So here it is... my top 11 favorite albums of 2009 in all their musical splendor. This was originally a top 10 list until I found a new favorite just days before ringing in the new year.
I'll be the first to say I don't deserve any awards for listening to the most new albums this year, and I have no shame in often being a year or so behind on listening to some great albums. So, if this list doesn't seem comprehensive, it's very likely that it's not, and I know there are other great 2009 albums I have yet to listen to. But as it stands, this is the way it shakes out.
(If you click on the album art it will take you to a favorite song from the album on YouTube, if available.)
I had fairly high expectations for this album after seeing Devine play a few new songs in concert before its release, and the songs "Brother's Blood," "Another Bag of Bones," and "Carnival" certainly did not disappoint lyrically. But I was a little let down with the album arrangements of "Another Bag of Bones" and "Carnival." "Another Bag of Bones" did not measure up to the more simplistic EP release of the song, and "Carnival" did not measure up to the live arrangement. The rest of the album is solid but not spectacular, and despite the minor letdowns, those songs are still great songs.
Unfortunately, Raditude and I haven't spent too much time getting acquainted just yet, but despite our limited interaction, I know this album is very deserving of the number 9 spot and only stands to improve position as time passes. Lyrically and musically this album seems to be classic Weezer, even more so than the last two albums in my mind.
9. Flying You Like A Kite - The Fine Grain
I know what you're thinking, and yes, I did just give a friend-band a spot above Weezer... ok, you may not have been thinking that, but I sure thought about it. And the reason is, as I said, I'm not very familiar with Raditude yet, and over the past few years I have become very familiar with the music of The Fine Grain. After a long year in the studio, it is really nice to have such a quality recording of all the older songs and some new great songs like (my personal favorite) "Mother" and "Black Bear."
(For people who like: Manchester Orchestra, Brand New, The Kooks, Kevin Devine)
No YouTube link for this one yet, but you can click the album art to go to their iTunes store.
8. 1988 - Michael Ford Jr. and the Apache Relay
Another friend-band easily taking the number 7 spot is comprised of four former Belmont students including guitarist, background vocalist, and friend Michael Harris. This new take on bluegrass, pop, and folk rock is refreshing, unique, and masterfully done. Each of the members are masters of their respective instruments (as should be expected of Belmont students), and they put on a live show that left my jaw hanging open. It shouldn't be long before you start hearing a lot more from these guys.
(For people who enjoy: Nickel Creek, The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show)
7. Noble Beast - Andrew Bird
Noble Beast represents the first of two major regrets on this list: the regret of only just discovering this artist. This album follows a long line of beautifully creative music from Andrew Bird, maybe even more than I will ever be able to track back on. But Noble Beast is a great place to start with songs like "Fitz and Dizzyspells," "Souverian," "Oh No," and, especially, "Anonanimal," a new listener can connect quickly, even though I think it's fair to say that Bird's talent is not always quickly appreciated as he tends towards the experimental. But his mastery of violin, the loop pedal, guitar, voice, and his iconic whistling prove him worthy of any discerning music-listener's respect.
6. Davy - Coconut Records
Here's the late addition that threw off my nice, even list of 10... Coconut Records may have surfaced late in the race, but easily made its way to the number 6 spot in just a few short days, just in time for the new year. This record is playful, sunny, creative, and best of all created by Coconut Records' only member: Jason Schwartzman (candidate for coolest man alive [if you don't believe me check Rushmore and Darjeeling Limited to verify]). Schwartzman, founding member and drummer of Phantom Planet, made Coconut Records as a private project only intending the first album (Nighttiming) for himself and friends. But of course someone with a résumé like Schwartzman's can't expect to put out a record discretely, and it quickly reached the public. Davy is Coconut Records'/Schwartzman's sophomore release, and it has definitely impressed me as songs like "Any Fun," "Microphone," "The Summer," "Saint Jerome," and "Wandering Around" stand out as favorites.
Check it out if you like: The Shins, The Beach Boys, Fruit Bats
5. Mean Everything to Nothing - Manchester Orchestra
This album seems to be bringing Manchester Orchestra a lot of attention this year, and the attention is well deserved. However, this album never quite measured up to Like a Virgin Losing A Child for me, even as much as I hoped it would. Don't get me wrong, Mean Everything to Nothing is nothing short of amazing, but for all of those who are starting to catch on to Manchester, you would be remiss not to go back and give Like a Virgin Losing a Child a look. As it stands alone, though, this is an incredible album that was artfully and thoughtfully made. I don't expect to see M.O. from the front row at the basement of Rocketown or Exit/Inn too many more times after the notoriety and critical acclaim this album has brought them.
4. Church Music - David Crowder* Band
After the first few times through I was ready to call this album a disappointment to a line of incredible records from DC*B, but after seeing much of it performed live twice in one weekend, I quickly came to appreciate its concept and intricate design. If you are like me, and were hoping for a more overtly "worshipful" album from DC*B then this might not be exactly what we were looking for, but I assure any fans of DC*B, taking the chance to see them live will help open your eyes to the strength of this album. Highlights include (but are certainly not limited to): "Shadows," "SMS (Shine)," "Alleluia, Sing," "Eastern Hymn," and, the epic, "God Almighty, None Compares." I will say, however, that Crowder's version of "How He Loves," though well done, still does not match up to Eddie Kirkland's version.
3. A_CROSS // The_EARTH: Tear Down the Walls - Hillsong United
Absolutely my favorite United album yet. It is amazing that they continue to improve as songwriters and musicians despite the standing quality of music they have put out in recent years. United is unmatched as of yet in the production of worship music, and this album's shift towards a call for social justice is a breath of fresh air from a church that has often been accused of preaching a "health and wealth gospel." It seems Hillsong Church has turned a corner in theology, and that shift is beaming through in songs like "Tear Down the Walls," "You Hold Me Now," and, most evidently, "Solution." This message was also portrayed through United's documentary, the I-Heart Revolution: We're All In This Together, which was a very compelling film about the needs in the world and our calling to go and be healers to the brokenness. The Church needs more voices and songs that call for action, and this album came at the right time. I'm already anticipating the next one.
2. I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers
I mentioned the regret of only discovering an appreciation for Andrew Bird this year, and that sentiment is apparent several times over with The Avett Brothers. I and Love and You is not only one of my favorite albums of the year, but it has quickly become one of my favorite albums of all-time (albeit a very long list). (At risk of listing every song on the album) Songs like, "Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise," "January Wedding," "The Perfect Space," "Ill With Want," and "It Goes On and On" speak for themselves as some of the most well-crafted songs of the year. In my mind this album is nearly flawless from start to finish, and the range it displays from the sorrow and soul of "Ill Will Want" to the fun and ruckus of "Kick Drum Heart" is beautifully done. The Avett Brothers have the special gift of writing amazing lyrics that match perfectly with the mood of the music, and that sets them apart as great musicians.
1. Aim & Ignite - fun.
The only reason The Avett Brothers were not number 1 in 2009 is that fun. took things to another level with Aim & Ignite. When going to see Manchester Orchestra last winter, all I knew of fun. was that Nate Ruess (formerly of The Format) was the frontman, and the one song they had posted on MySpace was nothing short of incredible. After seeing them live for the first time, I knew that I had just encountered one of my favorite bands of all time. Eventually more songs reached MySpace and the album was released just days before they came through Nashville again (if I remember the timeline correctly), and, by that point, it was probably already decided that Aim & Ignite would hold this top spot for 2009. Ben Carpenter sums it up well in his review of fun.'s new album,
"The voice of The Format is not lost. Nate Ruess has returned with fun. [...] His range is incredible. His melodies are catchy as anything, and this band gives him the chance to showcase his voice in ways that were impossible with The Format. he’ll never let us down. Another standout quality of this album is the instrumentation. guitar, piano, horns, steel drums, this album has it all, and uses everything at its disposal to keep each new song fresh and vibrant. Lyrically, Nate is still writing from the heart, with songs like “At Least I’m Not As Sad As I Used To Be, Walking the Dog, and The Gambler, it’s obvious that he’s writing from where he is and where he’s come from. We can know Nate a little better just by listening to his music, which isn’t true for a lot of bands. He makes his songs intensely personal. [...] Nate has come through a lot, and I get the feeling that he wants us to share in the rebound. He’s not sad, and he’s done writing sad songs (for now). I can safely say that this album is flawless."
If you haven't heard this album, give it a listen, because it is almost sure to bring a smile to your face and find a place in your top albums list.
Favorite songs include... wow I honestly don't even want to go there. You can tell me what yours are instead.
Honorable mention
Danyew - Danyew
Blood, Sweat, and Sweat - Harrison Hudson
As I said, there are still many albums from 2009 I have yet to hear, but as I know now, these are the ones that really impacted me so far. There is also much more to be said about most of these albums that I have spared you (believe it or not) in this list. That being said, feel free to comment on the list or respond with your other favorites from 2009.
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