EPTShock. Horror. Disgust. Muse, Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective either did not post well or post at all in my prestigious Top 25 Albums for 2009. I hope you banish me to pop culture hell for committing such blasphemy but there would be one catch.. let me take my good music with me.
1. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
The French boys return for a magnum opus. A slightly more upbeat and electro-pop album than their last 3 studio efforts with every track maintaining the same strength as the last. Some may say it would be a downfall to have so many tracks having constant rhythm and energy, and I would agree if the progressive 'Love Like A Sunset' didn't save the day mid-album. This is one album that has withstood repetition for half the year, and will withstand much more with each electrifying hook listened to.
2. Blackchords – Blackchords
If you haven't heard of Blackchords now would be a good time to discover wrought lyrics and brooding guitar snaps that beckon your disenchantment to modern society. Undeniably a tad emo, especially in 'December' and 'At World's End' but a stellar debut. Take a trip through trials and tribulations and I'm sure every song's vocals will be a different journey. Not to be missed.
3. The Wooden Sky – If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone
Holy Jesus 'Something Hiding for Us in the Night' is good, but the rest of the album is just as captivating with folk rock tunes spread amongst ballads and country twanged blues. The second album for the band which begs the question how they managed to fly under the radar since 2007. Take notice when they tour.
4. The Middle East – The Recordings of the Middle East
Australia has produced some very fine post-rock albums this year. The very versatile ambient 'Recordings of the Middle East' is by far a highlight of a spirited culmination of work. Every song is chilling with 'Blood', 'Tsietsi' and 'The Darkest Side' taking clear priority in a treasure trove of wonderful slow harmony and ethereal melody. Complicated and captive.
5. The Basics – Keep your Friends Close
A swift change from The Basics leaving an already formidable style to something just as endearing. Gone are the playful songs when this truly is a breakup album and the emotions resonate. 'The Executioner' is as close as one gets to the old Basic's sound with a new grand 'Keep The Door Open' showing us how truly capable they are, especially when displaying a vast array of songs from simple folk to tunes similar to Crowded House pre-breakup. Stunning.
6. Owen – New Leaves
7. Whitley – Go Forth, Find Mammoth
8. The Temper Trap – Conditions
9. An Horse – Rearrange Beds
10. Leader Cheetah – The Sunspot Letters
11. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
12. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
13. The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love
14. Silversun Pickups – Swoon
15. Mumford & Sons – Sigh No more
16. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below
17. M. Ward – Hold Time
18. The Red Tree – Ivory and Gold
19. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
20. Fanfarlo – Reservoir
21. Au Revior Simone – Still Night, Still Light
22. Yves Klein Blue – Ragged and Ecstatic
23. Paul Dempsey – Everything is True
24. Florence and the Machine – Lungs
25. Lady of the Sunshine – Smoking Gun
