2009 - Year In Review (Part II)
THE REST – Nice effort, but y’know (except Scotland, you’ve done really well) ...
Florence And The Machine – Lungs
Up until a month ago, I was unaware of this album…but then I heard it and it stayed on heavy rotation. They’re very reminiscent of 90’s band Texas. Florence Welch has an incredible voice that evokes all range of emotion while backed by a stellar supporting cast.
Key Track – Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
The Antlers – Hospice
There are all kinds of rumors surrounding the creation of this album; truth notwithstanding, this album is steeped in sadness and depression. It tells a tale, over the course of the entire album, and should be enjoyed as such. It is haunting and peeks into the darkest parts of your spirit while forcing you to face your mortality and the relationships around you.
Key Track - Two
Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
Natasha Khan had already won me over with Fur and Gold, but with “What’s a Girl to Do?” I felt that she was in danger of being an interesting one hit wonder (see the video). Instead she followed the album up with a superior, fuller sounding album. I’ve read where she hates being compared to Kate Bush, but with her voice, the comparisons are inevitable, and frankly, I would consider it to be a compliment.
Key Track – Moon and Moon, Daniel
Blakroc – Blakroc
Another album I stumbled upon, and was fortunate to find. One of the more unique albums of the year, Blakroc features The Black Keys teamed up with some of the top names in hip hop (Ludacris, Mos Def). It’s the fantastic blues sound that only The Keys can do mixed with the rough street sounds of rap (ok, it goes against I said about “bling” and such, but the beats are so damn good)
Key Track – Dollaz & Sense
The Swell Season – Strict Joy
The follow up to the Oscar winning blah blah blah…yes, we get it, they dated, they made a great movie on a small budget. Thing is, they are both outstanding artists that have great chemistry. This album could only have failed in following up “Falling Slowly”, except it doesn’t. In the same way Fleetwood Mac excelled with “Go your Own Way”, so does this entire album work. The emotion that these two share, through all their experiences comes through on the songs they wrote for this album.
Key Track – In These Arms, Low Rising
Monsters of Folk – Monsters of Folk
Another album with lots of hype, with little more I can contribute to the discussion. Simply, yes, it is as good as you have heard.
Key Track – Dear God (sincerely M.O.F)
Mos Def - The Ecstatic
Mos Def falls easily into intelligent, morally focused hip hop, the fact he was in Hitchhiker’s Guide should not be used against him. His mellow voice, brought in over (sometimes) jarring beats works, and helps maintain focus on the stories he weaves and the messages he’s trying to deliver.
Key Track – Auditorium Ft. Slick Rick
Neco Case – Middle Cyclone
This is going to be on every list there is this year, and rightfully so, but this album means more to me than just a great artist with important messages and stories to share. This album does what music and art should; it transports me to another place, pulls at my emotions and allows me access to memories that make me smile on my worst day.
Key Track – This Tornado Loves You, People Got A Lotta Nerve
Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
I don’t even know where to start. Some will mock this selection as too easy, as too “hipster”, to trendy…whatever. I put it on and I love it which is the point and truth is, I have to justify this to no one. I LIKE “My Girls”, I think it’s great. “In The Flowers”, when that bass kicks in? C’mon. This is very much Panda Bear rather than Strawberry Jam and this is a good thing. The follow up EP is also as good, but I can’t them both on here…who are they, The National?
Key Track – My Girls, In The Flowers
St. Vincent – Actor
Speaking of The National, I discovered Annie Clark while listening to the Merge 20th Anniversary compilation, where she does a duet with The National. Intrigued by her voice, I did some digging and came across this album. Another female artist on this list, she again has great range and tends to keep the flow of the music somewhat mellow (with an electric underlining), which allows her voice to stay front and center.
Key Track – Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood
Doveman – The Conformist
Ok, I’m guilty. Thomas Bartlett is another National collaborator and in fact Matt Berninger appears on a number of tracks. Once you hear how soft Bartlett’s voice is, you’ll appreciate how well Berninger’s voice lends itself to this album. It’s a very mellow, subdued album with brief moments of electric undertones. Another album that tugs at your emotions.
Key Track – The Best Thing
HONORABLE MENTION (Complilations)
Dark Was The Night
A two disk bit of brilliance produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner in support of the Red Hot Organization. If there’s a “hot” artist not on this album, then they’re on the next album on my list. This album opened me up to a whole slew of artists I wasn’t aware of. Take a look around for the concert at Radio City Music Hall (iTunes has it as a podcast)
Key Track – So Far Around The Bend (The National), Train Song (Feist & Ben Gibbard)
Merge 20th Anniversary
A compilation put together to celebrate Merge Records 20th anniversary, this album features a who’s who from today’s “indie” crowd covering their favorite tracks from Merge artists.
Key Track – Sleep All Summer (St. Vincent And The National), Plenty Is Never Enough (The Shins)