If there’s one thing audiophiles enjoy most it’s making lists of things. Here’s our lists for 2009. In alphabetical-like order to be fair.
The Best Albums of 2009
The Almighty Defenders – s/t
P: Holy Christ. Everything these cats do, individually, in groups or in any combination is the business. Just is. Those Black Lips, King Khan and fat face BBQ know how to make the R and R.
T: I received the sacrament of Holy Communion at their show. I cannot say this about any other band, ever.
Black Lips – 200 Million Thousand
T: The title is how good this album is on a scale of one to 200 Million Thousand.
P: Good as hell. Like the Rolling Stones on drugs. I mean different drugs.
Between the Buried and Me – The Great Misdirect
T: Is it about aliens? A higher state of consciousness? The government? All I know is that I didn’t think they could top “Colors” and they did. Also the 5.1 surround mix was so loud that when I played it in my living room and my wife pulled up outside and heard it before even opening the car door I got subsequently yelled at.
Dead To Me – African Elephants
T: This might be the best punk album of the year. Maybe one of the best ever. The blue vinyl is pretty nice too.
Dinosaur Jr. – Farm
P: J Mascis looks like the wicked witch of the west now, right?
T: An album of bromantic proportions.
King Khan & BBQ Show – Invisible Girl
P: Yeah I disagree with Uncle T on this. A good album by any one, but not their best.
T: This one is a grower. And I’m not giving up on getting P to listen to it a few more times
Mariachi El Bronx – s/t
P: A fuckin good Mariachi album by a white hardcore group from L.A.
T: Best Mariachi album I heard all year.
Obits – I Blame You
T: If you like Drive Like Jehu or Hot Snakes and don’t own this album you are a dumbass.
Municipal Waste – Massive Aggressive
P: Fuck Yeah.
T: You got the wrong answer!
The Raveonettes – In And Out Of Control
T: Terrible things never sounded so un-terrible.
Tegan & Sara – Sainthood
T: I’m as surprised as you are that this made the list. I never wanted anything to do with this band but after seeing them on Conan O’brien I changed my mind.
Teenage Bottlerocket – They Came From The Shadows
P: Nerd punk
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
T: The FSS has a love affair with Karen O. Only she doesn’t know.
P: Sit on my face.
Biggest Disappointments of 2009
American Steel – Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts
T: Anything after “Destroy Their Future” would have been a letdown.
P: Sucks
The Loved Ones – Distractions
T: I hope this isn’t the sign of things to come.
P: Sucks
NOFX – Coaster
T: Like every album after “Punk in Drublic” it’s got a few good tracks. But ultimately they should stick to touring and making reality television.
P: Sucks
The Popes – Outlaw Heaven
T: More like Outlaw Hell.
P: Didn’t hear it.I’ll take T’s word.
Cock Sparrer – Here We Stand
T: Goddamnit.
P: Fuckin miserable.
Pearl Jam – Everything they did the entire year
T: Their Target commercial had me angry for the majority of September.
P: Didn’t hear any of it. I can only assume it sucks.
The Year In Reissues
Agnostic Front – Victim In Pain / United Blood
P: Eat your pasta fazool and straight punch somebody in da face!
Beastie Boys – Check Your Head
P: Uncle T Sings a mean Netty’s Girl. Ask him.
T: It’s true.
Jawbox – For Your Own Special Sweetheart
P: We saw them on Jimmy Fallon. Didn’t nobody else?
Nirvana – Bleach
P: Cause Courtney Love’s gonna need heavy lawyer money to get the kid back.
T: Also cause it’s better than “Nevermind”
Murder City Devils – Feather Bed Whiskey Blanket
Sunny Day Real Estate – Diary / LP2
P: If your feelin sad and whimsical…
T: Sub Pop is gonna have to put us on their payroll next year.
Best Rap Battle of 2007,2008,2009, and 2010
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