Brooklyn Mutt

That’s right, beneath my manly exterior not only exists a know-it-all blowhard who has strong opinions on politics, sports, and pop culture, I also happen to have a pretty good ear for music. And I would like to share my ear with all of you by acknowledging some pretty good releases over the course of the year, as well as some pretty bad ones…

Best CDs of 2009

Pearl Jam – “Backspacer” –   After not releasing a viable CD in over 10 years, Pearl Jam was in pretty dangerous ground of being irrelevant. Backspacer not only reversed their downward trend, but it was clearly their best CD since 1994’s “Vitalogy,” and in my opinion, the strongest CD this year. Eddie Vedder’s vocals are mesmerizing, the band sounds as tight as ever, and the production by Brendan Obrien is top notch. The CD’s strongest track, “The Fixer,” is a fun pop-rock head bobbing song, which is followed up nicely by soulful ballad’s “Just Breathe” and “Speed of Sound.” This CD reaffirmed their status as one of today’s top rock bands.

The Avett Brothers – “I and Love and You” – If not the best CD this year, certainly the prettiest. The Avett Brothers combine bluegrass, country, punk, pop melodies, folk, rock and roll, honky-tonk, and ragtime to produce a truly unique sound that is down-to-earth, soulful, with that ever so slight edge of punk. Their latest CD grabs you right from the opening title track, and it never needs to let go, because you simply don’t want to leave its hypnotic embrace.

Franz Nicolay – “Major General” -  The hardest working man in music never stops. Between playing non-stop for “The Hold Steady,” sitting in with bands like “the World Inferno Friendship Society,” and his involvement “Anti-Social Music,” Franz took time out from his busy schedule to record his own material. Quite frankly, this was the more surprisingly good CDs I have encountered this year. Despite his unassuming voice, and presence, Franz is unmistakably a fantastic songwriter, who draws directly from his personal experiences and vast knowledge of music that produced a raw yet slick CD that is totally original. Some of the year’s best pop songs that no one ever heard are on this disc. Because of Franz’s wide array of musical influences, the CD may be too uneven of a listen… but those with an eclectic ear would appreciate the effort.

Green Day – “21^st Century Breakdown” -  Some may dismiss this CD as a step down from 2004’s masterpiece “American Idiot,” but you would be foolish to do so  for that reason alone. The first 4 tracks of the CD are among the best 15 minutes of rock and roll you will find for 2009, and among their best ever. For a band that started out as a bubble gum punk band, only to evolve as one of the most important rock bands in punk since “The Clash” is one of the most amazing transformations you can ever witness. Green Day is a band that managed to mature their sound, without getting old.

Andrew Jackson Jihad – “Can’t Maintain” – Aggressive folk-punk would be the best way to describe this duo/band from Phoenix Arizona. The lyrics are charged with angry political and social commentary, with an upbeat energy that keeps it from being “preachy.”  One of the best unknown groups today…

Pete Yorn – Scarlet Johansson – “The Break” – After Pete Yorn’s earlier release this year “Back and Forth,” (a solid effort), in a bizarre move, he along with Scarlett Johansson released “The Break.” A kind of throwback to the 60’s duets. It’s a real intimate, private, astonishingly sweet, dark, honest piece of work,  excuse me, ART that should not be ignored. Because of their vocal limitations, some of the songs are labored, but “Realtor” and “Clean” are the CD’s strongest songs which reflect both the beginning and end of what a meaningful relationship was, and how to cope. Critics in general didn’t warm up to this, but I think it’s worth a listen.

Not the Best – But Worth a Listen

Bruce Springsteen – “Working on a Dream”- In many ways, this is his most ambitious effort since “Born to Run.” Recreating Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique, Bruce really shows that he isn’t ready to stand still musically and is willing to take chances. Unfortunately, it was rushed, and in some cases it was Bruce “by the numbers.” With no real hit to attach itself to, the CD lacked a clear identity, while seemingly stronger tracks like “Queen of the Supermarket” were wasted with laughable lyrics worthy of Adam Sandler. It simply could have been a lot better.

U2- “No Line on the Horizon” – This was a pretty mediocre effort coming from the world’s GREATEST band… Don’t get me wrong, there are some strong numbers on this CD. Songs like “Crazy Tonight,” and “Moment of Surrender” are among the best songs written this year, and U2’s finest in a decade. But U2’s strength was their weakness. Their desire to push the envelope sometimes results in music that is boring, despite the “exciting” production technique being displayed. But hey.. it’s U2.. the Edge is one of the finest and most underrated guitarists, and Bono’s voice is as strong as ever. Worth a shot…

Dave Mathews Band – “Big Whiskey” -  The CD lacked a cleat cut “hit,” but don’t let that discourage you from enjoying the cool grooves laid down by the most talented band today. DMB can be a tad repetitive at times, but if you are a fan, there is no reasons why you would be at all disappointed by this effort.

Anthony DaCosta – “Not Afraid of Nothing” – The 18 year-old prodigy finished up his senior year of high school to release his most ambitious CD to date. A little bit more rock and soul, and a little less folk seemed to take him away from his strengths. But there are some really strong tracks that really rock (“Heart Without a Home” and “For Awhile”)… but the songs’ brevity leaves me feeling not as satisfied as I should.

Regina Spektor – “Far” – This anti-folk artist followed-up big time with one of the better CDs this year. If I gravitated to her genre a little more (think an Indie version of Norah Jones), it would be among the tops this year.

SO DISAPPOINTING

Rob Thomas – “Cradlesongs“ – When Rob Thomas seemingly broke up Matchbox 20 to pursue a “pop” career, I thought it was a mistake, but he pulled it off. But his second release, “Cradlesongs,” should be a stark reminder for him to stick with what works. He is a ROCK musician… and he and Matchbox 20 were among the best bands in the 90’s… his penchant for a “pop” career seems out of place as was his latest release.

Third Eye Blind – “Ursa Major” – I really did try to like this CD. I think they are the most underrated pop-rock bands to come out of the 90’s… but this band has continually released less and lesser CDs since their first, “Third Eye Blind.” You would figure with their radio-friendly sound, that they would have found more success. This is what happens when you take yourself too seriously…

GUILTY PLEASURES

Rock of Ages Soundtrack – A musical set to metal hairbands of the 80’s!

GLEE – FOX’s Wednesday Night Comedy is tons of fun, with a soundtrack that is just as fun

Lily Allen – Think of a British, and naughtier version of Britney Spears..

Best Live CD’s

Tom Petty Live Anthology

Leonard Cohen

The Hold Steady

The Killers

Happy Listening!

by Brooklynmutt contributor Niko