I make no claim to be the best music critic in the world nor do I disagree with your choices. These are my favorite records of 2009 and I’d love to hear what your choices are.

01. Ida Maria – Fortress ‘Round My Heart
Buy this record, put on your headphones and turn the volume up as loud as you can stand. In my opinion Ida Maria has one of the best female rock voices of all time. Yeah, I said it and I’ve wrestled with that but I’m going to stand by it and you will too when you hear her screaming and singing. There are so many voices to choose from but the rawness and vocal performance on this record are so intense and awesome. After every song you think she won’t be able to top it but she does and the sequencing (track order) of this record is perfect.
Listen to:
I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked
Keep Me Warm

02. The Avett Brothers – I And Love And You
I was nervous about the release of this record but was happy to hear The Avett Brothers mature a ton and evolve their sound slightly. Lots of piano on this record and it really adds to the growth.
Listen to:
Kick Drum Heart
Slight Figure Of Speech

03. Fun. – Aim & Ignite
If you like pop music, arrangements, and wonderful nods to ELO then you’re going to love this record. It’s fun, catchy, contagious. My wife says it reminds her of a musical and she has a great point… it does remind me of a musical which I would be the first to admit it wouldn’t appeal to me but there’s really something special happening in this record.
Listen to:
Be Calm
Take Your Time (Coming Home)

04. Thad Cockrell – To Be Loved
This album would probably be higher in the list had I purchased it early in the year but I can say this, this neo-gospel/folk record is a sonic landscape and worthy of your time.
Listen To:
A Country Of My Own
Pride (Won’t Get Us Where We’re Going)

05. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)
This is my favorite American band and while this record wasn’t as good as some in the past it is still a very solid release and that is worthy of being in the top albums of my 2009 list. There’s a lot of classic Wilco on this record but my fear is that the next album will be more of the same. Time will tell.
Listen To:
You Never Know
Deeper Down

06. The Great Book Of John – Yves’ Blues
Easily one of my favorite bands in Birmingham. Sometimes it’s overly Dylan but there are worse artists to borrow from. Excited to hear what they do next with Jeffery Cain.
Listen To:
Circus Song
When He Screams, We’re Done
A Traveler Dreams Of Home

07. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
People love this album more than me but I really like it and think that the sounds, melodies, and musicianship of this record are amazing… My only beef with this album is the line “Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth.” It’s not because I’m against being a friend to the environment but it just comes across as cheesy in the midst of a beautiful song musically speaking. It makes sense in the album though since the songs all deal with animals and natural forces.
Listen To:
People Got A Lotta Nerve
I’m An Animal

08. Switchfoot – Hello Hurricane
You’re asking yourself: “Really, Jon? Switchfoot?” and I’m answering: “Emphatically Yes!” – I was not expecting this album to be as good as it is. This is a great headphones record and the production is fantastic. I will not lie, Jon Foreman has been a songwriting hero of mine for a while… he’s just really good at writing spiritual songs but not overly spiritual. Also, for people who like overly spiritual songs (read: Christian) you need to hear his solo EP’s. I love them but I’m aware they aren’t for everyone. I listened to the EP’s a lot when my Grandfather passed away this year and they gave me comfort.
Listen To:
Needle And Haystack Life
The Sound (John M. Perkins’ Blues)
Red Eyes

09. U2 – No Line On The Horizon
Some people weren’t crazy about this record but I really enjoyed it. It’s U2 and a U2 record that’s not mind-blowing is still really really good. I’m also a huge Lanois fan. No one creates atmosphere like Daniel Lanois.
Listen To:
I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
Moment Of Surrender
Breathe

10. Buddy & Julie Miller – Written In Chalk
If I could have a voice and guitar skills like Buddy Miller I would be content. If I could write songs like Julie Miller I would be overly content. I think the song “June” has to be my heartbreak song of 2009… It’s just so sad and beautiful. This is a fantastic traditional Americana record.
Listen To:
Ellis County
One Part, Two Part
June

Honorable Mentions:
Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard – One Fast Move
The Thermals – Now We Can See
Mindy Smith – Stupid Love
A.A. Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose
Joshua James – Build Me This
Weezer – Raditude
The Low Anthem – Oh My God Charlie Darwin

Disappointment:
Monsters of Folk – I find this record has great moments and “lost-in-the-woods” moments. Times where they were just seeing what would happen and then they put it out on a record. It’s too long. There are some bright moments but not enough in my opinion. Would have been a way better EP

What are your favorite records of 2009?

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