The Top 17 of 2009 (Because 10 Just Isn't Enough)

Hello again. I know it’s been forever. I’m not even going to apologize. I think we’ve already established that I’m lazy when it comes to this thing. In any event, I feel it necessary to provide you with a list of my favorite records of 2009. I was going to do the standard 10 item list, but there were several that were hovering just outside the top 10 so I decided to go ahead and do 17, because that seems just random enough. As in previous years, please note that I’m not calling these the top 17 tracks of the year, but these are the albums that I spent the most time listening to. And here we go…

17. Audrye Sessions - Audrye Sessions
Audrye Sessions are one of a couple bands on this list that I had never heard of until this year. I was turned onto their self titled debut after finding that they were touring with one of my favorite bands. I got the record for cheap online and was quite impressed with their sound. Front man Ryan Karazija has a soaring voice that delivers some solid melodies all over the disc. Musically, Audyre Sessions moves from straightforward rock to acoustic balladry to even more epic arrangements such as closer “Dust and Bones.” Audrye Sessions have big things ahead of them and I can’t wait to hear the follow up.


Audrye Sessions - "Julianna"

16. David Crowder Band - Church Music
David Crowder Band have been a staple in Christian worship music for much of this decade. Crowder has always had an affinity for electronic elements in his music, but Church Music takes it to another level. Synthesizers and drum machines take the forefront on many songs, and each track segues seamlessly into the next, giving the album the feel of one big song at times. This song is one of my favorite that DCB has ever released and includes everything that makes them great. Amazing lyrics, melodies, and an epic guitar solo to boot.


David Crowder Band - "God Almighty, None Compares"

15. Silversun Pickups - Swoon
Like many rock fans, I became familiar with Silversun Pickups after hearing “Lazy Eye,” the hit single from their 2006 debut Carnavas. I liked it alright, but never gave the band too much thought. That is until I heard “Panic Switch” from their sophomore release Swoon. The band had amped it up considerably and produced a gem of a song. I bought the record and found that on the whole, it was more mellow than “Panic Switch,” but I enjoyed it nonetheless. This song is one that got stuck in my head and one of the best rockers on the record.


Silversun Pickups - "The Royal We"

14. The Swell Season - Strict Joy
The Swell Season, a collaboration between lead singer of The Frames Glen Hansard and Czech singer/songwriter Marketa Irglova, first rose to popularity in the States following the underground success of the 2007 movie Once, which starred both Hansard and Irglova and their original songs. Now comes their second proper album, Strict Joy, a release that finds them spreading their wings and coming more into their own sound. The duo generally trades off on lead vocals, such as on the Hansard helmed acoustic ballad “In These Arms” and the Irglova led “I Have Loved You Wrong.” Of course the other is always there to provide beautiful harmonies on each song. This an excellent record that I recommend to anyone who loves the singer/songwriter genre.


The Swell Season - "The Verb"

13. Mae - (m)orning
Mae has chosen to go about releasing their music differently in 2009. Absent of a label, the band set out to record and release one track a month for the entire year, compiling every four month section into EPs titled (m)orning, (a)fternoon, and (e)vening. The EP versions of the songs sometimes include extended musical breaks and each EP features previously unreleased music. While the EPs are released on the band’s own Cell Records, they teamed up with former label Tooth & Nail Records for distribution purposes and the retail version of each EP will include a DVD with documentary footage. The (m)orning EP finds Mae sounding more like themselves after the departure that was 2007’s Singularity. Despite being now reduced to a three-piece, Mae sounds as full as ever, with added instrumentation ranging from keys to strings and even flutes on some of these songs. Mae has once a again proven that they are a band with something to say and I look forward to hearing the (e)vening EP sometime in early 2010.


Mae - "A Meldoy, the Memory"

12. Thrice - Beggars
Thrice had a relatively quick turnaround after their epic four-part release The Alchemy Index. Beggars finds the band returning to a more organic sound that was mostly recorded live by the band and engineered by guitarist Teppei Teranishi. Dustin Kensrue’s voice sounds as good as ever, leaving behind the throat shredding for a more melodic growl on some tunes, and letting his voice soar on slower ones like this.



Thrice - "In Exile"

11. Lorien - Esque
Lorien is another band I had never heard of until 2009. This Nashville quintet released quite an impressive debut full length with Esque, a collection of dance worthy rock songs, mixed with a few truly epic tunes that make great use of piano and strings. Lorien is a talented band that deserves your attention in 2010.




Lorien - "Sowing Bad Seeds"

10. Mute Math - Armistice
Mute Math finally released their long awaited sophomore album in August with Armistice. It’s been reported that they scrapped a few albums worth of material before delivering the finished product. The result doesn’t stray too far from their debut, but it could be said that there is a higher energy on this record. It’s really great, but believe me when I say that hearing them on record is no match for their live show. If they come anywhere remotely near you, do whatever it takes to be at the show. You won’t be disappointed.


Mute Math - "Electrify"

9. Brand New - Daisy
Brand New took their time before releasing their fourth album Daisy. It had been three years since their last release and if nothing else, they proved that they can’t be pigeon-holed. Daisy opens with a sample of an old hymn and jaggedly segues into “Vices,” easily the most abrasive song they’ve ever released. After the initial shock wore off, I was able to dig in and find that some of the band I previously loved so much was still there. Even so, Daisy is a much different record for Brand New, most notably in Jesse Lacey’s vocal delivery which involves a lot of yelling this time out. Despite its initial shortcomings, I kept coming back to Daisy over and over again. I guess it was catchy after all. This song is the best on the album and probably the one that most sounds like the Brand New that fans have grown to love.


Brand New - "You Stole"

8. As Cities Burn - Hell or High Water
As Cities Burn had officially disbanded before their third album was even out, but it’s still one of the best collections I’ve heard in a long time. It’s almost impossible to tell that this is the same band that released Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest in 2005. Gone are any traces of their hardcore sound that may have remained on sophomore release Come Now Sleep. Hell or High Water is notable for it’s distinct guitar tone that is somewhat similar to Colour Revolt. Cody Bonnette’s voice and lyrics are more on point than ever, touching on everything from struggles with lust, to televangelists, to the pursuit of fame. It’s a shame that this is the last we’ll hear from these guys, but I have to hope they haven’t given up on music forever.


As Cities Burn - "Pirate Blues"

7. Matthew Good - Vancouver
Matthew Good was back in 2009 with his fourth solo album, this time focusing his attention to his hometown. Vancouver finds Good returning to the big sound that was prevalent on his solo debut Avalanche, with lots of orchestration. “Us Remains Impossible” is one of the most accessible songs he’s ever written, with a hook that sticks in your head. Vancouver is a dark outing for sure, but Good has never really been about sunshine. “The Vancouver National Anthem” remains the standout track for me. It’s a commentary on the state of the city from Good’s viewpoint and it has some killer backing vocals from Pete Yorn.


Matthew Good - "The Vancouver National Anthem"

6. Paper Route - Absence
Paper Route are a band that I knew I’d probably be including on this list even before hearing their full-length debut Absence. I was thoroughly impressed with 2008’s Are We All Forgotten EP and when I heard “Carousel,” the lead single from Absence, I knew Paper Route weren’t going to disappoint me. Absence shines from start to finish with great melodies and all manner of electronic flourishes mixed nicely with guitar and keys. “Dance On Our Graves” closes out the album perfectly with an amazing string breakdown at the end.


Paper Route - "Dance On Our Graves"

5. fun. - Aim and Ignite
Never has a band more lived up to their name than fun. It’s pretty much impossible not to smile and tap your toes when listening to any song from Aim and Ignite. Front man Nate Ruess, formerly of the Format, hits new highs with his voice and his heartfelt and clever lyrics. The band is rounded out by Steel Train guitarist Jack Antonoff and former Anathallo mulit-instrumentalist Andrew Dost. The result is a ten song set that is perfect for a sunny day and even better as a cure for a dreary one.



fun. - "All the Pretty Girls"

4. Jars of Clay - The Long Fall Back To Earth
Jars of Clay have long been one of my favorite bands. I think part of the reason for that is that they have the uncanny ability to reinvent themselves on each record while still managing to sound like themselves. This time out, they leaned more in the direction of pop than ever before and the results were stellar. The synths move to the forefront on many songs and there is a distinct 80s feel. At its core, the album is all about relationships and “There Might Be a Light” may be one of the best unrequited love songs ever.


Jars of Clay - "There Might Be a Light"

3. Say Anything - Say Anything
Say Anything had quite a task on their hands when it came to following up their 2-disc 2007 opus In Defense of the Genre. Max Bemis and company came through though, scaling back and writing more straightforward rock songs that are incredibly catchy. Bemis’s acerbic wit is still intact, but his bipolar musical tendencies aren’t as evident, save for a few songs. The album as a whole has a more hopeful feel than any previous releases and Bemis proves to us that he can write songs about being in love too without being cheesy. (Ok, maybe a little, but in a good way, trust me.) “Eloise” is Bemis’s goodbye to a destructive relationship. It may sound dark, but I dare you not to sing along.


Say Anything - "Eloise"

2. Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome
Derek Webb threw his label and the Christian music industry at large for a loop when he decided to drop some profanity into one of the songs on his fifth album Stockholm Syndrome. The controversy was interesting, but I fear it might have overshadowed the fact that Stockholm Syndrome is a truly great album that has a lot to say and musically shows that Webb is far more than a singer/songwriter with an acoustic guitar. Samples and drum loops are used throughout and the result is nothing short of impressive. Even if you’ve never liked Webb before, Stockholm Syndrome is a worth your time.


Derek Webb - "I Love/Hate You"

1. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing
Manchester Orchestra are easily my favorite band making music today. I know they’re young and only have two albums under their belts, but these guys play with the confidence and cohesion of a band that’s been together for 30 years. Andy Hull proves his worth lyrically and vocally on this record with a talent that seems to far exceed his age. Above all else, Mean Everything To Nothing is a rock record in the purest sense. It even made my hard to please older brother admit that rock and roll might not be dead just yet. The band is just as incredible in concert and they’re doing a headlining run in the U.S. this spring. Don’t miss it if you get the chance. “Shake It Out” is one the many standout tracks on the record and my pick for song of the year.


Manchester Orchestra - "Shake It Out"

So there it is. Late at usual, but you’ve come to expect that. There is always great music to be found and I encourage you to seek it out yourself and don’t just listen to what the radio shoves in your face over and over again. There’s more to come here in 2010 so please stay tuned.