If I can say one thing about this decade, it is that I am so grateful we have gotten to a point where good music can be discovered without the help of a major label. These 10 albums are in no particular order, but each had a tremendous impact on my life. I am excited to hear what the next decade has to offer!
Also: here’s a quick mix of my top track from each of these albums.
Interpol – Turn on the Bright Lights
When I was exploring and discovering NYC for the first time during college, nothing served as a better soundtrack than this album. Now it’s just a timeless reminder.
TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain
“Wolf Like Me” launched TV on the Radio into the spotlight and hit me like a ton of bricks. I haven’t gone a month without listening to one of their albums in its entirety and Return to Cookie Mountain is most often the one I choose.
Radiohead – In Rainbows
Radiohead is my favorite band of all time, and in my opinion, this album is even better than Kid A.
Jay-Z – The Blueprint
Jay-Z was hip hop in the 2000s. Eminem, Outkast and Kanye West gave us some options, but no one came close to what Jay-Z brought this decade.
The Notwist – Neon Golden
“Consequence” is my favorite song of the decade, and this album has served as the backdrop for many highs and lows of my life. Do yourself a favor and go fall in love with it.
Pete Yorn – musicforthemorningafter
Oh, where to begin. Pete Yorn is my favorite singer-songwriter of the decade, and no matter what emotion I was wearing at the time, this album held up.
The National – Boxer
Ever since I left LA and delved into the startup world, this album has been the great equalizer for me. Through periods of uncertainty it constantly delivered, and “Fake Empire” is one of my top 5 songs of the decade.
Dexter Freebish – A Life of Saturdays
This album was the major label debut of my cousin’s band, which captivated audiences around the country with the song “Leaving Town”. I always loved music, but I didn’t truly appreciate music until I had the chance to go out on tour with them during the summer between high school and college. It was an experience that changed my life and set me on a path of being involved with the music business ever since.
Arcade Fire – Funeral
This album is so powerful that I still remember where I was when I heard it for the first time. Do you remember?
After Fred Wilson posted his top 25 tracks of 2009 list today along with a nifty 8tracks mixtape, I felt compelled to do the same (in no particular order). However, since it’s my 27th birthday, I will go ahead and make it 27. Send me your thoughts and if you have some time, please make your own top 27 playlist and post it in the comments!
With all of my activity on social networks these days, I find it a waste of time to post consistently to a blog, but one post that defines me more than anything else is the one that announces my favorite albums of the year.
Please post a comment below to let me know what you think, and be sure to check out the Best Albums of 2009 playlist to the right!
1) Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This album made my year. Opening with my two favorite tracks, “Lisztomania” and “1901″, Phoenix brought a masterpiece that makes you want to dance, cry and celebrate all at once. Towards the end of the year, the songs “Lasso” and “Girlfriend” really stood out for me as well. All in all, this was a truly epic album, and I am glad that Phoenix is finally getting their due.
2) Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
When I first heard “Stillness is the Move”, I was left with chills flowing down my spine. The voice arrangements in this records are unbelievable. Then seeing them live made me want to listen to this album for the rest of the year, simply to remind me of that experience. And that’s pretty much what I did. There really isn’t a bad song on the album, but “Temecula Sunrise” and “No Intention” stood out for me.
3) Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3
Jay-Z came back in a big way this year, and as I planned my move to NYC, this record provided an energetic soundtrack. Next time you are walking through the streets of Manhattan, do yourself a favor and turn on “Empire State of Mind” as loud as you can. Nothing feels better. Other notables include “Run This Town” and “On To The Next One”.
4) Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
This record really grew on me throughout year. I saw Grizzly Bear live more than any other band this year (7 times) so that probably didn’t hurt either. ”Two Weeks” is by far the best song, but I’d also recommend “Cheerleader” and “While You Wait for the Others”.
5) Dinosaur Jr. – Farm
When I first heard this record, I didn’t even know Dinosaur Jr. was still a band. However, this turned out to be a great rock record, which doesn’t come around too often anymore. The guitar riffs brought me right back to the mid 90’s. Don’t miss “Plans” or “I Want You to Know”.
6) Girls – Album
Hailing from good old San Francisco, Girls takes my award for newcomer of the year. They came out of nowhere with an album that often captured my feelings pretty accurately whenever I heard it. Definitely worth a few listens all the way through. ”Hellhole Ratrace” is my standout.
7) The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns
When I saw this band in a church at SXSW this year, I had no idea what to expect. Truth be told, I just saw them because I wanted to secure a seat for Grizzly Bear’s show afterwards. I am glad I saw them though because it turned out to be my favorite set of SXSW. Watching them perform “Drain the Blood” and “Don’t Haunt This Place” was a truly surreal experience. If you ever have the opportunity to see them live, take it.
8) La Roux – La Roux
This was the dance record of the year. Plain and simple. If you were lucky enough to see Elly perform live this year, you know what I mean. Don’t miss “Quicksand” or “In For The Kill”.
9) Antony & The Johnsons – The Crying Light
I will admit: I had barely heard of Antony & The Johnsons when I agreed to check them out at the Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco this year. However, it was one of the most powerful performances I saw all year. Before you listen to this record, I would recommend checking out Antony’s biography. He’s a brilliant individual, and his music only seems more powerful once you know what he has been through. ”Kiss My Name” is my favorite track on the album.
10) The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
When I first heard “Young Adult Friction”, I knew that The Pains of Being Pure at Heart were here to stay. Noone can make music like that anymore so hearing them was a welcome surprise for someone like me who grew up listening to The Smiths and My Bloody Valentine. Their SXSW shows were also very good. Make sure to check out “This Love is Fucking Right”.
I can’t think of a better way to start my new blog than by offering up my favorite 10 albums of 2008. These aren’t ranked because if they are on this list, then they were really special.
Enjoy!
TV on the Radio – Dear Science,
TV on the Radio’s Dear Science, made my year. This album revved me up with songs like “Halfway Home” and “DLZ” but also brought me down to Earth with “Family Tree”, which is one of the most beautiful tracks I’ve heard this year. Other highlights include “Crying” and “Dancing Choose”.
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver’s breakthrough album, For Emma, Forever Ago, is a solemn masterpiece. Seeing Justin Vernon perform songs from this record at Outside Lands was something I won’t soon forget.
Kings of Leon – Only By The Night
I didn’t buy into the Kings of Leon hoopla early on, but I have to admit, Only By The Night really grew on me as the year went by. “Sex on Fire” is the clear standout, but “Use Somebody” and “Revelry” were late bloomers.
Lil’ Wayne – Tha Carter III
Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter III had me crunking ever since it came out. The “Lollipop” remix is better than the original. There, I said it.
Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
I first knew Vampire Weekend from their amazing live show, then they released their self-titled debut album. Even with all the hype it didn’t disappoint. While my favorite song on the album changed several times, “Walcott” and “M79″ stayed at the top of my mind throughout the year.
Sigur Rós – Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust is just a beautiful, beautiful record by Sigur Ros. Check out “Gobbledigook”.
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
MGMT captivated everyone this year with their debut-album, Oracular Spectacular. While most of the albums on my list are strong throughout, this album is completely carried by its singles. “Time to Pretend”, “Electric Feel” and “Kids” simple cannot leave my head. The most danceable songs of the year, and will probably live well into next year before they fade. Good job guys.
Dr. Dog – Fate
Dr. Dog is a band I discovered this year which I wish I had heard earlier on. The fact that I went to school in Philly makes it even more unfortunate. Their latest album, Fate, is a medley of psychedelic rock with some indie tinges. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do not pass it up. Notable tracks include “Hang On” and “Uncovering the Old”.
The Black Keys – Attack & Release
The Black Keys are the new Led Zeppelin in my book, and my only regret is that I didn’t discover them sooner. Their latest album, Attack & Release, is a sheer delight and rocks in a way that very few bands can anymore. “Psychotic Girl” and “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be” bring out the best in them.
Deerhunter – Microcastle
Deerhunter’s Microcastle is one of those albums that I can listen to in any mood and be happy. And listen I did. I’m sure I heard “Agoraphobia” and “Nothing Ever Happened” at least 200 times each.
This is my first post. Blah blah blah. I want to go eat some Mexican food at Chuy’s for dinner while I am still in Houston. Hmm. Maybe I will. OK I’m leaving now. Bye.
