..You may pick up on the fact that I'm really into music journalism
1. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones-Pin Points & Gin Joints
This was worth the 7 year wait. MMB never dissapoint. Every time I see them is like seeing my 2nd family with the people from all over that turn up. "I Wrote It" and "A Pretty Sad Excuse" are both incredible.
2. The Have Nots-Serf City U.S.A.
An emerging Boston ska/punk band, these guys really brought it on this record. Amazing debut, and it was awesome to see them a bunch this year. They've matured so much in just over a year. "Poisoned Antidote" is easily my favorite.
3. Mark Lind & the Unloved-Homeward Bound
I've been seeing the Unloved for about 3 years, and this is their sophomore release. It blew my expectations away. The sound has progressed a lot from 2008's "The Truth Can Be Brutal". It's also awesome to hear Britt sing some lead. They're also wicked nice people, and did an acoustic performance at my radio station for me after they opened for Dropkick Murphys in November.
4. A.F.I.-Crash Love
I hate most new A.F.I. stuff. But I saw them live in October at Northern Lights, and the way they played this material was flat out amazing. I still can't listen to much of the studio record, but they killed it live. I hadn't seen them since 2000 and was blown away.
5. Our Lady Peace-Burn Burn
This one falls right in the middle of my list. Definitely different from their older stuff, but I enjoy it all the same. I'm really, really partial to "White Flags" and "Paper Moon"
6. The Aggrolites-IV
Nothing to say about this one. These guys are exactly what they say they are "Dirty Reggae". And they're amazing. This release is probably my second favorite of theirs.
7. The Bouncing Souls-Ghosts on the Boardwalk
All the songs were out in '09, though this wasn't actually released 'til this year. "We All Sing Along" is without a doubt my favorite Souls song ever. The songs are really, really different, but they flow pretty well.
8. Classics of Love-Walking in Shadows EP
This is the first release of this band. Jesse Michaels, the old singer from Operation Ivy, sings for this band. This EP was awesome-a little like Common Rider, but definitely different. Jesse's a brilliant songwriter and lyricist, and he didn't let me down here.
9. Frank Turner-Poetry of the Deed
Definitely not as good as his older work, if you ask me, but his "major label" debut is awesome. He deserves all the recognition he gets, this record came out great. I still like "The First Three Years" best though.
10. Nathen Maxwell & the Original Bunny Gang-White Rabbit
The solo debut from Flogging Molly bassist is not at all what I expected. It's all slow, acoustic driven songs-but they all came out very well. Nathen did a fantastic job writing this record.
Biggest letdown of 2009:
Rancid-Let the Dominoes Fall
I hated this record. Well, all but 2 songs. "New Orleans" might be the best song they've written since "Life Won't Wait" was released. But this has a lot of horrible tracks on it, and I don't think it was worth the six year wait at all.
