Due to the death of Scotland Barr earlier this year, I can’t help but find a sadness behind the four songs released on this EP. However, if the few songs released are any indication of the full album, I certainly hope we get to hear the rest of it in the near future.
The Don indeed. Solid album, but even better live. I can’t wait until they play again in Portland.
I must admit, Hockey had the potential to be way over my "screamiest" threshold. However, having seen them live three times now, I can’t help but dance.
Great updated girl group sound.
I love a woman with a strong voice belts out a sad story from the gut. Watch out Lucinda Williams, you’ve got some Portland-based competition.
Upbeat music that makes me smile. Oh, oh, oh, Control Alt Delete My Heart!
This band holds a place in my heart that only Toad the Wet Sprocket can fill -- don’t judge. Great lyrics and quite a few infectious songs.
Sounds like New Orleans. Old-timey and wonderful. I knew this would be a favorite from my first listen.
fun. is the new Mika -- if Mika joined a rockin’ band and sniffed glue.
Elvis Perkins has an amazing voice and coupled with (what sounds like) an all-out brass band, Dearland is hands down the best album of the year.
I couldn’t quite get past Johansen’s lyrics about getting stoned and being lazy to really love the whole album. But I just can’t deny the catchiness of "Sunny Day in Hell" (and quite a few of his other songs for that matter).
Lisztomania was an instant favorite. Phoenix’s entire album probably would have made my top ten if I had listened to it sooner.
Another favorite artist whose album just didn’t grab me. "Fuck You," on the other hand, is a great example of her stinging lyrics dripping with pop sugar.
Mika’s full album didn’t make my top ten list this year, but "We Are Golden" is a stand out for sure.
No air conditioning meant that the venue was pretty ripe wtih hipster teens. Regardless, I loved every minute. Can’t wait until they come back!
Maybe my expectations set too high, but I couldn’t get into his new album like I did with his last. That’s not to say there aren’t some solid songs, it’s just not what I expected.
Awmercy wouldn’t let me post her debut album, This is the Life (2007), for my top ten list (even though it’s very new to me). On the unofficial list, Amy Macdonald is my #2 album for 2009. I hear she’s set to release another in 2010 and I will be one of the first in line to pick up a copy.