2009 Album Favorites

The year is coming to a close, so as I have done the last few years, I have compiled my favorite albums from 2009.

Before getting into my top ten, this was the first year in which I felt somewhat out of touch with new artists. I found many of the critically acclaimed albums from the past year a bore, most notably The xx and Grizzly Bear. That being said, there were many fine albums by artists that have been around the block that really left a mark on me. So without further ado, my top 10 albums from 2009.

10. Them Crooked Vultures - S/T

The coolest super group to come around in a long time.

9. Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young

Is it any wonder that out of all the members from The Strokes to release a solo album, this would be the one to stick?

8. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - S/T

This year's out of nowhere album. A band that sounds straight out of the 60s.

7. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains

Dizzying guitars from a band that owes a lot to 90s indie rock stalwarts Built To Spill, Modest Mouse, and Pavement.

6. Brendan Benson - My Old, Familiar Friend

Fantastic pop numbers. Brendan Benson deserves more recognition.

5. Magnolia Electric Company - Josephine

Their most ambitious album to date.

4. The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love

Their ambitions paid off in my opinion. Unfortunately most critics saw it otherwise.

3. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

Their most accessible album to date is also their best album to date.

2. Doves - Kingdom Of Rust

If only fans of Coldplay fans would give them a chance, they would be playing arenas also. Another solid release from the consistent Brit rockers.

1. Built To Spill - There Is No Enemy

Their most solid and consistently good album since Keep It Like A Secret.

Others

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - The Century Of Self

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons - Death Won't Send A Letter

Deastro - Moondagger

The Dodos - Time To Die

Mastodon - Crack The Skye

Metric - Fantasies

Modest Mouse - No One's First And Your Last

Monsters Of Folk - S/T

P.O.S. - Never Better

The Thermals - Now We Can See