My Top 10 (ok 11) of 2009

[Jeff Hanson]

Hmm, don't think I have it in me to try to compile a list of 50 best of the
00's.B But I admire those of you who have.B Also thanks for those who posted
about Fever Ray--I kept seeing the album and thinking it was just a new Azure
Ray album ( a band I thought was OK, but not particularly intrigued by).

Now B I will definitelyB check it out.

My favorites of the year (that I received this year--some may have come out
late last year)....

1. Lykke LI - Completely infectious--the charm of Bjork but more accessibile
while still quirky

2.B The Decembrists - The Hazards of Love - I'm surprised how much I like
this album, but it has such a driving intensity to it I find it very
captivating.

3.B La Roux - La Roux - Very catchy dance pop with very intriguing, catchy
vocals that make you stop to listen.B The comparisons to Yazoo are
appropriate to the synth-pop dance beats, but the lead singer is no Alison
Moyet--still a very engaging fun album that is part of the 80's revival.

4.B Florence and the Machine - Lungs - Powerful, complex, tends to get better
with every listen.

5.B Bat for Lashes - Two Suns - I think I like this album even better than
her first.

6.B Antony & The Johnsons - The Dying Light - probably my least favorite of
the Antony & The Johnsons albums, but still better than most stuff out
there--some heart-breakingly beautiful songs on this.

7.B Jewel - Lullaby - yes, stll a fan, even if it is on Fisher-Price
records.B Truly some great vocals and nice simple arrangements.B Plus nice
versions of some very old Inner Change era songs.

8.B Melody Gardot - My One and Only Thrill - This is a great late night
album--since no Holly Cole this year, this helps fill the void.

9.B Anna Ternheim - Leaving on a Mayday - Another great album from Anna--I
think I prefer her simpler folk arrangements--this album has lots of
interesting musical things going on, but I find it distracts a bit from her
pure voice

10.B Serena Ryder - IsB It OK? - a great album from a young Canadian artist
that blew me

away at a Folk Alliance several years ago--nice to see her capturing some
national attention with this release

11.B Amy McDonald - This is the Life - Great album from a great Scottish
Rocker--personally I like this much more than the more popular KT Tunstall or
Lily Allen

Honorable mentions - Think Fever Ray will definitely rise to the Top 10 after
further listens, as will probably Katy Carr's Coquette.B Also been digging
more and more into Casey Stratton's back catalog and independent
releases--piano pop enthusiasts who don't mind guys who sound like girls
should definitely check him out.B Former Rockstar Supernova alumni Ryan
Star's Last Train Home EP isn't bad--still looking forward to the release of
the full album.

Oh, and the insanely popular Susan Boyle album ain't that bad either.B I'll
also have to put LIsa Gerrard's Black Opal on the list once I track down a
copy.

In other favorites--got to give props to Glee for bringing faith back that
scripted television isn't done for good--greatB original TV with great music
B (even if not original music).B Still,B a very B entertaining show with a
very talented cast.

Jeff Hanson

np - Anna Ternheim - Halfway to Fivepoints

nr - Netherland - Joseph O'Neill

B B B B B B Written Lives - Javier Marias