01 The Avett Brothers | I and Love and You (buy)
I don’t think it would be possible to look back at 2009 and not think about the Avett Brothers and this record. The two will be forever cemented in time together. I saw the band in Chicago, San Francisco and Madison – each time different, but wonderful memories that made up some of my favorite nights of the year. This record chases down big dreams, is the product of hard work and relentless dedication, it’s going all in and reaping big rewards. I’m thrilled to see one of my favorite bands work with an amazing producer, sign to a great label, and feel the satisfaction of success. The success of I and Love and You is what we should all hope/wish for all our favorite bands no matter our desire to keep them like a secret. It’s not too late to jump aboard the Avett express, they’ll be touring, per usual, through the states in 2010.

02 A.A. Bondy | When The Devil’s Loose (buy)
If you saw either of A.A. Bondy’s two Milwaukee performances this year, you saw an artist put on two different, but amazing shows. He demonstrated what we already knew the first time around; his material holds up with only voice, guitar and the occasional harmonica. The second time through, he brought along two musicians, rounding things out and adding depth to the fantastic new material found here on When The Devil’s Loose. I’d argue that Bondy’s type is a dying breed. I have no problem saying he very well may be the Dylan of this generation. I love his music that much, and sincerely hope his popularity soars going forward.

03 Strand of Oaks | Leave Ruin (buy)
I discovered Timothy Showalter and Strand of Oaks via an e-mail from a mutual friend that included a download link. “I thought I was too old to have dreams like these” is the opening line of this album. I was 100% sucked in. I spent the majority of that next month listening to Leave Ruin only. The songs on this album are heavy in content, but welcoming and inviting in sound. I challenge anyone to listen to “Two Kids” or “End In Flames” and not purchase this record. If you’re looking for an artist on the very verge of exploding in popularity, grab this record and tell your friends you were there at the beginning.

04 Built To Spill – There Is No Enemy (buy)
If this list was a showcase of my favorite album of the last three or four months, the latest from Built To Spill would without a doubt be my most played record. This album has rekindled my love for the band and has me pouring through live shows, videos and their back catalog all over again. I hope Martsch and company keep the albums coming. Another round of tour dates would be welcomed and worth traveling for especially if it showcased There Is No Enemy material.

05 Dawes | North Hills (buy)
One of the best new bands to emerge in 2009. I had the good fortune of seeing Dawes on the Daytrotter Barnstorming tour earlier this year and I was simply enamored with their live show. I distinctly remember telling everyone that would listen how incredible their set was the next day. Anyone who has seen this band live knows that their talent far exceeds their years. The good news is that their album is just as fine. This is one of the albums I’ve given out a lot over the course of the year and haven’t had one person respond with anything other than their highest praise.

06 Megafaun | Gather, Form & Fly (buy)
An offering that is true to folk music with a dash of experimental, combined with perfect harmonies, Megafaun made an album that is simply gorgeous from beginning to end. When I first heard it I thought it was a great summer record, though now that the cold has reared its face, I’m beginning to love the warmth it brings. It doesn’t get much better than this kids.

07 The Wooden Birds | Magnolia (buy)
The percussion on this album is stunning. I played it daily the first half of the year. It’s an album that I feel is far too under-appreciated and will be one of those that people look back on next year and wish they’d taken the time to acquaint themselves with it sooner. The delicate/hushed vocals combined with the aforementioned brilliant percussion makes this one of the catchiest albums of the year.

08 Elvis Perkins | Elvis Perkins In Dearland (buy)
Elvis Perkins has become somewhat of a white whale in terms of catching him live. It seems like every time he’s close to town I’m not around. This album contains one of my absolute favorite songs of the year, “Doomsday.” I didn’t think Perkins could top Ash Wednesday, but after spending a lot of time with this record, I think he did just that.

09 The Antlers | Hospice (buy)
An album that is almost too sad to listen to. A great late night driving record. A spectacular headphone record. I’m still waiting for chance to see these guys live. I’m not going to miss their Chicago show next month.

10 Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy | Beware (buy)
This album would have never made the list had I not seen Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy live this year. While I expected to be impressed, I walked out of that show an even bigger fan than I’d ever been in the past. I didn’t think that was possible. The Will Oldham cannon of work is large, impressive and daunting. If you’re a first timer, looking for a place to get your feet with, this would be a fantastic introduction.

11 Wilco | Wilco (The Album) (buy)
12 Heartless Bastards | The Mountain (buy)
13 Lucero | 1372 Overton Park (buy)
14 Roadside Graves | My Son’s Home (buy)
15 The Felice Brothers | Run Chicken Run (buy)
16 St. Vincent | Actor (buy)
17 Langhorne Slim | Be Set Free (buy)
18 David Rawlings Machine | A Friend of a Friend (buy)
19 Portugal. The Man | The Satanic Satanist (buy)
20 Sam Baker | Cotton (buy)
21 Rain Machine | Rain Machine (buy)
22 Thao with the Get Down Stay Down | Know Better Learn Faster (buy)
23 Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros | Up From Below (buy)
24 Great Lake Swimmers | Lost Channels (buy)
25 Buddy & Julie Miller | Written In Chalk (buy)

Wish We Knew You Last Year: The Two Best Records From 2008 That We Found In 2009

The Rural Alberta Advantage | Hometowns (buy)
Originally self-released in 2008, my first introduction to The Rural Alberta Advantage was by happenstance. They were opening for Grizzly Bear at the Central Presbyterian Church in Austin at SXSW. I figured if I wanted to see Grizzly Bear, I’d best get there early. I was rewarded by finding one of my new favorite bands. We’ve played them on our podcast non-stop and their show at the Cactus Club during Radio Summer Camp was one of the best shows of the year.

The Low Anthem | Oh My God Charlie Darwin (buy)
Another self-released album in 2008 that got picked up and given a proper send off by Nonesuch Records. It balances between delicate falsetto and Tom Waits style barking. I love it all. One of my best memories all year was getting to watch a little bit of their Hear Ya Session in person while in Chicago for Lollapalooza. I’m looking forward to catching them supporting the Avett Brothers on the road next year.

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CLICK TO READ THE MUZZLE OF BEES CONTRIBUTORS FAVORITES OF THE YEAR —-> (more…)

I encourage you to check out the Kyp Malone guest DJ session that is currently available on NPR’s All Songs Considered blog. It’s not surprising that Kyp brought along a great playlist enhanced by interesting dialogue. His selection of Kermit the Frog’s take on Rainbow Connection leads the discussion to Sesame Street and Stevie Wonder’s rousing (and extra funky) version of “Superstition.” It’s worth a watch and listen if only for a brief walk down memory lane.

Getting back to Kyp Malone, if you have not picked up a copy of his beautiful new album under the Rain Machine moniker you should really add it to your collection today. It’s a solid play from beginning to end, and, in my opinion, deserves consideration for one of the year’s best releases.

Buy: Rain Machine