The task of completing my "end of the decade" list has been shoddy at best (and may never see the light of day). Although daunting and overwhelming, the process has made me more attuned to what I value in music. And as it turns out, 2009 reflected the culmination of themes that stayed the strongest, that have kept my interest the longest. It seemed that what I consider true indie-pop came back to life! The category "garage" wasn't just filled with Detroit bands I liked in high school!
I only bought 15 albums from 2009 and not many more from other years. I caught up on some Acid House Kings, Van Morrison, and Weakerthans, but I mostly spent the rest of the year reading & doing some makeshift gardening.
Everything felt right this year.
ALBUMS OF 2009
1. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (LP) / Higher Than The Stars (EP)
This isn't so much about a single record, but rather about the band. About Slumberland coming back to life, and getting that i-really-wish-i-was-in-this-band feeling, that was long overdue. True indie pop has seemed to die in the recent years and the vaguely defined genre needed a make over. With the recent break up of The Lucksmiths (RIP) this band came just in time to save the decade. Otherwise I may have slipped into a deep self induced Morrissey coma and refused to ever come back. I love, love, love this band.
2. El Perro Del Mar Love Is Not Pop
Oh my! What a surprise! Okay, maybe not. I mean, every girl's gotta break out once or twice in a lifetime. Slow motion booty shaking bass, elegant use of phaser/flanger, and a voice to make any human being believe in true love. Her best album yet.
3. Cotton Jones Paranoid Cocoon
I've been reluctant to "include" friends in my end of the year lists. Maybe Suicide Squeeze justifies the distance or rather gives a ticket of exclusivity, but either way, this album must be included. Really the best (finished) product Mike & Whitney have created. Organic, soulful, and enjoyed by a surprisingly large amout of my students during long study sessions where music helped us from NOT losing our minds. So, I guess if you want to stay sane you best get on this.
4. David Bazan Curse Your Branches
The Pedro the Lion catalogue is a silo of sad sludge that's truly difficult to get through. It made me feel dirty after slopping my way through it. I've tried and always felt depressed and disappointed. So how did this happen? I turned away for a couple years and found this one day. On a more philosophical level, it continues to prove to me that nothing in life is final. That people, relationships, and art are always in flux, yet eventually the good will always shine through. Periods of rest, although uncomfortable, may prove to be the remedy for a sour fall. For Bazan, I see the 5-year break between Pedro the Lion and this album to have cured him of the old sad-bastard sentiment (at least melodically). Still bittersweet, a hopeful future.
5. The Smith Westerns The Smith Westerns
Terrifyingly cool punk ass Chicago teenagers. Just look at that album cover! I wish these kids played at my prom. 2009!