The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Let's take a trip to a simpler time when your Saturday night consisted of taking your girl out to the VFW dance and dropping her off by her curfew or her daddy was going to be waiting for you on the front porch.  The music to which you danced didn't bring you a care in the world.  You were just happy to be there dressed in your best suit with your sweetheart on your arm.  Do I know what I am talking about?  Not really, but when I listen to The Preservation Hall Jazz Band's new tribute album featuring cameos from heavyweights including Tom Waits, Yim Yames, Andrew Bird, Jason Isbell, Del McCoury, Dr. John, Steve Earle and many more, it transports me to this blissful time.  This is an album that you could picture your grandparents listening to on their gramophone.  You should definitely check this album out and keep this simpler time alive.

Louisiana Fairytale (feat. Yim Yames)

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out (feat. Jason Isbell)

After You've Gone (feat. Del McCoury)

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Recap and Honorable Mentions

I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas!  I thought that it might be a good idea to recap my best albums of 2009 in an easy to read list.  I hope that you enjoyed the countdown and found some new music.  I would love to hear your comments and thoughts on the list and also albums that were your favorites in 2009 that didn't make my top 10.  In the meantime, here is the recap...

10.  Blind Pilot, 3 Rounds and a Sound

9.  KiD CuDi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day

8.  Cass McCombs, Catacombs

7.  Volcano Choir, Unmap

6.  Deer Tick, Born on Flag Day

5.  Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest

4.  Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

3.  Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, Up From Below

2.  The Avett Brothers, I and Love and You

1.  Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Elvis Perkins In Dearland  

Honorable Mentions of 2009

There were many great albums this year that didn't find a spot in my Top 10 for some reason or another.  Below are some of my favorite that just missed the list.

Bon Iver, Blood Bank EP - This one did not make the list because it was an EP, but it is great nonetheless.

Bon Iver - Blood Bank

Passion Pit, Manners - The debut from this Cambridge, MA electronic/pop-rock band might be the most fun album released this year.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

Yim Yames, Tribute To EP - This EP of covers from My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James is a fitting tribute to the late George Harrison.  The only thing is that it is another EP, so no spot for it on the list.

Yim Yames - Behind That Locked Door

Fanfarlo, Reservoir - I just happened upon this album from this London-based indie group while fooling around on the internet one day.  Their sound brings to mind Arcade Fire and Beirut.  It is definitely worth a listen.

Fanfarlo - Ghosts

Various Artists, Dark Was The Night - This compilation boasts contributions from many noteworthy bands and features duets with some great artists.  Compilations did not count in this list, so it is sadly relegated to merely an honorable mention.

Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio - With a Girl Like You