SPB's Top 30 Records of 2009: 15-1
15. Morrissey - Years of Refusal (Lost Highway)
The start of this should explain that I'm a devotee to Stephen Morrissey. Even with this, I get slightly cynical with each release. The strange thing is that it seems with each release Moz gets stronger musically. The band hits every note and makes each lyrical barb sting harder and each bit of depressed malaise sink that much deeper under the skin. Strangely enough, Moz, in the last decade, has become a stronger solo artist and more consistent. (Jon)
14. P.O.S. - Never Better (Rhymesayers)
After years of playing Warped Tour in relative obscurity, Stefan Alexander has finally broken out. Never Better is truly a complete release. Between the strong musical narrative and amazing artwork this release goes above and beyond, far from his previous albums blatant use and references to past glories in punk and hardcore. This is proof positive that P.O.S. is still hip-hop and punk, but just different enough to be his own. (Jon)
13. Dälek - Gutter Tactics (Ipecac)
They've done it again. The genius of MC Dälek and Oktopus cannot be denied after listening to this latest release. (Kevin)
12. Baroness - Blue Record (Relapse)
Baroness continue to branch out musically, only this time they dabble with a lot of progressive and classic rock influences rather than post-metal. There are songs on Blue Records that are absolutely nothing like they've ever done before and a couple are among their best yet. Hopefully some of the Mastodon comparisons will be laid to rest now. Yeah, they still sound similar but not as much as people make it out to be. (Corey)
11. Narrows - New Distances (Deathwish Inc.)
With members of Botch, Unbroken, and These Arms are Snakes releasing their debut Narrows LP, I was ready for something special. And I certainly got that in the form of New Distances. I was enthralled with each listen to the noisy, technical, mathcore concoction that graced my ears. I can't wait for their upcoming split 7" release that is due in the early part of 2010. (Michael)
10. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park (Universal)
What happens when you give the hardest working band in rock and roll a major label budget for an album? They put out the album they've wanted to make for their entire career. Lucero has always deserved the attention they're finally getting, but this album should hammer it home. While some fans seem to be alienated by the horns and the new polish, what they fail to realize is this was in Lucero's heart all along. They just didn't have the means to add these touches. Grab your girl or guy, and dance. (Zach)
9. Propagandhi - Supporting Caste (Smallman)
From my view, this album made the rest of what was a very good year in music seem like an afterthought. It's more than likely my favorite album of the decade. I can't think of anything critical to say about it. I listened to it at least once per day almost every day for about four months, and I still listen to it regularly at this point. It's musically and lyrically brilliant from start to finish and rocks as much as anything. (Mario)
8. Mastodon - Crack the Skye (Reprise)
Not a word to be used lightly, those fuzzy little nut jobs from the ATL have created the only real "masterpiece" of 2009, and all with an album concept that sounds like a Pokemon script. (Kevin)
7. Frank Turner - Poetry of the Deed (Epitaph)
English import songwriter Frank Turner turned a lot of heads with his second full-length effort, 2008's Love Ire and Song. The success of that album and substantial touring lead to his joining Epitaph and this resulting LP. Poetry of the Deed is a record that'll please any music lover, not just the punk kids. (Michael)
6. Dear Landlord - Dream Homes (No Idea)
These guys have stuck out of the pack to me since I first saw them opening for Dillinger Four a few years back. However, it just seemed "above average" until I finally got trashed one night and stayed up late playing Civilization with Dream Homes on a loop. And their Fest 8 set only solidified things. Good stuff that sounds almost exactly like you'd expect it to given the members' other bands. (Loren)
5. Coalesce - Ox (Relapse)
From the minute this hit my turntable, I knew it was my record of the year. The beast that is Coalesce comes back with a vengeance on Ox. This album has no filler and is simply just an angry but surprisingly catchy slab of music that kills it from start to finish. Ox is a worthy entry into the Coalesce canon. (Bob)
4. Banner Pilot - Collapser (Fat Wreck Chords)
I have probably listened to this album more than any other released this year. The catchiness of this record is what got me listening first, but the excellent songwriting of Nick Johnson is what made me love it. The lyrics on this album really hit home for me since I've been going through a rough time this year. It was one of those records I could put on and feel it every time. Improved production also makes it a big step up compared to Resignation Day. (Corey)
3. Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg (Bridge Nine)
I am a sucker for gruff vocals of angular melodic post-hardcore. There's more hooks than a Peter Pan convention on Chasing Hamburg and there is no doubt that within a few listens you will be humming songs in line at the bank. (Jason)
2. Converge - Axe to Fall (Epitaph)
I highly doubt any of you missed out on Axe to Fall. If you read my review of this album, then you know where I stand on it. Converge released yet another in a long line of genre-defining albums in the form of Axe to Fall. I've said this on many occasions with other bands but Converge is really going to be hard pressed to top this album. (Michael)
1. Blacklisted - No One Deserves To Be Here More Than Me (Deathwish Inc.)
It's great to see a band throw a wrench in the works from time to time. Blacklisted's No One Deserves to Be Here More than Me makes the listener stop and throw out everything that they knew about Blacklisted and quite possibly everything they ever wanted to know. However, what I know is that Blacklisted went and released the best album of 2009. (Jason)
