sun is high

25 Favorite Albums of 2009

Rating: 0

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
Listenable from start to end. They have finally achieved their full potential.

2. Viva Voce – Rose City
A great guitar album. Catchy, with just the right amount of loud.

3. Annie – Don’t Stop
One of my favorite Norwegian’s (yes, I am biased) returns to pick up where Kylie left off. This is too long coming.

4. Engineers – Three Fact Fader
Surprisingly great followup to a great first album. Some of the mellow elements are gone, but it’s a nice evolution.

5. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I always enjoy these guys, but this time they knocked it out of the park.

6. Atlas Sound – Logos
This dude has always weirded me out a bit, but this album reminds me of an update of 50s/60s pop, which is surprisingly accessible.

7. Sunset Rubdown – Dragonslayer
Craziness, but some truly great melodies scattered throughout.

8. Julian Plenti – Julian Plenti Is…Skyscraper
Enough to hold me over until Interpol returns again.

9. Metric – Fantasies
I want to love this album, but I think it’s missing the guitar of the previous albums that I liked so much. Still a great/underrated album though.

10. The Postmarks – Memoirs At The End Of The World
Inspired by James Bond/spy flick soundtracks, and a nice divergence from the usual fare.
Listen: The Postmarks – No One Said This Would Be Easy

11. The Raveonettes – In and Out Of Control
Disappointing from a lyrical perspective, but still strong musically.

12. Bombay Bicycle Club – I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
There was a lack of British bands this year, but this was one of the standouts.

13. The Legends – Over And Over
Interesting blend of Jesus and Mary Chain sounds with his almost twee vox. Some of his early stuff is more accessible.

14. The Wooden Birds – Magnolia
I’m not sure where things stand with American Analog Set, but Andrew Kenny still manages to put out simple, enjoyable acoustic songs no matter who it’s with.

15. Air – Love 2
Some of the best work they’ve done in a while.

16. Junior Boys – Begone Dull Care
17. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
18. Valerie and Friends – S/T
19. The XX – S/T
20. The Dead Weather – Horehound
21. Yo La Tengo – Popular Songs
22. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
23. Deastro – Moondagger
24. Royksopp – Junior
25. Sorcerer – Neon Leon