Albums of 2009
7 - Moby - Wait For Me
Favorite Tracks: Pale Horses; Walk With Me
The most soothing record I’ve heard all year. Relaxes me.
6 - Over The Wall - The Rise and Fall of Over The Wall EP
Favorite Tracks: Thurso
Tiny songs that build into big scores with that heavy Scottish brogue. A gorgeous EP.
5 - The Handsome Family
Favorite Tracks: The Loneliness of Magnets; Darling, My Darling
Love this record (but not the first track!). These are cool folks, amazing songwriting.
4 - Metric - Fantasies
Favorite Tracks: Help, I’m Alive; Gimme Sympathy
Their songs pass the campfire test. I appreciate that.
3 - Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Favorite Tracks: Lisztomia; 1901
Always had a soft spot for these guys. Really polished pop songwriting. So tuneful!
2 - Handsome Furs - Face Control
Favorite Tracks: All We Want, Baby, Is Everything; Radio Kaliningrad
Fills my Arcade Fire/Wolf Parade type fix. Eight or nine great songs on this LP.
1 - Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart
Favorite Tracks: I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked; Oh My God; Louis
Killer voice, great rock songs, infectious energy. Just fun -- I don’t question it.
Singles of 2009
5 - Handsome Furs - "All We Want, Baby, Is Everything"
One of those road trip songs. Keeps me moving.
4 - The Handsome Family - "Darling, My Darling"
A love song from a praying mantis.
3 - Phoenix - "Lisztomania"
So damn catchy!
2 - Metric - "Help, I’m Alive!"
Driving, repetitive, can’t get enough.
1 - Ida Maria - "I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked"
A guilty pleasure, I guess.
Best concert of 2009
The Handsome Family
I’ve seen so few shows, but this was a good performance. Plus, I got to shoot the shit with Brett Sparx afterward. Neat.
Biggest musical dissapointment 2009
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion
I like this record, but it never grew on me. All head, not enough heart?
Most overrated album of 2009
Susan Boyle - That album she made
I think this is a safe pick.