Top 3 Albums of 2009: 
- John Frusciante – The Empyrean
The Empyrean opens with an extended guitar solo workout that recalls Pink Floyd Meddle-era. Thus begins a journey that is equal parts rock and folk meshed with flourishes of electronica. Each new release has found Frusciante recording at a different stage in his career; right now he has at the “Dude That Records Masterpieces” stage.
- The Black Lips – 200 Million Thousand
The Black Lips are one of a few bands that seem truly committed to making interesting music. Part of the appeal in this album is at least marginally owed to the band’s approach to live performances and aspirations in general. 200 Million Thousand is filled with doo-wop and rock songs that seem to have been passed through a punk filter.
- Reverend Peyton and His Big Damn Band – The Whole Fam Damnily
The Reverend plays a brand of country-blues that could be considered illegal in some states. In wrapping lyrics that are pure social commentary around slide guitar, washboard, and bucket he created one of the more engaging albums of the year. It is neither the DT’s nor the Devil that make me shake, it is the Reverend.
Best Show of 2009:
- Beggars, Halloween Show at the Ferndale Public Library
As you get older, you realize that holidays are really for the kids. Halloween is a prime example. Beggars got into the Halloween spirit playing for a mixed audience of twenty to thirty-somethings and kids under the age of ten. The result was great. Held in the performance space at the Ferndale Public Library, the band ripped through a set of their usual songs while Steve sang lyrics about candy and tummy aches—occasionally passing out candy, too. The result was a pleased audience of adults and children alike.
Most Anticipated in 2010:
- Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Part 1
The early released tracks from Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 sound pretty interesting. Of those released so far, “Lee Majors Come Again” has the band using Check Your Head-style punk, while “Too Many Rappers” is the Beasties and Nas working over a great backing track. The album has expanded to become two parts and Bob Dylan lends an appearance, making the release of Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 all that more tantalizing.
Most Overrated in 2009:
- Paramore – Brand New Eyes
To be overrated a band must be receiving undeserved praise—feasting on inept youth and the self gratifying nature of the music press. I read this review where Spin called Paramore’s lead singer rock’s Holden Caulfield. That at least ranks as the worst use of hyperbole in 2009. The band generates a sound on this album similar to overly produced oatmeal. Think Evanescence. I can sort of see how a teenager might enjoy this, but if I caught my child listening to Paramore I’d beat the crap out of them until they came out liking the Dead Boys.
Favorite Musical Memory of the Decade:
- Pearl Jam, October 3 2004 at the Deltaplex, Grand Rapids(Vote for a Change Tour)
Back in 2004 the world was shaping into its current condition and it seemed like there might be a chance to draw some true awareness or at least affect our country out of its narcissistic, bullying angst. The election was nearing and I really thought John Kerry would win and steer us straight. On October 2nd I drove to Grand Rapids with my girlfriend and then on the morning of October 3rd she became my fiancée. That night we went and saw Pearl Jam, who were appearing as part of the Vote for a Change tour, at the Deltaplex. The night was a magical three hours: McCready leaping with each strike of his guitar, Veder screaming and rolling on the ground, and a set list that created a true sense of community inside one of the crummiest hockey arena’s in Michigan.
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