No introduction is really needed here…I like music…I like top 5 lists…the two go hand-in-hand. So here is my Top 5 Albums of 2009. Enjoy!
5. Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms
One of the more interesting albums I heard in 2009 and I loved every minute of it. I am a huge fan of his other band, The Cinematic Orchestra, so when I heard he was doing a solo project I jumped right on it. I’m unsure how he produces a lot of the sounds on this album, but they are certainly unique and a lot of fun. Highlights on the album for me include Fireweed, Bejing, and Big Bird in a Small Cage.
4. Dinosaur Jr. – Farm
These guys have been around for a long time, but this is the first album I purchased by them (due in part to discovering they were on the Jagjaguwar roster). They are definitely more ‘rock’ oriented than a lot of the stuff I listen to, but this album didn’t leave my car for the last 6 months of the year. If you’re looking for something a little heavier, but not over the top, look no further than this album. Highlights included Ocean in the Way, Over It, and See You.

3. Lightning Dust – Infinite Light
Another product of the Jagjaguwar label, I loved this album from the first listen. It has a folk feel to it that I really enjoy it and I love Amber Webber’s vocals. She is joined by Joshua Wells, both of Black Mountain. This album is certainly softer than that of Black Mountain and from my perspective doesn’t have a poor song on it. Highlights for me include Antonia June, History, and Honest Man.

2. Sissy Wish – Beauties Never Die
This album was originally released in Siri Alberg’s native Norway in 2007, but was not released in the states until 2009. I’m a little hazy on how I stumbled upon this album, but I’m thrilled I did. This album is full of diverse songs and has a distinct pop feel. I have not heard her previous 2 albums, but apparently this album is much different. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, definitely check this album out. Highlights for me include Float, Beauties Never Die, and Milk.

1(B). New Pornographers – Challengers
Because this album came out all the way back in 2007 I’m adding it as an amendment to the 2009 list because it deserves a place here somewhere. I lived on this album for the first few months of the year. I’ve been a New Pornographer’s fan since Mass Romantic and this without question is their best album. Probably the best 4 opening tracks of any album I own, they set the tone for the remaining 8 tracks which are all excellent. Even if you are not a New Pornographers fan you should try this album. Seriously. Go buy it. It’s difficult to choose highlights on this album, but if pressed I’d have to go with Challengers, Go Places, and Adventures in Solitude.

1. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below
I came across this album via a side comment made by Carrie Brownstein in a All Songs Considered podcast. It turned out to be my album of the year. There are so many things about this album I enjoy. Some tracks are catchy (40 Day Dream, Janglin, or Home), while others show more grit and soul (Carries On, Desert Song, Simplest Love). Most importantly, I love the smokiness of Jade Castrinos’ vocals and overall ‘bigness’ of the 10 to 13 member ensemble band. I only purchased the album in November so album of the year may be premature, but I’m still thoroughly enjoying it and showing no signs of slowing down.
Honorable mentions include: Fanfarlo – Reservoir, Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest, Blitzen Trapper – Furr (not a 2009 release), and Taken by Trees – East of Eden.











