This year was a great one for top draw albums - in fact the top 4 of this list were on the long list for the decade list - though none quite made it in the end.... here goes
This album blew me away. A real step on from 'Fur & Gold', employing Yeasayer to produce on a number of tracks was a master stroke. This album feels old (in a good way) whilst new (also in a good way) all at once. Its lyrical strength lies in its clear themes of duality and Jungian philosophy make for fascinating lyrics - even employing Song of Songs ch 3 to start the album... a truly great album.
The last 3 years or so have seen Grizzly Bear's star rise and rise. To my mind they are the USA's best indie/alternative band. Clever atmospheric arrangements. Interesting rhythms. Beautiful Melodies. A band who know exactly what they're doing.
One time member of 'The Polyphonic Spree' and 'Sufjan Stevens' live band - Annie Clark has stepped out of their shadows to make a couple of brilliant records. The first album 'Marry Me' has some glorious tunes - but as a whole this album takes it up a gear. Pop and Indie and Classical all blend together to create a brilliantly unique sound. She is the real deal and my top tip for future brilliantdom.
Daniel Rossen from Grizzly Bear is onto a winner. He is in the best TWO indie bands in America. This album reminds me of the Beatles and the Beach Boys - yet sounds hardly anything like them - evoking the quality of those bands most heralded records yet still remaining purely individual. I probably listened to this record more than any other in 2009.
This album came with much hype - she is one half of 'The Knife'; one of the music press' darling artists. So I was ready for a brilliant yet perhaps awkward record. Which is what I got. You cannot mistake this album for anyone else and there are very few albums I listened to in 2009 of which that is true. Haunting and beautiful.
What did I miss? (I didn't miss 'Battle studies' before you mention it)
dg
