I thought about writing a "best of 2009" list, but then I Googled In Rainbows to find out when it was released. 2007. I think that says it all about my luck discovering interesting new music this year. That said, here is a list of some records I loved over the past 12 months, regardless of when they were released:
A Silent Performance by The Sads | The Sads
Do you ever watch movies set in the 1960s and see kids lying on their bedroom floors listening to vinyl with the lights off? Well, that was me this year, listening to The Sads.
Songs in A&E | Spiritualized
A serious return to form. Finally. Now if only Jason would bring those Ladies & Gentleman ... shows over to NYC.
Springtime! LP | Soiled Mattress & the Springs
I admit it, I bought this based on their name and the artwork, and it didn't disappoint at all. Shame they broke up.
Beggars Banquet | the Rolling Stones
Because I never stop listening to this record. Blah blah blah Exile, this is the best--and tightest--Stones record ever.
Revolutionary Road O.S.T. | Thomas Newman
Beautiful. File under "what I listen to at work."
Modern Guilt [Acoustic Version] | Beck
It bettered the original, especially since I'm always craving more Sea Change.
Come Hell or High Water | Flowers of Hell
Absolutely heavenly music. A must-have accompaniment for flying, coding, reading, and and falling asleep to.
In Rainbows | Radiohead
I can't stop. It's perfect. Repeat.
Sigh No More | Mumford & Sons
While I feel this sounds a little too much like an I Am Kloot record, I don't care, since I love them too. Oddly this was played on repeat at multiple Christmas parties I went to. Whatever works.
Truelove's Gutter | Richard Hawley
Because everyone needs a record to tear up to.
Salon des Refuses | George Pringle
An intriguing record encompassing two of my favorite things: a can-do spirit and a sharp, dry wit.
Journal for Plague Lovers | Manic Street Preachers
I think I laughed out loud when I first played this. Or scoffed. Then I gave it a second chance, and then I found myself listening to it on repeat at work. Some have labeled it "part two" of The Holy Bible, but while it's more like a collection of rejects, it's still pretty great.
Self-titled | Rosetta Hightower
I wasn't really in the mood for much Ella this year, so I rediscovered Rosetta. Best enjoyed on big can 'phones while in a very crowded rush hour subway carriage.
Man of Aran | British Sea Power
I don't find myself missing England very much, but this album makes me miss the rain and the countryside. I love it.
Tim Hardin II | Tim Hardin
Bedtime stories for morning commutes.
Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition) | Beastie Boys
How is this even more important and relevant today? Amazing.
And an honorable mention to Beck / Record Club's cover of The Velvet Underground & Nico, and Minty Fresh's Jaydiohead mashups.
All that, and nary a bear, wolf, or deer in sight. How is that even possible in 2009? Anyway, that's what I like. Happy New Year.
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