The year 2009 gave us a ton of great records from artists that have previously graced this list, and some that are newbs. Since I’m busy as hell this year I’ve decided to pay tribute to the now defunct Punk Planet magazine (RIP) by emulating their old record review style. This means that my synopsis of each album on this list will be short, half-assed, grunted descriptions of the album or band. Just enough info to let you know what the album smells like. I do this because if you’re into good music or dig my same tastes - you’re probably going to check out some of these recommendations anyway (oh yea, and there’s YouTube links in each one if you’re too lazy to dig for yourself.)  Also, I decided not to do a separate “Best EP’s” list or a “Worst-Of” list. Simply put, if you’re not on this list - you’ve probably disappointed me or I didn’t dedicate enough time to check out your album yet. In closing, as always, if you disagree with my picks or think my list sucks, you can comment or go make your own fucking list. Cheers and tidings in 2010!

Boston Spaceships – From Zero to Ninety (GBV)

I’ll take anything Robert Pollard dishes out. The guy puts out a couple records a year. Some are hit and miss and some are really effing good, and this is really, really effing good. Just trust me on this one.

Obits – I Blame You (Sub Pop)

As with my obsession with Rob Pollard, I’ll take anything Rick Froberg touches. Hell, I even timed a trip out west just to catch these dudes at the Doug Fir Room. Smart ass lyrics, hot licks, some laid back feel good jams with the always great Froberg-y riffs abounding. Everyone in this band is a seasoned pro on their particular instrument. Watching a show of theirs is like auditing a college course. This is the only band I bought a t-shirt from this year (and that’s saying something.) It’s been fun to grow and evolve with Froberg and his musical endeavors. I love this album and this band. You should definitely pick this one up.

Neko Case – Middle Cyclone (Anti)

According to my iTunes playlist, this album won out for most listened to - and rightfully so. I must be getting soft in my old age. This is probably one of if not my favorite album from start to finish for 2009. Buy this on vinyl if you have the means. Neko is one of 2 artists that doesn’t use an auto-tuner in the music biz - now that’s just REAL pure talent and the beautiful music shines through.

Polvo – In Prism (Merge)

This LP got a ton of playtime on my table. First album in a looong time by these reunited gods of weedly post-rock. It’s not my favorite Polvo album, but I’ll take what I can get from them. Wholly enjoyable from start to finish.

Slow Club - Yeah So (Moshi Moshi)

Super, super, super cute album. Male/Female back and forth lyrics. Officially tied for best makeout album of 2009.

Vivian Girls – Everything Goes Wrong (In The Red)

Saw these ladies live and they put on a great show. The lead singer drank a half-gallon (no joke) of cheap vodka in the 45 min set. Their show leaves you much like the record does, blown out, astounded, ready to go tear shit down in the streets while drunk late at night. It helps that I have a massive crush on the red-headed bass player Katy… (call me).

Rain Machine – S/T (Anti)

Why isn’t this album on any of the lists so far? It’s incredible.  Kyp Malone from TV On the Radio. Anyone remember his old old band Iran? It’s a little like that. Quiet, intimate, but very catchy and not without its rock out tracks.

Wooden Wand – Born Bad (People In A Position To Know)

(See below.) ↓

Wand (Wooden Wand) – Hard Knox (Ecstatic Peace)

TWO OF MY TOP 5 albums this year are by this dude and his wife. James Jackson Toth and Jessica Toth. Why hasn’t this blown up yet? One of the best kept secrets in music right now. He’s made my list for about 4 years now. Stripped down, super dark, beautiful folk tunes. Good chills down my spine for an hour. Probably the best most esoteric, yet thought-provoking lyrics I’ve heard in a loooong time. JUST trust me on these. Albums by this guy are the type your idiot kids will be spending their summer landscaping cash to buy off of Ebay in 20 years. Do your kids a favor and pick these up now.

Surfer Blood – Astro Coast (Kanine)

OHHHH shit. This album is home to one of my favorite singles in 2009. Their “Floating Vibes” track. So good. This whole album is retarded good. Chunky, reverb-soaked, surf-tinged tracks about the West Coast, surfing and shit. Maybe I’m just really identifying with this stuff lately.

The Beets – Spit In The Face Of People Who Don’t Want To Be Cool (Captured Tracks)

Saw these young chaps open for the Vivian Girls. Didn’t think too much of them (probably because I wasn’t wasted) but I picked up their album and by-golly it’s a keeper. Reverb’d slinky tracks that get stuck in your head for days. Super-stripped down, minimal yet so fulfilling. Fans of The Monks and drunken campfire sing-a-longs will appreciate.

Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career (4AD)

Great voices, great production. This is the first album I’ve actually fully dug by these Scots, it’s solid from start to finish. Best breakfast and coffee spin of 2009.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - Know Better Learn Faster (Kill Rock Stars)

Great as usual. Great lyrics, catchy as all hell, with an extra dose of soul and sass than last years epic “We Brave” album. This is your instant house party starter album of 2009. Let’s hope these tracks stay the fuck out of too many Apple and Volkswagen commercials this year though.

Built To Spill – There Is No Enemy (Warner Brothers)

OF COURSE THIS WAS GOING TO BE ON HERE. Doug Martsch is an under-appreciated guitar GOD.

Baroness – Blue Record (Relapse)

Proof that I haven’t lost my love for some of the heavier stuff. This record is all over the map (in that good way) and still makes me hit loop a few times. Best driving through red lights album of 2009. The cover art is worth the LP purchase alone.

Morrissey – Years of Refusal (Self-Released/Decca)

Conspicuously absent from the lists this year. What’s wrong with you people? This was one of the first albums that came to mind. Still not tired of this one. Best road trip album of 2009.

Atlas Sound - Logos (Kranky)

Feel-goodsy-poppy bliss tunes that will be in every car comercial or MTV background and movie trailer for years to come. But rightfully so. A track  from this album has been on every mix tape I’ve made since Summer.

The Fiery Furnaces - I’m Going Away (Thrill Jockey)

Finally they return with something complete and listenable. I’m all for experimentation and new directions but their last couple efforts sorta sucked ass IMHO. Welcome back FF.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz! (Self-Release/DGC)

Karen O + crew gave us 2 good albums this year, “It’s Blitz!” and her work on the “Where the Wild Things Are” soundtrack. Not my all time favorite YYY’s album, but definitely good enough to make this list.

Heartless Bastards – The Mountain (Fat Possum)

I was taken by this album from the second I heard it. Great voice, great lyrics, real swagger. I can see fans of Sleater-Kinney, JAMC, White Stripes digging this. But Heartless Bastards truly have their own unique sound. See for yourself. Best album to smoke in a screen porch to.

…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead – Century of Self (Justice)

OF COURSE THIS WAS GOING TO BE ON HERE. Get hip to this band, people. They’ve made my list now for about 5 years straight. This is another rock solid, epic album. Sends chills down my spine.

Grand Archives - Keep In Mind Frankenstein (Sub Pop)

Best album to careen off the road and crash your car because it’s really pretty and made you fall asleep album of 2009.

Califone – All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (Dead Oceans)

Just flat out great. Stripped down as hell this time. But it’s not missing all the odd sound bytes and unorthodox instrumentation that make any record of theirs so intriguing. Califone delivers one of my most listened to discs of 2009.

Passion Pit - Manners (French Kiss/Sony)

This album will be on a shitload of best-of lists this year. What can I say? It’s just refreshing and fun, I’m not afraid to admit it. They also win for best video and best album to make an ass of yourself while singing falsetto at stoplights of 2009.

Jay Reatard – Watch Me Fall (Matador)

Some folks hate him, some folks like him. Count me into the latter category. Scathingly fast nuggets of punk that never lose their punk roots. Jay’s got more hooks than a fishing tackle box.

Avett Brothers - I and Love and You (Self-Released)

Love it. Some of the most talented fuckers in music today. Most inspiring album of 2009.

Danananananakroyd – Hey Everyone (Best Before)

Blood Brothers meets The STNNNG and some Future of the Left thrown in for good measure. Best party record (if you want shit in your house broken.)

A.A. Bondy – When the Devil’s Loose (Fat Possum)

This dude caught me by surprise. Incredible voice and writing style. Such vivid imagery passed to the listener. Saw his live show at 400 bar after having only heard a couple 7″ tracks and it just blew me away. AA Bondy is one of the most promising artists in music today. Check out his Daytrotter Sessions too. Tied for first for best makeout record of 2009 and best voice.

Tune Yards – Bird-Brains (Marriage)

My friend Holly tuned me into this lady (←see what I did there?!) Another really experimental yet primal and satisfying  record. Best record that involves a ukulele and foreign lyrics.

Micachu & the Shapes - Jewellery (Rough Trade)

That record that all your lesbian friends own and that you secretly own and like too. (Holly also told me about this album. Holly is not a lesbian.)  Best experimental dancey record of 2009.

Japandroids – Post Nothing (Polyvinyl)

Adrenaline soaked, anthemic punk rock. This record takes me back and not in that guilty way. So good. Fans of Parts & Labor and early Hot Water Music will dig the shit out of this. This album will be on a ton of lists this year. Best debut album and best album likely to make you air drum at stop lights, of 2009.

Vica Voce – Rose City (Barsuk)

I had always written these cats off as mediocre. But a friend tuned me into this album recently and I’m glad she did. Gorgeous record, apparently wrote/recorded in just a month. They hit something right. They should find a better distributor as I can’t find this actual (physical) album in any stores near me, I had to buy it from the label. Not gonna lie, this album got on here due to some upcoming circumstances. My mind is in another city. It might STUMP you. Can you guess which one?

Honorable Mentions (that you should probably check out or buy anyways)

AC Newman – Get Guilty

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

Lightning Dust – Infinite Light

Cloak /Dagger – Lost Art

Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

Future of the Left - Travels With Myself and Another

Tortoise – Beacons Of Ancestorship

Wild Beasts – Two Thumbs

Bon Iver – Blood Bank [EP]

Modest Mouse - No One’s First And You’re Next [EP]

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – S/T

Wavves – S/T

Bonnie Prince Billy - Beware

Peter Wolf Crier – Inter-Be

Cheap Red - S/T

Dan Deacon – Bromst

Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue

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