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.

we are all embers from the same fire

Just Jack was a popular artist in the UK in 2007 and is back with a new album this year called All Night Cinema, to be released in April. He's probably best known for his big hit "Starz In Their Eyes," which was a catchy tune with elements of pop, electronica, hip-hop, and rap. He's back with a new single called Embers, which is likely to be another hit for the talented Jack Allsop. He's had some comparisons to The Streets along the way, and while I can see the similarities, he's a got style all his own.

i don't know much but i know this for certain

since my previous Lily Allen post was deleted, thought I would try one again, this time with no mp3 downloads, of course. Anyhow, Ms. Lily Allen is back at again with a great new album called It's Not Me, It's You. This 23 year old bad girl is quite the fireball, but she makes some catchy pop tunes. Some of you may have heard her newest single, The Fear, playing on the radio these days; it is great track and probably my favorite on the record. I hope to see this cheeky girl in NYC next time she comes around. Cheers Ms. Allen.



The Fear. - LILY ALLEN

that was when I ruled the world

The ever so well-known Coldplay has finally released their fourth album, entitled Viva La Vida. After being disappointed with their last album, X&Y, I was unsure what to expect from this four-some. After a few listens to the new album, I'm pleasantly surprised. The title track is definitely one of my favorites. You may have heard a clip from their ITunes commercial, but it only gives a taste of the full track. Viva la music boys.


Viva La Vida

you can steer

Missy Higgins 2nd album, called On A Clear Night comes out in Australia today! So excited...but for some strange reason, it hasn't leaked on the internet just yet, but I'm sure it will be fabulous as always, I love her. Her 2004 album The Sound of White was a favorite of mine for months.

Until the CD finds its way to the internet, you can listen to the stream of her CD at her MySpace. I'm loving what I hear so far.


and her new video for the first single "Steer"

you know i'm no good

Amy Winehouse may have a reputation for being a big partier, but you can't help but by blown away by her soulful voice. She has been popular over in the UK for months, but her CD Back to Black was finally released in the US this month and hopefully she will get as much recognition in the states. She has a voice that brings you back to the days of othe 50's and 60s, a mix of Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill. She may be trouble, but you can't help but be sucked in by her jazzy music and her voice full of soul.

Rehab

You Know I'm No Good


and her new video for "Back to Black"

relax, take it easy

Flamboyant pop singer-songwriter MIKA has been named the best new talent in the BBC's Sound of 2007 music poll. The Beirut-born, London-based 23-year-old has been compared to the Scissor Sisters and Freddie Mercury. More than 130 UK-based music critics and broadcasters took part in the poll by naming their favourite new acts.

The first time I heard MIKA I was a little hesitant but the more I have listened to his newest CD Life in Cartoon Motion, it's grown on me. It's amazing how much this guy sounds like Freddie Mercury of Queen....the comparisons will be never ending. But regardless, he makes some crazy fun pop music. I can see this guy getting pretty popular over here. His music might be little much for some people....but I hope some of you enjoy it!

Grace Kelly (his first single)

Relax, Take It Easy

she's freaky and she knows it

So I was pretty excited for Justin Timberlake's new CD, FutureLove/SexSounds. (what is up with the awful title??) Sadly, it was a pretty big disappointment. allmusic.com tended to agree as well.

While as a whole it was pretty bland, there are a few songs that are fun. For me the 2 standout tracks were "My Love" featuring T.I., which I'm sure is going to be huge in the clubs and very overplayed soon. But another one I really enjoy is "Lovestoned". It reminds me a little of Prince and a little of old school Michael Jackson. (minus the molesting little boys part, of course).

But yes, it's a fun one. It's 7:25 of dancing goodness.

Justin Timberlake - "Lovestoned"

Boogy away, bitches.