Favorite Music of 2009, pt. 02: Silversun Pickups

Silversun Pickups dropped their second great album in a row this year [edit: That is to say, this is the second great album for the band, not in '09 itself]. They’re a compelling live act, and even Brian Aubert on his own with an acoustic guitar is a pleasure to watch and listen to. I [...]

Favorite Music of 2009, pt. 01: The Years – Mixtape

This little gem of an album is short (under 25 minutes), but it’s got some of the best loop-based tracks I’ve heard this year. That said, I don’t know how much of it is truly looped, since the band members are competent musicians, clearly steeped in the jazz tradition, and plenty capable of playing out [...]

Favorite Music of 2009 (Prelude)

I acquired less music this year than in years previous by quite a lot. I spent considerable time listening to stuff I’d stockpiled but never played in an attempt to weed out bands and albums I’d had a passing interest in hearing due to somebody’s recommendation or critical acclaim, but that I didn’t like well [...]