Top 20 of 2009: #10-1

Here is some of the music that struck me in 2009. In case you missed it, read the manifesto for this site. It might help you understand where I am coming from. If you didn’t see the Bird List, now might be a good time to check it out.

#10: Sam Baker

Cotton

This music should be kept in museums. The finale of his trilogy on grace and forgiveness, and not a bit cheesy. Read the original review.

#9: Levon Helm

Electric Dirt

The only American member of the band continues to show people around his homeplace, 40 years and counting. Read the original review.

#8: Justin Townes Earle

Midnight at the Movies

Building on what he started with his first record, JTE’s pen gets deeper and wiser. Read a single review.

#7: Ryan Bingham

Roadhouse Sun

One of the best young voices in country harnesses his rocking sound with a little 60’s touch. Read a single review.

#6: Ben Kweller

Changing Horses

Rollicking good time from an indie rocker exploring the music he grew up on.

#5: Owen Temple

Dollars and Dimes

Most of the time we hear stories from the big cities of America. These are stories from the areas in between. Read a single review.

#4: Todd Snider

The Excitement Plan

Don Was strips Todd down, pulls him together, and puts out his most consistent record yet. Read the original review.

#3: Lyle Lovett

Natural Forces

Lovett uses his keen eye for songs and delicate touch, as always to great effect. Read the original review.

#2: Tom Russell

Blood and Candle Smoke

Cowboy beat poet ruminates on the American west and the history that lies beneath. Read the original review.

#1: Dave Rawlings Machine

A Friend of a Friend

Rawlings proves that quality always trumps quantity, with a 9-song record that stuns from beginning to end. Read the original review.

Posted: December 31st, 2009 | 1 Comment »

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