[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Judgement Day – Carol of the Bells (Orchestral) from Acoustic EP (2008)

The Flaming Lips at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009

J. Tillman at Cafe Du Nord

The Raveonettes at Bimbo's 365

The Mae Shi at House of Nostromos

theSTART at The Bottom of the Hill

Triclops! at The Bottom of the Hill

Dan Deacon at The Great American Music Hall

Cymbals Eat Guitars at The Great American Music Hall

Q-Tip at Outside Lands Music Festival 2009

Fanfarlo at Popscene

The Walkmen at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009

Thao with The Get Down Stay Down at Treasure Island Music Festval 2009

Lenka at Outside Lands Music Festival 2009

Passion Pit at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009

Sleepy Sun at The Independent

Tenacious D at Outside Lands Music Festival 2009

The Limousines at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009

Band of Skulls at Bimbo's 365

25. Caspian – Tertia

Opening with a whisper and ending with a snarlingly epic conclusion. Perhaps the theme of the album is an ideal reflection of Caspian themselves, a band that insists on finding its own way and settles for nothing less than instrumental perfection.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Caspian – Of Foam and Wave from Tertia (2009)

24. Atlas Sound – Logos

As usual Bradford Cox connects to the very heart of the melancholy and joyous side of music. Logos in my opinion is better than anything he’s ever done. I know how bold that is, but I love this record.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Atlas Sound – Walkabout (w/ Noah Lennox) from Logos (2009)

23. P.O.S. – Never Better

A lyrical mastermind and a thought-provokingly amazing songwriter. This is punk music for the hip-hop soul and done so cleverly with the help of the Rhymesayers. Songs like Low Light Low Life and Goodbye are alone worth purchasing this album.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] P.O.S. – Goodbye from Never Better (2009)

22. The Antlers – Hospice

The amount of emotion poured into Hospice is unrelenting. Having already heard Bear early in the year, I had to find out what the rest of the album sounded like. Bear ended up being re-translated for me once I had heard the whole album through. Like reading one middle chapter of a book and then going and reading the whole thing in order. Hospice is a gorgeous and delicate record and a sneak attack on the listener’s emotions.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] The Antlers – Bear from Hospice (2009)

21. John Vanderslice – Romanian Names

His craft in songwriting and artful hi-fi production are well represented in Romanian Names. I’m pretty sure the world will end if this man makes one bad record. Keep saving the world my friend!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] John Vanderslice – Fetal Horses from Romanian Names (2009)

20. Doom – Born Like This

The grittiness is back. Lyrically brilliant and an all out blast to listen to, plus any record with a sample of Charles Bukowski is automatically awesome to me.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
DOOM – Ballskin from Born Like This (2009)

19. Sleep Whale – House Boat

As a sucker for ambient music and electro-acoustic soundscapes, Sleep Whale’s House Boat is my year’s MVP. A friend of mine said they reminded him of The Album Leaf, I responded with, “No, these guys are better.”

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Sleep Whale – Cotton Curls from Houseboat (2009)

18. Jónsi & Alex – Riceboy Sleeps

Drenched in alien-like soundscapes and complex acoustics, “Jónsi” Þór Birgisson (Sigur Rós) and Alex Somers (Parachutes) made the world of ambient music shake with Riceboy Sleeps. The album’s ethereal movements and angelic atmosphere made listening an almost supernatural experience.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Jónsi & Alex - Boy 1904 from Riceboy Sleeps (2009)

17. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns

This is a more fragile record than people give it credit for. Songs like Moon and Moon and Glass are worth cuddling up with a pair of headphones and letting Natasha Khan’s soothing voice take you.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Bat For Lashes – Glass from Two Suns (2009)

16. Mos Def – The Ecstatic

Probably his best record to date. He’s been batting 1000 this year and this is no exception. Enlisting Madlib, Chad Hugo, and Georgia Anne to help produce this record was the obvious reason this record turned out so well, but Mos Def still has that lyrical flow everyone knows and loves.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Mos Def – Twilight Speedball from The Ecstatic (2009)

15. Division Day – Visitation

Visitation is a work of structured and dark industrial beauty. Infused with haunting melodies, complex arrangements, vibrant sonic palettes, and infectious rhythms; this eleven-song LP will undoubtedly both challenge and pleasurably reward anyone not familiar with D-Day.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Division Day – Devil Light from Visitation (2009)

14. St. Vincent – Actor

The amount of talent Annie Clark exudes on Actor is undeniably amazing. Her beautiful voice melds perfectly with her intricate guitar work and the grand orchestrations make Actor quite possibly her best work so far.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] St. Vincent – Actor Out Of Work from Actor (2009)

13. Fever Ray – Fever Ray

The atmosphere that lurks in this album is the definition of ‘heavy’ music. Not heavy as in metal, just weighted and dark. You are instantly transported and free to let your imagination run a muck.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Fever Ray – When I Grow Up from Fever Ray (2009)

12. Clues – Clues

Punch me if you want but I wasn’t too impressed with Island’s new album, Vapours. However, Alden Penner’s (along with Brendan Reed and Bethany Or) Clues pretty much made up for the disappointment of both Vapours and probably never getting another Unicorns record. Penner’s voice carries the listener off on an epically fun voyage. It’s like a Pixar movie as a record; accessible, joyous, and overwhelmingly creative.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Clues – Haarp from Clues (2009)

11. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast

It was almost like he took a step back from his past records and took a different approach on this album. For the better of course, but the songs sound more rich with landscape and heavy on layers. That signature prose and instrumental genius exists, making Noble Beast one of the more fun folkish records of the year.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Andrew Bird – Oh No from Noble Beast (2009)

10. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

They are quickly becoming one of my favorite bands. Not only because of their performance with Björk but because of their uncategorizeable style on Bitte Orca. Their complex arrangements of harmonies and jazzy melodies make this record a pleasure never to be guilty over. My only complaint; too short.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Dirty Projectors – No Intention from Bitte Orca (2009)

9. Mew – No More Stories Are Told Today I’m Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I’m Tired Let’s Wash Away

Despite having one of the worst albums covers this side of a community college photoshop submission (something they’re kind of famous for), No More Stories is an dark and epic giganotosaurus of a record. Some call them progressive rock from another planet, I agree…except for the prog-rock part.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Mew – Beach from No More Stories Are Told Today I’m Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I’m Tired Let’s Wash Away (2009)

8. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

As a casual fan of Animal Collective, I approached this album like I approach all AniCol records, an open mind. Well, my mind was properly blown thank you very much. This album will forever be known as their most important record of not only their career but in independent music in general.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes from Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)

7. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

It’s extremely difficult to make pop music art again. Last year MGMT almost made it but their record fizzled out midway. No band this year could match the sheer catchiness and addictive rhythms of Phoenix. No wonder commercials and radio have been jumping at the chance to play their music.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Phoenix – 1901 from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009)

6. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic

Booming with fuzzed up entertainment and free minded lyrics. This is evidence that there is always room for growth in a band that has already perfected it’s craft.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
The Flaming Lips – The Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine from Embryonic (2009)

5. BlakRoc – BlakRoc

When some one says ‘rap-rock’ I want to punch a puppy…just want to get that out there. But when I heard BlakRoc, I heard the roots of two genres meshing together and creating something that probably should have been done a long time ago. Mixing the Black Keys with the likes of Q-Tip, Raekwon, RZA, Pharoahe Monch, etc; you get a potent mix that requires the listener to crank the volume.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
BlakRoc – Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo) (feat. Jim Jones & Mos Def) from Blakroc (2009)

4. Fanfarlo – Reservoir

Criminally underrated and perhaps annoyingly overhyped. Either way it’s undeniable that the humble Fanfarlo entered this year with one of the most heartwarming and lovable records. I see bright lights in their future, catch them while you can.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Fanfarlo – Luna from Reservoir (2009)

3. Jeremy Enigk – Ok Bear

While not exactly another Sunny Day Real Estate album, Jeremy Enigk’s Ok Bear is a grower, and boy does it grow on you. Covering all aspects of his music that I love and even touching on new ground, Enigk made the long drives to work that much more beautiful.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Jeremy Enigk – Mind Idea from Ok Bear (2009)

2. Portugal. The Man – The Satanic Satanist

They have been perfecting their brand of progressive beach rock for years and finally have made the record that truly embodies the real talent that is Portugal. The Man. Bonus points for the fantastic album art. Well done men.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Portugal. The Man – People Say from The Satanic Satanist (2009)

1. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest

It didn’t take long for me to love every inch of this album and have it grow into one of my favorites of all time. The very genius of this record is the gentle journey that it takes you on. You are instantly transported and forced to pay attention like a book you can’t put down. A smart and aurally perfect record on every level.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Grizzly Bear – Cheerleader from Veckatimest (2009)

CLICK HERE FOR #26 – #50

Click on the album art to purchase the album:

50. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!

They have redeemed themselves and returned with a more fun vibe that we all knew was coming.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Dull Life from It’s Blitz! (2009)

49. J. Tillman – Vacilando Territory Blues

The sounds of a wet and foggy forest were perfectly captured and projected with J. Tillman’s most vulnerable record to date. Country-side driving will never be the same.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] J. Tillman – Vessels from Vacilando Territory Blues (2009)

48. Band of Skulls – Baby Darling Doll Face Honey

I found myself rocking pretty hard in the car alone to this amazing rock and roll record. Oozing sexuality and a pent-up frustration to destroy. One the most fun records of the year.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Band of Skulls – Blood from Baby Darling Doll Face Honey (2009)

47. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone

Besides having one of the most bad-ass covers of all time, Neko Case created a hurricane of an album that will carry you away in her embrace. Let her take you.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Neko Case – This Tornado Loves You from Middle Cyclone (2009)

46. The Mars Volta – Octahedron

Could it be that I have a hard-on for The Mars Volta? Probably. But after a handful of songs and records that made me wonder what the fuck they were doing, finally The Mars Volta mixes their bizarre nature and progressive sound and makes something substantial. A grower, but boy does it grow into something amazing.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
The Mars Volta - Teflon from Octahedron (2009)

45. Iron & Wine – Around the Well

Sure most of these songs were recorded years ago, but this compilation from Sam Beam were meant to be released this way. It flows just like a normal Iron & Wine album should…subtle and sweet.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Iron & Wine – Waitin’ for a Superman from Around the Well Disc 1 (2009)

44. Passion Pit – Manners

BOOM! This album made remixers piss themselves in delight and put Boston back on the map as one of the premiere spots for good music that gets you moving.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Passion Pit – Moth’s Wings from Manners (2009)

43. Foreign Born – Person To Person

If my drive along the Northern Pacific Coastline had an official soundtrack, Person To Person would be it. The harmonies and swirling guitars along with the Walkmen-like vocals and lyrics is just a taste of what this brilliant album has to offer.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Foreign Born – Early Warnings from Person to Person (2009)

42. Raekwon – Only Built For Cuban Linx, Pt. II

Turn it up and make the world know that we all need is more Wu. Flows like this haven’t been heard in years, it’s been a long time coming.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Raekwon – New Wu Ft Ghostface Method Man from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx PT II (2009)

41. The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love

I hated this record to no end when I first heard it. I missed my Decemberists. It was only after a few more full listens that I realized that they belong to no one and that this may be the Decemberists that was meant to be. You know what? I’m fine with that.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] The Decemberists - The Rake’s Song from The Hazards of Love (2009)

40. Message to Bears – Departures

Multi-instrumentalist Jerome Alexander’s Departures is a series of bittersweet articulations that seem suspended somewhere between a certain dreamy sense of wonder and awe and a heavy melancholia. It’s a haunting piece of work. Listen carefully.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Message to Bears – At the Top of This Hill from Departures (2009)

39. Akron/Family – Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free

This actually might be their best and most accessible record to date. The experimental folk group brought in all the stops and made the feel-good record of the year.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Akron/Family – River from Set’em Wild, Set’em Free (2009)

38. Russian Circles – Geneva

Someone told me, “You won’t see it coming, this record melts your face and freaks you out all within an hour.” He couldn’t be more right. It goes from hauntingly intense to magnificent beauty to uncharted territory for a group known to shred your ears to pieces.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Russian Circles – Malko from Geneva (2009)

37. Wilco – Wilco (The Album)

A charming record that may not get the appreciation it deserves. The songwriting is as solid as it usually is from Tweedy and the tongue-in-check manner of delivery remains intact. This was just their ‘entertainment’ record and boy did they hit their mark.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Wilco – Deeper Down from Wilco (The Album) (2009)

36. Dan Deacon – Bromst

A strobe light of colors and manic sound that solidifies Dan Deacon as the king of spastic, high energy dance music. Hidden in this insane finger-painting of a record gone mad, is a layered and perfected album. All hail the king!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Dan Deacon – Woof Woof from Bromst (2009)

35. Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains

Oh yes, I was so happy to hear that beautiful 90s alt-punk throwback sound. If they had come out a decade an a half earlier, they would be know as genre defining geniuses. However, they are stuck here in the 21st century and forced to remind us that simple and loud music used to be enough for us. [See early Modest Mouse / Diary-era Sunny Day Real Estate]

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Cymbals Eat Guitars – And the Hazy Sea from Why There Are Mountains (2009)

34. The Swell Season – Strict Joy

I was afraid they were going to piss this album away into Once Part II. Phhhh, I should have known better, These people know what they’re doing. Strict Joy is just as touching as their last, but in a different sense.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
The Swell Season – The Rain from Strict Joy (2009)

33. Irepress – Sol Eye Sea I

Okay, bizarre artwork aside [four armed purple ping-pong monster?], this record is the shit. Heavy and drastically unique, Sol Eye Sea I is a brutal rocket launch on the senses. Pushing and pulling with pure metal complexity. So awesome.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Irepress – Rhintu from Sol Eye Sea I (2009)

32. The xx – XX

Probably the one of the most overhyped records of the year. Although, this is all for good reason. The intro to the record is actually my favorite of all time. Yes, of all time. The chill atmosphere with male/female vocals in this R&B / new wave manner caught me off guard. Thank God for that.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] The XX – Crystalised from XX (2009)

31. Why? – Eskimo Snow

Yoni Wolf goes Americana psych-folk? Sure! Why not? Everything this guy touches is gold anyway. Each song is a detailed story that doesn’t leave the listener one bit disappointed. While not a good ‘entry’ album, Eskimo Snow might be Yoni’s greatest songwriting achievement.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Why? – This Blackest Purse from Eskimo Snow (2009)

30. dredg – The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion

Fans of the band were divided and I’m still not totally sure what happened with this album. However, dredg is undeniably comfortable with this new direction they’re heading toward. I had to step back a few times and realize that one needs to let go in order to enjoy this album. PPD is a long, intricate and personal record; listen carefully.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
dredg – Pariah from The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion (2009)

29. Volcano Choir – Unmap

I did not see this coming from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Layered with painstaking detail and emotional prowess, Unmap may be too much for some people. For me, it was just right.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Volcano Choir – Island, IS from Unmap (2009)

28. Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue

I love how colorful and blinding this album gets at times. I am immediately reminded of Boards of Canada, but more upbeat and cartoonish. I thought I knew this record before I wore some nice headphones…boy was I wrong.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Bibio – Fire Ant from Ambivalence Avenue (2009)

27. Noah And The Whale – The First Days Of Spring

I usually dislike ‘break-up’ records when I’m no longer going through times like that. But this is beyond your normal story of woe-is-me heartbreak sob story. This an entertaining story that forces the listener to care about the ‘character’ involved in this story. The lush percussion, carefully picked guitars, and string arrangements briskly guide the listener to feel loneliness, hope, and rebirth. An amazing achievement of a record.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[mp3] Noah And The Whale – Blue Skies from The First Days Of Spring (2009)

26. Various Artists – Dark Was The Night

Dark Was The Night, the best indie music compilation ever, was produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National and founder of the Red Hot Organization John Carlin. 31 exclusive tracks graces this record from Bon Iver to Spoon, Sufjan Stevens to Arcade Fire. In addition, the double cd/triple viny helped benefit the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Grizzly Bear and Feist – Service Bell from Dark Was The Night (Disc 1) (2009)

CLICK HERE FOR #1 – #25

Tomas: Prismatic kinetic musical seas

[original post]

Runner-ups:

bobble-head amidst sea of statues

sexual falsetto gods of music

Drowning sound of treasure pleasure.

I wrangle with prospective angles.

passion party pit pat pot!

This t-shirt = getting laid

I forget the bad times

always leaves me blippity blooped

Thanks to all that entered! Keep reading!