Best Albums Of 2009 (Volume One)

Best Albums Of 2009
-Volume One-

Here we are, practically one third of the way through 2009 and there have been some great albums released so far. So, for those of you who can't be bothered to keep up on the music scene or just don't have time, I'll attempt to help you out. I'm going to go over some of what I consider some of the best albums of the year thus far. Bear in mind, this only covers 2009. Although there some great releases in the latter half of 2008 that will be up for awards in the upcoming awards season, any albums released in 2008 won't be on this list. So, if you're a huge Britney Spears fan and wondering why Circus isn't on this list,that's probably why. That way you can wonder if it would've made the list anyway, but don't ponder too long. Instead, read this list of great music and then work on getting them from your nearest record shop or online retailer, such as Amazon or Itunes.

For your listening pleasure, here are -

The Best Albums Of 2009 (So Far)
(Arranged Alphabetically By Artist)

Get Guilty
By A.C. Newman
While A.C. Newman spends a great deal of his time as the lead singer for supergroup The New Pornographers, he also has taken some time out to establish a successful solo career. Following up his previous release from 2004, the Slow Wonder, he has shown himself to be a genuine purveyor of pop perfection. (Say that five times fast). Even better, listen to this album five times fast.
Standout Tracks
- The Heartbreak Rides
- Changeling (Get Guilty)
- Submarines of Stockholm
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.

Noble Beast
by Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird has been a classically trained violinist since the age of four and uses all of those talents to incorporate strings into his repertoire in various ways to fashion some wonderfully creative melodies that help create what is, in my opinion, his most complete album yet in his long career. It may take a few listens, but you won't be disappointed by the time you're through with this fantastic album.
Standout Tracks
- Oh No
- Masterswarms
- Anonaminal
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Meriweather Post Pavillion
by Animal Collective
Animal Collective has been making records for quite some time and this appears to be the critically acclaimed record that really breaks them into the public consciousness and rightfully so. In doing so, though, they've sacrificed none of their committment to create their own unique musical style of electronic pop, but the album instead feels like the culmination of all their previous albums to reach this apex that is both accessible and inherently enjoyable.
Standout Tracks
- Brother Sport
- Summertime Clothes
- My Girls
Rating: 4.5. out of 5.

Grr...
By Bishop Allen.
Bishop Allen has made the transition from independent treasure to making its way to a larger audience, through a number of well-placed commercial songs and an appearance in the hit movie Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist. This seems designed to capitalize on that appeal and one can only hope it works. This is a band that I feel deserves to be known with their catchy hooks and positive music. Although this isn't their best album and they don't tread any new innovative ground, the phrase if it ain't broke, don't fix it comes to mind.
Standout Tracks
- South China Sea.
- Don't Hideaway
- Cue The Elephants.
Rating: 3.5 Out of 5.

The Law Of The Playground
by The Boy Least Likely To.
Boys will be boys and I couldn't be any happier about it when it comes to this group. Their first album, The Best Party Ever, was an undeniably happy and nostalgically infectious album that couldn't help but make this reviewer smile. Nothing has changed this time around as the songs are still just as optimistic, making this album even more relevant in this time of uncertainty. If you enjoyed their debut, don't miss this charming album.
Standout Tracks
- A Balloon On A Broken String
- When Life Gives Me Lemons I Make Lemonade
- A Fairytale Ending.
Rating: 4 Out Of 5.

Working On A Dream
by Bruce Springsteen
I can't help myself but include the newest record from the Boss. However, his inclusion on this list is not a matter of respect for his iconic status but because this is a really fun album. As the title might suggest, this is a hopeful album, with plenty of rollicking rock numbers. After watching his Super Bowl halftime performance and hearing of a new cd, I sought this one out.
I am definitely glad that I did.
Standout Tracks
- Lucky Day
- The Last Carnival
- The Wrestler
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.

My Maudlin Career
by Camera Obscura
Following up on the stellar album Let's Get Out Of This Country wasn't going to be an easy task, but thankfully, Camera Obscura is certainly up for it. Making it seem almost effortless as they churn out a number of songs that are the equal of anything found on the last disc, but rather than just recreating the timeless melodies there, they have expanded into another record that is brave, tragically beautiful and very worth listening to. Thankfully, this career of this group, maudlin or otherwise, shouldn't be ending anytime soon.
Standout Tracks
- French Navy
- Swans
- Honey In The Sun.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Davy
by Coconut Records.
Actor Jason Schwartzman has made a mark in not just the acting industry (Rushmore, Darjeeling Limited) but in the musical industry as well, with his work on the band Phantom Planet, who are probably best known for their theme song to the hit show The O.C., "California". However, whereas he is the drummer for that group, Coconut Records is an independent solo project. This is the second album from Coconut Records and one that displays his love and knack for 60's pop to its fullest. It's one of the shortest albums you'll find this year, but make no mistake, it's a complete and delightful album to listen to.
Standout Tracks
- Microphone
- Drummer
- Wandering Around.
Rating: 3.5 Out of 5.

Hazards Of Love
by The Decemberists
When The Decemberists first moved to Capital Records, I remember being mildly worried that being signed to a larger label might kill their fiercely independent streak but their first album, The Crane Wife, dispelled that notion. Then now, their second album under a major record label is their most indepedent and ambitious album yet. The whole disc is basically an epic love story, telling about a young girl named Margaret, who falls in love with a shape-shifting forest dweller, but encounters opposition with a jealous forest queen along with a whole host of recurring characters. It works rather well as an enchanting fairy tale, although there are no obvious singles that stand out from the disc but the entire album is a treat to listen to as a whole. A rock-opera well worth listening to.
Standout Tracks
- Just listen to the whole album.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
by Franz Ferdinand
While their first two highly successful albums came in a flurry, with their second album coming a mere eighteen months on the heels of their debut album, Franz Ferdinand took their time with this album and it shows. Although not quite the danceable masterpieces of their first two albums, this one comes off smarter and a little more cohesive, save a few indulgences on songs like the experimental "Lucid Dreams". The wait definitely pays off as it's a absolutely enjoyable way to spend about 45 minutes, although it still feels like the band is only scratching the surface of its potential. However, I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Standout Tracks
- Ulysses
- Send Him Away
- No You Girls.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Middle Cyclone
by Neko Case
Middle Cyclone represents another strong entry into the catalogue of Neko's work and one that is just as fiery as her hair. Neko Case is definitely an independent artist who typically ignores the typical song and chorus familiar to most listeners, perhaps exemplified by the fact that the album ends with thirty minutes of cricket and frog noises recorded on her farm (which I have listened to). However, I think this just shows the dedication and determination that Neko is to her journey on the album and it's a journey well worth taking.
Standout Tracks
- People Got A Lot Of Nerve
- I'm An Animal
- This Tornado Loves You.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Living Thing
by Peter Bjorn and John.
If you're not deaf, then you heard the breakout hit from this band in "Young Folks", which was an indescribably catchy number which helped them break into the mainstream. However, fans expecting more of that little slice of pop nirvana are likely to be a little disappointed, but this album, while not as upbeat as that song, is just as good. Make no mistake, there are a number of intelligent and enjoyable songs with clever pop beats on this album, but even without a sure breakout hit like Young Folks, it's a rewarding album and a very consistent followup.
Standout Tracks
- Nothing To Worry About.
- Living Thing
- Just the Past
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Now You Can See
by The Thermals
If you think politics and punk rock can't mix, then you haven't heard The Thermals. Their albums frequently take on heady topics such as energy conservation, Christianity, selfish spending and the aforementioned politics. They set such topics of universal interest through power-pop melodies and guitar riffs, which are surprisingly catchy and enjoyable. Especially in times such as today when these topics are at the forefront of everyone's thoughts, it's just a minor shame that the album is not nearly as cohesive or exciting as their earlier albums. But, that doesn't diminish their fire to tackle some heady topics and create some good music at the same time.
Standout Tracks
- Now You Can See
- You Dissolve
- At The Bottom Of The Sea
Rating: 3.5 Out Of 5.

No Line On the Horizon
by U2
After the lackluster response to 1997's album Pop, U2 declared that they were "reapplying for the job of best band in the planet". U2 got the job back with a return to form with the 2000 release of All You Can't Leave Behind and then got further job security with their following release How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. This album is their third killer album in a row, certainly better than their previous cd, filled with classic moments of those catchy rock numbers and alternately, moments of quiet contemplation as well. U2 handles both sides well, although there are a few missteps along the way. However, despite a momentary stumble or two, they stand strong by the end of the album with their musical icon status intact.
Standout Tracks
- White As Snow
- I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
- Breathe
Rating: 4 out of 5.

It's Blitz!
by Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been one of the most consistently entertaining bands thus far in the decade, with lead singer Karen O. being one of the most gifted female vocalists in rock, drawing comparisons to Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde. On this particular album, the group veers away from the rock and punk notions that have fueled their first two releases, moving towards the closest to a disco album the Yeah Yeah Yeahs may ever reach with some slick synth grooves and dance floor sounds. It's also a more introspective and quieter work than either of their two previous releases, but the sum of the album feels more like a expansion in this case than a detour. But, even if it is a disco-themed detour, Karen O is a great siren to follow on the trip.
Standout Tracks
- Zero
- Heads Will Roll
- Hysteric.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

So, there you have it. Those are just a few of the best artists and albums that have come out this year. Certainly there are plenty of other musical choices that I haven't even touched or explored in this blog, but in a future blog, I'll try to suggest some ways to discover new music and how to keep up with the music scene. But for now, this should be a good way to enjoy the new year in style. Kick back and listen.