Bombadil’s Tarpits & Canyonlands is quite the album. It was released in July 2009 by Ramseur Records and earned a spot on several “Best of 2009” lists. As Patrick posted last December, Bombadil’s music is inviting and upbeat. With powerful yet playful lyrics, the spirited merrymen would no doubt make both Tolkien and Tom Bombadil proud.

Something I particularly appreciate is their ability to roll with the punches, even when the punch (in this case, tendinitis) forces them to stop touring indefinitely. Fans will just have to stay loyal and patient and live vicariously through the album’s adventures online:

It travels to Ecuador.

Builds pyramids in the sand.

Visits Joshua Tree National Park

And hobnobs with monkeys.

Wasn’t that fun?

Fellow labelmate Scott Avett is also waiting patiently for Bombadil to be back in circuit. Here he is honoring the group with a lovely cover of the song “Marriage.”