2009 in Pop

This is awesome. Dj Earworm, another mash-up dj, who I forgot to mention in the earlier White Panda post, somehow managed to combine all the Billboard Top 25 into one amazing 2009 year in review song. How this turned out sounding so flawless, seamless, coordinated, and just plain excellent is beyond me. It's got your Beyonce, your King's of Leon, your Taylor Swift, and of course, your Lady GaGa. Anyone who says that mash-up dj's have no talent, need only download the following track, and watch the video. Everything you need to know about 2009 in pop music is here. Tracklist can be found here.

DJ Earworm- "United States of Pop (Blame It on the Pop)"

Top Ten Redux

As mentioned before, I kind of messed up my top 10 list, as I may have overlooked a few albums, which deserve to be on the list. So, here are a couple at least, in no particular order, which should have been on the list:

Miike Snow Miike Snow

I posted the video for "Siliva" earlier today, and like I said the rest of the album is ridiculously awesome as well. Andrew Wyatt's voice is unforgettable, and dances and melds flawlessly with the various piano and synthesizer led rhythms on the album. And while many of the songs, such as "Black and Blue" and "Animal" have gloriously poppy beats and whistful synths, Wyatt's voice alludes to a more somber feeling present in the lyrics, as exemplified in the video for "Silvia." Still, the Swedish group has crafted an exciting and excellent album, which at least for me, left me thinking about it all day.

Miike Snow- "Black and Blue"

Mos Def The Ecstatic

Instant classic. Mos Def, like Raekwon, shows why he is so far above the mainstream rap of today, it's just not fair. The album is packed from first track to last, but highlights include "Wahid," with its pseudo-string infused beat and "Life in Marvelous Times," where Mos absolutely goes in over the synth and hand-clap led beat. "History" featuring Talib Kweli is also excellent in its own right, but is made even better by the fact it was produced by the late J Dilla. Once again, Mos Def proves that good, no, GREAT rap, doesn't follow the cookie cutter formula of guns, drugs, and girls.

Mos Def- "Life in Marvelous Times"

Florence and the Machine Lungs

First thing's first: Florence Welch's voice is amazing. One of the most unique and talented vocalists in music today. And, while her voice could most likely carry the group by itself, it doesn't have to, as the musical arrangements are simply fantastic. Many of the songs deal with the issue of death, without being too overly morose and morbid about it. "My Boy Builds Coffins" is one such track, displaying the idea that no matter who you are, everyone dies. Other excellent tracks include "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)" and "Dog Days Are Over," with its pounding beat and handclaps. Overall, a nearly flawless vocal performance by Welch, with excellent instrumentation and arrangements, making a great thing even better.

Florence and the Machine- "Dog Days Are Over"

The xx xx

A lot has been written about the XX this year. Every website, blog, and magazine in the world was proclaiming their genius. Once again, I just didn't get it. It was too minimalist for me, and I didn't really like the whole dueling girl vs boy singer thing. Then suddenly it clicked last week. This album is pretty brilliant. I love the fact that guitarist Romy Croft and bassist Oliver Sim trade sultry vocal barbs, all the while dancing over dreamy guitar and synth driven beats. As with most of these albums, the whole thing is fantastic, but highlights are for sure "Islands," "Crystalized," and "Basic Space." I honestly don't know what is wrong with me, and why I couldn't see the sheer brilliance in this until like three days before 2010.

The xx- "Islands"

Songs of 2009

In no particular order, just a bunch of random songs from 2009 which I think are worth listening to.

The undisputed anthem of the summer, in my opinion.

Gucci Mane feat. Plies- "Wasted"

The guys from LA serve up another trunk-rattler, mixed with witty and agile lyrics.

Pac Div- "Mayor"

This group's album just missed my top 10 list, so they are definitely worth checking out.

Discovery- "Carby (feat. Ezra Koenig)"

R. Les is probably one of the most talented people in the music business right now. And he showcases it in this song.

Ryan Leslie- "Gibberish"

I already posted this song a while back, but it's way too good not to include here. The best rap song of the year, hands down.

Big Boi feat. Gucci Mane- "Shine Blockas"

This technically isn't a song, it's a blend, but it still might be my favorite song of the year. Dem Jointz kills it with the production on this one.

Lil Wayne feat. Kanye West, TI, and Jay-Z- "U Ain't Never Gotta Ask"

So much fun, so much auto-tune, so catchy, just plain awesome.

Major Lazer feat. Nina Sky and Ricky Blaze- "Keep It Goin' Louder"

And Everyone's Lists

And to round off the Best Albums of 2009, we have all three of our lists, and they are also available in the upper right hand corner of the site after this gets pushed down by other posts. 

Clak's Best Albums of 2009

Mike's Best Albums of 2009

Barnesopolis' Best Albums of 2009

Top 10 Albums of 2009

Here are my Top 10 Albums of 2009, with links to each individual page, since I am aware the posts are spread out over like three weeks. RIP Mike. 

10. Osso- Year of the Rabbit

9. Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon: The End of Days

8. Animal Collective- Fall Be Kind EP

7. Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeius Phoenix

6. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest

5. jj- jj no. 2

4. Bon Iver- Blood Bank EP

3. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavillion

2. Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II

1. Passion Pit- Manners

1. Passion Pit "Manners"

Ehh, I was going to wait until tomorrow to do this but I have nothing else to do, and this album is way too good for anyone to expect me to keep putting off writing about it. While it's true that bands such as Animal Collective may be more artsy, Bon Iver's lyrics more thoughtful, and Grizzly Bear's vocals and layering better, when it comes to fun, Passion Pit perches at the pinnacle. (Yea alliteration!) Not often is the adjective fun used to describe music. Sure going to a Lady GaGa concert might be fun, and you might have a really fun night with your bros while bumping some Girl Talk, but rarely does the music itself exude fun. But with Passion Pit it does, and I'm talking five-year old kid playing with bubble-wrap fun. From lead singer Michael Angelakos' almost girl sounding falsetto, to the dazzling arrange of synths and percussion, you just can't help but smile when listening. And this album provides a lot to smile about, as there is not one, NOT ONE, throw-away track. From the beginning to the end, PP serves up pure, uncut, raw, joy. I honestly could write a good couple pages on every one of the tracks, but to keep it short I will confine it to my three favorites. "Sleepyhead" is getting a lot of plays cause it's on that commercial now, but there is no denying its brilliance. With it's weird sample, clinking bells, and Angelakos' voice stretched to its peak, it will become engrained in your brain for days. Consider yourself blessed. "Seaweed Song" is another personal highlight, as I love the chorus, with its upbeat, charging percussion and Angelakos singing "Nobody knows you like you do/But I think I do," which for its simplicity, is actually quite profound. Finally, the absolute gem on the album of so many great songs is undoubtably "Little Secrets." By far my most played song of 09, the beat is utterly infectious, seducing even the most wary listener. The way the synths dip and dive between notes serve to enrich even the tiniest details. And who could leave out the "child's chorus" during the chorus? While this might not have worked for other bands, the sheer whimsicality of PP provides the perfect backdrop for some good old fashioned pre-pubescent chanting. (Yea that might sound kind of weird out of context.) For in it's essence, Manners, at least for me, makes me feel almost childish. The music is so crisp, so innocent, so fun. So while their selection at the top of my 2009 poll will probably not gain me any hipster points, or any invites to write for the likes of Pitchfork, Manners provided me with one of the most gratifying, exciting, and fun musical experiences I had in 2009. And, come to think of it, ever.

Only one song, cause I truly, honestly feel that this album deserves to be purchased, more so than any other album on this list. It really is that good.

Passion Pit- "Little Secrets"

2. Raekwon "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II"

"Uncle Ricky, would you read us a bedtime story? /Nah kid, but I'mma give you one them old Raekwon crime joints."

This line pretty much sums up OB4CLPtII. For all those people who like their "rap" songs, with catchy auto-tuned choruses, and star studded guest-spots, just stop right now. The Chef serves up the hardest, realest rap album in years, along with plenty of help from his Wu counterparts. The album follows up the critically acclaimed (all well deserved), Only Built for Cuban Linx, and does not miss a beat. Raek' is on point with his rhymes, delivering a verbal bombardment of pyrex, coke, and dealing coke. None of that girls, cars, and G-5 jet stuff you get from other rappers. There are plenty of awesome old-school kung-fu samples as well, which adds to the grittiness and overall atmosphere of the album. While the whole album is packed (and I mean PACKED, 24 tracks), where I feel Raek' really shines is on songs with a soulful hook or sample, such as "Cold Outside," "Ason Jones," and, my personal favorite, "Catalina." Lyfe Jennings joins Raek' on the track, laying down the sinfully smooth hook, serving to act as the perfect foil to The Chef's raw and uncut lyrics. My favorite part of the song has got to be the beat though. The simple piano line, along with the symball crash and bass goes so hard, and with Dr. Dre handling the production, it's easy to see why. OB4CLPtII, if anything, provides proof that rap/hip-hop is not in fact dead. So when Wayne's Rebirth album drops later this month, I will take comfort knowing that 2009 also produced such classic cuts as this.

3. Animal Collective "Merriweather Post Pavilion"

So yea, I'm attempting to kick this top 10 albums list into high gear, as I leave on Friday and will not be at a computer until Sunday, so I want to have this done by Thursday. So yea, Animal Collective. This album is on everyone's year end lists, and upon listening to it, it's pretty obvious why. Animal Collective are just on another level from other artists right now. Combining elements of electro, shimmering synths, and ridiculous vocals and harmonies, AC delivers a gem of pure, unadulterated transient pop in MPP. Often, when listening to the album one becomes aware of how much is going on in the songs. The layering is incredible, but the magic of AC is that they don't overdue it. The combination of vocals, synths, and sound effects blend together in perfect harmony, delving the listener into an almost trance. AC has been putting out exceptional material for a while now, but MPP, in my opinion, is the best. Highlights include "Summertime Clothes," "Guys Eyes," and, of course, "My Girls." With it's shimmering synth build-up, hand-claps, and catchy, minimalist refrain, "My Girls" provides even casual indie fans a more accessible track for which to nimbly test the waters of such bands as AC. And even hardcore hipster indie kids cannot deny the sheer brilliance of "My Girls," though they will sure as hell try. Don't believe them. The awesomeness of "My Girls," and MPP as a whole is beyond debate.

Animal Collective- "My Girls"

4. Bon Iver "Blood Bank EP"

The follow up to my favorite album of 2008 For Emma, Forever Ago, Justin Vernon once again creates a beautiful blend of ambient guitars and his unmistakable falsetto. While comprised of a sparse four songs (it's an EP after all), the album loses none of the luster and magic of the debut. Opening with "Blood Bank," the lyrics are haunting, recounting an encounter between two people at, well, a blood bank. "Beach Baby" has a more, I dont know, hawaiian atmosphere to it, something that is interestingly refreshing, seeing as how much of Vernon's notoriety stems from his seclusion in a Wisconsin cabin, by himself, during the winter, to compose For Emma. "Babys" carries a hammering piano line throughout most of the song, lulling in the middle to give room for Vernon's voice, before picking up at the end, to combine with Vernon for a beautiful finish. The highlight of the album lies within the last song, "Woods." Truly minimalist, the song consists solely of Vernon singing the lines "I walk through the woods, I'm down on my mind. I'm building a still, to slow down the time" in auto-tune. The song grows, with more voices joining the auto-tuned chorus, and Vernon becoming more an more emotional, at the end adding soulful riffs to the end of his lines. Honestly, this may be the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Vernon's genius is present in full force, as the auto-tune allows the song to be done entirely in acapella. In a time when other artists are using auto-tune to hide the defects in their voices, Vernon utilizes the instrument to create a thoroughly lush and vibrant piece of art.

Bon Iver- "Woods" 

5. jj "jj no. 2"

Wow. jj is unquestionably one of the most unique, nay, probably the most unique album I heard all year. Similar to Air France and The Avalanches, jj works in the realm of balearic pop. Basically, imagine yourself on a tropical island, with only the sounds of exotic birds and tribal drums audible. Or just imagine yourself chewing on a cloud. That is what listening to jj is like. With its whimsical xylophones, strings, bird calls, and soothing vocals, jj always puts me in a good mood. But with the joy, also comes a kind of bittersweet feeling, as the lyrics are more somber than the beats over which they flow. All of the tracks are amazing, with "From Africa to Malaga" and "Are You Still in Vallda?" being two of my favorites. But the most intriguing song on the album is, with out a doubt, "Ecstasy." With a sample of Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" providing the beat, the song contains bird calls, whale calls, and ghostly vocals, that will be stuck in your head all day. Truly remarkable is the fact that jj hails from Sweden, a country not well known for its tropical flavor, and exotic wildlife. Nonetheless, jj provides quite possibly the cheapest escape to a tropical island of your choice, complete with birds, whales, and maybe, a cloud to chew on. 

Usershare is being really ridiculous right now, so I promise to have two sample tracks up tomorrow. But it's probably best you just buy the album on itunes right now, because you will not regret it. I guarantee it.  

jj- "Ecstasy"

The album is so good, I decided to only give up one song. Look up the rest on youtube, but like I said, buy it, you won't regret it. 

6. Grizzly Bear "Veckatimest"

This album seems like it does not belong in the 21st century. The vocal harmonies, instrumentals, and general feel of the album harken back to the 60's rather than the 09's. But that, in essence, is what makes this album so great. The first song I heard off the album was, of course, "Two Weeks." Immediately, I doubled checked the website. This is the Beach Boys I thought, this can't be from this year? But, thankfully it was. And "Two Weeks" was not the first time I felt myself confused. Wait, this says this song is Fine for Now by Grizzly Bear, but it sounds like the Mama's and the Papa's? Ah cool, the Guess Who...wait, this is still on Grizzly Bear? However, this confusion would soon transform into utter ecstasy. "While You Wait for Others," is beautiful in it's own right, and would have fit in well during the sixties. The "oooooooo's" during the chorus get me every-time. Quite simply this album may be one of the most beautiful examples of vocal harmony I have heard in a long time.

Grizzly Bear feat Michael McDonald- "While You Wait for Others"

Yes, I know this next song is not GB, and may in fact be degrading their talent, but for those not normally interested in GB, at least this might get them to check them out, be it in an inadvertent way. The beat is from "2 Weeks," so if you like it, check out GB!

Grizzly Bear vs. Lil Wayne- "2 Weeks Til' Prom"

9. Kid Cudi "Man on the Moon: The End of Days"

I don't care what anyone says, this album was awesome. Some called it boring, others said Kudi droned on about how sad and alone he is. However, this is what made MotM work for me. No, I'm not emo, but it's nice to have a rapper/hip-hop artist talk about something other than A) growing up on the streets slinging crack or B) cars, girls, and money. Yea, Cudi is kind of a hybrid of singing/rapping, but for some reason, I love it. The production was also ON POINT, with names like Plain Pat, Emile, and Ratatat giving us some absolute gems. Honestly, I can listen to this album from the first song to the last, and not skip a single track (though Make Her Say comes close every time). The album has a spacey feel to it (no affiliation with Kevin Spacey, who like this album, is awesome), as the listener is transported into a kind of alternate reality. While the first part of the album has a darker, foreboding feeling (Solo Dolo, Soundtrack 2 My Life, Day N' Night), the middle of the album finds Cudder come into his own (Cudi Zone, Alive, Heart of a Lion) before eventually finishing off with Cudi's "re-awakening" (the fantastic Pursuit of Happiness, and Up, Up, and Away). All in all, the album provides a refreshing view into the mind of one of hip-hop's most complex minds, as well as showcases his extraordinary talent.

10. Osso "Run Rabbit Run"

Let me start off by saying, that this album dosn't necessarily belong at number ten. During various points this semester, I became enamored with it's beautiful soundscapes, and thought to myself that nothing could be better. However, it's going at number ten. Osso is a very very unique concept. In 2001, Sufjan Stevens created an album entitled Enjoy Your Rabbit. The album was based off the signs of the zodiac, and was comprised entirely of electronic noises and sounds. In 2009, he re-released the album as Run Rabbit Run, only this time using a string quartet in place of the electronic music. The result is amazing. The music is so lively and I try to picture the animals each song is based on. My highlights include "Year of the Dragon" and "Enjoy Your Rabbit." These songs present a more upbeat tempo, with lots of violin, which really exemplifies the musicians' skill, as well as the intricate layering of the songs. All in all, a very unique, and exciting album. I guess owning your own label has its advantages.