BEST OF 2009

The beginning of this year was no picnic. I don’t think I’ve been this depressed in awhile. Some major changes came about and along with them came some major resentment. I think my attitude reflects all that I was listening to this year. I spent a lot of time listening to Off With Their Heads, Shai Hulud, and Shinobu. Bitter much? So if these lists read a little too angsty, I am sorry. I would also like to note that there are several releases from of my favorite bands that I just never got around to listening to so forgive me if I forgot any.

9. That Really Awesome Guy With a Guitar-…What with the Economic Downturn and All

I saw this acoustic duo at a show with my band and they were the nicest kids. Tyler handles most of the vocals and plays acoustic guitar while Alli plays banjo and sings a few songs on her own. It’s not super cutesy like a lot of the folk punk stuff you hear, so it is more tolerable. The lyrics are filled with a sense of longing and thoughtfulness though. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys in the near future. Tyler runs his own label and helps put shows together up in Massachusetts.

8. Dredg-The Pariah, the Priest, and the Parrot

My roommate Matt first turned me onto Dredg with their 2003 album El Cielo that is an amazing concept album out REM sleep. Well, this is their latest effort after skipping their last album, which I think most people did anyway. The concept of this record is death and if you didn’t pay attention you might not know that. El Cielo was great because it was rather mellow, but on this record there are instances of electro dance pop music. It’s kind of odd when you think about the bands older releases so it is kind of uncomfortable. However, the song “Ireland” really makes the record worth all the odd instrumentals and pop songs. This record is still a grower, for me at least

7. Cursive-Mama, I’m Swollen

I think this record has isolated several of my friends who are Cursive fans. Most of them don’t like it at all. I actually find it listenable. They probably could have done better, but Tim Kasher is still an amazing storyteller. I think the biggest complaint is that this record sounds too much like a Good Life album instead of Cursive. I can understand that, but there are some really great songs on this album including the closing track “What Have I Done?” a six minute long epic that is probably one of the best closing tracks on a Cursive record ever. In my eyes I think they still have it in them to keep making great records for years to come.

6. Teenage Bottlerocket-They Came from the Shadows

It seemed like TBR just put out a record and they really did. In two years they put out two great records that both stand out on their own. This was their Fat debut that scared some diehard fans into thinking they would start sounding like NOFX? I didn’t really understand why people were worried they are too consistent of a band to just drastically change that fast, especially after putting a record out last year. That is the best thing about this band, consistency. Everything that made their last records fun can be found on this record. Catchy songs about girls and skating, could you ask for more?

5. Chuck Ragan-Gold Country

Chuck Ragan has to be one of the most humble guys in punk rock today. His second full length picks up right where Feast and Famine left off. There are more country tunes this time around, but Ragan’s great punk rock song writing still shines through. His voice is even better this time around and you can hear the sincerity within every breath. These songs live are even better. Mr. Ragan will go down in history as one of the best performers on both record and live in the last 10 years.

4. Andrew Jackson Jihad-Can’t Maintain

This year, I was honored enough to be able to open for these folk punk masters and it was one of the best shows of my life. Even if I didn’t get to play a show them, it would not make this record any less good. Holy shit, they really pulled out the punches on this record. With a full band sound they are still able to capture that great sarcastic energy. With a few more great releases slated for next year I can’t wait to see what these guys have up their sleeves.

3. O Pioneers!!!-Neon Creeps

This is odd, because if you recall this was my number one of 2008. Technically this record should have come out in 2008, since they were already selling it at the Fest last year. However, it did not come out till February of this year for whatever reason. That sucks for the rest of the world that did not get to hear this record. It blew me away last year and I still love to this day. This record definitely helped me out a lot with how upsetting this year has been.

2. Bomb the Music Industry!-Scrambles

What else is there to say about this album that hasn’t been said? It never gets old with each listen. The piano jams are amazing and the song writing is solid as ever. I still don’t think I like it as much as Get Warmer, but damnit this is a close second. The songs on this record are completely relatable and I think that’s why it is so good. There is such a defeatist tone to this record that if you really tried these lyrics would make you cry, but you’re having such a good time you don’t even think about it.

1.Shinobu-Strange Spring Air

Are you really surprised? Shinobu is my favorite band right now. It sucks that this album was suppose to not even come out. That would have been a tragedy on the worst level, but I am glad Quote Unquote put it out finally for free. The songs are a mixed bag of different songwriters and despite the odd short songs and instrumentals it flows rather nicely. I am hoping this is not their last release as a band and they will continue to put out great music for at least a few more years.


Top 5 EPs and splits

5. Matt Wixson-The Saddest EP
4.The Ergs!/The Measure (SA) split
3. Classics of Love-Walking in Shadows
2. Lawrence Arms-Buttsweat and Tears
1. Hard Girls-Hello

Best shows of 2009

Hard Girls @ FEST 8
O Pioneers!!! @ Fest 8 and Harvest of Hope
Monotonix @ Harvest of Hope
Teenage Bottlerocket @ Backbooth
You Vandal/We Are the Union/BTH/Away With You/Go Rydell @ Black Box Collective
7 Seconds @ FEST 8
Strike Anywhere @ Harvest of Hope
Mountain Goats @ Harvest of Hope
Virgins/The AKAS/Dillinger Four/Bouncing Souls @ The Social
Andrew Jackson Jihad/Campfire, Suburbia/Gnarly Whales/BTH/Marcos @ Black Box Collective
BTH covering “The Decline” @ Island Oasis
Watching the end of Madball’s set for free @ Backbooth

Things to look forward to in 2010:
Fest 9
Harvest of Hope
Go Rydell and You Vandal albums
New BTH?
Campfire, Suburbia full length?
Ghost Aviary?
New Alkaline Trio/Matt Skiba solo record
Last Flaming Tsunamis record