All my bitchin and complaining about the music in 2008 must have fallen heavily on the ears of the music gods that be, because 2009 is starting to look like it has some real potential.

Here are a few of the 2009 releases that warrant some attention:

• Dark Was The Night Feb 16th (worldwide) 17th (North America):

I’m not often one for compilations, being a fan of complete albums, but the collection of artists on this release is nothing short of stellar. I remember when the Red Hot compilations began some years ago, 20 to be specific, but wasn’t aware that they were still trudging forward. For those not aware the profits of the recording go to the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and Aids.

Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National produced the album, with John Carlin of the Red Hot Organization serving as executive producer. The recording consists of 32 exclusive tracks from an impressive collection of artists which include, Spoon, Andrew Bird, Beach House, Bon Iver, My Morning Jacket, Cat Power, Feist, Blonde Redhead, The National, just to name a few. The compilation is being released on the always impressive 4AD label.

MP3> Grizzly Bear ‘Deep Blue Sea‘ (Link removed)

• M Ward Hold Time Feb 17th

Fresh on the heels of the success of the She & Him project’s Volume One, the low-fi craftsman M. Ward is quick with his 5th full length recording Hold Time. That’s right. For those of you who didn’t know, M. Ward (Him) has been producing elegant and rustic tunes long before the She (Zooey Deschanel) was in the picture. On this 5th installment, Ward engages the talent of notables Lucinda Williams, Deschanel (She), members of The Decemberist, Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle, and Devotchka’s Tom Hagerman. Talent that can only add to the appeal of his songwriting talent, which seems endless.

MP3> M. Ward ‘To Save Me’

• The Decemberists Hazards of Love March 24th

I got on board with The Decemberists, a little bit late. It wasn’t until I caught the last few songs of their 2007 ACL Festival performance, that I came to the realization that I should be paying more attention to

this band. Since then, the band’s debut release on Capitol Records, The Crane Wife has spent many an hour being played around these parts, much to the delight of myself.

Word is that the upcoming release is somewhat of a rock opera, with original plans to stage the album as a play failing to see fruition. Might be a good thing. Let’s keep it rock and roll guys. Instead, there is talk that the band might perform the album from front to back during future shows. Much like The Crane Wife, one can expect that the upcoming release will be full of character driven stories set in an unfamiliar time and place, weaving imagery wrought in musical fantasy.

MP3> The Decemberists ‘The Rake’s Song’

• • Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavillion Jan 20th

I don’t know anything about this band, other than I heard a song a couple of days ago, and I liked it. Well, that and they released an album titled Strawberry Jam. That’s about it.

Now, I have read a few comments on this new offering from Animal Collective, and am curious as to if anyone out there has any words for me about these guys.

MP3> Animal Collective ‘In The Flowers’

It’s gonna be a good year.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at 11:06 am and is filed under mp3's, recommended, Releases.