#1. LUCERO, 1372 Overton Park (Republic/Universal)
The former residents of 1372 Overton Park in Memphis let loose a potent blend of classic rock anthems and horn-infused Southern soul. Fueled by singer-songwriter Ben Nichol’s gritty vocals and filled with lyrics about whiskey-filled nights and the mornings after, this one is a barnburner. (Twangville review here and here.)
#2. JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Lightning Rod Records)
This is one of those rare albums that I enjoy more and more with each subsequent listen. Isbell is a storyteller in the Southern tradition, a songwriter of impressive depth and maturity. Throw in the crack 400 Unit, anchored by Isbell’s outstanding guitar work, and you’ve got an immensely satisfying release. (Twangville review here.)
#3. BUDDY AND JULIE MILLER, Written in Chalk (New West Records)
Guitarist and producer extraordinaire Miller and his wife subscribe to quality over quantity philosophy on this, their first release in five years. It is hard to decide which is more affecting, the Miller’s poignant songwriting or their evocative performance. (Twangville review here.)
#4. MICHELLE MALONE, Debris (SBS Records)
Southern firebrand Malone whips up a frenzy with her fiery guitar and booty-shaking southern swagger ‘n’ blues. But perhaps Malone’s best quality is an infectious personality that shines through her music. (Twangville review here.)
#5. THE DAMNWELLS, One Last Century (self-released)
Just when I was about to write them off as another casualty of rock and roll, the Damnwells return with a gem. The album reaches from earnest ballads to brawny rockers with plenty of enjoyment in-between. (Twangville review here.)
#6. MATTHEW RYAN, Dear Lover (The Dear Future Collective)The beauty of a Matthew Ryan record is that it operates on multiple levels. His songs are always centered on strong and accessible melodies. Yet he will challenge you with his provocative lyrics. It is a potent – and powerful — combination. This album is all the more impressive given that it is largely a solo, home-recorded effort. (Twangville review here. Purchase Dear Lover here.)
#7. ROMAN CANDLE, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear (Thirty Tigers Records)
This is music that is fresh yet familiar; intelligent without being overbearing; fresh yet familiar. One song after the next is filled with exuberant, hummable melodies that dare you to sing along. I’ll double dare you. (Twangville review here.)
#8. BRENDAN BENSON, My Old Familiar Friend (ATO Records)
This was the Brendan Benson album for which I’d be waiting. Immediately accessible, each song bristles with energy and brims with power pop hooks. Plenty of synthesizer and string flourishes abound, but it is Benson’s electric guitar that carries the day. (Twangville review here.)
#9. THE LOW ANTHEM, Oh My God Charlie Darwin (Nonesuch Records)
Sure, this album was originally released in late 2008 (and made my Best of 2008 list). In early 2009 the band signed to Nonesuch Records, who promptly remastered the album for re-release. Given the band’s emphasis on nuance in their music, the results were transformational. What was already a remarkable album became a masterpiece. (Twangville review here.)
#10. WILL HOGE, The Wreckage (Rykodisc Records)
Hoge rebounds from a near-fatal 2008 accident with yet another stellar dose of heartfelt rock and roll. The secret weapon here may be Hoge’s collaboration with producer Ken Coomer. Together they take Hoge’s songs, rooted in classic rock, and bring them to life with a well-balanced, contemporary feel. (Twangville review here.)
#11. THE SWELL SEASON, Strict Joy (Anti Records)
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova can never be accused of hiding their emotions. Their songs ring out with candor and sincerity as they explore a failed relationship. Yet the purity of their voices and spirit gives their songs a tremendous warmth. (Twangville review here.)
#12. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, Midnight at the Movies (Bloodshot Records)
Authentic is perhaps the best word to describe Justin Townes Earle. Before relocating to Brooklyn, he stood tall as a rising beacon of country music in a town overrun by an artificial variety. While I enjoy his old school bluegrass romps, I’m most impressed by his breathtaking ballads. (Twangville review here.)
#13. BLEU, A Watched Pot (Artist Garage)
An impeccably crafted pop gem, A Watched Pot overflows with Bleu’s effervescent personality. Songs ring out with soaring choruses that are surpassed in flight only by Bleu’s striking falsetto. (Twangville review here.)
#14. GRANT LEE PHILLIPS, Little Moon (Yep Roc Records)
A distinct voice – musically and vocally – delivers a magically diverse collection. Phillips’ has a knack for taking wonderful pop melodies and wrapping them in richly eclectic arrangements. In some ways it reminds of the Band’s finer moments, where the musical accompaniment compliments the lyrical story. (Twangville review here.)
#15. GREG TROOPER, The Williamsburg Affair (self-released)Ah, to have been in the studio when Trooper and his tour-hardened band entered the studio with renowned producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel back in 1995. The result is a recording both intense yet relaxed, with plenty of scrappy electric guitars to punctuate Trooper’s inspired roots-based songs. Fourteen years between recording and release? Well worth the wait. (Twangville review here.)
So there you have it, my favorite 15 albums of 2009. If you are so inclined, check out Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs) Part 1 and Part 2.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.