Top 10 Albums of 2009
2000's Lists
Each year I wait at least a few months to create my best of albums list for the previous year. This year it was a little longer than usual. OK, it was about 2/3 of the way into 2010. Tough shit, I have a job now. I must say, I was glad to have the extra couple months to digest last year's strong works. In fact, at least a couple albums that wouldn't have been on this list in the springtime forced their way in by August. With that, take a look at the Rock Czar top 10 albums of 2009:
1. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion. TRC album Rating: 9.3. Key tracks: “My Girls,” “Summertime Clothes,” “Bluish.”
I know I'm notorious for off-beat or irritating choices on a lot of my lists. But not even my contrarian convictions can fend off the logical conclusion. Animal Collective and MPP ruled 2009.
2. The XX- xx. TRC album Rating: 9.3. Key tracks: “Intro,” “Crystalised,” “Infinity.”
Takes its time, does it right. All I can say it, “Sexy time.” OK enough of the sex jokes... Were it not for big bully MPP last year, this one would've been a lock for #1.
3. The Pains of Being Pure of Heart- The Pains of Being Pure of Heart. TRC album Rating: 9.1. Key tracks: “ Young Adult Friction ” and “ Stay Alive.”
Much like xx it was a shockingly good, back to the basics type debut.
4. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest. TRC album rating: 9.0. Key tracks: “Two Weeks,” “Ready, Able,” “While you Wait for the Others.”
For some people it created an almost Vampire Weekend like backlash and it's understandable. Hearing “Two Weeks” at every clothing store and even some sporting events did it in for a lot of hipsters. I never got the memo.
5. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. TRC album rating: 8.8. Key tracks: “1901,” “Rome,” “Fences.”
It was a good year for Indie Pop. You can make the argument that the top 5 albums on my list were indie pop records. This record probably being the most unabashed, funnest one.
6. Antlers- Hospice. TRC album rating: 8.6. Key tracks: “Bear” and “Epilogue.”
Not really a sad song to find in the 5 albums you see above. Fear not, though, because this album more than makes up for it. It's a back breaker in the most pleasant of ways.
7. Fever Ray- Fever Ray. TRC album rating: 8.6. Key tracks: “Triangle Walks,” “I'm Not Done,” “Keep the Streets Empty for me.”
I must admit that I totally missed this album the first time through. I should have known that Karin pretty much can do nothing wrong.
8. White Lies- To Lose my Life. TRC album rating: 8.3. Key tracks: “A Place to Hide,” “E.S.T.” “Fairwell to the Fairground.”
Calling it the red headed step child of this list would be an accurate statement. This album was more or less panned by critics with any sense of preserving their dignity. Good thing I just don't give a damn.
9. Neon Indian- Psychic Chasms. TRC album rating: 8.2. Key tracks: “6669” and “Local Joke.”
The closest you can come to tripping out without swallowing a little pill. The lone member on this list of the supremely fun 'Chill Wave' movement of 2009.
10. The Rural Alberta Advantage- Hometowns. TRC album rating: 8.1. Key Tracks: “The Ballad of the RAA” and “Four Night Rider.”
Just a solid, charming and earnest album that shakes loose the Neutral Milk Hotel comparisons and burrows itself into your heart.
Close but no cigar: Julian Casablancas- Phrazes for the Young, The Horrors- Primary Colours, Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz!, St. Vincent- Actor, Florence and the Machine- Lungs.
Note: Tracks in bold were TRC top 30 songs last year.
Comments
This list is completely awesome - I agreed with most of your choices and you turned me on to a couple of gems that I missed. Between this list and your top 150 of 2009, I must have spent $150 on iTunes. I don't have the time I once did to listen to music - having someone with great taste focus my efforts was a god send and a total blast. I cannot wait for 2010 lists.
Thanks so much,
Jason
Thanks so much!! That's literally exactly why I started this site in the first place. I'll have Apple cut me a check for my efforts
I've been focusing heavily on my artist 'best of' lists recently. You're totally right that I need to post my 2010 lists. I'm way behind!
TRC