My top faves, with my opinions. Enjoy!
List compiled by: Meghan Kearney
| 10 |  Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix |
One part dance, one part French and all parts momentus. You've probably heard "1901," its blowing up all sorts of TV spaces (Playstation, Cadillac, Gossip Girl). They are this generation's Daft Punk. When will they get their iPod commercial? Be a sucker for synth please.
Must Haves - "Lisztomania," "1901," and "Armistice" |
| 9 |  Say Hi - Oohs & Aahs |
Say Hi is the greatest band you've never heard of. Eric Elbogen converted his Brooklyn roots to full blown Northwestern and Oohs & Aahs backs it best. Lyrics are unavoidably sing-a-long, the whole album is chill, pop, chill. Must Haves - "Hallie & Henry," "The Stars Just Blink For Us" and "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh" |
| 8 |  Twin Atlantic - Vivarium |
Twin Atlantic sends over Vivarium from Glasgow, Scotland. The thickest of accents, and a second or two of American aspersion is totally tolerable. Glasgow's music scene is definitely taking the world for a wild ride this year. The Scots version of rock teetering on the brink of power-pop and punk.
Must Haves - "You're Turning Into John Wayne" and "Light Speed" |
| 7 |  Dangerous Summer - Reach For The Sun |
Reach For The Sun has to be the best pseudo-pop-punk album in years. When I first listened, it reminded me of how I felt some years ago while spinning through Tell All Your Friends, Stay What You Are and Say It Like You Mean It. Barely cracking legal drinking age the boys of The Dangerous Summer are bringing it back. Must Haves - "Where I Want To Be," "Symmetry," and "The Permanent Rain" |
| 6 |  Hockey - Mind Chaos |
Am I biased because this is my new home's most awesome local act? No! These guys rock. Plain and simple. Playing with all sorts of sounds from dance to down home jamborees. Mind Chaos hasn't blown up yet, but I give it another six months max. Jump on this band wagon ASAP. Must Haves - "Too Fake", "Song Away," and "Wanna Be Black" |
| 5 |  Ace Enders & A Million Different People - When I Hit The Ground |
Ace Enders is one guy who will never go away. Everyone should be happy about this. He's even got a new baby boy who will be joining him on tour. This album is somewhat of a reflection on Ace's past. Direct from the heart and always exploding with emotion, Arthur Carl Enders pours it out like no other emo kid out there, ever. Must Haves - "Reintroduction," "When I Hit The Ground," "SOS" and "Leader" |
| 4 |  Owl City - Ocean Eyes |
Say what you will about Owl City. An over night success that is for sure. Its the act of 2009 to love or hate. Well, I love it and am not afraid to say it. Every track (except the Dentist one) is perfect. It will make you feel like you're floating over an ocean of marshmellows and lemonade. Must Haves - "Cave In," "Umbrella Beach," "Meteor Shower" and "Vanilla Twilight" |
| 3 |  Bat For Lashes - Two Suns |
Natasha Kahn is going to take the world by storm with her act Bat For Lashes. From the UK, her second album Two Suns is downright amazing. Beautiful, haunting vocals and a spirit that you cannot deny. I don't think she's reached her full potential with US ears just yet, but good lord if you know what's good for you, look into her work immediately. Must Haves - "Moon and Moon," "Daniel" "Siren Song" and "Glass" |
| 2 |  Brand New - Daisy |
What's awesome about my favorite band of all time is that every album they put out is well, brand new. There is no way to really ever stop loving them because you can just never get burned out. Though I put them in the number two spot this year, Daisy is nothing short of amazing. Jesse's vocals are as wonderous as ever. Props to Vinnie on mucho work for this one. Must Haves - "At The Bottom," "Daisy," "Sink" and "Noro" |
| 1 |  Say Anything - Say Anything |
This might be my favorite Say Anything album yet. I haven't stopped listening to it since the day it showed up on MySpace. Scary to say, this time around Mr. Bemis is happy. And this surprisingly works well for Say Anything. You cannot listen to this album and not feel the sweat and blood that was put into it. Well done my friends, well done. Must Haves - "Do Better," "Elouise," "Less Cute," "Crush'd," "Cemetery" and "Ahhh...Men" |
| Honorable Mention |  The Temper Trap - Conditions |
If you've seen the indie anti-love story 500 Days of Summer, you might recognize this band without knowing why. In fact, thats how I discovered them. All the way from Australia, their debut album Conditions is full of heart. Like Jimmy Eat World with a wider vocal range and a bit more soul.
Must Haves - "Sweet Disposition" and "Fader" |
 Gomez - A New Tide |
If you're looking for a calm album for travelin' or sunny weather, A New Tide is it. Tons of acoustics and an addictive blend of vocals. Have this album by Spring.
Must Haves - "Win Park Slope," "Bone Tired" and "Airstream Driver" |
|
 We Were Promised Jetpacks - These Four Walls |
Another Scottish act, straight from Edinburgh. These rockers put on one heck of a live performance, and their recorded jams are definitely worth taking a listen to. Spacey guitars on energetic riffs make this over-the-pond act one not to miss. Must Haves - "Quiet Little Voices" and "Moving Clocks Run Slow"
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