Here we go.
The 10 best albums of 2009 according to a guy who can't play a music instrument, write a song or carry a tune if it hit me in the head.
I was in a band though that could have changed the face of music forever IF we would have stayed together. However, members of "Elliott and the Burgers" had to move on but we know that we changed a lot of lives while up at Central Michigan University. Few people will ever forget the "Elliott Song" but that's a different story for a different time.
Here's the list.
This was the biggest find for me this year. Not only do they have one of the best band names in the business, but they have all the elements to make it big. The disc kicks off with one of the more powerful songs, Hold My Feet to the Fire and just rocks you from there. When people ask me who do they sound like, I first refer to Kings of Leon minus the glitz and glamor. You could never imagine these guys are from the heartland as they sound like southern rockers. Great jams, powerful guitars and Brian Roberts has one of the earnest voices in music. These guys also rock in concert. I got to see them at a super small venue in Seattle and they were awesome. I also accosted them after the show as I was a bit tipsy. Sorry guys. If you haven't heard HHT before, you must check them out. If you're not tapping your foot to this disc, check your pulse as you're likely dead.
I believe my homie Robert Forehand turned me on to these guys. One of the members of this band is affiliated with Arcade Fire so immediately, I liked these guys. Again, very foot stomping worthy. All I can say is "Fuck today, Fuck San Francisco, Fuck California."
I originally had these guys at number 10 but honestly, I can't get enough of their smooth sounds. I was once again late to learning about these guys. A very mellow disc with outstanding lyrics and voices that can be taken at full blast or turned down if you're just chilling out. "Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise" is one song I find myself waking up singing.
Maybe it's because I finally saw these guys in concert but I can't get enough of the Mouse. This is really a half of disc but totally worth being #7. I have so much respect for Isaac Brock as he pours everything he has into his voice and leaves it all on stage. This disc is all about powerful riffs to me as illustrated by "The Whale Song." While the song starts of slow almost like you're in the fog, but out of the blurry haze erupts a guitar which is later joined by Isaac's powerful voice. Can't wait for their next full album.
My favorite band of all time came out strong in 2009 with this disc that has a little everything. The Seattle grunge band still proves it can rock but they also borrowed some of Eddie's slower songs and together, it created one awesome disc. Some people might be pissed that I put them at 6, but once you get here, every disc is just that good.
Another one of Seattle's finest. Not sure where they found this live disc lying around or why it took so long to put out but it rocks from start to finish. Many ole times did I find myself rocking out to this disc in my car doing my best Kurt impression. His voice is powerful throughout while Dave beats the shit out of the drums. While it's hard to pick a favorite track here, "
Aneurysm" is pretty f-ing awesome.
Another band that it helped seeing them live. This concept album is defiantly a surprise favorite of mine as I remember saying that everything these guys do sound the same. However, this disc opened up my mind and now, I truly appreciate these Portland rockers. (BTW, that's three NW bands in a row.) My favorite song here is also the most disturbing. You see for a while, I didn't know the words to "
The Rake's Song" but then Brooke Shepard told me about them. And honestly, I was so repulsed I stopped listening to the song. However, as I understood the album more, I got why the words were there and was able to move on. Brooke never was and I don't think he's listened to it again.
Writing this one, I realized 2009 was really the year of catching up and finally discovering music that was right in front of my face. YYY is again one of those. And yes, I did also see them in concert. This is a powerful disc that surely will get your blood going and your body a moving. From "
Zero" to "
Heads Will Roll" to "
Dull Life", this is a rocking mix of a sexy, strong voice mixed with one of the best drummers I've heard on a disc in a long time. Plus, as bonus, there's acoustic versions of some of the song avail which is a nice surprise.
Jai told me about these guys too. I had a really hard time putting these Frenchies at #2 and not #1 as I love this disc so much. It's catching and sounds different while being full of surprises. "
Lasso" leads the pack of this disc that's made for summertime. I wish I had a convertible to listen to this disc. I'm really hoping they're at Sasquatch this year.
1.
And now,
the number 1 album of 2009. The honor falls to Jack White and his newest band, "The Dead Weather" who released "
Horehound."
Whether you're a Jack fan or not, this disc has the ability to knock your socks off. This disc is full of "nevers" and "new." Like, "I've never heard that sound before," or "that's a new sound." I love Jack because he's never content with what he's done. He's always pushing the boundaries and reinventing himself. I think we may look back at him and his bands (White Stripes, The Raconteurs and now the Dead Weather) as being the most innovative, inspiring and influences on music. From Jack's powerful drums on "
Hang You From the Heavens" to the chilling guitar in "
Treat Me Like Your Mother" to the hypnotic "
Rocking Horse" to everything coming together in "New Pony", this is the top disc of 2009. I can't wait to see what Jack is going to do next.
What do you think of the top 20? Let me know.
