Having been the local music columnist for The Times since 1983, a good deal of albums cross my desk throughout each year. Some bad, some good, some exceptional.
Each December those in my "keepers" stack from the year get revisited, as the struggle begins to pluck out those which most warrant attention.
Always remember, music is subjective and one man's noise may be another's sirens' call. That said, here's my personal Top 10 of Chicagoland releases for 2009.
Criteria requires the artist reside in the Great Lakes region; released the CD between the last quarter of 2008 and Dec. 25 of 2009; that it's commercially available to the public; is professionally pressed and packaged; and contains a minimum of either six songs or 30 minutes of music.
So let's get started. Counting down from number 10, here are my picks as the cream of the 2009 crop.
10. FUNKY MOJO DADDY "Mojo Daddy" (Indie)
Though comprised of cover songs, the sheer talent on these tracks almost makes the songs themselves secondary.
Mojo Daddy features bassist Kenny Kinsey (The Kinsey Report) keeping the groove with the rock-solid backbeat of Jerry Porter.
Add in three scorching string-benders -- Jeff Massey (Steepwater Band), Corey Dennison (Vital Support Band) and Nick Byrd (Kinsey Report) -- and even blues standards like Elmore James' "Dust My Broom" and Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" and "I Just Wanna Make Love To You," take on a new life. Highlights: Dixon's "Mellow Down Easy," Mississippi John Hurt's "The Ballad Of John Henry," and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine." FYI: MYSPACE.COM/FUNKYMOJODADDY
9. THE QUILTS "Turn The Love On" (Indie)
"Turn The Love On" wasn't an instant favorite, but after repeated listens, many of the dozen songs began infesting my brain, as most are quite catchy.
Good musicianship, but production is lacking and sound is too thin. The guitars of Eddie Jones (electric) and Justin Geagan (acoustic) get nice support from Adam Kelsven's keyboards, over the rhythm section of brothers RJ and Ryan DeYoung (Winepress band). Vocals come courtesy of Dana Okon (ex-Forty Piece Choir). Highlights: "Let It Rain," "Kingston Tennessee," and the title track. FYI: MYSPACE.COM/THEQUILTS
8. ALGREN "A Wayward Sound Floods The Street" (Algren Music)
Though formed while members were students at Valparaiso University, Algren is a Chicago-dwelling alt-rock group anchored by powerful riffs and thick grooves, coupled with a great sense of dynamics. Elements of industrial, grunge, and minimalism collide here. Not musically magnificent, but memorable. Highlights: "End of the World," "Bled," and the fact it comes with a cool graphic novel that expands the Algren musical experience. FYI: ALGRENMUSIC.COM
7. AVM "A Matter Of Time" (Big Chance Records)
Prog-rock originals with pop elements. Vocalist Robert Mackey has a Lou Gramm (Foreigner) kind of sound. Guitarist Mackey wrote or co-wrote all of the 11 tracks on "A Matter Of Time;" collaborating on the title track with Grammy-winning composer Jim Peterik of Survivor fame. Mackey also produced.
Not every song is a winner, but enough are. Kudos to Scott Carlin's Hammond B-3 organ for lending a Jon Lord/Deep Purplish sound to some songs.
Highlights: "Changing, " The Way," and the title track. FYI: AVMBAND.COM
6. JAY WEINBERG/THE ENERGY COMMISSION "10,000 Hours" (Persistence Records)
This Valparaiso singer/songwriter is an adventurous protest singer and troubadour with plenty to say about common folk being used as chattel by corporate powers.
Totally refreshing sound and approach; songs range from smooth ("Davy Jones Locker"), to ska-like ("Price Gouge'n"), to white boy rap ("Ode To Howard Beale").
Politically-charged with instrumental assistance by a bevy of regional talents, including the Schaffer-Murray brothers of Planetary Band (see #5 on this list). Weinberg sings what average Americans are thinking. He's got brass. Highlights: "Price Gouge'n," "You're So Vain," and "Mediaocracy (if it bleeds)." FYI: THEENERGYCOMMISSION.COM
5. PETE BERWICK "Just Another Day In Hell" (Shotgun Records)
Snarly, battered and bruised rock that bleeds out of the speakers.
Berwick is a true denim ‘n' leather rebel son and outlaw rambler. With rockabilly power, leathery baritone vocals, and defiant lyrics, Berwick is equal parts Dylan, Elvis, and Johnny Cash, with just a pinch of Steve Earle for acerbic flavoring. There's some steel pedal and a few moments showing Berwick's softer side, but mostly it's soul-shaking. Highlights: "Roadkill Blues," "Standing At The Gates," "Busted In Kentucky," and the title track. FYI: PETEBERWICK.COM
4. PLANETARY "The Myth Of Process" (Towering Buddah Records)
The Martin-Schaefer Brothers -- Martin, Bobby and Michael -- have been one of Northwest Indiana's best-kept secrets for much too long. These lads are excellent musicians and fine songwriters. "The Myth Of Process" greatly expands the Planetary sound. Though still sporting strong elements of blues, this adventurous project is bouncy with jazz-like tempo and time changes.
Tasty guitar throughout! Zappa-esque in many ways. That this music defies categorization, makes it more enticing. Highlights: "Man Is Wolf To Man," "The Sacred Well," and "I Left My Heart on the Steep Hillside." FYI: PLANETARYJAMS.COM
3. CRAWPUPPIES "World's Much Bigger" (Star Lark Music)
I have been an unabashed fan of Chad Clifford's songwriting for years and Crawpuppies are the perfect vehicle for it. This 14-song set is a major progression from the group's 2004 debut, "Peaceful Amnesty." It's darker, deeper, more topical, and more cohesive. It's also sequenced well. Not as Beatlesque, Clifford shows he is shedding his Lennon-isms and finding his own voice. Playing is strong, production is fair. A strong sophomore effort. Highlights: "Mundane," "World's Much Bigger," and "Here We Go Again." FYI: CRAWPUPPIES.COM
2. STELLAR ROAD "Stellar Road" (Stellar Road)
Outstanding musicianship, solid writing and tasty arranging. And lest I forget, great harmonies. All wrapped up with superb production and snappy packaging. Jazzy, jammy and rockin' all at once, Stellar Road made this list with their 2003 CD, "Better Than Yesterday." The South suburban quintet have only gotten better since. Their sound is a cross between Dave Matthews Band and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Very familiar, yet very unique. Highlights: "Shipwrecked" and "Heaven." While "Amazing" is just that! FYI: STELLAR-ROAD.COM
1. THE HIDDEN DANGERS "Release The Hounds" (Self Released)
"Release The Hounds" arrived just as this list was being compiled and immediately shot to the top of it. Adrenalized and energized, Hidden Dangers, of Burns Harbor, gives up 11 original tunes of poppy, punky, spirited and sweaty fun! The very essence of rock ‘n' roll! Grab your Converse hi-tops and dance! Highlights: "Pretty Little Pistol," "Kill Me Twice" and "I Want It All." FYI: THEHIDDENDANGERS.NET
The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach him at beatboss@aol.com.
