The Heartless Bastards, Arrow

By Danny R. Phillips

The Heartless Bastards are a bit of an anomaly in the world of music. They are a rock band led by the charismatic and clever Miss Erika Wennerstrom. Instead of taking the manufactured pop road much traveled like Katy, Britney, or Lana, Wennerstrom charges ahead like Chrissie Hynde, strapping on a guitar and scorching the Earth.

Arrow, the Bastards fifth album and first for Paristian Records, is full of exceptional lyrics, 1970s rock stomp, and just a sprinkling of country twang. Where 2009′s The Mountain (my pick for album of the year) was full of heartbreak and cathartic reflection (Wennerstrom had ended a nine-year relationship), Arrow is packed with wonder and acceptance of life.
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Things That Thrilled Me In 2009: By Allison Anders

Allison Anders is a filmmaker, director, music fan, and lover of life. She has written/directed Gas Food Lodging, Grace Of My Heart, Sugar Town, and Things Behind The Sun. She is also the founder of the Don’t Knock The Rock film and music festival. Currently, she is working on a follow up to her film Mi Vida Loca called Smile Now Cry Later.
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Top Ten Of 2009: By Shiny Around The Edges

Our Top Ten List of 2009 consists of things we’ve listened to, watched, and read throughout the year that have made an indelible impression. It is either hopelessly out-of-date or incredibly prescient depending on your personal politics. In no particular order:
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Top Ten News Stories of 2009 That Could Be Songs By Lovecraftian Apocalypse-Mongering Rock Band The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets

By Toren Atkinson of The Darkest Of The Hillside Thickets
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Best Of 2009: By Jim Campilongo

Jim Campilongo is a fantastic guitarist and songwriter and has been called “an American treasure” by Billboard Magazine.
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Top Ten Of 2009: By Darick Robertson

Darick Robertson is a comic illustrator and writer, and co-creator of Transmetropolitan and The Boys. He has just written and drawn a one-shot Conan the Cimmerian story called “The Weight Of The Crown” for Dark Horse Comics.
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Best Of 2009: By JG Thirlwell

Mainly I listen to classical, contemporary composition, soundtracks, and prog rock, and I spent most of the year writing new music of my own.
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Best Of 2009—Cities: By Shannon Wheeler

Image from Smaddy

1. New York

The city gets better with every visit. Art, food, parks, architecture. . . the city is amazing. The subways are a wonder; that I can go out and drink beer until 4 a.m. and take a subway home insures this city the number one spot in my book. The best and brightest people gravitate to New York to test their merit and make their mark and my nightly excursions give me some of the best conversations I’ve had. And the more I visit the city the more people I befriend. It’s a plus to travel to places where you know people—it’s an event when you arrive and party while you’re there.
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Best Of 2009: By Drew of Toothpaste For Dinner

I’m Drew, writer and illustrator of the comics Toothpaste For Dinner and Married To The Sea. I live in Columbus, Ohio and stay inside most of the time. In February 2010, I’ll be releasing my rap album CRUDBUMP: NA$TYJAM$. You heard.
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Best Of 2009—Top Ten Albums: By J Howell

It’s worth noting that there are several records that may’ve made the cut if I’d have had more time to get to know them a little better by year’s end; this year’s TV On The Radio and Califone records come to mind, as well as Tom Waits’ Glitter and Doom Live. And since the release date of Jim Campilongo’s Orange was moved to February 2010, I guess it’ll just have to go on next year’s list. Furthermore, though it came out in ’08, I didn’t pick up a copy of Giant Sand’s proVISIONS until early this year, and it’s pretty amazing. Check it out!
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