Randy P's Top 10 for 2009

Top ten?? How about 8 of '09 and due to my paltry purchases of new music that is unlikely to include a true best of but rather a toe stab into a very hot tub of bath water from which I rapidly retreated.

1. Kris Kristofferson - Closer to the Bone.
Obsessed with mortality and now fully assuming the mantel of the late Johnny Cash, Kristofferson is putting forth some of his best writing. As to his voice, well I wouldn't exactly use the word best.

2. Van Morrison - Astral Weeks Live.
Interesting that a 40 year old recording still shatters all conceptions of how music can be recorded in a live recasting by its originator. Timeless music remaining relevant in Van Morrison's fully embraced performance of his master work.

3. Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
Dylan's resurgence that started with Time Out of Mind' continues. Arguably this is Dylan's longest stretch of cohesive material since his 60's heyday. That's not to say Together Through Life is as strong Modern Times or its immediate predecessors, it's not. However it is Dylan fully engaged in the music and not worrying about being Bob Dylan.

Okay it starts getting tougher here. Noticing the trend of senior citizens making up my "new?" music listening experiences I did attempt to search for the fountain of youth to show that the pasture gates are still way out in front of me. Unfortunately all I really found was a 5 hour energy drink that wore off after 3 hours and left me with a headache. Extra strength Tylenol please.

4. Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
I'm always looking for anything approaching an authentic blues talent. Blues music has been part of my life far longer than recall. This isn't a full blown blues album, but its heart is there and those chords spit out memories that are come by honestly. For that there's bonus points.

5. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
See, I told you, I can hang with the lads, even if they have been recording for 18 years (sigh). However truth be told Green Day finally grew up with American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown is an ambitious followup. I'll give them credit for not retreating nor retreading.

6. Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and the GrooKrux King.
Dave Matthews has entered the phase of questioning his relevance and thereby demonstrating it by releasing his strongest material in years. There's a punch here that's been missing for a long time. Let's hope this is not the brightest flame before the burn out.

7. Ben Harper - White Lies for Dark Times
Maybe it's the new band Relentless 7, but Harper decided to let it rip. And that's a good thing for all of us.

8. Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream
Sorry Bruce, but cut it out. Stop working on a dream and put out a decent record damn it. This is of a piece with 'Magic' which was also a throw off. This is the work of a craftsman, made at the office between 9-5. Oh there's a tune or two, but for the most part this is disposable corporate rock expected of the 'Boss'. Take a clue from Dylan and start paying attention to what it is you want to say and not be concerned about who's saying it.

Notables

1. Beatles remasters - About time.

2. Ray Charles - Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. This is the payoff when you really are willing to take a chance. I'm sure they thought he was nuts, when it turned out Ray was right.

3. Jules and the Polar Bears - Got No Breeding. Why I only bought one Green Day. This was just a great punk/pop record. And it didn't sell a thing. Thankfully someone had the courage to bring it back to life.

4. John Coltrane - A Love Supreme. Not new, such a name drop, and of course if you say jazz you have to have this record (sarcasm intended). It's all true however. When music could be a statement.

5. Tennessee Ernie Ford - Amazing Grace. I'll close with this 2 CD set of gospel recorded in the 50s. Why? This is the most honest music you're likely ever to hear. The man sang his heart out with a magnificent voice. The total commitment, the total belief comes through in every song. If you remember this is the man who sang not only Sixteen Tons and Shotgun Boogie but many, many novelties as well. But when push came to shove, when he set his sights on these heights he was unmatchable.