The Top Ten of 2009
(2008 winners in parenthesis.)
1. fun.- Aim and Ignite
(Shearwater- Rook)
My favorite album of this year came out of absolutely no where. A bad featuring the lead singer of The Format (a band I never really got into) and Steeltrain. They create unbelievably catchy, creative, and beautiful pop sounding rock music. The attention to every little detail is what makes this record a stand out. (video)
2. HEALTH- Get Color
(Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago)
This California electronic(ish) band can only be described as a heavy-noise rock band with chant style vocals. Their Wikipedia page says that their lyrics are "purposely kept vague for the listener" which I think is a creative and innovate move. The songs have a distinct sense of mystery and tribalism while still sounding modern and creative, and while there are some heavy songs, it never gets out of hand or unlistenable. (video)
3. Bat for Lashes- Two Suns
(Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds- Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!)
The opening track is so infectious, it sets the stage for the entire album. Wonderfully crafted tribal drums and atmospheric stylings coupled with truly beautiful vocals, each song draws you in completely. (video)
4. Clues- s/t
(The Mars Volta- Bedlam in Goliath)
This Montreal indie-pop band knows how to write songs that are catchy, yet have a heavy side. The melody lines instantly stick in your head yet the songs are made different and unique with great use of keyboards and unusual percussion. (video)
5. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
(The Black Keys- Attack & Release)
Creative, experimental tracks that seamlessly jump from simple pop songs to electronically driven dance sounds to folk influences without missing a beat. The band has an amazing ability to transcend genres to create instantly lovable songs. (video)
6. The Paper Chase- Someday This Could All Be Yours Vol. One
(The Hold Steady- Stay Positive)
Abrasive, erratic, and pounding, The Paper Chase create prog influenced heavy sounding songs. They use just the right amount of electronic elements and synth sounds to add a certain creepiness and sense of strangeness to the record. But what makes the songs so killer are the massive beats and huge bridge sections. (video)
7. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez- Los Sueños De Un Hidago
(Calexico- Carried to Dust)
Omar releases so many solo albums that its often hard to keep up. This year he released five solo albums in addition to a new Mars Volta album. This is the release that stood out the most to me. Recorded live in the BBC studios, the album features very jazzy piano and organ driven arrangements complete with a beautiful female vocalist singing in Spanish and complemented by the signature Omar sound on guitar. (video)
8. Karen O and the Kids- Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack
(Thrice- The Alchemy Index Vol. III & IV)
Jangly pop and bouncy folk songs featuring the fun and excitement you'd expect from Karen O. Each song makes you smile, sing, and dance. (video)
9. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest
(Tilly & the Wall- O)
The ability to make unique and creative music while not going over the top is very difficult. And Grizzly Bear has done it. The simplicity is made amazing by well crafted songs, unbelievable attention to detail, and perfectly spot on vocal harmonies. (video)
10. YACHT- See Mystery Lights
(Vampire Weekend- s/t)
A wonderful creation of elecro-dance music that that makes you dance, laugh, and think without being overly hipster, taking itself too seriously, or being in your face. A great mix of digitally created music with live drums and bass sounds that are interesting to digest but could also serve as excellent background music for a party, cruising, or chilling out. (video)
1. fun.- Aim and Ignite
(Shearwater- Rook)
My favorite album of this year came out of absolutely no where. A bad featuring the lead singer of The Format (a band I never really got into) and Steeltrain. They create unbelievably catchy, creative, and beautiful pop sounding rock music. The attention to every little detail is what makes this record a stand out. (video)
2. HEALTH- Get Color
(Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago)
This California electronic(ish) band can only be described as a heavy-noise rock band with chant style vocals. Their Wikipedia page says that their lyrics are "purposely kept vague for the listener" which I think is a creative and innovate move. The songs have a distinct sense of mystery and tribalism while still sounding modern and creative, and while there are some heavy songs, it never gets out of hand or unlistenable. (video)
3. Bat for Lashes- Two Suns
(Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds- Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!)
The opening track is so infectious, it sets the stage for the entire album. Wonderfully crafted tribal drums and atmospheric stylings coupled with truly beautiful vocals, each song draws you in completely. (video)
4. Clues- s/t
(The Mars Volta- Bedlam in Goliath)
This Montreal indie-pop band knows how to write songs that are catchy, yet have a heavy side. The melody lines instantly stick in your head yet the songs are made different and unique with great use of keyboards and unusual percussion. (video)
5. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
(The Black Keys- Attack & Release)
Creative, experimental tracks that seamlessly jump from simple pop songs to electronically driven dance sounds to folk influences without missing a beat. The band has an amazing ability to transcend genres to create instantly lovable songs. (video)
6. The Paper Chase- Someday This Could All Be Yours Vol. One
(The Hold Steady- Stay Positive)
Abrasive, erratic, and pounding, The Paper Chase create prog influenced heavy sounding songs. They use just the right amount of electronic elements and synth sounds to add a certain creepiness and sense of strangeness to the record. But what makes the songs so killer are the massive beats and huge bridge sections. (video)
7. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez- Los Sueños De Un Hidago
(Calexico- Carried to Dust)
Omar releases so many solo albums that its often hard to keep up. This year he released five solo albums in addition to a new Mars Volta album. This is the release that stood out the most to me. Recorded live in the BBC studios, the album features very jazzy piano and organ driven arrangements complete with a beautiful female vocalist singing in Spanish and complemented by the signature Omar sound on guitar. (video)
8. Karen O and the Kids- Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack
(Thrice- The Alchemy Index Vol. III & IV)
Jangly pop and bouncy folk songs featuring the fun and excitement you'd expect from Karen O. Each song makes you smile, sing, and dance. (video)
9. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest
(Tilly & the Wall- O)
The ability to make unique and creative music while not going over the top is very difficult. And Grizzly Bear has done it. The simplicity is made amazing by well crafted songs, unbelievable attention to detail, and perfectly spot on vocal harmonies. (video)
10. YACHT- See Mystery Lights
(Vampire Weekend- s/t)
A wonderful creation of elecro-dance music that that makes you dance, laugh, and think without being overly hipster, taking itself too seriously, or being in your face. A great mix of digitally created music with live drums and bass sounds that are interesting to digest but could also serve as excellent background music for a party, cruising, or chilling out. (video)
3 comments:
thanks for your thoughtful list. this must have taken you time. appreciate you sharing.
animal collective and grizzly bear will definitely find their way to my list.
my only concern is that most of the albums seem to be small, lesser known indie rock. are there really no mainstream albums from this year that you enjoyed. C'mon, pearl jam, green day, and wilco all put out some pretty good shit.
all of this indie stuff is kinda startin' to sound the same to me. i sampled several of these bands you listed, and almost none jumped out at me. with the exception of "the antlers" and "dm stith." i'll have to look into them.
anyway, i do appreciate your list. mine will be up soon.
wow that was quite the count down... some stuff i didn't know so i will check i out.
Wow, Nole, I am shocked by your number one choice. Their music does not strike me as the type of music I have ever noticed you listening to. To me, the music is kinda shallow...what we used to call 'Bubble Gum' music.
I have not heard any of these bands and have been waiting for your number one. We all have our own opinions, and those are never right nor wrong, but, you really surprised me with your choice.
So glad you love music and have listened to and studied so many albums this year!!
"What instrument is that?" xoxo
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