3 [RECORD REVIEW(S)] Top 20 Albums of 2009...So Far: Part 1

I’ve been pondering this list for a couple weeks now, ever since I was asked by my buddy Ryan to give some input for an Amazon.com blog post of the same nature. There has been a ton of great stuff released in 2009 so far. It’s been a huge year for indie bands, a slightly saturated but good beginning of the year for metal, and 2009 also marks the return of so many great veteran bands who are back and sort of re-establishing themselves as premier rock acts. I have compiled what I believe to be a very solid list, these are albums that have been on heavy, heavy rotation in my life and I am proud to recommend them to whomever has an open mind and open ears. So without further adieu here is the first 10 off the Seattle Rock Guy’s list of the top 20 "go out and get these right fucking now (preferably on vinyl)" albums of 2009...so far:

1. “Crack the Skye” by Mastodon: This album is a psych metal masterpiece, and I personally have not heard a better record this year. From beginning to end it’s a complete journey and a hell of a ride. The album’s eccentric themes of astral travel and out of body experiences are way over shadowed by Mastodon’s musicianship, these guys can flat out play their instruments. With “Crack the Skye” Mastodon again show why they are the new school leaders in a diverse and talented metal genre. Also get award for best album art ever!



2. “The Eternal” by Sonic Youth: The first time I heard the first single “Sacred Trixter” off SY’s new record I was hooked. The first thing that came to mind was this sounds like “Washing Machine” era SY, which was my first exposure to the band in 1995. The record is good from start to finish, and really solidifies their legacy as one of the great American alternative rock acts. Can’t wait until the Capital Hill Block Party July 24-25th!



3. “Ok Bear” by Jeremy Enigk: Seattle’s own Jeremy Enigk has been a busy guy so far in 2009, he has released an amazing solo effort reminiscent of his 1996 masterpiece “Return of the Frog Queen”, played a couple of Seattle solo shows with a 13 piece orchestra, and has reformed his seminal post grunge band Sunny Day Real Estate much to the delight of this fan. If you haven’t grabbed tickets for either the SDRE Seattle gig in October or September gig in Portland hurry up, they’ll surely be gone soon.



4. “I Blame You” by Obits: New York’s Obits is the new project fronted by ex-Hot Snakes and ex-Drive Like Jehu main man Rick Froberg. Obits was formed from the ashes of Hot Snakes in 2005, but didn’t release a record until 2009. I got my first taste of Obits at SP20 in 2008, and picked up “I Blame You” and then the Sub Pop released Record Store Day 7” in April. The Obits sound is part punk, part garage rock and part rockabilly. It’s a very good record, and a welcome rock addition to the Sub Pop roster.



5. “Veckatimest” by Grizzly Bear: This is the third full length release from Massachusetts Brooklyn, NY natives Grizzly Bear. I wouldn’t say it’s a perfect record from start to finish, but Grizzly Bear’s chamber pop harmonies and melodies are a welcome departure from my metal infused life. The album is anchored by the great “Two Weeks”; needless to say I have been dropping the needle on this one frequently.



6. “It’s Blitz” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs: I can’t say I was a fan of the YYY’s prior to the release of “It’s Blitz”. It wasn’t until their single “Zero” intrigued me to visit their earlier releases that I realized the power of this band. This go around they have created a truly excellent electro-synth disco record, which is a departure from their noise punk roots. All I know is Karen O is an amazing performer and it’s incredible how much noise these three make in a live setting. I suspect the YYY’s will be around for awhile especially since they were able to re-invent themselves without much complaint from their fans.



7. “Mind the Drift” by Big Business: This is the third full length from former Seattleites Big Business (relocated to LA…Boo!). The duo decided to take a break from playing in the Melvins, added a full time guitar player in Toshi Kasai, and has recorded in my opinion their best record to date. It’s has plenty of BB’s signature heavy drum and bass sound but with interesting flairs of guitar noodling. It comes off experimental but fresh to my ears; give me Coady and Jared’s massive rumble any day of the week.



8. “The Mountain” by Heartless Bastards: When I first heard of Heartless Bastards from my buddy Dan they were a 4 piece. I went and saw them rock the Tractor Tavern in probably 2005. One thing that stood out then and stands out now is the heart and soul of the band, front woman Erika Wennerstrom, for she has such an interesting and original vocal style and not to mention she writes all the songs. In 2009 Heartless Bastards have returned with a new rhythm section and one of the best records of the year so far. They play heavy, blues infused rock with hints of everyone from the Black Keys to Black Sabbath, and killed Mondays 12pm main stage slot at Sasquatch by the way.



9. “Farm” by Dinosaur Jr.: Talk about another great alternative band that has made a major comeback along with SY. Dino Jr. has put out two solid records in recent years, the first being “Beyond” in 2007 and now “Farm”. This record rocks! The opening track “Pieces” is my favorite and they tore down the house with it last week on Jimmy Fallon. Maybe I’m late to the party but J Mascis’s guitar work here is some of the best I’ve heard in a while, and for me elevates his status as a premier player.



10. “Dos” by Wooden Shjips: There's no shortage of psychedelic rock bands these days, but Wooden Shjips have to rank among the more interesting. For one thing these guys manage to sound heavy and robust without resorting to piling up the fuzz levels, but beyond that they manage to capture the same spirit that made this music so vital in its '60s and '70s heyday. I put this on the turntable recently and there it stayed.



Well, here are the first ten. The remaining ten will be up this week. So by however means you acquire your music these days, I think you have some work to do. Enjoy!