Have no fear...52 Records' 'Top 15 Songs of 2009' is finally here. It took much thought and consideration, but I feel that I've finally come up with what I would consider the top tracks of the past year. Keep in mind here that my resources are limited as I am only picking songs that have appeared in album reviews from this blog. So no Animal Collective, Local Natives or even the new Vampire Weekend tracks. It's probably better this way - given the chance, my Top 15 would likely all be Animal Collective songs. So without further adieu, here is '52 Records' Top 15 Songs of 2009,' counting down from 15...
15.) "Last Time" - Paper Route: I considered this the top pop/rock song of 2009. This should have been playing constantly on TOP 40 radio all year and I'm dumbfounded why it wasn't. Inspiring and emotional lyrics combined with well crafted pop songwriting is all that is ever needed.
14.) "Shades" - Wale: Arguably the best track on Wale's highly anticipated, 'Attention Deficit,' Shades features racially driven lyrics pitted against a snare drum and a beat. Detailing the trials and tribulations of growing up a different shade of black, Wale delivers an autobiography of sorts that is both thought provoking and enjoyable.
13.) "Terminally Chill" - Neon Indian: I'll be honest the first time I heard the intro to this song I thought it was 'Last Christmas' by Wham. With seemingly nothing more than a drum machine, a synthesizer and a microphone, Neon Indian somehow throws this chilled out, synthy masterpiece together. Imagine a completely disinterested Prince, making video game music for ATARI in 1983. Rad!
12.) "Surprise Hotel" - Fool's Gold: I dare anyone not to belly dance during this song. Filled with African rhythms and syncopated beats, Surprise Hotel will leave you wondering what country you're in and what language the vocals are. Hebrew...I think. Plain and simple this song is fun. Throw in some chanting, clapping and a couple catchy little riffs and you'll feel like you're at a wedding in Madagascar.
11.) "The Reeling" - Passion Pit: No I'm not dumb - and yes, this song is better than Little Secrets. Much better. I like Passion Pit, but definitely feel they grew to be a little overrated as the year unfolded. What wasn't overrated was The Reeling, as it was filled with tension and unrest as each beat passed. Match that anxiety against a background of synthesizers and clever percussion and you have a chase scene from some futuristic police movie. Sweet.
10.) "Lovers' Carvings" - Bibio: After a 90 second classical guitar introduction (albeit electric) this song turns into instant nostalgia. Sounding like every enjoyable song I've ever heard from the late '60's, Lovers' Carvings is a carefully constructed gem. Continuously building steam and good feelings, the track pushes forward with warmth and good vibes. Break out the olive green furniture and a bottle of red.
9.) "Death of a Star (Supernova)" - Sa-Ra Creative Partners: Easily the best R&B track of the year, and I don't want to hear otherwise. It's funky, it's groovy, it's raw and it's intoxicating. The only thing heavier than the bass is the synth and when you throw in about 15 different vocals...the song really turns into its' own entity. You can really feel the energy on this one.
8.) "11th Dimension" - Julian Casablancas: Imagine your local church organist getting drunk and accidentally speeding up the opening to a musical hymn. That's the introduction to 11th Dimension. Casablancas' post-Strokes solo venture featured this single complete with drum tracks, synth and that classic croon that has left everyone in desperate need of a new Strokes record. It will come in due time, until then 11th Dimension and the rest of 'Phrazes for the Young' is a more than worthy stopgap.
7.) "Deadbeat Summer" - Neon Indian: The only thing better than 1 Neon Indian song in the Top 15 is 2 Neon Indian songs in the Top 15. Deadbeat Summer was the original and first Neon Indian song to garner any attention. It's laid back, relaxed and apathetic - never has a title matched a song so beautifully. It's amazing the timeless and unique quality of music just one person can create in their room, with the aid of drugs of course.
6.) "Graphics" - Memory Tapes: Enter this weird concoction of lo-fi, disinterested vocals and a well-orchestrated, rapid arsenal of computer effects and synthesizers. Graphics proves that there is no single correct way to create a song. Continuously evolving and gaining momentum, Graphics takes the listener on a ride of futuristic musical teases that never establish any set structure, leaving everything to imagination. The sounds and energy are all over the map...just as it should be.
5.) "Life in Marvelous Times" - Mos Def: Finally...the return of Mos Def and substance to hip hop. Mos Def has such an addictive and mesmerizing flow to all of his rhymes he might as well be a brand. When I see the swoosh I know it's Nike, when I hear this flow I know it's Mos Def. As with most of, 'The Ecstatic,' Life in Marvelous Times lacks any real song structure and really allows the listener to appreciate the style and genius of Mos Def. Energy, passion and authenticity...it's all here.
4.) "1901" - Phoenix: The best pop recording of the last 5 years? Can we say that? Too soon? From this song comes the mold for every aspiring indie rock band looking to make it. Create a uniquely clever, yet wandering drum beat, add some synth and guitars, lock in an amazing chorus...shake and serve chilled. Maybe you can get featured in a Cadillac commercial too. Phoenix has all too much talent, and 1901 is the proof.
3.) "Stillness Is the Move" - Dirty Projectors: I've never been a fan of weird time signatures or disregard for music theory, yet somehow I love this song. For every reason this song shouldn't be enjoyable, it is. I've never seen so much ingenuity, patience and creativity in one place. Throw in some brilliantly crafted lyrics and this song really takes flight. Dirty Projectors have historically been a tough listen for everyone, but if ever there was a song to pull you in, Stillness Is the Move is certainly it.
2.) "Two Weeks" - Grizzly Bear: Endless harmonies, a catchy keyboard riff and a killer chorus. Man, the Beach Boys are somewhere collectively smiling on what they've inspired. With vocals reminiscent of a baroque chamber choir and a musical medley of what sounds like Brian Wilson meets 2009, we're all left with what is the brilliance of Two Weeks. Somehow surf music, synth and folk all work together here. I'm still trying to figure it out.
1.) "Walkabout" - Atlas Sound (With Noah Lennox): My Animal Collective (Panda Bear) bias shining through. Walkabout showcases what happens when two creative minds combine for the greater good of music. Obviously Bradford Cox aka Atlas Sound of Deerhunter and Noah Lennox aka Panda Bear of Animal Collective mutually worked on this diamond of a song. Leave out the well crafted, timeless lyrics devout to childhood inquiries and you're left with a clever, nostalgic musical journey. The riff sounds like something off of a children's record or a jack-in-the-box. Your choice. Leave out the music and you're instantly reminiscing about your childhood. Why? This song is timeless. The music...the lyrics...the feel...everything. Everything about this song can be applied to the past, present and future. Anyone and everyone can fall in love with this song. I think that was the goal.
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