Ray’s Top 2009 List
By RaySaturday, January 16th, 2010
I have faithfully been doing these lists since 2004 and each year that passes, I feel a stronger and deeper connection to music. I never understand the concept of “growing out” of music, especially if you are deeply involved with it at one point or another. It may be a bad experience (which I can understand) or the lack of connection to new music coming out, but all it takes is a little bit of time and effort, then it pulls you right back in.
This year personally was full of ups and downs (more so than recent years), and as I began to wind down my touring schedule and focus on my home life, it became clear that this is what I want to do and where I want to be. A nomad’s life has a certain appeal for a certain time and place, that place for me was dying. The satisfaction of developing my relationships at home and in my professional life left me feeling more full than ever.
I digress; music is in my blood and running through my veins. It identifies me and keeps me connected to so many wonderful people, experiences and memories. This year was no exception and I love that I have something to share with everyone.
10. Touché Amore – To The Beat of a Dead Horse Watching a typical hardcore kid with no real connection to many of the bands that Touche Amore are directly influenced by (i.e., Orchid, You And I) lose their minds to this band is inspiring. A great hope for where our music can go when we listen with an open mind. |
9. Propagandhi – Supporting Caste If these guys put out a record, I am listening. Never gets old and will always remain relevant. |
8. POS – Never Better POS keeps the hope of independent hip-hop alive with every record he releases and exposes to kids who typically don’t listen to hip-hop (the pop punk crowd). Keeping it more real than most, I love POS. |
 7. Cobalt – Gin This proves that black metal doesn’t have to sound like it was recorded on a tape deck in a steel room. This two-man project keeps things fresh, dark, and most certainly evil. Most full bands wish they had this much talent. |
 6. Thrice – Beggars A further continuation of their musical experiments and Thrice continue down their own path to ensure their proper place in independent music history. |
5. Architects – Hollow Crown Hands down, the band everyone has to watch out for in the coming years. Combining everything that is right about metal/hardcore/rock into a compelling package is a difficult task, but they manage to do it. Don’t sleep on this, I urge you to check them out. |
 4. It Prevails – Capture and Embrace Although I am very partial to this style of music (melodic hardcore), this part-time band showcases how fun it is to listen to a well-crafted record, This had me singing along in my car on many occasions. |
 3. Isis – Waving Radiant Talk about focus. While many feel that Isis lost their heads on the last release, this just goes to show what happens when you put talented musicians in a room that all have a single focus. Hauntingly hypnotic. |
 2. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix I got into these guys through the ‘Lost In Translation’ soundtrack and watched them struggle with their identity on each subsequent release. Finally, these Frenchies show that they have had it in them all along. You would have to be living under a rock if you didn’t hear this record. |
 1. Mastodon – Crack The Skye The record I listened to most this year. This is what every independent band should strive to be in 2010. Musically courageous, fiercely independent and insanely talented. I wish I was in Mastodon.
Honorable Mentions: Earth Crisis – To The Death EPs Movies Best TV Show Best Book Top 5 Podcasts Life: |
January 17th, 2010 at 12:01 am
-Unbroken/Undertow in Seattle