A lot like other blogs, I’m going to post my top 10 personal favorites of 2009. If you look past through all the auto-tuned bullshit that’s currently on the radio (cash cash, ke$ha, etc.), you’ll find some appreciated (and under-appreciated) albums. It was quite easy narrowing it down since I had less time to listen to albums this year, but once I did I found some great albums with some sustainability. So let’s get to it! YEAH BRAH!
10. Say Anything – Self-Titled
Spot number 10 belongs to Say Anything and their self-titled album. To be honest, this album had to grow on me. I was apart of the majority that wanted another “…Is a Real Boy” but this self-titled still had the essence that is Say Anything. This album is toned down a notch compared to “…Is a Real Boy” but you can still feel that Max Bemis is still pissed off at the world. Catchy melodies, key sing-a-longs, and Max Bemis’ trademark angry yelling-talking-singing thing. Haha.
Favorite Tracks: Hate Everyone, Do Better, Ahhh… men.
9. Brand New – Daisy
My first impression… What the fuck? I saw Jesse and Vinnie at an last minute acoustic show they did in Seattle, and they played a few new songs via acoustic. It consisted of Jesse screaming nonsense and Vinnie playing some weird guitar riffs, so I was not excited for the new album. Brand New has been changing their styles with each album, and with Daisy I wasn’t sure to expect. This album had to grow on me, as I was so used to Deja Entendu, but when I pushed past judgement this album is fucking amazing. Acoustic does not do these songs justice. Jesse Lacey is angrier than ever, and with Vinnie now helping with lyrics, this album is a huge explosion. If you haven’t listened to Brand New in a while, this album might surprise you. Listen to Vices with the speakers turned up.
Favorite Tracks – You Stole, Sink, Noro
8. Kevin Devine – Brother’s Blood
Spot 8 belongs to an artist that I really think is under-appreciated. Brother’s Blood is a long time in the making, and it was totally worth it. Kevin Devine writes with different perspectives. Filled with issues with politics, romance, and family. All songs are great musically and the lyrics are as amazing as ever. Plus he’s goofy ginger kid. YouTube “Kevin Devine’s Rap”. Just do it.
Favorite Tracks: I Could Be With Anyone, All of Everything Erased, Carnival
7. Fun. – Aim and Ignite
I miss The Format. I really do. But Fun. is a great band to fill the shoes. Ex-Format member Nate created Fun. and this band lives up to their name. This album is another under-appreciated album, filled with horns, fun sing-a-longs, and catchy guitar riffs. It’s a new breath of fresh air, completely different than the albums released in the scene. See this band live and listen to this album, it’s really fun. Pun intended.
Favorite Tracks: Walking the Dog, Light a Roman Candle With me, Benson Hedges
6. Kid Cudi – Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
Man on the Moon, the stoner album of 2009. This album just gives great vibes, and it completely eases your mind. Unlike many rap albums released this year, this album doesn’t rely on auto-tune and generic beats. This album also features contributions from MGMT and Ratatat, which pushes rap scene in a completely different direction. This release passed under many people’s radars, and it’s a shame since this album is amazing.
Favorite Tracks: Day n Nite, Pursuit of Happiness (Feat. MGMT and Ratatat), Simple As…
5. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
You know that car commercial with that song that goes do do do dooooo. do do doooo, then it goes FOLD IT! FOLD IT! FOLD IT! No? Well shit. Pick up this album. It’s filled with danceable beats and guitar riffs. I feel like this band is going to explode in 2010. It’s been on top of many lists and I can see why. Some thing about this album is refreshing and fun. It’s a great summer album to listen too, and a perfect album to put on during a party. It’s just too fucking good.
Favorite Tracks: 1901, Lisztomania, Countdown
4. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
What can I say about this band that hasn’t been said? This album had to grow on me, but once it did I couldn’t put it down. Crazy good harmonies and melodies, and Ed Droste’s voice is absolutely beautiful. The album’s musicality puts you in a different state and the harmonies add on the to atmosphere. The music videos to these songs are absolutely nuts as well and it does the songs justice. (GO WATCH THE VIDEO FOR TWO WEEKS. WHAT DA HALE?) Once you turn off the album, the melodies get stuck in your head. Pick up this album, as well as the past Grizzly Bear albums.
Favorite Tracks: Two Weeks, Ready Able, All We Ask
3. Drake – So Far Gone
Okay. Seriously, this album received a lot of hype and it’s well deserved. I’ve never seen Degrassi, but from what I heard people have forgotten that he was on the show due to this record. I’ve always found myself coming back to this record because it’s sooooo good. The use of indie band samples (Lykke Li, Peter Bjorn and John) and lyrics that make you go “ohhh!” this release is high up on my list. “The Game needed change and I’m the mother fucking cashier” Whaaaaaaat? Seriously? The only thing that irks me about this record is Lil Wayne. Get off the record, and this album would have been higher. I’m loving this release, and I’m even more excited for his March 2010 release.
Favorite Tracks: Houstatlantavegas, November 18th, Uptown (feat. Bun B & Lil’ Wayne). (Skip Lil Wayne’s verse, jesus christ, he’s so annoying.), Little Bit (feat. Lykke Li), Lets Call It Off (feat. Peter Bjorn & John)
2. Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything to Nothing
Okay, “I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child” was a GREAT album, but “Mean Everything To Nothing” was even better. This album is finally receiving the hype that it deserves from other media outlets. It’s such a step higher than their previous album and Andy Hull’s song writing is top notch. The emotion in this album is overflowing and I still haven’t comprehended it. The song I Can Feel a Hot One is probably my favorite song of 2009 and it still makes me bawl like a baby every time I listen to it. The voice that comes out of the burley lumberjack looking Andy Hull is haunting. The average age of the band is like 22-23, which is completely crazy since the maturity of this album is out of this league.
Favorite Tracks: Shake it Out, 100 Dollars, I Can Feel a Hot One, My Friend Marcus
1. Metric – Fantasies
Such a different vibe from other Metric records, but this one is ABSOLUTELY FUCKING GOOOOOOOOD. The songs had to grow on me, but once I looked past my judgement of looking for another “Live it Out” this album is top notch. Under-appreciated album of the year. Emily Haines sings with such conviction and influence. The known fact with Emily Haines is that every guy wants her, and every girl wants to BE her. This album is filled with metric’s trademark danceable beats and Jimmy Shaw’s catchy guitar riffs. No songs on this record makes me wanna skip, each song is great. Give this record a few spins and you’ll be singing the harmonies like no other. This album is EPIC. It has great sustainability and I’ve caught myself coming back to this record time and time again. I can’t say enough good things about this album. Emily Haines is my savior.
Favorite Tracks: Sick Muse, Satellite Mind, Gold Guns Girls, Gimmie Sympathy, Stadium Love, Waves (b-sides)
Honorable Mentions:
Miike Snow – Self-Titled
Friendly Fires – Self-Titled (Even though it was released in 2008, I’m a little late to the party. It’s still a great record.)
That’s my list for 2009! Bring on 2010! What are some of your favorites for 2009? Movies? Music? Design? Technology? Lets hear it!