2009 Top 10 Tag Team: Dant Rambo & Dan Goldin
Posted 01/01/2010 07:23AM by Rick Gebhardt as Top 10
Dant Rambo's Top 10:
With another year making its way to the history books, it’s time to sit back and consider the quality of releases and the overall climate of the world of music. Call me paranoid, but fans of consistent and cohesive albums are going the way of the dinosaur. Many of us would rather reap a few choice tracks from a musician, and then consider anything else to be needless. In 2010, we may see a change in distribution that better compliments this spastic cherry-picking form of consumption. There are the sundry programs like iTunes that enable you to purchase individual tracks, but there’s a chance of us seeing more and more big-name artists seeing no reason to put together a full-length in order to release tracks. That being said, we were given quite a few excellent releases this year. My tastes are quite varied, but that parallels the astounding variety we were blessed with this year. And now, my focused digression comes to a close. Without further adieu, here are my favorite albums from 2009.
1. Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat Radio
Every album that Sondre Lerche has released thus far in his career has been, in its own way, a complete masterpiece. Sonically, each album differed from one another while simultaneously maintaining enough cohesion to help define Lerche as the pop-music prodigy that he has quickly become. His latest release and my album of the year, Heartbeat Radio, synthesizes the best parts of all his previous work while simultaneously improving upon everything he has done thus far into his career. Prior to this release, I was certain that Lerche had little to no chance of topping himself. It’s not that I don’t believe in him; I just failed to see how he could improve upon the perfection of his past releases. Heartbeat Radio proved me wrong, and I couldn't feel anymore grateful about that. Lerche's charmed, soulful pop is sure to satisfy anyone looking to experience audio bliss.
2. Brand New - Daisy
The divisiveness of this album is pretty surprising to me. It may be somewhat of a digression from The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, but it also dodged being the pretension-riddled affair many people seemed to be predicting it would be. It may not have been the logical progression for Brand New, but it was a beautiful sidestep that found them creating a brooding, atmospheric masterpiece. If they continue to operate at this level of experimentation, then there's no telling what the future may hold for them. Assuming the rumors of them possibly disbanding in the near future are false, that is.
3. Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson - Break Up
Quite a few people seemed to have reservations about this album, and I can’t say I blame them. Scarlett Johansson’s first album was not particularly captivating. Pete Yorn, on the other hand, is a songsmith of the finest order, and the amount of work he clearly put into this album is impressive. Break Up is nine tracks of rather varied songs, but with a cohesive, underlying motif that ties everything together wonderfully. The prominent theme of the album could have easily paved a path for clichéd, sappy lyrics, but Yorn came through and gave us a refreshing take on an arguably tired theme.
4. Fake Shark - Real Zombie! - Meeting People is Terrible
This album may not be coming out in the United States for a bit, but it’s already out in Japan and thus eligible for my 2009 list. There is a vast improvement in the quality of production from that of their debut, Zebra! Zebra!, and an impressive amount of branching out from their comedy-punk style as well. The album may lack adherence to a particular flow, but it makes up for it with a healthy dose of intentionally spastic tracks and quirky beats. This is a prime example of seemingly clashing elements bonding together and forming a truly worthwhile end product. Bands consistently try to combine genres, but few succeed as well as Fake Shark - Real Zombie!.
5. Owl City - Ocean Eyes
For such optimistic and quirky music, Owl City has quite a few people up in arms. Yes, he may sound like The Postal Service, but that doesn’t mean he lacks creativity. As a matter of fact, Adam Young has proven himself to be as witty a lyricist as most in music today. The beats may be sweet enough to give you cavities, but the world could use a little more brightness.
6. Endless Hallway - Autonomy Games
Autonomy Games was easily my most anticipated album for the year, and it didn’t disappoint. Every single track on this album is worth your time, and the world they managed to create with their sound is worth countless visits. In a just society, these guys would have hit it big a long time ago. Until then, Endless Hallway's enlightened dark rock will remain one of the best-kept secrets of the underground.
7. Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk
Let’s face it: I am a massive Conor Oberst fan. Some would say it blinds me to the point where I would approve of anything he released, but that simply is not the case. I like everything he has done because it is so consistently good. I realize he only makes up a quarter of Monsters of Folk, but his involvement is what first piqued my interest. The involvement of Jim James only got me more amped, and Mike Mogis and M. Ward were the icing on the folkalicious cake. This album worked because it didn’t try to synthesize the different sounds of each artist, but instead allowed each of them to showcase where they are musically.
8. Regina Spektor - Far
This album was originally farther up on my list, but I was bombarded with far too many wonderful albums. I don’t feel too bad, though, as most people are already well aware of Regina’s talent. If you’re looking for deep and alluring piano music, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than Far.
9. The Bird and the Bee - Rayguns Are Not Just the Future
I am convinced that The Bird and the Bee cannot write a bad song. Their albums are always consistent and riddled with soothing beats and charming vocals. Whenever I’m in a thoughtful mood, this album always accompanies it perfectly. It may lack the energy of their self-titled, but it makes up for it with just how incredible they have become with songwriting.
10. Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Outer South
Two Conor Oberst-related albums on the same list? Couldn’t be helped. Not every Oberst fan enjoyed this release, but I saw it as a neat changeup for his new venture. Other members of the band took over vocal duties on various tracks throughout the album, finally giving Oberst that “family” feel he seems to be gunning for.
Honorable Mentions:
Julian Casablanca – Phrazes for the Young
Kiss Kiss – The Meek Shall Inherit What’s Left
Meg and Dia – Here, Here, and Here
Dashboard Confessional – Alter the Ending
Taking Back Sunday – New Again
Dan Goldin's Top 10:
2009 proved to be an incredible year for rock music, with great new albums from some of my favorite bands as well as exceptional debut releases coming in all sub-genres. It seems as though many sites on the internet have been overlooking the true and honest rock of the year, but rest assured I have been paying attention, and after many agonizing evenings trying to decide the best releases, I have come up with a top 10 for the year. The sheer amount of great music released this year was mind-blowing, and if you didn’t pay real close attention you just may have missed some of the best records of ‘09.
1. Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
When word broke that Josh Homme, John Paul Jones, and Dave Grohl were forming a band together, I was aside myself with excitement. After the songs started to trickle out slowly through short video clips and live performances, that excitement built into a joyful fury. Then the band released their self titled debut album, and simply floored all competition. The album is nearly flawless, and the band is the sum of its parts, which is in no way upsetting. Homme handles all vocal duties so automatically the project is heavily Queens of the Stone Age reminiscent, only with a big, bright, unapologetic Led Zeppelin tinged rhythm section from the legendary Jones himself. If anyone is going to fill Bonzo’s shoes, Dave Grohl is that man, and having him behind the drum kit once again has proven to be a phenomenal decision. The guys have stated they are already writing their second record, so let’s hope 2010 is filled with more TCV greatness.
2. Dredg – The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion
Dredg have proven to be one of the most creative rock bands of this decade, releasing genre defying albums that consistently feel as though the big are about to storm the mainstream charts. This never seems to actually happen, but their legions of loyal fans stick by them, and with each new release the anticipation grows to hear where they are headed. After the pop infused Catch Without Arms was released in 2005, Dredg spent the next four years touring and crafting their fourth full length album. The results are a combination of everything the band has done to date, mixing the dark prog, indie, pop, and metal elements of their catalog into one sound ultimately unique, intelligent, and incredibly accessible. There is a lot of music and styles explored within, so make sure to give the repeat listens it deserves to unravel everything.
3. Dinosaur Jr. - Farm
When Dinosaur Jr. returned in 2007 with their original line-up for the first time in nearly 20 years, everyone was caught a bit off guard by how great their new album was. Fast forward two years to ’09 and no one was prepared for the band’s Jagjaguwar debut “Farm”. Far from merely being a good record, Farm may just be Dinosaur Jr.’s greatest album of their career. Mascis’ solos are sharper than ever, the hooks are catchier, and the rhythms more muscular. Nobody expects much for a reunited band, but Dinosaur Jr. is living proof that the second time around doesn’t have to suck. While each member stayed busy during their time off from the group, the past few years have found them refreshed and invigorated to once again become one of the greatest indie/alt rock n roll bands of our generation.
4. …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead – Century of Self
…Trail of Dead had their previous two albums met with widespread adversity, but certainly not without their incredible moments. On 2009’s Century of Self, the band has gone back to their independent roots, and in doing so created another masterpiece in their collection. Still wildly epic and balancing the snarling attitude with layered orchestration, …Trail of Dead has offered some of their best songs to do with tracks like “Isis Unveiled,” “Bells of Creation,” “Far Pavilions,” and more. Anyone who had a chance to catch the band live this year will attest to the band’s furious intensity and the justice their live performance provides the entire album’s music.
5. Karnivool – Sound Awake
Sound Awake may not actually be released in America yet, but the album has soared into the year from overseas in Australia, Europe, and the UK. The growth from Karnivool’s debut record to the phenomenal sophomore release is astounding, as the band has developed into a seasoned progressive force. Heavy complexity combines with catchy melodies and soaring vocals for an incredible artistic vision that only gets better with every listen. The album is easily one of the best modern alt/prog release of the decade, and places the band very firmly in the upper echelon of bands this generation. Prepare for the American takeover in 2010.
6. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2
So I may not cover rap and hip-hop on the site, but that doesn’t mean I don’t listen to a great deal of it. It’s become harder and harder to find the great hip-hop being made amongst the increasing loads of garbage, but in a year that further watered down the genre, Raekwon dropped his long awaited follow up of his classic debut album. Since 1995, Raekwon has released a pair of underwhelming albums, but finally returned with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II and the wait was well worthwhile. Raekwon reemerges with the raw gritty rhymes he’s become famous for, delivering what is without a doubt another Wu-Tang classic. Grimy street narratives are presented with the gusto as only a Wu-Tang member can, with the entire Clan coming together on the most important hip-hop release of the year.
7. Built to Spill – There is no Enemy
In what seems to have been an exceptional year for returns to form, Built to Spill’s latest is a reminder of what these guys are really capable of. Their best album since the late 90’s, Doug Martsch and company are back on their stride, creating woozy guitar driven indie rock with simple honesty and clever lyrical wit. Concerns the band had lost direction in their music is silenced on the clean structured “Aisle 13,” “Hindsight,” and “Good Ol’ Boredom” which contain pop-sensibilities as strong as the guitar playing behind it. The dark and bleak tone swirls with a meager hopefulness as only Martsch can construct, and the entire album leans closer to their 90’s material rather than our current decades. Perhaps the “Perfect From Now On” tour in which they played the album in its entirety rubbed off a bit when it came time to hit the studio.
8. Alberta Cross – Broken Side of Time
Everyone loves a great debut record, as it can offer much hope for what’s to come and introduces you to something new and exciting. Alberta Cross has done that in 2009 with their first full length, and the excitement is buzzing from all that have listened. Originally from London, and calling New York their current home, neither would explain the penchant for the Americana, blues, country and folk sounds the band explores inside and out. Mixing the traditional Americana sound with psychedelic atmosphere, echoes, shoegaze-esque layering, and a healthy dose of reverb, the overall sound is comparable to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s classic “Howl,” but ultimately unique. Look for the band to continue making a big name for themselves in 2010.
9. The Black Box Revelation – Set Your Head on Fire
While this album has been floating around throughout the world for nearly two years, it wasn’t until the record was released internationally in April that the band caught my attention, so we’re going to count the album part of 2009. Hailing from Brussels, Belgium, it’s no surprise it took the heavy stoner-blues duo time to spark interest overseas, but give the band one listen and you will be hooked. Combining the stylistic punk of The Stooges, the grooving blues rhythms and loaded guitars of Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal, and the snarling pop of The Rolling Stones best material, BBR have created a varied affair on their debut, with several different attitudes that never lose your attention.
10. Exeter - Grey Noise, White Lies
Space rock is alive and well, resting in the very capable hands of Austin, TX’s Exeter. After appearing on The Nurse Who Loved Me: A Tribute to Failure, the band released their debut full length that will appeal to just about any fan of Failure, Hum, or spacey-era Cave In. Exeter’s songs are well constructed and memorable without being mere imitations of their influences. Gorgeous dynamics, drifting delay and echo, precise pounded rhythms and shimmering cymbal work all fuse together in stratospheric enormity for a record delivering some of the highest quality space rock since the turn of the century.
Comments
Minnesota
I can't believe it took this many lists before we saw our first mention of Dredg...
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Spokane, Washington
i can't believe it took this many before them crooked vultures was mentioned!
current listenings:
Of Virtue - "Heartsounds"
Capsule - "No Ghost"
Century - "Red Giant"
James Vincent McMorrow - "Early In The Morning"
Blind Pilot - "We Are The Tide"
West Haven, CT
Dredg idknow.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Fort Bragg, CA
I can't believe it took this many lists before we saw our first mention of Sondre Lerche!
Toronto, Ontario
I can't believe it's not butter!
"Use short sentences. Use short first paragraphs. Use vigorous English. Be positive, not negative."
MySpace / Facebook
Wilmington DE
Just checked out Them Crooked Vultures after looking at this list and it was an enjoyable listen.
Listening to:
Tides of Man
Oceansize
The Contortionist
We are the City
Periphery
Somewhere in New York
"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross
Oklahoma
Dant, have you heard Sondre's cover of Animal Collective's "Bluish?" Money.
Fort Bragg, CA
Listening now, and enjoying it as much as I thought I would. Thanks!
Dubuque
I still need to check out that Them Crooked Vultures disc. Can't believe I haven't done so yet.
Facebook / MySpace
View Chris Conlan's profile on LinkedIn
London, UK
Nice to see both Exeter and Endless Hallway get a mention. I didn't have either quite that high but definitely worth an honorable mention
Currently listening to:
Tetrafusion - Horizons EP
NAMI - Fragile Alignments
Fleshgod Apocalypse - Agony
A Hope For Home - In Abstraction
Blindead - Affliction XXIX II MXMVI
Brooklyn, NY
damn Chris, you should really get on that. As long as you're a fan of Queens of the Stone Age and Led Zeppelin, you should really like it.
www.explodinginsound.com
Infinitely Inwards
Oh, that Karnivool album is mesmerizing. I cannot stop listening to it. My album of the year. Dredg is great also.
Ever Forthright - Ever Forthright
Fallujah - The Harvest Wombs
The New Law - The Fifty Year Storm
ERRA - Impulse
Aborted - Global Flatline
Steven Wilson - Grace for Drowning
Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind)The Crafty Ape
West Haven, CT
What's the deal with Owl City?
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Boston, MA
I can't believe it took me this long to listen to Alberta Cross. That album is money.
Stereo Typing
Tweet at me, bro
Anytown USA
Dan's list is fantastic. Dead on with Karnivool, Alberta Cross, BTS, and Exeter.
You play to win the game.
Dallas, Texas
I can believe it. The Pariah, Parrot and the Delusion sucks. Dan's list was perfect until he put that shit on it.
Minnesota
Oh, I agree MJ. The new Dredg was decent at best. I just figured we had enough fanboys around these parts that anything they put out would make some lists.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Dallas, Texas
While I still love the group, I don't think there's anything more annoying than Dredg fanboys.
Brooklyn, NY
i'm not picking Dredg just because it's a Dredg album. I really think that album gets better and better with each listen.
www.explodinginsound.com