The Top Ten of ’09
My picks for the top ten releases of this year:
T-Deck – Moonshine
Hick-hop is not dead. After a near-death experience, this wunderkind (she’s 13) produced one of the most provocative rap albums of the year.
Agnes Reeves – Pillowtalk
This debut solo LP comes from the love child of former Superman Star Christopher Reeves. The deeply personal lyrics reflect torment that Miss Reeves has been feeling since the death of her father.
The Young Masters – Brandy
The Young Masters previous efforts were sketchy and after a few line-up changes and quite a bit of a specific alcohol (see the title) the band nixed their electro roots to craft the finest pop album of the decade.
The Night Foxes – Knives of Sunshine
Recorded only at night in a chicken coop on guitarist Wil O’Hara’s farm, The Night Foxes mix delirium, synths and guitars into what some might call the future of music.
Bare Chested Hugs – Bare Chested Hugs
The Hugs sophomore album finds them ass (or rather, bare chest) deep in noisy, psychedelic, shoegaze-y territory, where only other Animal Collectives fear to tread.
Giggle/snort – You’ll Catch Hell For This!
This “dragon rock” duo put out one of the years catchiest singles: “Just Another Hawcrux”.
Tobin Mielke – Folked Up (Again)
This just in: Freak-folker Tobin Mielke records a back-to-his-roots album and blows minds. Devendra, wherever you are, you better watch your back.
Prismatic Beaus – Cloud 9 City
Don’t let the media hype surrounding this band deter you from listening to it. These guys are geniuses, plain and simple.
Ribbon – Coins Don’t Bounce
After getting fired from his job at a (formerly) successful financial institution, Ribbon cashed in his stock, moved back in with him mom, spent his last dime on recording equipment and produced (arguably) this year’s finest rap debut. Best Track – Coins Don’t Bounce (They Roll)
333 – endless e.p.
This noise-rock outfit from Japan is almost unlistenable… in a good way.
EDIT:
Honorable mentions:
Here are two albums I could not disregard:
Mika & Tesuo Ito – Line Up Yer Aces!
D’arcy Wallabee – Vulgar Display of Affection
Nykamp • 2 years ago
I agree in full with most of your choices. However:
Although you can feel her pain, T-Deck’s music just doesn’t seem original at all. I give her a B+ for effort though.
333… That shit isn’t even music.
The Night Foxes are the future of music, and Knives of Sunshine gets my vote for album of the year.
Mike • 2 years ago
Minor Speculum Players Does Ramadan didn’t even get a mention?
larry • 2 years ago
I mulled over that one for a while and decided it was best not to include it on this list. Seeing as how it is a Muslim holiday, I didn’t want to be perceived as taking a stance.
Nykamp • 2 years ago
I thought music, at times, was about taking a stance Larry. Night Fox is showing weakness.
larry • 2 years ago
my decision wasn’t based on the music taking a stance, it was based on minor speculum taking a stance.
the night fox never weakens. example the reason they are not on the endangered species list is because THEY choose not to be
jared • 2 years ago
I underestimated the brilliance of this article at first glance. Now that I have read it in full, I can say that it is quite good.
Bare Chested Hugs are a great example of what we should all strive for, musically.