2009: January Wrap-up/February Preview

January Wrap-up

In January the indie section of the music world and much of the blogosphere was set abuzz reflecting on Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion. Some prematurely hailed it as the “record of the year” while other couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. We here at Tone Marrow Reviews loved it and it was our Record of the Month–though sadly, it was definitely overhyped and as a result is experiencing some negative blowback. In general, it seems that those folks who loved AC’s previous stuff saw MPP as a great record, while those less familiar with the older work didn’t really understand the hype. Does that mean it didn’t earn AC any new fans? Maybe–but I think in time, it will–it’s the most accessible thing they’ve ever done and when people consider giving them a try, that’s probably where they’ll start.

There were some other great records released in January as well. PPP released an insanely fun record called Abundance which effortlessly glides through all the colors of the R&B rainbow in serious style. Andrew Bird put out a really wonderful, laid-back affair with Noble Beast. There was also a pretty mellow full-length debut by Cotton Jones, a creative jazz release by Joshua Redman, a middling EP from Bon Iver, and a thoroughly disappointing effort from Bruce Springsteen. 2009 is off to an interesting start!

February Preview

It looks like February is when 2009 will really start to take off. There are lots of noteworthy releases coming out this month and we’re sad that we can’t cover them all. Things start with a bang on the first week with debuts from WAVVES, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele. Heartless Bastards, pianist Marco Benevento, and everyone’s jazz cover trio of choice, The Bad Plus are also releasing records during the first week. [UPDATE: The WAVVES record will be released on 3/17 by Fat Possum.]

Later in the month, The Black Keys’ frontman, Dan Auerbach, has a great solo debut called Keep It Hid. There will also be releases by UK pop bad girl, Lily Allen, Southeast Engine, and freak folkers, Vetiver. Also, keep a look out for the sensational hip-hop record by N.A.S.A. which features Tom Waits rapping–and yes, it is amazing. You’ll also be able to scratch that rock’n'roll itch with a new release from Black Lips called 200 Million Thousand. However, the most anticipated record of February around Tone Marrow is M.Ward’s Hold Time. In case you didn’t know, that record is streaming at NPR and it’s wonderful.

Check back throughout the month for coverage on many of the above albums and more.