1. I See Hawks in L.A. - Shoulda Been Gold

2. Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine (see review)
3. Robbie Fulks - 50 Vc. Doberman (see interview with Robbie)

4. Felice Brothers - Yonder is the Clock
5. Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel - Willie and the Wheel

OK‚ so I lied. Technically‚ Shoulda Been Gold will be released on January 26‚ 2010‚ but it's a stunning work of Post-Parsons Americana‚ and I want you to know about it now. Who knows‚ maybe it will make my "Best of" for next year‚ too. Now for some bad news: Jason Molina of Magnolia Electric Company canceled his planned Molina-Johnson tour due to undisclosed illness. I'd like to wish Jason a quick return to health‚ and hope he's back making music soon. Live music highlights for me this year were Wilco powering through a fierce downpour to end their gig at Spinners Field in Lowell‚ MA and Andrew Bird assembling textural pop gems bit by byte at Higher Ground. Top show of the year goes to the Barbaricans at Lamb Abbey in Montpelier‚ VT for three reasons. 1) I was in the band. 2) I'd never played in a rock band before‚ and I might never again. 3) I don't know what we sounded like‚ but I know how I felt. Special thanks to Bo Muller-Moore (The Eat More Kale Guy) for making the rock lottery possible. I'd like to wish a fantastic‚ tune-filled 2010 to all SoM fans and friends. Happy listening‚ and I'll see you at the show.