Best of 2009

1- Brand New - Daisy
coming into 2009 this was the most anticipated release for me and it didnt let me down. a follow up to 2006's TGADARIM shows the next step in progression for the band. this release is a lot more hard vocal wise and in over all sound, and with each time i replay it on my ipod i love it even more! job well done brand new and they are coming to SLC in jan 2010.

2- Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
this is the sophomore release from this group from atlanta. this has quickly become a top favorite artist of mine and a lot of other people. the release is a lot more straight forward rock then their first release, but still holds the bands overall sound. the band has already announced that they are heading back into the studio in june 2010 to start recording again and i cant wait to hear what they will be coming up with next.

3- Cassino - Kingprince
although this release is currently only available digitally, it should be coming out in hard copy at the start of 2010. the album contains 9 new songs and 3 from their previous release that have been restructured and work well with the newer material. its a lot of alt country from the form rockers that made up northstar. i am loving this more and more everyday.

4. The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha

the album started out as a instrumental ep from these amazing musicians and transformed into a full length. this release many fans of the group never thought it would see the light of day after they had seemingly disbanded in 2006. however with several new members the group shows that they are kings of their scene. the album has a lot of amazing ambient sounds that go nicely with vocal tracks. they are releasing another cd in late 2010 and playing a country wide tour where they will play their 2001 releases low level owl vol 1 &2 in their entirety. check it out!

5. Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist

this group has more albums then octo-mom has kids..... i think. the album is as unique as the groups sound in a time when bands are trying to copy each other these guys know how to make their own road. it not too hard yet not too soft that you lose interest easily..... listen!!!!

6. Mansions - New Best Friends

a full length that was finally released through doghouse. the group did a slew of ep's each released in a different format prior to this album which includes several tracks mixed with new songs. the album is catchy and predictable at time, but i dont know there is something about them that just sticks.

7. Old Canes - Feral Harmonic

a sophomore release from the appleseed cast's front man christopher crisci. this release doesnt rely on its vocals as much as the previous however the integral parts of different instruments mix together so well that it seems like a soundtrack to a winters dream at times. its almost like neutral milk hotel decided to pass the torch to these guys.

8. His Name Shall Breathe - There's An Earthquake Inside Of Me

i cant say enough this guy is going to make it. he is a friend of a friend that is based out of portland and the guy rocks..... lightly but rocks none the less. if you enjoy the guitar of the artist owen then check him out. these songs will hit you in the face and all you will want is more more more.

9. John Nolan - Height

i will be honest when i heard that this member of straylight run and former member of taking back sunday was venturing out to a solo release i was pumped. however the album is sort of a let down to what great expectations i had, it is however a good album. john sort of takes on the experimental rock which isnt bad but not great so its so so.

10. Fun. - Aim & Ignite

another release i was hoping would be a lot better then it was. this is the new group for nate from the format, and really just has songs that the format was going to use for their next album that was in the works when they disbanded. the songs are good but are missing sam mean's touch to them. plainly put, god i still miss the format. so until they decide to get back together this will have to do, and do it will.