31. A Camp

31. A Camp-
Colonia

A Camp is the solo side-project of Nina Perssons of The Cardigans and produced by Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse. Somber lyrics and upbeat music provide a nice contrast to her second LP. Her voice is striking and this has become one of my favorite releases of the year...obviously, or it wouldn't be here. Here are the two videos released from two great songs of the LP, although her stare kind of creeps me out.





Bear on the Beach

Myspace
Website

32. Zee Avi

32. Zee Avi-
Zee Avi

I heard a song of hers and Shazam'ed it at the movie theater as it played during the slide show before the movie started. I loved the lyrics, the references to philosophy, the old soul of a voice and the playfulness of the music. When I got home, I downloaded her LP and it was more of the same, which has been fantastic. Her real name is Koko Kaina from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Picked by Brushfire Records (think Jack Johnson), she has been tremendously successful with this debut.



Just You and Me

Myspace
Website

33. A.C. Newman

33. A.C. Newman-
Get Guilty

Frontman for The New Pornographers, Canada's Carl Newman released his second LP Get Guilty this year and is a refreshingly fun romp through indie rock. Lots of good hooks and Nicole Atkins doing back-up on some of the vocals. He used to front for Zumpano and Superconductor. Get Guilty has that Brit-pop sensibility about it that makes me want to dance in my living room.



The Palace at 4AM

Myspace
Website

34. The Raveonettes

34. The Raveonettes-
In and out of Control

"The Raveonettes are a rock and roll duo formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2001. Comprising Sune Rose Wagner (guitar, instruments, vocals) and Sharin Foo (guitar and vocals), their music is characterized by close two-part vocal harmony inspired by The Everly Brothers, coupled with hard-edged electric guitar overlaid with liberal doses of noise."-www.theraveonettes.com The name, The Raveonettes, is a direct reference to “The Ronettes”, and Buddy Holly’s song “Rave On!” They have been pumping out music as of late, and this newest release is a wonderful introduction to their music.



Heart of Stone
Suicide

Myspace
Website

35. Camera Obscura

35. Camera Obscura-
My Maudlin Career

While some bands I am disappointed if they don't adapt and change their sound, others, like Camera Obscura, I would be horrified if they did. This is the fourth release of delicious twee from frontwoman Tracyanne Campbell. Her haunting lyrics and soft-spoken pop is always a feast for the ears. Glasgow, Scotland seems to be bent on being the Twee capital of the world.



Honey in the Sun

Myspace
Website

36. St. Vincent

36. St. Vincent-
Actor

Native Tulsa, Oklahoman, Annie Clark is St. Vincent. I fell in love with her watching her play guitar at Emo's for The Polyphonic Spree about four or five years ago. Then, in '07, she released 'Marry Me' (named after a line in the show Arrested Development). Seriously experimental, 'Marry Me' I listened to a few times and then shelved, only returning to it every now and then. When 'Actor' was released earlier this year, I expected more of the sonically dense fare from Ms. Clark, but was nicely surprised. I love the contrast between her beautiful voice and soft music countered by this heavy noise guitar. I don't mind challenging, experimental music, in fact, most of my library is full of it. So, I appreciate it, just don't have the time for it like I once did. This is a beautiful LP and made a lot of top 10 lists this year. I'm including both videos because they are both artistic masterpieces.



Actor Out Of Work



Marrow


Black Rainbow

Myspace
Website

37. Empire of the Sun

37. Empire of the Sun-
Walking on a Dream

This is a collaborative project between Pnau's Nick Littlemore and The Sleepy Jackson's Luke Steele. Both great group's in and of themselves. In true Aussie spirit, this album embodies the 80's synth-pop but with a decidedly modern influence. They have been featured in Entourage and the 'We Are The People' was featured in a Vizio commerical. Their video's have been incredibly creative and I love the fact that they named their group after one of my favorite 80's movies. I'm including all of their video releases, because they are all worth viewing.

empire of the sun - walking on a dream from nicolas20081 on Vimeo.

Walking on a Dream


We Are The People

Empire of the Sun | MySpace Music Videos

We Are The People



Standing On The Shore




Without You


Then they released this video in conjunction with the full solar eclipse over Australia earlier this year.



Half Mast

Myspace
Website

38. Noah and the Whale

38. Noah and the Whale-
First Days of Spring

What can I say...I love everything these guys do. Their first album Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down is one of my favorite albums of last year. Charlie Fink, the vocalist wrote it and included Laura Marling, one of the most gifted female vocalists I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. These two hooked up and then broke up and First Days of Spring was produced as a concept album about Laura in conjunction with a movie by the same name written and directed by Charlie. This is a must listen with headphones, beautifully orchestrated English pop.

Blue Skies -'The First Days Of Spring' by Noah and The Whale from Julian Eguiguren on Vimeo.

Blue Skies remixed by Yacht

Myspace
Website

39. Faunts

39. Faunts-
Feel.Love.Thinking Of.

Faunts is comprised of three brothers, Steven, Tim and Rob Batke, Paul Arnusch and Scott Gallant hailing from Edmonton, Alberta Canada. They formed in 2000, but it wasn't until this release that they have obtained any sort of notoriety. A beautifully melancholic electro-pop album that is reminiscent of Postal Service and Radiohead (and I only use that reference lightly, not in the sense that every band wants to be attributed to Radiohead). Good winter music.



It Hurts Me All The Time

Myspace
Website

40. Portugal. the Man

40. Portugal. The Man-
The Satanic Satanist

These guys hail from Alaska but are based out of Portland (can you blame them). They have been on my radar for a couple years, but it wasn't until this current release that forced me to own their whole catalog. John Baldwin Gourley is the lead and writes most of the songs. His unique voice and dense lyrics create the soul, rock, electronic, folk fusion that is Portugal. The Man. Very creative bunch of guys, I can't wait to see them live. Their next album is supposed to include more electronic and less natural instruments, I look forward to it.

Portugal The Man "Do You" from Portugal The Man on Vimeo.

Lovers in Love

Myspace
Website

41. Foreign Born

41. Foreign Born-
Person to Person

An American folk/rock band from L.A., I had the pleasure of seeing this band open for The Veils this year. This is their second LP to date and in my opinion, their best release yet. Lots of catchy southern hooks, reminds me of My Morning Jacket, but bouncier. Not a bad song on this disc and once you put it in, you may not take it out.



Vacationing People

Myspace
Blog

42. Clues

42. Clues-
Clues

Clues debut this year barely hit my radar and I'm so glad it did. Another member of the Unicorns is part of this band, as well as a member of Arcade Fire. Experimental pop that incorporates a Commodore 64 and an OLPC as well as multiple drummers, it is a sonic journey that cannot be missed. I have listened to this over and over since receiving it and there is no signs of stopping. While I was sad to see The Unicorns go, here are two great bands that have risen from the ashes, with incommensurable music.



Perfect Fit

Website

43. Islands

43. Islands-
Vapours

Coming to us from Montreal, Canada, Islands is the project of former Unicorns member, Nick Thorburn (briefly taking the stage name “Nick Diamonds”) and drummer J’Aime Tambeur. Picking up where Unicorns left off, they utilize the talents of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade to bring us the album Vapours. A six-piece, the third release from these guys shows great promise and really drives home the quirky poppyness of the Unicorns with an added flair that makes them much more accessible.

Islands play Vapours from Amplified on Vimeo.

Vapours

Myspace

44. Pomegranates

44. Pomegranates-
Everybody, Come Outside!

Saw these guys live at Opolis opening for French Kicks and they really impressed me with their live performance. To have this kind of lively, power-pop/shoegaze rock to come out of kids so young was very impressive. They hail from Cincinatti, Ohio and consist of Isaac Karns, Joey Cook, Jacob Merritt, & Josh Kufeldt. A really fun group that deserves a good listen. I had a hard time getting them off the player this summer.



Corriander

Myspace

45. Choir of Young Believers

45. Choir of Young Believers-
This is for the White in Your Eyes

Brainchild of Copenhagen Jannis Noya Makrigiannis, Choir of Young Believers debut is somewhere between indie folk and orchestral pop. They tour as either Jannis and cello player Ceciele Trier or as an eight piece that includes cello, piano, guitar, drums, and percussion. A multi-layered, darkly romantic anthem to stoic, achingly beautiful songcraft. This album makes the cut, because it was released in the US in '09. The following video is my favorite song, but not an official video. It was done in fun and exemplifies the song well.

Choir of Young Believers - Action/Reaction from jeff hamada on Vimeo.

Action/Reaction

Myspace
Website

46. Here We Go Magic

46. Here We Go Magic-
Here We Go Magic

"Developed over a (stream of consciousness) two-month period, Luke Temple's self-titled debut under his new moniker is a remarkable departure from his signature singer-songwriter material. Many of the songs pulse with infectious Afro-beat and Krautrock-influenced grooves, calling to mind classic albums like Remain in the Light and Graceland. In contrast, the instrumental tracks conjure mystical landscapes reminiscent of Popol Vuh's ambience."-Amazon. The thing is, he did this in his bedroom at home in Brooklyn using analog synths, a cassette 4-track, and his trusty SM-57 mic, coloring the sound with warmth and creating textures you want to wrap yourself in.



Only Pieces

Myspace
Website

47. The Little Hands of Asphalt

47. The Little Hands of Asphalt-
Leap Years

The Little Hands of Asphalt is the solo project of Sjur Lyseid from Norway. iTunes lists this as country, but I think of it more as a poppy folk, with a slight hint of country. Think of it as a cross between Her Space Holiday and Bright Eyes. A beautifully done record. I have included the free EP released on his website before Leap Years was released...enjoy!



The Little Hands of Asphalt-Spit Back at the Rain

Myspace

48. Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson

49. Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson-
Break Up

Scarlett Johansson's last CD was a huge media flop. The media thought she should probably stick to acting in great movies. However, with the addition of Pete Yorn's arrangement and singing alongside, they've created another She & Him team. Scarlett's smoky vocals really resound with this CD about...well...break-ups. With Zooey and Scarlett doing vocals now with cute, indie songs...I have to say, I'd probably marry either one without any hesitation.



I Don't Know What To Do

Myspace
Website

49. Taken by Trees

49. Taken by Trees-
East of Eden

Sad as I was when Victoria Bergsman left The Concretes, that sadness was converted to joy when I listened to Taken by Trees (her new solo project) debut a couple years ago. Her newest release, East of Eden, brings to the table a lot more, um...listenability. I find the songs a lot more pleasurable and enjoyable than her first release and am always happy when this collection of songs pops up on the iPod.



My Boys

Myspace
Website

50. Beirut

50. Beirut-
March of the Zapotec/
Realpeople Holland

Zach Condron's latest effort is actually a double-ep, but because it's by the same artist and released together, I chose to include it in my top 50. March of the Zapotec is a South American inspired album(part of it was produced in Mexico with the Mexican band Jiminez) with some of his characteristic Eastern European flair in there as well. The second side is mostly electronic, again with that Eastern European influence. A fun listen.

"La Llorona" New Official Beirut Video from Owen Cook on Vimeo.

The Shrew


Myspace
Website

Top 50

Like most blogs, I would like to initiate this one with my top 50 of 2009. 2009 was a stellar year for music, especially from new bands. We saw the rise of new music from the 'Crystal' bands (Crystal Antlers, Crystal Castles, Crystal Fighters, Crystal Stilts, and The Crystal Method) and the 'Whale' bands (Black Whales, Or, the Whale, Sleep Whale, Said the Whale, and don't forget Noah and the Whale). It also saw the demise of some great musicians (Michael Jackson, Les Paul and Vic Chestnutt)
I derived my top 50 mostly from what I listened to the most (according to iTunes) throughout the year and what I kept returning to. I took into account later releases and their lack of play compared to earlier releases, but this list is pretty accurate. There is so much music I did not have the time or resources to listen to that I would have liked to consider for this list, but that is another post.

Introduction

I have, after much deliberation, decided to start a music blog. I'm not sure why I haven't done one before, probably time constraints. So, hopefully I will find the time to maintain this. I love music far too much to not do this and I love sharing music even more. I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing tech-wise, yet, so cut me some slack until I figure out all the bells and whistles. Until then, I hope you enjoy reading and, more importantly, listening to what I have to share.