I'm not sure why my five favorite albums of 2009 are by artists whose last names begin with "M." I can only suspect that it has something to do with why those brainwashed kiddies were chanting, "Barack Obama--mmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm." Unlike those schoolchildren, though, only one of my favorite artists got a lot of play on YouTube. That's why I've included brief notes of introduction. There's not much in the way of political content, though—except for a song on that Tris McCall album which tells the sad story of a potentially good politician who can't work in the Democratic Party's machine. And I don't want to freak out everybody too much, but my sixth favorite album of 2009 starts with "N."

Don McGlashan & the Seven Sisters: Marvellous Year (Arch Hill)
The former New Zealand new-waver (Blam Blam Blam) also fronted a great rootsy rock band (The Mutton Birds) before launching a sporadic solo career that's kind of rootsy new-wave. It was a good year for his fans, since McGlashan also landed two great tunes on the sprawling 2-disc 7 Worlds Collide compilation.

Adam Marsland: Go West (Karma Frog)
As reviewed here, and you can already order his soon-to-be-very-scarce new album here.

Tris McCall: Let the Night Fall (Melody Lanes)
He spent the past decade chronicling NYC's post-9/11 musical scene, with Tris McCall as a perfectly timid Everyman trying to rock hard in the classic pop style while embracing hip-hop. This is his first album in ten years without a strong rap influence. That must mean something.

McGinty & White: ...Sing Selections from the McGinty & White Songbook (no label)
Two veteran NYC scenesters cuddle up together in a cold world where their lovely and whimsical pop tunes are out of fashion. Even the "Wichita Lineman" cover is interesting, though they probably flipped a coin over Jimmy Webb or Lee Hazlewood.

Mitchel Musso: Mitchel Musso (Walt Disney)
The first really great album from a Radio Disney act comes from a skinny big-nosed kid who looks like Zac Efron's comic relief. Musso also shows up with Ashley Tisdale on the Phineas and Ferb: Songs from the Hit Disney TV Series soundtrack. That would've made the list if so many of the songs weren't from 2008. Also, I'm also still upset about Ashley getting her nose done.

 

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