Best Albums of 2010

I know there were other albums that came out this year that I missed that could have made it to this list, but this is the best I heard in 2010 as of December 29th. An honorable mention goes out to Glossary for their album Feral Fire, which I was way late to the party for. If I'd grabbed this gem earlier, it certainly would have made a dent on the chart.

Top 10 Albums of 2010

1. Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song

There's just no way around it. Jamey's The Guitar Song is a monster. While it's not an album most can sit down and digest in one sitting due to the dark side of the yin yang decidedly outweighing the light side…(even some of the happy songs carry an air of sorrow) this is truly the best mainstream country album of the year and, quite likely, the last 20 years. Aside from a couple of slightly shoddier songs, the writing is top of the heap - Johnson is without peer in the Nashville mainstream. The bearded one is no savior though; Nashvegas won't change overnight. However, the fact that this record has already moved 500,000 copies bodes well for the future. Jamey may not even have a top 10 hit off this release, but it won't matter. The Guitar Song is a monumental success.

Must listens: Cover Your Eyes, Can't Cash My Checks, How I Don't Love You

2. Cee-Lo Green - The Lady Killer

Blending his eccentricities with warm vocals, a love of classic soul and a forward-thinking approach, Cee-Lo gave us an album anyone with an appreciation of R&B can love. Even your grandmother would dig it, if it weren't for "F*ck You," the viral smash that begat the sanitized Glee cover hit. The Lady Killer is strange, but comfortable… fresh, but throwback… immediately catchy, but layered. It gets no better in modern R&B.

Must listens: F**k You, Satisfied, Love Gun

3. Two Cow Garage - Sweet Saint Me

In any other year, this would have easily topped my list, especially since it's Two Cow Garage's best album to date. Some say they've abandoned alt-country/rock for power pop, but there's still plenty of twang to go around. The songs are catchier this time around, and yes, poppier, but that doesn't diminish the effect. TCG's songwriting has never been better, and they never lack in the emotion category, making this a true winner.

Must listens: Lydia, Jackson Don't You Worry

4. Austin Collins & The Rainbirds - Wrong Control

FTM interviewee and pal Austin Collins' Wrong Control was my favorite release of early 2010 and has held up to many, many further listens. Austin falls somewhere in the realm of Ryan Adams and the Replacements with some of the Texas soul of the country troubadours. Despite his joking, affable personality, the songs are mostly downers, but in the best ways possible. They're moody but catchy and entirely cathartic. AC deserves a higher standing in the alt-country genre, and with albums like this, it's only a matter of time, not chance.

Must listens: Conventional Lust, Centerpiece

5. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Despite being snubbed by the Grammys (wtf??), this awkwardly titled hip-hop opus is better than that of the anointed King of Hip-Hop, Kanye's, admitted strong new release. It's more accessible, though far from standard rap in this day and age. Big Boi's personality really gets to shine apart from his pairing with Andre 3000 in the legendary OutKast, showing him to be much more than the more street-friendly half of that duo. The beats are unique, the lyrics are top-notch (often hilarious) and BB's delivery has never been better. Here's to showing the youngsters how it's done.

Must listens: Tangerine, General Patton, You Ain't No DJ

6. Joe Pug - Messenger

This guy is only 23?? Probably the strongest songwriter in my Top 10, Pug is the true modern-day heir to Dylan if anyone is. His songs speak the poetry of an old soul but crackle with the vitality of youth. If he's doing this at this age, think of what's to come.

Must listens: Messenger, Not So Sure, Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)

7. Trampled by Turtles - Palomino

Bluegrass on meth, Four Loko folk, Americana… I don't know what you want to call this, but I call it good music. Ripping up their instruments like Old Crow Medicine Show with a little less twang and a few less nefarious leanings, Trampled by Turtles sings loud and proud on the up-tempos and low and soulful on the slower numbers. It's all good.

Must listens: New Orleans, Wait So Long

8. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

I actually hate this album, but I felt obliged to help out a pal. Seriously, this one's full of catchy alternative pop rock Americana goodness and with songs this good, Kasey's bound for years of being on this list. He's already got a new album slated for early '11 and I can't wait!

Must listens: I Was a Photograph (Blake's Song), All Lit Up

9. Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets

Rodney takes his Texas charm on the road with this set of internationally flavored country tunes about love, loss and unease. Drew Kennedy produces and provides a standout track. What else do you need?

Must listens: Take Me Back Wife, Waiting on the Pain

10. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

While Cee-Lo's release tread new ground with an old R&B sound, this one's a complete blast from the past. Fans of Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding will feel right at home listening to these 70's flavored soul songs. Strong writing and even stronger performances propel this album to memorable heights.

Must listens: The Game Gets Old, Window Shopping

The Next 30

11. Paul Thorn - Pimps and Preachers

12. Truth & Salvage Co. - s/t

13. Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

14. The Black Crowes - Croweology

15. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

16. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

17. Randy Houser - They Call Me Cadillac

18. Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows

19. The Black Keys - Brothers

20. Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

21. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

22. Sean McConnell - Saints, Thieves & Liars

23. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

24. Lissie - Catching a Tiger

25. The Dirty Guv'nahs - Youth is in Our Blood

26. The Fox Hunt - Long Way to Go

27. Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give

28. Emory Quinn - See You at the Next Light

29. Whitey Morgan & the 78s - s/t

30. Randy Rogers Band - Burning the Day

31. The Roots - How I Got Over

32. High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

33. Elizabeth Cook - Welder

34. John Moreland and the Black Gold Band - Things I Can't Control

35. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

36. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

37. Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues

38. Marty Stuart - Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions

39. Bleu Edmondson - The Future Ain't What It Used to Be

40. Old 97's - The Grand Theatre Volume 1

10 Worst Albums of 2010

A qualifier first: When I say "worst," I mean "the worst I've heard." When I say "the worst I've heard," that doesn't include some obvious offenders I may have listened to once out of curiosity or for a review, so you won't see entries from folks like Kid Rock or Rascal Flatts on here. My 10 worst albums of 2010 is comprised of albums I listened to 3 or more times with the expectation that I would or possibly might enjoy said albums. It was not to be with these 10.

Santana - Guitar Heaven

The melding of one of the greatest guitarists of all time with popular rock singers performing eternal rock classics… sounds good on paper right? Wrong! So wrong. This turd features a grand total of zero songs that were worth the effort. In fact, most of it is flat-out unlistenable. The worst of the bunch? Predictable names hated by the critics ….Gavin Rossdale turns in a cardboard performance of "Bang a Gong" and Scott Stapp destroys "Fortunate Son." Guitar Heaven isn't just a bad album, it's an affront to classic rock and a black mark on Santana's legacy. Somebody stop him, please.

Sugarland - The Incredible Machine

This is a frickin' mess, but as Levar Burton used to say, you don't have to take my word for it.

Country Universe review

The 9513 review

Washington Post review

Saving Country Music write-up

Slant review

Rolling Stone review

Lil Wayne - Rebirth

This album doesn't prove rock and rap can't coexist. It merely proves Lil Wayne and rock don't work well together. Wayne sounds okay here, and the music isn't horrible… the songs are just so haphazardly thrown together. Hip-hop may not always depend on focused songwriting, but rock does and nothing here comes together the way it should. No big deal; Wayne has already put out another album since, and has the highly anticipated Tha Carter 4 on the way.

"Drop the World" ft. Eminem

Shooter Jennings and Hierophant - Black Ribbons

Shooter's big concept album falls flat after about 2 listens. There are a couple of good songs in the mix, God Bless Alabama in particular, but they do little to bring this mess together. I'm not a Shooter fan, but I keep checking out his new material hoping some of his birthright talent shines through. Aside from a few good songs, not yet.

John Mellencamp - No Better Than This

Some will feature this album on their best of lists; not me. While the concept is strong: Mellencamp with an ensemble, recording stripped down folk, rock and country-ish tunes in mono, the final product is listless and flat. John sounds disinterested and the songs run together. This coming from someone who has no problem listening to Sun Kil Moon perform an entire album of slow fingerpicked acoustic songs with no harmonies.

Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns

Most people who read this are saying "well duh!" right now, but Linkin Park is a pretty talented band who've proven they can exist beyond the rightfully dead genre of rap-rock. They've put out several songs I'd count as guilty pleasures and they continue to change up their sound in an intelligent and inspired manner. However, with A Thousand Suns, they completely lost the fire of previous recordings, diving headlong in a sea of slow electronically driven art rock. As if to fully distance themselves from the meathead Limp Bizkit fans and the like, Linkin Park put out a boring pile of sleep-inducing tracks, with few cuts worthy of repeated listens.

Rob Zombie - Hellbilly Deluxe 2

Perhaps Rob needs to stick to directing. He's still as fiery and weird as ever, but this collection of songs is poorly written with lyrics so bad that they distract from the rocking.

OK Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

They still make great videos, but their songs lack the pure pop rock fun of previous releases. Nothing to hang your hat on here.

Ratt - Infestation

Why did I have any illusions that this would be good? I guess it's because I keep hanging on to my junior high love of hair metal, hoping for a return of rock that's actually fun. If this album is any indication, hair metal won't be returning to the mainstream anytime soon. Stephen Pearcy can't sing for shit and the lyrics are insipid. Maybe they were always this bad?

"Eat Me Up Alive"

Turley - Anger Management

Besides "My Soul Bleeds Black and Gold," an anthemic ode to Turley's favorite former NFL employer, the Super Bowl Champion Saints (Who Dat!), I deleted most of this album from my iTunes. He sings in the same monotone growl the whole album and the songs are mostly just plain bad. There's hope for Kyle Turley in the country business, if he can only find the right songs to fit his attitude driven delivery, but few of these songs fit that description. Please don't beat me up, Kyle.

"Another Whiskey"

Best Songs of 2010

In the order they appear on the official FTM iTunes playlist, these are my favorite songs of 2010, one selection per artist maximum. The bold shows my 10, errr 11, no 12 absolute favorites. Some of the songs have links and others have embedded YouTube vids where you can give them a listen and judge for yourself.

Against Me! - Suffocation

Alan Jackson - Taillights Blue

Arcade Fire - Modern Man

Austin Collins - Centerpiece

Band of Horses - Older

Big Boi - Tangerine

Blitzen Trapper - Below the Hurricane

Cee-Lo Green - F**k You

Danzig - On a Wicked Night

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Gold Teeth on a Bum

Dirty Sweet - You've Been Warned

Drew Kennedy - We've All Got Our Marks to Make

Drive-by Truckers - The Flying Wallendas

Elizabeth Cook - Mama's Funeral

Eminem - Cinderella Man

Emory Quinn - Hand in Hand

The Fox Hunt - When the Roll's Called

The Gaslight Anthem - Bring it On

Great American Taxi - Unpromised Land

Hellbound Glory - Be My Crutch

High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

I See Hawks in LA - Shoulda Been Gold

Jamey Johnson - Can't Cash My Checks

Joe Pug - Not So Sure

John Moreland - Stoned

Kanye West - Monster

Kasey Anderson - I Was a Photograph (Blake's Song)

My Darkest Days - Set It On Fire

The National - Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks

Nightjar - Check Your Mirrors

Paul Thorn - Love Scar

Phosphorescent - The Mermaid Parade

Randy Houser - Addicted

Ray Wylie Hubbard - Loose

Reckless Kelly - Thelma

Retribution Gospel Choir - Hide it Away

Rodney Hayden - Waiting on the Pain

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Window Shopping

Spoon - Written in Reverse

Surfer Blood - Slow Jabroni

Trampled by Turtles - New Orleans

Trombone Shorty - Hurricane Season

Truth & Salvage Co. - Call Back

Two Cow Garage - Lydia

Yelawolf - Pop the Trunk

Best of 2010 So Far: 5/6 Report

Well, here we are reaching the home stretch, and here's my updated list of my favorite albums of the year. Just a reminder, my #2 came out Tuesday and is available here, here ($5.99!) and here. Buy it! Oh yeah, as always, feel free to suggest albums I may have missed!

1. Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song

2. Two Cow Garage - Sweet Saint Me

3. Austin Collins - Wrong Control

4. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

5. Joe Pug - Messenger

6. Trampled by Turtles - Palomino

7. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

8. Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets

9. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

10. Paul Thorn - Pimps and Preachers

The rest:

Truth & Salvage Co. - s/t

Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

The Black Crowes - Croweology

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

Randy Houser - They Call Me Cadillac

Sean McConnell - Saints, Thieves & Liars

Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows

Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

Lissie - Catching a Tiger

The Dirty Guv'nahs - Youth is in Our Blood

Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give

Randy Rogers Band - Burning the Day

The Roots - How I Got Over

High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

John Moreland and the Black Gold Band - Things I Can't Control

Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

The Fox Hunt - Long Way to Go

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

Old 97's - The Grand Theatre Volume 1

Delta Spirit - History From Below

The Moondoggies - Tidelands

Best of 2010 So Far: The 3/4 Report

Top 30 Albums of 2010 as of October 3

01. Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song

02. Trampled by Turtles - Palomino

03. Austin Collins - Wrong Control

04. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

05. Joe Pug - Messenger

06. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

07. Two Cow Garage - Sweet Saint Me (likely moving up soon)

08. Truth & Salvage Co. - s/t

09. Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets

10. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

11. Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

12. Paul Thorn - Pimps and Preachers

13. The Black Crowes - Croweology

14. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

15. Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

16. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

17. Sean McConnell - Saints, Thieves & Liars

18. Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows

19. The Roots - How I Got Over

20. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

21. Lissie - Catching a Tiger

22. Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give

23. The Dirty Guv'nahs - Youth is in Our Blood

24. Randy Rogers Band - Burning the Day

25. High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

26. John Moreland and the Black Gold Band - Things I Can't Control

27. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

28. The Fox Hunt - Long Way to Go

29. Delta Spirit - History From Below

30. Against Me! - White Crosses

Best of 2010 So Far: 2/3 Report

Here are FTM's Top 25 favorite albums of 2010 so far with links to listen to/buy some of them:

1. Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song

2. Trampled by Turtles - Palomino

3. Austin Collins - Wrong Control

4. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

5. Joe Pug - Messenger

6. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

7. Truth & Salvage Co. - s/t

8. Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets

9. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

10. Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

11. Paul Thorn - Pimps and Preachers

12. The Black Crowes - Croweology

13. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

14. Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

15. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

16. Sean McConnell - Saints, Thieves & Liars

17. Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows

18. The Roots - How I Got Over

19. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

20. Lissie - Catching a Tiger

21. The Dirty Guv'nahs - Youth is in Our Blood

22. Randy Rogers Band - Burning the Day

23. High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

24. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

25. Against Me! - White Crosses

The Halfway Report: Top Albums

We're about halfway through 2010 now and while it's been another solid six months of good music, it's been a little more top-heavy this time around. I've listened to my favorites over and over, while rarely returning to any albums beyond they top 30 or so. Here are my top 20 of the year so far. Feel free to throw in any of your favorites in the comments.

1. Trampled by Turtles - Palomino

2. Austin Collins - Wrong Control

3. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

4. Joe Pug - Messenger

5. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

6. Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets

7. Truth & Salvage Co. - s/t

8. Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

9. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

10. Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

11. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

12. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

13. Against Me! - White Crosses

14. Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows

15. The Roots - How I Got Over

16. Phosphorescent - Here's to Taking It Easy

17. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

18. Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void

19. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

20. The Black Keys - Brothers

Best of 2010 So Far: May

Top Albums so far

Trampled by Turtles - Palomino

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms

Austin Collins - Wrong Control

Joe Pug - Messenger

Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows

Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets

Phosphorescent - Here's to Taking It Easy

Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void

The Black Keys - Brothers

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

Tim Barry - 28th & Stonewall

The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever

The National - High Violet

Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

The Brothers Comatose - Songs from the Stoop

Nightjar - Hometown Stranger

The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

Shinyribs - Well After Awhile

Widespread Panic - Dirty Side Down

Hank III - Rebel Within

Titus Andronicus - The Monitor

Retribution Gospel Choir - 2

Alan Jackson - Freight Train

Ray Wylie Hubbard - A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C)

Gary Allan - Get Off On the Pain

High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

Butch Walker and the Black Widows - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

Walt Wilkins & the Mystiqueros - Agave

Nas & Damian Marley - Distant Relatives

Whispering Pines - Family Tree

Guthrie Kennard - Matchbox

Murder By Death - Good Morning, Magpie

D.B. Rielly - Love Potions and Snake Oil

Top Live Albums so far

Drew Kennedy - Alone, But Not Lonely

Jason Boland and the Stragglers - High in the Rockies

Zac Brown Band - Pass the Jar

Best of 2010 So Far: First 1/3 Report

I've decided to stop numbering my top albums list for a while mostly because I don't use spreadsheet software to make the list, so it's really hard to reorganize when something new comes out. Also, with the massive bounty of good music that has come out/is coming out this year, I'm not gonna bother with strict rankings until I have to or until I get a better grip on my preferences. The following list is a loose ordering of my favorites of the year so far. Even the albums at the bottom of the list are very good, which says a lot about the positive state of music (but not the music biz, ha). What else do I need to hear???


Top Albums of 2010
as of April 29

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
Austin Collins - Wrong Control
Joe Pug - Messenger
Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights
Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - I Learned the Hard Way
Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual
Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits
Trampled by Turtles - Palomino
Phosphorescent - Here's to Taking It Easy
Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows
Rodney Hayden - Tavern of Poets
Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave
Hank III - Rebel Within
Drew Kennedy - Alone, But Not Lonely
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void
Tim Barry - 28th & Stonewall
Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time
The Brothers Comatose - Songs from the Stoop
Nightjar - Hometown Stranger
Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever
Retribution Gospel Choir - 2
Alan Jackson - Freight Train
Ray Wylie Hubbard - A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C)
Gary Allan - Get Off On the Pain
Butch Walker and the Black Widows - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart
Whispering Pines - Family Tree
Murder By Death - Good Morning, Magpie
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis
D.B. Rielly - Love Potions and Snake Oil
Little Brother - LeftBack
Jakob Dylan - Women and Country
Memphis 59 - Ragged But Right
Slash - s/t
She & Him - Volume 2
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Genuine Negro Jig
Freedy Johnston - Rain on the City

Best of 2010 So Far: 1st Quarter Report

It's been a good year for music so far. I always say that though. If you look (listen) hard enough, there's plenty of great stuff to listen to out there... and most of it isn't played on your local country or rock station.

What's this list missing? Let me know in the comments!

01. Joe Pug - Messenger

02. Austin Collins - Wrong Control

I've been playing this one about twice a day since I got it. Great great stuff!

03. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

04. Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do

I wasn't that impressed with this after a few listens but it's really growing on me.

05. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

06. Retribution Gospel Choir - 2

07. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

08. Tim Barry - 28th & Stonewall

09. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

10. Hellbound Glory - Old High and New Lows

Country songs about heroin and heartbreak, chock full of profanity. I like it!

11. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

12. Butch Walker and the Black Widows - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

13. Drew Kennedy - Alone, But Not Lonely (Free here!)

14. Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual

15. Ray Wylie Hubbard - A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C)

16. Gary Allan - Get Off on the Pain

17. The Brothers Comatose - Songs from the Stoop

18. Carolina Chocolate Drops - Genuine Negro Jig

19. Whispering Pines - Family Tree

20. Murder By Death - Good Morning, Magpie

21. Freedy Johnston - Rain on the City

22. Rogue Wave - Permalight

23. I See Hawks in L.A. - Should've Been Gold

24. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

25. Easton Corbin - s/t

Favorites of 2010 So Far: February

1. Joe Pug - Messenger

2. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights

3. Retribution Gospel Choir - 2

4. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits

5. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

6. Tim Barry - 28th & Stonewall

7. Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave

8. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time

9. Ray Wylie Hubbard - A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C)

10. Butch Walker and the Black Widows - I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

11. Carolina Chocolate Drops - Genuine Negro Jig

12. Freedy Johnston - Rain on the City

13. Rogue Wave - Permalight

14. I See Hawks in L.A. - Should've Been Gold

15. The Brothers Comatose - Songs from the Stoop

16. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

17. Whispering Pines - Family Tree

18. Spoon - Transference

19. Vampire Weekend - Contra

20. The Honey Dewdrops - If the Sun Will Shine

Best of 2010: January

Yeah, it's way early, but there have already been some solid music releases (or soon will be):

Top Albums 2010

1. Retribution Gospel Choir - 2

*2. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits (March 2)

3. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time (February 9)

4. Ray Wylie Hubbard - A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C)

*5. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights (February 16)

6. Joe Pug - Messenger (February 16)

7. I See Hawks in L.A. - Should've Been Gold

8. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

9. Vampire Weekend - Contra

10. Spoon - Transference

11. The Honey Dewdrops - If the Sun Will Shine

12. Freedy Johnston - Rain on the City

13. Titus Andronicus - The Monitor (March 9)

14. T-Model Ford - The Ladies Man

15. Raina Rose - When May Came (February 10)

Honorable mention: Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

*More on these 2 soon!

Farce the Music's Top Albums of 2009

1. Charlie Robison - Beautiful Day

Charlie's "divorce album" is a lean, mean, nearly perfect dish of Texas country. Sharply crafted and passionately performed, this is Robison's most consistent, and likely best, album to date. So solid is this record, Charlie bests his well-regarded brother's recent output, even in the songwriting arena. A broken heart has rarely sounded so good.

Hear this: Down Again

2. Ben Nichols - Last Pale Light in the West

A collection of gritty narratives based on Cormac McCarthy's blood-soaked epic, "Blood Meridian," Ben's solo record is as powerful as anything I've heard this year (and much of last), despite the narrow focus. Nichols tops his band Lucero's major label debut with this strong entry that holds up after myriad replays.

Hear this: Toadvine

3. Buddy and Julie Miller - Written in Chalk

Quiet at times, raucous at others, Buddy and Julie are in fine form on this album and the songs feel timeless. Though it's a lazy comparison, "Written in Chalk" is this year's "Rattlin' Bones."

Hear this: Chalk

4. Magnolia Electric Company - Josephine

Haunting. I don't know of any other way to describe lead singer Jason Molina's voice (okay, besides "acquired taste"). Gorgeous - that's how I'd describe Josephine.

Hear this: O Grace

5. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park

My favorite band hits the "big time" with their first release for Universal. Did they sell out? Nah. Change their sound? Well, they gussied it up a smidge with a few (ok, crapload of) horns. The honking doesn't detract from the sound for me, but the raw emotion that pulled me into this band in the first place seems to have ebbed just a bit. Still a very worthy release and possibly the best entry point for listeners new to the band.

Hear this: Hey Darlin' Do You Gamble

6. BettySoo - Heat Sin Water Skin

My favorite new discovery of the year. The emotion will grab you, the lines will cut you and the melodies will never leave your mind.

Hear this: Just Another Lover

7. Wrinkle Neck Mules - Let the Lead Fly

Hear this: Pull Me From the Wreckage

8. Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

Great Lake Swimmers expand on their sound with Lost Channels, without losing any of the beauty.

Hear this: Pulling on a Line, Still

9. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is

My second favorite new discovery of the year, these guys are good-time seventies fun mixed with raunchy R&B mixed with some indie garage rock rawness. I dare you not to dance... or at least tap your foot like crazy.

Hear this: Sugarfoot

10. Drew Kennedy - An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel

FTM doesn't play favorites - I like what I like. That said, I'm proud to welcome friend of FTM Drew Kennedy to the top 10 with a truly deserving release. His literate, unorthodox (for country) writing style and soulful vocals stand far above the crowd in the Texas music scene. He inhabits these road-themed character sketches with natural ease.

Hear this: Cincinnati, Rolling Around in the Bed

The Rest:

11. The Black Crowes - Before the Frost...Until the Freeze

12. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

13. Son Volt - American Central Dust

14. The Devil Makes Three - Do Wrong Right

15. Slaid Cleaves - Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away

16. Joshua James - Build Me This

17. Switchfoot - Hello Huricane

18. Miranda Lambert - Revolution

19. Krizz Kaliko - Genius

20. Mastodon - Crack the Skye

21. The Avett Bros. - I And Love And You

22. Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night

23. Chris Knight - Trailer Tapes II

24. Joe Nichols - Old Things New

25. George Strait - Twang

26. Drive-by Truckers - The Fine Print

27. The Dustin Bentall Outfit - Six Shooter

28. Them Crooked Vultures - s/t

29. Pearl Jam - Backspacer

30. Tom Russell - Blood and Candle Smoke

31. Sons of Bill - One Town Away

32. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day

33. Those Darlins - s/t

34. Grant Langston - Stand Up Man

35. Guy Clark - Somedays the Song Writes You

36. Pete Bernhard - Straight Line

37. Steve Earle - Townes

38. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3

39. Scott Warren - Quick Fix Bandage

40. Holly Williams - Here With Me

41. The Fox Hunt - America's Working So We Don't Have To

42. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit - s/t

43. Eric Church - Carolina

44. Drive-by Truckers - Live From Austin, TX

45. Carolyn Mark and NQ Arbuckle - Let's Just Stay Here

46. Willie Nelson & Asleep At The Wheel - Willie and the Wheel

47. Old Californio - Westering Again

48. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

49. The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours

50. Phosphorescent - To Willie

51. John Moreland & The Black Gold Band - Endless Oklahoma Sky

52. Robert Earl Keen - The Rose Hotel

53. Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey & The Groogrux King

54. Roman Candle - Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

55. Red Fang - s/t

56. Jason Eady - When the Money's All Gone

57. Todd Snider - The Excitement Plan

58. Austin Lucas - Somebody Loves You

59. Megadeth - Endgame

60. The Pines - Tremolo

Author's note: all the albums on this list are very much worth a listen - there were others I enjoyed this year, but I had to cut it off somewhere.

FTM's Favorite Songs of '09

Here's a very eclectic list of Farce the Music's favorite songs of 2009. You may be surprised/dismayed with a couple of the choices, given FTM's general dislike of certain genre trends. Several of the listings have links where you can listen to the song.

Song/Artist/Album

"Helpless" Angela Easterling Black Top Road

"Go West" Austin Lucas Somebody Loves You

"Toadvine" Ben Nichols The Last Pale Light in the West

"Just Another Lover" BettySoo Heat Sin Water Skin

"Houston Don't Dream About Me" The Black Crowes Before The Frost...Until The Freeze

"Sugarfoot" Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!

"Welcome To The Future" Brad Paisley American Saturday Night

"Chalk" feat. Patty Griffin Buddy And Julie Miller Written In Chalk

"Passing Dream" Carolyn Mark and N.Q. Arbuckle Let's Just Stay Here

"Reconsider" Charlie Robison Beautiful Day

"Blame Me" Chris Knight Trailer Tapes II

"Rainy Night In Georgia" Chris Young The Man I Want To Be

"Long Gone To Saskatchewan" Corb Lund Losin' Lately Gambler

"The Corner" Cory Branan & Jon Snodgrass Cory Branan & Jon Snodgrass (split)

"All The Money I Had Is Gone" The Deep Dark Woods Winter Hours

"Easy" Deer Tick Born On Flag Day

"Help Yourself" The Devil Makes Three Do Wrong Right

"Cincinnati" Drew Kennedy An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel

"Play It All Night Long" Drive-By Truckers The Fine Print

"Three Thousand Miles" The Dustin Bentall Outfit Six Shooter

"Where She Told Me To Go" Eric Church Carolina

"Years Ago" The Ethers Early Winter

"Wheels" Foo Fighters Greatest Hits

"Out Of Sight Out Of Mind" George Strait Twang

"Shreveport" The Gourds Haymaker!

"Pulling On A Line" Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels

"The Guitar" Guy Clark Somedays the Song Writes You

"He's Making A Fool Out Of You" Holly Williams Here With Me

"Soldiers Get Strange" Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit s/t

"Young Forever" (Featuring Mr Hudson) Jay-Z The Blueprint 3

"Shape I'm In" Joe Nichols Old Things New

"Coal War" Joshua James Build Me This

"Mama's Eyes" Justin Townes Earle Midnight At The Movies

"Bipolar" Krizz Kaliko Genius

"Need You Now" Lady Antebellum Need You Now - Single

"Hey Darlin' Do You Gamble" Lucero 1372 Overton Park

"Oblivion" Mastodon Crack The Skye

"White Liar" Miranda Lambert Revolution

"Lazy Old San Gabriels" Old Californio Westering Again

"The End" Pearl Jam Backspacer

"Mint Condition" Pete Bernhard Straight Line

"The Last Thing I Needed (First Thing This Morning)" Phosphorescent To Willie

"Prehistoric Dog" Red Fang s/t

"Fire Bomb" Rihanna Rated R

"Starting From Scratch" Roman Candle Oh Tall Tree In The Ear

"Draggin' Down The Line" Scott H. Biram Something's Wrong/Lost Forever

"Sin In Indiana" Scott Miller For Crying Out Loud

"Before You Say Goodbye" Scott Warren Quick Fix Bandage

"Jukebox of Steel" Son Volt American Central Dust

"End In Flames" Strand of Oaks Leave Ruin

"Red Eyes" Switchfoot Hello Hurricane

"Gunman" Them Crooked Vultures s/t

"Hung Up On Me" Those Darlins Those Darlins

"You Had To Be There" Tim McGraw Southern Voice

"Greencastle Blues" Todd Snider The Excitement Plan

"Criminology" Tom Russell Blood and Candle Smoke

"Your Love and His Blood" Wayne Hancock Viper of Melody

"One Wing" Wilco Wilco (The Album)

"Pull Me From the Wreckage" Wrinkle Neck Mules Let the Lead Fly

10 Worst Country Singles of 2009

2009 was a banner year for crap in the world of country music. There's no way I could summarize the sad state of the genre with only ten bad tunes, but allow me to try. Here are the worst country singles of 2009, in no particular order.

Tyler Dean - Taylor Swift

Ample cause for a restraining order if ever there was one. Can't hide the proof. It's right there on iTunes with a 2 star rating. And furthermore, they rereleased it on iTunes after Taylor's late year awards. We hated it the first time, dude.

Jimmy Wayne - Sara Smile

I actually have no problem with a country singer covering Hall & Oates, but for the sake of my sanity and human decency, at least pick a good H&O song, and at least attempt to make it sound country.

Phil Vassar - Bobbi with an "I"

A song about a good ol' boy who likes to cross dress? Did Phil's record company somehow get their demographics and marketing studies mixed up with Lady Gaga's? I'm not shocked by its content, just that it was actually released to country radio.

Bucky Covington - Gotta Be Somebody

More processed than cheese spread, but not nearly as tasty. They could have had one of those NOAA weather radio voices sing this song and I might not know the difference. And holy mother of drive by truckers, it's a Nickelback cover. Why? Just why?

Billy Currington - That's How Country Boys Roll

This is how a country boy turns the station.

Jessie James - My Cowboy

The only thing country about this song is the title. Does that necessarily make it one of the worst country singles of the year? Well, yes... but on artistic merit alone, it's still not good.

Fast Ryde - That Thang

"That Thang" is inexplicably better than their second single, "Make it Rain" (a "farming is hard" anthem so shallow it makes Jason Aldean sound like Levon Helm), but since this ode to country girl bootay is higher profile, it gets the slot. One of the most annoying choruses ever sung. Dang me.

Krista Marie - Jeep Jeep

This one got deservedly ripped to shreds in my .99 review. Krista's decent voice aside, this song is a second-rate product that should never have been released. More like a Yugo than a Jeep.

Jake Owen - Eight Second Ride

That this is supposed to be a sexy song but it has that "spit cup" line in it automatically adds the song to this list by default.

George Strait - River of Love

We hope for more from the King than this warmed-over seventies pop-country, but since he made it up to us with the stellar "Twang" album, this song's inclusion here is just a minor speed bump. In the grand scheme of things, it's better than the other songs on this list and the dishonorable mentions, but as they say, "to whom much is given much is expected."

Dishonorable Mentions: Rodney Atkins "Chasin' Girls" - Toby Keith "God Love Her" - Jason Aldean "She's Country"

The Bird List

Check it out! Not only is this a "Best of 09" list, it's a combination of "Best of 09" lists from quite a few of the coolest country blogs on the interwebs (and this blog). We put our heads together and here's what came of it!

The Inaugural Bird List!

The name and logo for this undertaking were inspired by this famous photo.

Top Albums of '09 Thus Far: November

Watch this space in coming weeks as there's talk of a collaborative blog effort at a Best of 2009 chart. For now...

What do I need to hear and add to this list before the end of 09?

Top Albums of 2009

As of: Nov. 6

1. Charlie Robison - Beautiful Day

2. Magnolia Electric Company - Josephine

3 Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light in the West

4. Buddy and Julie Miller - Written in Chalk

5. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park

6. Wrinkle Neck Mules - Let the Lead Fly

7. Son Volt - American Central Dust

8. BettySoo - Heat Sin Water Skin

9. Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

10. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

11. Drew Kennedy - An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel

12. The Black Crowes - Before the Frost...

13. The Devil Makes Three - Do Wrong Right

14. Slaid Cleaves - Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away

15. Joshua James - Build Me This

16. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is

17. Chris Knight - Trailer Tapes II

18. Miranda Lambert - Revolution

19. Krizz Kaliko - Genius

20. Mastodon - Crack the Skye

21. Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night

22. Joe Nichols - Old Things New

23. George Strait - Twang

24. Drive-by Truckers - The Fine Print

25. Pearl Jam - Backspacer

26. The Avett Bros. - I And Love And You

27. Tom Russell - Blood and Candle Smoke

28. Sons of Bill - One Town Away

29. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day

30. Those Darlins - s/t

31. Grant Langston - Stand Up Man

32. Guy Clark - Somedays the Song Writes You

33. Pete Bernhard - Straight Line

34. Steve Earle - Townes

35. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3

36. Scott Warren - Quick Fix Bandage

37. Holly Williams - Here With Me

38. The Fox Hunt - America's Working So We Don't Have To

39. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit - s/t

40. Eric Church - Carolina

41. Drive-by Truckers - Live From Austin, TX

42. Robert Earl Keen - The Rose Hotel

43. Old Californio - Westering Again

44. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

45. The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours

46. Phosphorescent - To Willie

47. John Moreland & The Black Gold Band - Endless Oklahoma Sky

48. Roman Candle - Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

49. Red Fang - s/t

50. Austin Lucas - Somebody Loves You

Best of 2009 So Far: October

Lots of upheaval in the chart for this edition. For instance, I finally gave a good month of listening to the Buddy and Julie Miller album and it rocketed into my top 5. I've added a few links to the chart so you can check out the artists/albums. Feel free to comment with your own favorites.

Top Albums of 2009

As of: Oct. 4

1. Charlie Robison - Beautiful Day

2. Magnolia Electric Company - Josephine

3 Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light in the West

4. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park

5. Buddy and Julie Miller - Written in Chalk

6. Son Volt - American Central Dust

7. Slaid Cleaves - Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away

8. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

9. BettySoo - Heat Sin Water Skin

10. Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

11. The Black Crowes - Before the Frost...

12. The Devil Makes Three - Do Wrong Right

13. Joshua James - Build Me This

14. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is

15. Chris Knight - Trailer Tapes II

16. Miranda Lambert - Revolution

17. Guy Clark - Somedays the Song Writes You

18. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day

19. Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night

20. Krizz Kaliko - Genius

21. George Strait - Twang

22. Tom Russell - Blood and Candle Smoke

23. Drive-by Truckers - The Fine Print

24. Pete Bernhard - Straight Line

25. Steve Earle - Townes

26. The Avett Bros. - I And Love And You

27. Mastodon - Crack the Skye

28. Scott Warren - Quick Fix Bandage

29. Holly Williams - Here With Me

30. The Fox Hunt - America's Working So We Don't Have To

31. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit - s/t

32. Eric Church - Carolina

33. Robert Earl Keen - The Rose Hotel

34. Old Californio - Westering Again

35. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

36. The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours

37. Phosphorescent - To Willie

38. Roman Candle - Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

39. John Moreland & The Black Gold Band - Endless Oklahoma Sky

40. Red Fang - s/t

Best of 2009 So Far: September

There weren't many changes or releases in August so I didn't post this last month, but there has been a lot of movement lately... both in my preferences and in new albums released (and yet to be released albums that I've heard full previews of). Let me know if there's anything I'm missing. New additions are in bold.

1. Charlie Robison - Beautiful Day

2. Magnolia Electric Company - Josephine

3. Son Volt - American Central Dust

4 Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light in the West

5. Chris Knight - Trailer Tapes II

6. Lucero - 1372 Overton Park (*based on sampler and live tracks)

7. Slaid Cleaves - Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away

8. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

9. The Devil Makes Three - Do Wrong Right

10. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is

11. Joshua James - Build Me This

12. Buddy and Julie Miller - Written in Chalk

13. Guy Clark - Somedays the Song Writes You

14. Scott Warren - Quick Fix Bandage

15. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day

16. Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night

17. The Black Crowes - Before the Frost...

18. Krizz Kaliko - Genius

19. Pete Bernhard - Straight Line

20. Steve Earle - Townes

21. George Strait - Twang

22. Tom Russell - Blood and Candle Smoke

23. Old Californio - Westering Again

24. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

25. The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours

26. Phosphorescent - To Willie

27. Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

28. Mastodon - Crack the Skye

29. Eric Church - Carolina

30. Sister Hazel - Release

Best of 2009 So Far: July

As always, feel free to leave your thoughts or favorites... or not. I highlighted (bolded) a few new entries that I'm really enjoying lately that may be moving up on the next edition.

Some upcoming releases I'm excited about that you'll likely see on this list in future days include: Lucero - 1372 Overton Park; Pete Bernhard - Straight Line; George Strait - Twang; Gloriana - s/t (ha ha, just kidding); Black Crowes - Before the Frost... & ...Until the Freeze and others from Lyle Lovett, Blitzen Trapper (who I'm obsessed with lately), Dr. Dre, Pearl Jam, Built to Spill, Megadeth.... whew! Anyway, here's the best so far:

Top Albums of 2009

As of July 31

1. Son Volt - American Central Dust

2. Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light in the West

3. Charlie Robison - Beautiful Day

4. Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

5. Slaid Cleaves - Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away

6. Chris Knight - Trailer Tapes II

7. Magnolia Electric Company - Josephine

8. The Devil Makes Three - Do Wrong Right

9. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Tell 'em What Your Name Is

10. Deer Tick - Born on Flag Day

11. Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night

12. Krizz Kaliko - Genius

13. Steve Earle - Townes

14. Wilco - Wilco (The Album)

15. The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours

16. Phosphorescent - To Willie

17. Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels

18. Roman Candle - Oh Tall Tree in the Ear

19. John Moreland & The Black Gold Band - Endless Oklahoma Sky

20. Owen Temple - Dollars and Dimes

21. Holly Williams - Here With Me

22. Wayne Hancock - Viper of Melody

23. Ryan Bingham - Roadhouse Sun

24. Ha Ha Tonka - Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South

25. Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey & The Groogrux King

26. Todd Snider - The Excitement Plan

27. The Gourds - Haymaker!

28. Mastodon - Crack the Skye

29. Eric Church - Carolina

30. The Fox Hunt - America's Working So We Don't Have To

31. Red Fang - s/t

32. Huck Notari - Very Long Dream

33. The Dead Weather - Horehound

34. Strand of Oaks - Leave Ruin

35. Doug Paisley - s/t

36. Chuck Mead - Journeyman's Wager

37. The Extraordinaires - Electric and Benevolent

38. Scott Miller - For Crying Out Loud

39. Patterson Hood - Murdering Oscar

40. Dale Watson - The Truckin' Sessions (v.2)