A Few of My Favorites from 2009
A man must know his limitations, that’s why last year I just said screw it to 10 best lists for a variety of reasons. Below is a little bit of my soundtrack from this year. Are they the best songs of the year? I don’t know, but I like them. Please feel free to listen, discuss, argue, comment. Let’s start off with a few albums and move on to some individual songs.
Albums
“Know Better Learn Faster” by Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Caught these guys at Lola’s Sixth Street this fall and they rocked the house. This is a great album from start to finish, and “Cool Yourself” is my favorite song therein.
“The Tide and The Current” by Telegraph Canyon
I am wearing out this album right now. Here they are playing at the Modern back in February.
“Good Enough for You” by The Fate Lions
This is another great local band. Here is their recent live set on KXT. Hard to single out a favorite song, but I’d probably say “Ride The Artifact” or “All You Do Is Crazy” if pushed. Britpop is alive and well in DFW.
“Glitter and Doom Live” by Tom Waits
This is so much more than just a live album. Tom Waits live is a special event. Although this song isn’t on the album, it gives you some of the flavor of what it is like. Maybe not for everyone, but I am captivated by his music.
“The Man of Somebody’s Dreams: A Tribute to Chris Gaffney Tribute” by Dave Alvin and Various Artists
I had my say on this a few months ago, so I will spare you the rehash. Although this video cuts off abruptly at the end, Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women do a nice version of “Artesia” on this clip.
Songs
“Lalita” by The Love Language
Just goofy and fun. Album cut has a much raunchier fuzz guitar riff.
“Coast of Carolina” by Telekenesis!
Here they are at the Pizza By The Slice Music Festival during SXSW, the best thing going in Austin that week.
“My Girls” by Animal Collective
It may be on everyone’s year-end lists, but this really is a great song.
“Fitz and The Dizzyspells” by Andrew Bird
I want to hate this song, but Bird just whistles like a mofo. For the record, I like “The Andy Griffith Show” theme, too.
“Remembrance” by Balmorhea
This Austin band reminds me a lot of The Theater Fire.
“Fuego” by Bomba Estereo
No habla Espanol, but this song rocks even without a translation.
“Panic Switch” by Silversun Pickups
Probably my favorite straight-ahead rockband.
“Hurt Feelings” by Flight of the Conchords
Bring the rhymes!
“So Far Around The Bend” by The National
When I remember 2009 in years to come, this is the song I will remember.
