Universal Here, Everlasting Now: My Faves Of 2009...So Far

With less than 4 months left in 2009, I thought it high time to start listing albums that have made a positive impression on me. We'll see how these titles fare in my year-end top 10, but for now, here goes:

-Working On A Dream by Bruce Springsteen: An ornate pop album like no other this year, WOAD has divided Bruce's fan base. Put me down as somebody who really, really likes this record.

-Under The Covers, Vol. 2 by Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs: It's always nice to have a new covers album that works as an album. Even Lindsey Buckingham and Dhani Harrison tag along for the ride.

-My Old, Familiar Friend by Brendan Benson: Freed at long last from the short leash of The Raconteurs, Benson returns with what may prove to be this year's power pop treasure.

-Electric Arguments Deluxe Box Set by The Fireman: My favourite album of 2008 gets even better this year with a super expanded version (a create your own remixes disc, double vinyl, art prints, DVD & a disc of bonus early versions & instrumentals).

-The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again by John Fogerty: A more charming record this year you'd be hard pressed to find. The former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman delivers his long-overdue followup to his original 1973 Blue Ridge Rangers album. A hybrid of old school country and rockabilly, Fogerty puts his stamp on classic material, including songs made famous by John Prine, Buck Owens, The Everly Brothers & Rick Nelson.

-Down The Line by Buddy Holly: A 2CD set of unreleased material marking the 50th (!) anniversary of Buddy Holly's tragic death. To say this collection is long overdue would be putting it mildly. Start to finish, Down The Line stands as 2009's most important archive release (just for including his legendary final Apartment tapes alone earns it this distinction).

-A Sideman's Journey by Klaus Voorman: Thus far only released in Germany, A Sideman's Journey marks the first solo album by this legendary ex-Manfred Mann bassist/solo Beatles session musician. Guest artists include Yusuf Islam, Bonnie Bramlett, Dr. John and (on the same track) Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr!

-Roadsinger by Yusuf Islam: Mr. former Cat Stevens released a very strong follow up to 2006's wonderful "An Other Cup" CD. This new record is even more "Cat-like," while the man's vocal and melodic abilities remain as strong as ever.

-Middle Cyclone by Neko Case: Anyone who tackles a Harry Nilsson song from Pussy Cats gets my vote, plus Neko is one of the finest vocalists out there today. Best of all, she continues to blossom into one fine songwriter.

*Currently listening to: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen (1982)

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