This list comes with a bit of a disclaimer. I take the time to listen to a couple hundred albums a year but that is only a small percentage of music produced. I am not a magazine. Labels don't send me records to review. I don't get free copies or information pamphlets about bands. All my information comes from somewhat biased research and careful purchasing. I read the pretentious Pitchfork, the idiotic Rolling Stone and the middle ground Spin. I read WaxPoetics, Notion, and occasionally Source as well as other media outlets. Research also includes word of mouth. I have friends that work at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, record shops, independent labels and friends that dj as well as play in various types of bands. I love music and will try to find good music any way possible.
This my top ten along with other accolades.
when 2009 opened it's door, the music scene seemed filled with possibilities. In the the first couple of months there were records released by Bruce Springsteen and U2. When you start the year with two of your all time favorite artists releasing records, it's easy to get excited but those two records ultimately ended in disappointment. Another band, which I have disliked for much of their career released a record that would land on this top ten list the moment it was released. Some bands surprised me with their growth and talents, while others began their fade into obscurity. Some older relics churned out albums that reminds me of the mighty force that once was their music, while young folks debuted their talent to world, presenting the hope of tomorrows music future.
Thanks to the old guard for still making music that rocks. Thank you Raekwon, Slayer, Yo La Tengo, Dinosaur Jr., Wilco and Sonic Youth. Way to show the young kids how it is done.
Groups to look forward to, not on this list but worth taking notice. K'Naan, The Big Pink, The Avett Brothers, Major Lazer and Discovery.
Most overrated album of the year. The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca.
Biggest guilty pleasure. Weezer - Raditude and that dam Taylor Swift Song, "You Belong with Me"
Most annoying musical occurrence. People who suddenly discovered The Kings of Leon and overplayed "Use Somebody." And the re-emergence of 90's low-fi indie rock... Yeah... I'm looking at you Japandroids and Wavves along with others.
Happy that hip hop bounced back this year. Brother Ali, Anti-Pop Consortium, Drake and Kid Kudi saving hip hop from an awful 2008.
Hooray for all the fantastic re-issues... from the Beatles to Kraftwerk, the Feelies to Devo, Beastie Boys to Big Star.
Honorary Album
Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications.
The role Pulp played in shaping the 90's Brit-pop explosion was pretty large. They never got the recognition that Oasis, Radiohead or Blur received but are no less important. Pulp hasn't released a record since 2001 but Cocker has not kept away. On his second solo release Cocker rediscovers what made his musical satire so appealing, frustration. Like Elvis Costello with his record, When I was Cruel, Cocker rediscovers angst and writes a record fueled by negative emotions in search for positive results. It would be Costello's best record in years and the same could be said about Cocker, with or without Pulp. Here, Cocker releases a certain rage about romance, sex, life, uncertainty, the upper class, the unknown future and the let down of being born.
The Top 10.
10. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Don't dismiss this album. It might be the closest thing to bumble gum pop for kids that wear skin tight black jeans, scarves in the middle of a hot summer, and feel they are too cool to be elitists. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart make the quietest up tempo rock that you can find. There is a tremendous amount of sophistication to this simple rock that seems fueled by teenage adolescence. The albums has touches of The Ramones, The Cure and Jesus and the Mary Chain. "A Teenager In Love" could havet come from Robert Smith during the Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me sessions. It doesn't stray too far from modern groups like the Anniversary or the Rentals either especially on tracks like "Young Adult Friction." They make it look easy. They also don't come off as egomaniacs or star crazed jerks like other NYC bands the Strokes, Interpol or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you like catchy hooks, sing a long melodies, and music that doesn't make you dance but instead makes you hop, skip and jump then this record is for you.9. Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
Chris Walla was smart to hop onto this indie pop mega train that is Tegan and Sara. In turn Tegan and Sara not only found their best bassist/keyboardist to date but also the best producer they've ever had. Walla produced their previous effort, The Con but the sound hadn't come together yet. For this record Walla filled in as bassist and drummer Jason McGerr came back for his second turn as the group's drummer. The stability of having much of the same group from the previous recording session resulted in the band sounding tighter than ever. It's their 6th album and their best. C'mon, how often does that happen? This album is filled with fascinating tales of falling in love and falling into the potholes of romantic inconsistency. It's not emo. It's hard to call it even indie pop. It's catchy and if they ever feel like selling out and given their music a slogan like "girl power" then Tegan and Sara would be huge mega stars.
8. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
It's hard when the worst criticism of this album might be that it isn't as good as her last album. Neko Case doesn't really fall into a genre at this point in her career. She is not really country. She is not really folk. She is somewhere in between sober Lucinda Williams (but better) and early Sheryl Crow (but way better). She is Emmylou Harris with a voice that could eclipse a sun beaten desert and knock you over like a shotgun. This record has all the typical traits of any Neko Case album. It is filled with animal imagery, mythology and odes to nature. Even the somewhat corny, "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" has an elegance that lifts it above hippie lecture music. Case also benefits from playing with the same band and the surrounding cast that has toured with her and recorded much of, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Her band is able to match wits with her, allowing her voice to fill those large landscapes with life. The band doesn't allow her voice to strangle and dominate the rich country folk sound. She has a powerful voice but the band isn't there for decoration and Case never over sings but allows her voice to unfold over the tapestry of music. Not to mention that this record has the best album opener with, "This Tornado Loves You" and probably the best album cover.
7. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
It is always nice to see a band grow. It is always nice to see a band debut with a fantastic record and then follow it up with a better record. That is exactly what Grizzly Bear has done. Yellow House (2006) was a great start and with Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear has expanded on their chamber pop and improved on their formula for well structured song writing. They break free from the Radiohead or My Morning Jacket comparisons and invite some Beach Boys, primarily Brian Wilson and Neil Young comparisons. It's can be hard to place their sound but it is just as hard to ignore the bouncy, "Two Weeks" or rather rocking "I Live with You." Well as rocking as Grizzly Bear might get. It is not a total departure for the band. There are moments when the band sings and plays without any intent to get attention and then boom, a whirlwind of sound and harmonies. It is busy music and that can be a negative but it isn't in this case. It can be difficult to grasp but also wonderful to discover all the richness of its sound. Grizzly Bear might be the best harmonizing band out right now.
6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I'll be totally honest. I had never heard of Phoenix till this record. Pitchfork loves these guys. I can see why and after 4 albums, it is about time I took notice. I'm just amazed the Grammy committee didn't try to nominate these guys for best new artist. This french outift doesn't really rock but they do. They create pop songs based on slick guitar licks, shout out loud choruses, kicking drums and groovy bass lines. What more could you want? Not to mention, it's a pretty huge sound for a band that really doesn't rock or even jam out to ridiculous solos. It's irony free and fun. Romantic and bold. Maybe more bands should follow this formula. They aren't like other rock bands to push pop. These guys aren't trying to be Blur or the Dandy Warhols, Sloan or Fountains of Wayne. Thank goodness. No offense to two of the bands previously mentioned. Don't be fooled by the upbeat sound because these songs have a fair share of despair. It's a direct approach as many of the themes in the songs explore a balance between positive and negative forces. They also get my vote for best song of the year - "1901".
Chris Walla was smart to hop onto this indie pop mega train that is Tegan and Sara. In turn Tegan and Sara not only found their best bassist/keyboardist to date but also the best producer they've ever had. Walla produced their previous effort, The Con but the sound hadn't come together yet. For this record Walla filled in as bassist and drummer Jason McGerr came back for his second turn as the group's drummer. The stability of having much of the same group from the previous recording session resulted in the band sounding tighter than ever. It's their 6th album and their best. C'mon, how often does that happen? This album is filled with fascinating tales of falling in love and falling into the potholes of romantic inconsistency. It's not emo. It's hard to call it even indie pop. It's catchy and if they ever feel like selling out and given their music a slogan like "girl power" then Tegan and Sara would be huge mega stars.8. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone
It's hard when the worst criticism of this album might be that it isn't as good as her last album. Neko Case doesn't really fall into a genre at this point in her career. She is not really country. She is not really folk. She is somewhere in between sober Lucinda Williams (but better) and early Sheryl Crow (but way better). She is Emmylou Harris with a voice that could eclipse a sun beaten desert and knock you over like a shotgun. This record has all the typical traits of any Neko Case album. It is filled with animal imagery, mythology and odes to nature. Even the somewhat corny, "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" has an elegance that lifts it above hippie lecture music. Case also benefits from playing with the same band and the surrounding cast that has toured with her and recorded much of, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Her band is able to match wits with her, allowing her voice to fill those large landscapes with life. The band doesn't allow her voice to strangle and dominate the rich country folk sound. She has a powerful voice but the band isn't there for decoration and Case never over sings but allows her voice to unfold over the tapestry of music. Not to mention that this record has the best album opener with, "This Tornado Loves You" and probably the best album cover.7. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
It is always nice to see a band grow. It is always nice to see a band debut with a fantastic record and then follow it up with a better record. That is exactly what Grizzly Bear has done. Yellow House (2006) was a great start and with Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear has expanded on their chamber pop and improved on their formula for well structured song writing. They break free from the Radiohead or My Morning Jacket comparisons and invite some Beach Boys, primarily Brian Wilson and Neil Young comparisons. It's can be hard to place their sound but it is just as hard to ignore the bouncy, "Two Weeks" or rather rocking "I Live with You." Well as rocking as Grizzly Bear might get. It is not a total departure for the band. There are moments when the band sings and plays without any intent to get attention and then boom, a whirlwind of sound and harmonies. It is busy music and that can be a negative but it isn't in this case. It can be difficult to grasp but also wonderful to discover all the richness of its sound. Grizzly Bear might be the best harmonizing band out right now.6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I'll be totally honest. I had never heard of Phoenix till this record. Pitchfork loves these guys. I can see why and after 4 albums, it is about time I took notice. I'm just amazed the Grammy committee didn't try to nominate these guys for best new artist. This french outift doesn't really rock but they do. They create pop songs based on slick guitar licks, shout out loud choruses, kicking drums and groovy bass lines. What more could you want? Not to mention, it's a pretty huge sound for a band that really doesn't rock or even jam out to ridiculous solos. It's irony free and fun. Romantic and bold. Maybe more bands should follow this formula. They aren't like other rock bands to push pop. These guys aren't trying to be Blur or the Dandy Warhols, Sloan or Fountains of Wayne. Thank goodness. No offense to two of the bands previously mentioned. Don't be fooled by the upbeat sound because these songs have a fair share of despair. It's a direct approach as many of the themes in the songs explore a balance between positive and negative forces. They also get my vote for best song of the year - "1901".5. The xx - The xx
Comprised of four early 20's upstarts from south London, The xx released the sexiest record in a long time. The xx dabble in post punk fare with bass lines that ease into the song like a muttering heartbeats with sly and subtle guitar formations. Their sound is a culmination of things, 50's rock, cinematic modern soul, and post punk. It isn't entirely retro because The xx could be compared to other groups like Interpol or The Raveonettes. There is a simplicity to this record. There is an absence of sound on this record. It's a wide open sound that seems to only fill the corners of a dark room. The loudest track is the instrumental opening track. With singer/guitarist Madley Croft and singer/bassist Oliver Sim interchanging lyrics like contemplative lovers trying to find ways to construct and deconstruct their relationship but the singing never reaches a volume louder than a whisper. The songs are chapters, with each one like a snapshot into a love affair. It's a delicate and beautiful album.4. Passion Pit - Manners
I might get flack for putting Passion Pit so high on the list but I've had so much fun listening to this album. It's sugar. It's pop alternative dance music. It's the playful puppy that Daft Punk could never be. It's the white New England geek chic that Chromeo could never be. It's funky. It's loaded with keyboards and synthesizers, without apology. It doesn't neglect the bass but doesn't rely on it to create dance grooves. It has an upbeat sound marinated in sincerity. A sound that is lacking in today's scene. The helium high pitched vocals of Michael Angelakos might be a little much to handle or harmonize alongside but resisting it's charm is a much greater task. It's sample friendly and hook saturated. I think Passion Pit would make the Avalanches proud, especially with the track, "Sleepyhead." Dance music might be the new direction indie takes. There are groups like Hot Chip, Justice, and Cut Copy making the dance floor safe for hipsters. There are also rock groups like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party turning down the rock and turning up the techno. I think Passion Pit out does them all.3. Mos Def - The Ecstatic
One of my favorite musical jokes on the sitcom 30 rock is after character Tracy Jordan ruins the national anthem at a sporting event, he proclaims, "who knew the national anthem had so many words. It's like a Mos Def CD." Mos Def... welcome back to musical relevance. He didn't have to sell his soul to Kanye West or Lil' Wayne. Thank goodness. He does it by taking the indie hip hop route. He gets Madlib, Oh No, and Mr. Flash to produce some of the tracks. Even Chad Hugo of the Neptunes fame produces a track. Mos Def isn't really like most other MC's. First, he is a better actor than any other hip hop star in history. Second, his diversity in sound, lyric approach and flow never came off as a gimmick. Mos Def does eclectic better than anyone else because it seems to come so natural to him. Here Mos Def explores afrobeat, jazz, samba, funk, and even raps an entire song in Spanish without sounding like a pretentious idiot. It has all the trappings of any other Mos Def album... topical lyrics about the war, the struggles of blacks in America, poverty, drug abuse, whack MC's, finding peace as well as happiness, a Dilla cut as well as a Talib Kweli appearance. Easily his finest record since Black on Both Sides and unlike so many other hip hop artists Mos Def was able to resist the temptation to consider this album a sequel to any of his previous work without merit. Way to go Mos Def for not tying to capitalize on your previous work and create something fresh but familiar as well.
2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
I know! It's shocking that this album is not #1. I knew this album would make the top 10 back in Feb. when it was released... I just didn't know where. It bounced anywhere from 1 to 7 until the very next album on the list came out in September, stealing the top spot. Since it has been the best album for much of the year I felt that it needed to take the second spot. I admit that until this album I was not a fan of Animal Collective. I still don't like a majority of their other releases. I don't like Panda Bear's Person Pitch, in which many draw comparisons. So how is this album so good? Is it dumb to say because it is mesmerizing? Yes, it kind of is. Is it a dance record? Not really? is it an alternative to chamber pop? not really? Does it combine psychedelic pop, tribal rhythms, squishy dub ambience with a space age lemony twist? Yes. Would it be interesting to hear a marching band or Men's Choir perform these songs? Probably, at least under the right direction. This is great music to march to or to lie still and drift off into the abyss. There wasn't a better summertime anthem this year than "Summertime Clothes." There is something animal, desperate but sweet about, "Bluish." The urban confusion buried in, "Lion In a Comma" along with the parental bliss of "My Girl" help build the uniqueness of this record.
1. Girls - Album
I love it. I love this record. I love the music. I love the 70's small budget light porn look of the book art and music videos. I love the back story of lead singer and songwriter Christopher Owens. It almost seems like an elaborate lie. My retelling of it might be incorrect thus building upon the myth of a kid born to a prostitute mother. The father runs away while he is an infant. Grows up in a cult and as a teen becomes a drug user only to be rescued by a millionaire from Texas. There are some vocal comparisons to Elvis Costello but Costello would bark, bite and on occasion over sing his songs. They do share a bitterness and sarcastic tone found in many of these songs about romantic bliss gone sour. Musically, Girls goes anywhere from Beach Boys California surf to early 90's Jesus and Mary Chain. Yeah, another band ripping off Jesus and Mary Chain... surprise surprise. Maybe somebody will finally start giving them credit for something. But that just scratching the surface. "Hellhole Ratrace" is the sick and tired of being sick and tired anthem of the decade and it sounds like a Spiritualized song minus the huge orchestra. On, "Headache" Owens sings with this croon that could out do Richard Hawley. "Morning Light" might remind you of Sonic Youth or wanna be Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene. From the post punk opener, "Lust for Life" to the bluesy closer, "Darling" Owens primarily uses is rock to influence his music. He adapts so well to every genre, borrowing what he likes for his own particular brand of rock and roll. It's not new but it is executed at such a high level that it's lack of originality is lost on me. Like the title suggest, Girls is pretty much about girls. There isn't really much happiness in this record but there is a fair amount of hope. Owens sings with so much conviction that it is nearly impossible to reject his ambition. Owens doesn't supply any answers and asks a lot of questions. It is almost like he is urging you to believe in him or at least believe in his music without knowing what is to come next. A position i think, only someone with his background could relay with sincerity. Best record of the year.
2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
I know! It's shocking that this album is not #1. I knew this album would make the top 10 back in Feb. when it was released... I just didn't know where. It bounced anywhere from 1 to 7 until the very next album on the list came out in September, stealing the top spot. Since it has been the best album for much of the year I felt that it needed to take the second spot. I admit that until this album I was not a fan of Animal Collective. I still don't like a majority of their other releases. I don't like Panda Bear's Person Pitch, in which many draw comparisons. So how is this album so good? Is it dumb to say because it is mesmerizing? Yes, it kind of is. Is it a dance record? Not really? is it an alternative to chamber pop? not really? Does it combine psychedelic pop, tribal rhythms, squishy dub ambience with a space age lemony twist? Yes. Would it be interesting to hear a marching band or Men's Choir perform these songs? Probably, at least under the right direction. This is great music to march to or to lie still and drift off into the abyss. There wasn't a better summertime anthem this year than "Summertime Clothes." There is something animal, desperate but sweet about, "Bluish." The urban confusion buried in, "Lion In a Comma" along with the parental bliss of "My Girl" help build the uniqueness of this record.1. Girls - Album
I love it. I love this record. I love the music. I love the 70's small budget light porn look of the book art and music videos. I love the back story of lead singer and songwriter Christopher Owens. It almost seems like an elaborate lie. My retelling of it might be incorrect thus building upon the myth of a kid born to a prostitute mother. The father runs away while he is an infant. Grows up in a cult and as a teen becomes a drug user only to be rescued by a millionaire from Texas. There are some vocal comparisons to Elvis Costello but Costello would bark, bite and on occasion over sing his songs. They do share a bitterness and sarcastic tone found in many of these songs about romantic bliss gone sour. Musically, Girls goes anywhere from Beach Boys California surf to early 90's Jesus and Mary Chain. Yeah, another band ripping off Jesus and Mary Chain... surprise surprise. Maybe somebody will finally start giving them credit for something. But that just scratching the surface. "Hellhole Ratrace" is the sick and tired of being sick and tired anthem of the decade and it sounds like a Spiritualized song minus the huge orchestra. On, "Headache" Owens sings with this croon that could out do Richard Hawley. "Morning Light" might remind you of Sonic Youth or wanna be Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene. From the post punk opener, "Lust for Life" to the bluesy closer, "Darling" Owens primarily uses is rock to influence his music. He adapts so well to every genre, borrowing what he likes for his own particular brand of rock and roll. It's not new but it is executed at such a high level that it's lack of originality is lost on me. Like the title suggest, Girls is pretty much about girls. There isn't really much happiness in this record but there is a fair amount of hope. Owens sings with so much conviction that it is nearly impossible to reject his ambition. Owens doesn't supply any answers and asks a lot of questions. It is almost like he is urging you to believe in him or at least believe in his music without knowing what is to come next. A position i think, only someone with his background could relay with sincerity. Best record of the year.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment