Dec 30, 1969 - 02:58 PM

As we head into the close of the year and also of the decade, I have to admit it's been a challenging affair documenting Durham Region's music scene, a scene hanging on by its calloused fingertips. So many ups. So many more downs. Doors open. Doors closed.

Other places are going through similar upheavals -- low turnout, venues shutting, etc., -- but we here in Durham have one extra problem and that's the proximity of Toronto which, according to some promoters I know down there, are going great guns on gigs. Our kids are their audiences. Our investments are recouped down there. Our groups are moving there.

The departure of artists is always a low point for a local audience but we as fans still celebrate their triumphs and successes with them, albeit from afar. And we have a lot to celebrate. This past decade has been simply fantastic and I've been amazed at the consistency of the skill level of bands here. And the numbers, too. For every hockey stick in a household, there's a guitar or a drum set or a trumpet.

This was the decade which brought me back into music. The late 90s was a dead zone for pop and rock. It was a dreary industry-dominated time which pushed all of its resources into selling to 14-year-old boys and girls. It was all Jock Rock and soft porn stars ... it was just horrible, (insert shudder). Rap, which was once a vital forum, was also co-opted into a facade of thuggery.

Once, driving home early from the night shift mid-decade, I heard Haiti from Arcade Fire on the radio ... probably Bookie's Indie nite or something. And I was gobsmacked. It had a quiet power. The rest is me writing history.

Over the next few weeks, we'll chat about the whos and whats of the decade and the year ... not best ofs as such but more recommendations about who is pushing back the boundaries. The leaders, I guess, or pioneers might be a better word.

I can tell you in advance that little of certain industry-created genres like modern rock will find its way into this discussion. Rap, too, is off the radar. Maybe that will change in the next decade. I hope so.

But what we have seen over the last 10 years is Canadians taking their (I believe) rightful place among the greats of the music world. What Britain was to the 80s and the States was to the 90s, Canada has been to the 00s. The D-Rock has made its contribution to this progression.

Recommended by friends.

I asked some mates for suggestions, records they all think you all would enjoy. There were no rules, just that the album had to have been issued in 09. Space will dictate editing so I will prioritize local and Canadian where mentioned. These will run until the new year, but you can start your shopping now.

Sylvie Smith of The Magic: Timber Timbre -- Timber Timbre

Lauren Heenan of Avery Island: Brand New -- Daisy

Keith Hamilton of The Diableros: Shotgun Jimmie -- Still Jimmie

Adam Hare of Cutthroat Clothing: Protest The Hero -- Gallop Meets The Earth

John O'Regan of Diamond Rings/ D'Urbervilles: Timber Timbre -- Timber Timbre

Philip Klygo of Weewerk Records: Timber Timbre -- Timber Timbre