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My Indie Life: Best Albums of 2009…Part One!

2009 has been a great year for music.  Never before have I felt like there was so much good music, so little time, but this year I have found myself listening to great songs by great artists 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but basically…I’m always listening, and that’s all you need to know.

A little bit about me, I am a musician myself, and I am constantly on the hunt for new great artists that I can brag to my friends about listening to. I hate pretty much everything that’s on the radio right now, especially Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga.

I plan on writing a part 2, 3, and 4(for those of you who were worried), so don’t fret if there’s an album coming out in the future that you think you’d love.  Chances are, I think I will love them too and would absolutely not want to leave anyone out.

So here we go. November 23rd 2009, and these are my favorite albums of the year (so far):

Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavillion (released January 20, 2009)

This is a beautiful album that from beginning to end is ethereal, dreamy pop and unique.  This group has transformed what music can be and has opened up other bands to a slew of new sounds.  This is the first album of theirs that I do truly appreciate, but I now look forward to hearing more from them. “My Girls” and “Brother Sport” are among my favorites on this album. People think they’re overrated, but I beg to differ, friends. There’s a reason they top all the best album of the year lists for 2009.

A.C. Newman- Get Guilty (released January 20, 2009)

I have loved A.C. Newman since I first heard “On the Table” on The O.C. (Yes, unfortunately, I did happen to watch that abominable program- great soundtrack, shitty story), and then I downloaded the album The Slow Wonder and then I realized that he was part of The New Pornographers, whom I also love.  Anyhow, this album has some great rock tunes including the slow, “Prophets”, which was featured on the season 4 finale of How I met your Mother (my absolute favorite show).

Fruit Bats-The Ruminant Band (released August 4, 2009)

Just a great rock album. I love these guys and will probably continue to love anything they put out forever and ever.  Don’t ask me why. Maybe cuz it reminds me of listening to 104.3 back when they played classic rock all the time.  This album sounds like it was influenced by Leonard Cohen/Yes/Crosby Stills Nash and Young.

M. Ward- Hold Time (released February 17, 2009)

A great cohesive production. It’s a lot bluesy, a little rock ‘n’ roll, and his voice is outstanding.  The harmonies give me chills when I listen to them.  I love the distortion in the guitar and voice.  Add the keys and groovin’ drums, and you’ve got pure awesomeness. Again, this is an album that could easily have been made in the 60s, but with a modern spin on it. The songs “Rave on” and “Never had nobody like you” feat. Zooey Deschanel are among my favorites.

Ida Maria- Fortress Round My Heart (released April 14, 2009)

I just have one thing to say: “Oh my God!”  I love this album in its entirety.  When I first got this album, I put it on in my room and literally just started dancing around because I couldn’t help it.  The melodies are infectious, the beats are rockin’, and her voice is absolutely smokin’.  I am typically not a huge fan of the raspy, rockin’ vocals of a female artist but with her it’s different.  And she is very versatile in that the way she sings changes from track to track.  Loves it!

Passion Pit- Manners (released June 9, 2009)

I have never been a huge fan of dance-y, electronic-y music, but there is something about Passion Pit that I just love.  It may be the tone of Michael Angelakos’ voice, or the infectiously catchy harmonies.  It may even be the melodies themselves with the synth-goodness. Whatever it is, they have struck a chord with me.  I’m looking forward to much more from them in the future.

Peter Bjorn & John- Living Thing (released March 31, 2009)

From their last album Writer’s Block, I really only liked the one song, “Young Folks.”  Everything else was a bit too avante-garde for my tastes. But this 2009 release had me perking up my ears to their sound, again. I’ve listened through the whole album many times and always find myself singing along and boppin’ my head without meaning to. It kind of reminds me of the good things about the 80’s. Favorite tracks include, “Nothin’ to Worry About”, “It Don’t Move Me,” and the title track.

The Bird & The Bee- Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (released January 27, 2009)

This is the perfect example to me of great dreamy pop.  On top of which, The Bird & The Bee did a cover of “Tonight You Belong to Me” from The Jerk, so right off the bat I love them. This is great, with a hint of electronica and a lot of infectious, poppy hooks. A definite Must-Hear.

Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (released May 26, 2009)

Okay…this one obviously is topping all the indie music lists, but that is because it is soo good.  I love Phoenix, always have always will, and this is no exception.  The entire album is ridiculously danceable, with songs like, “1901″, “Rome”, and “Lisztomania.” This album is on everyone’s lists, and rightfully so.

Andrew Bird- Noble Beast (released January 20, 2009)

Who doesn’t love Andrew Bird?  The man plays the violin like a guitar, he plays the guitar amazingly, and the dude can whistle like an actual bird.  Funny, cuz his last name is Bird!  I think I’ve loved every album he’s put out (except for maybe his first one), and the song “Anonanimal” tops my favorites of the year.  It is beautiful, sweeping, and romantic.  It tells a story, as does the whole album.

Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest (released May 26, 2009)

Another song that tops my favorites of the year is “Two Weeks” from this album.  I mean, talk about great vocal writing. I love the keyboard and drums in here especially, but it’s just romantic and beautiful.  It is something that would definitely fit in with a 60’s rock collection. If I were making an independent film right now and needed a song for a big romantic scene, this would be the album I would look to for sure. Another song I love is “Cheerleader” so take a listen for yourself.

The Maccabees- Wall of Arms (released May 12, 2009)

“Little arms, little arms, little arms on a big body,” are lyrics from my favorite song on this album, “Dinosaurs.” Just a great rock/alternative album.  The horns are impeccable as well as the vocal melodies in each tune.Kind of reminds me of Mighty Mighty Bosstones or Reel Big Fish at certain points. “Love you better” is also a great love song, making me feel like they’re playing to me, and me alone.

Camera Obscura- My Maudlin Career (released April 21, 2009)

A nice big band sound comes from Camera Obscura on this album.  Very poppy, very catchy.  Nice hooks, and I love the horns in parts of the chorus.  Just makes me want to see them live so bad. “French Navy” is a great track as well as “Honey in the Sun.”  This is another group that definitely recalls influence from another time.

The Temper Trap- Conditions (released October 13, 2009)

Anybody seen a little film called 500 Days of Summer? Well, the main track in that film as well as in the trailer was called “Sweet Disposition” and it’s on this album.  It’s a great rock album, sounds pretty mainstream, and more likely that everyone will enjoy it.  I would say this is an album for everyone.  I can’t wait to hear more from this group!

Jason Lytle- Yours Truly, The Commuter (released May 19, 2009)

From Grandaddy, to making his own album, Jason Lytle has come a long way.  I really like this album from start to finish.  It’s a lot different from Grandaddy, has a more organic, acoustic feel as opposed to the electronica of Grandaddy. If you aren’t sold, listen to “Brand New Sun.”

Neko Case- Middle Cyclone (released March 3, 2009)

Also from The New Pornographers, Case comes out with a wonderful wonderful folk-rock album.  Every track unique, every track listenable. Reminds me of Patty Griffin/Jenny Lewis/Cat Power/Fiona Apple all rolled into one.

albums I am kind of over at this point:

• Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It’s Blitz! (Karen O. forgets lyrics at concerts…I’m over it),
• Fever Ray- Fever Ray (I like the song “When I Grow Up”, but that is literally the only track I can even stand from the album)

Thanks for reading, and there will be more to come in Part Two!

Lexi Scherr