My Top 10 Albums of 2009
10. Chuck Ragan - Gold Country
Awesome raw alternative-country from the man who makes up 1/4 of Hot Water Music. It really isn’t possible for him to put out a bad record.
9. Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Not as good as 2008’s Sometimes Things Just Disappear but a solid release. If you like post-hardcore with some damn catchy melodies, this is for you. Also, they had the best show at the Fest this year.
8. Frank Turner - Poetry of the Deed
Another great alternative-country from England’s Frank Turner. Great production and stellar song writing. No wonder this guy in getting so popular!
7. Dear Landlord - Dream Homes
Gruffy pop-punk at its best. Can’t go wrong with that.
6. Strung Out - Agents of the Underground
These guys have mastered the art of technical metal-punk. Much better than Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. Amazing drumming and blistering guitar rifts. Strung Out doesn’t disappoint.
5. Fake Problems - It’s Great to be Alive
Okay, okay, I am biased towards Florida bands but this was a great release and firmly cast them out of the shadow of a wannabe Against Me!. Fun lyrics, tons of different instruments, and an amazing live show in Columbia, SC got me hooked on this album and I haven’t stopped listening.
4. Brand New - Daisy
Amazing album. Diverse songs, great production, mature lyrics, and some killer build ups. I listened the hell out of this album when I first got it. Probably my favorite release by them.
3. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park
This is as good as modern “classic” rock gets. Mix of rock, indie, and a touch of punk. It sounds like it could have been released in the ‘70’s. It rocks hard and Ben Nichol’s lyrics are descriptive and awesome.
2. Cobra Skulls - American Rubicon
Fucking amazing punk album. Stop whatever you are doing and go listen to it right now. Tons of hooks, socio-political lyrics, and amazing bass lines. The songs will get stuck in your head for days.
1. Propagandhi - Supporting Caste
Pretty much as good as punk-thrash-metal gets. AMAZING guitar work with so many layers you can get lost. Chris Hannah’s lyrics are intellectual, political, and insightful. This release solidifies Propagandhi as one of my all time favorite bands.
