23rd
Best of 09 - 20 is a lot, but I don’t care
In abslutely NO particular order, I present my top 15 of 2009 —
It was a good year for music, although not as stand-out as other years have been…
First and foremost, there was no NIN album. Which makes it a less than stellar list by default. BUT some of my friends put out records, so I’m happy to see them make the list. Not because they’re my friends mind you, but because their albums are AMAZING!
Without further adieu, the list…
1 - Andrew Bird - Noble Beast — Andrew is always a lovely surprise. Whether he’s wowing us with a classically inspired opus or a catchy folk-pop song. Plus his whistling kicks the crap out of those Peter, Bjorn & John guys.
2 - Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion — Every time I think I’ve had my fill of this record, I put it on and I’m instantly struck by some new layer or some new moment I hadn’t noticed before and I’m hooked. I was drawn in at first listen to “My Girls” and the subsequent remixes and covers that followed only proved one thing: this band is far too complex and talented to be improved upon. Nice goin.
3 - Silversun Pickups - Swoon — I had an advance copy of this record and was sworn to keep it to myself which was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do all year. Seriously, this collection of songs isn’t Carnavas, it’s something else. And it’s just as fantastic. It speaks a more mature language and the themes are clearer. We lounge in the lush musical cloud and relate to the grounded perspective in the lyrics.
4 - Bat for Lashes - Two Suns — This album has a LOT of really great songs on it. The first record was a bit boring and this one more than makes up for it. I’d like to think access to better production, more time to sort out musical thoughts and having some new experiences brought her into a whole other stage of life. I’m glad to see life-living pay off in such a positive, creative way.
5 - Paper Route - Absence — This band is beyond stellar. If you thought their fantastic videos and live shows are mind-blowing, the record is going to knock your socks off. It has a great balance of the energies of all of their previous releases and presents the most cohesive elements of their abilities. This is a band of guys who clearly knows their direction and creates music that opens doors in my brain and heart.
6 - Mutemath - Armistice — For a second record, this one topples the other off its well-deserved pedestal with a thud! They set out to make something epic and extraordinary in comparison to their first one and they certainly succeeded. It has a great pace and a strong collection of songs that speaks to their energy and sweet sentiments.
7 - The Beatles - Remasters — duh.
8 - Division Day - Visitation — Justin Meldal-Johnsen helmed the board as these four brilliant musical minds set out to take their creative process to the next level in a BIG way. This record boasts a much more massive production and the team spared no technical expense to arrive at their dark masterpiece.
9 - I Will Never Be the Same - Standby — Made in the tiny West Hollywood apt of frontman and principal songwriter, Josh Atchley this elegant digital dance is the breakout record of the year from a baby band who has some big names on board already. Look out for more from them in the future!
10 - Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3 — The record is solid and the single is everywhere. At this point I’m not even sure he has to promote himself anymore. If there’s a Jay-Z record out, it’s probably great.
11 - Dark Was the Night - Various Artists — What a great idea and what a lovely result! If you haven’t picked up this gem yet, I highly recommend it. There are moments of sheer beauty on it and it’s worth buying if only to support a great cause!
12 - Julian Casablancas - Phrazes for the Young - I love all The Strokes side projects, I just think they’re an incredibly talented group of individuals. I cannot wait to hear what their next collective effort due out in 2010 will be like. This solo record has more of a “Strokes” feel than the others since after all Jules writes the lyrics and a lot of the basic melodies for the band’s catalog, but his electro-retro style is so genuine and sweet, I just love it. Also, see him live — he’s quite a presence.
13 - Gavin Castleton - Home — Gavin has made a BEAUTIFUL record and its message is as lovely as its delivery. Music can be therapy for overcoming anything, and to present the full story of a love affair with such whimsy makes it all the more endearing.
14 - Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More — I’ve watched this band go from being known as Laura Marling’s backing band to becoming stars in their own right. I first saw them opening for the Laura Marling & Johnny Flynn tour and I have to say, the 12 or so of us in the room were blown AWAY at what we saw and heard. This record finally arrives after a series of amazing EPs. If this is your first foray into their stunning career, go back and grab every one of them.
15 - Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures — It’s heavy and really robust, but melodic and rockin at the same time. These are self-editors in just about every part of the process. The players are seasoned professionals and can easily make a kick-ass record in the studio, but these are songs that can be VERY easily translated live as well which will make them top my list.
16 - The Gossip - Music for Men — Beth Ditto isn’t quiet or subtle. She’s not cute or sweet. She’s also got one HELL of a voice and when we’re talking about song selection I like to position The Gossip somewhere between Heart and Donna Summer… it’s like rockin disco. I don’t have to understand it. I just love it.
17 - Passion Pit - Manners —The presence of PS 22 on this record alone makes it worth listening to, those kids are rad. But the genius of Chunk of Change got an upgrade on this record and we see a little bit more depth in Michael’s songwriting and the rest of the band’s abilities. Their live show is very energetic too!
18 - The Cribs - Ignore the Ignorant — Johnny Marr is in the band. He grew up the brothers Jarman and slapped a little refinement on the record or so it seems. The Cribs until now have been kinda poppy and kinda punk rock, but with this new recording they’ve taken the best of themselves (and Johnny so it seems) and turned it up in the headphones. Kudos fellas!
19 - Dirty Projectors — Bitte Orca - I didn’t think I was going to love this record at all. After all I’ve been so HURT by the “anti-awesome” offerings from Brooklyn this year. I just couldn’t make myself be disappointed by ANOTHER borough band. What a pleasant surprise this one was! I don’t even want to try to describe it; I can’t imagine doing it justice. Just trust me. I’m sure it’s for sale on Amazon.com for like $4.99
20 - The Antlers - Hospice — A publicist sent me this one and I was SO impressed with the vocalist. I have listened to it quite often and love the way it seems to just carry on. As if it’s always been there. Definitely worth picking up if you don’t have it.
honorable mention: John Mayer - Battle Studies, Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and the Gru Grux King — these two used to be FIXTURES in my life, and lately their work just seems to be of the pleasant, but not life-changing standard… great to hear from them again this year, like a coupla cousins who always send me funny holiday cards.
:)
have a nice week off in December!
A.
