2009 has come to an end and leaves in its wake a year of shitty music. Sorry, but someone had to say it. Inevitably people will disagree and talk about all the great music that came out this year - but this is my blog, and in my world, it sucked.
I usually have a top 10 list of favorite albums and songs by year’s end, but I’m struggling this time around. Based on my itunes and last fm page the only thing in my top 10 that was new this year is Cymbals Eat Guitars album Why there are Mountains which is what I would put down as my favorite album of the year.
I think after that would be the Avett Brothers album I and Love and You which I got into late this year but have been playing the hell out of for the last month or so.
Third is going to the Julian Casablancas solo album (see a few posts back. You’ll like it)
Fourth is going to the Japandroids album Post-Nothing. I saw a little of this band for the first time this summer at the Pitchfork Festival and liked the little that I caught. Sadly, I left after one song because of the hipster/hippie right in front of me that kept waving a sunflower the size of Gandalf’s walking stick in the air and in my face (I swear and hope to God that’s the last Lord of the Rings reference I ever make. I kind of feel like I should kick my own ass on principle).
The number five spot is going to a band I discovered this year called Dusty Rhodes and the River Band. First, because any band named after a professional wrestler is pretty fuckin’ cool in my book. Second, this band is badass live. I caught them opening for Art Brut and although I have an opening band curse where every one I see tends to suck, these guys were great. Fun as hell. Their album Palace and Stage is number five of 2009.
Now here’s something frightening. Apparently, the 4th new band I’ve listened to this year was fucking Buckcherry. Now, I know Buckcherry has been around for like 10 years or more - and yes, I was aware of their existence, but I only realized how awesome they were this year (Go ahead and judge me prick. You and I both know Buckcherry is awesome. I’m just brave enough to admit it). And while I will openly admit that they rule, I am shocked and somewhat appalled at how much I’ve listened to them this year.
So I guess that’s it for 2009 for me. Five albums worth mentioning. I guess I liked the Real Estate and Girls albums. And I did eventually warm up to the new Arctic Monkeys album Humbug so I guess those 3 tie for the number 6 spot. Oh yeah, the new Wilco was good too. Put that at six and then a 3 way tie for 7.
So it looks something like this:
1.) Cymbals Eat Guitars Why There Are Mountains
2.) Avett Brothers I and Love and You
3.) Julian Casablancas Phrazes for the Young
4.) Japandroids Post-Nothing
5.) Dusty Rhodes and the River Band Palace and Stage
6.) Wilco Wilco the Album
7.) Tie: Real Estate Real Estate, Girls Album, and Arctic Monkeys Humbug
8.) The entire Buckcherry catalog.
I’m hopeful that 2010 will be better. I’m already looking forward to the new Vampire Weekend in January and the new Midlake in February so that’s a good start. Maybe Noel Gallagher will put out his solo album this year.
I would also like to take the time to say this. Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear are good, but way overrated. You and I both know this. Accept it; you’ll feel better.
Thanks for reading Coetime at the Apollo and Happy New Year.
