Best album of 2009
Animal Collective - Meriweather Post Pavillion
Not much else to say, other than nothing has topped it yet.
Favorite album at the all-star break
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
This may not be the best album of the year, but so far, I have listened to it the most and believe YYY have done something amazing with Blitz -- changing (or least modifying) genres successfully, while maintaining the original spirit of the band. "Zero," "Heads Will Roll" and "Dull Life" are Fever-era YYY jams, and songs like "Skeletons" and "Soft Shock" highlight their new sound. I doubt that I personally will like any '09 album as much as this one. It also has an awesome cover.
Album I don't understand why people like
Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
I will admit to not giving this much of a chance, but after listening to a handful of songs I immediately said "fuck this." I can sum their sound up like this -- it's like Bjork (whom I love) with a band. For some reason I cannot stand it.
Disappointment of the first half
Handsome Furs - Face Control, Wavves - Wavvves
I loved Wolf Parade side project Handsome Furs' first record, so much so, I still listen to it today. But their 2009 showing did/does nothing for me. It's hard to put my finger on why -- they sound similar, there are a few very good songs -- but it makes me sad I don't love it like Plague Park.
One of the most divisive releases I can remember has been Wavvves. This super lo-fi, feedback-y, noise pop album seemed right up my alley. I was sold once I heard "So Bored" and excited about the album. But boy does that shit get old after three songs. The "production" isn't good lo-fi, it just sounds lazy/shitty. And I guess that's the point? Either way, this isn't Vivian Girls (or other good lo-fi bands), who can actually write a catchy song.
The boner award (for "grower" of 1/2 of '09)
Dan Deacon - Bromst
I won't say I don't like Bromst -- there are some really rad songs -- but I can say I think it will only get better as the year rolls on. The shit is complex, layered sounds upon layered sounds, with songs taking 6+ minutes to build up to an epic explosion. I like it right now, but I bet I will love it come December.
Slayinist riffage of 50% 2009
2:12 - 2:54, "Divinations" off Crack the Skye
Seriously. If we lived in 1986, Mastodon would be bigger than Metallica.
Most badass lyric(s) of .5 2009Major Lazer - "Lazer Theme"
"Me and my motherfucking gun stay smoking."
Assorted summer jams
Grizzly Bear - "While You Wait for the Others"
Just a really, really great song off a very good album.
Major Lazer - "Hold the Line"
It's no secret I love all things Santogold, and she's featured on this crazy song, which samples a horse neigh and is totally great.
Sunset Rubdown - "Idiot Heart"
This song is Krug canon as far as I am concerned. It builds so well -- going from slightly reigned in, to off the rails over it's six minutes -- and is one of my favorite songs to sing to in the car. "I hope that you die/With a decent pair of shoes" is also a great lyric.
Super Mash Bros. - "Bruce Willis Was Dead The Whole Time"
Great title aside, this mashup -- bringing Lil Wayne's "A Milli" and that song they play at sports stadiums all the time which no one knows the name of -- is fucking genius. The album is free and highly recommended.
Peaches - "Show Stopper"
Her 2009 release came and went pretty quietly and I liked it, but this song is the definition of a jam. Her style (overtly sexual rapping); she's still got it.
Dan Deacon - "Build Voice"
Ever since I saw the video of him programming a player piano to play the riff on this song, I was hooked on it. The song tells you all you need to know about the album -- it's crazy/good.
