Forgive my recent posting hiatus – I’ve been busy in real life.
On the bright side, Pianos is going into the studio next weekend to record a song for a split 9″ we’re releasing with The Saddest Landscape. I’m pretty excited to be recording again and the ideas we’re throwing around for the packaging should turn out pretty awesome.
While I’m on the subject of Pianos, here’s Mike York’s top-ten albums of 2009 list that I should have posted a long time ago…
“So this is super late. Whatever here it is.
My best of 2009.”
- Mike York
Touch Amore – …To The Beat Of A Dead Horse
Some of the most powerful hardcore I have heard in a long time. Being a recording nerd, I love how it was recorded as well. I read that the vocals were recorded by using two microphones: one at Jeremy’s mouth, and the other about 5 foot away that mostly picked up the room. The room mic was what was used mainly in the mix. Such a good idea. You get all the lyrics so clear, yet articulate enough to find their own place in the mix. This album blew me away from the first listen, both in recording technique and songwriting.
Download Touche Amore – To The Beat of a Dead Horse
Ruiner – Hell Is Empty
While at first I missed the fast paced Ruiner that was from Prepare To Be Letdown, the more I listened to Hell Is Empty the more I loved the slower/mid paced depressing sound they have for this record. Everything is really bleak and hopeless. I love depressing hardcore, and this album hit the nail on the head for me. Plus, I love all the dudes in that band and they have been a big influence in my own writing.
Download Ruiner – Hell is Empty
Bon Iver – Blood Bank
I can’t describe the feeling I get when I listen to this album. Just really sad, moving folkish music. When I read that he held himself up in a cabin to write his music, it shows. Incredibly lonely, beautiful music.
Download Bon Iver – Blood Bank
Make Do and Mend – Bodies Of Water
Just a really good rock band. Very personal. I remember finding them a few years back and thinking they were really awesome just before they released this album. Glad to see they are still making awesome music.
Download Make Do and Mend – Bodies of Water
Converge – Axe To Fall
Heavy as shit and it just gets weirder as the album progresses. This band can do no wrong.
Download Converge – Axe to Fall
Tags: best of 2009, pianos
