Oh yes, it's yet another top ten album list for 2009. The end of year wrap-up post is really the only ritual I've managed to keep up with, probably because it's relatively easy (once a year) and for a good cause (internet participation...? blog citizenship...?). Plus, it's interesting to see whether in a year from now I'll still be listening to what I thought were the best of the entire year. Judging by last year's list, I can't say I've been listening to School of Seven Bells as much as one would think. Here's what I've been into instead...
10. Sonic Youth The Eternal
When compared to other Sonic Youth records, The Eternal is probably at the median. When compared to other albums of 2009, it's my number 10 pick. It's got everything you'd expect from the band which means loads of variety. You've got your zany guitar, instrumental meandering, honest couplets, noise, streams of consciousness, acoustic cameos, short tracks, long tracks... The record is Eternal because the band is here to stay.
Choice track: "Antenna" [Amazon]
It's hard to deny that 2009 was a huge year for accessible noise-ish music. Who knew this would be the year when a slew of bands decided to channel The Jesus and Mary Chain all at once? 24 years after Psychocandy was long enough, eh? Exploding Head adds more to the shoegaze + noise formula, drawing upon psychedelic and classic rock influences. It's an exciting ride that may not make your head explode, but it will blow your mind. APTBS' sophomore record transports me to another world.
Choice track: "Keep Slipping Away" [YSI] [Amazon]
Monsieur Pierre-Alexandre Busson seems to be single-handedly keeping electro alive while Justice are M.I.A., maybe chilling in Osama Bin Laden's cave for all we know. Yuksek not only put out a great party album, but he churned out quality remix after remix. 2009 was his year, but I know it's just the beginning. We cannot wait to hear what he's been cooking up in the studio.
Choice track: "So Far Away from the Sea" [Amazon]
This... is... The Horrors?! What a transformation. They're still dark and noisy, but now they actually seem to give a fuck. Their latest effort is interesting, stylish, and sounds like the best bits from every great British band from the 1980s. With Primary Colours, The Horrors have established themselves as a musicians, not a bunch of guys with crazy hair in tight pants.
Choice track: "Do You Remember?" [YSI] [Amazon]
Remember when I said 2009 was a great year for noise? I really meant it, and here's more evidence. The Big Pink fused shoegaze and noise influences with compelling pop accessibility -- not bad, eh? We were hooked on "Too Young to Love early in 2009, followed by the insanely catchy (read: radio friendly) single "Dominos" which became a huge success as the soundtrack to good times, and then "Velvet" melted our hearts.
Choice track: "Velvet" [Amazon]
Contrary to the last few picks, here's a pick-me-up record that is anything but noise. My favourite Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp (sorry Datarock) released a fun and synth-tastic record. The best parts are the great collaborations with the likes of Robyn and Karin Dreijer Andersson. Some of Junior is very poppy (typical Scandinavian pop...), but it's balanced out with darker tracks. It's the best of both Röyskopp worlds.
Choice track: "This Must Be It" [YSI] [Amazon]
Yeah, I know. It's so obvious, but there's a reason why people put this record up somewhere in their top ten. Actually, any end of year album wrap-up that does not mention this record is probably not worth reading at all. Why? Merriweather combines the band's avant-garde and experimental antics with pop accessibility. The result? Beautiful and refreshing music to everyone's ears. The themes of human consumption, return to simplicity, and questioning the meaning of life are decade-defining. To me, this record is a multi-layered mindfuck.
Choice track: "My Girls" [Amazon]
I've been looking forward to the new Grizzly Bear ever since I heard the demo and saw the live performance for "While You Wait for the Others" over a year ago. Now that the album has finally materialised, it's been well worth the wait. Veckatimest is obviously a carefully crafted album, with its intricate compositions and beautiful melodies and harmonies. Its simplicity is its greatest strength. Thanks, Grizzly Bear, for showing us how less really is more.
I never had a doubt that Andersson solo would be anything but great. This record goes beyond my already high expectations. The lack of dancefloor applicability is strangely what makes me love this record (that's what remixes are for...). Fever Ray strips down to raw emotion that probably could not be achieved with an upbeat number. Soaring synths and spectacular vocals with a minimal flair firmly establish Andersson as an entity separate from The Knife. I just hope this isn't a one time thing.
Choice track: "Keep the Streets Empty for Me" [Amazon]
My number one pick goes to an album that embraces all the best of 2009. It's Blitz has maintained the band's signature no-bullshit attitude with post-punk, electronic, pop, noise, disco. It's mostly hard, but has it's vulnerable moments with the likes of "Hysteric" and "Runaway." The opener, "Zero," was practically a dancefloor anthem of the year. Most importantly, I think, is the tangible energy and performance delivered with every track. The album clearly shows how the band has evolved to a whole new level. With that, ladies and gentlemen... "dance 'til you're dead."
