Tempus fugit. True enough. Hell of a year life-speaking and musically. Had some good times, learned a thing or two, and listened to some amazing music. So to my family, friends, fellow bloggers (especially the dudes at weworemasks and Bedwetting Cosmonaut), readers, and anyone who even accidentally clicked on my link 'cause they were tipsy...here's to many more!
With no further blabber:
30. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
Always had respect for Hove, but hadn't really caught me with anything since 2003's Black Album. Then comes along BP3, dropping some of the biggest songs of the year (i.e. "Run This Town", "Empire State of Mind" and just wait til "Young Forever" catches on...) Slipped to the end of my list because there were a touch too many flat tracks, but no hate here...Jay can keep coming back until he dies and all eyes will always be on him.
BUY
Listen: "Off That" (feat. Drake)
29. Mansion - New Best Friend
Christopher Browder can write some great fuzzy pop songs. Intimate and emotive, he whispers hauntingly through the echoing strumming of "Insulated" and driving sear of the earnest "Talk, Talk, Talk". For anyone who remembers the first time they heard Straylight Run's first demos, you need to get on this ASAPz.
BUY
Listen: "Talk, Talk, Talk"
28. Moving Mountains - Foreword
Foreword gave us a fresh blend of atmospheric post-rock...clock most songs well over 5 minutes, these guys blended thundering drumming, sky-high walls of sonic chords, and etheral vocals to keep the song not drawn out, but complete. One of the most promising young acts out so check 'em out and tell your homies told ya so later.
BUY
Listen: "Lights and Shapes"
27. The Dangerous Summer - Reach for the Sun
Local boys The Dangerous Summer stepped up amongst the crowded lot of cookie-cutter pop-punk bands to release the best effort from the genre this year. Everything from the heart-on-sleeve lyrics, to the Kenny Vasoli sound-a-like vocals (singer/bassist AJ Perdomo) are enriched with a refreshing youthful honesty. Pop on "Weathered" and tell me I'm wrong.
BUY
Listen: "Weathered"
26. Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band - Outer South
First Conor Oberst sighting on this list. This time bringing along the Mystic Valley Band for some credit with one of their most collaborative efforts yet. Though the grip this album held over me in the early summer months wore off, there are some great road trippin' cuts ("I Got The Reason #2", "Slowly (Oh So Slowly)", "Big Black Nothing", and "Ten Women"). Not to mention "To All The Lights In The Windows" has all the fixins to be a straight classic track. I have this theory that Conor could be our generations Bob Dylan...this helps make my case.
BUY
Listen: "To All The Lights In The Windows"
25. K-os - Yes!
A great hip-hop album no one talked about. Still think the Phantom Planet sample (aka. OC theme song) on "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman" should've have blown the song up but what can you do. Through the paranoia of "Eye Know Something" and brooding spitfire of "Zambony" this Canadian MC makes sure to bring the goods: equal parts Bob Marley-like hooks and zany, head spinning rhymes. Don't overlook it also.
BUY
Listen:"I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman"
24. The Republic of Wolves - His Old Branches
All that needs to be said is right here. Best new band of the year and I can't wait to see what they have in store in their bright, bright future. For any Brand New fans this is a must-have.
BUY
Listen:"Spill"
23. Closure in Moscow - First Temple
These Aussie boys help bring out the award for best debut record in 2009. Bringing the fury of Saosin ("Reindeer Age") and Coheed Guitar Hero-quality shredding ("Vanguard"), Closure In Moscow keeps enough in the tank to throw their listeners a curveball with more twists and turns than a pre-Lady in the Water M. Night film ("A Night At The Spleen"). Each individual in this band has immense talent and is definitely another one to watch in the coming years.
BUY
Listen:"Sweet#hart"
22. U2 - No Line on the Horizon
It's been over 20 years and Bono and co. have some inability to cease putting out good music. More abstract and less structured than their more popular albums, No Line on The Horizon carries a more spiritual and philosophical tone (see: "Unknown Caller"). This is art in one of it's most pure forms. Don't get me wrong, Joshua Tree and War will always be essentials, but wait and see how time favors No Line on the Horizon and I'll be shocked if it isn't mentioned in the same breath soon enough.
BUY
Listen:"Unknown Caller"
21. Portugal. The Man. - The Satanic Satanist
As far as music goes, I'll always reward consistency. Portland-via Alaska based pyschadelic pop outfit Portugal. The Man. have always been productive (releasing five albums between in the past 5 years), but have the tendency to jump all over the place. The Satanic Satanist shows them at their most focused, showcasing their skillz with solid dreamy sing-a-long after dreamy sing-a-long reminiscent of The Beatles more L.S.D. laden years. Can't wait to see what they have in store for their next album, American Ghetto, slated to drop in Spring 2010.
BUY
Listen:"People Say"
Phewwww. Stay tuned...20-11 comin' at ya tomorrow. Night ya'll.
No comments:
Post a Comment