Rock Reviews by WestCoast Weasel

by WestCoast Weasel and Prairie "Oyster" Dog
December 25, 2009

Top 12 albums of 2009

(interview in Informant Inquisition #IV)

#2 – The Thermals – Now We Can See: opening the garage door to a catchy viral infection that puts H1N1 to shame.

#3 – NOFX – Coaster: delving into otherwise absent personal territory, along side quintessential sex and drug comic relief—punk rock’s geriatrics churn out their (second) strongest album (since The Decline [of their career], 10 years ago).

#4 – Pearl Jam – Backspacer: with the flannel years behind them, a new sense of optimism shines through the most exciting effort since their 1991 debut. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 002)

#5 – Megadeth – Endgame: with competitive dueling leads, Dave and Co. revisit their old school strategies with modern techniques.

#6 – Cobra Skulls – American Rubicon: adding poignant vocal harmonies and identifiable lyrical content shows an already exciting group maturing admirably.

#7 – The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die: upon first listen, the decision to purchase (one of the only electronic albums of my catalogue) was made before realizing who it was or where/how I’d have to get it.

#8 – Gallows – Grey Britain: big budget production allows Vancouver’s GGGarth to purge the dozen grizzly and sinister cuts from these angry English pukes.

#9 – Spinnerette – Spinnerette: shedding the constrictive sleeves of a punk rock past; again, Brody borrows from her mate’s wardrobe—though this glove fits and leaves room to grow.

#10 – Mariachi El Bronx – Mariachi El Bronx: so-cal hardcore outfit heads further south for a head turning, soulful bout of authentic Mexicana.

#11 – Star Fucking Hipsters – Until We’re Dead: metal, ska, and pop make the toppings of this tasty, crusty punk rock pizza.

#12 – AFI – Crash Love: defying all odds, the band proves there’s still some fire inside. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 003 )

…Weasel Was Here

Top 12 albums of 2009

#1 – Album of The Year

#2 – Megadeth – Endgame: Setting his sights on social injustice, former love, and (what else) the government, Dave Mustaine churns out his most focused (and best) album since 1990’s masterful Rust in Peace.

#3 – Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures: Colossal expectations are actually met as these living legends come together to create this sexy slab of heavy weirdness. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 007)

#4 – Mariachi El Bronx – Mariachi El Bronx: Embracing Mexican culture, The Bronx put on their matching mariachi outfits, break out the trumpet and requinto romantico, and deliver one of the most affecting albums of 2009.

#5 – NOFX – Coaster: There’s a maturity forming underneath the usual scum as these veterans churn out a collection of anthems worthy of setting a drink on.

#6 – Hot Leg – Red Light Fever: Former Darkness singer Justin Hawkins kicks his habits and comes up with a party record made for prima donnas and their cocktails.

#7 – Future of the Left – Travels With Myself and Another: Like a head full of acid with new and fun ideas about Satan, this band picks up where others are unwilling to go and shrieks joyously towards oblivion.

#8 – Priestess – Prior to the Fire: The difficult second album by these Canadian metalheads hits all the right notes while venturing into unknown, heavier territory. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 005)

#9 – Sorry and the Sinatras – Highball Roller
Philly punks proudly wear their influences on their sleeves and spit out pure, pitch-perfect hardcore garage rock and roll.

#10 – Propagandhi – Supporting Caste Punctuated by their usual passionate calls for action, one of the angriest albums of the year works its way into hearts and minds.

#10 – Slayer – World Painted Blood
Like Megadeth, these thrashers release their finest album in nearly twenty years and prove they can still outplay almost any metal band and write a fucking good tune.

#11 – Gallows - Grey Britain A brutal, uncompromising record that sounds fresh while maintaining a surprisingly diverse sound.

- Prairie “Oyster” Dog

Never trust vermin. Support the artists and find out for yourself. WestCoastWeasel.com encourages purchasing one of these suggested albums at Red Cat Records in Vancouver, BC. Purchase digital and hard copies online at Amazon.com.