I was lucky enough to attend a very intimate Neon Indian show at The Studio At Webster Hall. It was live streamed for MTV, and the place couldn’t have been able o fit more than 150-200 people. It didn’t stop the likes of The Morning Benders (minus Chris Chu) from attending the show.

Miniature Tigers opened the show with a admirable set of songs that were filled to the brim with great melodies and tight playing. They played plenty of songs from their new album Fortress, which had me head bobbing and toe tapping throughout. Charlie Brand the bands singer/guitarist ventured out into the small crowd to sing face to face with fans for the bands lovable song “Goldskull”. He even passed the mic to the morning benders Jon Chu for a bit of it’s chorus. I couldn’t help but notice a Dharma Initiative sticker on front-man Charlie Brand’s acoustic guitar. This automatically made me fall in love with the band. Be sure to check out Fortress, it’s a damn good album.

Neon Indian came on promptly at 9 and had no problem rocking out the small basement like crowd that was before them. Going into the show I was wondering how Neon Indian were going to be live. I’m not nuts for earlier worries that their songs may not translate well live since the project is the one man team of Alan Palomo. Neon Indian didn’t sound good, they were great.

Alan is backed by a tight live band that I couldn’t imagine him being without. They each had an important role and gave the songs fruitful energy, making an easier transition live. The crowd had no problem dancing to Psychic Chasms wonders like “Deadbeat Summer” & “Should Have Taken Acid With You”. Each song was straight fire from the stage, giving us plenty to smile about. The beautiful Erika Forster of Au Revoir Simone provided guest vocals for one song, totally stealing my heart in the process.

I left Webster Hall really happy, and an even bigger fan of both Neon Indian & Miniature Tigers than I already was prior to the show. A true indication of a solid show.

Neon Indian:

Miniature Tigers:

For The Rest Of The Photos For Both Bands, click read more:

Neon Indian:

Miniature Tigers:

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I love it. Grab the free mp3 of “Sleep Paralysist” right here.

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Green Label Sound released the new Neon Indian song, “Sleep Paralysist, for free download today. It was co-produced by Chris Taylor in Brooklyn. Taylor really has a knack for getting the best traits out of his artists. A true sign of a good producer.

It probably could have fit on Psychic Chasms. It sounds more glossy on the production side of things, which works in Alan’s favor. A decent one off single for Neon Indian, but it does leave me wanting a little more.

[mp3] : Neon Indian – Sleep Paralysist

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2009 was a pretty good year in music overall. I spent countless hours with these albums making great memories with my friends, and rocking out to them blasting away in my room or my car. These were the finest albums in my mind, and 2009 would not have been the same without them.

We started it off strong with Animal Collectives MPP, and I thought it would be my #1 for sure. Then Grizzly Bear came knocking with Veckatimest. I thought for sure those would be my 1 and 2. However, the Arctic Monkeys came back darker and recharged the fanboy within me. However, Phoenix came out of no where to deliver one of the finest albums of 2009, blowing the competition out of the water. We had very solid debuts with The XX, Local Natives, and Passion Pit, along with stunning albums from the likes of The Antlers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart.

So without anymore hesitation here are my 25 favorite albums of 2009:

25. The Dodos – Time To Die

24. The Horrors – Primary Colours

23. Doves – Kingdom Of Rust

22. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You

21. Handsome Furs – Face Control

20. Florence + The Machine – Lungs

19. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms

18. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below

17. Julian Casablancas – Phrazes For The Young

16. Harlem Shakes – Technicolor Health

15. Discovery – LP

14. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca

13. Franz Ferdinand – Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

12. Freelance Whales – Weathervanes

11. Girls – Album

10. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!

8. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

7. Passion Pit – Manners

6. The Antlers – Hospice

5. The xx – xx

4. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest

3. Arctic Monkeys – Humbug

2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

1. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

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You guys have waited pretty patiently for me to get off my lazy ass and get my best of 2009 lists out to you. I mean it’s already 15 days into 2010, I need to get with it! So like I said in my #100-51 list, I didn’t include singles that were released in 2009 that have 2010 album release dates (such as Vampire Weekend’s Cousins) since I consider them 2010 releases! I did include artists like Local Natives however since I obsessed over them this year and their album did come out in the UK!

Anyway, you just want the goods. So here are my top 50 songs of 2009. Love them, or hate them, give me some feedback! I love to hear from you guys, and this is the best time! Dig your teeth into this:

50. Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer

- It was back in April that I called Neon Indian a band to watch. Way before everyone and their mother started jamming out to them. Right there and then I connected with “Deadbeat Summer” which was a chill tune that could also serve well at a dance party. It has a retro appeal to it that almost sounds like it’s off of a cassette tape. It’s this quality that gives it a cool edge that you cannot help but dig. The song sounds chill and Neon Indian back it up with an irresistible song that is catchy, fun, and chill. It was everything that Neon Indian wanted it to be, and they hit it far out of the ballpark!

49. The Coast – Killing Off Our Friends

- I discovered The Coast through my blog emails, and I am ever thankful that I did. I would have never been graced with the reflective guitars, and irresistible chorus that deserves a spot on an epic indie soundtrack. The Coast deliver a great performance with this song, instantly grabbing you, and making you care about what they sing about. The Coast are one of Canada’s best kept secrets, delivering inspirational anthems that have kept me hooked all year long!

48. Major Lazer – Keep It Goin’ Louder (Feat. Nina Sky and Ricky Blaze)

- Major Lazer delivered the best radio song that wasn’t played on the radio in 2009. “Keep It Goin’ Louder” would be a radio smash in a world where the radio actually played good music, but that isn’t where we live! Major Lazer drop a filthy beat and place a big chorus over it featuring Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze. The song works all too well. I would rather dance to this at a club than any horseshit Flo-Rida, Soulja Boy, or the Black Eyed Sellouts have to offer. Major Lazer know how to lay down a major dance anthem!!

47. Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over

- Florence + The Machine was 2009′s British sweetheart. However, she is not controversial, and has a major voice. She knows how to write a song too! This is the opening song to her great debut album Lungs, and what a perfect album title. Florence delivers a great vocal performance, creating a song that is just as fragile and beautiful as it is uplifting and urgent. This is the type of female British Rock that I crave, and she filled all of my desires with absolute ease. Florence + The Machine is my new British darling!

46. Metric – Help I’m Alive

- More delicious female fronted indie rock with Metric’s epic “Help I’m Alive”. This song is 4 minutes and 46 seconds of pure pop genius. The song is just constructed in a perfect manner that demonstrates these Canadian genius’s ability to craft a stadium ready hit. The song is more than  just an immediate ecstasy rush to the senses. It is actually quite lovely when you really step back to look at it!

45. Passion Pit – Little Secrets

- I saw Passion Pit last Sunday at Terminal 5, and my reassurance for picking this song in my top 50 was confirmed when they delivered an explosive performance of the (one of the many) Manners standout. It is no secret that Passion Pit are climbing “higher, higher, and higher) in the music world, and with electronic gem’s like “Little Secrets”, it won’t be too long until these guys make it really big. God bless you Passion Pit, you were our little secret for a good 2 years.

44. Girls – Morning Light

- One of the best moments from Girls album, Album (yes that was their album title!) It is a perfect 2 and a half minutes of poppy shoegaze. The song has a really heavenly nature that is created by the airy vocals and the shoegazy guitars. This song caught my attention right away, and it is a song I have been addicted too all year long. It did a lot more for me than “Lust For Life” because it was unexpected and had a lot more to offer at the end of the day (for me!).

43. Atlas Sound – Walkabout (Feat. Noah Lennox)

- I still remember when this song was available to download. I read Atlas Sound featuring Panda Bear! My jaw dropped, and after listening to the song, there never was a reason to pick it up. The song is literally what you would expect from a song with these two. Bradford Cox lays down a bouncy tropical rhythm which allows Panda Bear to do his usual amazing work creating perfect pop chorus’s.

“What did you want to see, what did you want to be, when you, grew up?” – Yeah, I still don’t know !

42. Franz Ferdinand – No You Girls

- How could anyone say that nothing good came out of Tonight: Franz Ferdinand? “No You Girls” is everything great about Franz Ferdinand, rolled into a ball. Sexy vocals, crisp edgy guitars,  and a Franz Ferdinand chorus. Alex sings about girls in boys in a fun manner, rather then going into the sad route. It features the catchiest chorus on the album, which would create a perfect drunk singalong at any bar, with taste. “No You Girls” is a fine Franz Ferdinand song, one of their finest yet!

41. Grizzly Bear – Southern Point

- Grizzly Bear crafted the perfect opening song for an album like Veckatimest. It showed off their fine skills as musicians, delivering a masterful track. Dan Rossen’s vocals soar in the air, backed up by by the band’s reliable players. Chris Bear’s drumming and Chris Taylor’s bass playing remain the hidden key’s to Grizzly Bear’s success alongside their unmatched vocal performances from both Ed & Dan, and the unique guitar tone that Dan Rossen uses. These 4 guys create a really unique sound on Southern Point, it almost sound like something that an orchestra helped create. Now that is a true band.

40. Weezer – (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To

- When I found out the Weezer’s new album was titled Raditude, I immediately lost all hope for the album. They posted their first single “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To” and I was shocked at how Weezer it was. It had crunch, signature Rivers singing, a catchy chorus, and most importantly, it sounded like old, classic, Weezer! It is fun to listen to this song! I think we forget to have fun when listening to music these days because we are so obsessed with pitchfork approved bands, or stuff that is considered “hip”. Maybe that’s why I still love Weezer, and I always will. Fuck the haters!

39. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll

- The YYY’s came out with a bang with It’s Blitz and one of the reasons I loved the album was the 1-2 punch of “Zero” & “Heads Will Roll”. What a 1-2 that is! “Heads Will Roll” starts as a dance song with it’s sinister synths, and the bouncy dance rhythm created by Brian Chase, but ten Nick Zinner comes in and brings the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s back to their routes. Karen O is a magician, and finds a way to make the chorus sound beautiful. How can one song be part dance/part rock/part beautiful? Come on, we are talking about the Yeah Yeah Yeahs!

38. Atlas Sound – Shelia

- Most people would argue that “Walkabout” is the best song on Logos, but I would have to respectfully disagree with them! Shelia is the finest moment on Logos, and it is the one that I have gone back to the most. The chorus is very poppy for a Bradford Cox song, and I think that is what made it stand out to me!

37. The Dodos – Fables

- The Dodos are masters at creating songs with a strong sense of melody. “Fables” succeeds so well because it is a straightforward Dodos song that benefits from the shinier production that they received on their new album.

36. Morrissey – I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris

- Morrissey sounds like a youngster again on this song. He sounds really great, crooning out one of the best songs of his entire career. The song is infectious and uplifting! I want the Smiths to come back just as much as the next guy, but that aint happening. If Morrissey keeps creating masterful pop songs like “Paris”, then I will live!

35. Harlem Shakes – Niagara Falls

- It’s all in the keyboard! That riff gives the song such an uplifting/happy sound, it really does sound like you are driving one of those tour boats straight under Niagra Falls. Harlem Shakes know how to write a joyous tune!

34. Best Coast – When I’m With You

I don’t know if I could write it any better than I already did, so read my post on Best Coast

33. Fool’s Gold – Surprise Hotel

- At Vampire Weekend’s Contra Release Party, Rostam put this song on and me and all my friends danced to it in a circle like a bunch of idiots, having the time of our life. Random strangers joined in, a camera that was filming the event started filming us. I don’t think there is a better way to describe how much fun this song is, and how good it can make people feel. It truly sounds like it’s from a different part of the world, channeling a Tropical vibe.

32. jj – Things Will Never Be The Same Again

- I really got into jj a few weeks ago, and it was because of this song. This sounds like nothing else out there today. Just unreal how ethereal and mystical this song is. This song sounds like a fresh slice straight from the heavens above. Is there anyone else out there who is making music that sounds like what jj is doing?

31. Micachu – Golden Phone

- Micachu (& The Shapes) created an album full of unique indie rock, and that came together on their own through multiple listens. It took a while for me to get into most of her music. However, Golden Phone was an instant hit in my mind. It was bizarre, awkward, and funny at the same time, but something about it was just GOOD! I don’t know how she created her sound, but hey, it works!

30. Grizzly Bear – Ready, Able

- Ready, Able sounded like Grizzly Bear went into the studio and produced the best song that they could have with full production and orchestration. The song is pretty flawless in every aspect. Ed Droste’s vocals don’t sound human. The band comes together and creates a full sound that takes off in flight with electronic effects, and professional playing from all of Grizzly Bear’s players. Grizzly Bear just hit the nail on the head with Ready, Able.

29. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home

- Edward Sharpe and his magnetic set of zeros are able to perfectly convey the feelings of “home”. The song is lead by a incredibly catchy whistle that sounds like it’s coming from a place not too far from one’s home. The song is sweet, romantic, fun, and most importantly, easy to connect with. This Edward Sharpe song makes you realize that there are many definitions of home, and that you should not take it for granted.

Man I love that whistling!

28. Sunset Rubdown - You Go on Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)

- The song starts off as to separate entities. The first the slashing of a guitar, the slashing of another guitar to another rhythm, the drum setting the pace, the heavy bass guiding them, then Spencer Krugs unmistakable vocals and all off the parts soon seamlessly come together to form a monster of a song. Spencer Krug (who is also in Wolf Parade, Swan Lake, Wolf Eyes, Moonface) proves once again that he can write some of the most creative indie rock around.

27. The Big Pink – Velvet

- Why the hell does everyone go nuts over Dominoes when The Big Pink produced such an epic song like “Velvet”? To me, there is no comparison. This song is just epic. It sounds big, dark, and powerful. What isn’t there to like about it? That guitar is just raw, sounding epic by the minute with those dramatic background vocals. I wouldn’t mind fighting alongside this song.

26. Discovery – So Insane

- This was one of the true highlights of my summer. Driving around with my girlfriend, blasting this song. Or dancing like idiots to it with my friends at parties. There are tons of good memories attached to this song from this summer, there is no denying that it was one of my favorite songs of 2009. The song is modern disco done right with style!

25. Arctic Monkeys – The Jeweller’s Hands

- When I first heard Humbug I loved every song, except this one. It just seemed flat and extraordinary to me. Nothing about it stood out. After a dozen listens it started to grow on me, little by little. I noticed that sick Dr. Dre/hip hop influenced drum beat and started to groove to it. Then the piano, bass, and dark minimal guitar started to click. I didn’t know where it stood compared to the rest of the songs, but I realized I liked it more and more. It is now January 2010, and it is my 2nd favorite song on the album. The song grew on me to the point where I see it in an entirely different light. It has matured like fine wine, and now I look forward to listening to this even more than the great Crying Lightning. The Arctic Monkeys showed distinctive growth and maturity on Humbug, and I think that “The Jeweller’s Hands” is a hint towards the amazing things that we can expect from them in the future.

24. The Horrors – Sea Within A Sea

- The Horrors new that they had something special with their masterful album closer, “Sea Within A Sea”. They posted it for free download along with a dark video that perfectly complimented the song. The song was a re-introduction to the Gothic garage rockers, showing an entirely different side to them. I was floored at how creative they had become with the use of synths and electronic instruments. “Sea Within A Sea” remains just as fresh as it did when it first hit my soul. The song builds and builds to a really clean climax that is both epic and subdued. If you told me that The Horrors would make a 8 minute epic synth rock song back in 2007, I would have never believed it. This is song is a future cult classic in the making.

23. Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes

- Animal Collective are pretty good an conveying emotions and themes. So when listening to Summertime Clothes, it is easy to agree that they hit the nail on the head. They were able to perfectly create an atmosphere of pounding sunlight causing your clothes to uncomfortable stick to your skin thanks to your sweat. Summertime Clothes is undeniably a fantastic single that will never wear out its welcome. There are so many cool effects and sounds, it is impossible to take them all in at first. Over time you grow fonder to the clicks and the high pitch noises that sound oddly too perfect behind Avey Tare and Panda Bear’s glowing vocals. How do you describe a song like Summertime Clothes? You really can’t, but, I tried!

22. The National – So Far Around The Bend

- The National are one of my favorite modern bands of all time, so it was no surprise that their offering to the Dark Was The Night charity compilation was my favorite. It has all the qualities of a classic National song. Down to earth lyrics from Matt, beautiful sounds, clean and precise guitar playing, and smart complementary rhythm. The National are masters of their craft and this was a teaser for the great things that they will bring in 2010, and the rest of this new decade.

21. White Rabbits – Percussion Gun

- I remember the first time hearing this song and how floored I was. These guys basically created the 2009 version of The Walkmen’s “The Rat”. The song had so much energy and emotion, created by the drumming. Then everything kicks in just as it should. Thre lead singer really does channel The Walkmen’s Hamilton Leithauser. And the background vocals are just oh too perfect!!!!  Their amazing live performance on Letterman sealed the deal for me : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3H9TVk8M60 This is music is raw, and real!!

20. Bat For Lashes – Daniel

- I won’t lie. I am still having trouble getting into Bat For Lashes albums. I am aware that she is a good artist, and I can tell that her albums are well made. However I can’t really connect with it. With that said, I had no problem connecting with “Daniel” the irresistible first single from her latest album Two Suns. The song sounds mystical, like a hazy dream on the beach. Natasha’s voice takes you away to another place. The song is able to transport you to many different places through its enchantments, that you never realize the song may just have a connection with The Karate Kid himself.

19. Handsome Furs – Radio Kaliningrad

- Handsome Furs released one of my favorites songs of the year with their album close, Radio Kaliningrad. Sadly, I don’t think anyone else in the world even knows about this songs existence. If you do, then I love you! Something about this song grabs me every time. I don’t know what it is, but there is just a sense of urgency and meaning to the song. It is just a powerful song that in my mind, is one of the most incredible things to come out of any of the Wolf Parade members many side projects. The guitar leads the way for a heart spilled chorus filled with a purpose.

18. Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension

- 11th Dimension immediately sold my trust in Julian Casablancas as a solo artist. The song was a perfect piece of synth pop rock that had the flare of The Strokes, and the soul of Julians voice. The song was edgy, flashy, and catchy. Julian added catchy synths and a tropical drum beat and everything came together quite perfect. He still has a knack for writing a catchy, memorable chorus. Deep within this song is a glimmer of hope that the Strokes will return!

17. Heartless Bastards – The Mountain

- Here is another song that I got via blogger email. I didn’t know anything about these guys, and truth be told, I still don’t really know all that much. However, their recent album was pretty enjoyable, and they wrote one of the best songs of the year with “The Mountain”. The guitar packs so much punch, but it is one of the many bright spots in the song. Erika Wennerstrom sings with everything that her passionate soul has to offer, proving that real songwriting is still alive.

16. Girls – Hellhole Ratrace

- Sure this may be a 2008 song, but this masterpiece is a 2009 song in my eyes. Girls album got everyone crazed in 2009, and with a song like Hellhole Ratrace, you realize it is for a very good reason. The song finds a way to climax on its own without forcing it down your throat. “Hellhole Ratrace” is a very sentimental song that takes flight from Chris Owens depressing lyrics and real “sad” vocals to go along with it. He keeps repeating the same lyrics, but the song finds a way to build and build on its own without forcing this change around your throat. When the song finally hits it’s climax around the halfway marl, it almost represents Chris Owens coming to a realization, as he is re-born again. The song really speaks for itself, it is a touching piece.

15. Freelance Whales – Generator ^ First Floor

- Freelance Whales came out of no where, and surprised me with one of the most pleasant surprises in all of 2009. My interest for these true indie rockers was started by an introduction from PMA’s Luis. He told me to start with Generator ^ First Floor, so I did. I was floored at how good it was. I hit repeat all night. The song takes a while to kick in from the machine like sounds that start it, but once it kicks in, it sounds like heaven. From the gentle guitars to the welcoming vocals, the song is magical in pretty much everywhere. My only fault with the song is that it is way too short! I don’t think I will ever re-experience the joy and happiness I felt when I first heard this song. It was such a touching moment for me, it has been a long time since a song came out of left field and blew me away like “Generator ^ First Floor” did.

14. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero

- I was a little hesitant about the new Yeah Yeah Yeah’s dance/synth influenced sound, but “Zero” cleared all of my concers in a heartbeat. I realized that this was still very much the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s I grew up loving, just with a little more flare and energy (in new found areas). They use the dance elements to their advantage crafting an entirely different type of song. The song is a catchy piece of adrenaline pumping music that was one of the most memorable songs of 2009. When they played this at All Points West the entire crowd went ape-shit, confirming that I wasn’t the only one who loved “Zero”. They won’t ever make another song like “Maps”, but I don’t think they will ever make another song as good as “Zero” either!

13. The xx – Crystalised

- I won’t lie, it was tough for me to pick just one song off of the xx’s excellent debut. Was it too predictable picking “Crystalized”? Well no more than picking any Animal Collective song! “Crystalised” is the finest moment on the album, hands down. The vocals are sexy as they channel in all of their favorite R&B influences to create a smooth sound. They keep the music minimalistic until the chorus comes pushing it through with a vengeance. When listening to a song so finly crafted like this, it is hard to believe that this is the bands first album. Where were they in a decade where shitty r&b had been overpopulating the radio waves?

12. The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

- I first discovered this masterpiece thanks to the 500 Days Of Summer trailer (god, I love that film!). Soon after I went scowling on the internet to find out who made it. Once I did, I listened to the song nonstop for days. The singers voice was just so different, and it was scary how perfect he was to sing on this song. “Sweet Disposition” is practically the definition of ethereal, sounding too good for words. The song just sounds so pure, so heavenly. You are hooked right away from his voice, and then once the chorus hits, it’s all too late. Your already sucked in for good!

11. Passion Pit – Sleepyhead

- Sure, this song was technically released in 2008. However, it’s beauty wasn’t really appreciated by the world until 2009, therefore, it is in my 2009 list. I don’t think I can really say much about this song that hasn’t alrady been said. It is a masterful use of sampling to create a deadly song full of electronic vocals, and unique high pitched vocals. I think their show at Terminal 5 confirmed how ape-shit people are for this song. People were chanting Sleepyhead every time the band took a break. This is going to define Passion Pit. When they get bigger than anyone expects, this song will be treasured as “their” song.

10. Phoenix – Lisztomania

- This was the year of Phoenix! I have two songs in my top 10, and for good reason! This song is just beyond anything the band has ever done before. The band sounds confident, fully aware of what they have created. A pop rock masterpiece that bursts through your speakers with triumphant energy. The sound sounds so clean and pure, it is hard to believe that we are currently in a lo-fi phase! Thomas Mars sings with confidence and swagger, reminding us all that they have been doing this for years. This song is so much fun to listen to, and I think that’s what matters.

9 . The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Young Adult Friction

- Pains Of Being Pure At Heart were one of the most under-appreciated bands of 2009. How could you not get into this pop centerpiece? The beat is started by a simple yet ridiculously catchy drum beat that propels the band into full swing. Shoegazy guitars, hazy vocals, and smart lyrics. “Young Adult Friction” was one of my most listened to songs of the year and the reason I put it in my top 10 is because it has not lost any of its initial shine over the course of a year. It still remains great in my mind, and there is no reason for me not to put this gem in my top 10.

8. Grizzly Bear – While You Wait For The Others

- Whew. We start with Dan Rossen and his guitar at the forefront. The rest of the band is quietly tagging along, not straying too far from their shadows. They let Dan do his thing, slowly setting up for one of the most powerful chorus’s you are bound to hear from any band. They all come to the forefront for the chorus, adding their harmonies in beautiful unison. Then Dan goes back to doing his thing. We dig it, but are anxiously waiting for the band to strike up a bigger chord. Then it comes, and we are left without words. Ed Droste finally gets his own chance to shine and blows us away with his unearthly haunting vocals. Grizzly Bear are master’s of their craft, there is no denying that!

7. Local Natives – Airplanes

- Local Natives will blow up in 2010, trust me on that. When you have a song as good as “Airplanes”, there is no way that you are going to stay small. The opening piano gives the song a passionate reflective nature that is pure and real. Immediately you get the sense that these guys have more passion than any band in indie rock. They are out to write a good song, and nothing more. The song has the same state of mind. It’s about missing that special someone, and missing the simple things in life!

Don’t be surprised to see “Airplanes” on movie soundtracks, trailers, and TV Shows. Hell, it was already on Chuck!

6. Phoenix – 1901

- Phoenix absolutely knocked “1901″ out of the park. When they announced a free song for download on their website, I expected it to be one of filler tracks from their new album (there are no filler tracks!), and expected to be moderately pleased. I didn’t expect to be handed one of Phoenix’s best songs of their career. “1901″ see’s the band at the peak of their career delivering a powerful pop rock song that takes all of their elements to the finest degree! The synth’s hang over the song guiding every other instrument along for the ride. The band is in full focus, sounding confident, and tighter than they ever have. The song’s chorus was good enough to use in a car commercial, and it was good enough to get acclaim from practically everyone in the world.

“1901″ is jaw-droppingly good, and it only got better from listening to it in the context of the album!

5. Arctic Monkeys – Crying Lightning

- Most of the world was let down by their initial listen of “Crying Lightning”, but most agree that it got much better over time. I didn’t immediately love this song either, and I will agree that it grows on you a lot! I was judging “Crying Lightning” purely on the live performances, and if the song found a way to grow on me live, I was pretty sure I’d love the studio recording. I was right. I loved Alex Turner’s new found voice, his fast paced tone, the haunting guitar. It all made sense to me. This was the Arctic Monkeys that they always wanted to be. Dark, mysterious, but still sounding like the boys from Sheffield. The guitar solo in Crying Lighting is short but sweet. It’s hinting at a band ready to break out of its shell, and soon they will. But for now we have incredible songs like “Crying Lightning”. It is one of the bands finest songs yet, and I don’t care what anyone says. This is the Arctic Monkeys sounding smarter, heavier, and more confident then ever.

4. Animal Collective – My Girls

- I remember when this song leaked and I got a nice take down notice from that Web Sheriff fella. Nice guy (eh?). At the time I only listened to My Girls a dozen times, but it was enough to know that we had something special on our hands. The song doesn’t go nuts and try to blow you away at first. Panda Bear slowly builds the song with his familiar croon over delicate electronic sounds that only Animal Collective could conceive. Then the song starts to pick up, all it takes is some pounding from a drum stick, and a little extra umph in the bass. Animal Collective come together to deliver a powerful chorus that is smart yet catchy. Accessible, yet still not accessible to most minds.

When talking about this song to my best friend Chris, he mentioned how the song really doesn’t have a HUGE peak. They really never do leave that repeating electronic noise, or really break away with a BIG chorus. It’s almost as if Animal Collective found a way to create a chorus without going into a true chorus. That is the true beauty of this song, it is like nothing else that any of us have ever heard, and that is why it stands alone.

3. Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks

- It was the summer of 2008 when I caught Grizzly Bear’s fantastic performance/debut of “Two Weeks” on Letterman. I was a fan of Yellow House, but I wasn’t as big of a Grizzly Bear fan as I am today. I remember the performance clear as day, and how jaw dropping it was. There was something special about “Two Weeks” that radiated from that performance. Ed Droste’s vocals were majestic, and the keyboard melody is so basic but it is such a big part of the song. Just like the infectious “oh oooh ooooooh ooooooooo” is. The song is constructed to the finest degree creating a beautiful pop song that Grizzly Bear will never re-create. The crazy part about this song is that they found a way to make it even better than it was on Letterman by adding Victoria Legrands to the song. Her vocals were a perfect fit to the song, and it almost felt like they were made for this song! I could go on and on about this song, but there isn’t too much to add that hasn’t already been said. Grizzly Bear may have made their masterpiece!

2. Arctic Monkeys – Cornerstone

Arctic Monkeys teased all of their fans with clips on their youtube channel led by Matt Helders. I remember them playing a guitar riff that sounding too good for words. I couldn’t wait to hear what this mysterious song was. I didn’t know its name, but I knew that it was going to be a fantastic song. Then the album came out and there it was, “Cornerstone”. It was literally everything that I hoped it to be. Wonderfully written lyrics, a beautiful clean melody, and wonderful singing from Alex Turners warm mature voice. The song is by far the best thing that the Arctic Monkeys have done, and it is amazing to compare this song to their earlier work. At 2:42 the final verse kicks in, and this is by far the most memorable part of the song. The band put so much of themselves in the song, and it payed off.

I got to see them play this song for the first time ever live at All Points West, and me and my friends already knew every single word. I hope they noticed!

1. Animal Collective – Bluish

- Not one of you guys could have predicted this as my #1 song of the year. I contemplated My Girls, Cornerstone, and Two Weeks but something just pushed me towards Bluish. There is nothing else out there that moved me like “Bluish” did. It was so different in style, and in sound. Animal Collective have never sounding like this before. It is almost like they ripped away a shield and became vulnerable for us. “Bluish” is the closest that Animal Collective will probably ever go to making a ballad.

The lyrics are beautiful and sentimental, reaching an emotional level that I don’t think the band even knew they were reaching. The culmination of this song is not built by a certain lyrics, a certain part, or a climax. Rather, the song as a whole is the best part. It is a beautiful masterpiece that got overshadowed by all of Merriweather Post Pavilion’s big guns. I thought long and hard about why this was my favorite song. The answer is pretty clear however. “Bluish” is a breathtaking achievement that has more value at the end of the day than any other songs on MPP or 2009 in my eyes. The way the band sings the chorus is so magical, there is nothing that beats it.

Many of you will not approve of this pick, and some of you may have not even heard it yet. That’s ok, I stand behind this pick. That’s ok with me. I have many memories of listening to this song with my friend Alex for weeks, or keeping warm with it during winter. Memories and moments like these are what stand out in my mind when listening to Bluish, and make it my favorite song of the entire year.

Did I also mention that the song is probably about eating out a girl?

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Download all 50 songs for a limited time via zshare

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NOTE: I didn’t include singles for 2010 albums like “Cousins” and “Norway” because in my mind they are 2010 songs. So that’s why they are not in the list. Also, I considered Local Natives a 2009 release since I was following them since last year and heard their album via the UK release. Similarly, that is why an album like the Rural Alberta Advantage has no songs on here. Because I included them in my list last year!

Without further a do, here are my favorite (or the best!) songs of 2009 in my mind! :

100 . John Frusciante – Song To The Siren

- The (newly) ex-Red Hot Chili Pepper guitarist delivers a gorgeous ballad with his cover of Tim Buckley’s “Song To The Siren”. What a voice he has! The Chili’s never let him shine like this, but looking back he always did provide great backup vocals. Everyone ignored this album, but here’s to hoping that I get someone else hooked! He takes Tim’s song and gives it his own special touch, and what a touch it is!

99. Islands – Vapours

- The song shares the name of the Island 3rd album, and just like the album, it is the Islands letting lose having fun. Nick Thorburn and company sound like they had fun making this song. It resonates through his votes, and through a true “island’ sound. This song is easy to listen to listen to with it’s funky bass groove, and savvy chorus. Total fun!

98. The Decemberists – The Rake’s Song

- Many people were not too fond of The Decemberists new “heavy-metal (ish)” sound that they took on with The Hazards Of Love. However, they find a middle ground with “The Rake’s Song” where they successfully incorporate their folky chorus over a catchy guitar riff and brutal drums. This song slays!

97. Cymbals Eat Guitars – Wind Phoenix

- Cymbals Eat Guitars are an interesting band that makes music that is emotional, raw, and sonically interesting. Don’t believe me? Listen to “Wind Phoenix” five times, then sit down, and shut up! Your welcome.

96. Hungry Villagers – Tree Full Of Ghosts

-They are extremely talented kids who have a knock for writing beautiful songs epic enough to swoon a club, with the possibility to rock out an arena someday. I have really high hopes for these guys for this new decade!

95. Basement Jaxx – Raindrops

- Basement Jaxx dropped out of the sky like a Raindrop splashing in onto the blog scene with a huge splash on blogs, just like they would have 10 years ago on the radio. Different decade, different medium of exposure, same result.

94. Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness (Feat. MGMT & Ratatat)

- A Kid Cudi song guest featuring the trippy guitar work of Ratatat and a chorus sung by MGMT? A strange combination at first glance, but it works perfectly. Epic!

93. Glasvegas – It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry

- James Allen’s thick Scottish accent flourishes with this powerful mega tune that is strong enough to make a grown man cry. It is a display of a guilty mans conscience that will make anyone whose ever cheated, fell like absolute shit. Pretty powerful Glasvegas, I tip my hat to you!

92. The Rocketboys – Like Ice In Water

- The Rocketboys deliver a beauitful and haunting song with “Like Ice In Water” that is well written, well constructed, and memorable. This is the type of song that deserves to be played during a dramatic end to a romantic movie. It sounds like a rush of love, collapsing at the foot of a sunrise. With a tune like this, you would have expected Grey Anatomy to pick up on it already!

91. Maxïmo Park – The Kids Are Sick Again

- Although Maxïmo Park’s new album was disappointing for the most part, there were gems like “The Kids Are Sick Again” to save the day. I discover something new about it every time I listen, and it secretly builds up to a pretty powerful chorus. When Maxïmo Park are on, they are on. Most people missed this song, but I hope you don’t second guess this band anymore. They still got it!

90. Jay-Z – Empire State of Mind (Feat. Alicia Keys)

- It may be the fact that this was the Yankees World Series victory song, or that I am from New York. But this Jay-Z song was just on fire for months, and it just rocked. Every time it was on, I was singing alone, proud to be a New Yorker. Alicia Keys kills it. This song is the closest thing I have to a hometown anthem, so I will take it! Plus, every time I hear this I am reminded of the glorious 2009 New York Yankees. Good enough for me!

89. Vetiver – Everyday

- My girlfriend introduced this song to me as a way to describe the pain of being away from one another for an extended period of time. Vetiver perfectly convey the feelings of what makes a person special to you. This is love.

88. Here We Go Magic – Tunnelvision

- Everyone from Ed Droste to Sufjan Stevens pimped this guy. You don’t get recommended by guys like that for ill reasons. Tunnelvision is a great track where Luke Temple shows of his magical voice and keen ear for uncharted melody.

87. Wavves – So Bored

- Say what you want about this kid, but this song is good. The lo-fi does infact help make the song what it is, so back off. This song wouldn’t sound the same all shined up and glassy. This is a real slackers, slacker anthem!

86. Sufjan Stevens – You Are The Blood

- Sufjan Stevens pulls a KID A on us? Could this be a sign of what the new Sufjan Stevens sounds like in the new decade? I’m all for experimental avant garde music from Sufjan. He basically melts the mind with this exceptionally good cover of The Castanets song. It doesn’t take it to a different level, rather, a different dimension.

85. The Whitest Boy Alive – Island

- The Whitest Boy Alive are the epitome of cool. The ideal listening setting for “Island” would be on a beach, wearing cool shades, sipping on a Corona. This song just makes summer come alive!

84. U2 – Moment Of Surrender

- I don’t care about anyone’s hatrid for U2, so don’t bother with me. “Moment Of Surrender” is one of U2′s finest moments in a long time. Very beautiful, very passionate, and very U2. The song builds and builds to an ecstasy filled high brought to you by 4 genius irish-men.

83. Sleep Whale – We Were Dripping

- Sleep Whale deliver a dense track filled with beautiful instrumentals, vocals drenched in reverb, which result in a real beauty.

82. Neon Indian – Local Joke

- A song that deserves it’s place in the chillwave genre. An irrestistable piece that shines and colors your speakers with its delightful electronic sounds.

81. Sharon Van Etten – Much More Than That

- All that I have to say is : heartbreaking.

80. Japandroids – Young Hearts Spark Fire

- Japandroids sure do make a lot of noise for just two dudes. It’s raw garage rock fueled by passionate men who are having fun doing what they love!

79. Dan Deacon – Snookered

- Dan Deacon amazes me with what he can do with live instruments, and electronic effects. This is eight minutes of awesome!

78. Lily Allen – Fuck You

- Lily delevers a pretty straightforward message through her glamorous pop that we can’t get enough of!

77. Muse – Uprising

- Muse deliver a rocking track featuring a big chorus, a riff ready to fill 5 Wembleys, and plenty of reasons to continue to call Muse one of the biggest bands in the world.

76. The Thermals – Now We Can See

- The Thermals continue to do their thing with one of their catchiest tunes ever. It shares the same title as the album, and rightfully so, as it is the best song on the album by a mile!

75. Washed Out – Belong

- Washed Out came out of nowhere and caught the attention of many people with his delicious EP full of chill electronic songs such as “Belong”. He is able to create a dirty sound while still sounding fresh.

74. Wilco – You & I

- Jeff Tweedy duets with the wonderful Feist on this heartbreaking beauty. Wilco has a knack for delivering some of the most earnest moments, and it was only proper that they ended the decade with another one.

73. Blind Man’s Colour – Jimmy Dove

- This is what you would get if you mixed Animal Collective with MGMT. Trippy beyond belief.

72. Discovery – Osaka Loop Line

- This is not the only Discovery song on this list. This song is just pop/r&b done right. The electronic work is true bliss. So much fun to listen to! They captured the sound of summer and poured it right into our ears.

71. Camera Obscura – French Navy

- Camera Obscura have a knack for making retro-sounding indie rock that is simply irresistible. You can’t help but smile when you hear a Camera Obscura song like “French Navy”. It’s too good to do anything else!

70. Dirty Projectors – Stillness Is the Move

- “Stillness Is The Move” features an odd time signature that only the Dirty Projectors could make. It is not like anything else out there, and that is why I love it!

69. Harlem Shakes – Strictly Game

- Harlem Shakes devliver an excellent opener to their excellent debut album. The band sings “This Will Be A Better Year”. I guess they knew what was coming.

68. Röyksopp – Happy Up Here

- The song title says it all, this song just makes you sound fucking happy in the head. Musical ecstasy! Hit play, and try not to smile!

67. The Antlers – Kettering

- Try not to cry. This song is just emotionally crushing. Totally beautiful. The tears will start to fall. Just you wait!

66. Taken By Trees – My Boys

- A tropical cover of one of the best songs of the year. Her voice is sexy as hell too! A total winner!

65. Miike Snow – Black & Blue

- Miike Snow showed their ability to write incredible pop songs with their debut album, and this was just one of my favorites!

64. Bon Iver – Blood Bank

- Bon Iver is one of a kind. He followed up one of the decades finest albums with a great EP that delivered this spine tingling song. God bless Bon Iver!

63. Woods – Rain On

- A beautiful song that may draw many comparisons to artists like Neil Young. And for good reason, this song is well written, and has a nice message. I adore this song!

62. Cass McCombs – Dreams Come True Girl

- Sounds like it was taken right from the 50′s/60′s. It just has a really redeeming quality about it, making you want to find your true love and hold onto her tighter than ever!

61. St. Vincent – Actor Out Of Work

- St. Vincent finds a middle ground between beautiful earnest songs, and rock n’ roll guitar riffs, and she chooses the latter here. With that said, her lovely vocals still grace the song and make it very St. Vincent.

60. Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got the Love (XX remix)

- I am not sure if you should call this a remix of Florence + The Machine, or a cover by The XX. Either way, this remix/cover came out of nowhere and became one of my favorite songs of the year. They give the song their dark, subtle kiss allowing it to become sexier than any r&b artists that is on the radio today.

59. Julian Casablancas – Out Of The Blue

- Julian channels his inner-Stroke and delivers the best track that the Strokes never did! A perfect opening song that act as a transition from The Strokes to his solo record.

58. Dirty Projectors – Two Doves

- If two doves could make a sound, it would probably sound like this. Alright maybe not, but you get the idea. This is one of the most restrained Dirty Projecters song on Bitte Orca, and it moved me with it’s natural beauty and warmth. You begin to understand that the female vocalists in Dirty Projecters play such a crucial role in their sound. One of 2009′s most genuine beauty’s.

57. Real Estate – Beach Comber

- Real Estate created a song that really lives by it’s name. “Beach Comber” sounds like a perfect summer song. Everything sounds appropriate, and I don’t think that they could have written a better song.

56. The Doves – Kingdom Of Rust

- One of the best acts in the UK, that deserve Coldplay like acclaim. Don’t believe me? Try not to get moved by “Kingdom Of Rust”. Truly outstanding vocals, precise percussion, and guitar/bass work that speaks to each other. It all adds up a mighty tune that deserves a proper stadium singalong. The U.S. needs to hop on the Doves already.

55. The Antlers – Bear

- A really personal song. The Antlers use the thrashing rocking 2nd half to further display the feelings at hand. What a powerful song.

54. JJ – Ecstasy

- JJ came out of no where and got noticed by doing an outer worldly cover of Lil Wayne smash hit “Lilipop”. So ethereal and mystical! Lil Wayne would have no idea what is going on!

53. Here We Go Magic – Fangela

- This is top notch songwriting. Luke creates a lo-fi beauty that is equally as catchy as it is sophisticated. When they opened for Grizzly Bear at Town Hall, this song got all the hipsters moving!

52. The Very Best – Warm Heart Of Africa (Feat. Ezra Koenig)

- Luis from Pretty Much Amazing asked me to write the blurb for this excellent song for his best songs of 2009 list (which he put at #6!). Here is what I had to say:

- Back in 2008, Vampire Weekend were able to take African/World music influences and blend it effortlessly into energetic indie rock to create a juggernaut of an album. It is no surprise, then, that African music influenced bands have risen since. Vampire Weekend made it a lot easier for bands such as The Very Best to have a very good 2009. Songs like “Warm Heart Of Africa” are unlike anything we have ever heard before, yet they manage to stay perfectly accessible at the same time. It helps to have Ezra Koenig, the face of Vampire Weekend, as the featured vocalist. Ezra is able to deliver his warm familiar vocals over the smooth tropical beat, bringing two worlds together. This is the type of song that is meant for the summer, but it is great enough to sound just as good as we are bundled up in our winter coats. “Warm Heart Of Africa” is undoubtedly one of 2009’s finest moments that both indie fans, and world music fans can smile about.

51. The Sweet Serenades – Mona Lee

- God damn the Swedes really know how to make addictive pop songs! I was just talking about this with my friend Alex over a cup of coffee at dunkin donuts last night. They always produce the finest pop music. Add The Sweet Serenades to that list. For some reason they didn’t blow up in 2009, which is mind boggling after listening to how good “Mona Lee” is. From start to finish, this song is just pop rock done right!

As a bonus, here is a zip of #100-51 of my best songs of 2009 : ZIP

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The aftermath of black friday. I am running on virtually no sleep right now haha. It was worth it…somewhat… I got a couple of great blu-ray discs for pretty dirt cheap. Good films too (2001: A Space Odyssey, Full Metal Jacket, 400 Blows, The Departed, The Graduate, etc…) So I am happy, I’m all set with movies for a long, long, time. Someone else can bring the popcorn!

I am going to take some time off from any intense blogging right now. Sleep is needed! However, I am going to leave you with a treat. Neon Indian recently remixed Grizzly Bear’s awesome Veckatimest track: Cheerleader! Not once, but twice! The first remix is called Neon Indian ‘Sega Genesis P-Orridge’ Remix, and the second is called Neon Indian ‘Studio 6669′ Remix.

Neon Indian mixes his 80′s influenced electronic effects with the delicious vocal harmonies of Grizzly Bear. It works quite well! I don’t believe that this is on any official release or anything..but I will update you if that changes!

Let your mind melt to this:

[mp3] : Grizzly Bear – Cheerleader (Neon Indian ‘Sega Genesis P-Orridge’ Remix)

[mp3] : Grizzly Bear – Cheerleader (Neon Indian ‘Studio 6669′ Remix)

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Its almost been 3 months since I introduced Neon Indian to you guys. Well it seems that the identity of at least 1 of the 2 members of this mysterious electronic group has come out. It is believed that the male member of the group is Alan Palomo a.k.a. as the man behind Vega.

Neon Indian has officially signed to Lefse Records. With this comes the announcement that their debut LP will be called Psychic Chasms (see the album art above!). A brand new track has surfaced titled “Terminally Chill” and I think that the title sums up the song perfectly.

Neon Indian are crafting some of the coolest, trippiest, chilled electronic music that I have heard all year. This is great stuff. Perfect for a lazy summer day when you just don’t give a shit.

[mp3] : Neon Indian – Terminally Chill

just to refresh your memory of the type of quality that will be on this LP:

[mp3] : Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer

here is the tracklist:

01 (AM)
02 Deadbeat Summer
03 Laughing Gas
04 Terminally Chill
05 (If I Knew, I’d Tell You)
06 6669 (I Don’t Know If You Know)
07 Should Have Taken Acid With You
08 Mind, Drips
09 Psychic Chasms
10 Local Joke
11 Ephemeral Artery
12 7000 (reprise)

Psychic Chasms comes out October 13th

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