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2009 has been a year of great musical discovery for me. While there have been some releases I have been waiting a considerable period of time for, there were also a few surprises that I came across in my musical journey this year. While not all of this year's collection of music was actually released this year, it falls within the 1-2 year range of the current year. After all, sometimes it takes a while to come across new music when you don't listen to the radio!
Of the years I've been sharing my thoughts on the music for the year, this was by far the easiest in terms of determining the overall album of the year. This "honor" goes to Sunrise In The Land of Milk and Honey by Cracker. For many months (and even still to this day) I can play this album over and over again and it simply doesn't get old. Cracker returns to their power-pop/alternative roots and puts out a complete gem from start to finish. It's one of the few times I can remember where a full collection of tracks had not a single "fly-over" track. It is my contention that this is, indeed, Cracker's best album of recorded music in their catalog. I strongly recommend it for anyone who is a fan of the 90's alternative scene and college rock from that era.
The remaining list of songs for this year run the gamut from singer-song writer to 80's metal, alternative metal, melodic rock and Christian rock.
The biggest and most pleasant surprise was the release of Revolution of Mind by Mastedon (John Elefante). I really wasn't expecting to ever hear another album by Mastedon even though their first two albums, Its A Jungle Out There and Lofcaudio, are classics in Christian rock. Revolution of Mind features music and performance by Kerry Livgren (might be one of his last) and also REO Speedwagon guitarist Dave Amato. Great song writing and virtuoso musicianship made this a real treat from start to finish.
The biggest disappointment this year would be Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin. Since the release of Phobia, I had long been anticipating this release feeling it would bring the sonic and musical maturity much in the same way that Empire did it for Queensryche. While the album has some very strong moments, it feels very disjointed and watered down at the same time. It really feels like this album has an identity crisis.
So here is the list of songs for 2009 in song arrangement order (meaning in an order by which they sound good on a single album!).
I welcome thoughts on any songs that should be added or removed from this list. Remember that to post you'll need an account. You can register by clicking here.
Of the years I've been sharing my thoughts on the music for the year, this was by far the easiest in terms of determining the overall album of the year. This "honor" goes to Sunrise In The Land of Milk and Honey by Cracker. For many months (and even still to this day) I can play this album over and over again and it simply doesn't get old. Cracker returns to their power-pop/alternative roots and puts out a complete gem from start to finish. It's one of the few times I can remember where a full collection of tracks had not a single "fly-over" track. It is my contention that this is, indeed, Cracker's best album of recorded music in their catalog. I strongly recommend it for anyone who is a fan of the 90's alternative scene and college rock from that era.
The remaining list of songs for this year run the gamut from singer-song writer to 80's metal, alternative metal, melodic rock and Christian rock.
The biggest and most pleasant surprise was the release of Revolution of Mind by Mastedon (John Elefante). I really wasn't expecting to ever hear another album by Mastedon even though their first two albums, Its A Jungle Out There and Lofcaudio, are classics in Christian rock. Revolution of Mind features music and performance by Kerry Livgren (might be one of his last) and also REO Speedwagon guitarist Dave Amato. Great song writing and virtuoso musicianship made this a real treat from start to finish.
The biggest disappointment this year would be Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin. Since the release of Phobia, I had long been anticipating this release feeling it would bring the sonic and musical maturity much in the same way that Empire did it for Queensryche. While the album has some very strong moments, it feels very disjointed and watered down at the same time. It really feels like this album has an identity crisis.
So here is the list of songs for 2009 in song arrangement order (meaning in an order by which they sound good on a single album!).
- 1973 - James Blunt - All The Lost Souls
- Big World Away - Winger - Karma
- Revolution of Mind - John Elefante and Mastedon - Revolution of Mind
- Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out With Me - Cracker - Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey
- What Lies Beneath - Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony
- A Thousand Faces - Creed - Full Circle
- Man Down! - Queensryche - American Soldier
- Funny - Scars on Broadway - Scars on Broadway
- Sell Your Soul - Hollywood Undead - Swan Songs
- Psychosocial - Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone
- This Was Just Your Life - Metallica - Death Magnetic
I welcome thoughts on any songs that should be added or removed from this list. Remember that to post you'll need an account. You can register by clicking here.
