Best Albums of 2009

There were a good amount of both surprising and disappointing albums this calendar year. From January til now, I had a plethora of music to sift through in order to narrow down my "Best of" list. But I believe I've made my final decisions, so here are my top 20 LP's and top 5 EP's of 2009. Enjoy.

LP's

20. Trapped Under Ice - Secrets of the World
Fast, heavy music from Baltimore. This group is one of the biggest in hardcore today and this album is significant proof why. One of the best hardcore releases of 2009, hands down.

19. The Thermals - Now We Can See
Another solid release from a band that never seems to put out a bad album. West Coast indie pop that will keep your head nodding and your toes tapping.

18. Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Bridge Nine records newcomers bring a faster post-hardcore sound that is sure to ignite sing-a-longs. This album touches on multiple genres. Listen for yourself.

17. John Mayer - Battle Studies
John Mayer put out another soothing album with his talented guitar playing and very calming voice. The perfect album to listen to after winding down from a long day.

16. Pearl Jam - Backspacer
The Seattle grunge-rock all-stars rejuvenate their careers with this one. Best album they've put out in over 10 years. Quick, pop-influenced. Eddie Vedder still rules.

15. Iron Age - The Sleeping Eye

Head-banging, heavy thrash metal. The guitars are simply amazing and the vocals are dark and brooding, The Way Is Narrow is one of my favorite tracks of the year.

14. Real Estate - Real Estate
Light, indie surf-pop all about New Jersey culture. Easy to get into and is highly recommended to anyone from NJ. It will be sure to put a smile on your face.

13. Alexisonfire - Old Crows/Young Cardinals
One of my favorite post-hardcore bands ever. Another great album from the Canadian five-piece. The vocals of Dallas Green are flawless, as usual. Get into it.

12. New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight
The kings of pop-punk do it again with their sixth album. Another anthem about teenage heartbreak and friendship. This band can do no wrong.

11. Mos Def - The Ecstatic
There is a reason why this one got nominated for Rap Album of the Year at this year's Grammy's. One of the best hip-hop artists today, and Mos Def ain't a bad actor either. Jack Moooooosley.

10. Thrice - Beggars
Thrice continues to wow its listeners with everything it puts out. This album is more mature and has a great sound. Dustin Kensrue's lyrics are some of the best he's written.

9. The Sleeping - What It Takes
This is the best album The Sleeping has ever put out. The new sound along with some minor changes make for one of the year's best. Be sure to pick this one up if you haven't already.

8. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
This French four-piece has hit the nail on the head with this one. Catchy and extremely melodic, Phoenix is sure to gain a larger audience with this one. So many songs on this album could be on a "top songs of 2009" list.

7. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest
This is what indie music should sound like. This album is sure to enthrall anyone who listens to it. Two Weeks is in my top 3 for songs of the year. A must-have.

6. fun. - Aim and Ignite
A sure-fire hit. This one is fast and slow, light and dark, hits all areas of the spectrum of emotions. The music is beautiful and Nate Ruess sounds better than ever.

5. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing
Probably the most emotionally deep album I've listened to all year. The instruments are entrancing and the vocals are the cherry on top. So glad I got to see them support this album.

4. Blacklisted - No One Deserves to Be Here More Than Me
A heavily Nirvana-influenced album, Blacklisted pushes the envelope here. The new sound shows a mature progression and will be talked about throughout 2010.

3. Kid Cudi - Man On the Moon: The End of Day
The best hip-hop album of 2009. The production is incredible and the themes of darkness and depression are easily relate-able to any young American. Cudi's lyrics are some the best I've heard in a declining hip-hop industry.

2. Brand New - Daisy
Brand New may go down as one of the greatest bands of our generation. This adds to an already brilliant discography. The music speaks for itself.

1. Passion Pit - Manners
This one takes the cake. Perfect for a dance party or a long car ride. The music is extremely catchy and I can't seem to ever stop listening to this one. Listen to it and you'll easily understand why it takes the top spot.



EP's

5. Foundation - Hang Your Head
Atlanta straight-edge. Heavy and angry. Perfect hardcore. Best newcomers in 2009.

4. Death Cab for Cutie - The Open Door EP
Death Cab puts out another winner here. Any of these tracks could have made it onto Narrow Stairs. Which is why I'm glad they released this EP.

3. The Hope Conspiracy - True Nihilist
Another excellent hardcore release by Deathwish Inc. Hope Con sounds better than ever with this one. Another flawless production job by Kurt Ballou.

2. Paint It Black - Amnesia
This could have very easily taken the top spot. Short, fast and loud, Paint It Black continues to make great records. Philadelphia should be proud.

1. Title Fight - The Last Thing You Forget
Perfect teenage pop-punk. They don't reinvent the wheel and keep me coming back for more. Title Fight has set the bar extremely high with this one.