Journal

20. Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way To Blue

This was a great comeback. And I didn't expect it to be. They manage to capture the emotion of the old band without trying to sound like the old band. Credit goes to Jerry Cantrell for managing to pull this all together without embarrassing themselves. Hopefully they are able to follow this up with an album just as good, and I hope it doesn't take another fifteen years to do it.

A Looking in View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeCiaQ49uMs

19. John Vanderslice - Romanian Names

John is always reliable. I enjoy every single one of his albums, and this is no exception. Songs like "Tremble and Tear" "Fetal Horses" and "D.I.A.L.O." are among some of my favourite John Vanderslice songs ever. The songs range from great to average, but there isn't really a stinker in the bunch. What I really love about this album is the production. It's just to easy to listen to, and the use of synths is great. Really good and understated album.

Too Much Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ou7FnmExvU

18. Michelle Shocked - Soul Of My Soul

This is nothing like the great folk and country albums she made in the late 80s and early 90s, but it is not as bad as the misventures into mexican and reggae and jazz that Michelle has experimented with in her last few albums. This is a pop album. It appears that maybe Michelle has finally found her stride again. Soul of My Soul is the best Michelle Shocked album in 15 years and hopefully she will keep releasing albums of this quality for a while.

Other People: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-fK941W54E

17. Shirley Bassey - The Performance

This is Shirleys first album of new material in 20 years, and it's hard to believe that it has been that long since we have had a new album from one of the greatest voices in music history. And after having to wait so long, the new album does not disappoint. Featuring songs written by Rufus Wainwright, Manic Street Preachers, KT Tunstall and the Pet Shop Boys made me worry that maybe Shirley was trying to do an album a little more hip akin to her cover of P!nk's "Get the Part Started", but while there is nothing here that will bring in any new fans, this is a tasteful and dignified and beautiful album brilliantly suited to a woman in her 70s and just as listenable as her 60s and 70s records.

Almost There: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzIhNddkB2Y

16. Son Volt - American Central Dust

I know there has been some less than good reviews of the latest Son Volt album, some calling it "safe" or even "lifeless", but I couldn't disagree more. It is great to hear a Son Volt album minus the horns and minus the studio trickery that went on in the last albums "The Search" and "Okemah and the Melody of Riot", and it's great to get just a good country album from Mr. Farrar. To my ears this is a total return to form. And the new album Jay made with Ben Gibbard "Music From Kerouac's Big Sur" confirms that Jay has taken a back-to-roots approach to his music again. And to me thats a good thing.

Highways and Cigarettes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiGrpY7h92M

15. Norah Jones - The Fall

I have always liked Norah Jones. I can't say I was ever a massive fan, but I always found the time to listen to each of her albums, and found most of them to be enjoyable, if not unremarkable. But I have to say, for the first time I really found myself really enjoying a Norah Jones album. I recall seeing the first single "Chasing Pirates" on TV and thinking it was one of the most cool songs I have heard this year. It had a hook I couldn't get out of my head. And the rest of the album features collaboratiions with Ryan Adams, Jesse Harris and Will Sheff from Okkervill River, and they do not disappoint. This is a good album, and a great new musical direction for Norah. I'm looking forward to see what she comes out with next.

Chasing Pirates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTxythHY09k

14. Hiss Golden Messenger - Country Hai East Cotton

I have massive hopes for this band. Featuring vocalist M.C. Taylor and guitarist Scott Hirsh from one of my favourite bands The Court & Spark, they have returned this year with a new band and a new independently released album. While this album does not reach the brilliant heights they set with the Court & Spark albums "Witch Season" and "Bless You" (the latter being one of my favourite albums of all time), it does continue with the reggae influence they built on the last Court & Spark record "Hearts". Songs like "Hey Diamond" "Isobel" and "Lion" are just as great as anything Mike and Scott have ever done. You can order the limited edition CD or download the album via a pay-what-you-want scheme direct from the band from the Heaven and Earth record shop http://heavenandearthmagic.com/shop I'm looking forward to what comes next!

Nathaniel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_QP1Y_Vg_0

13. Candi Staton - Who's Hurting Now?

Along with Bettye LaVette and Solomon Burke, Candi Staton is currently releasing some of the best music she has ever released. Collaborating with Mark Nevers of Lambchop, "Who's Hurting Now?" and the previous album "His Hands" are beautiful soul/country records that is as good as anything I've heard from Candi. Featuring songs from Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's Will Oldham, Mary Gauthier and legendary 60s songwriter Dan Penn, this is a brilliant, funky, awesome country/soul album. Aretha Franklin should take note.

Cry Baby Cry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWeMkHuzOaU

12. Robert Pollard - Elephant Jokes

I'm not a massive follower of Robert Pollard. I have a few Guided by Voices albums, and only ever picked up one of his many solo albums, so I am not sure why I bought this one. But something told me to get it, and I am glad I did. Most of the songs are under 2 minutes, catchy and weird. And considering he is such a prolific artist (the back of the album says "Another Big Batch of Robert Pollard Songs") it really is amazing that he can keep writing such great music. I really found myself enjoying this album, and it has made me want to check out more of his stuff. But where to begin?...

11. Soulsavers - Broken

Anything Mark Lanegan touches is gold. This time his second collboration with Soulsavers features songs by Mike Patton and newcomer Red Ghost. This is a dark and pretty sad album, with great songs. The cover of the Palace Brothers "You Will Miss Me When I Burn" is worth getting the album alone.

You Will Miss Me When I Burn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DZHyNpQCLI

10. David Kilgour & Sam Hunt - Falling Debris

This album is the stuff of kiwi-legends. David Kilgour of the legendary Flying Nun band The Clean and legendary performance poet Sam Hunt join forces to release a great album. While Sam Hunt doesn't actually appear on this album, he worked closely with David during its recording, and David Kilgour set some of Sam's poetry to music. This is an awesome jangley pop album, and my favourite kiwi release of the year.

Chord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr4LwlboTDM

9. Neil Young - Dreamin' Man Live '92

I didn't have high hopes for this one. In fact, I wasn't even going to buy it. But I had some extra cash, and I was in the mood for some retail therapy, so I decided to take the plunge. And this really took me by surprise. This is basically the 1992 Harvest Moon album, live and acoustic. The sound quality is pristine, and the songs all sound beyond amazing. In fact, I prefer most of the songs this way. "One of These Days" "Harvest Moon" and "Natural Beauty" sound so good I can't imagine going back to the studio versions. The only thing missing is the stunning vocals from Linda Ronstadt that were on most of the originals. Most of Neil Young's Archive Series are brilliant live albums, but this one for some reason really stands out to me, and I can't wait for the next.

Such A Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiGG9G8pmQg

8. Bob Dylan - Together Through Life

Together Through Life is a very strong latter-day Dylan album, mostly written with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Although I can't help but feel slightly disappointed, probably because his last albums "Time Out of Mind" "Love & Theft" and "Modern Times" are among my favourite albums of all time, and are lyrically and musically as strong as anything Bob has ever done. While this is a slight step down, there are some great songs on this album: "Beyond Here Lies Nothin" is one of the greatest Bob songs in years. "I Feel A Change Comin' On" and "Life is Hard" are stand outs too. Overall this is merely a good Bob album, and not as essential as his last 3 releases. It was also a treat to get "Christmas In The Heart from Bobby this year as well. While it isn't an essential album either, it does show Bob having more fun on a record than I have heard in years. The fact that we got two Bob Dylan albums this year was incredible.

Beyond Here Lies Nothing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZDnTjyB7og

7. Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist

Portugal. The Man is one of the most exciting bands I discovered this year. These guys are incredibly prolific, already releasing 5 albums and 3 EPs since 2006 including two this year alone and another due in the first quarter of 2010. "The Satanic Satanist" is a move towards a more approachable pop sound than the last albums, and much shorter, clocking in at under 35 minutes. Songs like "People Say" and "Everyone Is Golden" are among my favourite songs of the year.

People Say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63f4RGOl6DU

6. Echo & The Bunnymen - The Fountain

This is another album released this year that has people divided. While the post-1997 Bunnymen is hugely different to the Bunnymen of old, so if you are a fan of albums like "Crocodiles" and "Ocean Rain" it is safe to say you wont like "The Fountain". However, if you like the latter career of the band, then this album shouldn't disappoint. This is the best Echo & the Bunnymen album since "What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?" in 1999. It is fun, poppy and upbeat and clocking in at under 40 minutes, there is no room for any songs to drag. Like most of the latter day Bunnymen records, this album takes a little time to sink in, But once it did I couldn't stop listening. Top album.

Forgotten Fields: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUEtW_es37M&feature=related

5. Matt the Electrician - Animal Boy

Matt the Electrician was my favourite new discovery this year. "Animal Boy" is easily one of the most witty and intelligent and brilliantly written albums of the year. His song "For Angela" about trying to buy a car battery from Target, cannot help but make me laugh every time I hear it. He very much reminds me of Todd Snider (who also released a great album this year). Another surpirse here is the cover of Journeys "Faithfully" which I didn't even recognise on the first listen. It's so good I couldn't even tell it was the Journey song. This is a warm album that I can imagine him sitting in my living room singing these songs to me. Highly recommended.

Faithfully: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umO1uxi82VQ

4. Levon Helm - Electric Dirt

Levon Helm has found his second wind. Starting with 2007s "Dirt Farmer" and now "Electric Dirt". Along with Bob Dylan, Levon is releasing some of the best music of his career right now. While "Dirt Farmer" was more acoustic and explored country music, "Electric Dirt" is far more rock n' roll and blues based. Featuring covers of songs from Nina Simone, The Grateful Dead, Muddy Waters and Randy Newman, as well as a few originals. And while his voice has changed dramatically because of his bout with throat cancer that nearly claimed his voice, this easily stands up with his best work with The Band and his great solo album "American Son". Awesome.

Tennessee Jed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZaU3VtMfoM

3. Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band - Between My Head and the Sky

I had high hopes for the new Yoko Ono album. "Yes! I'm A Witch" was a brilliant album, but it had been almost 9 years since her last all new material album. "Rising" was a great record, which many regard as her greatest and most approachable work. And this probably had a lot to do with the producer, Sean Lennon, her son with John, who really seems to know how to get the best work out of his mother. So this time around she has worked with Sean again, and with even better results. Reviving the Plastic Ono Band monkier, "Between My Head and the Sky" is the most vital and defiant Yoko has sounded to my ears. Songs like "Waiting for the D-Train" "I'm Going Away Smiling" and the title track find Yoko taking on the subjects of life and death in a simple and relateable way. This is THE best place to start if you are intested in Yokos music. And at this stage of her career and life, that is no small feat.

Between My Head and the Sky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alsRA_vCOvg

2. R.E.M. - Live at the Olympia

This is one of my favourite live albums of all time. I know that is a massive call, but this quite simply is the most exciting live show I have ever heard. It is brilliant to hear a band almost 30 years into their career run through the older and lesser known songs with such energy and enthusiasm. It sounds like R.E.M. may have found their muse again. And after the decent, but underwhelming last few releases I wasn't sure they could. This is easily the best R.E.M. release since "New Adventures In Hi-Fi". Peter Buck cranks up the guitar, Mike Mills is brilliant on the bass and Michael Stipe sounds better than ever. I could talk about this album for days, but nothing I say can do it justice. It's just a pure awesomeness that people will be going back to 20 years from now.

Live at the Olympia Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC8yuA2lcfY

1. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

This was without a doubt my favourite release of the year. But it wasn't always that way. When I first heard the leak of "People Got A Lot of Nerve" I was in all honesty, totally underwhelmed. And when I first got the album I was totally underwhelmed. Where albums like "Blacklisted" and "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" were very Louvin Brothers, and the new album was more...pop. It was strange to hear Neko singing what were almost power pop songs. But the more I listened to it, the more it sank in. And now I can't understand why I was so underwhelmed by it in the first place. It is just so catchy yet mature, pop yet country, and dark yet happy. Most of the subject matter deals with love, and there is a lot concerning animals, which is so awesome to me (why dont more artists sing about animals?). Neko is one of the most interesting and exciting lyricists around, and her voice is instantly one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. I don't think she could ever do any wrong in my eyes, and I can't wait for her next record.

Don't Forget Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCWhkP6ccZs