My Picks of 2009

Well its a new year and decade

2009 saw the exposure of dubstep to the world, where it got hyped till it got bitten on the ass. New Weird America got a morgage and matured somewhat. MJ died, which led to a great leap in plays for him, exposing it to youngsters who otherwise wouldnt have given it a chance. Whilst there was a fling with hip-hop and commercial dance in the past, 2009 was a proper love fest, with a lot of vomit coming at the later stages of each songs life cycle. With a lot of new music to look forward to, I thought it might be good to sum up for me the great albums of the past year.

1. St.Vincent - Actor


Before you read on, there is something I must confess. I may have a small crush on St.Vincent singer Annie Clark. However listening to her records over and over again, and seeing her live twice, it is understandable why I have a crush on her. I also did meet her at one of the live shows, whilst she was trying to flee to the ladies toilets. But I digress. After a very good first album, Annie Clark stuck herself in a small apartment in New York armed with recording equipment, to come with this astonishing collection of songs. She admits herself that movies were her main inspiration whilst writing this album. And this is evident when listening to Actor. Every songs seems to hold alot of emotion which is echoed into some beautiful yet venomous lyrics. However this offsets from Annie's clear, tone perfect voice, which seems to let the harmony take over her pieces. Its an album full of perfect contradictions and powerful ballads that take your mind into the movies.

Hear - Marrow

2. The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca

This truly was a great year for New York's experimental rock band, The Dirty Projectors. Their music is as hard to describe as an ameoba's facial expression. The best I can do is to say it is a mix superb guitar riffs, stunning male and female vocals, and written by someone who just found out the purpose of dark energy yet is reluctant to confess. This album ripped away all text books on how music should be written, and created something fresh and very inviting.

Hear - Stillness is the Move

3. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Another New York Artist! Must have been a great year for that area! Merriweather Post Pavilion has been cited in most critics top lists of 2009, and is easy to understand why. Animal Collective have produced some great albums in the past, however this one I believe tops them by a reasonable distance. The wonderment and structured waywardness makes it understandable why it has been comparable to the great Brian Wilson.

Hear - My Girls


4. Grizzly Bear - Vektamist


Okay so four of the top five on this list are from New York, this is getting ridiculous. However the Grizzly's third album was always going to be up there. Although personally I have a little love affair with their second album, this new ensemble is seen to fine tune some areas where they were criticised for in the past. Nonetheless this is not patchwork of older work, this album brings new energy and exhilaration into their music, with intelligient and innovative techniques that make this such an enjoyable listen.

Hear - Two Weeks (unofficial video, it's ten times as good)


5. Alela Diane - To Be Still


From California, 2009 saw Alela Diane's comeback from her debut, and boy can she sing. This folk album brings out the best in Alela's pallette. Her style consists of warm vocals, imaginative lyrics and relaxed harmonies. There are no issues of overcomplication with her work, she made this a simple yet beautiful listen for 2009.


Hear - White as Diamonds



Others honourable alums of the past year:

Marissa Nadler - Little Hells
The XX- The XX
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx pt 2
Alessi's Ark - Notes From The Tree House
Real Estate - Real Estate
Regina Spektor - Far
Blue Roses - Blue Roses