Top 10 Albums of 2009
Jon Wesley Huff
anything that's going to knock my socks off so I've been counting down my
top 10 of 2009 a little early...
1. Ellipse - Imogen Heap
Here it is! Number one! I was looking forward to this for so long and it was
one of the few albums like that which hasn't disappointed me in some way.
I've listened to this so many times since it was released. She's a great
musician. The way she forges the music together from all these different
elements... its pretty incredible. Add to that her lyrics and that magical
voice... yep, this was definitely number one. 2-1 is amazing, but also check
out Wait It Out, Tidal and Canvas.
2. Middle Cyclone - Neko Case
She's one of those artists I've always heard was amazing but could never
quite get into. Until Middle Cyclone. There's a nice mix of slower songs and
songs that have more drive and energy to them. Her voice has a great
emotional range, but I have to say it'...s the songwriting that is probably
her greatest asset. Tons of great moments on this album.
3. Lungs - Florence + The Machine
This album came out of nowhere and knocked me over the head. There are too
many amazing songs to list but "Dog Days Are Over," "Rabbit Heart,"
"Drumming Song," My Boy Builds Coffins." "Cosmic Love" is my favorite
though. It's epic and huge and it rips my heart out.
4. If I Had A Heart - Fever Ray
I was hooked on Karin Dreijer Andersson's voice when I first heard it in
Rvyksopp's amazing "What Else Is There?" but I didn't have a lot of luck
getting into her first group (The Knife.) Then she starts a solo project
(Fever Ray) and I am amazed. I don't know how to describe the songs to do
them justice. Just watch. And listen. There are quite a few videos and they
are all amazing.
5. Wait For Me - Moby
It's been a while since I've felt much of an emotional connection to Moby's
work, although I've certainly enjoyed a good deal of it. But this album is
definitely different. A return to form, I think. Watch the David Lynch
directed video for "Shot In The Back of the Head" and listen to "Pale Horse"
6. Anna Teirnheim - Leaving on A Mayday
I fell in love with her music when I first listened to her last album
Halfway To Fivepoints. The new album does not disappoint. Quietly powerful
music. Listen to "No, I Don't Remember," "My Heart Still Beats For You" and
"Make It On My Own"
7. Light of X - Miranda Lee Richards
I waited five years for this album. Select tracks appeared sometime in 2004
on her website. I'd go to her site just to listen to the tracks she had up
over and over. One of them was "Early November." Even after all that time,
I never got sick of them. Light of X feels a bit more "complete" then her
debut album (also worth checking out) although it takes longer seeping into
your skin. She deserves such a bigger following then she has. Also check out
"Breathless."
8. The Fame Monster - Lady GaGa
Look folks! It's an artist on my list who actually gets radio play. Whether
it's all calculated marketing, "pure artistry" or a mix of both... she just
makes some great songs. And yes, she writes ALL HER OWN songs. Not that I
think it's required for a great ...singer... but it's a feather in the cap.
9. Kingdom of Welcome Addiction - IAMX
This was a relatively late find for me (via Imogen Heap) and I have to
say... I was totally enthralled. Dark, sexy, apocalyptic and at times very
tender and emotionally raw. Check out tracks "Tear Garden," "My Secret
Friend" and "I Am Terrified"
10. Taller Children - Elizabeth and The Catapult
It's an amazing little pop album. Elizabeth Ziman's songwriting and voice
are captivating and the album as a whole has a great emotional range while
maintaining a strong melodic sensibility. I suggest sampling the title
track, "Complimentary Me" and "Apathy."