This list is a compilation of my, John Holcomb’s, favorite albums and songs of 2009. In no way is this meant for anything other than drawing attention to the music I love and the artists that create it. If you haven’t heard of one of these bands, I provided links to their myspace. If you like their music, consider buying it. As an artist myself, trust me when I say we like getting paid for what we create. You’re not really “sticking it to the man” when you illegally download their songs (face it, record label dudes like to eat to). But if you feel you are, buy a T-shirt instead, go see them when they come through town, send them giftcards to Jimmy Johns, I dunno.
I put the songs together in a CD, check it out here.
1a. The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You
Took a few listens, but after awhile I realized I was listening to this album more than any other. Lyrically it hits home countless times, it has hints of vintage Avett’s with a coat of polish that suits them even better than nostalgia. I know most fans cling to the old albums with a death-grip, but I’m here to say they progressed for the better and hopefully sold a few more albums because of it.
Myspace
1b. The Elms – Great American Midrange
No differentiation between 1 and 2 in my mind. If ever there were an album that screamed “My kind of music” it’s this one. Seriously, the first time I put it on I actually stopped it a few songs in because I knew I’d play it to death. I’m so glad I bought the super-dee-duper deluxe version with the acoustic alternates. Best decision ever. Love this album!
Myspace
3. mewithoutYou – It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All A Dream! It’s Alright.
I find it humorous that “true fans” hated this album. Guess that’s why I’m not a true fan. I can’t believe how much I found entertaining, inspiring and soothing throughout this album. It’s so poetic and quirky. And to think I almost didn’t even buy it.
Myspace
4. Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers – The Bear
I hear these guys are going out on tour with Needtobreathe (#18). I hope they get the exposure they deserve. “Satisfied Man” speaks to me in ways no other song has. It’s an absolute favorite of mine, but luckily they put 12 more “Americana” tracks on there!
Myspace
5. Fielding – The Voice of Us
Oh my word. Easily the most beautiful album I’ve heard all year. I never thought anything could top Plankeye’s Relocation but Eric Balmer may have just done that with this release. I love this husband/wife team, I hope they keep writing!
Myspace
6. Regina Spektor – Far
It shocked me just how much this record was played. I liked her before, love her now.
Myspace
7. Gasoline Heart – Nostalgia Ain’t What it Used to Be
Thought this was a lock for #1 this year. Didn’t quite reach that height, but I named my AOTY CD after it so it’s no sleight. Louis and John are still my fave rock ‘n roll dudes.
Myspace
8. Showbread – The Fear of God
Welcome back Showbread! I love this band and this album. Too bad it will always be tied with the memory of getting pulled over in Colorado by an overzealous Barney Fife. The raw rock must have made my foot turn to lead. Best $160 bucks I’ve ever spent on an album!
Myspace
9. New Found Glory – Not Without a Fight
Another welcome back. Best pop punk album of the year. Best NFG album in years, possibly ever. Self-Titled still has a place though.
Myspace
10. David Bazan – Curse Your Branches
It sounds like David Bazan broke up with God. This is very much on par with his Pedro work.
Myspace
11. Dashboard Confessional – Alter the Ending
If you’ve been away from Chris Carrabba’s music, I suggest you come back NOW!
Myspace
12. Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything to Nothing
They found decent success in the underground this year and there’s very good reason for it.
Myspace
13. Tegan & Sara – Sainthood
Tegan & Sara is a band I’ve always meant to check out. Finally did it this year and this album did not disappoint. I’ll have to go back into the back catalog now.
Myspace
14. Weezer – Raditude
Goofy? Yes. Not as good as Blue/Pinkerton? True. Unnecessary Lil Wayne apperance? Indeed. Some filler tracks? Yes, Love is the Answer and In The Mall. Loads of fun? Check! Tons of smiling? Check! Weezer never took themselves seriously and I couldn’t deny how much pure fun this album is (with the bonus tracks).
Myspace
15. Collective Soul – Collective Soul (Rabbit)
Sounds like Collective Soul circa mid 90s. I like that… a lot.
Myspace
16. Sondre Lerche – Heartbeat Radio
Another surprise. It’s such a sweet and well-flowing record from start to finish. Sondre is definitely underrated in the “pop” world… hate to even call it that.
Myspace
17. Project 86 – Picket Fence Cartel
The heaviest P86 in quite some time. Didn’t have quite the repeat playability of their earlier releases, but solid indeed.
Myspace
18. Needtobreathe – The Outsiders
There were some real highlights to be found in this record, so much so I think I overplayed it at first.
Myspace
19. Chevelle – Sci Fi Crimes
Alright, hate away on me all you want. I have a thing for Chevelle and I feel this is much better than Vena Sera.
Myspace
20. He Is Legend – It Hates You
When a band breaks up I kinda get disillusioned about their album. This one would likely have been higher had they not caved in.
Myspace
Honorable Mentions
Wolfmother / The Cosmic Egg / AFI – Crash Love / Damion Suomi – s/t / Neon Horse – Haunted Horse / M Ward – Hold Time / Rancid – Let the Dominoes Fall / Mutemath – Armistice / Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum / Maylene and the Sons of Disaster – III / Sherwood – QU / Paramore – Brand New Eyes / The Almost – Monster Monster
Songs of the Year
*** indicates absolute faves with “Unless God Appears First” by The Elms possibly being my favorite song of the decade, my life, etc
Can’t Keep a Good Kid Down – Gasoline Heart
Get Me Right – Dashboard Confessional
Unless God Appears First*** -The Elms
Slight Figure of Speech -The Avett Brothers
The Only One -Manchester Orchestra
Out of My Mind -Showbread
A Choppy, Yet Sincere Apology -The Riverboat Gamblers
Step Up (I’m On It) -Maylene & The Sons of Disaster
Everyone I Know Has Fangs -He Is Legend
Listen to Your Friends -New Found Glory
Fainting Spells – AFI
Chain Gang, bang bang -Neon Horse
(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To -Weezer
Dig -Collective Soul
Bless This Mess – David Bazan
Ladders to the Stars -Fielding
Magic Marker -Monsters of Folk
Laughing With -Regina Spektor
Satisfied Man *** – Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers
The Lion, The Ram & The Fish *** – Damion Suomi
Never Had Nobody Like You – M Ward
Someday -Tegan and Sara
Allah, Allah, Allah -mewithoutYou
I put all my favorite songs of the year into a compilation package. View images of that project here.
As stated above, this Album of the Year CD is made only to draw attention to bands I love.
