Giles

I must admit I dont hear alot of news music on the radio/internet (bad time management on my part) but here's some of my favorite songs from 2009 albums I've bought - my list will be a work in progress - since I'm writing this with one hand - my left hand is in a cast at the moment (don't ask - long story)

in no particular order:

Kasabian - 'Fire'
The Big Pink - 'Dominos'
Pet Shop Boys - 'All Over the World
A Camp - 'Love Has Left The Room'
Basement Jaxx (with Yoko Ono) - 'Day of the Sunflowers (We March On)
Boys Noize - 'Kontact Me'
Toddla T - 'Rice and Peas'
A-ha - 'Foot of the Mouintain'

(more to come)

Aegean2007

1. Animal Collective - "My Girls"
2. Grizzly Bear - "While You Wait for the Others"
3. Dirty Projectors - "Stillness Is the Move"
4. The Flaming Lips - "Watching the Planets"
5. Bat for Lashes - "Daniel"
6. Sufjan Stevens - "You Are the Blood"
7. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Young Adult Friction"
8. Sleigh Bells - "Crown on the Ground"
9. Destroyer - "Bay of Pigs"
10. The Very Best - "Warm Heart of Africa"

Travis McClain

I just finished compiling my Favorite Cuts of 2009 playlist a couple days ago. It's a baker's dozen, sequenced for listening and therefore does not reflect any kind of ranking.

"American Girl," Taylor Swift - A Rhapsody exclusive, '09 was Swift's year. I heard a lot of her music hanging out with my cousin, I followed Swift on Twitter and her cover of this Tom Petty song reflects a growing maturity to her voice and phrasing sensibilities.

"Johnny Cash Is Dead (And His House Burned Down," Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers - Yeah, Johnny Cash tribute songs are now a dime a dozen, but this one hails from a longtime touring partner and friend of the Man in Black's. It's set to the tune of Cash's "Big River," and its message is as simple as it is humble: "there'll never be another Johnny Cash."

"Who Will Comfort Me," Melody Gardot - Gardot continues to record sultry, forlorn jazz that simply smolders with sensuality. Every time I hear her voice, time slows down.

"The Touch - Sam's Theme," Stan Bush - A radical remake of Bush's iconic '80s recording, this time as an uncredited collaboration with Linkin Park. It was intended for inclusion in this summer's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, but was passed over by director Michael Bay. At first I hated the new arrangement, and the newly added Linkin Park hip-hop segments still haven't quite grown on me, but I've come to appreciate this new take on an old favorite.

"I Told You So," Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis - Speaking of new versions of old favorites, I was thrilled when I learned that Underwood had covered this gem of Travis's on her sophomore album. Retroactively adding his vocals was icing on the cake, and it's interesting to hear a song I'd always thought of as the interior monologue of one person presented as a dual monologue between two former lovers.

"Easy as You Go," George Strait - A young couple get hot and heavy, and then have an unintended pregnancy complete with family drama. Sounds pretty rote, except it's in the hands of George Strait, whose discography to date has generally shied away from any social controversies. In the song, the characters don't get an abortion, but they don't have an easy time of it, either. Strait's narration refrains from passing judgment or holding up the couple as martyrs; he simply relates their tale, while somehow making it feel reassuring.

"I'm Movin' On," Rosanne Cash - From Cash's The List album, a collection of old school covers. This old Hank Snow song has been covered countless times, but it has never been sexy until now. Cash's vocals are mesmerizing, and it's easy to forget this was once a trucker song.

"Cousin Randy," Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears - From the Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears EP, this is one of the most unique cuts I've heard in a long while. It tells the story of Black Joe's cousin, Randy, whom he believes to be possessed by the devil. It's got all the feel of an early blues parable, but it's thoroughly modern...and funny as hell.

"Wild One," Those Darlins - This was including in one of the numerous free samplers I downloaded from iTunes this year, and when I heard it I couldn't believe it was a new recording. It oozes early 70's country, which isn't typically a sound I even like--and yet there's such a charming enthusiasm from Those Darlins that makes this one of the most infectious songs I've heard in a long while.

"Take My Drunk Ass Home (demo)," Luke Bryan - From Bryan's Spring Break with All My Friends digital EP, this is one of those songs that is easy to relate to, fun to hear and even more fun to sing along with. I miss my drinkin' days every now and again, and it's fun to relive them vicariously through the safety of a three-minute long song.

"The House That Built Me," Miranda Lambert - This is one of those songs that is so simple in its concept that it doesn't seem right that it is also so profound. Lambert returns to her childhood home, now owned by people she's never met, and takes a tour, narrating the physical artifacts left behind--and more importantly, those left within her. This is my favorite song on an excellent album, and may be my favorite of the entire year.

"Lullaby," Honeyhoney - Yes, Brahms's "Lullaby" performed by the indie rockers that gave us "Little Toy Gun" and "Black Crows." Suzanne Santo's vocals are full of twang and range, and yet somehow fit the soothing melody perfectly.

"Married Life," Michael Giacchino - From Pixar's Up, this is the music played throughout the emotional montage that opens the film. Not since John Williams's "Journey to the Island" in Jurassic Park have I been so impacted by the perfect marriage of music and image in a film, and that was just cool--this was heart-wrenching, and Giacchino's score expertly navigates the delicate nuances without becoming schmaltzy or bombastic.

Sessa17

These are the official best songs of 2009.
Two - The Antlers The best song from the best album of 2009. The lyrics are brilliant. The melody, the music, its a masterpiece.
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Lullaby - Dark Mean Listen to the whole song. You have no soul if you don't love this shit
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Sessa17

I'm too lazy to keep posting links. Here are the rest of the the statistically proven best songs of 2009. Load your music machine of choice with them, try something new, & thank me for it later.

"Switched On" - Islands
"Now We Can See" - The Thermals
"Ain't nothing like you (Hoochie Coo)" - Blackroc
"Advent in Ives" - Sin Fang Bous
"I Wanna Kill" - Crocodiles
"River" - Akron/Family
"Song Away" - Hockey
"Prizefighter" - Eels
"Dog Days are Over" - Florence + The Machine
"Midnight at the Movies" - Justin Townes Earle
"Laundry Room" - The Avett Brothers
"The Hazard of Love 4, Drowned" - The Decemberists
"Blood Bank" - Bon Iver
"Dancing with Friends" - Juliana Barwick
"No Intention" - The Dirty Projectors
"24-25" - [i]Kings of Convenience[/B]
"Epistemology" - M. Ward
"Blue Skies" - Noah & The Whale
"Rome (Neighbors)" [Devendra Banhart Remix] - Phoenix
"Thinking, Drinking, Sinking, Feeling" - Slow Club
"Ancestors" - Throw Me The Statue
"Buster Voodoo" - Rodrigo y Gabriella
"There's Hope For You" - William Elliot Whitmore

printerati

"Meeting Mr. Miandad" - The Duckworth Lewis Method

hippie68

Well I must have one because I loved that song. It sounded familiar at first and then I realized I had heard it in the "share your song" thread.

bigjim25

I like your country choices.
I'm downloading the Taylor song now as that's the only one of the bunch I haven't heard.
Big Larry Gatlin fan, have been a fan since the late 70's when I was 6.
The Carrie Underwood song is a classic.
The George Strait song is a great song but it has been out since 1993.
I've always liked Rosanne Cash and glad to see she hasn't went to remaking her Dad's songs or doing "duets" with him now that he's dead. Rosanne or her label - please ignore this.
Luke Bryan song is funny.
Miranda Lambert could do a CD of bulps & farts and I'd buy it. She is one of the best country singer/songwriters of this decade.

Cosmic Bus

1. Margaret Dygas, "Frankly"
2. Mungolian Jetset, "Creepy"
3. Lindstrøm & Christabelle, "Baby Can't Stop"
4. Anti-Pop Consortium, "Volcano" [Four Tet remix]
5. The Swell Season, "I've Loved You Wrong"
6. Florence and the Machine, "You Got the Love" [The XX remix]
7. The Raveonettes, "Last Dance"
8. Tegan & Sara, "Hell"
9. These New Puritans, "We Want War"
10. VV Brown, "Shark in the Water"

A few almost-rans:

Alphabeat, "DJ"
Annie, "Take You Home"
Bat for Lashes, "Moon and Moon"
Four Tet, "Love Cry"
Lykke Li, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"

atlantamoi

I'm not going to rank my songs. These are simply songs I really enjoyed this past year. I could list many more than this. I will say that I think "My Girls" by Animal Collective might top my list for being what I'll remember as the sound of '09.

Only spoilerized to compact my post.

Also The Trees "My Girls" How about a nice remake pronto? Victoria Bergsman was in The Concretes.

The Clientele "Bonfires On The Heath" Nod to Pink Floyd at their most pastoral.

Atlas Sound "Walkabout" Deerhunter leader going solo (help on this tune from Noah Lennox of Animal Collective)

Patrick Watson "Big Bird In A Small Cage" Gorgeous tune that picks up a bit of steam as it progresses. Sounds like it could have been on the "Once" soundtrack. (homemade video below)

Luke Top "Friends" Luke Top was born in Tel Aviv, Israel to an Iraqi refugee and a Russian-born aviator. He moved to California as a kid. Love how some of these new acts mix up sounds around the world.

Portishead "Chase The Tear" This song was just released. Portishead changing directions again and make what is one of my favorite songs they've ever done (hello Giorgio Moroder).

Dizzee Rascal "Bonkers" I'm not a huge rap/hip-hop fan, but I definitely like this one. Seems all my fave rapping is out of the UK.

The Pastels & Tenniscoats "Vivid Youth" Pastels have been around forever (early 80's) and these Scots get together with a Japanese indie band (with help from Teenage Fanclub) and make good. Lovely tune.

Wild Beasts "All The King's Men" I saved maybe the most polarizing song for last. The vocals from Wild Beasts are driving some people nuts, but this could be my favorite song of the year. Love the Blue Nile guitar sound. UK again.

Hiro11

Top twenty in no order:

1. Passion Pit: "Moth's Wings"
2. Mastodon: "The Last Baron"
3. Animal Collective: "My Girls" (which is probably going to be on everyone's list...)
4. White Rabbits: "The Company I Keep"
5. Dan Deacon: "Snookered"
6. Phoenix: "Rome"
7. Sonic Youth: "Anti-Orgasm"
8. Wolves in the Throne Room: "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog"
9. Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs: "Zero"
10. Art Brut: "Slap Dash for No Cash"
11. The Decembrists: "The Rake's Song"
12. Pissed Jeans: "Lip Ring"
13. Metric: "Sick Muse"
14. Converge: "Dark Horse/Reap What you Sow/Axe to Fall/Effigy" (cheating a bit here...)
15. The Thermals: "I Called out Your Name"
16. Lou Barlow: "The One I Call"
17. Fever Ray: "Seven"
18. Lightning Bolt: "Nation of Boar"
19. Miranda Lambert: "Airstream Song"
20. Nico Case: "This Tornado Loves You"

atlantamoi

I heard this song recently and over the first 10 seconds I thought it was going to be the greatest song of all time! Then the beat kicks in and it's unlistenable. The distortion just sucks it down the drain.

brokenhanger

This is the track listing for my end of year mix CD, so not ranked and not even necessarily my ultimate favorites, just sixteen songs that I enjoy that go well together:

01 Little Boots - New In Town
02 V.V. Brown - Game Over
03 La Roux - Tigerlily
04 Dragonette - Liar
05 The Hidden Cameras - Mind, Matter & Waste
06 The Sound of Arrows - Into the Clouds [Fear of Tigers Remix]
07 The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
08 The Big Pink - Stop the World
09 Charlotte Hatherley - White
10 The Breeders - Fate to Fatal
11 Jane's Addiction - Whores
12 Kasabian - Where Did All The Love Go?
13 Ash - Arcadia
14 Sugababes - Thank You For The Heartbreak
15 Pet Shop Boys - The way it used to be [Richard X Mix]
16 Annie - Songs Remind Me Of You

Giles

^ that reminds me, I really do have to buy the full length album from 'The Big Pink' - I knew you'd throw in a La Roux song broken -

Giles

I agree with you there - I wonder why that is - the song reminds me a little of Fake Blood's 'Mars'

brokenhanger

Well, you know, the album was pretty much 2009 for me.

The Big Pink album is quite fantastic as well, though for some reason they didn't include "Stop the World" on it. Hooray for non-album singles!

al_bundy

burn it to the ground
disturbia
take a bow
if today was your last day
that other fall out boy song


some other stuff i don't remember

Barrybgb

"Sick Man Of Europe" by Cheap Trick

Howiefan

Those came out in 2008.

Travis McClain

Eh? Someone else on this forum owns up to liking country? Sweetness! The Taylor Swift song, being a Tom Petty cover, isn't exactly textbook country, but I'd like to know what you think of it. For that matter, I'd be interested to see your "Best of/Favorite" list!

atlantamoi

There are many country fans here on the board. Do a search and you'll see some threads.

Travis McClain

You mean aside from the post-mortem Johnny Cash worshipers? Seriously, though, I know there are other fans of the genre on this forum. It's just that it's not commonly discussed the way classic rock or indie faves are. For instance, I remember a couple months ago seeing pics from someone's CD library and I noticed several George Strait CD's. When I pointed this out, the poster responded by letting me know that those, and most any other country in his library, actually belong to his wife!

Skyclad01

The Hellraiser Band - Timeless (I am)

Divine Heresy - Facebreaker

Noctem - Under Seas Of Silence

Sessa17

I love country music & post about it all the time, I just don't post about Johnny Cash or American Idol so it never seems to get replies. The American Idol chick Taylor Swift & the stuff on the radio is not country music.

One of the best songs of 2009 & a phenomenal band . . .
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bigjim25

No particular order:
Hank Williams, Jr. - Red White & Pink Slip Blues
Jamey Johnson - High Cost Of Living
Miranda Lambert - White Liar
Holly Williams - Keep The Change
Foo Fighters - Wheels
Zac Brown Band - Toes
Zac Brown Band - Devil Went Down To Georgia [LIVE]
Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA
Brad Paisley - Welcome to the Future
Chickenfoot - Oh Yeah
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers - Johnny Cash Is Dead (And His House Burned Down)
Darryl Worley - Sounds Like Life To Me
Cobra Starship with the fine Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl - Good Girls Go Bad

I have over 1000 country CDs but I also have alot of pop, rock, & some rap mixed in too.
I listened to Taylor Swift's version of American Girl and it's not too bad. She's got that rocker girl in her sometimes. I was really surprised that I liked the CMT Crossroads she did with Def Leppard.