There’s a good reason why I didn’t do this earlier. Last year I lost my commute via public transportation. I didn’t give all the albums I got the same listen I used to. So I didn’t feel right judging them. After being laid off, I’ve had more time to ruminate. I know you’ve been waiting. The lack of A Rubber Door’s official recommendation is the one thing I can point to hurting the music industry this year.
I promise to make it up – the best of 2009 is coming within the week.
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1 |
While everyone was talking about Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot beat them at their own game. Well layered, catchy without being light.
My Favorites: Dying is Fine, Can You Tell
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2 |
So bummed that I missed Ms. Hatfield when she came to Philly in September. I didn’t realize how amazing this album was.
My Favorites: The Fact Remains, Such a Beautiful Girl |
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3 |
So amazingly catchy. Perfect album for the summer with a couple of beers and burgers on the grill.
My Favorites: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, A-Punk |
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4 |
I’ve said this many times – look back 20 years from now and Edward’s career will be the stuff of legend. This album sneaks up on you.
My Favorites: Buffalo, Goodnight California |
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5 |
I didn’t realize how much I liked this album until I sat down to write this list. Best Beck album since Midnight Vultures.
My Favorites: Gamma Ray, Modern Guilt |
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6 |
I love Brendan Benson and Jack White together. Jack White and Alicia Keys on the other hand…
My Favorites: Consoler of the Lonely, You Don’t Understand Me |
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7 |
Santogold? Santigold? Whatever – it’s good. Last year’s Gnarls Barkley. Fun album mixing alternative, pop, and dance. My Favorites: L.E.S Artistes, I’m a Lady |
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8 |
I think this deserved much more attention last year than it got. Gorgeous album. My Favorites: Good Arms vs. Bad Arms, Old Fashion |
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9 |
Another album where every song is great. Put this in a mix with Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot. My favorites: Saints, Slight of Hand
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10 |
More of the same from Death Cab – but that’s not a bad thing. My Favorites: Cath, Grapevine Fires |
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11 |
Well deserved best new artist. The new British soul’s best import – yeah, better than Amy Winehouse. My Favorites: Chasing Pavements, Cold Shoulder |
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12 |
Haunting. You probably heard Iver on many a TV show soundtrack last year. Used in the series finale of Life. My Favorite: Flume, The Wolves (Act I and II) |
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13 |
I’m really sorry this is as low as 13. I didn’t give it as much time as it deserved. Still – it’s a great album, and I’ve been devoting more and more time to it. My favorites: Mirrorball, Grounds for Divorce |
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14 |
My Favorites: Wishing Well, Sometime Around Midnight |
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15 |
My Favorites: No Lucifer, Atom |
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16 |
Blistering set of songs. No wasted movement – it’s like they decided not to suck anymore. My Favorites: Living Well is the Best Revenge, Supernatural Superserious |
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17 |
She really can’t do wrong by me. Not sweet – brooding. My Favorites: Can’t Come Down, Under the Night |
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18 |
Honestly without M. Ward – this may not make the list. More Him, less She (Zoey Deschanel). And he listened – a new M. Ward album this year. (OK – I just relistened to You Really Got a Hold On Me – maybe it was the right amount of She) My Favorites: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here, You Really Got a Hold On Me |
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19 |
My Favorites: Like A Vibration, I Got Ideas |
Here’s an iTunes iMix of My Favorites songs from the albums above:
