The Best Albums of 2009 (Part 2)

Happy New Year everybody! Alright, the second part of what may be three or four parts, time permitting. The title says "Best" but it's really just my favorite records of the year.

Happy Man,  Sad Man - Mike Doughty - About a month after this record came out, Mike Doughty posted a Facebook status report that read something like: "I'm ready for my bi-annual drubbing by Pitchfork."  I'm glad he has a sense of humor about it.  I looked back on the last review Pitchfork gave him (5.0 out of 10.0) from a reviewer who admitted to once 'idolizing' Doughty and then took him to task for recording for Dave Matthews' ATO Records label, conveniently failing to mention that Pitchfork-approved bands like My Morning Jacket, White Rabbits, The Firemen and others also record for ATO.  Such a Pitchfork affectation, making a point about which label an artist records for but failing to stay consistent about it.  Anyway, Mike never got his drubbing last year, Pitchfork didn't review it.  Though I do miss the drums on this (and his last record) it's still full of what you listen to Mike Doughty records for: clever wordplay, catchy melodies and fun (parenthetical) titles.

Sonic Youth - The Eternal/Pearl Jam - Backspacer - You're probably thinking that these two records sound nothing alike--true--but it's worth mentioning that both veteran bands had recorded for major labels for nearly twenty years each then each made their return to indies with two of the best records of their repsective careers, both of which were certainly hooky enough to have been made for their old labels.  Top-notch material from each.

Sloan - Parallel Play - Their 2008 release Never Hear the End of It was the longest of their career, a sprawling epic, a Beatlesque masterwork that was meant to be listened to in one sitting, a la Sgt. Pepper or Skylarking.  This one isn't as unified, is the shortest of their career but still worthy of your ears and attention.  Unfortunately, like Labatt's, Tim Horton's Donuts and ice hockey, Sloan seem doomed to always remain more popular in Canada than the United States, which is a shame because, twenty years in, they're even better now.

U2 - No Line on the Horizon - Full disclosure: I'm a big U2 fan but no apologist.  They've never made a bad record but have made a few so-so records yet with each album they manage to add a few classics to their canon, "Get On Your Boots" is NOT one of those, however, "Magnificent" and "Fez/Being Born" are contenders and "Unknown Caller" is knocking at the door.  And while the album version of "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" was a dud, the remix they debuted onstage during the 360 Tour was an instant dance classic, absolutely worth the download.

Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs - Since the band's name is a baseball reference, it's only appropriate that I would liken Yo La Tengo to Tony Gwynn, the model of consistency from the early 80's into the Aughts and like Tony, they peaked in the mid 90s with the gems Painful and Electr-o-Pura.  Unlike Tony, who had to retire after twenty years, Yo La Tengo continue to hit .300 without flash, they're not superstars and don't want to be.  They never faltered but YLT's last two records have been a step up in quality.  They keep it up and they'll be the Minnie Minoso of rock.

I see at least one more segment of Best Albums (including my Top 5) maybe this week yet and then maybe one of reissues and other media, then Top 10 Shows, for sure.  The who the hell knows, maybe even a decade review.  Enjoy.

Comments

[Megan Schulte]

Interesting mix, Ken! Is there a mix CD this year? I look forward to it every year!

[Steve]

I appreciate the Sloan nod. I've listened to them for ten years and have never been disappointed.

[Scotty]

I love both the Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo albums. I enjoy your lists. Happy New Year.

[dj]

I can't believe you like U2 -- do you know what label they record on?

Kidding. I've heard good things about the new one, but have consciously avoided it. Maybe I'll give it a listen. I look forward to more of your lists and more recommendations.