Top albums of 2009

I mentioned a few days ago that Evey was down with superheroes? Well, now she’s turned to the dark side. Of the characters in “The Incredibles” she likes Syndrome – the villain – the best.

We were at Ixtapa for lunch today, and Evey was wearing my sunglasses (which were actually my Dad’s). She walked with me to the cash register. Jesse said something about them. I told Jesse that Evey was being a superhero. Evey then whispered to me, “Tell him I’m Syndrome.”

“She’s, uh… Syndrome.”

“Oh, yes… Syndrome,” Jesse agreed.

Then Evey announced for everyone in the restaurant, “I’M A BAD GUY!!!”

Hmmm…

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I’m typing this while watching V for Vendetta on Blu-Ray in my living room. Fireplace is going and one of my favorite movies is being displayed in perhaps the highest definition currently possible.

Also, just two hours ago, I bought the above Wichita Wings jersey on eBay. I’ve already paid for it. It just needs to arrive in the mail. It’s from the early 80s – probably 1983 or 1984. Before me and my folks were even season ticket holders. And it’s mine.

So, the mood? Self-satisfied, my friends.

OK, here’s my top 10 albums of 2009. The last of my “best of 09” lists. Thanks for humoring me.


Best album of the year

10. Chevelle: Sci-Fi Crimes -- I like Chevelle. Their sound doesn’t change much. That’s OK. They have a rockin’ recipe right now. This isn’t brilliant. It’s just fun. Worth a listen, when a track pops up on shuffle it’ll make me happy.



9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: It’s Blitz! – I don’t think this band will ever recapture the “Fever to Tell” magic, but based on that one album, I’ll be paying for every subsequent album. This one is par for the course with a few songs that stand out.



8. Wolfmother: Cosmic Egg – The world needs a band like Wolfmother. At first I disliked this group based solely on their stupid name. But you can’t deny the guitar rock. These guys aren’t here to make art, they’re here to combine fast guitars, thumping base, aggressive drums and some howling lyrics so you can justifiably drive your car faster. And for that, I say thank you.



7. Silversun Pickups: Swoon – Expectations were high… I thought their previous album, “Carnavas,” was perhaps the best album of 2006. This is a solid CD… it takes a few listens to get into. Nothing stands out like it did on Carnavas, but it’s still great music.



6. Muse: The Resistance – You should probably own this album, if you like rock music. These guys don’t apologize for who they are and what they want to do, and that’s OK – they’re rock stars, goddammit. If you listen to any alternative rock station near you, then you’ve heard “Uprising” overplayed. This CD goes well beyond that one song. Muse both rocks your socks off and sings you to sleep on the same album. It’s all big music – these guys are trying to channel Queen, if you ask me. There’s even a “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the album, but rather than close it with a gong, this one does it with a jet flyover. Seriously… a jet… flyover. I will see this band live eventually. I hope they’re as good in person as they are in the studio.



5. Eels: Hombre Lobo – This CD has the singles on it to have been my album of the year. But as a collection of songs, Hombre Lobo gets downgraded to 5th, simply because the disc is so bipolar. One track is a feel-good anthem, the next is utterly depressing. This goes on for 12 tracks. I love the album as two halves, but as a whole it just messes me up. Still, the strength of the songs makes the album worth a listen. But only put odd tracks on your iPod one week, then even tracks the next, or else you’ll want prescription medicine for a mood disorder.



4. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – This album is on everyone’s list, and I wanted to find out what the fuss is about. I had it highly recommended by some of my music literati friends. The album does not disappoint. This is feel-good music. It’s upbeat, sing-songy, catchy. It’s like breathing the purer oxygen at a smoke-free casino. I know nothing about this band (other than they’ve committed to playing Lollapalooza 2010). I don’t need to know anything about them. This is good stuff.

I must break to update you on where we are now in V for Vendetta – Evey just maced the guy, helping V escape the Jordan Tower. Such a great movie. Check it out, if you haven’t seen it. Better yet, read the graphic novel. Excellent.

3. Pearl Jam: Backspacer – Great disc from Eddie and the lads. My biggest complaint? Too short! This disc is over as soon as it starts, seemingly. But it’s fast, the music is all crisp… it probably is PJ’s best album since… Binaural?

2. Marcy Playground: Leaving Wonderland… in a Fit of Rage – Don’t let the bad album title fool you, this disc is full of clever pop songs. Those who know me well know that I hold Marcy Playground – singers of “Sex and Candy” – in very high regard. As in, one-of-my-top-five-bands-of-all-time regard. This disc really made me happy this year. I wish I could burn a copy for you all. I really like the music that much. Maybe I’m just sentimental for 1998, but I think Woz’s voice, combined with his songwriting and some solid guitars makes for a great CD. Check out “Emperor” (below) something about it just makes me feel good. I'M THE EMPEROR!!! That's how I feel sometimes, especially after I've bought an early 80s Wichita Wings jersey...



1. Manchester Orchestra: Mean Everything to Nothing – This is the CD of the year. Easily. I’m happy for these guys. Great lyrics, great singing, solid guitars and most important – an appropriate amount of screaming. I think this CD will remain in the forefront of my playlist for a long time. The lead singer’s voice is distinct. It’s different than anything else I bought this year. They are now in the same boat as Silversun Pickups were three years ago – now that they’re “discovered” and they’re “different” and they have this brilliant album, how will they follow it up? I can’t wait to find out. Hopefully they tour nearby soon, I’d like to see how the songs sound live. Their music seems like it’d be best heard in a dingy bar, eh?



(btw, I think this is probably the best song of 2009.)

OK, there are my top albums of 2009. What were yours? What did I miss?