2009 Half Way Report

Here is a list of 2009 album releases which I have very much enjoyed so far this year. They are in alphabetical order per how they appear on my crappy Zune. So far, I think I that the Justin Townes Earle album Midnight at the Movies is my favorite, but we still have a lot of good music to get through before the end of the year.

• Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light in the West.mp3
  Buy: The Last Pale Light In The West
  
• Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
• Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Beware!
• Doug Paisley - S/T
• Eilen Jewel - Sea of Tears.mp3
  Buy: Sea of Tears
  
• Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels
• Ha Ha Tonka - Novel Sounds from the Nouveau South
• Hayden - Never Lonely.mp3
  Buy (Maple Music): The Place Where We Lived
  
• Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - S/T
• Joel Plaskett - Three
• John Doe and The Sadies - Country Club
• Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies
• Leeroy Stagger - Everything is Real
• Mark Olson and Gary Louris - Ready for the Flood
• Phosphorescent - To Willie
• Steve Earle - Townes
• Tim Easton - Porcupine
• William Elliott Whitmore - Hell or High Water.mp3
  Buy: Animals In The Dark
  

I'm looking forward to these albums that were just released, or are to be released later this year.

• Charlie Robison - Beautiful Day (June 23)
• Drive-By Truckers - The Fine Print: Oddities and Rarities (Sept. 1)
• Levon Helm - Electric Dirt (June 30)
• Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine (July 21)
• Patterson Hood - Murdering Oscar (June 23)
• Richmond Fontaine - We Used to Think the River Sounded Like a Freeway (Aug. 17)
• Son Volt - American Central Dust (July 7)
• Wilco - Wilco (The Album) (July 7)

What have I missed?

Hillside

I will be in the thriving metropolis of Geulph, Ontario, this weekend to get in touch with my inner hippie while attending the Hillside Festival. Hillside is a festival of music and community, featuring Canadian and international artists, up-and-coming artists, and local talent. There are also activities for children and families, aboriginal arts, workshops, and craft vendors. The festival takes environmentalism so seriously that you have to bring your own bottle if you want water, you have to purchase a souvenir mug if you want beer, and all of the food is served on dishes that are washed and reused.

The musical lineup looks amazing. Here are some tracks from a few of the many artists that I am looking forward to seeing.

Joseph Arthur: Honey And The Moon.mp3
Buy: Redemption's Son (2002)

Broken Social Scene: Stars and Sons.mp3
Buy: You Forgot It In People (2003)

Hayden: Message from London.wma
Buy: Folk Music for the End of the World (2007)

Kelly Joe Phelps: Beggar's Oil.wma
Buy: Sky Like a Broken Clock (2001)

The Sadies: Anna Leigh.mp3
Buy: New Seasons (2007)