La Roux "La Roux"

This is a fun album! I know, I know - Heaven forbid an "indie blogger" digs a record that you don't have to listen to with your headphones on and studiously extrapolate the hidden meaning of the deep, dark lyrics. La Roux doesn't break any new ground with this record but as a friend of mine once said, "It's a one girl dance party!"

Must hear: Bulletproof (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUsbpmQ9-mc)

(Release Date: 6/29/09)

The xx "xx"

Unlike some of the major players out there, I don't have the time or resources to listen to hundreds of albums per year. But I always pay attention to year-end lists to see what I missed and what I need to check out. One of these bands is The xx (Yes, lower case). NME ranked them #2 for 2009 and Pitchfork had them at #3.

This album is being classified as dream pop and it definitely has an atmosphere all it's own. It's a down-tempo pop. In the same ballpark as The Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition". Just as broad and stunning too.

Must hear: Crystalised (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pib8eYDSFEI)

(Release Date: 10/20/09)

The Tracklist's Top 20 Albums of 2009

I created this blog in July to help put my thoughts into words when trying to recommend new bands to friends. I hope that I have succeeded to some degree in helping you find new music that you otherwise would have missed out on.

I reviewed 55 albums released in 2009, by far the most new music I have ever listened to. If The Tracklist is to keep growing, I know I must continue to grow that number and expand my own musical reach. I see big things ahead and I hope you will choose to grow with me.

Here are my Top 20 Albums of 2009, as a gift to you for sticking with me.


20. Cage The Elephant - Cage The Elephant


19. Owl City - Ocean Eyes


18. John Mayer - Battle Studies


17. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown


16. (500) Days of Summer OST


15. The Fiery Furnaces - I'm Going Away


14. The Script - The Script


13. The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You


12. Real Estate - Real Estate


11. The Everyday Visuals - The Everyday Visuals


10. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest


9. Girls - Album


8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!


7. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix


6. Regina Spektor - Far


5. Miike Snow - Miike Snow


4. Metric - Fantasies


3. Muse - The Resistance


2. Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca


1. Passion Pit - Manners



*If your favorite album of 2009 didn't make my list, leave a comment!

Best of 2009: Songs

I know you're all waiting with bated breath for my list of the top albums of '09. I will have it up before Christmas (hopefully). To keep you satisfied in the meantime, I thought I would put together a mix of some of my favorite songs of 2009. It's a pretty wide array of stuff so everyone should be happy.

Download here
Playlist here

The Answering Machine "Another City, Another Sorry"

The easiest way to describe a new band to somebody is to compare their sound to that of other bands. It had been eating at me through the first half of this album but I finally figured it out. The Answering Machine sounds like Bloc Party without the synths. It's uptempo and the lyrics are delivered similarly but it's more pop than dance.

Must hear: Oklahoma (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmdBPsXVr1E)

(Release Date: 6/15/09)

Real Estate "Real Estate"

A good album to mellow you out. Similar to a lo-fi, Oh, Inverted World-era Shins. It works well in the 2 situations when most people listen to music. First, as background noise while they are working. Musically, this album is pleasant and non-disruptive so you can throw on some headphones and start writing that essay. Second, as a legitimate piece of art that one focuses on, mulls over, and thinks deeply about.

Must hear: Green River (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBhi-ekjYAI&feature=related)

(Release Date: 11/17/09)

The Everyday Visuals "The Everyday Visuals"

You may not be familiar with The Everyday Visuals but I will tell you why you should be. By now, everyone knows about Passion Pit and the breakout year they are having. Understandably, they won the majority of the 2009 Boston Best Music Poll awards. But who came in 2nd place to Passion Pit nearly every time? The Everyday Visuals.

Not that awards are new to them. They were named "Best Band in New Hampshire" back in 2004. But listening to this record, it has a warmth to it. And it might just become my soundtrack to the winter of 2009.

Must hear: Limb From Limb (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RV2sk5vSpw)

(Release Date: 4/14/09)

Dirty Projectors "Temecula Sunrise (EP)"

It's difficult to separate good music and good marketing nowadays. Dirty Projectors put out one of the top albums of the year in Bitte Orca back in June. Now, to capitalize on their current popularity, their record label releases a "new" EP featuring 2 songs off Bitte Orca and 2 "new" songs (where "new" equals "new to us" and not "hot off the press new"). If the urge strikes you then find a way to listen to the new songs but don't worry about buying this release. Go get Bitte Orca instead.

Must hear: Temecula Sunrise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtXtgHGrL9E)

(Release Date: 9/28/09)

Jay-Z "The Blueprint 3"

This is the album I've been waiting for since Jay-Z's return from retirement. The finale of his Blueprint Trilogy, this record is exceptional. The original Blueprint was a classic, the Gift & the Curse was rushed, and III was well worth the wait. The real gem has to be "Empire State of Mind" with the vocal talents of Alicia Keys. Every city deserves a grandiose song, nay, opus, as this one.

Must hear: Empire State of Mind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8)

(Release Date: 9/8/09)

Girls "Album"

A diamond in the rough. No, I'm not talking about Aladdin. I'm talking about indie rock band Girls. Their debut album, appropriately titled Album, has the production quality of some of my home recordings. But what it lacks in breadth of production it makes up for in ideas. You can feel them bursting at the seams trying to get out. The term 'potential' is bandied about a lot but I think these guys have a chance of fulfilling it. And when they do it will be massive. A game changer.

Must hear: Lust For Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuoTjYYqe4c (PG version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNnJzKVd4ps (NSFW)

(Release Date: 9/22/09)

The Script "The Script"

I would assume the majority of bands I listen to are from the US or some crossovers from England. Let's step out of that status quo for a moment and take a look at an Irish band called The Script. This is their debut album, released in 2008 in the UK, where it made a big splash and eventually led to a US release this year. They make me think of a singer-songwriter like Daniel Powter mixed with a piano-fronted band like The Fray. Some great pop melodies. Nothing groundbreaking but a well-fashioned record.

Must hear: Breakeven (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMbgBpAIskA)

(Release Date: 3/17/09 [US])

Paramore "Brand New Eyes"

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There's just something about a rock band fronted by a girl that is music to my ears. It's not that I tire of male singers, it's just that women offer a different perspective on things. Almost like a southpaw in baseball. They change things up a little bit. And Hayley Williams is one of the great frontwomen. I find myself drawn to what she has to say. Very personal lyrics that you actually pay attention to. A big step forward for this band.

Must hear: Ignorance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhjsFWPXG2o)

(Release Date: 9/29/09)

Weezer "Raditude"

Raditude? Rainn Wilson? And that ridiculous cover? Yes, Weezer is pandering to the lowest common denominator. OK, fine. Let's get to the music.

With song titles like "I'm Your Daddy", "The Girl Got Hot" and "Can't Stop Partying" you can't help but think there's something else going on here. Maybe they're making a statement. About the music industry? About the consumer? Maybe everyone. A song like "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" is a classic pop song. But the title is intentionally long and jarring because it isn't easily marketable. It wouldn't surprise me if Weezer was just churning out these records to fulfill their contract and be able to move on.

Must hear: (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A7OruAFESw)

(Release Date: 11/3/09)

John Mayer "Battle Studies"

John Mayer is an interesting artist. Is he really the brooding, lyrical genius from his songs or just a poser who will say whatever he has to to get laid? Either way, he is successful with both critics and the masses.

This album isn't quite as good as Continuum but it's another solid effort. I feel like he made a more concerted effort to focus on his guitar playing. In the past it has gotten lost due to some massive orchestration, but this reminded me at times of the John Mayer Trio's Try!.

Must hear: Heartbreak Warfare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pro3bpx2SD4)

(Release Date: 11/17/09)

Julian Casablancas "Phrazes for the Young"

Warning: this sounds nothing like the Strokes. And I'm not sure how to feel about that. The album consists of only 8 songs but they average over 5 minutes each. The issue I have is that he had a good thing going with the Strokes. He has a very distinct voice and it is perfect for garage rock, singing dirty hooks over rocking guitars. This album is like a synthpop-blues blend. It doesn't work for me.

Must hear: 11th Dimension (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_h5DMHh5_M)

(Release Date: 11/3/09)

The Avett Brothers "I and Love and You"

The Avett Brothers have been recording since 2000 but this is their major label debut. They already have a huge following in the South, due to their mixture of musical genres: rock, folk and bluegrass. I initially was reminded of Kings of Leon, but that was more a jumping off point. They borrow the same southern rock influences but that's about where the similarities end. Whatever it is, it's good.

"They say young is good and old is fine and truth is cool but all that matters is you have your good times" -Ten Thousand Words

Must hear: Kick Drum Heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNvgNX3ZIV4)

(Release Date: 10/29/09)

Said the Whale "Islands Disappear"

Q. What's the toughest thing for bands trying to follow up their debut?
A. What else do they have to say?

Said the Whale's debut album Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia drew me in immediately. It was my soundtrack to the winter of 2008. When I heard they had a new album on the way, needless to say, I was excited. Then the first single was released. "Camilo (The Magician)" blew me away. Uptempo, fun pop song. Then I heard the rest.

What set their debut apart? It felt like they had something to say. They never hid from their Canadian roots but there was always more to the story. This album feels like it was written on a cross-country trip. Pointing out random locations on a map. Even some of the song titles are just Canadian towns and provinces. It's difficult to relate to unless you're from there. And they just don't hook you in anywhere else. That's what makes Sufjan Stevens' Illinois work and that's what this band still needs to learn.

Must hear: Camilo (The Magician) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar0bmGshhTs)

(Release Date: 10/13/09)

Muse "The Resistance"

Less anthemic than their earlier albums, lead single "Uprising" is the closest you will find to a massive headbanging sing-along. Steeped in a more orchestral sound, this album really takes the band in a different direction. And if you don't hear the Queen-influences then you're missing the whole point. I think of this record as an opera. Maybe something like Carmen. Clearly classical but with memorable melodies.

Must hear: United States of Eurasia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ok0expLH1o)

(Release Date: 9/14/09)

Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard "One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur"

Jay Farrar is best known as the guy who left Wilco before they became Wilco (think Pete Best and the Beatles). Ben Gibbard is of course the lead singer of indie veterans Death Cab for Cutie. So what brings these 2 guys together? A mutual love and respect for the works of Jack Kerouac.

As you probably know, Gibbard took a trip to Big Sur where he did some of the songwriting for DCfC's Narrow Stairs (and very specifically "Bixby Canyon Bridge"). This collaboration sounds nothing like that album. It's an acoustic record, with the emphasis clearly being on the lyrics. 90% are direct Kerouac quotes.

Must hear: California Zephyr (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkmdrngHNRs)

(Release Date: 10/20/09)

(500) Days of Summer OST

A quality soundtrack can add emotional depth to characters and scenes in a movie beyond what's just happening on-screen. (500) Days of Summer blends these two allies (audio & visual) beautifully. We are fortunate to be living in a time when there are numerous outstanding movie/soundtrack combos: Garden State, Juno, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, etc. And I would be comfortable putting this one in that category as well.

Must hear: "She's Got You High" by Mumm-Ra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXFXjh9a8lY)

(Release Date: 7/14/09)

Monsters of Folk "Monsters of Folk"

If you thought the Dead Weather were the only new supergroup this year then you were sorely mistaken. Welcome, Monsters of Folk. With names like Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Mike Mogis and Jim James, M.O.F. should have indie scenesters jizzing in their pants.

And, similarly, M.O.F.'s debut is to Indie Rock what the Dead Weather's debut was to Hard Rock. Enough new stuff to keep you excited but nothing you would consider groundbreaking.

Must hear: Say Please (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfcI2HliOIM)

(Release date: 9/22/09)

Arctic Monkeys "Humbug"

I was disappointed by Arctic Monkeys' last effort so I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. It sounds different from their accustomed style so it's not fair to compare it against their previous work. In reality, this album sounds much more similar to Queens of the Stone Age. Unsurprisingly, Josh Homme was a co-producer on the album. Not only do the riffs sound like QOTSA but the lead singer seems to have taken his queues from the same. It wouldn't be a bad QOTSA album but it's definitely a good Arctic Monkeys album. It still has the same dirty rock sound that was so memorable from their debut.

Must hear: Dangerous Animals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x7DO3ytv9M)

(Release Date: 8/19/09)

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson "Break Up"

Not that anyone was expecting a Robert Plant/Allison Krauss type effort but this album disappoints. Scarlett is nothing more than a hood ornament; a PR move. And while we're on the subject, what is Scarlett using to record her vocals? It sounds like when I used to try and record songs off the radio onto a cassette tape. Maybe you'll take a couple songs away but this album is forgettable.

Must hear: Relator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRtydnIycCY)

(Release date: 9/15/09)

Owl City "Ocean Eyes"

I don't know if it's the fun music, light lyrics, or just the vocals of Adam Young but this album makes me feel happy. It's not a forced happiness -- like a sugary sweet teen pop song -- rather it's a confidence that everything is all right. Musically, the album sounds like the Postal Service. Which is interesting because Ben Gibbard adds lyrics and turns it into a break up album, yet Adam Young adds lyrics and makes it a get together album.

Must hear: Fireflies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4JLa0hbUw)

(Release Date: 7/14/09)

Wild Light "Adult Nights"

Formed in my home state of New Hampshire, the guys of Wild Light actually went to high school with the lead singer of the Arcade Fire. While you can hear some similarities in their music, Wild Light reminds me more of Matt Pond PA. This record shows promise, specifically, "California On My Mind". If they could make a whole album of songs of that quality, these guys could be the next indie darlings.

Must hear: California On My Mind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRJmfjZ2JmE)

(Release Date: 3/3/09)

Modest Mouse "No One's First And You're Next (EP)"

This Modest Mouse effort didn't take very much, well, effort. It consists of 8 unreleased tracks and B-sides from their previous 2 albums. If you're a fan of the band then you will like these songs. They're all fully mixed so don't worry about having to listen to lo-fi demos or anything. An overall enjoyable group of songs.

Must hear: Satellite Skin

(Release date: 8/4/09)

Boys Like Girls "Love Drunk"

The much anticipated follow up to their breakthrough debut album, Boys Like Girls do not disappoint. They bring back all your favorites -- uptempo pop punk and fun lyrical wordplay -- and take the next step in their musical progression. I am impressed with this album; the boys didn't wilt under all the success (and pressure) that their last album brought them. Oh, and if you are searching for this album's "Thunder", look no further than their collaboration with Taylor Swift.

Must hear: Love Drunk

(Release Date:9/8/09)

Cage the Elephant "Cage the Elephant"

Let me just say, if you live in Boston and don't listen to WFNX then we probably don't have similar tastes. That being said, I heard this band on FNX last night and immediately needed to hear more. The album starts off with a chugging blues rock riff but with a distinct funk flair to it. Almost if you mashed up the Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys. Actually, I think that's the perfect comparison. Dirty melodies with offbeat vocals.

Must hear: Back Against The Wall

(Release date: 5/19/09)

The Motion Sick "The Truth Will Catch You, Just Wait..."

I saw these guys play the Boston Greenfest Kickoff Concert on Thursday so I thought I'd review their latest album. Released last year, their biggest claim to fame was having their song "30 Lives" featured in the video game Dance Dance Revolution. And while having a song on DDR may lead you to believe otherwise, this album is rooted in its lyrical quality. And if that's not enough, their cover of Joy Divison's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is biting and ferocious.

Must hear: The Owls Are Not What They Seem

(Release Date: 1/1/08)

Dan Auerbach "Keep It Hid"

This is Auerbach's first solo album, after spending the last 8 years as lead singer and guitarist of the Black Keys. I expected this effort to sound similar to his groupwork; you can't get away from the music that inspires you. But Auerbach does a nice job of mixing the blues rock-iness of the Black Keys with some good ol' American folk. The first song sounded straight off a Ray LaMontagne album. If you like LaMontagne -- or Iron & Wine -- but wished they would try picking up the tempo a little bit, then this album is for you.

Must hear: Real Desire

(Release Date: 2/10/09)

Miike Snow "Miike Snow"

These guys are probably best known as the producers of Britney Spears' "Toxic" (which they won a Grammy for). They have now put together their first full length release of fun, danceable, electropop songs. Similar in vain to 2009 newbies Passion Pit and Discovery, they find their sound more in pop than electro. You can catch glimpses of piano and not solely synths. It helps keep them grounded a little more in reality.

Must hear: Song For No One

(Release Date: 5/12/09)

Cobra Starship "Hot Mess"

The band most famous for the song "Bring It" from the cult sensation Snakes on a Plane is back. With the Gossip Girl herself, Leighton Meester, in tow, they seem poised to make the jump into music fans' collective consciousness.

All told, this album isn't far removed from their previous work. With one big exception -- their lead single, "Good Girls Go Bad" featuring the aforementioned Meester. It is immediately danceable and has a sing-a-long chorus that everyone can get into. It may even sound familiar to some. Like an old friend. Maybe a little similar to last year's big hit "Let It Rock"? That's right, this song was co-written by Kevin Rudolf. So there's the formula, folks. Cult hit + Pete Wentz + dance beat + fun-to-shout lyrics + hot, young actress = Top 40. Go out and create your own!

Must hear: Good Girls Go Bad

(Release Date: 8/11/09)

Metric "Fantasies"

There's nothing better than an indie rock band with a female singer. They just give a different perspective on things. One reason this album succeeds is that Metric's singer Emily Haines puts her own personal twist on the same ol' themes that are common in music. Something about her voice is just very calming, regardless of what she may actually be singing about. There are hooks aplenty here and you will not be disappointed. This album is a big step forward for this band, who seem to be on their way to becoming a Canadian Rilo Kiley.

Must hear: Gimme Sympathy

(Release Date: 4/7/09)

Pony Pony Run Run "You Need Pony Pony Run Run"

French Power Pop. Have I said enough? Seriously though, this isn't the same ol' stuff that Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen releases every year. I don't know what it is about Parisians but they've taken what has become a very formulaic way for bands to have mainstream, one-hit wonder success and actually made it a work of art. Listen to this and try to forget the last Cobra Starship/Cute Is What We Aim For album. You'll remember why you enjoyed this genre in the first place.

Must hear: Hey You

(Release Date: 6/1/09)

Grizzly Bear "Veckatimest"

Never heard of these guys before? Neither did a lot of people until they surprised and debuted at #8 on the Billboard charts. Then they found themselves on Conan & Letterman. Now they're all over college radio. And with good reason.

Their music has been described as chamber pop. Very orchestral sounding. It has the ability to create a musical landscape; to form a vision in your mind. Really, beautifully done.

Must hear: Two Weeks

(Release Date: 5/26/09)

Bishop Allen "Grrr..."

On a friend's recommendation I checked out this album. I liked the song "Middle Management" they had on the soundtrack for Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist so I had an idea of what to expect. This is actually a very indie pop sounding record. Makes you wanna tap your toes and clap your hands. It reminded me a lot of the Shins. Specifically Chutes Too Narrow-era Shins. And that's a great compliment for any band.

Must hear: The Ancient Commonsense of Things

(Release Date: 3/10/09)

Matt & Kim "Grand"

I really can't sum up these guys' sound except for upbeat. I heard their song "Daylight" on the new Bacardi Mojito commercial and knew I had to check them out. The rest of the album will keep your energy up and dancing through the night. Great playlist for a house party.

Must hear: Daylight

(Release Date: 1/20/09)

Bob Dylan "Together Through Life"

What to say about a legend? Dylan is Dylan. A lyrical wordsmith who set out to change the world and succeeded (?). While he no longer holds a mirror up to society to show us our flaws, the man still knows how to write. I like to think that Dylan today is what Salinger would be if he didn't stop trying years ago.

Anyway, this album deals with issues of love. A nice mix of Spanish mood (horns, classical guitar) and some good ol' American blues. And I promise after the first song you won't even notice the raspiness of his voice.

Must hear: Life is Hard

(Release Date: 4/28/09)

Sonic Youth "The Eternal"

Full disclaimer: Even though Sonic Youth has been around for 25 years, I've never actually listened to them. I think Ellen Page in Juno summed up my thoughts best: "It's just noise."

With that out of the way, I saw them perform on Letterman and liked what I heard so I checked out their new record. I'm not sure why all the fuss about noise because this isn't all that experimental or feedback-heavy. I'd have to say it's like a laid-back Wilco. A good album to get lost in.

Must hear: Anti-Orgasm

(Release Date: 6/9/09)

Placebo "Battle For The Sun"

A new sound for these guys. They added some new instruments to the arrangements and I think it both helps and hurts. It's always interesting to see how well non-rock instruments mesh with a band. This album sounds cool but it doesn't necessarily sound like classic Placebo.

Must hear: Ashtray Heart

(Release Date: 6/8/09)

The Dead Weather "Horehound"

Jack White + Allison from The Kills + Dean from QOTSA + Jack L. from The Raconteurs = The Dead Weather. Needless to say, I went in with high expectations. Unfortunately, it falls a little short. It would be a good album if it was 4 nobodies but these guys are known commodities. Temper your expectations and you will still find it an enjoyable record.

Must hear: Hang You From The Heavens

(Release Date: 7/14/09)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs "It's Blitz!"

A lot more synth-heavy than their previous efforts. Once you get past the initial shock it grows on you. While I still love Fever To Tell, I like the direction Karen O and the boys are taking us.

Must hear: Zero

(Release Date: 3/9/09)

Death Cab for Cutie "The Open Door (EP)"

Comprised of 4 songs that didn't make it onto Narrow Stairs plus the original ukulele version of Talking Bird. Some great songs here that I would probably switch with some of the tracks that did make the album.

Must hear: Little Bribes

(Release Date: 3/31/09)

U2 "No Line On The Horizon"

You know how Bono suddenly looks incredibly old? This album feels like he looks. There's nothing exciting here. For a band who has made a career of writing anthems that everyone can sing along to, these songs are not melodic in any sense.

Must hear: Get On Your Boots

(Release Date: 2/27/09)

The Fray "The Fray"

If you enjoyed their last album then you'll enjoy this one since it's the same color by numbers.

Must hear: You Found Me

(Release Date: 2/3/09)

Cursive "Mama, I'm Swollen"

After a couple lost years trying to reconnect with their roots after their cellist left the band, this album is a return to glory. A gritty rock band with an unpolished sound.

Must hear: In The Now

(Release Date: 3/1/09)

Franz Ferdinand "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand"

Finally something new! The first FF album was a revelation. The second was a copycat. Their third, however, has shown a reinvigorated sense of musicality. This album just sounds hip. Listen to "Ulysses" and tell me you don't like the understated, taking-the-bass-line-for-a-walk, bluesy feel that leads up to the explosion of the chorus.

Must hear: Ulysses

(Release Date: 1/26/09)

The Decemberists "The Hazards of Love"

Always a fan favorite, the Decemberists re-enter our lives with a very strong concept album. Similar to the Who's Tommy in that it works as an album but there's really only one tailor-made radio hit ("Pinball Wizard" meet "The Rake's Song").

From Wikipedia:

The Hazards of Love centers around a love story: a woman named Margaret falls in love with a shape-shifting forest dweller. A jealous forest queen and an ensemble of recurring characters bring conflict to the album's story arc.

Must hear: The Rake's Song

(Release Date: 3/24/09)

Wilco "Wilco (The Album)"

What a long, strange career for Jeff Tweedy & Co. This album is more similar to Sky Blue Sky than any of their earlier stuff. Turns out that hidden under all that experimental feedback and noises is a straight-forward rock band. Minimalism is in!

Must hear: Wilco (The Song)

(Release Date: 6/30/09)

Phoenix "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"

Solid album by this French quartet. If you're not sucked in by the first 2 songs then there's something wrong with you. A nice indie rock sound with an electronic flare.

Must hear: 1901

(Release Date: 5/26/09)

Passion Pit "Manners"

First of all, extra love goes out to these guys because they're from Boston. Second of all, this album is amazing. This is the definition of electropop. Plus, the lead singer has an amazing falsetto that really makes the whole experience. A must listen and currently my fave album of 2009.

Must hear: Little Secrets

(Release Date: 5/18/09)

Dirty Projectors "Bitte Orca"

A little disclaimer: Stereogum had an article asking if Bitte Orca was in fact the best album of 2009. Always a tough question. I'll say this, it's definitely an artsy, experimental rock, but it is fairly accessible to casual listeners.

Must hear: Stillness is the Move

(Release Date: 6/9/09)

Regina Spektor "Far"

Regina shows off her unbelievable vocal gymnastics once again. Her lyrics are getting weird(er) though. Still, you can't go wrong with piano-driven pop rock songs.

Must hear: Folding Chair (Beware of seal noises!)

(Release Date: 6/23/09)

Straylight Run "About Time (EP)"

These guys would be more popular if they tried releasing a full album as opposed to innumerable EP's. That's right, this is EP #3 since their last studio album. Why, you might ask? I have no idea. They have a good sound and solid publicity since their breakout hit "Existentialism on Prom Night".

Must hear: I'm Through With The Past (But The Past Isn't Through With Me)

(Release Date: 5/20/09)

Bon Iver "Blood Bank (EP)"

This EP is comprised of 4 B-sides that were released to take advantage of all the year-end buzz his debut album received last year. Nothing special here but worth a listen if you're a fan of him or folk in general.

Must hear: Blood Bank

(Release Date: 1/20/09)

Green Day "21st Century Breakdown"

This might be heresy to some tweens who think American Idiot is 'like the best album evah!' But, I like this effort even better. It's similar musically but I don't feel like Billie Joe is pushing his political agenda on me in every song. Oh, and I never want to hear their cover of "Working Class Hero" ever again.

Must hear: 21 Guns (or, as I like to call it, Boulevard of Broken Dreams #2)

(Release Date: 5/15/09)

Taking Back Sunday "New Again"

These guys were pretty popular earlier this decade and they're back -- this time with a new guitarist in tow. It's interesting how the title of the album perfectly describes it: "New" because of the new band member and "Again" because it's the same old sound- emo tunes you can rock out to.

Must hear: New Again

(Release Date: 6/1/09)

Eels "Hombre Lobo"

The full album title is "Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs of Desire". They're not exactly love songs but they're not stalker songs either like "Every Breath You Take". I will admit I have a soft spot for the theme of unrequited love so I enjoyed this album. To others, it may just sound like the continued emasculation of the modern man.

Must hear: That Look You Gave That Guy

(Release Date: 6/2/09)

The Fiery Furnaces "I'm Going Away"

These guys have been around for a little while but this is my first taste. I thought it was a fun, little Indie Rock album. Kind of reminded me of early New Pornographers.

Must hear: The End Is Near

(Release Date: 7/21/09)

Discovery "LP"

This is a side project by one of the Vampire Weekend guys and one of the Ra Ra Riot guys. It sounds nothing like their main bands; more of an electro feel. Check out "I Want You Back". It's a pretty cool cover of the old Jackson 5 song.

Must hear: Orange Shirt

(Release Date: 7/7/09)