Feature / Music
Pass The Mic: Record Labels and Artists on 2009

Posted pre-2010

ARTICLE JUMP

Only Thieves

(Jeremy Barnes)

What are your top five albums that were released in 2009? (In order 1-5)

  1. Girls - Album

  2. Built to Spill - There is No Enemy

  3. Friends of Friends - Deep Search

  4. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimist

  5. Phoenix - 1901

What band did you discover in 2009 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?

A lot of the bands mentioned above I'm pretty new on except for Built to Spill, but I really lost it on those albums. I just started listening to Chuck Berry though. I mean, really listening not just hearing "Johnny B. Good" on the radio. I've been taking time to learn a few riffs, getting to know the deep cuts, and whatnot. It's incredible. I think his biography is my next read.

How will you remember 2009? (In terms of music)

I will remember is chiefly because of the slew of incredible music that got released. It was kind of ridiculous. I didn't mention that Raekwon album above. That shit was real hard.

2009 was a huge year for reunions. What reunion excited you the most? What band that has not reunited would you love to see play/record most in 2010?

Dinosaur Jr.! Or did that happen in 2008? Shit, that Pavement reunion next year is going to be amazing. I may lose my mind. Small Brown Bike getting back together was cool too. I'd love to see a Guided By Voices or Replacements reunion. Come on, Bob! I'm not going to hold my breath for Westerberg and Co. to lay swords, though.

What can we look forward to from you in 2010?

"Heartless Romantics," our debut full-length is finally coming out. We think it's going to be pretty good. At least four or five decent cuts. Definitely a big fat tour. Maybe even three or four.

What three records are you looking forward to most in 2010?

Vampire Weekend "Contra" (I know, I know, but that first album is tight. Anyone who likes Paul Simon needs to stop fronting), Spoon "Transference," and the new Hold Steady album. A whole year without a Hold Steady release (live albums not counting) is way too long.

Website Link (Website/Myspace/Blog/Etc.): http://www.myspace.com/onlythievesfla

— words by the SPB team

Related features

Nonthewiser

One Question Interviews • February 27, 2026

Nic (Nonthewiser) SPB: What were your biggest takeaways from recording your EP Injustice For All? What did you learn and what would that change the process next time around? Nic: Recording Injustice For All taught us how important planning really is. Since we live in different cities, we record everything … Read more

The Immortal Samsara Travelers

One Question Interviews • February 26, 2026

Stanley Christiaensen (The Immortal Samsara Travelers – guitar/flute/vocals/sitar) SPB: How do you typically begin the composition process for a song? Christiaensen: The composition process always starts from either existential questions like the evolution of the human species or historical visions like the Hadean Eon, Egyptian mythology. An atmosphere will spark … Read more

On The Cinder

One Question Interviews • February 25, 2026

On The Cinder SPB: What is the smallest crowd you’ve played to? How did you approach the show? Mike: I did a call with my guys last night and we compiled some of the more tragic memories of our time touring over the last 13 years as a band. A … Read more

The Boys

Interviews • February 22, 2026

The Boys were perhaps one of the most underrated bands to ride the crest of the first wave of UK punk. Formed in London in 1976, they stood out from their peers with astute musicianship, melodic hooks, and clever lyrics. While bands like the Sex Pistols were focused on cash … Read more

The Darts – Tour Talk

Interviews • February 22, 2026

The Darts have a busy year ahead. First, they will release the brand new full-length Halloween Love Songs on March 3 (Meow Hiss Music). Then the band hits the road – France in March-April, then much of the US in May-June. They are also booking dates in the EUK, Australia, … Read more

More from this section

Demos You Want To Check #2

Music / New Kids On The Block • January 12, 2026

The musical landscape is ever changing. New genres are popping up, new hypes burst out of nowhere and then die out, and new bands present themselves to the world. How on earth are you expected to keep up, right? Well, a little help never hurts! So here we are, your … Read more

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: Year End (2025)

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

Every year we diligently assemble a list of our favorite albums of the year. Each SPB staff member enters the large arena we nickname THE DOJO, and yells out the name of their top album of the year. Rival staffers quickly assemble and shout out their own highly-favored record, and … Read more

Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2025

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

For many years now, Scene Point Blank has taken the opportunity as the year ends to formally "pass the mic" to our friends on the other side of the mostly-imaginary divide between listeners and artists. This year is no exception as we ask a bunch of bands, artists and labels … Read more