Sam Moss' Favorite Albums of 2009
Some people say that music gets progressively worse each year. These people are wrong. The past has a great deal to offer, but 2009 is a perfect example of an extraordinary year in music. Here are my favorite albums of the year (organized alphabetically):
• The Crying Light- Antony & The Johnsons
I can’t really try to put Antony’s music into words.
• Driftwoods- Ran Blake
A collection of expertly interpreted songs by Blake’s favorite singers, including Hank Williams, Billie Holiday and more. The best solo piano album I’ve heard in some time.
• Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle- Bill Callahan
Outstanding songs and delivery. Callahan knows how to say what he needs to: "I used to be darker/ Then I got lighter/ Then I got dark again."
• Bitte Orca- Dirty Projectors
This album is undoubtedly more realized than any past effort by Dirty Projectors. In the past I used to listen to their albums and come away thinking that they were almost one of the best bands out there. Now they are.
• A Stranger Here- Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is a living legend who gained fame in the 60’s as a direct Woody Guthrie disciple. Here he puts his stamp on some classic blues numbers, backed by a killer band. I believe the blues when I hear them from Jack Elliott.
• Northern Roots Live In Náměšť- Tim Eriksen
Tim Eriksen is one of the most powerful performers I have ever witnessed. He performs American old-time music with an emphasis on New England roots music. His voice exceptionally compelling as is his banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bajo sexto playing.
• Frank Fairfield- Frank Fairfield
A gritty old-timey album that sounds like it belongs in the 1920’s. Fairfield plays the banjo with a fury.
• Barbeque Bob In Fishtown- Glenn Jones
The best “American Primitive” album of the year. Jones’ guitar and banjo work is virtuosic and his pieces are a striking blend of refined composition and open-ended experimentation.
• Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk
M. Ward, Jim James, Conor Oberst, and Mike Mogis are actually really good together. They win the ‘best supergroup of the year’ trophy in my book.
• Elvis Perkins In Dearland- Elvis Perkins In Dearland
While still ringing of the desperation of his debut album Ash Wednesday, Elvis Perkins brings along a full band for some rollicking and occasionally ominous folk rock.
• To Willie- Phosphorescent
Phosphorescent takes on Willie Nelson, and succeeds.
• The Black Dirt Sessions- Jack Rose
One of two very fine 2009 releases from the late guitarist, Jack Rose. This one is as enveloping as anything else in his catalog.
• Actor- St. Vincent
Each song on Actor unfolds brilliantly. There is a lot to credit this to, but in general, the vocal delivery is what makes each song so compelling and fresh.
• Glitter & Doom Live- Tom Waits
Recorded live in 2008, Glitter & Doom Live is a two disc set. The first disc is a collection of tunes on which Waits sounds more rabid than ever. The second, called “Tom Tales” is made up exclusively of stage banter, and Waits is one of the finest storytellers I’ve heard. This album is an absolute thrill.
Honorable Mention:
• Beware- Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
• The Glass Bead Game- James Blackshaw
• All My Friends Are Funeral Singers- Califone
• Together Through Life- Bob Dylan
• Embryonic- The Flaming Lips
• Veckatimest- Grizzly Bear
• A Friend Of A Friend- David Rawlings
• Rockwell- Anni Rossi
• The Crying Light- Antony & The Johnsons
I can’t really try to put Antony’s music into words.
• Driftwoods- Ran Blake
A collection of expertly interpreted songs by Blake’s favorite singers, including Hank Williams, Billie Holiday and more. The best solo piano album I’ve heard in some time.
• Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle- Bill Callahan
Outstanding songs and delivery. Callahan knows how to say what he needs to: "I used to be darker/ Then I got lighter/ Then I got dark again."
• Bitte Orca- Dirty Projectors
This album is undoubtedly more realized than any past effort by Dirty Projectors. In the past I used to listen to their albums and come away thinking that they were almost one of the best bands out there. Now they are.
• A Stranger Here- Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is a living legend who gained fame in the 60’s as a direct Woody Guthrie disciple. Here he puts his stamp on some classic blues numbers, backed by a killer band. I believe the blues when I hear them from Jack Elliott.
• Northern Roots Live In Náměšť- Tim Eriksen
Tim Eriksen is one of the most powerful performers I have ever witnessed. He performs American old-time music with an emphasis on New England roots music. His voice exceptionally compelling as is his banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bajo sexto playing.
• Frank Fairfield- Frank Fairfield
A gritty old-timey album that sounds like it belongs in the 1920’s. Fairfield plays the banjo with a fury.
• Barbeque Bob In Fishtown- Glenn Jones
The best “American Primitive” album of the year. Jones’ guitar and banjo work is virtuosic and his pieces are a striking blend of refined composition and open-ended experimentation.
• Monsters of Folk- Monsters of Folk
M. Ward, Jim James, Conor Oberst, and Mike Mogis are actually really good together. They win the ‘best supergroup of the year’ trophy in my book.
• Elvis Perkins In Dearland- Elvis Perkins In Dearland
While still ringing of the desperation of his debut album Ash Wednesday, Elvis Perkins brings along a full band for some rollicking and occasionally ominous folk rock.
• To Willie- Phosphorescent
Phosphorescent takes on Willie Nelson, and succeeds.
• The Black Dirt Sessions- Jack Rose
One of two very fine 2009 releases from the late guitarist, Jack Rose. This one is as enveloping as anything else in his catalog.
• Actor- St. Vincent
Each song on Actor unfolds brilliantly. There is a lot to credit this to, but in general, the vocal delivery is what makes each song so compelling and fresh.
• Glitter & Doom Live- Tom Waits
Recorded live in 2008, Glitter & Doom Live is a two disc set. The first disc is a collection of tunes on which Waits sounds more rabid than ever. The second, called “Tom Tales” is made up exclusively of stage banter, and Waits is one of the finest storytellers I’ve heard. This album is an absolute thrill.
Honorable Mention:
• Beware- Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
• The Glass Bead Game- James Blackshaw
• All My Friends Are Funeral Singers- Califone
• Together Through Life- Bob Dylan
• Embryonic- The Flaming Lips
• Veckatimest- Grizzly Bear
• A Friend Of A Friend- David Rawlings
• Rockwell- Anni Rossi