At this time of year everyone writes their Top Ten albums of the year, and I usually do the same. However it has often occurred to me that my most listened to album of the year was sometimes NOT an album that made my top albums of the year article. I decided this year I would just share those albums I actually listened to most. My list is an eclectic collection of music genres and artists, and some weren't even released in 2009. Also I decided not to limit myself to 10 but instead decided to share all 11 of my favourite albums. Why 11, you may ask? And I would answer, why not 11?
There were a few I decided not to mention in detail, mostly because I couldn't put into words, or didn't want to, why I loved the albums so much (Moby's Wait For Me, Marilyn Manson's The High End of Low) or they were just too old to mention (Evanescence's The Open Door, A Fine Frenzy's One Cell In The Sea). I also want to add that these albums are in no particular order. It is really all about my mood, the weather, and what I'm doing while listening, i.e. driving, writing, cleaning the house, exercising, having sex... you know the sort of thing.
Kings Of Leon - Only By the Night
I love this album. Actually I adore this album. This is the album that transitioned Kings Of Leon to a stadium band. Only by the Night's classic rock with a prog rock twist sound is so retro it's cool... again. It seems to be loved much more in the UK, by both the media and the general public, than in the band's native USA – although that's probably because Americans are so used to homogenised, committee-chosen music they don't understand cutting edge retro when they hear it (I knew X-Factor and American Idol would ruin you Yanks).
There isn't a moment on this album that doesn't make my toes curl with delight. It is pure rock 'n' roll magic beginning to end. I would just say however, for health and safety's sake, that if your sex is on fire, you should most certainly see a doctor.
Everlast - Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford
Possibly best known for his days as frontman of hip-hop group House Of Pain, or his participation in hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, but that is only a small part of the musical map of this tremendously talented singer-songwriter and musician. Although the hip-hop attitude and even a bit of the hip-hop sound resounds through parts of Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford, you'll hear more blues rock and even some Americana. It's a truly American sound, hip-hop styled productions, blues rock guitar and vocals all shaded with Americana guitar.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I love Peyroux and so far she has done no wrong by me. I recommend her if she comes to town.
On the other hand, you must be joking with KoL. Glad you like it, but it's the band's worst album. They used the studio to polish off all their rough edges and personality and created a pop album to sell to pre-teens.
2 - A.L. Harper
I am sorry you don't agree with me about Ko, but I'm not actually surprised at all by that.