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

Welcome to Part Two of my Best Albums of 2009!

There is so much great music out there that is just waiting to be explored.  Here I include a mix of more popular stuff as well as the really obscure so check out my list, compare with yours, and let me know who your favorites were this past year. Check out Part One, also.

Also, you should know that I tend to lean on the side of “Indie Music Snob” but of my group of friends, I tend to be the most into stuff that’s on the radio, so keep that in mind while combing through my list of faves.

I’m always looking for the next best thing to listen to, so if you have the scoop, I want to hear about it!

Metric- Fantasies (released April 7, 2009)

Very reminiscent of the Pixies.  Vocals remind me a lot of Kim Deal.  A great rock album from start to album.  Don’t believe me?  Take a few listens for yourself.  You’ll be wishing the Pixies were still rockin’ it out like the old days.

Love, Save the Empty- Erin McCarley (released January 6, 2009)

This is probably the poppiest I will go with this list.  I’m not the biggest fan of mainstream pop, but this album is a nice exception.  The title track is awesome and catchy; I love the sound of McCarley’s voice and in this album, it is perfection.  If you like pop, this is a good way to go.  The title track is featured on the He’s just not that into you soundtrack.  My favorite track though is called “Pony.”

Handsome Furs- Face Control (released March 10, 2009)

They got a lot of blues, lot of rock…This is not an album for everyone, but for myself this is a near-perfect rock album. I love the beat and tone of the song “Talking Hotel Arbat Blues.”  Check it out for yourselves, but me personally, I am looking forward to great things from them.

Wilco- Wilco the Album (released June 30, 2009)

Of course this would be on my list.  I always love Wilco, even though most of my friends have always remained indifferent towards them. My favorite album was A Ghost is Born, and now I think Wilco the Album may have taken that spot. I love how every song sounds different and rockin’, but it still creates a nice cohesive album.  All around an album for every taste.

The Decemberists- Hazards of Love (released March 24, 2009)

This album plays out like a musical would.  There are themes running throughout the entire album, and you can’t help but listen to the whole thing over and over.  My favorite song is called “Rake Song” so take listen to that right now if you haven’t already.  This is one of those groups that may not be for everyone, it’s a little bit too avant-garde for some, but I really enjoy them, always.

Bell X1- Blue Lights on the Runway (released March 3, 2009)

I don’t really know anyone that is an avid listener of Bell X1, but I really enjoy everything I have heard from him. I have mentioned this before, but I first heard his stuff on The O.C. soundtrack- yup, I’m one of those. (Love the music, hate the show) And I have been hooked ever since.  If I ever make an indie film, I know where to turn for the soundtrack. Take a listen to the tracks, “The Great Defector” and “Blow Ins.”

Regina Spektor- Far (released June 23, 2009)

There’s not much I need to say about her.  Sometimes she’s a little too avant-garde for even me, but this album is pop perfection in my mind.  I really love the song “The Calculation” and I think you will too!

Doves- Kingdom of Rust (released April 6, 2009)

This album chugs along like a good country-folk-rock album should.  There are hints of Johnny Cash everywhere, and I think my favorite song is “Kingdom of Rust” – the title track! The rhythm in this reminds me of “Walk the Line” and the guitar gives it a nice modern feel. I also love the chorus of this one– kind of eerie but makes me want to rock out at the same time.  The strings on this album are sensational!  So give it a listen for yourself.

Gomez- A New Tide (released March 31, 2009)

Another artist I can’t get enough of.  He played at Lollapalooza this year, and unfortunately I had to miss him, cuz I didn’t show up to the fest soon enough. “Little Pieces” reminds me a LOT of Jose Gonzalez’ “Heartbeats” until you get to the chorus when it becomes a nice rock anthem.  I love this rockabilly sound that he produces.  I think I first heard him on Grey’s Anatomy.  I know, what’s with me and these melodramatic shows?  Well, I will tell you — they have amazing soundtracks.

Band of Skulls- Baby Darling Doll Face Honey (released July 28, 2009)

If you like Franz Ferdinand, Jimi Hendrix, Louis XIV, Modest Mouse, Led Zeppelin, or Kaiser Chiefs you will enjoy what these guys are putting out.  A nice rockin’ sound…love that wail of the guitar.  They sound very fresh– not overproduced.  I am reminded of these other bands when listening to them, but I don’t ever feel like they are a direct rip-off.  They bring something new to the table, and I would LOVE to see them live so let me know next time they are playing in Chicago.

Coconut Records- Davy (released January 20, 2009)

“You are my voice, my microphone.”  Coconut Records says the things I only wish I could, and speaks to our generation very well in their music.  The song “Wires” was just featured in the film “Funny People” starring Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler. Also check out the songs “microphone”, and “any fun.”  Those are my favorites.  They remind me of all the classic rock songs I love listening to now and are pretty similar other bands I like such as Dr. Dog, Vampire Weekend, Rogue Wave, and more.  Take a listen for yourself.

Various Artists- The Twilight Saga’s New Moon Soundtrack (released October 16, 2009)

Terrible movie, wonderful soundtrack.  This seems to be a theme running through my Best Albums list.  With songs by Death Cab, Anya Marina, Muse, St. Vincent, Sea Wolf, and more, this album makes an amazing stocking stuffer for the indie music buff.  I saw the movie with my family and although it was the worst movie I have ever seen, the enjoyable part for me was the great musical selection.  Good job, whom ever’s job that was!

Dan Auerbach- Keep it Hid (released February 10, 2009)

From the same mind of the Black Keys, Auerbach comes out with a solo album that will blow you away.  Rock perfection…Reminiscent of the Pixies/Frank Black–noticing a theme?

Matt & Kim- Grand (released January 20, 2009)

A little bit avant-garde–definitely not for everyone.  Some people I know don’t like Matt’s voice at all, but I really seem to enjoy the music more when the singer has a quirk to them.  Perfection is overrated. I love the tones to the music they make, and I don’t really know how to classify it.  Is it shoegaze, is it ska?  Electronica or Americana?  They seem to baffle me with what they have created.  Do you have a name for it? cuz I certainly don’t.

Anya Marina- Slow and Steady Seduction: Phase II (released January 20, 2009)

I just love the sound of her voice.  I first discovered her on Grey’s Anatomy and have been smitten ever since. Great folk-pop at every turn.  I’m reminded of Nellie McKay, Aimee Mann, and sometimes even Patty Griffin.  You should definitely give her a listen.

Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band- Outer South (released May 5, 2009)

From the Bright Eyes frontman comes a wonderful folk album that everyone can enjoy. This is definitely a departure from the sounds of Bright Eyes, but he didn’t go too far.  This is awesome, and reminds me a lot of Ryan Adams and Elliot Smith.  I would check this out if you haven’t already, because if you like independent artists, this should already be a staple in your collection.

That’s it for part two…stay tuned for part three comin’ up!!

Lexi Scherr