Or, at least in my mind. I’m a huge music fan. I love playing, I love singing. I love finding/listening to new music. So, when I look back at my play counts from the past year, here’s what I’ve been digging. (These are in no particular order, just how they came to mind.)

Manchester Orchestra “You Mean Everything to Nothing” – This is a great new find for me this year. They are a Atlanta based band that I found out about on twitter. Great song hooks, catchy lyrics, and some great guitar driven songs that you just turn up while listening too.

The Dead Weather “Horehound” – It’s another band by Jack White…need I say more? Seriously, just buy it. Check out songs “Hang You From the Heavens” and “Treat Me Like Your Mother”. Great songs.

Derek Webb “Stockholm Syndrome” – If I were to name one album that was my favorite for the year, it would be this one. It says so many things that I would love to say in song, but also challenges me at the same time. Plus, it’s awesome to hear Derek reach out into the world of Electronic Music for an album. The concert he put on for this album was also a lot of fun.

As Cities Burn “Hell or High Water” – My friend Jason handed this CD to me one night on the way out of Saturate. He said, “Hey, I think you’ll like this”. He couldn’t have been more right. A nice blend of Alternative Rock with Blues guitar licks. Check out the song “Made to Pretty”. That will get you thinking.

Band of Skulls “baby darling doll face honey” – Listen to this album from start to finish and you will not be disappointed. All of the songs are worth listening too. A three piece band that knows how to bring the rock, and write some sweet tunes too. To get a good sampling check out “Light of the Morning”, “Death by Diamond and Pearls”, and “Patterns”.

Other music close to the top:

• Paul Baloche – “Glorious”
• Phil Wickham – “Heaven and Earth”
• Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse – “Dark Night of the Soul”
• Pomplamoose – “Pomplamoose Video Songs”
• Owl City – “Ocean Eyes”

Well, there’s my version of a recap for 2009. I hope that at least one of these albums finds there way into your music library. I’m sure glad they found their way into mine!

Happy listening!

-A