Howard's Best Albums of 2009

Here is my list of what I think are the best albums of 2009. This was very hard to do because there were so many great albums released at the very end of 2008, and I'm not sure 2009 caught up. Writing this list reminded me again of how much I love music and how important it is for my mind and my happiness. I hope this list sparks an interest for some people and makes others listen to something they haven't listened to before. You never know, some of you might even agree with one or two of them. This list is in no particular order.

1. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
At first listen, I thought Humbug didn't pack the punch that the other two Artic Monkeys albums did. After seriously listening and seeing them live I realized it didn't need to. This album is extremely brilliant! It might be their best. Alex Turner continues to be ridiculously clever with his lyrics. The entire band is way too young to be as good as they are. Their contribution to the music world is unparalleled. If I had to choose the very best album of 2009 (which I don't) this might be it.

Favorite Songs: My Propeller, Dance Little Liar, and Pretty Visitors.

2. Silversun Pickups - Swoon I wondered how Silversun Pickups would follow up with Swoon after enjoying Carnavas so much. It's very rare to put in a CD and love it from the very first second and never stop loving it. Silversun Pickups are full of originality and talent which definitely shows on Swoon. There is no need for song skipping on this album, it is perfect from start to finish.

Favorite Songs: There's No Secrets This Year, Panic Switch, and Sort Of.

3. The Veils - Sun Gangs The Veils follow no rules musically. Everyone of their albums has a different outlook and sound. Sun Gangs is probably their most melancholy and mature album. When I say melancholy I don't mean completely depressing, but it is serious. Finn Andrews, being the son of Barry Andrews of XTC and Shriekback fame, has a life time of musical experience and it comes through on Sun Gangs. You won't find yourself jumping for joy while listening to this CD, but it is perfect for a reflective or rainy day.

Favorite Songs: Sit Down by the Fire, the Letter, and Killed by the Boom.

4. White Rabbits - It's Frightening
Wow! My anticipation for this album was nothing less than huge. White Rabbits brought fun back into music. After listening to It's Frightening, I have an undeniable urge to hit something, anything, but in a good way. They really understand what percussion is meant for and on this album every member of this six man band plays some form of percussion. This album shows more maturity and more of what makes music about having a good time. Definitely the feel good, fun album of the year.

Favorite Songs: Percussion Gun, Rudie Fails, and Company I Keep

5. A Fine Frenzy - Bomb in a Birdcage
With the release of this album, I had no expectations at all, I just knew that Alison Sudol has a beautiful voice and I would listen to any music that she released, and her being my musical crush didn't hurt any. This album took me off guard by being incredible. I think when it came time to record her second full length CD she said, "I'm going to make the most creative, fun, wonderful, and joyful album possible." She did it. Bomb in a Birdcage just flat out makes me smile. Who doesn't love smiling while listening to music? Her voice… is still beautiful.

Favorite Songs: What I Wouldn't Do, Elements, and Stood Up

6. 311 - Uplifter If you are a 311 fan you just can't help but like this album. You can tell they are getting older, but not too old. They still have it! More of their songs are about love and relationships, but still have that great snare drum and base line. It's a really solid, good summer CD.

Favorite Songs: Mix it Up, Neverending Summer, and Two Drops in the Ocean

Honorable Mentions:

- School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms This album came out of nowhere for me. I wasn't looking for and didn't expect to like it, but I do. Alpinisms offers great vocals and good percussion plus some very well put together songs. It's just a pleasant listen. Perfect to listen to while doing a project or if you just need some music on while keeping busy. It's definitely worth a listen.

Favorite Songs: Face to Face on High Places, Half Asleep, and Wired for Light

- The Dead Weather - Horehound

I had to give this album an honorable mention because it is absolutely worth purchasing. For my taste it is not a perfect CD, but it offers things every serious music listener must hear. Jack White is musically magic and the musicians he surrounds himself with always make contributions to the rock music world that is usually lacking in what the industry considers rock music. You have to hear this album.

Favorite Songs: Hang You From the Heavens, I Cut Like a Buffalo, Treat Me Like Your Mother, and 3 Birds.

RX Bandits - Mandala

Mandala was another highly anticipated album for me, maybe too highly aticipated. It gets an honorable mention because it wasn't my favorite RX Bandits album but it was good. It's really hard to compete with their album And The Battle Begun. (I love that album and it has more horns . . . I love horns.) Mandala definitely still has all of the power and passion their other albums possess and to be honest, the more I listen to it the more I like it.

Favorite Songs: Breakfast Cat, Hearts That Hanker For Mistake, Hidden Track