Youth – The Eternal
4. Atlas Sound – Logos
5. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
Shows
1. Our show opening for the Flaming Lips in London (11.10.09)
Unforgettable! A crash course in showmanship and what it means to be a gentleman. The Lips and co./crew/family are inspiring, wonderful people.
2. Wilco | 11.07.09 | Rolling Stone Weekender | Lubeck, Germany
Joe, Matt, and myself had a chance to watch Wilco from backstage in Germany. It made me want to go practice my instrument.
3. The Wrens | 12.04.09 | 20th Anniversary Show | Maxwell’s | Hoboken, NJ
I only recently got into the Wrens via Joe. They put on an excellent show. 20 years as a band is a long time!
Will Bradford – SeepeopleS, Freepeoples Frequency
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1. Morphine – At Your Service
2. Flaming Lips – Embryonic
3. Doves – Kingdom of Rust
4. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
5. Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D
Shows
1. Phish | 06.14.09 | Bonnaroo | Manchester, TN
2. The Flaming Lips | 08.26.09 | Chastain Park | Atlanta, GA
3. Pretty Lights | 09.12.09 | Trinumeral Festival | Deerfields, NC
Brooke Binion – Freepeoples Frequency
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1. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
2. SeepeopleS – Apocalypse Cow Vol.2
3. Them Crooked Vultures – self-titled
4. Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
5. Shpongle – Ineffable Mysteries of Shpongleland
Shows
1. Phish | 03.07.09-03.09.09 | Hampton Coliseum
2. Ozric Tentacles | 09.05.09 | The Orange Peel | Asheville, NC
3. The Flaming Lips | 08.26.09 | Chastain Park | Atlanta, GA
Steve Choi – RX Bandits
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1. Mew – No more stories Are told today I’m sorry they washed away….
2. Converge – Axe To Fall
3. Fucked Up – The Chemistry Of Common Life
4. Sonic Youth – The Eternal
5. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You
Top 3 shows for RX Bandits this last year
1. TLA | July 2009 | Philadelphia, PA
2. Criciuma | October 2009 | Brazil
3. Irving Plaza | July 2009 | New York, NY
Casey Laforet – Elliott BROOD
Top Ten Songs to get you through the worst hangover of your life…
Attention!!! The order must be followed exactly.
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When your eyes open, you’re going to need something soothing to reassure you you’re going to live through the day. The vocal harmonies and gorgeous melodies from this former Toronto duo rival those of Simon and that curly haired guy. Take some painkillers and try to pay attention to some of the most beautiful lyrics ever penned. Now find your apartment. That family wants its front lawn back.
2. “Go First” (Damien Jurado)
Now you’re going to need something to get you moving…especially for those multiple trips you’ll take to the bathroom. “Go First” is perfect, with slow simple drums and a hanging guitar line. This is a “sad, break-up, feel sorry for yourself” song, which is perfect for how you should be feeling. It also has that mysterious “I’m gonna be okay power,” which will help with the next few hours. Suggestion: Play twice if necessary. Do not move to next song until ready.
3. “I Wonder” (Blind Melon)
From their outstanding debut, let “I Wonder” suck you in with its subtle acoustic intro. Then let it pull you out from beneath the blankets with an electric lead line for the ages. By far one of the greatest guitar combo bands in recent history, this song should have you on your feet, or at least sitting at the edge of your bed considering eating something. Remember to drink water.
4. “Furr” (Blitzen Trapper)
Now that you’re up and walking and the dizziness is fading it’s time for some introspection. Lyrically, “Furr” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, with a simple Dylan-esque arrangement and outstanding vocal treatment, complete with loon calls. The song beautifully describes the insanity and wilderness of youth, which is probably what you were trying to relive last night when you followed that tequila with whiskey and decided that you’re a smoker now. I once used up an entire iPod battery with this song on repeat. This one is worth soaking up a few times before moving on.
5. “Head Home” (Midlake)
Staying on the wilderness theme, “Head Home” is from The Trials of Van Occupanther, which is one of the greatest complete albums in recent memory. There are tones and synths in this song and throughout the record that you won’t find anywhere else, or at least not used as tastefully. The soaring chorus at the end of the song should have through the regret phase of the hangover and in a sing-along mood.
6. “Wavin’ Flag” (K’naan)
Now that you’re halfway through the pain and self-loathing, it’s time for something uplifting and inspirational. “Wavin’ Flag” was recently chosen as the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and with good reason. This song has a hook that will stick with you throughout the day.
7. “Arms Like Boulders” (War On Drugs)
I met these guys in France and it’s impossible to describe their sound. This song clocks in at just over five minutes and will have you floating along the whole way. There’s a lot of stuff hiding in this song, so use headphones if possible.
8. “When We Were Young” (The Killers)
I know this probably isn’t popular amongst music snobs, but I can’t help it. This song is perfect for starting over. Driving bass and laser guitars. You’re headache is now a memory and you’re feeling like getting in trouble again. If you can’t find an MP3 and you don’t own the album, just turn on the radio three years ago.
9. “When We Were Young” (The Wooden Sky)
Same song title, better band. If you’re up to it, it’s time for a road trip, or at least a trip to the liquor store to pick up the next round. This is a great driving song with the perfect amount of gravel vocals. Watch your speed as the drum line will have you pushing the gas excessively.
10. “I Gotta Get Drunk” (Phosphorescent covering Willie Nelson)
Well, you’ve come full circle. Crack that square bottle and get started all over again! You’ve already forgotten what you put yourself through today. Let the great lyrics of this track reassure you you’re doing the right thing ruining your tomorrow!
Repeat track list daily as needed
Andre Cholmondeley – Project/Object
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1. PJ Harvey and John Parrish – A Woman A Man Walked By
2. U2 – No Line On The Horizon
3. Death – For the Whole World To See
4. Mastodon – Crack The Skye
5. Living Colour – The Chair in the Doorway
Shows
1. Bill Frisell | Grey Eagle | Asheville, NC
2. Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction, Street Sweeper (NINJA Tour) | May 2009 | Atlanta GA
3. Eddie Jobson – UZ Project w/John Wetton, Tony Levin, Greg Howe, Marco Minnemann | November 2009 | Warsaw, Poland
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1. The first night of All Good was all good
2. Wakarusa – everybody played great
3. Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussein, & Edgar Meyer at Trinumeral
Albums
1. Levon Helm – Electric Dirt
2. The Heartless Bastards – The Mountain
3. The Black Crowes – Before The Freeze
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5. Grayson Capps – Live At The Paradiso
Shows
1. The Guthrie Family Tour | November 2009 | Burlington, VT
2. Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble | November 2009 | Woodstock, NY
3. Amanda Shires | September 2009 | The Basement | Nashville, TN
Albums
1. Matisyahu – Light
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3. The Bauls of Bengal – Folk Songs of India: Remastered
4. Easy Star All-Stars – Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band
5. Mahesha Ram – Kabir in Rajasthan
Shows
1. Dub Trio opening for Matisyahu | Austin, TX
2. Michael Franti and Spearhead | somewhere outside in the middle of nowhere in Montana
3. Mario Pagliarulo singing in Italian | anywhere and everywhere
Please use the Comments Section to tell the world your top albums and live shows from 2009.
Check out Part 2 of our Best of 2009 Artist List here.
