Best Music of 2009, So Far
To date, 2009 has been a really great year for music releases. As we reach the 1/3 goal post I think there’s been more albums released this year that I enjoy than all of last year. Here’s a few of my highlights in no particular order:
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – Self Titled
There’s still some good music coming from Seattle…some really good indie rock in fact with a unique sound and some nods to the 70′s. And when your band name is this great, you don’t need an album title. Gotta love the anteater tongue typography on the cover too. Albatross, albatross, albatross!
http://www.myspace.com/mtsthelensvietnamband
Cymbals Eat Guitars – Why There Are Mountains
Great debut album reminiscent of Sonic Youth from this (miraculously unsigned (still?)) Staten Island quartet. Standout tracks include: Some Trees (Merritt Moon) and Wind Phoenix (Proper Name). This even got a good review on Pitchfork, but Woxy gets credit with breaking this band first.
http://www.myspace.com/cymbalseatguitars
The Obits – I Blame You
This Brooklyn garage-rock band is fronted by Rick Froberg (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu). Their sound reminds me of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion with some surf rock sensibilities in the mix. Best listened to alone, at high volume…so you can rock out when no one’s watching. Check it out.
http://www.myspace.com/obitsband
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Self Titled
Despite being from NYC their sound has been classified as British Alternative. This is probably because their sound is relative to a lot of the British alt. bands of the early 90′s/late 80′s, like The Smiths and My Bloody Valentine. Tracks to check out would be Come Saturday and Young Adult Friction.
http://www.myspace.com/thepainsofbeingpureatheart
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
Also from New York (good year for NY Bands), Karen O and The YYY’s have taken a career path that I think resembles Blondie. Their albums have gone from rock to pop/dance over the space of 3 albums – that said this isn’t their best effort. Though it does feature some catchy songs like the single Zero, Hysteric, and my favorite Dull Life…and Karen O remains one of the best front(wo)men in rock. http://www.myspace.com/yeahyeahyeahs
Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid
I’ve previously featured Dan Auerback and this album in this space, so I’ll keep it brief. One half of the uncomparable Black Keys, Auerbachs first solo effort doesn’t stray from their blues-rock sound, and for that reason it remains one of my favorite albums of the year so far.
http://www.myspace.com/danauerbachmusic
Honorable Mentions: Loney Dear, Doves, Doom, Silversun Pickups, Art Brut, Neko Case, The Thermals, Riverboat Gamblers, Los Campesinos!
4 Responses to “Best Music of 2009, So Far”
Jason Dorn - April 24, 2009
The YYY’s Zero is an instant classic in my books. I expect to to see it turning up on movie soundtracks for years to come.
Cam - April 24, 2009
I fully agree – once it’s in your head, good luck getting it out. That’s a well-written song. I still prefer their raw older rocking-er stuff though.
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