Jessica Lewis returns for another edition of Monthly Music.  If you enjoy this feature, you can read more of Jessica’s musical musings at Round Letters.

This month I’m going to try something different. After all, it’s a new year, a new decade. There is much to look back on and look forward to, especially in music. So, without delay, here follows what I believe are some albums and concerts to look forward to in January 2010. There’s already a lot in just one month! These picks are all pretty earthy, a great symbol for how they’ve all worked from the ground up, and 2010 expects some beautiful flowers, trees, bushes, what-have-you.

By all means, start a discussion in the comments. Did I leave anyone out? What are you looking forward to in music for 2010? And what did you love most about 2009?

Owen Pallett – Heartland Out January 12. Plays at the Mod Club on the same day. From the man who had to change his stage name Final Fantasy back to his real name due to copyright infringement comes the album everyone in the Toronto indie scene has been waiting for since He Poos Clouds in 2006. With his trademark quick-wit and faster violin pace, this album is sure to keep the critics and fans chattering for a while.

Woodpigeon – Die Stadt Muzikanten Out January 12. Plays at the Drake Hotel on February 11. Oh Mark Andrew, your crew and the blissful melodies! Pleasant, familiar and yet still an adventure is every Woodpigeon album. What has impressed me about Woodpigeon in the past has been how easy their songs mold to any occasion. Studying, hanging out, partying, discovering.
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