Top two! Our Ten Best Albums of 2009
continues. Yes, it's almost time to unveil the best albums of 2010, but we're still plowing ahead with the '09s. (Too soon to use the word "plowing," considering we're approaching seven feet of snow this winter here in Baltimore? Probably. I apologize.) In case you missed them, here
are Nos. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3.
Last March, during the Spring Break of my senior year of college, I took a cross country road trip. I went by myself, driving 3,500 miles in an eight-day span, visiting friends and family along the southeastern portion of the great U.S. of A. The majority of the 50+ hours of driving was spent in cruise control, windows rolled down, with the music blaring. Without question it was the greatest vacation of my life -- solitude, open countryside, wonderful friends, and this opening song to start each day's worth of driving:
I can't think of anything more perfect. Maybe it's the train track beat. Maybe it's the raw power of Neko Case's voice. Whatever it is, it's perfect. And the rest of Middle Cyclone is just as perfect. It's a bit of Americana, and it matches up with the countryside I was exploring. Some true country music for people who don't like the stuff played on country music radio. It's catchy and thoughtful and full of energy. And Case's voice is awesome. It's a trumpet, truly an instrument unto itself.
Look, I'm clearly having a hard time separating my personal experiences from this album. I am my father's son -- female singer-songwriters will always fundamentally be most compelling to me. Especially red-haired angels carrying swords perched atop muscle cars. Especially when I've got 50+ hours and 3,500 miles to myself.
Second Best Album of 2009: Neko Case, Middle Cyclone
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