Albums of Note '09

Some very good albums that came out in 2009.
(Note for the Albums of Note: This list is not comprehensive)

1. Brother Ali - Us
Listening to this album will always remind me of Jay-Z's Death of Autotune. Not necessarily because of its lyrical tenacity, but because of how it stands out against the crowd. Putting live recorded guitars, drums, horns and other instruments enhances the music incredibly, creating an amazing listen. Telling wonderful stories, with gripping beats Brother Ali has produced his best album thus far. Song Here

2. The Heavy - The House That Dirt Built
A wonderful album that contains an incredibly amalgamation of genres. Ranging from reggae, rock, hip-hop, funk, and indie, the heavy take all the best from these genres, from the rhythms and bass, to the raw energy and fire of the band, even mellow and haunting lyrics. Including a song that takes cue from Screamin Jay Hawkins - I put a Spell on you, the album is an incredible musical exuberance. Song Here

3. Band of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
Band of Skulls provide an excellent musical expieriance, balancing more aggressive riffs, with calm interludes and excellent lyrics. The Bands strongest point lie in its vocalist (who is also the bassist) and guitarist. They provide excellent soaring melodies to contrast with the hard tight drumming, and low rumbling bass. An extremely catchy, fun album. Song Here.

4. Kylesa - Static Tensions
Often spoken in the same breath as other notable bands from Savannah G.A. (Baroness, Mastodon) Kylesa has a sometimes not so subtle difference from those other two. Having two drummers makes for a more brutal and crude sound than Baroness or Mastodon, but this is by no means a brainless head thrashing. Listening to Unknown Awareness there exists a distinct feel, style, and orchestration to the song which is commanded and driver with an ominous even primal dual drum line. I would love to say that this is a finished album, one that balances the heavy and the ambient, but its not. Its too rough, and although i love the songs, too often you find yourself waiting for moments in a song, not the whole song itself. That being said this is the music is still superb being heavy, eerie, layered, and so rhythmically driven that it never lets up. Song Here