Best of 2009 (10-1)

1) Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs

They've managed to retain their style for over 20 years, yet continue to sound fresh and adventurous. One of the best bands in existence.

Fun with fruit:


2) Superchunk - Leaves in the Gutter EP


This EP completely rocked my shit for like three months straight.

3) Neko Case - Middle Cyclone


I know of at least one contemporary female piano player that I like. And it doesn't hurt that she covers both Harry Nilsson and Sparks.

Horse whisperer:


4) Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest


This was the year in which we see Grizzly Bear become a household name, and for good reason.

Tripping balls:


5) Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle


Bill Callahan returns to his sparse, wry, and manically depressing songwriting. Because happy Smog just doesn't cut it.

6) Group Bombino - Guitars from Agadez Vol. 2


Unlike the first volume, this one is half acoustic, half electric. But it’s still completely raw and messy and awesome. What else would you expect from a Nigerien rebel group?

7) Piano Magic - Ovations


Girlfriend dump you? Take a bunch of ketamine? Paranoid that your heart is about to collapse into itself? Or just generally feel like offing yourself? Well, the good news is you’ve found your soundtrack.

8) Chrissy Zebby Tembo & Ngozi Family - My Ancestors


Technically a release from the early 70's, this album boasts simple melodies, fuzzed-out psych guitar solos, and heavy drums. This sounds a bit like Cream if they were Zambian and Clapton had any balls.

9) A.C. Newman - Get Guilty


Newman’s second solo album is more introspective than his first, but it’s still full of endless hooks and skillful songwriting. And it proves once again that he’s at his best when in total control.

10) Built to Spill - There Is No Enemy


It might not be Built to Spill's best album, but it's got everything they've come to be known for (namely, triple guitar beard attack). And props to them for including slide guitar again- "Hindsight" is a jam reminiscent of much of Doug Martsch's solo album.

Group Bombino

Sublime Frequencies has done it again- another release from the rebels of Niger. This time it's Guitars from Agadez, Volume 2, recorded by Group Bombino. Unlike the first volume, recorded by Group Inerane (which shares some members with Group Bombino), this one is half acoustic, half electric.

The first side is more folk-based and was apparently recorded in the desert with only hand claps as percussion. These acoustic songs remind me of some of those Yaala Yaala Records (Drag City imprint) releases from a couple years ago, and also some of the Lipa Kodi Ya City Council jams.

All of side 2 was recorded through generators. Side one is great in its isolation and message of hope, but side 2...damn. Raw, dirty, psychedelic, and full of life. This is powerful music, replete with messy guitars, ululating, chanting, and a strong rhythm. These songs are not exactly light listening. They have a heavy message to them, much as Fela Kuti's music did. This is music for the uprising. Again, I cannot stress enough how raw this stuff is. It's really unlike anything coming out of the western world. So, so, so good.

Group Bombino - Guitars From Agadez, Volume 2

Say it 10 times fast:
A1) Tenere
A2) Imuhar
A3) Kamoutalia
A4) Amidinine
B1) Boghassa
B2) Imouhare
B3) Issitchilane
B4) Kamu Telyat
B5) Eronafene Tihoussayene

Here's a 30 second film clip to give you an idea of how kickass this is:

There's a one time pressing of 1500 copies of this record and it's already sold out at the Sublime Frequencies website. You can still get it here, but not for much longer. Considering the first volume goes for around $100 on eBay, I'd strongly suggest grabbing a copy of this now. Even from halfway around the world I already got my grubby hands on one of these. Not to be missed!