Best (Macrobiotic) Albums of 2009
Every year you see dozens of best-of lists all essentially mirroring each other. That’s fine, I guess, but looking through my favorites for the year I realized that I’ve either got shit taste or there’s room for a few more records in the conversation. Going on the latter I’ve put together a list of favorites from 2009 that I feel everyone should listen to.
I’m unapologetic about the fact that most of these records are from friends, labels and managers I work with, or old comfort zones. That was my second realization: that I consume music close to me with more vigor than music from strangers. So this list isn’t intended to tear down the accolades for Fever Ray, The XX, or any of the bands who made great records on other year-end lists. This list is simply me recognizing the best of the music that’s filled my life and my playlist throughout the year.
This is the sound of my 2009.
Upset The Rhythm
Fleurs makes you feel every inch of twenty-something heartbreak, wrapped in echoing synth and surprisingly catchy songwriting. Former Ghosts are led by Freddy Rupert of This Song Is A Mess But So Am I, who handles the primary songwriting and most lead vocals. Joined by Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu and Nika Roza of Zola Jesus, Freddy made a cathartic record that’s haunting and beautiful, layered with emotion and sound in a way that makes it get richer with each listen.
Sample: Former Ghosts – The Bull And The Ram
Buy it: at formerghosts.com
Jagjaguwar
This album singlehandedly renewed my faith in the electric guitar. My first exposure to Dinosaur Jr. came in high school from a scratched up cassette passed down from a friend. Growing up in Massachusetts they were still seen as local heroes even as they quickly went national. I liked it back then, but I never slid into the fan-for-life category — until Farm. There’s something so powerful about this record, a tone of acceptance without even a hint of compromise. The songs range from “Over It,” hiding its depth in pop, to “I Don’t Want To Go There” which will hold your attention for 8+ minutes scattered with savant guitar solos. So good.
Sample: Dinosaur Jr. – I Want You To Know
Buy it: at the dino jr store / iTunes
Throwing Music (self release)
Holy Shit. That’s what I have to say about this EP. Of all the stuff Kristin Hersh does, and I’m lucky to get such a close view, it’s 50FOOTWAVE that I listen to most. The “sample” below is actually the whole stream — no way to cut it up because the whole EP is one insanely powerful track, split up into distinct movements but undeniably a united whole. It’s an epic piece of rock and roll, hidden at times beneath an auditory assault. There’s nothing more I can say. Just listen to it, tell the world, and I dare you to find something more eloquent to say than “Holy Shit.”
Sample: 50FOOTWAVE – Power+Light
Buy it: at kristinhersh.com
Kill Rock Stars
Northwest punk at its finest, Now We Can See couples fantastic punk hooks with the intelligence and political savvy you expect out of Portland. It’s a great listen throughout, sprinkled with anthems you sort of can’t help but sing along to. I’ve never seen The Thermals live, but in footage they play with as much energy as anyone I’ve ever seen — and that translates directly to this record. Charged and passionate, Now We Can See carries universal appeal without backing down from what you’d expect from the Thermals.
Sample: The Thermals – Now We Can See
Buy it: at killrockstars.com / iTunes
Lost Highway
To know me is to know the unhealthy amount of time I’ve spent listening to the music of The Smiths and Morrissey, so you’d expect this to appear on any list I make. And honestly, it probably would no matter how good it was. But this record is good. This record is really good, maybe Morrissey’s strongest release since You Are The Quarry. (Which, incidentally, is very underrated.) From the first track it’s made clear that Moz means business, and that this record is far from an obligatory piece of catalog filler.
Sample: Album stream (off-site)
Buy it: iTunes
Warner Bros
I know I just wrote a paragraph about Morrissey and now I’m switching to a band featuring Johnny Marr. Sure I thought it was funny, but the Cribs are much more than window dressing for the talents of Mr. Marr. Top to bottom this record delivers pop greatness, and brings a wonderfully cohesive voice that really defines the Cribs, and elevates them past most bands sporting a new and famous member. If anything it seems like Marr and the brothers Jarman have bonded in something special, the sum being greater than all the parts.
Buy it: iTunes
Rapster/!K7
I almost left this record off the list, feeling biased because I did the cover art. Almost. It’s too good not to talk about, and I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve listened to it in the last nine months. Lush plays Superman on this record, serving as the primary MC, playing most of the instruments, and handling producer duties. There’s a craft and attention here that’s lacking from a lot of hip-hop, and the time Lushlife spent with the music pays off. Guests like Greg Saunier, Ezra Koenig, and Camp Lo only add spice, but this record has plenty of flavor throughout.
Sample: Lushlife – The Kindness
Buy it: at Amazon / iTunes
self release
Marisa told me to listen to RENMINBI, thinking I’d like their sound. As is usually the case, Marisa was right and I fell in love. The energy level, the songwriting, and especially the vocals all worked perfectly. RENMINBI feels like an homage to early rock and roll, set in an indie rock world. The EP starts with “Portland,” instantly hooking you and setting a strong tone. On first listen it’s the standout track, but hours later “Set-Up” still echoes in your ear and you want to give Toulouse another listen. It’s only four tracks, but Surface has a lot to offer.
Sample: RENMINBI – Portland
Buy it: at CASH Music / iTunes
Washashore (self release)
Family Of The Year is a special band, crossing genres and styles without ever leaving their own unique sound. Songbook is the perfect showcase for them, blending harmonies and piano one minute, acoustics the next, and electric guitars and keys after that. They manage all the shifts and changes while staying true to their sincere and downright nice sound, the joyful personality of the band always on display.
Sample: Family Of The Year – Let’s Go Down
Buy it: at familyoftheyear.net
Honorable Mention
Each of the list above wrestled a week or more of attention from me, sitting atop my playlist and serving as the go-to record for more obsessive plays than I’d like to admit. In a few cases I think they may have stolen attention from other great, deserving records. On that note there are a few other releases from 2009 that merit attention so in no particular order:
