MY TOP 2009 ALBUMS PART 1

WRITTEN IN CHALK---BUDDY & JULIE MILLER
i don't think this is the best example of the creative chemistry that exists between buddy miller & his wife, julie but i think it works well enough to fit in here. it's partially remarkable because ms miller has been battling some demons for the last few years & been unable to tour or record. i prefer their first eponymously titled collaboration but this one has enough strong songs to work for me.


MIDDLE CYCLONE---NEKO CASE
neko case seems to be getting better & better as she goes along. this album had all her strong qualities out front(rhythmic inventiveness, tight arrangements, her voice, her "pathetic fallacy" lyrics)& there is a spaciousness to the arrangements that comes from a group really inhabiting the music. ann & i saw her open for merle haggard in oakland & that voice is just as strong & clear live as it is on her albums. i remember how we were in awe of linda ronstadt's voice back in high school. i feel the same way about neko case's. she's become one of those artists whose work you anticipate w/great expectation.