Why are they the best? Because I deemed them so. Now, I don’t use this blog for much of anything other than posting hilarious videos and photos with minimal commentary from, well, me. However, after reading one of the most insightful and interesting Top Albums of ‘09 posts yet by former-NBA-baller-turned-ESPN-creative-writer Paul Shirley, I was inspired to reflect on the past year of music. This list isn’t meant to reflect the critics’ lists, it’s just a list of some of the music that had some sort of significance in my life over the past 12 months. Oh, and they’re in no particular order. Enjoy:
Anne’s Top Albums of ‘09:
New Moon Soundtrack [Various]: Now, before you scoff at this album due to its association with such a ridiculous emo-teen-vampire flick, take a look at some of the artists included in this soundtrack - Bon Iver, Thom Yorke, Sea Wolf, Death Cab for Cutie, Grizzly Bear, etc. Even if it means a bunch of 14-year-old girls are jamming out to some of my favorite bands/artists, I’m ok with that.
Top track: Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke
No One’s First, and You’re Next EP [Modest Mouse]: Since high school, I’ve understood Modest Mouse to be one of those bands you either love or you hate. Isaac Brock has such a weird unique voice that I’ve come to appreciate over the years. The banjo ain’t a half bad sound to listen to either:
Top track: Autumn Beds
Ellipse [Imogen Heap]: The whimsy in Imogen Heap’s voice is just utterly relaxing and beyond pleasant to the ears. Like many, I’ve been hooked ever since Garden State. It’s hard to pick a favorite from this album, but here ya go:
Top track: Canvas
The Resistance [Muse]: I’ll be honest - the whole album doesn’t blow me away, and it’s not quite like Absolution that I can listen to on repeat, but overall I was very pleased with this release. Particularly, Exogenesis : Symphony Parts I-III are fantastic and reminiscent of the Muse I fell in music-love with back in the earlier portion of the decade.
Top track: Exogenesis : Symphony Part II (Cross-Pollination)
Man on the Moon [Kid Cudi]: This “Kid” had a lot of hype to live up to, and he did. It’s pretty simple. Mix catchy beats with catchy lyrics and a laid-back attitude and it’s hard to fail. “At the end of the day, day you can’t regret it if you were trying, if you were trying… At the end of the day, I’m walking with a heart of a lion…”
Top track: Heart of a Lion
Daisy [Brand New]: Man, there is a lot of emotion in this album. It took a few listens for me to really be able to say, “yes, I like this and am glad I splurged for it at the wallet-emptying price of… $8.99 (thanks, Amazon).” The title track takes my top spot.
Top Track: Daisy
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix [Phoenix]: At the top of many indie music, and just music, critics’ lists of the best of the best, you’ll find Phoenix. There’s no surprise that these critics agree with me. This album is just plain good. Heck, you might even want to buy a Cadillac because of ‘em. Who knew Parisians could rock?
Top track: Girlfriend
Dark Was the Night (Red Hot Compilation) [Various]: Simply put, this is a double-disc of awesomeness. It’s no wonder two compilations made my list - they offer a wonderful variety of fantastic songs all in one concise album. I stumbled upon this one as I was developing an admiration for Bon Iver, a top contender for this list, and immediately was drawn to it with the likes of Ben Gibbard, Jose Gonzalez, The National, Kronos Quartet, Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, and so many more all in the mix. It’s hard to pick just one track as a favorite, but someone’s got to do it…
Top track: Feeling Good by My Brightest Diamond (note: this is one of two covers of this song I’ve listened to throughout this year, the other by Muse)
Manners [Passion Pit]: This was certainly the year of bubbly indie pop-rock, and Passion Pit was pretty much the reigning prince of it. The ubercatchy electro-pop beats and “hey, I can sing along with this guy and not sound so bad” vocals made for the perfect album to blast on a road trip or a downtown drive.
Top track: Sleepyhead (duh)
Absence [Paper Route]: I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but I “discovered” Paper Route while watching an episode of MTV’s The Hills. Guilty pleasure or not, I’m glad I can at least rely on this “reality show” to hook me up with some worthwhile tunes. Plus, I’ve had a bit of fun interacting with the band this year on Twitter. Tending towards electro-pop rock, you’ll continue to find catchy beats and lyrics of self-discovery.
Top track: Tiger Teeth
Agree? Disagree? Have some other favorites of ‘09 that you would’ve added if you could’ve gotten inside my mind? Feel free to leave a comment.
