Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record

The New Pornographers - Together

The National - High Violet

Josh Ritter - So Runs the World Away

Kate Nash - My Best Friend is You

The Black Keys - Brothers

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks

Rogue Wave - Permalight

And two others. The Joy Formidable is a new band that I was introduced to by a buddy of mine (thank you Mr. Jason Wagner) and the new Stars album is out June 22 – which I am entirely way too excited about.

The Joy Formidable - A Balloon Called Moaning

Stars - The Five Ghosts

5.  Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms

One of the more interesting albums I heard in 2009 and I loved every minute of it.  I am a huge fan of his other band, The Cinematic Orchestra, so when I heard he was doing a solo project I jumped right on it.  I’m unsure how he produces a lot of the sounds on this album, but they are certainly unique and a lot of fun.  Highlights on the album for me include Fireweed, Bejing, and Big Bird in a Small Cage.

4.  Dinosaur Jr. – Farm

These guys have been around for a long time, but this is the first album I purchased by them (due in part to discovering they were on the Jagjaguwar roster).  They are definitely more ‘rock’ oriented than a lot of the stuff I listen to, but this album didn’t leave my car for the last 6 months of the year.  If you’re looking for something a little heavier, but not over the top, look no further than this album.  Highlights included Ocean in the Way, Over It, and See You.

3.  Lightning Dust – Infinite Light
Another product of the Jagjaguwar label, I loved this album from the first listen.  It has a folk feel to it that I really enjoy it and I love Amber Webber’s vocals.  She is joined by Joshua Wells, both of Black Mountain.  This album is certainly softer than that of Black Mountain and from my perspective doesn’t have a poor song on it.  Highlights for me include Antonia June, History, and Honest Man.

2.  Sissy Wish – Beauties Never Die
This album was originally released in Siri Alberg’s native Norway in 2007, but was not released in the states until 2009.  I’m a little hazy on how I stumbled upon this album, but I’m thrilled I did.  This album is full of diverse songs and has a distinct pop feel.  I have not heard her previous 2 albums, but apparently this album is much different.  If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, definitely check this album out.  Highlights for me include Float, Beauties Never Die, and Milk.

1(B).  New Pornographers – Challengers
Because this album came out all the way back in 2007 I’m adding it as an amendment to the 2009 list because it deserves a place here somewhere.  I lived on this album for the first few months of the year.  I’ve been a New Pornographer’s fan since Mass Romantic and this without question is their best album.  Probably the best 4 opening tracks of any album I own, they set the tone for the remaining 8 tracks which are all excellent.  Even if you are not a New Pornographers fan you should try this album.  Seriously.  Go buy it.  It’s difficult to choose highlights on this album, but if pressed I’d have to go with Challengers, Go Places, and Adventures in Solitude.

1.  Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below

I came across this album via a side comment made by Carrie Brownstein in a All Songs Considered podcast.  It turned out to be my album of the year.  There are so many things about this album I enjoy.  Some tracks are catchy (40 Day Dream, Janglin, or Home), while others show more grit and soul (Carries On, Desert Song, Simplest Love).  Most importantly, I love the smokiness of Jade Castrinos’ vocals and overall ‘bigness’ of the 10 to 13 member ensemble band.  I only purchased the album in November so album of the year may be premature, but I’m still thoroughly enjoying it and showing no signs of slowing down.

Honorable mentions include: Fanfarlo – Reservoir, Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest, Blitzen Trapper – Furr (not a 2009 release), and Taken by Trees – East of Eden.

First, 2 albums that I was late to the game on, which I purchased before my trip back east from Chicago that were staples all summer for me:

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

You’ve all heard it.  Most everyone loves it.  It took me a few listen throughs to actually warm up to it.  I think I may have been stand-offish because everyone had told me how great it is.  You know….when you’re supposed to like something there is that part of you that doesn’t really want to like it?  Well, that happened, but it didn’t take long for it to pass.

Personal favorite:

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

Another great album from 2008.  It was my friend Emily’s album of the year and for good reason.  There are no real let downs on this album.  At the same time, you know the stage you go through with an album where it’s all you want to listen to?  That stage for me with this album wasn’t incredibly long.  Suspended in Gaffa certainly held my attention longer than the rest of the album.

Personal favorite:

Dinosaur Jr. - Farm

Probably going to end up as my rock album of the year, Dinosaur Jr.’s Farm is fantastic.  I had to drive to and from Vermont this summer (from Maine – it takes longer than you think) for my best friends wedding and this album was playing 90% of the ride.  A product of the great label Jagjaguwar, it is full of great instrumental sections.  If you’re looking for something a little more “rock”, check this album out.

Personal favorite:

Blitzen Trapper - Furr

I had heard of Blitzen Trapper last year, but never got around to purchasing the album. I did this summer and was very very pleased.  Furr has a bit of a country touch to it, which apparently I like.  For some reason they remind me a little bit of Okkervil River, which may be totally misguided.  It will take a few listen throughs to appreciate, but if you get through them I am confident you will like it.

Personal favorite:

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Touted by many and for good reason.  I first heard Grizzly Bear on the Dark Was the Night compilation album and was really impressed.  After I heard all the praise for their new album, picking it up was a no-brainer.  I have difficulty comparing them to anyone, which is great….they have a different sound.  If that’s what you’re looking for, this album is a must….and even if you’re not….this album is a must.

Personal favorite (along with everyone else):

Patrick Watson - Wooden Arms

Probably my album of the summer.  Patrick Watson is the lead singer of the great band, The Cinematic Orchestra – this is his most recent solo effort.  Half of the time you don’t even know what you’re listening to and it’s amazing because in the end it all sounds so great together.  Definitely one of the funkier albums I’ve heard in awhile.  Try Beijing and you will know exactly what I’m talking about.

Personal favorite:

Fanfarlo - Reservoir

Listen once and you’ll be addicted.  They sound a little bit like Bishop Allen and someone else that I just can’t put my finger on (it’s driving me insane so if anyone has the answer, please let me know).  The download album is only $6 and worth every penny.  The album is full of catchy hooks and you will bouncing your head at work in no time.  Unlike some other catchy albums though – this one doesn’t lose it’s appeal after 5 listens.  If you’re in need of something you will immediately like, this is the answer.

Personal favorite: The Walls Are Coming Down

Well, that’s it.  Those were the albums that got me through the summer of ’09.  Enjoy.  I sure hope it’s not 40 days before I get to post again.

The Podcast is All Songs Considered produced by NPR.  It is where I find a lot of the music I listen to and if you’re into music, you should definitely check it out.  It is hosted by Bob Boilen who does a fantastic job.  One of my favorite contributors is Carrie Brownstein who also writes a great blog for NPR, Monitor Mix.  I almost always agree with what she says and her music choices are always up my alley.

So, moving to the most recent Podcast – Do Labels Matter? Toss it on your iPod or whatever mp3 player you use and give it a listen.  They discuss whether or not, in the digital age of music, do record labels matter anymore?  I still strongly contend that they do.  Every so often I will visit a few of my favorite labels websites to see what new music they are producing.  It has been a great way to find some great artists.  If you’ve never glanced at the record labels of your music collection…do it…you might find that there are some recurring themes.  If you find a label that pops up quite a bit – check them out – you’ll probably stumble upon some more music that you will really enjoy.

As usual, I agreed with Carrie Brownstein’s pick – Jagjaguwar.  Over the past year or so this has been my go-to label.  They put out so much great music…Bon Iver, Okkervil River, Sunset Rubdown, Ladyhawk, and Dinosaur Jr. to name a few.  Check out their roster, here.  Another favorite of mine is, Arts & Crafts.  Their roster includes artists like Amy Millan (lead female vocal of Stars), Broken Social Scene, Feist, New Buffalo, Phoenix, Stars, and The Most Serene Republic.  A lot of great music there.

So let’s get the conversation started.  Do you think labels still matter?  Do you have any favorites, least favorites, labels that have fallen from grace for you?  I’d love to hear your opinions.

Seriously – he’s just awesome and my recent update to, “Currently Enjoying” deserves a quick post.  Fold’s most recent idea for an album, University a Capella!, came after he heard a bunch of college students singing his songs on YouTube.  Fold’s was so moved by the renditions that he decided to travel to campuses around the country and record an a cappella album. Check out the CNN news story and at the very least read the interview. His responses just reinforce the fact that he’s a cool guy. The album only came out on Tuesday and I’ve only given it a quick listen, but my initial reaction is….it’s insanely cool. Not to mention a lot of fun to listen to.  It’s definitely raw in spots, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re a Ben Fold’s fan, this album deserves $12.99 from your piggy bank.

I have never really had a strong affinity for any contestant on American Idol during the 4 seasons which I have watched – never really cared who got voted off and coinciding, never been really excited about anyone either.  Until this season and Megan Joy (she started off as Megan Corkrey, but her name changed halfway through the show).  From the second she auditioned, I was blown away by her – I also knew from the second she auditioned she would never win.  I wasn’t even convinced she would make the Top 12.  Her voice isn’t made for a show like American Idol, which is probably the reason her audition was one of her best performances.  Not over produced, not backed up by a huge band and other singers.  I want to describe her and her situation in my own words, but I liked this paragraph by James Montgomery too much not to share it with you:

“Why? Because, well, would Feist ever win “Idol”? It’s a show designed to showcase big, throaty voices, capable of hitting the highs and doing runs and filling rooms and carrying tunes like “Mandy” on Manilow Night. It is not exactly a place for the subtle. Corkrey’s voice doesn’t seem capable of any fireworks. She’s got a warbly, tea-kettle set of pipes: quirky and sharp, malleable, would sound great wrapped around an acoustic guitar or a burbling synth line. She’s more suited for a small club, not the stage of the Kodak Theatre. Can I see her fronting my new favorite band on indie label Saddle Creek? Yes. Winning “American Idol”? No.”

I can’t really describe her any better then that – particulary the, “tea-kettle set of pipes”, which is perfect.  At any rate – she was let go last night and for the first time, I’m actually a little bummed.  I got excited each week to see what she might do.  No other contestant has ever done that for me.  I really hope she cuts a record and if she does, you know what, I’ll have no qualms about purchasing it.

On a side note – James Montgomery mentions the indie label Saddle Creek and I would like to echo his statements.  It is a great label with some great bands like Georgie James, Bright Eyes, and Eric Bachmann.  Check them out if you’re in the need for some new music.