10 for '09

Lots of records I thought might, haven’t made this list (Richard Hawley, The Gaslight Anthem, Steve Earle, Monsters of Folk, Dylan, The Lemonheads, Drive-by Truckers, Iron & Wine, The XX, Wilco, Lisa Hannigan), so although the industry’s f***ed, by all accounts, it’s been a good year for music in my book…

1. Richmond Fontaine - We Used to think the Freeway Sounded Like a River
They just get better, and the songs here sounded phenomenal live, at the Garage in September (best record sleeve of the year too).

2. The Duke & The King - Nothing Gold Can Stay
Brilliant debut, sounds like a '70s country-soul classic, but with lyrics about growing up in the 80s. Also very good live.

3. Mariachi El Bronx
Hardcore white LA punks do straight mariachi album, shouldn't work but does, discovery of the year (although worst record sleeve of this list, by a long way). Turn it up!

4. The Low Anthem - Oh my God, Charlie Darwin
Came late to this, warily, but it's fantastic and a real grower, a superb one-sitting-listen kind of album.

5. Vetiver - Tight Knit
You need to play this loud on a good stereo to get it's full effect - gorgeous songs, fantastic band, still haven't seen them live.

6. AA Bondy - When the Devil's Loose
Maybe not quite as great as his debut, but still a brilliant winter record. Again, one to listen to in a single sitting, probably late at night

7. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
Rock and soul, recorded at FAME studios no less, and a step-up from his first post-DBT record.

8. The Felice Brothers - Yonder is the ClockStrangest of their albums yet, moodier and more diverse than the previous two, but still with its barnstorming moments. missed them live in October sadly (with support from AA Bondy).

9. M. Ward - Hold TimeAlways great - has the cover of the year on it, his version of 'Rave On', and some nice duets with Zooey Deschanel (sigh) and Lucinda Williams.

10. Backspacer - Pearl Jam
First album i've bought of theirs since Vitalogy – won’t claim it’s a classic, but it’s really pretty good and it sent me back to those first three albums.

'Love will find you in the end'

Matt Ward and band were on fine form at the Borderline on wednesday night, playing much of the new album (particular shouts for 'Rave on' and 'Fisher of Men') and dipping into his now considerable back list (an opening duo of 'Lullaby & Exile' and 'Fuel for Fire', performed solo, were particularly lovely). His new single 'Never had Nobody Like You' seems to be getting some great airplay on 6Music, but it's long puzzled me why he's not bigger than he is. Oh well, some things are best kept at a level, and he seemed to be enjoying himself a great deal the other night (along with the multi-instrumentalist and fine whistler Mike Coykendall, sporting a cool old Richmond Fontaine t-shirt - respect).
Here's an interview by Laura Barton in yesterday's Guardian, M Ward - A few of my favourite things

Hold Time

Having been on my sick-bed for the last couple of days, i haven't been able to pick up M Ward's new album, Hold Time, yet, but I can't wait. One of my favourite artists, by a country mile, this new album includes contributions from Lucinda Williams (hooray), Zooey Deschanel (She - hooray) and Jason Lyttle (Grandaddy - hooray) and promises many treasures, not least covers of Don Gibson's 'Oh Lonsome Me' and Buddy Holly's 'Rave On'. Anyone who may have heard his earlier covers, such as Bowie's 'Let's Dance' and Louis Armstrong's 'Sweethearts on Parade' will know that here's a man who knows how to take on a great song.
For a preview of the album and some cool videos (check out the very cool animation in 'Chinese Translation') see mwardmusic
And if you're going, see you at his Borderline show next week...