My Top 5 Albums of ‘09 (So Far)

With 2009 almost over and done with, I thought I would go ahead a make a brief list of a few of my favorite albums that were released this year. Now, I know that we still have two months to go, but really, I don’t think anything coming out later is going to beat what I already have (unless Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack totally deliver). 2009 was, and is, a fairly great year for music, at least for me. With that said, let’s get started!

5. Hell Or High Water – As Cities Burn

This album, released on April 21st, reigned in the music year for me (yeah, I know April isn’t that early into the year) and was the first record of the year that I legitimately enjoyed. The band has since broken up, but their blend of southern tinged indie rock continues to entertain. I’m a sucker for insightful lyrics strewn over multiple layers of distorted guitar, and this record hit the sweet spot.

4. Brother’s Blood – Kevin Devine

Kevin Devine’s previous album, Put Your Ghost To Rest, remains a staple in my road trip library, so it’s no surprise that his latest effort ended up in my top five. I grabbed the internet leak when it hit earlier this year and loved every second of it. The title track packs so much emotion that it alone is worthy of recognition, but luckily the whole record delivers. This is one of those rare albums that I want to pick up on vinyl and just hold on to for years and years. It may take a second to grasp his though provoking lyrics at first, but once you do its fantastic.

3. Daisy – Brand New

This album may have had the chops to take over my number two spot, but, unfortunately, I haven’t had enough time with it. The record was just recently released on September 22nd to split reviews; either you hate it or love it. Fortunately, I fall into the latter category. Admittedly, the album is extremely polarizing. Dynamic shifts lurk around every corner, but that’s just what Brand New does; that’s no surprise, really. Jesse Lacey and company delivered one of the best and freshest records of the year, and I’m positive I’ll still be listening to it a year from now.

2. Aim and Ignite – fun.

fun. is the current project of Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format (one of my all-time favorite bands), and this concoction of indie pop is just infectious. The album is guitar driven, but is no stranger to strings and horns, and the band really shines when all of the elements work together. The opening track, “Be Calm,” is possibly my song of the year and definitely one of the best opening tracks to come off of a record in a very long time. This band may not be for everyone, but if you give Aim and Ignite a chance I’m sure you won’t regret it.

1. Mean Everything To Nothing – Manchester Orchestra

Here it is – my number one record! Man, with all of the internet hype surrounding this album around the time of it’s release I fully expected to be disappointed, but it completely lived up to all of that hype. This record came out on April 21st and no other album has even came close to touching it’s greatness this year. Andy Hull, lead singer and songwriter of Manchester Orchestra, has perfected the art of songwriting, and that fact shines on tracks like, “Shake It Out” and “I’ve Got Friends”. These Atlanta natives know how to craft modern Southern rock masterpieces, and they let it all hang out on Mean Everything To Nothing. If you’ve yet to give this one a listen then do so immediately!

by Tyler Marshall

~ by themissingink on November 2, 2009.