Best of 2009 (So Far)

Like the Energizer Bunny, the Austin music scene just keeps on going. I’m continually amazed that after nearly 15 years of experiencing it up close, it never seems to slow down. There’s always something new to hear (Uncle Lucius, Uncle Bruno), someone surprising who’s moved to town (T Bird & the Breaks), or youngsters causing a ruckus (Sarah Jarosz, the Fireants). Old friends like Charlie Robison, Slaid Cleaves, Dale Watson, and Todd Snider continue to make strides in their artistry, a couple with possibly the best work of their careers.

The economy seems to have thinned the crowds in the clubs a bit, but whether that will have a lasting effect on local music is up in the air. I’m guessing that, with a few minor setbacks, it will just keep evolving and growing, continuing to rival that of much larger cities. An audience ever-thirsty for talent on a nightly basis is a combination that’s difficult to beat.

What follows is a snapshot of where I’ve been, what I’ve been listening to the past six months. Like last year, these 21 tracks fit on an 80-minute disc. I’ve written about most of these artists either in the pages of the Chronicle or here in Geezerville. It’s a mix of local and national acts away from the trends; just my way to turn you on to something you might have missed.

1) Uncle Lucius, "Everybody Got Soul," Pick Your Head Up (BooClap)

2) Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, "Big Booty Woman," Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! (Lost Highway)

3) Uncle Bruno, "Judge a Book," Uncle Bruno

4) BeauSoleil, "Rouler et Tourner," Alligator Purse (Yep Roc)

5) The Greencards, "Chico Calling," Fascination (Sugar Hill)

6) Slaid Cleaves, "Cry," Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away (Music Road)

7) Sarah Jarosz, "Tell Me True," Song Up In Her Head (Sugar Hill)

8) The Fireants, "Deuce Is Loose," Fireants

9) Charlie Robison, "Feelin’ Good," Beautiful Day (Dualtone)

10) Todd Snider, "Bring ‘Em Home," The Excitement Plan (Yep Roc)

11) Gibson Brothers, "Just An Old Rounder," Ring the Bell (Compass)

12) Dale Watson, "I Got to Drive," The Truckin’ Sessions Vol. 2 (Hyena)

13) T Bird & the Breaks, "Blackberry Brandy," Learn About It

14) Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles, "Me and Your Ghost," The Stars Are Out (Sugar Hill)

15) Ben Mallott, "Heartbreaks," Look Good, Feel Good

16) Bob Dylan, "If You Ever Go to Houston," Together Through Life (Columbia)

17) The Flatlanders, "Homeland Refugee," Hills and Valleys (New West)

18) Justin Townes Earle, "Mama’s Eyes," Midnight At the Movies (Bloodshot)

19) The Belleville Outfit, "Sunday Morning," Time to Stand

20) The Del-Lords, "Judas Kiss," Based on a True Story (American Beat)

21) Tommy Keene, "Goodbye Jane," In the Late Bright (Second Motion)