my top 15 favorite albums of 2009

so it's that time of year again...time to take a look back at the albums I've listened to and enjoyed the most in 2009.

I have to say, I used to spend a lot more time and thought into this process but I just don't have the time anymore. No blurbs this year either, just a straight up list of my picks. I've probably forgotten about/am missing a lot of great albums from this year, but oh well.

And remember these are my PERSONAL favorites, and most listened to albums from this year...doesn't mean the critics will agree.

Enjoy!

COMING SOON:  favorite albums of the last decade, 2000-2010.  

#15: Pete Yorn/Scarlett Johansson - The Break Up

#14: Wilco - Wilco  (they got really creative this year)



#13: The Maccabees - Wall of Arms

#12: The Decemberists - Hazards of Love


#11: White Rabbits - It's Frightening





#10: Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You

#9: Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs

also, one of my favorite album covers of 2009

#8: Royksopp - Junior

#7: The xx - xx

#5: Animal Collective -
Merriweather Post Pavilion

#4: Andrew Bird - Noble Beast

#3: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

#2: Grizzly Bear - Vecktamist

#1: Fanfarlo - Reservoir 

tada! Like I said, not everyone is going to agree
with this list by any means,but isn't music
subjective anyways?
Overall I give the year a 7.5 in music.

Looking forward to new music from the following bands in 2010: 

Midlake

Vampire Weekend

The National

Arcade Fire 

She & Him

Yeasayer

Frightened Rabbit

Spoon

Laura Marling

looks like it might be a good year. I'd love to hear your
thoughts/comments/arguments/about my list, so please feel free.

i can't believe it, it's always like this

The first time I heard Bombay Bicycle Club's track "Always Like This" I fell in love. I haven't been this excited for a CD just from one track in a very long. Their upcoming album, entitled I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, looks like it's coming out July 6th in the UK. Look out for these guys, they really make some great music. There is something about Jack Steadman's voice that I absolutely love. NME Magazine named them "...the hottest band to come from North London for quite some time." Really looking forward to this album.

Always Like This - Bombay Bicy...

with your insect skin and my lion's mane

The Maccabees are an English indie-rock band who have just released their sophomore album entitled Wall of Arms. This talented band has done it again with an album even better than their first. Fronted by the beautiful voice of Orlando Weeks, The Maccabees combine elements of indie rock/pop to make some honest and deeply personal tunes. The release has been compared to Arcade Fire's fantastic CD, Neon Bible...and while I see it, why always the comparisons people? I can already tell this album will be in the mix for weeks to come. It's perfect for a drive on a beautiful day...with the windows down and the music blasting.

Too long overlooked as ‘another indie band’ 'Wall Of Arms’ is the moment The Maccabees reach self-realization. This is the sound of burgeoning romance, unrequited love, chest beating passion and tranquil, all encompassing warmth. Sure to be one of the years finest releases. - Gigwise 4/21/09






want to get to know the band a little better? check out this documentary from 4Play:

it's all I believe in

I cannot stop listening to Fanfarlo, it's at simple as that. This London based indie rock band has released a fantastic new album entitled Reservoir. I can already honestly say that this is probably going to be one of my most listened to albums of 2009, it's that good. Reviews across the web are continually saying they're "Beirut meets Arcade Fire," and while that's a decent comparison, how about we let them be their own band? I can't say enough wonderful things about this CD, seriously. And it's only $5.99 on iTunes right now, so you have no excuse. My prediction: these guys will blow up over the next 6 months. Let's check back and see, shall we? Until then, let's enjoy.





video for "Harold T. Wilkins or How To Wait For A Very Long Time:"

i was the one with the world at my feet

I finally got my hand's on the new Metric album, Fantasies. I already made a post about this fabulous band a few months ago, but at that point had only heard one track: Help, I'm Alive. After having a listen to Fantasies, my love for this band has grown even more. The band's lead singer Emily Haines has such a fantastic voice and together with the rest of the band they have created some great indie pop/rock. You gotta love a chick who knows how to rock.

Collect Call - Metric

Sick Muse - Metric

and for fun, a video documentary about "Help, I'm Alive" which features Emily playing a beautiful acoustic version of the song in the background.

i've been up half the night

I Might Be Wrong (not to be confused with the awesome Radiohead song) are an indie-rock group from Berlin. Their song "We Don't Wear Colours" was on an indie mix I'm currently listening to and the female lead vocals caught my ears. Their last album entitled It Tends To Flow From High to Low was released in 2007 and it sounds like another is in the works. There are some tracks up for listen at their last.fm page and they do have a pretty neat tumblr page as well: http://imightbewrong.tumblr.com/

We Don't Wear Colours - I Migh...

Cold Comfort - I Might Be Wron...

i walked all morning to lift my heart

I've been a huge fan of Emiliana Torrini for some time, but I just can't seem to get enough of her newest album, Me And Armini. This Icelandic singer-songwriter has a large fan base across the world. Her last album, Fisherman's Woman, was on my playlist a ton in 2005, but this new album may have passed it as my new favorite. Her gorgeous and soft voice is whimsical, and will grab you from the start. You also may have heard her music featured all over the place on Grey's Anatomy, and while I think the show sucks these days, I have to give them credit for their great musical choices. Anyone who enjoys a beautiful girl who sings gorgeous melodies needs to give this woman a listen, you will fall in love.

Me And Armini - Emiliana Torri...

Big Jumps - Emiliana Torrini

i love it all so much

The Local Natives are an indie rock band hailing from Los Angeles. I was first introduced to their song "Airplanes" from a monthly indie mix I receive. This five piece group barely has their own website yet, using their Myspace as a primary information source. Because of this I don't have too much info on the band to share, but I'll let the music speak for itself. Hope you dig.

and here is their cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia." really great stuff.

i stand alone

Jeremy Warmsley is a London based singer-songwriter who incorporates styles of rock, electronica and pop to make some fun songwriting. His 2008 release How We Became didn't see too much play in the states, but some decent reviews overseas. It's a shame this guy didn't get more coverage, he deserved it.

How We Became - Jeremy Warmsle...

Dancing With The Enemy - Jerem...

slip into your skin and spend the night

Patrick Watson is an amazing musician who I have adored for some time now, and even have done a previous entry for his debut album. This Canadian singer-songwriter acquired a large following after his 2006 release, Close To Paradise. He's been compared to the likes of M. Ward and Jeff Buckley, and while I'm not a big fan of comparisons I have to say that they are right on with those. His gorgeous voice mixed with his unique style of cabaret pop makes some beautiful stuff. Patrick will be released another album in April entitled Wooden Arms. First mp3 track released from the album is "Tracy's Waters". If that's any indication of what the rest of the album is like, we are in luck.

download:
Tracy's Waters

also, a live video of an older track "Luscious Life," one of my favorites from Close to Paradise.

love stay with me

just got my hands on The Veils new album entitled Sun Gangs and I'm really loving what I hear so far. Fronted by Finn Andrews, The Veils have been around since 2002. Sun Gangs will be their 3rd album together, which will be released in April. Finn has a unique voice which is often combined with his female band-mates making for some beautiful harmonies. Can't recommend these guys enough, check them out.

video for "The Letter"


The Letter - The Veils

paint the black hole blacker

St. Vincent is a spunky indie singer-songwriter who is releasing her sophomore album in May of this year. The Strangers is the first single and track from the album and if it's any idea how the rest of the album will be, I'm excited. Her debut album, Marry Me, was a favorite of mine with great tracks like "Now, Now." Her beautiful voice continues on this next release. Can't wait to hear the rest...

can you hear my heart beating like a hammer?

Metric is a group who I have enjoyed for some years now. This Canadian crew has their fourth album slated for release on April 14th of this year. Emily Haines is the lead singer, and has had her own success as a solo artist with Knives Don't Have Your Back. Their first single from the album is called "Help, I'm Alive." They have released both the album cut and acoustic version, and while the acoustic is pretty, I'm all about the original version. You can decide for yourself....

i could never break your heart, again

Fol Chen - No Wedding Cake from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

fun stuff.

I'm a man eater

Neko Case is wonderful, enough said. For those who don't know her, she's a pretty lady who sings some pretty alt-country songs. She has a new album coming out March 3rd, called Middle Cyclone. I've had a few listens and it's simply lovely, just like her.

People Got A Lotta Nerve - Nek...

i took it to Chicago

The Uglysuit, who hail from Oklahoma, took it to Chicago...or at least sing about it on their track with the same name. Rolling Stone dubbed this six piece band as a group to watch in 2008, and I couldn't agree more (even if I am a little late). Their self-titled debut album, released in August of last year, will hopefully receive more of the positive press they deserve in the coming weeks. Better late than never, right?

i can't direct the universe

after getting my hands on a great indie rock mix for Feb 09, the first track was Guggenheim Grotto's, Fee Da Da Dee; what a great start to a mix of new music. The duo, and sometimes trio, hails from Dublin, Ireland and makes some pretty great folk-pop. The band won the 2007 Independent Music award for their song "A Lifetime of Heat." After grabbing their album Happy The Man, it has a number of simplistic but catchy tunes. take a listen.

1,2,3,4...tell me that you love me more

how cute is Feist? what a fun video.

don't bring me down

Sia is probably best known as a member of Zero 7, but she has also put out 2 of her own solo albums, Healing is Difficult & Colour the Small One. Lucky for us, she has now put out an amazing 9 track live CD entitled Lady Croissant.


The CD has a few well known Sia songs such as "Breathe Me" and "Don't Bring Me Down", along with two Zero 7 songs and one new studio track called "Pictures." The CD captures how absolutely amazing Sia's voice truly is and how breathtaking her live shows must be. After listening to this record, I am on a mission to see this woman in person. Get this CD, you will not be disappointed.

Don't Bring Me Down (live)

Lentil (live)

Breathe Me (live)

oh sweet and luscious life

It's amazing how so many great talents fly under the radar. Patrick Watson is one of those talents. This Canadian musician has been compared to Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright and while the comparisons are a compliment, he is a talent in his own right. His mix of chamber pop and a little classical influence mixed with today's indie rock makes some incredible tunes. I absolutely have fallen in love with his 2006 CD Closer to Paradise. There are some unforgettable songs that hit you hard. This guy is fantastic.

Giver

Luscious Life

and a special treat....the video for "Drifters." a heartbreaking song with a even more heartbreaking video.