Looking back on 2009
Yesterday, the big story in the arts and entertainment section was a look back at nine trends of 2009. I pitched in for two of them: Local bands in 2009 and live music in 2009.
When I thought about it, I realized: For local musicians and music lovers in general, 2009 was a great year.
It seemed like every prominent local band signed a record contract or released a well-received album. Beach House, J-Roddy, Double Dagger, Wye Oak, Dan Deacon were just a few of them. Here's a link with more about it.
But let's not forget live music ...
This was an awesome year to see live music. Just about every big name act in pop and rock came around, and they all put on solid shows. Paul McCartney was awesome. U2 were great. Jay-Z and Beyonce kicked butt. And Bruce. Well, what more can I say about Bruce. I think Frank Remesch, 1st Mariner's general manager, says it best here.
Did you have a favorite show of the year? Springsteen was mine.
And as for those local bands -- next week, I'm going to list Baltimore Unsigned's Top 30 songs of 2009. Stay tuned.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I can say this: The Phish show at Merriweather was pretty bunk. It was my 22nd, and definitely the biggest snoozer.
I'd have to say Wye Oak and US Royalty (a rocking DC band) at the Spectator in January was a highlight, the Ting Tings were fun, Ponytail at Sonar was great. Also love the local Talking Heads tribute, Psycho Killers, who I saw twice this year.
Posted by: duffster | December 21, 2009 12:18 PM
True on Phish. I took a lot of heat when I called it underwhelming. I stand by that review, though.
Funny you mention the Psycho Killers -- I've been good friends with Bridget, one of their singers, since college. That's why I've never written about them on Midnight Sun. Until now, of course. Rock on, Gidg!
Posted by: Sam Sessa | December 21, 2009 1:26 PM
I'm always going to remember the Beastie Boys at Ram's Head Live. Not only was it a great show, but I was able to cross off an item from my bucket list.
Seeing Grace Potter, Levon Helm, Iron & Wine, and Old Crow Medicine Show tear Merriweather down was an awesome way to finish up the summer.
Posted by: NR | December 21, 2009 3:28 PM
Dammit, I knew I forgot a big one. That was bugging me for days. Thanks NR!
Seeing the Beastie Boys in a club like Rams Head Live was awesome. Standing like 14 people away while they did "Sabotage" was face-melting.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | December 21, 2009 3:30 PM
Was able to knock some heavyweights off of my bucket list: Clapton, McCartney, and Little Richard.
Springsteen &the E Street band in "My hometown". Awesomeness!
Posted by: sturmy | December 21, 2009 4:21 PM
Virgin FreeFest was a pretty big deal too ... it was national news, while some of those (Jay-Z, Bruce) were more stories just because they came to "little ol'" Baltimore
Posted by: JD | December 21, 2009 4:29 PM
What's the rush? the year ain't over yet, not even Christmas. A wake for the still living, how indecent.
Posted by: karlosi | December 21, 2009 7:06 PM
You should give the Psycho Killers some love, Sam. They jam out the Heads a little and are always a dance party. Shout out to Bridget too.
Posted by: duffster | December 22, 2009 6:05 PM