Top 20 Songs of 2009
2009 was an odd year for me. It was also the year where I didn’t stray too much outside the boundaries of not too abstract indie-rock with noisy, lo-fi, or garage-ish characteristics. Still, it was a good year for music and here are my top 20 songs of the year.
20. “Young Adult Friction” by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
A simple and purely infectious poppy song. Maybe if I was going through a more pleasant time in my life, I’d rank this song higher.
19. “Mrs. Cold” by Kings of Convenience
This song is so breezy and fluid, it’s easier than a sunday morning. People complain that their music is for sissies, but I bet these dudes get tons of play.
18. “Cold Spring” by Cymbals Eat Guitars
The best thing about Cymbals Eat Guitars is that they recall the influences from bands such as Built to Spill, Dinosaur Jr, and other guitar heavy rock bands from the early 90’s. I can dig that.
17. “Keep Slipping Away” by A Place to Bury Strangers
Shoe-gaze, distortion, lots of pedals and a relentless pace throughout this song. I spent much of the summer of 2009 listening to this song at loud volumes in the car.
16. “From the Hips” by Cursive
Okay, so it’s not 2004 and emo isn’t big anymore. But still, I saw this performance of From the Hips by Cursive on Letterman and I couldn’t help but relate with the angsty passion of this song.
15. “Silver Soul” by Beach House
Technically not a 2009 release, but I’ll be flexible here. A haunting song that sets the pace and tone for the rest of the album.
14. “Lizstomania” by Phoenix
This recent album is going to be listed on many critics best of the year lists, but it is one of my least favorite Phoenix albums. I’m still much more fond of their first two albums, but still, this album offers likeable guitar pop and this single shines through.
13. “Hideaway” Karen O and the Kids
This was probably the only good thing to come out of the Where the Wild Things Are movie.
12. “Run Out” by Memory Tapes
Mark this as the most pleasantly surprising album and track of the year for me.
11. “You’re a Target” by No Age
The year that No Age got big and this EP showed that they still have a few tricks up their sleeve. Looking forward to what this two piece band will be able to do in 2010.
10. “Beach Comber” by Real Estate
More easy, breezy, guitar plucky pop. If this song were a girl, I’d be head over heels infatuated.
9. “Camera Talk” by Local Natives
An extremely talented band as evidenced by their vocal harmonies.
8. “Islands” by The xx
This would be the music that would be playing around in the backround during a hot makeout session, if only I had someone who would willingly engage in said hot makeout session with me.
7. “Circulation” by Deerhunter
This song is abstract while remaining accessible. I love the ending of the song that just delves into distortion and feedback.
6. “Feel It All Around” by Washed Out
Here is another song that encapsulates my mood and feeling over the end of summer. It sets up a hazy and lethargic feeling, where I sort of just sleptwalk through life for a few months.
5. “Cornerstone” by Arctic Monkeys
A sad but humorous love song that hits a little bit too close to home with some of the lyrics and sentiments.
4. “Indian Winter” by El Ten Eleven
Not actually released yet, but I enjoy how El Ten Eleven is moving away from dance influences and moving back to their melodic tendencies.
3. “Young Hearts Spark Fire” by Japandroids
Wow, a band that took the No Age formula and actually did them one better? Kudos.
2. “Ready, Able” by Grizzly Bear
Just a lovely song that moves at a very slow pace and builds up before the swaying conclusion.
1. “Walkabout” by Atlas Sound
Bradford Cox could do no wrong in 2009 and his collaboration with Noah Lennox proves that. Probably the most catchy song of 2009.
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