Aaron Yarborough's 2009 Top Ten
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1.
P.O.S. - Never Better
P.O.S. has put out an album that stayed in my cd player for most of the year. The lyrics are real, and the message continuously hit home with how I was feeling and what I've been going through. It still rings true and when the words and the music just seem to strike a chord is when I feel I am truly able to appreciate an album. This is an amazing punk/hiphop release that should cross-over all genres and really leave a mark as one of the best of 2009.
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2.
Evergreen Terrace - Almost Home
Always have had a soft spot for Evergreen Terrace but with this previous album it seemed as if they were still attempting to find their groove and really write that one album that puts them in their own league. They finally were able to accomplish this with Almost Home, the music is top notch, the clean vocals are superb, and well just altogether this album is by far their best record to date. One can only hope they notice they've found their prime spot and continue to tour and put out more records like this.
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3.
A Day To Remember - Homesick
When we first got the promo of this album in early January and threw up an early review it was already a leading contender for album of the year, here we are making lists and it's still holding steady in my top10. It seems as if bands have tried before to capture the whole hardcore/pop/punk thing but have fallen flat on their face. With the push/help from Victory Records ADTR really stood out in the genre and made their mark as one of the leading bands pushing this new sound forth. Their future is extremely bright after the success and praise this album has garnered.
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4.
Propagandhi - Supporting Caste
It's Propagandhi at their best with one of their best albums to date. Fast, in your face punk rock the way it should be. Supporting Caste really stood out as one of the best punk rock albums this year and its definitely the highest ranked punk on my list for good reason.
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5.
Rebelution - Bright Side of Life
Never being much a fan of reggae, Rebelution's Bright Side of Life came out at the right time for me. Looking for solid positive music with good vibes really gave the end of the Summer a very bright note for me. A lot of changes were taking place and this album always managed to pick me up and put my mindset into a much better spot everytime I felt down. It's rare for albums now-a-days to really uplift but this is one album that is worthy of all the praise and should definitely be experienced live. Get into them now because it won't be long before they're taking over.
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6.
As Cities Burn - Hell or High Water
As Cities Burn never cease to continue to grow as a band. This new album showed such maturity from their previous albums as they pushed further away from their screamo sound and more into a strong uplifting form of rock. Buried deep in this Christian roots this album spoke to me and really connected me with the band and their emotions. Hell or High Water seemed to flow from song to song and eventually made me a huge ACB fan. I'm glad they decided to end their hiatus and continued to make music because this album is solid.
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7.
Closure In Moscow - First Temple
Not often does a new band burst onto the scene and make such a slash as Closure In Moscow have this year. I wasn't much of a believer in their album until I caught them live a few times as they passed through San Luis Obispo and it immediately changed my impression. Their passion live was what really brought me back to revisit this album over and over and I'm glad I did, definitely one that should not be missed.
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8.
The Grouch & Eligh - Say G&E
There's usually a hip-hop album in my top10 every year so this year is no different. The Grouch & Eligh are from Living Legends but they got together for this duo album and really managed to put out one of the best underground hip-hop albums of the year. With special guest appearances from Gift of Gab, Pigeon John, Mister F.A.B. Check out "Old Souls" or "All In" and you'll be hooked just like I am.
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9.
Alexisonfire - Old Crows / Young Cardinals
After bursting onto the scene by signing with Equal Vision and putting out Watch Out! in 2004, Alexisonfire have only continued to grow and get better. Crisis hit in 2006 and was certified platinum in Canada making them one of Canada's bigger bands. Alexisonfire returned with Old Crows / Young Cardinals this year and changed up their sound going a little more punk rock with the lead vocals and while some were afraid of what might transpire after the title track surfaced they managed to create one heck of a record. "Born and Raised" is one of my favorite tracks and helped this album land in my top 10.
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10.
Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us
I think you either get Set Your Goals or you don't. Some people argue they're terrible, bad singing, good music, but nothing to write home about. After listening to this album for the better part of 2009, I do kind of agree the vocals could be better and that may be why they decided to enlist so many guest vocalists on the album but you can't deny that their songs are darn catchy. The musicianship has stepped up a ton since their first release and landing in the final spot on my list based solely on the amount of play I gave this album they're worthy of that spot.
