Special Correspondent Mike Daly's Top 5 Albums Of 2009

1) Propagandhi – Supporting Caste (Smallman)

My only Canadian band on the list comes in as my number 1 record of the year. Not to be mistaken with the super-fast punk stylings of Propagandhi circa 1996, these guys have kind of become a metal band.  Although some die hard fans don’t understand the “new” version of this band, all you have to do is see Propagandhi live just once and you will understand why these guys are one of my favourite bands of all time.  This record was a great follow up to their 2005 release Potemkin City Limits and they sing about everything from hockey to cannibalism.

Check out the interview I did with Jord from Propagandhi here

(Favourite tracks on the record – Night Letters, Dear Coach’s Corner, Potemkin City Limits)



2) Strike Anywhere – Iron Front (Bridge 9)

Upon their departure from Fat Wreck Chords, I was curious to see the direction the band would take joining a predominantly “Hardcore” label like Bridge 9 Records.  To say I was more than impressed with their fourth full length would be an understatement.  Their melodic tendencies mixed with their activist-minded approach to punk rock shines on this record.

(Favourite tracks on the record – I’m Your Opposite Number, Hand of Glory, Spectacular)

3) American Steel – Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (Fat Wreck)

Long gone are the three chord tendencies and the society changing lyrics that have been associated with this band since their inception in 1995.  This West Oakland band realized that life is not always meant to be serious, and once in a while “you only need a song to dance to, you only need a chorus to sing along to” – Emergency House Party
A band that is known as being a major player in the punk/folk genre, these guys have settled down and found their own sound.  This album is a great record to take a nice long drive to and clear your mind.
(Favourite tracks on the record – Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts, Emergency House Party, Your Ass Aint Laughing Now)

4) The Lawrence Arms – Buttsweat and Tears (Fat Wreck)

Although this is only an EP, this is the first release from these Chicago punks since Oh! Calcutta came out in 2006.  Right off the bat this EP reminds you why TLA are one of the “it” bands in the punk genre.  With their witty lyrics and punk influences they craft beautiful songs with heart and humour.  The thing that really sticks out for me with these guys is that they have never really changed their sound throughout their 6 full lengths and 2 ep’s.  If you’re looking for seriousness, this might not be the album for you, but come on you could probably tell from the albums title.

(Favourite tracks on the record – The Slowest Drink at the Saddest Bar on the Snowiest Day in the Greatest City, Spit Shining Sh*t)

 5) Thursday – Common Existence (Epitaph)

Thursday is back…enough said.  For a band to have changed their sound so often, but still managed to stay the same (if that makes any sense) they have created a multi layered masterpiece in Common Existence with a little help of course from producer Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT.)  This is really the first record in which vocalist Geoff Rickley relies more on singing than screaming.  With the addition of a keyboard player, Thursday breaks down the genre boundaries with this record.
(Favourite tracks on the record – As He Climbed the Dark Mountain, Last Call, Friends in the Armed Forces)

Honourable Mentions:
Old Canes – Feral Harmonic
NOFX – Cokie The Clown
John K. Samson – City Route 85
Chuck Ragan – Gold Country
Frank Turner – Poetry Of The Deed
Polar Bear Club – Chasing Hamburg
Sunny Day Real Estate – Diary and LP2 (reissues)
Get Up Kids – Something To Write Home About (10th Anniversary reissue)

I want to give a very special thanks to Alan Cross and the entire Explore Music staff for giving me such great opportunities in 2009.  Happy Holidays to everyone and here’s to hoping music will still be great in 2010.

Thanks,
Mike Daly