5) Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
(iTunes || amazon.com)
This record is my favorite record from Phoenix! They really hit it huge with this one! It's so fun and joyous, I defy anyone not to smile or dance around their apartment when this record is playing. Songs like "Lisztomania" and "1901" are one that will get you off your seat. This past summer was my first summer in Brooklyn and this record was one the soundtracks to it. Practically every bar I went to this summer was playing this record. Phoenix reached a new height by creating one of the best pop albums of the year.
4) Actor by St. Vincent
(iTunes || amazon.com)
Actor is a wonderful record and a natural progression from St. Vincent's previous record, Marry Me. The record sets out to create a certain tone and mood from the opening track, "The Strangers". The record is full of wonderful textures but at the same time it feels clean. You can feel practically every nuance she tries to create. Wonderfully structured and paced, this record is one to fall in love with. It is immaculate!
3) Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
(iTunes || amazon.com)
This band is hard to define, and with this record they come close to a definition that everyone can understand and enjoy. Bitte Orca is a rich experiment of guitars and vocals. The exacting guitar lead and sweet melodic vocals makes this record worth listening to. Lead singer and guitarist Dave Longstreth seems to be channeling David Byrne and The Talking Heads. This record is just so sweeping and you just can't help but be taken away by the layers and textures of their sound. If you've ever heard the song "Stillness Is The Move" then you'll understand the complexities that come with the Brooklyn based experimental indie band. It's one part almost hip-hop, one part doo-wop and one part Jimmy Page-esque guitars in an exciting blend of sound.
2) Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
(iTunes || amazon.com)
This record came out very early in 2009. In January I believe. So it's hard to believe that I've spent a whole year talking about and listening to this record. From the moment I heard how haunting and hypnotic the opening track played, I knew this was going to be a special experience. It's so full of breathtaking vocals and harmonies that were somewhat influenced by The Beach Boys. Animal Collective impressed a lot of music lovers and critics alike with their sound. And talk about creating a mood, Animal Collective doesn't let you go as soon as you press play on your... what do kids use to listen to music these days? Oh yes, iPods. With their dizzying tones and mesmerizing sound, Animal Collective has created an achievement in experimental indie rock.
1) Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
(iTunes || amazon.com)
Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion came really close to being my top record of 2009, but one record that I did enjoy more was the latest effort from Brooklyn based indie/psycho/folk/rock band, Grizzly Bear. This one is one to appreciate as a benchmark for seamlessly blending musical genres in a certain sound, tone and mood. Playful sections of R&B-esque vocals with folk guitar and textured pianos with melodic characteristics. From the opening track, "Southern Point", you get the impression that Grizzly Bear is experimenting with their past sound with something exciting and new. It really does start off unassuming but then wows you with a crescendo of sound that builds slowly and slowly to a majestic end. Such a wonderful record that everyone like minded needs to experience!
Honorable Mention:
Hungry Bird by Clem Snide
Reservoir by Fanfarlo
It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Man On The Moon: End of The Day by KiD CuDi
The Shape of Energy by We All Have Hooks for Hands
Why There Are Mountains by Cymbals Eat Guitars
Wilco (The Album) by Wilco
Brother's Blood by Kevin Devine
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