Isaac Kiehl's Day Off

Here are 5 of my personal picks for best albums thus far into 2009.  I know it’s only a little more than a half over, but who can deny some great music that the year has brought us so far???  Most these albums were released late 2008 as well, there were some great ones I never go to talk about.  Let’s take a trip into the great music of 2008 & 2009…

              http://www.myspace.com/yovee

Yovee released this “Praying for Fire” EP in late 2008.  It’s an amazing Indie/Acoustic EP that’s full of great Cali-feeling music that you could just drive and drive to.  I recommend “Praying For Fire” and “Sacramento” as highlights.  Brandon Parkhurst’s and Nell Blevins’ voices blend perfectly for songs that deserve more recognition than they’ve gotten so far.  Here’s hoping big things for Yovee the rest of 2009…

              http://www.anberlin.com

Oh how I love Anberlin.  This band has made some of my favorite records over the past few years.  It was interesting to see how they would follow up “Cities” but they did amazing in September of 2008 with “New Surrender”.  With just as much feeling as their previous records, they come out stronger and have finally hit mainstream radio play.  “Blame Me! Blame Me!” showcases the overall talent as well as the new addition of previous Acceptance (Top 10 records EVER) guitarist, Christian McAlhaney.  Download the iTunes version of this record for a great extra track “Heavier Things” that should have made the record, but didn’t.

              http://www.myspace.com/hitthelights

Who can forget our favorite music…2009 pop punk?  I couldn’t!  “Skip School, Start Fights” is a great release from Hit the Lights that plays pop/punk music at it’s best.  Nothing too crazy or technical with the music, just overall great music that I could sing along to and get hooked on. 

              http://www.myspace.com/copeland

I love me some slower indie piano music.  I’m sure I could have described better, but Copeland makes music that touches the heart, mind and soul through Aaron Marsh’s soothing voice and piano that really brings out the meaning behind Copeland music.  2008’s “You Are My Sunshine” sums up Copeland perfectly.  “Should You Return,” “The Grey Man,” “Chin Up,” “To Be Happy now” and “The Day I Lost My Voice” are mandatory listening.  This record’s got to be great because I haven’t recommended this many songs yet!  Check it out…

              http://www.myspace.com/anchorandbraille

This CD is still to be released in 2009 but it’s already my favorite.  No I haven’t heard any leaks, just the songs the band has put up on MySpace/Pure Volume.  Led by Anberlin’s singer Stephen Christian, this CD reminds me much of Copeland but Anchor and Braille holds their own.  This is definitely some “chill” music and you must listen to “Blurry” on the record because it’s currently not streaming on any A&B profile pages.  August 4, 2009 is the release so pre-order yours now!

                                                              Honorable Mentions

              http://www.myspace.com/austriandeathmachine

Who doesn’t love heavy metal music filled with Arnold Schwarzenneger movie quotes?  I don’t want to meet the person that doesn’t.  This is a legit metal album from 2008 with a sense of humor.  “Get to the Chopper” is an instant hit and a local rock station here in Phoenix, Arizona has really adopted this band.  Great to see live because Arnold himself makes plenty of appearances.  The Christmas EP is also good listening and lookout for another release this year!  It was a side project from As I Lay Dying singer Tim Lambesis and supposed to be a one time thing, but it’s taken off in certain markets that this could last for a few years.

              http://www.myspace.com/asherrothmusic

So I have taste for a little of everything, so here’s my hip-hop pick.  I saw Asher Roth this past November in Flagstaff, Arizona at a Gym Class Heroes show at NAU.  Never heard of him and while watching him I wasn’t sure what to think.  Forward to 2009 I start hearing “I Love College,” decide to buy “Asleep in the Bread Aisle” and am hooked.  Although Asher sings about his love for the green, he is legit and has some great rhymes.  The live show is good too, especially now that I know the songs.  He tours with a band and if you like any hip-hop is a good show to see.  Don’t count him out because his reign is just beginning.  Check out “His Dream” and “Fallin’” which showcases the feeling in Asher’s Music and fun listens are “Sour Patch Kids” and the club hit of 2009, “She Don’t Wanna Man.”