Anni Rossi

I’m not a serious music critic and probably never will be. I think with my heart, so here’s what my heart liked this year:

1. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast

I once heard Andrew Bird mention how, for him, music is just another language to communicate in.  The notion is ever so present on Noble Beast; Bird successfully blends the music and the words together in a magical way, combines them to make your body and brain dive in complex sensations.  Noble Beast makes me want to live in Andrew Bird’s brain, among the giant rodents and whistled G chords.  Another masterpiece by Mr. Bird, nothing less.

2. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

I spent so much time trying to find the right words to describe Middle Cyclone. All that comes to mind is “Wow”. Neko Case’s latest solo effort is every bit as passionate and brilliant as the critically acclaimed Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and does not disappoint. It’s a more layered album that carries you through a vast range of emotions, from the sweetness of the title track to the exhilarating feel of “This Tornado Loves You”.

3. St. Vincent – Actor

Annie Clark’s movie-like second LP is grandiose.  Grandiose in the proper, literal meaning of the word, of course.  If sometimes a bit over the top, Actor is an impressive collection of songs. The dramatic trumpets, the voice layering and the ever so violent guitars leaves you breathless with images of Victorian drama filled with blood, prince charmings and dark eyed nemeses.

4. Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career

“No need to convince me that you’re a catch, I bought my ticket I’m sold at last” Obviously. My Maudlin Career is Camera Obscura at their best and Tracyanne Campbell’s lyrics at their wittiest. The arrangements on the album take their vintage pop to another level with the syrupy trumpets of “Honey in the Sun” and vividness of “French Navy”. What more can I say, this album makes me feel all fuzzy inside. (In the best way possible)

5. Language-Arts – Where were you in the wild?

They (“they” being the team of experts in my head) say that every year you should have one of those definite “wow” moments. Language-Arts were my “wow” moment of Oh-Nine. Every track sounds new and exciting. It was like a breath of fresh air in a gloomy month of October. The vocals are quirky and the music reminds of old Why? albums and Dylan at the same time. It’s stunning. The album was self-released by the Vancouver band and is their first full length. I can’t wait to hear more.

6. M Ward – Hold Time

In addition to Monsters of Folk’s wonderful first album, M Ward found some time to treat us to some of his blissful/gloomy guitar folk. With collaborations with Jason Lytle, Lucinda Williams and the “she” of She and Him Zooey Deschanel, Hold Time made me sway with a cheesy grin on my face. With songs like “Shangri-la” and “For Beginners” taking you back to 2006’s critic favourite Post-War and fully showcasing Ward’s deep vocals, Hold Time never gets old.

7. Anni Rossi – Rockwell

When the man who discovered Scout Niblett sends another of his protégé into the music world, you have to open your ears and take in the sounds. I saw Anni Rossi open for Camera Obscura and Noah and the Whale earlier this year and I was blown away.  Most of the songs on this album consist of voice and viola and the simplicity of it all gets you all hooked up (cue Broken Social Scene). Oh, and she covers Ace of Base’s “Living in Danger”. She’s quickly been labelled as the “next Regina”, but don’t let the people fool you, Anni Rossi is considerably different from everyone’s favourite Russian girl. See her Handheld Shows sessions here and here.

8. Iron and Wine – Around The Well (B-Sides and Rarities)

Sam Beam found his way to the very center of my heart this fall (so did Sarah Harmer but that’s another story and I couldn’t find a good enough reason to put her in my top something of 2009, everything seemed too far-fetched). This two disc collection of b-sides and rarities is perfect, if only for “Communion Cups and Someone’s Coat”.  It suits the hard-core Sam Beam fan and the Iron and Wine newbie.

9. Amy Millan – Masters of The Burial

Beautiful covers, simple melodies and great lyrics. What more can you ask for, really? Mandolin. But that’s also on there. “Ghosts weren’t meant for bleeding”; your honor, I rest my case.

10. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns

Technically this is allowed, right? The RAA’s formerly self-released debut album was re-released on Omaha, Nebraska label Saddle Creek and I’ll admit it, I was a bit late on the RAA ship. I blame it on teenage drinking and my reluctance toward everything Albertan. I don’t think I need to say how great and refreshing The RAA are, but I’ll mention it for good measure, The Rural Alberta Advantage are the next big thing.

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Honorable mentions go to Jenn Grant for Echoes, Arts and Crafts newcomers Still Life Still with Girls Come Too (yes I really did like the album, and not only for the clever title), Dirty Projectors, Ohbijou with the beautiful Beacons and the always wonderful Julie Doiron with I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day. There was also a great number of fantastic francophone albums this year, but that’s the subject of another post (hint hint). Be sure to watch out for The Luyas’ new album, due out some time in early 2010. Alright, bye bye 00’, hello 10’. I’m ready. (Someone please wake Fiona Apple up, I’ve been wishing for a new album since 2006, I’m about to move on with my life now.)

Zut Alors, 2009
Christine