9 Albums to Remember 2009

Did anyone else notice how much amazing music there was in 2009?  I heard one of the monotone DJs on XMU rattling on about how he thought this past year was a pivotal one for indie music – and, much as I hate to admit it, I agree with him.

Here it is, then:  my 2009 list of albums.  I’ve chosen nine of the best – even though it was next to impossible to pick them.  Last year’s list was certainly easier to write than this year’s with all the shuffling and head-scratching I had to do to arrive at this finished version.  Videos are linked where available.

9. Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Really, I’d have placed this so much higher except I was late to the party, only really becoming aware of how amazing this album was in December (chronicled here.)  This is a fucking fantastic album! “All the King’s Men” makes me giddy every single time I play it.  And my other favorites, “The Fun Powder Plot” and “We Still Got the Taste Dancing on Our Tongues” are not too shabby either.

8. Gossip – Music for Men
As usual, it was a glittery video that brought me in to the fold with this disc.  What can I say?  I’m a sucker for the kind of visuals that “Heavy Cross” delivers.  “Dimestore Diamond” is smart and infinitely listenable.  And there’s a track called “2012!”  The only question I’m left with is what happened to the “The” in (The) Gossip?

7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
Karen O. and company released a new album in 2009 and I had completely forgotten until I sorted my iTunes by year.  Oops!  It was really undeserved, especially since this particular disc contains gems like “Heads Will Roll,” “Dragon Queen” and “Hysteric.”  I may have mentally misplaced it, but you really shouldn’t follow in my footsteps.

6. Patrick Wolf – The Bachelor
The Wolf-man does it again, as I previously reviewed.  A fantastic collection of the crazy sounds I’ve come to know and love from this kooky Brit.  While I put the release down for a few months to pursue other music, now that I’ve dusted it off again, I think I’ll be listening to tracks like “Vulture” pretty steadily in these earliest days of 2010.

5. IAMX – Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
It seems logical that, as we get closer to the top of the list, more and more of the albums would have already been reviewed by me, right?  I can’t heap enough praise on to IAMX and this most recent effort is infinitely delightful from “Think of England” to “My Secret Friend” (which I recently suggested you all watch.)

4. Esser – Braveface
Who is this Esser? I recommended his “Headlock” video a few months back (but didn’t review his album.)  And what’s he doing this far up the list?  I’m not entirely sure, but something about his sound will very much be associated with 2009 in my head. Check out the title track and “Work It Out.” I’m really hoping for more from this guy in the year to come.

3. Bat for Lashes – Two Suns
How can Bat for Lashes not at least hit the top 3?  (Review.) “Daniel” got the beginning of the year off and running in a dramatic direction.  “Pearl’s Dream” jumped the journey to light speed.  Every track is epic, lush and utterly captivating.  Just try to listen to “Sleep Alone” without at least tapping your foot or drumming your fingers.  I defy you!

2. White Lies – To Lose My Life…
Higher than I’d have expected this one to fall, too, but on looking back at what I listened to while drudging away at my desk, White Lies really was this close to the top. I haven’t reviewed them (though they’ve been on a mix – twice) but I really should have.  Imagine The Killers having never gone to Sam’s Town but instead traveling to the moon.  “Nothing to Give,” “To Lose My Life” and “From the Stars” got me through so much office work, it’s not even funny.

1. Depeche Mode – Sounds of the Universe
Any year that includes a brand new album from fucking Depeche Mode is a banner year indeed.  2009 was one of them.  Have you seen the video for “Wrong?”  Watch it.  Now you get why this is my #1 choice.  Then give a listen to “Fragile Tension,” “Perfect,” and “Corrupt.”  All sublime, no?  Keep on creating, guys, because it will be a very sad year indeed when bloggers can’t put you somewhere in a wrap up list.

And – as last year – I give you a bonus!

0. The Postmarks – Memoirs at the End of the World
Much like this album’s artwork, The Postmarks seem more at home in another, more stylish time. The single that caught my attention, “Thorn in Your Side” is simultaneously inviting and aloof, drawing you in to its textured landscape where you are then scowled at by gorgeously disheveled people all of whom hold French cigarettes badly in need of ashing. And, that sums up the entire disc, to be honest.

Fun fact: this list is 70% English bands. That must be significant.