So here goes with the top albums of 2009. Keep in mind this is from what I've heard this year (thanks to roommates, my girlfriend, and bands who release free stuff allowing me to hear stuff I couldn't afford also). There are lots like Shook Ones, Castevet, Polar Bear Club, Rx Bandits, Heartsounds, Dead To Me, Nothington, Lucero, and Strike Anywhere I haven't heard that may have made this list if I would have been able to buy them. Hopefully, I can hear those soon.
Top 11 Albums
11. American War - Rhetoric
This takes elements of indie, punk, folk, bluegrass and some 50's rock 'n' roll and doo wop to make a very interesting album. The reflective lyrics about life and being worth this life really work with the style of music too. You can download it for free from If You Make It (http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/). I advise you to check it out.
10. My Heart To Joy - Seasons In Verse
This band has taken the whole 90's post hardcore and emo sound and melded it with a post rock influence and gruff sung/yelled vocals. I don't think I'll ever get tired of this style of music. If I had a capable singing voice/yell, I would love to be in a band like this.
9. Mute Math - Armistice
Mute Math continues to grow and amaze me. They make sounds that I'm pretty sure have never been heard before and blend that with insightful lyrics about life, love, and the ever after. Just listen to them already!
8. Chuck Ragan - Gold Country
It's the Bear. What more can be said about this legend from Hot Water Music to now, he continues to make relevant, heart on his sleeve music that can be enjoyed on slow Summer nights on the front porch and in dive bars and venues all across America.
7. Teenage Bottlerocket - They Came From The Shadows
This Wyoming quartet are just getting better and better at their Ramones-influenced pop punk. I don't know how anyone couldn't have fun listening to this band. "They Came From The Shadows" (the song) would be perfect for a zombie movie soundtrack (don't steal my idea!).
6. mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright
One of my favorite bands is a back after 2006's stellar Brother, Sister. While I don't think they've topped that album, they've taken their post hardcore sound and moved into more progressive indie and folk territory effortlessly. Aaron Weiss continues to impress with his lyrics and singing the most he's ever sang before. They've taken a hiatus after the end of their tour this past Summer. Let's hope it's a very temporary one.
5. Fake Problems - It's Great To Be Alive
I'd never listened to these Floridians before this album, but I do know a little bit about their past. Against Me!-light is not anywhere to be seen on It's Great To Be Alive. Wearing their influences on their sleeves but bringing their own originality to the table, Fake Problems has put together an enamoring mix of punk, indie, folk and even R&B and soul. The lyrics of struggling with Christianity throughout the album are some of the best I've ever heard from a bunch of "non-believers."
4. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
I'm beginning to think that Andy Hull, lead singer of Manchester Orchestra, is incapable of writing a song that isn't sensational. From the lyrics that reach deep into the good and bad of living a Christian life to all sorts of indie and southern rock influences, Mean Everything To Nothing hits close to home in the best way. This band is so young. It'll be great to see where they goes as they mature hopefully into the next decade.
3. Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere
In my opinion, this folk musician from Boulder progresses on as one of the best modern folk musicians around. From his arrangements to his lyrics, Mr. Isakov continues to weave tales that I love to hear. This is great soundtrack music. Going on a road trip? Get Gregory Alan Isakov's albums. Thank me later.
2. As Cities Burn - Hell Or High Water
Another one of my favorite bands releases their final album as, after a tumultuous career, they have decided to call it quits. While I am sad to see them go, they have put together the best album they've ever done with their distinct mix of post hardcore, indie, post rock, and blues-y southern-tinged rock. It turns out to be a beafutiful swan song for ACB. Don't forget to get the "iTunes album only" song "Gates" either as it is a spectacular emotional closer. Hopefully, we'll hear something new from new projects soon.
1. Thrice - Beggars
It was a good year for output from my favorites band. Thrice is in my top five all time favorite bands, and with Beggars, they remain heads above as their outstanding musicianship spills forth from my speakers. The trials of a major label and producers behind them, they are making music they want to make, and they've never been better. From Dustin's lyrics to Teppei's leads to Eddies' bass lines to Riley's drumming, they just impress and impress. "In Exile" is one of the best songs I've ever heard and still gives me tingles when I hear it. I hope they keep making music together at least for another ten years.
Top 5 EPs/Demos
5. Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP
4. Daylight - Demo
3. RVIVR - Life Moves 7 Inch
2. Grown Ups - Songs (you can get this at If You Make It too (http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/))
1. Lipona - Pigeonholed EP (The band released this for free here: http://pigeonholedep.tk)
Honorable Mentions
Emery - In Shallow Seas We Sail, Bradley Hathaway - A Mouthful Of Dust, Iron & Wine - Around The Well (B-sides & Rarities), Amiina - Re Minore EP, Brand New - Daisy, August Moon - Strategy Truck, Certain People I Know - 4 Songs, A Lull - Skinny Fingers/Little Echoes Single, Thursday - Common Existence, Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest, How Do We Jump This High? - Deep Stationary, Alex Kerns - Demo, Diarrhea Planet - Aloha! EP, Potboiler- Rolling Boil
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