Ferraby Lionheart’s music makes me happy, makes me ponder, makes me smile, makes me inspired…to put together a list of my favorite music picks from 2009. Everyone loves a list, right? And this time of year is dominated by TOP 10 (or 20, or 100) lists of music, movies, books, scandals, worst-dressed, etc.
So I’ll join in on the fun and share with you the music I just couldn’t get enough of in 2009. Some of my picks were new in 2009, while others were newly discovered or rediscovered favorites. So here goes…
Favorite Finds of 2009:
1. Ferraby Lionheart – Catch the Brass Ring; Ferraby Lionheart EP (2007; 2006). I love all of his songs, but two of my favorites are “A Crack in Time” and “Something to Love.”
2. Banner Pilot – Collapser (2009). This is my husband’s band and their debut on Fat Wreck Chords (which I’m still totally pumped about and can’t believe). The album has made quite a few top music lists (I can brag, I’m very proud), so my obvious nepotism is valid. The tunes are totally catchy (you’ll find yourself humming them afterwards) and the lyrics smart and thoughtful, especially in “Skeleton Key.” Other favorites on the album: “Empty Lot” and “Greenwood.”
3. Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career (2009). I love this album from head to toe – from the opening track “French Navy” to the closing track “Honey in the Sun,” and everything in between. This album is true perfection. I love, love, love it.
4. Beirut—March of the Zapotec/Realpeople Holland (2009). Give me accordion music, and I’m there. Sold. Add big brass (can you say tuba?), and I can barely contain myself. I loved his (Zach Condon’s) previous albums (Gulag Orkestar, and The Flying Club Cup) and this album/double ep is more of the same unique and lovely gypsy tripping with accordions, brass horns, and the occasional synthy electronica. I can’t get enough of this one! Favorites: “My Night with the Prostitute from Marseille,” “My Wife, Lost in the Wild,” and “The Akara.”
5. M. Ward – Hold Time (2009). God, what can I say about M. Ward?! Part retro reinventer, part magician, all genius. You can’t quite put your finger on what his music is, what genre it should neatly be categorized in, or what it exactly reminds you of, and I love that. Stand outs: “Never Had Nobody Like You,” and “To Save Me.”
6. Neko Case—Middle Cyclone (2009). Neko Case’s voice is haunting, aching, dark, beautiful. Her vocals are vulnerable and tender, but I have a feeling Neko could kick some major ass. She’s no woose. Neko is my hero. Stand outs: “People Gotta A Lotta Nerve,” “Red Tide,” and “The Pharoahs.”
7. Kings of Convenience – Declaration of Dependence (2009). It’s been way too long since these guys put out an album. I loved Riot on an Empty Street (2004), and have been waiting for something new for what seems like forever (five years is a long time!). This album was definitely worth the wait! Favorite tracks: “Boat Behind,” “Peacetime and Resistance,” and “Riot on an Empty Street.” I had a chance to see these guys a few years ago perform at the Fine Line in Minneapolis. Erland Oye’s awkwardness and geeky dance moves were endearing, and his music fantastic. If you have a chance to see these guys live, definitely go for it. You won’t be disappointed.
8. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes – Up from Below (2009). Mix a little bit Iggy Pop, and maybe a wee bit Neil Hannon (of The Divine Comedy), with happy hippie vibes, and you get this band. Spread the joy. Spread the love. Stand outs: “40 Day Dream,” “Black Water,” and “Home.”
9. Silversun Pickups – Swoon (2009). I had a chance to see these guys live last fall with my girlfriends. I liked the album before seeing the show – but loved the album after the show. They remind me of Smashing Pumpkins and how much I loved them in high school. Anyway, the band put on a great performance and you could tell that the singer (Brian Aubert) is a total sweetheart; he was so kind and appreciative of the audience. I love it when band dudes are nice, and not assholes. Like the bumper sticker says: Mean People Suck. Favorites: “Panic Switch,” “Substitution,” and “Catch & Release.”
10. Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Marching Down Bourbon Street (2001). My husband and I vacationed in New Orleans last fall. To get ourselves jazzed for the trip (like my pun?), we dug out this album in our iTunes archive because a trip to NOLA wouldn’t be complete without visiting Preservation Hall. It was a packed house and we had front row seats (rather a bench) for the show. We stayed for two hot, sweaty sets. The hall was vibrating with joy and soul. It was a spiritual experience I’ll never forget. And p.s., I swear I saw one of the American Idol contestants there at the show (Season 8’s Anoop Desai), but my husband says I was hallucinating.
Here's some cool photos I took from the Preservation Hall show:
Carry-overs from 2008 that I still can’t get enough of:
1. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (2008). You will have a spiritual experience listening to this album. Absolutely phenomenal.
2. Okkervil River – The Stand Ins (2008). I love all Okkervil, but definitely “Lost Coastlines” and “Calling And Not Calling My Ex” were standouts on this album.
3. Blitzen Trapper – Furr (2008). I bought this album for the single purpose of the title track “Furr,” which is an amazing, amazing song. Does he not sound like Bob Dylan? There are only a few other good moments on the album, namely “Black River Killer” and “Lady on the Water.”
4. Bowerbirds – Hymns for Dark Horse (2007 & 2008). Beard rock at its best. Another album that I can listen to from start to finish without skipping a track. (I just downloaded their newer album (Upper Air) which was released in 2009. I had no idea!)
5. Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007). Sweet, delicious, sassy soul/funk. Makes me shake my groove thing and grunt a little “ugh” and a little “mmm.”
