My top 5 CDs of 2009 (in order):
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I’ve been listening to this CD since mid-summer. Incredibly catchy synth-pop by this great French band.
Like all Henry albums, Blood from Stars has a mood all its own. This dark, noirish album is more bluesy than most of his and contains some fantastic songwriting and playing.
Califone - All my friends are funeral singers
I am new to this Chicago-based band. They remind me of a more experimental Wilco or Son Volt. This haunting album mixes hushed folk with interesting percussive textures.
Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
Tord is a great, relatively new pianist/composer on the ECM label. These moody compositions are melodic and spacious, with hints of gospel and Keith Jarrett influence.
Stravinsky - Symphony of Psalms, Symphony in 3 mvts - Pierre Boulez
The more I hear it, the more I think Symphony of Psalms is among Stravinsky's best works. This is a very good recording by Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic.
Sufjan Stevens’ cinematic suite inspired by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Hula-Hoop. The music has hints of Gershwin and minimalism but bears Sufjan’s stamp throughout. Great stuff.
Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere
I have been listening to this album since I heard “That Moon Song” on a PASTE CD-sampler. Beautiful lyrics and lush, yet understated arrangements - a great collection of songs from this Boulder, CO based singer/songwriter.
Other CDs I’m enjoying:
It was great hearing such a “summery” album in the dead of winter. Paste magazine says: “July Flame is carefully composed, ever-deepening, glinting and glowing in new ways each time it’s played.”
A beautiful album by Keith Jarrett’s European quartet. One of my favorite Jarrett/ECM recordings.
Mark Sloniker - The Night in Black and White
A beautiful, introspective collection of solo piano compositions as well as some great interpretations of jazz/pop standards. A must-see performer at Jay’s Bistro if you’re in Fort Collins.
