Rhapsody Streamnotes: Year 2009 Index

December 6

  1. Muhal Richard Abrams: Afrisong (1975 [2009], Why Not) A-
  2. Air: Air Song (1975 [2009], Why Not) B+(***)
  3. The Antlers: Hospice (2007-08 [2009], Frenchkiss) B+(**)
  4. Louis Armstrong: Fleischmann's Yeast Show & Louis' Home-Recorded Tapes (1937-70 [2009], Jazz Heritage Society, 2CD) B+(***)
  5. The Avett Brothers: I and Love and You (2009, American) B
  6. Devendra Banhart: What Will We Be (2009, Warner Brothers) B
  7. Basement Jaxx: Scars (2009, Ultra) B+(*)
  8. Jeb Bishop/Harris Eisenstadt/Jason Roebke: Tiebreaker (2008, Not Two) B+(**)
  9. Joe Bonner: Triangle (1975 [2009], Why Not) B+(***)
  10. Rob Brown: Live at Firehouse 12 (2008 [2009], Not Two) B+(**)
  11. David Byrne/Brian Eno: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today (2006-08 [2008], Todomundo) B-
  12. George Cables: Why Not? (1975 [2009], Why Not) B+(***)
  13. Freddy Cannon: Boom Boom Rock 'n' Roll: The Best of Freddy Cannon (1959-81 [2009], Shout! Factory) B+(**)
  14. Ray Charles: The Genius Hits the Road (1956-72 [2009], Concord) B+(*)
  15. Bing Crosby: Bing With a Beat (1957 [2004], Bluebird) A-
  16. Bing Crosby/Rosemary Clooney: Fancy Meeting You Here (1958-59 [2001], Bluebird) B+(**)
  17. Bing Crosby/Louis Armstrong: Bing & Satchmo (1960 [2009], Capitol) B+(**)
  18. Ted Curson: Blue Piccolo (1976 [2009], Why Not) B+(***)
  19. Walt Dickerson: Tell Us Only the Beautiful Things (1975 [2009], Why Not) B+(***)
  20. Dunkelbunt: Raindrops and Elephants (2009, Piranha) B+(**)
  21. Sister Fa: Sarabah: Tales From the Flipside of Paradise (2009, Piranha) B+(**)
  22. Joe Fonda/Michael Jefry Stevens: Memphis (2008 [2009], Playscape) B+(**)
  23. Joe Fonda/Michael Jefry Stevens: Trio (2006 [2007], Not Two) B+(**)
  24. Chico Freeman: Morning Prayer (1976 [2009], Why Not) B+(**)
  25. Girl Talk: Feed the Animals (2008, Illegal Art) A-
  26. Dennis González/Jnaana Septet: The Gift of Discernment (2008, Not Two) A-
  27. Jim Hobbs/Joe Morris/Luther Gray: The Story of Mankind (2008, Not Two) B+(**)
  28. Kinobe: Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa (2009, Rootstock) B+(**)
  29. Briggan Krauss: Red Sphere (2008, Skirl) B+(*)
  30. Patty Loveless: Mountain Soul II (2009, Saguaro Road) B
  31. Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live at the Cardiff Capitol Theater, Cardiff, Wales Nov 04 1975 [Authorized Bootleg] (1975 [2009], Geffen) B
  32. Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live at Winterland, San Francisco, Mar 07 1976 [Authorized Bootleg] (1976 [2009], Geffen) B+(**)
  33. Lynyrd Skynyrd: God & Guns (2009, Roadrunner) B
  34. Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar: Devla: Blown Away to Dancefloor Heaven (2009, Piranha) A-
  35. Mika: The Boy Who Knew Too Much (2009, Casablanca) A-
  36. Monsters of Folk: Monsters of Folk (2009, Shangri-La) B+(**)
  37. Michael Musillami: From Seeds (2009, Playscape) A-
  38. Pants Yell!: Received Pronunciation (2009, Slumberland, EP) B+(*)
  39. Jemina Pearl: Break It Up (2009, Ecstatic Peace/Universal Motown) B+(***)
  40. Oscar Peterson: This Is Oscar Peterson (1945-49 [2002], Bluebird, 2CD)) B+(**)
  41. Oscar Peterson: At the Stratford Shakesperean Festival (1956 [1993], Verve) B+(***)
  42. Oscar Peterson: At the Concertgebouw (1957 [1994], Verve) A-
  43. Oscar Peterson: With Respect to Nat (1965 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  44. Radio I-Ching: No Wave Au Go Go (2009, Resonant Music) A-
  45. Jay Reatard: Blood Visions (2005 [2006], Fat Possum) B+(**)
  46. Jay Reatard: Watch Me Fall (2009, Matador) B+(**)
  47. The Rempis Percussion Quartet: Hunter-Gatherers (2006 [2007], 482 Music, 2CD) B+(***)
  48. The Rempis Percussion Quartet: The Disappointment of Parsley (2008 [2009], Not Two) B+(***)
  49. Revolutionary Snake Ensemble: Forked Tongue (2008, Cuneiform) B+(***)
  50. Matthew Shipp: Cosmic Suite (2008 [2009], Not Two) B+(**)
  51. Frank Sinatra: Live at the Meadowlands (1986 [2009], Concord) B+(**)
  52. Chris Smither: Time Stands Still (2009, Signature Sounds) B+(***)
  53. George Strait: Twang (2009, MCA Nashville) B
  54. The Strange Boys: The Strange Boys and Girls Club (2009, In the Red) B+(**)
  55. They Might Be Giants: Here Come the 123's (2008, Walt Disney) B+(**)
  56. They Must Be Giants: Here Comes Science (2009, Walt Disney) B+(**)
  57. Tinariwen: Imidiwan: Companions (2009, World Village) A-
  58. Tune-Yards: Bird-Brains (2009, 4AD) B+(**)
  59. U2: No Line on the Horizon (2009, Interscope) B
  60. Vandermark 5: Annular Gift (2009, Not Two) A-
  61. Muddy Waters: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, Nov 04-06 1966 [Authorized Bootleg] (1966 [2009], Geffen) B+(***)
  62. Joe Lee Wilson: Shout for Trane (1976 [2009], Why Not) B+(**)
  63. The XX: XX (2008-09 [2009], XL) A-

November 8

  1. Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara: Tell No Lies (2008-09 [2009], Real World) B+(**)
  2. Ahilea: Cafe Svetlana (2009, Essay) B+(***)
  3. Ahleuchatistas: Of the Body Prone (2009, Tzadik) B
  4. Herb Alpert & Lani Hall: Live: Anything Goes (2009, Concord) B
  5. Fred Anderson: Staying in the Game (2008 [2009], Engine) B+(**)
  6. Darcy James Argue's Secret Society: Infernal Machines (2008 [2009], New Amsterdam) B+(***)
  7. Louis Armstrong and the All Stars: Satchmo at Pasadena (1951 [2009], Verve) A-
  8. Louis Armstrong and the All Stars: New Orleans Nights (1950-54 [2008], Verve) A-
  9. The Hashem Assadullahi Quintet: Strange Neighbor (2009, 8Bells) B+(**)
  10. Roy Ayers: Ubiquity (1971 [2009], Verve) B-
  11. Roy Ayers Ubiquity: He's Coming (1971 [2009], Verve) B
  12. Roy Ayers Ubiquity: Virgo Red (1973 [2009], Verve) B-
  13. Roy Ayers Ubiquity: Change Up the Groove (1974 [2008], Verve) B
  14. Roy Ayers Ubiquity: A Tear to a Smile (1975 [2009], Verve) C+
  15. Roy Ayers Ubiquity: Vibrations (1976 [2008], Verve) C
  16. Roy Ayers Ubiquity: Lifeline (1977 [2007], Verve) C+
  17. Roy Ayers: You Send Me (1978 [2008], Verve) C
  18. Daby Balde: Le Marigot Club Dakar (2009, Riverboat) B+(**)
  19. Cyro Baptista & Banquet of the Spirits: Infinito (2009, Tzadik) B
  20. Gato Barbieri: Chapter One: Latin America (1973 [2009], Impulse) A-
  21. Gato Barbieri: Chapter Two: Hasta Siempre (1973 [2009], Impulse) A-
  22. Gato Barbieri: Ruby, Ruby (1978 [2007], Verve) B+(*)
  23. Gato Barbieri: Tropico (1978 [2009], A&M) B
  24. Count Basie: On My Way & Shoutin' Again (1962 [2009], Verve) B+(*)
  25. Count Basie: Basie Land (1963 [2009], Verve) A-
  26. Walter Beasley: Beasley (1987 [2008], Verve) B-
  27. Walter Beasley: Just Kickin' It (1989 [2008], Verve) C
  28. Walter Beasley: Intimacy (1992 [2008], Verve) C+
  29. George Benson: Shape of Things to Come (1968 [2007], Verve) B+(*)
  30. George Benson: Tell It Like It Is (1969 [2008], Verve) B
  31. George Benson: I Got a Woman and Some Blues (1969 [2008], Verve) C
  32. The Black Eyed Peas: The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies) (2009, Interscope) A-
  33. Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: Soul Finger (1965 [2009], Verve) B+(**)
  34. The Terence Blanchard Group: Choices (2009, Concord) B+(*)
  35. Willie Bobo: Bobo Motion (1967 [2008], Verve) B-
  36. Luiz Bonfa: Composer of Black Orpheus Plays and Sings Bossa Nova (1962 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  37. Luiz Bonfa: The Brazilian Scene (1965 [2008], Verve) B-
  38. Luiz Bonfa & Maria Toledo: Braziliana (1965 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  39. The Brecker Brothers: Return of the Brecker Brothers (1992 [2008], Verve) B
  40. Goran Bregovic: Alkohol (2009, Wrasse) A-
  41. Norman Brown: Just Between Us (1992 [2008], Verve) B
  42. Rob Burger: City of Strangers (2009, Tzadik) B
  43. Kenny Burrell: A Night at the Vanguard With the Kenny Burrell Trio (1959 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  44. Cage: Depart From Me (2009, Definitive Jux) B
  45. Terry Callier: Occasional Rain (1972 [2008], Verve) B
  46. Terry Callier: What Color Is Love (1973 [2008], Verve) B
  47. Rosanne Cash: The List (2009, Manhattan) A-
  48. Michael Chapman: Time Past Time Passing (2008, Electric Ragtime) A-
  49. Terri Clark: The Long Way Home (2009, TLC/Capitol) B+(*)
  50. C.O.D.E.: Play the Music of Ornette Coleman and Eric Dolphy (2008, Cracked Anegg) B+(***)
  51. Anthony Coleman: Freakish: Anthony Coleman Plays Jelly Roll Morton (2009, Tzadik) B+(**)
  52. The John Coltrane Quartet: Africa/Brass (1961 [2008], Impulse) A-
  53. John Coltrane: Live at the Village Vanguard (1961 [2008], Impulse) A-
  54. John Coltrane: Impressions (1961-63 [2008], Impulse) B+(**)
  55. John Coltrane/Archie Shepp: New Thing at Newport (1965 [2009], Impulse) B+(*)
  56. Condo Fucks: Fuckbook (2008 [2009], Matador) B+(**)
  57. Harry Connick, Jr.: Your Songs (2009, Columbia) B+(*)
  58. Chick Corea: Tones for Joan's Bones (1966 [2005], Rhino/Atlantic) B+(**)
  59. Chick Corea & Gary Burton: The New Crystal Silence (2007 [2008], Stretch, 2CD) B-
  60. Elvis Costello: Live at the Mocambo (1978 [2009], Hip-0) A-
  61. The Neil Cowley Trio: Loud Louder Stop (2008, Cake) B+(***)
  62. Marshall Crenshaw: Jaggedland (2009, 429) B+(***)
  63. The Crusaders: Pass the Plate (1971 [2008], Verve) B-
  64. The Crusaders: Images (1978 [2009], Blue Thumb) B
  65. On Ka'a Davis: Djoukoujou! (2009, Tzadik) B+(***)
  66. Speech Debelle: Speech Therapy (2009, Big Dada) B+(***)
  67. Joey DeFrancesco: Finger Poppin' With Joey DeFrancesco: Celebrating the Music of Horace Silver (2008 [2009], Doodlin') B+(*)
  68. Paul Desmond: Bridge Over Troubled Water (1969 [2008], Verve) C-
  69. Doom: Born Like This (2009, Lex) B+(***)
  70. Will Downing: Come Together as One (1989 [2008], Verve) B
  71. Will Downing: A Dream Fulfilled (1991 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  72. Dr. John: City Lights (1978 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  73. George Duke: Faces in Reflection (1974 [2008], Verve) B
  74. George Duke: Feel (1974 [2008], Verve) B-
  75. George Duke: I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry (1975 [2008], Verve) B
  76. Kurt Elling: Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman (2009, Concord) B-
  77. Ersatzmusika: Voice Letter (2007 [2008], Asphalt Tango) A-
  78. Bill Evans: The V.I.P.s Theme (1963 [2008], Verve) B
  79. Maynard Ferguson: Octet (1955 [2008], Verve) A-
  80. Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong: Porgy and Bess (1957 [2008], Verve) B
  81. Ella Fitzgerald: Live at Mister Kelly's (1958 [2007], Verve, 2CD) A-
  82. Ella Fitzgerald: Ella in Hollywood (1961 [2009], Verve) A-
  83. Ella Fitzgerald: Ella in Hamburg (1965 [2007], Verve) B+(**)
  84. Béla Fleck/Zakir Hussain/Edgar Meyer: The Melody of Rhythm: Triple Concerto & Music for Trio (2009, Koch) B+(*)
  85. Flow Trio: Rejuvenation (2008 [2009], ESP) B
  86. John Fogerty: The Blue Ridge Rangers Ride Again (2009, Verve Forecast) B+(**)
  87. The Fugs: Greatest Hits 1984-2004 (1984-2004 [2007], Fugs) B+(***)
  88. Melody Gardot: My One and Only Thrill (2009, Verve) B+(*)
  89. Stan Getz: Stan Getz in Stockholm (1955 [2008], Verve) B+(***)
  90. Stan Getz/Gerry Mulligan/Harry Edison/Louis Bellson and the Oscar Peterson Trio: Jazz Giants '58 (1953-57 [2008], Verve) B+(***)
  91. Stan Getz: Big Band Bossa Nova (1962 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  92. Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfa: Jazz Samba Encore! (1963 [2008], Verve) A-
  93. Stan Getz: With Guest Artist Laurindo Almeida (1963 [2008], Verve) A-
  94. Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto: Getz/Gilberto #2 (1964 [2008], Verve) B
  95. Stan Getz/Astrud Gilberto: Getz Au Go Go (1964 [2007], Verve) B+(*)
  96. Stan Getz: Dynasty (1971 [2009], Verve, 2CD) A-
  97. Stan Getz: Apasionado (1989 [2009], Verve) B+(***)
  98. Terry Gibbs and His Big Band: Swing Is Here!! (1960 [2009], Verve) B+(***)
  99. Astrud Gilberto: The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965 [2008], Verve) B
  100. Astrud Gilberto: Look to the Rainbow (1965-66 [2008], Verve) B-
  101. Astrud Gilberto/Walter Wanderley: A Certain Smile, a Certain Sadness (1966 [2008], Verve) B
  102. Dizzy Gillespie: Dizzy on the French Riviera (1962 [2009], Verve) B+(***)
  103. Dizzy Gillespie: Dizzy Goes Hollywood (1963 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  104. Dizzy Gillespie: The Cool World (1964 [2008], Verve) B+(***)
  105. Ben Goldberg: Speech Communication (2009, Tzadik) B+(***)
  106. Barry Guy/Marilyn Crispell/Paul Lytton: Phases of the Night (2007 [2008], Intakt) A-
  107. Roy Hargrove Big Band: Emergence (2008 [2009], Emarcy) B+(*)
  108. Stefon Harris & Blackout: Urbanus (2009, Concord) B+(**)
  109. Billie Holiday: Lady Sings the Blues (1955-56 [2007], Verve) B+(*)
  110. Michael Hurley: Ida Con Snock (2009, Gnomonsong) B+(**)
  111. Milt Jackson: At the Museum of Modern Art (1965 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  112. Keith Jarrett: Treasure Island (1974 [2009], Impulse) A-
  113. Jay-Z: The Blueprint 3 (2009, Roc Nation) B+(**)
  114. The Jazz Crusaders: At the Lighthouse/Pacific Jazz Records (1962 [2006], Blue Note) B+(**)
  115. The Jazz Crusaders: Old Socks, New Shoes . . . New Socks, Old Shoes (1970 [2008], Verve) B
  116. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina: Elis & Tom (1974 [2008], Verve) A-
  117. Antonio Carlos Jobim/Gal Costa: Rio Revisited (1987 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  118. Budd Johnson: Ya! Ya! [The Definitive Black & Blue Sessions] (1970 [2002], Black & Blue) B+(**)
  119. Quincy Jones and His Orchestra: The Quintessence (1961 [2007], Impulse) B+(**)
  120. Quincy Jones: Explores the Music of Henry Mancini (1964 [2009], Verve) B+(***)
  121. Quincy Jones: Smackwater Jack (1971 [2009], A&M) B
  122. Quincy Jones: You've Got It Bad Girl (1973 [2009], Verve) B-
  123. Joyce/Nana Vasconcelos/Mauricio Maestro: Visions of Dawn (1976 [2009], Far Out) A-
  124. B.B. King: Live at the Apollo (1990 [2008], Verve) B
  125. John Klemmer: Barefoot Ballet (1976 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  126. John Klemmer: Arabesque (1977 [2008], Verve) B
  127. Guy Klucevsek: Dancing on the Volcano (2009, Tzadik) B+(**)
  128. Miranda Lambert: Revolution (2009, Sony Nashville) A-
  129. The Ramsey Lewis Trio: At the Bohemian Caverns (1964 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  130. The Ramsey Lewis Trio: The In Crowd (1965 [2007], Argo) B+(**)
  131. Ramsey Lewis: Goin' Latin (1966 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  132. Márcio Local: Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don (2009, Luaka Bop) B+(**)
  133. Joe Locke/David Hazeltine Quartet: Mutual Admiration Society 2 (2009, Sharp Nine) B+(*)
  134. Carl Maguire's Floriculture: Sided Silver Solid (2009, Firehouse 12) B+(**)
  135. Hugh Masekela: Home Is Where the Music Is (1972 [2008], Verve) A-
  136. Syran Mbenza & Ensemble Rumba Kongo: Immortal Franco: Africa's Unrivalled Guitar Legend (2009, Riverboat) A-
  137. Christian McBride & Inside Straight: Kind of Brown (2009, Mack Avenue) B
  138. John McLaughlin/Chick Corea: Five Peace Band Live (2008 [2009], Concord, 2CD) B+(**)
  139. Medeski Martin & Wood: Radiolarians II (2008 [2009], Indirecto) B+(***)
  140. Medeski Martin & Wood: Radiolarians III (2008 [2009], Indirecto) B+(**)
  141. Modest Mouse: No One's First and You're Next (2009, Epic) B+(*)
  142. Wes Montgomery: Goin' Out of My Head (1965 [2007], Verve) B
  143. Wes Montgomery: Down Here on the Ground (1967-68 [2009], Verve) B-
  144. Clara Moreno: Miss Balanco (2009, Far Out) B+(***)
  145. The Mountain Goats: The Life of the World to Come (2009, 4AD) B+(***)
  146. Gerry Mulligan/Paul Desmond Quartet: Blues in Time (1957 [2009], Verve) A-
  147. Ted Nash: The Mancini Project (2007 [2008], Palmetto) B+(***)
  148. Oliver Nelson and His Orchestra: "Fantabulous" (1964 [2008], Verve) B+(***)
  149. Oliver Nelson: The Kennedy Dream (1967 [2009], Verve) B
  150. The Nu Band: Lower East Side Blues (2008 [2009], Porter) B+(***)
  151. Old Dog: By Any Other Name (2007 [2009], Porter) B+(**)
  152. Evan Parker/Barry Guy/Paul Lytton: Imaginary Values (1993 [2007], Maya) B+(**)
  153. Jessica Pavone: Songs of Synastry and Solitude (2009, Tzadik) B-
  154. Oscar Peterson: Plays the Jerome Kern Song Book (1952-53 [2009], Verve) B+(**)
  155. Oscar Peterson: Plays Count Basie (1955 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  156. Oscar Peterson with Strings: In a Romantic Mood (1955 [2008], Verve) C
  157. Oscar Peterson & Nelson Riddle: Oscar Peterson & Nelson Riddle (1963 [2009], Verve) C+
  158. P.O.S.: Never Better (2009, Rhymesayers Entertainment) B+(**)
  159. The Bud Powell Trio: Blues in the Closet (1956 [2009], Verve) B+(**)
  160. Profound Sound Trio: Opus de Life (2008 [2009], Porter) A-
  161. Raekwon: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. II (2009, Ice H2O) B+(***)
  162. Ramp: Come Into Knowledge (1977 [2007], Blue Thumb) B-
  163. Benny Reid: Escaping Shadows (2008 [2009], Concord) B
  164. Revolutionary Ensemble: Vietnam (1972 [2009], ESP-Disk) B+(**)
  165. Revolutionary Ensemble: Beyond the Boundary of Time (2005 [2009], Mutable Music) B
  166. Max Roach Plus Four: Quiet as It's Kept (1960 [2009], Verve) B
  167. Adam Rogers: Sight (2008 [2009], Criss Cross) B+(*)
  168. Joe Sample/David T. Walker: Swing Street Café (1978 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  169. Lalo Schifrin: Piano, Strings and Bossa Nova (1962 [2008], Verve) B
  170. Little Jimmy Scott: Everybody's Somebody's Fool (1950-52 [2008], Verve) B-
  171. Seprewa Kasa: Seprewa Kasa (2008, Riverboat) B+(***)
  172. Nina Simone: Let It Be Me (1980 [2009], Verve) C-
  173. Jimmy Smith: Hobo Flats (1963 [2008], Verve) B+(**)
  174. Jimmy Smith: At Club Baby Grand, Vol. 1 (1956 [2008], Blue Note) B+(**)
  175. Jimmy Smith: At Club Baby Grand, Vol. 2 (1956 [2008], Blue Note) B+(*)
  176. Jimmy Smith: Plays Fats Waller (1962 [2008], Blue Note) B
  177. The Amazing Jimmy Smith Trio: Live at the Village Gate (1963 [2008], Verve) B-
  178. Jimmy Smith: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1964 [2007], Verve) B+(***)
  179. Warren Smith Composers Workshop Ensemble: Old News Borrowed Blues (2009, Engine) B+(**)
  180. Luciana Souza: Tide (2009, Verve) B
  181. Tim Sparks: Sidewalk Blues (2009, Tonewood) B+(**)
  182. Mike Stern: Big Neighborhood (2009, Heads Up) B
  183. Grant Stewart: Young at Heart (2007 [2008], Sharp Nine) B+(***)
  184. Grant Stewart: Plays the Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn (2009, Sharp Nine) B+(**)
  185. Marcus Strickland: Of Song (2008 [2009], Criss Cross) B+(*)
  186. David Taylor: Red Sea (2009, Tzadik) B+(*)
  187. Lucky Thompson: New York City, 1964-65 (1964-65 [2009], Uptown Jazz, 2CD) B+(**)
  188. Cal Tjader: Plays the Contemporary Music of Mexico and Brazil (1962 [2008], Verve) C+
  189. Tortoise: Beacons of Ancestorship (2009, Thrill Jockey) B+(***)
  190. McCoy Tyner: Today and Tomorrow (1963-64 [2009], Impulse) B+(**)
  191. Ken Vandermark/Barry Guy/Mark Sanders: Fox Fire (2008 [2009], Maya, 2CD) B+(***)
  192. Sarah Vaughan and Her Trio: At Mister Kelly's (1957 [2007], Verve) B
  193. Loudon Wainwright III: High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project (2008-09 [2009], 2nd Story Sound, 2CD) A
  194. Grover Washington Jr.: Inner City Blues (1971 [2008], Verve) B+(*)
  195. Grover Washington Jr.: All the King's Horses (1972 [2008], Verve) B
  196. Grover Washington Jr.: Soul Box (1973 [2008], Verve) A-
  197. Grover Washington Jr.: Feels So Good (1975 [2009], Verve) B+(**)
  198. Grover Washington Jr.: A Secret Place (1976 [2009], Verve) B
  199. Grover Washington Jr.: Reed Seed (1977 [2009], Verve) B
  200. Jeff "Tain" Watts: Watts (2008 [2009], Dark Key) B+(*)
  201. White Denim: Fits (2009, Downtown) B-
  202. Delroy Wilson: Dub Plate Style (1978 [2009], Pressure Sounds) B+(**)
  203. Matt Wilson Quartet: That's Gonna Leave a Mark (2008 [2009], Palmetto) A-
  204. Wonderlick: Topless at the Arco Arena (2009, Rock Ridge) B+(**)
  205. Yo La Tengo: Popular Songs (2009, Matador) B+(***)
  206. Tom Zé: Danç-Êh-Sá (2006, Tratore) A-

August 27

  1. Alchemist: Chemical Warfare (2009, Koch) B+(**)
  2. Dee Alexander: Wondrous Fascination (2006-07 [2007], no label) C-
  3. Dave Alvin: Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women (2008 [2009], Yep Roc) B+(**)
  4. John Anderson: Bigger Hands (2009, Country Crossing) A-
  5. Arctic Monkeys: Humbug (2009, Domino) B
  6. Mulatu Astatke: Éthiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz and Musique Instrumentale (1969-74 [2004], Buda Musique) A-
  7. Mulatu Astatke/The Heliocentrics: Inspiration Information, Vol. 3 (2009, Strut) A-
  8. Björk: Voltaic (2007 [2009], Nonesuch) B+(*)
  9. The Bottle Rockets: Lean Forward (2009, Bloodshot) B+(*)
  10. Zac Brown Band: The Foundation (2008, Home Grown/ROAR/Big Picture/Atlantic) B+(*)
  11. Busdriver: Fear of a Black Tangent (2005, Mush) A-
  12. Busdriver: Jhelli Beam (2009, Anti-) B+(**)
  13. Rodney Carrington: El Niño Loco (2009, Capitol Nashville) B+(**)
  14. Neko Case: Middle Cyclone (2009, Anti-) B
  15. The Dead Weather: Horehound (2008-09 [2009], Third Man/Warner Brothers) A-
  16. Deer Tick: Born on Flag Day (2009, Partisan) B+(***)
  17. Mary Halvorson/Jessica Pavone/Devin Hoff/Ches Smith: Calling All Portraits (2008, Skycap) B+(***)
  18. Mary Halvorson Trio: Dragon's Head (2008, Firehouse 12) A-
  19. Heartless Bastards: The Mountain (2009, Fat Possum) B
  20. Ian Hunter: Man Overboard (2009, New West) B+(**)
  21. Kitty, Daisy & Lewis (2008 [2009], DH/Mercer Street) B+(***)
  22. Chris Knight: Heart of Stone (2008, Drifter's Church) B+(***)
  23. Metric: Fantasies (2009, Metric International) A-
  24. Willie Nelson/Asleep at the Wheel: Willie and the Wheel (2009, Bismeaux) A
  25. Willie Nelson: American Classic (2009, Blue Note) B+(**)
  26. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009, Glassnote) B+(*)
  27. Bobby Pinson: Songs for Somebody (2007, Cash Daddy) A-
  28. Asher Roth: Asleep in the Bread Aisle (2009, SRC/Universal Motown) B
  29. Röyksopp: Junior (2009, Astralwerks) B+(**)
  30. Christian Scott: Live at Newport (2008, Concord, CD+DVD) B
  31. Buraka Som Sistema: Black Diamond (2008 [2009], Fabric) B+(***)
  32. Bruce Springsteen: Working on a Dream (2009, Columbia) B
  33. Swamp Dogg: Give 'Em as Little as You Can . . . as Often as You Have to . . . or . . . a Tribute to Rock 'n' Roll (2009, S-Curve) C
  34. Otis Taylor: Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs (2009, Telarc) B+(*)
  35. Aaron Tippin: In Overdrive (2009, Country Crossing) B+(**)
  36. Tanya Tucker: My Turn (2009, Saguaro Road) A-
  37. UGK: UGK 4 Life (2009, Jive/Zomba) B+(***)
  38. Wilco: Wilco (The Album) (2009, Nonesuch) B+(**)
  39. Hank Williams III: Damn Right, Rebel Proud (2008, Sidewalk) B+(***)

August 16

  1. Borah Bergman Trio: Luminescence (2008 [2009], Tzadik) A-
  2. Naftule Brandwein: King of the Klezmer Clarinet (1922-41 [1997], Rounder) A-
  3. Jarvis Cocker: Further Complications (2009, Rough Trade) B+(**)
  4. J. Dilla: Jay Stay Paid (2009, Nature Sounds) B+(***)
  5. DJ/Rupture: Uproot (2008, The Agriculture) B+(**)
  6. Dave Douglas: Spirit Moves (2008 [2009], Greenleaf Music) B+(***)
  7. Steve Earle: Townes (2009, New West) B
  8. John Hébert: Byzantine Monkey (2009, Firehouse 12) B+(***)
  9. Patterson Hood: Murdering Oscar (and Other Love Songs) (2009, Ruth St.) A-
  10. Ida Maria: Fortress Round My Heart (2009, Upper 11/Fontana) B+(***)
  11. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (2009, Lightning Rod) B+(**)
  12. Japandroids: Post-Nothing (2008 [2009], Polyvinyl) B+(*)
  13. The Juan MacLean: The Future Will Come (2009, DFA) B+(**)
  14. Kronos Quartet: Floodplain (2009, Nonesuch) B+(***)
  15. Tony Malaby: Paloma Recio (2008 [2009], New World) B+(**)
  16. Masada Quintet: Stolas: The Book of Angels Volume 12 (2009, Tzadik) B+(**)
  17. Micachu & the Shapes: Jewellery (2008 [2009], Rough Trade) B+(*)
  18. Buddy & Julie Miller: Written in Chalk (2009, New West) A-
  19. A.C. Newman: Get Guilty (2009, Matador) B
  20. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band: Outer South (2008 [2009], Merge) B+(*)
  21. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (2008 [2009], Slumberland) B+(***)
  22. Brad Paisley: American Saturday Night (2009, Arista) B+(*)
  23. Rashanim: The Gathering (2009, Tzadik) B+(**)
  24. Perry Robinson/Burton Greene: Two Voices in the Desert (2008 [2009], Tzadik) B+(*)
  25. Roberto Rodriguez: Timba Talmud (2009, Tzadik) A-
  26. Roberto Rodriguez: The First Basket (2009, Tzadik) B+(***)
  27. Serengeti & Polyphonic: Terradactyl (2009, Anticon) A-
  28. Wadada Leo Smith/Jack DeJohnette: America (2009, Tzadik) B+(***)
  29. St. Vincent: Actor (2009, 4AD) B+(**)
  30. Yacht: See Mystery Lights (2009, DFA) B+(***)
  31. John Zorn: O'o (2009, Tzadik) B+(**)
  32. John Zorn: Alhambra Love Songs (2008 [2009], Tzadik) A-

August 2

  1. Art Brut: Art Brut vs Satan (2009, Downtown) A-
  2. Brakes: Touchdown (2009, FatCat) B+(***)
  3. Brother Ali: The Truth Is Here (2009, Rhymesayers Entertainment) B+(**)
  4. Clem Snide: Hungry Bird (2009, 429) B+(***)
  5. Extra Golden: Thank You Very Quickly (2009, Thrill Jockey, EP) B
  6. The Flatlanders: Hills and Valleys (2009, New West) B+(**)
  7. Wayne Hancock: Viper of Melody (2009, Bloodshot) B+(***)
  8. The Handsome Family: Honey Moon (2009, Carrot Top) B+(**)
  9. PJ Harvey & John Parish: A Woman a Man Walked By (2009, Island) B+(*)
  10. Levon Helm: Electric Dirt (2009, Dirt Farmer Music/Vanguard) B+(*)
  11. The Hold Steady: A Positive Rage (2007 [2009], Vagrant) A-
  12. Lady GaGa: The Fame (2009, Interscope) B+(*)
  13. Jeffrey Lewis & the Junkyard: 'Em Are I (2009, Rough Trade) B+(**)
  14. The Lonely Island: Incredibad (2009, Universal/Republic) B+(***)
  15. Madlib: Beat Konducta, Vol. 5-6 (2009, Stones Throw) B+(**)
  16. Major Lazer: Guns Don't Kill People . . . Lazers Do (2009, Downtown) B+(**)
  17. Rhett Miller (2009, Shout! Factory) A-
  18. Moby: Wait for Me (2009, Mute) A-
  19. Mos Def: The Ecstatic (2009, Downtown) A-
  20. Mr. Lif: I Heard It Today (2009, Bloodbot Tactical Enterprises) A-
  21. New York Dolls: 'Cause I Sez So (2009, Atco) B+(**)
  22. Pet Shop Boys: Yes (2009, Astralwerks) B+(***)
  23. Serengeti: Dennehy (Lights, Camera, Action!) (2008, Audio 8) A-
  24. Regina Spektor: Far (2009, Sire) B+(**)
  25. The-Dream: Love Vs. Hate (2009, Def Jam) B+(*)
  26. Two Fingers (2009, Paper Bag) B+(**)
  27. M. Ward: Hold Time (2009, Merge) B+(**)
  28. Wussy: Wussy (2009, Shake It) B+(***)