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.

it all falls apart

I have been a huge fan of Ra Ra Riot for some time now, (and even did a previous entry on them). This rock band from Syracuse has received a ton of praise for both their albums and live shows. I just came across some live video of them on Pitchfork and thought I would share with you all. I'm a fan of every track on their newest album, The Rhumb Line, but my standouts are Can You Tell and Dying is Fine.

Enjoy!

Setlist:

1) St. Peter's Day Festival



2) Can You Tell



3) Dying is Fine



4) Oh, La

best albums of 2009....so far

so yes, I know it's only June, but I thought it would be fun to put together a list of all the albums I have been loving this year so far. The list ended up being longer than I thought....guess there really has been a bunch of great albums released this year so far.

you can see the full list at my last.fm page:

Best Albums of 2009, so far.

but for a taste, here are some tracks from a few of the albums of 2009 that I especially love. enjoy!

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:"

you're drifting like a fire

as my love for all things indietronica, electro-pop and synth-pop continues to grow so does my obsession with Passion Pit. This five member electronic group is pretty well known for their awesome remixes throughout the music world, but they make some excellent music of their own. Their first full length album, Manners, is set to be released on May 18th and is already getting great reviews. Catchy, fun, synth-pop....check it out.

"One of the best songs I've heard in a long time. It sounds like the hope I have for the Summer ahead. I love hearing inspiring new music while I'm writing and recording." - John Mayer