Music shouldn’t be compartmentalized into years or even genres, but when a year wraps up it’s a good reason to discuss what some of the highlights are. Music has really been one of the only solid constants in my life, so I cherish everything new that I hear. At the end of the year, It’s a good chance to summarize some of those highlights.
So here are my favourite albums from 2009:
Digging Roots – We Are
Spirit and emotion are at the roots of good music, and not many bands can harness that as well as Digging Roots can. While their last album was a mind-blowing tour de force, this one transcends even that brilliance. It’s a fantastic eclectic blend of blues, soul, rock, and rap. Everyone needs to see the passion Raven and ShoShona have for the music they play.
Mastodon – Crack the Skye
I’m pretty sure they ate a forest of mushrooms before making this one, because it’s a totally bizarre concept album. They even played it the whole way through live, which is a very self-indulgent and esoteric move. But after many listens, it’s one of their best because of the narrative they created for it coupled with the mind-blowing metal music. “The Last Baron” is now in the canon of epic tunes – up there with “Echoes” and “No Quarter”.
Propogandhi – Supporting Caste
This album is the perfect marriage of punk and metal. Raw chords, compelling vocal melodies, and some amazingly tight beats. These Winnipeg dudes have been grinding for the cause for many years now, and I think this is by far their best album. Regardless of your political leanings, you need to hear this for the music alone. And the message is a nice byproduct.
Joel Plaskett – Three
I’ve always appreciated his musicianship, but have only been a casual fan. Then I heard him on CBC’s Definitely Not the Opera explain why everything is better “in threes”. That prompted me to pick up this album, and on the first listen I was blown away. He is a musical gem and I can’t wait to hear what he does next.
Them Crooked Vultures
The “supergroup” of the year. On paper, members of Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin should make some of the best music you’ve ever heard. It didn’t quite meet those expectations, but this is still the best rock n’ roll album that’s come out in a while. If you listen closely, you can hear distinct influences from each aforementioned band.
Priestess – Prior to the Fire
Every year there’s a “guitar album” that inspires me to pick one up and try to chug out riffs. That’s what this one did for me. They are the best rock band in the world right now and they deserve credit above anyone else. The intricacies of the guitar work should perk up anyone’s ears, and the rhythm section ain’t bad either.
The Bronx – III
Just a righteous rock n’ roll album.
The Bastard Fairies – Memento Mori
The best discovery of the year for me. I saw them play a stripped-down acoustic show back in November and bought their album right after. Music that defies labels will always appeal to me, and this one fits into that vague category. Yellow Thunder Woman embodies the sex appeal and intrigue that any front woman should. Her voice will rope you in.
Pearl Jam – Backspacer
Originally I felt obliged to throw them on the list just because I’ve been a fan since I was 13. But after recent spins I realized there’s really something to be said about longevity and credibility, and Pearl Jam has never wavered. It’s the same formula they’ve stuck to for years, but that’s not a bad thing at all.
Slayer – World Painted Blood
The band that pretty much pioneered modern-day heavy metal still finds ways to push the envelope. This is is edgier than anything else you hear these days that is “heavy”. They could repeatedly rewrite the bible of heavy metal and it’d be okay. And to think, they’re all almost 50.
That’s what I listened to in the last 12 months, and as always I look forward to hearing what comes out in the new year. Post some of your faves!
