Ryan's Top 15 Records of 2009

Just when you thought it was safe to leave '09 behind, prepare for another obligatory "Best of" list! So, after yet another long hiatus, I return to give you my TOP 15 OF 2009!

But First, here's a couple albums that were close to making the list:
- Dark was the Night Compilation
- Rain Machine - Rain Machine
- Simian Mobile Disco - Temporary Pleasure

15. Set Your Goals - This Will Be the Death of Us

After finally managing to reach a buy-out agreement with Eulogy records and settling with Epitaph, Set Your Goals finally brought fans their sophomore effort in the form of This Will Be the Death of Us. Clocking in at about 40 minutes, this 12 track long record gives you exactly what you would expect and want from SYG - fast-paced melodic hardcore that starts the second you press the play button. The one thing that sets Set Your Goals apart from most other bands in the genre is still apparent in This Will Be the Death of Us, their ability to maintain focus and drive throughout. Granted the whole Hayley Williams freak-out thing during the middle of ‘The Few That Remain’ is a bit retarded but, overall, SYG takes what made Mutiny great and builds on it in their second offering.

14. Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band - Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band

The debut album from this Seattle quintet has proven to be one of the better indie releases of the year. After establishing a humble fan base by putting out a couple joke PSA videos, Mt. St. Helen’s Vietnam Band has definitely delivered on the promise that their self-titled would give listeners, “ … smooth sounds of indie-prog-math-pop-rock.” Yeah, it did.

13. MF Doom - Born Like This
I'm far from knowledgeable when it comes to hip hop. Honestly, I really don't listen to too much unless I hear about some ridiculously amazing stand-out in the genre. This year, that stand-out for me was MF Doom's Born Like This. Under the pseudonym of 'Doom,' he has released a record filled with grim, fierce rhymes with topics ranging from a plot to take down the entire legal system to his apparent personal fear of fading out of the music scene. Plus Raekwon and Ghostface tear shit up at points in the album, so that's pretty baller. For a taste of the album, check out the tracks 'Absolutely' and 'Cellz.'

12. Converge - Axe to Fall
Converge again proves why they are considered pioneers of metal and hardcore as they provide their fans with another album which can be perfectly described as a shit-kicker. Every song is insanely intense as the bands tears through each track with furious, heavy rhythm and blistering guitar work. Obviously, this can be seen immediately in the form of Axe to Fall's first three offerings let alone the entire album. Axe to Fall also has a bit of a 'softer' side too though with tracks like 'Worms Will Feed,' 'Cruel Bloom,' and 'Wretched World' which evens the record out a bit.

11. Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
Not much about Them Crooked Vultures can be said that you wouldn't expect from a supergroup that consists of 3 (needless to say) extremely talented individuals who, if they have not already obtained it, approach the status of rock legend. Together, Homme, Grohl, and Jones have released a modern rock album which completely and totally captures the essence of the genre. Think of TCV as the modern day, balls-to-the-wall version of ZZ Top with obvious measures of Led Zeppelin and Queens of the Stone Age. If you need a single example of the epic quality of this album, look no further than the 7 minute behemoth that is 'Elephants.' This track alone proves that not every supergroup ends up like Audioslave.

10. Brand New - Daisy
Brand New is able to create an amazingly dense feeling of loneliness and anger with Lacey's use of imagery throughout his lyrics as well as the bands heavy, calculated movements withing each track on the album. With each offering, Brand New grows in maturity musically and lyrically as they take their sound on Daisy to areas out of the ordinary playbook with songs like 'Be Gone' and 'Vices', which is an unusually harder song for the group. Also, at certain points of the album, it's evident that they are continuing to advance further and further toward elements of post-rock that are akin to Mogwai.

9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!
When the Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their well-received EP Is Is in 2007, most fans believed that the same, familiar YYY sound could be anticipated for the upcoming full-length. This assumption was a little off when guitarist Nick Zinner showed up to the recording studio with a carload of old synthesizers. When I first heard this news, my faith in It's Blitz! is, without question, one of the catchiest albums of '09. Once again, Karen O proves her worth as one of rocks leading ladies as she switches between the sexy and playful wailing of dance tracks like 'Zero' to the more intimate, emotional cuts like 'Soft Shock' and 'Runaway.'

8. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Pretty obvious pick considering that Phoenix has always been awesome and Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix has only helped them become a household name.

7. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
Throughout Humbug, Turner shows just how much his songwriting continually matures with each album. This is especially seen in the best track on the album, 'Cornerstone,' in which Alex uncharacteristically obsesses over a lost love. As is usually the case with the Arctic Monkeys, the rhythm section is brilliant and once again makes you wish that you were at least half as talented. The smooth bass and pounding, steady drum which are showcased in 'Crying Lightening' are without a doubt some of the best work the band has ever had to offer.

6. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
When I saw Dirty Projector's live near the beginning of the year opening for Tv on the Radio, it was undeniable that they were a fucking amazing band. The only problem was when I trying to describe their style to people and having to resort to pinning them solely as 'indie.' This doesn't do any justice in describing the multi-layered arrangements and intricate guitar work which could be found in each song they turn out. Also, it's impossible to discount frontman Dave Longstreth's out-of-the-ordinary vocals which are greatly enhanced by the amazing harmonies between Amber Koffman, Angel Deradoorian, and Hayley Dekle.

5. Major Lazer - Guns Don't Kill People ... Lazers Do
After looking at their combined resume, it's not really a stretch to see why DJs Diplo and Switch have created one of the best albums of the year. After working with artists like M.I.A., Santogold, and Basement Jaxx, the two have combined forced to create an eccentric and catchy as balls record under the guise of Major Lazer, a Jamaican commando who lost his arms in the secret Zombie War of 1984 ... apparently. This infectious blend of reggae and electronica kicks off with the rumbling, western-like bass line of 'Hold the Line' and doesn't let up until all 13 of the flawless produced tracks are said and done. While it is one of the best tracks on the album, the only bad thing about the record is the vomit-enducing music video for 'Pod De Floor,' which easily wins the award for the most disgusting people to clothes-fuck in a music video for '09.

4. The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
The Flaming Lips continue to be one of this generations most original, psychedelic, and interesting bands with their 12th studio album, Embryonic. Throughout the entirety of the album, it's pretty clear right off the bat that the group's first double album is filled with consistently funky bass and drum combinations as well as extremely dramatic crescendos which results in what Coyne has referred to as the band's ability to remain in, ' ... a sort of perpetual panic." Compared to their previous releases, this is definitely the case for Embryonic, as it has a massive freak-out vibe that might make you feel like someone slipped you a couple tabs of acid.

3. Thrice - Beggars
It goes without saying that, with each album, Thrice has been moving forward with their sound. Shifting from their post-hardcore beginnings, the band now finds themselves in a far more alternative territory; Even more so than The Alchemy Index Vol. I - IV. The major difference between Alchemy and Beggars is that the latter has far less of a dreamy tone and, instead, is far more up-tempo and energetic. This is especially evident with tracks like 'The Weight,' 'At the Last,' and 'The Great Exchange.'

2. The Antlers - Hospice
By far, Hospice is the most emotionally charged album this year and probably that I've heard in a very long time, if not ever. The extremely human lyrics make you feel completely invested in every word that Silberman mournfully whimpers into your headphones as he explicitly recounts his story of a loved one's inevitable death due to cancer. The sound Silberman and company capture is a low-key, somber atmosphere which is extremely effective in adding to the emotionality of the album.

1. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing
Since mid-April, Manchester Orchestra's Mean Everything to Nothinghas become an undeniable musical juggernaut which has totally conquered my Ipod. For several months, it reduced me to one of those annoying dudes who constantly and shamelessly trys to plug an album to anyone and everyone that will listen to him. Mean Everything to Nothing is, simply put, the most exciting and layered collection that 2009 has had to offer. The fact that this is only the band's second album is mind blowing and will leave you wondering what Manchester Orchestra is capable of in the future. I could mindlessly rant about how perfect this album is, but I will instead give to you a few amazing studio versions of a couple of the best tracks. (The River, I've Got Friends, Everything to Nothing)


BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! Real quick like, here are a couple records that were released in 2009 that I found to be either: 1) Disappointing, or 2) Complete Shit

-The Dead Weather - Horehound
Was completely stoked for this album; How could a band featuring Jack White and Alison Mosshart be anything but amazing? Apparently, pretty easily considering the record starts to lose steam fast after the first 5 tracks. Weak sauce.

-The Mars Volta - Octahedron
Never make another acoustic album. Fucking horrible.

-Muse - The Resistance
Only decent tracks were 'Exogenesis: Symphony Parts 1-3.' 'Undisclosed Desires' is the worst Muse song they've ever made, easily; Just a completely boring single with no substance.

Well there ya have it, go forth and check this shit out. Look forward to maybe some more articles this year?

Special: Nick's Top 15 Albums of 2008

1. M83 - Saturdays=Youth
'Saturdays=Youth' is another step in the natural progression of electronic artist M83, moving from the ambient soundscapes and bombastic percussion of previous albums to synth-laden 1980s pop on this most recent entry. The album is a fresh take on a long-forgotten and much maligned genre, crafting catchy hooks and foot-stomping rythms while staying true to the etheral core that makes M83 what it is. Highlights of the album include "We Own The Sky", "Kim & Jessie", as well as "Couleurs", an 8:34 disco-era cut that is quite a treat to see live.

2. Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors
Taking cues from acts such as the Beatles, The Mars Volta, and what seems like several Southern Baptist Choirs along the way, Portugal. The Man has crafted a truly soulful and poignant album in 'Censored Colors'. Because of a shift to a folk/soul-like sound, the salt of the earth vocals of John Gourley are the focal point of the album, earning high praise on tracks such as "1989", "Created", and "Colors". If a record that combines melodic acoustic arrangements, powerful vocals, atmospheric keys, and the occasional choral backdrop sounds like your thing, then pick up 'Censored Colors'. The aforementioned "1989" and "Created" are good starting points, as is "Lay Me Back Down".

3. Woven - Designer Codes
Woven's 'Designer Codes', while bested by the two previous albums, is perhaps the most original and chilling release of 2008. You won't find any cheap hooks or recycled beats in 'Designer Codes', instead expect to find fourteen tracks that will hone your listening ear and send chills down your spine. "Perception *****" sounds like a Trent Reznor creation at its most perverted, while the CD closer "She Blows My Amplifier" is a wonderfully brilliant take on '( )' era Sigur Ros. 'Designer Codes' has drawn some underground comparisons to Radiohead's landmark 'Kid A', and I would not give it such high praise, however the originality, emotion, and complexity is certainly there to justify the claim. Do not listen to individual tracks, as you would be depraving yourself of the true experience, instead listen to the entire album.

4. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
Perhaps more than other years, 2008 has been a time for many bands to look back through annals of music history for artistic influence. With the 'The '59 Sound', The Gaslight Anthem has turned back the clock to a time when Bruce Springsteen anthem-rock was at the heart America's musical conscience. There is nothing particularly complex or original about 'The 59 Sound', except for the fact that it's able to meld catchy guitar hooks and rhythmic drum lines with the enveloping voice of frontman Brian Fallon in a way that hasn't been done since the Boss' hey-day. "The '59 Sound", "High Lonesome", "Film Noir", and "The Patient Ferris Wheel" are the best of the best on this consistent and well-rounded album.

5. Moving Mountains - Pneuma
Westchester, NY-based rockers Moving Mountains are utterly in touch with how to make, not to be redundant, moving alternative rock. Every one of the songs on their debut effort "Pneuma" packs an emotional punch, particularly the massively epic closer "Ode Will Bury Ourselves". Much of the instrumentation in the choruses' and bridges' uses post-rock elements such as crashing drums and sonic guitar walls, while the vocals are high-pitched and draw comparisons to Thursday's Geoff Rickly. I anticipate that fans of dredg, Kaddisfly, Circa Survive, and The Appleseed Cast will take to 'Pneuma' very well. "Ode We Will Bury Oursevles" is the best song of the year and an absolute must listen.

6. Apes & Androids - Blood Moon
About three tracks into 'Blood Moon', it becomes quite obvious that Apes & Androids are cut from a different sort of cloth than most other bands today. Catchy, non-sensical, and over-produced, the Queen-infused glam rock espoused on 'Blood Moon' is delightfully entertaining. Beat machines, synthesizers, and outlandish, Freddy Mercury-esque vocals are at the core of Apes & Androids, and help produce standout tracks such as "Golden Prize", "Nights of the Week", and "Doyle Is Dead". If you want a truly original and fun listening experience, check out 'Blood Moon'.

7. Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth
What do you get when Dustin Kensrue and the rest of Thrice are allowed to explore their experimental sides? The 'Alchemy Index' of course, more specifically, Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth, a double album that complements the 2007 release of Vols. I & II: Fire & Water. The first half, 'Air', contains six songs that are slower and highly reminiscent of "Red Sky", a hit off 2005's 'Vheissu'. The latter half, 'Earth', is pure acoustic and piano-laden folk. The top song off of 'Air' is "Daedalus", while "Child of Dust" closes out 'Earth' beautifully. Hopefully Thrice continues their foray into the world of experimental rock, as this material is easily some of their best.

8. Lower Definition - The Greatest of All Lost Arts
When I saw the last two songs of Lower Definition's set at a Dance Gavin Dance concert this past July, I had little idea what I was getting myself into. In the following days I listened to their debut "The Greatest of All Lost Arts" and was blown away by the versatile vocals of lead singer Matt Geise and his ability to shift from a melodic emo croon to a blistering scream in seconds (a trait which was still present live). Punchy guitar hooks, as well as chugga-chugga breakdowns are present throughout the album, and complement Geise's vocals to a tee. If anything, Lower Definition should strive to keep their versatility, but increase their diversity, as much of 'The Greatest of All Lost Arts' is hard to differentiate. "The Ventriloquist" is the stand out track, along with "To Satellite" and "If We Speak Quietly".

9. Damiera - Quiet Mouth Loud Hands
Damiera's 'Quiet Mouth Loud Hands' did not initially resonate with my musical senses, so I disregarded the album at first. Lest, upon further inspection, I found 'Quiet Mouth Loud Hands' to be a pleasing amalgamation of catchy bass grooves, quirky vocals (sung almost in a RHCP style at times), and prog-influenced guitar hooks. The album manages to stick to the same formula throughout without sounding repetitive or tired, building around tracks such as "Quiet Mouth Loud Hands", "Nailbiter", and "Teacher, Preacher", which facilitates thoughts of a Justin Timberlake pop tune. The entire experience clocks in at a manageable 31:31, with no tracks topping 3:43.

10. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
For whatever reason I was a little late to MGMT party, only listening to this album in the last month. However, that did not stop me from becoming intoxicated by the silky smooth synth-pop afforded by 'Oracular Spectacular'. "Electric Feel", "Time To Pretend", and "Kids" each summon images of running through a field of dandelions on a hazy summer day. Other songs on the album, such as "Of Moons, Birds & Monsters" and "The Youth" give off a more Pink Floyd-esque, psychedelic feel. And yes, I am cognizant of the fact that 'Oracular Spectacular' was released digitally in October 2007, however this list goes off the date of the label release!

11. Dance Gavin Dance - Untitled
Warning: pretentious indie intelligentsia move along. Dance Gavin Dance is not for the close-minded, or perhaps even for the open-minded, they are simply an acquired taste who offend the senses of many given their grating screamer and idiosyncratic lyrics. Dubbed 'The Deathstar Album' (notice the album art), DGD's latest release doesn't quite measure up to 2007's 'Downtown Battle Mountain', however makes up for it by fusing some more progressive elements into the music. "Caviar", featuring Chino Moreno of Deftones, is a highlight of the album and shows the more mature side of DGD, while "Hot Water on Wool" is complete with a minute long instrumental intro and sounds akin to Circa Survive. There are some throwaway songs, "Buffalo!" especially, however the album does a good job of differentiating itself from much of the ubiquitous post-hardcore genre.

12. Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation
The Florida-based Christian rockers Underoath have churned out another solid effort with 'Lost in the Sound of Separation', effectively taking a baseball bat and repeatedly slamming the listener over the head with it. The album opener, "Breathing in a New Mentality", is the best track and provides one of the most brutal breakdowns this side of Sky Eats Airplane's "Disconnected". "Desperate Times, Desperate Measures", "The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed", and "Anyone Can Dig A Hole But It Takes A Real Man To Call It Home" continue the sonic beatdown, juxtaposing Dallas Chamberlain's abrasive vocals against crunching guitars and the occasional Aaron Gillespie melodic verse. Perhaps the main fault of 'Lost in the Sound of Separation' is that Chamberlain's vocals, while intensely satisfying, can be become tedious by the latter portion of the album.

13. Foals - Antidotes
Foals' 'Antidotes' will immediately resonate with fans of British dance-pop, notably those who enjoy bands like Bloc Party and Late of the Pier. "The French Open", "Red Sock Pugie", and "Olympics Airways" contribute to this label and succeed in making the album an enjoyable listening experience. However, Foals sewed their seeds in math-rock, and that influence is clearly present on songs like "Heavy Water", "Like Swimming", and "Tron", with guitar loops suggestive of math-rock darlings Battles. The CD is solid from top to bottom, with many good but very few great tracks, nevertheless be sure to check out "Big Big Love (Fig.2)".

14. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
'Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust' is Sigur Rós' most accessible work to date, abandoning some of the minimalistic aspects of their previous music in favor of some more (relatively) conventional song structure. This is not to say that the ethereal aspects of Sigur Rós are lost, as "Festival", "Ára bátur", and "Fljótavík" serve as extensions of the slow-motion rock of '( )' and 'Takk...' However, the strongest songs on the record come in the way of "Gobbledigook" and "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur", tracks that are centered around fanciful and stimulating rhythms that could garner the interest of even the most myopic audiophiles. Overall, 'Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust' is another worthwhile release from the Icelandic ensemble that will appeal to those with broad and limited palettes alike.

15. Neon Neon - Stainless Style
'Stainless Style' is certainly an ambitious concept - pit Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys and electronic artist Bloom Bip together along with a host of guest musicians to create a 1980s-sounding disco anthem about famed car designer John De Lorean. The foray was largely successful, as Neon Neon has crafted a multi-faceted and danceable record that is especially strong in the first fifteen minutes, with tracks such as "Dream Girls", "I Told Her On Alderaan", and "Raquel" setting the plate nicely. From there, Neon Neon enlists the services of Spank Rock, Fatlip, and Yo Majesty for some hit and miss rap ditties, the best of which is "Trick For Treat". Anyone looking for a catchy 1980s experience should definitely give 'Stainless Style' a listen, most notably the songs "Dream Girls" and "Michael Douglas".

HM:
Copeland - You Are My Sunshine
El Ten Eleven - These Promises Are Being Videotaped
Emarosa - Relativity
Eye Alaska - Yellow & Elephant (EP)
God Is An Astronaut - God Is An Astronaut
Russian Circles - Station