Jim Bessman's Top 10 albums for 2009

Some you've heard of--others you haven't:

1. Neshama Carlebach & The Green Pastures Baptist Church Choir, Higher & Higher (Sojourn): Daughter of the immensely influential Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Neshama, herself a beautiful singer, artfully teams with the Bronx-based Green Pastures Church Choir in infusing collective spirit into the songs of her late father.

2. Rosanne Cash, The List (Manhattan): Concept album of songs handed down by her father offers a new perspective on his greatness—and hers.

3. Kris Kristofferson, Closer to the Bone (New West): Intimate studio set from Kristofferson picks up where preceding This Old Road left off, with the revered singer-songwriter at his most personal and poetic.

4. Nellie McKay, Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day (Verve): First album of covers from McKay shines new light on Day’s classic song catalog and McKay’s own interpretive genius.

5. Sandra Bernhard, Whatever It Takes (MI5): Remarkable recording from a remarkable artist, casting off comedy for uplifting songs in a surprising world music format.

6. Lisa Germano, Magic Neighbor (Young God): John Mellencamp’s former fiddler continues to enthrall with minimalist, melancholy melodies that are depressing yet beautiful and sometimes even playful.

7. Jane Siberry, With What Shall I Keep Warm? (Sheeba): Reverting to her original artist name after a brief interlude as Issa, Siberry delivers the second of a trilogy of albums stemming from a songwriting surge following the first name change and resulting in another complex but enriching voyage to the outer limits of pop songwriting.

8. Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel, Willie and the Wheel (Bismeaux): He doesn’t reinvent the Wheel, but Willie Nelson gives the venerable Texas swing band a good greasing with this made-in-heaven pairing.

9. The New York Dolls, ’Cause I Sez So (Rhino): Second album since 2006 reincarnation of legendary 1970s pre-punk Dolls brings in original producer Todd Rundgren to refurbish leader David Johansen’s raucous rockers and tuneful ballads.

10. Diane Birch, Bible Belt (S Curve): : Terrific debut album from 26 year-old preacher’s daughter has a distinct New Orleans-Memphis soul/r&b flavor and voice that recalls Michelle Shocked—and the excellent songwriting to go with it.