TOP 10 CDs OF 2009
1. Art Brut - Art Brut vs Satan
Some of the buzz may have worn off this band, but Frank Black helps distill this band to the essence of its' cheeky charm.
2. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Not their best, but this record is leavened with a lighter touch and the self-awareness you'd expect from a self-titled opening track like "Wilco (The Song)". Wilco will love you baby. Indeed.
3. Pearl Jam - Backspacer
"The Fixer" is Vedder and company's best rock single in a decade. A welcomed return to form.
4. Matthew Ryan - Dear Lover
Intensely personal and cinematic in scope. Shimmering at times, scruffy others. Criminally under-the-radar, Ryan's been one of the most consistent and prolific songwriters of this generation.
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz
A little less punk, a little more danceable. A matured effort that probably left some old fans behind. That says more about those fans' narrow view of the band IMHO.
6. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
Neko's most commercially successful work, hitting #3 on the pop charts. Uncompromising though -- she did it on her terms.
7. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
This year's model with 10 great high-energy tracks like "Young Adult Friction" and "This Love Is Fucking Right".
8. U2 - No Line On The Horizon
A failure only when judged against the substantial yardstick of their own best work. Still "Magnificent", "Boots" and "Crazy" are worthy additions to the canon.
9. Metric - Fantasies
The lead track, "Help I'm Alive" is undeniable and relentlessly catchy. This band might be a record away from huge.
10. Dinosaur Jr. - Farm
The 2005 comeback continues with this band's best since their indie label days.
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