The end of the year is a time to reflect on the best (and sometimes worst) music of the past year. And in the case of 2009, it's also the end of a decade (or not, as some would argue), so there are a lot of lists tallying up the best of the '00s, or aughts, or whatever the hell this decade is to be called.
Here's a sampling of some best-of lists of the year and the decade, from music business sources and the general-interest press.
* L.A.'s KCRW considers the top 10 live performances that took place on its flagship program, Morning Becomes Eclectic.
* Also, KCRW's music librarian, Eric J. Lawrence, offers a preview of music forthcoming in 2010.
* At another one of my favorite radio stations, New York's WFUV, the DJs and staff weigh in on their favorite songs and albums of the year.
* MTV, which now seems more of a reality TV network than a music channel, surveys the best music (and artists, and films, etc.) from 2009 (which they have dubbed "The Year of Gaga")
* NPR Music, which produces a number of fine music podcasts, live concerts, and more, offers several lists detailing different staff members' favorite music of the year.
* The Dallas Observer reviews the year in Latin music.
* Amazon.com lists 88 "Outstanding 2009 Albums You Might Have Missed." Looking through the first page of the listing, I can honestly say I've heard of only one or two of these albums/artists. Will have to check them out.
* Rolling Stone gives its picks for the best albums and songs of the Aughts... I mean, 2000s ... you know, the still-unnamed first decade of the 21st century.
* And Idolator lists the top-selling songs and albums of the year at iTunes, along with its editors' picks.
Onward to 2010...
