2009 started with a serious ass kicking in great albums. It was only a few days into January when Marco Benevento's Me Not Me and Dan Deacon's Bromst landed in my mailbox.
Deacon's Bromst is brilliantly symphonic. Adam King had a great interview with him for the cover story of our latest issue. Read the free digital issue or pick up a copy here. You can stream Deacon's album in its entirety at NPR.
I reviewed Marco's album in the latest issue (check out page 34) and he also gave us a song by song synopsis of the album (page 12). His imagination is soaring on Me Not Me. Check out his renditions of My Morning Jacket's "Golden" and Deerhoof's "Twin Killers."
Akron/Family's Set 'Em Wild‚ Set 'Em Free is set for release May 5th on Dead Oceans. They're going to be the next cover story of State of Mind due out in May‚ so luckily‚ I've already had about a month with this album and have talked with the band a couple of times. They're evolving in a very healthy way, and this record is so good that I can't stop listening to it. Listen to the first track "Everyone Is Guilty."
So far‚ these are my tops of 2009.
And there are more that have moved me brightly:
The Felice Brothers Yonder is the Clock is a crusher - seriously deep.
JFJO's Winter Wood (download for free) is great new sonic territory from a band that never stops evolving.
Bishop Allen's Grrr… is super catchy and addictive.
Phosphorescent's To Willie gets me everytime (check out the interview).
And it's only March...