10. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms
Alan Palomo’s side project away from Vega in which he intended to turn out an album in a matter of weeks ended up much more interesting than his main project. A psychedelic, woozy 30 minute journey blasting strangely filtered synths and pop melodies through a hazy filter. And in ‘Deadbeat Summer’, we have one of the jams of the year.
MP3:Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer
MP3:Neon Indian – Terminally Chill
[Myspace | Buy: Amazon / iTunes / eMusic ]
9. And So I Watch You From Afar – And So I Watch You From Afar
Rarely has a post hard-rock instrumental album captured the imagination of nigh-on everyone who has heard it. From the monstrous opening thunderclap of ‘Set Guitars to Kill’ to the elegiac yet triumphant ‘The Voiceless’, ASIWYFA have invigorated a genre that many felt had little capacity left to thrill. And So I Watch You From Afar is also one of the best-sounding records of the year; filled with dynamics; from the low-end comforting rumble of the bass to the high-fretted riffs at its peak, everything about it feels near-perfect. We can only hope the conquering continues into 2010 when their Letters EP is released in February.
MP3:ASIWYFA – Clench Fists Grit Teeth GO!
[Myspace | Buy: Amazon / iTunes / eMusic ]
8. Fever Ray – Fever Ray
Karin Dreijer Andersson goes it alone without her brother from The Knife. Following on from my album of the decade, here the results are more atmospheric with the dark, eerie parts far-outweighing any lighter pop sensibilities. Andersson’s lyrics are obfuscating and odd references to “dishwasher tablets” and being “very good with plants” don’t help but there’s a consistent and comfortable desolation to it all. The music videos and live shows which accompanied the album only served to expand that feeling into other mediums.
[Official site | Buy: Amazon / iTunes / eMusic ]
7. Bibio – Ambulance Avenue
What’s most impressive about Ambivalance Avenue is the sheer eclecticism of its 42 minute length. It flits from a funky lo-fi jam (‘Jealous of Roses’) to an ambient dreamy escapade (‘All The Flowers’) to beat-driven J-Dilla-esque instrumental hip-hop (‘Fire Ant’) to electric folk (‘Haikuesque’) to synth-driven Clark-esque electronica (‘Sugarette’) within the album’s first seven songs. What makes it work thematically as an “album” is the sweetness, a delicate use of guitar and a joie de vivre that few can imprint so beautifully in the music.
[Myspace | Buy: Amazon / iTunes / ]
6. Theophilus London – This Charming Mixtape
I played this a lot this year so it deserves its spot here. A free download first released earlier in the year, it showcases Brooklyn boy Theophilius’ rhyming style over the likes of Amadou & Miriam, Kraftwerk, Lauryn Hill, Bill Withers, Squarepusher, Whitney Huston and some original electro and dance compositions. He’s got better ever since and his debut album proper This Charming Man is also out (though I’ve been playing this so much I never actually got around to getting it until right… now).
[Myspace | FREE download ]
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
YES!
I agree, MPP is great and all but I truly think Veckatimest is the better album and will be seen so down the road!
Great LIST!
jealous of all the shows you’ve been able to see this year. Inever have the proper time
Interesting list, especially Fanfarlo so high up. Thought it was a good album but sort of forgot about it after the initial throes.
I’d also say the direct opposite of the first commenter’s sentiments on Veckatimest vs. MPP: that both are great but that down the road Veckatimest will just be a great album where MPP will have changed things up in its wake.
Ahh, I’d figured on page 3 that it’d be a toss-up between MPP and Veckatimest. I asked for Grizzly Bear for Xmas so reckon it’ll be a good one. Am a bit surprised there wasn’t a bit more Irish in here, there’ve been some really strong releases this year that IMO, stand up to your top picks. Still, good stuff.
Great list , looking forward to checking out some of your choices. Grizzly bear gig was gig of the year for me as well as album of 2009. Also glad to see QOTSA make 4 of your best of decade.
How the HELL did Bromst only come in at 22?
I had predicted the top two the other way around. There’s a few on here I haven’t heard though. Great list as always Niall.
So much good shit on there.
It took me a long time to get into Veckatimest. I am never one to listen to something once and then chuck it if Idont instantly like it. After a lot of listens it just clicked with me and it hasnt been off my iPod “Now Playing” list in months.
So much good shit there to check out. Gonna bookmark this post
No Jay Stay Paid?
Good to see MPP, Major Lazer, and the Ecstatic where they are on the list – I feel like 2009 was one of the stronger years we’ev had in awhile
Number 16 is not “Cellz”. That’s the first line of a poem by Charles Bukowski called Born Into This.
Alex -the Bukowski poem is recited in Cellz the song.