The year in music 2009 - it was...catchy?

For those that know me well, and even some that don't, it will come as no surprise that my first official blog post is about music. Let's kick this mofo off shall we?

With 2009 comfortably behind us I suppose it is about time I put together some thoughts on the year in music. After the deluge of melancholy beard-rock and auto tuned hip hop garbage in a mediocre musical 2008, 2009 was a nice return to form. Maybe it was the continuation of the proverbial shit hitting the fan economically or the disastrous job market or other more personal factors but, for me, music in 2009 was all about catchy tunes, fun, dancing, and creativity. It's no big surprise that catchy pop rock bands and electronic influences were everywhere this year and that these influences hit all genres from indie rock to hip hop. On the electronic side melodic, musical touches continued to smooth out and brighten up minimal techno and dance tracks. All in all there was a ton of great music this year so it was very difficult to narrow it down. So....drum roll please... I present to you my completely irony-free 11 Best Albums and 16 Best Songs of 2009.

Best Albums of 2009

1. Passion Pit - Manners - Just try and listen to this album and not have a good time. Passion Pit's sophomore album delivers electro-pop/rock goodness that is both interesting and a ton of fun.
2. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - These natty Frenchmen were everywhere in 2009, and rightly so. This album is a nearly perfect pop-rock record top to bottom. The sad thing is these guys have been perfecting this catchy pop rock for over 10 years and only now are gaining notoriety.
3. Japandroids - Post Nothing - Amazing debut release from this band. Low fi garage rock but showing an earnestness that balances out the guitars and dirty rocking. Check out their brilliant performance on Jimmy Fallon last week.
4. Various Artists - Dark Was the Night - A compilation album put together for charity it features new songs from a veritable who's who of indie rock royalty. A diverse range of acts like Bon Iver, The National, Grizzly Bear, Sufjan Stevens, and Spoon all deliver the goods, and I do mean the goods. This is incredible collection of songs perfect for a late night walk through the city; literally every song is brilliant.
5. The Field - Yesterday and Today - Another brilliant release from Alex Wilner aka The Field. His previous release in 2007 was in my top 5 favorite of that year and his follow up doesn't disappoint. Minimal techno with beautiful melodic and ambient touches.
6. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion - Easily the most critically acclaimed band of 2009 and with good reason. Their folk meets electronica sound finally reaches a larger audience with an interesting yet accessible release. Kind of like the Beach Boys on some strong LSD playing with computers.
7. Miike Snow - Miike Snow - Yet another gorgeous electro-rock album and an awesome debut from this Chicago band. The perfect accompaniment to a drive on a sunny day or a teen drama on the CW.
8. Yppah - They Know What Ghost Know - Joe Corrales hails from Houston, an unlikely place to produce such beautiful and haunting electronic music. His 2007 debut was my favorite album of that year and his follow up is also excellent. It shows more indie rock influences but is no less wonderfully creative and memorable.
9. Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Its Blitz! - It didn't look good for the YYY's...band infighting, abandonment their proven garage rock sound for a new electronic and pop influenced sound, delays in recording and release, yet somehow the band overcame all of this to put out easily their best album yet in my opinion.
10. Kings of Leon - Only By the Night - The Kings finally break in the US. Somewhat of a departure sound-wise from their earlier sounds but no less enjoyable. Their arena filling sound can now be given its just due.
11. The Dead Weather - Horehoud - Dirty, bluesy, hard rockin, screeching female vocals...Jack White can do no wrong.

Honorable Mentions: Matt & Kim - Grand, Atlas Sound - Logos, Grizzly Bear-Veckatimest, Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms, Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon, Tegan and Sara - Sainthood, Guns n Roses - Chinese Democracy (just kidding, that album sucked, sorry Axl and April.)

Best Songs of 2009

1. Phoenix - 1901 - Impossibly catchy, funky, in short, absolute perfection. I almost want to buy that dumb Cadillac SUV just because of this song in the commercial. Kudos GM marketing, now about that bailout...
2. Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks - Their critically acclaimed album didn't wow me as much as others but this song is flawless. Orchestral harmonies, haunting vocals and the perfect piano refrain make this song unforgettable.
3. Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind - Jay Z + Alicia + NYC ='nuff said. Just an epic tune.
5. Passion Pit - Little Secrets - If you listen to this song and don't smile and dance you are dead inside. So much fun. It has children signing in the background for god sake!
6. Animal Collective - My Girls - An unlikely combination of echo-y harmonies, odd noises, yelps, and warm electronic influences that somehow coalesces into a gorgeous tune.
7. Japandroids - Wet Hair - Fast, loud, a little messy, yet honest and heartfelt. The peak and final chorus are untouchable. Like the lyric says, I too want to "Get to France so I can french kiss some french girls." See? Romance isn't dead.
8. Miike Snow - Cult Logic - It didn't get the CW airplay that "Animal" did but this was easily my favorite track off their debut. Just a gorgeous little electro pop gem. You know you love it, XOXO Gossip Girl.
9. Matt & Kim - Lessons Learned - The syncopated marching band drumming, the furious piano playing, and the plaintive singing, somehow its not annoying but kind of perfect.
10. The Noisettes - Never Forget You - Gorgeous, Amy Winehouse-esque vocals, an almost Calypso style guitar riff, and an unforgettable chorus. This is happy music.
11. Deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire - Ghosts n Suff - This techno banger absolutely dominates. I dare you not to breakdance, I DARE YOU. Daft Punk agrees.
12. Gui Borratto - No Turning Back - A beautiful melodic electronic track from the Brazilian producer. This song will sit with you with its arm around your shoulders while you have a good cry.
13. The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition - Schmaltzy? Maybe a little, but the swell of vocals, perfect guitar strum, and power when the chorus hits are pure magic. Plus Zooey Deschanel loves this song and I love her. So there!
14. Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension - 80's synths, catchy guitar hooks; mix a cocktail and start dancing.
15. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - Inspiration Information - Sharon Jones and crew bring their 40's influenced soul sound to the Dark Is the Night compilation and the results are spectacular.
16. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears - Sugarfoot - Bringing the absolute funk, this Austin, TX band channels James Brown like nothing since James himself.

Well, there it is peeps. Should you want to look up any of this music and require assistance, don't hesistate to let me know.