2009 Reckoning: Music

Here are my favorite records of 2009.

1. Wilco (the album)
Wilco makes another, comfortable masterpiece. The album gets better with every listen. Summer

2. The Decemberists The Hazards of Love
A full bodied, indie-rock opera. . . Summer

3. Mark Olson and Gary Louris Ready for the Flood
Everything you love about the Jayhawks, but sparse, as if to remind you why they were important in the first place. Summer

4. Justin Townes Earle Midnight at the Movies
A warm record for autumn evenings by the fire. . . Autumn

5. Phish Joy
Phish return, healthy and happy, after a much needed rest. Autumn

6. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band Outer South
Conor Oberst keeps crafting new music. I keep listening. Summer

7. Son Volt American Central Dust
A surprisingly quiet record. . . but the rock n roll and pedal steel are worth the patience. Summer

8. Neil Young Fork in the Road
Neil Young has become my favorite liberal commentator. . . and he continues to be one of our finest electric guitarists. Summer

9. Monsters of Folk
These gentlemen sound like they enjoy each other's company. . . and I keep getting Conor Oberst records. Autumn

10. Assembly of Dust Some Assembly Required
There are a few vintage Reid Genauer songs here. Essential listening for those who appreciate Strangefolk. Autumn

The Wild Hunt

The Wild Hunt

amidst a night of merriment
I stepped outside to breathe the autumn air
I heard the dogs bark in the woods
riders on the oldest, darkest trail

the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land

On any cold November night
through Yuletide when the ground is brown and bare
the raging host runs through the wood
with dogs, and knights, and horsemen on his trail

the wild hunt
I felt the shiver
the wild hunt
I raised my glass
the wild hunt
I sought shelter
the wild hunt running through the land

she walked the land all on her own
through sun and moon and stars and cloudy skies
but when the snow covered the land
she knew the host could finally call her home

the wild hunt
she was present
the wild hunt
she felt relief
the wild hunt
she found shelter

the wild hunt running through the land

November 2008/2009
Ricketts Glen State Park
Loyalsock State Forest
Pennsylvania

Frosty Valley

Frosty Valley

I’ve got a guitar, but I don’t know how to play.
I’ve got all the words, but no melody.
Yea, I’m out of tune,
So out of tune

I’m working in a box and I watch what I say.
I need a window and some privacy.
Yea, I need space,
Just a little space.

So I’m getting out of bed and I’m going back to work.
I’ve got a drive, up through the valley.

I hear strings,
I sing along.


November 2009