Here we are at that time of year when I look back at the big stack of cd's mp3's released this year that I've had the pleasure of digging into. This is also that time where I attempt to pick my favorite of the year. A silly thing to do, but a tradition for me anyway.
Austin's Favorite Album of 2009
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix
I have to admit that I was a bit shy about pronouncing this my favorite album this year. Actually I was a bit shy mentioning it at all. It sounds like candy and potentially something a teenage girl might like if she wasn't drooling over that annoying vampire movie. This album is a few hooks, better marketing, and a few drops of luck away from making Phoenix the new Coldplay. Actually sometimes I think they sound like a European version of The Strokes with more electronics, but I like The Strokes so that's ok.
Mainly this album grabbed my attention because it made me happy during times of this year when otherwise I really wasn't all that happy. I've listened to 1901 more times than I'd like to admit. I've listened to it while doing dishes, writing code, driving, or even during car commercials. I tap my toes every time and it makes me feel better.
Austin's Other Favorites of 2009
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
I'm sure a lot of people are tired of hearing about because there have been many people gushing about it all year. Initially I think I ignored the album because of all the buzz only to finally give it a few good listens and fall in love with it. It is eerie and folky and psychedelic all wrapping up in fancy hipster packaging. Technically I think this album is better than Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, but again the Phoenix album just made me happy this year. Check with me in 5 years, I'd bet I'll probably still be spinning this record and have totally forgotten about the other.
Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Whenever Bill Callahan (or SMOG or whatever he wants to call himself) puts something out I listen up. Years ago when some friends turned me on to the Knock Knock disc I was hooked and have been ever since. This album feels more SMOGlike to me than the other stuff he has been putting out as Bill Callahan. Darker, and just what I like from him. This year Becky and I were lucky enough to catch him live at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC and it was wonderful.
Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. 2
I say DAMN I needed this. Raekwon releases an album that sounds like it could have come out 14 freaking years ago just after the first Cuban Linx. It sounds like a good Wu-Tang album and something just right up my alley since hip hop or rap or whatever you call it completely became lost on me with all the crunk bullshit.
Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca
Everyone and their mother loves this album and I'm no exception. Sort of unexpected because I haven't really dug anything else by them before this. But for a period of weeks this was on constant play. There are some songs on this record that grate, and grate me in such a way that I sometimes wonder why I'm listening to it. Then for some reason I love it, but I think that is the point.
The Flaming Lips - Embryonic
The Lips go weird. Wait. Weirder? Is that possible. It took me a little bit to get into this, but I'm really into it now. I first heard a snippit on some internet podcast a month or so before it was released and could not wait because I could tell it was going to be way different than the last few records. But when it got here I gave it a spin and put it aside for a while, I don't think I was ready for it. Definitely something that deserves a nice uninterrupted headphone listen to get into.
Austin's Most Overrated
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
Sure it is pretty interesting, I've listened to it several times. It is ok music to code to, but I just haven't figured out the hype.
Austin's Biggest Disappointment
Wilco - Wilco (The Album)
Wilco and I go way back. Like Uncle Tupelo way back, when I thought that A.M. was actually not bad for a first record in the days when everyone thought Son Volt would grow up to put Wilco in its shadow. The stretch of albums from Summerteeth → Yankee Hotel Foxtrot → A Ghost Is Born was one of the most amazing for any band I've ever been into. They sounded like pain and broken hearts and addiction and someone trying to put their shit all back together at the same time. But when Sky Blue Sky hit they sounded more like people who had their shit together now, and just couldn't figure out how to make music anymore. Or at least music that I wanted to listen to. Which brings us to Wilco (The Album), where the camel on the cover was the most entertaining item. I listened to it twice and put it away.
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