11. Mastodon- Crack the Skye
The progressive metal release pounds and pounds and pounds. The layered guitar parts make each song sound heavy and massive. Although its a heavy metal album, the band knows how to create some serious hooks and melody lines. The well written riffs are backed by thoughtful percussion not usually seen in metal (i.e. the tambourine on "The Czar" & triangle in "The Last Baron"). (video)
12. Portugal. The Man- The Satanic Satanist
I love the direction this record took: less electronics (though still there in the right spots) and more 70s feel with swirling wah-styled guitars, organs, and thoughtful percussion. (video)
13. ISIS- Wavering Radiant
This is what heavy music should sound like. Atmospheric and droning, ISIS no how to make a heavy record without any of the cliches that come along with it. The band knows how to create heavy music with non-traditional means. (video)
14. Mewithoutyou- Its All Crazy! Its All False! Its All a Dream! Its Allright
The progression this band has taken from angst ridden post-hardcore towards a more experimental, indie sound featuring keyboards, horns, strings, and accordion has been fascinating. While some have been put off by the more toned down styling and lyric shift, I have loved it. They've pushed the envelope and not been afraid to experiment and shift styles. (video)
15. Them Crooked Vultures- s/t
Love the sticky riffs and huge drums of this super group. The band is at its best with thick-nasty-slow grooves like the ending to the opening track and the intro the Elephants. Once again John Paul Jones plays his bass and keyboard parts in the background (like he did in Zeppelin) but those parts are what make the songs sound so thick and nasty (see the organs and backing piano track on Caligulove). (video)
16. Nurses- Apple Acres
This Portland based band has a way of creating folk sounding songs without being cliche. They employ a great use of electronic sounds coupled with well written songs, great vocals, and stripped down percussion that always seems to be entertaining and fresh despite being very minimal. (video)
17. Cryptacize- Mythomania
Mythomania features pop style songs with soothing and beautiful (almost Loretta Lynn style) vocals over strange music created by unusual and unpredictable instruments with bizarre arrangements. The juxtaposition of the erratic (music) with the beautiful (vocals) creates a awesome tension that draws you in completely. (video)
18. David Bazan- Curse Your Branches
The mastermind behind Pedro the Lion finally returns with a proper solo album. Its exactly what you'd expect: intensely personal songs questioning faith, relationships, and the overall human condition. The lyrics are pointed and challenging. (video)
19. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
Everyone reading this blog has probably heard of the buzz this band has created. Dubbed by many the best release of 2009 before it was even released, this album comes pretty damn close to living up to all the hype. Crazy, layered production of simple and beautiful pop songs. (video)
20. Califone- All My Friends Are Funeral Singers
Califone play a strange brand of Americana with sounds that you'd expect from a post-rock electronic band layered over banjo and piano parts. You can hear the torture in the vocals that accents the somber tone of the record perfectly. There is a film of the same title to be released and played during live shows that is supposedly amazing. (video)
12. Portugal. The Man- The Satanic Satanist
I love the direction this record took: less electronics (though still there in the right spots) and more 70s feel with swirling wah-styled guitars, organs, and thoughtful percussion. (video)
13. ISIS- Wavering Radiant
This is what heavy music should sound like. Atmospheric and droning, ISIS no how to make a heavy record without any of the cliches that come along with it. The band knows how to create heavy music with non-traditional means. (video)
14. Mewithoutyou- Its All Crazy! Its All False! Its All a Dream! Its Allright
The progression this band has taken from angst ridden post-hardcore towards a more experimental, indie sound featuring keyboards, horns, strings, and accordion has been fascinating. While some have been put off by the more toned down styling and lyric shift, I have loved it. They've pushed the envelope and not been afraid to experiment and shift styles. (video)
15. Them Crooked Vultures- s/t
Love the sticky riffs and huge drums of this super group. The band is at its best with thick-nasty-slow grooves like the ending to the opening track and the intro the Elephants. Once again John Paul Jones plays his bass and keyboard parts in the background (like he did in Zeppelin) but those parts are what make the songs sound so thick and nasty (see the organs and backing piano track on Caligulove). (video)
16. Nurses- Apple Acres
This Portland based band has a way of creating folk sounding songs without being cliche. They employ a great use of electronic sounds coupled with well written songs, great vocals, and stripped down percussion that always seems to be entertaining and fresh despite being very minimal. (video)
17. Cryptacize- Mythomania
Mythomania features pop style songs with soothing and beautiful (almost Loretta Lynn style) vocals over strange music created by unusual and unpredictable instruments with bizarre arrangements. The juxtaposition of the erratic (music) with the beautiful (vocals) creates a awesome tension that draws you in completely. (video)
18. David Bazan- Curse Your Branches
The mastermind behind Pedro the Lion finally returns with a proper solo album. Its exactly what you'd expect: intensely personal songs questioning faith, relationships, and the overall human condition. The lyrics are pointed and challenging. (video)
19. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion
Everyone reading this blog has probably heard of the buzz this band has created. Dubbed by many the best release of 2009 before it was even released, this album comes pretty damn close to living up to all the hype. Crazy, layered production of simple and beautiful pop songs. (video)
20. Califone- All My Friends Are Funeral Singers
Califone play a strange brand of Americana with sounds that you'd expect from a post-rock electronic band layered over banjo and piano parts. You can hear the torture in the vocals that accents the somber tone of the record perfectly. There is a film of the same title to be released and played during live shows that is supposedly amazing. (video)
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