12 Albums I Won’t Forget in 2009!
As many sites do, I too will give you my stand out favorite albums of the past year. I picked albums that you can start at the beginning and be thoroughly entertained until the last song. These albums also feel fresh and forward in the music scene. Anyways, in no particular order:
1. Why? - Alopecia
This album features a clever hybrid of indie/hip hop. With funny rhymes and a dynamic set of beats, this Anticon group created a powerful arrangement of tunes that takes you places.
http://www.myspace.com/whyanticon
2. The Black Ghosts - The Black Ghosts
I’m surprised I don’t hear more about these guys. In my opinion this record can totally compete with the likes of Cut Copy, but they didn’t seem to get a proper reception. If you liked “In Ghost Colours” for the same reasons I did (see below), then you should, without hesitation dip in to this material.
http://www.myspace.com/blackghosts
3. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
What do I need to prove with this one? Obviously these guys are a hit, but I’m not sure how many people know the WHOLE album. Tracks like “Of Birds, Moons and Monsters” and “The Handshake” stand out to me as they show more of the psychedelic side of these east coasters.
4. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
This guy killed it this year! The product of a winter in a remote cabin, this album is certainly one of the jewels of 2008. Full of soulful acoustic guitar and echoey voice layering, Bon Iver is still wintery fresh a year later.
http://www.myspace.com/boniver
5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Some call them the new Crosby, Stills and Nash, as most of the band sings in harmony together. But the Foxes differ in that they are still led by one main singer - with quite a voice! While the instrumentals are impressive the vocal abilities just cannot be ignored. With all of today’s voice enhancers it is nice to see a band grow to fame that pays homage to traditional vocal arrangements.
http://www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes
6. The Felice Brothers - The Felice Brothers
Raggedy, broke ass brothers from the Catskills. This band blew me away when I first heard them early this year. Full of energy, attitude and gritty lyrical content this band has a rough and real sound. While the brothers trade off singing, lead singer, Ian could easily be mistaken for Bob Dylan (seen it happen). I’ve seen them live twice this year and must say the stage presence kicks ass too!
http://www.myspace.com/thefelicebrothers
7. Port O’Brien - All We Could Do Was Sing
This California group is known for its songs of the sea. Their folksy-rock sound is made special by the band’s vocal style which sounds appropriately off-key at times. Also, their tracks vary nicely in feel with some long intros that build to a rock pace and others that take a somber note.
http://www.myspace.com/portobrien
8. Sleepy Sun - Embrace
Out of all the groups perhaps this one is least familiar. But, be prepared world, for you will see the Sun one day soon. This album takes you on a ride from psychedelic anthems to dark droning guitars and heavy drums to gospel piano and beyond. Also noteworthy is their impressive pairing of male/female vocals. But the album is only a preview to the amazing performance they will give you on stage.
http://www.myspace.com/sleepysun
9. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
This eye/ear-catching Swedish delight captured some diverse sounds for this record. The result is a worldly feel with just a dash of pop to lasso the masses. Quickly recognized for her talents, Lyyke Li has already made a name in the indie scene. I hope this girl keeps it up because she has a potential to do some amazing things.
http://www.myspace.com/lykkeli
10. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Perhaps one of the year’s best electro/pop albums. This group of Aussie’s captured the audience on every track and could honestly keep releasing singles through 2009 if they wanted. The secret to its success is a mix of well composed instrumentals that blend rock and electronic rhythms in such a way that you never get bored with the beat. On top of that are the simple lyrics that appeal to the casual listener/party dancer and the ethereal vocal samples (“ooo-woo-oooh”) throughout that unite the album as a whole.
http://www.myspace.com/cutcopy
11. Howlin’ Rain - Magnificent Fiend
In my opinion these guys have the rock sound that I would like to see brought back in greater amounts. Summoning sounds of The Allman Brother’s to The Grateful Dead, this group has a jaw-dropping amount of musical talent. Let the wailing guitar solos, snappy drumming and crisp keyboard take you through each track and remind you of a sound from the glory days of rock. That sounded cheesy but it’s true.
http://www.myspace.com/howlinrain
12. The Black Keys - Attack and Release
Speaking of a classic sound. This two man powerhouse of a group will certainly trigger that same observation. However, this group takes its gritty Akron roots into the mix resulting in a dark, bluesier feel. My favorite is the exploding sound of the lead singer/guitarist that gives this album so much raw energy. Look for them on a stage near you, because they put on a hell of a performance.
