The best part of what I do is all the music I get to listen to; the worst part is all the music I have to listen to.  And yes, there were plentiful letdowns this year.   Sure, you have your Phoenix, your Jay-Z, your Yeah Yeah Yeahs, your Gaga– all huge artists whose work was really really solid.  But they, and a few more, were largely in the minority in ‘09.

Besides all the boring,  trend-chasing releases, there were moments of triumph and originality.  These projects, perhaps niche or weird, do show that smarts and musicianship can still prove successful.  These artists lacked MTV airplay, features in Rolling Stone, and major radio support, but  the actual music, unlike this year’s trite hits, will likely age well in the coming years.

As I sink deeper in age (and curmudgeonism), I find myself sucker-punched by music with one commonality: Soul.  Heartfelt songs that get you in the gut can’t be denied.  Here are solid releases that, for one reason or for many, struck me hard in ‘09.   …MORE