iamnathanjohnson http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson Virb 2.0 (@iamnathanjohnson) en My Top 10 Albums of 2009! http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/7030834 So here is my list of the top 10 Albums of 2009.

This is just my opinion so if you don’t agree that is okay. I’m sure most people won’t agree because I have a musical taste for everything.

I’m going against the norm and I will start with the #1 Album of 2009…So enjoy:


City of Black and White
by Mat Kearney

I used to never like Mat Kearney. Never got into the hip hop/spoken word stuff. Never hated but just never enjoyed it. When I was told to check it out because someone thought I’d like it, I was skeptical but I tried it anyways. From the very first hit of the full band(of which I know a lot of the musicians)I was HOOKED. There isn’t much to say. This is THE BEST album of 2009. The writing, the production, the sounds. It’s perfect. Please check it out.


Forget And Not Slow Down
by Relient K

Relient K has always been at the top of my list since I first got into listening and playing music. They are so good. Yes they’ve had their goofy pop punk years, but who hasn’t? I know I sure have. This album is by far one of their best. I waited a good year for this and it was so hard to wait for. The songs are perfectly laid out and the lyrics are classic Matt Thiessen style; which is a great thing! If you’ve ever had a terrible break up, this record is for you.


Defying Gravity
by Keith Urban

I love Keith Urban. He is just a classic rocker. I like how I can forget about him and then re-fall back in love with his tunes. I was not aware this record was in the making when a friend from The Gathering tipped me on some rough unmastered tracks. They got me fired up and when the record was released I was there on itunes ready to click BUY. The production is solid and the guitar tones are of course immaculate. Definitely a solid pop country record and not to heavy on the goofy over the top hillbilly songs.


Two Tongues
by Two Tongues

I had no idea about this band. I’ve always been a HUGE Saves the Day fan and when I heard Chris was working with Say Anything. I was very anxious to hear. Both have stellar voices and They both know how to write words/phrase and sing them in a sick interesting way. This record has perfect melodies and great rock songs.


Stockholm Syndrome
by Derek Webb

I fell in love with Derek a few years ago with his “The Ringing Bell” record. So I knew this one must be good. Little did I know he was going to pull out all the technology stops and totally blow the production value out of the water. This record is AMAZING. There’s no other words to describe. The way he proposed it the world, worked on it, used technology to promote and get it out there is one incredible thing. Derek is a very talented artist from the lyrics to the songwriting he is a solid musician in my book. I definitely look up to that guy. Extra props to Josh Moore on his co production and 2nd man status on this record. He rules.


Battle Studies
by John Mayer

Not much to say here. Solid, solid, solid record from John. I love how it’s laid back and very chill. I respect him not going all out and ripping solos on every track. Everything is very tasteful and I appreciate that. Great for singing a long but still one of those “listeneres” you can sit and hear great studio production and tricks.


Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
by Phoenix

I don’t know much about them other than their SNL performance this year was incredible. This record is great and it really took the world by storm. Although it has kinda lost it’s flare for me, it still is no doubt a great record 2009.


Say Anything
by Say Anything

At this point, I can’t say much because this record hasn’t been out for much of 2009. It is a solid rock record. If you like the Two Tongues album you will enjoy this. It’s a great length and the production is top notch. Lot and lots of studio tricks on this one. Some might say over the top but sometimes you need that. Great sing a long record yet very cool too. I heard Max Bemis is a christian now which may or may not show up in the lyrics on this record. I’d like to believe he his. I know he recently married Eisley front-woman, Sherrie Dupree.


Curse Your Branches
by David Bazan

I’ve never been a Bazan guy. I know this angers a lot of you and I’m sorry. I had Bazan stint in highschool and I loved him. Don’t get me wrong, He is amazing. One of THE BEST songwriters ever. Plus, his voice is so loud and deep! It’s very admirable. Anyways, this record is full of great written songs and the production is some of his better produced sounds. I like the hint of full band for most of it and it’s just got great notes, you know?!


Ursa Major
by Third Eye Blind

Oh come on! They are classic! Third Eye Blind proved with this release that they still got it. Got it you ask? Yes they still have the 90’s…BUT! They’ve got the 00’s also. This record is a mash of classic 3EB riffs and licks with the taste of todays style and production. You can’t expect anything less from Stephan Jenkins. Props to Jared Bond and Carlos Lima for hold down 3EB favorite status for a number of years! Way to be guys!









Most anticipated (so far) of 2010:


Inside These Lines EP
by Trent Dabbs

I fell in love with Dabbs music this year. After researching much about the underground Kearney, Moak, Burkum, etc scene from Nashville, I found one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters. His latest ep, “Decade Fades” is one of my go-to records for any situation. I highly expect his 2010 release to be the very same!





Well, thats 2009. Great, great, GREAT year of music! I’m hope you enjoyed my top 10 list. Let me know your thoughts. Also, it’s 3:30 AM on Christmas Day and I’m so tired so sorry if any of it didn’t make sense. I’m going to bed now. Merry Christmas.

]]> Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:26:28 -0800 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/7030834 I have really big news. http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/6762422 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:25:07 -0800 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/6762422 Baby, http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/5754833 Baby, It's all that I can do to thank you. Cause every time you wrapped those arms around me, I felt I was home cause everything made sense when you were with me.

]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:47:02 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/5754833 http://www.davapick.com/ http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/4242330 If you play guitar and you're looking for some really awesome picks, look no further than Dava Picks!

Dava makes some great picks and you'll love the way they play.

I recommend the Grip Tips. They play great!

So stop by the site and order a pack!

Tell them Nathan Johnson sent you!

Thanks and you won't regret it!

]]> Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:21:49 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/4242330 Free TSS ringtones! http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3979227 2 ringtones for each song of our newest release, "5"

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:41:41 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3979227 iTunes! http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3843571 My band, The Sailor Sequence, is officially on iTunes!

Finally!

Stop by and pick up a copy of our new record as well as an oldie but a goodie!

Click Here!

and also check it out on amazon.com!

Click here for amazon!

THANKS!

]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:11:17 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3843571 back http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3743912 this is working again. I'm gonna try to use it more.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:27:11 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3743912 Hmmm http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3330025 Bummed on stuff.

]]> Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:15:25 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3330025 THE SAILOR SEQUENCE RECORD RELEASE PARTY! http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3290852 Remember to head out to the Lenexa Sidedoor tomorrow night for The Sailor Sequence’s record release show!

$8 to get in..everyone gets a free record!

Doors at 6:30pm Show at 7pm

Oh Blessed Thought
McCoy
T H I E V E S
The Sailor Sequence

12600 W 87th Street Pkwy
Shawnee Mission, KS 66215


THANKS!

]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:00:59 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3290852 I heard you were back in town, http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3080421 I heard you were back in town,
I heard you were coming ‘round,
Trying to get off the ground,
From every road you went down,

I walked down to your street,
I could still feel the old heat,
If you’re burning on empty,
I’ll be holding a golden ring,

Cause hey hey they don’t know you like I do,
I’d wait for the whole world to show you,
Maybe we’re not,
Not that gone,

Do you ever think about me,
Do you ever call my name,
Ask me now I’ll give you the reasons,
My love will not fade,
Through the fire and rain,
The fire and rain,

I’ll meet you half way,
If you’re coming the long,
Don’t care what the people say,
Of the prodigal runaway,

Cause hey hey they don’t know you like I do,
I’d wait for the whole world to show you,
Maybe we’re not,
Not that gone,

Do you ever think about me,
Do you ever call my name,
Ask me now I’ll give you the reasons,
My love will not fade,
Through the fire and rain,
The fire and rain,

You said goodbye I’m gone,
Oh it hurts to hold on,
If you settled your score,
(and you know and you know),
Pick you up off the floor,

Do you ever think about me,
Do you ever call my name,
Ask me now I’ll give you the reasons,
My love,
Do you ever think about me,
Do you ever call my name,
Ask me now I’ll give you the reasons,
My love will not fade,
Through the fire and rain,
The fire and rain,
Through the fire and rain,
The fire and rain.

]]> Mon, 25 May 2009 22:40:28 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3080421 “Moth’s Wings” http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3010915 “Moth’s Wings”

These guys are definitely worthy of checking out.

alt

]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 21:32:46 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/3010915 What a confusing life. http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2915339 Life is confusing.

Music rules.

Friends rule.

]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 01:08:11 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2915339 I miss this http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2915133 Tue, 12 May 2009 00:25:42 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2915133 T H I E V E S http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2829860 I’m in the studio all week recording T H I E V E S.

I love it.

]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 17:44:46 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2829860 So excited http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2551820 I, Nathan Johnson, now have my first endorsement. Thanks to this amazing company:

alt

I’m very excited. Feels so pro.

EDIT…to answer Cameron’s comment… I am sponsored by Dava Pick’s. The owner Dave, took a liking to me and is sponsoring me as a musician! I get picks from him and I will promote his company! Which also happens to be my favorite pick company!

]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:40:46 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2551820 !?!? http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2433534 I LOVE GEAR. I’m so into gear lately. It’s keeping me sane. I love talking to Ryan about gear. It is so awesome when we “LIVE” gear. Whether we’re driving to look at gear, read about gear online, talk about gear, build gear, make price sheets of new gear, make the gear we have better gear, or just tinker with gear we own, it rules.

I can’t wait to build my new pedal and re design my board. I’m gonna get some new patch cables and figure out a way to make my tone THE BEST. I’m gonna build my own guitar cables from board to amp and board to guitar.

Jon Shirley asked me to play with him this Thursday at a college in Missouri. I can’t wait. It’s gonna be so awesome. I love playing with him.

I just really like all that ^ stuff. Sorry.

NGJ

]]> Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:20:05 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2433534 Right now... http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2391333 I am sick. Sore throat. Ugh.

Been working lots still. It’s good AND bad.

I wrote a whole post and lost it. I’m fairly angry.

Can’t wait for my new pedals to come and to build one of them and redo my board with Ryan and Chris. Triboost and Leeds Fuzz. Building the Fuzz…gonna rule.

TSS final mixes were sent to master today. Hope we can get them by Friday so I can send artwork to print and we can start on duplication.

The ep release party will be so fun. Pretty much our bestest friend bands will be there and I LOVE that.

Go read Proverbs 3 and do what it says.

Let me just say this; I’ve been doing so much recording type stuff with Ryan lately and it just gets better and better. Its so easy and we always come up with such good stuff. Not bragging or anything but I feel like we’re getting pretty good at it and I like that it’s getting easier because that makes it fun! Well, just thought I’d say that.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:00:05 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2391333 I have http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2354323 Been listening to so much new Keith Urban. Makes me want to play with him so bad and do that for a living.

Been working wayyy to much.

Been purchasing new gear which I’m so STOKED on. Two new pedals coming! One built and the other not built and I have to build it myself!!!

Been bored at night a lot.

Been loving the weather.

Been tired.

Been lonely.

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:39:09 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2354323 Weird http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2302888 So it’s been a pretty good while now that I’ve quit twitter…it feels weird but I kinda like it. It’s such an amazing awesome thing and I love it but I think I love life before twitter better. Maybe someday I’ll be back into it. I’m sure, but who knows when.

Today we had a session up at THE PUNCH for Fox And The Forrest. Such sweet dudes. They are my buds for life, I love em. We tracked a pretty stellar song and I can’t wait to do more with it. The programming on it at the intro is nice and clean but not overdone…very pro. Not that I’m talking it up since I programmed it, but that it just fits their song so nicely. Those dudes know how to write unique songs and that is important.

I love doing things with music. It is THE best and it never is bad. Always is fun and it’s just cool to find new things/gear/ideas/peopole. I love it.

More to come about a job I could potentially get in the near future touring with a country artist….

PS. I just ordered these:

BEST PICKS EVER
alt

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:09:03 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2302888 Lately http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2293839 I have really just been loving my guitar lately. She has been playing so well. She just gets more and more awesome as the years go by. Bout 8 years now. I love that…that’s a pretty long time.

Thats about all that is good right now for me.

At least its a good thing right?

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:49:04 -0700 http://virb.com/iamnathanjohnson/posts/text/2293839