A Dave New World: Orpheus 5

Every year we see them, “The Year in Review,” who charted, who should have, must have albums and who had the best grossing concert, those non-stop end of the year lists…Well here at ADNW we are no different, okay we are different but that’s a whole other post. Below is a collection of favorites (based on most listened to) for 2009 in the world according to Orpheus. Our goal is simple -- to expand your listening enjoyment!

OoIO’s Top 9 of Aught 9:

9. Tantric – Strong return with a new line up and back to back years with Album releases, Hugo Ferriera the sole original member takes us back to 2001’s hit Breakdown with the band’s 4^th studio album, Mind Control, and a post grunge rock sound that will get your air guitar back out. If you still enjoy the alternative rock sound of the late 90’s you should check out these Louisville natives.

Songs: What Are You Waiting For/Fall To The Ground/The Past Is The Past

www.myspace.com/tantric

8. Heartless Bastards – Currently on the road in support of Wolfmother (see #3 below). This Austin, TX via Ohio based hard driven blues rock band lead by front-woman, Erika Wennerstrom, rocks you back each show from start to finish. Their 3^rd album, The Mountain, takes you on this same ride and with the distinctive gnarled voice; Erika and team do it with style.

Songs: Out To Sea/The Mountain/Hold Your Head High/Nothing Seems The Same

www.theheartlessbastards.com/

7. Bishop Allen – With a strong indie rock and folk influence, this Brooklyn, NY based duo and collaboration band released their 3^rd full length album this year in the same fashion they left off with on 2007’s, The Broken String. Taking their name from a street they lived on, Bishop Allen Drive, near Harvard University and supporting a heavy touring schedule, try not to miss these guys in a city near you.

Song: The Ancient Commonsense of Things/Rooftop Brawl/Dimmer/Oklahoma

www.bishopallen.com/

6. Cross Canadian Ragweed – Out of Oklahoma, this Alternative Country Red Dirt Band took its name by combining the names of three of its band members, Grady Cross, Cody Canada, and Randy Ragsdale. Switching back and forth between classic southern rock licks and country style lyrics CCR’s tenth album, Happiness and All Other Things, was released in August of 2009 to coincide with their 15^th Anniversary.

Songs: 51 Pieces/Burn Like The Sun/Tomorrow/To Find My Love/Kick In The Head

www.crosscanadianragweed.com/

5. Jookabox – Lead by Indianapolis, IN native David “Moose” Adamson once know as Grampall Jookabox, and now a 4 piece ensemble including two former members of the Indy scenes psych-pop, Everthus the Deadbeats. The madness that is, fills this paranormal tribute to rising up against the dead in which you’ll find even zombies can learn to love.

Songs: You Cried Me/Phantom Don’t Go/Don’t Go Phantom/East Side Bangs…

www.myspace.com/jookabox

4. The Damned - This bands 10^th album and first since the beginning of the decade was worth the wait. Dave Vanian’s haunted crooner vocals and Captain Sensible’s delicious guitar once again proved a place for this British punk band around since 1976. In its most current version, The Damned continues to impress.

Songs: Danger To Yourself/Perfect Sunday/Little Miss Disaster/Since I Met You

www.officaldamned.com/

3. Wolfmother – After a couple year hiatus this Australian band led by front man Andrew Stockdale is back and as good as ever. Having taken the title of the new album from a yoga pose, the music between its covers is nothing less than the masterfulness of their debut album. Aside from their critic’s comparison to the hard rock bands of old, their unique blend of psychebloozangstapunk keeps you coming “back around.”

Songs: Eyes Open/Far Away/White Feather/Cosmonaught/Back Round

www.wolfmother.com/

2. The Thermals – On their 4^th album this indie trio from Portland, OR, refined their indie-punk sound and the result was a must listen over and over and over again. Started in 2002 by Hutch Harris and Kathy Foster, they’ve outdone themselves with some of their smartest and catchiest songs yet, and for those of you familiar with their previous work, they already rocked!

Songs: Now We Can See/We Were Sick/I Called Out Your Name/At the Bottom of the Sea

www.thethermals.com/

1. Lovehammers – Lead by Marty Casey, best known as runner up on the 2005 reality TV show Rockstar: INXS; but don’t hold that against him. These guys are boyhood friends from Chicago, IL. Once known as Swinging Lovehammers and Marty Casey & Lovehammers, their blend of Alt-Rock-Pop catches you quick and leaves you wanting more. Check out their new album “Heavy Crown” and you’re soon to be a Hammerhead too.

Songs: Oh My Baby/That’s Life/Guns/Neverfall/Your Time, My Time

www.lovehammers.com/