Year End Review

Year End Review Part 3- A Look Back in Music

Merry Christmas Everyone!  Now that we’ve journeyed through Enter the Shell, we’ll take a look back at the music we loved in 2009.  That is why we do this, isn’t it?  Many things happened in 2009 that we note worthy in music, we lost some influential people, some artists became superstars and other just lost it.  So here’s a look back in music month by month:

In January, Justin’s brother Lady Ga-Ga released her second single “Just Dance.”  Why is that so important?  Because it cemented her as a real artist, a real contender, not a one-hit wonder like most of us thought.  2009 was a huge year for Lady Ga-Ga and her fans!  Sara also wrote her first blog, an announcement of the Bird & the Bee at the Museum of Natural History.

In February, Lily Allen released her excellent sophomore album, “It’s Not Me, It’s You,” then a few months later said that she was going to retire from making music.  Huh?  Adele received a Grammy for Best New Artist, while Robert Plant & Allison Krauss receive 5 Grammys.  Then we hit the mother-load of pop culture:  Chris Brown (I had no idea who this guy was) beats up the very sexy Rihanna, on February 10.  Hard to believe it was that long ago.  Other highlights (or low-lights): Blink 182 announced their reunion, Lead Singer Steven Page leaves Barenaked Ladies, and U2 released another crappy album “No Line On the Horizon.”

In March, rapper T.I. was sentenced to 1 year in prison for federal weapons charges.  Britney Spears goes on tour, so does Billy Joel with Elton John, as does Beyonce.  March was a slow month.

In April, Ringo & Paul (no last names needed) performed together in New York for the David Lynch Foundation.  Susan Boyle released her first single “I Dreamed A Dream.”  The super sexy Carrie Underwood had her 10th straight number 1 single, making her the only country singer to have her first 10 singles reach number 1.  The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted Metallica, Run DMC, Bobby Womack, Jeff Beck & Little Anthony & The Imperials.  Also, Justin & Turrtle begin doing podcasts together!

In May, Kris Allen wins American Idol beating Adam Lambert.  Green Day released another album and continued to ruin punk music, according to Justin.  Fresh off rehab, Eminem released an album that no one really cared about.  We are finally over this guy!

In June, Kylie Meyer joined Justin & DJ Turrtle in the studio and the magic began!  Conan O’Brien took over the Tonight Show.  On June 26, 2009 pop culture had a defining moment when Michael Jackson passed away.  This was/is by far the biggest story in 2009.  Please check out our special MJ tribute podcast here.  From here on out, MJ was honored at every award show and almost every concert you went to, too bad he wasn’t honored in the same way when he was alive.

In July, A memorial for MJ was held at the Staples Center.  It seemed as if time stood still throughout the ceremony.  It brought chills to my very bones sitting there watching it.  Especially when his daughter spoke, very powerful!  There was some fall-out due to the memorial, because the City of Los Angeles funded the majority of the police for this event.  Also, one of the best podcasts we did, we celebrated KY’s birthday.

In August, Enter the Shell celebrated its first Birthday (click here for the show).  Third Eye Blind released their 4th studio album (reviewed here), as do the Arctic Monkeys and Whitney Houston.  DJ AM is found dead of an apparent drug overdose.

In September, as kids went back to school, The Beatles dominated the month.  They re-released their entire studio catalog, and released a new video game.  Many artists released new albums:  Jay-Z, Madonna, Britney Spears, Mariah Scary, Nelly Furtado, Pearl Jam, Harry Connick Jr., Alice In Chains, Muse, AFI, Paramore, Kid Cudi, and Megadeth.  Wow!  If that wasn’t enough, that Bitch Ass Kanye West (Sorry Sara) runs on stage and takes a moment away from Taylor Swift at the VMA’s.  Nine Inch Nails performs their last gig in LA, and calls it quits (from performing).

In October, nothing of note really happened.  A bunch of people released albums, including: Shakira, Nelly McKay, Michael Jackson’s This is It, Backstreet Boys, Creed, and Train.

In November, DJ Turrtle helps The Film Freak raise food donations for the homeless, Rihanna does a TV interview with Diane Sawyer talking about her getting beat up by Chris Brown, she also released her album Rated R.  Many other people released albums: Snow Patrol, Carrie Underwood, Norah Jones, Lady Ga-Ga, Adam Lambert, One Republic, and Foo Fighters.

In December, Some artists who plan on delivering albums right before Christmas:  Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown (The perfect holiday gift for any low-life), Usher, Jaime Foxx, Lil’ Wayne, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Game, and Timbaland.

Well there it is, the headlines that made up 2009!  I hope you can recall some fond memories of the year that passed.  Next week, a recap of what we think are the best songs and albums of 2009.  Also a very quick look back on Pop Culture in 2009.