Adrian Villagomez
12/08/09, 05:23 PM
2009: A Year in Review
Put aside that Star Trek Blu-ray, it's time to reflect on the great music that was released in 2009. I think my list of top albums this year is pretty varied, so maybe it'll help you discover some new music that tickles your fancy. Next year I hope to listen to more hip-hop (new and old) and tons of Beatles songs (want! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBeatles-Stereo-Box-Set%2Fdp%2FB002BSHWUU%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261469162%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)). If you think of an album from 2009 that is sorely missing from my list, let me know.
Top Albums
30. Alex Day - Parrot Stories (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FParrot-Stories%2Fdp%2FB002MTU07K%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D1261468383% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
29. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FNoble-Beast-Andrew-Bird%2Fdp%2FB001LTVBX4%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468374%26sr %3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
28. Weezer - Raditude (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FRaditude-Amazon-MP3-Exclusive-Version%2Fdp%2FB002U5535K%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D1261468366% 26sr%3D8-4&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
27. Fake Problems - It's Great to Be Alive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FIts-Great-Alive-Fake-Problems%2Fdp%2FB001NJY5D0%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468361% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
26. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FHazards-Love-Decemberists%2Fdp%2FB001LK1LA6%3Fie %3DUTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468 356%26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
25. Clipse - Til the Casket Drops (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FTil-Casket-Drops-Clipse%2Fdp%2FB002MIK0NK%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468168%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
24. John Nolan - Height (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FHeight-John-Nolan%2Fdp%2FB002NPUC3A%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468163%26s r%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
23. We Were Promised Jetpacks - These Four Walls (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FThese-Four-Walls-Promised-Jetpacks%2Fdp%2FB00133FBCK%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468155% 26sr%3D8-2&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
22. Mansions - New Best Friends (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FNew-Best-Friends%2Fdp%2FB001UEDDXQ%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D1261468184% 26sr%3D8-2&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
21. The Swellers - Ups and Downsizing (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FUps-Downsizing-Swellers%2Fdp%2FB002LFPA2K%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468136% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
20. As Tall As Lions - You Can't Take It with You (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FYou-Cant-Take-Tall-Lions%2Fdp%2FB002F3BP5E%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467903%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
19. Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FUrsa-Major-Third-Eye-Blind%2Fdp%2FB002EE57OE%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467921%26s r%3D8-3&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
18. Little Boots - Hands (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FHands-Little-Boots%2Fdp%2FB0027IAXF0%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467890%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
17. Dinosaur Jr. - Farm (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FFarm-Dinosaur-Jr%2Fdp%2FB0026T4RPC%3Fie%3DUTF8%26 s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467883%26sr%3 D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
16. Ace Enders and a Million Different People - When I Hit the Ground (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FGround-Enders-Million-Different-People%2Fdp%2FB001RTP3PK%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467910%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
15. Wale - Attention Deficit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAttention-Deficit-Wale%2Fdp%2FB002LF5M46%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467601%26sr %3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
14. Heartsounds - Until We Surrender (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FUntil-We-Surrender%2Fdp%2FB002SP903I%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D126146759 6%26sr%3D8-3&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
13. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBlueprint-3-Explicit-Jay-Z%2Fdp%2FB002DMJM66%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s %3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467589%26sr%3D 8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
12. Paramore - brand new eyes (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBrand-New-Eyes-Paramore%2Fdp%2FB002FRNCG0%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467582% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
11. All the Day Holiday - The Things We've Grown to Love (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FThings-Weve-Grown-Love%2Fdp%2FB002IV58QA%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26qid%3D1250192129%26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
10. Brand New - Daisy (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FDaisy-Brand-New%2Fdp%2FB002KQ5GUQ%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467370%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
09. Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FSatanic-Satanist-Portugal-Man%2Fdp%2FB002ANHMJW%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467360%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
08. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2F21st-Century-Breakdown-Green-Day%2Fdp%2FB001SAQVDQ%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467348%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
07. mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FIts-Crazy-False-Dream-Alright%2Fdp%2FB0024RI77A%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467338%2 6sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
06. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FMean-Everything-Nothing-Manchester-Orchestra%2Fdp%2FB001UDY250%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467330 %26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
05. Audrye Sessions - Audrye Sessions (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAudrye-Sessions%2Fdp%2FB001P7YDSC%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466129% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
04. Nightmare of You - Infomaniac (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FInfomaniac-Nightmare-You%2Fdp%2FB002DU0RD0%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466123%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
03. P.O.S. - Never Better (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FNever-Better-P-O-S%2Fdp%2FB001NJY5EE%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s %3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466113%26sr%3D 8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
02. fun. - Aim and Ignite (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAim-Ignite-fun%2Fdp%2FB002FOQY2M%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466105%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
01. Kevin Devine - Brother's Blood (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBrothers-Blood-Kevin-Devine%2Fdp%2FB001YV516M%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466093%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
Kevin Devine, where have you been all my life? Sure, I knew your duet "Cotton Crush" with Jesse Lacey was rockin' stuff, but I did not expect Brother's Blood to be my best musical experience of 2009. And why isn't everyone gushing over how very impressive Audrye Sessions' Radiohead/Muse inspired debut album is? Spread the word! I could blab about all these albums, but I'll save you the time - spend it listening to this excellent music instead.
Top Tracks
15. As Tall As Lions - "Is This Tomorrow?"
14. The Swellers - "Do You Feel Better Yet"
13. Paramore - "Where the Lines Overlap"
12. Portugal. The Man - "Do You"
11. Nightmare of You - "Hey Sweetheart"
10. Jay-Z - "Run This Town"
09. fun. - "Be Calm"
08. Brand New - "Bought a Bride"
07. Audrye Sessions - "Dust and Bones"
06. Manchester Orchestra - "Pride"
05. Third Eye Blind - "About to Break"
I was walking alone on the ocean.
I felt a fever burning up all I am.
'Cause if there's one thing that I can't stand,
It's standing next to my fellow man.
04. Wale - "Shades"
From a light skin girl to a dark skin brotha,
Shade doesn't matter, heart makes the lover.
Boy, you so beautiful.
03. Kevin Devine - "All of Everything, Erased" (this spot could be taken by any of the first five tracks off Brother's Blood)
I prayed for providence,
God said, "Don't pray no more.
You went and made your mess.
Keep your blame off my feet."
02. P.O.S. - "Low Light Low Life"
It seems we've fallen out of favor, the era ended on us.
Now the money's just paper, the houses all haunted.
We had a hell of a run before it caught up.
For all the corners cut we got an avalanche of sawdust.
01. mewithoutYou - "A Stick, a Carrot & String"
The horse's hay beneath his head
Our Lord was born to a manger bed,
That all whose wells run dry
Could drink of his supply.
Artist of the Year
P.O.S.
With one of the best albums of the year (featuring some of the most creative limited edition packaging (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6IrjDvVkKI) I've ever seen), P.O.S. breathed new life into our scene in 2009. He earned himself a new group of loyal fans (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=805282), and we're all looking forward to new music from the punk rocker turned hip-hopper.
Best New Band
fun.
Wipe those tears, fans of The Format, because fun. is pretty much the sweetest musical candy you could ask for. With its catchy pop hits ("All the Pretty Girls", "Walking the Dog") and heartfelt ditties ("Light a Roman Candle With Me", "The Gambler"), fun. came roaring out of the gates with Aim and Ignite. I'm thinking fun.'s freshman album is better than either of The Format's albums.
Most Disappointing Album
Say Anything - Say Anything
...Is a Real Boy is full of wit, vulgarity, and young honesty; some may dub it a modern classic. In Defense of the Genre overextends its reach, but at least it hits its fair share of high points. Say Anything is simply forgettable. We should all be glad that Max Bemis is happily married, but his latest album is a pretty sad effort.
I Don't Get It
The Dangerous Summer - Reach For the Sun
I bought Reach For the Sun because Julia Conny seemed to really dig The Dangerous Summer. I have to admit, I don't see what the fuss is about. The album isn't bad, it just isn't very creative or special. The lyrics don't do much for me at all.
Releases I Rocked in 2009 That Weren't Released in 2009
AFI - Sing the Sorrow
Alkaline Trio - Crimson
The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
The Beautiful Mistake - This Is Who You Are
The Benjamins - The Art of Disappointment
Bush - The Science of Things
Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
Cartel - Chroma
Cary Brothers - Who You Are
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
The Early November - The Acoustic EP
Eve 6 - Eve 6
Frank Sinatra - Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
The Format - Dog Problems
The Format - Snails
Green Day - Nimrod
Gym Class Heroes - As Cruel As School Children
Incubus - Make Yourself
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced?
Jimmy Eat World - Static Prevails
John Anderson - Seminole Wind
Jonathan Vassar - The Hours and the Days
Lifetime - Jersey's Best Dancers
Midtown - Save the World, Lose the Girl
Muse - Absolution
MxPx - Teenage Politics
The Narrative - Just Say Yes
Ramones - Greatest Hits
Ramones - Ramones
Saves the Day - Can't Slow Down
Various Artists - La Bamba Original Soundtrack
Weezer - The Lion and the Witch
Here are the quality albums and EPs I listened to for the first time in 2009. Well, a few of them I'd heard before (Green Day - Nimrod), but for the most part they were brand new listens for me. Pet Sounds is the first MP3 album I've purchased, and it opened up a new door for me when it comes to buying music. Gotta love Amazon MP3's awesome sales.
Crazy F@&%ing Song/Video I Couldn't Help But Love
Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I)
Lady Gaga fascinates me. The outfits, the lyrics ("disco stick" is a hilarious euphemism), the fact that she actually sings live - what kind of pop artist does she think she is?? She's definitely an oddball, a throwback to some great showmen who came before her, namely Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. Besides all that, songs like "Bad Romance" are way too catchy not to enjoy. Electro-funk verses combined with a traditional pop hook - consider me sold. And how about that video? It's like something Tool would think up, only less frightening and with more choreography. Yes, I am a bit googoo for Gaga.
Favorite Film
(500) Days of Summer
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of the top young actors in Hollywood (alongside such greats as Ben Foster), so it's no wonder his performance helped catapult (500) Days of Summer to such critical acclaim. It's easy to smile from ear to ear when Gordon-Levitt's character dances through the streets after spending the night with his new lover, and it's just as distressing to watch that same joyful character's heart drop. (500) Days of Summer is a story about love that breaks away from cliche, replacing it with fresh narrative technique and a real relationship to delve in. It's lovely.
Best New TV Show
Modern Family
Modern Family shines using the mockumentary format made famous by The Office, and the show's writing is near perfect. Its characters are interesting, likable, and pretty hilarious. If you haven't fallen in love with this not-so-traditional sitcom yet, you don't know what you're missing. Ed O'Neill picked the perfect time to return to the forefront of television.
Historic TV Moment
The Seinfeld Reunion on Curb Your Enthusiasm
Here's something I learned in 2009: Curb Your Enthusiasm is prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay good. I'm a huge Seinfeld fan, so when I heard there was going to be a Seinfeld reunion on the HBO series, I knew it was time for me to become a Curb Your Enthusiasm fan. "The Seinfeld Reunion" actually extends to multiple episodes (not just one moment), and that's definitely something to be thankful for. Oh, and here's one more reason to check out Curb Your Enthusiasm: Leon Black is comedic gold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Riv1yzjg5vw).
Smiley That Should Be Renamed :adrian: in the Future
:spider:
Keep Up with Me in 2010
AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=2) | Blog (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showjournal&j=1704) | Last.fm (http://www.last.fm/user/namelessxhero) | Twitter (http://twitter.com/aavillagomez)
--
View my list from last year (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=707642).
View other (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=241) staff and band members' end of the year lists
Put aside that Star Trek Blu-ray, it's time to reflect on the great music that was released in 2009. I think my list of top albums this year is pretty varied, so maybe it'll help you discover some new music that tickles your fancy. Next year I hope to listen to more hip-hop (new and old) and tons of Beatles songs (want! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBeatles-Stereo-Box-Set%2Fdp%2FB002BSHWUU%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261469162%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)). If you think of an album from 2009 that is sorely missing from my list, let me know.
Top Albums
30. Alex Day - Parrot Stories (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FParrot-Stories%2Fdp%2FB002MTU07K%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D1261468383% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
29. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FNoble-Beast-Andrew-Bird%2Fdp%2FB001LTVBX4%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468374%26sr %3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
28. Weezer - Raditude (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FRaditude-Amazon-MP3-Exclusive-Version%2Fdp%2FB002U5535K%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D1261468366% 26sr%3D8-4&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
27. Fake Problems - It's Great to Be Alive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FIts-Great-Alive-Fake-Problems%2Fdp%2FB001NJY5D0%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468361% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
26. The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FHazards-Love-Decemberists%2Fdp%2FB001LK1LA6%3Fie %3DUTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468 356%26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
25. Clipse - Til the Casket Drops (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FTil-Casket-Drops-Clipse%2Fdp%2FB002MIK0NK%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468168%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
24. John Nolan - Height (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FHeight-John-Nolan%2Fdp%2FB002NPUC3A%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468163%26s r%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
23. We Were Promised Jetpacks - These Four Walls (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FThese-Four-Walls-Promised-Jetpacks%2Fdp%2FB00133FBCK%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468155% 26sr%3D8-2&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
22. Mansions - New Best Friends (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FNew-Best-Friends%2Fdp%2FB001UEDDXQ%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D1261468184% 26sr%3D8-2&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
21. The Swellers - Ups and Downsizing (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FUps-Downsizing-Swellers%2Fdp%2FB002LFPA2K%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261468136% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
20. As Tall As Lions - You Can't Take It with You (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FYou-Cant-Take-Tall-Lions%2Fdp%2FB002F3BP5E%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467903%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
19. Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FUrsa-Major-Third-Eye-Blind%2Fdp%2FB002EE57OE%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467921%26s r%3D8-3&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
18. Little Boots - Hands (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FHands-Little-Boots%2Fdp%2FB0027IAXF0%3Fie%3DUTF8 %26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467890%26s r%3D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
17. Dinosaur Jr. - Farm (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FFarm-Dinosaur-Jr%2Fdp%2FB0026T4RPC%3Fie%3DUTF8%26 s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467883%26sr%3 D1-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
16. Ace Enders and a Million Different People - When I Hit the Ground (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FGround-Enders-Million-Different-People%2Fdp%2FB001RTP3PK%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467910%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
15. Wale - Attention Deficit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAttention-Deficit-Wale%2Fdp%2FB002LF5M46%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467601%26sr %3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
14. Heartsounds - Until We Surrender (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FUntil-We-Surrender%2Fdp%2FB002SP903I%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Ddmusic%26qid%3D126146759 6%26sr%3D8-3&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
13. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBlueprint-3-Explicit-Jay-Z%2Fdp%2FB002DMJM66%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s %3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467589%26sr%3D 8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
12. Paramore - brand new eyes (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBrand-New-Eyes-Paramore%2Fdp%2FB002FRNCG0%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467582% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
11. All the Day Holiday - The Things We've Grown to Love (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FThings-Weve-Grown-Love%2Fdp%2FB002IV58QA%3Fie%3DUTF8% 26qid%3D1250192129%26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
10. Brand New - Daisy (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FDaisy-Brand-New%2Fdp%2FB002KQ5GUQ%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467370%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
09. Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FSatanic-Satanist-Portugal-Man%2Fdp%2FB002ANHMJW%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467360%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
08. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2F21st-Century-Breakdown-Green-Day%2Fdp%2FB001SAQVDQ%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467348%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
07. mewithoutYou - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FIts-Crazy-False-Dream-Alright%2Fdp%2FB0024RI77A%3Fie%3DUT F8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467338%2 6sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
06. Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FMean-Everything-Nothing-Manchester-Orchestra%2Fdp%2FB001UDY250%3Fie%3D UTF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261467330 %26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
05. Audrye Sessions - Audrye Sessions (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAudrye-Sessions%2Fdp%2FB001P7YDSC%3Fie%3DU TF8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466129% 26sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
04. Nightmare of You - Infomaniac (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FInfomaniac-Nightmare-You%2Fdp%2FB002DU0RD0%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466123%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
03. P.O.S. - Never Better (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FNever-Better-P-O-S%2Fdp%2FB001NJY5EE%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s %3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466113%26sr%3D 8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
02. fun. - Aim and Ignite (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FAim-Ignite-fun%2Fdp%2FB002FOQY2M%3Fie%3DUTF8%2 6s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466105%26sr% 3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
01. Kevin Devine - Brother's Blood (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co m%2FBrothers-Blood-Kevin-Devine%2Fdp%2FB001YV516M%3Fie%3DUTF 8%26s%3Dmusic%26qid%3D1261466093%26 sr%3D8-1&tag=httpwwwabso04-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
Kevin Devine, where have you been all my life? Sure, I knew your duet "Cotton Crush" with Jesse Lacey was rockin' stuff, but I did not expect Brother's Blood to be my best musical experience of 2009. And why isn't everyone gushing over how very impressive Audrye Sessions' Radiohead/Muse inspired debut album is? Spread the word! I could blab about all these albums, but I'll save you the time - spend it listening to this excellent music instead.
Top Tracks
15. As Tall As Lions - "Is This Tomorrow?"
14. The Swellers - "Do You Feel Better Yet"
13. Paramore - "Where the Lines Overlap"
12. Portugal. The Man - "Do You"
11. Nightmare of You - "Hey Sweetheart"
10. Jay-Z - "Run This Town"
09. fun. - "Be Calm"
08. Brand New - "Bought a Bride"
07. Audrye Sessions - "Dust and Bones"
06. Manchester Orchestra - "Pride"
05. Third Eye Blind - "About to Break"
I was walking alone on the ocean.
I felt a fever burning up all I am.
'Cause if there's one thing that I can't stand,
It's standing next to my fellow man.
04. Wale - "Shades"
From a light skin girl to a dark skin brotha,
Shade doesn't matter, heart makes the lover.
Boy, you so beautiful.
03. Kevin Devine - "All of Everything, Erased" (this spot could be taken by any of the first five tracks off Brother's Blood)
I prayed for providence,
God said, "Don't pray no more.
You went and made your mess.
Keep your blame off my feet."
02. P.O.S. - "Low Light Low Life"
It seems we've fallen out of favor, the era ended on us.
Now the money's just paper, the houses all haunted.
We had a hell of a run before it caught up.
For all the corners cut we got an avalanche of sawdust.
01. mewithoutYou - "A Stick, a Carrot & String"
The horse's hay beneath his head
Our Lord was born to a manger bed,
That all whose wells run dry
Could drink of his supply.
Artist of the Year
P.O.S.
With one of the best albums of the year (featuring some of the most creative limited edition packaging (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6IrjDvVkKI) I've ever seen), P.O.S. breathed new life into our scene in 2009. He earned himself a new group of loyal fans (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=805282), and we're all looking forward to new music from the punk rocker turned hip-hopper.
Best New Band
fun.
Wipe those tears, fans of The Format, because fun. is pretty much the sweetest musical candy you could ask for. With its catchy pop hits ("All the Pretty Girls", "Walking the Dog") and heartfelt ditties ("Light a Roman Candle With Me", "The Gambler"), fun. came roaring out of the gates with Aim and Ignite. I'm thinking fun.'s freshman album is better than either of The Format's albums.
Most Disappointing Album
Say Anything - Say Anything
...Is a Real Boy is full of wit, vulgarity, and young honesty; some may dub it a modern classic. In Defense of the Genre overextends its reach, but at least it hits its fair share of high points. Say Anything is simply forgettable. We should all be glad that Max Bemis is happily married, but his latest album is a pretty sad effort.
I Don't Get It
The Dangerous Summer - Reach For the Sun
I bought Reach For the Sun because Julia Conny seemed to really dig The Dangerous Summer. I have to admit, I don't see what the fuss is about. The album isn't bad, it just isn't very creative or special. The lyrics don't do much for me at all.
Releases I Rocked in 2009 That Weren't Released in 2009
AFI - Sing the Sorrow
Alkaline Trio - Crimson
The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
The Beautiful Mistake - This Is Who You Are
The Benjamins - The Art of Disappointment
Bush - The Science of Things
Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
Cartel - Chroma
Cary Brothers - Who You Are
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
The Early November - The Acoustic EP
Eve 6 - Eve 6
Frank Sinatra - Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
The Format - Dog Problems
The Format - Snails
Green Day - Nimrod
Gym Class Heroes - As Cruel As School Children
Incubus - Make Yourself
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced?
Jimmy Eat World - Static Prevails
John Anderson - Seminole Wind
Jonathan Vassar - The Hours and the Days
Lifetime - Jersey's Best Dancers
Midtown - Save the World, Lose the Girl
Muse - Absolution
MxPx - Teenage Politics
The Narrative - Just Say Yes
Ramones - Greatest Hits
Ramones - Ramones
Saves the Day - Can't Slow Down
Various Artists - La Bamba Original Soundtrack
Weezer - The Lion and the Witch
Here are the quality albums and EPs I listened to for the first time in 2009. Well, a few of them I'd heard before (Green Day - Nimrod), but for the most part they were brand new listens for me. Pet Sounds is the first MP3 album I've purchased, and it opened up a new door for me when it comes to buying music. Gotta love Amazon MP3's awesome sales.
Crazy F@&%ing Song/Video I Couldn't Help But Love
Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I)
Lady Gaga fascinates me. The outfits, the lyrics ("disco stick" is a hilarious euphemism), the fact that she actually sings live - what kind of pop artist does she think she is?? She's definitely an oddball, a throwback to some great showmen who came before her, namely Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. Besides all that, songs like "Bad Romance" are way too catchy not to enjoy. Electro-funk verses combined with a traditional pop hook - consider me sold. And how about that video? It's like something Tool would think up, only less frightening and with more choreography. Yes, I am a bit googoo for Gaga.
Favorite Film
(500) Days of Summer
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of the top young actors in Hollywood (alongside such greats as Ben Foster), so it's no wonder his performance helped catapult (500) Days of Summer to such critical acclaim. It's easy to smile from ear to ear when Gordon-Levitt's character dances through the streets after spending the night with his new lover, and it's just as distressing to watch that same joyful character's heart drop. (500) Days of Summer is a story about love that breaks away from cliche, replacing it with fresh narrative technique and a real relationship to delve in. It's lovely.
Best New TV Show
Modern Family
Modern Family shines using the mockumentary format made famous by The Office, and the show's writing is near perfect. Its characters are interesting, likable, and pretty hilarious. If you haven't fallen in love with this not-so-traditional sitcom yet, you don't know what you're missing. Ed O'Neill picked the perfect time to return to the forefront of television.
Historic TV Moment
The Seinfeld Reunion on Curb Your Enthusiasm
Here's something I learned in 2009: Curb Your Enthusiasm is prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay good. I'm a huge Seinfeld fan, so when I heard there was going to be a Seinfeld reunion on the HBO series, I knew it was time for me to become a Curb Your Enthusiasm fan. "The Seinfeld Reunion" actually extends to multiple episodes (not just one moment), and that's definitely something to be thankful for. Oh, and here's one more reason to check out Curb Your Enthusiasm: Leon Black is comedic gold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Riv1yzjg5vw).
Smiley That Should Be Renamed :adrian: in the Future
:spider:
Keep Up with Me in 2010
AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=2) | Blog (http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=showjournal&j=1704) | Last.fm (http://www.last.fm/user/namelessxhero) | Twitter (http://twitter.com/aavillagomez)
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View my list from last year (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=707642).
View other (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=241) staff and band members' end of the year lists