Josh Hofer's 2009 Top Ten

  1. 1.
    Daisy Brand New - Daisy

    This album took some time for me to get into... I remember first hitting play and wondering if I had the right CD after hearing that woman singing. But after I played it a few times, it REALLY started to grow on me. It now is without a doubt my number one album this year. I love it.

  2. 2.
    Cycles Cartel - Cycles

    I have been friends with these dudes pretty much since the very beginning. They are great guys who keep writing really solid songs. This album to me, means a lot. It was one of those that come around just at the right time, that help you through some crap you're dealing with. This really is an amazing album, I love every single song. If you're into straight pop-rock/punk greatness, you need to pick up this CD and see these guys live.

  3. 3.
    The Great Misdirect Between The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect

    I mean, come on it's BTBAM! Amazing musicians and great guys. This album is epic! With only six tracks, but coming in a few minutes short of an hour, it will not disappoint. Some of the timing in these songs will knock you on your ass and I love how they have gone way into the progressive metal scene while still being able to get down hard and heavy. I love the NC scene.

  4. 4.
    You Can't Take It With You As Tall As Lions - You Can't Take It With You

    Really, not a lot to say other than this album is some of the sexiest music to be heard in 2009.

  5. 5.
    The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion

    Another great band, another great record.

  6. 6.
    Run It Up the Flagpole Farewell - Run It Up the Flagpole

    Another home state band! I have been best friends with these guys since their very first show... been around for all the changes and overalls they went through. Now, I think they have really found their sound with this record. People have started to compare them to Green Day - while I do hear that influence, it's not enough to drown out their own flavor/style.

  7. 7.
    Constellations August Burns Red - Constellations

    Got introduced to this band via BTBAM when they took them on tour and have loved what they have done ever since. Great stuff. I recently saw them and posted pictures in our photos section... so check that out if you haven't already!

  8. 8.
    Beggars Thrice - Beggars

    I don't think this record gets enough attention... people seem to HATE it or LOVE it - I am on the side that loves it, no doubt.

  9. 9.
    This Will Be the Death of Us Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us

    I love this band. I love their lyrics and their overall message(es) in their songs. There isn't anything to hate about what they do, so much energy it's awesome.

  10. 10.
    Brand New Eyes Paramore - Brand New Eyes

    Another album that took A LOT of time to grow on me, many many maaaaaaaany listens before I started to get into it. However, now that I am loving what I hear, I haven't been able to stray very far away before needed to have another sing-a-long.

Honorable Mentions

The Inevitable and I HRVRD - The Inevitable and I

ANOTHER home state band, man-oh-man do we pump out some GREAT music from NC. Great record. For fans of Glassjaw, Circa Survive, and Thrice.

Battle Studies John Mayer - Battle Studies

I love John Mayer and ever musical project he does. I have a man crush on him, it's cool.

Last Updated: 12/21/2009 11:27PM