The Sound of Snake Handling
I know it's only January, but I'm ready to solidify BP's spot in my top 10 of '09. They've got a dark gospel back-woods tribal soul groove , with two lead vocalists (the guy has kind of a Tom Waits growly thing going on, and the female has this strange, deep, other-worldly soul quality) and a fearless call-and-response backing choir that reminds me of the old Sacred Harp hymns. INCREDIBLE. Check out "Crabapples" and "Shanty Song."