I usually let my great writers handle the writing on the blog while I just sit back and bring in content, but they all felt like I should be a bigger part of the blog especially when it comes to lists like these, so I decided that they were right and began my first blog post on L.A.M.B.
Now after hours upon hours of listening, and then a few more hours of listening again, I finally narrowed my list down to my Top 15 of 2009. I tried my hardest to stay with Top 10 but there were too many albums that stuck out in my mind. Some I knew would be on my list from the first listen and others grew on me. Then there were the few that came out of left field and made me feel like if they didn’t get a spot I would have nightmares for weeks to come about my lack of commitment to good music. So here it is, my top 15 albums of 2009, and here’s to more posts coming from me and the LA Music Blog team in 2010!
#15. MR. GNOME – HEAVE YER SKELETON
At first, you might think you’re listening to a full band, but once you realize this is a duo you will be blown away by the amount of sound that they can produce! I look forward to seeing where this band goes in the future and hearing other music from them. If you haven’t already, check out our interview with Nicole from the band.
Between his Love Speaks organization (a forum for non-profits and community groups to get the word out about their causes) and his work with the Mosaic Project, it’s been obvious for a while that Brett Dennen is an artist who likes to give back, but now he’s asking fans to do a little giving of their own. The California-based singer-songwriter has announced that he’ll be holding a White Elephant gift exchange during his show this Saturday at the WIltern, and not only are fans encouraged to bring a gift to swap with their fellow music lovers, but they also have a chance to win a present from Dennen himself. All they have to do is head over to his Facebook page and tag themselves in a photo for a chance to win the DVDs, Slinky Juniors, shower loofahs, and adorable puppy calendars he’ll be giving away at the show. Keep in mind that even if you don’t win Dennen’s snowmen dishtowels, you can be sure that he’ll be sending you home with the gift of a great night of music
A week after Thanksgiving and I’ve already heard my quota of traditional holiday songs thanks to pretty much every retail outlet I’ve set foot in. Lucky for me, the good people at Vanguard Records are offering music fans a FREE holiday sampler featuring a host of talented artists, including:
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers
Brandi Carlile
Joshua Radin
Josh Ritter
Needtobreathe
Greg Laswell
Meiko
Brett Dennen
Noise Addict
Dar Williams
Dawn Landes
Erin McKeown
Joe Purdy
Katie Herzig
Serena Ryder
The Watson Twins
Just click HERE to download 13 holiday songs that will no doubt be a welcome change from those you’ll be subjected to repeatedly over the next few weeks. I just might use this album to create my own soundtrack to holiday shopping next time I decide to battle the crowds. Gotta love the portability of iPods.
Brett Dennen w/ Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Robert Francis
Dec. 12, 2009
Doors at 7:00 PM
All Reserved Seating
$23.50
For more info click HERE
The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 388-1400
