And now, the definitive word on the very best music in the past year. You may differ in opinion, but where you do… you are wrong.
First, a couple summary statements are in order. I don’t think it is any surprise that most of my music leans the same direction as my personality. Mellow.
So in an attempt to expand my horizons just a bit, I’ve forced myself to put together one compilation that has a “happier” feel to it. It is entitled PURE JOY.
The link gets you the entire collection. Below is the track listing. I’m going to turn what should be one post into three, so you’ll get ANOTHER JOY tomorrow. Then some honorable mentions the day after that.
Taido 2009 – PURE JOY
1) Hey – Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Saw this band in LR in November. Great show.
2) Happy Up Here – Röyksopp
Used this song for program at a CB this fall. Ended up really enjoying it.
3) Big Black Bird – Blitzen Trapper
Lynryd Skynyrd lives.
4) Little Secrets – Passion Pit
Definitely a “top three” album. Also, one third of the inspiration for pure joy.
5) Fire Escape – Fanfarlo
Not quite sure what this song is about. I think it is about choosing to live life.
6) Magnificent – U2
Modern day hymn from the biggest rock and roll in the world.
7) 1901 – Phoenix
My friend Josh turned me on to Phoenix. Another inspiring third.
8) Something Good Can Work – Two Door Cinema Club
This song screams high school summer days.
9) I Knew – Lightning Dust
“Always pictured him hungry with a gun in his hand.” No clue.
10) Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear
Bloggers are loving this album. I don’t love it as much as them, but like this song.
11) I Hit Another Wall – Tim Williams
This one ventures pretty dang far into pop territory, but I still like it.
12) 40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Stole this from me mate, Bobby. Mate as in friend… not spouse.
13) Slight Figure of Speech – The Avett Brothers
Saw them in September at Robinson. Epic.
14) Audience – Cold War Kids
This one is cheating a bit. Not due out until next year. Good stuff.
15) I Can See the Pines Are Dancing – AA Bondy
Mr. Bondy (or as I like to call him AA) doing his thing.
16) But For You Who Fear My Name – The Welcome Wagon
This band is one of my favorites from last year. This song is among their joyful-est.
17) I Don’t Feel It Anymore (Remixed) – William Fitzsimmons
That’s right, this song was on last year’s album. The remix makes it fair game.
18) Kaleidoscope (feat. Jonsi) – Tiesto
Brilliant… wait for the joy. This is the final third.