Texas – It probably would have been prudent of our fearless leader to introduce our little Top Whatever of 2009 series we’re doing here at the Panic Manual. Supposedly, each of our writers will contribute some sort of list regarding our favorites for this year. Considering the project has the word “whatever” in it, I guess it’s no surprise there wasn’t a formal announcement. That’s just how we roll around here. Somehow I wound up at the top of the list after our guest post from yesterday, so here goes! I should note that these are in no particular order.
I don’t mean to copy our good friend from Indie Kid vs Dance Kid (his list is here), but my list includes twelve albums… my idea is more related to the cliche “12 days of Christmas” than twelve months of the year, though. I guess. The other parameters included at least twelve listens on my work computer, though since a couple were late entries, that wasn’t the case.
Ida Maria – Fortress Round My Heart
Ida Maria first came into my life with a crash and a bang and a spray of water at SXSW in March. I haven’t been the same since.. she is badass. This is dance around your apartment drunk when nobody’s watching music.
Richard Hawley – Truelove’s Gutter
“Ashes on the Fire” is one of those songs that makes you cry upon hearing it the first time. Well, it did that to me. This album’s feel is perfectly described by its title – pardon me for getting too real for a moment – it has gotten me through some pretty rough moods.
Andrew Bird – Noble Beast
Even though it came out in January, this was the soundtrack to my late spring and it was the background of many hilarious afternoons at my family’s with beer and BBQ. I also enjoyed listening to it in the car, it’s very all-purpose like that.
Franz Ferdinand – Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
The concept album that wasn’t meant to be a concept album.. it made me a fan of this band, whom I have been pretty “meh” about ever since they made it big in 2004. This record really is like a whirlwind, crazy night with its highs and lows and I adore it.
Little Boots – Hands
Summertime dance party. I really loved this one, it’s also good for workouts.
The xx – xx
I don’t really know what to say about the xx that hasn’t already been said. They’ve got a unique sound that I definitely didn’t hear anywhere else this year.
The Boxer Rebellion – Union
I really slept on this one; the album came out in March but when I finally listened to it a month or so ago. The fact that it made this list despite only coming into my life a month ago should tell you to LISTEN TO IT, because it’s really good. I probably would have reviewed it if baseball hadn’t taken over my life in the spring.
White Lies – To Lose My Life
Another product of SXSW for me. There had been a buzz about White Lies leading up to it and seeing them live blew me away. This album was on repeat for a month after. I’ve sat here for about 20 minutes now trying to come up with a way to describe why I love them, but all I can really say is that they give me goosebumps and that’s all that matters.
Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
I listen to this album in the bath with the lights off and candles lit. I think that’s all that I need to say.
Morrissey – Years Of Refusal
I’m gonna say it: as a huge Morrissey fan (almost 40 gigs and counting, tattoos related to him covering my left wrist, arm, and beck of my neck), this album is nowhere near my favorite. It’s Morrissey, though. It’s got some good tunes on it. And this is my list.. so there.
Röyksopp – Junior
Another album I slept on, it’s full of the usual awesome Röyksopp jams you’d expect plus one of those stuck-in-your-head-for-days tracks with the always awesome Robyn. I’m excited for Junior’s counterpart, “Senior” to come out next year. They’re one of those rare groups that does both dance and ethereal music really well.
We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls
I missed this band at SXSW. I missed them over the summer when they came back through Austin. I WILL NOT MISS THEM NEXT TIME. This album sneaked up on me. It has a lot more depth and flow to it than I expected it to and I love it. Plus, they’re Scottish. What’s not to love?
